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July  3,  1909.] 


THE 


GARDENERS'   CHRONICLE 


%  WlzMv  Illustrate  Journal 


OF 


HORTICULTURE  AND  ALLIED  SUBJECTS. 


(ESTABLISHED    IN    1841.) 


VOL.    XLV.-THIRD  SERIES. 


JANUARY     TO    JUNE,     1909. 


LONDON : 

41,    WELLINGTON    STREET,    COVENT   GARDEN,    W.C. 

1900. 


The  Gardeners'  Chronicle,] 


[July  3,  1909. 


HO 


INDEX    OF    CONTENTS 

JANUARY    TO    JUNE,     1909. 


(For  Special  Headings  see  under  Books;  Certificates;  Law  Notes;  Nursery  Notes;  Obituary;  Plant  Portraits; 
Plants,  New;  Scientific  Committee;  Societies;  and  Illustrations.) 


Aberdeen,   agriculture   at,    57 

At  sorption   of   moisture   by   leaves, 

24,  44 
Abutilon,   garden   varieties   of,    131 
Acalypha    hispida,    the    cultivation 

of,  51 
Acanthus   montanus,   200 
Acetylene   gas-refuse   as   a   manure, 

264,  282,  284,  299,  317,  346,  387 
Acidity  in  soils,  412 
Adiantum  grossum,  51 
Adonis  amurensis,  179 
Aeroplanes,  timber  for,  251 
Aesculus  parviflora,  123 
Afforestation,  a  scheme  of  national, 

56,  58,  60,  84,  92 
Agaricus  elvensis,  reappearance  of, 

25 
Agave  attenuata,  106 
Agricultural    College,     South-East- 

ern,  121 
Agricultural  Holdings  Act,  1908,  11 
Agricultural  science,  73;   co-opera- 
tion, 57 
Agriculture    at    Aberdeen    Univer- 
sity,   57;    in   the   Transvaal,    297 
Albinism  in  Orchids,  81 
Almond,   date   of  flowering   of  the, 

249 
Alpine   garden,    179,   258,   309,   366 
Alpine  Society  at  St.  Gallen,  90 
Alternation   of   generations,   136 
Amaryllis  Belladonna  in  pots,  48 
America,       Carnations      in,       163 ; 

Orchid  show  in,  282 ;  notes  from, 

163,  359,  417 
American    Gooseberry  -  mildew    in 

Norfolk,  233 
Ampelopsis,  the  evergreen,  240,  253, 

267 
Anchusa  italica,  varieties  of,  417 
Androcymbium  melanthoides,  315 
Anemone   blanda    scythinica,     278; 

A.  patens  lutea,  366;  A.   St.  Bri- 

gid  from  Gowran  Castle  gardens, 

296;   A.    Traversii,   222;    disease. 

336 
Angrsecum  Augustum,  89;   A.   ses- 

quipedale,  399 
Annuals,  three  choice,  394 
Antirrhinums  in  America,  163,  417 
Apiary,  the.  23.  71,  135,  183,  231, 

247,  279,  327.  395 
Apple  and  Pear  stocks,  99 
Apple   trees,    spraying,     313 ;     scab 

on,    30,    44,    123,    157,    188 
Apple  William  Crump,  21 
Apples,    late    dessert .    163.    187 
Appointments  at  Kew,  121,  281 
Aquilegias,  149 
Araucaria  imbricata,   244 
Arboretum,  the  Dreer,  USA.    ^59 
Ardisia  crenata  at   Kew.  181 


Arundinaria  tessellata,  398 

Ashbourne,  Co.   Cork,  J92 
Asparagus,    best   varieties   of,    192 ; 

culture  of,  99,  324 
Aster   grandiflorus,   36 
Atmospheric    nitrogen,    fixation   of, 

73.  329,  376,  380,  390,  401 


Bacteria,   nitrogen-fixing,  329 
Bailey,  Mr.  J.  F.,  169;  Mr.  W.  H., 

presentation  to,   137 
Bamboo,  the  South  African,  398 
Banana-culture     in     the     South     of 

France,  365 
Bateson,  Prof.,  on  Genetics,  152 
Bath,   botanical   gardens   and    park 

at,  415 
Battersea  Park,  bulbs  in,  316 
Bayfordbury  pinetum,  the,  228 
Bean  Anthracnose  or  pod-spot,  91 
Beans,  Butter,  368 ;  some  good  early 

dwarf,   341 
Beeches,     New    Zealand    and    Tas- 

manian,  422 
Bees,    a    virulent    disease    of,    413 ; 

swarming,  to  prevent,  272 

He. a    x   Patrie,  75 

Belladonna  Lily  in  pots,  48;  the,  92 
Belvoir    Castle,    spring    flowers    at, 

281 
Benevolent    Institution,    Gardeners' 

Royal,  28,  41,  72,  76,  92.  120,  137, 

421 ;  annual  meeting,  78  ;  concert 

in  aid  of,  265 
Benthamia   (see  Cornus) 
Bentley,   Joseph,   Ltd.,  381 
Benton,   A.   W.,  396 
Bequest  to  a  gardener,  329 
Bequest,   the  John  Innes',  72,   105 
Berim      International      Exhibition, 

121.  185,  201.  232,  235.  249 
Big    game   as    garden   pests,    57 
Birds  and  their  food,  investigations 

regarding,  10,  414 
Birmingham,  flower  shows  at.  329; 

parks,  bullions  flowers  in  the.  314 
Bishop's  Stortford,  new  public  park 

at.  281 
Black  Currant  mite,  the,  256 
Black-rot   disease   of  Grape,   91 
Bladder  Plums,  388 
Blood   of  plants,   the.  328 
Board  of  Agriculture's  leaflets,   153 


Boiler  incrustations  softened  by 
Eucalyptus,  249 

Books,  Notices  of:  —  A  First 
Book  of  Botany  [Elizabeth 
Henley),  393;  Artificial  Manures 
and  How  to  Use  Them  in  the  Gar- 
den, Orchard  and  Allotment  (Pro- 
fessor John  Percival),  197; 
Beautiful  Flowers  and  How  to 
Grow  Them  (II.  J.  and  II7.  P. 
Wright),  322;  Book  of  Nature 
Study  (J.  Bretland  Farmer), 
122,  380;  Botanical  Magazine, 
25,  89,  169,  233,  297,  381; 
Chrysanthemums  for  Garden  and 
Greenhouse  (D.  B.  Crane),  251; 
Encyclopaedia  of  Gardening  (T '. 
II'.  Sanders),  53;  Familiar  Wild 
Flowers  (F.  Edward  Hulme), 
282 ;  Farm  and  Home  Year 
Book,  58;  Flore  Alpine  (H.  Cor- 
revon),  122;  Garden  Annual  and 
Almanack  (If.  Robinson),  58; 
Gardening  Year  Book  and  Garden 
Oracle  (G.  Gordon),  58;  Garden 
Life  Year  Book,  298 ;  Horticul- 
tural Directory  and  Year  Book, 
58 ;  Journal  of  the  Board  of 
Agriculture,  322  ;  Journal  of  the 
Cooper  B,esearch  Laboratory, 
296 ;  Journal  of  the  Kew  Guild, 
265;  Lawns  ( II'.  J.  Stevens), 
169  ;  Le  Chrysantheme,  154  ;  Les 
Fleurs  de  Pleine  Terre  (.1/. 
Philippe  de  Vilmorin),  201; 
Life  Histories  of  Familiar  Plants 
(John  J.  Ward),  147;  Memorial 
Volume  of  the  Darwin-Wallace 
Celebration,  164;  My  Garden 
Diary  (Sutton  <fc  Son*),  25; 
Nature  Study  (./.  It.  Ainsworth 
Davis),  164;  New  Phytologist, 
59 ;  Orchid  Stud-Book'  (Robert 
A.  Bolfe  and  Charles  C.  Hurst), 
184,  221;  Paradise  Retrieved 
(Samuel  Collins),  113;  Plants 
and  Their  Ways  (Ernest  Evans), 
164;  Pronunciation  of  Plant 
Names,  228 ;  Publications  re- 
ceived, 26,  59,  74,  91, 106, 137, 154, 
169,  186,  202,  217,  251,  265,  282, 
330,  346,  366,  393,  414 ;  Report  of 
the  Woburn  Experimental  Fruit 
Farm  (Duke  of  Bedford  and 
Spencer  V.  Pickering*),  97  ;  Rose 
Annual,  1909  (E.  Mawley),  298; 
School  Gardening  (IT.  Francis 
Ttankine),  102;  Sweet  Peas  and 
How  to  Grow  Them  (H.  H. 
Thomas),  69 :  Synopsis  of  the 
British  Basidiomycetes  (Worth- 
ington  George  Smith).  131;  That 
Rock-Garden   of  Ours     (F.     Ed- 


ward Hulme),  147;  The  Ameri- 
can Apple  Orchard  (F.  A. 
Waugh),  196;  The  Book  of  the 
Cottage  Garden  (Chas.  Thon- 
<7<?r),"228;  The  Country  Home, 
382 ;  The  Handy  Book  of  Prun- 
ing, Grafting,  and  Budding 
(James  Udale),  217;  The  Insect 
and  Other  Allied  Pests  of  Or- 
chard, Bush,  and  Hothouse 
Fruits  (F.  V.  Theobald),  357; 
The  Life  of  Philibert  Commer- 
son  [i 'apt.  .v.  Pasfield  Oliver), 
216;  The  New  Flora  of  the  Vol- 
canic Island  of  Krakatau  (A. 
Ernst),  8 ;  The  Small  Holders' 
Guide  ('/'.  W.  Sanders),  322;  The 
Planter's  Handbook  (George  Bun- 
yard),  4;  Thirty-nine  Articles  of 
Gardening  IMiss  Emmeline 
t  'rocker),  53  :  Trees  and  Shrubs  of 
the  British  Lies  (C.  S.  Cooper 
and  IB.  Percival  Westell),  322; 
Trees  and  Their  Life  Histories 
(Perry  Groom), 375 ;  Vine  Culture 
Up  to  Date  (Alexander  Kirk), 
280:  Wax  Craft  (T .  II".  Cowan), 
85;  WTebstei's  Foresters'  Diary 
and  Pocket  Book  (A.  D.  Webster), 
58 

Boshanan  Castle.   Cornwall,  60 

Boston,  U.S.A.,  Orchid  show  at, 
163 

Botanical  Garden  in  Java,  265 

Botanical  periodical,  a  new  Ger- 
man, 121 

Bougainvillea  Cypheri,  74 

Bowling  greens,  Lancashire  crown, 
48 

Brasso-Cattleya   Cliftonii,   33 

British  Columbian  shrubs,  3 

British  Flora,  invaders  of  the,  248 

Broccoli  and   frost,  195 

I'.roccili,  Late  Queen,  107:  Model, 
368 

Brunsvigia  and  Amaryllis,  a  hy- 
brid between.  57 

Brussels,  forthcoming  International 
Exhibition  at.  282' 

Budd,  Mr.  W.,  retirement  of,  169 

Budget,   the.   and    growers,   408 

Bulb  exhibition  at  Hillegom,  152, 
265 

Bulbophyllum  Dayanum,  194;  B. 
lemniscatoides.  68 

Bulbs  in  Bait  irsea  Park,  316;  in 
the     Birmingham      parks,     314; 

Bulbs,  prizes  offered  for,  at  R.H.S. 
shows,  249 

Bunyard,  George  (The  Plar.ter'a 
Handbook),  4 

Burbank   Potato,   the.  222 

Burgess.  Mr.  A.  E.,  200 

Butter  Beans,  368 


The  Gardeners'  Chronicle,] 


INDEX. 


[July  3,  1909.       hi. 


Cabbage,  early,  275 ;  and  frost,  171 

Cactus-flowered  Dahlias,  169,  292, 
337 

Calceolaria,  an  elegant,  at  Sand- 
hurst Lodge  Gardens,  342  j  C. 
Burbidgei,  242 

Calceolarias,  herbaceous,  358 

Calcium-sulphide  as  insecticide  and 
fungicide,  313,  364 

Californian  seed  crops,  the,  359 

Calvat,   M.    Ernest,   185 

Cambridge  Botanic  Garden,  stu- 
dents at,  418 

Cambridge,  Darwin  centenary  cele- 
brations at,  405,  412 

Canarina  campanula,   213 

Canker  in  Rose,   11 

Carnation  Society,  a  French,  186 

Carnations,  a  tool  for  layering,  157; 
at  Boston.  U.S.A..  397;  exhibit- 
ing, 221;  perpetual-flowering,  44, 
241,  267  ;  perpetual  flowering,  as 
bedding  plants,  330 ;  in  America, 
163 ;  proposed  trial  of  365 ;  the 
best  crimson-coloured,   284 

Carnegiea  gigantea  (syn.  Cereus 
gigantea),   162 

Carriage  of  fruit  and  vegetable 
produce  by  railway,  339,  367,  378 

Castanopsis  chrysophylla,  414 

Catechism,  a  gardener's,  105 

Cattleya  Dowiana  aurea,  233;  C. 
labiata  cultivated  on  rustic 
blocks,  45;  C.  Mendelii  His 
Majesty,  30;  C.  Mossise  The  King 
Emperor,  407 ;  C.  Trianse  var. 
Courtauldiana,  163,  187;  C.  T. 
"  Marie  Feodorovna,"  241 
Cedar,     transplanting    a    large,     at 

Paddockhurst,  398 
Cedar  wood  for  cigar  boxes,  217 
Cereus    gigantea,     162;    C.     grandi- 
fiora,  flowers  of.  417 

Certificated  Fruits  and  Vege- 
tables :  —  Apple  Barnack 
Beauty,  142;  Pear  Blickling,  47; 
Rhubarb  Challenge,  239 ;  Straw- 
berries Climax,  333,  George 
Munro,  333 

Certificated      Flants  : —  Aster 
mesa    grandiflora,    419;    Auricu- 
las   Admiration,    268;    Alexander 
Dean,      270;      Bournville,      319; 
Bracknell,  270;  Chas.  Winn,  319; 
Claud   Halcro,   263;    David   Cop- 
perfield,   519:    Dorothy    Westma- 
cot,  319;  Edith  Winn;  319;  Har- 
binger, 270;  Queen  of  Spain,  270; 
Robert  Bruce,  268;  Salome,  319; 
Sweetness,  270;  Ulleswater,  268; 
Unexpected,     319 ;     Begonia     x 
Patrie,  46  ;  B.  Pink  Pearl.  354  ;  B. 
Saturne.  205  ;  Bougainvillea  Rosa 
Catelina,     268 ;      Brasso-Cattleya 
Cliftonii   magiufica,   174;   Brasso- 
Cattleya  Digbyano  Mendelii  per- 
fecta,    206 ;    Brass-Laelio-Cattleya 
Cooksonii,   174;   Brassavola   Mar- 
tiana,  302  ;  Bulbophyllum  lemnis- 
catoides,  343:  Campanula  phycti- 
docalyx,  419:   Carnations  Carola, 
354; 'Her    Majesty,    419:    Lady 
Coventry,   268:   Rose  Dore,   205; 
Cattleya      Percivaliana      Charles- 
worth's  variety,  46  ;  C.  Robert  uY 
Wavrin.  269;  C.   -Maggie  Rapnael 
Westonbirt       variety,       46;       C. 
Mossios      Countess    *  Grey,      421 ; 
C.  M.  Gatton  Park  variety,  343; 
C.    Schn'idersB    Alexandra   James, 
239;  C.  S.  Irene,  239:  C.  S.  ".Mis. 
F.  Sander,"  174;  C.  S.  The  Baron, 
239;  C.  Trianse  Grand  Monarch, 
174;  C.  T.  Mooreana,  141;  Chry- 
santhemums  Golden    Sunset,    77  ; 
Maud       Allen,       46;      Cineraria, 
stellata,      205:      Crocus      Sieberi 
versicolor,       205 ;       Chvtroglossa 
Manleonne.     174:     Cineraria    fla- 
vescens,     300:     Cycnoches    peru- 
vianum     Tracey's     variety,     141 ; 
Cymbidium   Woodhamsiamim  Or- 
chidhurst    variety,   141 ;   Cypripe- 
dium  Bridgei  magnificum,  i41 ;  C. 


Curtmannii,  141 ;  C.  Earl  of  Tan- 
kerville,    78 ;    C.    Euryades    New 
Hall  Hey  variety,  78;  C.  Leander 
Exhims     variety,     109;     C.     Our 
Queen,     78 ;     Delphinium     Moer- 
heimei,     419;     Dendrobium     atro 
Brymerianum,  141 ;  D.  Lady  Col- 
man,     141 ;     D.     Schneiderianum 
Westonbirt  variety,  206 ;  Epiden- 
drum   densiflorum,   302 ;    Epilselia 
Lionetii,     270 ;     Ficus     australis 
variegata,      354 ;      Freesia      Rose 
Queen,  141 ;  Gongora  quinquiner- 
vis,  348  ;  Hippeastrums  Gracchus, 
268;    Magnificent,    238;    Marcus, 
238;     Pinkie,     268;     Hydrangea 
hortensis        alba,        301 ;        Iris 
hybrida       "  Sir      Dighton      Pro- 
byn,"  355;  I.  h.  Sir  Trevor  Law- 
rence, 354;  Laelio-Cattleya  Dr.  R. 
Schiffman     Westonbirt     varietv, 
302;  L.-C.  Eurylochus,  348;  L.-C. 
Felicia,  78;  L.-C.  Frederick  Bovle 
var.  Kerchova?,  239;  L.-C.  Gold- 
crest,      269;      L.-C.       Goldfinch 
superba,       109 ;      L.-C.       Pizarro 
Westonbirt     variety,     141;     Mar- 
guerite     White    Perfection,    354 ; 
Megaclinium  Bufo,  239  ;  Miltonia 
Bleuana    Sander's    variety,    270 ; 
Narcissus    Queen    of    the    West, 
269 ;    Nephrolepis    lycopodioides, 
301;        Odontioda       Bradshaw  ise 
Cookson's  variety,  174;  O.  Ernest 
Henrv,     239 ;     O.     Keighlevensis, 
141 ;  O.  Lutetia,  141 ;  O.  V'uylste- 
kea;  Crawshayanum,  333;  Odonto- 
glossum   Aglaon,  348;   O.   arden- 
tissimum    Norman    Cookson,    46; 
O.    Phoebe,   109;   O.   cariniferum, 
141  ;     O.     c.     Angela,     239 ;     O. 
Dreadnought,  239 ;  0.  loochristi- 
ense  aureo-fu'.vurn,  269  :  O.  mirum 
"  Emperor  of  India,"  343  ;  O.  per- 
rultum  Cookson's  variety,  239;  O. 
Princess  Victoria  Alexandra,  34§ ; 
O.      Sylvia     Westonbirt     varietv. 
239;  O.  Theodora,  269;  O.  Wyoni- 
anum,   174;   Oncidium  barbatum, 
270;   O.   Charlesworthii,   348;   O. 
Retemeyerianum,      348;      Pseonia 
Leonora,        419;        Pleurothallis 
Birchenallii,     270;     Polystachya 
rhodoptera.    239 ;     Primula    Bul- 
leyana,    332;    P.    Forrestii,    268; 
Primula     x      LTnique     improved, 
300 ;     Pteris     aquilina     congesta, 
205 ;    Ptychographis    Siebertiana, 
354  ;   Rhododendron   Souliei,  332  ; 
Roses,      American     Pillar,     354 ; 
Coquina,  354;  Jessie,  354;  Mar- 
garet, 354  ;  Lvon  Rose,  332 ;  Mrs. 
Taft,  354;  Rhea  Reid,  205;  Saxi 
fraga  apiculata  alba,  238;  S.  Cli- 
branii,    300 ;    S.    decipiens    Ark- 
wrightii,     300:     S.     d.     hybrida 
grandiflora,  268;  S.  d.  Miss  Will- 
mott,    332;    Sigmatostalyx    Elia?, 
348 ;   Sophro-Cattleya  Thwaitesii, 
174;  Sophro-Lslio-Cattleya  Mara- 
thon  var.    Vesuvius,   77;' S. -L.-C. 
Olive,    206;    Sweet    Peas    Blanch 
Stevens,  419  ;  Sterling  Stent.  419  ; 
Tulip  The  President,  333:  Vanda 
Watsonii,  46;  Viburnum  Carlesii, 
300 

Ceylon,     Rubber     culture     in.     40; 

Water  Hyacinth,  a  pest  in,  214 
Chemistry    oi    heated   and    partially 

sterilised  soils,  275 
Chicory  as  a  winter  vegetable,  116; 

blanching,       out-of-doors.       555; 

forcing,  192,   194 
China,  plant  collecting  in,  24 
i  Ihiogenes  serpyllifolia,  99 
Chrondropetalum  Fletcheri.    10 
Chrysanthemum      Framfield      Pink 

27,  61.   76,   106;   C.    Violet  Lady 

Beaumont,  27 
Chrysanthemums    for    market,     16 ; 

show   of  in   Taris.   153;  single.  3; 

some    new     French,     26:     Fn 

raised  at  the  N.C.S.  shows,  309; 

literary  and  artistic  collections  of, 

an  exhibition  of,  2 
Cigar  boxes,  cedar  wood  for,  217 


Classification    of    Daffodils,  42,  61, 

116,  139,  156,  170 
Clay  soil,  to  burn,  191 
Cleomes,  the,  114 

Climate  and  the  chemical  composi- 
tion of  Wheat,  366 
Climbing  Roses,  notes  on,  133 
Clivias    at    Bridge    Hall    Gardens, 

Bury,  281 
Cloches,  forcing  by  means  of,   164 
Ccelogyne  prolifera",  241 
Coffee,  a  disease  resisting,  153 
Coffee-leaf     disease   in   East  Africa 

Protectorate,  214 
Coke  for  keeping-  Potatos,  330 
Cold,  materials  to  keep  out,  36 
Cold -weather,   effects  of,  on  green 

vegetables,  245 
Cole,    Alfred,    golden    wedding   of, 

137 
Coleman,     Sir     Jeremiah,     awarded 

the  V.M.H..  11 
Colonial  notes,  3,  214,  242,  258 
Colour   in  Irises.   391 ;   of   plants,   a 

lecture  on,  285 
Committee,    jubilee   of  the   R.H.S. 

Fruit  and  Vegetable,  381,  397 
Compensation      for     improvements, 

272 
Concert,  "  Geo.   Monro,  Ltd.,"  90, 

281 
Conifers,  tall,  at  Knepp  Castle,  188 
Coniothyrium     Fuckefii,"   a    fungus 

causing   <  anker  in  Roses,   11 
Cooper.    C.     S.,    and     W.     Percival 
Westell  (Tin,,    and    Shrubs    of 
the  British  Isles),  322 
Cornus  capitata.  83 
Correvon,  H.  (Flore  Al  pine),  122 
Coutts,  J.,  appointment  at  K.'.v.  186 
Cowan,  T.  W.  (  Wax  Craft),  85 
Cowdray   Park,  sale  of,  314 
Cranberries  and  Whortleberries,  49, 

74,  83.  99 
Crane,  D.  B.  (Chry  a  nth  mums  for 

Garden    and    Greenhouse),    251 
Crocker,     Emmeline     (Thirty-nine 
Articles  of  Gardening),  53 
i    'in  1.  plan  of  a,  336 
is  and  Vegetable  Marrows, 
a  new  disi  ase  of.  314 
Cucumbers,  the  culture  of,  193,  234, 

253,  284 
Cultural  memoranda,  51,  99 
Cupressus   macrocarpa    as   a   hedge 
plant,  196,  245  299:  C.  Macnabi- 
ana,  365 
Currant-hud  mite.  the.  256,  272 

nit  bushes,  importation  of,  280 
Customs     charges     on     plants     and 

seeds  in  the  Mauritius,  398 
Cyaniding  a  vinery.  96 
Cyclamen   flowers  flagging,   to  pre- 
vent, 92 
( lyclamens,  hybrid,  107 
Cycnoches  maculatum,  27;  C.  peru- 

vianum,  309 
Cymbidiums  as  conservatory  plants, 

308 
Cypripedium    Earl    of    Tankerville, 
101:    C.    T.     B.     Haywood,    per- 
sistence of  flowers  of,  132 
Cytisus  scoparius  Andreanus,  forms 
of,  351 


Darwin,  Chas.,  and  the  Index  Kew- 

ensis,  406 
Davidia,  321 
Deforestation  in  New  Zealand,  225. 

243  ' 

Dendrobium      hybrids,       254;      D. 

speciosum,   219 
Dianthus  Pancicii,  309 
Dickie    prize  at  Aberdeen    Univer- 
sity, 89 
Disease,  a  new,  of    Cucumbers    and 

Marrows,  314;  of  Coffee  in  East 

Africa  Protectorate,  214 
Diseases,  plant,  a  tabulated  list  of, 

297 
Dreer  arboretum,  the,  359 
Droitwich  experimental  station,  382 
Douglas  Fir,  the  Japanese,  307 
Dover  House  gardens,  Roehampton, 

384 

Dynevor    Castle,    Carmarthenshire, 
165 


Edinburgh     Royal     Botanic     Gar- 
dens,  11 
Electricity,  use  of,  in  the  manufac- 
ture of  nitrate  of  lime,  380 
Elm,  seeding  of  the  true  English, 
369  6       ' 

Elodea   canadensis,   apparent   din.i- 

nished  vitality  of,  299 
Epigaea  repeiis,"l79 
Eriophyllum  ciespitosum,  309 
Ernst,  A.   {The  New  Flora  of  the 
Volcanic  Island  of  Krahatau),  8 
Erodium  chrysanthum.  179 
Eryngium    pandanifolinm.    45.    76, 

106" 
Escallonia  at  Killarney   House,   co. 

Kerr}  .  i3 
Eucalyptus,  a  decoction  of,  softcna 

boiler  incrustations,  249 
Eucomis  punctata,  228 
Eulophiella   Elisabeths',  407 
Euphorbia   jacquiniaeflora,    156;   E 

pulcherrima,  culture  of,  204 
Evergreen     Ampelopsis,     the,    243, 

25,3.  267 
Evolution  of  the  Orchidacese,  330 
Examination  of  employes  in  public 

parks.  121 
Exhibition  at  Geneva,  forthcoming, 
398;      Haarlem,      Jubilee,      191J, 
397 ;  International,  suggestion  for 
a  British,  316 
Exhibitors,    professional    and    ama- 
teur, definition  of,  372 
Experimental  station   at   Montreal, 
258 


Daffodils  in  Mr.  Arthur  Goodwin's 

collection.  292 
Daffodils,   the   classification   of,    42, 

61.    116.    139.     156.    170;    yellow 

stripe  disease  of.   10 
Dahlias,  Cactus-flowered,  292,  337; 

trials  of,  169 
Daphne  collina,  179 
Darwin    centenary    celebrations    at 

Cambridge,  435.  412 


Farmer,  J.  Bretland  (77ic  Boole  of 

Nature  Stud,/).  122,  380 
Fencing  used  in  the  London  Parks, 

253 
Fennel,  Italian,  45,  76,  124 
Fernery,  the,  34,  211.  246,  323 
Fern  nomenclature,  157,  188,  203 
Ferns,   hardy,  spring  treatment  of, 

211 
Fern  sports,  remarkable,  34 
Fern,  the  life-cycle  of  a,  246 
Fertilisers,   a  lecture  on,  73 
Fertilising  value  of  snow,  the,  186 
Ficus  parasitica,  41 
Ficus   species   as   epiphytes,   41 
Figure-of-4  trap,  224 


3262 


IV.      The  Gardeners'  Chronicle,] 


INDEX. 


[July  3,  19C9. 


Finochio  or  Italian  Fennel,  45,  76, 

124 
Fixation    of    nitrogen    by    bacteria, 

73,   329,   376,   390;   by   electricity 

and  lime,  380,  401 
Floral  art  at  the  Berlin  exhibition, 

249 
Floral    decorations    at    the    British 

Embassy,  Berlin,  121 
Flora  of  Ngamiland,  the,  397;  of  St. 

Helena,   233 
Florence  exhibition,   1911,  414 
Florists'  flowers,  2,  26,  42,  101,  202, 

277,  292,  308,  409 
Flower  garden,  the,  7,  23,  38,  55,  71, 

85,  102,  119,  134,  151,  166,  182, 

198,  214,  230,  247,  263,  279,  295, 
311,  327,  342,  363,  378,  394,  411 

Flowers  in  December,  10 

Flowers  in  season,  281,  296,  314, 
381,  413 

Forbes,  John,  Ltd.,  330 

Forcing  by  cloches,  164 

Forcing  Seakale,  176 

Foreign  correspondence,  93,  393 

Forestry,  155,  195,  219 

Forest  trees,  cost  of  planting,  187 

Foster,  Chas.,  appointment  of,  121 

France,  imports  of  garden'  produce 
from,  314;  market-gardening  in, 
204 

Freesias,  92,  106,  139 ;  at  Christmas, 
51 

French  Chrysanthemums,  seme  new, 
26 ;  French  gardeners  in  London 
and  President  Fallieres,  137 

*'  French  "  garden,  the  use  of 
cloches  in  the,  164 ;  notes  from  a, 
27,  75,  132,  155,  170,  186,  210, 
227,  252,  266,  294,  308,  366,  398 

Fritillaria  askabadensis,  185 

Frost  at  Monmouth,  severe,  171 ; 
effect  of,  on  Roses,  137 

Fruit  classes  at  the  R.H.S.  shows, 
203 

Fruit  farm  experiments  at  Woburn, 
97 

Fruit-grower's  vear,  a  market,  65, 
161,  244,  305,"373 

Fruit  register,  99,  163 

Fruits  from  Cape  Colony,  153 

Fruit  show,  the  autumn,  abandoned, 
30 

Fruits  preserved  by  sulphur  fumes. 
314 

Fruits,  stone,  for  amateurs,  99;  the 
covering  of  ripening,  396 ;  tropi- 
cal. 29 ;  under  glass,  6,  22,  38,  54, 
70,  87.  103,  119,  134,  151,  167,  183, 

199,  215,  230,  246,  262,  278,  294, 
310,  326,  342,  363,  378,  395,  410 

Fruit  trees  on  walls,  the  training  of, 

149,    172,    203;    spraying   of,    45; 

under   glass,   need   for   a   resting 

period  for,  28 
Fuchsia  splendens  and  allied  species, 

338,  345 
Fuchsias,  220 
Furnaces,  garden,  stoking,  156 


'Game,  compensation  for  damage  by, 

12 
Gardener's  golden  wedding,  137 
Gardener's  notice  to  terminate  em- 
ployment,  144 
Garden  pictures,  exhibition  of,  265 
Gardens  of  Italy,  a  lecture  on,  74 
Gases,  plant  sensitiveness  to,  296 
Genetics,  address  by  Prof.   Bateson 

on,  152 
Geneva,   forthcoming  exhibition  at, 

398 
"  Geo.   Monro,  Ltd.,"  concert,  90, 

281 
Geranium  Traversii,  179 
Gerberas,  hybrid,  273,  290,  339 
German  flower  bed,  a,  372 


Ghent,    forthcoming   exhibition   at, 

296 
Gill,  Mr.  Norman,  345 
Glasgow,  exhibits  of  wild  flowers  at, 

297  ;  Jamaican  plants  for,  265 
Glebelands,  Orchids  at  the,  210 
Gloxinias,  the  culture  of,  409 
Goats  at  Hawaii,  41 
Goodacre,  Mr.  J.  H.,  299 
Goodwin's,   Mr.   Arthur,   Daffodils, 

292 
Gooseberries,  to  bottle,  320 
Gooseberrv-mildew,     American,     in 

Norfolk^  233 
Grafting  of  Lilac,  250 
Grape,     black-rot    disease    of,    91 ; 

bottle,  a  new,  178,  187,  204 
Grapes  Mill  Hill  Hamburgh,  44,  74, 

107;  Canon  Hall  Muscat,  12,  44; 

Muscat  of  Alexandria,  12,  30,  32, 

306 
Grapes,  packing,  a  new  method  of, 

330 
Greenhouse  at  Kew,  67 
Greenhouses,  timber  for,  80,  112 
Greens,  two  hardy  culinary,  107 
Griselinia    littoralis,    hardiness    of, 

196,  221,  234,  267 
Groom,    Percy    (Trees    and    Their 

Lift-histories),  375 
Growers  and  the  Budget,  408 
Guignardia  Bidwellii,  a  fungus  pest 

of  Grape,  91 


H 

Haarlem,  Jubilee  show  at.  59,  137 
Hailstorm,  a  violent,  in  India,  398 
Hale,  Surrey,  school-garden  at,  209, 

226 
Hamamelis,  garden  species  of,  41 
Hampton       Court       Gardens,     123 ; 

spring  flowers  at,  317 
Hardy  flower  border,  132,  228,  254, 

278 

Hardv  fruit  garden,  7,  22,  39,  55, 

71, '36.  103.  119.  134.  150.  166.  182, 

199,  214,  230,  247,  263,  278,  294, 

310,  327,  342,  362,  378,  395,  411 

Havering  Park,  Essex,  408 

Hawaii,   extermination   of  goats  at, 

41  ;  Vanilla  cultivation  in,  298 
Haydon,  Rev.   G.  P.,  some  Narcissi 

raised  by,  277 
Healev,  Elizabeth  (A  First  Book  of 

Botany),  393 
Hedge  plant,  Cupressus  macrocarpa 
as  a,  196,  245,  299 ;  Thuja  Lobii 
as  a,  284 
Hedsor,  Buckinghamshire,  42 
Hellebore,  the  green-flowered,  132 
Hemileia      vastatrix       (a      fungus 

disease  of  Coffee),  153 
Hemp,  a  narcotic  from,  10 
Hemsley,  Mr.  W.  Botting,  25,  41 
Herbaceous  Calceolarias,  358 
Hillegom,  bulb  show  at,  153,  265 
Hippeastrum  pardinum,  242 
Hippeastrums  at  Dunsany  Gardens, 

Co.  Meath,  299 
Hippopha>  rhamnoides  at    Regent's 

Park,  384 
Hoe,  an  adaptable,  144 
Hoeing,  value  of,  178 
Holdings,  agricultural,  new  law  re- 
lating to,  11,  27 
Holland,  horticultural  exhibition  in, 
280 :  propagation  of  Hyacinths  in, 
283,  296  _ 
Hooker,  Sir  Joseph  Dalton,  413 
Horse  Guards'  Parade,  London,  sug- 
gested improvement  at,  169 
Horticultural  College,  Swanley,  216 
Horticulture,     need     for     Imperial 

training  in,  168 
Hulme,    F.    Edward    (That    Bock- 
garden  of  Ours),  147 
Hurst  &   Son   Musical   Society  and 
the  gardening  charities,  329 


Hurst,  C.  C,  and  R.  A.  Rolfe  (The 

Orchid  Stud-Book),  184 
Hyacinths,  propagation  of,  in    Hol- 
land, 283,  296 
Hyacinthus  azureus,  254 
Hybridisation  of  Violets,  112 
Hybrid     Orchids,     the     naming     of 

multi-generic,  171,  381 
Hyeres,  gardens  of,  93 


I 


Ilex  Pernyi,  75 

Illinois,  forthcoming    exhibition    at, 

359 
Imperial    training    in    horticulture, 

need  for,  168 
Imports  of  flowers  and  fruits  from 

France,  314 
Improvements    in   market    gardens, 

compensation  for,   12 
Index  Kewensis,  history  of  the,  406 
India,  a  violent  hailstorm  in,  398 
Innes    bequest   to  horticulture,  the, 

72,  105 
Insecticide,    the    lime-sulphur,  313, 

364 
Insect  pests  of  fruit  trees,  357 
International   exhibition,  suggested, 

316 
Inventions,  new,  157 
Ipomea    mexicana,  a    large-flowered 

species,  26 
Ireland,  county  lectures  in,  90 
Iris,  '*  disease  of,  294,  330 
Iris  Grant-Duffii  and  its  allies,  293 ; 

I.  himalaica,  3;  I.  Strausii,  391 
Irises,  notes    on,    293,    391 ;    Onco- 

cyclus,     and    cold    storage,    391 ; 

flowers  of,  changing  colour,  391 ; 

winter-flowering,  52 
Isleworth,  note  from,  389 
Italian  Fennel  or  Finochio,  45,  76, 

124 ;  gardens,  a  lecture  on,  74 


Jackson,  Mr.  J.  R.,  presentation  to, 

345 
Jamaica.   Mangos  for  export  from, 

414 
Japanese  Douglas  Fir,  the,  307 
Java,  a  botanical  garden  in,  265 


K 


Kale,  hardy  sprouting,  107 
Kelowna,  Canada,  a  letter  from,  242 
Keeble,  F.,  and  D.  M.  Cayley,  ex- 
periments on  nitro-bacterine,  20, 
35 
Kensington  Gardens,  329 
Ker,  Mr.  R.  Wilson,  awarded    the 

V.M.H.,382 
Kew,  appointments  at,  25,  121 ;  ap- 
pointments in  the  herbarium,  281 ; 
visitors  to,  121 ;   guild,  the,  265  ; 
guild  dinner,  345  ;  notes,  67,  181 
Killarney  House,  Co.  Kerry,  180 
King,  Sir  George,  the  late,  138 
Kirk,  Alexander  (Vine  Culture  Up 

to  Date),  280 
Kitchen  garden,  the,  6,  22,  39,  54, 
70,  87,  103,  118,  135,  150,  166,  183, 
199,  214,  231,  247,  262,  278,  294, 
310,  326,  343,  362,  379,  394,  410 
Kniphofia  multiflora,  196 


Label,  a  new  plant,  74 
Laburnum  Adamii,  372 
Lady  gardeners  at  dinner,  137 
Laurent    prize    awarded    to    M.    T. 
Durand,  382 

Law  Notes  : — Action  for  Wages, 
157 ;  Agricultural  Holdings  Act, 
1908,  11,  27;  Charlton  v.  J.  R. 
Pearson  &  Sons,  170 ;  claim  for 
discount,  106 ;  (repair  of  nur- 
series) Dickson  v.  Dickson, 
157 ;  florists  and  the  Factory 
Act,  41  ;  Poisons  and  Pharmacy 
Act,  1903,  138;  Potato  sale  dis- 
pute, 369  ;  railway  companies  and 
owner's  risk,  122  :  sale  of  poison- 
ous compounds,  33,  265,  317;  in 
London,  413;  trade  name  dispute, 
157 

Laelio-Cattleva  Countess  Torby,  17  ; 
L.-C.  "Elinor,"  120;  L.-C.  Feli- 
cia, 98 ;  L.-C.  Lustre  gigantea, 
168 

Lawn-mower,  a  simple  carrier  for, 
144 

Lawns,  to  destroy  moss  on,  396 

Leaves,  the  absorption  of  moisture 
by,  24,  44 

Leeds  parks'  staff  at  dinner,  90 

Leonotis  Leonurus  at  the  Cape,  10 

Library,  the  Lindley,  140 ;  the  Mas- 
sachusetts Society's,  346 

Life-cycle  of  a  Fern,  246 

Lignum  nephriticum,  what  is?  187, 
221 

Lilac,  budding,  267 ;  the  grafting  of, 
250 ;  forced,   in  Dresden,  74 

Lilies  at  the  Temple  Show,  399 

Lilium  rubellum,  371 ;  L.  Washing- 
toman  um,  371 

Lily  season  in  Scotland,  prospects 
of  the,  377 

Lime-sulphur  wash,  the,  313,  364 

Lindley  Library,  the,   140 

Liquid  manure,  value  of,  240 

Loganberry,  the,  86 ;  attacked  by 
the  Raspberry  moth,  336 

Low.  Hugh.  &  Co.,  firm  of,  dis- 
solved,  381 

Lurgan,  public  park  for,  25 


M 

Madeesfield  Court  gardens  and  the 
Gardeners'  Royal  Benevolent  In- 
stitution, 296 

Magnolia  stellata,  275 

Mango  culture  for  export  to  Eng- 
land, 414 

Manse   garden  in  May,  a,  342 

Manures,  scarcity  of  animal,  359, 
400 

Manuring  of  land,  12 

Margam  Park,  Glamorganshire,  129 

Market-gardening,  394 ;  in  France, 
204 

Market-gardeners,  new  law  for,  12 

Market  fruit-grower's  year,  a,  65, 
161,  244,  305,  373 

Market  varieties  of  Chrysanthe- 
mums, 16 

Maritime  Alps,  spring  in  the,  257, 
277 

Marrows,  a  new  disease  of,  314 

Marshall,  Mr.  William,  appointed 
Veitch  Memorial  Medallist,  91  ; 
golden  wedding  celebrations,  314 

Massachusetts  Horticultural  Socie- 
ty's library,  346 

Masters'  memorial  lectures,  10,  90, 
419_ 

Mauritius,  Customs  dues  on  plants 
and  seed  at,  398 

Mealy-bug  on  vines,  64,  388 

Megaclinium  purpureo-rachis,  293 


The  Gardeners'  Chronicle,] 


INDEX. 


[July  3,  1909. 


Melbourne  Botnnic  Gardens,  249 

Melons,  culture  of,  in  a  "  French  " 
garden,  210;  the  raising  of,  '2; 
large,  418 

Melville,  Mr.  John,  382 

Mendel's  law  and  its  application  to 
horticulture,   lecture   on,  302 

Mid-Wales,  the  season  in,  283 

Mildew  on  vines,  388 

Moisture-absorption  by  leaves,  24, 
44 

Moisture-loving  plants,  some,  52, 
123 

Monmouth,  severe  frost  at,  171 

Montreal,  an  experimental  station 
at,  258 

Moody,  M.,  retirement  of,  137 

Morris,  Sir  Daniel,  105 

Moss  on  lawns,  to  destroy,  396 

Mi'jse  trap,  a  novel,  o65 

Mushroom,  a  disease  of,  176 ;  cul- 
ture, 144;  new  system  of  cultivat- 
ing, 59 

Musk,  the  common,  267 

Mutisia  Clematis,  414 

Myrtus  communis,  17,  44 


N 


Naart.ies,  a  South  African  Orange, 
186 

Narcissi  for  forcing,  203 

Narcissi,  some  of  Mr.  Haydon's, 
277  ;  Mr.  Arthur  Goodwin's.  292 ; 
classification  of,  42,  61,  116,  139, 
156,  170 ;  cultivation  of,  312 

Narcissus  Challenger,  315  ;  minimus, 
254  ;  pallidus  pruecox,  254 ;  Stead- 
fast, a  late-flowering  variety.  346 

Nature  study  exhibition  at  Royal 
Botanic  Gardens,  382 

Nelunibium  speciosum  var.  Osiris, 
154 

Nepenthes  x  Dr.  John  MacFarlane, 
25 

Nephrolepis,  the  newer  varieties  of, 
323 

Nertera  depressa,  213 

New  Zealand,  deforestation  in,  225, 
243;   plants   of.    1 

Ngamiland,  flora  of,  397 

Nicholson.  George,  sale  of  books 
which  belonged  to  the  late,  25 

Nicotine  poisoning,  children's  nar- 
row escape  from,  330 

Nitro-Bacterine,  experiments  on  the 
value  of.  20.  35,  59.  68,  76,  91,  92, 
114,  123,  139,  172;  lecture  by 
Prof.   Bottomley,  on,  189 

Nitrogen,  the  fixation  of,  by  bac- 
teria, 73,  376,  390 ;  by  electricity 
and  lime,  380,  401 

Nitrogen -fixing  bacteria  and  non- 
leguminous  crops,  329 

Nitrogen  in  sandy  soils,  112 ;  new 
sources  of,  88 

Nitrogenous  manures,  experiments 
with.  397 

Nomenclature  of  Ferns,  157,  188, 
203 

Nomenclature  of  multi-generic  hy- 
brid Orchids,   171,  381 

Notonia  Grantii,  227 

Novelties  of  1908.  5,  18 

Nursery  houses  destroyed  by  snow 
storm,  171,  202,  217,  314 


Nursery      Notes:— Carter, 

Jas.,  &  Co.,  197:  Charlesworth  & 
Co.,  375;  Notcutt,  R.  C.  117; 
Sutton  &  Sons,  148 ;  "Veitch, 
James  &  Sons,  Ltd.,  266,  324 


Oat  weevil,  the,  388 

Obituary  : — Bardney,  William,  96, 
Burton,  William,  254 ;  Cookson, 
Norman  C,  334;  Croll,  David, 
47;  Dickson,  George  A.,  110; 
Fenner,  Caleb,  191 ;  Fidler,  John, 
208;  Gibson,  William  Yates, 
128;  Harris,  George,  223;  Hill, 
J.  G.,  304;  King,  Sir  George, 
128,  138;  Lewis,  John,  16;  Mil- 
ler, William,  271;  Morris, 
George  Field,  32;  Roupell,  Wil- 
liam, 223;  Sage,  George  H.,  64; 
Shanks,  James,  387 ;  Shuttle- 
worth,  Edward,  176 ;  Simonite, 
Benjamin,  239,  250;  Stocking,  C, 
208  ;  Walpole,  George,  16  ;  Ward, 
Mrs.  Robert,  144;  Whyte,  Alex- 
ander, 16;  Wythes,  Mrs.  George, 
105 

Odontioda  X  Ernest  Henry,  321  ; 
O.  Gattonensis,  17;  O.  Good- 
sonioe,  194 

Odontoglossum  ardentissimum 

"Phoebe,"  132;  O.  crispo- 
Harryanum,  a  fine  plant  of,  132 ; 
0.  crispum  xanthotes  Mrs.  F.  M. 
Ogilvie,  257;  O.  Huniades,  146; 
O.  Landolphus,  146;  O.  Magali 
Sander,  37 ;  0.  Polyphemus, 
146 ;  0.  Uro-Skinneri,  leaf-spot 
of,  145;  O.  leaf-spotting  in,  224; 

Olearia   mvrsinoides,   213 

Oliver,  Captain  S.  Pasfield  (The 
Life  of  Philibert  Con.merson), 
216 

Onions  for  market,  217,  234,  252, 
267.   368,   384 

Orange  naartjes,  156 

Orchidacefe,  evolution  of  the,  330 

Orchid,  a  prolific  seedling,  314; 
culture  by  an  amateur,  359 ; 
houses,  the,  7,  22,  39,  54,  70, 
87,  103,  119,  134.  151,  167.  182, 
198,  215,  231.  246,  263,  279,  295, 
311,  327,  342,  363,  379,  395,  411; 
hybrids,  nomenclature  of,  171, 
381  ;  notes  and  gleanings,  17,  132, 
146,  163,  194,  210,  241',  257,  308, 
359,  407 

Orchids:  show  at  Boston,  U.S.A., 
163  ;  in  America.  282  :  a  sale  of, 
344:  at  Bank  of  Scotland  House, 
Oban.  359;  at  The  Glebelands, 
210;  inheritance  of  albinism  in, 
81;  malformed.  254;  novelties  of, 
1908.  5:  the  naming  of  multi- 
generic  hybrid.  171.  381 

Orphan  Fund.  Royal  Gardeners'. 
280;  (festival  dinner),  125,  312, 
318 

Ourisia  coccinea,  417;  0.  macro- 
phylla,   390 

Oxj  coccus,    species   of,   99 


Packing  Grapes,  a  new  method  of, 

330 
Paddockhurst,        transplanting        a 

Cedar  at,  398 
Pansy,  the,  308 
Pansies     and    Violas,     some    good, 

281 
Paraffin  emulsion,  a  new,  366 
Para-rubber  plants,  exporting,  58 
Parasites,  beneficial,  90 
Paris    Chrysanthemum    show,    153 ; 

literary   and  artistic   exhibits    at 

the.   2 
Parks :     a    proposed     women's,     in 

London.  282;  Bishop's  Stortford's 

new,    281  :    public,    for    Lurgan, 

25;   gift   of   a,   to   Sheffield,   314; 

employees,  Leeds,  at  dinner,  90 ; 


London,  fencing  used  in  the,  253 ; 
public,  examination  of  em- 
ployees in,  121 ;  public,  in  Ger- 
many,  74 

Parks,  public,  and  gardens,  6,  23, 
39,  54.  71,  85,  102,  118,  135,  150, 
167,  183,  199,  215,  231,  262,  311, 
362,  379,  410 

Paterson,  Mr.  Alexander,  presen- 
tation to,  382 

Payne,  Mr.  Harman,  153 

Peach-culture  in  spring  and  sum- 
mer, 325 

Peach  freckle  or  black  spot,  414 

Peach  leaf  blister  disease,  372 

Peas,    culinary,    43;   to    bottle,    160 

Penzance  Briars,  demand  for,  in 
America.  314 

Percival,  Professor  John  (Artificial 
Manures  and  How  to  Use  Them 
in  the  Garden,  Orchard  and 
Allotment),  197 

Petrea  volubilis.  251 

Phylloxera  in  the  Transvaal,  382 

Phytophthora  infestans,  the  Potato 
blight,  396 

Pictures,  garden,  exhibition  of,  at 
the  new  Dudley  Gallery,  265 

Pinetum  at  Bayfordbury,   228 

Pinus  muricata^  260 ;  P.  pinaster, 
69,  124 ;  P.  rigida,  178 

Plantations,  treatment  of,  without 
regular  thinnings.  155 

Plant  diseases,  a  tabulated  list  of, 
297;  plant  invaders,  naturally 
established,  248;  plant  notes.  179". 
213,  242,  342;  plant  novelties  of 
1908,  5,  18;  plant  poisons,  366 

Plant  Portraits:  — Alpinia 
bracteata,  89:  Angadenia  nitida, 
25;  Arbutus  Menziesii,  233; 
Anthurium  trinerve,  233;  Be- 
gonia modica,  381 ;  Cleroden- 
dron  ugandense,  25  ;  Cornus  mac- 
rophylla,  381;  Cycas  Micholitzii, 
169;  Dendrobium  Bronckartii, 
297;  Deutzia  setchuenensis,  297; 
Encephalartos  Barteri,  25 ;  Eran- 
themum  Wattii,  89;  Eria  rhyn- 
chostyloides,  25 ;  Impatiens 
Hawkeri,  233;  Larix  occidentalis, 
297;  Lonicera  Giraldii,  25:  Micro- 
loma  tenuifolium,  233;  Oligobot- 
rya  Henryi,  89  ;  Pinus  Bungeana, 
90;  Pinus  Jeffreyi,  381;  Mus- 
saenda  Treutleri,  297 ;  Nigella  in- 
tegrifolia,  169;  Prunus  japonica, 
381  ;  Pseuderanthemum  seticalyx, 
169  ;  Pyrus  Pashia  var.  Kumaoni, 
297 :  Rubus  Koehneanus,  169 ; 
Saxifraga  scardica,  169 ;  Sorbus 
cuspidata,  381;  S.  Vilmorinii,  90; 
Strophanthus  Preussii,  233 

Planting  forest  trees,  cost  of,  187 

Plants,   New  or    Noteworthy: 

— Cactaceae,  a  new  genus  of,  162 ; 
Carnegiea  gigantea,  162 ;  Cereus 
giganteus,  162  ;  Dendrobium  San- 
dera?,  374 ;  Epicattleya  Wolteri- 
ana,  274;  Euphorbia  Sapinii,  66; 
Iris  himalaica,  36;  I.  reticulata 
atropurpurea,  113 ;  Lomatia 
obliqua,  162 ;  Phalamopsis  gigan- 
tea, 306;  Primula  Forrestii,  274; 
Rhododendron  adenopodum,  291 ; 
R.  Victorianum,  321 ;  Tillandsia 
Blokii,  358;  Wedelia  oblonga,  18 

Plants,  retarding,  by  artificial 
means,  366 ;  respiring,  the  tem- 
perature of,  200;  the  blood  of, 
328 ;  the  sensitiveness  of,  to 
gases,  296;  under  glass,  7,  23,  38, 
55.  70,  87,  103,  118,  135,  151,  167, 
182.  198,  215,  230,  247,  263,  279, 
295,  310,  326,  343,  362,  379,  394, 
410 

Pleurothallis  Birchenallii,  391 

Phims._  bladder,  388 

Poisoning,  children's  narrow  es- 
cape  from,   330 

Poisonous  compounds,  the  sale  of, 
33,  265,  317 ;  in  London,  413 

Poisons,   plant,  366 

Polvstichum  aculeatum  gracillimum 
Drueryi,   98,   157,   188,   203 


Potatos,  keeping,  on  layers  of  coke, 

Potato  disease  in  New  Zealand,  396 
Potato  in  Scotland,  introduction  of, 
13,    62 ;    planter,    a    patent,    157 ; 
scab,  330 ;  the  Burbank,  222 
Potatos  exported  to  U.S.A..  90 
Preserving  fresh  fruits  by  means  of 

sulphur  fumes,  314 
Primrose,  a  fine  hardy.  330 
Primula     Forrestii,    299;    the     old 

double   white-flowered,   124,    140 
Prolific  seeding  in  Cycnoches  chloro- 

chilum,  314 
Protection   of  plants   from   cold,   36 
Pruning  competition  at  Madresfield 

Court,  90 
Prunus  tomentosa,  276 
Psemlotsuga  japonica.   307 
Public  parks  and  gardens,  the  man- 
agement of,  6,  23,  39.  54,  71. 
102,  113,  135,  150,  167.  183.  199', 
215,  231,  262,  311,  362,  379,  410 


Raffia  and  raffia  wax,  249 

Railway,  carriage  of  fruit  and  vege- 
table' produce  by,  315.  339,  367, 
378 

Rainfall  in  1908.  57 

Randall,  Mr.  S.  G.,  281 

Rankine,  W.  Francis  (School-Gar- 
dening), 102 

Ranunculus  auricomus,  depauperate 
form  of,  369,  401,  418 

Recreation  ground  for  Southall,  a 
new,  121 

Report,  an  unsatisfactory,  from 
Uganda,  298 

Respiring  plants,  temperature  of, 
200,  221 

Retarding,  plants  by  ether  at  the 
roots,  366 

Rhododendron  adenopodum.  291 ;  R. 
Pink  Pearl,  329;  R.   Souliei,  380 

Rhododendrons  at  the  Beacon,  Dor- 
man's  Land,  Sussex,  329;  at 
Tremough,  Penrhyn,  267;  in  the 
Royal  Botanic  Gardens,  Regent's 
Park.  365 

Rhubarb,  the  forcing  of,  192 

Ribes  Menziesii,  242;  R.  san- 
guineum,  361 

Ruck-garden,  the,  243;  lecture  on. 
206  :  to  construct  a  small,  112,  404 

Rolfe,  Robert  Allen,  and  C.  C.  Hurst 
(The  Orch  id  Stud-Booh),  184 

Rosary,  the.  21,  37,  60,  100.  132, 
147,'  163,  234,  259,  307,  325.  574 

Rose  canker  caused  by  Coniothyrium 
Fuckelii,  11 

Rose  Elaine,  41;  Fortune's  Yellow, 
365,  375 ;  Refulgens,  41 ;  White 
Killarney,  282 

Rose-garden,  work  in  the,  21,  100, 
147,  234,  307,  374 

Rose-growers'  problems,  325 

Roses,  climbing,  133 ;  fragrant,  259 ; 
demand  for  Penzance  in  America, 
314 ;  dishonest  hawking  of,  157  ; 
indoors,  234 ;  market  varieties  of, 
in  America,  325,  417;  notes  on 
pruning,  163 ;  notes  on  the  newer 
varieties  of,  37,  60,  132 ;  grown 
on  cement  benches,  417 

Rosehill,  Falmouth,  flowers  at.  61 

Ross,  Charles,  awarded  the  V.M.H., 
11 

Rothamsted,  the  weather  at,  66 

Royal  Horticultural  Society's  Fruit 
and  Vegetable  Committee's  jubi- 
lee, 381,  397 
Rubber-producing  plants,  transport- 
ing, 58;  culture  of,  in  Ceylon,  40 
Ruskin  Park,  Camberwell,  233 
Russia,     forthcoming     international 
exhibition  at  Kasan,  345 


vi.       The  Gardeners'  Chronicle,] 


INDEX. 


rjuw  3.  1909. 


Sage,  G.  H.,  the  late,  121,  231 
St.  Gallen,  an  Alpine  garden  at,  90 
St.  Helena,  the  flora  of.  233 
Sale   of  poisonous   compounds   used 

in  horticulture,  53,  265,  317 ;   in 

London,  413 
Sanders.  T.  W.  (The  Encyclopaedia 

of  Gardening),  53 
Saxifraga  decip'ieus  hybrida  grandi- 

flora,   346;   S.    d.   Miss   Willmott, 

343;  S.  Fortunei,  20 
Saxifragas,        red-flowered,        with 

crusted   foliage,   258;   some  new, 

314 
Scab  disease  of  Apples,  30.  44,  123, 

157,  188;  of  Potatos,  330 
Schizanthuses  at   Wisley,  330,  346, 

384;   culture   of,    179 
School  gardens  in  Surrey,  209,  226, 

252 ;  in  Staffordshire,  121 


Scientific  CoMMiTTEE:--Asbestos, 
vegetable,  188;  albinos  amongst 
British  flowers,  13;  albinism  in 
Orchids,  142;  Algae  on  sewage 
sludge,  94;  Anthurium,  a  fasci- 
ated,  94;  Apple-pip  germinating 
in  the  fruit,  158 ;  Aquilegias, 
double-flowered,  401;  Asparagus, 
a  species  of,  from  the  Punjab, 
254 ;  Auricula,  a  double-flowered, 
284 ;  beetle  in  Vanda  teres,  188 ; 
bulb-mite.  the,  affecting  Cine- 
raria, 158 ;  bulb  on  inflorescence 
of  Lachenalia  tricolor,  188;  Car- 
nations diseased,  62,  94;  Carrots, 
colour  changes  in,  157;  Cineraria 
killed  by  bulb-mite,  158;  Cycla- 
men, a  malformed,  13  ;  variation 
in  foliage  of.  94  ;  proliferation  in, 
14?  ;  Cvpripedium  with  a  double 
lip,  188;  Dendrobium  hybrids, 
254;  Dianthus,  hybrid,  401; 
Eucrosia  bicolor,  222;  Euonymus 
japonicus,  fasciation  in,  188;  fas- 
ciation  in  Anthurium,  94;  Fatsia 
injured  by  gnawing  animals,  284; 
Gleditschia  Delavayi,  317; 
grease  bands  for  fruit  trees,  14, 
222 ;  gummosis  in  Lemon,  222, 
253;  Hippeastrum  hybrid,  254; 
H.  pardinum,  142;  Impatiens  x 
comoricoma,  369,  401 ;  inheritance 
of  characters  in  Pea  seeds,  253; 
Lachenalia  tricolor  with  bulbs  on 
inflorescence,  188 ;  Larix  ameri- 
cana,  369 ;  L.  Griffithii,  369 ; 
Laurel,  a  variegated-leaved,  401 ; 
Lemon,  gummosis  in,  222,  253 ; 
library,  presentation  to  the,  284; 
Lonicera  Standishii,  fruits  of, 
401 ;  malformed  Orchids,  157, 
222 ;  Mendelism  and  Orchids, 
157;  Narcissus,  hybrid,  317; 
nomenclature  of  multigeneric  Or- 
chid hybrids,  62 ;  Notonia 
Grantii,  142 ;  Orchids,  albinism 
in,  142  ;  interesting  hvbrids,  188, 
317,  369  ;  malformed,  62,  94,  142, 
157.  222,  401 ;  Parsnips,  diseased, 
157 ;  from  wild  stock,  222  ;  Peas, 
damaged  by  frost,  369;  inherit- 
ance of  characters  in  seeds  of, 
253 ;  Pisum  species  from  Pales 
tine,  369;  Plagiospermum  si- 
nense,  317;  Plasmopara  nivea.  ;\ 
disease  of  Parsnips,  157;  Poly- 
stichum  species,  254 ;  Potato 
affected  with  Stemphylium  atro- 
virens,  157  ;  Primrose  from  Shet- 
land, the  season  of  flowering  of  a, 
401;  Primroses,  variations  in. 
317;  Primula  hybrids,  369;  P. 
sinensis,  variation  in,  158;  proli- 
feration in  Cyclamen,  142 ; 
Ranunculus  auricomus,         de- 

pauperate form  of,  369,  401, 
418:  Rhubarb,  a  species  of, 
from  the  Punjab,  254  ;  Richardia 
disease!.  62:  Rose  canker,  62; 
Rose  with  foliar  sepals.  369; 
Salices.  hybrid,  317;  Salix 
herbacea  from  Ben  Lawers, 
401;  S.  pentandra.  369;  Scilla 
hasmorrhodalis,         94;         sewage 


sludge,  algae  on,  94;  Stemphylium 
atrovirens,  a  disease  of  Potato, 
157;  Sweet  Peas,  decay  in  roots 
of,  222;  Trachycarpus  excelsus, 
monoecious  character  of,  401 ; 
Tulipa  Fosteriana,  284;  Tulips, 
malformed,  369  ;  branched,  317 ; 
Urceolina  miniata,  284 ;  veget- 
able asbestos,  188 ;  Viola  lutea 
and  V.  lutea  amama,  369;  Wil- 
lows, hybrid,  317 

Scolopendrium  vulgare,  a  much- 
prized  variety  of,  416 

Scotland,  introduction  of  the  Potato 
in,  13,  62 ;  notes  from,  342  ; 
prospects  of  the  Lily  season  in, 
377 

Sea  Buckthorn,  large  sjjecimens  of, 
at  Regent's  Park,  London,  384 

Seakale  as  a  green  vegetable,  369 ; 
forcing,  176 

Seed    crops    in    California,    359 

Seed  firm's  employes  at  dinner,  25 

Seeds,  enormous  number  of,  pro- 
duced by  an  Orchid,  314 ;  packed 
for  the  Tropics,  137 

Selborne  Society,  the,  25 

Sheffield,  gift  of  a  public  park  to., 
314 

Shrewsbury  flower  show,  prizes  at, 
120 ;  vegetable  competitions  at, 
123,  139,  156 

Shrubs  of  British  Columbia,  3 

Shrubs,   the  pruning  of  town,  400 

Simpson,  Mr.  W.  J.,  169 

Sinningia  "  Dr.  Maxwell  T. 
Masters,"    73 

Slade,  Mr.  T.  H..  41,   137 

Small  holdings,  prizes  for,  105 

Smith,    Worthington   G.    (Synopsi 
of    the    British    Basidiomycetes), 
131 

Snow,  destruction  in  a  nursery  by, 
171,  202,  217,  314;  the  fertilising 
value  of,  186 


Societies:  — Aberdeen  Chrysan- 
themum, 110  ;  Bath  and  District 
Gard.,  159,  191,  223;  Bath  and 
W.  and  Southern  Counties,  345 ; 
Bickley  and  District  Gard.,  191; 
Birmingham  Botanical  and  Hort., 
401;  Birmingham  Gard.,  63,  128; 
Bournemouth  and  District  Gard., 
223;  Brighton  and  Sussex  Hort., 
63;  Bristol  and  District  Gar- 
deners', 63,  128, 159,  224,  255,  369  ; 
British  Gardeners'  Association, 
223,  233,  255,  370,  387,  421; 
(London  Branch),  125,  191,  223, 
334;  Caledonian  Hort.,  63;  Car- 
diff Gard.,  47,  80.  143,  223,  255; 
Chesterfield  and  District  Chrvs., 
78;  Chester  Paxton,  47,  63,  159; 
Colchester  Rose  and  Hort..  285; 
Commons  and  Footpath  Preser- 
vation, 125;  Cornwall  Daffodil 
and  Spring  Flower,  270 ;  Coventry 
Chrysanthemum,  63:  Croydon 
and' District  Hort.,  63,  80, '160, 
175,  223;  Debating,  47,  63, 
128,  143,  175.  19L  223,  369, 
421;  Derbyshire  Gard.,  128; 
Devon  and  Exeter  Gard., 
223 ;  Devon  Daffodil  and  Spring 
Flower,  271 ;  Dorchester  Gar- 
deners', 160:  Dumfriesshire  and 
Galloway  Hort..  158  ;  Dutch  Bulb 
Growers',  334;  Esher  Cottage 
Gard..  63;  Ghent  Hort.,  62,  142, 
334,  404 ;  Gloucestershire  Root, 
Fruit  and  Grain,  387;  Gloucester- 
shire Rose  and  Sweet  Pea,  189; 
Guildford  and  District  Gard!,  421 ; 
Hemel  Hempstead  Hort.,  110; 
Horticultural  Club,  62,  189,  285; 
(Annual  Dinner),  125;  Hunting- 
donshire Spring  Flower,  287; 
Ipswich  and  District  Gard.,  175; 
Ipswich  and  E.  of  England  Hort., 
285;  Kent,  Surrey  and  Sussex 
Daffodil.  318;  Kingstown  Gard., 
224;  L' Association  Francaise  des 
Amateurs  et  Jardiniers  C'hrysan- 
themistes.  334  ;  Leeds  Professional 
Gardeners'.  110.  225  ;  Linnean.  14, 


109.  188,  222.  382 ;  Manchester 
and  N.  of  England  Orchid,  30, 
•  62,  110,  124,  190,  223,  285,  369; 
Metropolitan  Public  Gardens' 
233;  Midland  Daffodil,  286; 
National  Auricula  and  Primula 
(.Midland  Sect.),  318,  (Southern 
Section),  270 ;  National  Chrysan- 
themum, 142,  314;  (annual  meet- 
ing), 94;  National  Dahlia,  14; 
National  Fruit  Growers'  Federa- 
tion, 110 ;  National  Rose,  365, 
413  ;  National  Tulip  (Southern  Sec- 
tion), 333 ;  National  Vegetable, 
282,  345,  401;  Nursery  and  Seed 
Trade,  254;  Perpetual-Flowering 
Carnation,  206,  223,  365;  (annual 
meeting),  125;  Portishead  Hort., 
191;  Reading  and  District  Gard., 
63,  128,  160,  191,  223;  Redhill, 
Reigate  and  District  Gard.,  63, 
128,"  160,  223;  Royal  Botanic, 
365,  413;  Royal  Caledonian  Hort., 
254;  Royal  Agricultural,  420; 
Royal  Counties  Agricultural,  387  ; 
Ro'val  Hort.,  13,  30,  45,  62,  76,  93, 
104,  109,  140,  157,  172,  188, 
204,  237,  267,  284,  299,  317,  331. 
347,  369,  385.  418;  (annual  meet- 
ing), 107;  (temple  Show),  347; 
Royal  Hort.  of  Ii eland,  14;  Royal 
Meteorological,  63,  158 ;  Royal 
Society  for  the  Protection  of 
Birds,"  143;  St.  Ives  (Hunts.), 
Hort.,  14;  Salisbury  and  District 
Gardeners'  143:  Scottish  Hort., 
62,  110,  175,  254;  Selborne,  281; 
Societe  Francaise  d'Horticulture 
de  Londres  (annual  dinner),  79; 
Spilsby  Daffodil,  317;  Stirling 
and  District  Hort.,  421,  Torquay 
and  District  Card..  191,  223; 
Union  of  French  Horticultural 
Traders.  175 ;  United  Hort.  Bene- 
fit and  Provident,  110,  175,  254, 
319,  404  ;  Wargrave  and  District 
Gardeners',  160,  175,  223,  255; 
Yorkshire  Gala,  402 

Soil,  acidity  in,  412 ;  chemistry  of 
heated  and  partially  sterilised. 
275;  fertility  and  soil  exhaustion, 
364;  inoculation,  lecture  on.  by 
Prof.  Bottomlev,  189  ;  sterilising. 
224 

Solanum  nigrum  in  Uganda,  393 

South-eastern  Agricultural  College, 
Wye,   121 

South-west,  spring  (lowers  in  the. 
389 

Spot  disease  of  Odontoglossum  Uro- 
Skinneri,  145 

Spraying  Apple  trees,  advice  on, 
313 ;  fruit,  trees,  45 ;  to  destroy 
weeds,   365 

Spring  flowers  in  the  south-west, 
389;  in  the  Maritime  Alps,  257, 
277 

Stachys  tuberifera,  192 

Stackpole  Court,  Pembrokeshire, 
218 

Staffordshire,  school-gardens  in,  121 

Stapf,  Dr.  Otto,  25 

Stepping-stones,  plants  for  placing 
between,  240 

Sterilising  soil,  224,  275 

Stocks  for  Apple  and  Pear,  99 

Stoking  garden  furnaces,  156 

Strawberries  at  Pitt  House  Gar- 
dens, Chudleigh,  253 

Street  trees,  care  of,  90,  400 

Sulphate  of  ammonia,  the  yearly 
output  of,  91 

Sulphur  fumes  for  preserving  fresh 
fruits,  314 

Summer  flowers,  a  border  of,  212 

Surrey,  a  school-garden  in.  209.  226; 
school-gardening  appointment  in. 
200  ;  bv-law  to  protect  wild  plants 
in.  329 

Swanley  Horticultural  College.  216 

Sweet  Peas,  early,  401 ;  in  tubs, 
202 ;  some  of  the  newer,  177 ; 
trials  of.  10  :  Telemly,  for  wiuier 
flowering.  156 

Sweet  Peas,  Henry  Eckford,  202; 
Mrs.  Wilcox,  92;  Masterpiece. 
416:  Mrs.  B.  Gilbert,  93 

Svon  House,  Brentford,  364 


Table  decorations,  floral,  28 
Tap-union,  Shipwright's  patent  ad- 
justable, 265 
Telemly     Sweet    Peas     for     winter- 

flowering,  156 
Temperature    o'f    respiring     plants, 

the,  200,  221 
Temple  flower  show,   the    344,  347  ; 
and  refreshment  tents,  330;  Lilies 
at  the,  399 
Tennis  lawn,  to  set  out  a,  288 
Thalictrum  dipterocarpum,  216 
Theobald,   F.   V.,   (The  Insect  and 
other   Allied    Pe&ts   of    Orchard, 
Bush,    and     Hot-house     Fruits), 
357 
The  Warren  House,  Stanmore,  323 
Thomas,  H.   H.    (Sweet    I'eas    and 

How  to  Grow  Them).  69 
Thonger,    Chas.    (The    Boole   of   the 

Cottage   Garden),  228 
Thrips  in  greenhouses,  329 
Thuja  Lobbii  as  a  hedge  plant,  284 
Thunderstorm,  damage  by.  368.  393 
Tiflis.  proposed  research  stations  at, 

396 
Timber     for     aeroplanes,     251  :     for 
forcing  houses,  80,  112 ;  for  homo 
use,  219;  planting  in  Great    Bri- 
tain, 219 
Town  planting,  220,  262,  400 
Tradescant's  tomb  at  Lambeth,  281 
Training  of  fruit  trees  on  walls,  the. 

149,  172,  203 
Transplanting  a  Cedar  at  Paddock- 
hurst,     Sussex,     398;     trees     and 
shrubs,  preparations  for,  61 
Transvaal,  the,  agriculture  in,  297  ; 

phvlloxera  in,  382 
Trap",     figure-of-4,     224:     a     novel 

mouse,  365 
Trees  and  shrubs.  41,  61,  196,  220, 
228,  245,  275,  361,  414;  for  win- 
ter effect,  131. 
Trees,  forest,  cost  of  planting,  187; 
grubbed    by    steam    engine.    329 ; 
street,    care   and   preservation   of, 
90,  400 
Tregothnan,  Cornwall,  289 
Trenching,  61,  76,  107,  201.  203 
Trials   of   Dahlias,   169;     of    Sweet 

Peas,   10 
Triteleia  uniflora,  culture  of,  179 
Tropical  fruits..  29 
Tulips  at  Loivdham  Nursery,  368 
Turf-cutting  machine,  a,  202 


U 


Udaipur,  India,  destructive  hail- 
storm at,  398 

Udale,  James  (The  Handy  Booh  of 
Pruning.  Grafting,  and  Bud- 
dim/),  217 

Uganda  Protectorate,  an  unsatisfac- 
tory report  from,  298 


VACANT  lands,  a  society  for  the  cul- 
tivation of.  267.  312' 

Vaccinium,  the  species  of,  49,  74. 
83 

Vanda  coerulea,  194:  at  Brougham 
Hall  gardens.  Penrith.  264 

Vanilla  cultivation  in   Hawaii,  293 

Vegetable  competitions  at  Shrews- 
bury show,  123,  139,  156 

Vegetable  society,  a  national,  329, 
345,   382 


The  Gardeners'    Chronicle,] 


INDEX. 


[July  3,  1909.       vii. 


Vegetables,  43,  116,  194,  217,  245, 
275,  324,  341,  368;  carriage  of,  by 
railway,  373;  eff"cts  of  cold 
weather  on  green,  245 ;  novelties 
in,  4;  scarcity  of  good  winter, 
154 

Veitch,  Harrv,  portrait  fund,  329, 
382 

Veitch  Memorial  Medallists,  new,  91 

Veronica  Bidwillii,  309 

Versailles  and  Petit  Trianon,  177 

Viburnum  Carlesii,  341,  361 ;  V. 
utile,  345 

Victoria  Medal  of  Horticulture 
awarded  to  Sir  Jeremiah  Colman, 
Bart.,  11 ;  to  Mr.  John  Ross,  11 ; 
to  Mr.  R.  Wilson  Ker,  382 

Vilmorin,  M.  Philippe  de  (Lea 
Fleurs  tie  l'1'A/M  Terre),  201 

Vinery,  cyaniding  a,  96 

Vines,  culture  of,  280 ;  mealv-bug 
on,  64,  388;  mildew  on,  388" 

Violets,  the  hybridisation  of,  112 

Visitors,  English,  to  the  Berlin 
show,  201 

Vitis,  the  evergreen  vine,  253,  267 


W 

Wadds,  Mr.  A.  B.,  41 
Wahlenbergia,  the  species  of,  243 
Wales,  the  season  in,  283 
Ward,   John   J.    (Life-Histories   of 

Familiar  Plants),  147 
Warren  House,  Stanmore,  323 
Wash,   the   lime-sulphur,  364 
Water-absorption  by  leaves,  24,  44 
Water-colour  drawings  at  the  New 

Dudley  Gallery,   281 
Water-gardens.  404;  natural  design 

in,  276 
Water  Hyacinth  a  pest   in   Ceylon, 

214 
Waugh,     F.     A.     (The     American 

Apple  Orchard),  197 
Weather  at  Rothamsted  in  1903.  66  ; 

at     St.     Austell,     Cornwall,  '  29 ; 

severity  and  plants,  R.H.S.  census 

on,  284 
Wedding,  a   gardener's  golden,  137 
Weed-killers.   153 
Weeds  and  hoeing,  178 
Weeds  destroyed   by  spraying,   365 


Wheat,  the  influence  of  climate  on 
the   chemical  composition   of.   366 

White  City  Exhibition,  horticulture 
at  the,  154,  217 

Whortleberries  and  Cranberries,  49, 
74.  83.  99 

Wildernesse  Park,  Sevenoaks,  346, 
360 

Wild  flowers,  exhibits  of,  at  Glas- 
gow, 297;  in  Surrey,  protection 
of,  329 

Wilks,  Rev.  W..  appointed  Veitch 
Memorial  Medallist.  91 

Wilson.  E.  H.,  and  plant  collecting 
in   China,   24 

Window-box.  suitable  plants  for  a, 
160 

Winter  vegetables,   some   good.   154 

Wisley,  Schizanthuses  at,  330,  384 

Wistarias,  the,  218 

Witch-Hazels,  the,  41 

Woburn  fruit  farm,  experiments  at 
the,  97 

Wolverhampton  Floral  Fete  coming- 
of-age  show,  185 


Women's  garden  or  park,  a  pro- 
posed, 282,  311 

Wonderberry,  the,  172,  204,  393 

Woodland  industries,  decline  of, 
195.  234 

Woods',  Mr.  W.,  nursery-houses  de- 
stroyed by  snow,  171,  202,  217, 
314' 

Worsdell,  Mr.  W.  C.,  appointment 
of.  121 

Wright,  C.  H.,  25 

Wright,  Horace  J.  and  Walter  P. 
(Beautiful  Flowers  and  How  to 
Grow  Them),  322 


Yellow  stripe  disease  of  Daffodils, 
10 


SUPPLEMENTARY    ILLUSTRATIONS. 


Agave   attenuata  flowering   in   the   Royal   Agricultural   Society's 

Grounds.  Sydney.  N.S.W.  (February  13) 
Amaryllis  Belladonna  x  Brunsvigia  Josephine.^:  (January  23) 
Angr^ecum  Augustum  (February  6) 
Darwin,  Charles  (June  26) 
Fritillaria  askabadensis  (March  20) 
Hedsoe,  Buckinghamshire  (January  16) 
Hyacinth  propagation  in  Holland  (Hay  1  and  May  8) 
Ljelio-Cattleya  "Elinor"  (Ftbruary  20) 
L.elio-Cattleya  Lustre  gigantea  (March  13) 
Ljelio-Cattley'.a  Pizarro,  vYe.stonbirt  Vapiety  (April  10) 
Margam  Park,  Glamorganshire  (February  27) 
Melbourne  Botanic  Garden,  view  of  the  lake  in  (April  17) 


Nelumbium  speciosum  var.  Osiris  (March  6) 

Xeienthes   x  Dr.  John  MacFarlane  (January  9) 

Rhododendrons    in    The    Beacon    Gardens,    Dorman's    Land,    Sussex 

(May  22) 
Rhododendron  Souliei  (June  12) 
Sinningia  Dr.  Maxwell  T.  Masters  (January  30) 
Syon    House,    as    seen  from  the   pleasure   grounds,   Kew    Gabdens 

(June  5) 
Thalictrum  dipterocarpum  (April  3) 
Van  da  ccerulea,  a  fine  plant  of  (April  24) 
Water-garden  at  Ashbourne,  Co.  Cork  (Juno  13) 
Wildernesse  Park,  Kent  (May  29) 


(i    ;   List  of  General  Illustrations  in  the  text  see  next  page.) 


Vlll. 


The  Gardeners    Chronicle,] 


INDLX. 


[Ji;l>    3,  J9G9l 


LIST     OF     ILLUSTRATIONS 


Acanthus  montanus,  201 

Adiautum  grossum,  50,  51 

Aesculus  parviflora,  a  flowering  tree 
of,  123 

Androcymbium  melanthoides,  313 

Anemone  affected  with  rust  dis- 
ease, 336 

Angrfecum  sesquipedale,  399 

Apple  Barnack  Beauty,  142 

Apple  William  Crump,  21 

Araucaria  imbricata  at  the  Ben 
Rhydding  Hydropathic  Estab- 
lishment, Yorkshire,  244,  245 

Ashbourne,  Co.  Cork,  views  of  the 
rock-garden  at,  392,  393 

Aster  grandiflorus,  36 

Auricula  Claud  Halcro,  298 

Avenue  of  Limes  in  Wildernesse 
Park,  Sevenoaks,  360;  of  Se- 
quoia  gigantea  at  Havering  Park, 
Essex,  409 


Bartlett,  A.  C,  portrait  of,  7 

Bayfordbury  Cedars,  the,  229 

Beckett,  Edwin,  portrait  of,  6 

Bee-hive,  appliance  for  fixing  comb- 
foundation  in,  135;  parts  of  a 
standard,  23 ;  a  standard  bar- 
frame,  71 

Begonia  Gloire  de  Sceaux,  130 

Begonia  X   Patrie,  77 

Benthamia,  see  Cornus,  82 

Berlin  Show,  views  of  the,  235,  236, 
237 

Bladder  Plums,  388 

Bottle,  Wood's  Grape-preserving, 
175 

Brasso-Cattleya  Cliftonii,  34 

Bulbophyllum  Dayanum,  194;  B. 
lemniscatoides,   68 

Bulbous  flowers  exhibited  at  the 
Berlin  Show,  235 

Burton,  \\  illiam,  the  late,  254 


Cycnoches  pentadactylon,  male  and 
female  flowers,  27;  C.  Wars- 
cewiczii  with  flowers  of  two 
sexes,  29 

Cvpripediura  Earl  of  Tankerville, 
'101 


Dendroeium     Sanderse,     374 ;     D. 

speciosum,  219 
Dynevor    Castle,    Carmarthenshire, 

165 


Edinburgh  Royal  Botanical  Gar- 
dens, a  winter  scene  in,  4 ;  fernery 
at,  11,  13 

Eranthemum  Wattii,  89 

Eulophiella  Elisabethse,  407 

Euphorbia  Sapinii,  66 


Fennel,  Italian,  124 

Fernery  in  Edinburgh  Botanic  Gar- 
dens, 11,  13 

Ficus  parasitica  strangling  a  tree  of 
Eheis  guineensis,  41 

Fir,  the"  Japanese  Douglas,  cone- 
bearing  branch  of,  307 

Fceniculum  dulce  or  Italian  Fennel, 
124 

Fritillaria  askabadensis,  inflor- 
escence of,  185 

Fuchsia  splendens,  338 


Gerberas   exhibited   by   M.   Adnet 

at  the   Temple   Show,  350 
Glasshouses  destroyed  by  snow,  171 
Grapes,  bottle  for  preserving,  175 


Cactus,  a  giant,  162 

Carnation  Lady  Coventry,  297 

Carnations  and  Roses,  Messrs.  Cut- 
bush's  group  of,  at  the  Temple 
Show,  349 

Cedar,  removing  a  large,  at  Pad- 
dockhurst,  397 

Cedars  at  Bayfordbury,  Hertford- 
shire, 229 

Celmisia  spectabilis  in  New  Zea- 
land, 1 

Cereus  gigantea  growing  in  Arizona, 
162 

Charlesworth's,  Messrs.,  nursery  at 
Haywards  Heath,  375 

Chondropetalum  Fletcheri,  9 

Cineraria  naveseens,  322 

Cistus  albidus  in  Mr.  Notcutt's  nur- 
sery,  117 

Cleome  spinosa,  115 

Clerodendron  fallax,  a  fine  plant  of, 
324 

Cloches,  plan  of  arrangement  of,  in 
forcing  Lettuces,  164 

Cookson,  Norman  C,  the  late,  334 

Cook,  W.  A.,  portrait  of,  7 

Cornus  (syn.  Benthamia)  capitata, 
fruit  of,"  82 ;  flower  of,  83 

Croquet  Association's  plans  for  a 
croquet  lawn,  336 

Croquet  lawn,  plan  of  a,  288 

Cyclamens  at  Messrs.  Sutton  & 
Sons'  nursery,  155 

Cycnoches  peruvianum  Tracey's 
variety,  309 

Cycnoches  with  male  and  female 
flowers,  26 


H 

Harriss,  E.,  portrait  of,  6 
Havering   Park.   Essex,   407;  views 

at,  408,  409,  411 
Hedsor.        Buckinghamshire,        the 

Wharf  house  at,  42  ;   the  Towers 

at,  43  :  fishtraps  at,  45 
Hippeastrums     from     Messrs.     Jas. 

Veitch  &  Sons'  collection,  266 


L.elio-Cattleya  Felicia,  100;  L.-C. 

Lustre  gigantea,  168 
Leaf-spot    of    Odontoglossum    Uro- 

Skinheri,  145,  146 
Loganberry,  the,  86 


M 

Makgam     Park,     Glamorganshire, 

Orangery    at,    129 
Megaclrnium  purpureo-rachis,  293 
Melbourne  Botanic  Garden,   bed  of 

succulent  plants  at,  250 
Meryta    Sinclairii    in    Mr.    Cheese- 
man's     garden,     Auckland,     New 
Zealand,  2 
Miller.  William,  the  late,  271 
Moorman,  J.   W  ,  portrait  of,  6 
Morris,   the   late  George   Field,   32 
Mutisia  Clematis,  415 
Myrtle,    fruiting    spray    of,    18 


N 

Narcissus  Challenger,  315;  N. 
Queen  of  the  West,  283 

Notonia    Grantii,    227 

Nymphsea  James  Brydon  in  a  nur- 
sery water-garden,  277 


Odontioda  X  Bradshawise  Cook- 
son's  variety,  174 ;  O.  chelsonei- 
ensis,  348;  O.  x  Ernest  Henry, 
321 ;  O.  Goodsonise,  195 

Odontoglossom  ardentissimum 
"  Phoebe,"  132;  O.  crispum  Fow- 
lerianum,  211 ;  O.  crispo-Harrya- 
mira  with  expanded  flowers,  133  ; 
O.  Magali  Sander,  37;  O. 
Smithii. '212;  O.  x  Theodora, 
269  ;  O.  Uro-Skinneri  affected  with 
leaf-spot,  145,  146;  O.  Wyonia- 
num,  211  ;  O.  Xanthotes  var.  Mrs. 
F.   M.   Ogilvie,   258 

Olearia  insignia  growing  in  New 
Zealand,   3:   O.    myrsinoides,   213 

Oncidium   Charlesworthii,  377 

Orangery  at  Margam  Park,  129 

Orchids  exhibited  by  Messrs. 
Charlesworth  at  the  Temple 
Show,  376 ;  by  Messrs.  Sander  & 
Sons  at  the  Temple  Show,  367 

Ourisia  macrophylla,  390 


I 

Ilex  Pernyi,  75 

Iris  alata  flowering  out-of-doors  on 

December  10,  52 
Iris  Bakeriana,  53 
Iris  reticulata  var.  Histrio,  55 


Japanese  garden  as  arranged  by 
Messrs.  Jas.  Carter  &  Co.  at  the 
Temple  Show,  341 


K 

Killarney  House.  Co.  Kerry,  180 ; 
the   lake   from.    181,   187;    scroll- 
bedding  at.  189 
King,  Sir  George,  the  late,  138 
Kniphofia  multiflora  flowering  in  a 
Newrv  nursery,  196 


Para-rubber  plants  packed  for 
shipment,  58 

Petrea  volubilis  in  the  Peradeniya 
Botanic  Garden,  Ceylon,  252 

Phaltenopsis  gigantea,  306 

Pieris  floribunda  at  Havering 
Park,   411 

Pinus  muricata,  a  tree  of,  259; 
foliage  and  male  inflorescence  of, 
260 ;  cones  of,  261 ;  P.  pinaster, 
tapping  a  tree  of,  for  resin,  69 ; 
P.  rigida,  cone-bearing  branch 
of,  178 

Plan  of  a  tennis  lawn,  288 ;  of  a 
croquet  lawn,  288  ;  of  cloche  ar- 
rangement in  forcing  Lettuce, 
164 

Pleurothallis  Birchenallii,  391 

Plums  affected  with  Exoascus  defor- 
mans, 388 

Polystichum  aculeatum  gracillimum 
Druervi,  98 

Primula  Forrestii,  274  ;  in  Edinburgh 
Botanical  Gardens,  299  ;  growing 
in  Yunnan,  China,  275 


Primula  Princess  May,  197 ;  P. 
sinensis,  the  stellata  type  of,  149; 
P.  sinensis  in  its  natural  habitat, 
148 

Pseudotsuga  japonica,  cone-bear- 
ing branch  of,  307 


Rhododendron  adenopodum,  291  ; 
R.  Gloria  Mundi,  a  fine  bed  of, 
331 ;  R.  grande  at  Tregothnan, 
Cornwall,  290;   R.  Souliei,  381 

Ribes  Menziesii,  242 

Rose  festoons  in  the  Warren  House 
Gardens,   Stanmore,   326 

Roses,  exhibits  of,  at  the  Temple 
Show,  352,  354 

Rose  White  Killarney,  282 


S 

Salads,  an  exhibit  of,  190 

Sansevieria  Laurentii,  347 

Saxifraga  Clibranii,  301 ;  S.  deci- 
piens  Arkwiightii,  314 ;  S.  Miss 
Willmott,  343;  S.  Fortunei 
flowering  in  November  on  a 
rock-garden,   20 

Schizanthuses  at  Wisley  Gardens, 
384 

School-garden,  a  Surrey,  226 ;  ex- 
hibit of  vegetables  from  a,  210 

Scolopendrium  vulgare  muricato 
fimbi'iatum,    416 

Snow-scene  in  Royal  Botanical  Gar- 
dens,  Edinburgh,   4 

Solanum  Balbisii  at  Rosehill,  Fal- 
mouth,  61 

Stackpole  Court,  Pembrokeshire, 
218 

Succulent  plants  at  Melbourne 
Botanic  Garden,  New  South 
Wales,  250 

Sundial  in  Wildernesse  Park  Gar- 
dens, 360 

Sweet  Pea  Masterpiece,  417 


Tennis  lawn,  plan  of  a,  288 

The  Warren  House.   Stanmore,   323 

Tillandsia  Blokii,  358 

Trap,  the  Figure-of-4,  224 

Tregothnan.   Cornwall,  289 

Tulips  with  branched  inflorescences, 

317 
Turf-cutting  machine,   a,  202 


Vanda  teres  exhibited  by  Mr. 
Leopold  de  Rothschild  at  the 
Temple  Show,  365 

Vegetables,  a  group  of,  from 
a  school-garden,  210 ;  grown  by 
the  "  French  "  svstem  of  garden- 
ing,  190 

Viburnum  Carlesii,  a  flowering 
plant  of,  340  ;  Y.  utile,  a  flower- 
ing tree  of,  345 

View  in  a  plantation  adjoining  Mr. 
Notcutt's  nursery,  116 


W 

Wahlenbergia    serpyllifolia,    243 ; 

W.   s.   var.   Dinarica,   243 
Water-garden  in  Messrs.    R.    Wal- 
lace   &    Co.'s     nursery,     Colches- 
ter, 276 
Weston.  J.  G.  portrait  of,  7 
Wharf  House,   Hedsor,   42 
White.   W.   H..  portrait  of.  7 
Wildernesse  Park,  Sevenoaks,  views 
in   the    gardens   and    grounds    at, 
360,  361 


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JANUAKY    2,    1909.] 


THE     GARDENERS1      CHRONICLE. 


THE 


No.  7,749.— SATURDAY,  January  2,  7909. 


CONTENTS. 

Agricultural      Holdings 

Masters'  Memorial  lec- 

Act, 1908         

11 

tures      

10 

Birds  and  their  food    ... 

10 

Melons  for  early  fruit- 

Books, notices  of — 

ing         

12 

New     Flora    of     the 

New  Zealand  plants    ... 

1 

Volcanic  Island    of 

Obituary — 

Krakatau      

8 

Lewis,  John 

16 

Planter's    Handbook, 

Walpole,  George 

16 

The 

4 

Whyte,  Alexander  ... 

Hi 

Bulb  Garden,  the — 

Plant   novelties  of   1908 

5 

Iris  himalaica 

3 

Potato  in  Scotland,  in- 

Chondropetalum    Flet- 

troduction  of  the 

13 

cheri      

10 

Rose  canker,  a  new 

n 

Chrysanthemums       for 

Ross,  Chas.,   appointed 

market 

16 

a   Victoria    Medallist 

n 

Colman,  Sir   Jeremiah, 

Societies — 

appointed    a   Victoria 

British        Gardeners' 

Medallist          

11 

Association 

n 

•Colonial  notes — 

Linnean           

1 1 

British          Columbia, 

National  Dahlia 

14 

some  shrubs  of    ... 

3 

Royal  Horticultural... 

1<- 

Daffodil,    "yellow 

(Scientific         Com- 

stripe "  disease  of    ... 

10 

mittee)      

13 

Edinburgh    Royal 

Royal  Horticultural  of 

Botanic  Gardens 

11 

Ireland          

14 

Escallonia          

19 

St.  Ives  Horticultural 

14 

Florists*  flowers- 

Sweet     Pea      trials     in 

Chrysanthemums     at 

1909        

10 

the  Paris  show 

2 

Vegetables,  novelties  in 

4 

Single        Chrysanthe- 

Week's work,  the — 

mums           

3 

Flower  garden,  the  ... 

7 

Flowers,    unseasonable 

10 

Fruits  under  glass     ... 

6 

Grapes,      varieties     of 

Hardy  fruit  garden  ... 

7 

Muscat 

12 

Kitchen  garden,  the... 

6 

Leonotis  Leonurus,  cul- 

Orchid houses,  the  ... 

7 

tivation    of,    at     the 

Plants  under  glass    .. 

7 

Cape      

10 

Public      parks      and 

Manuring  of  land,  the 

12 

gardens        

6 

ILLUSTRATIONS. 

Bartlett,  A.  C,  portrait  of       .«  7 

Beckett,  Edwin,  portrait  of 6 

Celmisia  spectabilis  growing  wild  in  New  Zealand      ...  1 

Chondropetalum  Fletcheri      9 

Cook,  W.  A.,  portrait  of          #      ...  7 

Edinburgh  Royal  Botanic  Gardens,  a  snow-scene  in  ...  4 
Fernery  at  Edinburgh  Royal  Botanic  Gardens,  views 

in  the  new       H.  13 

Harriss,  E.,  portrait  of 6 

Meryta    Sinclairi   in  Mr.  Cheeseman's    garden,   New 

Zealand '- 

Moorman,  J.  W.,  portrait  of G 

Olearia  insignis  growing  in  New  Zealand 3 

Weston,  J.  G.,  portrait  of       7 

White,  W.  H.,  portrait  of       7 


NEW    ZEALAND    PLANTS. 

IN  1907  a  party  of  New  Zealand  scientists, 
with  the  assistance  of  the  New  Zealand 
Government,  visited  the  several  groups  of 
islands  south  of  New  Zealand,  of  which  the 
Aucklands  are  by  far  the  largest.  The  object  of 
the  expedition  was  magnetic  observation,  bot- 
any, zoology,  and  geology.  Captain  A.  Dorrien 
Smith,  who  was  a  member  of  the  party,  and 
whose  account  of  some  of  the  things  he  saw 
was  recently  published  in  the  Kew  Bulletin,  col- 
lected numerous  plants  and  seeds,  not  only  in 
the  various  islands  visited,  but  also  in  New 
Zealand  proper.  These  he  brought  home  last 
May,  the  plants  being  conveyed  in  12  Wardian 
cases  to  his  father's  famous  garden  at  Tresco, 
where  already  many  New  Zealand  plants  are 
established  and  happy.  The  following  list  of 
plants  he  has  collected  has  been  prepared  by 
Captain  Dorrien  Smith,  those  marked  with  an 
asterisk  being,  so  far  as  can  be  ascertained,  new 
to  cultivation  in  this  country.  In  addition 
to  the  living  plants,  he  also  collected 
and  brought  home  a  great  variety  of  seeds, 
many  of  them  being  of  plants  not  known  in 
gardens,  and  these  were  generously  distributed 
among    botanical    and      other     eslablishments. 


Kew  has  been  largely  enriched  with  Xew  Zea- 
land plants  in  consequence  of  this  expedition, 
and  if  someone  can  only  discover  the  right 
treatment  for  some  of  them,  either  at  Tresco  or 
in  other  gardens  in  which  they  are  being 
tried,  British  horticulture  will  be  considerably 
the  gainer  as  the  result  of  the  enterprise  and 
zeal   of  Captain    Dorrien   Smith. 

The  New  Zealand  climate  is  temperate  and 
very  healthy  ;  the  temperature  is  more  equable 
than  in  the  British  Isles,  the  summers  being 
cooler  and  the  winters  warmer  ;  the  annual  rain- 
fall varies  from  25  inches  to  112  inches,  and  the 
soil  in  many  parts  is  "  a  rich  leaf-mould."  It 
might  have  been  expected  that  both  plants  and 
animals  would  have  developed  along  lines 
more  favourable  to  man  than  has  proved 
to  be  the  case,  for,  with  the  exception 
of  a  few  good  timber  trees  and  the 
Flax  Lily,  there  are  no  plants  of  any  par- 
ticular economic  account.  All  the  fruits,  vege- 
tables, and  cereals,  on  the  production  of  which 
in  that  country  important  industries  have  been 
built  up.  are  recent  introductions  from  western 


Meanwhile,  as  it  is  not  unlikely  that  many  of 
the  plants  will  soon  have  become  extinct  from 
such  causes  as  cultivation,  animals,  fires  and  in- 
troduced weeds,  we  need  to  secure  all  we  can 
get  from  New  Zealand  that  is  likely  to  make  our 
gardens  richer.  It  is  unfortunately  true  that 
scarcely  any  New  Zealand  plant  has  proved 
hardy  in  this  country  except  in  such  favoured 
districts  as  the  West  of  Scotland  and  Ireland, 
the  southern  coast  of  Cornwall  and  Devon,  and 
the  Scilly  Islands.  Some  of  them  will  grow 
fairly  well  in  inland  gardens  when  afforded 
shelter,  but  they  are  never  certain,  a  frost  of 
average  severity  proving  too  much  for  them. 
Fortunately,  however,  there  are  many  gardens  in 
the  more  favoured  districts  where  the  New  Zea- 
land plants  thrive  perfectly.  There  may  also 
be  many  plants  in  the  alpine  regions  of  New 
Zealand  which  only  require  to  be  introduced 
into  British  gardens  to  prove  quite  hardy  here. 
Generally  the  plants  sent  home  are  those  that 
are  easily  obtained  in  low-lying,  warm  districts  ; 
it  has  been  too  much  trouble  to  go  up  into  the 
mountains  for  specimens,  and  even  when  this  is 


[Photograph  by  Captain  Doirien  Smith, 
FlG.    I. — CELMISIA    SI'ECTABILIS    GROWING    WILD    IN    NEW    ZEALAND. 


countries.  It  would  appear  that,  whilst  Nature 
endowed  New  Zealand  with  all  the  conditions 
favourable  to  the  development  of  plants  and 
animals,  she  omitted  to  provide  an  industrious, 
enterprising  race  of  men  until,  in  1769,  Captain 
Cook  discovered  the  islands,  and  even  then 
nothing  was  done  towards  making  the  most  of 
their  resources  until  1840.  Since  that  time,  how- 
ever, New  Zealand  has  gradually  grown  until  it 
is  now  a  veritable  Land  of  Promise.  Naturally 
rich  and  sufficiently  isolated  to  be  outside  the  in- 
fluence of  politics,  fortunate  also  in  being 
peopled  with  a  race  which  is  almost  exclusively 
British,  foreigners  and  Maories  counting  for 
very  little,  the  founders  of  New  Zealand  have 
set  out  to  work  the  country  on  democratic 
lines,  "  unhampered  by  climate,  slavery, 
vested  rights  and  vested  ruts,  immigration,  or 
the  enervating  seductions  of  power  over  subject 
races."  From  what  is  known  of  the  country, 
enterprising  young  men  with  a  knowledge  of 
soil  cultivation  need  not  hesitate  to  go  to  New 
Zealand,  where  the  people  are  determined  to 
make  the  millionaire  and  the  pauper  equally 
impossible. 


done,  such  plants  either  perish  on  the  way  or 
sicken  so  much  as  to  never  recover  under  the 
changed  conditions  of  an  English  garden  and 
climate.  Seeds,  therefore,  should  be  largely  re- 
lied upon,  and  although  we  have  not  been  for- 
tunate with  some  of  the  seeds  brought  home 
by  Captain  Dorrien  Smith,  still  seeds  are  more 
likely  to  enable  us  to  get  many  of  the  plants 
established  than  are  imported  living  plants. 

According  to  the  Kew  records  there  were  83 
species  of  flowering  plants  and  54  species  of 
Ferns  from  New  Zealand  in  cultivation  at  Kew 
in  1864.  There  are  many  more  now,  including 
40  species  of  Veronica  and  10  species  of  Olearia. 
Thanks  to  Captain  Dorrien  Smith,  no  fewer  than 
10  species  of  Celmisia  have  recently  been  added, 
but  these  plants  have  so  far  proved  as  difficult 
to  manage  at  Kew  as  the  beautiful  Ranunculus 
Lyallii  and  Myosotidium  nobile,  which  in  some 
gardens  are  fairly  easy.  It  is  more  than  pro- 
bable that  Celmisias  are  killed  by  coddling,  and 
if  we  only  had  the  courage  to  leave  them  to  fight 
it  out  with  the  weather  they  would  do  better. 
The  genus  is  almost  peculiar  to  New  Zealand, 
where  it  forms  "  one  of  the  chief  ornaments  of 


2 


THE     GARDENERS     CHRONICLE, 


[January  2,  1900. 


the  mountain  and  alpine  flora  of  the  colony,  the 
various  species  usually  composing  a  large  pro- 
portion of  the  vegetation,  especially  in  the 
South  Island,  where  the  mountain  slopes  and 
valleys  are  often  whitened  for  miles  from  the 
abundance  of  their  large  Daisy-like  flowers." 

Pleurophyllum  speciosum,  an  ally  of  Celmisia, 
is  one  of  the  noblest  of  New  Zealand  plants, 
but  so  far  no  one  has  grown  it  in  this  country. 
Compositse  are  very  numerous  in  New  Zealand, 
constituting  about  one-seventh  of  the  total  num- 
ber of  flowering  plants,  and  many  of  them  are 
worth  growing  in  gardens.  Some  of- the  species 
of  Ranunculus,  too,  are  exceptionally  hand- 
some. Such  genera  as  Gent i ana  {16  species), 
Myosotis  (22  species),  Dracophyllum  (18  species), 
and  Veronica  (84  species)  are  specially  interest- 
ing horticulturally,  some  of  the  species  being 
described  as  really  handsome.  Veronica,  the 
largest  genus  of  flowering  plants  in  New  Zea- 
land, is  a  conspicuous  feature  of  the  vege- 
tation of  the  higher  regions.  There  are  six 
species  of  Fagus  (Beech),  the  only  northern 
genus  of  forest  trees  represented  in  the  southern 
hemisphere.  Whilst  Ferns  are  largely  repre- 
sented in  New  Zealand,  some  of  the  best 
of  those  grown  in  gardens  being  from 
that  country,  there  are  no  Orchids  of 
any  account.  Iridaceae.  are  represented 
by  one  genus  only,  Libertia  ;  Amaryl- 
lideae  by  one,  Hypoxis ;  and  Liliaceae 
by  10,  including  Cordyline,  Astelia, 
Dianella,  Phormium,  and  Arthropo- 
dium.  It  is  remarkable  that  whilst  C. 
australis  is  one  of  the  easiest  plants  to 
grow,  C.  indivisa,  which  grows  in  the 
mountains  and  is  by  far  the  finest 
species  of  the  genus,  proves  difficult. 
Bulbinella  Rossii  is  another  magnifi- 
cent Lily,  which  no  one  has  yet  man- 
aged to  grow  in  this  country,  although 
many  attempts  have  been  made.  Per- 
haps Captain  Dorrien  Smith,  who  saw 
the  plant  growing  abundantly  in  the 
Aucklands,  will  be  able  to  hit  upon  the 
right  treatment  for  it  at  Tresco.  There 
are  only  two  Palms  in  New  Zealand, 
both  of  them  being  well  known  in  gar- 
dens here  as  Areca  Baueri  and  A. 
sapida.  Captain  Dorrien  Smith  states 
that  A.  Baueri  occurs  in  Norfolk  and 
Chatham  Islands,  not  on  the  mainland, 
and  it  is  probably  scarce  in  Chatham 
Islands. 

The  best  book  on  New  Zealand  plants 
is  the  Manual  of  the  New  Zealand  Flora, 
by  T.  F.  Cheeseman,  published  in  1906, 
under  the  authority  of  the  Government. 
It  is  based  on  the  Handbook  of  the  New 
Zealand  Flora,  published  40  years  ago 
by    Sir   Joseph    Hooker.      The   descrip- 
tions,  which  are  in   English,  are  excel- 
lent for  their  clearness  and  thoroughness,   and 
they  are  often  accompanied  by  observations  on 
the  habits,  &c,  of  the  plants  which  are  likely  to 
be  helpful  to  cultivators. 

List  of  New  Zealand  plants  brought  to  Tresco 
in  May,  1908,  by  Captain  A.  Dorrien  Smith. 
Celmisia   new   species. 


•Dracophyllum  Urvilleanum 
*Drimys  axillaris. 
„        colorata. 
Dlsosylum    spectabile. 
Earina  mucronata. 
,,        suaveolens. 
♦Ehrharta    Colensoi. 
*Epacris  alpina. 
Fagus  cliffortioides. 
„  fusca. 

,,        Menziesii. 
•Fostera   sp. 
Fuchsia   Colensoi. 

„  excorticata. 

Gaultheria   antipoda. 

„  oppositifolia. 

*  «       „  rupestris. 
*Gentiana  sp. 
*Geum    uniflorum. 

Griselinia  littoralis. 
*Gnaphalium  trinerve. 
*Gunnera   sp. 

Hedycarya  arborea. 
*Helichry5um  bellidioides, 

Hoheria  populnea. 

Hymeranthera         chatha- 
mica. 

Knightia  excelsa. 

Leptospermum  scoparium. 

*  ,,       var.   Chapmannii. 

*  ,,       var.   Nichollii. 
Leucopogon  Richei. 
Libertia    ixioides. 
Lit  tcedrus  Bidwillii. 

*Ligusticum  antipodum 


Olearia    nitida. 

,,  nummularifolia. 

,,  Solandri. 

,,  virgata. 

*Ourisia   Cockayniana. 
,,  macrocarpa. 

*  ,,  macrophylla. 
Parsonsia   capsularis 

(rosea) 

*  ,,  heterophylla. 
•Panax   Iineare. 

*  ,,         simplex. 
„        Sinclairi. 

•Persoonia    Toru. 
Phyllocladus  alpinus. 

,,       trichomanoides. 
Phormium    Cookianum. 
,,         C.  var.  with  leafy 
inflorescence. 
*Pimelia  sp. 
Piper   excelsum. 
Pittosporura  Colensoi. 

*  „  patulum. 
,,  Ralphii. 

Plagianthus  betulinus. 
P.   (Gaya)  Lyallii. 
*Pleurophyllum  speciosum. 
Podocarpus  dacrydioides. 
,,  ferrugineus. 

*  ,,  Hallii. 
,,  Totara. 

Pomaderris    elliptica. 
•Pseudopanax 

chathamicum. 

*  ,,  crassifolium. 


Veronica  Lyallii. 

„  macrocarpa. 

,,  parviflora. 

„  pimelioides. 

„  salicifolia. 
Weinmannia    racemosa, 
,,  sylvicola. 

Alsophila  Colensoi. 

Aspidium  aculeatum. 

*New  to   British  Gardens 


Cyathea   dealbata. 

,,  medullaris. 

Hemitelia    Smithii. 
Lorn  aria  dura. 

,,  fluviatilis. 

Marattia    fraxinea. 
Polypodium    serpens. 
Pteris  incisa. 
Todea   superba. 
Trichomanes  reniforme. 


iv.  w 


FLORISTS'    FLOWERS. 


FlG.    2. — MERYTA    SINCLAIRI    IN    MR.    CHEESEMAN'S    GARDEN 

AT    AUCKLAND. 

(The  figure  is  that  of  Mr.  Cheeseman.) 


*Aciphylla  Colensoi. 
,,  Monroi. 

„  Traversii. 

Agathis  australis. 
•Angelica  Gingidium. 
•Anstotelia    f  ruticosa. 
,,  racemosa. 

Arthropodium  cirrhatum 
•Astelia  Cunninghamn. 

•  ,,        linearis. 
„        nervosa. 

•Brachyglottis   Rangiora. 

repanda. 
•Bulbinella  Rossii. 
sp. 
Carex  trifida. 
Carmichaelia   australis. 
Carpodetus   serratus. 
Cassinia  leptophylla. 
,,  Vanvilliersii. 

♦Celmisia    Armstrongii. 

•  ,,  bellidioides. 
„  coriacea. 

•  ,,  Dallii. 

•  ,,  hieracifolia. 

•  ,,  mollis. 
,,  Monroi. 


*  ,,  rupestris. 
„           spectabilis. 

*  ,,  Traversii. 

*  ,,         vernicosa. 
'Clematis    fcetida 

*  „  parviflora. 
Coprosma  Baueri. 

*  ,,  cuneata. 

*  „  depressa. 

*  ,,  foetidissima. 

grandifolia. 
,,  lucida. 

,,  robusta. 

Cordyline   Banksii. 
„  pumilio. 

•Coriaria  angustissima. 
„  thymifolia. 

Corynocarpus  laevigata. 
•Cotula    lanata. 
Dacrydium   cupressinum. 

*  ,,  intermedium. 
Dodonea   viscosa. 
Dracophyllum  latifolium. 

*  ,,  longifolium. 
,,  Traversii. 

*  ,,  uniflorum. 


•Ligusticum    Haastii. 

•  ,,  latifolium. 
Linum   monogynum. 

•Litsaea   calicaris. 
Lycopodium  densum. 
Melicytus  lanceolatus. 
„  ramiflorus. 

Meryta   Sinclairi. 
*Metros.ideros   diffusa, 
florida. 
,,  hypcricifolia. 

,,  lucida. 

,,  scandens. 

tomentosa. 

*  ,.  villosa 

(Smithii) 
•Muehlcnbeckia  australis. 

•  ,,  ephedrioides. 
•Myosotis   macrantha   var. 

pulchra. 
Myrsine  Urvillei. 
Myrtus   bullata. 
Nertera   depressa. 

*  ,,  dichondrsfolia. 
Notospartium 

Carmichaeliae. 
•Olearia    angustifolia. 
avicc  nnifolia. 
chathamica. 
Colensoi. 
Cunninghamii. 
furfuracea. 
ilici  folia. 
insignis. 
lacunosa. 
Lyallii. 


Pseudopanax    ferox. 
Quintinia   acutifolia. 
Ranunculus    insignis. 
,,  Lyallii. 

,,  Monroi. 

,,  nivicola. 

Rhopalostylis   sapida. 
Rubus    australis. 
•Salicornia   australis. 
•Senecio   Adamsii. 

,,        bellidioides. 

*  ,,         Buchananii. 
,,        compactus. 

,,        elseagnifolius. 

*  ,,        Hectori. 

*  ,,        lagopus. 

*  ,,        Lyallii. 

*  ,,         var.   schorzoneri- 

oides. 

*  ,,        Monroi. 

*  ,,         Stewartise. 
•Sideroxylon  costatum. 
•Sonchus    grandifolius. 
♦Stilbocarpa  Ballonsii. 

,,  polaris. 

Veronica   anomala. 

*  „  Barkeri. 

*  ,,  Benthamii. 
„           buxifolia. 

„  chathamica. 

,,  Colensoi. 

,,  Dieffenbachii. 

,,  elliptica. 

*  ,,  Giltiesiana. 
,,  Lewisii. 

,,  linifolia. 


THE      RETROSPECTIVE      CHRYSANTHE- 
MUM   SHOW    IN    PARIS. 

First  and  foremost  in  the  literary  and  artistic 
retrospective  show  held  in  connection  with  the 
recent  Chrysanthemum  exhibition  was  the 
original  portrait  in  oils  of  Capt.  Blancard,  the 
introducer  of  the  Chrysanthemum  into  Europe 
in  1789.  Beneath  the  portrait  was  a  coloured 
plate  of  the  flower  introduced  by  him  and 
figured  for  the  first  time  in  the  Botanical 
Magazine,    pi.    327. 

On  the  walls  right  and  left  of  this  was  a 
remarkable  series  of  curiosities  of  all 
kinds.  These  included  a  portrait  of 
Louis  Pele,  lent  by  M.  Lemaire,  and  an 
oil  painting  of  some  Chrysanthemums 
raised  by  Pele  in  1846,  and  a  number  of 
photographs  of  famous  growers  and 
raisers,  together  with  many  coloured 
pictures  of  old  varieties  long  since  dis- 
carded   by   growers. 

The  most  interesting  and  extensive 
collection  came  from  M,  Rene  Mommeja, 
an  amateur  and  collector,  well  known 
for  the  many  valuable  and  artistic 
curios  he  possesses  relating  to  the 
Chrysanthemum.  In  a  series  of  closed 
glass  cases  he  showed  Japanese  silks, 
pottery,  porcelain  of  the  17th  and  18th 
centuries,  lacquerware,  &c.,  all  bear- 
ing upon  them  figures  or  designs  of 
Chrysanthemums.  He  had  a  large  col- 
lection of  Japanese  books  containing 
pictures  of  individual  flowers,  and  also 
other  Chinese  and  Japanese  plates  and 
drawings  of  views  of  Chrysanthemum 
gardens  and  exhibitions.  An  extensive 
collection  of  cultural  and  other  treatises 
published  in  Europe  also  formed  a  part 
of  this  exhibit. 

Mr.  Harman  Payne  is  another  well- 
known  collector,  and  he,  too,  made  a 
substantial  display.  A  collection  of  299 
coloured  engravings  of  Chrysanthemums 
from  all  the  old  botanical  and  horticul- 
tural publications  during  the  past  cen- 
tury was  staged  by  him.  We  also  noted 
a  series  of  large  photographs  of  varie- 
ties now  no  longer  in  cultivation, 
rare  old  catalogues  of  Salter  and 
Forsyth,  and  other  literary  curiosities.  The 
most  curious  object  in  Mr.  Payne's  collection 
was  a  card  of  invitation  to  visit  the  annual 
Chrysanthemum  show  held  by  the  Emperor  of 
Japan  in  the  Royal  Gardens  at  Tokio. 

The  Librarian  of  the  National  Horticultural 
Society  staged  some  rare  books  and  pamphlets 
from  the  society's  library.  We  noticed  some  old 
volumes  of  the  Bon  Jardinier  containing  early 
references  to  the  flower,  also  references  to  John 
Salter's  book,  and  several  others.  Especially 
rare  are  Les  Chrysanthhnes  dans  PM'st  de  la 
France,  par  E.  Moreau  fils  ;  and  Notice  sur  les 
Chrysanthcmes  de  la  Chine,  par  M.  le  Chevalier 
Soulange-Bodin.  There  were  also  kindly  lent  by 
the  family  a  bulky  volume,  of  which  Capt.  Blan- 
card was  the  author,  entitled  Manuel  du  Commerce 
des  Indcs,  and  several  autograph  letters  of  his. 
He  made  several  voyages  to  China  and  India 
before  the  date  of  his  introduction  of  the  Chry- 
santhemum. In  several  other  glass,  cases  were 
some  rare  old  catalogues  and  pamphlets,  kindly 
lent  by  M.  Nonin,  M.  Philippe  deVilmorin,  M.  E. 
Rosette,  M.  Loizeau,  M.  Le  Colier,  and  others. 


some 


Unuary  2,  1909.] 


THE     GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


M.  Charles  Ballet  sent  a  few  framed  pictures 
and  engravings  of  flowers  of  the  Chrysanthe- 
mum, and  of  Japanese  Chrysanthemum  shows. 
High  above  the  walls  around  the  show  were 
panels  commemorating  the  four  principal  epochs 
in  the  history  of  the  flower.  They  were  as 
follow  :  — 

Blancard,  1789,  importation  of  Chrysanthe- 
mum. 

Bernet,  1826,  first  seedings. 

Fortune,  1846  and  1863,  Pompons  and  Japanese 
introduced  to  Europe. 

Calvat,  1891,  distribution  of  the  modern  race 
of  large-flowered  varieties. 

The  society  has  every  reason  to  be  pleased 
with  the  result  of  its  efforts.  Never  before  has 
there  been  displayed  to  the  public  view,  either 
in  France  or  elsewhere,  such  an  exhibition  of 
literary  and  artistic  curiosities  relating  to  the 
Chrysanthemum.  Much  interest  was  excited  in 
the  contents  of  the  numerous  glass  cases  con- 
taining exhibits,  and  it  was  undoubtedly  owing 
to  the  provision  of  these  cases  that  so  large  and 
valuable  a  collection  was  gathered  together.  The 
idea  originated  with  M.  George  Gibault,  the 
society's  librarian,  and  he  is  to  be  warmly  con- 
gratulated on  the  outcome  of  his  efforts. 

The  other  section  of  the  retrospective  exhibi- 
tion, namely  exhibits  of  old  plants  and  flowers 
grown  anterior  to  1895,  was  scarcely  so  satisfac- 
tory. The  growers  sent  an  indifferent  collection, 
and  the  varieties  were  not  cultivated  to  the  best 
advantage.  A  large  number  of  the  old  Anemone 
varieties  were  shown,  a  good  many  Pompons, 
but  very  few  of  the  old  incurved  and  Japanese. 

SINGLE    CHRYSANTHEMUMS. 

If  the  value  of  single  Chrysanthemums  be 
estimated  by  the  novelties  which  were  offered 
for  sale  last  spring — I  counted  between  90  and 
100 — it  would  appear  to  be  very  great.  But 
such  an  overwhelming  number  of  new  kinds 
is  of  no  advantage,  for  what  grower  would 
entail  the  labour  of  cultivating  so  many  new 
kinds  unless  he  had  great  expectations  that 
they  would  prove  superior  to  those  already  in 
cultivation?  It  is  obvious  that  size  of  bloom  is 
being  pushed  to  a  detrimental  extent,  man}'  of 
the  new  flowers  being  too  large  in  proportion  to 
their  rather  .flimsy  florets.  At  the  same  time, 
some  of  the  large-flowered  varieties  are  of  great 
value  alike  for  furnishing  vases,  and  for  grow- 
ing in  small  pots  for  room  decoration.  A  good- 
sized,  perfectly-furnished  plant  can  be  produced 
in  a  6-inch  pot,  suitable  for  placing  in  an 
ordinary  vase,  and  that  alone  is  a  desirable 
quality.  But  if  the  plants  are  to  furnish  flowers 
for  cutting,  9-inch  toll-inch  pots  are  to  be  pre- 
ferred. A  plant  of  the  one  size  exacts  no  more 
labour  to  cultivate  than  that  of  the  other,  and 
the  bigger  plant  gives  a  much  larger  re- 
turn of  equally  fine  blooms.  The  flowers 
are  also  suitable  for  table  decorations. 
There  are  several  pink  varieties,  but  all  are  a 
little  flimsy,  if  Miss  Hose  is  excepted. 
Yellow  varieties  appear  too  white  by  arti- 
ficial light  to  be  effective,  but  in  the 
crushed  strawberry  Mary  Richardson  we  have 
a  very  fine  flower.  Physalis  Franchettii 
and  this  Chrysanthemum  mixed  together  are  a 
lovely  combination.  But  the  variety  that  I 
prefer  to  all  others  is  Earlswood  Terra-cotta 
when  not  disbudded.  The  flowers  remain  fresh 
and  unaltered  in  tint  for  many  weeks,  and,  by 
artificial  light,  the  colour  is  much  softened. 
Browned  pieces  of  the  Royal  Fern  form  an  ideal 
setting.  There  is  no  reason  why  single  varieties 
of  suitable  colours  should  not  be  mixed  with  each 
other,  but,  on  the  whole,  the  most  charming 
arrangements  are  those  which  are  not  mixed. 
At  the  Edinburgh  Chrysanthemum  exhibition 
there  were  a  few  decorated  tables  of  great 
beauty,  but,  undoubtedly,  the  most  pleasing 
and  artistic  exhibit  was  that  in  which  only  yellow 
flowers  were  employed.     B. 


THE    BULB   GARDEN. 


IRIS     HIMALAICA. 

May  I  suggest  the  above  as  a  name  for  a 
species  of  Iris,  hitherto,  I  believe,  undescribed, 
which  was  sent  to  me  fiom  a  locality  within 
sight  of  Darjeeling  in  February,  1907?  In  the 
case  of  these  plants  the  colour  of  the  flower  was 
a  deep  violet  blue,  and  I  find  that  Mr.  T.  Smith, 
of  Newry,  grows  a  sky-blue  form  under  the 
name  of  I.  Clarkei  and  a  purple  variety  under 
that  of  I.  decora,  both  having  been  raised  from 
seed  received  from  the  Himalayas.  The  true 
I.  Clarkei  and  decora  are,  of  course,  quite 
distinct. 

This  Iris  has  been  thought  by  some  to  be  a 
form  of  I.  sibirica  orientalis,  but  in  reality  it  is 
far  more  closely  related  to  the  Chinese  I. 
Delavayi  than  to  any  form  of  I.  sibirica  with 
which  I  am  acquainted.  Its  falls  are  always 
blotched  like  those  of  I.  Delavayi  and  not 
veined  as  in  the  case  of  I.  sibirica,  and  the 
capsule  and  seeds  closely  resemble  those  of  the 


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[Photograph  by  Captain  Dorrien  Smith. 
Fig.  8. — olearia  insignis  growing  in  new 

ZEALAND. 

former.  It  differs,  however,  from  I.  Delavayi 
and  I.  sibirica  in  having  a  solid  stem  at  all 
stages  of  its  growth,  while  the  drooping  leaves 
are  also  very  characteristic,  having  a  curiously 
smooth  and  polished  upper  surface,  which  con- 
trasts strongly  with  the  slightly  glaucous  under- 
surface. 

My  plants  came  into  flower  this  year  about 
the  middle  of  June,  having  grown  well  under 
fairly  moist  conditions  in  a  soil  rich  in  humus. 
The  blooms  have  the  drooping  appearance  so 
characteristic  of  the  Himalayan  Irises,  such  as 
Duthiei,  Kumaonensis,  &c,  and  the  style 
branches  rise  above  the  tips  of  the  spreading 
standards.  The  markings  of  the  falls  consist  of 
white  blotches  on  a  violet-blue  ground,  and  the 
throat  is  tinged  with  yellow.  There  is  no  trace 
of  either  crest  or  beard,  so  that  the  plant  belongs 
to  the  Apogon  section  and  has  nothing  to  do 
with  I.  Clarkei,  the  name  under  which  it  was 
sent   from    Darjeeling. 

The  following  is  a  more  detailed  description: 
1.    himalaica. — Rhizome    slender,    wide-creep- 


ing ;  sheaths  splitting  into  fine  fibres.  Leaves 
linear,  moderately  firm  at  first,  but  drooping 
when  full  grown,  upper  surface  smooth  and 
polished,  under  surface  finely  ribbed  and 
slightly  glaucous,  2  to  3  feet  long,  J  inch  broad. 
Stem  slender,  lozenge-shaped  rather  than  round 
in  section,,  solid,  2  feet  high,  overtopping  the 
leaves,  branched,  bearing  three  heads  of 
flowers.  Spathes  two-flowered,  valves  yellowish 
green  3  inches  long ;  pedicels  3  inches  long. 
Perianth  tube  triangular,  \  inch  long  ;  standards 
spreading,  lanceolate,  with  deeply-channelled 
limb,  1^  inch  long  and  f  inch  broad,  violet-blue 
veined  with  a  deeper  shade  ;  falls  2  inches  long 
by  1  inch  broad,  obovate-cuneate,  violet-blue 
blotched  with  white  and  yellow  at  the  throat. 
Style  branches  very  broad,  keeled  and  con- 
spicuous, \\  inches  long ;  crests  small,  over- 
lapping. Capsule  2  inches  long,  oblong,  tri- 
gonous ;  seeds  flat,  circular,  with  dark  centre 
and  pale  margin.  W.  R.  Dykes,  Charterhouse, 
Godalming. 


COLONIAL     NOTES. 


NOTES      ON      BRITISH      COLUMBIAN 
SHRUBS. 

British  Columbia  is  a  country  of  flowering 
shrubs.  Wherever  the  giant  conifers  have  been 
cleared  shrubs  spring  up  rapidly,  one  of  the 
first  to  appear  being  Sambucus  pubens,  which  is 
common  around  Vancouver,  growing  to  a  height 
of  15  feet.  The  creamy  spikes  of  blossom  are 
by  no  means  the  most  showy  parts,  as  in  July 
their  place  is  taken  by  the  scarlet  fruits  which 
make  a  fine  show  in  contrast  to  the  abundant 
foliage.  This  is,  I  think,  the  most  effective  sub- 
ject around  here,  the  berries  hanging  until  at 
length  they  are  eaten  off  by  little  birds. 

Spiraea  Douglasii  is  a  weed  here,  spreading 
quickly  on  the  edges  of  swamps  in  company 
with  Ledum  latifolium,  Kalmia  glauca,  and 
other  similar  shrubs.  It  flowers  abundantly  and 
continuously  from  July  to  October,  the  later 
flowers  being  of  a  much  deeper  colour,  as  they 
are  seedling  plants. 

Another  noteworthy  subject  which  attracts  at- 
tention when  in  flower  is  Cornus  florida,  which 
very  often  attains  the  proportions  of  a  tree. 
When  burnt  over  by  a  bush  fire,  it  is  one  of 
the  first  to  spring  up  again,  clumps  of  suckers 
coming  from  the  old  roots.  The  colour  of  the 
leaves  in  the  autumn  is  very  distinct,  being  a 
mixture  of  yellow  and  pink.  The  fruits  when 
ripe  are  eagerly  eaten  by  the  native  grouse. 

Amelanchier  canadensis  is  a  pretty  shrub  to 
be  found  here,  although  not  very  common.  It 
is  not  vigorous  in  growth,  but  flowers  freely 
along  the  whole  length  of  the  branch ;  the 
purple  pome  and  autumn  colour  of  the  leaves 
also  enhance  its  decorative  value  for  the  garden. 

Acer  rubrum  is  one  of  the  most  ornamental 
and  common  shrubs.  It  is  ornamental  the 
whole  year  round,  with  ever-changing  attire. 
In  winter  the  young  shoots  are  crimson,  in 
spring  they  are  hidden  by  the  delicate  tints  of 
the  young  leaves,  which  in  summer  are  green, 
but  in  autumn  turn  to  brilliant  scarlet  in  the 
open  and  yellow  in  the  shade,  rivalling  Liqui- 
dambar  styraciflua  for  colour  effect. 

High  up  the  mountain  side,  never  below  3,000 
feet,  grows  Rhododendron  albiflorum  in  the 
shade  of  Abies  balsamea  and  other  conifers. 
Towards  the  end  of  July  its  freshly-opened, 
creamy  flowers  and  shining  green  leaves  are  like 
a  drink  of  cold  water  to  the  hot,  tired  climber. 
It  is  a  lovely  shrub  this,  living  for  six  months 
among  the  snows.  When  the  spring  flowers  are 
over  down  on  the  lowlands,  the  little  humming 
birds  come  up  the  mountains  where  spring  has 
just  awaked,  to  sip  the  honey  from  the  wide- 
open  flowers. 

All  of  these  shrubs  are  worthy  of  a  place  in 
British  gardens,  as  are  many  others  which  grow 
in  nature's  garden  here.     R.  Glendaming,  Van- 


THE     GARDENERS     CHRONICLE. 


[January  2,  1909. 


VEGETABLES. 


NOVELTIES  IN  VEGETABLES. 
The  French  gardeners  are  cultivating  for 
early  forcing  a  Carrot  named  Paris  Egg,  a  very 
rapid  grower.  This  may  be  followed  by  Early 
Nantes,  a  Carrot  that  has  become  a  great 
favourite  with  English  gardeners,  the  roots 
being  of  nice  form  and  a  bright-red  colour. 
Another  variety  -  resembling  Early  Nantes  is 
Lobberich,  a  stump-rooted  variety,  and  late  in 
coming  into  use;  very  sweet  and  good,  and  de- 
serving to  be  better  known. 


heavy  croppers.  The  stalks  of  these  varieties 
sometimes  weigh  4  lbs.  each.  They  are  tender 
when  properly  cooked,  and  pleasant  to  eat.  The 
plants  are  not  to  be  despised  as  decorative 
objects  in  the  pleasure  grounds  or  the  mixed 
flower  border. 

The  Australian  brown-skinned  Kangaroo  dif- 
fers from  most  Onions  raised  in  warm  countries 
in  being  a  long-keeping  bulb.  The  skin  is 
amber-coloured,  the  bulb  in  shape  almost  globu- 
lar, of  middle  size,  firm  of  flesh,  and  weighty 
for  its  size.  The  variety  should  have  a  good 
future,  it  is  an  excellent  market  Onion. 


M 


6   \ 


I 


FlG.   4. — A    SNOW-SCENE   IN    THE    ROYAL   BOTANICAL    GARDENS,   EDINBURGH. 

(See  page  11.) 


In  Celeriac,  the  variety  Delicatesse  (Delicacy), 
introduced  into  commerce  several  years  ago,  has 
maintained  its  good  reputation.  The  plant  has 
fine  foliage,  the  root  is  oval-globular  and  smooth, 
and  it  possesses  but  few  fibres.  It  is  peculiarly 
white  in  the  flesh,  and  tender  in  eating.  The 
short-leaved  Apple-shaped  Celeriac  is  a  highly- 
esteemed  variety. 

Among  Rhubarbs,  a  vegetable  which  in 
•  culinary  uses  is  treated  as  a  fruit,  the  novelties 
Cyclops   and    Monarch   are   valuable  as    being 


Amongst  the  earliest  short-topped  and  bright- 
coloured  varieties  of  forcing  Radishes  are  First 
Crop  and  Non  Plus  Ultra,  adding  to  these  Drie 
Brunnen,  a  famous  Erfurt  variety.  Wurzberg 
Giant  is  unexcelled  as  a  variety  for  cultivating 
in  cold  frames.  The  seeds  should  be  sown 
thinly,  or  the  plants  liberally  thinned,  in 
order  to  get  fine-sized  roots  with  tender  flesh. 
The  Salvator  white  Radish  has  been  some  years 
in  commerce.  It  is  a  summer  variety,  and  is  be- 
coming a  favourite  with  the  public.     Seeds  may 


be  sown  weekly — the  earliest  in  mild  hot-beds — 
from  the  end  of  the  month  of  March  onwards. 
In  the  open  ground  this  Radish  makes  quick 
growth,  and  the  flesh  remains  tender  for  a  long 
period  of  time,  and  free  from  woolliness.  The 
netted  Sedan  Radish  is  the  equal  of  Salvator  ; 
the  root  long,  pear-shaped,  smooth  as  to  skin, 
and  netted  black  on  white.  Seeds  may  be  sown 
at  frequent  intervals  from  March  onwards. 

Of  Runner  Beans  the  variety  Ohne  C.leichen 
(Peerless)  was  introduced  in  1907;  and,  judged 
by  the  crops  of  that  year,  it  is  a  thoroughly 
valuable  variety,  which  will  take  a  higher  rank 
than  the  July  Runner,  from  which  it  was  raised. 
The  pods  are  about  7  inches  long,  and  very 
freely  produced  ;  as  good  a  Bean  for  the  pri- 
vate garden  as  for  marketing. 

Among  Dwarf  Kidney  Beans,  Thuringia  is  a 
fine  late-cropping  variety,  with  long  and  broad 
pods.  The  plant  is  well  adapted  for  cultivation 
in  a  cool  climate.  White  Paris  Flageolet  re- 
sembles the  variety  Thuringia,  excepting  that 
the  pods  are  of  greater  breadth. 

The  white-flowering,  white-podded,  conserv- 
ing variety  of  Broad  Bear,  that  originated  in 
Holland  is  certainly  worth  cultivation.  The 
plant  has  great  vigour,  it  crops  heavily,  and 
the  pods  are  well  filled  and  of  great  length.  The- 
seeds  may  be  conserved  in  the  green  as  well  as 
ripe  state.  The  colour,  yellowish-white,  is  ap- 
preciated in  a  preserved  vegetable.     F..  M. 


NOTICES    OF     BOOKS. 


*  "The  Planter  s  Handbook." 

Mr.  Bunyakd  has  produced  a  useful  hand- 
book, which  conveys  in  plain  language  much- 
information  of  a  practical  nature,  easy  of  re- 
ference, well  illustrated  by  line  drawings,  and 
handy  in  form.  Directions  are  briefly  given  as 
to  the  manner  of  employing  trees  and  shrubs  in 
gardens  and  parks,  the  kinds  of  soils  in  which 
they  succeed  best,  proper  seasons  for  planting, 
and  the  treatment  afterwards  necessary.  Men- 
tion is  made  of  most  of  the  species  and  varieties 
of  trees  and  shrubs  of  recent  introduction  which 
are  hardy  in  these  islands,  the  number  of  which 
is  very  large ;  yet  it  is  regrettable  to  note  how 
few  are  those  which  the  ordinary  planter 
and  gardener  puts  to  any  useful  purpose. 
In  this  regard  we  may  take  as  examples 
Maples  (Acers),  which,  if  more  freely  planted, 
would  impart  a  distinct  and  pleasing  character 
to  the  garden  and  park.  How  seldom  do  we- 
note  such  varieties  of  the  Norway  Maple  (Acer 
platanoides)  employed  as  A.  p.  Reitenbachii, 
and  A.  p.  Schwedleri,  with  claret-coloured 
leaves,  or  A.  californicum  texanum,  a  grand, 
hardy  tree,  succeeding  on  dry  as  on  wet  land  ; 
Acer  dasycarpum,  a  species  with  striking 
foliage,  and  capable  of  growing  in  any 
ordinary  soil ;  Acer  Negundo,  of  which  there  are 
several  variegated  varieties,  Acer  colchicum 
rubrum,  A.  c.  aureum,  and  A.  tataricum 
Ginnala,  all  of  which  Mr.  Bunyard  includes 
in  his  list  of  desirable  trees.  We  think  that 
he  has  made  his  list  of  Quercus  too  brief, 
although  mention  is  made  of  the  finer 
American  species.  We  take  it  that  by  Quercus 
macrophylla  is  intended  Q.  macrocarpa — an 
Oak  with  very  striking  foliage.  Flowering 
shrubs  come  in  for  plentiful  notice,  for  which 
planters  should  be  thankful,  and  there  are 
useful  lists  of  trees  and  shrubs  with  silvery  and 
golden  leaves,  and  of  coniferous  trees  suitable 
for  a  variety  of  purposes.  This  last  list  might 
have  been  extended  with  advantage  to  many 
readers. 


*  The  Planter's  Handbook,  by  George  Bunyard,  V.M.H. 
Published  bv  George  Bunyard  &  Co.,  Ltd.,  Maidstone. 
1908.     Price  3s.  6d.  net. 


JANUABY  2,    1909  ] 


THE     GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


NOVELTIES  OF  1908. 

Again  the  season  has  come  when  it  is  custom- 
ary to  pass  in  review  the  garden  acquisitions 
of  the  past  year.  Although  many  are  engaged 
in  the  search  for  new  plants,  and  in  the  work  of 
raising  hybrids,  it  is  the  few  who,  having 
secured  the  lead,  are  able  to  keep  it,  therefore 
most  of  the  better  novelties  have  been  shown  by 
the  well-known  amateurs  or  nurserymen. 

The  Orchids. 

In  the  matter  of  showy  Orchids,  the  hybridist 
seems  to  have  it  all  his  own  way,  for  but  few 
new  species  have  been  imported.  It  is  pleasant 
to  note  that  what  are  known  as  botanical  species 
of  Orchids,  having  interesting  but  small  flowers, 
have  met  with  the  recognition  they  merit. 

Baron  Sir  H.  Schroder,  The  Dell,  Egham 
(gr.  Mr.  H.  Ballantine),  secured  five  First-class 
Certificates  for  plants  exhibited  from  his 
famous  collection,  viz.,  for  the  handsome  Odon- 
toglossum  Bingelianum,  O.  Wilckeanum 
Schroderianum,  O.  crispum  Princess  of  Wales, 
a  charming  flower  of  perfect  form;  O.  Phcebe, 
and  the  new  and  pretty  Miltonia  St.  Andre. 

Lieut. -Col.  G.  L.  Holford,  C.I.E.,  C.V.O., 
Westonbirt  (gr.  Mr.  H.  G.  Alexander),  as  in 
former  years,  takes  the  lead  in  the  number  and 
quality  of  the  many  fine  home-raised  hybrids 
which  he  has  shown.  First-class  Certificates  were 
obtained  by  Cypripedium  Sultan,  C.  Helen  II. 
Westonbirt  variety,  and  C.  Actaeus  Bianca  (three 
noble  flowers)  ;  Brasso-Cattleya  heatonensis 
Westonbirt  variety,  Laelio-Cattleya  Elva  Weston- 
birt variety,  L.-C.  Clive  magnifica,  and  the 
famous  Cattleya  Schroderae  "  The  Baron,"  a 
superb  variety  imported  by  Messrs.  Sander  & 
Sons.  Awards  of  Merit  were  given  to  Laelio- 
<  attleya  Corunna,  L.-C.  Pizarro,  L.-C.  Cornelia 
Westonbirt  variety,  L.-C.  Lustre  gigantea, 
L.-C.  Ortrude,  L.-C.  luminosa  Westonbirt 
variety,  Cattleya  Enid  magnifica,  Cypripedium 
Arethusa,  C.  Dante  magnificum,  C.  Rossettii, 
one  of  the  best  of  yellow  Cypripediums  ;  Sophro. 
Cattleya  Saxa  Westonbirt  variety,  Sophro- 
I.aelio-C'attleya  Danae  superba,  S.-L.-C.  Medea 
vinicolor,  Brasso-Cattleya  Madame  Hye 
superba,  Odontoglossum  Eleanor  Westonbirt 
variety.  At  the  last  show  of  the  season  the 
handsome  Cypripedium  Antinous  secured  a 
First-class  Certificate. 

Sir  Trevor  Lawrence,  Bart.,  K.C.V.O., 
Burford  (gr.  Mr.  W.  H.  White),  who  combines 
modern  Orchid  growing  of  the  showy  class  with 
his  favourite  culture  of  rare,  pretty  and  curious 
botanical  species,  has  the  longest  list  of  certi- 
ficated plants,  visitors  to  the  Royal  Horticul- 
tural Society  having  to  thank  him  for  the  op- 
portunity of  seeing  some  thirty  charming  and 
rare  species  for  which  he  has  been  voted 
Botanical  Certificates  in  addition  to  a  good 
number  of  showier  floral  novelties.  These  latter 
include  Cattleya  Mossiae  Goossensiana  and 
Odontoglossum  Wiganianum  superbum,  which 
secured  First-class  Certificates ;  and  Cattleya 
Maronii  aurea,  Catasetum  Russellianum,  Cirr- 
hopetalum  Wendlandianum,  Angraecum  augus- 
tum,  A.  Germinyanum,  Dendrobium  Jerdonia- 
num,  Odontoglossum  platycheilum  superbum, 
and  Epidendrum  virens,  which  obtained  Awards 
of  Merit.  The  thirty  Botanical  Certificates  were 
awarded  to  a  remarkable  and  varied  collection 
of  rare  species,  many  of  which  will  be  found  in 
the  appended  reference  to  illustrations  in  the 
Gardeners'1  Chronicle  during  1908. 

Sir  Jeremiah  Colman,  Bart.  (gr.  Mr.  Collier), 
in  the  first  half  of  1908  secured  Awards  for  a 
number  of  handsome  Orchids  chiefly  raised  in 
his  fine  collection  at  Gatton  Park.  These  were 
Cymbidium  Gattonense  (Tracyanum  x  Lowi- 
anum),  C.  Lady  Colman  (eburneo-Lowianum  x 
Tracyanum),  both  elegant  hybrids ;  the  pure 
white  Diacattleya  Colmanae,  Dendrobium  Cybele 
Gatton  Park  variety,  D.  Thwaitesiae  Bound's 
variety,  D.  Chessingtonense  Gatton  Park 
variet}',  and  among  species  the  yellow  D. 
Brymerianum  Gatton  Park  variety,  Cirrho- 
petalum  pulchrum,  and  the  singular  Bulbo- 
phyllum  mirum,  which  attracted  so  much  atten- 
tion in  the  handsome  group  staged  at  the  last 
Temple  Show.  Sir  Jeremiah  Colman  also 
flowered  for  the  first  time  the  remarkable  Bulbo- 
phyllum  lemniscatoides. 

J.  Gurney  Fowler,  Esq.,  Glebelands,  South 
Woodford  (gr.  Mr.  J.  Davis),  had  one  of  the 
finest  novelties  of  the  year  in  the   rich   scarlet 


Sophro-Cattleya  Doris,  which  obtained  a  First- 
class  Certificate  on  November  10 ;  his  other 
best  exhibits  being  Odontoglossum  percultum  J. 
R.  Roberts,  O.  Ossulstonii  Glebelands  variety, 
Cypripedium  Ernest  Read  and  Catasetum 
maculatum. 

Norman  C.  Cookson,  Esq.  (gr.  Mr.  Chapman), 
in  Odontoglossum  crispum  Leonard  Perfect, 
which  secured  a  First-class  Certificate  and 
Medal,  showed  the  finest  "crispum"  of  the 
year ;  his  O.  crispum  Kenneth  being  also  good. 
In  Calanthe  Angela  (F.-C.C-J  and  C.  Norman 
(A.M.)  Mr.  Cookson  beat  his  own  record  for 
brilliant  ruby-crimson  Calanthes.  Phaius  Clive 
secured  a  First-class  Certificate  ;  Cattleya  Fabia 
Cooksoniae  is  a  showy  white  flower  with  purple 
blotch  on  the  lip,  and  Cypripedium  Fairrie- 
anum  Cookson's  variety,  one  of  the  darkest  yet 
shown. 

Francis  Wellesley,  Esq.,  Westfield,  Wok- 
ing (gr.  Mr.  Hopkins),  has  shown  some  distinct 
hybrids  during  the  year,  and  at  the  Temple 
Show  staged  one  of  the  finest  of  Cattleyas,  viz., 
Cattleya  Mendelii  His  Majesty  the  King,  which 
secured  a  First-class  Certificate,  and  whose  pic- 
ture it  is  said  was  accepted  by  her  Majesty 
Queen  Alexandra. 

H.  S.  Goodson,  Esq.,  Fairlawn,  West  Hill, 
Putney  (gr.  Mr.  G.  E.  Day),  received  First-class 
Certificates  for  Odontoglossum  coeruleum  "King 
of  England,"  with  violet  and  white  flowers; 
the  scarlet  Odontioda  Charlesworthii  Goodson's 
variety ;  Laelio-Cattleya  St.  Gothard,  and  Cat- 
tleya Venus ;  and  Awards  of  Merit  for  Cymbi- 
dium eburneum  Goodsonianum,  Laelio-Cattleya 
Elva  var.  St.  Vincent,  and  L.-C.  Golden  Oriole 
Goodson's  variety. 

De  B.  Crawshay,  Esq.,  Rosefield,  Sevenoaks, 
produced  the  fine  Odontoglossum  crispum 
"Queen  of  the  Earth"  (F.-C.C),  the  rosy- 
purple  O.  illustre  Theodora ;  also  O.  Queen 
Alexandra  Crawshayanum,  one  of  the  finest 
coloured  hybrid  Odontoglossum?,  O.  Zenobia 
(Hallii  x  Edwardii),  and  several  other  hybrid 
Odontoglossums  of  merit. 

R.  G.  Thwaites,  Esq.,  Chessington,  Streat- 
ham  (gr.  Mr.  Black),  showed  the  distinct  novelty 
Odontioda  Thwaitesii  (vulcanica  x  Harry- 
anum),  the  richly-coloured  Sophro-Cattleya 
Warnhamiensis  "  J.  M.  Black,"  and  the  pretty 
white-petalled  Cattleya  Maggie  Raphael  delica- 
tissima. 

Gurney  Wilson,  Esq.,  Haywards  Heath, 
showed  the  fine  pure  white  Brasso-Cattleya 
Queen  Alexandra  Glenthorne  variety,  and 
several  interesting  species  of  Orchids. 

Hubert  Grogan,  Esq.,  Slaney  Park,  Baltin- 
glass,  exhibited  the  dark  violet  Odontoglossum 
Groganiae  (Edwardii   X   Uro-Skinneri). 

Leopold  de  Rothschild,  Esq.  (gr.  Mr.  Jas. 
Hudson),  showed  the  deep  magenta-rose  Cattleya 
Clarkiae  intensa ;  J.  S.  Moss,  Esq.,  sent  the 
white  Odontoglossum  nebulosum  Mossiae ;  W. 
Thompson,  Esq.,  Walton  Grange  (gr.  Mr. 
Steivens),  the  floriferous  Miltonia  Bleuana 
Stevensii ;  J.  Forster  Alcock,  Esq.,  North- 
church,  the  dark-coloured  Cypripedium  bellatu- 
lum  Exhims  variety,  and  C.  Berkleyanum 
Exhims  variety. 

Nurserymen. 

Messrs.  Sander  &  Sons,  St.  Albans  and 
Bruges,  have  obtained  First-class  Certificates 
for  the  showy  Cymbidium  Sanderi  (insigne) 
superbum,  C.  Sanderi  splendens,  the  violet-blue 
Vanda  ccerulea  "  R.  Chollet,"  Brasso-Cattleya 
Madame  Chas.  Maron  Sander's  variety,  Cy- 
pripedium Dreadnought,  Odontoglossum  Mac- 
Nabianum  and  O.  Magali  Sander,  the  last- 
named  being  one  of  the  largest  and  most  re- 
markable Odontoglossums  yet  raised.  The 
Award  of  Merit  plants  were  Cattleya  Schroderae 
"  Queen  Alexandra,"  the  unique  blotched  Odon- 
toglossum Pescatorei  Sanderae,  O.  Lord  Ossul- 
ston  Sander's  variety,  Vanda  amcena  Sanderae, 
Cypripedium  Troilus  Lord  Nelson,  and  On- 
cidium  bicallosum  Sander's  variety.  Messrs. 
Sander  &  Sons  also  received  Botanical  Certifi- 
cates for  Cymbidium  Dayanum  and  Megacli- 
nium  colubrinum. 

Messrs.  Charlesworth  &  Co.,  Haywards 
Heath,  have  exhibited  many  excellent  hybrids, 
including  the  handsome  Brasso-Cattleya  Clif- 
tonii  and  the  pure  white  Vanda  ccerulea  Charles- 
worthii, both  of  which  secured  First-class  Certi- 
ficates ;  Sophro-Cattleya  Antiochus  rubra, 
Sophro-Laelia      Felicia,      Sophro-Laelio-Cattleya 


Marathon,  Cattleya  Rhoda  (Iris  x  Hardyana) 
in  several  fine  and  distinct  forms  ;  the  deep  red 
Odontioda  Charlesworthii  (F.-C.C),  one  of  the 
finest  novelties  of  the  year ;  Odontoglossum 
Clyde,  O.  Gladys,  O.  hibernicum,  Laelio-Catt- ' 
leya  Elinor,  Trichopilia  nobilis  alba,  Bifrenaria 
tetragona  and   Phal3enopsis   Lindenii. 

^  Messrs.  Jas.  Veitch  &  Sons,  King's  Road, 
Chelsea,  the  pioneers  of  the  Orchid-raising  in- 
dustry, are  beginning  to  show  the  good  results 
of  secondary  crosses  of  some  of  their  earlier 
productions,  the  very  handsome  Cypripedium 
Elatior  (Leeanum  X  Baron  Schroder)  far  sur--> 
passing  C.  Baron  Schroder  at  all  points  while 
retaining  its  rich,  deep  claret-purple,  white 
colouring  and  fine  substance,  and  C.  San 
Actaeus  Etoniense  being  the  result  of  trans- 
ferring the  size  and  shape  of  C.  insigne  Hare- 
field  Hall  to  the  good  habit  and  white  dorsal 
sepal  of  C.  Actaeus  Langleyense. 

Orchid  novelties  were  also  shown  during 
the  year  by  Messrs.  Armstrong  &  Brown,  Tun- 
bridge  Wells,  Messrs.  Hugh  Low  &  Co.,  Messrs. 
Stanley  &  Co.,  Messrs.  J.  &  A.  A.  McBean, 
Cooksbridge ;  Messrs.  Moore,  Ltd.,  Rawdon, 
Leeds,  and  others. 

Continental  Exhibits. 

Mons.  Chas.  Vuylsteke,  Loochristi,  Ghent, 
whose  hybrid  Odontoglossums  are  the  envy  of 
all  Orchidists,  showed  a  selection  of  varieties  at 
the  Temple  Show,  those  of  violet-blue  colour 
being  specially  novel  and  attractive.  First-class" 
Certificates  were  awarded  for  O.  illustre 
luxurians  and  O.  eximium  Queen  Alexandra, 
and  an  Award  of  Merit  for  O.  laudatum. 

At  the  same  exhibition  Mons.  Graire,  of 
Amiens,  showed  Odontioda  St.  Fuscien,  a  pretty 
scarlet-mottled  flower. 

Earlier  in  the  year  Mons.  Jules  Hye  de 
Crom,  Ghent,  secured  First-class  Certificates  for 
his  white  Cattleya  Suzanne  Hye  de  Crom  and  for 
the  variety  Jungfrau.  Mons.  Mertens,  Ghent, 
has  been  a  frequent  exhibitor  of  good  Odonto- 
glossums at  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society's 
meetings.  Mons.  Chas.  Maron,  Brunoy,  France, 
received  Awards  for  Cattleya  Rutilant  (F.-C.C.) 
and  Brasso-Cattleya  Helene  Maron  (A.M.). 

The  following  new  and  rare  Onchids  are 
among  those  illustrated  in  the  Gardeners' 
Chronicle  during  1908. 

Bulbophyllum  mirum,  May  30,  p.  348. 

Bulbophyllum  orthoglossum,  June   20,  p.   406. 

Cataseteum   Claesianum,  Sep.   19,  p.   air. 

Cattleya  Mendelii   Holford's  variety,  May  2,   p.  378. 

Cattleya   Venus,   Oct.    10,   p.    258. 

Cypripedium  Actaeus  Bianca,  Oct.  10,  p.  261. 

Cypripedium  Charlesworthii  Bromiluwianum,  Oct.  31, 
p.     210. 

Cypripedium   Dreadnought,  Dec.  5,  p.   389. 

Cypripedium  Minos  Young's  variety,  Feb.   1,  p.  74. 

Cypripedium  San-Acta?us  Etoniense,  Dec.   12,  p.  425. 

Cypripedium  ventricosum  album,  June  27,  p.  414.  • 

Dendrobium  Brymerianum  Gatton  Park  variety. 
Supp.,  Aug  8. 

Dendrobium    criniferum,   Mar.   28,  p.   194. 

Dendrobium  Madonnae,  Mar.   14,  p.   162. 

Diacattleya   Colmaniae,   Feb.    22,   p.    114. 

Epidendrum  costatum,   Dec.    19,  p.   4-'> 

Epidendrum    falcatum,   Supp.,   Nov.    28. 

Epidendrum    Lambeauianum,  Sep.   26,  p.   228. 

Laelio-Cattleya  Elva  Westonbirt  variety,  May  30,  p. 
349- 

Maxillaria  lutco-alba,   Mar.    14.   p.    165. 

Miltonia  vexillaria  virginale,  May  30,  p.  351. 

Miltonia  vexillaria  Westonbirt  variety,  May,  30,  p. 
352. 

Odontioda  Charlesworthii,    May  30,   p.   353. 

Odontioda  St.   Fuscien,  May  30,  p.  353. 

Odontoglossum  ardentissimum  Madame  Vuylsteke, 
Jun^    6,    p.    363. 

Odontoglossum  crispum  Leonard  Perfect,  May  16,  p.  - 
321. 

Odontoglossum  crispum  Memoria  Waterloo,  June  ti, 
p.     18. 

Odontoglossum  crispum  Perfect  Gem,  April  n,   p 

Odontoglossum  egregium  Madame  Jules  Hye  de 
Crom,  June   6,   p.   362. 

Odontoglossum    Lairessei,    May    23,    p.    328. 

Odontoglossum    Macnabianum,    Jan.    18,    p.    45' 

Odontoglossum   maculatissimum.   June   6.    p.   362. 

Odontoglossum    percultum    J.    R.    Roberts,    June    20,* 
p.   395. 

Odontoglossum  Pescatorei  Westonbirt  variety,  Supp., 
Oct.   3. 

Odontoglossum    Phcebe,   June   27,    p.   421. 

Odontoglossum  Queen  Alexandra  var.  Crawshayanum, 
July    18,    p.    42. 

Odontoglossum  Wilckeanum  imperiale,  May  2,  p.  287. 

Odontonia  Lairesseae,  May  23,  p.   329. 

Orchis  latifolia    X    maculata,  Sep.    12,  p.    194. 

Polystachya  flexuosa,  Oct.  17,  p.  276. 

Sophro-Cattleya   Doris,   Nov.    21,  p.  356. 

Vanda  Ccerulea  Charlesworthii,  Nov.   28,   p.   374. 

Vanda  pumila,  July  18,  p.  43. 

Vanda  Watsonii,   Feb.    29    p.    131. 

(To  be  continued.) 


6 


THE    GARDENERS'    CHRONICLE. 


[January  2,  1909. 


The  Week's  Work. 


FRUITS  UNDER  GLASS. 

'By  E.  Harriss,  Fruit  Foreman,  Royal  Gardens,  Frogmore. 
Preparations  for  forcing. — In  every  establish- 
ment where  large  quantities  of  soft  fruit  are 
required,  it  is  imperative  that  a  programme 
should  be  drawn  up  at  the  beginning  of  the 
season,  thus  systematising  the  procedure  in  re- 
gard to  the  forcing  operations.    In  most  cases  it 

is     not     only 
necessary      to 
cultivate  fruit 
of  the  highest 
excellence,  but 
it  is  of   equal 
i  m  p  o  r  t  ance 
that  the  crops 
shall   ripen   at 
the    proper 
time.      More 
especially     do 
these   remarks 
apply  to  crops 
of      a      tem- 
porary     char- 
acter.     The 
gardener 
should   obtain 
information  as 
far     as     it     is 
possible  as  to 
^■■ffiesl*^228Eeis8S5^0.2      ,  p  c    approxi- 
mate    dates 
when  any  special  demand  for  fruit  is  likely  to 
be  made  upon  him.     In  the  case  of  permanent 
■crops  such  as   Grapes,  Peaches  and  Figs,  it  is 
a   help   to   have   neat   boards   hanging   in   each 
house,  recording  on   these   boards  the  dates  of 
the  stages  in  the  new  development  of  the  sea- 
son, from  closing  the  house  before  growth  has 
commenced  to  the  gathering  of  the  fruit.     Such 
records    have   a   great    value    in   the    following 
season. 

Fruit  trees  at  rest. — Fruit  trees  under  glass 
need  a  period  of  absolute  rest.  When  the  prun- 
ing has  been  done,  the  house  should  be  cleared 
of  any  pot  plants  it  formerly  contained  and 
.the  ventilators  opened  widely  at  all  times  un- 
less there  is  danger  of  the  water  in  the  pipes 
becoming  frozen.  If  this  can  be  done  for 
several  weeks  before  the  house  has  to  be  closed 
for  forcing  so  much  the  better.  The  piesence 
of  pot  plants  on  fruit-tree  borders  during  the 
resting  season  has  a  very  prejudicial  effect  upon 
the  roots,  often  causing  shanking  and  bud  drop- 
ping- 

Melons. — If  ripe  fruits  are  desired  at  the  end 
of  April  or  early  in  May,  no  time  must  now  be 
lost  before  sowing  seeds  of  some  trustworthy 
sort.  Fill,  therefore,  some  2^-inch  pots  with 
loamy  soil  containing  a  little  finely-broken  mor- 
tar rubble,  and  warmed  to  the  temperature  of 
the  house.  Insert  two  seeds  in  each  pot,  and  if 
both  germinate,  remove  the  weaker  plant  as  soon 
as  this  can  be  determined  upon.  Plunge  the 
pots  in  a  moderately  warm  hot-bed  until  the 
seedlings  are  well  through  the  soil,  afterwards 
placing  them  on  a  shelf  near  to  the  glass.  Al- 
though the  earliest  Melons  may  be  grown  suc- 
cessfully in  pots,  we  find  that  the  plants  culti- 
vated in  beds  are  most  satisfactory.  The 
earliest  crops  need  the  advantages  of  a  hot-bed, 
and  the  material  for  forming  this  should  be 
prepared  at  once  using  partially  decomposed 
leaves  and  stable  litter  in  equal  parts.  In  our 
case  we  have  the  benefit  of  hot  water  pipes 
under  the  fermenting  materials,  and  it  is  there- 
fore only  necessary  to  have  a  small  hot-bed,  the 
top  of  which  is  raised  to  within  a  foot  of  the 
trellis.  On  this  hot-bed  is  placed  a  bed  of  soil 
18  inches  wide  by  9  inches  deep.  The  soil  is 
made  quite  firm,  this  point  being  essential.  If 
the  loam  is  of  a  retentive  nature,  the  inclusion 
of  some  old  mortar  rubble  will  improve  it,  and 
poor  soil  may  be  enriched  by  the  addition  of 
finely-crushed   bones. 

Cucumbers. — Young  plants  must  be  raised 
without  delay  to  fruit  in  succession  to  the  old 
plants  now  showing  signs  of  exhaustion.  Sow 
the  seeds  singly  in  2i-inch  pots  containing  a 
compost  of  loam  and  leaf-mould  in  equal  parts. 
The  soil  should  be  warm  when  used,  and  in  a 
sufficiently  moist  condition  that  no  water  will 
be  required  until  the  seeds  have  germinated. 
Plunge  the  pots  in  a  similar  hot-bed  as  advised 


for  Melons.  A  hot-bed  will  afterwards  be 
needed,  as  in  the  case  of  Melons,  for  forming 
the  beds  upon,  and  if  a  covering  a  few  inches 
deep  of  half-rotten  Oak  leaves  is  placed  over 
the  bed  it  will  be  of  great  benefit.  An  atmo- 
spheric temperature  at  night  of  65 J  to  70 J,  and 
an  increase  of  about  10°  during  the  day  will 
alike  be  suitable  for  the  Melons  and  Cucumbers. 


THE    KITCHEN    GARDEN. 

By  E.  Beckett,  Gardener  to  the  Hon.  Vicarv  Gibbs, 
Aldenham  House,  Elstree,  Hertfordshire. 

Failures. — Every  gardener  is  bound  to  meet 
with  failures  sooner  or  later,  some  owing  to  un- 
avoidable circumstances,  but  others  are  due  to 
improper  methods  and  other  adverse  conditions 
which  experience  will  in  the  future  enable  him  to 
overcome.    It  will  be  well  at  this  season  to  look 

back  over  the 
old  year  and 
note  as  far  as 
possible  the 
reason  why 
such  and  such 
a  crop  was  not 
the  success  it 
might  have 
been,  and  take 
steps  to  rec- 
tify this  dur- 
ing the  New 
Year. 

Hot-beds.— It 
will  be  neces- 
sary in  many 
gardens  to 
augment  these 
cons  iderably 
during  the 
present  month 
as  there  are 
very  many 
choice  v  e  g  e- 
tables  which  can  be  brought  forward  with  the 
aid  of  hot-beds  and  portable  frames.  We  should 
hear  much  less  of  the  French  system  of  garden- 
ing if,  as  I  have  long  advocated,  gardeners  were 
provided  with  a  greater  number  of  these  port- 
able frames  and  learned  to  put  them  to  the  best 
use.  They  are  invaluable  to  the  gardener  who 
has  to  supply  large  quantities  of  forced  vege- 
tables, and  not  only  are  these  of  use  during  the 
spring  months,  but  they  can  be  utilised  with 
advantage  every  day  in  the  year,  and  with  the 
aid  of  freshly-fallen  leaves  much  less  expense 
incurred  in  providing  the  requisite  heat.  The 
chief  danger  in  hot-beds  lies  in  the  engendering 
of  too  much,  rather  than  too  little  heat,  and  be- 
fore adding  the  soil  one  should  make  absolutely 
certain  that  the  heat  is  well  on  the  decline,  for 
if  once  the  soil  becomes  baked,  as  it  most 
assuredly  will  if  the  heat  is  excessive,  no  crops 
will  grow  in  it  satisfactorily.  Asparagus,  Car- 
rots, Turnips,  Potatos,  Radishes  and  such  crops 
are  all  suitable  to  this  kind  of  treatment. 
Cucumbers,  Marrows  and  Melons  can  also  be 
successfully  grown  by  this  method  later  in  the 
year. 

Carrots. — Late  sowings  made  either  in  heated 
pits  or  on  hot-beds  for  supplying  young  roots 
early  in  the  year  should  now  be  thinned  just 
sufficient  to  prevent  the  young  plants  from  be- 
coming drawn.  The  soil  should  be  stirred  be- 
tween the  rows,  and  air  admitted  to  the  frame 
cautiously  whenever  the  weather  is  sufficiently 
mild,  on  bright  days  syringing  the  plants  and 
closing  the  ventilators  at  1   p.m. 

Peas. — Those  which  were  sown  last  month  in 
pots  will  now  have  germinated.  These  should 
be  kept  as  near  the  glass  as  is  possible  in  a 
cool  house  or  even  a  cold  frame,  avoiding  the 
use  of  fire  heat  at  all  times.  Make  another 
good  sowing  of  some  of  the  early  large-podded 
varieties  in  10-inch  pots,  and  raise  the  plants 
in   cold  frames. 

Broad  Beans. — These  require  similar  treat- 
ment, and  provided  they  are  not  unduly  forced, 
will  produce  sp'endid  crops  long  before  one  can 
expect   them   in   the   open. 

Spinach. — If  from  any  cause  the  autumn- 
sown  crops  prove  to  be  a  failure,  it  will  be 
found  a  capita!  plan  to  sow  one  or  other  of  the 
very  large-leaved  varieties  thinly  in  cold  frames. 
It  is  surprising  what  large  quantities  may  be 
picked  from  an  ordinary-sized  three-light  frame. 


I    have    found    the    "Carter"    a    very    reliable 
variety  for  this  kind  of  treatment. 

Lettuce. — Make  small  sowings  of  this  in  a 
gentle  heat  for  cultivation  under  glass.  Choose 
those  varieties  best  adapted  to  forcing. 


PUBLIC   PARKS   AND   GARDENS. 

By  J.  W.  Moorman,  Superintendent  of  Victoria  Park, 
London. 

Open  spaces  in  London. — During  the  past  two 
years  much  interesting  and  valuable  information 
has  been  published  in  the  Gardeners'"  Chronicle 
on  park  management  by  the  superintendents  in 
the  great  provincial  cities  of  Cardiff  and  Glas- 
gow. My  own  efforts,  I  fear,  will  be  less  suc- 
cessful than  theirs  have  been,  and  I  have  some 
difficulty,  from  the  fact  that  the  parks  and  other 
open  spaces  of  London  are  not  under  one 
authority.  It  has  therefore  appeared  to  me  de- 
sirable in  my  first  article  to  convey  an  accurate 
idea  of  London's  open  spaces,  and  of  the 
divided  responsibility  that  exists  for  their 
maintenance  and  control.  The  increase  in 
the  number  and  extent  of  the  public  parks, 
gardens,  and  open  spaces  within  the  county 
of  London  has  been  most  remarkable  dur- 
ing the  past  20  years.  They  are  controlled 
either     by      the      Government,      the      London 

County  Coun- 
cil, the  City  of 
London  Corpo- 
ration, or  the 
Metro  politan 
borough  coun- 
cils, of  which 
there  are  28 
separate  gov- 
erning  authori- 
ties. 

The  Royal 
parks.  —  The 
Govern  ment 
have  the  con- 
trol of  about 
1 ,460  acres, 
which  includes, 
among  others, 
the  important 
spaces  of  Green 
Park,  Green- 
wich Park, 
Hyde  Park,  St. 
James's  Park,  Kensington  Gardens,  Regent's 
Park,  and  Primrose  Hill.  These  are  all  situ- 
ated within  the  count',,  and  in  close  proximity 
to  thickly-populated  districts.  They  are  under 
the  management  of  H.M.  Office  of'Works,  and 
their  maintenance  is  defrayed  from  the  Imperial 
Exchequer. 

The  L.C.C.  parks. — The  London  County  Coun- 
cil's area  of  parks,  gardens,  churchyards,  and 
open  spaces  comprise  about  5,003  acres,  and 
number  112  places,  extending  from  Hampstead 
and  Highgate  in  the  north-west  to  Tooting  and 
.Streatham  in  the  south-west,  and  from  Hackney 
Marshes  and  Hainault  in  the  north-east  sections 
to  Sydenham  and   Eltham  in  the  south-east. 

The  City  Corporation. — The  City  of  London 
Corporation  has  only  a  few  small  places  within 
the  county,  but  outside  they  have  the  charge  of 
nearly  6,500  acres,  which  includes  Epping 
Forest,  Burnham  Beeches,  and  Coulsdon 
Common. 

The  borough  councils. — The  28  metropolitan 
boroughs  have  the  management  of  160  small 
enclosures,  principally  small  squares,  greens, 
and  churchyards,  bearing  a  total  acreage  of  266 
acres.  These  are  controlled  and  maintained  by 
the  borough  council  in  whose  area  these  small 
but  useful  enclosures  are  situated.  A  large 
number  of  them  are  admirably  kept,  and  all 
fully  justify  their  cost  in  procuring  and  adapt- 
ing them  for  the  use  of  the  public  as  an  aid  to 
healthful  recreation. 

Open  spaces  as  playing  grounds. — When  one 
considers  that  within  the  small  area  of  the 
London  county  there  are  nearly  7,000  acres  of 
park  land  and  open  spaces  already  secured  for 
the  use  of  its  inhabitants  and  visitors,  the  fact 
is  a  very  gratifying  one.  The  admirable  pro- 
vision of  land  for  sports  and  games  causes  one 
to  wonder  how  Londoners  existed  prior  to  the 
development  of  these  open  spaces.  Encourage- 
ment is  given  to  basket  ball,  bathing,  boating, 
bowling,       croquet,      cricket,      football,      golf, 


January  2,  1909.] 


THE     GARDENERS'      CHRONICLE. 


gymnasium,  hockey,  hurley  and  shinty,  lacrosse, 
lawn  tennis,  quoits,  roller  skating,  skating  on 
ice,  and  spiro  pole,  and  a  large  sum  of  money  is 
annually  expended  on  bands  and  other  forms 
of  music. 


PLANTS    UNDER  GLASS. 

By  A.  C,  Bartlett,  Gardener  to  Mrs.  Ford,  Pencarrow, 
Cornwall. 

The  forcing  house. — Place  successional  batches 
of  bulbous  and  other  plants  in  this  structure. 
Tulips  will  bear  harder  forcing  than  most  bulbs, 
but  Narcissi  and  Hyacinths  must  be  brought  on 
gradually  or  the  results  will  be  disappointing. 
It  is  essential  that  all  bulbs  for  forcing  should 

be  well  rooted 
before  their 
introduct  ion 
to  heat. 
Among  shrubs 
suitable  for 
the  forcing 
house  at  the 
present  time 
are  Acer, 
Lab  u  r  n  u  m, 
Lilac,  Prunus 
triloba,  Sta- 
phylea  col. 
chica,  and 
Azaleas  of  all 
kinds  (see  ar- 
ticle on  this 
subj  e  c  t  in 
Gardeners' 
Chronicle,  De- 
cember 111,  19, 
26,  1908).  Solomon's  Seal  (Polygonatum  multi- 
florum)  forcae  well,  and  if  properly  hardened 
afterwards  may  be  used  even  in  draughty  corri- 
dors and  similar  places  where  most  forced 
plants  are  not  capable  of  remaining  in  a  good 
condition.  From  the  present  date  home-grown 
Lily  of  the  Valley  crowns  may  be  forced  suc- 
cessfully, and  the  flowers  from  these  are  usually 
much  more  fragrant  than  those  obtained  from 
crowns  retarded  last  season.  The  moss  that  is 
laid  over  the  Lily  crowns  should  be  kept  in  a 
moist  condition,  and  it  must  not  be  allowed  to 
become  so  matted  together  that  the  flower-spikes 
can   only   penetrate   it   with  difficulty. 

Hippeastrums. — In  gardens  where  there  is  a 
considerable  stock  of  llippeastrum  bulbs,  a  batch 
may  now  be  started  into  growth,  selecting  for  the 
purpose  firm  bulbs  that  do  not  require  repotting. 
Carefully  remove  a  little  of  the  surface  soil 
with  a  pointed  stick  and  afterwards  apply  a 
light  top-dresing.  These  plants  should  be 
labelled  so  that  they  may  not  be  selected  for 
early  foicing  next  season.  They  will  need  to  be 
repotted  then  and  will  flower  later. 


THE  HARDY  FRUIT  GARDEN. 

By  J.  G.  Weston,  Gardener  to  H.  J.  King,  Esq.,  Eastwell 
Pail,  Kent. 

Fruit  trees  on  walls. — The  pruning  and  train- 
ing of  hardy  fruit  trees  should  be  pushed  for- 
ward in  favourable  weather.  After  one  of  the 
best  autumns  on  record,  the  weather  broke  in 
December,  and  caused  this  work  to  be  delayed. 
With  the  aid  of  planks,  however,  to  walk  upon, 

training  can 
be  carried  out 
when  ground- 
work must  of 
necessity  be 
postponed.  On 
n  o  account 
permit  the 
ground  to  be 
trampled  upon 
when  it  is  in  a 
wet  and  pasty 
condition.  If 
any  trees  have 
suffered  neg- 
lect it  will  be 
well  to  cut 
out  a  con- 
siderable 
amount  of  the 
o  Id  wood, 
even  if  this 
involves  the 
sacrifice  of  a  littie  fruit  for  a   season. 

Morcllo     Cherries. — The     season     of     Morello 


Cherries  may  be  lengthened  by  planting  a  few 
trees  in  different  aspects,  though  trees  for  sup- 
plying the  mam  crop  should  be  planted  on  ths 
north  side  of  a  wall.  The  Morello  is  not  fastidi- 
ous either  as  to  soil  or  situation,  and  if  they 
are  planted  in  a  position  where  fruit  trees 
have  not  been  grown  previously,  but  the  soil 
is  in  a  fair  condition,  it  is  not  necessary  to 
provide  new  soil  for  them.  In  such  a  case, 
spread  a  coating  of  wood  ashes  and  lime  rubble 
over  the  top  of  the  soil  and  let  this  be  thor- 
oughly incorporated  with  the  staple  as  the  work 
proceeds.  On  the  contrary,  %if  truit  trees  have 
formerly  occupied  the  site,  then  apply  a  com- 
post of  good  loam,  lime  rubble  and  wood  ashes. 
Good  drainage  is  of  the  first  importance,  and 
if  this  does  not  exist  naturally  it  must  be  pro- 
vided. If  fresh  drainage  is  required,  place  a 
quantity  of  brickbats,  clinkers  or  stones  in  the 
bottom  of  the  hole,  adding  slightly  smaller 
material,  then  placing  some  turves  with  the  grass 
downwards,  this  keeping  the  fine  soil  from 
clogging  the  drainage.  After  the  turves,  put  in 
sufficient  soil  to  bring  the  trees  to  the  desired 
height,  carefully  spreading  out  the  roots  to 
their  full  length.  Fill  in  between  the  roots  with 
fine  soil,  then  make  the  whole  quite  firm,  this 
latter  point  being  important,  as  trees  planted 
loosely  in  rich  soil  are  apt  to  make  unfruitful 
growth.  When  finished,  the  soil  should  be 
slightly  higher  than  the  surrounding  ground  to 
allow  for  sinking,  and  till  this  has  taken  place, 
the  trees  should  not  be  permanently  tied.  If  the 
trees  are  young,  very  little  pruning  will  be  neces- 
sary the  first  season,  beyond  shortening  any 
extra  strong  shoots.  Mulch  with  some  light  pro- 
tective material,  but  not  with  heavy  manure. 


THE  FLOWER  GARDEN. 

By  W.  A.  Cook,  Gardener  to  Sir  Edmund  G.  Loder,  Bart., 
Leonardslee,  Sussex. 

Alterations. — The  commencement  of  the  year 
is  a  favourable  time  for  altering  beds,  borders, 
or  shrubberies,  either  in  regard  to  their  outline 
or  in  the  rearrangement  of  the  plants.  The 
fashions  in  flower  gardening  change  from  time 
to  time,  and  in  very  recent  years  there  has  been 

decided  re- 
action from 
the  formal 
system  of 
planting. 
W  h  a  t  e  v  e  r 
style  is 
favoured,  the 
flower  garden 
should  not  be 
limited  to  a 
set  of  beds 
of  geometri- 
cal character 
collected 
around  the 
dwelling- 
house,  but 
should  be 
spread  over 
the  entire 
area  of  the 
pleasure 
grounds. 
Every  gardener  should  think  out  some  different 
mode  of  planting  for  particular  beds  each 
season. 

Bulbs. — If  there  are  still  some  bulbs  that  have 
not  been  planted,  they  should  be  put  into  the 
ground  at  once.  There  is  something  to  be  said 
for  keeping  Anemones  over  until  January  before 
planting  them,  and  in  such  cases  where  the  soil 
is  of  a  stiff  nature  some  leaf-mould  and  sand 
had  better  be  mixed  with  the  staple  before  plant- 
ing, placing  a  little  sharp  sand  under  the  base 
of  each  tuber.  It  is  rather  late  to  plant  Nar- 
cissi, but  if  any  are  still  left  over  they  may 
yet  be  capable  of  giving  good  returns.  Shoots 
that  are  appearing  now  above  the  soil  may  need 
to  be  guarded  from  insects  and  birds. 

Protection  from  -frost. — Certain  plants  are  apt 
to  suffer  injur)'  from  cold  reaching  their  roots, 
and  in  such  cases  a  thick  covering  of  fine  ashes 
or  some  other  suitable  material  will  afford  them 
useful  protection.  Dracaenas  and  Palms  may  re- 
quire to  have  their  tops  protected,  and  whilst 
not  neglecting  to  do  this,  be  careful  to  avoid 
placing  an  excessive  amount  of  covering  on  them 


before  it  is  really  necessary.  Heather  and 
.Bracken  are  suitable  materials  for  protecting 
such  p.ants,  provided  they  were  cut  and  dried 
for  the  purpose  some  months  ago. 

General  aw£.— Present  work  may  include  the 
making  or  renovating  of  old  paths  that  have 
become  green.  Flower-beds  may  be  dug  or 
trenched,  if  the  ground  is  not  very  wet.  Fresh 
turf  may  be  laid  on  parts  of  the  lawn  that  have 
become  shabby  in  appearance. 


THE    ORCHID    HOUSES. 

By  W,  H.  White,  Gardener  to  Sir  Trevor  Lawrence, 
Bart.,  Burford,  Surrey. 

Platyclinis. — One  of  the  most  attractive  plants 
now  flowering  in  the  Orchid  houses  at  Burford 
is  P.  uncata  ;  although  the  individual  flowers  are 
very  small,  they  are  produced  on  elegant  thread- 
like racemes.  The  inflorescences  arise  from 
half-grown  shoots,  and  the  plant  having  to  sup- 
port so  many 
flowers,  and 
also  continue 
growing,  abun- 
dance  of 
water  must 
be  given  to 
the  roots.  P. 
C  o  b  bi  a  n  a 
has  just 
passed  out  of 
bloom,  and 
should  also 
be  kept  well 
supplied  with 
water.  Plants 
of  the  spring- 
flowering  P. 
glumacea 
have  already 
commenced  to 
grow,  and 
from  the 
present  time 
until  the  new  pseudo-bulbs  are  thoroughly 
matured  the  plants  will  need  plenty  of 
water  at  the  roots.  The  summer-flowering  P. 
filiformis  is  now  at  rest,  but  the  roots  must  at  all 
times  be  kept  moist.  Either  of  these  plants,  if 
they  require  it,  may  be  repotted  immediately  they 
commence  to  grow,  or  within  a  very  short  time 
after  flowering.  To  enable  the  plants  to  show  off 
to  the  best  advantage  when  in  bloom,  shallow 
Orchid  pans  are  the  most  suitable  receptacles.  By 
using  these  pans  very  little  drainage  is  required, 
thus  lessening  the  weight  which  would  inevitably 
occur  with  the  well-drained  ordinary  flower-pot. 
For  many  years  the  plants  at  Burford  have 
grown  exceedingly  well  when  potted  firmly  in  a 
compost  of  fibrous  peat  and  Sphagnum-moss 
in  equal  parts,  both  materials  being  chopped  up 
finely  and  m.xed  well  together ;  a  moderate 
quantity  of  finely-broken  crocks  is  added.  An 
intermediate  temperature  where  such  plants  as 
Miltonia,  Sobralia,  Cymbidium,  and  Ccelo- 
gynes  are  grown,  will  suit  Platyclinis  the  whole 
year  round.  Suspend  them  near  to  the  roof 
glass  in  a  light  but  not  sunny  position,  and  on 
very  bright  mornings  syringe  the  underpants  of 
the  leaves  with  tepid  rainwater. 

Cattleya  house. — Such  plants  as  Vanda  tricolor, 
V.  suavis,  and  Aerides  crispum  are  now  produc- 
ing quantities  of  aerial  roots.  It  is  advisable  to 
tie  in  each  of  these,  at  intervals,  and  without 
unduly  cracking  them,  towards  the  stem  of  the 
plant,  and  afterwards  to  gradually  guide  the 
young  points  down  into  the  potting  material. 
The  roots  will  then  afford  more  support  to  the 
plant,  and  be  less  likely  to  suffer  injury  at  their 
points.  Afford  these  Vandas  sufficient  moisture 
to  preserve  the  Sphagnum-moss  in  a  fresh-grow- 
ing condition,  and  the  surface  of  the  stage  upon 
which  they  stand  should  be  kept  moist.  Onci- 
dium  cheirophorum,  which  has  been  growing  in 
this  house  is  prominently  showing  its  flowei- 
buds,  and  the  flowers  will  open  better  if  the 
plants  are  now  placed  in  a  light  position  in  the 
East  Indian  house.  While  the  plants  are  in 
bloom,  keep  the  compost  rather  on  the  dry  side. 
After  flowering,  return  the  plant  to  its  former 
quarters,  and  when  growth  recommences  it  may 
be  repotted  as  advised  for  the  Platyclinis, 
with  the  addition  of  an  equal  proportion  of  leaf- 
soil.  This  Oncidium  will  also  thrive  when  sus- 
pended or  elevated  upon  suitable  stands  near  to 
the  roof  of  the  intermediate  house. 


THE    GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


[January  2,  1909. 


EDITORIAL    NOTICE. 


ADVERTISEMENTS  should  be  sent  to  the  PUB- 
LISHER, 41,  Wellington  Street,  Covent  Garden, 

w.c. 

Letters  for  Publication,  as  well  as  specimens  o;  plants 
for  naming,  should  be  addressed  to  the  EDITOR, 
41,   Wellington  Street,   Covent  Garden,    London. 

Communications  should  be  written  on  one  side  only  of 
the  tapfr,  sent  as  earlv  in  the  week  as  possible  and  tlulv 
signed  br  the  writer.  If  desired,  the  signature  will  ml  bt 
printed,  but  kept  as  a  guarantee  of  good  faith. 

Special  Notice  to  Correspondents.— The  Editor  does  not 
undertake  to  pay  for  any  contributions  or  illustrations,  or 
to  return  unused  communications  or  illustrations,  unless  by 
special  arrangement.  The  Editor  does  not  hold  himself 
responsible  for  any  opinions  expressed  by  his  correspondents. 

Newspapers.—  Correspondents  sending  newspapers  should  be 
care/itllo  mark  the  paragraphs  they  wish  the  Editor  to  see. 


SALES    FOR    THE    ENSUING    WEEK. 

MONDAY  AND  FRIDAY— 

Herbaceous  and  Border  Plants,  Bulbs,  Liliums, 
Azaleas,  &c,  at  12;  1,000  Roses,  at  1.30,  at  67  S  68, 
Cheapside,  E.C.,  by  Protheroe  &  Morris. 

WEDNESDAY— 

Hardy  Border  and  Herbaceous  Plants,  Liliums,  Ferns, 
Bulbs,  &c  ,  at  12  ;  4,000  Roses  and  Fruit  Trees,  at  1.30  ; 
Palms,  Azaleas,  Rhododendrons,  Sea.,  at  5,  at  67  &  68, 
Cheapside,  E.C.,  by  Protheroe  &  Morris. 

FRIDAY— 

Choice  Burmese  Dendrobes,  Established  Orchids,  &c. 
at  67  and  68,  Cheapside,  E.C.,  by  Protheroe  &  Morris, 
at  12.45.  

Average    Mean    Temperature    for    the    ensuing    week, 
deduced  from  observations  during  the  last  Fifty  ^  ears 
at  Greenwich-38-3°. 
Actual  Temperatures: — 

London.  —  Wednesday,  December  30  (6  p.m.):  Max.  25°; 
Min.  18". 
Gardeners'  Chronicle  Office.  41,  Wellington  Street, 
Covent  Garden  London  —Thursday,  December 
31  (10  a.m.):  Bar.  303;  Temp.  40°  ;  Weather— 
Slight  rain. 
Provinces.—  Wednesday,  December  30  (6  p.m.  :  Mas.  53° 
Sligo  ;  Min.  21c  Colchester. 


The  process  of  the  colonisation 
A  Volcanic  0f  a  new  ]an(]  bv  the  vegeta- 
,SJa^I!d     tion  that  will  ultimately  cover 

its  FlorK.  J 

it,    has    formed   an    attractive 

subject  for  investigation  ever  since  at- 
tention was  directed  to  the  new  islands, 
coral  and  otherwise,  that  from  time  to 
time  emerge  from  the  sea.  The  whole- 
sale destruction  of  vegetation  produced 
by  violent  volcanic  activity  is  followed 
by  the  recovery  of  their  temporarily  lost 
territory  by  the  adjacent  survivors,  or  by 
those  which  are  reintroduced  through  human 
agency.  But  it  can  only  happen  at  infrequent 
intervals  that  it  is  possible  to  study  on  a 
large  scale  the  solution  of  problems  of  dis- 
tribution involved  in  the  re-establishment  of 
the  flora  upon  an  island,  somewhat  remote 
from  the  nearest  land,  which  has  had  its 
covering  of  plants  entirely  removed  by  a 
catastrophe  such  as  that  which  devastated 
the  island  of  Krakatau  (or  Krakatoa,  as  it  is 
sometimes  spelt)  in  the  great  eruption  of 
1883.  The  island,  which  lies  about  22  to  28 
miles  to  the  north-west  of  Java,  experienced 
an  outburst  of  volcanic  activity  before  which 
even  the  eruption  of  Mt.  Pelee,  in  Martinque, 
appears  almost  commonplace.  The  dust  that 
was  ejected  from  the  crater  passed  into  the 
upper  atmosphere,  and  is  believed  to  have 
been  concerned  in  the  production  of  the 
marvellous  sunsets  that  formed  the  sub- 
ject of  so  much  comment  in  Europe  for 
many  months  afterwards.  It  is  estimated 
that  something  like  four  cubic  miles  of  solid 
matter  was  shot  out  of  the  volcano,  and  the 
adjacent  islands  were  covered  to  a  depth  of 
over  100  feet  with  pumice  and  ashes.  The 
roof  of  the  cavernous  space  below  the  craters 
then  fell  in,  and  the  whole  of  the  northern 
part  of  the  island  was  submerged.  The 
water  which  thus  poured  into  and  surged  out 
of  the  depression  formed  great  waves,  which 


rose  to  a  height  of  about  130  feet  and  washed 
the  coasts  of  Java  and  Sumatra,  whilst  the 
effect  of  the  disturbance  even  extended  into 
the  North  Atlantic. 

The  remaining  part  of  Krakatau  was  steri- 
lised, so  far  as  all  things  living  were  con- 
cerned, bv  the  rain  of  hot  stones  and  pumice 
which  fell  over  its  whole  surface. 

The  island  to-day,  a  quarter  of  a  century 
after  the  event,  is  once  again  clothed  with 
vegetation,  and  though  it  has  been  as  yet- 
imperfectly  explored,  the  results  of  several 
botanical  visits  mr.de  for  the  special  pur- 
pose of  investigations  of  this  nature  have 
yielded  results  of  -nat  interest.  The  first 
visit  after  the  eruption  was  made  in  1886  by 
Dr.  Treub,  the  Director  of  the  Botanic  Gar- 
den at  Buitenzorg,  in  Java,  and  11  years 
afterwards,  in  1897,  he  again  visited  its 
shores.  After  a  further  interval  of  nine  years 
another  expedition  was  made  to  Krakatau 
and  the  nearest  islands,  and  a  very  interest- 
ing account  of  the  results  of  the  discoveries 
thus  made  has  been  given  by  Prof.  Ernst, 
of  Zurich*. 

It  might  have  been  expected  that  the  pro- 
cess of  colonisation  would  have  followed  the 
same  general  lines  as  have  prevailed  in  coral 
islands,  but  this  is  not  the  case,  doubtless 
owing  to  the  existence  of  the  high  land  formed 
by  the  volcanic  mountain  Rakata,  which 
rises  abruptly  to  about  2,728  feet  above  the 
sea  level. 

Dr.  Treub,  in  the  earliest  visit,  found  that 
vegetation  was  not  confined,  as  he  had  ex- 
pected, to  the  coast,  nor  were  the  immigrants 
derived  from  ocean-borne  seeds  and  fruits. 
The  winds  had  clearly  formed  the  means  of 
introduction  of  the  earlier  plants,  consisting 
as  they  did  mainly  of  the  lower  types  of  the 
vegetable  kingdom.  Algae,  especially  the 
gelatinous  "  blue-green  "  forms,  and  the 
Ferns  were  the  first  to  arrive,  and  although 
a  few  flowering  plants  had  established  them- 
selves round  the  coast,  they  formed  but  a 
small  proportion  of  the  whole  vegetation. 
In  other  words,  the  ocean  currents  were  not 
the  immediately  effective  agents  of  trans- 
portation, as  seems  to  be  generally  the  case 
with  the  low-lying  coral  islands.  When 
Treub  paid  his  second  visit  to  the  island  the 
strand  flora  had  markedly  increased,  and  the 
characteristic  dominant  plants  of  the  eastern 
tropical  coasts  were  establishing  themselves. 
The  creeping  Ipomea  Pes-caprae,  and  other 
plants  along  with  it,  had  already  begun 
to  form  a  characteristic  association  on  the 
beach.  Further  inland  a  sort  of  grass 
steppe  constituted  almost  a  jungle  of 
grasses,  which  in  many  places  attained  to  a 
height  of  5  or  6  feet.  Shrubs  were  still 
51  .lire,  and  trees  were  conspicuous  by  their 
absence. 

To-day  the  picture  is  largely  changed. 
Many  flowering  plants,  including  trees,  have 
reached  the  island,  and  the  photographs  of 
the  coast  show  that  in  some  districts  there 
is.  an  arborescent  vegetation  which  is  invad- 
ing the  coastal  as  well  as  the  inland  zones. 
Casuarina  equisetifolia  and  the  splendid  Bar- 
ringtonias,  together  with  other  trees,  such 
as  Calophyllum,  and  Terminalia,  have  esta- 
blished themselves,  whilst  the  Screw  Pines 
(Pandanus)  and  Coco  Palms  are  also  spread- 

*  The  New  Flora  of  the  Volcanic  Island  of  Krakatau,  by 
A.  Ernst,  Ph.D.  ;  translated  by  Prof.  Seward,  F.R.S. 
Cambridge  :  University  Press,  1908. 


ing  over  the  littoral  regions.  The  re- 
markable discovery  was  made  of  a  fine 
Cycas  circinalis,  with  fertile  leaves  arising 
from  a  stem  over  5  feet  in  height.  The 
ovules  were  not  fertilised,  and  no  male  plants 
were  seen,  a  circumstance  which  accounts 
for  the  isolation  of  the  specimen.  It  was 
unfortunate  that,  owing  to  the  expedition 
being  imperfectly  provided  with  the  means 
of  travelling  in  a  land  offering  considerable 
obstacles  to  exploration,  it  proved  to  be  im- 
possible to  investigate  the  vegetation  of  the 
peak.  The  lowland  flora  was  already  SO 
dense  that  a  way  had  to  be  cut  through  it, 
whilst,  as  might  be  anticipated,  the  heavy 
rains  had  ploughed  out  gorges  and  ravines 
in  the  soft,  volcanic  ash  and  pumice,  and  thus 
rendered  rapid  progress  impossible. 

The  analysis  of  the  soil  showed  that  it  was 
remarkably  poor  in  phosphorus  and  nitro- 
gen. It  was  of  importance,  therefore,  to  as- 
certain how  the  plants  obtain  these  indispens- 
able elements.  As  to  the  former,  we  know  no- 
thing positively  as  yet,  but  it  is  interesting  to 
find  that  the  leguminous  species  have  already 
the  bacteria  associated  with  them  which  are 
responsible  for  the  well-known  leguminous 
tubercles  on  the  roots  of  these  plants.  A  new 
bacillus  was  also  isolated  from  the  soil  which, 
like  some  others  already  known  to  science, 
has  the  power  of  fixing  free  nitrogen  from 
the  atmosphere,  thus  rendering  it  available 
for  other  forms  of  plant  life. 

The  existing  vegetation,  taken  as  a  whole, 
and  so  far  as  it  is  at  present  known,  has 
reached  the  island  by  three  principal  agencies. 
The  wind,  by  which  the  earliest  immigrants 
were  imported,  accounts  for  about  37  per 
cent,  of  the  vascular  plants,  and  this  includes 
about  25  flowering  plants  and  16  Ferns,  but 
leaves  out  of  account  the  lowest  organisms 
to  which  we  have  already  referred.  Sea. cur- 
rents and  birds  are  mainly  responsible  for  the 
remainder,  and  as  time  goes  on  it  is  likely 
that  the  proportion  of  those  thus  introduced 
will  be  increased. 

But,  of  course,  as  the  land  becomes  occu- 
pied, the  chances  in  favour  of  additional  im- 
migrants succeeding  in  gaining  a  permanent 
footing  in  the  land  will  become  diminished, 
inasmuch  as  the  newcomers  will  have  to  com- 
pete for  growing  space  with  individuals  thai 
have  already  established  themselves. 

The  vegetation  as  it  now  exists  is  already 
beginning  clearly  to  show  that  sub-division 
into  plant  associations  which,  in  all  places 
where  free  competition  can  occur,  result  from 
what  we  might  term  the  political  differentia- 
tion of  the  vegetable  world.  The  strand  flora 
is  an  easily  recognised  type.  The  grass  steppe 
is  another,  as  is  also  the  Barringtonia-Calo- 
phyllum  belt.  As  time  goes  on  we  may  ex- 
pect the  forest  to  invade  the  grass  land,  and 
each  of  these  larger  complexes  will  undergo 
further  sub-division  on  lines  which  will  be 
mainly  determined  by  physical  and  biological 
factors  working  independently  of  human  in- 
terference. For  it  seems  improbable,  with  so 
much  fertile  country  still  open  to  settlers, 
both  in  Java  and  Sumatra,  that  man  will  find 
it  worth  his  while,  at  any  rate  for  the  present, 
to  spoil  the  progress  of  this  large-scale  ex- 
periment. We  venture  to  express  the  hope 
that  so  great  an  opportunity  for  study  will 
not  be  neglected,  and  that  observations  will 
in  the  future  be  made  at  intervals  consider- 
ablv  shorter  than  decades. 


_'.   1909 


THE    GARDENERS     CHRONICLE. 


f^Vxtffifa 


FlG.    12. — CMOSDROPF.TA  HI  U,    I   HI  RIC    HYBRID   (Z  YGOPETALU  M    MACKAYJ    X    CHON DRORHYNCHA   CHESTERTOKIl). 

SEPALS     1KB     PETALS    BRIGHT    EMERALD     GREEN    WITH    PURPLE     MARKINGS)     I. IP    WHITE,    TINGED     WTTH    SULPHUR    VI 

r.    A    SHADE   OF    ROSY-LILAC. 


Ill 


THE    GARDESERS      CHRONICLE. 


[Jaw  nv  2,  1909. 


ChONDROPETALUM     Fletchehi.— Our    illus- 
tration   [fig.     1-     repj    ■    t«    this    singular   bi- 

ric    hybrid,    raised    in    the 
Met  .is.  Sander  ,  -.  St.  Albans,  b; 

ing  Zygopetalum  Mackayi  with  th< 
similar    Chondrorhyncha    Chestertonii,     whose 

■  Us  [-!.  -Ii  ."».,.  d    l^l-  ll.'">    -•        ■  -  l~  ■  '■    '    I        I 

iu  some  degree  in  the  hybrid,  Hut  the 
strong  indivj  lualit;  of  i  .  ;  laluni  Mackayi 
has  been  proved  before  by  crosses  made  be- 
tween it  and  various  widely-separated  genera, 
(he  ro^ ; 1 1 1  .if  which  '  is  been  false  hybrids,  the 
'I  remaining  '/.  Mai  kayi  in  •  ffi  t. 
In  this  case  dthough  thi  exj  ted  result  was 
.not  arrived  -'it,  a  decided  step  has  been  made  in 
■  '     beauti    .'  h      id  of   neat  habit 

.  i    !  |  i      ■       :  I  I  1  ' 

although  -i  botanist,  tvithoui  k I'lei  ge  of  the 

?  i,  which  the  plant  has  been  obtained, 
w  >uid    tot  I  n  feature  I 

rate  it  i  [opetalum.     The  plants    whi  h 

°.  ;s,  have  conical  pseudo-bulbs 

:;    leaves.     The    in- 
Sorescen  rt    18  I     bes   in   height,   the 

hands  lowers,  having  the  sepals  and  petals 

nearly  equal,  bright  emerald  gre<  i  with  short 
incs   and  rpUsh-i  lc>  ,  late  colour. 

The  bi  white,  tinged  with  sulphur  yel- 

low, ami  hei  rs  no  trace  >:  the  blue  veining  of 
the  seed-bearing  parent,  although  the  i  at, 
which  is  oi  en  form,  has 

i.    ti  ige  v    |     :it  of  it.    The  p]  cut 
ibited  b)   Me  si  i    -am  i  «  &   Sons  at  the 
tl    Hortii  utturs  -tint;  on    No- 

vember  Hi  1  i-.t. 

Royal  Horticultural  Society.      The  first 
noting   ol    the   Committees  in    1909  will   take 
j  lace  on    i        lay,  January  12.  in  tin-    - 
1 1  til,  '.  .   ■  there  w  ill  be  i  om» 

petitive  'Li    ■  ■  foi    late  Grapes, 

Royal  Gardeners  Orphan  Fund.- We  are 
informed  that  the  Duke  of   POXTI.AWD  will  pre- 

i     I  i       :       ii     !••  Itil  .ll        I     this    fund,     V.I'Kll 

will  take  place  at  the  line!  Cecil  on  Thui 

Before    the    Snow.  —  The    weather    up    to 
remarkable  f,  i  u .  mild  ■  hax- 
acter  a-  the  present  weather  <-  foi   it*  severity, 
Kow  '.1:  .  arJens  have  been   so  rei 

buried  in  .-now,  it  is  difficult  to  realise  that 
lit  week  maitv  were  gay  with  a  host 
of      flowers,      including      not     a 

in   last   week's   issue,   on   page    id. 

of  88  in  flowet   in 

f  Lord    '-'  it     .    '  I    i  i 

wall,  o  '  1 1  e  have 

our  coramumi  rti  I  ng  sirni- 

I  it  'i' m:,,.'  ering    v.  ii.  tteseot 

from  A1  Dorchester,  the  residence 

-,!  t  ady  M  ,s  f  Ilchester,  by  tl        ird       r,  Mr, 
i   plants  in  bloom  ..i    Christmas 
Day.    'I  In  i      i:.    I  lit     p, 

in    such   tender  genera  as   v  uchsia, 

Hydrangea   and   Uahha.     .Mr.    Keupshali    in- 
forms n  ■  that   nearly  all  tins,-  flowers  were  de- 
d    m  De<  ember  27,  when  3  im  hes  of  mow 
fell,  followed  by  8°  of  Frost       \n  the*  list  has 

''  i   by   Mi     Henry  I).   Mi  i 
H  ■,     Tal-y.Caftj,     North     Wa! 

plants  in    lot     r  in  his  garden  at  Christmas     Mr, 
U.l.vBt.s     .tile,    that    he   .an    usually    tm-l    be- 
tween 50  mi.. I  60  spe, ;,..  [n  bloom  at  the  end  of 
»r,  but  this  season  the  number  at  Christ- 
was  80       Mr   Auciiiiiai  |i    BCCHAN-HePB]  i;n 

■  lit  i  tcluding  .i!i, ik  l"  ind  the 

'-    i,     a    very     wide    One        No 

'  i    l;  ■  ran-Hepbi  kn  s  jar*  ;.  at  Pres- 
tonkirk   is  situated  on   the  south-east  coasl   oi 
'.  100  lee*  above  sea  level  and  29 

I    in    th<-   ,.  i 


Sweet  Pea  Trials  for  1909.  We  are  in- 
f  irmed  that  the  Committee  of  the  National 
Sweet  Tea  Society  will  continue  its  .-cries  of 
trials  at  the  gardens  of  the  University  College, 
Reading,  in  1909,  and  will  test  novelties,  and 
grant  Awards  and  Certificates- act  >rding  to 
merit,      for   these    trials   the   varieties   will   he 

accepted  oni;.   fr 'in   raise!  oi  tnti      -  et 

charge  of  2*   0-1   for  each  variety  win  be  made, 
At    the    rem  merous    seedsmeii]    the 

Committee    will    condacl    another   trial         ■'•. 
for    the    purpose    of    lasting    cnrrei  tness    ^.id 
pnnty  of  stocks  of   Sweet   I'ras.     A  ,  harge  o!  as. 
it.  oi     I..  Ii  sen!  t-.r  trial  will  be  made. 
Sweet    Teas   tor   these  trials   should   be  sent    to 
Mr.    C.    Foster,    University   College   <■ 
Reading,    not    liter    than    January    35.       Foi 
the    Novelty    Trials    not    fewer    than    15 
should  be  sent,  an.!   foi  the   Puritj     I'rials  no; 
fewei   tli. in  two  di  sen   teed    ■  ii  ...  h  vari 
slock.    At  the  same  tune,  a  fiat  of  the  vari 

■r  with  the  amount  due  for  I  i 
should  lx-  sent  to  tin-  hon.  tec.,  Mr,  C.  11 
Cull  is,  Adelaide  Road,  lire  u 
Novelties  will  in  rei  [  .!  nnil.  i  number, 
although  names  are  much  preferred.  Any 
variety  meriting  i  .  award  must,  it  under  num- 
ber, be  ruamed  before  -M.H  award  can  be 
granted      The  proceedings  of  the  Floral  I  o  . 

will  i>e  printed  in  the  autumn  of  1909, 
and  a  copy  will  be  sent  to  every  person  or  firm 
sending  seeds  to  either  or  both   of  the 
trials. 

Cultivation  of  Leonotis  Leonurus  at 
the  Cape.— The  Lion  -  rail  (Leonotis  I  eonurtn) 
has  recently  W-:n  referred  to  in  some  of  out 
contemporaries  as  a  plant  that  should  lie  more 
extensively  grown  for  autumn  and  winter  flower- 
ing. Besides  the  attractive  character  of  the 
plant,  it  may  lie  interesting  to  those  who  grow 
it  or  intend  to  do  so,  to  know  that  it  post 
!'•".  an'  properties  (notwithstanding  that  it  I..  . 
longs  to  the  usually  considered  harmless  *  frdei 
l.abiatan,  and  'hat  its  cultivation  at  the  Cape 
of  Good  Hope,  where  it  is  a  native,  is  a  subject 
that  recently  occupied  the  attention  of  the 
live  t  ouncil,  win.  h  broi  Jit  in  a  Hill  t  . 
prohibit  the  cultivation  of  tins  plant  as  well  as 
L.    ovata   and   the   common    Hemp    (f  annabis 

,m  a),   ill,-   sun,.  .  iperty   being 

tamed   ill  all   three  plants.      It   is  a  well-known 
he  t   Unit   in   tr..pn„l  countries  the  Hemp  plant 
ipa    a    mo.  ..1  sinoui        lating    on    the 

leaves,  stem,  and  flowering  tops,  ■■  hich  is  used 
either  for  smoking  or  for  infusing  in  water  in 
ih-  preparation  of  an  i  loxicating  beverage.  In 
India  the  gum  resin  is  known  as  I  hurrus  or 
•  haras,  and  "s  said  to  lx-  collected  by  men 
loth-  d    m    teathei  a     i      brushing    about 

amongst   the   plant-,    and   thus   bruising   them, 
so    that    ih.  exudes    and    becomes    at- 

tarhe,!  t„  (he  clothing  -f  the  collectors. 
The  dried  flowering  tops,  called  Gunja, 
are  smoked,  and  they  are  sometimes  to 
bo  seen  in  the  London  market,  where  the  article 
ill)  l:  town  ..-  i  ituua.  ihe  intctrJ  latin  j 
effects  .it  all  these  preparations  of  Hemp  are 
well  known,  and  .,  similar  print  iple seems  to  be 

( ■  ,!' -d  in  the  plants  i  i  Leonotis,  hence  the  u  • 

tion  of  ihe  t 'ape  Legislative  C  uncil,  whose  Hill 
provided  that  it  should  not  be  lawful  fL,i  any 
pen  a;  I.,  .ell  or  grow  and  cultivate  either  of  the 
three  plants  before-mentioned  under  a  fin,,  oi 
E2S,  Provision,  however,  is  made  that  nothing 
should  hinder  a  registered  chemist  and  drt 
(ram  using  any  .,l  th  -?  plants  f,.r  medii  inal 
•  I  under  the  dire  Honi  of  ,i  medii  «l  prac. 
titioner.  li  is  provided  also  that  licenses  should 
!•■■  obtainable  from  a  minister  In.  n  p., me  intend- 
ing to  cultivate  the  plants  foi  purely  medicinal 
purposes,     ih.i-  for  the  di  esstty  of  legis- 

lative  restrictions   wete   stated   t"  be   that   the 
habit    of    smoking    the    plants   by   the    na 


caused  them  to  become  indolent  and  stupid,  re- 
sulting in  insanity  and  consequent  confinement 
iu  lunatic  asylnms  and  [u;-  ii-.  Ju  India  simi- 
lar eflei  ts  aie  pro  lui  ed  by  the  continued  use  of 
Hemp — siiii.u.iii hi  at  first,  followed  by  great 
depression  tint  often  with  wild  reveri 
causeless  laughter."  Long  continued  use- 
to  be  a  prominent  ! 

i    In  iii  .in    I  >.  .-.:■   .1   .  !-.■  is   required  to 
cultivate  the  plant. 

Biros  ano  their  Food.     The   recenilvpuV 
lished  Suppletnent  to  the  /en..  Btmrd 

of  Agrirulture  (Decembei    ts  devoted  to  thi 
sideration    of   the    food    of    British    birds    from 
three,.;. >mi    standpoi  it,  as  affecting  th;  farmer 
irdener.    Mr.  Neavstrad  is  to  be  congratu- 
lated on  this  ftrM  instalment  of  tl„-  resttll       ■:      n 
investigation  that  has  long  been  greatly  needed, 
booklet  ought  to  bs  in  the  hands  if 
everyone    who    is    interested    m    this    impor- 
tant subject.     Et  si         '  ■  as  the  tr.  I 
cutting   the   stt. unci    from   under   the    ignorant 
statements  so    ifl  n  n  .         .  to  (he  utility  or 
that  native  bird.      For 
example,    it    is    si                   ..     38     thai    this 
Ii   of  a  blue    litre       .     ■■ }  ■.  b   had   been 
red    a  tded     at     the     Peas,"     was 
'"U"  l     not    t.i    contain     a     single     Pea,    but 
to  have  been   filled   with   American    blight   in- 
.   t,     VVe  note  earwigs  are  said  to  b    i       i    • 
apparently    in   large  nnmbera,   but    um... 

-...  tlx-  Robin  is  mentioned.  We  recall 
an  in  lance  that  came  under  our  own  notice,  in 
which  a  partly  tame  robin  would  always  fly 
.  hi  n  e  irv,  !.■  n.. i...  ..•..  .  .  a  .1.  ami 
greedily  devour  every  individual  that  it  could 
We  have  also  known  of  a  ease  in  which 
r.,l;s    have   saved   a    large    field   of    Wheat  from 

4  -  •-'  iineu  was  siio:  and  examined, 
i    •  ach  wa  d  with  the  larva     ind 

I   n    ft  w   :  :  .  as     -t   the  9  I 

tun  It  i,  [jointed  out  that  many  hard-billed 
birds  feed  their  young  on  caterpillars  and  other 
pests,  ,uid  thus  a  bird  which,  in  its  adult  state, 
may  ordinarily  be  a  gteal  source  of  damage,  may, 
in  the  breeding  season,  do  much  good.  The 
work  should  do  much  to  stimulate  further  re- 
seatt  '>.  and  the  directions  given  for  i  ollecting 
useful  and  accurate  observations  add  greatly  to 
its  value. 

Masters  Memorial  Lectures.  -The  Royal 

Horticultural   Society   has  arranged   with   I'ro. 

Hugq   on   Vara  to  deliver  two  lectures 

daring  1909  ii  m  with  the  fund  raised 

as  a  memorial  to  the  late  Di    Maxwbu  Tylijen 

Masters.    The  first  i.-,  ture  '.:!1  he  delivered  on 

June  ii,  the  subject  !>m.,K  "  Masters'  Vegetable 

'lent  il.,.-,.  '    'ihe.    ond  lecture,  on  "  The  Pro- 

I   Varieties,"  will   :,    given   b)    Pt   I 

DK  Vans  .ai  Septemlier  28,      II.  ih  die  dat      are 

•ii  .-.  ,,!  ordinary  fortnightly  meetings,  and  the 

will  be  delivered   at    a    p.m.    in    the 

lecture- rodm. 

The    Yellow    Stripe    Disease    of    Daf- 
fodils.--I  he  current  number  of  the    fournsl  of 
He    Royal    Hortienllvrai    Society    contains    an 
account  ..f    'Yellow-stripe"  m  Daffodils,  con- 
tributed   by    Mr     11,    R.    DaxuBGTOS       This 
malady,  which  appears  lo  be  on  the  increase, 
has  bee  i  n-i  rilied  to  various  causes     Some  have 
regarded    it   as  being   due   to   over-manuring; 
•  ahers  p..  the  presence  ..f  Bacterium  to  i 
a  microbe  which  is  known  to  cause  disea 
the  stored  bulbs  of  Hyacinths.    Mr  DAjtt-i.vCTOM 
believes  that  Yellow-stripe  is  due,  in  some  cases, 
to  cold,  in  others,  to  tin-  consequences  ..t  the 
•   Ii     in. n  ..t  the  mot-  in  ihi  caterpillar  of  the 
Swift  moth,     lb-  concludes  thai  the  malad     Is 

>:ot  infect s,  and  that,  then    >r,-,  there  is  no 

need  to  destroy  infei  tcsl  plants. 


January  2,  1909.] 


THE     GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


11 


British     Gardeners'     Association. — The 

next  meeting  of  the  London  branch  will  be  held 
on  January  9,  at  Can's  Restaurant,  Strand, 
at  7.30  p.m.,  when  Mr.  Cyril  Harding,  of  the 
Parks  Department,  Cardiff,  will  deliver  an  ad- 
dress upon  "  Garden  Cities  :  What  they  are  and 
what  they  might  be." 

The    Victoria    Medal    of     Honour. — We 

understand  that  the  President  and  Council  of 
the  Royal  Horticultural  Society  have  filled  the 
two  vacancies  caused  in  the  roll  of  the  Victoria 
Medal  of  Honour  in  Horticulture  caused  by  the 
death  of  Mr.  Martin  Smith,  V.M.H.,  and  Mr. 
George  Nicholson,  V.M.H.,  by  appointing  to 
this  honour  Sir  Jeremiah  Colman,  Bart.,  and 
Mr.  Charles  Ross.  Sir  Jeremiah  Colman  has 
done  much  service  for  horticulture  by  a  long 
series,  extending  over  many  years,  of  experiments 
in  Orchid  breeding  and  by  the  instructive  ex- 
hibits which  he  has  sent  to  the  Society's  shows. 
Mr.  Charles  Ross  is  one  of  our  veteran  gar- 
deners and  fruit  growers,  and  has  raised  a  larger 
number  of  seedling  Apples  than  any  man  living 
— more  probably  than  any  one  ever  has  done 
before  him — and  many  excellent  ones  amongst 
them,  such  as  "Encore,"  "Charles  Ross,"  and 
"  The  Houblon."  We  are  very  glad  to  find  that 
his  persevering  work  has  at  last  been  recognised 
by  the  bestowal  of  the  highest  honour  the  Society 
has  it  in  its  power  to  confer.  An  appreciative 
notice  and  portrait  of  Mr.  Ross  appeared  in  our 
issue  for  October  24,  1908,  p.  299. 

Rose  Canker. — Rose  growers  will  read  Mr. 
H.  T.  GOssow's  account  in  the  Journal  of  the 
Royal  Horticultural  Society  of  a  new  parasitic 
Rose  canker  with  mingled  feelings.  Whilst  they 
cannot  but  admire  the  admirable  account  which 
he  gives  of  the  disease,  they  will  regret 
that  they  have  a  new  enemy  with  which  to  con- 
tend. The  disease,  which  the  author  shows  to 
be  due  to  a  fungus,  Coniothyrium  Fuckeiii,  starts 
on  the  one-year-old  wood,  but  is  not  readily 
recognised  till  its  attack  is  well  advanced.  The 
first  indication  of  the  presence  of  the  parasite 
consists  in  red-brown  or  purplish  spots  on  the 
young  wood.  Mr.  Gussow  considers  that  Conio- 
thyrium is  a  wound-parasite,  and  suggests  that  a 
careful  watch  should  be  kept  for  the  disease  in 
its  early  stages,  and  that,  when  it  makes  its  ap- 
pearance, the  affected  shoots  should  either  be 
removed  altogether  or  the  diseased  spots  cut 
out  and  the  wound  dressed  with  creosoted  woc-i 
tar. 


THE  ROYAL  BOTANIC  GARDENS, 
EDINBURGH. 

When  the  experimental  garden  of  the  Cale- 
donian Horticultural  Society  was  added  to  the 
Royal  Botanic  Gardens,  Edinburgh,  in  the 
sixties  of  the  last  century,  part  of  the  area  was 
devoted  to  the  cultivation  of  Conifers,  and  many 
new  kinds  were  being  introduced  from 
America  at  about  that  time.  The  ground 
was  laid  out  by  James  McXab,  whose  artis- 
tic feelings  found  expression  in  the  admirable 
curves  of  the  pathways  through  the  newly- 
formed  Pinetum.  The  illustration  at  fig.  4 
shows  one  of  the  paths  in  winter,  bounded 
on  the  left  by  a  belt  of  Abies  and  Picea, 
and  on  the  right  by  Cupressinae.  Conifers  do 
not  thrive  luxuriantly  in  the  Edinburgh  garden. 
As  young  plants  they  succeed  well,  but  the  ex- 
pectations formed  40  years  ago  upon  the  aspect 
of  the  young  specimens  in  the  collection  have 
been  by  no  means  realised.  The  appearance  of 
the  taller  trees,  Abies  grandis,  A.  Lowiana,  A. 
firma,  and  Pseudotsuga  Douglasii,  on  the  left 
of  the  illustration,  were  planted  by  McNab, 
and  their  condition  at  the  present  time  is  not 
satisfactory. 

It  has  been  the  practice  in  these  gardens  for 
some  years  past  to  cultivate,  as  far  as  possible, 


the  plants  under  glass  in  borders,  rather  than 
in  pots.  The  illustrations  at  figs.  13  and  14 
show  the  new  fernery  which  was  planted  late  in 
the  spring  of  1908.  This  house  replaces  one  of  the 
old  houses  which  had  fallen  into  disrepair — the 
very  house  in  which  William  McNab  cultivated 
his  wonderful  specimen  Heaths.  Large  blocks 
of  red  sandstone  hive  been  used  for  the  rock- 
work,  with  here  and  there  a  tree  stump  for  the 
epiphytic  Ferns,  Mosses,  and  Hepaticeae.  Al- 
though the  Ferns  were  only  planted  in  May, 
their  growth  has  been  mai%ellous.  Fine  ex- 
amples of  many  species  are  seen,  amongst  which 
may  be  noted  Lindsaya  retusa,  Acrostichum 
viscosum,    Davallia    tenuifolia    Veitchii,    Platy- 


THE  AGRICULTURAL  HOLDINGS  ACT,  1908. 

REMARKABLE  INNOVATIONS. 
Those  who,  for  some  years  past,  have  been 
agitating  for  codification  of  the  law  relating  to 
Agricultural  Holdings  and  Market  Gardens  by 
combining  into  one  statute  the  principal  Acts 
of  Parliament  relating  thereto,  will  have  good 
reason  to  congratulate  themselves  on  the  ad- 
vent of  the  New  Vear,  as  on  January  1,  1909,  the 
Agricultural  Holdings  Act,  1908,  which  effects 
this  reform,  came  into  force.  This  Act  (which, 
for  the  sake  of  brevity,  -we  will  term  the 
new  Act)  repeals  not  only  the  Market  Gar- 
deners'   Compensation   Act,   1895,   but   also   the 


Fig.  13. — a  corner  in  the  new  fernery  at  Edinburgh  royal  botanic  gardens. 


cerium  grande,  P.  angolense,  P.  aethiopicum, 
Polypodium  quercifolium,  as  conspicuous  ex- 
amples. The  Lygodiums  form  graceful  plants 
for  the  pillars  of  the  central  dome.  In 
one  respect  cultivation  of  this  kind  is 
very  easy  in  Edinburgh.  The  low  in- 
tensity of  insolation  renders  elaborate  shading 
unnecessary.  The  shading  furnished  by  the 
growth  of  climbing  plants  is  sufficient  even  dur- 
ing the  short  period  of  hot  summer  days.  The 
Fernhouse  was  erected  bv  Messrs.  Mackenzie  & 
Moncur,  of  Edinburgh,  and  it  is  an  admirable  ex- 
ample of  their  work.     R.  L.  Harrow. 


Agricultural  Holdings  Acts  of  18S3,  1900  and 
1906,  together  with  certain  sections  of  other 
Acts  and  embodies  their  provisions  in  a  single 
new   statute. 

The  benefit  conferred  upon  agriculturists  and 
market  gardeners  by  this  partial  codification  of 
the  law  should  be  considerable,  as,  although  the 
new  Act  does  not  purport  to  embrace  in  addi- 
tion the  numerous  decisions  given  in  the  courts 
on  the  effect  of  various  words  and  phrases  so  as 
to  bring  to  light  the  numerous  traps  which  lie 
in  the  path  of  the  unwary,  yet  it  at  least  enables 
•hose   affected  to   obtain   a  rough  idea  of  their 


12 


THE     GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


[Januahv  2,  1909. 


rights,  and  will  induce  many  to  weigh  with  • 
more  care  than  hitherto  the  'effect  of  tenancy 
agreements  to  which  they  arc  invited  to  bind 
themselves.  It  is,  unfortunately,  true,  however, 
that  although  the  new  Act  is  of  vast  importance 
to  the  market  grower,  it  does  not  yet  interest  the 
nurseryman,  inasmuch  as  the  Government  has 
not  yet  found  leisure  to  make  the  promised  en- 
quiry into  the  possibility  of  extending  to  nur- 
serymen the  benefit  of  the  Agricultural  Laws. 

In  proceeding  to  explain  the  effect  of  the  new 
Act,  it  may  be  useful  to  point  out  that  many  of 
its  provisions  will  be  familiar  to  those  who 
watched  the  stormy  passage  through  Parlia- 
ment of  what  was  once  known  as  the  Land 
Tenure  Bill ;  on  its  becoming  law,  this  Bill  was 
legally  termed  the  Agricultural  Holdings  Act, 
1906,  and  was  due  to  come  into  force  on  Janu- 
ary 17  1909.  For  the  sake  of  convenience,  how- 
ever, it  now  stands  repealed,  and  its  provisions, 
with  those  of  the  other  statutes  referred  to  above, 
are  together  incorporated  in  the  new  Act. 

Compensation  for  Improvements. 

Those  who  perused  certain  articles  on  the 
subject  of  agricultural  law  which  appeared 
in  these  columns  on  November  3  and  10, 
19'»fi,  may  recollect  that  the  question  of 
compensation  for  improvements  was  explained 
at  some  length,  and  it  was  then  pointed 
out  that,  as  regards  improvements  to  which  the 
Market  Gardeners'  Compensation  Act,  1895,  ap- 
plied, the  Act  was  not  retrospective ;  that  is  to 
say,  compensation  could  not  be  claimed  there- 
under in  respect  of  improvements  made  before 
January  1,  1896.  As  a  matter  of  fact,  those  wb. 
framed  that  Act  did  not  intend  to  make  any  dis- 
tinction between  improvements  carried  out  be- 
fore the  date  in  question  and  those  carried  out 
afterwards ;  but  the  section  which  dealt  with 
this  point  was  not  worded  quite  so  clearly  a  - 
could  have  been  desired,  and 'in  a  case  which 
was  taken  to  the  House  of  Lords,1  it  was  decide  : 
that  the  Act  of  1895  only  applied  to  improve- 
ments effected  after  it  came  into  force.  It  wa 
felt  at  the  time  that  this  decision  involved  . 
hardship  which  was  not  intended  by  the  legis- 
lature, and  the  matter  has  now  been  put  right 
in  the  new  Act,  with  the  result  that  after  Janu- 
ary 1,  1909,  a  considerable  benefit  is  conferred 
upon  market  gardeners  whose  holding  was,  on 
January  1,  1896,  in  use  or  cultivation  as  a 
market  garden  with  the  knowledge  of  their 
landlord.  In  future  they  will  be  entitled 
to  claim  compensation  for  improvements  which 
they  carried  out  before  January  1,  1896,  provided 
they  had  not  received  written  notice  from  their 
landlord  that  he  objected  to  such  improvements 
before  they  effected  them. 

Such  remaining  sections  of  the  new  Act  as 
create  new  law  apply  equally  to  farmers  and 
market  gardeners,  and  in  connection  with  im- 
provements there  is  a  further  enactment  of  con- 
siderable importance.  It  was  pointed  out  in  the 
previous  articles  referred  to  above  that  when  a 
tenant,  on  quitting  his  holding,  claimed  com- 
pensation from  his  landlord  for  improvements, 
he  must  not  seek  to  take  credit  for  that  part  ot 
the  increased  value  of  the  land  which  was  really 
attributable  to  the  special  character  of  the  soil ; 
that  is  to  say,  the  inherent  capabilities  of  the 
landlord's  property,  as  distinguished  from  works 
carried  out  by  the  tenant.  This  is  no  longer  the 
law,  as  the  outgoing  tenant  now  becomes  en- 
titled to  claim,  in  respect  of  various  improve- 
ments mentioned  in  the  new  Act,  such  a  sum  by 
way  of  compensation  as  fairly  represents  the 
amount  of  increased  value  to  an  incoming 
tenant,  even  though  part  of  such  increased  value 
is  clearly  attributable  to  the  inherent  capabili- 
ties of  the  soil  itself.  The  improvements  to 
which  this  provision  refers  cover  the  items  Nos. 
1  to  16  in  the  previous  articles  referred  to  above, 
and  include  such  matters  as  the  reclaiming  of 
waste  land,  planting  orchards,  laying  down  land 
to  pasture,  draining,  etc. 

Arbitration. 
The  new  Act  provides  that  all  disputes  are  to 
be  referred  to  a  single  arbitrator,  and  any  agree- 
ment between  the  parties  to  refer  the  matter  to 
more  than  one  arbitrator  is  absolutely  void. 
This  provision  applies  irrespective  of  whether 
the  dispute  arose  either  before  or  after  the  pass- 
ing of  the  new  Act.  Furthermore,  the  arbitrator 
is  bound,  if  desired  by  either  party,  to  specify 
the  amount  awarded  in  respect  of  not  only  any 
particular  improvement   but   also  of  any  other 


special  matter  dealt  with  by  his  award.  If,  as 
is  highly  probable,  the  parties  cannot  agree  on 
the  person  who  is  to  act  as  sole  arbitrator,  then 
either  party  can  call  upon  the  Board  of  Agricul- 
ture to  nominate  someone  to  act  in  that  capa- 
city. 

Damage  by  Game. 
In  country  districts  the  damage  caused  to 
crops  by  the  depredations  of  game  leads  to 
many  disputes  between  landlords  and  their 
tenants.  The  latter  already  have  statutory 
protection  in  the  case  of  hares  and  rabbits,  but 
a  different  question  arises  when  the  damage  is 
caused  by  what  is  legally  regarded  as  "  game  " 
for  this  purpose  ;  that  is  to  say,  deer,  pheasants, 
partridges,  grouse  and  black  game.  The  new 
Act  provides  that  the  tenant  is  to  be  entitled 
to  compensation  from  his  landlord  for  damage 
caused  by  such  game  (in  cases  where  the  tenant 
has  not  the  right  to  take  and  kill  the  game) 
where  the  damage  caused  amounts  to  more  than 
a  shilling  per  acre.  Any  agreement  to  the  con- 
trary between  landlord  and  tenant  is  void,  and 
any  agreement  made  beforehand  to  limit  the 
amount  of  compensation  is  also  void.  If,  after 
the  damage  is  caused,  the  landlord  and  tenant 
cannot  agree  on  what  would  be  reasonable  com- 
pensation, the  matter  has  to  be  referred  to 
arbitration,  but  before  seeking  to  recover  com- 
pensation the  tenant  has  to  take  several  im- 
portant steps,  viz.  :  — 

1.  He  must  give  notice  in  writing  to  the 
landlord  as  soon  as  he  observes  the  damage. 

2.  He  must  give  the  landlord  a  reasonable 
opportunity  of  inspecting  the  injured  crop  ; 
that  is  to  say  (a)  in  the  case  of  a  growing  crop 
he  must  do  this  before  the  crop  has  begun  to 
be  reaped,  raised  or  consumed  ;  or  (b)  if  the 
damaged  crop  is  already  reaped  or  raised  he 
must  give  the  landlord  a  similar  opportunity 
for  inspection  before  beginning  to  remove  the 
crop  from  the  land. 

3.  He  must  claim  the  compensation  by 
notice  in  writing  given  to  his  landlord  within 
one  month  after  the  expiration  of  the  calen- 
dar year  (or  such  other  period  of  12  months 
as  the  parties  may  have  agreed  to  substitute 
for  the  calendar  year)  in  respect  of  which  the 
claim  is  made. 

At  first  sight  these  provisions  may  appear  a 
little  contradictory,  but  on  closer  scrutiny  it 
will  be  observed  that  the  effect  of  them  is  that 
the  tenant  need  only  give  notice  of  the  damage 
to  his  landlord  immediately,  and  is  not  obliged 
to  give  notice  of  his  actual  claim  until  a  period 
which  may  be  much  later. 

Landlords  reading  the  Act  may  perhaps  be 
excused  for  feeling  a  considerable  amount  of 
anxiety  with  regard  to  amounts  which  they  may 
have  to  pay  by  way  of  compensation  for  damage 
thus  caused  by  game,  but  they  may  possibly 
feel  some  slight  measure  of  relief  when  they 
reach  a  further  clause  which  provides  that  in 
the  case  of  tenancy  agreements  made  before 
January  1,  1909,  the  arbitrator,  in  fixing  the 
amount  of  compensation  for  damage  of  this 
kind,  must  give  the  landlord  due  credit  in  those 
cases  where  he  has  already  made  allowance  for 
the  anticipated  depredations  of  game  by  accept- 
ing a  lower  rent  than  he  would  otherwise  have 
demanded.  Further,  relief  is  also  afforded  to 
the  landlord  by  a  provision  to  the  effect  that  if 
the  right  to  kill  and  take  game  belongs  to  some 
person  other  than  the  landlord  (e.g.,  a  person 
holding  the  sporting  rights),  then  such  other 
person  is  bound  to  make  good  to  the  landlord 
any  compensation  which  the  latter  has  to  pay  to 
the  tenant.     H.  M.  V. 

(To  be  continued.) 


HOME   CORRESPONDENCE. 


(The  Editor  does  not  hold  himself  responsible  Jor  the 
opinions  expressed  by  his  correspondents.) 

Grapes.— There  can  be  no  doubt  as  to  the 
variety  named  "  Canon  Hall "  Muscat  being 
distinct ;  but  whether  it  is  a  sport  or  seedling 
from  Muscat  of  Alexandria  is  a  question  of  some 
uncertainty.  I  am  inclined  to  think  it  is  a  seed- 
ling, the  result  of  a  cross  between  Muscat  of 
Alexandria  and  some  European  variety.  With 
a  view  to  raising  new  varieties,  numberless  at- 
tempts have  been  made  to  cross  "Asiatic"  and 


European  kinds  of  Grapes.  As  an  instance  of 
this,  I  may  mention  Melville's  Muscat  Cham- 
pion, Thomson's  Duke  of  Buccleuch,  and  Thom- 
son's Golden  Champion.  These  are  all  said  to 
be  crosses  between  the  Asiatic  Muscat  of  Alex- 
andria and  the  European  Hamburghs,  and,  like 
"  Canon  Hall,"  not  one  of  these  can  be  said  to 
be  satisfactory,  although  all  of  them  are 
remarkable  for  :heir  large,  handsome  bunches 
and  berries  of  excellent  flavour.  Like  "  Canon 
Hall,"  they  are  gross  and  robust  growers, 
but,  except  in  young  vines  that  are  grown  in 
light,  airy  vineries,  there  is  a  great  deficiency  of 
firm  pith  in  the  wood.  In  consequence  of  this, 
the  buds  rarely  produce  ■  compact,  shapely 
bunches,  and  the  spurs  often  fail  altogether 
after  a  few  years,  showing  clearly  that  something 
is  wrong  in  the  constitution  of  these  hybrids.  At 
this  season,  horticultural  societies  usually  revise 
their  schedules  of  prizes,  and  in  cases  where 
Muscat  of  Alexandria  classes  are  provided,  it 
would  be  well  if  the  word  "Alexandria  "  were 
omitted,  making  it  to  read  "  White  Muscat,"  and 
thereby  prevent  those  unpleasant  differences  be. 
tween  judges  and  exhibitors  that  have  been  fre- 
quent in  the  past.  I  note  in  the  columns  cf  the 
Gardeners'  Chronicle  that  the  Council  of  the 
Royal  Horticultural  Society  has  decided  to  hold 
fortnightly  exhibitions  of  fruit  during  the  forth- 
coming  year.  This  is  a  step  in  the  right  direc- 
tion, and  it  is  to  be  hoped  that  Grape  growers 
will  come  forward  with  the  best  varieties  in 
their  proper  season.  It  would  be  instructive  as 
well  as  interesting  if  a  special  effort  were  made 
to  bring  as  many  as  possible  of  these  so-called 
varieties  of  Muscat9  together,  say,  at  one  of  the  ' 
autumn  shows.     /.  Mclndoe. 


Melons. — Seeds  of  an  approved  variety  should 
be  now  sown.  Take  a  number  of  carefully, 
drained  2j-inch  pots,  and  fill  them  with 
moderately-moist,  fine  compost  consisting  of 
loam  and  leaf-mould.  Plant  a  seed  J  inch 
deep  in  each  pot,  and  cover  with  shaded  pieces 
of  glass.  Plunge  the  pot  in  a  hot-bed  of  80°, 
and  maintain  an  atmospheric  temperature  at 
night  of  70°.  No  water  will  be  required  until 
the  plants  appear,  when  they  should  be  placed 
near  the  glass  in  a  house  having  a  night  tem- 
perature of  70°.  Keep  the  plants  carefully 
watered,  and  in  bright  weather  syringe  them, 
in  each  case  using  tepid  water.  The  plants 
may  be  fruited  in  10  or  12-inch  pots,  or  be 
planted  out  at  2  feet  apart  upon  a  ridge  or 
hillock  of  compost,  placed  well  up  to  the 
glass,  upon  a  hot-bed.  The  bed  should  be  com- 
posed of  carefully-prepared  stable  litter  and 
tree  leaves,  or,  as  in  our  case,  hot-water  pipes 
may  be  used  for  affording  the  necessary  bottom 
heat.    Thomas  Coombcr. 


Manuring  of  Land. — The  weather  having 
been  unusually  dry  and  mild,  ground  operations 
have  been  carried  out  under  most  favourable 
conditions.  A  general  survey  should  now  be 
made  to  ascertain  which  fruit  trees  need  manure, 
as  by  so  doing  matters  will  be  greatly  facilitated 
later,  when  on  frosty  mornings  manure  may  be 
wheeled  to  the  different  trees.  No  hard-and- 
fast  rule  can  be  laid  down,  as  some  soil  re- 
quires much  more  manure  than  others,  and 
trees  that  annually  carry  good  crops  of  fruit 
need  most  assistance.  Where  farmyard  manure 
is  procurable,  this  should  form  the  staple,  using 
as  auxiliaries  wood  ashes,  lime,  and  such  chemi- 
cal manures  as-  kainit  and  super-phosphate. 
Unless  well  manured  every  year  or  two,  Apples 
and  Pears  grown  on  the  dwarfing  stock  soon 
become  exhausted,  a  frequent  error  with  regard 
to  these  trees*  being  to  apply  too  much  manure 
when  planted  and  too  little  afterwards.  On 
heavy  soils  inclined  to  hold  water,  it  may  be 
better  to  defer  mulching  with  manure  until  the 
growing  season.  Old-established  Apple  and 
Pear  trees  in  orchards  will  be  greatly  benefited 
by  a  snrface  mulch  of  manure,  as  the  winter 
rains  will  then  wash  the  manurial  properties 
down  to  the  roots.  All  bush  fruit  quarters  are 
also  considerably  improved  by  a  good  dressing 
of  manure  annually,  which  should  be  lightly 
pointed  over  afterwards,  as  digging  too  deep 
injures  the  roots  of  these  trees.     F.   Jordan. 


January  2,  1909.] 


THE     GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


13 


Escallonia.— Mr.  Divers  (p.  438,  vol.  xliv.) 
remarks  on  the  probability  of  these  lovely  shrubs 
doing  well  in  the  climate  of  south-west  Ireland. 
He  is  quite  right,  and  it  would  doubtless  sur- 
prise many  if  they  were  to  see  how  remarkably 
vigorous  most  of  the  Escallonias  are  here.  E. 
macrantha  is  almost  as  vigorous  as  the  Laurel, 
and  a  variety  with  rather  smaller  leaves  is  a 
more  continuous  flowerer,  but  equally  as  strong 
in  growth.  E.  montividensis  attains  to  a  height 
of  7  or  8  feet,  and  is  about  the  same  in  diameter, 
flowering  for  fully  three  months  (October  to 
January)  ;  it  has  some  fine  panicled  corymbs 
open  now  (December  22).  E.  Philippiana  is  a 
wonderful  sight  in  June  and  July,  with  its  dense 
panicles  of  small,  white  flowers.  What  I  take  to 
be  E.  pterocladon  is  a  shrub  about  12  feet  high, 
and,  at  the  present  time,  has  quite  a  number  of 


viding  there  be  an  eye  at  each  piece,  are 
planted  in  March,  5  rowes  in  the  bed,  plant  not 
deep,  neither  in  wet  or  stiff  ground  ;  spend  them 
with  Parsneeps,  and  in  housing  spread  only 
through  a  board  floor."  Lawson,  in  Scottish 
Agricultural  Products,  says  :  "  To  Thomas  Pren- 
tice, a  common  day  labourer,  who  lived  near 
Kilsyth,  is  the  honour  due  of  bringing  this  use- 
ful esculent  into  general  culture  in  Scotland  in 
1728."  He  adds  there  was  long  a  prejudice 
against  it,  because  it  was  not  one  of  the  food 
roots  mentioned  in  the  Bible.  The  first  book  on 
the  Potato  is  that  by  John  Forster,  in  1664,  en- 
titled, England's  Happiness  Increased,  etc.,  by 
a  Plantation  of  Roots  called  Potatoes.  This  work 
is  also  exceedingly  scarce,  and  I*  wonder  if  it  is 
in  the  Earl  of  Haddington's  famous  library  at 
Tyninghame?    Donald  McDonald. 


the  ordinarily  blue  Gentiaaa  campestris,  re- 
marking that  he  had  found  it  occupying  an 
area  of  several  square  yards  at  an  elevation  of 
about  1,000  feet  in  the  Scottish  Highlands, 
while  all  the  plants  at  a  lower  elevation  were 
of  the  usual  blue  colour.  The  plant  had  evi- 
dently come  true  from  seed,  and  this,  he  thought, 
was  probably  true  of  the  majority  of  albinos 
when  self-fertilised.  There  are  numerous  ex- 
amples of  albino  varieties  of  British  wild  plants 
occurring  naturally,  and  Mr.  Eraser  produced 
a  list  which,  supplemented  by  other  members, 
is  here  reproduced,  but  it  is  by  no  means  ex- 
haustive. 


Papaver  Rhaecas 
Matthiola  incana 
Viola  odorata 
„      hirta    lactiflora 


Centaurea  nigra 
Carduus  nutans 
Cnicus  palustris 
„        arvensis 


Fig. 


H-- 


-VIEVV    IN    THE    NEW    FERNERY    AT    EDINBURGH    ROYAL    BOTANIC    GARDENS. 
(See  p.  11.) 


its  pretty  whitish  panicles  in  flower.  E.  lang- 
leyensis,  although  occupying  a  somewhat  poor 
position,  does  equally  well.  The  Escallonias 
make  magnificent  hedges  here,  the  refreshing 
gloss  of  the  foliage  is  ever  attractive,  and  they 
bear  close  clipping  quite  as  well  as  the  Yew. 
.4.  /.  El  gar,  Killarney  House  Gardens,  Co. 
Kerry. 

The  Potato  in  Scotland. — With  regard  to 
Mr.  R.  P.  Brotherton's  note  on  p.  451,  vol.  xliv. 
although  James  Donaldson's  little  book,  pub- 
lished in  i697,  may  contain  matter  of  no  value, 
the  book  itself  is  very  scarce.  I  saw  £4  given  for 
a  copy  last  year  in  a  London  auction-room,  and 
my  own  copy  cost  me  50s.  John  Reid,  who 
■wrote  The  Scots  Gard'ner,  and  produced  it  in 
1683,  gave  us  the  first  book  on  gardening  in 
Scotland.  He  states,  on  page  107  :  "  Potatoes 
being  cut  in  as  many  pieces  as  you  please,  pro- 


SOCIETIES. 

ROYAL    HORTICULTURAL. 

Scientific  Committee. 

December  '22.— Present :  Mr.  E.  A.  Bowles, 
F.L.S.  (in  the  chair),  Messrs.  A.  W.  Sutton, 
G.  S.  Saunders,  J.  T.  Bennett-Poe,  E.  M. 
Holmes,  H.  J.  Chapman,  L.  Crawshay,  A. 
Worsley,  F.  J.  Baker,  J.  Fraser,  and  F.  J. 
Chittenden   (secretary). 

Malformed  Cyclamen. — Mr.  CRAWSHAY  showed 
an  interesting,  though  not  very  uncommon,  mal- 
formation of  the  Cyclamen,  where  two  flowers 
had  been  produced  in  the  axils  of  two  of  the 
sepals  of  an  otherwise  quite  normal  flower. 
All  the  flowers  on  the  plant,  which  was  a  seed- 
ling,  were   similarly    malformed. 

Albinos  among  British  wild  flowers. — Mr.  J. 
Fraser  showed  specimens  of  an  albino  form  of 


Viola  lutea  amcena 
Polygala   vulgaris 

„  serpyllacea 

,,  calcarea 

Silene    acaulis 
Malva   moschata 
Geranium    Robertianum 
Ononis   spinosa 
Tri folium    incarnatum 
Rubus    rusticanus 
Rosa  canina   dumalis 

„         ,,  surculosa 

Rosa    dumetorum 
Epilobium   hirsutum 
Scabiosa    succisa 


Campanula    rotundi folia 
Calluna  vulgaris 
Erica  tetralix 

,,      cinerca 
Centaurium    umbellatum 
Gentiana    campestris 
Verbascum    nigrum 
Bartsia   Odontites 
Ballota   nigra 
Thymus  Chama*drys 
Galeopsis  Tetrahit 
Ajuga   reptans 
Polygonum   Bistorta 
Orchis  muscula 

,,       maculata 
Scilla  nonscripta 


Plants  in  bloom. — Mr.  Bowles  showed  speci- 
mens  of  Felicia  petiolaris  gathered  from  the 
open  in  a  Wimbledon  garden,  where  the  plant 
had  flowered  up  to  the  present  since-  the  autumn. 
He  also  showed  specimens  of  the  following 
species  of  Crocus,  which  were  flowering  out-of- 
doors   considerably  before   their   normal  period 


14 


THE    GARDENERS'    CHRONICLE. 


[January  2,  1909. 


of  bloom: — Crocus  Imperati  (monophyllus)  and 
a  depauperate  form  of  the  same  species ;  C. 
Selberi  and  C.  chrysanthus.  C.  Imperati  was 
also   shown  from   Wisley. 

Grease  bands. — Mr.  J.  Watkins,  orchard  fore- 
man to  Sir  Edmund  Loder,  Bt.,  Maplehurst,  Sus. 
sex,  sent  a  grease  band  from  an  Apple  tree 
with  an  enormous  number  of  winter  moths 
(Cheimatobia  brumata  and  Hybernia  auranti- 
ana),  both  male  and  female,  adhering  to  it.  Mr. 
Watkins  wrote  that  when  he  took  the  band  off 
nearly  400  male  and  female  moths  were  upon 
it,  and  that  there  were  many  bands  on  which 
!200  and  upwards  have  been  caught.  The  trees 
had  never  been  banded  before;  but  now  some 
10,000  had  been  done.  The  mottled  umber 
moth  was  the  first  to  be  caught,  but  later  the 
small  winter  moth  was  entrapped  in  much 
greater  quantities.  Birds  appear  to  take  a  great 
number  of  the  moths  from  the  bands  and  devour 
them,  particularly  the  blue  tits.  Few  moths  were 
caught  when  the  bands  were  first  put  on  (in 
the  first  week  in  October).  The  larger  propor- 
tion of  females  was  caught  from  the  middle  to 
the  end  of  November,  and  a  few  are  still  at- 
tempting to  ascend  the  tree  stems.  Males  were 
most  abundant  earlier. 


LINNEAN    SOCIETY. 

December  17. — Mr.  W.  C.  Worsdell  exhibited 
living  specimens  of  various  forms  of  Selaginella, 
and  remarked  that  in  Selaginella  inequalifolia, 
Spring,  S.  Willdenovii,  Baker,  S.  canaliculata, 
Baker,  S.  serpens,  Spring,  S.  Mettenii,  A.  Br., 
he  observed  rhizophores  which  had  grown  out 
spontaneously  into  leafy  shoots.  The  mode  in 
which  this  takes  place  shows  that  the  rhizo- 
phore  has  the  morphological  character  of  a 
shoot,  as  there  is  clearly  but  a  single  organ  here 
concerned,  and  there  is  no  question  of  the  shoot 
developing  out  of  an  organ  of  a  different  nature 
represented  by  'he  extreme  base  of  the  whole 
structure.  The  exogenous  origin  of  the  normal 
rhizophores,  the  fact  that  the  two  (upper  and 
lower)  at  the  base  of  each  dichotomy  of  the 
stem  form  therewith  a  tetrachotomy,  two  arms 
of  which  are  in  a  plane  at  right  angles  to  the 
other  two,  and  their  constant,  definite  place  of 
origin,  are  all  in  favour  of  their  shoot-nature. 
Transitions  occur  between  the  normal  rhizo- 
phore  and  the  extreme  leafy  form.  The  rhizo- 
phore  is  probably  homologous  with  the  "  proto- 
corm  "  of  Lycopodium  and  Phylloglossum,  and 
with  the  organ  known  as  Stigmaria ;  if  so,  it 
follows  that  both  the  "  protocorm "  and  Stig- 
maria are  also  of  shoot-nature.  It  is  very  un- 
likely that  organs  intermediate  between  shoot 
and  root  can  exist  in   Nature. 

Mr.  George  Massee  exhibited  preserved  speci- 
mens and  lantern-slides  of  the  "  Black  Scab"  of 
Potatos.  During  the  past  few  years  this  disease, 
caused  by  a  parasitic  fungus,  has  assumed  the 
proportions  of  an  epidemic  in  various  parts  of 
this  country.  The  tuber  is  the  part  most  fre- 
quently attacked,  but  very  young  leaves  are 
sometimes  infected.  In  tubers  the  young 
"  sprouts "  are  attacked,  and,  owing  to  the 
stimulation  induced  by  the  parasite,  the  infected 
sprouts  rapidly  increase  in  size  and  form  large 
coralloid  masses  or  warts,  which  frequently 
cover  the  greater  portion  of  the  surface  of  the 
tuber  (see  fig.  in  Gardeners''  Chronicle,  August  22, 
1908,  p.  146).  These  masses  eventually  become 
blackish-brown  in  colour,  due  to  the  presence  of 
myriads  of  dark-coloured  resting-spoies.  In- 
fection always  takes  place  from  without,  conse- 
quently the  epidermal  or  peripheral  cells  alone 
are  infected.  The  presence  of  mature  resting- 
spores  imbedded  deeply  in  the  tissue  of  the 
host,  at  first  sight  appears  to  contradict  this 
statement,  but  this  appearance  is  due  to  the 
rapid  growth  and  division  of  uninfected  epi- 
dermal cells,  which  soon  forms  a  tissue  super- 
posed on  what  was  previously  the  periphery.  A 
point  of  interest  in  connection  with  this  disease 
is  the  absence  of  periderm,  which  in  other 
diseases  of  Potato  tubers  is  so  readily  formed. 
On  germination,  the  inner,  thin  hyaline  wall  is 
extruded  in  the  form  of  a  sphere,  through  a 
crack  in  the  thick-coloured  outer  wall  of  the 
resting-spore.  The  thin  wall  of  the  extruded 
inner  membrane  soon  deliquesces,  and  liberates 
myriads  of  elliptical,  1-ciliate  zoospores.  The 
facts  that  the  host  is  infected  through  the  epi- 
dermal or  peripheral  cells,  and  the  extrusion  of 
the  inner  wall  of  the  resting-spore  as  a  sphere, 


from  which  the  zoospores  escape  in  an  active 
condition,  indicate  that  lhe  parasite  belongs  to 
the  old  and  well-known  genus  Synchytrium. 
\\  hat  happens  to  the  zoospores  alter  their  libera- 
tion into  the  ground  remains  to  be  discovered, 
but  experiments  conducted  at  Kew  prove  that 
soil  once  infected  produced  a  diseased  crop 
even  after  a  period  of  five  years. 

Messrs.  H.  and  J.  Groves  exhibited  specimens 
of  Luzula  pallescens,  Besser,  collected  in  Wood- 
walton  Fen,  Hants.,  by  Mr.  J.  Groves  in  com- 
pany with  Mr.  E.  W.  Hunnybun,  who  dis- 
covered the  plant  there  last  year. 

Dr.  Otto  Stapf,  F  R.S.,  Sec.L.S.,  exhibited, 
for  comparison,  specimens  of  L.  pallescens  from 
Central  Europe. 

Mr.  G.  Claridge  Druce,  M.A.,  exhibited  as  a 
probable  new  British  plant,  Montia  lampros- 
perm.t,  Chamisso  ;  the  characters  by  which  it  is 
distinguished  from  M.  fontana  being,  it  was 
stated,  the  larger,  Chestnut-brown,  shining  seeds, 
reticulate  rather  than  tubercular.  In  M.  fontana 
they  are  small,  dull-black,  and  strongly  tuber- 
cular. The  plant  has  a  distinctly  northern 
range,  and  from  its  being  the  only  form  found 
in  the  Faroes,  and  from  its  occurrence  in  Scan- 
dinavia, Russia,  and  North  Germany,  it  might 
be  expected  to  grow  in  Scotland.  Mr.  Druce 
has  specimens  which  he  found  in  Ross-shire  in 
1881  in  Glen  Spean,  and  on  Loch  na  Gar,  the 
latter  at  an  altitude  of  3,400  feet. 

Mr.  Clement  Reid  believed  he  had  met  with 
the  seeds  of  both  species  in  his  researches  in 
British  leal-beds. 

A  paper,  by  Mr.  R.  P.  Gregory,  M.A.,  was 
communicated  by  Prof.  A.  C.  SewarG*,  F.R.S. 
The  author  stated  that  in  1877  Hermann  Muller 
described  four  forms  of  Valeriana  dioica, 
distinguished  from  one  another  by  the  size  of 
the  flower  and  by  the  relative  development  of 
the  male  and  female  reproductive  organs.  The 
phenomenon  appears  to  be  very  similar  to  that 
which  was  described  by  Darwin  in  Rhamnus 
catharticus.  It  has  been  found  that  the  indi- 
viduals of  Valeriana  dioica  may  be  conveniently 
arranged  in  four  groups,  which  are  distinguished 
as,  respectively,  "  Female,"  "  Hermaphrodite," 
"  Long-styled  Male,"  and  "  Short-styled  Male." 
But  while  the  central  types  of  each  group  are 
readily  distinguishable,  it  must  be  distinctly  re- 
cognised that  they  are  connected  by  a  series  of 
intermediate  forms,  and  that  there  is  no  discon- 
tinuity between  successive  groups. 


ROYAL    HORTICULTURAL    OF 
IRELAND. 

December  17. — The  79th  annual  meeting  of 
this  Society  was  held  at  35,  Dawson  Street, 
Dublin,  on  this  date. 

The  following  is  an  extract  from  the  report  of 
the  Council: — "The  Council's  arrangements 
with  the  National  Sweet  Pea  Society  to  hold  its 
provincial  show  in  Dublin  was  a  prominent  fea- 
ture. Public  patronage,  nevertheless,  fell  short 
of  expectation,  and  this  in  spite  of  judicious  ad- 
vertising. The  spring  show,  extending  over  two 
days,  came  out  somewhat  better,  yet,  in  hopes 
of  obtaining  more  satisfactory  results  in  the  near 
future,  the  Council  have  considered  the  possi- 
bility of  holding  the  next  spring  show  in  con- 
junction with  the  Royal  Dublin  Society's  spring 
show  at  Ballsbridge.  Sixty-two  new  members 
joined  during  the  year,  while  losses  by  resigna- 
tion and  death  totalled  16.  The  membership 
includes  three  honorary  members,  45  life  mem- 
bers, 268  annual  members,  and  63  practical 
members,  or  377  in  all.  Seven  members  of  the 
Council  retire  by  triennial  rotation,  viz.,  Messrs. 
G.  Watson,  J.  McDonough,  J.  W.  Henderson, 
Rev.  Canon  Hayes,  E.  D'Olier,  Hamilton  Drum- 
mond.  and  H.  Crawford.  Mr.  Hamilton  Drum- 
mond  does  not  seek  re-election,  leaving  two 
vacancies  to  be  filled. " 

The  Chairman,  Sir  John  Nutting,  Bart.,  said 
the  Royal  Horticultural  Society  had  10,000  mem- 
bers, and  the  Irish  Society  ought  to  have  1,000. 
The  holding  of  their  spring  show  in  connection 
with  the  spring  show  of  the  Dublin  Society  was  a 
step  in  the  right  direction.  Agriculture  and  hor- 
ticulture were  very  closely  allied.  He  wished 
that  something  could  be  done  to  induce  the  arti- 
san classes  to  take  an  interest  in  the  Society's 
shows. 

The  report  was  unanimously  adopted. 

The  Secretary  stated  that  the  Society  would 


hold  three  shows  next  year,  namely,  one  at  the 
spring  show  of  the  Dublin  Society,  a  Rose  show 
in  July)  and  a  third  show  later  on. 

The  following  were  then  elected  to  replace 
the  outgoing  members  of  the  Council: — Mr. 
George  Warren,  Mr.  James  M'Donough,  Mr. 
Wylie  Henderson,  Mr.  Edmond  D'Olier,  the 
Rev.  Canon  Hayes,  Lady  Alhreda  Bourke,  and 
Mrs.  Grier.  Mr.  Knowlden  was  appointed 
secretary.         

ST.  IVES  (HUNTS.)  HORTICULTURAL. 

December  21. — The  10th  annual  show  of  the 
above  society  was  held  on  this  date  in  a  large 
marquee  in  the  centre  of  a  wide  street  known 
as  the  Broadway,  and  'consisted  of  garden, 
farm,  and  dairy  produce.  Being  market  day, 
the  tent  was  at  times  crowded  with  visitors. 
Amongst  the  principal  classes  in  the  garden 
section  were  those  for  Apples  and  Pears.  Of 
three  dishes  of  cooking  Apples  there  were  12 
exhibits.  The  1st  and  2nd  prizes  were  won  by 
the  Earl  of  Sandwich,  Hinchingbrocke,  Hunt- 
ingdon (gr.  Mr.  J.  Barson),  with  large  and 
richly-coloured  fruit ;  3rd,  Mr.  C.  Cousins, 
Croxton  Park,  near  St.  Ives.  Of  three  dishes 
of  dessert  Apples  there  were  12  exhibits.  Mr.  C. 
Cousins  won  the  1st  prize  splendidly  with  Cox's 
Orange  Pippin,  Ribston  Pippin,  and  King  of 
the  Pippins  ;  2nd,  R.  M.  Copley,  Esq.  ;  3rd, 
The  Earl  of  Sandwich. 

For  three  dishes  of  dessert  Pears,  of  which 
there  were  six  exhibits,  the  1st  prize  was  well 
won  by  Sir  A.  W.  Marshall,  Buckden  Towers, 
with  Josephine  des  Malines,  Glou  Morceau,  and 
an  unnamed  variety;  R.  M.  Copley,  Esq.,  fol- 
lowed closely  with  Josephine  des  Malines,  Win- 
ter Nelis,  and  Glou  Morceau.  For  one  dish  of 
dessert  Pears  there  were  10  exhibits,  and  in 
every  case  these  were  of  a  high  quality.  Mr.  T. 
Longi.ond  was  1st  with  a  magnificent  dish  of 
Doyenne  du  Cornice.  For  one  dish  of  Apple 
Cox's  Orange  Pippin,  there  were  16  entries,  R. 
M.  Copley,  Esq.,  easily  won  the  1st  prize  with 
perfect  specimens.  For  one  dish  of  any  other 
dessert  variety,  R.  M.  Copley,  Esq.,  again  led 
amongst  11  entrants,  staging  very  fine  and  well- 
preserved    fruits    of    Ribston    Pippin. 

The  Earl  of  Sandwich  showed  the  best  cook- 
ing Apples.  Prizes  were  also  awarded  for 
Onions,  Carrots,  and  Potatos,  and  in  each  case 
these  vegetables  were  well  shown.     E.  B. 


NATIONAL    DAHLIA. 

December  29. — The  first  meeting  of  the 
Executive  Committee  of  the  above  society  was 
held  on  this  date  at  the  Hotel  WinrtRnr.  \T.Vtn-?a 
Street,  W.,  under  the  presidency  of  Mr.  George 
Gordon. 

It  was  decided  to  hold  one  exhibition  on 
Thursday  and  Friday,  September  2  and  3,  1909, 
at  the  Crystal  Palace,  and  another  on  Tuesday 
and  Wednesday,  September  21  and  22,  at  the 
Royal  Botanic  Gardens,  Regent's  Park.  The 
schedule  was  passed  for  both  shows,  and  in 
addition  to  providing  competitive  classes  for 
decorative  and  garden  Cactus  Dahlias,  Certifi- 
cates of  Merit  will  be  awarded  for  seedling 
varieties  suitable  for  this  purpose. 


THE     WEATHER. 


THE  WEATHER   IN    WEST    HERTS. 

Week  ending  December  30. 

The  eldest  night  for  nearly  14  years. — After  six  weeks  of 
unseasonably  warm  weather  a  chance  tnnk  place  on  Decem- 
ber 23,  since  which  date  some  very  low  readings  have  been 
recorded.  On  two  days  the  highest  reading  in  the  ther- 
mometer screen  rose  only  to  respectively  24°  and  25°,  while 
on  the  last  three  nights  the  exposed  thermometer  has 
registered  from  23"  to  31°  of  frost.  The  latter  is  the  lowest 
reading  recorded  here  since  February  7,  1895,  or  for  nearly 
14  years.  The  ground  temperatures  have  fallen  considerably 
during  the  week,  the  reading  at  2  feet  deep  being  now  only 
of  about  seasonable  warmth,  and  at  1  foot  deep  2°  colder 
than  the  average.  Snow  has  fallen  on  each  of  the  last  three 
days,  and  on  the  evening  of  the  29th  covered  the  ground  to 
the  depth  of  5^  inches.  The  sun  «hone  on  an  average  for 
26  minutes  a  day,  or  for  about  50  minutes  a  day  short  of  a 
seasonable  duration  at  the  end  of  December.  During  the 
nine  days  ending  the  27th  no  sunshine  at  all  was  recorded. 
Light  airs  alone  prevailed  during  the  week,  the  direction 
being  almost  exclusively  some  pn^tprly  point  of  the  com- 
pass. There  was  about  a  reasonah'e  amount  of  moisture  in> 
the  air  at  3  o'clock  in  the  afternoon.  E.  Af.»  ticrk)uv>nsted% 
December  30,  1908. 


January  2,  1909.] 


THE     GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


15 


MARKETS. 


Fruit:  Average  Wholesale  Prices. 


CO  VENT  GARDEN,  December  30. 

■[We  cannot  accept  any  responsibility  for  the  subjoined 
reports.  They  are  furnished  to  us  regularly  every 
Wednesday,  by  the  kindness  of  several  of  the  principal 
salesmen,  who  are  responsible  for  the  quotations.     It 

%  must  be  remembered  that  these  quotations  do  not  repre- 
sent the  prices  on  any  particular  day,  but  only  the 
general  averages  for  the  week  preceding  the  date  of  our 
report.  The  prices  depend  upon  the  quality  of  the 
samples,  the  way  in  which  they  are  packed,  the  supply 
in  the  market,  and  the  demand,  and  they  may  fluctuate, 
not  only  from  day  to  day,  but  occasionally  several  times 
in  one  day. — Ed.] 

Cut  Flowers,  &c. :  Average  Wholesale  Prices. 


4  0-50 
6  0-80 


3  0-50 
10-20 


2  6- 
1  0- 


s.d.  s.d 
Acacia     (Mimosa), 

p.doz.  bunches  10  0-12  0 
Azalea,  p.  dz.  bchs. 
Bouvardiu,  per  dz, 

bunches 
Calla  aethiopica,  p. 

dozen  

Camellias,  per  doz. 
Carnations,      per 

dozen   blooms, 

best  American 

various 

—  second  size    ... 

—  smaller,       per 

doz.      bunches     9  0-12  0 
Cattleyas,  per  doz. 

blooms 
Ch  rysanthemums, 

s  p  e  c  i  m  e  n 

blooms  p.  doz.    3  0-50 
•—  smaller,  per 

doz.      bunches    9  0-18  0 
Cypripediunis,  per 

dozen  blooms.. 
Daffodils,  per  bch. 
Eucharis      grandi- 

flora,  per  doz. 

blooms 

Gardenias,  per  doz. 

blooms 

Hyacinths  (Roman) 

per  doz.  bchs. 
Lilac  (French)  per 

bunch    

Lapagerias,  p.  doz. 
I  i. .mi        aiuatuni, 

f>er  bunch 
ongiflorum    ... 

—  lane  i  f  o  1  ium, 
rubrtim 

—  album 

Lily  of  the  Valley, 

p.  dz.  bunches 

—  extra  quality  ... 


8  0-10  0 


16-26 
10-13 


3  0-40 
3  0-50 


8  0-10  0 


3  0-40 
16-20 


2  0- 

3  0- 


1  0- 

2  0- 


S  il     !>  u 
12  0-15  0 


Marguerites,  p.  dz. 
bunches  white 
and  yellow     ... 

Mignonette,  per 
dozen  bunches 

Narcissus,  Taper- 
white,  per  dz. 
bunches 

—  Gloriosa 

—  Soleil  d'Or    ... 
O  d  on  t  oglossum 

cri  spurn,  per 
dozen  blooms 
Pelargoniums, 
show,  per  doz. 
bunches 

—  Zonal,  double 
scarlet 

Ranunculus, perdz. 

bunches 
Roses,  12  blooms, 

Niphetos 

—  Bridesmaid   ... 

—  C.  Testout     ... 

—  Kaiserin  A, 
Victoria 

—  C.  Mermet 

—  Liberty 

—  Mine.Chatenay 

—  Mrs.   J,    Laing 

—  The  Bride 
Spiraea,  per  dozen 

bunches 
Stock  s ,      double 

white,  per  doz. 

bunches 
Tuberoses,  per  dz. 

blooms 

—  on  stems,  per 
bunch  

Tulips,  per  doz.  ... 
Violets,   per  dozen 
bunches 

—  Parmas,  p. bch. 


s.d.  s.d. 


2  0-30 


2  6-30 
16-26 

3  0-40 


2  0-26 

5  0-60 

8  0-10  0 


16-26 
2  6-40 
2  6-40 

2  0-40 

2  0-36 

4  0-50 

3  0-40 
2  0-30 
2  6-36 

5  0-80 


4  0-60 


0  9- 
0  10- 


1  6- 
4  0- 


1  3 

1  6 


3  0 

5  0 


Cut  Foliage,  &c. :  Average  Wholesale  Prices. 


Adiantum  cunea- 
tum,  dz.  bchs. 

Asparag  us  plu- 
niosus,  long 
trails,  per  doz. 

—  — inedn..,bch. 

—  Spiengeri 
Berberis,  per  doz. 

bunches 
Croton  leaves,  per 

bunch  

Cycas  leaves,  each 
Ferns,    per    dozen 

bchs.  (English) 

—  (French) 
Galax    leaves,   per 

dozen  bunches 
Holly,  per  crate   ... 


4  0-60 


y  0-12  o 
10-20 
0  9-10 

2  6-30 

10-13 
16-20 


2  0- 
0  6- 


2  0- 
4  0 


2  6 


s.d.  s.d. 
Hardy    foliage 

(various),    per 

dozen  bunches  2  0-60 
Honesty  (L'unaria) 

fier  bunch       ...     10-16 
.     eaves,   bronze    2  0-26 

—  long  trails  per 

bundle 0  9-16 

—  short    green, 

perdz.  bunches  16-26 
Mistleto,  per  crate    8  U-10  0 


Moss,  per  gross 

Myrtle,  dz.  bchs., 

(English) 

small-leaved  — 

—  French 

Smilax,  per  dozen 

trails    


4  0-50 


4  0-60 
10-16 


Plants  in  Pots,  &c.  .  Average  Wholesale  Prices. 


Ampelopsis  Veit- 
chii,  per  dozen 

Aralia  Sieboldii,  p. 
dozen  

—  larger  speci- 
mens     

—  Moseri 

Araucaria   excelsa, 

per  dozen 
Aspidistras,  p.  dz., 
green    

—  rariegated 
Asparagus,  plumo- 

sus  nanus,  per 
dozen  

—  Sprengeri 

—  te  n  u  issimus 
Azaleas  (Indian),  p. 

dozen   

Begonia  Gloire  de 

Lorraine,  p.  dz. 
Bouvardias,  per  dz. 
Chrysanthemums, 

per  dozen,  best 

disbudded 
Clematis,  per  doz. 
Cocos    Weddelli- 

ana,  per  dozen 
Crotons,  per  dozen 
Cyclamen,  pr.  doz. 
C  yperu  s    alterni- 

folius,  dozen  ... 
Cyperus  laxus,  per 

dozen  

Dracaenas,  per  doz. 
Erica  gracilis,  per 

dozen  ... 

—  gracilis  nivalis, 
per  dozen 

Erica  hyemalis,  per 
dozen  


s.d.  s.d. 

6  0-80 

4  0-60 

9  0-12  0 
4  0-60 

12  0-30  0 

IS  0-24  0 
30  0-42  0 

12  0-18  0 
6  0-90 
9  0-12  0 

30  0-42  0 

12  0-18  0 
6  0-90 

12  0-18  0 
8  0-90 

18  0-30  0 
18  0-30  0 
10  0-15  0 

4  0-50 

4  0-50 
9  0-24  0 

12  0  15  0 

15  0-18  0 

10  0-15  0 

per 


Erica     ovata, 

doz.      ..         ...  15 

Euonyiuus.perdz., 

in  pots 4 

—  from  the  ground  3 
Ferns,  in   thumbs, 

per  100 

—  in  small  and 
large  60's 

—  in  48's,  per  dz, 

—  in  32's,  per  dz, 
F'icus  elasiica,  doz, 

—  repens,  per  dz 
Genista     fragrans. 

per  doz. 
Isolepis,  per  dozen 
Kentia      Belmore- 

ana,  per  dozen  15 

—  Fosteriana,  per 
dozen 18 

Latania  borbonica, 
per  dozen      ...  12 

L  i  1 1  u  m  1  o  ng  i- 
florum,  per  dz.  12 

—  lancifolium.per 
dozen  ...         ...  10 

Lily  of  the  Valley, 

per  dozen 
Marguerites,  white, 

per  dozen 
Pelargoniums, 

per  doz.,  Zonal 
Poinsettias,  per  dz. 
Rose   Madame  Le- 

vavasseur,  doz. 
Selaginella,  per  dz. 
Solanuius,  per  doz. 
Spiraea  laponica,  p. 

dozen 

Tulips    in     boxes, 

per  dozen 


d.  s.d. 
0-18  0 


0-9  0 
0-6  0 


7  0-10  0 


18 


0-20  0 
0-10  0 
0-1  y  0 
0-10  0 
0-8  0 

0-15  0 
0-6  0 

0-24  0 

0-30  0 

0-18  0 

0-18  0 

0-18  0 

0-30  0 

0-10  0 

0-6  0 
0-12  0 

0-18  0 
0-6  0 
0-10  0 

0-12  0 

0-16 


per 
Pip- 
the 


Apples,      Foreign 

—  Califo  r  ii  ia 
Newtown  Pip- 
pin, per  case,  4 
tiers      

—  4^  tiers 

—  New  York 
Newtown,  per 
barrel  

—  (NovaScotian), 
per  barrel : 

—  Spys    

—  Ribston  Pippin 

—  King  of  Tomp- 
kins County  ... 

—  Blenheim  Pip- 
pin        

—  York    Imperial 

—  Baldwin 

—  English, 
bushel : 

—  Blenheim 
pin 

—  King      of 
Pippins 

—  Annie  Eliza- 
beth       

—  Peasgood's 
Nonesuch 

—  Bra  ni  ley's 
Seedling 

—  W  e  1  li  ngton 
(syn.  Dume- 
low's  Seedling) 

—  Lord  Derby  ... 
per  §  sieve : 

—  Cox's  Orange 
Pippin 

—  Do.,  per  box  of 
2  doz.  selected 

—  Do.,  per  tray... 
Bananas,  bunch: 

—  No.  2  Canary. 

—  No.  1         „     ... 

—  Extra        ,,    ... 

—  Giants     „     ... 

—  (Claret) 

—  Jamaica 

—  Loose,  per  dz. 
Cranbei  ries ,  p.c  <-  e 
Crystalised  Fruits, 

}!b.  boxes,  per 
dozen  

—  £lb.  boxes 

—  lib.  boxes 

—  21b.  boxes 
Custard  Apples   ... 
1  lates  (Tunis),  per 

dozen  boxes  ... 
Figs  (Eleme),p.  dz. 

—  pulled,  per  dz. 
1  i  ape  Fruit,  case 
Grapes     (English), 

per  lb.... 

—  Hambros 
Grapes  Gros   Col- 
mar      

—  Alicante 


s.d.  s.d. 


7  6-10  0 
7  6-10  6 


25  0-30  0 


15  0-17  0 

16  0-19  0 


18  0  22  0 
18  0-24  0 
18  0-23  0 


3  0-46 

2  6-40 
5  0-60 

3  0-46 

4  0-56 


3  6-46 

3  6-40 


2  0-30 
2  6-  4  6 

6  6    — 
C  6-  8  0 
8  0-90 

10  0-12  0 
5  0-76 
5  0-56 
0  6-10 

10  0-12  0 


29    — 

5  6    — 

9  6    — 

17  0    — 

4  0-12  0 

4  9-50 
4  3    — 

7  6  13  6 
10  0-13  0 

0  6-16 
0  6-16 

10-19 
0  0-13 


Grapes,  Muscat  of 
Alexandria     ... 

—  Cannon  Hall 
Muscat 

—  (Guernsey) 

—  (Almeria),  per 
barrel  

Grenadilla,  p.  doz. 
Lemons  : 

—  Malaga,  case... 

—  (Naples) 

Limes  

I  ycliees,  per  box... 
Mandarines    (25's), 

per  box 

—  l96's),  per  box 
Mangoes,  per  doz. 
Medlars,   per   case 

—  (English),l2lbs. 
Nuts,  Almonds,  per 

bag        

—  Brazils,  new, 
perewt. 

—  Grenobles,  per 
bag       

—  (French),  p. bag 

—  Barcelona,  bag 

—  Cocoa  nuts.  100 

—  Cob,  per  dozen 
lbs.       ... 

—  Chestnuts,  per 
bag       

—  (Italian),  p.  bag 
Oranges     (Naples), 

per  case 

—  (Jamaica),  per 
cave 

—  (Almeria),  case 
i —  C  al  i  f  ornian 

seedless,    per 
case     

—  (Cape  Naart- 
jes),  p.  box,  80 

—  (Valencia)  per 
case  (420) 

—  per  case  (714)... 
Pears,    Californian 

Cornice,       per 
case      

—  Pi  t  m  as t  o  n 
Duchess, p. tray 

—  English  (  atil 
lac,  per  bushel 

—  (U.S.),  per  box 

—  per  barrel 

—  C  a  t  i  1  1  a  c 
(French),  crate 

—  (French),  I  '  \ 
time  du  Corn- 
ice, per  crate... 

—  (Califor  n  i  ;i  n), 
Glou  Morceau, 
per  case 

—  Winter  Nelis... 
Persimmons,     box 

of  15's  and  12 

fruits 

Pineapples,  each ... 


s.d.  s.d, 

2  0-60 

2  0-80 
0  4-09 

9  0-17  0 

16-20 

9  0-13  0 
18  0-i2  0 

2  6-40 
10-15 

0  10-  1  6 
4  0-46 

3  0-60 

4  &■  5  0 
2  6-36 

45  0    — 

50  0-65  0 

6  6-76 
8  0-90 

30  0-32  0 
11  0-14  0 

14  0-15  0 

7  0-00 
13  0-16  0 

8  0-10  0 

9  0-10  0 
7  6-10  0 


14  0-15  0 
16-26 


10  0-25  0 
ii  0  21  u 


15  0-21  0 
2  6-46 

5  0-76 
4  9-56 

15  0-18  0 

6  0-90 
8  0-10  0 


s  n    in  ii 
H  0-11  U 


16-26 
2  6-46 


Vegetables  :  Average  Wholesale  Prices. 


Artichokes(Globe), 
pet  dozen 

—  white,  p. bushel 
Asparagus,     per 

bundle: 

—  Sprue 

—  Paris  Green  ... 
Auber^inc^,  |>.  doz. 
Beans — 

—  (French),  p.  lb. 

—  (Guernse  y), 
per  lb 

—  (Madeira),  per 
basket 

Beetroot, per  bushel 
Brussel   Sprouts,  j 

bushel ... 
Cabbages,  per  tally 

—  per  mat 

—  Greens,       per 
bushel 

Cardoon    (French), 

per  dozen 
Carrots    (English), 

dozen  bnnches 

—  washed,  bag  ... 

—  unwashed 

—  Dutch,  p.  bag. 
Cauliflowers,    per 

dozen      

—  per  tally 
Celery,  per  roll    ... 

—  unwashed,  per 
dozen  

Celeriac,  per  doz. 
Chicory,  per  lb.  ... 
Chow  Chow    (Sec- 

hium  edule),  p. 

dozen  


s.d.  s.d. 


3  0-50 
10    — 


0  7-09 
4  0-46 
10-13 

0  6-08 
0  10-  1  3 

2  0-40 

1  6     — 

3  0-40 
8  0-10  0 

4  0-50 

2  0-26 

12  0    — 

2  0  — 
2  3-26 
16-19 

1  6    — 

2  6-50 
10  0-20  0 
0  11-10 

7  0-10  0 
16-19 

03  - 


£0-40 


Cucumbers,  perdz. 
Endive,  per  dozen 
Horseradish,     for- 
eign, per  doz. 
bundles 
r.eeks,  12   bundles 
Lettuce    (French), 
per  dozen 

—  French  Cos, per 
doz 

Mush  rooms,  per  lb. 

—  broilers 

—  buttons,  perlb. 
Mustardand  Cress, 

per  dozen  pun. 
Onions,  per  bag  ... 

—  (Valencia).case 

—  Dutch,  pr.  bag 

—  pickling,     per 
bushel 

Parsley, 12bnnches 
Parsnips,  per  bag... 
Potatos, Sweet,  per 

cwt. 
Radishes  (French), 
per  doz.  bunches 
Salsafy,  per  dozen 

bundles 
Seakale,  per  dozen 
Spinach,  p.  basket 
Savoys,  per  tally... 
Turnips,  per  dozen 

bunches 

—  washed,  p.  bag 
Tomatos      (Tener- 

iffe),   per  bun- 
dle of  4  boxes 
Watercress,       per 
doz 


s.d.  s.d. 
10  0-18  0 
16-19 


11  0-12  0 
10-16 

10-16 

5  0-56 
0  6-08 
0  6    — 

0  6-08 

1  0     — 

8  0-10  0 
10  6-12  0 

7  0-80 

4  6    — 
3  0-36 

3  0    — 

20  0-24  0 
10-13 

4  0-46 

9  0-12  0 
3  6-46 
7  6-10  6 

2  0    — 

3  0-40 


8  0-12  0 
4  0-60 


Remarks.— All  vegetables  are  very  dear  owing  to  the  wintry 
weather.  The  Christmas  trade  generally  was  good,  Apples 
especially  maintaining  good  prices.  The  supply  of  Pineapples 
was  greater  than  the  demand,  and,  consequently,  these  fruits 
did  not  realise  the  high  prices  anticipated  by  the  brokers. 
The  Grape  trade  was  good,  and  satisfactory  prices  were 
made,  Valencia  Onions  are  much  dearer  owing  to  the  cold 
weather  and  small  consignments.  Trade  generally  is  at  a 
standstill.  E.  H.  R-,  Covent  Garden,  Wednesday,  December 
SO,  1908, 


Potatos. 


Kents— 

Snowdrop    

Sharpe's  Express 
Epicure 
Up-to-Date  ... 
Lincolns— 
Epicure 
British  Queen 
Up-to-Date  ... 
Main  crop 


s.d.  s.d. 
...  4  0-43 
...  3  6-39 
...  3  3-36 
...3  0-3  6 

...  2  9-30 
...  2  9-33 
...30-36 
.36-39 


Sharpe's  Express  ...  3  0-33 


Lincolns— 

s.d.  s.d. 

Evergood 

...  2  6-29 

Bedfords 

Up-to-Dale  ... 

...  2  6    2  9 

Epicure 

...  2  9-30 

Blacklands... 

...2  8-2  6 

Dunbars — 

Langworthy 

...4  8    — 

Up-to-Date,  red  soil  3  9-40 
»        ii      grey  soil  2  9-38 


Remarks.— Prices  are  about  the  same,  but  trade  is  not 
so  good.  Very  small  consignments  are  arriving  on  account 
of  the  severe  weather.  Edward  J,  Newborn,  Covent  Garaen 
and  St.  Pa7icrast  December  30,  1908. 


COVENT     GARDEN     FLOWER     MARKET. 

The  Christmas  trade  finished  satisfactorily,  though 
no  exceptional  prices  prevailed.  In  some  few  instances, 
chiefly  for  best  quality  produce,  things  were  a  little 
dearer.  The  sudden  change  in  the  weather  may  make 
a  considerable  difference  in  the  value  of  all  things,  and 
if  the  conditions  remain  severe  the  supplies  from  France 
will  fall  off.  This  morning  (Wednesday)  the  market 
presented  a  very  bare  appearance;  there  was  very  little 
produce  and  few  buyers.  Supplies  for  some  time  to 
come  will  probably  be  short,  as  most  growers  market 
all  that  can  be  gathered  for  the  Christmas  trade,  and 
with  18  to  20  degrees  of  frost  and  the  houses  covered 
with   snow  succeeding  flowers  will   open  very   slowly. 

Cut  Flowers. 
Good  Chrysanthemums  are  becoming  scarce,  but 
ordinary  blooms  are  plentiful,  although  dearer.  Sup- 
plies of  Roses  have  fallen  off  considerably,  and  their 
value  is  sure  to  advance.  Carnations  have  been  fairly 
plentiful,  and  there  has  been  no  decided  advance  in 
prices.  They  were  among  the  few  things  in  demand 
this  morning.  Tulips  were  numerous,  but  there  were 
few  buyers  for  these  flowers.  The  value  of  Liliums  at 
Christmas  was  not  above  the  ordinary,  but  in  frosty 
and  snowy  weather  they  are  always  dearer.  Callas 
were  also  plentiful  at  Christmas.  Some  growers  of 
these  flowers  must  have  harvested  them  very  closely,  lor 
some  of  the  blooms  were  not  fully  developed.  Lilv-of- 
the-Valley  of  the  best  quality  did  not  advance  in  prices. 
Lilac  from  English  growers  is  very  good.  Violets  also 
are  of  the  best  quality. 

Pot  Plants. 
There  was  the  usual  activity  caused  by  the  Christmas 
trade,  but  since  then  there  has  been  practically  no 
demand  for  plants.  Azaleas  are  a  leading  feature ; 
these  plants  are  well  flowered  this  season.  Begonia 
Gloire  dc  Lorraine  has  been  good  from  several  growers, 
but  the  severe  weather  will  stop  the  trade  for  this  plant 
and  also  for  Poinsettias,  of  which  growers  still  have 
many  on  hand.  At  the  end  of  last  week  I  noted  some 
well-flowered  plants  of  the  old  double  white  Primula 
and  also  a  few  of  a  single  variety.  Cyclamen  in  various 
colours  are  now  better  flowered.  Tulips  and  Roman 
Hyacinths  are  plentiful  ;  most  of  these  are  grown  in 
boxes  of  about  two  dozen  bulbs  in  each.  Chrysanthe- 
mums were  well  supplied  for  the  Christmas  trade,  but 
supplies  will  not  hold  out  much  longer.  Erica 
hyemalis  is  of  the  best  quality  and  promises  to  be 
plentiful  for  some  time  to  come.  Erica  Wilmoreaila 
will  be  ready  when  this  is  finished.  Erica  ovata  has  a 
very  pretty  inflorescence,  and  the  flowers  are  of  a 
colour  that  is  much  appreciated.  Solanums  were  over 
plentiful,  and  I  noticed  that  there  were  many 
unsold  at  the  end  of  last  week.  Holly  was  the  only 
thing  that  was  scarce  at  Christmas,  and  well-berried 
samples  made  very  high  prices.  Christmas  Trees  sold 
fairly  well,  but  some  were  left  over,  especially  the  larger 
ones.  A.  H,,  Covent  Garden,  Wednesday,  Decem- 
ber jo,  igoS. 


CATALOGUES     RECEIVED. 


SEEDS. 


Harrison  &  Sons,  Leicester. 

Austin  &  McAslan,  89,  Mitchell  Street,  Glasgow. 

Dickson,  Brown  &  Tait,  43  and  45,  Corporation  Street, 

Manchester. 
Little  &  Ballantyne,  Carlisle. 
Robert  Veitch  &  Son,  Exeter. 
Cooper,  Taber  &  Co.,  90  &  92,  Southwark  Street,  London, 

S.E.  (Wholesale). 
H.  Cannell  &  Sons,  Swanley,  Kent. 
Dicksons,  Chester. 

Horsnail  &  Reynolds,  High  Street,  Strood,  Kent. 
W.  Drummond  &  Sons,  Ltd.,  Stirling. 
Samuel  Finney  &  Co.,  Ltd.,  Newcastle-on-Tyne. 
Stewart  &  Co.,  6,  Melbourne  Place,  Edinburgh. 

MISCELLANEOUS. 

Isaac  Godber,  New  Town  Nurseries,  Bedford— Chrysan- 
themums (Wholesale). 

Stascliffe  Estates  Co.,  Ltd.,  Darley  Dale,  near  Mat- 
lock—Trees  and  Shrubs,  Ruses,  Hardy  Plants,  &c. 

W.  J.  Godfrey,  Exmouth,  Devon— Chrysanthemums. 

Frank  Lilley,  Guernsey— Chrysanthemums. 

FOREIGN. 

J.  M.  Thorburn  &  Co.,  33,  Barclay  Street,  New  York, 
U.S.A.— Seeds  (Wholesale). 

Pape  S  Bergmann,  Quedlinburg,  Germany-Dahlias. 

W.  Atlee  Burpee  &  Co.,  275  North  Fifth  Street,  Phila- 
delphia, U.S.A.— Seeds. 


1G 


THE     GARDENERS     CHRONICLE. 


fjANUARV    2,    1909. 


(SHrituarjj. 


Alexander  Whvte. — We  regret  to  announce 
'  trie  death  of  Mr.  Alexander  Whyte,  F.L.S., 
F.Z.S.,  the  well-known  explorer  and  authority 
on  economic  botany.  Mr.  Whyte  was  a  son  of 
the  parish  minister  of  Fettercaim,  Kincardine- 
shire. As  a  young  man  he  went  out  to 
Ceylon ;  Coffee-planting  was  then  in  its  hey- 
day. His  interests  were  markedly  scientific. 
He  studied  tropical  botany,  particularly  in  its 
economic  and  trade  aspects.  When  he  left  Cey- 
lon Mr.  Whyte  became  attached  to  Sir  Harry 
Johnston's  expedition  to  Central  Africa  in  the 
official  capacity  of  naturalist,  and  in  the  course 
of  these  journeys  in  Nyassaland  and  Uganda,  he 
laid  the  foundations  of  a  knowledge  of  the  plant 
and  animal  life  of  the  continent  possessed  by 
few,  if  any,  men  of  the  time.  Some  500  new 
species  were  discovered  by  Mr.  Whyte  in 
these  journeys.  In  1898  his  services  were 
secured  by  the  British  Administration  in 
Uganda.  His  headquarters  were  at  Mengo, 
the  native  capital  of  Uganda,  and  there 
he  started  experimental  gardens  and  commenced 
other  branches  of  research  work.  On  his  return 
from  Mombasa  to  Uganda,  Mr.  Whyte  had 
passed  through  British  East  Africa,  and  in  1902 
the  Government  selected  him  as  Director  of  Agri- 
culture in  that  Protectorate.  Here  he  made 
many  and  important  discoveries  in  the  botany 
and  natural  resources  of  the  Protectorate. 
He  retired  in  1903  from  the  Government 
service,  but  in  the  two  succeeding  years  he 
made  visits  to  Liberia  to  investigate  the  rubber 
resources  of  that  country  in  the  interests  of  a 
London  company,  which  held  important 
concessions  from  the  Liberian  Government. 
He  travelled  widely  through  Liberia,  and 
made  many  discoveries  of  scientific  and  com- 
mercial importance.  He  brought  home  with 
him  a  large  collection  ot  herbarium  specimens. 
These  were  classified  at  Kew,  between  60  and  70 
of  the  plants  proving  to  belong  to  genera  and 
species  new  to  science.  These  plants  have  been 
described  and  named  by  Dr.  Stapf  in  the  Journal 
of  the  Linnean  Society.  Among  them  are  many 
new  rubber-yielding  vines  of  genera  closely 
allied  to  Landolphia,  the  well-known  rubber 
vine  of  the  Congo.  These  rubber  vines  are  dis- 
tinct from  the  Brazil  rubber  tree,  which  was 
introduced  some  years  ago  in  Ceylon  and  the 
Malay  Peninsula.  Mr.  Whyte  was  never  mar- 
ried, and  is  survived  by  a  sister. 

John  Lewis. — The  death  of  Mr.  John  Lewis 
occurred  recently  in  Canterbury,  New  Zealand, 
where  he  had  built  up  a  most  successful  florist's 
business.  Mr.  Lewis  was  born  in  Hereford- 
shire in  1842.  He  began  his  career  in  England 
with  the  late  James  Cranston  in  1852,  and,  after 
serving  for  a  few  years,  he  went  to  Messrs.  R. 
Smith  &  Son's  nursery  at  Worcester.  Later,  he 
worked  in  turn  at  the  nurseries  of  Mr. 
C.  Turner,  Slough,  and  Messrs.  Lee  Bros., 
of  Hammersmith,  being  manager  of  a 
branch  for  the  latter  firm.  After  this,  he 
left  for  New  Zealand.  He  proceeded  to  Lyttel- 
ton  in  the  ship  "  Blue  Jacket "  in  1866,  and  a 
few  months  afterwards  settled  in  Timaru.  Hav- 
ing taken  out  an  assortment  of  seeds,  he  com- 
menced nursery  work  on  some  land  near  the 
Smithfield  Freezing  Works.  About  three  years 
later  he  established  himself  at  Maori  Hill,  where 
he  bought  several  acres  of  land  for  nursery 
work,  and  erected  six  glasshouses — three  being 
devoted  to  Grape  growing  and  three  to  flowers. 
These  houses,  it  may  be  mentioned,  contain 
4,000  square  feet  of  glass.  Mr.  Lewis  was  one  of 
the  originators  of  the  Timaru  Floral  and  Horti- 
cultural Society  over  30  years  ago,  and  he  has 
been  one  of  its  most  enthusiastic  supporters. 
The  deceased  leaves  a  widow  and  two  children. 

George  Walpole. — The  news  of  the  death  of 
Mr.  George  Walpole,  of  Mount  Usher,  Rathnew, 
Co.  Wicklow,  will  be  received  with  regret  by  the 
many  garden  lovers  who  have  visited  the  famous 
gardens  at  Mount  Usher,  and  more  especially  by 
those  who  had  the  privilege  of  Mr.  Walpole's 
personal  friendship.  Mount  Usher  was  jointly 
owned  by  the  late  Mr.  Walpole  and  his  brothers, 
and  the  gardens  have  developed  to  their  present 
dimensions  from  a  comparatively  small  begin- 
ning. Those  who  have  seen  Mount  Usher  can 
never  forget  it  with  its  sparkling  streams,  shady 
trees,  and  wonderful  store  of  horticultural  trea- 


sures. There  is  no  other  such  garden  in  Ire- 
land, and  the  writer  has  never  met  anyone  who 
was  disappointed  with  it.  The  brothers  Walpole 
retired  to  this  beautiful  spot  every  Saturday 
morning,  and  there  they  worked,  and  planned, 
and  enjoyed  the  company  of  their  plants  until 
Monday  morning,  welcoming  any  of  their 
friends  who  came  to  see  them.  Each  individual 
opinion  and  prospective  change  was  carefully 
considered  on  these  occasions,  and  altered  or 
modified,  as  required,  until  unanimity  prevailed. 
The  late  Mr.  George  Walpole  was  one  of  the 
kindliest,  most  hospitable,  and  generous  of  men, 
and  was  universally  loved  and  esteemed.  It  is 
a  regrettable  coincidence  that  Mr.  Acton,  the 
Earl  of  Annesley,  and  Mr.  Walpole,  all  of  whom 
were  connected  with  important  gardens  in  Ire- 
land, should  have  died  within  a  short  period. 
F.  W.  M. 


GARDENING     APPOINTMENTS. 


[Correspondents  arerequested  to  write  the  names  ol  persons 
and  places  as  legibly  as  possible.  No  charge  is 
made  for  these  announcements,  butt/  a  small  contribution 
is  sent,  to  be  placetl  in  our  collecting  Box  for  the  Gardeners' 
Orphan  Fund,  it  will  be  thankfully  received,  and  an 
acknowledgment  made  in  these  columns.'] 

Mr.  James  A.  Cook,  for  2J  years  Assistant  Gardener  at 
Kingseat  Asylum,  Newmachar,  Aberdeenshire,  as 
Gardener  to  Colonel  John  Leith,  J. P.,  Arnage  Castle 
by  Ellon,  Aberdeenshire,  in  succession  to  Mr..  William 
Euhart,  who  has  been  appointed  Gardener  at  Kingseat 
Asylum. 

Mr.  L.  Perfect,  for  the  last  8  years  Orchid  grower  to 
R.  Brooman  White,  Esq  ,  Arddarroch,  Garelochhead, 
as  Gardener  to  James  Watson,  Esq.,  Caldwell,  Irvine. 
(Thanks  for  2s.  which  has  been  put  into  R.G.O.F.  box). 

Mr.  R.  Lickman,  for  the  past  9  years  Foreman  in  the 
Gardens,  Coombe  House,  Kingston-on-Thames,  Surrey, 
as  Gardener  to  J.  E.  Greaves,  Esq.,  Bron  Eifion, 
Criccieth,  North  Wales. 

Mr.  James  A.  Paice,  as  Gardener  to  Rear  Admiral  Sir 
John  Jellicoe,  "Thornton,"  Harrow  Weald,  Middle- 
sex. 


GoTrmpcmdenU 


Apple  Shoots  Decaying  :  C.  H.  The  twigs  are 
attacked  by  Brown  Rot.  All  dead  branches 
should  be  cut  off,  and  the  bushes  sprayed 
next  spring  with  the  Bordeaux  mixture  at  half 
strength  just  when   the  leaves  are  unfolding. 

Apples  :  C.  W.,  British  Columbia.  Cox's 
Pomona  is  said  to  have  been  raised  by  Mr. 
Cox,  of  Colnbrook  Lawn,  who  also  raised 
Cox's  Orange  Pippin. 

Chrysanthemums  for  Market  :  S.  G.  R.  It  is 
difficult  to  give  a  definite  answer  to  your 
questions,  for  some  of  the  early  varieties  may 
also  be  flowered  later.  Take  Mme.  Paolo 
Radaelli  for  an  instance.  This  was  shown  in 
the  first  week  in  October  and  also  in  Decem- 
ber. Yet  it  may  be  classed  as  a  mid-season 
variety.  The  following  varieties  may  be  re- 
commended : — Early  flowering :  Roi  des 
Blanches,  Boule  de  Neige,  Carrie,  Lady  Mary 
Fitzwigram,  Miss  B.  Millar,  Horace  Martin, 
Goacher's  Pink,  Harvest  Home,  Goacher's 
Crimson,  Nina  Blick,  Le  Pactole,  Polly, 
Nellie  Blake  and  Black  Prince.  Mid-season  : 
Alice  Byron,  Mme.  Paolo  Radaelli,  Mme.  G. 
Rivol,  W.  Holmes,  Mrs.  Millar,  Moneymaker, 
J.  Shrimpton,  Mrs.  Wingfield,  W.  Duckman, 
Mrs.  W.  J.  Scott,  Cullingfordii,  F.  S.  Vallis 
and  Western  King.  Later  flowering  ;  Negoya, 
W.  H.  Lincoln,  Mrs.  Thompson,  Golden  Ball 
(new),  Violet  Lady  Beaumont,  Snowdrift, 
Mme.  R.  Oberthur,  Mathew  Hodgson,  Winter 
Cheer,  Mme.  Pankoucke,  Mme.  L.  Charvat, 
Lord  Brooke,  Framfield  Pink  and  Tuxedo. 
Many  others  might  reasonably  be  added  to 
the  above  list,  and  it  must  be  borne  in  mind 
that  considerable  variation  occurs  in  the  same 
varieties  when  grown  under  different  condi- 
tions. Some  varieties  which  flower  early  may 
also  be  flowered  late.  Of  new  varieties  we 
may  mention  Felton's  Favourite,  which 
flowers  early,  and  continues  to  bloom  on  the 
secondary  growths.  December  Gold  and  R.  F. 
Felton  are  two  good  yellow  varieties.  These 
should  be  tried,  but  do  not  cultivate  them  in 
large  quantities  until  you  have  proved  their 
value.  Varieties  which  succeed  with  one 
grower    sometimes    fail    with    another.      The 


•  incurved  varieties  are  favourites  in  the  mar- 
ket, and  such  old  sorts  as  Mr.  G.  Glenney, 
Mrs.  G.  Rundle  and  Mrs.  Dixon  are  of  better 
form  than  some  of  the  more  recent  additions. 

Cinerarias  Failing  :  G.  W.  The  plants  appear 
to  have  suffered  from  the  effects  of  frost  before 
they  were  removed  to  the  greenhouse. 

Cucumbers  Failing:  A.  E.  P.  We  have  sub- 
mitted the  fruits  to  our  fungus  expert,  who 
states  that  no  disease  is  present.  The  trouble 
must,  therefore,  be  due  to  some  cultural  error, 
or  to  something  that  has  caused  a  check  to 
the  plants. 

Fig  Trees  :  F.  S.  The  pruning  should  be 
done  first  and  the  prunings  removed  to  the 
fire  for  burning,  but  it  is  more  convenient  to 
paint  the  trees  before  they  are  trained, 
always,  of  course,  drawing  the  brush  in  the 
direction  in  which  the  buds  are  growing.  It 
is  not  a  good  practice  to  smear  the  buds 
themselves  over  with  this  kind  of  insecticide, 
and  where  harm  results  from  the  painting,  it 
is  generally  traceable  to  carelessness  in  its 
application. 

Names  of  Flowers,  Fruits  and  Plants. — We 
are  anxious  to  oblige  correspondents  as  far  as 
we  consistently  can,  but  they  must  bear  in 
miud  that  it  is  no  part  of  our  duty  to  our 
subscribers  to  name  either  flowers  or  fruits. 
Such  work  entails  considerable  outlay,  both  of 
time  and  money,  and  cannot  be  allowed  to  dis- 
organise the  preparations  for  the  weekly  issue,  or  to 
encroach  upon  time  required  for  the  conduct  of  the 
paper.  Correspondents  should  never  send  more 
than  six  plants  or  fruits  at  one  time  :  they  should  be 
very  careful  to  pack  and  label  them  properly,  to  give 
every  information  as  to  the  county  the  fruits  are 
grown  in,  and  to  send  ripe,  or  nearly  ripe,  specimens 
which  show  the  character  of  the  variety.  By 
neglecting  these  precautions  correspondents  add 
greatly  to  our  labour,  and  run  the  risk  of 
delay  and  incorrect  determinations.  Correspondents 
not  answered  in  one  issue  are  requested  to 
be   so   good  as   to   consult   the   following   numbers. 

Fruits:  Expectant.  Mannington's  Pearmain. — 
C.  L.,  Co'.burg  House.     Striped  Beefing, 

Plants:  W.  A.  B.  A  very  pretty  form  of 
Cypripedium  Leeanum,  but  we  know  of  no 
distinguishing  name  for  it.  So  many  varietal 
names  have  been  given  'that  there  seems 
to  be  no  room  for  others.  Many  thanks 
for  the  postal  order  for  the  Gardeners' 
Royal  Benevolent  Institution. — R.  A  Epi- 
dendrum  O'Brienianum. — P.  M.  1,  Calanthe 
rosea;  2,  Oncidium  flexuosum ;  3,  O.  sphacela- 
tum. — J.  M.  1,  Cassinia  fulvida  (syn.  Diplo- 
pappus  chrysophyllus)  ;  2,  Cupressus  pisifera 
variegata ;  3,  Pinus  Strobus ;  4,  Cupressus 
Lawsoniana  stricta  ;  5,  Pernettya  mucronata  ; 
6,  Cupressus  Lawsoniana  ;  7,  Phillyrea  media  ; 
8,  Ilex  aquifolium  var.  crispa ;  9,  Cupressus 
sempervirens  ;  10,  Berberis  stenophylla  ;  11, 
Thujopsis  borealis  ;  12,  Cupressus  Lawsoniana 
erecta  viridis. 

Purchase  of  Goods  :  Holt.  Judging  from  the 
facts  as  related  in  your  letter,  you  are  entitled 
to  reject  the  whole  of  the  goods,  but  if  you 
prefer  it  you  may  accept  such  as  are  in  ac- 
cordance with  the  contract  and  reject  the 
rest.  In  either  case,  you  are  not  bound  to 
return  the  rejected  goods  to  the  seller ;  it  is 
sufficient  to  intimate  to  him  your  lefusal  to 
accept  them.  But  you  might  send  them  back 
to  him,  leaving  him  to  pay  the  carriage.  It 
would  be  desirable  to  have  the  goods  ex- 
amined by  an  expert,  so  as  to  have  an  inde- 
pendent witness  in  case  of  further  trouble. 

Roman  Hyacinths  :  G.  W.  The  bulbs,  though 
of  fair  size,  do  not  appear  to  have  developed 
an  inflorescence,  due  probably  to  improper 
ripening  last  autumn.  In  cutting  them 
through,  there  is  no  appearance  of  a  flower- 
spike. 

Violets  Diseased:  F.  A.  The  plants  are  in- 
fested with  Botrytis.  Spray  them  with  sul- 
phide of  potassium  at  the  rate  of  one  ounce 
in  three  gallons  of  water  twice  a  week.  De- 
caying wood  harbours  the  fungus,  and  <  ny 
dead  shoots  of  trees  should  therefore  be  re- 
moved. 

Communications  Received. --F.  W.  M.— J.  E.  R.  F.,  New 
South  Wales— A.  T.— S.  J.  M.— W.  H.  S.-J.  W.  G.— 
Rev.  T.  A.  H.— J.  O'B.— A.  W.— R  R.— P.  W.— H.  S.  T.— 
E.  B. — E.  M.— H.  W.  (not  suitable  for  our  columns)— 
Rev.  C.  B.— W.  E.  B.-W.  J.  G.— J.  F.  McL.— W.  H.— 
R.  L.  H.— B.  L.— C.  T.  G.-W.  W— W.  W.  N.— E.  S.— 
J.  V.— Lady  D. 


January  9,  1909.] 


THE     GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


V 


THE 


^Hrbcncrs'CibronicI 


No.  1,150.— SATURDAY,  January  9,   1909. 


CONTENTS. 


Absorption  of  moisture 
by  leaves         

Agaricus  elvensis 

Agricultural  Holdings 
Act,  1908  

Apple  William  Crump... 

Benevolent  Institution, 
Gardeners'  Royal 

Books,  notices  of — 
Botanical  Magazine... 
My  Garden  Diary 
Publications  recei'     I 

Cattleya  Mendelii  "  Hi;. 
Majesty  the   King  "... 

Cornwall,  the  weather  ii. 

Cycnoches     niaculatum 

Florists'  flow  i  rs 
New  French  Chrysan- 
themums       

French  garden,  notes 
from  a   ... 

Fruit  culture  under  glass 

Fruit  Show,  the  K.H.S. 
autumn  

Grapes,  varieties  of 
Muscat 

Ipomcea  mexicana 

Lurgan,  public  park  for 

Myrtle,  the  common    .. 

Nepenthes  Dr.  J  ihn 
MacFarlane     

Nicholson,  George,  sale 
of  books  belonging  to 
the  late 

Nitro-Bacterine,  experi- 
ments on  the  value  of 


Obituary — 

Morris,  George  Field 
Orchid  notes  and  glean- 
ings— 

Laelio-Cattleya  Coun- 
tess Torby  ... 

OdontiodaGattonensis 
Plant-collecting  in  China 
Plant    novelties   of  190S 
Plants,     new     or    note- 
worthy— 

Wedelia  oblonga 
Rosary,  the  — 

Cultural      notes      for 
January        ...        — 
Saxifraga  Fortunei 
Seed    employes    annual 

dinner 

Societies- 
Manchester  and  N. of 
England  Orchid     ... 

Royal   Horticultut.il  .. 
Table  decorations 

Tropical  fruits 

Week's  work,  the  — 

Apiary,  the       

Flower  garden,  the  ... 

Fruits  under  glass    ... 

Hardy  fruit  garden   ... 

Kitchen  garden,  the... 

Orchid  houses,  the    ... 

Plants  under  glass    .. 

Public      parks      and 
gardens         


32 


25 


ILLUSTRATIONS. 


Apple  William  Crump 

Cycnoches,  with  male  and  female  flowers 

Hive,  dimensions  for  a  standard      

Morn-,  the  late  George  Field  ...         

Myrtus  communis,  a  fruiting  spray  of       

Nepenthes    Dr.    John     MacFarlane     (Supplementary 

Illustration) 
Saxifraga  Fortunei  flowering  in  November  on  a  rockery 


...      21 

26,  27,  29 

23 


3ii 


20 


THE    COMMON    MYRTLE. 

OF  the  ioo  or  so  species  of  Myrtus,  the 
best  known  is  Myrtus  communis,  which 
was  first  described  by  the  great  botanist 
Linnaeus.  The  "  Common  "  Myrtle,  as  it  is 
called,  is  very  widely  distributed,  being  found 
as  far  west  as  I  he  Azores  and  as  far  east  as 
Afghanistan  and  Beluchistan.  Forms  of  it — 
there  are,  apparently,  many — are  found 
on  both  shores  of  the  Mediterranean,  and 
also  for  some  miles  inland,  the  chief  habitat 
ranging  between  the  30th  and  40th  degree  of 
northern  latitude.  In  looking  over  the  speci- 
mens in  the  herbarium  at  Kew  I  noticed  one 
fine,  large-leaved  form,  almost  identical  in 
appearance  with  that  illustrated  at  fig.  15, 
with  a  Geneva  label  attached  to  it.  As 
Geneva  is  slightly  above  the  46th  degree  of 
latitude,  and  probablv  too  cold  for  the  Myrtle 
in  winter,  it  is  possible  the  specimen  may 
have  been  taken  from  a  cultivated  plant  ac- 
customed to  have  protection  of  some  kind 
during  the  coldest  period  of  the  year. 

One  is  apt  to  think  that  there  is  only  one 


form  of  the  Common  Myrtle,  but  an  exami- 
nation of  specimens  from  different  parts  of 
the  geographical  area  mentioned  shows  that 
there  are  considerable  differences  between  the 
plants  from  various  regions — geographical 
forms,  no  doubt,  modified  by  soil,  climate, 
altitude  and  general  environment.  This  ac- 
counts in  a  measure  for  such  names  as 
Dutch,  Italian,  Roman,  Box-leaved,  &c, 
which   have   been    applied   to   certain   forms. 

Myrtus  communis  is  a  beautiful  evergreen 
shrub  varying  from  3  to  10  or  12  feet  in 
height,  and,  in  the  Holy  Land  and  Afghani- 
stan, even  forming  a  small  tree.  The  leaves 
vary  much  in  size,  some  being  large 
and  ovate  lance-shaped,  tapering  to  a  sharp 
point ;  others  are  smaller,  but  similar  in 
shape ;  while  others,  again,  are  even 
smaller,  not  exceeding  half  an  inch  in  length 
and  not  more  than  a  quarter  of  an  inch  in 
width.  Some  forms  appear  to  be  stunted  and 
"  scrubby  "  in  appearance,  owing  to  the  fact 
that,  the  internodes  being  shorter,  the  leaves 
are  much  closer  together.  Others  have  a 
more  luxuriant  appearance,  with  largei 
leaves  and  longer  internodes. 

Speaking  broadly,  the  Common  Myrtle  may 
be  said  to  have  three  distinct  form-;,  namely, 
the  large  or  broad-leaved  (a-  shown  in  the 
sketch),  the  medium-sized,  and  the  small  or 
narrow-leaved,  with  intermediate  variations. 

The  flowers,  which  appear  during  the  sum- 
mer months,  are  pure  while,  with  numerous 
conspicuous  stamens.  They  are,  in  all  1 
that  I  have  seen,  borne  singly  in  the  axils  of 
the  almost  opposite  leaves  and  on  the  young 
wood  only.  The  flov  ers  ire,  as  a  rule,  freely 
produced,  even  on  pi  ints  two  or  three  Mar- 
old  raised  from  cuttings,  slips  or  layers.  It 
is  not  often,  however,  that  one  sees 
.1  Myrtle  not  only  'flowering  freely,  but 
also  producing  its  fruits  abundantly  in  the 
open  air  in  such  a  fickle  climate  as  that 
of  Middlesex.  The  spray  illustrated  is  from  a 
plant  about  10  years  old  and  nearly  4  feet 
high  grown  in  a  14-inch  pot.  Each  year  it 
is  exceedingly  effective  when  clothed  in  its 
white  blossoms,  but  until  this  season  I  have 
never  noticed  it  in  fruit  before.  The  shape 
of  the  fruits  is  as  drawn,  each  being  three- 
celled  and  containing  several  kidney-shaped 
seeds,  as  shown  in  the  illustration. 

Just  as  the  haves  of  the  Common  Myrtle 
vary  considerably  in  shape  and  size,  so  do 
the  fruits.  In  some  cases  they  are  smallish, 
globular  berries,  but  in  the  herbarium  speci- 
mens examined  none  was  quite  so  large  or  so 
long  as  those  shown  in  the  illustration.  At 
first  they  are  green,  but  assume  a  dark  or 
blackish-purple  colour  when  ripe.  There 
seems,  however,  to  be  a  white-fruited  form 
(baccis  albis)  of  the  Italian  Myrtle,  but  it  is 
exceedingly  rare.  "Another  form,  cultivated 
at  Kew  in  1885  and  1SS6  under  the  name 
of  M.  mucronatus,  has  vellou  ish-white  fruits. 
This  is  apparently  identical  with  another 
form  called  "  tarentina,"  the  leaves  of  which 
are  about  half  an  inch  long,  narrow,  lance- 
shaped,  acute,  and  about  a  quarter  of  an  inch 
in  width. 

So  far  as  cultivation  is  concerned,  plants 
flourish  in  a  compost  of  loamy  soil  and  leaf- 
mould,  which  should  be  firmly  rammed  round 
the  roots  when  pots  are  used.  The  plant 
from  which  the  illustration  at  fig.  15  was  pre- 
pared receives  practically  no  attention  during 
the  year  beyond  the  usual  watering.     From 


April  or  May  to  October  or  November  it 
stands  outside  the  house,  facing  westwards. 
This  year,  however,  it  was  still  outside  until 
Christmas  Day,  but  the  fall  of  snow  and  the 
frost  necessitated  its  removal  to  a  greenhouse 
on  the  morning  of  December  28.  The  plant 
itself  was  raised  from  a  shoot  placed  in  a 
bottle  of  water.  This  seems  to  be  an  easy 
method  of  propagation,  as  roots  are  soon  pro- 
duced even  in  an  ordinary  dwelling  room  if 
the  atmosphere  is  not  too  hot  and  dry.  Cut- 
tings  of  the  half-ripened  shoots  inserted  in 
moist,  sandy  soil  during  July  and  August  also 
root  freely. 

Of  the  other  species  of  Myrtle,  perhaps  the 
best  known  is  the  more  tender  Chilian  plant, 
Myrtus  Ugnii,  known  formerly  under  the 
name  of  Eugenia  Ugnii.  This  species  pro- 
duces, under  greenhouse  culture,  roundish.red 
or  black  fruits  of  an  agreeable  taste.  Other 
species  of  Myrtle  are  distributed  over  Peru, 
India,  the  Falkland  Islands,  and  other  parts 
of  the  world,  but  from  a  garden  point  of  view 
they  do  not  possess  the  importance  of  the 
Common  Myrtle,  Which,  in  the  most  favoured 
parts  of  the  kingdom,  can  be  grown  out-of- 
doors  against  walls  or  in  other  sheltered  posi- 
tions.   /.  Weathers. 


ORCHID    NOTES   AND    GLEANINGS. 

L.EI.IO-CATTLEYA     COUNTESS     TORBY. 

(L.-C.    HlPFOLYTA  VAR   PHCEBE    X    L.-C.  EXIMIA.) 

This  is  a  pretty  new  hybrid  raised  by 
Messrs.  Moore,  Ltd.,  Rawdon,  Leeds,  and 
ted  by  J.  Talbot  Clifton,  Esq.,  Lytham 
Hall,  Lytham.  In  size  and  colour  it  approaches 
L.-C.  eximia  (L.  purpurata  x  C.  Warned),  the 
orange-yellow  colour  of  L.-C.  Hippolyta  (L. 
1  innabarina  x  C  Mossias)  being  entirely  elimin- 
ated, as  we  have  seen  in  other  instances  where 
varieties  with  deep  shades  of  yellow  have  been 

d  with  rose-tinted  flowers.     The  sepals  are 

lanceolate,  nearly  3  inches  long ;  the  ovate- 
acuminate  petals  1;;  inches  wide;  both  silver- 
white,  delicately  tinged  and  veined  with  pale 
The  base  of  the  lip  is  white,  with  a  yel- 
low flush  extending  to  the  chrome  yellow  disc, 
the  front  being  deep  rose-purple.  It  is  a  very 
attractive  winter  flower. 

ODONTIODA   GATTONEN5IS. 

(Odontogi.ossum  Kegeljanii  (syn.  polyxan- 
thu.m)  x  codilioda  noezliana.) 
This  hybrid  has  flowered  in  the  collection  of 
Sir  Jeremiah  Colman,  Bart.,  Gatton  Park  (gr. 
Mr.  Collier),  from  a  cross  made  and  raised  by 
Mr.  W.  P.  Bound,  until  recently  gardener  at 
Gatton  Park,  ft  may  be  compared  with  O.  Brad- 
shawite,  illustrated  in  the  Gardeners'  Chronicle, 
January  19,  1907,  p.  36,  but  it  has  a  yellower 
ground  colour  and  firmer  texture,  inherited  from 
O.  Kegeljanii.  The  sepals  are  lanceolate,  the 
upper  the  broadest;  the  ground  colour  lemon- 
yellow,  showing  on  the  reverse  side  in  a  broad 
band  up  the  middle,  the  face  being  reddish- 
orange,  with  the  lemon-yellow  ground  showing 
at  the  base  and  tips.  The  petals  are  broader 
than  the  sepals,  and  similarly  coloured,  except 
that  on  the  lower  halves  a  few  lemon-yellow 
markings  appear.  The  lip  has  the  expanded  side 
lobes  striped  with  reddish-brown,  the  front  lobe 
having  a  large  reddish  blotch  surrounded  by  a 
narrow  primrose-tinted  band,  the  toothed  margin 
being  deep  orange  colour  The  callus  has  four 
strongly-developed  teeth  of  a  yellowish  tint,  and 
an  imperfectly-developed  ridge  on  each  side. 
The  column  is  reddish-purple,  darkest  on  the 
wings.  It  is  a  charming  flower ;  the  nearly 
scarlet  surface  colour  is  on  a  substantial  lemon- 
yellow  ground. 


18 


THE     GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


[January  9,  190&. 


NEW  OR  NOTEWORTHY 
PLANTS. 


*WEDELIA   OBLONGA. 

The  species  here  described  is  a  pretty  novelty 
which  has  been  grown  by  Messrs.  J.  Veitch  & 
Sons  from  seed  collected  in  British  East  Africa 
by  Mr.  Diespecker.  The  flower-heads  measure 
from  1J  to  2  inches  in  diameter,  and  are  of  a 
pleasing  lemon-yellow  colour,  whilst  the  ray- 
florets  are  somewhat  conspicuous  by  reason  of 
the  deeply-trifid  corolla  limb.  From  the  ab- 
sence of  a  pappus  in  this  species,  one  would 
expect  it  to  have  a  very  restricted  distribution. 
As  we  have  no  information,  however,  as  to  the 
exact  locality  in  which  the  seeds  were  collected, 
a  correct  idea  cannot  be  obtained  until  additional 
material  is  forthcoming. 

The  genus  Wedelia  consists  of  about  90 
species,  the  greater  portion  of  which  are  Ameri- 
can. It  is  very  difficult  to  distinguish  it  from 
Aspilia,  which  differs  merely  in  having  neutral 
ray-florets,  the  Latter  being  fruitful  in  Wedelia. 
Indeed,  Bentham  considered  that  Wedelia, 
Aspila,  and  Blainvillea  might  be  regarded  as 
one  large  genus,  the  whole  group  scarcely  dis- 
tinct from  several  other  purely  American  genera. 
He,  however,  kept  them  apart,  chiefly  for  prac- 
tical purposes.  Wedelia  belongs  to  the  sub- 
tribe  Verbesineae,  which,  as  defined  by  Bentham 
and  Hooker  in  the  Genera  Plantarum,  comprises 
about  700  species,  contained  in  71  genera.  The 
great  majority  of  these  are  American,  and  they 
are  very  difficult  to  separate  into  groups,  except 
into  very  artificial  series.  Bentham  was  of  the 
opinion  that  the  tribe  Helianthoideas  was  proba- 
bly the  most  ancient  of  the  order  Compositas. 
The  species  referred  to  it  are  usually  rather 
coarse  herbs  or  shrubs,  with  more  or  less  sca- 
brid  or  hirsute  indumentum,  and  leaves,  or, 
at  any  rate,  the  lower  ones,  mostly  opposite. 

The  following  description  was  drawn  up  from 
a  living  plant  sent  to  Kew  by  Messrs.  Veitch  & 
Sons: — A  subprocumbent  plant,  attaining  a 
height  of  almost  3  feet.  Branches  grooved  or 
somewhat  angular,  more  or  less  densely  covered 
with  white,  glandular  hairs.  Internodes  2J  to 
3  inches  long.  Leaves  oblong  or  oblong-lanceo- 
late, acute,  mucronulate,  auriculate  at  the  base, 
3  to  Z\  inches  long,  j  to  1  inch  broad,  with 
glandular  hairs  on  both  surfaces ;  lateral  nerves 
seven  to  ten  on  each  side  of  the  midrib,  im- 
mersed above,  prominent  below.  Heads  pedun- 
culate, \\  to  2  inches  in  diameter;  peduncles  \\ 
to  2^  inches  long.  Outer  bracts  of  the  involucre 
foliaceous,  ovate-lanceolate,  about  \  inch  long, 
glandular-hairy,  ciliate ;  inner  bracts  somewhat 
scarious.  Palea  of  the  receptacle  lanceolate,  cil- 
iate towards  the  apex,  subacute.  Ray  flowers 
about  12,  tridentate ;  achenes  somewhat  four- 
angled,  glabrous  ;  pappus  absent ;  tube  densely 
pilose ;  limb  oblong  cuneate,  deeply  trilobed. 
Disk  flowers  about  30 ;  achenes  subterete, 
glabrous  ;  tube  densely  pilose  on  the  lower  por- 
tion ;  style  branches  apiculate,  acute,  pilose. 
J .  Hutchinson,  Kew. 

*  Wedelia  oblonga  (Hutchinson),  sp.  nov.—Planta  sub- 
procumbens,  circiter  1  m.  alta,  ramis  sulcatis  vel  subangnlaiis 
plus  minus  dense  glanduloso— pubescentibus,  internodiis 
6-7  cm.  longis.  Folia  oblonga  vel  oblongo-lanceolata, 
acuta,  mucronulata,  basi-auriculata,  7-9  cm.  longa,  1-5-2  cm. 
lata,  utrinque  glanduloso— pilosa,  nervis  Iateralibus  7-10 
supra  immersis  subtus  prominentibus,  venis  arete  anasto- 
mosantibus.  Capitula  pedunculata,  3-4  cm.  diametro ; 
pedunculi  4-6  cm.  longi.  Involucri  bractea  externae  foliacece, 
ovato-lanceolatas,  8-10  mm.  longae,  3-5  mm.  latee,  utrinque 
glanduloso-pilosa?,  ciliatae;  interna?  subscariosas.  Recepta- 
culi  palea  lanceolatse,  versus  apicem  ciliatEB,  subacute. 
Flares  radii  tridentati,  circiter  12;  achasnia  subquadrangu- 
laria,  2  mm.  longa,  glabra  ;  pappus  O  ;  tubus  2  mm.  longus, 
dense  pilosus  ;  lamina  oblongo-cuneata,  1-5  cm.  longa,  7  mm. 
lata,  dentibus  3  mm.  longis,  2  mm.  latis  obtusis.  Flores 
disci  circiter  30  ;  achtenia  1-5  mm.  longa,  subteretia,  glabra  ; 
tubus  4  mm.  longus,  inferne  dense  pilosus.  Anthem  2  mm. 
longas.    Stylirami  apiculati,  acuri,  pilosi. 

British  East  Africa:  from  seeds  collected  by  Diespecker  1 
Eldoma  Ravine,  Whyte  I 


FlG.    15. — FRUITING    SPRAY    OF   THE   COMMON    MYRTLE    (MYRTUS   COMMUNIS). 

(See  p.  17.) 


January  9,  1909] 


THE     GARDENERS'      CHRONICLE 


19 


NOVELTIES   OF   1908. 

[Concluded  from  page  5.) 

In  its  application  to  garden  plants,  the  term 
novelty  admits  of  very  broad  interpretation,  for 
it  is  usual  to  describe  as  novelties  plants 
long  known  to  science,  but  only  recently 
introduced  to  cultivation,  and  also  plants 
aheady  known  in  gardens,  but  whose  uses  for 
decorative  purposes  have  only  recently  been 
fully  recognised.  Then  we  have  the  florists' 
varieties  obtained  by  hybridisation  and  selec- 
tion— an  ever-productive  and  remunerative  field 
of  operation  which  is,  perhaps,  the  most  in- 
teresting of  garden  pursuits. 

The  seedsmen  may  be  said  to  produce  the 
largest  number  of  sterling  novelties,  which  are 
all  the  more  to  be  held  in  esteem  in  that  they  are 
within  the  reach  of  all  lovers  of  pretty  flowers, 
from  the  cottager  to  the  millionaire.  Yet  it  is 
this  class  which  is  the  most  difficult  to  deal  with 
in  the  matter  of  recording  novelties,  for 
such  novelties  are  seldom  exhibited  at  public 
exhibitions,  and,  even  in  the  gardens  which 
they  beautify,  their  names  are  often  not 
recorded.  Yet,  if  we  take,  for  instance,  Stocks, 
Wallflowers,  Dianthuses,  Primulas,  and  other 
showy  flowers,  usually  obtained  from  the 
seedsmen,  and  compare  these  now  sent  out  by 
Messrs.  Sutton  &  Sons,  Messrs.  Jas.  Veitch  & 
Sons,  Messrs.  Carter  &  Co.,  Messrs.  Webb  & 
Sons,  Messrs.  Cannell,  Messrs.  Dobbie  &  Co., 
and  other  of  our  seedsmen,  with  those  we  knew 
even  a  few  years  ago,  the  improvements  wrought 
wijl  be  evident.  Would  it  not  be  possible  for  the 
Royal  Horticultural  Society  to  arrange  for 
periodical  displays  of  annuals  and  biennials? 

Sir  Trevor  Lawrence,  Bart.,  K.C.V.O.,  Bur- 
ford  (gr.  Mr.  Bain),  has  flowered  many  pretty 
and  rare  shrubs  during  the  year,  and  received 
awards  at  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society  for 
Viburnum  Carlesii,  Thiladelphus  Lemoinei 
rosacea,  Asparagus  filicinus,  and  Zephyranthes 
aurea,  the  last-named  a  pretty,  yellow,  Vallota- 
like  flower. 

Messrs.  Jas.  Veitch  &  Sons,  Chelsea,  continue 
to  exhibit  desirable  novelties,  chiefly  new 
Chinese  species,  plants  from  this  firm  cer- 
tificated during  the  past  year  including  Deutzia 
Wilsonii,  Rosa  Moyesii,  Eremurus  Bungei  mag- 
nificus,  Thalictrum  dipterocarpum,  Sarcococca 
ruscifolia,  the  compact-growing  Ilex  Pernyi, 
Populus  lasiocarpa,  Stock  (Matthiola)  Veitch's 
Magenta,  Begonia  Col.  Laussedat  (good  yellow 
bedder),  B.  Kewensis  (a  cream-white  variety,  ex- 
cellent for  baskets),  Acanthus  montanus,  the  ele- 
gant Dracaena  Doucettii  var.  de  Grootei,  and 
Nepenthes  Dr.  John  McFarlane,  which  secured 
a  First-class  Certificate,  and  which  Messrs. 
Veitch  consider  one  of  the  best  they  have 
shown. 

Messrs.  Sander  &  Sons,  St.  Albans  and 
Bruges,  exhibited  a  remarkable  selection  of  new 
Palms  and  foliage  plants  at  the  Ghent  Quinquen- 
nia! Show,  and  at  the  last  Temple  Show,  a  num- 
ber of  which  will  be  found  in  the  appended  list 
of  novelties  illustrated  in  the  Gardeners' 
Chronicle.  One  of  the  most  generally  useful, 
Pereskia  Godseffiana,  with  beautifully-coloured 
leaves  tinted  with  gold,  green,  and  purple, 
may  be  grown  for  all  decorative  purposes 
and  also  as  a  bedding  plant.  Caladium  Cen- 
tenaire  is  a  robust  and  strong-growing  variety 
with   beautifully-coloured    leaves. 

Leopold  de  Rothschti  r>.  Esq.,  Gunnersbury 
House,  Acton  (gr.  Mr.  J.  Hudson),  grows  with 
his  fine-coloured  Nymphaeas,  a  selection  of  the 
best  Nelumbiums,  and  secured  a  First-class  Cer- 
tificate for  the  crimson  N.  speciosum  Osiris. 
On  September  29  he  showed  18  varieties  of  hardy 
Heaths  from  his  novel  Heath-garden  at  Gun- 
nersbury,   many  of   them   new   varieties. 

Hippeastrums  have  made  good  progress,  as 
shown  by  the  exhibits  of  Lt.-Col,  G.  L.  Holford, 
CLE.,  C.V.O.  (gr.  Mr.  Chapman),  Alfred  de 
RoTHSCHrLD,  Esq.  (gr.  Mr.  Sander),  Messrs. 
Kerr  &  Sons,  and  Mrs.  Burns,  Hatfield  (gr.  Mr. 


Fielder),  the  last-named  of  whom  obtained  a 
First-class  Certificate  for  Purity,  the  best  pure 
white  Hippeastrum  yet  raised. 

Messrs.  Blackmore  &  Langdon,  Bath,  se- 
cured awards  for  tuberous  Begonias  Empress 
Marie,  Duchess  of  Cornwall,  and  Frilled  Queen. 

Begonia  Clibran's  Pink,  shown  by  Messrs.  W. 
Clibran  &  Son,  is  also  a  pretty  novelty,  and 
one  of  the  very  best  of  the  winter-blooming  sec- 
tion, obtained  by  crossing  B.  socotrana  with 
a  tuberous-rooted  variety. 

Ferns  appear  to  be  returning  to  favour,  and 
deservedly  so,  if  we  call  to  mind  the  varied  and 
beautiful  collections  shown  by  Messrs.  Hill  & 
Sons,  of  Edmonton,  who  received  a  First-class 
Certificate  for  Nephrolepis  rufescens  amabile  ; 
and  Messrs.  H.  B.  May  &  Sons,  Edmonton, 
whose  best  new  exhibits  were  Aspidium  falca- 
tum  Mayi,  Pteris  aquilina  Nicholsonii,  and 
Nephrolepis  rufescens  Mayi  ornata.  Mr.  C.  T. 
Druery  obtained  a  First-class  Certificate  for  the 
elegant  Polystichum  aculeatum  gracillimum 
Drueryi. 

Roses. — While  the  large  double  Hybrid  Per- 
petual and  Tea-scented  sections  have  been 
strengthened  with  new  seedling  varieties,  the 
elegant  Ramblers  and  Wichuraiana  hybrids  have 
increased  in  favour,  especially  the  Wichurai- 
anas  whose  glossy  leaves,  graceful  climbing 
habit  and  profusion  of  flowers  render  them 
among  the  best  of  garden  subjects  for  cultiva- 
tion on  pillar9,  arches,  and  rockeries.  The  gold- 
medal  novelties  of  the  year  are  Mrs.  J.  Campbell 
Hall,  shown  by  Dr.  J.  C.  Hall,  Monaghan ; 
Mita  Weldon,  Alex.  Hill  Gray,  and  Dr. 
O'Donell  Brown,  by  Messrs.  Alex.  Dickson  & 
Sons,  Newtownards ;  Lady  Alice  Stanley  and 
His  Majesty,  shown  by  Messrs.  McGreedy  & 
Sons,  Portadown.  Others,  which  have  received 
awards  and  attracted  attention,  are  Florence 
Edith  Coulthwaite,  Geo.  C.  Waud,  Mrs.  David 
Jardine,  and  Molly  Sharman  Crawford,  all  from 
Messrs.  Alex.  Dickson  &  Sons  ;  Rosa  Wichurai- 
ana Lady  Godiva,  Messrs.  Geo.  Paul  &  Sons  ; 
Tausendschon,  Hobbies,  Dereham,  and  Wm. 
Paul  ;  Elaine,  Refulgence,  White  Dorothy  Per- 
kins, B.  Cant  ;  Mrs.  E.  J.  Holland,  Mrs.  Alfred 
Tate,  and  Mrs.  Christie  Miller,  the  last  three 
from  Messrs.  McGreedy  &  Sons,  Portadown. 

Carnations  have  been  shown  at  the  meetings 
of  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society,  and  it  is 
noteworthy  that  the  method  of  showing  the 
flowers  with  a  proportionate  length  of  their  own 
stems  and  foliage  is  preferable  to  the  old-time 
method.  The  groups  of  these  beautiful  florists' 
flowers  shown  by  Leopold  de  Rothschild, 
Esq.,  from  his  gardens  at  Ascott,  Leighton  Buz- 
zard (gr.  Mr.  Jennings),  by  Messrs.  Hugh  Low  & 
Co.,  Cutbush  &  Sons,  Mortimer,  Burnett,  and 
Douglas  were  most  artistic.  Mr.  Jas.  Doug- 
]  as,  Edenside,' Great  Bookham,  received  awards 
for  Cardinal,  Hercules,  and  Splendour.  With 
Auriculas,  Mr.  Douglas  stands  almost  alone 
in  the  novelty  list,  having  secured  awards 
for  Vanguard,  Harrison  Weir,  Mrs.  Jas.  Doug- 
las, and  Phyllis,  at  the  National  Primula  and 
Auricula  Society,  on  April  29,  and  with  Coronet, 
Mayday,  and  Mildred  Jay,  on  May  12. 

Chrysanthemums  and  Dahlias  have  received 
great  augmentation  by  novelties,  which  have 
been  regularly  reported  in  the  Gardeners' 
Chronicle,  and  some  of  the  best  of  them  illus- 
trated. 

Miscellaneous. — Gladioli,  Delphiniums,  Py- 
rethrums,  and  other  showy  specialities  of 
Messrs.  Kei.WAY  &  Sons,  Langport,  have  been 
much  in  evidence,  Gladiolus  Golden  Measure 
and  G.  White  Cloud  gaining  Awards  of  Merit 
on  September  1.  At  the  same  meeting,  Messrs. 
Wallace  &  Co.,  Colchester,  secured  similar 
awards  for  a  new  and  beautiful  strain  of  Gladio- 
lus raised  between  G.  primulinus  and  varieties 
of  G.  gandavensis  ;  also  for  KniphofiaR.  Wilson 
Ker,  K.  Goldelse,  and  Delphinium  Progression. 
Narcissus  novelties  have  also  been  evolved  dur-. 
ine    1908,    but   the   recognition    of   distinct   new- 


kinds  becomes  difficult.  Messrs.  Barr  &  Sons, 
Covent  Garden,  showed  many  good  novelties, 
and  secured  awards  for  Dimorphotheca  auranti- 
aca  and  the  dark-coloured  Helleborus  "  Peter 
Barr."  Mr.  G.  Reuthe,  Keston,  continually 
shows  rare  Alpines,  Himalayan  Rhododendrons, 
and  other  rare  flowering  shrubs,  his  awards 
being  for  Rhodothamnus  kamtschaticum,  Cam- 
panula Raddeana,  Erica  cinerea  pygmaea,  and 
Tunica  Saxifraga  flore  pleno.  Other  exhibitors 
have  brought  to  notice  novelties  of  varying 
degree  of  value. 

The  following  new  or  specially  noteworthy 
plants  and  fruits  have  been  illustrated  in  tire 
Gardeners'  Chronicle  during  1908  :  — 

Acacia  podalyriifolia,  Jan.  4,  p.   n. 

Acantholimon  venustum,  Oct.   11,   p.   259. 

Adenium  obesum,  April   11,  p     — 'j. 

Androsacc  imbricata,   May  30,  p.   344. 

Anlhurium   Lauchcanum,   April   25,  p.   258. 

Anlhurium   Sanderi,  Supp.,  May   2. 

Apples  Feltham  Beauty,  Sep.  5,  p.  178;  Red  Victoria, 
Oct.    24,    p.   297  ;    Renown,   Oct.    24,   p.    292. 

Arctosiaphylos    manzanita,   Aug.    29,   p.    163. 

Asparagus   filicinus,   Aug.    15,    p.    122. 

Asparagus  filicinus  Giraldii,  Aug.   15,  p.  123. 

Aster  Climax,  Oct.   2r,  p.   308. 

Auricula  Phyllis,  May  16,  p.   320. 

Begonia  Clibran's  Pink,   Nov.   21,  p.   357. 

Brachyglottis  repanda,  July  18,  pp.  52-53. 

Bromelia    tricolor,    April    25,    p.    261. 

Caladium    Centenaire,    Supp.,    April    25. 

Campanula   Raddeana,   Aug.    22,   p.    139. 

Carnation  Enchantress,  Aug.  8,  p.   107. 

Carpenteria  cahfornica,  Aug.  8,  p.   112. 

Cclastrus  articulatus,  April   18,  p.   242. 

Cocos   nucifera   aurea,    May    2,    p.    279. 

Codiaeum   Fred.   Sander,   May  2,    p.    J75. 

Columnea   magnifica,    Feb.    1,    p.   66. 

Cyclamen    Mont    Blanc,    April    iS,    p.    253. 

Cytisus  kewensis,  Nov.   7,  p.  323. 

Dahlia   Snowdon,   Sep.    19,   p. 

Darwinia  Hookeriana,  April    18,  p.   243, 

Dianthus  arboreus,  Jan.  25,  p.   52. 

Dimorphotheca   aurantiaca,   June   6,    p.    364. 

Dipelta  ventricosa,   Aug.   8,  p.    102. 

Encephalartos  Woodii,  Supp.,  May  2. 

Erylhronium,  species  of,  April  4,  pp.  2r2,  213  and  215. 

Eucryphia  cordifolia,  Aug.   15,   p.    129. 

Euphorbia,  species  of,  Nov.  28,  p.  3:2. 

Grape  Prince  of  Wales,  Oct.   24,  p.   301. 
1    Sutherlandii,   Feb.    29,   p.    138. 

Hrlianthemum  roseum,  June  27,  p.  419. 

Hillrluandia  sandwicensis,  Supp.,  Dec.   13. 

Huernia    brevirostris,    Sep.    12,    p.    198. 

Iris   Amethyst,  June   13,  p.   386. 

Iris    gracilipes,    Aug.    15,    p.    125. 

Iris   tcctorum  and  var.   album,   Aug.   22t   pp.    142-3. 

Juliania  (new  genus;  adstringens,  Feb.    15,  p.  99. 

Leonotis   Leonurus,    Feb.    29,    p.    139. 

Lewisia   Cotyledon,   May  30,  p.   342. 

Libertia    grandiflora   at    Kew,    Jan.    4,    p.    2. 

Lopezia   lineata,   May  9,   p.    294. 

Lupinus  arboreus  Snow  Queen,  Nov.   7.  p.  324 

Malvastrum    hypomadarum,    June    20,    p.    394. 

Meconopsis  sinuata,  Sep.   12,  p.  202. 

Melon    Eminence,    Nov.    14,    p.    343. 

Mesembryanthemum   pyropeum.    Jan.    18,    p.    42. 

Montanoa   mollissima,   Supp.,  Jan.    18. 

Moraea  iridioides,  Supp.,   Feb.   8. 

Narcissus  Evangeline,  April   11,  p.    22-. 

Nephrolepis  rufescens  Mayi  ornata,  Dec.  5,  p.  391. 

Nigella    integrifolia,   Sep.    26,    p.    227. 

Nuttallia  cerasiformis,  with  flowers  and  fruit.  April 
25,     pp.     266-267. 

Oliveranthus   elcgans,    Oct.    17,    p.    275. 

Ozothamnus   rosmarinifolius,   Aug.    1,   pp.    82-83. 

Paeonia  lutea  superba,  Supp.,  July  18. 

Paeonia  Mlokosewitschii,  Supp.,  July  25. 

Peach    Albatross,    Oct.    24,   p.    294. 

Pear  Blickling,  Feb.    22,   p.    122. 

Pereskia  Godseffiana.   April   2s.   p.    260. 

Philadelphus  grandiflorus  laxus,   Feb.   8,   p.   82. 

Philodendron    Ilsemanii,    May   2,    p.    289. 

Pinanga   Micholitzii,   April  25,  p.   259. 

Platytheca  galioides,  Oct.   24,  p.   290. 

Polystichum  angustifolium   densum,  June   13,  p.   3S1 

Polystichum    falcatum   Mayi,   May    16,   p.    312. 

Primula   malacoides,   Dec.   5,  pp.   396-397. 

Primus   tomentosus   and    fruits,    May   9,    pp.    296-297. 

Ptychoraphis    Siebertiana,    Supp.,    April    25. 

Rhododendron  Countess  of  Haddington,  Mar.  28,  p 
197. 

Rhododendron   Pink  Pearl,  July   18,  p.   48. 

Rhodothamnus  kamtschaticum,  Aug.    is,  p.    128. 

Robinia   Kelseyi,   Dec.    19,  p.   427. 

Rodgersia   tabularis,   Sep.    19,    p.    210. 

Roses  Albatross  and  Lyon-Rose,  Supp.,  Dec.  5: 
Alex.  Hill  Gray,  Sep.  26,  p.  236;  Blush  Rambler,  July 
11,  P.  391  Elaine,  July  11,  p.  20;  Lady  Alice  Stanley, 
Sep.  26,  p.  237;  Lady  Godiva,  July  n,  p.  25;  Madame 
Plantier  at  Frogmore,  Nov.  21,  p.  361  ;  Mrs.  Ed.  J. 
Holland,  Mrs.  Alfred  Tate,  Supp.,  Dec.  19;  T:i-i- 
sendschon,  Supp,  July  11:  The  Garland,  July  4,  p.  14; 
White  Dorothy  Perkins,  July  n,  p.  27. 

Sempervivum    holochrysum,   July    25,    p.   62. 

Stapelia  Bayfieldii,  Aug.  29,  p.  168;  S.  bella,  Aug.  29, 
p.  168;  S.  flavirostris,  Sep.  5,  p.  1S8 ;  S.  gigante".,  Sep. 
5,  p.  182;  S.  glabriflora,  Sep.  5,  p.  186;  S.  Hanburyana, 
Aug.  29,  p.  167  ;  S.  hirsuta  var.  depressa,  Aug.  29, 
p.  170;  S.  hirsuta  unguiptlal.i,  Aug.  29,  p.  169;  S. 
longideiis.  Sep.  12,  p.  106;  S.  olivacea,  Sep.  12,  p. 
197  ;    S.    Pillansii,    Sep.    5,    p.    187. 

Stachyurus  prsecox,   Mar.   28,  p.    196. 

Tropaeolum    double-flowered,  May    16,   p.   311. 

Viburnum    Carlesii,    May   30,    p.    346. 

Zephyranthes  aurea,  June   20,  p.   405. 

— James  O'Brien. 


20 


THE    GARDENERS    CHRONICLE. 


[January  9,  19C9. 


SAXIFRAGA  FORTUNE! 

While  the  great  majority  of  Saxifragas  flower 
in  spring  and  early  summer,  there  is  a  small 
group,  consisting  of  some  three  or  four  species, 
which  do  not  open  their  flowers  until  autumn. 
Perhaps  the  best-known  species  belonging  to 
this  group  is  S!  sarmentosa,  more  often  grown 
for  its  foliage  than  for  its  flowers.  Of  the  others, 
the  best  is  Saxifraga  Fortunei  (Botanical  Maga- 
zine, t.  5377),  which  is  illustrated  in  fig.  16 
from  a  photograph  taken  in  the  Kew  rock-gar- 
den at  about  the  beginning  of  November.  It  was 
introduced  to  cultivation  from  Japan  by  the  tra- 
veller after  whom  it  is  named  nearly  50  years 
ago,  and  is  hardy  when  planted  in  sheltered 
positions.  The  reniform  cordate  leaves  are 
lobed,  lacinately  toothed,  and  form  a  rosette, 
from  which  arise  the  stout  stems  bearing  panicles 
of  pure  white  flowers.  These  flowers  are  re- 
markable for  the  unequal  petals,  of  which  one 
or  more  may  be  twice  or  thrice  as  long  as  the 
others.  The  petals,  which  vary  in  length  from 
J  to  1  inch,  are  unequally  serrated.  Although 
hardy,  and  capable  of  flowering  outside  in 
favourable  seasons,  Saxifraga  Fortunei  succeeds 
best    when    grown    in   a   pot  and   kept   under 


EXPERIMENTS  ON  THE  VALUE  OF  NITRO- 
BACTERIA, 

As  all  horticulturists  know,  Nitro-Bacterine  is 
the  name  given  to  the  preparation  of  the  nodule- 
organism  Pseudomonas  radicicola,  which  we 
owe  to  Professor  Bottomley,  and  for  which  it  is 
claimed  that,  when  applied  to  the  seed  of 
leguminous  plants,  or  to  the  soil  in  which  such 
plants  are  grown,  it  increases  the  yield  of  the 
crop.  Mr.  Chittenden,  the  director  of  the 
research  station  of  the  Royal  Horticultural 
Society,  has  published  recently  (/.  R.  H.  S., 
xxxiv.,  November,  1908)  the  results  of  an  exten- 
sive series  of  experiments  made  at  Wisley  on 
the  value  of  this  preparation.  Mr.  Chittenden's 
paper  is  prefaced  by  an  excellent  review  of  the 
history  of  the  progress  of  our  knowledge  con- 
cerning the  nitrogen-fixing  powers  of  leguminous 
plants. 

Since  the  history  of  this  subject  has  already 
been  dealt  with  in  these  pages  (Gardeners' 
Chronicle,  Dec,  7,  14,  21,  1907)  we  need  not 
now  recapitulate  the  whole  story.  Nevertheless, 
it  is  essential  to  make  clear,  with  respect  to  this 
subject,  what  is  known  with  certainty  and  what 
is  doubtful  or  conjectural. 


l^hutograpH  by  W.  living. 

Fig.  i6. — saxifraga  fortunei  as  it  flowered  at  kew  in  November  last. 


the  cover  of  a  cold  frame,  where  it  is  pro- 
tected from  any  frosts  that  occur  about  the 
time  when  it  is  in  flower.  Closely  resembling 
this  species,  but  with  a  less  hairy  stem, 
is  S.  cortusifolia  (Botanical  Magazine,  t. 
6680),  which  flowers  about  the  same  time. 
The  chief  difference  lies  in  the  petals, 
which,  in  this  species,  are  entire.  It  is 
a  later  introduction  than  S.  Fortunei,  having 
been  sent  home  by  Maries  in  1883  from  the  cen- 
tral mountains  of  Japan,  where  it  is  found  at  a 
high  elevation.  Another  species,  closely  resem- 
bling S.  Fortunei,  is  S.  madida,  seeds  of  which 
were  received  from  Tokio  in  1907.  This  species 
also  has  entire  petals,  but  the  leaves  are  more 
deeply,  8-9  lobed.  Broadly  speaking,  these  three 
plants  may  be  considered  as  distinct  forms  of 
one  variable  species,  for  they  are  all  of  the  same 
habit,  and  flourish  under  similar  conditions. 
Owing  to  their  lateness  in  flowering,  they  do 
not  produce  seed  in  the  open,  but  may  be  readily 
propagated  by  division  of  the  crowns  in  the 
spring.  The  other  species  belonging  to  the 
group  is  S.  cuscutaeformis,  which  may  be  de- 
scribed  as   a   miniature   S.   sarmentosa.      W.   I. 


As  to  known  facts :  It  is  certain  that  most 
leguminous  plants  avail  themselves  of  atmo- 
spheric nitrogen.  Unlike  the  generality  of 
plants,  which  soon  perish  unless  provided  with 
suitable  supplies  of  coloured  nitrogen,  legu- 
minous plants  may  flourish  in  the  absence  of 
such   supplies. 

It  is  also  known  that  the  power  of  nitrogen- 
fixation  does  not  reside  in  the  green  plant  it- 
self, but  in  a  colourless  micro-organism,  the 
bacterium  known  under  the  name  of  Pseudo- 
monas radicicola  of  Beijerinck.  This  bacterium 
is  a  member  of  the  large  community  of  micro- 
organisms which  inhabit  the  soil.  Pseudomonas 
gains  access  to  the  leguminous  plant  through  its 
roots,  multiplies  therein  and  sets  up  the  abnor- 
mal growth  of  the  tissues  of  the  root  which  re- 
sults in  the  formation  of  nodules  or  tubercles. 

It  has  been  isolated,  cultivated  in  the  labora- 
tory on  suitable  artificial  media,  and  has  been 
shown  under  these  conditions  to  bring  the  free 
nitrogen  of  the  air  into  combination  with  other 
elements,  and  so,  ultimately,  to  construct  the 
protein — substances  on  which  its  life  and 
growth  depend. 

Quite   recently   Greig    Smith    (J.    Soc.    Chem. 


Ind.,  26,  304,  1907)  has  shown  that,  when  cul- 
tivated, apart  from  the  leguminous  plant,  in  an 
alkaline  medium  containing  saccharine  sub- 
stances, the  micro-organism  produces  a  nitro- 
genous slime.  This  substance,  gum-like  in 
nature,  he  considers  to  be  that  which,  when 
produced  by  the  bacterium  in  the  nodules  of 
the  root,  is  taken  up  by  the  cells  surrounding 
the  nodules,  and  so  serves  as  the  source  of 
nitrogen  to  the  leguminous  plant.  That  some 
such  series  of  events  occurs  in  the  plant  is  un- 
doubted, though  the  exact  nature  of  the  nitro- 
genous substance  produced  by  Pseudomonas  and 
laid  hold  of  by  the  plant  is  not  yet  known. 
Further,  there  appears  to  be  no  doubt  that  Nitro- 
Bacterine,  like  its  commercial  forerunners,  is 
capable  of  inducing  nodule-formation. 

So  much  for  the  undisputed  facts ;  now  we 
turn  to  the  consideration  of  what  is  not  certain. 
It  is  not  certain  whether  nodule-formation, 
without  which  nitrogen-fixation  is  impossible. 
necessarily  and  always   means   nitrogen-fixation. 

Greig  Smith  states,  for  example,  in  contra- 
diction to  earlier  investigations,  that  Pseudo- 
monas occurs  not  only  in  the  roots  but  in  the 
stems  of  leguminous  plants,  and  points  out  that, 
in  the  stem,  nitrogen-fixation  does  not  occur, 
owing  to  the  unfavourable  (acid)  medium  in 
which  the  bacterium  finds  itself.  In  such  situa- 
tions then,  Pseudomonas  must  not  only  not  be 
yielding  up  combined  nitrogen  to  the  plant,  but 
must,  in  some  measure,  be  actually  robbing  the 
plant  of   its  nitrogen   compounds. 

This  conclusion  is  supported  by  the  facts  that 
under  certain  conditions  Pseudomonas  in  pure 
cultures  loses  its  powers  of  nitrogen-fixation. 

In  the  light  of  these  facts,  Pseudomonas  ap- 
pears in  a  very  different  character  from  that 
commonly  ascribed  to  it.  Instead  of  being  an 
inevitable  nitrogen-benefactor,  disinterestedly 
handing  over  its  nitrogen-wealth  to  its  host,  the 
leguminous  plant,  we  see  it  as  an  invader  which 
may  at  one  time,  and  under  one  set  of  circum- 
stances, succeed  in  plundering  the  scanty  store 
of  nitrogen  in  the  plant,  and  at  another  time  and 
in  other  circumstances,  may  be  subdued  by  the 
plant  and,  domesticated  within  its  tissues,  serve 
as  a  source  of  nitrogen  to  the  plant. 

Just  as  disease-producing  organisms  may, 
under  certain  conditions,  become  attenuated  and 
so  fail  to  exert  their  characteristic  effects,  just 
as  the  fungus  responsible  for  the  germination  of 
various  Orchids  may,  in  certain  circumstances, 
lose  this  power  (Gardeners'  Chronicle,  November 
14,  p.  344),  so  Pseudomonas  may  lose  its  viru- 
lence of  nitrogen-fixation  and,  though  in  the 
plant,  it  may  cease  to  play  the  part  of  a  paying 
guest.  It  is  of  no  use  to  point  to  the  success  of 
leguminous  plants  on  poor,  uncultivated  land  in 
support  of  the  argument  that  the  nodule-organism 
does  supply  the  plant  with  nitrogen  compounds. 
The  fields  of  nature's  battles  are  broad  and  cover 
many  failures.  It  is  not  enough  to  be  able  to 
say  in  favour  of  Nitro-Bacterine  that  it  may  do 
good.  It  must  be  proved  that  it  must  do  good 
or  at  least  it  must  be  known  that,  under  such 
and  such  precise  conditions,   it  does   good. 

The  horticulturist  is  not  practically  interested 
in  sterile  soils.  Those  which  he  labours  may  not 
always  be  ideally  rich,  but  it  is  doubtful 
whether  they  are  ever  without  their  own  home- 
made brand  of  Nitro-Bacterine. 

It  is,  therefore,  incumbent  on  any  one  who 
advocates  the  use  of  artificial  cultures  of  Nitro- 
Bacterine  for  horticultural  purposes  to  demon- 
strate that  the  bacteria  which  constitute  the 
essential  part  of  such  preparations  are  more 
potent  agents  of  nitrogen-fixation  than  are  the 
races  which,  as  there  is  every  reason  to  believe, 
are  universally  present  in  ordinary  cultivated 
land. 

Again,  it  is  not  known  whether  very  early  in. 
oculation  of  leguminous  seedlings  is  beneficial 
or  not.  It  does  not  follow  that,  because  seed- 
ling Peas  develop  nodules  at  a  very  early  stage, 
they  will  grow  into  more  vigorous  plants  than 
they  would  have  done  had  inoculation  followed 
its  normal,  more  tardy  course. 


January  9,  1909] 


THE     GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


21 


If  these  arguments  are  admitted,  and  they 
could  be  reinforced  by  many  other  considera- 
tions, it  will  be  recognised  that  the  application 
of  Nitro-Bacterine  to  horticultural  practice  can- 
not as  yet  be  based  on  scientific  knowledge,  but 
only  on  empiricism. 

We  must  either  relegate  the  problem  to  the 
laboratory  and  wait  with  what  patience  we  may 
till  more  is  discovered  as  to  the  detailed  be- 
haviour of  Pseudomonas  under  rigidly  con- 
trolled conditions,  or  we  must  submit  Nitro-Bac- 
terine to  the  test  of  experiment  and  be  guided 
by  the  results. 

It  must,  of  course,  be  admitted  that  if  the 
horticulturist  had  to  wait,  befoie  consenting  to 
try  new  methods,  till  they  had  received  the  im- 
primatur of  the  scientist,  his  advance  would 
indeed  be  slow.  For  the  scientist  has  to  adopt 
the  laborious  practice  of  unravelling,  thread  by 
thread,  the  intricately  tangled  skein  of  Nature. 
Therefore,  it  is  well  that  the  readier  though 
rougher  empirical  method — that  of  giving  the 
thing  a  trial — should  proceed  in  pioneer  fashion 
in  advance  of  the  slow-moving  scientific  body. 
But  the  method  of  large-scale  experiment  has 
its  own  difficulties,  and  must  be  tested  by  such 
trials  as  those  carried  out  by  Mr.  Chittenden  at 
Wisley.  Frederick  Keeble,  Sc.D.  DM.  Caylty. 
(To  be  continued.) 


THE    ROSARY. 


CULTURAL  NOTES  FOR  JANUARY. 

Material  used  for  protection,  whether  straw, 
Fern  or  litter,  should  be  as  loose  and  as  dry  as 
possible  when  applied,  as  it  will  then  resist  the 
action  of  severe  frost  much  better.  This  applies 
also  to  drawing  up  the  soil  about  tender  dwarf 
varieties — if  planted  against  a  wall  they  will  re- 
quire the  protection  of  a  mat. 

As  I  have  before  stated,  October  is  the  best 
month  to  plant  most  classes  of  Roses,  for  the 
ground  is  then  warm  and  favours  root  action  long 
before  the  top  growth  is  active.  In  spring-planted 
Roses  the  reverse  is  often  the  case,  the  wood 
breaking  into  growth  first.  But  in  town  gardens, 
where  the  atmosphere  is  heavily  laden  with  im- 
purities, the  treei  do  better  if  planted  in  the 
spring  as  thev  will  thus  escape  much  of  the  dirt 
and  smoke,  and  the  new  growths  will  suffer  less 
injury.  The  success  of  spring-planting  will  be 
more  assured  if  the  land  to  be  planted  has  been 
well  trenched  and  manured  during  the  autumn, 
since  this  affords  the  ground  time  to  settle. 
Moreover,  the  soil  will  not  be  liable  to  shrink 
as  in  the  case  of  planting  on  freshly-dug  ground. 

Dwarf-budded  Roses  should  be  planted 
2  inches  below  the  union  of  stock  and  scion,  but 
previous  to  this  operation  all  suckers  and  bot- 
tom growths  should  be  removed.  There  is 
much  to  be  said  in  favour  of  employing  budded 
plants  rather  than  those  on  their  own  roots,  for 
one  year's  growth  on  worked  plants  will  equal 
that  of  two  years'  or  more  made  by  varieties 
grown  from  cuttings1.  Of  course,  i'  these  latter 
plants  can  be  had  of  equal  strength  to  worked 
plants  there  will  be  no  objectionable  suckers,  for 
all  the  shoots  will  be  of  the  proper  variety. 
Hardy  climbing  and  pillar  Roses  may  be  thinned 
out  where  the  growths  are  much  crowded,  re- 
moving the  unripened  and  weakly  shoots.  This 
will  permit  increased  light  and  air  to  reach  the 
shoots  which  are  left.  The  following  Roses  can 
be  recommended  for  spring  planting  and 
growers  can  depend  on  their  distinctive  char- 
acter. 

Hybrid  Teas. — Caroline  Testout  (satin  pink), 
Liberty  (bright  crimson),  Madame  Ravary 
(golden  yellow),  Madame  Abel  Chatenay  (pink 
and  salmon),  Countess  Gosforth  (pink,  suffused 
yellow),  Grace  Darling  (creamy  white),  Gros 
an  Teplitz  (bright  crimson),  Florence  Pember- 
ton  (creamy  white),  and  Frau  Carl  Druschki 
(snow  white).  Hybrid  Perpctuals. — Ulrich 
Brunner  (bright  red),  Mrs.  R.  G.  Sharman  Craw- 
ford (soft   pink),   Margaret   Dickson   (white   and 


pink),  Hugh  Dickson  (brilliant  crimson),  Prince 
Camille  de  Rohan  (velvety  crimson),  Mrs.  John 
Laing  (brilliant  soft  pink),  Duke  of  Edinburgh 
(bright  crimson)  and  Marchioness  of  Londonderry 
(ivory  white).  Tea-scented  varieties. — Madame 
Hoste  (pale  lemon),  Madame  Lambard  (salmon), 
Madame  Cochet  (rose),  Marie  van  Houtte  (yel- 
low), Mrs.  E.  Mawley  (carmine),  Perle  des  Jar- 
dines  (rich  yellow),  Souvenir  de  S.  A.  Prince 
(white),  Madame  Falcot  (apricot),  Devoniensis 
(white),   and   Papa  Gontier   (rosy-crimson). 

Forced  pot  Roses  may,  at  the  beginning  of 
the  New  Year,  be  given  a  few  more  degrees  of 
heat  up  to  and  not  exceeding  50"J,  except  when 
caused  by  the  sun,  when  the  temperature  may  be 
allowed  to  reach  60°,  provided  that  a 
free  circulation  of  air  is  maintained  and  that  the 
syringe  is  freely  used  during  the  day.  Should 
red   spider   or   aphis   be   troublesome,    fumigate 


forced  Roses  that  have  been  cut  down  should  be 
placed  in  a  cool  house  or  frame.  This  will 
furnish  room  for  the  newly-grafted  plants  as 
they  are  taken  from  the  frames. 

Another  batch  of  Roses  can  now  be  pruned 
and  brought  into  the  cool  end  of  the  forcing 
house  for  furnishing  a  succession  of  flowers. 
These  plants,  having  plenty  of  root  action,  will 
bear  a  considerable  rise  of  temperature  with 
abundance  of  ventilation,  but  the  house  should 
be  closed  early,  leaving  the  ventilators  open  a 
little  during  the  night. 

Planted-out  Roses  under  glass  which  have 
made  much  progress  may  be  given  gentle  warmth 
during  the  day,  with  a  good  circulation  of  air. 
A  small  quantity  of  fresh  air  may  be  ad- 
mitted at  night  time  also.  One  good  syringing 
during  the  day,  with  a  slight  damping  late  in 
the  day,  will  suffice  for  the  present.    /.  G.  D. 


it* 


<{iAK><:"^' 


FlG.    17. — NEW    DESSERT   APPLE   WILLIAM    CRUMP. 


or  vaporise  the  house  towards  evening,  when 
the  foliage  is  dry.  If  mildew  appears  use  "  sul- 
phur-vivum  "  and  soft  soap.  These  should  be 
well  dissolved  and  applied  to  the  hot-water 
pipes  when  they  are  fairly  warm.  One  or  two 
applications  will  generally  suffice  to  kill  the 
fungus.  Towards  the  end  of  the  month,  when 
the  flowers  and  buds  are  ready  to  cut  from  the 
earliest  batch  of  plants,  there  will  be  a  plentiful 
and  continuous  supply  of  green  wood  for  herba- 
ceous and  soft-grafting,  which  can  be  used  after 
the  flowers  are  gathered.  The  dormant  graft- 
ing under  glass  will  now  soon  cease,  and  as  the 
earliest-worked  plants  are  taken  from  the  frames 
their  places  can  be  filled  by  stocks  grafted  with 
green  shoots  until  all  the  stocks,  Briar,  Manetti, 
and   De  la   Grifiera?  are  dealt  with.     The  early 


APPLE  WILLIAM  CRUMP. 

This  new  variety  of  dessert  Apple  was  ex- 
hibited at  the  last  meeting  of  the  Royal  Horti- 
cultural Society,  when  it  received  an  Award  of 
Merit  from  the  Fruit  and  Vegetable  Committee. 
It  was  shown  by  Mr.  W.  Crump,  of  Madres- 
field  Court  Gardens,  Malvern.  It  is  the  result  of 
a  cross  between  Cox's  Orange  Pippin  and 
Worcester  Pearmain.  The  fruits,  as  shown, 
vary  a  little  in  form,  for,  whilst  some  of  them 
bore  a  considerable  likeness  to  Cox's  Orange 
Pippin,  one  fruit  in  particular  had  the  upper 
portion  cone-shaped,  as  in  Worcester  Pearmain. 
The  fruits  have  much  of  the  high  colouring  of 
Worcester  Pearmain.  In  the  illustration  the 
fruits   are   shown  of  the   natural   size. 


<>9 


THE    GARDENERS'    CHRONICLE. 


[Janualy  9,  1909. 


The  Week's  Work. 


FRUITS  UNDER  GLASS. 

By  E.  Hariuss,  Fruit  Foreman,  Royal  Gardens,  Frogmore. 
Early  vines  in  pots. — If  the  vines  were 
started  at  the  beginning  of  November,  the  buds 
should  now  be  breaking  freely.  Until  the  vines 
have  safely  passed  through  the  flowering  stage, 
be  careful  not  to  employ  high  temperatures  at 
night,  especially  during  cold  weather.  Should 
it  be  necessary  to  resort  to  hard  forcing  in  order 
that  the  crop  may  ripen  at  the  earliest  possible 
time,  such  forcing  may  be  more  safely  employed 
when  the  days  become  longer  and  the  roots 
of  the  vines  are  more  active  than  at  present. 
Examine  the  hot-bed,  and  if  it  is  found  that 
the  plunging  materials  are  declining  in  heat,  re- 
move part  of  the  bed,  and  afterwards  add  some 
fresh  stable  litter  and  leaves,  mixing  the 
whole  together.  These  materials  should  have 
been  previously  prepared  for  this  purpose,  and 
if  this  has  been  done  they  may  be  used  with 
greater  safety.  Extra  care  is  necessary  in  water- 
ing until  the  weather  becomes  more  favourable  to 
growth.  At  the  same  time,  when  a  plant  is  re- 
ceiving water,  fill  up  the  pot  twice,  that  the 
whole  of  the  soil  in  the  pot  may  be  moistened. 
Diluted  liquid  manure  and  an  occasional  water- 
ing with  weak  soot-water  will  provide  sufficient 
stimulants  until  the  fruits  are  set.  On  fine  days 
the  vines  may  be  syringed  in  the  morning  and 
again  at  noon.  The  atmosphere  should  be 
kept  moist  by  damping  the  paths  and  other 
ground  surfaces  in  the  house  at  frequent  inter- 
vals. When  it  is  necessary  to  commence  disbudd- 
ing, remove  the  weakest  growths  first,  and 
afterwards,  when  it  can  be  seen  which  shoots 
are  required  to  furnish  the  trellis,  the  surplus 
may  be  also  removed.  At  the  disbudding  stage, 
the  atmospheric  temperature  at  night  may  be  in- 
creased to  60°  or  65°,  according  to  the  weather, 
but  full  advantage  should  be  taken  of  the  sun's 
ray9,  admitting  air  only  on  the  most  favourable 
occasions. 

Early  permanent  vines. — Do  not  be  in  too  great 
a  hurry  to  remove  growths  from  these  vines. 
Although  useless  shoots  may  be  rubbed 
off  at  once,  the  general  disbudding  should 
be  deferred  until  it  can  be  determined 
which  shoots  are  likely  to  develop  the  best 
bunches  of  fruits.  In  the  case  of  these  vines,  I 
always  defer  the  removal  of  surplus  shoots  to  a 
later  stage  than  is  usual  with  crops  that  are  not 
forced  so  early.  If  the  borders  were  thoroughly 
watered  before  the  house  was  closed,  thev 
should  need  no  more  until  the  vines  have  passed 
out  of  flower;  but  they  must  be  examined,  and, 
if  water  is  necessary,  let  it  be  applied  in  a  clear, 
tepid  state.  When  there  are  both  inside  and 
outside  borders,  it  is  sometimes  necessary  to 
place  coverings  on  those  outside  to  carry  off 
excessive  rain  or  snow;  but,  except  in  very 
cold  districts,  it  is  not  wise  to  cover  the  borders 
with  fermenting  materials,  which  are  apt  to  sour 
the  soil. 

THE  HARDY  FRUIT  GARDEN. 

By  J.  G.  Weston,  Gardener  to  H.  J.  King,  Esq.,  Eastwel! 
Park,  Kent. 

Planting  an  orchard.— Autumn  is  undoubtedly 
the  best  time  for  planting  fruit  trees,  but  cir- 
cumstances sometimes  arise  which  compel  the 
work  to  be  postponed  until  the  spring.  In  cases 
where  this  has  occurred,  there  is  no  reason  why 
complete  success  should  not  be  obtained,  pro- 
vided the  work  is  now  taken  in  hand,  and  a 
little  extra  care  is  extended  to  the  trees  in  the 
event  of  a  period  of  dry  weather  coming  before 
they  have  become  established.  When  a  new 
orchard  has  to  be  planted,  it  frequently  happens 
that  the  gardener  is  not  able  to  choose  the  most 
suitable  site  for  fruit  culture,  but  has  to  select 
a  piece  of  ground  convenient  to  the  existing  gar- 
den, and  make  the  best  of  it.  The  best  site  is 
one  sheltered  on  the  north  and  east  sides, 
lying  pretty  high,  having  a  gentle  slope  to  the 
south  or  south-west,  and  where  the  natural 
drainage  is  more  or  less  perfect.  The  soil 
should  be  of  a  deep  loam,  but  if  it  is  not  exactly 
what  is  required,  its  condition  may  be  improved 
by  adding  various  materials.  Having  selected  a 
site,  it  has  to  be  decided  whether  the  orchard 
shall  be  cultivated  for  crops  or  laid  down  in 
grass.  It  is  much  better  to  cultivate  the  ground, 
cropping  it  with  vegetables  or  small  fruits  be- 
tween the  rows  of  trees.    This  culture  will  brins^ 


in  a  return  the  first  season  for  the  capital  invested, 
and  the  trees  will  afterwards  succeed  better  than 
if  the  surface  is  covered  with  grass.  Suppos- 
ing the  former  plan  is  adopted,  the  land 
should  be  bastard  trenched,  and,  as  the  work 
proceeds,  thoroughly  cleaned  of  all  the 
perennial  weeds.  When  this  is  finished  and 
the  ground  has  settled,  any  addition  of  wood 
ashes  or  lime  rubble  which  may  be  thought 
necessary  may  be  made.  The  ground  may  after- 
wards be  marked  out  in  rows  according  to  the 
style  of  tree  to  be  planted.  Half  standards, 
such  as  trees  with  stems  3  to  4  feet  high,  are 
suitable  for  this  class  of  plantation  ;  but  if  it 
is  intended  to  graze  calves  or  other  animals  in 
the  orchard,  trees  with  6-feet  stems  will  be 
better.  On  the  exposed  and  colder  side  of  the 
orchard,  Damson  trees  may  be  planted  somewhat 
thickly,  following  next  with  Apples  and  Plums, 
thus  reserving  the  warmest  positions  for  Pears, 
in  localities  where  these  will  succeed.  The  dis- 
tance allowed  between  the  trees  may  vary  from 
1-  to  20  feet,  according  to  the  variety  and  style 
of  tree  chosen.  The  intervening  spaces  in  the 
rows  should  be  filled  with  bush  fruits,  leaving 
the  open  breaks  to  be  planted  with  Potatos  and 
other  vegetables,  or  with  small  fruits.  Strong 
stakes  should  be  in  readiness  to  secure  the  trees 
from  damage  by  winds,  immediately  after  plant- 
ing. Planting  should  be  carried  out  as  soon  as 
the  ground  is  in  a  workable  condition  ;  but  it  is 
better  to  delay  it  for  a  few  days  if  the  soil  is  wet 
or  pasty.  Before  planting  a  tree,  shorten  any 
damaged  or  excessively  strong  roots  in  order  to 
encourage  the  formation  of  fibres.  Plant  the 
trees  firmly,  and  apply  a  light  mulching  when 
the  work  is  completed.  I  always  prune  newly- 
planted  trees,  but  not  excessively,  merely 
shortening  the  shoots  until  they  are  12  to  18 
inches  long,  removing  all  weak  wood,  especially 
any  in  the  centre  of  the  trees.  Do  not  allow 
such  trees  to  ripen  fruits  the  first  season  after 
planting. 

THE    KITCHEN    GARDEN. 

By  E.  Beckett,  Gardener  to  the  Hon.  Vicary  Gibbs, 

Aldenham  House,  Elslree,  Hertfordshire. 
Trenching.— I  do  not  advise  this  work  to  be 
practised,  in  the  case  of  heavy  lands,  before  the 
New  Year ;  but  where  a  large  area  of  ground 
has  to  be  trenched,  no  time  should  be  lost  in 
pushing  forward  with  the  work.  I  advocate  deep 
cultivation  and  the  working  of  the  soil,  wherever 
possible,  to  a  depth  of  at  least  3  feet.  Moreover, 
it  is  of  the  utmost  importance  that  the  bottom 
layer  of  the  soil  should  be  brought  to  the  sur- 
face and  exposed  to  the  influence  of  the  weather, 
whatever  its  condition  or  nature  may  be.  By 
such  treatment,  a  considerable  depth  of  soil  can 
be  quickly  converted  into  a  suitable  medium  for 
the  growing  of  all  kinds  of  vegetables.  There  is 
probably  no  land  more  difficult  to  work  in  any- 
thing but  the  most  favourable  weather  than  stiff, 
retentive  clay,  having,  perhaps,  only  2  or  3 
inches  of  surface  soil.  In  order  to  convert  such 
a  soil  into  good  garden  mould,  considerable 
perseverance  must  be  exercised.  But,  assum- 
ing that  the  garden  has  been  well  drained  to 
the  depth  of  3  feet  6  inches,  the  conversion  can 
be  brought  about  in  a  very  few  years  by  deeply 
working  the  soil  and  adding  to  it  various  ingre- 
dients for  making  it  more  porous  and  less  ad- 
hesive. Such  a  soil  is  frequently  lacking  in 
lime.  A  liberal  surface  dressing  of  this  ma- 
terial will  therefore  be  very  beneficial  if  ap- 
plied every  alternate  year.  Wood  ashes,  or  ashes 
from  the  refuse  heap,  leaf-mould,  road-scrap- 
ings, soot,  and  especially  old  mortar  rubble,  are 
other  valuable  ingredients  to  mix  with  such  a 
soil.  Burnt  ballast,  which  is  generally  known 
as  burnt  or  charred  clay,  is  frequently  used  for 
lightening  and  assisting  in  draining  stiff  land  ; 
but  I  am  not  persuaded  of  its  good  results  and 
consequently  am  unable  to  recommend  it. 

Leeks.— In  order  to  obtain  the  finest  specimens 
of  Leeks,  it  is  necessary  to  sow  seeds  at  once  in 
a  gentle  heat.  Much  the  same  treatment  is  re- 
quired as  that  previously  recommended  in  the 
case  of  Onions.  Seeds  may  either  be  sown  in 
boxes  and  the  seedlings  pricked  out  into  other 
boxes  when  quite  young,  or  they  may  be  sown  in 
3-mch  pots  and  potted  on  as  required.  For  the 
purpose  of  getting  extra  fine  specimens  during 
August  and  September,  the  latter  method  is  to 
be  preferred. 

Potatos. — The  earliest  crop  of  Potatos  in  pots 
should  not  be  unduly  forced,  but  the  growths 


should  be  kept  in  an  upright  position  by  sup- 
porting them  with  neat,  bushy  sticks.  At  this 
season  the  plants  require  all  the  light  possible, 
but  not  much  water.  Potatos  growing  in  heated 
pits  should  be  moulded  up  directly  the  shoots 
are  from  3  to  4  inches  in  length,  using  a  light 
compost,  which  has  been  previously  warmed  to 
the  same  temperature  as  the  atmosphere  in  the 
pit,  and  choosing  the  warmest  part  of  the  day 
for  the  operation.  A  little  fresh  air  should  be 
admitted  to  these  pits  each  day  when  the 
weather  is  favourable.  Plant  successive  batches 
of  tubers,  and  see  that  sufficient  stock  for  suc- 
cession is  laid  out  to  form  sprouts  in  a  light 
position  where  frost  cannot  enter. 


THE    ORCHID    HOUSES. 

By  W.  H.  White,  Orchid  Grower  to  Sir  Trevor  Lawrence, 
Bart.,  Burford,  Surrey. 

Dendrobium  Wardianum  — Plants  of  this 
species  that  have  been  rested  in  a  cool  house, 
and  on  which  the  flower-buds  are  well  advanced, 
may  now  be  placed  in  a  slightly  warmer  house. 
The  cool  part  of  the  intermediate  house  will  be 
warm  enough  for  these  plants  for  a  week  or  two, 
after  which  time  they  will  require  the  lightest 
position  available  in  the  Cattleya  house.  Not. 
withstanding  that  the  plants  are  pushing  forth 
new  growths  simultaneously  with  the  flower- 
buds,  the  cultivator  must  not  be  tempted  to 
afford  them  much  water  at  the  roots,  or  the  new 
pseudo-bulbs  will  grow  too  rapicly  and  prevent 
the  proper  development  of  the  flower-buds.  If 
the  plants  are  removed  from  their  resting  quar- 
ters and  placed  in  a  high  temperature,  the 
flower-buds  are  liable  to  turn  yellow  and  fall  off. 
Until  the  inflorescences  open,  water  must  be 
given  at  comparatively  long  intervals  of  time 
and  then  not  in  sufficient  quantity  to  saturate 
the  compost. 

Dangers  of  excessive  warmth  in  early  stage  of 
flowering. — Beginners  in  Orchid  culture  will 
probably  have  noticed  that  for  several  weeks 
past  some  of  these  plants  have  been  pushing 
their  flower-buds  at  the  extreme  nodes  of  the 
pseudo-bulbs  only,  and  that  the  blooms  on  the 
back  nodes  are  gradually  developing.  If  these 
plants  had  been  removed  into  the  warmer  house 
when  the  first  flower-buds  appeared,  the  later 
would  never  have  developed.  These  re- 
marks apply  to  nearly  all  of  the  D.  Wardianum 
hybrids,  including  D.  Aspasia,  D.  micans,  D. 
Warriiano-japonicum,  D.  Juno,  D.  Clio,  and  D. 
Euterpe.  Very  large  numbers  of  Burmese  Den- 
drobiums,  including  D.  Wardianum,  D.  thrysi- 
fiorum,  D.  crassinode,  D.  primulinum  gigan- 
teum,  D.  Devonianum,  D.  Falconeri,  and  D. 
Pierardii,  are,  at  this  season,  being  imported 
into  this  country,  therefore  a  few  notes  on  their 
cultivation  may  prove  useful. 

Treatment  of  newly-imported  plants. — The 
plants,  when  received,  should  be  placed  in  a 
moderately  cool  and  dry  atmosphere.  After 
a  few  days,  they  may  be  potted  in  pots  or  pans 
just  large  enough  to  accommodate  them  for  one 
season.  With  the  exception  of  D.  thrysiflorum, 
the  other  species  mentioned  are  all  of  pendulous 
habit.  For  these,  shallow  pans,  or  ordinary 
flower  pots,  with  suitable  wire  handles  at- 
tached, should  be  used  in  order  that  they  may 
be  easily  suspended  from  the  roof  of  the  house. 
D.  thrysiflorum  succeeds  best  in  pots.  The 
plants,  on  being  placed  in  the  pots  or  pans, 
should  be  made  quite  firm  by  placing  broken 
crocks  around  them  up  to  the  rim  of  the  re- 
ceptacle, and  also  by  tying  a  few  of  the  pseudo- 
bulbs  to  the  wires  or  to  neat  sticks.  The  crocks 
in  which  the  plants  are  fixed  should  be  well 
watered  two  or  three  times  each  week,  and  as 
soon  as  root  and  top  growth  have  started  freely, 
the  potting  materials  may  be  added.  In  doing 
this,  take  out  the  crocks  to  about  one-half  of  the 
depth  of  the  pot,  and  refill  with  a  compost  of 
Osmunda  fibre  and  Polypodium  fibre  in  equal 
parts,  cutting  the  substances  up  moderately  fine, 
and  adding  plenty  of  small  crocks  to  assist 
proper  drainage.  Some  growers  prefer  to  add 
Sphagnum  moss  to  the  compost,  but  I  find  it  is 
immaterial  whether  moss  is  used  or  not.  After 
potting,  place  the  plants  in  a  Warm  atmo- 
sphere, such  as  is  maintained  in  a  Cattleya 
house,  and  afford  light  waterings  at  first,  being 
careful  not  to  over-water  them.  As  the  new- 
growths  gain  in  strength  and  roots  become  plenti- 
ful, water  may  be  more  frequently  and  liberally 
given. 


January  9,  1909] 


THE     GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


PLANTS    UNDER  GLASS. 

By  A.  C,  Bartlett,  Gardener  to  Mrs.  Ford,  Pencarrow, 
Cornwall. 

Salvia. — As  Salvias  pass  out  of  flower  most  of 
the  plants  should  be  destroyed,  retaining 
scarcely  more  than  are  sufficient  to  supply  cut- 
tings for  propagating  purposes  later  on.  Plants 
thus  kept  for  stock  purposes  should  be  pruned 
to  induce  them  to  make  strong,  clean  growths. 
When  the  plants  have  again  started  into  growth, 
a  few  specimens  of  S.  spiendens  and  its  varieties 
may  be  potted  on  to  furnish  extra  large  plants. 
Plants  in  frames. — As  the  weather  may  become 
colder,  provision  should  be  made  for  protecting 
plants  in  frames  by  means  of  outside  coverings. 
Field  mice  are  sometimes  driven  into  frames  by 
stress  of  weather  and  if  they  are  not  detected 
and  trapped  will  quickly  do  irreparable  damage. 
Ventilate  the  frames  freely  in  favourable 
weather  and  exercise  great  care  in  watering. 
Encourage  the  plants  growing  in  these  compara- 
tively cool  conditions  to  become  of  sturdy  habit, 
and  therefore  the  better  able  to  withstand  low 
temperatures. 

The  conservatory. — Now  that  most  of  the  late- 
flowering  Chrysanthemums  have  be-en  removed 
from  the  show  house,  there  may  be  a  deficiency 
of  bright-flowering  plants  of  fair  size.  For  plac- 
ing at  the  front  of  the  groups,  or  on  the  side 
stages,  scarlet  Tulips  are  obtainable  in  abun- 
dance ;  but  amongst  the  taller,  forced  plants,  the 
paler  shades  of  colours  largely  predominate. 
This  lack  of  brightness  may  be  remedied  in 
some  degree  by  the  use  of  tall  plants  of  some  of 
the  perpetual-flowering  Begonias,  such  as  B. 
fuchsioides,  B.  coccinea,  and  B.  gracilis,  which 
flower  very  freely.  Duiing  the  winter  months 
such  Begonias  may  be  exposed  to  all  the  light 
available  ;  but  later,  as  the  sun  gains  power,  they 
require  partial  shade.  Careful  consideration 
must  be  given  to  the  ventilation  of  the  house  and 
the  watering  of  the  plants,  for  on  most  days  at 
the  present  season  the  out-of-doors  atmosphere 
is  heavily  charged  with  moisture  and  moisture 
of  this  kind  is  apt  to  prevent  the  flowers  lasting 
so  long  as  they  would  otherwise.  At  the  same 
time,  it  is  necessary  to  admit  some  air  to  the 
conservatory  each  day,  and,  in  the  matter  of 
watering,  it  must  be  remembered  that,  whilst  it 
is  better  to  keep  most  plants  on  the  dry  side  at 
this  season,  yet  extremes  of  dryness  must  be 
avoided.  Any  water  that  may  drain,  or  be  spilt, 
on  the  slate  or  stone  pathways  must  be  mopped 
up  at  once,  for  cleanliness  in  every  particular 
should  be  rigidly  insisted  upon  in  the  house 
where  the  preservation  of  flowers  is  a  matter  of 
the  greatest  importance. 


THE  FLOWER  GARDEN. 

By  W.  A.  C«ok,  Gardener  to  Sir  Kdmcnd  G.  Lodkr,  Bart., 
Leonardslee,  Sussex. 

Plants  in  flower. — Christmas  Roses  are  now 
gay,  and  should  be  afforded  some  protection 
from  slugs  and  worms.  If  soot  and  lime  be 
mixed  in  equal  quantities  and  spread  around  the 
plants  it  will  answer  the  purpose. 

Erica  lusitanica  is  perhaps  one  of  the  best  of 
the  Heather  family,  on  account  of  its  early  and 
free-flowering  character.  It  grows  6  tb  8  feet 
high  in  a  short  time  Chimonanthus  fragrans 
grandiflora  is  beautiful  Against  a  wall,  the 
plants  in  the  open  are  only  now  in  bud.  Jas- 
min um  nudiflorum  is  well  adapted  for  walls  or 
pergolas  or  for  training  up  the  stems  of  trees 
or  on  fences.  Rhododendron  Nobleanum,  flower- 
ing during  mild  weather,  affords  a  touch  of 
colour  which  is  much  appreciated  from  the 
present  time  until  March. 

Bamboos. — These  are  a  fine  feature  in  the  dull 
winter  months.  They  may  be  planted  at  the 
present  time  if  the  weather  is  of  a  suitable 
character.  Arundinaria  anceps  is  one  of  the 
first  to  feel  the  effects  of  a  shift,  and  therefore 
should  be  moved  some  day  when  the  weather  is 
moist. 

Protection  of  tender  plants. — It  should  be  re- 
membered that,  although  certain  plants  need 
protection  from  frost,  the  protective  material 
should  not  be  applied  until  the  last  possible  mo- 
ment, nor  should  the  covering  be  so  dense  as  to 
exclude  light  and  air ;  for  otherwise  it  would  have 
the  effect  of  making  the  plants  even  more  ten- 
der. It  is  important  also  that  the  material  should 
not  be  allowed  to  remain  upon  the  plants  for  a 
longer  time  than  is  absolutely  necessary.     The 


material  employed  should  be  of  a  light  charac- 
ter, such  as  dry  Bracken  leaves  or  Heather. 
Heather  may  be  entwined  amongst  the  branches 
m  such  a  manner  that  it  will  not  cause 
a  great  weight  upon  the  plants  in  the  event  of 
heavy  snowstorms.  As  the  roots  of  many  plants 
are  lnble  to  surfer  considerable  injury  from 
frosts,  these  also  should  be  nrotected  with  dry 
peat,  leaves,  or  ashes,  applying  the  material  in 
sufficient  quantities  to  repel  frosts.  Gunnera 
manicata  should  have  its  crowns  wrapped  up  in 
dry  bracken,  or  even  dry  hay  and  over  the  pro- 
tective material  may  be  tied  an  old  leaf  belong- 
ing to  the  same  plant.  .This  will  serve  as  a  sort 
of  waterproof,  keeping  the  crown  dry,  and 
therefore  less  liable  to  injury.  Rhododendron 
Thomsomi  should  have  some  dry  material 
placed  around  its  base  and  similar  treatment 
is  required  by  many  tender  species  of  Rho- 
dodendron, such  as  R.  aucklandii,  R.  Edg- 
worthn,  or  any  hybrids  of  these  species. 
Crinums  should  have  their  tops  protected.  Dra- 
caenas need  to  have  their  stems  bound  up. 
Romneya  Coulteri  requires  protection  for  its 
roots.  Phormiums  not  only  need  to  be  tied  up 
but  some  slight  protection  should  be  afforded  to 
the  roots  also.  In  some  districts  it  is  necessary 
to  protect  the  choicer  Tea  and  Hybrid  Tea 
Roses.  Choisya  ternata  should  have  some  lon^ 
branches  placed  ovar  it,  fixing  the  branches  in 
the  ground.     Carpenteria  califomica  should  be 


Fig.  18. — the  making  of  a  bee-hive, 

1,  base  of  the  hive  showing  the  alighting  board  at  A  ;  2, 

body  or  brood-chamber;  D  and  C,  sides;    E,  E,  iron 

band  on  which  the  upper  frame  rests;    F,  position  of 

front  of  frame ;  3,  plan  of  the  angle  joints. 

given  some  protection  over  the  roots,  and  simi- 
lar protection  is  also  needed  by  the  more  tender 
Arundinarias,  such  as  A.  falcata,  Falconed,  A. 
nobilis,  and  others.  Among  Alpine  plants,  the 
Androsaces  should  be  kept  dry  by  a  handlight  or 
some  squares  of  glass  placed  over  them. 


PUBLIC   PARKS   AND   GARDENS. 

By  J.  W.  Moorman,  Superintendent  of  Victoria  Park, 
London. 

Acquisition  of  sites. — If  we  except  the  Royal 
parks  and  thos9  open  spaces  over  which  the 
public  have  obtained  common  rights,  which 
were  rendered  inviolable  by  the  Act  of  1866,  all 
other  sites  now  utilised  either  as  parks  or  open 
spaces  in  the  London  district  have  been  secured 
by  the  municipal  authority  for  London  :  in  the 
past  bv  the  Metropolitan  Board  of  Works  and 
since  1889  by  the  later-instituted  authority,  the 
London  County  Council.  These  authorities 
have  availed  themselves  of  every  opportunity  of 
securing  vacant  land  in  all  parts  of  the  county, 
and  have  frequently  paid  large  sums  of  money 
for  small  sites  in  congested  and  densely-popu- 
lated districts.  What  are  distinguished  as  L.C.C. 
parks  are  known  as  Victoria,  Battersea,   Brock- 


well,  Peckham,  I'insbury,  Dulwich,  Southwark, 
Golder's  Hill,  Avery  Hill,  Ravenscourt,  Spring! 
field,  Waterlow,  Ruskin,  Kennington,  and 
Myatt's  Fields.  Each  park  is  in  the  care  of  a 
superintendent  who  is  responsible  to  the  chief 
officer  of  the  L.C.C.  Parks  Department.  The 
largest  of  these  parks  is  Victoria,  consisting  of 
217  acres,  and  Myatt's  Fields  is  the  smallest, 
being  only  14J  acres.  They  are  classified  ac- 
cording to  size  as  first,  second,  third,  and  fourth 
class  parks. 

The  staff. — Employment  is  found  in  the  L.C.C. 
parks  for  nearly  900  persons,  some  for  the  main- 
tenance of  order,  but  the  greater  number  for  the 
carrying  out  of  park  work.  It  is  open  to  anyone 
in  the  gardening  department  to  qualify  for  pro- 
motion to  the  position  of  a  first-class  superinten- 
dent ;  but,  before  promotion  can  be  gained  by 
one  of  the  lower  ranks,  it  is  necessary  to 
pass  an  examination  in  horticulture.  These 
examinations  are  undertaken  every  year  by  the 
Royal  Horticultural  Society.  The  object  of  the 
test  is  to  stimulate  observation  and  interest  in 
all  the  details  of  park  work,  and  all  those  who 
pass  in  the  first  and  second  classes  are  given  a 
weekly  increase  in  salary  of  2s.  or  Is.  respec- 
tively. Upwards  of  100  young  men  sat  for  this 
examination  in  January,  1908,  and  it  is  probable 
that  there  will  be  more  candidates  at  a  similar 
examination  to  be  held  in  the  course  of  a  few 
days. 

The  removal  of  snow. — The  recent  heavy  fall 
of  snow  caused  considerable  work  in  the  parks  : 
snow  being  so  great  a  hindrance  to  loco- 
tion  that  it  is  the  superintendent's  duty  to- 
remove  it  from  the  paths  as  quickly  as  possible. 
Carriage  drives  are  best  cleared  by  snow  ploughs 
drawn  by  horses.  Every  effort  has  to  be  made 
to  clear  the  snow  from  all  thoroughfares  before 
a  thaw  takes  place,  or  the  paths  would  remain  in 
a  most  unsatisfactory  condition  for  a  long  time. 

Skating  on  ice.—  For  a  few  days  it  appealed  as 
if  there  would  be  skating  on  some  of  the  park 
waters — a  recreation  eagerly  sought  after  by 
the  public.  Everything  should  be  done  for 
the  purpose  of  meeting  any  emergency  that  may 
arise ;  fortunately  the  regulations  require  the  ice 
to  be  3  inches  thick  before  the  public  is  allowed 
to  use  it.  There  are  about  24  places  under  the 
control  of  the  L.C.C.  where  skating  is  per- 
mitted. Everything  is  done  to  render  the  pas- 
time available  to  the  greatest  number  of  persons 
possible,  and  also  to  prevent  accidents.  When 
skating  can  be  carried  on  safely  the  parks  re- 
main open  until  10  o'clock  at  night. 


THE    APIARY. 


By  Chloris. 

Hive-making. — In  order  to  save  trouble  when, 
fitting   up  hives,   it  is  desirable  to  make  every 
part  of  new  hives  to  a  standard  dimension,  for 
then   all   the   portions   will   be  interchangeable. 
There   are    many    patterns,    all    embodying    the 
same  idea,  but  the  one  illustrated  at  fig.   18  is 
one  of  the   best.      At   diagram   1   is  shown   the 
tioorboard.       This    requires    little    explanation, 
as  the   dimensions  are  clearly  indicated.      The 
portion       marked    A    is    the    alighting    board 
and,  if  it  is  desired,  it  may  be  made  larger  than 
the   dimensions   indicated.      This   would   be   an 
advantage  during  stormy  weather,  for  heavily- 
laden  bees  are  often  blown  to  the  ground    when, 
if  the  wind  is  very  cold,  they  perish.     The  hive 
should  be  raised  on  four  legs,  so  that  the  floor- 
board is  about  1  foot  from  the  ground.    At  dia- 
gram 2  is  shown  the  body  of  the  hive  or  brood- 
chamber.      The  outside   walls   of  this   chamber 
should  be   made   of  J-inch  boards  at  the   least 
and,    to   make   the    joints    watertight,    the   ends 
should  be  doubly  rabbeted  and  nailed,  as  shown 
at  diagram  3.     If  the  inside  pieces  (C  and   D) 
are  8J  inches  high,  and  strips  of  tin  or  iron  are 
nailed,  as  at  E,  E,  so  as  to  stand  above  C  and 
D  about  three-eighths  of  an  inch,  there  will  be 
left  a  sufficient  space  for  the   fingers  to  be  in- 
serted under  the  frame-ends  when  it  is  desired 
to  remove  it.     But,  besides  affording  a  further 
grip  of  the  frame,  it  leaves  less  space  for  the  bees 
co  propolise  and,  further,  it  provides  fewer  risks 
of  bees  getting  crushed   under  the   frame-ends. 
The  front  of  the  hive,  when  fixed  at  F,  should 
have   a  passage-way  about  10   inches  long  and 
f  inch  high  cut  out  in  order  to  enable  the  bees  to 
enter.     A  porch  constructed  over  the  entrance  to 
the  hive  would  serve  to  keep  out  the  wet. 


24 


THE     GARDENERS1      CHRONICLE. 


[January  9,  1909. 


EDITORIAL    NOTICE. 


ADVERTISEMENTS  should  be  sent  to  the  PUB- 
LISHER, 41,  Wellington  Street.  Covent  Garden, 
W.C. 

Letters  for  Publication,  as  well  as  specimens  oj  plants 
for  naming,  should  be  addressed  to  the  EDITOR, 
41,  Wellington  Street,  Covent  Garden,  London. 
Communications  should  be  written  on  one  side  only  of 
the  paper,  sent  as  earlv  in  the  week  as  possible  and  duly 
signed  by  the  writer.  If  desired,  the  signature  will  not  be 
printed,  but  kept  as  a  guarantee  of  good  faith. 

Special  Notice  to  Correspondents.— The  Editor  does  not 
undertake  to  pay  for  any  contributions  or  illustrations,  or 
to  return  unused  communications  or  illustrations,  unless  by 
special  arrangement.  The  Editor  does  not  hold  himself 
responsible  for  any  opinions  expressed  by  his  correspondents. 


APPOINTMENTS  FOR  THE  ENSUING  WEEK. 


SATURDAY,  JANUARY  9— 

London  Branch  B.G.A.  lecture  on  "  Garden  Cities." 

MONDAY,  JANUARY  11— 

R.H.S.  Examination  for  Public  Parks  and  Garden 
Employes. 

TUESDAY,  JANUARY  12— 

Roy.  Hort.  Soc.  Corns,  meet.  (Competitive  Classes  for 
Grapes.  Lecture  at  3  p.m.  by  Mr.  C.  D.  McKay. 
on  "  the  French  System  of  Intensive  Cultivation"). 
British  Gard.  Assoc.  Ex.  Council  meet. 

WEDNESDAY,  JANUARY  13- 

Ann.  meet.  Bolton  Hort.  and  Chrys.  Soc. 


Average    Mean    Temperature    for    the    ensuing    week, 
deduced  from  observations  during  the  last  Fifty  Years 
at  Greenwich— 38°. 
Actual  Temperatures: — 

London.— Wednesday,  January  6  (6  p.m.):  Max.  45° ; 
Min.  36". 
Gardeners'  Chronicle  Office,  41,  Wellington  Street, 
Covent  Garden,  London.— Thursday,  January 
7(10a.m.):  Bar.  302;  Temp.  44s'',  Weather— 
Fair.  , 

Provinces.—  Wednesday,  January  6  (6  p.m.):  Max.  47° 
Cornwall  and  Ireland  S.  coast ;  Min.  35°  York. 


SALES    FOR    THE    ENSUING    WEEK. 

MONDAY  and  FRIDAY— 

Herbaceous  and  Border  Plants,  Liliums,  Bulbs,  Azaleas, 
&c,  at  12  ;  Roses  at  1.30,  at  67  &  68,  Cheapside,  E.C.,  by 
Protheroe  &  Morris. 

WEDNESDAY— 

Perennials  and  Herbaceous  Plants,  Liliums,  Hardy 
Bulbs,  &c,  at  12  ;  Roses  and  Fruit  Trees  at  1.30  ;  Palms, 
Azaleas,  Rhododendrons,  &c,  at  5;  thousands  of  mis- 
cellaneous Bulbs,  &c,  at  11.30;  776  cases  Japanese 
Liliums  at  1,  at  67  &  68,  Cheapside,  E.C.,  by  Protheroe 
&  Morris. 


The 


In  a  recently-published  lecture 
Absorption  on  "  The  Absorption  of  Rain 
of  Moisture  and  Dew  by  the  Green  Parts 
by  Leaves.     of     plantS)..*      prof       George 

Henslow  endeavours  to  disprove  the  current 
view  that  the  amount  of  absorption  of  water 
by  the  leaves  of  ordinary  plants  is  normally 
but  small. 

Professor  Henslow  criticises  Duchartre's 
experiments  which  showed  that,  with  pot- 
plants,  no  water  is  absorbed  by  the  leaves 
during  the  night  or  that  the  quantity  ab- 
sorbed is  so  small  as  to  be  negligible ;  accord- 
ing to  the  former  authority,  little  or  no 
absorption  of  water  by  leaves  takes  place  at 
night  except  when  the  leaves  are  exceptionally 
flaccid  at  the  beginning  of  the  period  of  dark- 
ness. 

This  is  a  considerable  admission.  For 
plant-physiologists  would  not  be  disposed  to 
deny  on  general  grounds  that  wilted  leaves 
of  such  plants  as  do  not  close  their  stomata 
in  darkness  may  absorb  a  certain  amount  of 
water  from  the  atmosphere.  Professor  Hens- 
low  does  not  appear  to  have  made  experi- 
ments in  support  of  this  suggestion,  but  he 
thinks  that  absorption  of  rain  or  dew  by 
leaves  may  take  place  in  the  morning.  To 
use  his  own  words,  "  then,  any  part  that  may 
be  the  first  to  become  dry  will  begin  to  trans- 
pire and  so  cause  an  indraught  of  dew  in  any 
neighbouring  spot  where  it  may  have  been 
retained  ':  (p.   169). 

*  Journal  of  the  Royal  Horticultural  Societv,  vol.  xxxiv., 
pt.  2. 


It  is  not  clear  what  is  meant  by  "  an  in- 
draught of  dew  "  set  up  in  consequence  of 
transpiration.  By  far  the  greater  amount  of 
transpiration  of  water  from  leaves  takes  place 
through  their  stomata,  and,  in  the  process  of 
transpiration,  water-vapour  escapes  by  diffu- 
sion from  the  inter-cellular  spaces  of  the  leaf 
through  the  stomata  into  the  surrounding  air. 
Now,  diffusion  is  a  molecular — and  not  a 
mass — phenomenon.  It  is  not  possible  that 
the  movement  of  molecules  of  water-vapour 
can  produce  an  indraught. 

Professor  Henslow's  experiments  do  not 
prove  his  thesis  that  an  ordinary  plant  in  the 
open  absorbs  water-vapour,  rain,  or  dew  in 
appreciable  quantity.  They  show  that  if 
young  shoots  or  leaves,  or  even  older  leaves, 
the  cuticle  of  which  is  thin,  are  dipped  in 
water  or  wrapped  in  wet  blotting-paper  they 
absorb  a  certain  amount  of  water. 

But  facts  of  this  kind,  which  are  dealt  with 
in  the  ordinary  text-books,  cannot  be  admitted 
as  evidence  of  any  considerable  water- 
absorptive  powers  under  ordinary  conditions. 

The  present  position  of  our  know  ledge  on 
this  subject  may  be  briefly  stated.  In  such 
parts  of  plants  as  are  concerned  with  absorp- 
tion of  water,  as,  for  example,  in  the  rcot- 
hairs,  the  layer  of  water-proofing  material 
(cuticle)  present  in  other  parts  of  the  integu- 
mentary system  (epidermis)  is  wanting.  In 
special  cases,  for  instance,  in  the  leaves  of 
epiphytes  such  as  Tillandsias,  where,  owing 
to  their  situation  and  to  their  poorly-developed 
root-system,  it  is  necessary  for  the  leaves  to 
undertake  the  work  of  supplying  the  plant 
with  water,  there  are  special  uncuticularised 
water-absorbing  cells.  In  ordinary  plants  a 
layer  of  cuticle  covers  the  epidermal  cells  of 
the  leaf,  and  with  greater  or  less  efficiency, 
according  to  the  degree  of  its  development, 
prevents  the  loss  of  water  from  the  general 
leaf  surface,  thereby  confining  that  loss  to 
that  due  to  stomatal  transpiration. 

We  may  go  further,  and  say  that  the 
presence  of  rain  or  dew  on  the  surface  of  a 
leaf  may  in  the  long  run  tend  to  provoke 
more  active  transpirati<  ~,  and  so  cause 
actual  loss  of  water.  For  11  has  been  shown 
that  the  stomata  open  more  widely  when  the 
leaf  is  actually  wetted  than  even  when  it  is 
in  a  saturated  atmosphere.  If,  then,  this 
widely-open  state  persists  for  some  time  after 
the  rain  or  dew-  is  removed,  transpiration  will 
proceed  more  rapidly  than  would  have  been 
the  case  had  the  leaf  not  been  wetted. 

Professor  Henslow  has  made  a  good  point 
in  suggesting  that  wilted  leaves  may  possibly 
absorb  a  certain  amount  of  water  from  the 
air.  We  are  not  aware  of  any  accurate  ex- 
periments bearing  on  this  question  and 
would  suggest  that  it  is  a  subject  which, 
together  with  the  effects  of  spraying,  would 
well  repay  careful  investigation. 


We  are  indebted  to  Professor 
Plant-         c     s     Sargent   for  furthei-   in- 
collecting  .       ° 

in  China.       formation     extracted     from     a 
letter    written   by    Mr.    E.    11. 
Wilson   on   October   1    last  at   Kiating,   near 
Szechuan. 

"  The  trip  through  the  wilderness  behind 
Mounts  Omi  and  Wa  proved  fairly  profitable, 
but,  owing  chiefly  to  bad  weather,  hard  and 
uncomfortable.  Above  4,000  feet  altitude  the 
country  is  of  limestone  formation.     As  is  usual 


with  this  rock,  it  is  much  broken  up,  forming 
steep  cliffs  and  crags  which  present  wild 
and  savage  scenery.  Charcoal  burners  have 
destroyed  all  the  forest,  leaving  in  its  place 
a  dense  jungle  of  shrubs  ;  above  7,000  feet  (to 
10,000  feet)  Bamboos  form  one  absolutely  im- 
penetrable thicket.  Nothing  is  more  dishearten- 
ing to  a  botanical  collector  than  these  Bamboo 
jungles.  Practically  nothing  can  grow  in  them 
but  Bamboos.  There  is  no  traversing  them,  save 
by  the  recognised  paths,  unless  there  is  time  to 
cut  a  new  track,  and  if  there  is  the  slightest 
rain  falling  at  the  time  one  is  drenched  through 
by  the  overhanging  culms. 

"  I  ascended  the  famous  Mount  Wa-wu,  un- 
visited  previously  by  any  foreigner,  but  was  very 
disappointed.  The  summit  is  only  9,200  feet  alti- 
tude, undulating  and  park-like,  clothed  with  a 
dense  jungle  of  Bamboo  scrub  with  Silver  Fir 
and  a  few  Tsuga  interspersed.  This  mountain 
is  sheer  on  all  four  sides  for  fully  4,000  leet. 
We  ascended  by  a  precipitous  path  up  the  1101th- 
north-east  angle.  Formerly  magnificent  trees  of 
Magnolia,  Davidia,  Tetracentron,  /Eseulus, 
Betula,  Acer,  and  Castanopsis  were  abundant  on 
this  mountain,  but  now  only  mere  shrubs  and 
the  stumps  of  felled  giants  remain.  Iron, 
copper,  and  lead  are  common  in  this  region, 
and  it  is  the  making  of  charcoal  for  the  smelt- 
ing of  these  ores  that  has  caused  the  total  de- 
struction of  all  forest  trees.  Even  the  soft- 
wooded  Silver  Fir  is  now  used  in  making  char- 
coal for  lead-smelting.  Had  the  weather  been 
better,  one  might  have  got  some  enjoyment  out 
of  the  trip.  But  wet  through  day  after  day, 
with  bedding  and  clothing  drenched,  sleeping  in 
the  filthy  dilapidated  huts  of  the  charcoal 
burners  at  night,  and  er.veloped  by  dense  mists 
nearly  every  day  with  a  perspective  limited  to  a 
radius  of  40  yards,  enjoyment  was  out  of  the 
question. 

"  By  dint  of  much  exertion  I  managed  to 
secure  quite  a  number  of  seeds,  and  also  a  cer- 
tain amount  of  herbarium  material.  I  saw 
many  trees  of  Silver  Fir  and  Tsuga,  and  also 
a  few  Spruces,  but  not  a  single  new  cone  could 
I  discover.  I  am  afraid  we  shall  have  but  poor 
luck  this  year  in  the  matter  of  Conifers. 

"  Details  of  the  seeds  forwarded  are  given  in 
the  lists  enclosed,  but  as  some  are  of  ex- 
ceptional interest,  a  few  extra  details  may  be 
acceptable.  Of  Lonicera,  several  species  are 
sent.  Without  instituting  comparisons,  Loni- 
cera No.  942  and  L.  subsqualis  may  be  in- 
stanced as  of  unusual  interest.  The  No. 
942  is  possibly  one  of  the  forms  of  the 
variable  L.  hispida,  but  the  flowers  are  enor- 
mously large,  creamy  yellow  in  colour.  It  in- 
habits thickets  on  Mount  Wa,  and  is  only  known 
to  me  from  this  one  locality.  L.  subaequalis  is 
one  of  Rehder's  new  species  ;  the  fruits,  which 
are  red,  globose,  the  size  of  a  small  Pea,  and 
somewhat  glandular,  were  heretofore  unknown. 
I  have  sent  several  species  of  Sorbus — all  in- 
teresting, but  Nos.  874  and  941,  on  account  of 
the  curious  colour  (pale  purple)  of  their  fruit, 
are  more  than  ordinarily  so. 

"  The  pubescent  form  of  Idesia  polycarpa  (No. 
962)  has  been  given  varietal  rank  by  Dr.  Diels. 
It  occurs  at  higher  altitudes  than  the  type  ;  un- 
fortunately, there  are  very  few  seeds.  The 
Schizandras  are  all  ornamental  in  fruit,  and  No. 
921,  with  large,  rich  maroon  flowers  and  scarlet 
fruits  a  foot  or  more  long,  is  very  fine. 

"  Styrax  (No.  884)  is  a  very  pretty  species, 
forming  a  bush  4  leet  high,  with  small  leaves 
and  ivory-white  flowers.  I  enclose  a  fragment 
of  this  Styrax  and  also  a  flower  and  leaf  of 
Clematis  No.  868.  This  latter  is  the  largest- 
flowered  Clematis  in  the  West  of  China  and 
possibly  in  the  whole  of  the  country.  It  is  evi- 
dently allied  to  C.  montana,  but,  to  my  mind, 
distinct.  The  flowers  are  white — 2  to  3  inches 
across,  solitary,  axillary,  on  stout  peduncles  4  to 
6  inches  long. 

"  The  Piptanthus  (No.  885)  forms  a  bush  3  to 
6  feat  high,  and  has  rich,  golden-yellow  flowers. 


January  9,  1909.] 


THE    GARDENERS'      CHRONICLE. 


From  'the  altitude  at  which  it  occurs  (7,500  to 
10,000  feet)  it  should  be  hardy.  It  is  finer  than 
P.  nepalenMs. 

"  Seeds  of  a  number  of  species  of  Actinidia 
have  been  sent,  and  I  should  like  to  say  a  word 
in  favour  of  this  genus.  The  four  or  five 
Japanese  species  in  cultivation  in  England  of 
this  genus  are  regarded  as  doubtfully  hardy,  and 
of  very  little  horticultural  value.  A.  chinensis, 
introduced  by  Messrs.  Veitch,  has  so  far  failed 
to  do  itself  full  justice;  but,  in  the  years  to 
come,  I  believe  it  will  be  one  of  the  finest  orna- 
mental climbers  in  cultivation.  In  the  west 
here,  and  to  a  lesser  degree  in  Hupeh,  there  are 
many  kinds  of  Actinidia,  several  of  them  un- 
described.  With  their  wealth  of  fragrant 
flowers,  snow-white,  salmon-red  or  yellow,  Acti- 
nidia, with  Clematoclethra.  make  the  finest  dis- 
play of  any  scandent  shrub  in  the  vest.  The 
flowers  are  borne  in  myriads,  and  their  fra- 
grance is  an  additional  attraction:  The  fruits 
of  all  are  edible,  and  some,  notably  A.  chinensis 
and  A.  No.  934,  are  delicious.  A  difficulty  to 
the  classifier-  and  a  drawback  from  the  culti- 
vator's point  of  view  is  the  fad  of,  the  flowers 
being  polygamous:  However,  in  spite  of  this,  I 
believe  there  is  a  future  for  these  climbers,  and 
I  hope  the  Chinese  species  will  be  more  amen- 
able to  cultivation  than  the  Japanese  appears  to 
have  been. 

"Closely  allied  to  Actinidia  is  the  compara- 
tively new  genus  Clematoclethra.  Of  this 
genus  seeds  of  three  species  have  been  sent. 
What  has  been  said  in  regard  to  the  ornamental 
value  of  Actinidia  applies  equally  to  Clemato- 
clethra, save  that  the  fruits,  though  succulent 
and  edible,  in  this  latter  genus  are  of  little 
value.  An  interesting  feature  (shared  by 
one  or  two  species  of  Actinidia  also)  is 
that  a  large  percentage  of  the  ordinary 
foliage  leaves  are  constantly  snow-white, 
becoming  pinkish  with  age.  A  light,  well- 
drained  soil,  rich  in  decayed  leaves  and  a 
sunnv  position,  where  they  can  remain  undis- 
turbed for  years,  are  the  essentials  for  the  suc- 
cessful culture  of  both  Actinidia  and  Clemato- 
clethra. 

"In  addition  to  Magnolia  villosa,  of  which  I 
hope  to  send  more  seeds  and  a  note  later,  seeds 
of  one,  possibly  two,  new  species  of  Magnolia 
have  been  forwarded.  The?e  latter  are  large 
trees  with  ovate  to  obovate  leaves,  densely 
pubescent  below.  The  fruits  are  irregular  in 
shape,  resembling  those  of  M.  Yulan,  but  much 
stouter.  The  flowers  are  unknown  to  me,  but 
the  country-folk  describe  them  as  rosy-pink." 


Our  Supplementary  Illustration  repre- 
sents a  hybrid  Nepenthes,  raised  by  Messrs. 
James  Veitch  88  Sons,  from  a  cross  between 
N.  sanguinea  and  N.  Curtisii  superba.  The 
plant  was  exhibited  by  the  raisers  at  the  meet- 
ing of  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society  on  Sep- 
tember 29,  1908,  when  the  Floral  Committee 
granted  it  a  First-class  Certificate.  The 
pitchers  of  N.  Dr.  John  MacFarlane  have 
a  shape  similar  to  those  of  N.  Curtisii, 
and  are  about  7  or  8  inches  long.  The 
tone  of  the  body  of  the  pitcher  is  brownish- 
red  and  there  are  splashings  of  a  deeper 
colour,  which  add  additional  beauty.  The  in- 
terior of  the  pitcher,  just  below  the  handsome 
rim,  is  bright  green,  with  frequent  purple 
markings.  The  leaves  are  very  broad,  measur- 
ing as  much  as  5  or  6  inches  across,  a  width 
greater  than  in  the  foliage  of  either  parent.  The 
plant  bore  five  large  pitchers  and  several  smaller 
•ones. 

Horticultural  Club.  —  The  next  house 
dinner  of  the  club  will  take  place  on  Tuesday, 
January  12,  at  6  p.m.,  at  the  Hotel  Windsor. 
The  Rev.  Canon  Hoesley  will  deliver  a  lecture 
■on  the  "Flowers  of  Switzerland,"  which  will 
be  illustrated  by  unpublished  slides  of  the  peo- 
ple and  scenery  of  the  Bernese  Oberland. 


The  Nicholson  Library.  —  Many  of  our 
readers  will  be  interested  to  know  that  the  books 
which  belonged  to  the  late  George  Nicholson-, 
F.L.S.,  V.M.H.,  will  be  offered  for  sale  at 
Messrs.  Sotheby  &  Company's  Rooms  on  Fri- 
day, the  15th  inst.  The  first  lot  is  numbered  617. 
It  will  be  offered  at  1  o'clock  p.m.  There  are 
66  lots. 

Changes  at  Kew.— On  the  retirement  of 
Mr.  W.  Botting  Hemsley,  F.R.S.,  from  his 
official  position  in  the  Royal  Gardens,  Kew,  Dr. 
Otto  Stapj,  F.K.S.,  has  been  appointed  Keeper 
of  the  Herbarium.  Mr.  C.  H.  "Wright,  A.L.S., 
is  now  the  Chief  Assistant  in  the  Phanerogamia. 

The  Selborne  Society. — We  are  informed 
that  this  society  has  revived  the  old  title  of  its 
magazine,  which  will  henceforth  be  called  The 
Selborne  Magazine  (and'Ka  I  ),  and  will 

be  published  by  Messrs.  George  Philip  &  Son, 
Ltd.,  of  32,  Fleet  Street,  E.C.  All,  communi- 
cations with  regard  to  the  society  should  be 
addressed,  as  heretofore,  to  the  Honorary  Gen- 
eral Secretary  of  the  Selborne  Society,  20,  Han- 
over Square,  London. 

Public  Park  for  Lurgan. — Public  com- 
petition having  been  invited  for  plans  for  laying 
out  72  acres  of  land  as  a  public  park  for  the  town 
of  Lurgan,  Co.  Armagh,  we  are  informed  that 
Messrs.  J.  Cheal  &  Sons  have  been  awarded  the 
first  premium,  and  that  their  plan  is  accepted  by 
the  council. 

The  "  Botanical  Magazine." — The  January 
number  of  the  Botanical  Magazine  contains  il- 
lustrations and  figures  of  the  following  plants  : 

Encefhalartos  Barteri,  tab.  8232. — This 
tropical  African  species  is  described  by  Lt.-Col. 
Prain.  It  was  originally  met  with  during  Dr. 
Baikie's  Niger  Expedition  of  1858,  when  it  was 
collected  by  the  late  Mr.  C.  Barter,  "  three 
miles  south  of  Jebu  on  the  Yorubua  side."  The 
species  is  described  as  resembling  E.  villosus. 
Its  value  for  cultivation  in  this  country  appears 
at  present  undetermined,  it  being  stated  that  at 
Kew  the  plants  have  rarely  more  than  three 
leaves,  and  although  carefully  grown  in  a  moist 
tropical  house,  only  one  of  the  stems  has  pro- 
duced a  cone.  The  largest  stems  ever  received  at 
Kew  have  not  exceeded  a  foot  in  height.  The 
female  cone  figured  is  one  of  a  number  received 
from  Labo  Labo  on  the  Volta,  early  in  1908, 
having  been  sent  by  Mr.  J.  Anderson.  A  male 
cone  collected  by  Barter  is  also  depicted. 

Angadenia  nitida,  tab.  8233. — This  Apocyna- 
ceous  plant  has  been  known  as  Echites  nitida, 
Odontadenia  nitida,  O.  cordata,  &c.  In 
Miers'  Monograph  of  the  genus  Angadenia,  he 
included  26  species,  but  Dr.  Stapf  proposes  to 
treat  Angadenia  in  a  narrower  sense,  limiting 
the  name  to  a  smaller  group  of  forms  more  or 
less  resembling  A.  nitida.  The  restricted  genus 
includes  Miers'  species  A.  hypoglauca,  A. 
coriaoea,  A.  elegans,  and  A.  geminata,  and 
appears  to  be  confined  to  North-eastern  Brazil, 
Guiana  and  Trinidad.  A.  nitida,  which  extends 
from  Para,  through  Guiana  to  Trinidad,  was 
received  at  Kew  in  1906  from  the  Trinidad 
Botanic  Gardens,  where  it  was  known  as 
Echites  neriandra.  It  grows  freely  in  the  tropi- 
cal house  at  Kew,  extending  its  shoots  for 
several  yards  along  the  rafters  under  the  roof. 
It  flowers  freely  in  July,  and  has  the  appear- 
ance of  a  small-flowered  yellow  Dipladenia.  It 
is  described  as  a  useful  plant  for  clothing  a 
pillar  in  a  tropical  house. 

Eria  rhynchostyloides,  tab.  8234. — This  new 
species  was  originally  described  in  the  Gar- 
deners   Chronicle  for   November   30,   1907,   page 


370,  by  Mr.  James  O'Brien.  The  figure  now 
published  in  the  Botanical  Magazine,  like  the 
original  description  in  our  own  pages,  has  been 
prepared  from  a  plant  which  was  presented  to 
Kew  in  1908  by  the  Hon.  Walter  Rothschild. 

Clerodendron  ugandense,  tab.  8235. — This 
species  is  described  as  differing  from  C.  myri- 
coides  as  figured  in  the  Botanical  Magazine,  tab. 
5838,  in  having  much  shorter,  semi-orbicular 
calyx-lobes,  a  shorter  corolla-tube,  and  larger, 
more  deeply-coloured  corolla-lobes.  Seeds  of 
C.  ugandense  were  received  at  Kew  in  1906  from 
Mr.  M.  T.  Dawe,  who  had  collected  them  in 
Voi,  Uganda,  2,000  feet  above  sea  level.  The 
plants  have  grown  freely  in  an  intermediate 
house,  quickly  forming  shrubs  2  to  3  feet  in 
height,  with  long,  slender,  leafy  branches  termi- 
nated by  loose  racemes  of  blue  flowers.  Young 
plants  raised  from  cuttings  formed  of  the  young 
shoots  flowered  freely  in  October.  The  species 
is  recommended  as  a  winter-flowering  decorative 
greenhouse  shrub. 

LONICERA  Giraldii,  tab.  8236.— Seeds  of  this 
new  species  were  first  obtained  by  Mr.  M.  L. 
de  Vilmorin  from  Szechuen  in  1899,  and  with 
whom  it  first  produced  flowers  in  1903.  The 
figure  has  been  prepared  from  specimens  re- 
ceived from  Messrs.  Vilmorin-Andrieux  in  1908. 
Although  very  nearly  allied  to  L.  acuminata,  a 
Himalayan  species,  this  Chinese  plant,  Mr. 
Hutchinson  points  out,  is  readily  distinguished 
by  the  somewhat  narrow  leaves,  which  are 
clothed  on  both  surfaces  with  a  yellowish,  some- 
what stiff  indumentum.  The  flowers  are  about 
1  inch  long,  the  corollas  red,  and  the  fruits  glo- 
bose and  purplish-black. 

Orphan     Fund     Dinner. —The     Duke     of 

Rutland  will  preside  at  the  forthcoming  festival 
dinner    of    this    fund.      Owing    to    a    printer's 
error  last  week,  it  was  announced  that  the  Duke 
i   1'ortland  would  preside. 

Seed  Firm  Employes  Dinner. — The  annual 
dinner  of  the  employes  of  Messrs.  Dickson  & 
Robinson,  Seedsmen,  Manchester,  took  place 
on  December  22,  at  the  Victoria  Hotel,  Man- 
chester. Mr.  Robinson,  the  senior  partner, 
occupied  the  chair.  The  gathering  afforded  op- 
portunity for  the  presentation  of  a  timepiece, 
subscribed  for  by  the  employes,  to  Mr.  W.  P. 
Robinson,  marking  the  occasion  of  his  recent 
marriage. 

"  My  Garden  Diary." — This  dainty  annual, 
published  by  Messrs.  Sutton  &  Sons,  contains 
excellent  reminders  of  the  work  to  be  done  in 
the  various  departments  of  the  garden  during 
each  month  in  the  year.  These  are  based  upon 
actual  experience,  and  may  be  relied  upon  by 
amateur  growers,  whilst  they  will  refresh  the 
memory  of  professional  gardeners.  Space  is 
left  for  the  insertion  of  memoranda,  and  alto- 
gether the  pamphlet  is  a  most  desirable  com- 
panion for  the  gardener.  The  issue  for  1909 
has  a  cover  beautifully  illustrated  with  blue, 
pink,  and  white  Cinerarias. 

Agaricus  elvensis. — Dr.  M.  C.  Cooke,  in 
the  Journal  of  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society, 
describes  the  reappearance  of  specimens  of 
Agaricus  elvensis,  a  species  of  Mushroom  re- 
ceived by  the  late  Rev.  M.  J.  Berkeley  in  1865 
from  Wales.  This  species  appears  to  have  a 
predilection  for  the  neighbourhood  of  Pear  trees, 
for  twice  in  Dr.  Cooke's  experience  it  has  turned 
up  in  gardens  in  which  fragments  of  the 
Agaric  had  been  thrown,  and  in  both  cases  it 
made  its  appearance  under  the  drip  of  a  Pear 
tree.  Dr.  Cooke  expresses  the  hope  that  there 
may  be  a  future  in  store  for  Agaricus  elvensis, 
whose  esculent  qualities,  he  says,  are  excellent. 


26 


THE     GARDENERS     CHRONICLE. 


[Januaky  9,  1909. 


A  Large  -  flowered  Ipomcea.  —  Mons 
Chadaud,  writing  in  the  Revue  Hprticole,  draws 
attention  to  the  fine  Convolvulaceous  plant, 
Ipomoea  mexicana.  Unfortunately,  the  blos- 
soms only  open  late  in  the  afternoon  and  close 
on  the  following  morning,  but  the  delicious  per- 
fume, and  the  large  size  of  its  white  flowers 
(6  to  8  inches  in  diameter)  when  they  are  open, 
compensate  in  a  great  measure  for  their  shyness 
during  the  greater  part  of  the  day.  The  plant 
was  described  in  1854  by  Verlot,  from  the 
Botanic  Garden  at  Grenoble.  It  is  a  tender 
plant,  though  it  succeeds  in  the  open  in  the 
south  of  France.  In  suitable  conditions,  it  is  a 
vigorous  grower,  and  the  flowers  are  said  to 
be  useful  for  cutting. 

Publications  Received.— Fourth  Report  of  the 
Board  of  Commissioners  of  Agriculture  and  Forestry  of 
the  Territory  of  Hawaii,  for  the  year  ending  December 
31,1907.  (Honolulu:  Bulleton  Publishing  Co.)— Kew 
Bulletin  of  Miscellaneous  Information,  Appendix  I. — 
1909.  Containing  list  of  seeds  of  hardy  herbaceous 
plants  and  of  trees  and  shrubs.  (London  :  Wyman  & 
Sons.) — Transactions  of  the  Royal  Scottish  Arbor  i- 
cultural  Society,  January,  1909.  Vol.  XXII.,  Part  I. 
(Edinburgh  :  Douglas  &  Foulis,  Castle  Street.)  Price 
to  non-members,  3s. — Contributions  from  the  Botanical 
Laboratory  of  the  University  of  Pennsylvania.  Vol. 
III.,  No.  2.  A  comparative  study  of  the  genus 
Pentstemon,  by  Louis  Krautter,  B.S.,  Ph.D.  (Phil- 
adelphia: The  John  C.  Winston  Co.,  1,006-16,  Arch 
Street.) — The  Estate  Magazine  (January).  Price  6d. — 
Beautiful  Flowers  and  How  to  Grow  Them  (Part  6). 
Edited  by  Horace  J.  and  Walter  P.  Wright.  (London  : 
T.  C.  &  E.  C.  Jack.)     Price  Is. 


FLORISTS'    FLOWERS. 


SOME  NEW  FRENCH  CHRYSANTHE- 
MUMS. 

The  Chrysanthemum  is  more  popular  in 
France  than  ever  now  and  there  are  more  raisers 
than  at  any  time  during  the  past  25  years. 
At  the  exhibitions  at  Tours  and  at  Paris,  seedling 
Chrysanthemums  were  shown  in  great  quantity. 
Many  of  these  varieties  would  have  been 
warmly  welcomed  by  our  own  growers  15  years 
ago.  But  with  the  present  keen  competition 
there  is  little  chance  for  any  raiser  who  has  not 
already  made  a  name  in  this  country  introduc- 
ing his  novelties  into  Britain.  There  is  prac- 
tically no  room  for  him  unless  he  specialises 
in  the  decorative  or  early-flowering  section. 

Amongst  the  raisers  of  large  exhibition 
flowers  there  is  practically  only  one  name  to 
be  considered :  that  of  M.  Ernest  Calvat. 
American,  French  or  Belgian  growers  who  cul- 
tivate the  popular  autumn  flower  for  exhibition 
are  still  in  a  large  measure  dependent  upon  M. 
(  alvat  for  all  that  is  newest  and  best  in  the  way 
of  novelties,  and  with  good  reason. 

In  England  the  other  French  raisers,  except- 
ing M.  Aug.  Nonin,  whose  chief  work  has  been 
amongst  the  decorative  section  of  the  flower, 
have  had   no  chance  of   obtaining  a   footing. 

M.  Calvat's  displays,  both  at  Tours  and  at 
Paris  this  year,  were  quite  up  to  his  usual 
standard.  At  the  former  place  they  gained  one 
of  the  leading  awards,  and  at  the  latter  a  Grand 
Prix  d'Honneur  and  18  First-class  Certificates. 
I  have  compiled  a  selection  which  includes  the 
best  of  those  which  will  be  put  into  commerce. 

Belle  Estezcllc. — A  large  Japanese  variety  with 
long-spreading  florets,  very  full  and  double : 
colour  a  shade  of  rich  golden  yellow. 

Calvat  iqoS. — A  Japanese  variety  with  rather 
broad  florets,  the  tips  incurving  slightly  in- 
wards. The  bloom  is  very  full,  compactly 
formed  and  of  great  size  and  substance.  The 
tone  is  a  beautiful,  bright  rosy-amaranth  with  a 
silvery  reverse  to  the  florets. 

Paul  Delaroche. — Another  Japanese  Chrysan- 
themum of  large  dimensions ;  the  florets  are  of 
medium  size,  twisted  and  intermingling.  It  is 
a  very  compact  and  closely-built  flower,  with 
a  pearly-blush  colour  slightly  tinted  and  shaded 
with    lilac-mauve. 


Le  Maroc. — A  large  Japanese  variety  of  the 
Edwin  Molyneux  type,  with  very  broad  florets 
lightly  pointed  at  their  tips.  The  inside  of  the 
florets  is  of  a  rich,  bright  crimson  :  the  reverse 
side  is  golden. 

Ulysse  La.'font. — Japanese,  a  large  bloom,  with 
rather  narrow  florets,  and  very  full  and  double. 
It  is  a  very  close,  compact  flower  of  massive 
proportions,  the  colour  being  ochre-yellow 
shaded  golden  apricot.  It  forms  an  effective 
and   distinct   variety. 

Henry  Decault. — Also  of  the  Japanese  type 
and  of  fine  form.  The  blooms  are  densely 
packed  with  long  florets  forming  a  spreading 
flower  of  striking  effect.  The  tone  is  a  very 
delicate  and  rich  shade  of  pale  rosv-amaranth. 


of  a  medium  size,  arranged  compactly,  forming 
a  deep  solid  flower  of  massive  appearance.  Col- 
our  pure  white   slightly   tinted. 

Thamara. — A  very  close,  compactly-formed 
Japanese  variety,  having  florets  of  a  medium 
size.  The  colour  is  purplish-mauve  with  a  re- 
verse of  silvery  pink. 

Cularo. — This  also  is  a  Japanese  variety,  the 
florets  being  rather  broad.  The  flower  is  lull, 
double  and  large  in  size,  the  tips  of  the  florets 
being  pointed.     The  colour  is  chestnut-yellow. 

Alceste. — A  fine  Japanese  bloom  of  great  merit. 
The  florets  are  of  medium  size  and  of  a  good 
length.  It  forms  a  big,  solid,  do;.:',  '.e  flower. 
The  colour  is  pale  yellow. 


Fig.  19. — cycnoches  with  male  and  female  flowers:  the  male  flowers 
in  the  long  raceme;  the  female  flowers  in  the  short  spike. 

(See  page  27.) 


Ferdinand  de  Bievre. — A  Japanese  Chrysanthe- 
mum with  florets  of  great  width.  It  forms  a 
rather  finely-built  flower  of  spreading  form. 
The  colour  is  pale  yellow.  This  variety  was 
one  of  the  biggest  shown  by  this  raiser. 

Heine  Fiammetle. — A  Japanese  variety  of  large 
size.  The  medium-sized  florets  form  a  reflex- 
ing  Japanese  bloom  of  the  old  type.  The  colour 
is  a  pale  rosy-amaranth  with  purplish  shading. 

Thais. — A  Japanese  bloom  of  medium  size 
and  very  deep  and  globular  in  build.  The  nar- 
row florets  are  richly  shaded  a  chestnut-crimson 
with  a  golden  reverse. 

Miarka. — An  old  type  of  incurved  Chrysan- 
themum.    The  big  blooms  have  grooved  florets 


Mine.  Travouillon. — A  very  large  Japanese 
variety,  shown  in  fine  form  at  Tours.  The  long 
spreading  petals  are  numerous  and  double  to 
the  centre.  The  colour  is  a  bright  lilac  rosy- 
mauve. 

Belle  Trouchoise. — Another  Japanese  variety 
with  very  long  florets.  A  big,  imposing  bloom, 
very  effective  in  its  rich  shade  of  reddish  sal- 
mon-rose and  reverse  of  gold. 

Cecilia  Monteil. — A  large,  solid  bloom  of  the 
Japanese  type  and  with  very  long  florets.  The 
colour  is  pure  white,  but  towards  the  outer  edge 
it  becomes  shaded  with  pale  purple. 

Rev.  W.  G.  Sharpin. — Of  the  Japanese  section 
and  with  grooved  florets.     It  forms  a  flower  of 


JAM  AlU    9,   1909.] 


THE     GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


the  greatest  possible  size  and  substance.  The 
inside  of  the  florets,  which  are  of  good  breadth, 
are  coloured  a  dull  shade  of  old  rose  with  a 
reverse  of  golden  yellow. 

Dr.  Nicolas. — A  laige  Japanese  variety  with 
rather  broad,  flat  florets.  The  colour  is  deep 
purplish-violet  with  a  silvery  reverse. 

Rachel  VAibe. — A  Japanese  bloom  of  large 
size,  with  rather  long,  narrow,  twisted  and  in- 
termingling florets  curling  at  their  tips.  It  is 
a  deeply-formed  flower,  the  colour  being  white 
slightly  tinted  with  green  in  the  centre. 

Mme.  E.  Bonnefond. — Another  huge  Japanese 
Chrysanthemum  of  much  merit  and  forming  a 
graceful,  reflexing  flower,  very  full  and  double. 
The  florets  are  of  a  medium  width.  Colour  a 
rich   golden   apricot   passing   to   golden   yellow. 

General  Sauret. — Another  large  Japanese 
bloom  of  great  solidity  and  depth.  The  medium- 
sized,  grooved  florets  are  curly  at  the  tips.  This 
variety  is  of  great  promise.  The  colour  is  rich 
golden  yellow. 

Souvenir  de  Mme.  Gagnaire. — A  Japanese 
Chrysanthemum  of  the  largest  dimensions  with 
verv  long  florets  which  are  of  a  medium  width. 
The  tone  is  a  bright  pinkish-rose  with  a  reverse 
of  silver. 

Claudius  Denis. — A  very  deep,  medium-sized 
flower  of  the  Japanese  type  with  narrow  florets. 
The  colour  is  a  rich  golden  yellow.  C.  Harman 
Payne. 

CHRYSANTHEMUM  FRAMFIELD  PINK. 
During  the  past  two  seasons  this  Chrysanthe- 
mum has  been  of  a  very  poor  colour  in  these 
gardens,  and  I  should  like  to  know  if  any  other 
gardener  has  experienced  the  same  difficulty 
with  it.  I  obtained  last  spring  a  fresh  stock  of 
plants,  which  were  treated  in  the  way 
usual  with  other  late  Chrysanthemums.  I 
find  the  variety  W.  Durkham  a  most  useful 
late  Chrysanthemum  as  a  bush  plant.  It  is 
•f  a  colour  greatly  appreciated  at  this  time 
•f  the  year.  R.  Richards,  The  Hermitage  Gar- 
dens,  Holmes  Chapel. 

CHRYSANTHEMUM  VIOLET  LADY 
BEAUMONT^ 
This  variety,  raised  some  five  years  since,  is 
never  seen  in  a  competitive  stand  of  Japanese 
flowers,  to  which  class  it  belongs  ;  but  as  a  late- 
flowering  sort  for  Christmas  decoration  it  is 
distinctly  valuable.  In  sprays  of  half-a-dozen 
or  so  nice  blooms  on  stiff  stems,  its  rich  surface 
colour  of  crimson  and  reverse  of  chestnut  are 
distinctly  effective.     E.  M. 


CYGNOGHES  M1CULATUM. 

Our  illustration  at  fig.  19  represents  Cyc- 
noches,  which  Messrs.  Hugh  Low  &  Co.  ob- 
tained as  C.  pentadactylon  (fig.  20),  but  which  is 
doubtless  Cycnoches  maculatum,  a  species  which 
has  appeared  in  gardens  frequently  of  late,  some- 
times under  the  name  of  C.  peruvianum.  The 
illustration  is  from  a  photograph  kindly  sent 
by  Messrs.  Low.  The  feature  pointed  out 
by  them  is  that  the  specimen  bears  both 
male  and  female  flowers.  A  similar  plant,  how- 
ever, which  flowered  with  Messrs.  Low,  was 
acquired  by  Sir  Trevor  Lawrence,  Bart., 
K.C.V.O.,  whose  Orchid  grower,  Mr.  W.  H. 
White,  concludes  that  the  larger  flowers  are  of 
Cycnoches  chlorochilon ;  and  that,  however 
closely  united  they  may  appear  to  be,  the  two 
species  are  growing  together.  Considering  that 
both  species  are  found  in  Nature  in  juxtaposi- 
tion, this  is  very  probably  the  case.  The  dis- 
similarity in  the  male  and  female  flowers 
of  Cycnoches,  which  are  sometimes  produced 
separately,  and  sometimes  on. the  same  inflor- 
escence, bas  provided  a  botanical  pu.'zle  for 
many  years.  From  time  to  time  fresh  evi- 
dence on  the  subject  has  been  secorded  i:i  the 


columns  of  the  Gardeners'  Chronicle.  But  still 
much  remains  to  be  known  both  as  to  the  speci- 
fic distinctness  of  some  of  the  allied  forms  and 
as  to  the  true  character  of  their  sexual  forms. 

Cycnoches  Egertonianum  in  the  male  form 
produces  a  long  raceme  of  purple  flowers,  and 
the  variety  viride  has  pale  green  flowers  ;  but  in 
18-13  there  appeared  at  Westonbirt,  then,  as 
now,  famous  for  its  Orchids,  an  example  in 
which  the  raceme  bore  flowers  which  were 
purple  in  some  cases,  green  in  others,  and  in 
one  instance   mottled  green  and   purple. 

A  plant  of  Cycnoches,  Warscewiczii  also 
flowered  with  both  sexes  present  in  1879.  We 
reproduce  the  illustration  of  this  plant  in  fig.  21. 

No  more  interesting  class  of  plants  than  the 
Cycnoches  can  be  found  by  reason  of  the  won- 


Fig.  -20. — cycnoches  pentadactylon. 
A,  male  ;   B,  female  flowers. 

derful  peculiarities  of  their  floral  structure. 
It  is,  therefore,  to  be  hoped  that  the  genus 
will  be  given  the  place  it  deserves  in  collec- 
tions and  that  structural  peculiarities  will  be 
noted  and  communicated. 

Species  of  Cycnoches,  best  known  by  the  less 
variable  Swan  Orchid  (C.  chlorochilon),  grow 
well  with  the  allied  Catasetums  and  Mormodes 
in  an  intermediate  or  Cattleya  house.  They  are 
best  suspended  in  baskets  or  Orchid  pans,  and 
should  have  a  well-marked  growing  season 
with  plenty  of  water  at  the  roots,  and  a 
thorough  resting  season  when  water  must  be 
withheld  after  the  mature  pseudo-bulbs  Show, 
by  the  turning  yellow  ol  the  leaves,  that  active 
growth  for  the  season  is  finished.  From  thai 
time,  until  growth  commences  again,  the  plants 
should  be  given  a  rather  lower  temperature. 


NOTES  FROM  A  "FRENCH"  GARDEN. 

The  start  with  the  hot-beds  has  been  delayed 
by  the  snow  and  cold  weather  which  have  also 
been  the  cause  of  stopping  the  growth  of  the 
young  Lettuces.  As  soon  as  the  weather  permits 
we  shall  start  the  hot-beds  for  Radishes,  Let- 
tuces and  Carrots.  The  dry  manure  has  been 
spread  over  a  very  large  surface  of  the  soil.  The 
beds  wiil  be  made  18  inches  thick,  and 
will  be  composed  half  of  hot  manure  and  half 
dry  manure.  As  soon  as  the  beds  are  ready  the 
frames  are  set  level  and  2  inches  deep  of  dry 
manure  is  placed  inside,  with  soil  in  sufficient 
quantity  to  fill  the  frame  to  within  2  inches  of 
the  top.  The  soil  is  levelled  and  raked  over  as 
finely  as  possible  and  before  the  sowing  of  the 
seeds  it  is  pressed  down  by  means  of  a  flat 
board.  Some  growers  sow  as  many  as  100  seeds 
of  Early  French  Breakfast  Radish  in  each  light ; 
but  others  object  to  this,  since,  when  sown  so 
thickly,  the  Radishes  require  ventilation  at  a  time 
which  is  injurious  to  the  Lettuces.  We  sow  250 
seeds  of  Carrot  Early  Parisian  in  each  light,  and 
not  more,  for  if  the  proper  quantity  of  seeds  is 
sown  the  plants  will  require  no  thinning  in 
March.  The  seeds  are  covered  very  thinly  with 
finely-sifted  soil  and  the  beds  are  again  pressed 
down  by  means  of  a  flat  board.  They  are  left 
for  two  or  three  days  till  the  heat  comes  through 
the  seed-bed  into  the  frame,  which  may  be  known 
by  the  glass  becoming  dry.  The  little  Black 
Gott  Lettuces  are  then  taken  from  their  winter 
quarters,  and  after  removing  all  decayed  leaves, 
rejecting  any  plants  which  show  signs  of  red  rust 
or  mildew,  35  Lettuces  are  put  in  each  light. 
The  lights  are  afterwards  kept  closed.  If  frost' 
seems  probable,  the  lights  are  covered  with 
mats.  If  the  cold  frames  and  the  lights  have 
been  put  in  position  before  Christmas,  seeds  of 
Early  French  Breakfast  Radish  may  at  once  be 
sown.  The  planting  of  Passion  Lettuces  may  fol- 
low, 25  plants  being  put  under  each  light.  If 
the  variety  of  Lettuce  to  bo  cultivated  is  that 
known  as  Little  Black  Gott,  it  will  be  better  not 
to  plant  until  the  end  of  the  present  month. 

When  a  succession  of  salads  is  required,  a  few 
seeds  of  Cos  Lettuce  White  of  Paris  or  Cabbage 
lettuce  All  the  Year  Round  may  be  sown  on 
the  hot-beds  among  the  Carrots  ;  but  if  larger 
quantities  are  needed,  a  small  bed  of  three 
lights  or  more  can  be  made  up  for  the  purpose. 

In  the  gardens  around  Paris,  large  quantities 
of  Radishes  being  constantly  in  demand,  some 
growers  place  a  layer  of  5  or  6  inches  of  manure 
on  the  ground,  cover  it  with  2  inches  of  well- 
decomposed  manure,  and  sow  seeds  of  the 
early  Radish  already  mentioned.  The  only  pro- 
tection afforded  is  that  given  by  mats,  which 
are  supported  by  wire  or  sticks.  These  are 
only  used  if  frost  is  anticipated.    P.  Aquatias. 


THE  AGRICULTURAL  HOLDINGS  ACT,  1908. 

REMARKABLE    INNOVATIONS. 
(Concluded  from  p.  12. J 

Freedom  of  Cropping. 

The  new  law  which  is  laid  down  under  this 
head  represents  perhaps  the  most  remarkable 
of  any  of  the  provisions  of  the  new  Act.  As 
regards  freedom  of  cropping  and  disposal  of 
produce,  the  new  law  overrides  not  only  any 
custom  of  the  country,  but  even  any  agreement 
made  between  landlord  and  tenant.  In  future, 
the  tenant  is  to  have  full  right  to  practise  any 
system  of  cropping  he  chooses  on  his  arable 
land  and  to  dispose  of  the  produce  grown  by 
him  without  incurring  any  penalty  for  depart- 
ing from  the  old  practice  of  leaving  certain 
produce  on  the  land. 

As  is  often  the  case,  he  may  have  entered 
into  the  most  solemn  promises  with  his  landlord 
to  grow  various  crops  in  rotation  for  the 
benefit  of  the  land.  All  these  solemn  promises 
now    become    null    and   void,    subject    only    to 


28 


THE     GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


[January  9,  1909. 


certain  qualifications,  the  principal  of  which  are 
as  follows  :  — 

1.  The  tenant  must  make  adequate  pro- 
vision to  protect  the  land  from  injury  or  de- 
terioration. In  the  case  of  disposal  of  the 
produce,  this  "adequate  provision  "  is  to  con- 
sist of  the  return  to  the  land  of  the  full 
equivalent  manurial  value  of  all  crops  sold 
off  or  removed  when  in  so  doing  the  tenant 
is  acting  contrary  to  the  custom  of  the  coun- 
try  or  to  his  agreement   with  his  landlord. 

2.  In  cases  where  the  tenant  has  a  lease  for 
some  years,  he  must  not  crop  the  land  or  dis- 
pose of  the  produce  in  such  a  manner  as  to  be 
contrary  to  his  obligations  as  mentioned 
above  during  the  year  before  his  tenancy  ex- 
pires. If  he  holds  only  from  year  to  year  he 
must  not  so  act  either  during  the  year  before 
he  quits  the  land  or  at  any  time  after  he  has 
given  or  received   notice  to   quit. 

3.  If  the  tenant  actually  injures  the  holding 
or  is  likely  to  do  so  by  thus  acting,  the  land- 
lord may  recover  damages,  and,  if  necessary, 
obtain  an  injunction  restraining  the  tenant 
from  further  injuring  the  land  ;  and  if  the  par- 
ties cannot  agree  on  the  amount  to  be  paid 
for  the  damage,  this  is  to  be  fixed  by  arbitra- 
tion. 

4.  Where  the  tenant  carries  out  certain  im- 
provements merely  for  the  purpose  of  avoid- 
ing injury  to  the  land,  which  would  otherwise 
result  from  his  acting  in  the  arbitrary  manner 
above  explained,  he  is  not  to  be  entitled  to 
compensation   for   these   improvements. 

5.  The  landlord  may  still  insist  on  the 
tenant  carrying  out  an  undertaking  given  by 
him  not  to  plough  up  grass  land. 

Compensation   foe   Disturbance. 

We  now  pass  to  another  important  innovation 
which  seems  calculated  to  pave  the  way  towards 
"  fixity  of  tenure."  Hitherto,  when  the  owner 
of  land  has  let  his  property  to  a  tenant  for  a 
fixed  period  of  years,  he  has  naturally  expected 
to  get  back  possession  of  his  land  at  the  expira- 
tion of  the  agreed  term.  From  the  legal  point 
of  view  this  certainly  appears  to  be  reasonable 
enough  ;  but  it  has  been  urged  that  certain  land- 
lords have  sometimes  exercised  their  rights  very 
harshly  in  refusing  to  renew  a  tenancy,  especi- 
ally in  the  case  of  yearly  tenants.  The  new  Act 
therefore  provides  that  if  "  without  good  and 
sufficient  cause  and  for  reasons  inconsistent 
with  good  estate  management "  (whatever  that 
may  mean)  a  landlord  (a)  puts  an  end  to  a 
tenancy  by  giving  the  tenant  notice  to  quit  or 
(b)  refuses  to  grant  a  renewal  of  the  tenancy  in 
cases  where  the  tenant  has  made  a  written  re- 
quest for  such  renewal  at  least  one  year  before 
the  tenancy  would  expire  in  the  ordinary  course  ; 
or  (c)  demands  from  his  tenant  an  increased 
rent  on  account  of  an  increase  in  the  value  of 
the  premises  owing  to  improvements  which  have 
been  executed  by  the  tenant  or  carried  out  at 
his  cost  (and  for  which  the  tenant  has  not  re- 
ceived some  equivalent  benefit  from  the  land- 
lord), then  the  tenant,  if  he  leaves  owing  to 
any  of  these  causes,  is  to  be  entitled  not 
only  to  compensation  for  his  improvements, 
but  also  for  the  loss  or  expense  which  he  may 
thus  unavoidably  incur  in  connection  with  the  sale 
or   removal  of   his    hous  ods   or   his   imple- 

ments of  husbandry  or  his  produce  or  his  farm 
stock.  The  tenant  cannot  agree  to  give  up  his 
rights  in  this  respect,  as  "  contracting  out  "  is 
expressly  forbidden.  It  will  be  noticed  also  that 
nothing  is  said  with  regard  to  the  manner  in 
which  the  expenses  of  removal  are  to  be  esti- 
mated. The  Act  does  not  say  whether  the  tenant 
is  to  be  allowed  just  such  an  amount  as  might 
enable  him  to  remove  into  a  neighbouring  farm, 
market  garden,  parish  or  county,  or  whether  he 
may  claim  for  the  cost  of  removing  from  one 
end  of  England  to  the  other.  There  are,  how- 
ever, certain  steps  which  the  tenant  has  to  take 
before  he  can  claim  expenses  of  this  nature, 
namely  :  — 

1.  lie  must  give  the  landlord  a  reasonable 
opportunity  of  valuing  the  stock. 

2.  lie  must  give  the  landlord  written  notice 
of  his  intention  to  claim  compensation,  and 
must  be  careful  to  do  this  within  two  months 
after  he  has  received  notice  to  leave  or  after 
the  landlord  has  ]  Fi  sed  to  renew  the  tenancy 
as  the  case  may  be. 


3.  In  addition  to  giving  notice  of  his  in- 
tention to  claim  as  mentioned  in  item  No.  2, 
the  tenant  must  also  make  his  formal  claim 
for  compensation  within  three  months  after 
leaving  the  property. 

4.  Where  the  tenant,  with  whom  a  contract 
of  tenancy  was  made,  has  died  within  three 
months  before  the  date  of  the  notice  to  quit, 
or  before  the  landlord  has  refused  to  renew 
the  tenancy,  his  executors,  legatees,  or  next-of- 
kin,  as  the  case  may  be,  cannot  demand  any 
compensation  for  disturbance. 

Before  leaving  this  subject,  it  may  be  pointed 
out  that,  owing  to  slovenliness  in  the  wording, 
numberless  disputes  are  likely  to  arise  in  de- 
ciding as  to  whether  the  landlord  has  turned 
out  his  tenant  or  refused  to  give  him  a  newj 
lease  "  without  good  and  sufficient  cause  and 
for  reasons  inconsistent  with  good  estate  man- 
agement "  so  as  to  entitle  his  tenant  to  claim 
this  compensation  for  disturbance.  What  is 
precisely  meant  by  this  vague  wording  will  have 
to  be  decided  by  the  law  courts,  and  an  enor- 
mous amount  of  litigation  is  likely  to  result  un- 
less an  Explanatory  Act  is  speedily  passed.  For 
this  the  draftsman  of  the  Act  can  scarcely  be 
held  responsible,  as  the  words  were  inserted  by 
way  of  compromise  during  the  debate  in  the 
House  of  Commons  when  the  Land  Tenure  Bill 
came  up  for  discussion  in   1906. 

Repairs  to  Buildings. 

In  addition  to  compensation  for  the  erection 
or  enlargement  of  buildings,  a  tenant  will  in 
future  be  entitled  to  claim  for  repairs  to  such 
buildings  provided  the  buildings  are  necessary 
for  the  proper  cultivation  or  working  of  the 
land,  and  provided  also  that  these  repairs  are 
not  such  as  the  tenant  is  already  under  an 
obligation  to  execute.  The  tenant  is  not  obliged 
to  obtain  the  landlord's  consent  before  execut- 
ing such  repairs,  but  is  nevertheless  obliged  to 
give  him  written  notice  of  his  intention  to  exe- 
cute them  so  as  to  give  his  landlord  the  option 
to  carry  them  out  within  a  reasonable  time  in- 
stead of  allowing  the  tenant  to  do  so. 

Record  of  Condition. 

In  the  case  of  any  tenancy  entered  into  after 
January  1,  1909,  either  the  landlord  or  the  tenant 
may,  at  the  commencement  of  the  tenancy, 
require  a  record  to  be  kept  showing  the  condi- 
tion of  the  fences,  gates,  roads,  drains,  ditches 
and  cultivation  of  the  land.  This  record  has  to 
be  made  within  three  months  after  the  tenancy 
commenced,  and  if  the  landlord  and  the  tenant 
cannot  mutually  agree  on  nominating  a  person 
to  make  such  record,  then,  on  the  application  of 
either  party,  the  Board  of  Agriculture  will  ap- 
point a  suitable  person  and,  unless  the  parties 
otherwise  agree,  the  cost  of  making  the  record 
is  to  be  shared  between  them  in  equal  propor- 
tions. 

Enough  perhaps  has  been  said  to  show  that 
a  statute  of  far-reaching  importance  is  about 
to  come  into  force.  Time  alone  will  show 
whether  its  effect  will  be  precisely  that  which 
was  intended  by  its  promoters,  but  in  any  case 
it  must  be  obvious  that  the  new  law  demands 
the  very  careful  consideration  of  both  landlord 
and  tenant.     H.  M.  V. 


HOME   CORRESPONDENCE. 


(The  Editor  does  not  hold  himself  responsible  for  the 
opinions  expressed  by  his  correspondents.) 

Christmas   at    Paddockhurst. — A 

Christmas  entertainment  took  place  at  Pad- 
dockhurst, the  seat  of  Sir  Weetman  D.  Pearson, 
Bart.,  on  the  30th  ult.  Tea  was  provided  for 
upwards  of  500  tenants  and  employes,  with 
their  wives  and  families.  The  snow  being 
thick  on  the  ground,  the  aged  and  very  young 
were  conveyed  to  and  from  the  house  by  motor- 
cars. During  the  afternoon  Sir  Weetman  and 
Lady  Pearson  paid  a  visit  to  the  tea  room 
and  said  a  word  to  each  of  those  present. 
Subsequently  the  company  adjourned  to  the 
heated  motor-house,  where  a  gramaphone  con- 
cert, followed  by  a  cinematograph  display,  was 
given.  Before  leaving  for  their  homes,  each  of 
the  visitors  received  a  present  from  the  bran- 
tub.     W. 


The  Gardeners'  Royal  Benevolent 
Institution. — The  voting  papers  issued  by  the 
committee  of  this  gardeners'  charity  show  a 
list  of  no  fewer  than  73  candidates  for  e'.ection. 
If  it  is  comforting  to  think  that  at  least  18  out 
of  that  very  large  number  will  be  elected, 
it  is  not  otherwise  than  distressing  to  realise 
that  some  58  out  of  the  total  number 
must  be  disappointed.  Yet  no  fewer  than  58  of 
the  applicants  have  in  the  past  been  subscribers 
to  the  institution,  or  are  widows  of  subscribers. 
Two  candidates  apply  for  the  sixth  time,  three 
for  the  fourth  time,  and  11  for  the  third  time. 
Fourteen  candidates  are  already  credited  with 
more  than  2,000  votes  and  five  others  have  to 
their  credit  over  1,800  votes.  Hence  it  will  be  seen 
that  those  candidates  whose  present  totals  are 
much  below  the  latter  figures  have  little  hope  of 
success.  One  applicant  is  aged  81,  and  two 
others  are  80  years  of  age.  The  list  of  candi- 
dates includes  19  widows  of  gardeners  and  in 
only  two  cas%-  were  the  husbands  sub- 
scribers.    Subscriber. 


Table  Decorations. — I  was  pleased  to  see 
Mr.  E.  Molyneux's  comments  on  the  table  deco- 
rations displayed  at  the  November  Show  of  the 
N.C.S.  at  the  Crystal  Palace.  The  exhibit 
which  was  passed  by  the  judges  and  favourably 
mentioned  by  Mr.  Molyneux  was,  in  the  opinion 
of  many,  distinctly  better  than  any  other.  I  do 
not  agree  with  Mr.  T.  S.  Williams'  criticism 
(p.  451).  The  flowers  were  better  grown  and 
of  a  higher  class  than  those  in  any  other  ex- 
hibit and  the  blending  of  the  colours  was 
charming  and  harmonious.  The  flowers  were 
not  pressed  together  and  sufficient  stalk  wa3' 
visible  and  the  foliage  ample  and  perfect.  The 
white  flowers  were  arranged  in  silver  vases  of  re- 
fined pattern.  For  several  years  the  table  deco- 
rations have  been  of  one  stereotyped  pattern,  es- 
pecially those  found  at  the  autumn  shows  ;  yellow 
and  bronze  have  been  the  predominating  colours  ; 
and  the  receptacles  in  which  the  flowers  have 
been  arranged  of  the  so-called  rustic  pattern.  Re- 
cently I  heard  a  gardener  protesting  against  the 
use  of  these  stands  or  vases,  saying  that  they 
were  only  so  much  tinsel.  There  is  nothing 
handsome,  striking  or  beautiful  in  most  of  the 
present-day  table  decorations ;  all  other  con- 
siderations are  being  surrendered  to  the  secur- 
ing of  so-called  "lightness."    \V .  J.  G. 


Resting    Fruit  Trees   under   Glass. — In 

his  admirable  notes  on  "  Fruits  under  Glass," 
p.  6,  Mr.  Harriss  points  out  the  need  of 
allowing  fruit  trees  under  glass  a  period  of  ab- 
solute rest.  In  most  cases  that  have  come 
under  my  observation  neither  vines  nor  Peach 
trees  are  given  the  period  of  rest  they  require. 
Ventilation  should  be  ample  at  all  times  during 
that  period,  even  when  frost  is  present.  To 
obviate  the  danger  of  the  water  in  the  pipes  be- 
coming frozen,  the  fruit  houses  here  are  built 
in  four  sections,  which  embrace  early,  second 
early,  mid-season,  and  late  houses.  They  are 
separately  heated  from  independent  boilers, 
each  separate  stokehole  being  provided  with 
two  9-feet  boilers.  The  supply  of  water  to  each 
boiler  is  also  separate.  The  water  of  any  one 
system  can  thus  be  drained  from  the  pipes  by 
simply  drawing  a  plug  fixed  over  a  drain. 
This  can  be  done  as  soon  as  the  leaves 
have  fallen,  except,  of  course,  where  there  are 
late  crops  still  hanging  on  the  trees.  The 
ventilators  are  thrown  open  to  their  fullest  ex- 
tent and  no  fears  are  entertained  of  burst 
pipes.  It  is  better  to  have  movable  roof-lights; 
.ins,  unfortunately,  are  all  fixed  roofs.  The 
strongest  and  best  break  of  vines  I  ever  saw 
was  in  a  vinery  containing  Gros  Colmar,  with 
a  vine  of  Canon  Hall  Muscat  on  either  side  of 
the  doorwav.  The  roof  of  this  house  was  en- 
tirely removed  by  high  wind  in  December, 
1892,  and  the  vines  were  left  exposed  to  all 
weathers  throughout  the  winter,  being  some- 
times covered  with  snow ;  the  inside  borders 
being  often  frozen  hard.  After  the  roof  was 
replaced,  the  vines  developed  strong  shoots  and 
the  crop  of  Grapes  was  exceptional,  both  in 
weight  and  in  quality.  Pot  plants  should  be 
wintered  in  houses  suited  to  their  needs  and 
not  be  allowed  to  interfere  with  the  proper 
winter  treatment  of  the  fruit  trees.     A.  B. 


January  9,  1909.] 


THE     GARDENERS'      CHRONICLE. 


29 


Tropical  Fruits. — As  supplemental  to  the 
interesting  article  on  "Tropical  Fruits"  in  the 
Gardt  tiers'  Chronicle  for  December  26  last,  I  should 
like  to  add  the  following  notes.  First,  with  re- 
gard to  the  Kaki  (Diospyros  Kaki),  it  is  satisfac- 
tory to  learn  that  the  fruit  travels  well  from  the 
south  of  Europe  to  the  London  market,  as  this 
leads  to  the  hope  that  the  supplies  will  be  larger, 
so  that  the  fruits  may  be  retailed  at  a  cheaper  rate 
than  8d.  to  lOd.  each.  My  experience  of  this 
fruit  does  not  quite  agree  with  that  of  Mr.  Mac- 
millan,  who  says  that  it  has  "a  peculiar 
astringent  flavour,  for  which  a  taste  has  to  be 
acquired  before  it  can  be  enjoyed."  Some  years 
ago,  when  the  plant  was  first  fruited  at  Kew,  I 
had  an  opportunity  of  tasting  it.  My  description 
of  it  at  the  time  was  that  it  had  a  flavour  resem- 
bling that  of  the  Apricot,  with  a  slight  suspicion 
of  the  Medlar.  It  must  be  remembered  that,  to 
eat  it  in  perfection,  it  must  be  absolutely  ripe,  or 
even  in  a  bletted  condition.  In  a  less  ripened 
state  the  fruit  is  frequently  preserved  in  syrup 
by  the  Chinese  and  Japanese.  Samples  of 
such      preserved      fruits      have      been      shown 


End  grocers',  are,  or  used  to  be,  sometimes 
roasted.  With  regard  to  the  Litches,  or  Lychee, 
as  it  is  most  generally  spelt  in  the  shops,  it 
seems  a  great  pity  that  we  should  get  only  the 
dried,  shrivelled  fruits  in  this  country.  The 
"sweet,  jelly-like,  opaque  pulp,"  described  by 
Mr.  Macmillan,  has,  before  it  comes  into  the 
hands  of  the  English  buyer,  mostly  changed  into 
a  black,  shrivelled  condition,  in  the  centre  of 
which  is  the  big,  bony  seed.  The  pulp  or  aril 
has,  in  this  state,  but  little  to  recommend  it  be- 
yond an  ordinary  Raisin  or  Muscatel  ;  but,  in 
the  fresh  state  (in  which  condition  I  had  an 
opportunity  of  tasting  it  at  one  of  the  inter- 
national exhibitions),  it  is  of  a  pale  pink  colour, 
cooling,  refreshing,  and  of  a  delicious  sub-acid 
flavour.  Specimens  of  there  pulpy  arils,  deprived 
of  their  seeds  and  preserved  in  syrup,  were  shown 
at  the  exhibition  referred  to,  thus  suggesting 
capabilities  for  their  preservation  and  export  in 
syrup,  as  is  now  so  extensively  done  with  the 
Pineapple.  Referring  to  the  Durian  (Durio  zibo- 
thimus),  my  experience  is  somewhat  limited. 
Only  once  have  I  had  a  chance  of  smelling  a 


juice  and  should  not  be  eaten  until  it  is  abso- 
lutely ripe  or  bletted.  A  ludicrous  illustration 
of  the  necessity  of  this  precaution  was  witnessed 
in  the  colonial  market  attached  to  the  Colonial 
and  Indian  Exhibition  in  1886,  where  more  than 
one  consignment  from  the  West  Indies  was 
offered  for  sale.  The  really  ripe  fruits  were  pro- 
nounced delicious  by  the  purchasers,  whilst  those 
who  were  unfortunate  enough  to  get  unripe 
fruits  suffered  from  the  milky  juice  coagulating 
with  the  warmth  of  the  lips  and  sticking  thun 
together  :  thus  considerable  inconvenience  to  the 
eater  and  much  fun  for  the  onlookers  were  pro- 
vided. This  fact  of  the  introduction  of  the  fruit 
into  London  may  be  of  interest  to  Mr.  Macmil- 
lan, who  says  he  is  not  aware  that  it  has  ever 
been  seen  in  Europe.  In  conclusion,  I  may,  per- 
haps, add  that  sliced  Papau  is  frequently  to  be 
found  in  pickles  from  tropical  countries,  intro- 
duced on  account  of  the  papain,  as  an  aid  to 
digestion,  as  described  by  Mr.   Macmillan. 

Weather     in     Cornwall.  —  In    some    dis- 
tricts  there   appear  to   have  been   snowstorms 


FlG.    21. — CYCNOCHES    WARSCEWICZII,    WITH    MALE   AND    FEMALE    FLOWERS. 

(See  page  27.) 


at  the  several  international  exhibitions,  so 
that  the  Kaki,  or  Chinese  Date  Plum,  as 
it  is  sometimes  railed,  might  be  also  in- 
troduced to  the  English  market  in  this  form, 
or  even  crystallised  with  sugar.  The  name- Per- 
simmon, which  seems  to  be  the  Coved  Garden 
name  for  it,  has  apparently  been  adopted  from 
the  North  American  allied  species,  D.  virgini- 
ana,  the  fruit  of  which  is  so  astringent  that  it  is 
impossible  to  eat  it  until  it  is  dead  ripe.  A 
word  or  two  may  be  added  about  the  Cashew 
Nut  'Anacardium  occidental^,  and  this,  per- 
haps, by  way  of  a  warning,  for  it  is  necessary 
that  the  kernel  should  be  carefully  removed  from 
the  hard,  brown  shell,  which  contains  a  power- 
fully acrid  and  vesicating  oil,  becoming  black  by 
exposure  ;  while  the  oil  from  the  kernel  itself  is 
sweet  and  of  a  pale  yellow  colour.  The  kernels, 
as  occasionally  seen  in  some  of  the  best  West- 


raw,  unripe  Durian  fruit,  which  was  sufficient  to 
prove  the  appropriateness  of  one  of  its  names, 
•'  Civet  Cat  Fruit,"  and  to  endorse  the  following 
extract  from  Sir  George  Watt's  Dictionary  of  the 
Economic  Products  of  India  :  "  It  has  a  strong 
odour,  considered  by  Europeans  as  highly 
offensive,  which  resembles  that  of  putrid  animal 
matter,  combined  with  rotten  Onions."  With 
these  opinions  attaching  to  the  fruit,  notwith- 
standing all  that  has  been  said  on  the  other  side, 
it  will  probably  be  difficult  for  the  Durian  to 
capture  the  palate  of  the  ordinary  Englishman 
The  Sapodilla  or  Naseberrv  lAchras  sapota) 
stands  on  a  different  footing  from  the  Durian 
and  deserves  all  that  Mr.  Macmillan  says  of  it. 
It  may  be  added,  however,  that,  as  the  plant  be- 
longs to  the  Natural  Order  Sapotaceae,  which  is 
a  rubber  or  gutta-yielding  family,  it  contains,  in 
an   unripe  state,  a  proportion  of  elastic,   milky 


such  as  have  not  been  experienced  for  28 
but  beyond  a  little  hail  and  sleet,  with  2C  of 
frost  on  one  night,  there  was  nothing  here  to 
show  that  such  storms  had  occurred.  Fuchsias 
are  still  flowering  in  the  open  garden,  also 
Abutilons,  Eupatorium  glabratum,  Calceo- 
larias, Nicotianas,  Roses,  Schizostylis  coccinea, 
Ileleniums,  Veronicas  in  variety,  Clianthus 
puniceus,  and  the  white  variety  ;  Cytisus  race- 
mosus,  Habrothamnus  elegans,  which  is  splen- 
didly in  flower  on  an  east  wall ;  Solanum  jas- 
minoides,  Hydrangeas,  Choisya  ternata,  Pitto- 
sporum,  one  or  two  plants  of  Rhododendron, 
and  Camellias.  This  list  will  show  what  mild 
weather  prevails  in  this  district.  With 
laggards  of  one  seasi  n  there  are  mingled 
flowers  of  Polyanthus,  Narcissus,  Primrose, 
and  Snowdrop.  R.  IF.  Norman,  ?leligan  Gar- 
dens,  St.    Austell,    Cornwall,  Jan.  5. 


30 


THE    GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


[January  9,  1909. 


Muscat  Grapes,  &o. — Mr.  Mclndoe  (see  p. 
12)  strikes  the  right  note  in  respect  to  the  word- 
ing of  schedules  in  classes  relating  to  Muscat 
Grapes.  If  his  advice  is  followed  much  friction 
will  be  avoided  in  the  future.  Then  there  is 
that  source  of  perennial  trouble,  "  What  are 
herbaceous  plants?"  I  would  suggest  that  the 
Royal  Horticulaural  Society  should  issue  a  list 
of  species  and  varieties  that  are  to  be  considered 
as  herbaceous  plants  ;  that  such  lists  should  be 
available  for  purchase  by  Horticultural  societies 
who  have  classes  for  these  plants  in  their 
schedules ;  and  that  copies  of  the  lists 
should  be  handed  to  judges  for  their  guid- 
ance (to  be  returned  to  the  secretary  on  comple- 
tion of  their  duties).  If  exhibitors  in  these 
classes  will  also  purchase  the  list  and  exhibit 
only  such  plants  as  are  enumerated,  much  fric- 
tion will  be  avoided,  and  time  saved  to  the 
judges.     J.  Tunning/on,  Feme  Gardens. 

The  Autumn  Fruit-Show  of  the  Royal 
Horticultural  Society. — Whatever  may  be 
the  result  of  the  competitive  classes  in- 
stituted this  year  by  the  council  of  the 
Royal  Horticultural  Society  for  fruits  and 
vegetables  at  the  ordinary  meetings  it  is 
certain  that  many  gardeners  and  others 
who  have  regarded  the  Autumn  Fruit  Show 
as  a  sort  of  pomological  Mecca  will  be 
greatly  disappointed  by  its  abolition.  Certainly 
in  the  few  classes  to  be  established  at  each 
meeting  there  will  be  no  substitute  for  the  fruit 
show,  any  more  than  a  series  of  similar  classes 
for  Orchids  and  other  plants  or  trees  and  shrubs 
would  compensate  for  the  omission  of  the 
Temple  Flower  Show.  These  two  annual  shows, 
one  in  the  spring  and  the  other  in  the  autumn, 
have  proved  to  be  strong  attractions  to  gar- 
deners from  all  parts  of  the  kingdom  and  the 
discontinuance  of  one  of  these  can  only  be  re- 
garded with  regret.  It  will  not  perhaps  be  so 
much  regretted  by  the  habitual  frequenters  of 
the  Society's  numerous  meetings,  for,  to  them, 
doubtless,  a  great,  if  rather  monotonous,  show 
of  fruit,  repeated  year  after  year,  becomes  in 
time  unattractive.  Whether  it  is  possible  to 
institute  next  October  some  more  than  usually 
attractive  meetings  or  competitions  is  for  the 
council  to  determine  ;  but  country  gardeners  and 
fruit  growers,  now  deprived  of  their  annual  fruit 
exhibition  and  special  attraction,  certainly  merit 
sympathy  and   considerr.tion.      A.    D. 

Cattleya  Mendelii  His  Majesty  the  King. 

— In  to-day's  Gardeners'  Chronicle  (January  2),  at 
page  5,  I  read,  anent  my  Cattleya  Mendelii  His 
Majesty  the  King,  "whose  picture,  it  is  said, 
was  accepted  by  her  Majesty  Queen  Alexan- 
dria." The  fact  is  that  her  Majesty  greatly  ad- 
mired this  Cattleya  when  she  visited  the  last 
Temple  Show  and  was  graciously  pleased  to 
accept  from  me  Mr.  Lamont's  painting  of  it.  In 
acknowledging  this  painting,  her  Majesty  was 
pleased  to  thank  me  for  "  such  an  artistic  repre- 
sentation of  such  a  magnificent  flower."  As  "  His 
Majesty  the  King  "  is  considered  to  be  the  finest 
variety  of  Cattleya  Mendelii  yet  seen,  I  think  it 
is  proper  for  me  to  add  that,  although  the  plant 
flowered  for  the  first  time  here,  it  was,  neverthe- 
less, imported  by  Messrs.  Hugh  Low  &  Co.,  of 
Bush  Hill  Park,  from  whom  I  obtained  it,  to- 
gether with  several  other  imported  and  un- 
dowered Cattleyas.     Francis  Wellesley. 


SOCIETIES. 


ROYAL    HORTICULTURAL. 

The  following  circular  letter  is  Leing  dis- 
tributed by  the  Royal  Horticulturil  Society  for 
the  purpose  of  obtaining  information  in  regard 
to  the  "  Scab"  disease  in  Apples  and  Pears:  — 

Wisi.ey,  Ripley,  Surrey, 

Dear  Sir, — Some  investigations  in  connection 
with  the  disease  of  Apples  and  Pears,  known  as 
"  Scab,"  are  being  carried  out  at  Wisley,  and, 
being  desirous  of  obtaining  as  full  particulars  as 
possible  concerning  the  extent  of  the  damage 
caused  by  this  disease,  I  am  venturing  to  send 
you  a  number  of  questions,  with  the  request  that 
you  will  be  so  good  as  to  furnish  me  with  replies 
to  as  many  as  possible  and  return  the  signed 


form  to  me  at  the  laboratory  at  your  earliest 
convenience. 

A  considerable  number  of  questions  are  asked, 
but  it  is  felt  that  the  larger  the  amount  of  in- 
formation that  can  be  collected,  the  greater  the 
chance  will  be  of  suggesting  a  really  efficient 
method  of  dealing  with  this  disease,  which 
probably  does  more  damage  at  present  than  any 
other  to  Apples  and  Pears. 

The  replies  received  will  be  collated  and  a 
report  upon  the  occurrence  of  the  disease  will  be 
drawn  up  and  will  appear  in  the  Journal  of  the 
Society.  It  is  therefore  hoped  that  growers  will 
not  think  the  trouble  of  filling  in  answers  to 
these  questions  too  great  when  they  remember 
that  their  work  will  be  for  tire  benefit  of  the 
fruit-growing  industry  the  country  through. 

I  may  point  out  that  replies  from  those  who 
are  fortunate  enough  to  be  free  from  the  disease 
are  as  important  as  from  those  whose  fruit  suf- 
fers. 

If  in  doubt  as  to  the  disease  in  any  particular 
case,  I  should  be  glad  if  you  would  send  speci- 
mens to  the  laboratory  that  they  may  be  ex- 
amined.—Yours   truly, 

Fred.  J.  Chittenden,  Director. 


Schedule  of  Queries. 

1.  Has  the  Apple  or  Pear  scab  made  its  ap- 
pearance among  your  fruit  during  the  past  sea- 
son? 

2.  If  so,  what  is  your  estimate  of  the  propor- 
tion of  the  crop  damaged  by  the  diseas?  (a) 
Apples,     (h)  Pears. 

3.  What  is  the  total  quantity  (estimated)  of 
fruit  damaged  by  the  disease?  (a)  Apples.  (*) 
Pears. 

4  Are  the  damaged  fruits  allowed  to  rot  on 
the  ground  or  fed  to  pigs? 

5.  Do  you  find  that  the  fruits  slightly  attacked 
tend  to  rot  in  the  store  more  quickly  than  others 
that  show  no  attack? 

6.  Is  the  disease,  in  your  experience,  more 
prevalent  now  than  in  years  past? 

7.  What  is  the  kind  of  soil  and  sub-soil  on 
which  3'our  trees  are  planted? 

8.  Is  any  system  of  manurial  treatment  prac- 
tised? 

9.  Are  the  trees  growing  in  grass  or  in  culti- 
vated land?  If  in  both,  do  you  find  any  dif- 
ference in  the  amount  of  disease  under  the  dif- 
ferent conditions? 

10  Do  you  find  the  disea?e  more  prevalent  in 
some  parts  of  the  plantations  than  in  others? 
If  so,  what  is  the  character  of  those  parts? 

11.  Are  the  '.rees  grown  mainly  dwarfs  or 
standards?  Do  you  find  any  difference  in  the 
amount  of  the  disease  on  the  two  forms  where 
both  are  grown? 

12.  About  what  age  are  the  bulk  of  the  trees? 
Do  you  find  the  disease  worse  on  the  older  or  the 
younger  trees? 

13.  Are  the  trees  systematically  pruned  in 
the  winter?  In  the  summer?  Is  all  dead  wood, 
both  branches  and  twigs,  cut  out  every  vear? 

14.  What  is  done  with  the  prunings? 

15.  Have  you  noticed  whether,  in  the  case  of 
your  trees,  the  leaves  are  attacked  or  not?  (a) 
In  Apples,     (A)  In  Pears. 

16.  Do  you  find  any  trace  of  the  disease  upon 
the  shoots  in  the  shape  of  small  scabby  spots 
or  otherwise? 

17.  At  what  time  and  upon  what  part  of  the 
plant  is  the  disease  us. tally  first  noticed? 

18.  Are  there  (a)  in  the  near  neighbourhood 
any  old  and  neglected  orchards  and  (A)  Crab 
Apples  or  wild  Pears  in  any  considerable  num- 
ber in  the  hedges,  &c.  ? 

19.  Do  you  suspect  any  conditions,  seasonal  or 
otherwise,  to  favour  the  appearance  and  spread 
of  the  disease? 

20.  Do  you  find  some  varieties  are  more  se- 
verely attacked  than  others?  If  so,  what  are 
they?  Please  indicate  which  varieties  are  caused 
to  crack  badly?     (a)  Apples,     (A)  Pears. 

21.  Do  any  varieties  growing  amongst  others 
which  are  diseased  remain  free  from  the  attack? 
If  so,  please  give  their  names,  (a)  Apples.  (A) 
Pears. 

22.  Have  any  remedial  or  preventive  measures 
been   tried,   and   with   what   success? 


MANCHESTER   AND    NORTH   OF 
ENGLAND    ORCHID. 

December  17th. — A  meeting  of  this  society 
was  held  on  the  foregoing  date  in  the  Coal 
Exchange,  the  building  being  filled  with  exhibits. 

G.  Shorland  Ball,  Esq.,  Burton,  West- 
moreland (gr.  Mr.  Herdman),  was  awarded  a 
Silver-gilt  Medal  for  a  group  of  Cypripediunis, 
the  best  of  which  was  C.  x  Germain  Opoix, 
Westfield  variety,  which  was  awarded  a  First- 
class  Certificate.  Other  choice  plants  in  the 
group  were  Chondropetalum  x  Fletcheri  (see 
fig.  12  in  the  last  issue),  and  Cypripedium  X 
King  Edward.  Cypripedium  insigne  var.  Fran- 
cis Wellesley  was  brought  before  the  delibera- 
tions of  the  committee,  and  was  declared  to  be 
synonymous  with  C.  insigne,  Harefield  Hall  var. 

Drewett  O.  Drewett,  Esq.,  Riding  Mill-on- 
Tyne  (gr.  Mr.  Renwick),  was  awarded  a  Silver 
Medal  for  a  group  of  Cypripediums,  princi. 
pallj'  seedlings  of  Cypripedium  insigne,  many 
of  which  were  of  great  merit.  C.  insigne  var. 
James  Renwick  was  awarded  a  First-class  Cer- 
tificate, whilst  C.  X  insigne  var.  Northumbria, 
C.  Spicerianum  "  Orchidhurst  variety,"  and  ('. 
insigne  var.  The  Sultan  also  received  Awards 
of   Merit. 

H.  J.  Bromilow,  Esq.,  Rainhill  (gr.  Mr. 
Morgan),  staged  a  large  and  choice  group  of 
Cypripediums,  for  which  a  Gold  Medal  was 
awarded.  Amongst  the  plants  shown  were 
many  elegant  forms  of  Cypripedium  insigne, 
C.  X  Minos  Youngii,  C.  x  Fulshawense,  C. 
X  Thalia  Rann  Lea  variety,  and  C.  X  Germain 
Opoix. 

A.    Warburton,    Esq.,    Haslingden    (gr.    Mr.. 
Dalgleish),  was  awarded   a  Silver   Medal  for  a 
group  of   Cypripediums,  which   included   C.    X 
Fulshawense,    C.    X    Gaston   Bultel   var.   King 
Edward,  and  C.   X   Euryades  Sanders'  variety. 

E.  RoGERSON,  Esq.,  Didsbury  (gr.  Mr.  Price |, 
was  awarded  a  Silver  Medal  for  a  group  of 
plants,  including  a  specimen  of  Odontoglossum 
crispum,  with  40  fine  flowers  on  one  inflores- 
cence. Cypripedium  x  Ardwickense  (parentage 
unknown)  received  3.n  Award  of  Merit. 

Mr.  H.  Arthur,  Blackburn,  was  awarded  a 
Silver  Medal  for  a  group  of  plants,  which  in- 
cluded some  well-grown  Oncidiums,  Cymbidium 
X  Winnianum  and  several  varieties  of  Cypri- 
pedium insigne. 

Z.  A.  Ward,  Esq.,  Northenden  (gr.  Mr. 
Weatherly),  staged  a  charming  group  of  plants 
consisting  principally  of  Odontoglossums.  (Sil- 
ver-gilt  Medal.) 

E.  Ashworth,  Esq.,  Wilmslow  (gr.  Mr.  Hol- 
brook),  was  awarded  a  First-class  Certificate  for 
a  hybrid  Cypripedium,  the  parentage  of  which 
was  C.  insigne  var.  Sanderas  X  C.  insigne  var. 
"  Laura  Kimball."  The  quality  of  the  seedling 
was  good,  and  there  was  an  entire  absence  of 
the  tiny  spots  seen  in  C.  i.  var.  Sanderae.  It  is 
named  C.  X  Sanderae-Kimball  Ashworth's 
variety. 

S.  Gratrix,  Esq.,  Whalley  Range  (gr.  Mr. 
Shill),  was  awarded  a  First-class  Certificate  for 
a  choice  hybrid  named  C.  X  Sir  W.  Houlds- 
worth,  the  parentage  of  which  was  not  le- 
corded.  The  plant  was  slightly  past  its  hest 
condition,  but  it  has  good  qualities. 

Mr.  C.  Parker,  Preston,  was  awarded  a  Silver 
Medal  for  a  group  of  Cypripediums,  which  in- 
cluded seveial  good  forms  of  C.    X   Leeanum. 

J.  McCartney,  Esq.,  Bolton  (gr.  Mr.  Holmes), 
was  awarded  a  Silver  Medal  for  a  miscellaneous 
group. 

R.  Ashworth,  Esq.,  Newchurch  (gr.  Mr. 
Fletcher),  was  awarded  a  Silver  Medal  for  a 
group  of  plants,  which  included  Odontioda  X 
Bohnhoffias. 

Messrs.  Cypher  &  Sons,  Cheltenham,  were 
awarded  a  Silver  medal  for  a  beautiful  group 
of  Orchids. 

Mr.  J.  Robson,  Altrincham,  exhibited  Cypri- 
pedium   X    Evansianum  and   C     X   exquisitum. 

Messrs.  Armstrong  &  Brown,  Tunbridge 
Wells,  showed  a  large  and  valuable  collection 
of  Orchids. 

Other  exhibitors  at  the  meeting  were  Messrs. 
Keeling  &  Sons,  Bradford  ;  Mr.  J.  Biechenall, 
Alderley  Edge;  Mr.  J.  Stott,  Radcliffe ;  Mr. 
Webster,  Shackleton  ;  Messrs.  Bolton,  of 
Warrington;  J.  11.  Craven,  Esq.,  Keigh'ev ; 
Messrs.  Moore  &  Co.,  Leeds ;  Messrs.  Low 
&  Co.,  Enfield;  Messrs.  Charlesworth  &  Co., 
Havwards  Heath;  and  O.  O.  Wrigley,  Esq. 
P.  W. 


JANUARY    9,    1909.] 


THE     GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


31 


MARKETS. 

COVENT  GARDEN,  January  6. 
[We  cannot  accept  any  responsibility  for  the  subjoined 
reports.  They  are  furnished  to  us  regularly  every 
Wednesday,  by  the  kindness  of  several  of  the  principal 
salesmen,  who  are  responsible  for  the  quotations.  It 
must  be  remembered  that  these  quotations  do  not  repre- 
sent the  prices  on  any  particular  day,  but  only  the 
general  averages  for  the  week  preceding  the  date  of  our 
report.  The  prices  depend  upon  the  quality  of  the 
samples,  the  way  in  which  they  are  packed,  the  supply 
in  the  market,  and  the  demand,  and  they  may  fluctuate, 
not  only  from  day  to  day,  but  occasionally  several  times 
in  one  day. — Ed.] 

Cut  Flowers,  4c:  Average  Wholesale  Prices. 


s.d.  s.d. 

Acacia     (Mimosa), 

p.doz.  bunches 

10  0-12  0 

Azalea,  p.  dz.  bclis. 

4  0-50 

Bouvardia,  per  dz. 

bunches 

6  0-8  0 

i  alia  aethiopica,  p. 

dozen  

2  6-40 

Camellias,  per  doz. 

10-20 

arnations,       per 

dozen  blooms, 

best  American 

various 

2  6-36 

—  second  size    ... 

10-20 

—  smaller,       per 

doz.      bunches 

9  0-12  0 

Catcleyas,  per  doz. 

blooms 

10  0-12  0 

C  h  rysanthemums, 

s  p  e  c  i  m  en 

blooms  p.  doz. 

2  0-30 

—  smaller,  per 

doz,      bunches 

9  0-18  0 

Cypripediums,  per 

dozen  blooms.. 

16-26 

Daffodils,  per  bcli. 

10-13 

liucnaris      grandi- 

tlora,  per  doz. 

blooms 

2  0-30 

1  iardenias,  per doz. 

blooms 

3  0-50 

Hyacinths  (Roman) 

per  doz.  bclis. 

9  0-12  0 

Lilac  (French)  per 

bunch    

3  0-40 

Lapagerias,  p.  doz. 

16-20 

Lilium      auiatuin, 

per  bunch 

2  0-30 

—  longilloruin     ... 

3  0-40 

—  lane  i  f  o  lium, 

rubruoi 

10-16 

—  album  ... 

2  0-26 

Lily  of  the  Valley, 

p.  dz.  bunches 

8  0-90 

—  extra  quality  ... 

12  0  15  0 

Marguerites,  p.  dz. 
bunches  white 
and  yellow      ... 

Mignonette,  per 
dozen  bunches 

Narcissus,  Taper- 
white,  per  dz. 
bunches 

—  Gloriosa 

—  Soleil  d'Or     ... 
Od  on  to  glossum 

crispum,  per 
dozen  blooms 
Pelargoniums, 
show,  per  doz. 
bunches 

—  Zonal,  double 
scarlet 

Ranunculus,  perdz. 

bunches 
Roses,    12  blooms, 

Niphetos 

—  Bridesmaid    ... 

—  C.  Testout     ... 

—  Kaiseiin  A. 
Victoria 

—  C.  Meruiet 

—  Liberty 

—  Mme.Chatenay 

—  The  Bride 
Spiraea,  per  dozen 

bunches 
Stocks,       double 

while,  pel   doz. 

bunches 
Tuberoses,  per  dz. 

blooms 

—  on  steins,  per 
bunch  

Tulips,  per  doz.  ... 
Violets,  per  dozen 
bunches 

—  Parmas,  per 
bunch  


s.d.  s.d. 

2  0-8  0 
2  0-30 


2  0-26 
16-26 
2  6-36 


2  0-26 


8  0-10  0 

12  0-15  0 

16-26 
2  6-40 
2  6-40 

2  0-40 
2  0-36 
4  0-60 

4  0-60 
2  6-36 

5  0-80 
4  0-60 


0  9- 

0  8- 


16-30 
4  0-60 


Cut  Foliage,  ftc. :  Ave 
s.d.  s.d. 
\diantum       cunea 

turn,  dz.  bchs.    4  0-60 
Asparagus  plu- 
mosus,       Ioml; 
trails,  per  doz.     H  0-12  0 

—  — niedm.,bch.     10-20 

—  Sprengeri       ...     0  9-16 
Berberis,  per  doz. 

bunches  ...     2  6-30 

Croton  leaves,  per 

bunch 10-13 

Cycas  leaves,  each  16-20 
Ferns,    per    dozen 

bchs.  (English)    2  0-30 

—  (French)         ...    0  6-09 
Galax    leaves,   per 

dozen  bunches  2  0-26 
Holly,  per  crate  ...    4  0    — 

Plants  in  Pots,  &c. :  Av 
s.d.  s.d. 
Ampelopsis      Veit- 

chii.per  dozen  6  0-80 
Aralia  Sieboldii,  p. 

dozen 4  0-60 

—  larger   speci- 
mens         9  0-12  0 

—  Moseri 4  0-60 

Araucaria   excel sa, 

per  dozen  ...  12  0-30  0 
Aspidistras,  p.  dz., 

green 15  0-24  0 

—  variegated  ...  30  0-42  0 
Asparagus,  plumo- 

sus  nanus,  per 

dozen 12  0-18  0 

—  Sprengeri       ..      9  0-12  0 

—  tenuissimus  9  0-12  0 
Azaleas  (Indian),  p. 

dozen 30  0-42  0 

Begonia  Gloire  de 

Lorraine,  p.  dz.  12  0-18  0 
Bouvardias,  per  dz.  6  0-90 
C  h  rysanthemums, 

per  dozen,  best 

disbudded  ..  12  0-1S  0 
Clematis,  per  doz.  8  0-90 
Cocos    Weddelli- 

ana,  per  dozen  18  0-30  0 
Crotons,  per  dozen  18  0-30  0 
Cyclamen,  pr.  doz.  10  0-15  0 
Cyperus   alterni- 

folius,  dozen ... 
Cyperus  laxus,  per 

dozen  

Dracaenas,  per  doz. 
Erica  gracilis,   per 

do/en  .. 
—  gracilis  nivalis 

per  dozen 
*—   hyemalis,    per 

dozen 10  0-15  0 


rage  Wholesale  Prices. 

s.d.  s. 

Hardy    foliage 

(various),    per 

dozen  bunches  2  0-6 
Honesty    (Lunaiia) 

per  bunch  ...  10-1 
Ivy-leaves,    bronze     2  0-2 

—  long  trails  per 
bundle 

—  short    green, 
perdz.  bunches 

Mistleto,  per  crate 
Moss,  per  gross  ... 
Myrtle,  dz.   bchs., 

(English] 

small-leaved ... 

—  French 
Smilax,  per  dozen 

trails    


0  9-1 

16-2 
8  0-10 
4  0-5 


4  0-6 
I  0-  1 


4  0-50 


4  0-50 
9  0-24  0 


12  0  15  0 
15  0-18  0 


4  0-60 
eiage  Wholesale  Prices. 

s.d.  s.d. 
Erica     ovata,     per 

doz 15  0-18  0 

E  uony  nni  s, perdz., 

in  pots.  .         ..      4  0-90 

—  from  the  ground  3  0-60 
Ferns,  in   thumbs, 

pei  IOC 7  0-10  0 

—  in     small     and 
large  60's      ...  12  0-20  0 

—  in  48's,  per  dz.     4  0-10  0 

—  in  82's,  pet  tlz.  10  0-18  0 
Ficus  elaslica,  doz.     8  0-10  0 

—  repens,  per  dz.  6  0-80 
Genista     fragrans, 

per  doz.  ...  10  0-12  0 

Isolepis,  per  dozen  4  0-60 
Kentia      Belmore- 

ana,  per  dozen  15  0-24  0 

—  Fosteriana,  per 
dozen 18  0-30  0 

Latania  borbonica, 

per  dozen  ...  12  0-18  0 
Lilium     1  o  ng  i- 

florum,  per  dz.  18  0-24  0 

—  lancifohum,per 
dozen 10  0-18  0 

Lily  of  the  Valley, 

per  dozen  ...  18  0-30  0 
Marguerites, white, 

per  dozen  ...  6  0-10  0 
Poinsettias,  per  dz.  9  0-12  0 
Rose  Madame  Le- 

vavasseur,   per 

dozen 12  0-18  0 

Selaginella,      per 

do.zen 4  0-60 

Sola.iums,  peidoz.  9  0-12  0 
Spiraea  japomca,  p. 

dozen  ...  "..  8  0-12  0 
Tulips     in     boxes, 

per  dozen       ...     0  9-10 


Fruit: 

Apples,      Foreign 

—  California 
Newtown  Pip- 
pin, per  case,  4 
tiers      

—  4£  tiers 

—  (American),  per 
barrel  : 

—  Baldwin 

—  Greening 

—  Newtown  Pip- 
pin        

—  Oregon  New- 
town Pippin, 
per  case 

—  per  case  (165- 
185        

—  (N'ovaScotian), 
per  barrel : 

—  Spys    

—  Russet 

—  Baldwin 

—  French  Russet, 
per  case 

Bananas,  bunch: 

—  No.  2  Canary. 

—  No.  1        „    ... 

—  Extra        ,,     ... 

—  Giants      „     ... 

—  (Claret) 

—  Jamaica 

—  Loose,  per  dz. 
Cranberries,     per 

dozen  punnets 
Custard  Apples  ... 
Dates  (Tunis),  per 

dozen  boxes  ... 
Figs  (Eleme),p.  dz. 

—  pulled,  per  dz. 
Grape  Fruit,  case 
Grapes     (English), 

per  lb.... 

—  Hambros 

—  Gros  Colmar... 

—  Alicante 

—  Muscat  of  Alex- 
andria   

—  Cannon  Hall 
Muscat 


Average  Wholesale  Prices. 

s.d.  s.d.  s.d.  s.d. 
Grapes  (Guernsey)    0  8-10 

—  (Almeria),    per 
barrel 12  G  20  0 

Lemons,  box  : 

8  6-10  6      —  Messina,  300  ..  10  0-12  0 

7  6-10  6      —      Do.        360...  9  0  10  6 

—  per  case,  300..  14  0-26  0 

—  do.  360...  14  0-20  0 
Lychees,  per/box...  10-15 
Mandarines    (25"s), 

per  box          ...  0  10-  1  6 

—  (96's),  per  box  4  0-46 
Mangoes,  per  doz.  3  0-60 
Nuts,  Almonds,  per 


23  0-25  0 
26  0-28  0 

28  0-35  0 

13  0-14  0 
10  0-14  0 


21  0-25  0 
23  0-25  0 
18  0-23  0 

9  0-10  0 

6  6  — 
6  6-8  0 

8  0-90 
10  0-12  0 
5  0-76 
5  0-56 
0  6-10 

5  0  — 
4  0-12  0 

4  9-50 

4  3    — 

5  0  7  6 
10  0-13  0 

0  6-16 
0  6-16 
10-20 

10-13 

2  0-60 
2  0-80 


—  Krazils,  new, 
perewt. 

—  Grenobles,  per 
bag       

—  Barcelona,  bag 

—  Cocoa  nuts,  1UU 

—  Cob,  per  dozen 
lbs 

—  Chestnuts,  per 
bag       

—  (Italian),  per 
bag        

—  (Spanish) 
Oranges  (Jamaica), 

per  case 

—  (Der.ia) 

—  Calif  ornian 
seedless,  per 
case      

—  (Valencia)  per 
case  (1.0) 

—  per  case  (714)... 

—  Jaffa  Navels, 
case      

—  Jaffas 

Pears,    Californian 

Cornice,       per 
case      

—  C  a  t  i  Mac 
(French),  crate 

—  (Californ  i  a  n), 
Glou  Morceau, 
per  case 

Pineapples,  each... 


45  0    — 
50  0-65  0 

6  6-76 

32  0-35  0 

11  0-14  0 

16-19 

7  0-90 

18  0  20  0 
14  0-16  0 

6  6-80 
9  0-20  0 

14  0-15  0 

10  0-25  0 

12  6-16  0 

16  6    - 
9  6-10  0 

15  0-21  0 

8  0-12  0 


8  0-10  6 
2  0-46 


Vegetables  :  Average  Wholesale  Prices. 


Articliokes(Globe), 
per  dozen 

—  white,  p  bushel 
Asparag  u  s,     per 

bundle: 

—  Sprue  

—  Paris  Green  ... 
Beans — 

—  (French),  p.  lb. 

—  (Guernsey), 
per  lb 

—  (Madeira),   per 
basket ... 

Beetroot, per  bushel 
i  i  ussel  Sprouts,  i 

bushel 

Cabbages,  per  tally 

—  per  mat 

—  Greens,       per 
bushel 

Cardoon   (French), 

per  dozen 
Carrots    (English), 

dozen  bunches 

—  washed,  bag  ... 

—  unwashed 

—  Dutch,  p.  bag. 

—  (French),  p.  pad 
Cauliflowers,    per 

dozen      

—  per  tally 

—  Italian    Heads, 
per  basket 

Celery,  per  roll    ... 

—  unwashed,  per 
dozen  

Celeriac,  per  doz. 
Chicory,  per  lb.  ... 
Cucumbers,  per  dz. 


s.d.  s.d, 


3  0-50 
10    — 


0  8-10 
4  0-46 

0  6-08 
10-20 

2  0-40 

1  6    — 

3  0-40 

8  0-10  0 

4  0-50 

2  0    2  6 

12  0    — 

2  0  — 
2  3-26 
16-19 

1  6    — 
26    — 

2  6-50 
10  0-20  0 

3  9-40 
0  11-  1  0 

7  0-10  0 
3  0-40 
0  5     — 
10  0-18  0 i 


Chow  Chow   (Sec- 
hium  edule),p. 
dozen  .. 
Endive,  per  dozen 
Horseiadish,     for- 
eign, per  doz. 
bundles 
Leeks,  12  bundles 
Lettuce    (French), 

per  dozen 
MusDroomSfperlb. 

—  broilers 

—  buttons,  perlb. 
Mustaicland  Cress, 

pei  dozen  pun. 
Onions,  per  bag  ... 

—  (Valencia), case 

—  Dutch,  pr.  bag 

—  pickling,     per 
bushel 

Parsley, lSbmiches 
Parsnips,  per  bag... 
Potatos, Sweet,  per 

cwt. 
Radishes  (French), 
per  doz.  bunches 
Salsafy,  per  dozen 

bundles 
Seakale,  per  dozen 
Spinach,  p.  basket 
Savoys,  per  tally... 
Turnips,  per  dozen 

bunches 

—  washed,  p.  bag 
Tomatos     (Tener- 

ltt  i    ,    per   bun- 
dle of  4  boxes 
Watercress,        per 
doz 


s.d.  s.d. 


2  0-40 
2  0-26 


11  0-12  0 
10-16 

2  0-26 

0  8  0  10 
0  6-08 

0  8-0  10 

1  0    — 

8  6-10  0 

12  0    — 
7  0-80 

4  6    — 

3  0-36 

3  0    — 

20  0-24  0 

1  0-    1  3 

4  0-46 

9  0-12  0 
3  6-46 
7  6-10  6 

2  0    — 

3  0-40 


8  0-12  0 
10-30 


Remarks. — The  supply  of  Granadillas  has  finished  for  the 
season.  A  few  of  these  fruits  were  to  be  had  last  week, 
being  those  left  unsold  from  a  late  consignment.  Messina 
Lemons  have  risen  considerably  in  value,  as  was  to  be  ex- 
pected. Foreign  Apples  are  arriving  in  smaller  quantities, 
especially  from  America.  It  is  stated  that  the  packers 
are  finding  a  better  market  for  Apples  at  continental  ports. 
Grapes  generally  are  dearer.  Jamaica  Oranges  are  almost 
finished.  Denia  Oranges  are  of  fine  quality  and  flavour,  but 
unfortunately  they  are  arriving  in  an  unsound  condition. 
English  vegetables  generally  are  arriving  in  a  bad  condition. 
French  salads  have  been  very  scarce  owing  to  the  re- 
cent severe  weather.  Trade  generally  is  quiet,  which  is 
usual  after  Christmas.  E.  H.R.,  Ccveut  Garden,  Wednesday, 
January,  6,  1909, 

Potatos. 


Kents— 

Snowdrop , 

Sharpe's  Express  ... 

Epicure  

Up-to-Date 

Lincolns  — 
Epicure 
British  Queen 

Up  to-Date 

Maincrop      

Sharpe's  Expres-  ... 

Remarks.— There 
not  altered.     Stock 
recently.    Edward 
Patterns,  January  6, 


s.d.  s.d. 
4  0-43 
3  6-39 
3  3-36 
3  0-36 

2  9-30 

3  0-33 
3  0-36 
3  6-39 
3  0-  3  J 


Lincolns— 

Evergood 

Bedfcrds— 

Up-to-Date  ... 
Epicure 
Blacklands... 
Dunbars— 

I- any.-. 


s.d.  s.d. 
2  6-30 

2  6-29 
2  9-30 

2  3-26 

46 


Up-to-I'.:  :i  9-  4  ° 

J  'J-  3  3 

is  a  slightly  better  trade,  but  prices  have 
s  in  London  are  not  quite  so  heai 
/.     Vetoborn,    Covetit    Garden    and    St. 
,  1909. 


COVENT    GARDEN     FLOWER     MARKET. 

Owing  to  the  severe  weather  of  last  week,  prices  ad- 
vanced for  all  flowers  and  plants,  but  with  the  warmer 
conditions  which  followed  prices  have  again  dropped. 
Trade  fluctuates  greatly  at  this  season  of  the  year,  and 
should  another  cold  spell  of  weather  occur,  which 
appears  likely,  there  will  be  a  shortage  of  supplies, 
especially  of  good  flowering  plants.  On  Tuesday  morn- 
ing there  were  many  empty  stands,  for  growers  find  it 
more  profitable  to  be  engaged  with  their  early  spring 
crops  than  in  marketing  their  produce  when  trade  is 
uncertain.  Many  market  nurserymen  have  finished 
with  flowering  plants  by  the  end  of  the  year.  I  have 
lately  visited  several  nurseries  and  have  found  pre- 
parations already  made  for  the  spring  trade.  In  one 
establishment  I  noticed  both  I\y-leaved  and  Zonal 
Pelargoniums  in  large  quantities  in  their  flowering 
pots.  It  is  possible  to  have  some  crops,  and  especially 
flowering  plants,  too  forward,  but  in  the  case  of 
the  London  trade,  provided  the  weather  is  favourable, 
good  flowering  plants  are  always  in  demand  early  in 
the   season. 

Pot  Plants. 
Good  Chrysanthemums  are  still  available,  but  in  some 
instances,  whilst  the  flowers  are  good,  the  foliage 
is  sparse.  Ericas  are  not  quite  so  abundant  as 
formerly.  E.  hyemalis  is  very  good.  E.  ovata  is 
pretty  and  of  good  habit.  Good  plants  of  E.  gracilis 
in  both  the  white  and  the  normal  red  variety  are  still 
obtainable.  Azaleas  are  not  quite  so  well  flowered  as 
they  were  last  week.  Genistas  are  well  flowered,  but 
they  are  not  selling  readily.  Begonia  Gloire  de  Lor- 
raine was  in  demand  at  Christmas,  but  since  then  this 
plant  has  not  sold  so  well.  The  cold  weather  has 
stopped  the  demand  for  Euphorbia  pulcherrima  (Poin- 
sett.as).  Cyclamen  withstand  the  cold  better  than  Poin- 
settias,  and  well-flowered  plants  have  realised  good 
prices.  Marguerites  are  remarkably  good  considering 
the  time  of  the  year.  Hyacinths  in  all  shades  of  colours 
are  now  offered  for  sale;  the  white  varieties  are  best. 
The  blue  kinds  are  of  a  pale  shade,  but  p  nk  and  red 
varieties  are  moderately  good.  Very  few  Tulips  in  pots 
are  seen,  but  boxes  containing  about  24  plants  are  over- 
plentiful.  As  bulbs  generally  were  dear  last  autumn, 
it  is  surprising  that  so  many  growers  have  them 
in  large  quantities.  Solanums  have  been  over-plentiful 
and  some  plants  left  over  since  the  frost  have  a  rather 
bad  appearance.  Orange  trees  with  ripe  fruits  in 
various  sizes  are  very  good.  Ferns  and  Palms  are  not 
quite  so  abundant  as  formerly,  but  the  supplies  are 
equal   to   the   demand. 

Cut  Flowers. 
Chrysanthemums  are  still  plentiful,  and  it  is  difficult 
to  estimate  their  prices.  Fine  blooms  of  Madame 
Charvet  are  offered  at  2s.  per  dozen.  The  blooms  of 
this  variety  are  not  of  the  best  colour  this  season,  and 
care  needs  to  be  exercised  in  select  ng  the  stock 
plants.  Roses  are  plentiful  but  rather  small.  1  noticed 
blooms  of  Ulrich  Brunner  or  Captain  Hayward  on  long 
stems,  with  beautiful  ioliage,  but  ihey  were  worth  not 
inure  than  about  6s.  per  dozen.  L  berty,  however,  has 
risen  in  value  to  8s.  per  dozen.  Blooms  of  Madame 
Abel  Chatenay  are  small,  but  prices  are  rather  high, 
varying  from  3s.  to  6s.  per  dozen.  Lilac  from 
English  g  row  e  rs  is  good.  Lily  -of  -the-  Valley  does  not 
advance  in  price;  there  is  a  great  variation  seen  in 
the  quality  of  this  flower.  Violets  are  plentiful,  both 
from  French  and  hnglish  growers.  Acacia  (Mimosa) 
from  France  is  very  pretty.  Ranunculus  in  various 
colours  have  been  making  high  prices.  Carnations, 
which  appeared  likely  to  be  scarce,  are  over-abundant : 
they  are  one  of  the  most  prominent  features  in  the 
market.  The  blooms  need  to  be  very  good  to  realise 
more  than  2s.  6d.  per  dozen.  Eucharis  is  cheaper, 
also  Tuberoses.  Many  growers  sell  their  Tuberoses 
on  the  stems.  Camellias  are  also  plentiful.  Roman 
Hyacinth  is  very  good  and  has  been  making  better 
prices.  Tulips  are  abundant ;  the  majority  are  procur- 
able with  fairly  long  stems,  though  some  are  still  rather 
short.  Of  ornamental  foliage  that  of  Ruscus  racemo- 
sus  is  one  of  the  most  useful,  as  it  lasts  fresh  for  a 
long  period  :  the  American  Galax  leaves  will  last  fresh 
for  several  weeks.  Asparagus,  Smilax,  and  other  cut 
foliage  is  plentiful.  A.  H.t  Covent  Garden,  Wednes- 
day,  January  6,   iqoq. 


GARDENING     APPOINTMENTS. 


Mr.  H.  Lloyd,  for  4  years  Gardener  to  Major  Wvndham 
Pain,  Beech  House,  Christchurch,  Hants,  as  Gardener 
to  the  same  gentleman  at  his  new  place,  Bransgore 
House,  Christchurch,  Hants.  (Thanks  for  contribution 
to  R.G.O.F.  box.) 

Mr.  Arthur  Walling,  for  the  past  3  years  Foreman  in 
Chevet  Park  Gardens,  as  Gardener  to  J.  D.  Cobbold, 
Esq.,  and  Lady  Evelyn  Cobbold,  at  Holy  Wells, 
Ipswich. 

Mr.  J.  E.  Roberts,  for  the  past  18  months  General  Fore- 
man at  Strensham  Court,  Worcester,  as  Gardener  to 
Miss  A.  J.  Behrens,  Ripple  Hall,  near  Tewkesbury, 
Gloucester.  (Thanks  for  contribution  to  R.G.O.F. 
box). 

Mr.  G.  W.  Longhurst,  for  the  past  3  years  Gardener  to 
George  Blackall-Simonds,  Esq  ,  Bradfield  House, 
Berkshire,  as  Gardener  to  W.  A.  Horn,  Esq.,  Wimble- 
don Park  House,  Wimbledon,  S.W. 


TRADE   NOTICE. 


Mr.  F.  W.  Russell,  for  some  years  Gardener  at  Paxton 
lark,  St.  Neots,  and  recently  of  Ashby  St.  Ledger's  Gar- 
Jens,  Rugby,  has  purchased  the  Blenheim  Nurseries, 
Ramsey,  Hunts.,  which  until  recently  were  carried  on  by 
the  late  Mr.  Redman. 


32 


THE     GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


[JANUAEY   9,    1909. 


THE     WEATHER. 

The  Following  Summary  Record  of  the 
weather  throughout  the  British  Islands,  for  the 
week  ending  January  2,  is  furnished  from  the 
Meteorological  Office: — 

GENERAL     OBSERVATIONS. 

The  weather.—  The  earlier  days  of  the  week  were  rough 
and  wintry,  with  heavy  falls  of  snow  in  nearly  all  parts  of 
Great  Britain,  and  of  rain,  sleet,  or  snow  in  Ireland.  After 
Wednesday  the  general  condition  was  much  milder  and 
quieter.  The  atmosphere  became  very  humid  and  slight 
rain  was  experienced  at  times. 

The  temperature  was  below  the  average  throughout  Great 
Britain,  the  deficit  being  about  6"  over  the  major  portion  of 
England,  and  rather  more  than  7°  in  England  S.E.  In 
Ireland,  where  the  change  to  a  milder  condition  arrived 
earlier,  the  week  was  warm  for  the  time  of  year.  The  highest 
of  the  maxima  occurred  in  most  places  on  January  2,  when 
they  ranged  from  55w  in  England  N.W.  and  the  English 
Channel  to  49°  in  England  E.  During  the  earlier  days  of 
the  week  the  day  temperatures  were  extremely  low  in  many 
parts  of  England,  the  thermometer  sometimes  standing 
between  14tf  and  20°  for  some  hours.  The  lowest  of  the 
minima  were  generally  registered  on  December  29  or  30, 
and  were  as  low  as  3°  in  England  S.E.  (at  Swarraton  on  the 
30th),  5U  in  the  Midland  Counties,  and  7W  in  England  E.  (at 
Cambridge).  In  the  other  districts  the  readings  ranged  from 
15"  in  England  S.W.  to  22w  in  Scotland  N.  and  W.,  27°  in 
the  English  Channel,  and  to  29°  in  Ireland  S.  In  addition  to 
the  very  low  readings  quoted  the  following  temperatures  were 
registered  at  some  supplementary  stations.  At  Liphook  the 
screened  thermometer  fell  to  1°  below  zero  on  the  30th,  at 
Buxton  and  Epsom  to  4",  and  at  Great  Billing,  Northampton, 
to  6°,  while  at  Tunbridge  Wells  the  thermometer  exposed 
on  the  snow  descended  to  2°  below  zero,  and  at  Epsom  to 
8°  below  zero. 

The  mean  temperature  of  the  sea.— Except  at  Eastbourne 
and  Aberdeen  and  one  or  two  other  places  the  water  was 
again  warmer  than  during  the  corresponding  week  uf  last 
year.  The  actual  values  for  the  week  ranged  from  51^°  at 
Plymouth,  to  about  39°  at  Eastbourne  and  Scarborough,  and 
to  36J°  at  Aberdeen. 

The  bright  sunshine  was  less  than  the  average  in  all  dis- 
tricts, the  percentage  of  the  possible  duration  ranging  from 
17  in  the  English  Channel  to  11  in  England  E.  and  S.E.,  1  in 
England  N.W.  and  to  0  in  Scotland  W. 

THE  WEATHER    IN    WEST    HERTS. 

Week  ending  January  6. 
Mild,  damp,  calm  and  gloomy.—  The  recent  spell  of  cold 
weather  lasted  eight  days,  but  on  only  three  of  these  was 
the  temperature  exceptionally  low.  The  first  day  of  the 
past  week  was  very  cold,  but  since  then  the  weather  has 
been  warm  for  the  time  of  year.  On  the  warmest  day  the 
temperature  in  the  thermometer  screen  rose  to  50 J, 
and  on  the  one  cold  night  the  exposed  thermometer 
registered  21°  of  frost.  The  ground  is  now  2°  warmer 
than  is  seasonable,  both  at  1  and  2  feet  deep.  Rain 
fell  on  three  days,  but  the  total  depth  was  only  one 
quarter  of  an  inch.  Nevertheless,  owing  to  the  melting  of 
the  snow  which  fell  in  the  previous  week,  three  and  a 
quarter  gallons  of  water,  or  more  than  twice  the  rainfall 
of  the  past  week,  passed  through  the  bare  soil  percolation 
gauge,  and  two  and  a  half  gallons  through  that  on  which 
short  grass  is  growing.  The  sun  shone  on  an  average  for 
only  11  minutes  a  day,  which  is  1  hour  10  minutes  a  day 
short  of  the  average  duration  for  this  period  ot  the  year. 
On  five  days  no  sunshine  at  all  was  recorded.  This  was 
a  very  calm  week;  in  fact,  in  no  hour  did  the  mean  rate 
of  movement  of  the  air  exceed  8  miles  The  average 
amount  of  moisture  in  the  air  at  3  p.m.  exceeded  a  season- 
able quantity  for  that  hour  by  7  per  cent. 

December, 
The  coldest  December  day  and  night  for  at  least  23  years.— 
Taken  as  a  whole,  this  was  a  month  of  about  average 
temperature.  During  the  first  three  weeks  the  weather 
remained,  as  a  rule,  warm  both  during  the  daytime 
and  at  night,  whereas  the  last  nine  days  were  all 
more  or  less  cold,  and  for  three  consecutive  days 
and  nights  exceptionally  cold.  On  the  warmest  day 
the  temperature  in  the  thermometer  screen  rose  to  52°, 
which  is  an  unusually  low  extreme  minimum  for  the 
month.  The  lowest  maximum  day-  temperature  was 
24°  on  the  29th,  making  this  the  coldest  day  I  have  yet 
recorded  here  in  December.  On  the  coldest  night  the 
thermometer  exposed  on  the  surface  of  the  snow  indicated 
31u  of  frost,  making  this  also  the  coldest  night  I  have  yet 
recorded  here  in  December.  Rain  or  snow  fell  on  as  many 
as  21  days,  but  to  the  total  depth  of  only  2J  inches,  which 
is  one  quarter  of  an  inch  below  the  average  for  the  month. 
On  the  29'h  the  ground  was  covered  with  snow  to  their  an 
depth  of  5J  inches.  This  was  a  remarkably  calm  winter 
month.  In  fact,  in  the  windiest  hour  the  mean  velocity 
only  amounted  to  19  miles— direction  W.N.W.  The  aver- 
age amount  of  moisture  in  the  air  at  3  o'clock  in  the 
afternoon  exceeded  a  seasonable  quantity  for  that  hour  by 
3  per  cent. 

The  Year. 
Rather  warm,  dry  and  very  sunny.—  The  mean  tempera- 
ture of  the  past  year  was  slightly  in  excess  of  the  average. 
The  most  unseasonably  warm  months  were  February,  May, 
and  October,  whereas  only  A  i  nl  was  as  unseasonably 
cold.  On  the  hottest  day,  July  3,  the  temperature  in  the 
thermometer  screen  rose  to  83-',  and  on  the  coldest  night, 
December  29,  the  exposed  thermometer  indicated  31°  of 
frost.  The  total  rainfall  fell  short  of  the  average  for  the 
previous  52  years  by  3J  inches.  The  only  three  months 
when  the  total  fall  exceeded  the  average  were  March,  April, 
and  August.  Taking  the  year  as  a  whole,  the  sun  shone  on 
an  average  for  10  minutes  a  day  longer  than  is  usual.  The 
sunniest  month  of  the  year  was  June,  when  the  record  of 
bright  sunshine  exceeded  the  average  by  one  and  three- 
quarter  hours  a  day. 

Oi  i  Underground  Water  Supply. 
The  total  rainfall  for  the  last  three  months  has  fallen  short 
of  the  average  for  tli-  same  period  in  the  previous  52  years 
by  3J  inches,  which  is  quivalent  to  a  loss  of  74,200  gallons 
on  each  acre  in  this  district.  Last  year  at  the  same  time 
there  was  an  excess  of  61,300  gallons  per  acre.  E.  M..  I  erk- 
hamsted,  January  6,  1909. 


tSHHtuarj). 


ANSWERS  TO  CORRESPONDENTS. 


George  Field  Morris. — We  regret  to  have 
to  announce  the  death  of  Mr.  George  Field  Mor- 
ris, F.S.I.,  which  took  place  at  his  residence, 
Cambridge  Park,  Wanstead,  early  on  Saturday, 
January  2.  Mr.  G.  F.  Morris,  who  was  born  on 
September  2,  1831,  may  be  said  to  have  been  the 
founder  of  the  widely-known  firm  of  Messrs. 
Protheroe  &  Morris,  auctioneers,  of  67  and  68, 
Cheapside,  London,  on  its  present  lines,  for  he, 
in  conjunction  with  Mr.  W.  H.  Morris,  about 
the  year  1874,  opened  the  City  branch,  then  et 
98,  Gracechurch  btreet,  and  later  at  the  present 
headquarters  in  Cheapside.  As  an  auctioneer, 
when  conducting  sales,  either  indoors  or  out,  in 
good  or  bad  weather,  his  cheerful  and  pleasant 
demeanour  always  led  to  the  best  results,  lie 
conducted  many  sales  at  the  old  Auction  Mart, 
Bartholomew  Lane  (now  Parr's  Bank),  the  Lon- 
don Tavern,  Bishopsgate  Street,  and  at  Garra- 
way's  Coffee  House,  Change  Alley,  and  was  a 
well-known  figure  at  the  present  Auction  Mart, 
Tokenhouse  Yard.  The  firm  was  started  about 
1830  as  a  nursery  business  at  Highbury  by  Mr. 
Thomas  Morris  (father  of  Mr.  George  Field  Mor- 
ris) and  Mr.  Alexander  Protheroe.  In  1840  busi- 
ness was  commenced  at  Leytonstone,  where  the 
firm    even     now    possesses    an    establishment. 


THE    LATE    GEORGE    FIELD    MORRIS,    F.S.I. 

At  the  age  of  14  years  Mr.  G.  F.  Morris  entered 
the  nurseries  and  diligently  acquired  a  know- 
ledge of  the  trade.  In  1860  he  conducted  his 
first  auction  sale,  and  from  that  time  until  his 
retirement  in  1903  he  pursued  an  active  career  not 
only  as  an  auctioneer,  but  as  a  valuer  and  arbi- 
trator in  railway  and  other  claims.  Mr.  G.  F. 
Morris  enjoyed  the  best  of  health,  and,  making 
a  pleasure  of  business,  he  was  always  to  be 
found  in  the  same  pleasant  mood.  He  was  smart 
and  alert  up  to  the  last,  the  actual  cause  of  death 
being  heart  failure.  After  Mr.  G.  F.  Morris  re- 
tired in  1903,  the  firm  was  carried  on  by  the 
present  partners,  Mr.  H.  G.  Morris,  Mr.  T.  A. 
Morris,  Mr.  A.  E.  Protheroe,  and  Mr.  J.  B. 
Slade.  Consequently  there  will  be  no  change 
in  the  management  of  the  business. 


DEBATING    SOCIETY. 


READING     AND     DISTRICT      GARDENERS'. 

A  meeting,  was  held  in  the  Abbey  Hall  on  Monday,  Decem- 
ber 28.  Mr.  T.  Tunbridge  presided.  Officers  were  nominated 
for  lf03,  and  they  will  be  elected  at  the  annual  meeting  on 
January  11.  The  subject  for  the  evening  was  "  Straw- 
berries in  Pots,"  the  lecturer  being  Mr.  Durbidge,  of  the 
Gardens,  Mapledurham  House.  Mr.  Durbidge  dealt  with 
the  general  culture  of  Strawberries  in  pots  and  named 
the  varieties  he  had  found  best  suited  for  the  purpose. 
The  lecturer  gave  a  few  useful  hints  on  the  packing  of 
Strawberries  for  transit  by  rail  or  post. 


Beech  and  Hornbeam  Hedges:  A.  E.  il. 
These  may  be  cut  any  time  between  September 
and  March. 

Cost  of  Digging  Land  :  W.  R.  C.  The  usual 
cost  of  digging  a  moderately  heavy  soil,  one 
spade  deep,  is  from  2d.  to  3d.  per  rod.  The 
price  will  vary  between  the  sums  mentioned 
according  to  the  texture  ot  the  soil,  which 
cannot  be  accurately  described  in  a  letter,  and 
the  cost  of  labour  in  the  locality. 

Hippeastrums  :  A.  T.  Htppeastrum  Johnsonii 
is  a  hybrid  raised  earlier  than  the  year  1800 
between  H.  Reginae  and  H.  vittatum.  It  is 
of  the  class  which  loses  its  leaves  and  re- 
quires a  long,  dry  rest  each  year.  You  ought 
to  be  able  to  distinguish  between  it  and  H. 
aulicum,  which  has  much  more  fleshy  leaves 
and  is  practically  evergreen.  If  your 
plant  is  H.  Johnsonii  and  it  has  fully 
matured  all  its  leaves,  it  is  natural  for 
them  to  turn  yellow,  indicating  that 
the  time  for  rest  has  arrived.  With  re- 
gard to  the  inflorescences  in  nature,  they  aie 
allowed  to  die  off,  but  in  gardens  they  are 
usually  cut.  We  do  not  know  of  an  im- 
porter of  South  American  Amaryllids.  Some 
of  the  trade  bulb-growers  catalogue  occasion- 
ally two  or  three  species  of   Hippeastrum. 

Muscat  Grapes  :  G.  D.  Muscat  of  Alexandria  is 
undoubtedly  easier  to  grow  than  Canon  Hall 
Muscat.  This  latter  variety  does  not  set  its 
fruits  easily,  even  under  favourable  condi- 
tions, this  being  the  chief  reason  that  it  is  not 
more  generally  cultivated.  The  flavour  is 
quite  equal  to  Muscat  of  Alexandria.  In 
size  of  berry  and  bunch  Canon  Hall  is  superior 
when  seen  at  its  best,  which  is  very  seldom. 
We  advise  you  to  plant  the  house  entirely  with 
Muscat  of  Alexandria,  excluding  the  variety 
Canon  Hall,  as  you  appear  not  to  have  had 
any  experience  in  growing  Muscat  Grapes  of 
any  kind.  You  should  lose  no  time  before 
securing  the  young  vines  for  planting.  Cut 
them  back  to  three  or  four  buds  in  about  the 
middle  of  the  present  month.  Plant  them  just 
when  the  buds  are  breaking  into  growth,  which 
is  usually  about  the  end  of  March  or  begin- 
ning of  April. 

Names  of  Fruits  :  E.  Shaw.  1,  Ribston  Pippin  ;  2 
and  3,  Cox's  Orange  Pippin  ;  4,  Brabant  Belle- 
fleur—  D.  &■  Son.  1,  DArcy  .Spice;  2,  Old 
Hawthornden  ;  3,  Reinette  de  Canada. 

Names  of  Plants  :  EaiiSoham.  Iris  unquicularis. 
— 0  H.  1,  not  found  ;  2,  Codiaeum  interruptum  ; 
3,  C.  angustifolium  maculatum  ;  4,  C.  elegan- 
tissimiun  ;  5,  C.  Johannis  ;  6,  C.  Mortii ;  7, 
C.  angustifolium  ;  8,  C.  Laingii  ;  9,  C.  pictum  ; 
10,  C.  Queen  Victoria;  11,  Calanthe  William 
Murray;  12,  C.  Bryan;  13,  C.  Sedenii :  14,  C. 
vestita  rubro-oculata  ;  15,  Ophiopogon  Jaburan 
variegatus,  of  gardens. — H.  H.  T.  1,  Res- 
trepia  maculata  ;  2,  Pleurothallis  obovata;  3, 
Stelis  ophioglossoides  ;  4,  Bulbophyllum  rufi- 
num  ;  5,  Aerides  odoratum  ;  6,  Brassia  verru- 
cosa.—  V.  I.  R.  1,  Adiantum  hispidulum  ;  2,  A. 
Capillus-veneris ;  3,  Aspidium  (Cyrtomium) 
falcatum  ;  4,  Selaginella  paradoxa. 

Nerine  :  B.  L  There  is  a  very  fine  scarlet 
Nerine  named  Coruscans,  which  flowers  later 
than  N.  Fothergillii  major. 

Turf  :  /.  McG.  The  larva;  are  those  of  Melo- 
lonthids  (Chafer  larvae).  They  were  both  dead 
when  received,  and  their  identification  is  dif- 
ficult ;  but  they  are  probably  those  of  the 
common  garden  chafer.  Trap  them  by  plac- 
ing, here  and  there,  a  grass  turf  upside  down 
on  the  earth,  or  just  below  the  surface. 
"  Vaporite,"  if  worked  well  into  the  soil,  will 
destroy   Chafer  larvae. 

Water  Freezing  in  Ornamental  Pond  :  S.  J. 
M.  The  goldfish  will  not  be  killed  unless  the 
frost  is  exceptionally  severe.  The  water  caw 
best  be  kept  agitated  by  a  fountain  or  inlet 
that  is  allowed  to  run  continuously.  In  ex- 
ceptionally hard  frosts  even  these  methods 
will   not  avail. 

Communications  Received.— T.  B.— F.  Boulton— A.  C.  B. 
—J.  G.  W.— W.  J.  M.— W.  H.  W.— W.  A.  C.-W.  W. 
— W.  H.— G.  W.— E.  H.  T. -Capt.  Dorrien  S.-H.  M.  V 
— C.  F.— T.  H.— J.E.  F.,  New  South  Wales-W.  R.  1>.- 
K.  &  K.-H.  H.  R.— W.  H.  Y.-A.  B.  YV—  H.  W.— 
S.  F.  W.— F.  B.,  Straffan-Ucv.  C.  B.— J.  W.-A.  D.— 
F.  W.,  Rotterdam-L.  G.— R.  L.  H.-VV.  A.  M.,  New- 
Jersey— E.  M.— B.  R.  D.  &  Sons. 


Supplement   to  the  "Gardeners'  Chronicle." 


WUj 


Nepenthes  x  Dr.  John  MacFarlane,  being  a  hybrid  from  N.   sanguinea  and 

N.     CURTISII    SUPERBA,    RAISED     BY    MESSRS.    JaS.    VeITCH    &    SONS. 
COLOUR    OF      PITCHER,     BROWNISH     RED    WITH    DEEP    RED    MARKINGS. 


Printed  by  Temple  Press  Ltd.,  London,  E.C. 


January  16,  1909.] 


THE    GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


■through  the  soil,  with  a  long  stalk,  and  broadly 
bipinnatifid ;  and  still  later,  at  some  distance 
from  this  single  frond,  an  axis  of  growth  reached 
the  surface  and  produced  four  other  fronds  of 
similar  type — the  contrast  between  this  and  the 
adjacent  plant  with  normal  fronds  being  very 
marked  indeed.  This  spring,  in  order  to  repot 
it,  I  extracted  this  plant  and  the  reverted  one 
and  found  that  they  were  attached  by  a  string- 
like stolon,  which  had  first  produced  the  one 
frond  from  sortie  depth  down  in  the  soil,  and 
then  continued  its  way,  until,  reaching  the  sur- 
face, it  produced  the  others.  Mr.  Fraser  informed 
me  on  enquiry  that  all  his  plants  had  entirely 
reverted  to  the  normal.  We  have  here  conse- 
quently a  singular  case  of  general  reversion  of 
a  very  marked  form  found  in  fair  quantity  (17 
plants,  I  believe)  and  then  a  sudden  and  entire 
resumption  of  the  new  character  by  bud-sport- 
ing. Spores  of  the  plants  found  have  yielded  a 
number  of  young  Blechnums  of  very  foliose 
character,  indicating,  I  think,  that  they  have 
inherited  the  capacity  for  subdivision,  though 
this  remains  to  be  seen. 

In  another  case,  within  my  own  experience, 
the  severed  base  of  a  frond  of  a  fimbriate  cris- 
pum  form  of  Hartstongue  S.  v.  Drum- 
monda?  produced  two  buds,  one  of  which 
developed  a  simple  crispum  or  frilled  form, 
the  other  a  form  with  long,  slender,  attenu- 
ated fronds  with  ramose  tips  and  spur-like  basal 
lobes  :  all  fronds  being  exactly  alike  and  as  dif- 
ferent as  possible  from  the  type  and  from  the 
plant  yielded  by  the  companion  bud  a  quarter- 
inch  away  on  same  frond  base.  This  rase  ob- 
viously belongs  to  the  dimorphic  category  which 
embraces  the  Cornubiense  Polypody  (P.  v. 
cornubiense  or  elegantissimum).  In  this  install  e 
the  plants  appear  to  be  built  up  of  a  series  of 
cells,  in  which  there  is  a  constant  struggle  be- 
tween the  normal  plan  of  structure  and  the 
abnormal  with  alternate  victories  on  either  side. 
There  is  also  a  curious  case  in  A.  F.-f.  setigerum 
cristatum.  A.  F.-f.  setigerum  found  in  the  Lake 
District  has  fronds  of  a  normal  outline  and 
somewhat  bristly  edges  and  points.  From  it, 
whether  by  crossing  or  otherwise,  uncrested 
when  found,  a  number  of  very  charming  cristate 
and  percristate  varieties  have  been  raised. 
It,  however,  not  infrequently  reverts,  and 
I  have  a  plant  which  partially  reverted  so 
far  that  some  of  the  fronds  were  crested 
as  before  but  without  a  trace  of  the  seti- 
gerum character.  Eventually,  by  a  process 
of  fission,  the  one  crown  became  two,  one 
beinc;  a  constant  percristate  setigerum,  and  the 
other,  equally  constant,  a  mere  percristatum, 
minus  a  trace  of  bristles.  Here  the  two  probably 
parental  characters  appear  to  have  dissociated 
themselves  in  the  process  of  fission  to  the  extent, 
at  any  rate,  that  the  crested  form  has  discarded 
the  setigerous  character  throughout  in  one  case 
and  retained  it  throughout  in  the  other.  That  very 
beautiful,  and  indeed  unique,  hardy  Fern  A.  F.-f. 
Kalothrix  (beautiful  hair),  with  hair-like,  lucent 
fronds,  is  also  apt,  from  time  to  time,  to  produce 
merely  plumose  fronds  or, portions  of  fronds  of 
normal  texture,  and  when  its  spores  are  sown 
there  invariably  results  a  large  percentage  of 
plants  so  characterised  throughout.  Apart  from 
these  dimorphic  or  multi-morphic  variations, 
that  of  "truncation"  may  also  be  mentioned,  a 
form  which,  odd  as  it  is,  has  occurred  in  several 
British  and  one  exotic  species,  viz.,  Lastrea  mon- 
tana,  L.  Filix-mas,  Athyrium  Filix-fcemina,  Sco- 
lopendrium  vulgare  and  Polypodium  hexagonop- 
terum.  In  all  these  the  terminals  of  both  frond 
and  side  divisions  or  pinnae  end  abruptly  and 
squarely,  the  midrib  continuing  for  a  short 
distance  as  a  projecting  thorn  or  bristle. 
Why  in  the  Fern  the  lateral  leaf  tissues 
should  be  so  suddenly  and  uniformly  sup- 
pressed at  a  definite  stage  of  otherwise  nor- 
mal growth  is,  like  variation  generally,  a  pro- 
found mystery,  but  we  give  it  special  mention 
here  on  account  of  its  recurrence  in  the  several 
distinct  species  named.  Chas.  T.  Drucry, 
V.M.H.,  F.L.S. 


EXPERIMENTS  ON  THE  VALUE  OF  NITRO- 
BACTERIA 

(Concluded  from  page  HO.) 

To  these  trials  we  will  now  devote  our  atten- 
tion. 

For  details  of  Mr.  Chittenden's  results  we 
must  refer  our  readers  to  the  original  paper. 

It  is  sufficient  for  us  that,  in  these  experiments, 
culinary  Peas  were  the  crop,  and  that  they  were 
cultivated  on  24  plots,  each  of  which  had  an 
area  of  2  square  rods.  The  plots  were  in  two 
series,  one  extending  over  well-cultivated  land, 
and  one  over  fallow  land.  Into  the  manurial 
treatment  of  these  plots  we  need  not  enter,  the 
essential  point  of  the  trial  being  that  pairs  of 
similar  plots,  similarly  manured  or  unmanured, 
were  planted,  one  of  the  pair  with  seed  treated 
with  Nitro-Bacterine  (the  inoculated  plots),  the 
other  with  uninoculated  seed. 

Mr.  Chittenden's  conclusions  are: — That 
"seven  out  of  the  12  plots  on  which  inoculated 
seed  was  sown  gave  smaller  crops  than  the  cor- 
responding uninoculated  plots,  and  one  gave  an 
equal  crop." 

He  finds  that  "  the  total  crop  from  the  whole 
of  the  plots  receiving  inoculated  seed  was 
450  lbs.,  while  the  total  from  the  plots  in  which 
uninoculated  seed  was  sown  was  515  lbs.  The 
uninoculated  seed,  therefore,  gave  a  crop  14  per 
cent,  heavier  than  the  inoculated. 

"  The  crop  from  the  inoculated  seed  was  no 
better  in  any  way  than  that  from  the  uninocu- 
lated, nor  did  it  reach  maturity  earlier. 

"  It  is  concluded  that  the  inoculation  of  legu- 
minous crops  with  Nitro-Bacterine  in  ordinary 
garden  soil  is  not  likely  to  prove  beneficial." 

As  will  appear  immediately,  our  own  experi- 
ments confirm  this  last  and  all-important  con- 
clusion, but  they  do  not  confirm  the  somewhat 
surprising  conclusions  reached  by  Mr.  Chitten- 
den that  inoculation  generally  decreases  the 
yield. 

We  will  first  give  a  brief  account  of  our  own 
experimental  results,  and  then  return  to  this 
question  of  decrease  of  yield  from  inoculated 
seed.  The  experiments  to  which  we  desire  to 
refer  were  conducted  during  the  summer  of 
1908,  in  the  grounds  attached  to  the  Botanical 
Laboratory  of  University  College,  Reading. 
Though    on    a    smaller    scale    than    the    Wis- 


ley  trials,  they  were  of  much  the  same  na- 
ture,  and  consisted  in  comparing  the  yield  from 
culinary  Peas  (Sutton's  Early  Giant  garden  Pea) 
which  had  been  inoculated  with  Nitro-Bacterine 
with  that  from  uninoculated  seed  of  the  same 
variety. 

The  details  of  these  experiments  are  given  in 
an  appendix  to  the  present  communication.  Here 
we  need  only  give  the  actual  results. 

Culture  A — 

Inoculated  seed  :   Yield 
Uninoculated  seed  :  Yield    ... 

Increase    in    favour    of    inoculated 

seed  =  us         6£ 

=  7.1  per  cent. 

Culture  B—  lbs.  ozs. 

Inoculated  seed  :  Yield     : 6     3 

Uninoculated  seed  :  Yield 5     7+ 


lbs 

ozs 

•  6 
5 

11 

Increase    in    favour    of    inoculated 

seed   =  Hi 

=  7.6  per  cent. 
Culture  C—  lbs.  ozs. 

Inoculated  seed  :    Yield        4    4J 

Uninoculated  seed  :  Yield 4     5| 


Increase  in  favour  of  uninoculated 

seed  =;  1 

=  1.5  per  cent. 
Average  increase  in  favour  of  inoculated 
seed  —  j.6  per.  cent. 

We  had  intended  to  defer  the  publication  of 
these  results  till  next  year,  when,  as  we  hoped, 
we  should  have  had  others  available  for  com- 
parison. But  having  regard  to  the  distinctly 
adverse  results  obtained  at  Wisley,  it  seems  only 
fair  to  put  them  on  record. 

We  do  not  know  in  what  light  Professor  Bot- 
tomley  will  regard  our  results ;  but,  for  our 
part,  we  consider  that,  though  they  may  be  less 
discomforting  than  Mr.  Chittenden's,  they  can 
afford  but  cold  comfort  to  ardent  believers  in 
Nitro-Bacterine.  We  may  state  our  own  con- 
clusion thus  : — The  increase  of  yield  from  inocu- 
lated seed  is  so  small  that  it  does  not  represent  a 
sufficient  increase  of  profit  as  to  make  the  use  of 
Nitro-Bacterine  on  ordinary  garden  soils  of  prac. 
tical  value. 

The  detailed  records  of  our  experiments  also 
indicate,  like  those  of  Mr.  Chittenden,  that  this 


APPENDIX.      Table  I. 

Nitro-Bacterine  Inoculation  Experiments. 

Botanical    Laboratory,    University    College,    Reading,    1908. 


Culture  A. 

Control  A. 

Treatment  of  Culture 
A. 

Total  Crop.              Marketable. 

Marketable. 

Total  Crop. 

Treatment  of  Control 
A. 

No.  of 
Pods. 

Weight. 

No.  of 
Pods. 

Weight. 

No.  of 
Pods. 

Weight. 

No.  of 
Pods. 

Weight. 

No  manure. 
Watered  with  Nitro- 
Bacterine. 
\  row  once. 
$  row  twice. 
No  seed-inoculation. 

368 

lb.     oz. 
6        i 

313 

lb.     oz. 
6        lj 

275 

lb.      oz. 
5      11J 

328 

lb.     oz. 
5     m 

Watered  with  nitrate 

of  soda  at  the  rate  of 

^   oz.    to   the   square 

yard. 

§  row  once. 

|  row  twice. 

Treatment  of  Culture 
B. 


No  manure. 
Seed-inoculation  only. 


Culture  B. 

Control  B, 

372 

lb.     oz. 

6        5^ 

318 

lb. 
6 

oz. 
3 

303 

lb.     oz. 
5        74 

373 

lb. 
5 

oz. 
11 

Treatment  of  Cotitr 
B. 


No  manure. 
No  seed-inoculation. 


Treatment  of  Culture 
C. 

Culture  C. 

Control  C. 

Treatment  of  Control 
C. 

Manured  with  4  cwt. 
super-phosphate  and 
rV  cwt.  potassium  sul- 
phate (rate  per  acre). 
Seed  inoculated  and 
soil      watered     twice 
with  Nitro-Bacterine. 

283 

lb.     oz. 
4        7 

238 

lb.     oz. 
4        4J 

248 

lb.     oz. 
4        5£ 

297 

lb.     oz. 

4        8i 

Manured  with  super- 
phosphate and  potas- 
sium     sulphate      as 

Culture  C. 

Seed  not   inoculated. 

Soil  not  treated  with 

Nitro-Bacterine. 

Seed  used:    Sutton's  Early  Giant  Pea;     sown  May  29.       First  picking  July  24  (an  early  variety  sown  late  to  get 

a  midsummer  crop). 
Soil:  Fairly  deep  calcareous  loam. 

Weather:  Dry,  hot  summer;   plots  watered  equally  from  time  to  time. 
Number  of  plants  :   Seedlings  when  about  4  in.  high,  thinned  to  60  plants  per  plot.     Rows  running  N.— S.,  5  feet  apart. 


■66 


THE     GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


[January  16,  1909. 


preparation  is  without  effect  in  producing  earlier 
crops.  Thus  two  only  out  of  six  different  "  in- 
oculated "  plots  produced  more  pods  than  their 
corresponding,  uninoculated  plots  on  their  first 
pickings,  and  the  plants  on  all  the  12  inoculated 
and  uninoculated  plots  began  flowering  at  about 
the  same  time. 

It  remains  to  consider  briefly  the  curious  re- 
sult of  the  Wisley  series  of  experiments,  viz., 
that  the  yield  from  inoculated  seed  was  generally 
lower  than  that  from  uninoculated  seed. 

Though,  as  indicated  in  the  introduction  to 
this  paper,  it  is  not  impossible  that  Nitro-Bac- . 
terine  or  any  similar  preparation  might  not, 
under  certain  conditions,  exercise  results  the  re- 
verse of  beneficial,  yet  we  cannot  but  think  that 
this  lessened  yield  must  be  due  rather  to  the 
method  of  experiment  adopted  than  to  an  actual 
injurious  effect  on  the  part  of  Professor  Bottom- 
ley's  preparation.  It  appears  from  Mr.  Chitten- 
den's account  of  his  experiments  that  he  used  a 
definite  weight  of  seed  for  planting  each  plot 
(60  grams).  Hence  the  number  of  seeds  per  row 
varied  (within  narrow  limits)  from  plot  to  plot. 
Moreover,  Mr.  Chittenden  does  not  record  in  his 
paper  the  number  of  seedlings  which  germinated, 
nor  the  number  of  plants  which  matured  on  each 
plot.  Since  the  crop  suffered  from  an  attack  of 
the  Pea-weevil  (Sitones  lineatus),  it  may  be  that 
the  chance  death-rate  was  higher  in  some  plots 
than  in  others.  We  have  not  been  able  to  gather 
from  Mr.  Chittenden's  paper  what  was  the  yield 
per  plant.  This,  though  a  matter  of  no  impor- 
tance in  practice,  is  one  of  fundamental  impor- 
tance in  a  trial  of  this  kind.  In  such  experi- 
ments, for  the  testimony  of  the  results  to  be  con- 
vincing, the  number  of  plants  and  the  yield  of 
each  must  be  recorded.  We  think  that  it  would 
add  materially  to  the  value  of  Mr.  Chittenden's 
results  if  he  would  publish  the  exact  details  as 
to  the  number  of  plants  which  actually  grew  and 
bore  seed  on  each  plot. 

Till,  therefore,  further  experiment  confirms 
this  adverse-  effect  of  inoculation,  we  need  not 
speculate  as  to  how  it  is  brought  about.  We  do 
not  think  that  an  unprejudiced  reader  of  Mr. 
Chittenden's  very  elaborate  results  can  doubt  the 
truth  of  his  main  conclusion,  for  it  is  too  much 
to  believe  that  the  bad  luck  of  a  higher  chance 
death-rate  can  have  always  befallen  the  inocu- 
lated seed.  Moreover,  there  are  our  own  re- 
sults, in  which  the  same  number  of  seeds  were 
sown  in  each  plot,  and  in  which  the  same  num- 
ber of  mature  plants  were  cropped,  which,  as  we 
have  already  indicated,  confirm  his  main  con- 
clusions. 

After  all,  the  problem  must  be  sent  back  to  the 
laboratory,  and  science  must  know  more  before 
the  question  as  to  how  Pseudomonas  radicicola 
may  be  exploited  in  the  interest  of  horticulture 
can  be  regarded  as  solved.  Frederick  Keeble, 
Sc.D.  &■=  DM.Cayley. 


NEW  OR  NOTEWORTHY 
PLANTS. 


IRIS  HIMALAICA  (Sp.  n.). 
The  following  is  the  description  of  the  new 
Iris  which  formed  the  subject  of  my  article  in 
the  issue  for  January  2,  p.  3:- — Species,  rhizo- 
mate  gracili  repente  elongato ;  foliis  linearibus 
incurvis,  2-3  ped.  longis,  J  poll,  latis,  supra 
nitidis,  infra  glaucoviridibus  ;  scapo  solido,  nun- 
quam  fistuloso,  folia  longe  superante,  capitulis 
pluribus ;  spathis  bifloris  3  poll,  longis  ;  pedi- 
cellis  spathis  aequantibus  ;  perianthii  tubo  tri- 
quetro  \  poll,  longo ;  segmentis  externis,  2  poll, 
longis,  1  poll,  latis,  obovato-cuneatis,  violaceis 
albomaculatis,  imberbibus ;  segmentis  internis, 
\\  poll,  longis,  J  poll,  latis,  subpatentibus,  vio- 
laceis, venis  inconspicuis  ;  styli  ramis  latis,  con- 
vexis,  carinatis,  li  poll,  longis  ;  eapsulis  trigonis 
2  poll,  longis  :  seminibus  orbiculis,  compressis, 
tenuibus.  W.  R.  Dykes,  Charterhouse,  Godal- 
ming. 


ASTER  GRANDIFLORUS. 

Although  this  plant  was  introduced  into  cul- 
tivation by  Mr.  Mark  Catesby  as  long  ago  as 
the  year  1720,  it  is  comparatively  rare  in  gar- 
dens. This  may  be  accounted  for  by  the  late- 
ness of  its  flowering  season,  which  occurs  during 
the  month  of  November.  Hence  it  is  seldom 
seen  in  perfection  out-of-doors.  Last  season, 
however,  owing  to  the  favourable  mild  weather 
during  the  autumn  months,  all  the  fine  large 
flowers  developed,  making  an  effective  display 
after  the  other  stai  worts  were  past.  The 
plant  is  of  bushy  habit,  rather  over  2  feet  high, 
with  stiff,  rigid  branches,  each  terminated  by 
single,  purple-blue  flowers,  about  2  inches  in 
diameter.  Unlike  most  of  the  other  members  of 
this  family,  this  plant  does  not  require  any  sup- 
port, the  growths  being  stiff  and  erect.  The  foli- 
age is  not  conspicuous,  consisting  of  small, 
linear,  subamplexicaul  leaves,  those  of  the  upper 
blanches  being  reflexed  and  hispid  at  the  edge. 
A.  grandiflorus  is  found  growing  in  dry  and 
gravelly  soil  in  the  United  States,  extending 
from  Virginia  to  Georgia.  It  is  hardy  in  this 
country,  and  is  easily  propagated  by  division 
during  the  winter  season,  or  early  in  spring.  Its 
late-flowering  habit  should  render  it  a  valuable 
plant  for  the  greenhouse,  as  it  might  be  grown 
out-of-doors  in  pots,  to  be  brought  into  the 
house  just  when  the  flowers  are  opening.    W .  I. 


plants  themselves  will  be  prevented  or  reduced. 
It  need  hardly  be  mentioned  that  no  insulation, 
such  as  was  described  in  the  articles  on  "  Cold 
Storage,"  will  furnish  heat  to  a  plant.  What  in- 
sulation does  is  to  prevent  the  passage  of  heat 
through  the  intervening  medium.  In  the  case  of 
a  cold  store  or  cold  cabinet  it  prevents  the  pas- 
sage of  the  heat  from  the  external  air  to  the  sub- 
stances  inside.  In  the  case  of  plants  to  be 
protected  from  frost,  it  prevents  the  passage  of 
heat  from  the  plants  to  the  outside  air,  and,  there- 
fore, prevents  or  reduces  the  lowering  of  the  tem- 
perature of  the  plants.  Any  of  the  substances 
mentioned  as  insulators  for  cold  stores  or  cold 
cabinets,  if  properly  placed  between  the  plants 
and  the  surrounding  air,  will  keep  out  frost.  In 
addition,  there  are  several  other  substances, 
some  of  which  gardeners  have  already  found  use- 
ful by  practical  experience.  Such  are  brown 
paper,  mats,  cloths,  and  even  ordinary  news- 
papers. The  reason  the  substances  act  as  insu- 
lators is  that  they  are  all  of  a  porous  nature. 
They  all  contain  minute  air  spaces,  which  resist 
the  passage  of  heat  through  them.  Still,  dry  air 
is  one  of  the  best-known  insulators,  and  this 
has  its  application  in  the  protection  of  plants 
from  frost.  Dry  cloths,  particularly  woollen 
ones,  dry  brown  paper,  dry  newspapers,  and, 
in-  fact,  any  dry  and  porous  substances  will 
keep  out  the  cold.     But  it  is  absolutely  neces- 


RSrar 


***•*?<*.  •""'- 


*l%* 


[Photograph  by  W.  Irving. 
Fig.  24. — aster  grandiflorus:    a  large-flowered  SPECIES  BLOOMING  IN  NOVEMBER. 


SIMPLE  METHODS  OF  KEEPING  OUT  COLD. 

The  Spaniards  have  a  proverb,  that  what  will 
keep  the  cold  out  will  keep  the  heat  out,  and  the 
proverb  may  be  reversed  :  what  will  keep  heat 
out  will  keep  cold  out.  All  that  was  stated,  in 
connection  with  the  construction  of  cold  stores 
(see  Gardeners'  Chronicle,  November  7,  21, 
28,  1908),  for  keeping  plants  at  a  low 
temperature,  applies  to  the  protection  of 
plants  from  low  temperatures.  The  cabi- 
nets described  in  those  articles  for  keeping 
small  quantities  of  plants  or  bulbs  at  low  tem- 
peratures should  answer  equally  well  for  preserv- 
ing bulbs  or  plants  from  frost  for  a  certain  time, 
omitting,  of  course,  the  provision  of  ice  or  freez- 
ing mixtures.  Frost  attacks  plants  because  the 
surrounding  atmosphere  is  at  a  very  much  lower 
temperature  than  the  plants  are,  and,  therefore, 
heat  passes  from  the  plants  to  the  surrounding 
air,  their  temperature  being  gradually  lowered 
in  the  process.  If  the  passage  of  heat  from  the 
plants  and  from  the  soil  containing  the  roots 
can  be  prevented,  or  if  its  rate  of  passage  can  be 
reduced,  the  lowering  of  the  temperature  of  the 


sary  that  the  substances  should  be  dry.  Imme- 
diately they  become  moist  they  lose  some  of 
their  insulating  properties.  Water  evaporates  at 
all  temperatures  and  in  evaporating  absorbs 
heat.  Hence  heat  is  taken  from  the  sub- 
stances immediately  in  contact  with  it  ; 
thus,  wet  wraps  produce  cold,  even  in  cold 
weather.  The  porous  earthenware  used  for 
flower-pots  is  a  good  insulator,  provided  it  is 
dry.  When  wet,  it  has  the  opposite  effect. 
Almost  any  degree  of  protection  may  be  obtained 
by  the  careful  use  of  any  of  the  substances 
named,  if  applied  in  sufficient  quantity.  Two 
sheets  of  brown  paper  should,  if  carefully  applied, 
give  more  than  double  the  protection  of  one, 
because  of  the  air-space  between  them.  la 
applying  two  or  three  thicknesses  care  should  be 
taken  that  the  air  enclosed  has  not  much  chance 
of  getting  into  motion.  The  paper  or  cloth 
should  be  so  arranged  as  to  break  up  the  air 
space  into  as  many  sections  as  possible.  Air 
currents,  which  are  produced  at  all  tempera- 
tures, are  another  source  of  cold.  They  set  up 
evaporation.  Evaporation  uses  up  heat,  and, 
therefore,  cold  results.    S.  F.  W. 


January  16,  1909.] 


THE     GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


37 


THE    ROSARY. 


NOTES     ON    NEWER    VARIETIES. 

There  are  many  beautiful,  new  Roses  still  to 
describe,  and  I  will  now  deal  with  the  dwarf 
Polyantha  or  Pompon  Roses,  which  are,  at  last, 
beginning  to  be  better  known  and  appreciated. 
I  have  also  been  requested  to  deal  with  all  the 
best  climbing  Roses.  Before  proceeding  with 
these  two  most  interesting  types,  I  should  like 
to  advise  readers  to  include  in  their  collection, 
if  they  have  not  already  obtained  them,  a  bed 
or  two,  or  a  long  border  of  "  Arethusa  "  (1903) 
and  "Queen  Mab  "  (1896),  both  of  which  were 
raised  by  Wm.  Paul  &  Son.  A  grower  asked 
me  the  other  day  "  which  I  considered  the  two 
best  China  Roses?"  My  reply  was  these 
two  most  wonderful  bloomers.  I  have  a 
row  of  300  of  these  planted  alternately. 
They  are  a  beautiful  blend.  "Queen  Mab"  is 
well  known  ;  the  blooms  are  of  a  lovely  rosy- 
apricot  tint  with  an  orange  centre  ;  the  buds  are 
pretty  and  of  almost  perfect  shape.  "Arethusa" 


most  beautiful  edging  plants  for  other  Roses 
in  beds  ;  or  they  can,  grouped  by  themselves,  be 
used  to  form  very  rich  colour-effects,  but  care 
must  be  taken  to  blend  the  colours  nicely.  I 
will  now  describe  all  the  sorts  that  I  have  found 
worthy  of  cultivation  : — 

Cecile  Brunner  (Ducher,  iSSo).— This 
variety  remains  the  queen  of  all  this  class  of 
Roses.  The  blooms  are  of  most  distinct  and 
exquisite  shape,  bright  rose  in  colour :  when 
open,  the  flower,  owing,  to  the  colour  of  the 
bases  of  the  petals,  has  a  yellowish  centre.  In 
the  late  autumn  the  colour  is  intense.  The  plant 
is  a  fairly  strong  grower  for  a  Pompon  variety. 

Phiixipine  Lambert  (P.  Lambert,  igoj).— 
My  wife  calls  these  our  baby  "La  France." 
They  are  hardly  that,  the  flowers  not  being  so 
high  pointed,  but  they  are  beautifully  imbri- 
cated, very  full,  of  a  fair  size,  and  produced  in 
clusters  of  three  to  eight.  The  blooms  all  open 
well.  In  colour  they  are  a  lovely  silvery-pink, 
and  the  buds  are  carmine-pink.  The  blooming 
is  very  free  and  perpetual,  and  the  habit  strong 
for  a  Pompon. 


FlG.   25. — ODONTOGLOSSUM    MAGALI    SANDER:     SEPALS   AND    PETALS 
CREAM-WHITE,    MOTTLED    WITH    ROSE. 


is  a  clear  deep  yellow,  very  slightly  tinted  with 
apricot ;  its  habit  is  exactly  similar  to  that  of 
"  Queen  Mab,"  and  the  blooms  are  of  the  same 
shape.  From  the  last  week  in  May  till  frost 
appears  these  are  always  literally  a  sheet  of 
bloom.  Indeed,  there  has  never  been  any  Rose 
yet  introduced  that  can  beat  these  two  for  free- 
dom of  blooming,  and,  unlike  most  other 
Chinas,  they  are  nicely-shaped  blooms,   too. 

Comtesse  du  Cayla  (Guillot,  igo2)  is  a 
sweetly  pretty  flower  in  its  bud  state,  but  it  is 
nothing  like  so  free  a  bloomer  as  those  already 
mentioned. 

I  will  now  consider  the  "  Pompon  "  or  dwarf 
Polyantha  Roses.  Most  of  them  are  of  very 
dwarf  growth,  and  have  very  small  flowers,  yet 
they  are  nearly  all  most  distinct.  I  often  think 
how  greatly  many  gardens  could  be  improved  by 
a  free  use  of  these  little  gems  in  place  of  such 
a  lot  of  bedding  plants.  Once  properly  planted, 
Pompon  Roses  are  a  joy  for  very  many  years, 
and   they  need  so   little  attention.      They  form 


Leonie  Lamesch  (P.  Lambert,  igoo). — The 
blooms  of  this  variety  are  of  an  extraordinary 
colour,  being  coppery-red  with  a  golden  centre, 
shaded  deep  red  and,  as  the  flower  ages, 
3'ellow.  The  blooms  are  produced  singly  and 
are  of  medium  size.  The  plant  has  a  very  erect 
growth  and  strong  habit  for  a  Pompon.  Taking 
both  its  flower  and  beautiful  foliage  into  con- 
sideration, it  is  a  very  distinct  and  striking 
variety. 

Eugenie  Lamesch  (P.  Lambert,  igoo). — This 
is  of  bushy  growth  and  very  dwarf.  The  colour 
is  a  beautiful  orange-yellow,  passing  to  clear  yel- 
low with  age.  The  delicate  little  flowers  are 
produced  in  clusters. 

Perle  d'Or  CRambaux,  1S84). — The  flower  is 
of  a  most  striking  and  extraordinary  colour,  a 
coppery-orange,  turning,  when  fully  opened,  to 
nankeen-yellow.  The  bloom  is  fairly  full,  but  is 
not  of  a  particularly  nice  shape:  still,  it  is  a 
IcrMy  little  variety  and  wonderfully  free  in 
blooming. 


Mignonette  (Guillot,  1882).— The  beautiful, 
soft,  rose  colour  changes  to  nearly  white ;  ihe 
small  flowers  are  borne  in  very  large  trusses. 
With  me  it  is  a  sheet  of  bloom  during  June  and 
July;  then  it  goes  off  in  August,  but  flowers 
again  in  September.  This  Rose  is  especially 
effective  when  massed  in  a  bed. 

Gloire  de  Polyantha  (Guillot,  1887). — We 
call  this  Mignonette's  little  twin  sister,  but 
in  colour  it  is  a  deep  rose  with  a  white  base. 

Katherine  Zeimet  (P.  Lambert,  igoi). — A  de- 
licate, white  variety,  undoubtedly  the  best  white 
Pompon.  The  very  small,  full  flowers  are  borne 
in  great  clusters,  and  with  me  it  is  extraordin- 
arily free.  In  addition  to  this  it  has,  perhaps, 
the  sweetest  scent  of  any  Pompon  Rose. 

Madame  Zelia  Bourgeois  (Vilin  e>  Vilin, 
igoy). — Another  very  sweetly-scented  variety. 
The  small,  white,  double  flowers  are  very  freely 
produced. 

Schneewittchen  (P.  Lambert,  igoi).— This 
Rose  has,  in  large  trusses,  ivory-white,  very 
small,  semi-double  flowers  with  golden  stamens. 
I  do  not  recommend  it,  however,  as  it  does  not 
last  well,  and  the  quickly-fading  flowers  give 
the  whole  an  untidy  effect. 

Schneekopf  (P.  Lambert,  igojJ.—A  pure 
white,  fairly  large,  full  flower  that  opens  well, 
and  is  produced  in  large  clusters.  The  growth 
is  erect  and  bushy.  It  is  to  be  recommended  as 
a  good  Rose. 

Anna  Marie  Montravel  (Rambaux,  1879). 
— This  has  pure  white,  very  tiny,  full 
flowers  with  slightly  imbricated  petals.  They 
grow  in  enormous  trusses,  a  hundred  or  so 
flowers  in  each  truss.    The  habit  is  very  distinct. 

Perle  des  Rouges  (Dubreuil,  iSg-j).— The 
velvety,  crimson  flowers  have  the  reflex  of  their 
petals  cerise ;  they  are  small  and  double  and  are 
produced  in  large  clusters.  This  Rose  is  the 
brightest  of  all  the  crimson  Pompons.  It  is 
very  free  in  flowering  and  is  quite  a  little  gem. 

Madame  N.  Levavasseur  (Levavasseur,  igo2). 
— This  is  nothing  more  nor  less  than  a  perpetu- 
ally-flowering Pompon  Crimson  Rambler. 

Maman  Levavasseur  (Levavasseur,  igoy). — 
Sometimes  called  "  Baby  Dorothy  Perkins,"  is  a 
perpetually-flowering,  dwarf-growing  form  of  the 
well-known  "  Dorothy  Perkins." 

Princess  Ena  (fV.  B.  May,  /goS).—I  am 
informed  this  is  a  very  pretty  sport  from 
"Madame  N.  Levavasseur."  The  flowers  are 
rosy-pink,  with  small,  white  centres,  and  pale 
yellow  stamens. 

Marie  Pavte  (Aligatiire,  1889). — I  have  only 
had  this  Rose  one  season,  but  think  it  one  of 
the  best.  It  has  a  full,  laige  flower  for  its  class, 
and  or.e  that  lasts  well.  Leonard.  Petrie,  Gayton, 
1  heltenham. 

(To  be  continued.) 


ODONTOGLOSSUM  MAGALI  SANDER. 

(Rolfe^  x  Adrians  var.  F.  K.  Sander.) 

Our  illustration  (fig.  25)  represents  a  flower  of 
this  superb  Odontoglossum,  for  which  Messrs. 
Sander  &  Sons  were  awarded  a  First-class  Certifi- 
cate at  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society,  on  Decem- 
ber 22,  190S.  It  may  be  said  that  it  came  as  a 
surprise  even  to  Messrs.  Sander  &  Sons,  who  did 
not  expect  that  the  introduction  of  the  compara- 
tively small  O.  Adrianae,  even  in  the  highest 
form,  as  represented  by  their  variety  F.  K. 
Sander,  would  produce  such  results,  for  it  has 
indeed  increased  the  already  broad  proportions  of 
O.  Rolfeae,  while  the  deep  colouring  and  even 
distribution  of  the  blotches  are  almost  identical 
with  the  markings  of  O.  Adrianse  F.  K.  Sander. 
The  sepals  and  petals  are  cream-white  slightly 
mottled  with  rose,  the  blotches  being  deep  claret- 
purple.  The  lip  is  white  with  a  yellow  crest,  and 
dark  reddish-purple  blotches  ;  there  being  a  rose- 
coloured  ray  in  front  of  the  largest  blotch.  The 
plant  bore  a  very  large  spike  of  many  flowers. 


38 


THE    GARDENERS    CHRONICLE. 


[January  16,  1909. 


The  Week's  Work. 


THE  FLOWER  GARDEN. 

By  W,  A.  Cook,  Gardener  to  Sir  Edmund  G.  Loder,  Bart., 
Leonardslee,  Sussex. 

Planting  of  trees  and  shrubs. — Proceed  with 
the  planting  of  all  kinds  of  Conifers,  such  as 
Abies,  Pinus,  Picea,  Cedrus,  Cryptomeria, 
Larix,  and  Taxodium.  It  is  usual  either  to 
trench  the  ground  or  prepare  some  good-sized 
•  holes  for  the  trees.  Whichever  system  is 
adopted,  it  should  be  recognised  that  it  is  im- 
possible to  exercise  too  much  care  in  tree-plant- 
ing. With  species  of  Pinus  success  is  more  diffi- 
cult of  attainment  than  with  other  Conifers. 
But  it  is  possible  to  give  them  such  a  start  that 
they  will  make  good-sized  specimens  in  a  few 
years.  Spread  out  the  roots  evenly,  work  in  as 
much  fine  soil  as  possible  about -them,  and  carry 
out  the  planting  in  every  detail  with  care, 
riace  a  support  to  each  tree  immediately  it  is 
planted. 

Montbretia. — It  is  not  too  late  to  lift  Mont- 
bretia  corms  for  the  purpose  of  sorting  the 
bigger  ones  out  and  replanting  them.  This 
operation  is  necessary  every  two  or  three  years. 
The  largest  corms  should  be  selected  for  plant- 
ing in  clumps  or  beds.  The  ground  should  be 
enriched  with  manure  and  a  little  sand  may  be 
added.  Place  the  corms  at  distances  of  3  or  4 
inches  from  each  other.  Plant  the  small  corms 
in  some  out-of-the-way  place  in  the  garden. 
After  the  planting  has  been  done,  the  ground 
should  be  mulched  with  long  manure.  Mont- 
bretias  have  the  best  effect  when  planted  in  large 
breadths. 

Erica. — Ericas  may  be  planted  at  the  present 
time.  They  do  not  require  as  much  peat  as  is 
sometimes  given  them.  They  will  succeed  in  a 
light  loam  if  sand  and  leaf-mould  are  added. 
Some  of  the  earlier-flowering  sorts  require  a 
sheltered  situation.  E.  lusitanica  and  E.  carnea 
are  finely,  in  flower  at  the  present  time.  They 
will  last  until  the  Almond-scented  E.  arborea 
and  E.  Veitchii  flower  in  March  or  April. 

Annuals. — Seeds  of  the  best  annuals  should  be 
purchased  in  order  that  they  may  be  sown  as 
time  and  opportunities  present  themselves.  Some 
of  the  best  sorts  are  here  enumerated  : — Aquile- 
gia  ccerulea,  A.  chrysantha,  Antirrhinum  "Fiery 
Belt"  (coral  red),  Carmine  Pink,  and  Orange 
King ;  Chinese  Asters,  including  a  distinct  and 
pretty  variety  known  as  "  Crushed  Strawberry  "  ; 
Bartonia  aurea,  Begonias  of  various  types, 
Calendula,  Calliopsis,  Candytuft,  Centaureas 
(Sweet  Sultan),  Clarkias,  Cosmos  bipinnata, 
Cyanus  minor,  Nigella  "  Miss  Jekyll,"  Del- 
phiniums, Dianthus,  including  the  varieties 
Salmon  Queen  and  Vesuvius;  Eschscholtzias,  in- 
cluding Double  Orange,  Carmine  King,  Diana, 
Dainty  Queen,  and  Rose  Cardinal ;  Gaillardias, 
Godetias,  Gypsophilaelegans,  and  other  species  ; 
Hollyhocks,  Lobelias  in  variety,  Lupinus  poly- 
phylius,  Marigolds,  Nasturtiums,  Nemesia  stru- 
mosa.  Linarias,  Nicotiana,  Sanderae  and  N. 
affinis ;  Phlox  Drummondii,  Papavers,  includ- 
ing the  Iceland  and  Shirley  Poppies ;  Portu- 
lacas,  Salvias,  Salpiglossis,  Sapouarias,  Sca- 
bious,  Stocks,   and  Zinnias. 

Sweet  Peas  are  very  effective  when  grown  in 
clumps,  and  the  flowers  can  be  cut  conveniently. 
If  the  varieties  are  mixed  in  long  rows  they  also 
make  an  excellent  feature  in  the  garden,  and 
vield  a  great  number  of  flowers.  Such  rows, 
however,  should  be  grown  in  the  supply  garden 
rather  than  in  the  flower  garden. 

General  work. — Sweet  Peas  sown  in  Octo- 
ber should  have  a  ridge  of  dry  ashes  placed 
on  either  side  of  the  rows.  Prepare  a  quan- 
titv  of  soil  that  it  may  be  ready  for  use  in  pot- 
ting and  seed-sowing.  The  leaf-mould,  loam, 
and  other  ingredients  should  be  placed  under 
cover  where  they  will  remain  moderately 
dry.  Protect  border  Carnations  from  sparrows 
either  by  stretching  a  netting  supported  by  small 
stii  ks,  or  by  straining  some  black  cotton  over 
the  plants.  Remove  all  decaying  leaves  from 
the  Carnations  growing  in  frames  and  admit  air 
tn  the  plants  during  favourable  weather.  Cut- 
tings may  now  be  prepared  of  such  tender  bed- 
ding plants  as  Alternanthera,  Iresine,  Lobelia, 
and   Pelargonium. 

Border  Carnations. — These  plants  should  be 
tieated  almost   as   Calceolarias,    the    difference 


being  that  the  Calceolarias,  being  in  small  pots, 
will  require  water,  even  though  it  be  at  long 
intervals.  Spray  them  occasionally  with  an  in- 
secticide. The  borders  for  their  reception  should 
be  prepared  in  fair  weather.  Let  the  ground  be 
deeply  dug  and  a  liberal  application  of  cow 
manure  be  placed  under  the  top  spit.  '1  he 
roots  will  benefit  from  this  manure,  and  more 
particularly  in  dry  weather.  An  application  of 
soot  may  be  worked  into  the  surface  soil  dur- 
ing the  season  the  plants  are  making  their 
growth.  Good  loam,  cow  manure,  and  soot  are 
the  chief  necessities  for  Carnation  roots,  but 
sharp  sand  or  road  grit  may  be  added  if  the 
loam  is  of  a  heavy  nature. 


the  borders  with  clear  water,  and  follow  this  by 
a  liberal  application  of  dilute,  farmyard-manure 
water.  If  the  vines  have  been  unsatisfactory 
through  shanking,  or  they  have  failed  to  finish 
their  crops  properly,  some  renovation  will  be 
necessary.  Assuming  that  there  are  indoor  and 
outdoor  borders,  the  inside  borders  may  be  dealt 
with  at  the  present  time,  without  interfering  with 
the  prospects  of  the  crop  this  season.  The  de- 
tails of  the  renovation  of  such  borders  were  fully 
explained  by  Mr.  T.  Coomber  in  this  column  a 
few  weeks  ago.  See  pp.  392  (Dec.  5)  and  71 
(Feb.  1),  1908. 


FRUITS  UNDER  GLASS. 

By  E.  Harriss,  Fruit  Foreman,  Royal  Gardens,  Frogmore. 

Early  Peach  and  Nectarine  trees  in  pots. — In 
gardens  where  only  limited  conveniences  exist 
for  the  forcing  of  fruit,  the  cultivation  of 
early  Peaches  and  Nectarines  in  pots  has 
much  to  recommend  it.  A  longer  supply 
of  ripe  fruits  may  be  thus  maintained, 
which  is  a  consideration  of  the  greatest  im- 
portance in  districts  where  Peaches  cannot  be 
successfully  cultivated  out-of-doors.  Trees  which 
were  started  in  December  should  now  be  in 
flower.  Therefore  the  atmosphere  of  the  house 
should  be  kept  moderately  dry,  and  the  flowers 
should  be  pollinated  in  the  middle  of  the  day 
by  passing  a  rabbit's  tail  carefully  over  them. 
Ventilate  the  house  during  favourable  weather, 
but  exercise  care  to  prevent  draughts  of  cold 
air.  As  soon  as  the  fruits  have  set,  any  shoots 
not  required  for  the  extension  of  the  trees  may 
be  pinched  hard  back.  When  and  where  the 
permanent  shoots  must  be  stopped  will  be  gov- 
erned by  a  study  of  the  formation  of  the  tree. 
Should  there  set  a  large  surplus  of  fruits,  some 
of  those  which  are  badly  placed  may  be  re- 
moved, but  the  final  thinning  of  the  fruits 
should  be  deferred  until  the  stoning  stage  is 
past.  Syringe  the  trees  twice  each  day  during 
fine  weather,  and  damp  the  walls  and  paths  in 
the  house  at  frequent  intervals.  Should  aphis 
appear  on  the  foliage,  the  house  may  be  lightly 
fumigated.  As  soon  as. it  can  be  seen  that  the 
fruits  are  commencing  to  swell,  occasional  ap- 
plication of  diluted  liquid  manure  may  be  given. 
Weak  soot  water  is  also  beneficial. 

Early  Peach  trees  in  borders. — Let  disbudding 
be  commmenced  as  soon  as  the  shoots  are  large 
enough  to  handle.  It  is  a  good  plan  to  disbud 
once  just  before  the  trees  come  into  flower,  so 
that  it  will  not  be  necessary  to  repeat  the  opera- 
tion until  that  stage  is  past.  About  half  the 
shoots  may  be  removed  at  the  first  operation, 
taking  care  to  leave  one  or  two  shoots  as  near 
to  the  base  of  the  bearing  wood  as  possible,  and 
another  at  the  point  of  the  shoot.  When  the 
trees  are  in  flower  keep  the  atmosphere  of  the 
house  in  the  condition  recommended  for  the  pot 
trees  ;  pollinate  the  flowers,  especially  those  on 
the  upper  sides  of  the  branches.  Before  the 
flowering  stage  is  reached  the  borders  should 
be  examined,  and,  if  they  need  moisture,  a  tho- 
rough application  of  clear,  tepid  water  should  be 
given.  Fumigate  the  house  just  before  the  trees 
come  into  bloom.  The  atmospheric  tempera- 
ture at  night  should  be  50°  to  55°,  varying  ac- 
cording to  the  weather,  allowing  a  rise  of  about 
5°  during  the  day.  During  sunny  weather  the 
temperature  may  even  rise,  to  80°,  provided  the 
ventilators  are  open  at  the  time.  A  little  air  may 
be  admitted  through  the  top  ventilators  during 
the  night. 

Strawberries. — When  the  flower-spikes  can  be 
seen  the  plants  should  be  removed  to  a  warmer 
house,  placing  them  near  to  the  glass.  After  that 
stage  has  been  reached,  liberal  applications  of 
liquid  manure,  alternated  by  some  approved 
fertiliser,  should  be  given  two  or  three  times 
each  week,  except  during  the  time  the  fruits 
are  setting.  At  this  season  of  the  year  Straw- 
berry flowers  need  to  be  pollinated  very  care- 
fully with  a  camel-hair  brush.  Keep  the  atmo- 
sphere dry  and  admit  air  when  possible.  The 
minimum  atmospheric  temperature  should  be 
60°. 

Late  vines. — Now  that  the  fruit  has  been 
cleared  from  the  latest  vines,  the  borders  will 
need  some  attention.  If  the  crops  have  been 
satisfactory,  it  will  be  sufficient  evidence  that  the 
roots  are  in  good  order.     In  such  a  case,  water 


PLANTS    UNDER  GLASS. 

By  A.  C,  Bartlett,  Gardener  to  Mrs.  Ford,  Pencarrow, 
Cornwall. 

Chrysanthemums. — As  soon  as  any  cuttings  are 
sufficiently  rooted  let  them  be  removed  from  the 
propagating  frame.  During  the  first  few  days 
after  their  removal  from  the  atmosphere  of  the 
propagating  frame  the  newly-rooted  plants  will 
be  very  susceptible  to  draught,  therefore  place 
them  for  a  short  time  in  a  temporary  frame, 
which  should  first  be  given  a  layer  of  the  same 
material  as  that  in  which  the  pots  were  pre- 
viously plunged,  whether  cocoanut  fibre,  refuse 
or  ashes.  Later,  the  little  plants  may  be  placed 
with  earlier  ones  in  a  brick  pit  that  can  be 
securely  protected  on  frosty  nights.  It  is  time 
to  insert  cuttings  to  furnish  plants  for  general 
decorative  work.  If  it  can  be  avoided,  neither 
weakly  shoots  nor  those  which  have  flower-buds 
upon  them  should  be  used  for  this  purpose,  but 
instead,  sturdy  growths  which  appear  as  suckers 
from  the  base  of  the  old  plants. 

Carnations. — Inspect  frequently  the  plants  of 
Souvenir  de  la  Malmaison  for  the  purpose  of 
removing  any  portions  of  leaves  which  show 
signs  of  the  rust  fungus.  This  is  the  best  way 
to  eradicate  the  disease  from  the  collection,  but 
care  must  be  taken  to  burn  the  infected  leaves 
directly  they  have  been  removed  from  the  plants. 
Fumigate  all  Carnation  plants  at  frequent  in- 
tervals, remembering  that  the  presence  of  a  few 
aphis  is  sufficient  to  disfigure  the  leaves.  Pro- 
pagation of  the  winter-flowering  kinds  may  be 
commenced  as  soon  as  good  cuttings  are  pro- 
curable, but  it  is  better  to  wait  for  a  month  than 
make  use  of  inferior  cuttings.  Insert  three  or 
four  cuttings  in  sandy  soil  around  the  sides  of 
a  3-inch  pot.  Unless  they  are  too  long,  the 
side  growths,  carefully  pulled  off  with  a  "  heel  " 
attached,  will  form  roots  more  easily  than  cut- 
tings made  in  the  ordinary  way.  Do  not  keep 
the  frame-lights  too  close  or  the  cuttings  will 
commence  to  grow  before  they  have  formed 
roots.  Do  not  allow  the  bottom  heat  to  exceed 
60°  or  65°. 

Rickardia  africana. — It  being  impracticable  to 
fumigate  these  plants  in  the  show  house,  it  is 
necessary  to  watch  carefully  for  the  appearance 
of  green  fly,  and  to  sponge  them  from  the  ex- 
terior of  the  spathes  before  they  unfold.  Make 
frequent  applications  of  liquid  manure  to  the 
roots. 

Dormant  bulbs. — These  should  be  examined 
frequently  in  order  that  there  may  be  no  losses 
either  through  the  bulbs  being  in  too  dry  sur- 
roundings, or  by  any  precocious  individuals 
making  growth :  a  condition  which  calls  for 
their  removal  from  the  plunging  material. 
The  earliest  batches  of  Caladiums,  Gloxinias,  and 
Begonias  may  now  be  introduced  to  heat.  Many 
gardeners  obtain  good  results  by  at  once  putting 
the  tubers  into  pots  and  using  ordinary  compost, 
but  others  prefer  to  start  the  tubers  into  growth 
in  boxes  filled  chiefly  with  leafy  mould  and  sand. 
This  latter  method  is  to  be  preferred. 

Violets  in  frames. — One  of  the  most  essential 
requirements  of  Violets  is  fresh  air,  and  this 
must  be  frequently  supplied  to  the  plants  in 
frames,  whilst,  at  the  same  time,  cold  draughts 
are  prevented.  Remove  any  decaying  leaves  on 
any  that  show  signs  of  disease  as  soon  as  they  are 
observed,  and  stir  the  surface  soil  frequently. 
If  advantage  was  taken  of  the  mild  weather  at 
the  beginning  of  December  to  apply  a  copious 
watering,  no  further  water  will  be  needed  at  the 
present  time.  Blooms  which  are  required  for 
vases  should  be  gathered  before  they  are  fully 
expanded,  and,  if  they  are  placed  in  a  warm 
greenhouse  for  a  few  hours  after  being  gathered, 
they  will  develop  greater  perfume. 


January  iG,  1909.] 


THE     GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


39 


THE    ORCHID    HOUSES. 

By  \V,  H.  White,  Orchid  Grower  to  Sir  Tkevor  Lawrence 
Bart.,  Burford,  Surrey. 

Calanlhe,  Eulophia,  Cataselum,  &*c. — Plants  of 
the  Calanthe  vestita  section  will  now  be  passing 
out  of  flower.  Since  these  plants  require  a  period 
of  thorough  rest  as  soon  as  the  spikes  are  cut, 
they  should  be  placed  on  a  dry  shelf  or  in  some 
other  suitable  position.  Keep  them  well  up  to 
the  roof  glass  of  a  house  where  the  atmospheric 
temperature  at  night  is  maintained  at  about  til  - 
Afford  them  no  more  water  at  the  roots  until  new 
growths  develop  from  the  base  of  the  current  sea- 
son's pseudo-bulbs,  when  it  will  be  time  to  repot 
them.  The  Calanthes  of  the  Regnieri  section  like 
C.  Sanderiana,  and  C.  Stevensii,  now  opening 
their  flowers,  should  be  kept  just  moist  at  the 
roots  until  the  flowers  open,  when  water  should 
•  be  gradually  discontinued.  After  blooming,  the 
plants  require  the  same  resting  treatment  as 
those  of  the  C.  vestita  group.  Eulophia 
guineensis  and  E.  congoensis  should  be  rested 
with  the  Calanthes.  As  the  leaves  ripen  and 
fall  off  from  such  species  as  Catasetum,  Cyc- 
noches,  and  Mormodes,  let  these  plants  be  ele- 
vated to  the  lightest  position  available  in  the 
Cattleya  house.  Do  not  apply  water  at  the  roots 
until  growth  recommences,  unless  it  is  seen  that 
the  newly-made  pseudo-bulbs  are  commencing  to 
shrivel.  All  these  deciduous  plants  are  liable  to 
become  infested  with  white  and  brown  scale-in- 
sects while  at  rest,  therefore  they  should  be  peri- 
odically examined,  for  the  purpose  of  cleaning 
them  with  brush  and  sponge. 

Zygopetalum. — Plants  of  Z.  maxillare  that 
have  overgrown  the  blocks  of  Tree  Fern  upon 
which  they  were  imported,  must  now  be  given 
attention,  as  they  will  soon  be  starting  into 
growth.  Cut  away  as  much  of  the  old  block  as 
is  possible  without  causing  injury  to  the  roots  ; 
wire  the  remaining  part  with  the  plant  attached 

"to  a  new  piece  of  Tree  Fern.  Suspend  the  plant 
in  a  shady  position  in  the  intermediate  house, 
and  never  allow  it  to  become  in  the  least  dry. 
As  soon  as  '/..  Mackayi,  Z.  crinitum,  Z.  Murray- 
anum,  Z.  brachypetalum,  and  the  hybrid  Z. 
Wiganianum  pass  out  of  flower,  they  should  be 
repotted,    if   this    is    necessary.     Fibrous   loam, 

.peat,  chopped  Sphagnum-moss,  and  plenty  of 
small,  broken  crocks,  well  mixed  together,  form 
a  suitable  compost  for  them  to  root  in.  Pot  the 
plants  exactly  in  the  same  manner  as  for  an 
ordinary  stove  or  greenhouse  plant.  Such  varie- 
ties as  /..  Ballii,  Z.  leucochilum,  Z.  Clavi,  Z. 
Protheroeianum,  Z.  Burkei,  '/..  Perrenoudii,  and 

■  Z.   triste,   grow   and   root  well   in   a   mixture  of 

■  Osmunda  and  Polvpodium  fibre  in  equal  parts, 
with  the  addition  of  small  crocks.  The  same 
compost  will  suit  Z.  rostratum  and  Z.  Roeblingi- 
snum,  if  an  equal  ratio  of  chopped  Sphagnum- 
moss  be  added.  For  several  weeks  after  these 
plants  have  been  disturbed  by  repotting  much 
judgment  is  needed  in  affording  water,  it  being 
safer  to  err  rather  on  the  dry  than  on  the  wet  side. 
As  the  plants  become  re-established,  gradually 
increase  the  quantity  of  water  at  the  root  and  in 
the  atmosphere.  These  Zygopetalums  thrive 
best  when  arranged  together  in  a  shady  corner 
of  the  intermediate  house.  Small  yellow  thrips 
are  exceedingly  fond  of  the  young  growths,  and 
when  once  they  have  obtained  a  footing  low 
down  in  the  growths  thev  are  very  difficult  to 
eradicate.  As  a  preventive  against  attacks, 
•place  the  plants  at  least  once  a  week  in  a  house 
that  is  being  treated  with  a  nicotine  vaporising 

:  compound 


PUBLIC   PARKS   AND   GARDENS. 

By  J.  W.  Moorman,  Superintendent  of  Victoria  Park, 
London. 

Trees  and  shrubs  in  the  London  Parks. — It  is 
often  a  matter  of  comment  that  the  varieties  of 
trees  and  shrubs  in  our  London  parks  are  re- 
stricted to  a  few  genera  and  species.  This  is 
necessarily  so  because  many  desirable  plants  will 
not  succeed  in  a  smoke-laden  atmosphere,  or  be- 
cause the  soil  or  other  conditions  are  unsuited  to 
them.  This  is  especially  true  of  Conifers  gener- 
ally, and  in  the  more  central  parts  of  the  Metro- 
polis it  would  be  a  waste  of  time  and  money  to 
plant  them.  We  have  to  depend  mainly  upon 
deciduous  trees  for  inner-town  effects.  Any  form 
of  plant  life  that  possesses  rough  or  woolly  foli- 
age collects  the  soot  and  other  deleterious  sub- 
stances from  the  atmosphere,  which  soon  render 


the  plants  unhealthy.  In  addition  to  the  vari- 
ous forms  of  deciduous  trees  and  shrubs,  Ever- 
green shrubs  with  smooth  leaves  are  the  most 
suitable  for  town-planting. 

Some  good  shrubs  for  town-planting. — Aucuba 
japonica  in  all  its  forms  is,  without  exception,  the 
best  Evergreen  shrub  that  can  be  planted  in 
smoky  districts  ;  the  bushes  are  free  in  growth, 
soon  becoming  large-sized  specimens.  The 
male  and  female  plants  should  both  be  planted, 
as  this  is  necessary  for  the  production  of  the 
beautiful  scarlet  berries.  The  variegation  of  the 
foliage  is  not  so  handsome  as  in  the  case  of 
specimens  grown  under  more  favourable  sur- 
roundings, but  the  symmetry  of  habit,  together 
with  the  beautiful,  broad,  leathery  foliage,  places 
the  Aucuba  in  the  front  rank  of  all  other  Ever- 
greens. The  Skimmias  in  all  their  varieties 
are  also  desirable  town  shrubs.  The  dwarf, 
bushy  habit  makes  them  valuable  for  placing 
in  the  front  row  of  a  shrubbery  or  border.  The 
various  forms  of  Euonymus  are  also  useful,  and 
these  plants,  being  easily  propagated,  can  be 
freely  planted.  Box,  again,  does  splendidly  in 
town  parks,  where  the  large  bushes  with  shin- 
ing, Myrtle-like  leaves  are  always  attractive. 
The  Brooms,  including  Cytisus  albus  and  C. 
praecox,  find  many  admirers  in  spring,  when 
they  are  in  flower.  The  plants  in  a  few  years 
become  "  leggy  "  and  need  to  be  replaced  with 
young  specimens.  Olearia  Haastii  is  a  shrub 
that  flowers  freely  in  the  London  parks,  produc- 
ing clusters  of  miniature  white  flowers.  The 
Osmanthus  ilicifolius  adds  another  pleasing 
variety,  reminding  one  of  the  Holly  (Ilex  aqui- 
folium)  that  is  freely  employed  in  its  many 
handsome  forms.  The  large-leaved  Hollies,  such 
as  the  variety  Hodginsii,  are  far  superior  for 
town-planting  to  the  other  kinds ;  they  form 
large  pyramidal  trees.  There  are  several  varie- 
gated varieties  that  might  be  planted,  but  their 
beautiful  markings  are  spoiled  by  the  soot  and 
other  dirt  in  the  atmosphere.  Tamarix  gallica 
is  well  worthy  of  inclusion  in  the  list  of  useful 
shrubs.  Yucca  gloriosa  and  other  species  suc- 
ceed and  flower  well  with  us.  They  form  beau- 
tiful plants,  thriving  in  almost  any  situation, 
and  remain  objects  of  interest  for  many  years. 
The  common  Laurel  (Prunus  Laurocerasus)  is 
one  of  the  freest  growing  and  most  useful  Ever- 
greens, but  the  environment  of  a  town  causes  it 
to  lack  that  free  and  luxuriant  growth  that 
characterises  it  under  more  suitable  conditions. 


THE  HARDY  FRUIT  GARDEN. 

By  J.  G.  Weston,  Gardener  to  H.  1.  King,  Esq.,  Eastwell 
Park,  Kent. 

Tht  propagation  of  bush  fruits. — It  is  advis- 
able to  propagate  a  number  of  Gooseberry  and 
Currant  bushes  each  year  in  order  to  make  good 
any  gaps  in  existing  plantations  or  to  form 
additional  plantings.  Cuttings  of  the  Black  Cur- 
rant require  rather  different  preparation  from 
those  of  White  or  Red  Currants  or  Gooseberries. 
Select  strong,  well-ripened  shoots  about  12  to 
18  inches  in  length,  and  with  a  sharp  knife  make 
a  clean,  straight  cut  across  the  base  of  the  cut- 
ting directlv  under  a  node  (joint).  Cut  the 
weak  end  of  the  shoot  off  at  the  top  and  insert 
the  cutting  without  removing  any  of  the  buds. 
This  latter  point  is  important,  as  the  best  fruits 
are  always  borne  on  young  wood,  and,  if  the 
cuttings  are  prepared  as  I  have  recom- 
mended, there  will  be  young  growths  pro- 
duced every  year  from  the  ground,  this  being  in 
every  way  desirable.  The  cuttings  should  be  in- 
serted firmly  in  the  ground  to  a  depth  of  four 
or  six  inches.  Almost  any  position  will  suffice 
for  the  cuttings,  but  a  shady  border  sheltered 
from  drying  winds  is  best.  The  three  best  varie- 
ties are  Boskoop  Giant,  Lee's  Prolific,  and  Black 
Naples. 

Gooseberry  and  Red  Currant. — Cuttings  of  these 
should  have  the  buds  removed  on  two-thirds  of 
the  length,  leaving  an  upper  portion  of  four  to 
six  inches  long  to  form  the  foundation  of  the 
future  bush.  If  the  removal  of  the  lower  buds 
is  neglected,  the  production  of  suckers  will  prove 
a  perpetual  cource  of  trouble,  especially  in  the 
case  of  Gooseberries.  Excellent  varieties  of 
Red  Currants  include  Comet,  La  Versaillaise, 
Mammoth,  and  Red  Dutch,  with  Raby  Castle 
and  La  Constante  for  the  latest  crops.  The 
varieties  of  Gooseberries  are  so  numerous  that 
it  is  inconvenient  to  enumerate  a  selection  here, 


but,  in  some  of  the  best  catalogues,  the  nurserv- 
men  have  published  lists  of  varieties  best  suited 
for  special  purposes. 

General  work. — During  frosty  weather  manure 
may  be  wheeled  upon  the  fruit  quarters,  allow- 
ing it  to  remain  in  heaps  until  pruning  is  com- 
pleted, when  it  may  be  spread  over  the  ground 
and  forked  in  amongst  the  trees.  If  any  graft- 
ing has  to  be  done  later,  let  the  trees  to  be 
grafted  be  headed  down  at  the  present  time,  leav- 
ing the  branches  sufficiently  long  to  allow  an- 
other few  inches  to  be  cut  off  them  immediately 
prior  to  the  grafting.  The  requisite  scions  should 
be  prepared  now  and  laid  in  the  soil  in  a  cool 
and  shady  border.  They  will  keep  perfectly 
fresh  in  such  conditions  until  they  are  wanted. 


THE    KITCHEN    GARDEN. 

By  E.  Beckett,  Gardener  to  the  Hon.  Vicary  Gibbs, 
Aldenham  House,  Elstree,  Hertfordshire. 

French  Beans. — As  the  days  lengthen  there  wilt 
be  less  cause  for  anxiety  regarding  the  success 
of  these  plants.  A  maximum  temperature  of 
60°  and  a  minimum  of  about  55°  will  suit  them, 
admirably.  Place  them  in  the  lightest  position 
possible,  and  see  that  the  roof  glass  is  kept 
thoroughly  clean.  Maintain  a  moist  atmosphere, 
otherwise  the  foliage  will  become  infested  with 
red  spider.  Liquid  manure  should  be  applied 
every  alternate  watering  to  those  plants  which 
are  fruiting,  and  they  may  be  syringed 
thoroughly  in  the  mornings  and  early  afternoons 
with  tepid  water.  Damp  the  paths  with  farm- 
yard manure  water  last  thing  in  the  afternoon. 
Further  sowings  should  be  made  in  7  or  8-inch 
pots  in  a  considerable  heat.  Support  the 
young  plants  with  neat  stakes  immediatelv 
they  require  it,  and  stop  the  points  of  the 
growths  soon  after  they  have  made  the  first  seed 
leaf.  This  will  cause  them  to  make  two  side 
breaks,  and  the  plants  in  consequence  will  be 
kept  dwarf. 

Cucumbers. — Plants  that  were  raised  last  month 
and  have  been  potted  into  6-inch  pots  may  be 
planted  out  on  a  mild  hot-bed.  At  this  season 
of  the  year  it  is  necessary  to  use  a  compost  of 
lighter  materials  than  might  be  recommended 
later.  Let  it  therefore  consist  of  decayed  leaf- 
mould  and  a  light,  fibrous  loam  in  equal  parts, 
adding  a  little  finely-broken  charcoal.  Place  a 
neat  stake  to  each  plant  in  order  to  conduct  the 
growth  to  the  trellis.  The  atmospheric  tempera- 
ture should  range  from  60J  to  70°,  varying  in 
accordance  with  the  weather.  Syringe  the 
foliage  twice  each  day  with  water  which  has 
been  warmed  to  the  temperature  of  the  house. 
Pinch  out  the  point  from  the  growth  directly  it 
has  reached  the  first  wire.  Plants  in  bearing 
should  have  as  many  of  the  old  shoots  cut  out 
as  can  be  spared,  it  being  necessary  to  train  in 
as  much  young  growth  as  possible.  Be  careful 
to  avoid  over-cropping  the  plants.  Cut  the 
fruits  as  soon  as  they  are  fit  for  use,  placing  tie 
ends  in  water.  If  any  red  spider  is  noticed  on 
the  plants,  carefully  sponge  the  foliage  with 
water  and  soft  soap.  Vaporise  the  house  occa- 
sionally with  a  nicotine  vaporising  compound  to 
prevent  attacks  of  thrip  and  aphis.  The  roots 
will  need  a  surface  dressing  of  light  loam  and 
leaf-mould.  Do  not  allow  them  to  suffer  for 
want  of  moisture.  Make  further  sowings  of 
some  reliable  varieties  in  3-inch  pots  and  raise 
the  plants  over  a  brisk  bottom  heat. 

Broad  Beans. — Seeds  may  now  be  sown  in 
boxes,  placing  the  Beans  2,  inches  apart  each 
way.  Place  the  boxes  in  a  cool  house  or  frame. 
The  plants  will  eventually  be  used  for  produc- 
ing a  very  early  crop  in  the  open.  The  long- 
podded  varieties  such  as  Leviathan.  Aquadulce, 
and  Mammoth  Long  Pod  are  much  to  be  pre- 
ferred to  the  older,  sinall-podded  varieties. 

Radishes. — Sow  seeds  of  Radishes  at  intervals 
of  a  fortnight  or  so  on  mild  hot-beds.  If  they 
are  not  allowed  to  become  overcrowded  they  will 
develop  crisp  roots  that  will  sure  to  meet  with 
appreciation. 

Cauliflowers. — Seedlings  raised  last  month  of 
such  varieties  as  Early  Forcing,  Magnum 
Bonum,  and  Early  Giant  should  now  be  pricked 
out  into  box<-s,  the  plants  being  placed  at  dis- 
tances of  3  inches  apart.  Make  another  sowing 
of  the  same  sort  in  a  gentle  heat. 


40 


THE     GARDENERS*    CHRONICLE. 


[January  16,  1909. 


EDITORIAL   NOTICE. 


ADVERTISEMENTS  should  be  sent  to  the  PUB- 
LISHER, 4i,  Wellington  Street,  Covent  Garden, 
W.C. 

Letters  tor  Publication,  as  well  as  specimens  of  plants 
for  naming,  should  be  addressed  to  the  EDITOR, 
41,   Wellington  Street,   Covent  Garden,    London. 

Communications  should  be  written  on  one  side  only  of 
the  paper,  sent  as  early  in  the  week  as  possible  and  duly 
signed  by  the  writer.  If  desired,  the  signature  will  not  be 
Printed,  but  kept  as  a  guarantee  of  good  faith. 

Special  Notice  to  Correspondents.—  The  Editor  does  not 
•undertake  to  pay  for  any  contributions  or  illustrations,  or 
to  return  unused  communications  or  illustrations,  unless  by 
special  arrangement.  The  Editor  does  not  hold  himself 
responsible  for  any  opinions  expressed  by  his  correspondents. 

Illustrations.-  The  Editor  will  be  glad  to  receive  and  to  select 
photographs  or  drawings,  suitable  for  reproduction,  of 
gardens,  or  of  remarkable  plants,  flowers,  trees,  &c,  but  he 
cannot  be  responsible  for  lossor  injury. 

Local  News.— Correspondents  will  greatly  oblige  bysendingto 
the  Editor  early  intelligence  of  local  events  likely  to  be  of 
interest  to  our  readers,  or  of  any  matters  which  it  is  desirable 
to  bring  under  the  notice  of  horticulturists. 


APPOINTMENTS  FOR  THE  ENSUING  WEEK. 

WEDNESDAY,  JANUARY  20— 
Roy.  Meteorological  Soc.  meet. 

THURSDAY,  JANUARY  21— 

Gard.  Roy.  Benev.  Inst.  Ann.  Meet,  and  Election  of 
Pensioners  at  Simpson's  Restaurant,  Strand,  2.45  p.m. 
Linnean  Soc.  meet.    Ann.  meet.  Brighton  and  Sussex 
Hort.  Soc. 
SATURDAY,  JANUARY  23— 

Ann.  Dinner  Soc.  Franc.  d'Hort.  de  Londres  at  Cafe 
Royal,  Regent  Street,  W. 


Average    Mean    Temperature    for    the    ensuing    week, 
deduced  from  observations  during  the  last  Fifty  Years 
at  Greenwich— 38-7°. 
Actual  Temperatures: — 

London.—  Wednesday,  January  13  (6  p.m.):  Mas.  46°; 
Min.  36". 
Gardeners'  Chronicle  Office.  41,  Wellington  Street, 
Covent  Garden,  London—  Thursday,  January 
14  (10  a.m.):  Bar.  293 ;  Temp.  45"  ;  Weather— 
Sunshine. 
Provinces.—  Wednesday,  January  13  (6  p.m.):  Max.  48° 
Cornwall ;  Min.  35°  North  Scotland. 


SALES    FOR    THE     ENSUING    WEEK. 

MONDAY  and  FRIDAY  NEXT- 

Border  Plants  and  Perennials,  Hardy  Bulbs,  Lilies, 
Azaleas,  &c,  at  12.  Roses  and  Fruit  Trees  at  1.30,  at 
67  &  68,  Cheapside,  EX.,  by  Protheroe  &  Morris. 

WEDNESDAY  NEXT— 

Herbaceous  and  Border  Plants,  Bulbs,  Liliums,  Spiraeas, 
&c,  at  12.  Roses  and  Fruit  Trees  at  1.30.  Palms, 
Azaleas,  &c,  at  6,  at  67  &  68,  Cheapside,  E.C.,  by 
Protheroe  &  Morris. 

FRIDAY  NEXT— 

An  importation  of  Burmese  Dendrobes  in  variety, 
established  Orchids  in  variety,  at  67  &  68,  Cheapside, 
E.C.,  by  Protheroe  &  Morris. 


Attention  was  drawn  in  our  issue 

Rubber     of    October    3    last,    to    the   de- 
Cutture  ,  f  .  .      ,   a         ,    , 

in  Ceylon*  velopments  which  have  taken 
place  during  recent  years  in  the 
cultivation  of  rubber  plants.  It  was 
pointed  out  how  largely  these  develop- 
ments have  been  due  to  the  activities  of 
the  Government  Botanic  Departments  in 
various  parts  of  the  world.  Although  the 
cultivation  of  rubber  is  being  prosecuted  with 
zeal  in  the  tropical  possessions  of  other 
nations,  it  is  gratifying  to  be  able  to  record 
that  the  pioneer  work  was  carried  on  within 
the  British  Empire.  The  lirst  important  step 
was  the  introduction  to  Ceylon  and  elsewhere 
of  the  supplies  collected  by  Mr.  H.  A.  Wick- 
ham  in  the  Amazon  Valley  and  brought  to 
Kew  under  circumstances  of  considerable 
difficulty.  The  expense  of  Mr.  Wickham's 
expedition  was  borne  by  the  Government  of 
India,  but,  as  Ceylon  seemed  to  offer  more 
suitable  conditions,  the  young  plants  were 
despatched  thither,  and  later  this  colony 
acted  as  the  distributing  centre  for  other 
British  possessions.  The  staff  of  the-Ceylon 
Botanic  Gardens,  moreover,  carried  out  ex- 
perimental work  and  mack  discoveries  which 
were,  in  a  large  measure,  instrumental  in 
securing  for  rubber  cultivation  the  position 
of  a  profitable  industry. 


The  world's  annual  output  of  rubber  is  now 
about  69,000  tons,  of  which  amount  tropical 
America  contributes  some  64  per  cent.,  tropi- 
cal Africa  34  per  cent.,  and  tropical  Asia  the 
remaining  2  per  cent.  The  tropical  American 
yield  is  credited  in  the  main  to  three  plants, 
Hevea  brasiliensis  (Para  rubber),  Manihot 
Glaziovii  (Ceara  rubber),  and  Castilloa  elas- 
tica  (Central  American  rubber).  Other  species 
of  Hevea  and  various  species  of  the  allied 
genus  Sapium  probably  also  contribute  to  the 
output  of  "  Para  rubber."  More  than  one 
species  of  rubber-producing  Castilloa  have 
also  been  recognised,  and  recent  observations 
point  to  there  being  other  useful  species  of 
Manihot  besides  M.  Glaziovii.  The  three 
plants  mentioned  may,  however,  be  regarded 
as  being  the  main  sources  of  American 
rubber.  They  have  all  been  introduced  into 
Ceylon,  and  we  may  consider  separately  their 
histories  in  the  colony. 

Of  Hevea  brasiliensis.  a  supply  of  some 
2,000  young  plants  was  received  in  Ceylon  in 
1876,  transmitted  from  Kew  in  39  Wardian 
cases.  These  plants  had  been  raised  from 
the  seed  collected  by  Mr.  Wickham  in  the 
Amazon  Valley.  A  special  garden  was  pre- 
pared for  their  reception  at  Heveratgoda  in 
the  low,  moist  country,  and  some  were 
also  planted  at  Peradeniya,  about  1,500  feet 
elevation.  The  plants  succeeded  very  well. 
Heveratgoda  soon  supplied  plants  to  widely 
distant  parts  of  the  tropics,  at  first  from 
cuttings  and  later  from  seed.  As  the  plants 
became  old  enough  to  yield  rubber — usually 
about  their  sixth  year— experimental  tap- 
pings were  commenced.  To  this  end  V- 
shaped  incisions  were  made  in  the  bark  of 
the  young  trees,  and  the  exuding  latex  col- 
lected in  cups  of  cocoanut  shell  placed  at  the 
base  of  each  trunk.  In  this  manner  the  late 
Dr.  Trimen,  F.R.S.,  the  then  Director  of 
the  Gardens,  obtained  from  one  tree,  during 
six  years,  by  tappings  made  in  18.SN,  1890, 
1892  and  1894,  a  yield  of  over  10A  lb.  of  good, 
dry  rubber.  A  definite  step  forward  resulted 
from  the  experimental  work  of  Dr.  J.  C. 
Willis,  the  present  Director  of  the  Ceylon 
Botanical  Gardens,  and  Mr.  J.  C.  Parkin, 
who  carried  out  the  investigations  from  1897 
onwards.  They  discovered  the  existence  of 
the  phenomenon  known  as  "  wound  re- 
sponse." It  was  found  that  if  a  definite 
region  of  the  bark  was  tapped  several  times 
at  shin!  intervals  the  yield  of  rubber 
increased  considerably  at  each  tapping. 
Many  methods  of  coagulation  of  the  latex 
were  also  tried,  resulting  in  the  preparation 
of  the  now  familiar  thin  "  biscuits."  The  net 
result  was  to  show  that  Para  rubber  culti- 
vation in  Ceylon  might  be  looked  upon  as  a 
reasonably  profitable  industry.  Planting 
made  such  rapid  strides  that,  at  the  present 
time,  there  are  in  the  colony  some  180,000 
acres  under  rubber  crops.  Definite  evidence 
of  the  progress  of  the  industry  is  afforded  by 
the  increase  in  amount  and  value  of  the  ex- 
ports of  rubber  from  Ceylon  during  the  past 
seven  years.  Whereas,  in  1900,  the  quantity 
of  rubber  exported  from  the  colony  was  but 
8,223  lbs.,  of  £859  in  value,  by  1908  it  had 
increased  to  upwards  of  three-quarters  of  a 
million  pounds,  anil  was  valued  at  .£195,475;. 
It  was  thought  at  Ills',  that  Para  rubber 
would  not  succeed  in  Ceylon  at  elevations 
greater  than  about  500  feet,  but  the  tree  has 


since  proved  to  do  well  at  heights  even  ex- 
ceeding 2,000,  and  probably  3,000  feet  should 
be  regarded  as  the  limiting  altitude  in  the 
colony.  The  tree  will  grow  at  much  higher 
elevations,  but  would  not  be  likely  to  prove 
profitable. 

The  history  of  Hevea  cultivation  in  Ceylon 
affords  an  excellent  example  of  the  usefulness 
of  Botanic  Gardens  equipped  with  proper 
facilities  for  the  carrying  out  of  experimental 
work.  If  the  Ceylon  Gardens  had  done  no- 
thing else  during  their  history  than  establish 
this  industry  they  would  have  more  than  jus- 
tified their  existence.  But,  in  addition,  they 
were,  as  is  well  known,  the  means  of  intro- 
ducing coffee,  tea,  and  cinchona,  to  take  only 
the  more  striking  instances,  all  of  which 
plants  have  played  important  parts  in  the 
economic  history  of  Ceylon. 

Ceara  rubber  (Manihot  Glaziovii),  another 
South  American  tree,  was  introduced  into 
Ceylon  by  Kew  in  1S77,  the  supplies  of  seeds 
and  plants  having  been  obtained  by  Mr. 
Cross.  By  1883  as  many  as  977  acres  were 
reported  as  being  under  this  plant.  The  yield 
of  rubber,  however,  was  very  disappointing, 
and,  with  the  rapid  development  of  the  tea 
industry  about  this  period,  the  cultivation  of 
the  Ceara-rubber  tree  fell  into  neglect. 
The  Para  rubber  tree  afterwards  gave  more 
promising  results  and  interest  was  transferred 
to  it.  Recently,  however,  it  has  been  shown 
that  rubber  of  very  high  value  can  be  pre- 
pared in  Ceylon  from  the  Manihot,  and  it  is 
not  improbable  that,  in  the  future,  it  will  be 
grown  in  places  too  high  or  too  arid  for  the 
Para  rubber  tree  but  well  suited  to  the  more 
drought-loving  Ceiira  plant. 

Central  American  rubber  (Castilloa  elas- 
lica),  known  to  the  Spaniards  as  the  Ule,  was 
introduced  into  Ceylon  with  the  Para  rubber 
plants  in  1876.  It  was  grown  like  the  Para 
rubber  '  at  Peradeniya  and  Heveratgoda. 
Trees  are  now  distributed  about  the  island, 
but  they  have  not  been  cultivated  on  an 
extensive  scale,  and  comparatively  little  is 
known  as  to  the  yields  obtainable  from  this 
species  in  the  island,  although  experimental 
tappings  have  yielded  rubber  of  high  value. 

Amongst  other  rubber  trees  introduced  into 
Ceylon  are  the  Assam  rubber  tree  (Ficus 
elastica),  the  familiar  India-Rubber  plant  of 
this  country.  The  avenue  of  this  handsome 
tree  leading  into  the  Peradeniya  Gardens  is 
well  known  to  visitors  to  Ceylon,  the  curious 
buttress-roots  being  very  characteristic.  No 
serious  use  has  ever  been  made  in  the  island 
of  Ficus  elastica  as  a  rubber-producing  tree. 

From  Africa  there  have  also  been  intro- 
duced the  Lagos  silk  rubber  tree  (Funtumia 
elastica),  which  has  not  proved  successful 
owing  to  the  young  plants  being  very  liable 
to  defoliation  by  the  attacks  of  a  caterpillar, 
and  the  various  rubber  vines  (Landolphia 
spp.)  which,  from  their  climbing  habit,  are 
not  well  adapted  for  estate  cultivation. 


Linnean  Society. — The  next  general  meeting 
will  be  held  on  January  21,  at  8  p.m.  The  fol- 
lowing papers  will  be  read: — (1)  Mr.  Arthur 
W.  Hill,  "The  Genus  Nototriche,  Turcz  "  ;  (2) 
Dr.  Percy  Groom,  "  The  Longitudinal  Sym- 
metry of  Centrospermeae."  Dr.  Otto  Stapf, 
F.R.S.,  Sec.L.S.,  will  exhibit  a  peculiar  type 
of  Plagianthus  (Malvacese)  from  Western  Aus- 
tralia. 


January  16,  1909.] 


THE     GARDENERS'      CHRONICLE 


41 


The  Gardeners'  Royal  Benevolent  In- 
stitution. —  The  sixty-ninth  annual  general 
meeting  of  the  members  and  subscribers  of  this 
Institution  will  be  held  at  "Simpson's,"  101, 
Strand,  London,  on  Thursday  next,  January  21, 
at  2.45  p.m.,  for  the  purpose  of  receiving  the 
report  of  the  committee  and  the  accounts  of 
the  Institution  for  the  year  1908 ;  electing 
officers  for  the  year  1909 ;  and  for  the  elec- 
tion of  18  annuitants  on  the  funds.  Also  to  con- 
sider the  following  notice  of  motion  by  W.  A. 
BlLNEY,  Esq.,  J. P.  (honorary  solicitor)  : — "That 
every  person  having  attained  the  age  of  70  years 
who  is  in  receipt  of  an  annuity  from  the  Institu- 
tion and  is  eligible  for  a  Government  Old  Age 
Pension  of  less  than  the  maximum  allowance  of 
5s.  per  week,  or  whose  total  income  does  not 
exceed  £31  10s.  per  annum,  may  have  such 
charitable  annuity  reduced  as  the  committee  may 
determine  under  Rule  III.  6,  so  as  to  render 
him  or  her  eligible  to  apply  for  a  pension  on  the 
Government  scale,  provided  always  that  such 
reduction  does  not  involve  the  beneficiary  in  any 
pecuniary  loss."  The  chair  will  be  taken  by 
Harry  J.  Veitch,  Esq.,  Y.M.H.,  treasurer  and 
chairman  of  committee,  at  2.45  p.m.  The  poll 
will  be  open  at  three  o'clock  and  close  at  four 
o'clock  precisely,  after  which  hour  no  voting 
papers  will  be  received.  The  annual  friendly 
supper  will  be  held  also  at  "Simpson's"  at 
6  p.m.,  when  W.  J.  Jekferies,  Esq.,  of  Ciren- 
cester, will  preside. 

Royal      Meteorological      Society.  —  An 

ordinary  meeting  of  the  society  will  be  held  at 
the  Institution  of  Civil  Engineers,  Creat  George 
Street,  Westminster,  S.W.,  on  Wednesday,  Janu- 
ary 20,  at  7.30  p.m.  The  annual  general  meeting 
will  be  held  at  7.45  p.m.  An  address  on  "  Some 
Aims  and  Efforts  of  the  Society  "  will  be  given 
by  the  president,  Dr.  Hcgh  Rouert  Mill. 

Garden  Changes. -Mr.  T.  II.  Slade,  after 
managing  the  gardens  at  Poltimore,  near  Exe- 
ter, for  nearly  14  years,  is  seeking  a  re-engage- 
ment, owing  to  the  death  of  the  late  Lord 
Poltimore.  Mr.  Slade  is  well  known  to  our 
readers,  and  on  several  occasions  has  contributed 
to  our  weekly  Calendar.  During  the  time  he 
has  been  at  Poltimore  he  has  carried  out  many 
improvements.  He  has  also  shown  special  skill 
in  the  cultivation  of  Carnations,  and  in  the 
raising  of  seedling  varieties.  We  hope  Mr. 
Slade  will  soon  obtain  a  suitable  appointment. 
— Mr.  A.  B.  Wadds,  who  has  also  contributed  a 
weekly  Calendar  to  these  pages,  will  be  leaving 
Paddockhurst,  Sussex,  at  Easter.  He  has 
been  gardener  to  Sir  Weetman  D.  Pearson, 
Bart.,  for  the  past  ten  years. 

Florists  and  the  Factory  Acts.— An 
nouncements  have  recently  appeared  in  some 
of  the  papers  to  the  effect  that  certain  regula- 
tions, which  exempted  florists  from  the  opera- 
tion of  various  inconvenient  sections  contained 
in  the  Factory  Acts,  were  rescinded.  These 
statements  are  premature.  It  is  only  a  few 
of  the  regulations  referred  to  which  are  likely 
to  be  rescinded,  and  no  order  for  rescission 
has  yet  been  made.  When  the  anticipated  order 
is  issued  due  notice  of  the  fact  will  appear  i:i 
these  columns. 

Roses  Elaine  and  Refulgens. — These  new 
Roses,  of  which  illustrations  have  been  pub- 
lished in  these  pages  during  the  past  season, 
are  home-raised  varieties,  being  seedlings  of 
Messrs.  ffii.  Paul  &  Son,  Waltham  Cross,  who 
exhibited  and  obtained  awards  for  them  at  the 
R.1I  S.  meetings.  We  draw  especial  attention 
to  them  now,  because  in  the  article  on  page  19 
in  last  week's  issue  these  particulars  were  not 
given.  Elaine  is  a  H.T.  variety  and  Refulgens  a 
hybrid  Sweet  Briar. 


Germination  of  the  Strangling  Figs.— 

It  is  well  known  that  many  of  the  tropical 
species  of  Ficus  behave  in  their  seedling  and 
juvenile  stages  as  epiphytes  :  that  is,  they  grow 
upon  other  trees,  in  the  crevices  of  which  the 
seeds  lodge  and  germinate.  When  grow- 
ing in  this  way  roots  are  produced  by  the  seed- 
ling, and  they  extend  downwards  till  they  pene- 
trate the  soil ;  whilst  in  some  forms  other  gird- 
ling  roots  embrace  the  trunk  of  the  host.  As  soon 
as  the  roots  have  reached  the  soil  their  upper 
aerial  parts  thicken  rapidly,  and  roots  in  contact 
with  each  other  coalesce  by  a  sort  of  inarch- 
ing. In  this  way  they  soon  enclose  the  host- 
tree  in  a  hollow  network,  the  meshes  of  which 
may  become  obliterated  as  growth  proceeds. 
The  unfortunate  tree  thus  included  may  perish 
by  strangulation  if  it  happens  to  be  one  that 
increases  in  girth,  and  even  if  it  does  not  thicken, 
e.g.,    a     palm,     it     may    be    killed     ultimately 


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[Photograph  by  H.  M.  MacmiUan. 

Fig.  26. — ficus  parasitica  strangling  a 
tree  of  elaeis  guineensis. 

by  the  shade  produced  by  the  Fig.  Some- 
times these  Figs  will  grow  as  ordinary  trees 
directly  from  the  ground,  without  the  support 
derived  from  other  plants,  but  in  certain  species 
this  only  occurs  when  the  Fig  is  growing  fully 
exposed  to  light  in  the  open  country.  Professor 
Beney  has  made  the  interesting  observation  that, 
in  the  case  of  Ficus  aurea,  the  seeds  will  not 
germinate  unless  exposed  to  light,  and  thus  this 
plant  can  only  establish  itself  in  the  forest  when 
the  seeds  fall,  or  are  deposited,  upon  the  upper 
branches  of  the  forest  canopy.  Other  species, 
e.g.,  F.  populnea,  are  less  exigent  as  regards 
light,  though  their  seeds  also  germinate  more 
quickly  in  light  than  in  darkness.  In  corre- 
spondence with  this,  these  species  do  not  always 
grow  as  epiphytes,  even  in  the  forest.  The 
illustration    in    fig.    26    shows    Ficus    parasitica 


upon  Elaeis  guineensis,  the  Oil  Palm  of 
West  Tropical  Africa,  in  the  Botanic  Garden, 
Peradeniya,  Ceylon.  Ficus  parasitica  is  com- 
mon throughout  the  eastern  Tropics.  In  Ceylon 
it  is  found  throughout  the  moist  region  up  to 
about  4,000  feet  elevation.  It  is  a  parasitic 
weed  in  the  Peradeniya  Botanic  Gardens. 

Mr.    W.     Botting    Hemsley,    F.R.S.— Mr. 

Hemsley  desires  it  to  be  known  that,  having 
retired  from  the  Kew  Herbarium,  his  address 
will  be  24,  Southfield  Gardens,  Strawberry  Hill, 
Middlesex. 

"Willings  Press  Guide."— We  have  re- 
ceived the  edition  of  this  guide  for  1909.  It 
contains  an  alphabetical  list  of  the  principal 
periodicals  published  in  this  country.  In  addi- 
tion, the  periodicals  are  classified  according  to 
interest,  professions,  trades,  religious  denomina- 
tions, sciences,  and  subjects.  Those  published 
in  London  are  divided  into  morning,  evening, 
weekly,  monthly,  quarterly,  and  so  on.  There 
is  also  a  list  of  the  provincial  papers,  divided 
into  counties,  and  a  list  of  the  London  addresses 
of  Colonial  and  foreign  newspapers.  Altogether 
it  is  a  most  useful  Press  guide. 

"Le  Chrysantheme,"  the  journal  of  the 
Societe  Francaise  des  Chrysanthemistes  (No. 
109,  1908),  contains  many  matters  of  in- 
terest. The  number  opens  with  a  brief  history 
of  the  flower,  in  which  it  is  suggested  that  the 
Chrysanthemum  as  we  know  it  is  of  Chinese 
rather  than  of  Japanese  origin,  though  promi- 
nence is  given  to  the  conviction  of  M.  Hayashi 
(Journal  Royal  Horticultural  Society,  December, 
1906)  that  varieties  similar  to  those  at  present  in 
cultivation  may  be  obtained  by  hybridisation  of 
the  wild  species  native  to  Japan.  Among  the 
other  subjects  dealt  with  in  the  number  are 
methods  of  cultivation  and  of  selection ;  the 
types  common  now  in  Japan  ;  and  the  progress 
made  in  the  flo.wer  during  the  past  25  years. 

The  Extermination  of  Goats  in  the 
Territory  of  Hawaii.— It  is  interesting  to 
Englishmen  to  learn  that  those  in  charge  of  the 
forest  reserves  of  Hawaii  are  urging  upon  the 
legislature  of  that  territory  the  need  for  the  ex- 
termination of  the  goat  within  the  established 
forest  reserves.  The  recommendation  recalls  a 
famous  episode  in  the  history  of  St.  Helena.  The 
forests  of  that  island  were  once  rich  in  Kbony. 
Goats  were  introduced,  and,  becoming  natural- 
ised, increased  in  such  numbers  as  to  threaten 
the  life  of  the  forest  trees.  But  goats  were  a 
very  marketable  commodity,  securing,  as  they 
did,  a  high  price  from  ships  of  call.  Those  on 
the  spot,  recognising  the  extent  to  which  the 
gnats  were  damaging  the  forest,  petitioned  for 
permission  to  destroy  them.  They  received  the 
laconic  reply,  "  Goats  are  more  valuable  than 
Ebony."  The  goat  was  spared,  the  forest 
spoiled,  and  thus  the  permanent  source  of 
revenue  was  sacrificed  to  the  transient  source, 
for,  after  the  destruction  of  the  forest,  the  goat 
industry   could   not   long    survive. 


TREES  AND  SHRUBS. 


THE  WITCH-HAZELS. 
The  most  valuable  additions  within  recent 
years  to  trees  or  shrubs  that  flower  even  before 
winter  is  past  are  the  Asiatic  forms  of  Hama- 
melis.  The  oldest  of  these,  H.  arborea,  is  stated 
in  the  Dictionary  of  Gardening  to  have  been  in- 
troduced in  1862,  but  when  it  was  awarded  a 
First-class  Certificate  by  the  Royal  Horticul- 
tural Society  in  February,  1881,  it  was  then  very 
little  known.  Previous  to  the  introduction  of 
that  species,  the  only  Hamamelis  in  gardens  was 
II.  virginica,  native  of  a  considerable  tract  of 
country  in  the  United  States,  from  whence  it  was 


42 


THE     GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


[January   1G,  1909. 


introduced  in  1736.  Examples  are  often  to  be 
seen  in  old-fashioned  gardens,  but  it  is  the  least 
showy  member  of  the  genus,  the  starry  flowers, 
which  are  borne  in  considerable  numbers  in  the 
autumn,  being  of  a  dull  brownish-yellow  tint. 

Hamamelis  arborea.— This  old-world  species 
is  the  largest  growing  member  of  the  genus.  In 
this  country  its  usual  habit  is  to  form  a  decided 
leading  shoot,  while  numerous  side  branches  are 
pushed  out  in  a  more  or  less  irregular  manner. 
The  long,  strap-shaped  petals  which  go  to  form 
a  starry  flower  are  peculiarly  crinkled  and  of  a 
bright  orange-yellow  colour.  The  rich  purple 
of  the  calyx  is  also  another  notable  feature  of 
this  species.  On  a  bright,  clear  day  in  late 
winter  or  early  spring  this  Hamamelis,  with  the 
sun  shining  on  it,  stands  cut  like  a  golden  cloud. 
If  sprays  are  cut  and  placed  in  water  the  buds 
will  develop  and  the  expanded  blossoms  last  for 
some  time. 

H.    japonica. — The   flowers   of   this   species 
resemble  those  of   H.   arborea,  but  are  rather 


Gardens,  Kew,  brought  the  plant  to  notice.  How 
this  happened  it  is  difficult  to  imagine,  for  the 
large,  broadly-ovate  leaves  are  distinct  from 
those  of  any  other  species,  while  the  flowers  are 
larger  than  those  of  H.  arborea.  In  addition, 
the  petals  are  somewhat  broader,  and  instead  of 
being  crinkled  are  almost  straight,  with  hooked 
tips. 

The  order  Hamamelidacea;,  which  takes  its 
name  from  the  Hamamelis,  is  a  comparatively 
small  one,  the  best-known  hardy  members  of  it, 
beside  the  Witch-Hazels,  being  Parrotia  persica, 
Fothergilla  alnifolia,  Corylopsis  spicata,  Loro- 
petalum  chinense,  and  Liquidambar  styraciflua. 
W. 


FLORISTS'    FLOWERS. 

THE    CLASSIFICATION    OF    DAFFODILS. 

The  issue,  by  the  Narcissus  Committee  of  the 
Royal   Horticultural    Society,   of  the   classified 


FlG.   27. — THE    WHARF    HOUSE   ON    THE    HtDSOH    ESTATE. 


lighter  in  tint,  while  the  petals  are  not  quite  so 
crimped.  The  habit  is  very  different,  for  H. 
japonica  naturally  forms  an  open  bush,  all  the 
branches  of  which  have  an  upward  tendency. 
As  a  rule,  H.  japonica  flowers  somewhat  later 
than  H.  arborea.  The  variety  Zuccariniana  is 
very  distinct  and  beautiful.  It  differs  from  II. 
japonica  only  in  the  colour  of  the  flowers,  these 
being  of  a  clear  citron-yellow.  This  feature 
causes  it  to  stand  out  markedly  from  all  members 
of   the    genus. 

H.  mollis. — This  species  is  a  native  of  China 
and  the  latest  addition  into  gardens.  It  is  com- 
monly regarded  as  of  recent  introduction,  Dr. 
Aug.  Henry  being  in  some  instances,  at  least, 
credited  with  its  discovery.  In  llorlus  Veilciiii, 
however,  it  is  stated  that  this,  the  rarest  and 
largest-flowered  of  all  the  Witch-Hazels  found  in 
Kiang-su  in  the  district  of  Kiu-Kiang,  China,  by 
Charles  Maries,  and  sent  by  him  to  Coombe, 
was  for  20  years  overlooked,  till  the  late  Mr. 
George   Nicholson,    late    Curator    of   the   Royal 


list  of  over  2,000  varieties,  marks  an  epoch  in 
the  history  of   th<-    Daffodil. 

From  some  points  of  view  it  is  a  pity  that 
the  old  classification  based  more  nearly  on  a 
"  natural  "  system  can  no  longer  be  retained. 
But  for  show  purposes,  for  which  this  new  list 
is  primarily  intended,  and,  on  account  of  the 
authority  with  which  it  is  put  forward,  pro- 
bably everyone  will  accept  the  principle  of 
measurements  involved  in  the  arrangement  of 
the  list  as  being  the  best,  if  not  the  only  one, 
practicable.  The  actual  sacle  of  measure- 
ments in  accordance  with  which  the  first 
five  divisions  are  determined  is  not  given.  It 
is,  however,  intimated  that  "  it  is  intended  in 
a  future  edition  not  only  to  correct  and  modify 
the  arrangement  according  to  further  experi- 
ence," but  also  to  elaborate  further  sub-divi- 
sions,  especially  with  respect  to  the  colours  of 
the  varieties  in  the  present  divisions  or  classes. 
It  is  probable,  therefore,  that  in  the  meantime 
1he   Committee  would  welcome  any  suggestions 


for  their  consideration  from  c"Jtivators  inter- 
ested   in    Daffodils. 

As  to  the  classification  in  .he  present  list, 
the  addition  of  a  new  division  (II.  Short  Trum- 
pets) of  secondary  crosses,  Trumpet  x  Incom- 
parabilis,  and  the  suppression  of  the  correspond- 
ing class  of  secondary  crosses,  the  Burbidgei 
section,  Incomparabilis  X  Poeticus,  will  pro- 
bably cause  some  dissent.  For  show  purposes, 
Division  II.  is  no  doubt  justified  in  the  present 
condition  of  Daffodil  seedlings,  but  I  do  not 
think  it  will  be  possible  to  maintain  it,  except 
as  a  sub-division,  any  more  than  the  Burbidgei 
section.  The  most  awkward  result  of  the  prin- 
ciple of  measurements  as  affecting  the  present 
list  appears  to  be  in  the  case  of  the  Triandrus 
hybrids.  Snowdrop,  Cecil  Rhodes,  and  J.  T. 
Bennett-Poe  (Trumpet  X  Triandrus)  are  in 
Division  I.  Countess  Grey  (Trumpet  x  Trian- 
dus,  Mrs.  Berkeley,  and  Robert  Berkeley  (Tri- 
andrus x  Incomparabilis)  are  in  Division  II.  ; 
and  Agnes  Harvey,  Ada,  Betty  Berkeley,  and 
the  Tazetta  varieties  in  Division  VII.  Thus 
varieties  which  in  common  have  the  distinctive 
character  of  N.  triandrus  are  dispersed  111. 
widely-separated  divisions.  I  hope  it  will  be 
possible  eventually  to  provide  a  separate  class, 
or  sub-division,  for  Triandrus  hybrids.  It  would 
add  to  the  usefulness  of  future  editions  if  the 
list  were  interleaved  with  blank  pages,  provid- 
ing space  for  additions,  corrections  and  notes. 
It  is  especially  desirable  that  in  a  future  edi- 
tion the  parentage  of  the  varieties,  so  far  as  they 
are  known  or  can  be  ascertained,  should  be 
added.  To  the  raiser  of  seedlings,  who  is  sel- 
dom a  competitive  exhibitor,  such  information 
would  be  especially  valuable.  The  list  would 
then  form  a  record  which  would  prove  of  great 
.use  to  students  of  heredity.  The  question  of 
parentage  would  entail  some  extra  labour,  ;  nd 
extra  space  would  be  needed  for  piinting.  But 
some  saving  is  possible  in  the  matter  of  space  by 
giving  merely  initials,  or  by  abbreviating  the 
names  of  the  raisers  instead  of  repeating  them  in 
full.  The  Committee  need  not  assume  responsi- 
bility for  the  accui  acy  of  parentages  given.  They 
would  merely  collect  the  information  from  the 
raiser. 

It  is  true  that  in  respect  to  many  varieties, 
no  record  has  been  kept  of  the  parentage  :  in. 
others  only  the  seed  parent  is  known,  and  in 
others,  again,  what  information  there  was  has- 
been  lost.  It  is  the  more  desirable  to  collect  as- 
much  as  is  known  into  a  permanent  record.  A. 
J.  Bliss. 


HEDSOR,  BUCKINGHAMSHIRE 

(See  figs.  27,  28  and  29,  also  Supplementary  Illustration.) 

The  beautiful  residence  depicted  in  our 
Supplementaiy  Illustration  is  situated  on  high, 
land  overlooking  the  charming  scenery  of  the 
Thames  Valley.  The  garden  front  enjoys  a 
magnificent  landscape  view,  whilst  at  the  back 
is  a  broad  valley  with  wood-clothed  hills  skirt- 
ing it  around.  Hedsor  occupies  the  spur  of  a 
plateau  broken  by  the  river's  bed.  In  the 
distance  the  land  rises  almost  abruptly  again 
at  Cockmarsh,  adjoining  Quarry  Wood,  with' 
the  well-known  riverside  town  of  Cookham  on 
the  left.  The  district  is  situated  in  the  midst 
of  many  towns  and  villages  that  are  famed  as- 
river-side  places,  including  Maidenhead,  Mar- 
low,  Loudwater  and  Bourne  End.  On  the  occa- 
sion of  our  visit  in  November  we  alighted  at 
Maidenhead.  Though  Bourne  End  is  mm  h 
nearer,  the  journey  by  road  frcyn  Maidenhead 
is  delightful,  and  leads  past  the  gates  of  Tap- 
low  Court,  which  was  described  in  our  issue 
for  June  6,  1908,  and  Cliveden,  to  which  refer- 
ence has  often  been  made  in  the  Gardeners'' 
Chronicle.  Hedsor  forms  only  a  part  of  the  estate 
of  Lord  Boston,  which  also  includes  an  old-time 
residence  of  most  picturesque  appearance 
known  as  the  Wharf  (see  fig.  27)  preferred 
by  Lord  and  Lady  Boston  to  the  more  modern 
and  commodious  mansion  of  Hedsor.  The  Wharf 


January  16,  1909.] 


THE     GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


43 


is  very  close  to  the  river,  and  consequently  on 
a  much  lower  level  than  the  modern  mansion. 
It  is  a  very  old  building.  Its  walls  are  clothed 
with  climbers,  and  it  is  set  in  a  delightful,  old- 
fashioned  garden.  Because  of  his  preference 
for  the  Wharf,  Lord  Boston  has  recently  leased 
the  Hedsor  residence  on  a  short  tenancy,  and 
the  present  lessee  is  Mr.  Malcolm  Aird,  a  son 
of  the  builder  of  the  Nile  Dam.  There  is 
not  so  much  flower  bedding  practised  at  Hedsor 
as  formerly,  but  notwithstanding  this  the 
gardens  and  grounds  are  very  beautiful, 
and  although  summer  bedding  is  not  largely 
practised,  the  borders  and  beds  are  filled  with 
a  wealth  of  flowering  plants  of  a  hardy  nature, 
together  with  Roses  and  other  flowering  shrubs 
and  trees,  including  many  Rhododendrons 
and  Azaleas.  In  front  of  the  mansion  is 
a  broad  lawn,  and  surrounding  it  is  a  terrace 
with  stone  vases,  the  Ivy-leaved  Pelar- 
goniums in  which  were  still  in  flower  at  the 
time  of  our  visit.  Towards  the  south-west  is  a 
fine  herbaceous  border  backed  by  a  clipped  Yew 
hedge,  and,  as  we  saw  it,  gay  with  Michael- 
mas Daisies,  Chrysanthemums,  and  other 
autumn   flowers.     Almost  at  the  termination  of 


Lord  Boston's  estate.  The  estate  has  had  a  long 
ecclesiastical  connection,  as  the  old  building 
known  as  The  Priory  betokens.  The  church 
was  built  prior  to  1220,  but  whether  the  one  now 
standing  is  the  original  structure  we  were  not 
informed,  although  from  its  appearance  it  might 
be.  It  is  a  small  edifice  capable  of  seating  not 
more  than  130  worshippers.  A  tablet  records, 
well-nigh  without  a  break,  the  names  of  in- 
cumbents almost  from  the  beginning.  The  little 
graveyard  surrounding  the  church  has  an  extra- 
ordinary appearance,  for  •all  the  stones  comme- 
morating the  dead  are  placed  flat  upon  the  grass. 
From  the  churchyard,  looking  northwards,  is 
seen  the  curious  building  shown  in  fig.  28,  and 
known  as  The  Towers.  It  is  a  stiff  climb  to 
reach  the  spot,  but  the  toil  is  amply  repaid  by 
the  magnificent  view.  The  Towers  are  a  "  ruin  " 
built  by  a  former  Lord  Boston  for  the  pur- 
pose, no  doubt,  of  enhancing  the  grandeur  of  the 
scenery,  which  takes  in  a  wide  sweep  of  the 
valley  of  the  Thames.  The  walls  of  the  ruin 
are  built  of  flint,  solidly  enough,  and  a  portion 
of  the  building  is  used  as  a  residence  by  one  of 
the  employes.  The  upper  part  of  the  Ivy-clad 
Tower  is  used  as  a  tea-room.     Note  the  incon- 


VEGETABLES. 


Fig.  28. — the  towers  in  the  grounds  at  hedsor. 


the  lawn  westwards  an  ornamental  pond  has 
been  formed  for  the  accommodation  of  Nym- 
phaeas  and  other  water  plants.  Scattered  about 
the  lawns  are  several  large  oval  beds 
planted  with  Rhododendron,  and,  in  the  well- 
kept  turf,  are  planted  Almonds,  Thorns,  Roses, 
Laburnums,  and  native  trees.  Lord  Boston 
has  in  recent  years  planted  many  Conifers. 
Opposite  to  a  summer-house  is  the  avenue  of 
Sequoias  that  will  form  a  fine  feature 
in  future  years.  There  is  an  enclosed  Rosary 
that  one  alights  upon  unexpectedly,  a  tall 
hedge  of  Portuguese  Laurel  hiding  it  from 
view.  On  the  right  is  a  fine  specimen  of  Weep- 
ing Ash.  The  Rose-garden  is  very  pleasing,  the 
^centre  being  planted  with  Roses  trained  en 
festoons  as  a  bell  to  a  central  pole.  Animation 
is  lent  to  the  scene  by  the  numerous  statues 
of  cherubs  which  adorn  the  Rose-garden. 
Of  coniferous  trees  there  are  some  large 
Cedars,  and  Picea  Cephalonica,  Abies  con- 
color,  A.  canadensis  and  Yews  in  the 
grounds,  but  the  most  important  Yew  has  disap- 
peared. Two  venerable  specimens  still  stand  in 
the  ground  leading  from  the  kitchen  garden  to  the 
village  church  of  Hedsor,  which  is  situated  on 


gruous  combination  of  the  crescent  and  the  cross. 
The  curious  structures  seen  in  fig.  29  are 
fish-traps.  The  grounds  of  the  Wharf  include 
a  backwater  from  the  Thames,  with  lock-gates. 
When  the  traps  are  dropped  into  the  water 
these  gates  are  opened,  and,  with  the  flow  of 
water,  the  fish  are  trapped.  Eels  form  the 
majority  of  the  "  bag,"  but  roach,  perch,  carp 
and  bream  are  occasionally  secured.  The 
pointed  portions  are  detachable  caps,  which  per- 
mit of  the  fish  being  taken  when  the  traps  are 
raised.  A  bridge  leads  over  to  an  island,  on 
which  are  a  tea-  and  a  bathing-house. 

The  kitchen  gardens,  glasshouses,  and  a  small 
farmstead  lie  in  the  valley  to  the  north  of 
Hedsor.  The  kitchen  garden  occupies  about 
four  acres,  and  is  surrounded  by  fine  walls,  on 
which  are  trained  fruit  trees.  Thera  are  four 
ranges  of  glasshouses,  with  pits,  &c,  all  in  an 
excellent  state  of  repair.  The  gardener  is  Mr. 
James  Wood,  who  has  had  the  care  of  the  gar- 
dens for  about  17  years,  and  who  has  done  much 
in  conjunction  with  Lord  Boston  in  making 
Hedsor  one  of  the  most  beautiful  spots  in  the 
Thames  Vallev. 


PEAS. 
New  varieties  of  culinary  Peas  must  be  of  ex- 
ceptional merit  to  surpass  in  quality  the  best  of 
those  introduced  during  the  past  few  years. 
Many  of  these  newer  Peas  are  not  only  highly 
productive,  but  also  good  in  colour  of  pod  and 
in  maturing  early.  They  also  have  the  desir- 
able qualities  of  withstanding  a  fair  amount 
of  drought,  and  resisting  the  attacks  of  mildew 
better  than  the  older  kinds.  These  are  qualities 
that  have  doubtless  been  considered  by  the 
raisers,  who  have  also  aimed  at  securing  short 
internodes  and  the  production  of  the  pods  in 
pairs.  Not  only  are  some  of  these  newer  Peas 
large  as  regards  pod,  but  the  Peas  themselves  are 
of  extraordinary  size  and  of  that  marrow-like 
flavour  so  much  appreciated  in  this  vegetable. 
For  market  purposes  the  dealer  prefers  a  fine 
dark  pod,  and  I  know  of  instances  where  large, 
pointed  pods  have  been  preferred  to  those  with 
broad,  square  ends,  although  the  latter  were  of 
excellent  quality,  well  filled,  and  weighed  from 
61b.  to  81b.  per  bushel  more  than  the  others.  A 
good  appearance  doubtless  helps  to  keep  up  the 
price,  and,  from  a  market  point  of  view,  it  does 
not  pay  to  grow  the  older,  smaller-podded 
varieties. 

The  Pilot  is  a  fine  addition  to  the  early  sec- 
tion of  culinary  Peas,  and  was,  I  believe,  sent 
out  by  Messrs.  Alex.  Dickson  &  Sons.  It  is 
round-seeded,  therefore .  hardy  :  the  pods  are 
almost  equal  in  size  to  those  from  the  best  stocks 
of  Gradus.  It  may  not  be  generally  known  that 
there  are  light  and  dark-podded  forms  of  this 
very  excellent  Pea,  and  for  private  consumption 
deep-green  Peas  are  usually  preferred  to  paler 
ones.  All  growers  of  early  culinary  Peas  should 
cultivate  this  variety. 

I.AxroMAN. — This  Pea  was  sent  to  me  by 
Messrs.  Laxton  Bros.,  of  Bedford.  I  consider 
the  variety  an  advance  upon  some  others  of  the 
early  dwarf  Teas.  It  is  a  sturdy  grower,  with 
short  internodes,  and  produces  a  remarkable  crop 
upon  its  18-inch-long  stems.  Both  the  pods- 
and  Peas  are  of  a  deep  green  colour :  the 
haulm  is  dark  and  the  broad  pods  are  nearly  as 
large  as  those  of  the  variety   Gradus. 

Lightning  and  EXPRESS". — Gardeners  who  cul- 
tivated the  old  Lightning  and  Express  varieties 
will  be  interested  to  know  that  these  two  excel- 
lent hardy  Peas  are  being  introduced  in  a 
"  Giant "  form.  Since  the  introduction  of  so 
many  excellent  early  marrowfat  varieties,  they 
have  become  less  popular  in  this  country  ;  but 
on  the  Continent,  where  large  size  is  less  insisted 
upon,  these  kinds,  and  especially  the  free- 
frmting  Express,  are  very  popular.  Both  the 
varieties  are  very  hardy  under  ordinary  cultiva- 
tion and  produce  early  pods  even  if  no  protec- 
tion is  given  them. 

Reading  Wonder  is  a  very  dwarf,  early 
variety.  For  a  dwarf  Pea  it  is  in  every  way  ex- 
cellent and  one  that  does  remarkably  well  in 
shallow  frames  or  under  the  protecting  shelter 
of  warm   walls. 

World's  Record. — This  variety  is  of  the 
Gradus  type,  but  it  is  dwarfer  in  growth  by 
several  inches  and  not  quite  so  large  in  the  pod 
as  that  variety.  It  has  the  advantage  of  being 
several  days  earlier  and  is  of  the  best  marrow- 
fat quality. 

International  has  for  its  parents  two 
of  the  finest  of  all  culinary  Peas.  From 
the  size  of  the  pods  exhibited  at  the  Holland 
House  Show  it  is  sure  to  become  a  favourite 
with  gardeners.  The  haulm  is  tall  growing, 
and  in  season  it  follows  the  Gradus  section,  but 
matures  before   Duke  of  Albany  variety. 

Harvestman. — This  is  a  distinct  podo^d, 
heavy-cropping  variety  growing  about  5  feet  in 
height. 

Snowdrop  is  a  blunt-ended  pod  of  the 
Thomas  Laxton  type,  growing  about  the  same 
li    ight   as   that   variety. 


44 


THE    GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


[January  16,   1909. 


Evergreen  Delicatesse  is  worth  a  trial  in 
gardens,  being  a  good  cropper  of  very  fine 
quality. 

Rearguard. — I  was  much  impressed  by  the 
qualities  of  this  Pea  as  seen  in  one  of  the  trials 
last  summer.  I  look  upon  it  as  an  advance  on 
the  older  varieties  that  crop  in  the  late 
summer  and  early  autumn.  Almost  anyone 
can  be  assured  of  a  fair  amount  of  suc- 
cess with  Peas  during  the  earlier  summer 
months  and  so  long  as  moisture  is  present  in 
the  soil ;  but  great  constitutional  vigour  must 
be  one  of  the  foremost  points  about  a  main  crop 
and  late-cropping  variety.  Rearguard  has  all 
the  good  qualities  possessed  by  Gladstone,  and, 
as  seen  growing,  was  more  heavily  cropped  with 
somewhat  longer  pods  than  that  variety.  The 
pods  are  dark  green  in  colour.  This  Pea  pro- 
mises to  become  a  standard  variety.  I  believe 
it  originated  from  the  same  source  as  The  Pilot. 
Majestic  is  a  very  heavy-cropping  variety, 
having  the  low-growing  habit  of  Dwarf  Defi- 
ance.    It  is  recommended  as  a  market  Pea. 

Glory  of  Devon  and  Royal  Salute  are  two 
fine  Peas  not  often  seen.  They  have  many 
qualities  to  recommend  them,  producing  pods 
of  good  colour,  with  Peas  of  excellent  quality, 
and  the  haulm  has  a  robust  constitution. 

Tall  varieties  for  main  crop. — Amongst  the 
taller-growing  varieties,  such  Peas  as  Quite  Con- 
tent, Centenary,  Alderman,  Duke  of  Albany,  and 
Telegraph,  when  cultivated  from  carefully  re- 
selected  stocks,  are  hard  to  surpass.  Amongst 
the  darker-foliaged,  vigorous-growing  varieties 
with  good  staying  powers  during  hot  weather 
and  which  mainly  grow  from  3  to  4  feet  in 
height,  I  made  special  note  of  Superlative,  one 
of  the  finest  of  this  type  for  use  in  July.  Dis- 
tinction and  Best  of  All  have  plain,  dark-green 
foliage  and  produce  a  heavy  crop  of  long,  rather 
narrow  pods  containing  Peas  excellent  in  quan- 
tity. Perfection,  Kaiser,  New  Model,  Incom- 
parable, and  Masterpiece  are  all  very  fine  Peas. 
Masterpiece  is  a  wonderful  cropper,  and  In- 
comparable is  also  an  extra  fine  variety 
with  a  blunt-ended  pod.  Most  of  these 
varieties,  if  sown  the  second  week  in  May,  will, 
under  ordinary  conditions,  give  a  gathering  of 
pods  at  the  end  of  July,  and  continue  to  crop 
until   August. 

Early  tall-growing  Peas. — This  type  in- 
cludes varieties  varying  from  3  to  4  feet  in 
height,  that  are,  if  anything,  earlier  fruiting  than 
the  dwarfer  varieties,  with  shorter  internodes. 
Excepting  that  varieties  of  the  dwarf  type  can  be 
protected  more  conveniently  and  are  suitable  for 
planting  near  to  sheltered  fences  and  walls,  there 
is  otherwise  no  gain  to  the  grower  in  their  cul- 
ture. The  following  varieties  have,  after  repeated 
trials,  been  found  excellent,  and,  with  ordinary 
cultural  care,  will  not  fail  to  satisfy  both  as  re- 
gards crop  and  quality: — Gradus,  Early  Giant, 
Early  Morn,  Ideal,  Duchess  of  York,  World's 
Record,  Pilot,  Thomas  Laxton,  and  a  good  stock 
of  Al.  Ideal  is  a  Pea  I  prefer  to  any  other  in 
the  early  section.  Sown  in  February  in  the  open 
in  exposed  positions,  on  a  well-drained  soil,  I 
can  usually  gather  Peas  the  second  week  in  June, 
although  the  dates  vary  from  a  day  or  two  to 
sometimes  a  week,  according  to  the  weather  con- 
ditions. 

Early  dwarf-growing  Peas. — Reliable  varie- 
.  ties  in  this  section  are  Little  Marvel,  a 
small-podded,  very  prolific  variety,  suitable  for 
home  use,  Pioneer,  Sherwood  Green  Gem, 
Mayflower,  Chelsea  Gem,  Carter's  Eight  Weeks, 
and  Reading  Wonder.  The  three  last  named 
are  very  early  of  their  class. 

Second-early  dwarf-growing  Peas. — Apart 
from  the  foregoing  Peas  named,  there  are  those 
of  the  dwarfer,  second-early  type,  usually  of  free 
cropping  quality  and  yielding  Peas  of  excellent 
flavour.  These  include  Daisy,  Dwarf  Defiance, 
Stratagem,  King  Edward,  a  fine  square-ended 
pod  of  the  type  of  Defiance  ;  and  Rentpayer,  a 
desirable  market  Pea.  There  are  doubtless  other 
varieties  amongst  Peas  that,  for  particular  pur- 
poses may  be  valuable  to  some  growers,  yet 
those  named,  for  high-class  quality  and  general 
productiveness  would  not  be  easily  surpassed. 
Charles  Foster. 


HOME   CORRESPONDENCE. 


(The  Editor  does  not  hold  himself  responsible  for  the 
opinions  expressed  by  his  correspondents.) 

Grape  Mill  Hill  Hamburgh. — It  is  re- 
markable that  this  excellent  variety  of  Grape  is 
neglected.  It  possesses  all  the  good  qualities 
of  the  Black  Hamburgh  variety  and  colours  as 
well  as  Gros  Maroc.  The  splendid  "  ham- 
mered "  berries  are  as  noble  in  appearance 
as  those  of  the  latter  variety.  I  was  dis- 
appointed to  observe  that  it  was  not  represented 
in  the  Wisley  collection  exhibited  at  the  Horti- 
cultural Hall  on  September  29  last.  I  fear 
that  inferior  varieties  have  been  sold  as 
Mill  Hill  Hamburgh,  and,  for  this  reason,  the 
variety  has  fallen  into  bad  repute.  An  excel- 
lent description  of  this  Grape  is  given  in  Hogg's 
Fruit  Manual.     F.  B.  S. 

Grape  Canon  Hall  Muscat. — It  is  generally 
recognised  that  this  well-known  Grape  was  ori- 
ginally a  seedling  of  Muscat  of  Alexan- 
dria, but  no  proof  has  been  furnished  as 
to  such  origin,  and  the  late  Mr.  A.  F.  Barron 
stated  that  its  origin  is  uncertain.  Sports  have 
originated  from  Muscat  of  Alexandria,  but  few 
of  these  have  proved  worthy  of  cultivation.  One 
which  originated  on  a  Muscat  of  Alexandria 
vine  in  the  great  vinery  at  Chiswick  presented 
all  the  external  characteristics  of  the  Canon 
Hall  form,  but  proved  to  be  very  unsatis- 
factory. There  is,  however,  one  notable  ex- 
ception to  the  common  rule  of  failure  on 
the  part  of  these  sports.  It  .will  be  remem- 
bered that  the  late  Mr.  William  Cole,  of  Felt- 
ham,  when  at  Ealing  Park  Gardens,  was  a  first- 
class  grower  and  exhibitor  of  Muscat  of  Alex- 
andria Grapes.  Some  years  later  at  Feltham, 
he  grafted  Muscat  of  Alexandria  on  to  a  stock 
of  Lady  Downe's  Seedling,  with  the  result  that 
he  obtained  fine  fruiting  rods.  On  one  of  these 
branches  a  spur  developed  a  distinct  sport  simi- 
lar in  bunch,  berry  and  foliage  to  the  Canon 
Hall  variety.  Vines  were  propagated  from  that 
sport,  and  two  span-roofed  vineries  were  planted 
with  them.  The  crops  of  Grapes  were  excel- 
lent. After  Mr.  Cole's  death,  his  sons  continued 
in  possession  of  these  vineries.  In  a  recent 
communication  from  them  respecting  the  vines, 
I  learn  that  whilst  the  first  generation  from  cut- 
tings did  not  always  come  true  to  character,  the 
second  generation  has  done  so,  and  the  sport  is 
now  thoroughly  fixed.  Altogether  the  second 
stock  is  a  material  improvement  on  that  of  the 
first.  The  fruits  of  this  form  set  equally  as  well 
as  those  of  Muscat  of  Alexandria.  The  bunches 
are  always  well  filled  with  berries,  and  a  better 
price  is  obtained  for  the  Grapes  than  for  the 
true  Muscat  of  Alexandria.  A  vine  of  the  Canon 
Hall  variety  was  planted  in  one  of  the  houses  as 
a  test ;  whilst  it  is  similar  in  all  other  respects, 
the  Feltham  sport  is  superior  in  setting  quality 
and  it  therefore  produces  heavier  bunches.  A. 
Dean. 

The  American  Carnation.— If  the  Ameri- 
can or  winter-flowering  Carnation  is  to  be  judged 
by  the  standard  of  the  few  novelties  noticed  at  a 
recent  exhibition  in  Vincent  Square,  the  only 
conclusion  to  be  arrived  at  is  that  a  turn  for 
the  worse  has  been  taken.  I  am  referring  more 
particularly  to  such  varieties  as  Mrs.  Sarah  A. 
Hill,  Afterglow  and  Winona,  all  thin  and  papery 
in  texture  arid  inferior  to  varieties  already  in 
cultivation.  The  American  Carnation  is  said  to 
"  improve  with  America's  sun,"  and  doubtless 
there  is  truth  in  the  remark.  It  will  take  much 
sun,  however,  to  raise  Mrs.  Sarah  A.  Hill  to  the 
standard  of  White  Perfection,  to  render  After- 
glow a  fit  companion  to  Aristocrat,  or  to  make 
Winona  a  flower  equal  to  Winsor.  Some  of 
these  Carnations,  and  in  particular  such  as 
Afterglow,  whose  flowers  have  much  blue  in 
them,  are  ill-suited  to  an  ordinary  Eng- 
lish winter,  and  quickly  feel  the  bad  effects  of 
the  fog  and  sunless  days.  Therefore,  apart  from 
the  thinness  of  petal  and  other  shortcomings, 
they   are  not  likely  to  be   regarded   with  much 


favour.  On  the  contrary,  such  varieties  as 
Beacon,  the  magnificent  vase  of  Victory  staged 
by  Mr.  Dutton,  or  the  superb  white-flowered 
varieties  from  leading  growers  in  Hampton,  Bal- 
combe  and  other  places,  unmistakably  demon- 
strate the  perfection  to  which  this  type  of 
Carnations  can  be  grown  on  this  side  of  the 
Atlantic.  A  noticeable  feature  at  the  exhibi- 
tions is  the  number  of  pink-flowered  seedings 
from  English  raisers,  no  fewer  than  four  of 
those  displaying  varieties  of  merit,  Rose  Felton 
and  Evangeline  being  among  those  to  which 
names  had  been  given.  These  are  of  deeper 
colour-tone  than  Enchantress,  and  will  be  seen 
to  advantage  under  artificial  light.  The  only 
certificated  variety,  Ross  Dore,  is  a  superb 
flower  from  certain  points  of  \  .ew,  viz.,  size, 
shape,  and  length  and  strength  of  stem.  The 
calyx,  too,  is  all  that  can  be  desired.  The 
shade  of  colour — between  red  and  rose — is 
novel  if  not  striking,  and  the  flower  is  of  ex- 
ceptional fulness.  As  shown,  the  variety  had 
many  erectly-disposed  petals  towards  the  centre 
of  the  flower,  and  these  reveal  too  much  the 
less  well-coloured  parts  of  the  flower.  E.  H. 
Jenkins,   Hampton  Hill. 

Apple  and  Pear  Scab. — It  is  to  be  hoped 
that  the  investigations  that  are  being  carried  out 
by  Mr.  Chittenden,  on  behalf  of  the  Royal  Hor- 
ticultural Society,  concerning  the  Apple  and  Pear 
scab  fungus  may  result  in  helping  fruit-growers 
to  prevent  this  disease.  In  spite  of  the  great 
increase  in  the  practice  of  spraying  with  the 
alkali  and  other  washes,  the  disease  seems  to  be 
more  prevalent  than  ever.  Apples  are  keeping 
very  badly  this  winter.  If  I  except  Bramley's 
Seedling,  nearly  all  other  varieties  are  turning  . 
soft.  What  with  "  scabby  "  Apples  and  Pears, 
Black  Currant  mite,  and  Gooseberry-mildew, 
fruit-growers  are  experiencing  a  very  bad  time. 
W  II.  Y.,  Rotherfield  Park  Gardens,  Alton, 
Hants. 

The  Common  Myrtle  (see  p.  17). — An  old 
specimen  of  Myrtus  communis,  growing  at  the 
foot  of  a  south  wall  in  the  kitchen  garden  here, 
produces  every  year  its  pretty  white  flowers, 
though  in  some  years  they  are  more  abundant 
than  in  others.  Four  years  ago  I  inserted  in  the 
spring  several  cuttings  which  rooted  with  free- 
dom and  became  by  the  second  autumn  18  to  24 
inches  in  height.  During  July  and  August  these 
small  plants  were  covered  with  flowers,  and  these 
set  fruits  which  eventually  ripened.  Out  of  curi- 
osity, I  separated  the  kidney-shaped  seeds  from 
the  pulp  of  several  fruits  and  sowed  them  in 
pots  of  fine  soil,  placing  them  in  a  warm  green- 
house. The  seeds  germinated  within  a  month, 
yielding  a  high  percentage  of  plants  which 
made  excellent  growth,  the  strongest  reaching  a 
height  of  10  inches  the  first  season.  With  the 
exception  of  the  seedlings,  all  the  other  plants 
are  grown  out-of-doors  during  the  summer,  be- 
ing generally  housed  with  the  Chrysanthemums 
in  autumn.  The  soil  of  this  district  is  largely 
composed  of  chalk,  yet  it  never  adversely  affects 
the  free  development  of  the  common  Myrtle, 
either  when  grown  in  pots  or  as  cultivated  in  the 
open  air.  In  the  last  five  winters,  that  of  1S07-8 
is  the  only  one  in  which  the  points  of  the  shoots 
upon  the  old  plant  were  injured  by  frost. 
Thomas  Smith,  Wahnsgate  Gardens,  Louth,  Lin- 
colnshire. 

The  Absorption  of  Water   by  Leaves. — 

In  the  article  dealing  with  my  paper  (Gar- 
d>  nns'  Chronicle,  January  9,  p.  24t,  it  is 
said,  "It  is  not  clear  what  is  meant  by  'an 
indraught  of  dew.'  "  What  I  meant  was,  that, 
as  transpiration  is  renewed  by  the  oncoming  of 
light,  the  dew  deposited  on  the  surface  of  a 
leaf  during  the  night  is  presumably  absorbed  as 
soon  as  light  causes  transpiration  to  commence. 
Of  course,  no  drop  of  water  can  enter  a  stomate 
if  air  be  below,  as  the  orifice  is  far  too  small 
to  admit  it.  A  point  I  wanted  to  emphasise  was, 
the  great  ease  with  which  any  ordinary  leaf 
(not  provided  with  a  very  thick  cuticle,  like 
that  of  desert  Xerophytes)  can  absorb  water  by 
either  surface.  If  the  upper  surface  of  any  leaf 
having  no  stomata  be  gently  laid  on  water  it 
will  remain  fresh  for  a  long  period,  enabling 
axillary  buds  to  develop  into  leafy  shoots,  if  the 
stem  and  bud  be  attached  and  raised  into  the 
air.  The  stomata  being  on  the  surface  exposed 
to  air,  transpiration  can,  of  course,  go  on  un- 
interruptedly.   George  Hensloiu. 


January  16,  1909.] 


THE     GARDENERS'      CHRONICLE. 


45 


Cattleya  labiata.  — Some  few  years  ago 
I  sent  you  some  notes  on  growing  this  well- 
known  early  winter-flowering  Cattleya  on  rustic 
blocks.  At  that  time  several  horticultural 
friends  told  me  the  method  would  only  answer 
for  a  year  or  two,  when  fresh  blocks  would 
be  required.  I  enclose  a  recent  photograph 
(not  suitable  for  reproduction)  of  a  plant 
which  has  been  grown  for  seven  years 
in  this  manner,  having  been  transferred  to 
fresh  blocks  but  twice  in  that  time.  The  gar- 
dener, Mr.  Taylor,  tells  me  there  are  15  flowers 
on  the  plant.  Elder  wood  was  used  each  time, 
and  this  for  two  reasons  :  (1)  it  was  thought  that 
the  bark,  when  freshly  cut,  is  not  liked  by  insects  ; 
(2)  when  decayed,  the  bark  peels  freely  from  the 
wood,  thus  allowing  the  living  roots  to  be  sepa- 
rated therefrom  when  it  is  necessary  to  move 
them  to  a  new  block.  A  mixture  of  peat  fibre  and 
Sphagnum-moss  was  affixed, by  means  of  thin  cop- 
per wire,  to  the  blocks  as  a  rooting  medium.  The 
plant  in  question  is  one  of  several  grown  thus  in 
a  roomy  plant  stove  at  Byram  Park  in  this  county, 
being  suspended  at  a  distance  of  about  3  feet 
from  the  roof  glass.  During  the  growing  season 
these  blocks  require  dipping  in  the  water-tank 
almost  daily,  and  they  are  regularly  sprayed  over 
with  the  syringe  when  the  house  is  closed  for 
the  night.  For  placing  in  a  lady's  boudoir  or 
drawing-room   where   there  is   an  equable  tem- 


methods  of  culture,  except  that  during  the  surn- 
mer  months  all  the  flower-heads  were  pinched 
off.  The  shoots  were  also  pinched  down  to  about 
2  feet  6  inches  from  the  ground,  as  I  supposed 
the  pinching  might  encourage  the  formation  of 
tubers,  but  the  result  was  no  better.  Our  seed 
came  from  the  Consul-General  at  Rome,  and 
no  doubt  it  is  the  correct  variety.  The  experi- 
ence of  other  cultivators  of  this  Fennel  would 
no  doubt  interest  other  readers.     R.  B. 

Eryngium  pandanifolium.— Those  who  are 
looking  for  something  uncommon  to  plant  in 
the  herbaceous  border,  would  do  well  to  give 
this  plant  a  trial.  As  "its  name  implies, 
it  is  very  like  a  Pandanus ;  the  leaves  of 
a  well-grown  plant  are  about  5  feet  long, 
glaucous,  concave,  with  spiny  margins.  It 
throws  up  high  spikes  of  purplish  flower- 
heads  about  7  or  8  feet  high,  which,  although 
not  particularly  pretty,  always  command  atten- 
tion. The  group  in  these  gardens  threw  up  eight 
of  these  noble  spikes  last  summer,  causing  many 
enquiries  from  visitors.  It  is  described  as  being 
merely  half  hardy,  but  I  should  expect  it  to 
succeed  in  the  south  and  west  of  England  ;  it  is 
certainly  more  hardy  than  the  New  Zealand 
Flax  (Phormium  tenax),  as  a  clump  of  this  in 
the  same  part  of  the  garden  was  injured  two  win- 
ters back,  whilst  the  Eryngium  did  not  appear 


Fig.  29.— fish-traps  on  a  Thames  backwater  at  hedsor,  bourne  end. 

(See  p.  43.) 


perature  of  from  55°  to  60°  no  other  floral  object 
tan  be  more  appropriate  at  this  time  of  the 
year.  This  note  is  not  meant  for  Orchid 
specialists,  but  for  that  larger  class  of  plant- 
lovers  who,  having  a  plant-stove  at  command, 
wish  to  grow  a  few  good  Orchids  in  it.  York- 
shire Gardener,  December  7. 

Italian  Fennel  or  Finochio. — I  was  much 
interested  in  the  note  on  Italian  Fennel  that  ap- 
peared in  the  Gardeners^  Chronicle,  December 
19,  p.  433,  and  hoped  that  the  note  might  lead 
others  to  give  their  experience  on  the  subject. 
For  two  years  I  have  tried,  without  success,  to 
grow  Finochio.  In  April,  1907,  I  sowed  two 
batches  of  seeds — one  sowing  being  made 
out-of-doors,  the  other  in  5-inch  pots.  The 
seedlings  were  thinned  to  one  in  each  pot, 
and  they  were  planted  out  as  good  strong 
plants  by  the  middle  of  May,  into  well- 
prepared,  shallow  trenches  at  distances  of 
3  feet  between  the  trenches  and  18  inches 
between  the  plants  in  the  rows.  Both  sets  of 
plants  grew  strongly,  and  had  soil  drawn  up  to 
their  stems  in  September.  In  November  and 
December  when  lifted  there  were  no  tubers,  only 
feshy  tap-like  roots  quite  useless  for  culi- 
nary  purposes.    In    1908    I   tried    again    similar 


old  stubby  besoms  and  large,  hardwooded, 
feather-edged  labels.  When  the  pruning 
operation  was  completed  and  the  prunings  re- 
moved, all  the  moss-and-lichen-infested  branches 
were  syringed  with  hot,  liquid  lime  applied  to 
the  trees  through  the  garden  engine,  a  calm  day 
being  chosen  for  doing  the  work.  About  a  peck 
of  new  soot  was  stirred  into  the  hot  lime  during 
the  mixing  in  a  60-gallon  tank,  and  the  liquid 
was  passed  through  a  fine-meshed  sieve  into  the 
engine  before  being  applied  to  the  trees.  The 
men  engaged  in  the  work  of  mixing  and  applying 
the  liquid  lime  to  the  trees  wore  white  overalls. 
This  dressing  of  liquid  lime  not  only  effectually 
rid  the  trees  of  the  accretions  indicated,  but  it 
also  destroyed  any  insect  larvas  that  happened 
to  be  in  the  moss.  The  trunks  of  the  trees,  as 
well  as  the  main  limbs,  were  smeared  over  with 
the  limewash,  which  was  applied  with  an  ordin- 
ary whitewash  brush.  In  the  case  of  dwarf- 
growing  trees,  the  liquid  lime  could  be  applied 
through  an  ordinary  garden  syringe.  The  trees 
thus  treated  (at  intervals  of  two  or  three  years) 
always  bore  crops  of  fine  fruit,  free  from  the 
attacks  of  scab  and  other  diseases  to  which 
neglected  trees  are  subject.  As  regards  the  use 
of  insecticides  for  destroying  green  and  black 
aphides  on  trees  in  April  and  May,  I  used 
tobacco  juice  at  the  rate  of  1  quart  of  nicotine 
juice  to  4  gallons  of  water,  this  being  applied  to 
affected  trees  through  a  syringe  late  in  the  after- 
noon in  calm  weather.  This  spray  not  only 
destroyed  the  aphides  then  on  the  trees,  but  it 
also  rendered  the  trees  and  foliage  distasteful  to 
the  insects  during  the  remainder  of  the  year. 
The  "  sprays  "  described  above  are  simple,  per- 
fectly safe,  and  effective  in  application.  H.  W . 
Ward,  Lime  House,  Raleigh. 


to  suffer.  It  is  especially  effective  if  planted  on 
the  lawn,  whether  as  a  single  specimen  or  in  a 
group.  A.  J.  Elgar,  Killarney  House  Gardens, 
Co.  Kerry. 

Spraying  Fruit-trees.  — For  many  years  a 
good-sized  orchard,  situated  in  a  portion  of  the 
Home  Park,  half  a  mile  from  a  garden  in  the 
Avon  Valley  (Wilts.),  was  included  in  my  charge. 
The  trees,  mostly  Apples,  were  of  immense  pro- 
portions,  requiring  the  aid  of  long  ladders  in 
gathering  the  fruit  in  early  autumn.  The  trees 
had  not  been  pruned  for  many  years  prior  to 
my  taking  charge  of  them,  consequently  the 
branches  had  become  infested  with  moss, 
lichen  and  other  undesirable  accretions. 
Therefore,  when  the  trees  had  shed  their  leaves 
in  the  autumn,  I  had  the  branches  well  thinned 
out  with  a  pruning  saw,  cutting  out  all  ill-placed 
and  unpromising  growths  in  order  to  admit 
plenty  of  light  and  air  among  the  branches  re- 
tained for  bearing  fruit,  but  without  in  any 
way  reducing  the  external  dimensions  of 
the  trees.  While  the  work  of  thinning-out 
the  branches  was  being  carried  out,  another 
staff  of  men  followed  on  with  the  cleans- 
ing of  the  trees,  removing  the  moss  and  lichen 
from     the     trunks     and     main     branches     with 


SOCIETIES. 


ROYAL    HORTICULTURAL. 

January  12. — The  first  meeting  in  1909  was 
held  on  this  date  in  beautiful  weather.  It  was 
a  small  exhibition,  but  it  included  several 
groups  of  Orchids,  a  magnificent  display  of 
stove  and  greenhouse  plants,  groups  of  Carna- 
tions, Alpine  flowers,  and  Ferns. 

The  Floral  Committee  granted  two  Awards 
of  Merit  to  new  plants.  The  Orchid  Com- 
mittee granted  one  First-class  Certificate  and 
three  Awards  of  Merit.  A  variety  of  Pear  named 
Blickling,  which  had  already  received  the  minor 
award,  was  granted  a  First-class  Certificate  by 
the   Fruit    and   Vegetable    Committee. 

It  was  regrettable  that  only  one  stand  of 
Grapes  was  entered  in  the  new  competitive 
classes  for  these  fruits,  probably  because  the 
announcement  of  these  fortnightly  competitions 
was  not  made  sufficiently  early. 

At  the  afternoon  meeting  of  the  Fellows  a 
lecture  on  "  The  French  System  of  Intensive 
Cultivation  "  was  delivered  by  Mr.  C.  D.  McKay. 

Floral  Committee. 

Present:  W.  Marshall,  Esq.  (Chairman),  and 
Messrs.  H.  B.  May,  Jno.  Green,  Jas.  Walker, 
E  A.  Bowles,  G.  Reuthe,  R.  Hooper  Pearson, 
Walter  W.  Ware,  W.  Howe,  Jno.  Jennings,  Jas. 
Hudson,  N.  F.  Barnes,  Arthur  Turner,  Chas. 
Dixon,  H.  J.  Jones,  J.  F.  McLeod,  Herbert  J. 
Cutbush,  F.  Page  Roberts  (Rev.),  Chas.  E. 
Pearson,  E.  H.  Jenkins,  W.  J.  James,  George 
Paul,  W.  A.  Bilney,  R.  C.  Reginald  Nevill,  and 

C.  T.   Druery. 

A  magnificent  group  of  ornamental-leaved  and 
flowering  plants  was  staged  by  Messrs.  James 
Veitch  &  Sons,  Ltd.,  King's  Road,  Chelsea.  It 
was  similar  to  the  fine  displays  that  are  made 
by  this  firm  each  year  at  the  Temple  Flower 
Show,  but  larger,  as  more  space  was  available. 
The  brilliant  colouring  and  general  high  culture 
exhibited  by  the  plants  were  subjects  of  re- 
mark, and  the  manner  of  their  staging  was  ex- 
ceptionally pleasing.  A  background  was  formed 
of  Cocos  flexuosa,  and  against  these  plants  were 
arranged   tall    specimens   of    Dracaena   Veitchii, 

D.  Goldieana,  D.  Sanderiana,  D.  Victoria,  Dief- 
fenbachia  Fournieri,  Heliconia  illustris,  Phcenix 
humilis  Roebelinii,  and  other  handsome  foliage 
plants.  The  group  also  included  a  superb  ex- 
ample of  Anthurium  crystallinum  and  specimens 
of  Alpinia  Sanderiana,  Davallia  dissecta,  Til- 
landsia  tessellata,  Alpinias  in  variety,  Aralias, 
Pandanus,  Selaginellas,  with  a  host  of  Ferns  and 


46 


THE    GARDENERS'      CHRONICLE. 


[January  16,  1909. 


other  graceful  foliage  plants.  Tall  stands  carry- 
ing densely  pitchered  plants  of  Nepenthe  Chel- 
sonii  excellens,  N.  Dicksoniana,  N.  Morganae, 
and  other  species  served  to  break  the  continuity 
of  the  groundwork,  whilst  standard  plants  of 
Codiaeums  and  Aralias  also  furnished  relief. 
Bright  patches  of  colouring  were  afforded  by 
groups  of  Orchids,  Coleus  thyrsoideus,  Crowea 
latifolia,  Begonias,  Primula  X  kewensis,  Camel- 
lias, greenhouse  species  of  Rhododendron, 
Acacia  leprosa,  and   Goinphia  olivaeformis. 

The  same  firm  exhibited  as  a  separate  group 
plants  and  cut  blooms  of  Carnations  of  the  per- 
petual-flowering type.     (Gold  Medal.) 

Messrs.  H.  B.  May  &  Sons,  The  Nurseries, 
Upper  Edmonton,  exhibited  a  collection  of 
Ferns,  all  of  which  had  some  peculiarity  of 
habit  or  growth,  the  group  being  labelled 
curious  Ferns.  There  were  climbing  species, 
others  with  such  dense  cresting  as  to  be  totally 
different  in  appearance  to  the  types  represented. 
Many  belonged  to  the  so-called  flowering  species, 
in  which  some  of  the  leaves  are  wholly  con- 
cerned with  spore  formation.  Some  species,  such 
as  Hymenodium  crinitum,  a  plant  known  as  the 
Elephant's  Ear  Fern,  were  densely  covered  with 
hair.  Drymeria  quercifolia  has  leaves  of  two 
forms ;  the  basal  fronds  resemble  large  Oak 
leaves,  and  are  simple,  but  the  fertile  fronds 
are  3  feet  in  height  and  pinnate.  Many  of  the 
species  of  Polypodium  and  Drymoglossum 
have  long  trailing  rhizomes,  which  enable  the 
plants  to  climb.  Sometimes  the  rhizome  is 
short  and  thick,  resembling  a  hare's  foot. 
Oleandra  articulata  has  leaves  similar  to  Scolo- 
pendrium  vulgare,  but  they  arise  from  long 
rhizomes.  From  these  latter  are  given  off  long 
hair-like  roots,  and  when  these  reach  the  rooting 
medium  they  bind  the  plant  to  the  soil.  (Silver- 
gilt  Flora  Medal.) 

Some  very  fine  Carnations  of  the  perpetual- 
blooming  type  were  shown  by  Mr.  W.  H.  Page, 
Tangley  Nurseries,  Hampton.  Most  of  the 
popular  kinds  were  included  in  the  group,  which 
also  contained  large  bamboo  stands  filled  with 
flowers  of  Lilium  Harrisii.  (Silver-gilt  Flora 
Medal.) 

Another  pleasing  exhibit  of  these  flowers  iva^ 
shown  by  Messrs.  Hugh  Low  &  Co.,  Bush  Hill 
Park,  Enfield.  The  same  firm  displayed  a  batch 
of  the  elegant  Dracaena  Victoria  ;  also  D.  Prince 
Albert,  Cyclamen  in  variety,  a  variegated-leaved 
'  variety  of  Cobcea  scandens,  Daphne  indica 
rubra,  &c.     (Silver  Banksian  Medal.  | 

Carnations  of  the  perpetual-blooming  type 
were  shown  in  variety  by  Mr.  H.  Burnett, 
Guernsey,  who  had,  amongst  others,  the  beauti- 
ful variety  named  after  Mrs.  Burnett.  (Silver 
Banksian   Medal.) 

Arthur  W.  Sutton,  Esq.,  Bucklebury 
Place,  near  Reading,  exhibited  plants  of  Cycla- 
men grown  from  corms  collected  by  himself  in 
Palestine. 

Mr.  L.  R.  Russell,  Richmond,  Surrey, 
showed  varieties  of  the  handsome-leaved  Ber- 
tolonias  and  a  batch  of  small  plants — all  excel- 
lently berried — of  Ardisia  crenulata.  They  were 
highly  decorative  little  specimens,  specially 
suitable  for  the  embellishment  of  dwelling- 
rooms.     (Silver  Flora  Medal.) 

Hybrid  Freesias  were  displayed  by  Mr.  Her- 
bert Chapman,  High  Street,  Rye,  Sussex. 
Varieties  with  a  suffusion  of  citron  colour  were 
very  pleasing ;  a  few  were  tinted  were  shades  of 
rose  and  lilac. 

Messrs.  Wm.  Cutbush  &  Son,  Highgate,  Lon- 
don, N.,  arranged  a  pretty  exhibit  of  Alpine 
plants  in  a  setting  of  virgin  cork  ;  early-flower- 
ing subjects  such  as  Irish  Histrio,  I.  histrioides, 
Adonis  amurensis,  Cyclamen  Coum,  Colchicum 
hydrophilum  were  planted  in  "  pockets,"  with 
berried  plants  of  Pernettya,  Aucuba  japonica 
vera  and  Skimmia  Fortunei  intermixed.  At  the 
back  of  the  group  were  sprays  of  Hamamelis 
arborea,  and  the  variety  Zuccariniana  (which  has 
paler  coloured  petals  than  the  type)  ;  Daphne 
Mezereum  album.     (Silver  Banksian  Medal.) 

Messrs.  Barr  &  Sons,  King  Street,  Covent 
Garden,  London,  showed  early-blooming  species 
of  hardy  plants,  including  Snowdrops  of  the 
large-flowered  Elwesii  type,  Crocus  etruscus,  C. 
imperatii,  C.  Sieberi,  Cyclamen  Coum,  Tulipa 
saxatilis,  Iris  unguicularis,  I.  reticulata,  Helle- 
borus  nigeT  Scoticus,  H.  n.  angustifolium. 
Lachenalias,  and  Freesias. 

The  Misses  Hopkins,  Mere  Gardens,  Shepper- 
ton-on-Thames,  arranged  a  small  rock-garden 
exhibit. 


Messrs.  John  Peed  &  Sox,  West  Norwood, 
London,  S.E.,  showed  boxes  of  Alpine  plants, 
principally  species  of  Saxif  raga  ;  also  a  batch 
of  flowering  plants  of  Primula  obconica  of  a 
selected  strain.  The  exhibit  had  well-berried 
sprays  of  Skimmia  japonica  at  the  back. 

Awards  of  Merit 
were  recommended  to  the  two  plants  mentioned 
below:  — 

Begonia  X  Patrie. — This  was  shown  by 
MM.  M.  V.  Lemoine  et  Fils,  Nancy.  It  is 
described  as  being  from  a  cross  between 
B.  socotrana  ?  and  a  variety  of  B. 
Pearcei  cf  •  The  hybrid  partakes  more  of 
the  habit  of  B.  socotrana  than  B.  Pearced. 
The  plants  shown  were  about  10  inches  high, 
and  compact  in  habit.  The  flowers  were 
rather  small,  the  petals  being  short.  In  colour 
they  are  rich  rosy-pink,  but  by  reason  of  the 
bright  yellow  anthers,  they  appear  to  have  an 
orange  shade.  The  foliage  resembles  B.  soco- 
trana. So  far,  the  plants  have  not  formed  pro- 
per tubers,  but  rudimentary  ones  such  as  are 
common  to  the  winter-flowering  Begonias  raised 
from  crosses  made  between  tuberous-rooted 
varieties  and   B.   socotrana. 

Chrysanthemum  Maud  Allan. — This  is  a  pure- 
white  Japanese  decorative  variety.  The  florets 
appear  rather  narrow,  being  slightly  revolute  at 
the  margins.  The  value  of  this  variety  rests 
upon  its  late  blooming  quality  and  purity  in 
colour.    Shown  by  Mr.  N.  Molyneux,  Wickham. 

Orchid  Committee. 

Present:  J.  Gurney  Fowler,  Esq.  (in  the 
Chair),  and  Messrs.  Jas.  O'Brien  (hon.  sec), 
Harry  J.  Veitch,  de  B.  Crawshay,  H.  Little, 
W.  Boxall,  J.  Forster  Alcock,  J.  Wilson 
Potter,  F.  J.  Hanbury,  A.  A.  McBean,  1. 
M.  Ogilvie,  C.  H.  Curtis,  W.  Cobb,  H.  G. 
Alexander,  J.  Char'esworth,  H.  J.  Chapman,  W. 
H.  White,  W.  P.  Bound,  A.  Dye,  H.  A.  Tracy, 
H.  Ballantine,  Gurney  Wilson,  and  C.  J.  Lucas. 

Lt.-Col.  G.  L.  Holford  showed  a  selection  of 
hybrids,  together  with  a  grand  specimen  of  the 
pure  white  Vanda  Watsonii  with  four  spikes. 
Brasso-Cattleya  Mrs.  J.  Leemann  variety  Rajah 
has  primrose-yellow  and  rose-coloured  flowers. 

Sir  Jeremiah  Cm  max,  Bart.,  Gatton  Park, 
Reigate  (gr.  Mr.  Collier),  was  awarded  a  Silver 
Flora  Medal  for  a  most  interesting  group,  in- 
cluding Gatton  hybrids,  rare  varieties  of  species 
and  singular  botanical  Orchids.  The  best  of  the 
hybrids  included  Cymbidium  Lady  Colman,  an 
elegant  and  delicately-coloured  flower ;  the  fine 
white  Ccelogyne  Colmanii,  and  Spathoglottis 
Colmanii,  this  latter  being  a  very  handsome  yel- 
low and  crimson  variety.  The  showiest  plants 
included  a  selection  of  varieties  of  Laelia  anceps. 
The  most  distinct  was  L.  a.  Gatton  Park 
variety,  with  white  flowers  having  the  blue  tint 
on  the  lip  peculiar  to  several  other  albinos  in 
the  Gatton  Park  collection.  Other  varieties  were 
L.  a.  Hilliana  Rosefieldensis  and  Cymbidium 
grandiflorum. 

Sir  Trevor  Lawrence,  Bart.,  K.C.V.O.,  Bur- 
ford  (gr.  Mr.  W.  H.  White),  showed  a  fine  spike 
of  a  showy  hybrid  Odontoglossum  resembling  O. 
Wilekeanum,  but  of  a  deep  mahogany-red  colour 
with  white  margins  and  tips  to  the  petals  ;  also 
a  Maxillaria  resembling" M.  callii  hroma. 

Messrs.  Charlesworth  &  Co.,  Hay  wards 
Heath,  were  awarded  a  Siver-gilt  Flora  Medal 
for  a  group  which  included  a  fine  batch  of  white 
Laelia  anceps,  a  number  of  the  pretty  Cattleya 
Octave  Doin,  and  a  selection  of  hybrid  Cypri- 
pediums.  Other  good  plants  in  this  collection 
were  the  scarlet  Sophro-Cattleya  Doris,  the  mas- 
sive Cymbidium  Ilolfordianum,  Brasso-Cattleya 
Queen  Alexandra,  the  pure-white  Odontoglossum 
ardentissimum  album,  Saccolabium  bellinum, 
and  a  selection  of  hybrid  Odontoglossums. 

Messrs.  Hugh  Low  &  Co.,  Bush  Hill  Park, 
Enfield,  secured  a  Silver  Banksian  Medal  for  a 
group  of  Odontoglossums  and  Cypripediums. 
Among  these  were  C.  insigne  E.  J.  Seymour,  a 
very  distinct  form  of  good  shape ;  C.  Minos 
Young's  variety,  C.  Helen  II.  and  C.  trium- 
phans. 

Messrs.  Jas.  Veitch  &  Sons,  Chelsea,  in  their 
magnificent  group  of  fine  foliage  plants,  already 
noticed,  had  two  small  groups  of  hybrid  Cypri- 
pediums. Among  the  showiest  were  their  varie- 
ties of  C.  Countess  of  Carnarvon.  A  small 
group  of  Odontoglossums  and  Lycastes  was  also 
included  in  the  group. 


Messrs.  J.  &  A.  A.  McBean,  Cooksbridge, 
staged  an  effective  group  composed  principally 
of  Cypripediums,  the  specimens  of  C.  Memoria 
Jerninghamiae,  C.  aureum  excelsum,  and  C. 
Thompsonii  superbum  being  very  handsome. 
Other  specially  fine  plants  in  the  group  were 
forms  of  Cattleya  Trianae,  including  one  with 
white  floW'ers  having  a  bright  purplish  blotch  on 
the  lip  ;  a  superb  form  of  Laelia  anceps  Schro- 
derae  of  rich  colour  and  of  the  shape  of  good 
typical  L.  anceps,  and  a  clear  white  Odontoglos- 
sum. 

Frakcis  Wellesley,  Esq.,  Westfield,  Wok- 
ing (gr.  Mr.  Hopkins),  sent  Sophro-Cattleya  Mrs. 
Francis  Wellesley,  the  plant  being  the  sole  seed- 
ling raised  from  a  cross  between  Sophronitis 
grandiflora  and  Cattleya  labiata.  The  plant  is 
small  and  bore  a  flower  resembling  Sophro- 
Cattleya  Doris.  It  was  of  good  size  and  shape 
and  of  a  peculiar  shade  of  carmine-red,  with 
an  orange-tinted  base  to  the  lip,  which  has  red 
veining. 

Norman  C.  Cookson,  Esq.,  Oakwood,  Wylam 
(gr.  Mr.  H.  J.  Chapman),  showed  Cypripedium 
Actaeus  Oakwood  variety  (Leeanum  Clinkaberry- 
anum  x  insigne  Harefield  Hall),  a  large  and 
finely-formed  flower ;  and  Odontoglossum  ar- 
dentissimum var.  Norman  Cookson.  (See 
Awards.) 

Messrs.  Armstrong  &  Brown,  Tunbridge 
Wells,  staged  a  selection  of  Cypripediums  which 
included  Cypripedium  Helen  II.  var.  Arm- 
strongiae,  C.  aureum  Surprise,  C.  Maudias,  and 
two  good  seedlings  of  C.  insigne. 

Mr.  A.  W.  Jensen,  Lindfield,  show-ed  a  small 
group  of  Odontoglossum  crispum. 

H.  J.  Bromilow,  Esq.,  Rann  Lea,  Rainfall, 
Lancashire  (gr.  Mr.  Morgan),  showed  Cypripe- 
dium ^Eson  giganteum  in  excellent  form  ;  also  ('. 
Charlesworthii  Bromilowiae,  a  charming  albino 
with  pale  green  and  pure  white  flower.  It  dif- 
fers in  form  from  C.  Charlesworthii  Bromilowi- 
anum  which  secured  a  First-class  Certificate  and 
was  illustrated  in  the  Gardeners'  CSrotiicle, 
October  31,  1908,  p.  310. 

H.  T.  Pitt,  Esq.,  Rosslyn,  Stamford  Hill 
(gr.  Mr.  Thurgood),  showed  Maxillaria 
Ilubschii,  and  a  very  fine  specimen  of  C.  Ful- 
shawense. 

Mons.  Mertens,  Ghent,  staged  a  selection  of 
hybrid  Odontoglossums. 

C.  J.  Lucas,  Esq.,  Watnham  Court  (gr.  Mr. 
Duncan),  showed  Cypripedium  Alcibiades 
Chardwar  variety,  and  the  curiously-striped  C. 
Harlequin. 

Walter  Cobb,  Esq.,  Rusper  (gr.  Mr.  C.  J. 
Salter),  showed  a  hybrid  Cypripedium  from  C. 
insigne  Sanderas   X    C.  bellatulum   album. 

Henry  Little,  Esq.,  Baronshalt,  Twicken- 
ham (gr.  Mr.  Howard),  sent  the  pretty  and  dis- 
tinct Cypripedium  insigne  Little's  variety. 

R.  G.  Thwaites,  Esq.,  Chessington,  Streat- 
ham  (gr.  Mr.  Black),  showed  Cattleya  Leda 
Thwaites'  variety  (Dowiana  aurea  X  Percivali- 
ana),  a  very  pretty,  rosy-lilac  flower,  with  gold 
veining  in  the  lip. 

AWARDS. 

First-class  Certificate. 

Cattleya  Pereivaliana  Charlenvorth's  variety. — 

A    charming    pure    white   flower,    with    a    deep 

reddish-purple  blotch  on  the  front  of  the  lip, 

and  a  chrome-yellow  disc. 

Award  of  Merit. 

Cattleya  Maggie  Raphael  "Westonbirt  variety" 
(C.  Dowiana  aurea  x  C.  Triana  Imperalor]. — A 
beautiful  and  finely-shaped  flower,  of  a  delicate 
rose  tint,  the  petals  having  a  fine  silvery-white 
veining.  The  front  of  the  lip  is  of  a  glowing, 
deep,  rosy-crimson  colour,  the  base  being  tinged 
with  purple  and  netted  with  golden  veining. 
From  Lt.-Col.  G.  L.  Holford,  CLE.,  C.V.O. 
(gr.  Mr.  H.   G.  Alexander). 

Vanda  Watsonii. — An  elegant  species,  allied  to 
V.  Kimballiana,  but  with  pure  white  flowers. 
The  plant  bore  four  spikes.  From  Lt.-Col.  G. 
L.    Holford 

Odontoglossum  ardentissimum  Norman  Cookson, 
from  Norman  C.  Cookson,  Esq.,  Oakwood, 
Wylam  (gr.  Mr.  H.  J.  Chapman). — A  compact 
flower,  having  equally  broad  sepals  and  petals, 
white,  with  two-thirds  of  the  flower  heavily 
blotched   with   violet-purple. 

Cultural  Commendation  to  Mr.  H.  Ballan. 
tine,  gr.  to  Baron  Sir  H.  Schroder,  The  Dell, 
Egham,  for  a  large  plant  of  Masdevallia  ignea, 
bearing  upwards   of  70   flowers. 


January  16,  1909.] 


THE     GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


47 


Fruit  and  Vegetable  Committee. 

I'nsuit:  (.!■..!  ._"■  Hi  m  v.u  il,  I'.sq.  (Chairman), 
and  Messrs.  Jos.  Cheal,  W.  Bates,  Alex.  Dean, 
Geo.  Keif,  A.  R.  Allan,  J.  Davis,  H.  Markham, 
Owen  Thomas,  W.  Crump,  J.  Willard,  P.  D. 
Tuckett,  G.  Reynolds,  J.  Jaques,  Geo.  Wythes, 
J.  Mclndoe,  Chas.  Foster,  John  Harrison,  W. 
l'oupart,  II.  Parr,  Edwin  Beckett,  C.  G.  A.  Nix, 
H.  Somers  Rivers,  A.  H.  Pearson,  John  Lyne, 
and  Jas.   Vert. 

Competitive  classes  for  late  Grapes. — Although 
there  were  five  classes,  the  only  exhibitor  was 
Sir  Wai.poi.e  Greenwelx,  Bart.,  Marden  Park, 
Woldingham  (gr.  Mr.  W.  Lintott).  This  exhibi- 
tor showed  in  the  class  for  two  bunches  of  one 
variety  of  black  Grape,  having  moderately  good 
bunches  of  Lady  Downe's  Seedling.  The  ex- 
hibit was  awarded  the  1st  prize. 

From  the  University  College  Gardens, 
Reading  (gr.  Mr.  C.  Foster),  came  excellent 
fruits  of  Tomatos  Sutton's  Eclipse,  and  Sun- 
beam, the  latter  a  yellow  variety ;  also  Let- 
tuce French  Frame  raised  from  seeds  sown  on 
September  16  last  :  and  Early  Nantes  Carrot, 
pulled  from  the  open  after  they  had  been 
subjected  to  26'  of  frost.  (Silver  Banksian 
Medal.) 

Fikst-Class  Certificate. 

Pear  Bliciling. — This  variety  received  an 
Award  of  Merit  on  January  8,  1907.  The  award 
was  on  this  occasion  raised  to  a  First-class  Cer- 
tificate. An  illustration  and  description  of  this 
Pear  is  given  in  our  issue  for  February  22,  1908. 
Shown  by  Hon.  C.  Harbord,  Gunton  Park. 
Norwich  (gr.   Mr.  W.  Allan). 


<SH)ttuar)j. 


David  Croll.— The  death  of  Mr.  David  Croll, 
nurseryman,  Dundee,  is  announced.  Mr.  Croll 
was  born  at  Duntrune,  near  Dundee,  where 
his  father  carried  on  the  business  of  a 
miller.  On  the  death  of  his  father,  the  family 
settled  in  Broughty  Ferry.  Deceased  learned 
his  trade  with  his  uncle,  Mr.  Laird.  Subse- 
quent!}', to  acquire  greater  experience,  he 
entered  the  service  of  Messrs.  Alexander  Cross 
&  Sons,  seedsmen,  Glasgow,  in  whose  employ- 
ment he  remained  for  a  number  of  years.  Re- 
turning to  his  native  district  about  30  years  ago, 
he  started  business  with  his  brother  William 
Croll,  as  Messrs.  D.  &  \V.  Croll.  Deceased  was 
68  years  of  age,  and  is  survived  by  a  widow, 
two  sons,  and  two  daughters.  One  of  the  sons 
now  succeeds  his  father  in  the  business. 


THE     WEATHER. 


THE  WEATHER    IN    WEST    HERTS. 

Week  ending  January  13. 
A  nether  warm  week.  —  Since  the  present  month  begmi 
there  has  been  no  unseasonably  cold  weather.  On  the  two 
warmest  days  of  the  past  week  the  temperature  in  the 
thermometer  screen  ruse  to  50s  and  51°,  or  about  10° 
higher  than  is  seasonable.  The  ground  is  now  2°  warmer 
than  is  usual  in  the  middle  of  January,  both  at  1  and  2 
teet  deep.  Rain  fell  on  4  days,  but  to  the  total  depth  of  only 
about  half  an  inch.  Small  amounts  of  rainwater  have  come 
each  day  through  both  of  the  percolation  gauges.  The  sun 
shone  on  an  average  for  2  hours  54  minutes  a  day,  or 
Dearly  twice  the  average  duration  for  this  period  of  the 
yeir.  On  one  day  the  sun  was  shining  brightly  for  5  hours 
40  minutes.  The  wind  has  been  as  a  rule  rather  high, 
but  in  the  windiest  hour  the  mean  velocity  only  amounted 
to  16  miles — direction  west.  The  average  amount  of 
moisture  in  the  air  at  3  p.m.  was  6  per  cent,  less  than  a 
seasonable  quantity  for  that  hour.  E.  M.t  Berkhamsted, 
January  13,  1909. 


DEBATING    SOCIETIES. 


CARDIFF     GARDENERS'.— The    usual    fortnightly 

meeting  of  the  above  association  was  held  on  January  5. 
Mr.  H.  R.  Farmer  in  the  chair,  A  lecture  and  demon- 
stration on  "The  Manipulation  of  Florists'  Flowers  "  was 
given  by  Mr.  Sydney  Case,  of  the  firm  of  Messrs.  Case 
Bros.,  Cardiff.  The  lecturer  described  the  best  method  of 
wiring  flowers,  and  showed  how  wreaths  were  best  made, 
also  button-holes,  sprays  of  flowers,  &c.     R.   1 .   W. 

CHESTER  PAXTON.— By  the  kind  invitation  of  Mr. 
A.  W.  Armstrong,  chairman  of  committees,  the  members 
of  the  executive  and  districts  committees  were  on  Saturday, 
January  9,  entertained  at  dinner  at  the  Blossoms  Hotel, 
Chester.    The  chair  was  occupied  by  Mr.  Armstrong. 


CATALOGUES     RECEIVED. 


SEEDS. 

Tom  Kershaw,  Cross  Roads,  Keighley,  Yorkshire. 
David  W.  Thomson,  113,  George  Street,  Edinburgh. 
Wm.  Paul  &  Sons,  Wallham  Cross,  Herts. 
Fisher,  Son  &  Sibray,  Ltd.,  Handswoilh,  Sheffield-Also 

Trees  and  Shrubs. 
J.  R.  Pearson  &  Sons,  Lowdham,  near  Nottingham. 
Wm.  Fell  &  Co.,  Ltd.,  Hexham,  Northumberland. 
Clibrans,  Market  Street,  Manchester. 
Thomas  Davies  &  Co.,  Wavertree,  Liverpool. 
Thus.   Meihvln  &  Sons,  15,  Princes  Street,  Edinburgh. 
Herd  Bros.,  Penrith. 

Brown  &  Wilson,  10,  Market  Place,  Manchester. 
James  Carter  &  Co.,  High  Holborn,  London. 
Edmondson  Brothers,  10,  Dame  Street,  Dublin. 
Robert  Sydenham,  Ltd.,  Tenby  Street,  Birmingham. 
George   Bonyard  &    Co.,    Ltd.,  The    Royal    Nurseries, 

Maidstone. 
Agricultural    and    Horticultural   Association,    Ltd. 

("One  &  All"),  92,  Long  Acre,  London. 
Howden  &  Co.,  Old  Post  Office  Buildings,  Inverness. 
R.   H.  Bath,  Ltd.,  The  Floral  Farms,  Wisbech. 
McHattie  &  Co.,  Noithgate  Street,  Chester. 
Daniel  Bros.,  I  ii>,,  Norwich. 
Gee  &  Sons,  Biggleswade,  Bedfordshire. 
John  R,  Box,  Derby  Road,  Croydon. 
Clark  Brothers  &  Co.,  65,  Scotch  Street,  Carlisle. 
Hogg  &  YOUNG,  177,  Morningside  Road,  lidinburgh. 
Browne,  Thompson  &  Co.,  66,  Patrick  Street,  Cork. 
Kent  &  Brydon,  Darlington. 
Tilley  Lie  is.,   183,   London  Road,  Brighton. 
Toogood  &  Sons,  Southampton. 
John  McKerchar,  35,  Giesbach  Road,   Upper  Hollouay, 

London,  N. 
Thos.  Kennbd\   &  Co.,  Dumfries. 
Barr   &   Sons,    11,  12,  13,   King   Street,  Covent    Garden, 

London. 
Mack  &   Mii.n,   Darlington. 
Geo.  CooLtNt;  &  Sons,  Bath. 
K.  P.  Dixon  &  Sons,  Ltd.,  Hull. 
W.  H.  Young,  Mercury  Nursery,  Romford,  Essex. 

MISCELLANEOUS. 

Hugh  Low  &  Co.,  Bush  Hill  Park,  Enfield,  Middlesex— 
Carnations. 

Blackmore  &  Langdon,  Twerton  Hill  Nursery,  Bath- 
Begonias,  Carnations,  &c. 

Jessie  Handscombb,  11  lV  13,  High  Street,  Feltham— Peat 
and  other  horticultural  sundrit    . 

Protherob  &  Morris,  67  &  68,  Cheapside,  London,  E.C. 
—  Monthly   si!u,  of  estates,  farms,  Ac. 

FOREIGN. 

Georg  Abends,  Rousdorf,  Rheinland,  Germany — Novelties 
in  flower  seeds. 

Haage  &  Schmidt,  Erfurt,  Germany  — Seeds  and  Plants. 

Ant.  Roozen  &  Son,  Overveen,  near  Haarlem,  Holland 
(Agent,  Mertens  &  Co.,  3,  Cross  Lane,  St.  Mary-at-Hill, 
London,  E.C.) — Seeds,  Bulbs,  &c. 

R.  Vincent,  Jr.  &  Sons,  While  Marsh,  Maryland, 
U.S.A.  — Pelargoniums. 

Harlan  P.  Kelsey,  Salem,  Mass  ,  U.S.A. — Rhododen- 
drons, Azaleas,  and  other  plants. 


GARDENING     APPOINTMENTS. 


[Correspondents  ate  requested  to  write  the  names  of person* 
and  places  aa  legibly  as  possible.  No  chatge  is 
made  for  these  announcements,  butt/  a  small  contribution 
is  sent,  to  be  placed  in  our  collecting  Box  Jot  the  Gardeners' 
Orphan  Fttttd,  xt  will  be  thankfully  received,  and  an 
acknowledgment  made  in  these  columns.] 

Mr.  J.  Smith  has  succeeded  Mr.  L.  Perfect  as  Orchid 
Grower  to  R.  Brooman  White,  Esq.,  at  Arddarroch, 
Garelochhead,  Dumbartonshire,  N.B.  (Thanks  for  2s. 
sent  for  R.G.O.F.  bos.) 

Mr.  George  Stott,  lately  residing  at  Crag  Bank,  Carnforth, 
as  Superintendent  and  Manager  of  the  parks  belonging 
to  the  Valparaiso  Sporting  Club,  Chili. 

Mr.  S.  J.  Nott,  late  Foreman  at  Shugborough  Park 
Gardens,  as  Gardener  to  Mrs.  Thumas,  Thames  Bank, 
Reading. 

Mr.  V.  Wall,  until  recently  Foreman  at  The  Dell,  Kings 
Norton,  as  Gardener  to  Alfred  Hughes,  Esq.,  Pack- 
wood  Grange,  Knowle,  Warwickshire. 

Mr.  Thomas  S.  Dick,  for  the  past  2  years  Foreman  and 
Decorator  in  the  gardens  of  Robert  M.  Donaldson, 
Esq.,  Bl.iiivaddick,  Row,  Dumbartonshire,  as  Gardener 
to  A.  Whitelaw,  Esq.,  Gartshore,  Kirkintilloch,  Dum- 
bartonshire. 

Mr.  A.  Morphett,  for  3  years  Gardener  to  Jeremiah  Col- 
man,  Esq.,  J. P.,  Wick  Hall,  Hove,  as  Gardener  to  E.  J. 
Arbib,  Esq.,  Martins  Mount,  Crayford,  Kent. 
F.  Sivell,  for  the  past  2  years  Gardener  at  Billingham 
Manor,  Isle  of  Wight,  and  previously  in  the  service  of 
the  Earl  of  Portsmouth,  Hurstbourne  Park,  Hants,  as 
Gardener  to  Captain  Chichester,  Gipsy  Hill,  Pinhoe, 
near  Exeter.  (Thanks  for  Is.,  which  has  been  placed  in 
the  R.G.O.F.  box.) 

Mr.  Arthur  Edwards,  formerly  Gardener  at  The  High 
House,  King's  Norton,  and  of  Bushey  Hall,  Watford, 
as  Gardener  to  J.  B.  Hackett,  Esq.,  Lea  Hall, 
Vardley. 

Mr.  A.  B.  Hudd,  late  Gardener  to  A.  Williamson,  Esq., 
Bramling  House,  Dover,  as  Gardener  to  Mrs.  F. 
Chalmers,  Farrants,  Bickley,  Kent. 


M 


SCHEDULE      RECEIVED, 


M  ARKETS. 

COVENT  GARDEN,  January  13. 

[We  cannot  accept  any  responsibility  for  the  subjoined 
reports.  They  are  furnished  to  us  regularly  every 
Wednesday,  by  the  kindness  of  several  of  the  principal 
salesmen,  who  are  responsible  for  the  quotations.  '  It 
must  be  remembered  that  these  quotations  do  not  repre- 
sent the  prices  on  any  particular  day,  but  only  the 
general  averages  for  the  week  preceding  the  date  of  our 
report.  The  prices  depend  upon  the  quality  of  the 
samples,  the  way  in  which  they  are  packed,  the  supply 
in  the  market,  and  the  demand,  and  they  may  auctuate, 
not  only  from  day  to  day,  but  occasionally  several  times 
in  one  day. — Ed.] 

Cut  Flowers,  Ac. :  Average  Wholesale  Prices. 


16-26 
4  0-50 


6  0-80 


2  6- 
1  0- 


s.d.  s.d. 
Acacia      (Mimosa), 

p. doz.  bunches  10  0-12  0 
Anemone    fulgens, 

p.  dz.  bunches 
Azalea,  p.  dz.  bchs. 
Bouvardia,  per  dz. 

bunches 
Calla  arthiopica,  p. 

dozen  

Camellias,  per  doz. 
Carnations.       per 

dozen  blooms, 

best  American 

various 

—  second  size    ... 

—  smaller,        per 

doz,      bunches    9  0-12  0 
Calileyas,  per  doz. 

blooms 
Cb  rysanthemums, 

specim  e  n 

blooms  p.  doz.    2  0-30 

—  smaller,  per 

doz.     bunches    9  0-18  0 
Cypripediums,  per 

dozen  blooms.. 
Daffodils,  per  bch, 
Eilcoaris      grandi- 

flora,  per  doz, 

blooms 

Freesias  (white),  p. 

doz.  bunches... 
Gardenias,  perdoz. 

blooms 

Hyacinths  (Roman) 

per  doz.  bchs. 
Lilac  (French)  per 

bunch    

—  —  (mauve)  ... 
Lapagerias,  p.  doz. 
Lilium      aiiratum, 

per  bunch 

—  lon^illorum     ... 

—  lane  i  folium, 
rubrum 

—  album 

Lily  of  the  Valley, 

p.  dz.  bunches 

—  extra  qualily ... 


2  6-36 
10-20 


10  0-12  0 


16-26 
10-13 


2  0-30 

2  6-30 

3  0-60 
9  0-12  0 

30-4  0 

4  0-50 
16-20 

2  0-30 

3  0-40 

10-16 
2  0-26 

8  0-90 
12  0-15  0 


Marguerites,  p.  dz. 
bunches  white 
and  yellow     ... 

Mignonette,  per 
dozen  bunches 

Myosotis,  per  doz. 
bunches 

Narcissus,    Paper- 
white,  per  dz. 
bunches 
— ■  Gloriosa 

—  Soleil  d'Or    ... 
O  do  n  to  glossum 

crispum,     per 

dozen  blooms 
Pancratiums,     per 

dozen   

Pelargoniums, 

show,  per  doz. 

bunches 

—  Zonal,  double 
scarlet 

Ranunculus,perdz, 

bunches 
Roses,    12  blooms, 

Niphetos 

—  Bridesmaid    ... 

—  C.  Testout     ... 

—  K  ai  se  rin  A. 
Victoria 

—  C.  Mermet 

—  Liberty 

—  Mme.Chatenay 

—  The  Bride 

—  UlrichBrunner 
Spiraea,  per  dozen* 

bunches 
Stocks,      double 

white,  per  doz. 

bunches 
Tuberoses,  per  dz. 

blooms 

—  on  stems,  per 
bunch  

Tulips,  per  doz.  ... 
Violets,  per  dozen 
bunches 

—  Parmas,  per 
bunch  


2  0- 


3  0 

3  0 


3  0-10 
16-26 
2  6-36 


2  0-26 

3  0-40 

5  0-60 

8  0-10  0 

...  12  0-15  0 

16-26 
2  6-40 
2  6-40 

2  0-40 

2  0-36 

4  0-60 

4  0-60 
2  6-36 

6  0-80 

5  0-80 
4  0-60 


0  9-13 
0  8-10 


16-30 


Cut  Foliage,  &c:  Average  Wholesale  Prices. 


Chester  Paxton  Society's  list  of  lectures  for  1909. 


Adiantum  cunea- 
tum,  dz.  bchs, 

A  spar  ag  us  plu- 
mosus,  long 
trails,  per  doz. 

—  — medm.,bch. 

—  Sprengeri 
Berberis,  per  doz. 

bunches 
Croton  leaves,  per 

bunch  

Cycas  leaves,  each 
Daffodil  foliage,  p. 

doz.  bunches- 
Ferns,    per    dozen 

bchs.  (English) 

—  (French) 
Galax    leaves,   per 

dozen  bunches 
Holly,  per  crate  ... 

Plants  In  Pots 

Ampelopsis  Veit- 
chii,  per  dozen 

Aralia  Sieboldii,  p. 
dozen  

—  larger  speci- 
mens     

—  Moseri 

Araucaria   excelsa, 

per  dozen 
Aspidistras,  p.  dz., 
green   

—  variegated 
Asparagus,  plumo- 

sus  nanus,  per 
dozen  

—  Sprengeri 

—  ten  uissimus 
Azaleas  (Indian),  p. 

dozen  

Begonia  Gloire  de 

Lorraine,  p.  dz. 
Bouvardias,  per  dz. 
C  h  rysanthemums, 

per  dozen,  best 

disbudded 
Clematis,  per  doz. 
Cocos    Weddelli- 

ana,  per  dozen 
Crotons,  per  dozen 
Cyclamen,  pr.  doz. 
C  y  perus   alterni- 

folius,  dozen  ... 
Cyperus  laxus,  per 

dozen  


s.d.  s.d. 
40-60 


1  0- 

2  U  - 


1  6 

2  6 


0  9-16 


s.d.  s.d. 
Ha  rdy    foliage 

(various),    per 

dozen  bunches  2  0-60 
Honesty  (Lunaria) 

fier  bunch 
m    eaves,  bronze 

—  long  trails  per 
bundle 

—  short   green, 
perdz.  bunches 

Moss,  per  gross  ... 
Myrtle,  dz.  bchs., 

(English) 

small-leaved 

—  French 
Ruscus  racemosus, 

p.  dz.  bunches  18  0 
Smilax,  per  dozen 

trails 4  0 


1  6- 
4  0- 


4  0- 
1  0- 


26 
6  Q 


6  0 
1  6 


60 


8  0-12  0 
10-20 
0  9-16 

2  6-30 

10-13 

16-20 

2  6-80 

2  0-30 
0  6-09 

2  0-26 
4  0    — 

,  &c. :  Average  Wholesale  Prices. 

s.d.  s.d. 
Daffodils,  per  doz.  9  0-12  0 
Dracaenas,  perdoz.  9  0-24  0 
Erica  gracilis,  per 

dozen  ...        ...  12  0  15  0 

—  gracilisnivalis, 
per  dozen      ...   15  0-18  0 

—  hyemalis,    per 
dozen 10  0-15  0 

—  ovata,  per  doz.  15  0-18  0 
Euonymus,  perdz., 

in  pots 4  0-90 

—  from  the  ground  3  0-60 
Ferus,  in  thumbs, 

per  100 

—  in    small     and 
large  60's 

—  in  48's,  per  dz. 

—  in  32's,  per  dz. 
Ficus  elastica,  doz. 

—  repens,  per  dz. 
Genista     fragrans, 

per  doz. 
Gravilleas,  per  dz. 
Isolepis,  per  dozen 
Kentia       Belmore- 

ana,  per  dozen  15  0-24  0 

—  Fosteriana,  per 
dozen 18  0-30  0 

Latania  borbonica, 

per  dozen       ...  12  0-18  0 
Lilium     I  o  n  g  i  - 

florum,  per  dz.  18  0-24  0 

—  lancifolium,per 
dozen 12  0-24  0 


6  0-80 

4  0-60 

9  0-12  0 
4  0-60 

19  0-80  0 

15  0-24  0 
30  0-42  0 

12  0-18  0 
9  0-12  0 
9  0-12  0 

30  0-42  0 

12  0-18  0 
0  0-90 

12  0-18  0 
8  0-90 

18  0-30  0 
18  0-30  0 
10  0-15  0 

4  0-50 

4  0-50 

7  0-10  0 

12  0-20  0 
4  0-10  0 
10  0-18  0 

8  0-10  0 
6  0-80 

10  0-12  0 
4  0-60 
4  0-60 


48 


THE    GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


[January  16,  1909. 


Plants  in  Pots,  ate:  Average  Wholesale  Prices  (Contd.). 


Lily  of  the  Valley, 

per  dozen 
Marguet  iies,  white 

per  dozen 
Poinsettia=,  per  dz. 
Rose  Madame  Le- 

vavasseur,  doz.  12  0-18  0 


18  0-30  0 


6  0-10  0 
9  0-1*2  0 


Selaginella,  per 
dozen  

Solanuuis,  per  doz. 

Spiraea  japonica,  p. 
dozen  

Tulips  in  boxes, 
per  dozen 


s.d.  s.d, 


4  0-60 
9  0-12  0 


8  0-12  0 
0  9-10 


Fruit:  Average  Wholesale  Prices. 
s.d.  s  d. 


Apples,      Foreign 

—  California 
Newtown  Pip- 
pin, per  case,  4 
tiers     

—  4J  tiers 

—  (American),  per 
barrel : 

—  Baldwin 

—  Greening 

—  Newtown  Pip 
pin        

—  Oregon  New- 
town Pippin 
per  case 

—  per  case  (165- 
185)       ... 

—  (NovaScotian), 
per  barrel : 

—  Spys    

—  Russet 

—  Baldwin 

—  Ben  Davis 

—  Fallawaters  ... 

—  French  Russet 
per  case 

Bananas,  bunch: 

—  No.  2  Canary. 

—  No.  1        „    ... 

—  Extra        „    ... 

—  Giants      „     ... 

—  (Claiet) 

—  Jamaica 

—  Loose,  per  dz. 
Cranberries,     per 

dozen  punnets 
Custard  Apples  ... 
Dates  (Tunis),  per 

dozen  boxes  ...    4  9-50 
Figs  (Eleme),p.  dz.     4  3    — 

—  pulled,  per  dz.  5  0  7  6 
Grape  Fruit,  case  10  0-13  0 
Grapes     (English), 

per lb.„. 

—  Hambros 

—  Gros  Colmar... 

—  Alicante 

—  Muscat  of  Alex- 
andria   

—  Cannon  Hall 
Muscat 


8  0-90 
8  C-  8  6 


23  0-25  0 
25  0-26  0 

28  0-35  0 

10  0-12  0 
10  0-14  0 


18  0-22  0 
23  0-25  0 
ly  0-23  0 
18  0-21  0 
23  0  25  0 

9  0-10  0 

6  6  — 
6  6-80 
8  0-90 
10  0-12  0 
5  0-76 
5  0-56 
0  6-10 

5  0    — 
4  0-12  0 


0  6-16 
0  6-16 
10-20 
10-16 

2  0-60 

2  0-80 


Grapes  (Guernsey) 

—  (Almeria),  per 
barrel  

Lemons,  box  : 

—  Messina,  300  .. 

—  Do.        360... 

—  per  case,  300.. 

—  Naples,  360... 
Lychees,  per  box... 
Mandarines    (25' s), 

per  box 

—  (96's),  per  box 
Mangoes,  per  doz. 
Nuts,  Almonds,  per 

bag       

—  Brazils,  new, 
percwt. 

—  Grenobles,  per 
bag       

—  Barcelona,  bag 

—  Cocoa  nuts,  100 

—  Cob,  per  dozen 
lbs 

—  Chestnuts,  per 
bag       

—  (Italian),  p.  bag 

—  (Spanish) 
Oranges  (Jamaica), 

per  case 

—  (Denia) 

—  Cal  if  ornian 
seedless,  per 
case     

—  (Valencia)  per 
case  (420) 

—  per  case  (714)-.. 

—  Jaffa  Navels, 
case     

—  Jaffas 

Pears,    Californian 

Cornice,       per 
case     

—  C  a  t  i  1  1  a  c 
(French),  crate 

—  (Californ  i  an), 
Glou  Morcean, 
per  case 

—  Cal  if  or  nian 
Winter  Nelis, 
per  box 

Pineapples,  each ... 


s.d.  s.d. 
0  8-10 

12  6-20  0 

10  0-12  0 
9  0-10  6 

14  0-26  0 

14  0-20  0 

10-15 

0  8-10 
3  0-36 
3  0-60 

45  0    — 

50  0-55  0 

6  6-76 
32  0-35  0 

11  0-14  0 

16-19 

7  0-90 
18  0  20  0 

13  0-16  0 

7  0-96 
9  0-18  0 


9  0-21  0 
10  C-14  0 


16  6    - 
8  0-96 


8  6-12  0 
8  0-90 

8  0-10  6 


8  0-11  0 
2  0-40 


Vegetables  :  Average  Wholesale  Prices. 


Artichokes(Globe), 
per  dozen 

—  white,  p. bushel 
Asparagus,    per 

bundle: 

—  Sprue 

—  Paris  Green  ... 
Beans — 

—  (French),  p.  lb. 

—  (Guernsey), 
per  lb 

—  (Madeira),  per 
basket 

Beet  root, per  bushel 
Biussel  Sprouts,  h 

bushel 

Cabbages,  per  tally 

—  per  mat 

—  Greens,       per 
bushel 

Cardoon   (French), 

per  dozen 
Carrots    (English), 

dozen  bunches 

—  washed,  bag  .*.. 

—  unwashed 

—  Dutch,  p.  bag. 

—  (French),  p.  pad 
Cauliflowers,    per 

dozen      

—  per  tally 

—  Italian    Heads, 
per  basket 

Celery,  per  roll    ... 

—  unwashed,  per 
dozen  

Celeriac,  per  doz. 
Chicory,  per  lb.  ... 
Chow  Chow    (Sec- 

hium  edule),p. 

dozen  ... 


s.d.  s.d. 


2  6-30 
1  0    - 


0  7-08 
3  6-46 

0  6-08 

0  10-  1  3 

2  0-40 
10-16 

2  0-30 

6  0-80 

3  6-40 

2  0    — 

8  0-10  0 

2  0    — 
2  3-26 
16-19 

1  6    — 

2  6    — 

2  0-30 

6  0-12  0 

3  0-33 

0  11-  1  0 

7  0-10  0 
3  0-40 
0  3-0  3A 


2  0-40 


Cucumbers,  per  dz. 
Endive,  per  dozen 
Horseradish,     for- 
eign, per   doz. 
bundles 
Leeks,  12  bundles 
Lettuce    (French), 
per  dozen      ,.. 
Mushrooms, per  lb. 

—  broilers 

—  buttons,  per  lb. 
Mustardand  Cress, 

per  dozen  pun. 
Onions,  per  bag  ... 

—  (Valencia), case 

—  Dutch,  pr.  bag 

—  pickling,     per 
bushel 

Parsley,  12bunches 
Parsnips,  per  bag... 
Potatos,Sweet,  per 
cwt. 

—  (French),  p.  lb. 
Radishes  (French), 

per  doz.  bunches 
Rhobarb  (English), 

forced,  per  dz. 

bundles 
Salsafy,  per  dozen 

bundles 
Seakale,  per  dozen 
Spinach,  p.  basket 
Savoys,  per  tally... 
Turnips,  per  dozen 

bunches 

—  washed,  p.  bag 
Tomatos      (Tener- 

iffe),   per   bun- 
dle of  4  boxes 
Watercress,        per 
doz 


s.d.  s.d. 
10  0-18  0 
16-20 


11  0-12  0 
10-16 

13-20 
0  8-0  10 
0  6-08 

0  8-0  10 

1  0    — 
8  6-10  0 

12  0    — 
7  0-80 

4  6    — 
3  0-36 
3  0    — 

20  0-24  0 
0  3£-  0  4 

10-13 


10-11 

4  0-46 

9  0-12  0 
3  6-46 
7  6-10  6 

2  0    — 

3  0-40 


8  0-12  0 
0  6-08 


Remarks. — The  demand  for  American  Apples  re- 
mains good.  There  is  also  an  improved  sale  for  Cali- 
fornia Newtown  Apples.  Oranges  generally  are  arriv- 
ing in  a  bad  condition  :  best  samples  sell  freely.  Eng- 
lish Grapes  are  a  good  trade  and  their  prices  remain 
firm.  Canary  Tomatos  are  arriving  in  a  splendid  con- 
dition. Prices  generally  for  vegetables  are  lower. 
English  Rhubarb  has  very  little  demand.  Trade  in 
all  departments  is  very  bad.  E.  H.  R.,  Covent  Gar- 
den,   Wednesday,   January  /_j,   igog. 


Potatos. 


PotatOS  (Continued). 

s.d.  s.d.  I  Dunbars—  s.d.  s.d. 

...2  6-2  9     Langworthy  ...  4  3    4  6 

...  2  9-  3  0  J  Up-to-Date,  red  soil  3  9-40 

...  2  3-  2  6  |      ,,        ,,      grey  soil  2  9-33 

s.—  Trade  is  very  steady  and  there  is  no  alteration 
in  prices.  Stocks  in  London  are  increasing  daily.  Edward  J. 
Newborn,  Covent  Garden  and  St.  Patterns,  January  13,  1909. 


Bedfords— 

Up-to-Date  ... 

Epicure 

Blacklands 

Remarks 


COVENT    GARDEN     FLOWER     MARKET. 

During  the  past  week  supplies  have  not  been  exces- 
sive and,  in  most  instances,  prices  have  advanced.  Yet 
trade  has  not  beta  very  brisk.  Many  growers  will  not 
be  marketing  produce  until  their  spring  plants  are 
ready.  Bulbs  and  Azaleas  are  the  more  prominent  sub- 
jects at  the  present  time.  French  flowers  are  numer- 
ous; these  are  not  all  sold  in  the  new  market  which 
was  built  specially  for  the  purpose,  and  French  flowers 
are  a  prominent  feature  in  the  ordinary  flower  market. 
What  may  be  termed  a  retail  trade  is  done  by  some 
salesmen  in  the  flower  market,  and  at  the  same  prices 
as  are  charged  to  florists'  for  larger  quantities.  At  one 
time  the  growers  would  not  sell  produce  except  to 
persons  engaged  in  the  trade. 

Pot  Plants. 
Except  in  the  case  of  bulbous  plants  and  Azaleas, 
supplies  are  limited.  Erica  melanthera  is  seen  in  the 
market,  and  there  are  some  fairly  good  plants  of  E. 
gracilis  obtainable.  Genistas  are  very  good,  also  Mar- 
guerites in  plants  of  various  sizes.  Another  prominent 
subject  is  Begonia  Gloire  de  Lorraine.  Spiraeas  are 
not  quite  so  abundant  as  they  were  a  few  weeks  ago. 
A  few  Cinerarias  are  seen,  but  I  have  not  included 
them  in  the  price  list.  Narcissus  in  pots  may  be  had, 
the  variety  being  Obvillaris.  Hyacinths  improve  in 
quality  :  the  early  white  varieties  are  the  best.  Tulips 
are  almost  wholly  sold  in  boxes,  from  which  they  can  be 
easily  transferred  to  pots  or  vases.  Lily  of  the  Valley 
can  also  be  transferred  to  other  receptacles  from  boxes 
without  suffering  much  check.  Liliums  of  various  kinds, 
Solanums  and  Chrysanthemums  are  seen,  but  best 
plants  of  Poinsettia  (Euphorbia)  are  no  longer  pro- 
curable. Foliage  plants,  including  Aspidistras  and 
Kentias,  are  well  supplied.  There  is  usually  a  shortage 
of  best  plants  of   small   Ferns  at  this  season. 

Cut  Flowers. 

During  the  past  week  there  has  been  rather  a  better 
demand  for  flowers,  and  supplies  generally  have  not 
been  so  large,  except  in  the  case  of  Carnations.  Roses 
are  well  supplied  ;  the  variety  Ulrich  Brunner  on  long 
stems  is  worth  8s.  per  dozen  blooms.  Chrysanthemums 
are  plentiful.  Best  quality  blooms  of  Lilium  are  realis- 
ing high  prices,  but  ordinary  blooms  are  very  cheap. 
Callas  are  plentiful  and  good ;  fairly  good  prices 
are  sustained  for  this  flower.  Azalea  Fielder  I,  Camel- 
lias, Eucharis,  and  Tuberoses  are  all  plentiful. 
Gardenias    are    dearer. 

French  flowers  have  been  plentiful  during  the  past 
week.  A.  H.,  Covent  Garden,  Wednesday,  Janu- 
ary J 3,   igog. 


to 
Correjfoondente 


Kents— 

Snowdrop     ... 
Sharpe's  Express  . 

picnre 
Up-to-Date  ... 

s.d. 
.  4  0- 
.  3  6- 
.  3  3- 
.  3  0- 

s.d. 
4  3 
3  9 
3  6 
3  6 

Lincolns  — 

hpicure 

.  2  9- 

3  0 

Lincolns—  s.d.  s.d. 

British  Queen        ...  3  0-  3  3 

Up-to-Date 3  0-36 

Maincrop     3  6-39 

Sharpe's  Express ...  3  0-33 
Evergood     2  6-30 


Belladonna  Lily  in  Pots  :  Bella.  It  is  not 
possible  to  obtain  flowers  of  Amaryllis 
Belladonna  in  January  unless  the  bulbs  can  be 
retarded,  as  is  done  in  the  case  of  Lily  of  the 
Valley  crowns  and  many  Liliums.  As  you  say 
your  bulbs  flowered  grandly  in  October  last 
year,  they  can  hardly  be  expected  to  flower 
again  now,  only  three  or  four  months  after- 
wards. The  foliage  which  you  say  the  pot 
bulbs  are  now  producing  in  abundance  is  al- 
ready showing  on  those  cultivated  out-of-doors. 
If  the  Belladonna  Lily  is  cultivated  in  pots  in 
the  same  way  as  Hippeastrums,  it  may  be 
obtained  in  flower  during  August  and  Septem- 
ber. The  best  time  to  pot  the  bulbs  is  in 
June  or  July,  when  the  roots  become  active. 
We  would  suggest  that  you  grow  a  large  batch 
of  Hippeastrums  (Amaryllis)  to  flower  at  the 
present  time.  This  can  be  done  easily  by 
starting  the  bulbs  early  in  December  in  a  tem- 
perature of  60°  to  65°  and  a  bottom  heat  of 
70°  Fahr. 

Broccoli  Disease  :  D.  The  disease  affecting 
the  leives  of  the  Broccoli  is  due  to  a  fungus 
— Sphaerella  brassicaecola,  a  difficult  pest  to 
get  rid  of.  Spray  the  plants  either  with  weak 
Bordeaux  mixture  or  with  potassium  sulphide, 
using  the  latter  in  preference  to  the  former 
if  the  Broccoli  are  fairly  well  advanced  in 
growth. 

Grub  Attacking  Carnations  :  Dumas.  The 
insect  that  had  burrowed  in  the  stem  of  your 
Carnation  is  probably  the  grub  of  an  Antho- 
myid  fly  But  it  had  become  damaged  in 
transit,  and  correct  determination  was  im- 
possible. Please  send  another  specimen.  In 
the  meantime  remove  all  shoots  containing 
grubs  and  burn  them. 


Horticultural  Instructor  :  E.  H.  T.  Ap- 
pointments as  instructors  in  horticulture  to 
school  gardens  under  the  Education  Depart- 
ment of  the  various  counties  are  not  numer- 
ous. They  are,  as  a  rule,  advertised  in  the 
gardening  papers.  The  candidate  is  expected 
to  have  a  general  knowledge  of  the  theory  and 
practice  of  horticulture,  and  evidence  of  his 
capacity  to  teach  is  usually  required.  In  ad- 
dition he  must  have  a  good  general  education 
and  possess  satisfactory  references  as  to  his 
conduct  and  abilities. 

Lancashire  Crown  Bowling  Greens  :  Hortus, 
New  South  Wales.  The  distinguishing  feature 
of  these  bowling  greens  is  that  the  centre,  or, 
as  it  is  termed,  the  crown  of  the  green,  has  a 
rise  of  from  6  to  12  inches  from  the  outside 
portions.  The  players  may  bowl  from  any 
point  of  the  green,  except  along  the  immediate 
edge  of  it.  In  the  Scotch  greens,  or  rinks, 
the  bowls  can  only  be  trundled  from  given 
points.  In  laying  out  a  bowling  green,  it  is 
absolutely  necessary  to  ensure  perfect  drain- 
age. The  means  taken  to  obtain  this  will  vary 
slightly,  according  to  the  nature  of  the  soil. 
The  following  method  has  been  adopted  with 
success  in  the  Liverpool  parks  and  recreation 
grounds  where  22  greens  are  provided  for  the 
game  of  bowls  . — A  trench  is  made  12  feet  in 
width;  and  in  the  bottom  of  this  is  placed  a. 
layer,  4  inches  in  depth,  of  clinkers.  On 
the  top  of  this  are  placed  the  old  turves 
taken  from  the  top  ot  the  next  trench.  The 
sods  are  placed  grass-side  downwards,  and 
they  prevent  the  clinkers  used  as  drainage 
material  becoming  choked  with  the  finer  soil. 
Above  this  layer  of  turves  is  placed  soil  to  the 
depth  of  about  12  inches.  After  careful  level- 
ling this  is  covered  with  a  layer  of  sea  sand 
about  |  inch  deep.  Another  trench,  12  feet 
in  width,  is  dug  out,  and  the  process  re- 
peated until  the  bowling  green  is  made. 
When  all  is  well  settled  down  and  the  surface 
again  levelled,  it  is  covered  with  the  finest 
turf  procurable.  Subsequent  rolling,  top- 
dressing,  and  cutting  must  be  given  regular 
attention,  in  order  to  induce  a  growth  of  close, 
fine  grass. 

Names  of  Fruits  :  J.  L.  1,  Glou  Morceau  ;  2, 
Hacon's  Incomparable;  3,  Uvedale's  St. 
Germain. 

Names  of  Plants  :  A.W.  Ornithogalum  lacteum. 
—  Pine.  The  Monterey  Pine,  Pinus  insignis — 
/.  M.  1,  Cypripedium  Calypso  ;  2,  C.  Harrisi- 
anum  ;  3,  C.  villosum. — H.  H.  B.  1,  Selaginella 
Wildenovii;  2,  Lastrea  rigida ;  3,  Adiantum 
cuneatum  ;  4,  Pteris  longifolia. —  Hillfield.  A 
species  of  Tillandsia  ;  send  again  when  in  flower. 
— H.  H.,  Canterbury.  1,  Salvia  gesnerasflora  ;  2, 
Mimulns  (Diplacus)  glutinosus;  3,  Codiaeuro 
(Cn  ton)  interruptum ;  4,  C.  angustifolium 
maculatum. —  W.  H  B.  Plantago  Coronopus, 
a  native  species  common  in  some  districts.  It 
will  probably  succeed  under  trees.  We  do  not 
know  where  you  can  obtain  seeds. 

Peach  Roots  Unhealthy  :  /.  R.  P.  We  find 
no  sign  of  fungus  disease  in  the  roots.  It  is 
ppssible  that  they  were  attacked  by  eel-worm 
when  very  young,  and  that  this  attack,  from 
which  the  specimens  sent  have  recovered,  has 
produced  the   malformations. 

Pronunciation  :  F.  B.  In  this  country  the- 
pronunciation  of  Latin  specific  words  usually 
follows  the  ordinary  English  usage.  Thus, 
gigas  (g  is  hard),  violacea  (the  a  as  in 
"date"),  to  quote  your  own  examples. 

Violets  Diseased  :  W.  II.  W .  The  fungus 
attacking  the  leaves  of  the  Violet  is  probably 
Cercospora  violse.  Spray  the  plants  with 
dilute  Bordeaux  mixture.  It  is  doubtful 
whether  the  flower-buds  will  develop  into  good 
flowers,  as  the  leaves  are  so  badly  attacked. 
Burn  all  the  diseased  leaves.  Before  using' 
the  frames  again  for  Violet  culture  th.  y 
should  be  disinfected  and  furnished  with  fresh 
soil. 

Communications  Received.— J.  P.  R.— R.  P.— J.  W  H., 
Darmstadt— Pennick  &  Co.— A  Constant  Reader— M.  B., 
lava— L  G.— W.  B.  H.-YV.  E.  G.-J.  O'B.— C  J.— 
C.  I-.  W.— I.  G.  W.— E.  B.— A.  C.  B.— Readme  Gard. 
A«„c._ A.  S.-W.  A.  C— A.  O.— Rev.  D.  R.  YV.  F.  M.— 
T  D.-H.  F.  M.— Dr.  C— A.  G.— J.  O.  E.— G.  W.  M.— 
S     i   ,—W.   I.— W.   P.-R.    P.   B.-C.   F.— H     W.— P.  A., 

\m  terdam— J.  B.  A.— G.  B C.  A.  B.— T.  H.— J.T.— 

B     I    Sons-G.  A.  F.-J.  W.— J.  V.— Capt.  R.-R.  G.— 
V.  deC.  II. 


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January  23,  1909  ] 


THE     GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


4'J 


THE 


(fiiirbeners'Cbronicic 

No.   1,152.— SATURDAY,  January  23,   1909. 


CONTENTS. 

Adiantum  grossum 

51 

Mealy-bug  on  vines 

64 

Afforestation,  a  national 

Mushroom     culture,    a 

scheme  of       56,60 

new  system  of 

59 

Agricultural     co-opera- 

Nitro-Bacterine, experi- 

tion         

57 

ments  on  the  value  of 

59 

Agricultural  lectures  at 

Obituary — 

Aberdeen         

57 

Sage,  George  H. 

64 

Benevolent    Institution, 

Para  -  rubber       plants, 

Gardeners*  Royal,  Re- 

transporting     

53 

sult  of  Election 

63 

Potato    in    Scotland,    in- 

Eig    game    as    garden 

ti.  "iuction  of  the 

62 

pests      

57 

Rainfall  in  1908 

57 

Books,  notices  of — 

Rosary,  the — 

Encyclopaedia  of  Gar- 

Notes on    the   newer 

dening           

53 

varieties         

60 

Garden    Annuals  and 

Transplanting  large  trees 

Directories 

58 

and  shrubs      

63 

Kew  Bulletin  ... 

57 

1 1  enching       '  ... 

Gl 

The  New  Phytologist 

59 

Societies— 

Thirty- nine      Articles 

(  oventry  Chrys. 

63 

on  Gardening 

53 

Ghent  Hort 

63 

Publications  received 

5S 

Horticultural  Club    ... 

69 

Bosahan  Castle,    Corn- 

Manchester and  North 

wall       

60 

of    1  ngland  Orchid 

63 

Chrysanthemum    Fram- 

R  o  y  a  1       Caledonian 

field  Pink        

Gl 

Hon 

63 

Cultural  memoranda— 

Royal    Horticultural 

Acalyplia  hispida 

51 

(Scientific  Committee) 

(13 

i  i'      tas  at  Christmas 

51 

Scottish  Hon. 

G3 

DaffodiU,    a    classifica- 

Surveyors' Institution 

07 

tion  of 

61 

Week's  work,  the— 

Flowers     at     Rosehill, 

Flower  garden,  the  ... 

55 

Faimouth         

Gl 

Fruits  under  glass    ... 

54 

Haarlem    flower    show, 

Hardy  fruit  garden   ... 

55 

forthcoming    

51) 

Kitchen  garden,  the... 

54 

Hybrid  between  Bruns- 

Orchid  houses,  the   ... 

54 

vigia     and    Amaryllis 

Plants  under  glass     ... 

55 

Belladonna 

57 

Public  parks  and  gar- 

Irises, winter-flowering 

52 

dens   ...        

54 

Moisture-loving    plants, 

Whortleberries     and 

some     

52 

Cranberries 

49 

ILLUSTRATIONS. 

Adiantum  grossum        50,51 

Brunsvigia   Josephinae   x   Amaryllis  Belladonna  (Sup- 
plementary Illustration) 
Iris  alata  flowering  in  the  open  garden  in    December      52 

Iris  Bakeriana      53 

Iris  reticulata  var.  Histrio 55 

Para-rubbcr  plants  prepared  for  shipment  from  Ceylon 

to  South  America      53 

Solanum  Balbisii  in  a  Cornish  garden     61 


THE    WHORTLEBERRIES     AND 
CRANBERRIES. 

IN  the  middle  years  of  last  century  a  place 
given  up  solely  to  peat-loving  plants  was 
not  an  uncommon  feature  in  the  old- 
established  and  more  famous  gardens  of  the 
time.  It  was  sometimes  termed  an  Erice- 
tum,  sometimes  an  American  Garden,  and  in 
it  the  Vacciniums  and  their  allies  occupied  a 
not  unworthy  place.  No  grouping  of  shrubs 
could,  one  would  imagine,  be  more  pleasing 
than  this.  The  usually  neat  and  often  dainty 
habit  of  the  plants,  their  abundant  and 
brightly-coloured  flowers,  the  fine  autumn 
colouring  of  many  of  the  deciduous  species, 
and,  in  the  case  of  the  Vacciniums,  their  hand- 
some fruits,  present  together  a  sum  of  attrac- 
tions which  few  other  groups  can  equal.  But 
the  Ericetum  had  its  day.  Perhaps  the 
formal  or  "  geometric  "  arrangement  that 
was  usually  preferred  hastened  its  end.  In 
some  of  these  old  gardens  a  few  of  the  plants 
still  survive  on  their  ancient  sites,  the  bulk  of 
them  having  disappeared  and  but  little  trace 
of  the  original  design  remaining.  Even  now 
such  places  have  a  singular  charm  with  their 
informal  grouping  of  old  Azaleas,  Heaths, 
Vacciniums,  and  the  like,  rising  from  smooth, 
verdant  lawn,  and,  pervading  all,  a  sense  of 


age  and  dignity.  I  have  a  memory  of  such 
a  spot  in  the  romantic  grounds  of  Dunkeld  set 
*midst  glorious  trees  and  where  the  music  of 
the  hurrying  Tay  is  ever  in  one's  ears.  At 
Castle  Kennedy,  too,  there  is  still  a  fine  col- 
lection of  Ericaceous  plants,  many  of  large 
size. 

The  Vacciniums  cannot  lay  claim  to  the 
exceptional  attractions  of  Rhododendrons  and 
Azaleas.  Their  charms  are  of  a  more  sub-, 
dued  kind,  and  consist, chiefly  in  their  neat, 
close  habit  and  handsome  fruits,  and  in  their 
occasional  rich  autumnal  colouring.  The 
genus  comprises  at  least  100  species,  which 
are  distributed  over  the  northern  parts  of 
Europe,  Asia,  and  North  America,  and  occur 
also  in  considerable  numbers  on  the  moun- 
tains of  South  America.  About  a  score  of 
species  have  been  introduced  that  can  be 
grown  out-of-doors  in  England,  and  three 
species  are  nativi  .  No  race  of  plants  is  more 
characteristic  of  the  lone  places  of  the 
northern  hemisphere.  There  is  scarcely  a 
moor  or  mountain  side  they  do  not  help  to 
cover. 

The  Natural  Order  to  which  the)  belong 
and  to  which  they  give  the  name-  -Vaccini- 
aceae— is  represented  in  gardens  by  three 
other  genera  of  hardy  plant-.,  viz.,  Gaylus- 
sacia,  Oxycoccus,  and  Chiogenes.  They  are 
very  frequently  merged  with  the  Heath 
family— Ericaceae.  The  chief  botanical  differ- 
ence between  the  Vacciniums  and  the  Heaths 
is  in  the  relative  position  of  the  corolla  and 
ovary.  In  the  Vacciniums  and  their  allies 
the  corolla  is  superior;  in  the  Heaths  it  is 
inferior. 

L'he  Cranberries  (Oxycoccus)  differ  from 
Vaccinium  in  their  prostrate  habit,  wiry 
steins,  and  in  the  distinct  form  of  the  corolla, 
which  has  four  comparatively  long,  narrow, 
reflexed  segments.  Chiogenes  — of  which 
there  is  but  one  species — is  similar  to  Oxy- 
coccus in  habit,  but  has  small,  bell-shaped 
flowers  and  white  fruits. 

The  Vacciniums  prefer  a  soil  of  a  peaty 
and  sandy  nature,  but,  provided  lime  is 
absent,  almost  any  soil  can  be  adapted  to  their 
needs  by  adding  decayed  leaves;  they  also 
like  a  naturally  moist  position.  For  Oxy- 
coccus and  Chiogenes  the  position  may  be 
semi-boggy.  The  Gaylussacias  are  not  dealt 
with  in  the  following  notes. 

VACCINIUM. 
V.  arboreum  (Farkleberry). — This  strik- 
ing species  is  not  often  seen  in  cultivation 
now,  although  it  exists  in  the  Kew  collection, 
and  some  years  ago  I  noticed  it  in  Mr. 
Anthony  Waterer's  nursery  at  Knaphill.  As 
its  name  implies,  it  is  a  tree  in  its  native 
home,  which  is  the  South-Eastern  United 
States.  According  to  Sargent,  it  attains  its 
largest  size  in  Eastern  Texas  near  the  coast, 
where  it  is,  occasionally,  30  feet  high,  with  a 
trunk  8  to  10  inches  in  diameter.  It  has 
never  got  beyond  the  dimensions  of  a  shrub 
in  England,  although  it  is  recorded  by 
Uoudon  to  have  been  10  feet  high  in  the 
walled  garden  at  White  Knights.  Probably 
it  is  only  its  most  northerly  form — the  one 
found  in  the  mountain  valleys  of  North  Caro- 
lina— that  is  hardy  here.  The  leaves  are 
evergreen,  ovate  or  oblong,  f  to  15  inches 
long,  very  slightly  toothed,  smooth  and  shin- 
ing above,  downy  beneath.  The  flowers  are 
gracefully  pendent  from  slender  stalks,  and 
are  either  produced  singly  from  the  leaf  axils 


or  in  terminal  racemes;  the  corolla  is  white, 
1  inch  wide,  bell-shaped,  with  five  angular 
lobes.  The  berries  are  globular,  J  inch  in 
diameter,  shiny  black,  with  a  dry,  rather 
astringent  flesh.  The  species  was  originally 
introduced  to  Kew  by  Mr.  John  Cree  in  1765. 
It  flowers  freely  during  July  and  August,  and 
is  one  of  the  prettiest  shrubs  in  blossom  at 
that  season.  The  arborescent  and  more 
tender  form  from  Florida  would  be  well  worth 
trying  in  Cornwall  and  similar  localities. 

V.  Arctostaphylos.— So  nearly  allied  is 
this  species  to  V.  padi  folium  that  some 
authorities  have  made  them  forms  of  one. 
The  true  padifolium,  however,  is  a  native  of 
the  mountains  of  Madeira,  whereas  arcto- 
staphylos comes  from  the  Caucasus.  It  has 
larger  leaves  (the  largest,  indeed,  of  all  hardy 
Vacciniums)  and  it,  apparently,  grows  more 
freely  than  the  Madeira  plant.  This  interest- 
ing species  is  deciduous,  and  grows  at  least 
10  feet  high.  Its  leaves,  which  have  an 
ovate-lanceolate  outline,  are  sometimes 
4  inches  long  and  ij  inches  wide,  but  their 
average  length  is  2  inches;  they  are  finely 
toothed,  dull  dark  green  above,  paler  beneath 
and  pubescent  on  the  veins.  The  flowers 
usually  hang  from  the  lower  side  of  short 
racemes  produced  in  May  from  the  naked 
wood  of  the  previous  year's  growth.  I  have 
also  seen  them  in  September  in  the  leaf  axils 
of  the  current  year'9  growth,  but  this  was 
probably  exceptional.  The  fruit  is  black 
and  very  palatable.  An  interesting  theory, 
based  by  Sir  Joseph  Hooker  on  the  geogra- 
phical distribution  of  this  species  and  its 
Madeiran  ally  (together  with  some  other 
plants)  is  referred  to  in  the  note  on  the  latter. 

V.    CANADENSE    (CANADIAN    WHORTLEBERRY). 

— Kalm,  the  Swedish  traveller,  who  journeyed 
extensively  in  the  Eastern  United  States 
in  1748,  was  the  first  to  bring  this  species  to 
the  notice  of  botanists.  It  is  a  low,  much- 
branched,  deciduous  shrub,  with  downy 
foliage  and  young  wood.  The  leaves  are 
from  I  to  ij  inches  long,  lanceolate,  and 
dull  green.  It  (lowers  in  April,  and  the  blos- 
soms appear,  four  to  six  together,  in  a  short, 
subcorymbose  raceme,  the  corolla  being 
short,  campanulate,  white  tinged  with  red. 
The  fruit  is  blue-black  and  very  palatable ;  it 
is  sent  in  large  quantities  to  the  markets  of 
some  of  the  North-East  American  towns. 
1  he  species  somewhat  resembles  V.  pennsyl- 
vanicum,  but  differs  in  its  much  more  hairy 
foliage  and  young  shoots  and  its  quite  entire 
leaves. 

V.  c-espitosum  (Tufted  Whortleberry). 
— So  far  as  I  know,  this  interesting  little 
plant  no  longer  exists  in  this  country.  If 
any  reader  of  the  Gardeners'  Chronicle  still 
possesses  it,  we  should  be  glad  to  know  of  its 
whereabouts.  It  is  one  of  the  dwarfest  of 
Whortleberries — sometimes  only  2  or  3  inches 
high — of  tufted  habit,  and  quite  devoid  of 
pubescence.  Its  leaves  are  obovate,  toothed, 
and  from  ;}  to  I  inch  long.  Loudon  records 
its  existence  in  the  Glasgow  Botanic  Garden 
70  years  ago,  where  it  is  said  to  have  pro- 
duced numerous  "  exceedingly  delicate  and 
beautiful  "  flowers,  white  with  a  blush  tinge. 
The  berries  are  blue-black.  The  species  has 
a  wide  distribution  over  North  America, 
being  found  in  regions  as  far  apart  as  Labra- 
dor and  the  Rocky  Mountains. 

V.    CORYMBOSUM    (SWAMP    BLUEBERRY). — Of 

all  the  exotic  species,  this  is  the  commonest 
in  gardens.    It  is  one  of  the  best  growers  of 


50 


THE    GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


[JANUAFY    23,    19  )9 


the  genus,  and  its  leaves  before  falling  often 
turn  a  fine  red  colour.  Widely  spread  over 
Eastern  North  America  and  extending  from 
Newfoundland  as  far  south  as  North  Caro- 
lina, it  is  one  of  the  most  variable  of  the 
species;  at  least  a  dozen  forms  or  varie- 
ties being  known.  In  the  most  suitable 
situations  it  grows  7  or  even  10  feet  high, 
and  is  often  found  in  swampy  ground  or 
along  the  borders  of  watercourses.  The 
leaves  vary  much  in  size  according  to  the 
variety,  or  the  vigour  of  the  branch  on  which 
they  occur ;  occasionally  as  much  as  4  inches 
long  by  i£  inches  wide,  they  may  often  be 
seen  scarcely  1  inch  in  length;  they  are 
entire,  pubescent  on  the  midrib  and  veins  be- 
neath. The  flowers  are  produced  on  the 
terminal  part  of  the  shoots  of  the  previous 
year  which  remain  without  leaves,  the  new- 
shoots  springing  from  below  the  flowering 
portion.  The  corolla  is  narrow,  cylindrical, 
white  tinged  with  rose,  and  the  fruit  is  black. 
It  is  said  in  North  America  to  have  a  pleasant 
acid  flavour.  Several  of  the  American  "  blue- 
berries," once  regarded  as  distinct  species, 
have  been  reduced  to  varieties  of  V.  corym- 
bosum;  they  include  amcenum,  fuscatum, 
marianum,  and  virgatum. 

V.  CRASsiFOLiu.M. — Although  this  species— 
a  native  of  the  South-Eastern  United  States — 
was  introduced  to  England  as  long  ago  as 
1787,  and  is  now  in  the  Kew  collection,  it  is 
by  no  means  common.  This  is  due  probably 
to  its  being  rather  tender.  It  is  a  trailing, 
evergreen  shrub  with  thick  oval  leaves,  little 
more  than  1  inch  in  length.  The  white  or 
rosy-coloured  flowers  are  borne  during  May 
and  June  in  short  clusters,  and  are  succeeded 
by  black  berries.  It  occurs  wild  from  North 
Carolina  southwards  to  Georgia. 

V.  erythrocarpum. — Besides  its  attractive- 
ness as  a  garden  shrub,  this    species   is    of 
peculiar  interest  in  forming  a  connecting  link 
between  the  Whortleberries  (Vaccinium)  and 
the    Cranberries    (Oxycoccus).     It    has    the 
habit,  foliage,  and  fruit  of  the  former,   but 
the   flowers   of   Oxycoccus.     It  covers   large 
areas  in  the  higher  AUeghanies,  especially  in 
North  Carolina,  where  it  grows  to  a  height 
of  8  or  10  feet.     The  late  Mr.  George  Nichol- 
son collected  it  on  Roan  Mountain  in   1893. 
It  is  one  of  the  species  known  as  Bearberries 
in  the  United  States,  on  account  of  the  fond- 
ness of  bears  for  the  fruit.     First  introduced 
to  this  country  by  the  firm  of  Loddiges  in 
1806,  it  has  never  become  common,  although 
it  was  once  thought  that  it  might  be  worth 
a  place  in  the  fruit  garden.     It  is  a  deciduous 
shrub,  with  ovate,  pointed  leaves  1  to  3  inches 
long,  the  margins  set  with  fine,  bristly  teeth. 
Whilst  young  the  leaves  are  tinged  with  red. 
The  flowers  appear  singly  in  the  leaf  axils, 
borne  each   on    a    slender    pendulous    stalk. 
The  corolla  has  the  typical  Oxycoccus  form, 
with  its  four  deep,  narrow  lobes  curled  back 
so  as  to  leave  the  stamens  standing  up  close 
together  in  a    sort    of    erect    column.     The 
fruits  are  first  green,    then    scarlet,    finally 
black.     At  Kew  they  have  a  sweet,  acid,  and 
somewhat     insipid     flavour.     Possibly     they 
need   the    brighter   sunlight   of    the    Eastern 
United  States  to  bring  out  their  best  qualities. 
V.   glauco-album. — The  only  private  gar- 
den    I     know     to    contain     this     species     is 
that     which     belonged     to     the     late     Mr. 
Thomas      Acton      at      Kilmacurragh,      Co. 
Wicklow.       Unfortunately,    it   is    not   hardy 
except  in  such  warm  localities  as  Kilmacur- 
ragh.  Although  Mr.  Acton  gave  it  to  the  Kew 
collection  more  than  once,  it  has  never  suc- 
ceeded  there    in    the  open   ground   or    even 


FlG.   30. — FROND    OF   ADIANTUM    GROSSUM    AS    SKETCHED    BY    MR.    WORTHINGTON    SMITH 

Portion  of  pinnsB  magn.  3 ;  sporangium  and  spores  mag.  120. 

(See  p.  61.) 


January  23,  1909.] 


THE     GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


51 


survived  more  than  a  single  winter.  It  is  a 
Himalayan  species,  being  found  in  Sikkim  at 
9,000  to  10,000  feet  altitude;  also  in  Bhotart. 
It  is  a  low  shrub,  remarkable  chiefly  for  the 
intense  glaucous  bloom  of  the  under-surface 
of  the  leaves,  which  are  ovate-oblong,  up  to 
z\  inches  in  length  ;  firm  or  even  rather  hard 
in  texture.  The  (lower  racemes  are  2  to  3 
inches  long,  and  are  rendered  conspicuous  by 
large  blue-white  bracts,  which  remain  until 
the  fruit  is  ripe.  The  corolla  is  white  tinged 
with  pink,  and  the  fruits,  each  \  inch  in 
diameter,  are  covered  with  the  ^kiucous 
bloom  so  characteristic  of  the  plant.  W .  J. 
Bean.  (To  be  continued.) 


CULTURAL    MEMORANDA. 


FREESIAS  AT  CHRISTMAS. 
For  several  seasons  past  we  have  not  failed 
to  produce  a  batch  of  Freesias  at  Christmas, 
and  at  the  present  time  we  have  about  100  pots 
of  these  plants  in  bloom.  These  have  been 
grown  entirely  without  artificial  heat,  excepting 
on    a    few    occasions,    when    the    houses    were 


frames  until  frost  appears,  when  they  are  re- 
moved to  a  structure  from  which  frost  can  be 
excluded.  A  light  shelf  in  a  Peach  house  is 
suitable.  Our  first  batch  of  plants  was  in 
flower  at   the   beginning  of   December. 

When  flowering  is  over,  the  plants  are  placed 
on  shelves  in  an  early  vinery,  and  they  are 
given  liquid  manure  and  soot  water  to  assist  in 
maturing  the  bulbs,  which  I  regard  as  one  of 
the  chief  factors  towards  the  successful  culture 
of  these  plants.  As  the  leaves  begin  to  turn 
yellow,  water  is  gradually  withheld,  but  the 
plants  are  allowed  to  remain  on  the  shelves  in 
the  vinery,  where  they  are  fully  exposed  to  the 
sun.  The  bulbs  thus  become  thoroughly 
ripened  by  the  time  they  are  required  for  their 
annual  repotting.  Wilmoi  K.  Yates,  Rother- 
field  Park  Gardens,  Alton,  Hants. 

CULTIVATION    OF    ACALYPHA    HISPIDA 

(SANDERIANA). 

The  cultivation  of  this  plant  is  in  no  sense 
difficult,  but  at  the  same  time  it  should  not  be 
treated  as  the  Cinderella  of  gardens.  Sometimes 
it  is  treated  as  a  semi-aquatic  and  stood  in  a 
saucer  of  water. 

Naturally,   the  plant,   mismanaged   after   this 


FlG.    31. — PLANT   OF    ADIANTUM    GROSSUM    IN    MESSRS.    SANDER    AND    SONS'    COLLECTION. 


warmed  only  to  exclude  frost.  The  plants  are, 
in  consequence,  very  robust,  the  foliage  being 
about  2  feet  in  height. 

The  bulbs  are  potted  during  the  early  part  of 
July.  About  seven  bulbs  are  inserted  in  a 
5-inch  pot,  or  10  bulbs  may  be  placed  in  a  pot 
one  size  larger.  The  compost  consists  of  loam, 
leaf  soil,  a  little  cow  dung  and  sufficient  sand 
to  keep  the  whole  porous. 

The  pots  are  placed  in  a  cold  frame,  and  the 
soil  is  not  watered  till  new  growths  appear,  but 
a  mat  is  spread  over  them,  and  this  is  sprinkled 
occasionally,  and  the  surroundings  kept  moist. 
When  shoots  appear  the  mat  is  removed  and  the 
plants  exposed  to  as  much  fresh  air  as  possible. 
They  are  slightly  shaded  from  hot  sunshine. 
The  lights  are  only  placed  on  the  frame  when 
the  weather  is  wet. 

The  plants  are  supported  by  a  separate  stick 
to  each  growth.  It  is  important  that  the  plants 
be  staked  early,  otherwise  the  growths  soon  be- 
come bent  and,  consequently,  spoilt. 

As  the  plants  grow,  increased  room  is  given 
in  the  frame  to  prevent  them  becoming 
drawn.      They   are   accommodated    in    the    co'd 


fashion,  produces  small,  yellow  leaves  and  miser- 
able  blossoms,  for  aquarium-culture  does  not 
suit  its  needs.  In  particular,  the  plants  must  be 
kept  free  of  all  insect  pests,  and  in  the  young 
state,  therefore,  before  they  commence  to  flower, 
they  should  be  syringed  frequently  with  Tobacco 
water  or  other  insecticide.  Afterwards,  when 
the  flowers  have  opened  they  need  to  be  fumi- 
gated, using  for  the  purpose  Tobacco  paper  or  the 
ribs  of  the  Tobacco  leaf  which  do  not  injure  the 
flowers.  As  a  means  to  avert  attacks  by  thrips 
Tobacco  ribs  in  some  quantity  should  be  laid  on 
the  hot-water  pipes,  and  moistened  frequently 
with  water.  Stock  plants  should  be  placed  in  a 
warm  house,  in  order  to  get  them  into  growth 
before  the  cuttings  are  taken.  Cuttings  must  be 
neither  too  soft  nor  yet  too  small  in  the  matter  of 
leaves,  or  they  will  be  late  in  rooting  and  capable 
of  making  few  roots.  When  cuttmgs  are  taken 
from  "  cut  bicks  "  the  gardener  should  wait  until 
the  shoots  have  formed  their  characteristic 
leaves.  The  cuttings  should  be  placed  singly 
in  small  pots  in  very  sandy,  turfy  loam  or  leaf- 
mould,  and  the  cutting  pots  plunged  in  a  bottom 
hfat  of  75°  Fahr.     If  good  plants  aie  required 


in  the  spring  and  summer  months  cuttings 
should  be  struck  in  November,  December  'and 
January,  and  for  later  purposes  March,  April, 
and  even  May  are  suitable  months.  As  soon  as 
the  cuttings  have  formed  small  roots,  remove 
the  lights  from  the  propagating  oases,  and, 
when  the  roots  have  permeated  the  soil,  take 
the  plants  out  of  the  bed,  and  shortly  afterwards 
lepot  them  into  large  60's  in  pure  leaf-mould 
and  the  quantity  of  sand  usual  for  potting  pur- 
poses. Place  them  near  the  glass  in  a  warm 
house.  Unless  this  last  rule  is  followed  there  is 
the  danger  of  the  cultivator  having  plants  a 
yard  in  height  and  with  few  or  no  flowers.  The 
plants  as  soon  as  they  are  well-rooted  should  be 
repotted,  and  this  should  be  repeated  four  or 
more  times  before  full  development ;  at  each 
repotting  making  use  of  the  smallest  pot  possi- 
ble. At  the  last  shrift  it  is  well  to  employ  a 
small  quantity  of  artificial  manure,  or,  if  this  is 
not  done,  apply  manure  water  of  a  mild  nature 
with  great  caution  and  for  the  most  part  during 
hot  weather,  when  also  the  plants  may  be 
syringed  lightly.  If  the  syringing  is  done  during 
dull  weather  the  cells  of  the  leaves,  becoming 
distended  with  sap,  rupture,  and  thus  a  diseased, 
rusty  appearance  is  induced.  This  appearance 
is  by  some  erroneously  considered  to  be  the 
symptom  of  a  fungal  disease.  When  the  leaves 
are  in  this  state  it  is  advisable  to  venti- 
late abundantly,  afford  water  in  moderation 
and  syringe  sparingly.  When  the  plants  are 
in  flower,  syringing  should  be  discontinued 
and  the  glasshouse  kept  moist  by  sprinkling  the 
paths  and  walls,  paying  attention  to  the  ventila- 
tion, as  a  warm,  close  atmosphere  is  injurious. 
Frame  cultivation  cannot  be  recommended,  the 
gardener  then  not  having  full  control  over  aerial 
moisture  and  temperature.  Extract  from  Die 
Gartenwelt,  No.  2,  1909. 


ADIANTUM  GROSSUM. 

We  are  indebted  to  Messrs.  F.  Sander  &  Sons 
for  the  introduction  of  this  handsome  Fern  from 
New  Granada.  Although  discovered  over  40 
years  ago  by  Alexander  Lindig,  and  described 
and  figured  in  various  works  since,  living  ex- 
amples do  not  appear  to  have  ever  before  been 
sent  home.  That  the  species  is  worth  the  atten- 
tion of  F'ern  collectors  is  evident  enough  from  the 
drawing  prepared  by  Mr.  Worthington  G.  Smith 
(see  fig.  30),  from  material  supplied  by  Messrs. 
Sander,  and  that  it  is  easily  cultivated  in  a  warm 
house  has  been  proved  both  at  St.  Albans  and 
Bruges.  A.  grossum  belongs  to  a  section  of  the 
genus  which  is  characterised  by  simply  pinnate 
fronds,  and  is  represented  among  garden  Ferns 
by  A.  lunulatum,  A.  caudatum,  A.  Kaulfussii, 
and  A.  Balfouri.  In  length  of  frond  and  size  of 
pinnae  it  is  by  far  the  largest  of  them,  dried 
specimens  showing  a  frond  25  inches  in  length, 
with  25  pinnas,  the  largest  2  inches  by  H  inches, 
almost  leathery  in  texture,  and  coloured  a  rich 
green.  So  far  as  dried  specimens  and  cultivated 
examples  show,  the  pinnae  on  the  same  frond  do 
not  vary  much  in  size,  nor  is  the  frond  elon- 
gated and  proliferous  at  the  apex,  as  in  A.  lunu- 
latum and  A.  caudatum.  It  is  most  nearly  allied 
to  A.  Balfouri,  the  Socotran  species,  but  that 
has  smaller  fronds  proliferous  at  the  apex,  with 
the  pinnae,  subcibicular,  in  opposite  pairs,  and 
nearly  sessile. 

A.  grossum  grows  on  the  Andes  of  New 
Granada,  at  from  3,500  to  7,000  feet,  and  may 
therefore  thrive  in  an  ordinary  greenhouse  tem- 
perature. It  forms  a  dense  tuft  of  fronds,  which 
are  gracefully  curved  when  of  full  size.  There 
are  not  many  gardens  nowadays  in  which  exotic 
Ferns  are  collected  and  cultivated  with  the  con- 
noisseur's spirit,  and  yet  there  is,  even  in  the 
genus  Adiantum  alone,  a  considerable  diversity 
of  form  and  habit,  with,  at  the  same  time,  much 
charm  of  pose  and  colour — characters  which 
should  attract  the  horticulturist  who  is  one  be- 
cause he  has  a  feeling  for  plants.     W.  W. 


52 


THE    GARDENERS'      CHRONICLE. 


[January  23,  1909. 


SOME  MOISTURE-LOVING  PLANTS. 

On  many  estates  there  are  to  be  found  dere- 
lict bog  and  waste,  marshy  places,  the  in- 
itial cost  necessary  to  convert  which  into 
positions  suitable  for  the  planting  of  moisture 
loving  plants  would  prove  but  small.  Even 
in  gardens  where  such  natural  facilities  for  these 
plants  do  not  exist,  the  difficulty  may  readily  be 
overcome  by  the  introduction  of  water  basins, 
pools  or  ponds. 

It  is  always  a  bad  policy  to  economise  in  the 
use  of  constructive  material.  For  the  exposed 
parts  of  large  ponds  containing  4  to  6  feet  of 
water  a  thickness  of  6  inches  of  concrete  is  not 
too  much,  while  in  small  basins  holding  a  depth 
of  2  feet  of  water,  a  3-inch  layer  of  concrete  is 
adequate. 

The  most  suitable  compost  for  filling  the 
basins  consists  of  loam  and  peat  in  equal  parts, 
care  being  taken  to  avoid  using  soil  containing 
any  appreciable  quantity  of  lime,  from  which 
many  plants  show  a  decided  aversion. 

The  soil,  when  settled,  should  be  of  sufficient 
depth  to  allow  a  clear  foot  between  the  crown 
of  the  plants  and  the  water  level. 

A  selection  of  plants  is  given  below.  All  will 
grow  freely  in  wet  ground,  unless  otherwise 
stated.  The  Astilbes  are  closely  related  to  the 
Spiraeas,  and  many  are  known  in  gardens  as 
Spiraeas  : — 

Astilbe  chinensis,  though  an  old  plant  in  gar- 
dens, is  still  one  of  the  best  dwarf  species.  It 
produces  a  fine  effect  during  July,  when  the 
pink  plumes  of  flowers  stand  up  in  great 
sheaves.  It  somewhat  resembles  Spiraea  astil- 
boides,  the  plant  largely  employed  in  gardens 
for  forcing  purposes. 

A.  Davidii  is  of  more  vigorous  growth,  th« 
shoots  often  attaining  a  height  of  6  feet.  The 
flowers  are  of  a  deep  purple-red  colour.  There 
is  a  white-flowered  form  known  as  "  grande  " 
well  worthy  of  extended  planting. 

Aruncus  make  stately  specimens  when  well 
established  by  the  waterside ;  the  gigantic, 
snow-white  inflorescences  are  freely  produced  in 
July.  A.  palmata  has  deep-crimson  flowers 
borne  in  flattish  heads ;  a  pink-coloured 
form  known  as  "elegans"  and  a  white  firm, 
"  alba,"  are  equally  good  as  garden  plants. 

Spiraea  camtschatica  (syn.  gigantea)  and  its 
less  vigorous  pink  variety,  rosea,  are  tail-grow, 
ing  subjects  reaching  quite  10  feet  in  height. 

Dimorphanthus  mandschuricus  gives  a  fine 
effect  with  its  large,  compound  leaves  measur- 
ing more  than  a  yard  in  length.  There  is  a 
variegated  silver  form  and  also  a  golden  variety  : 
the  former  promises  to  be  a  plant  of  great  ..ierit. 
The  Dimorphanthus  succeeds  best  planted  in 
ordinary  garden   soil. 

Iris  aurea  and  I.  ochroleuca  both  have  strong, 
eiect,  sword-like  foliage,  and  are  often  6  feet 
high  whon  in  flower.  I.  aurea  has  bright, 
golden-yellow  flowers,  those  of  ochroleuca 
being  creamy-white  with  a  yellow  throat.  Both 
species  flower  late  in  July.  I.  laevigata  (Japanese 
•Iris)  should  be  planted  on  a  large  scale  in  a 
bog  garden.  These  Irises  embrace  many  fine 
combinations  of  colours  :  the  snow-white  variety 
is  a  plant  of  tare  beauty.  I.  sibirica  orientalis 
is  the  best  garden-form  of  this  species  :  it  pro- 
duces more  flowers  of  a  richer  colour  and 
greater  substance  than  those  of  the  type. 

Gunnera  manicata,  when  planted  in  positions 
favourable  t»  its  development,  often  produces 
leaves  7  to  10  feeUacross.  A  well-grown  clump 
makes  an  effective  addition  to  a  pond  or  lake. 

Rheum  palmatum  tanguticum  is  the  best 
variety  of  the  ornamental  Rhubarbs,  and  will 
grow  in  any  ordinary  soil.  The  planting  cf 
Musa  ensete  by  the  waterside  introduces  a 
distinct  form  of  leaf  ;  unfortunately,  the  plant 
is  not  hardy,  but  is  readily  raised  from  seeds 


sown  in  the  spring  under  glass  ;  plants  in  their 
second  year  furnishing  specimens  8  feet  in  height. 
This  Musa  succeeds  in  a  deep,  well-manured 
soil.  Amongst  the  best  species  of  Primula  for- 
this  purpose  are  'Primula  rosea,  with  bright, 
losy-pink  flowers  ;  P.  Sieboldii,  white  and  car- 
mine ;  P.  japonica,  crimson  flowers;  and  P. 
sikkimensis,  a  yellow-flowered  species.  Primu- 
las are  most  effective  if  planted  in  boid  masses. 

Rodgersia  podophylla  has  bronze-coloured 
foliage  similar  in  shape  to  that  of  the  Horse 
Chestnut.  The  bronze  colour  is  enhanced  in 
sunny   positions. 

Some  species  of  Senecios  are  valuable  plants 
for  water-side  planting.  S.  japonica  has  deeply- 
cut  leaves  and  orange-yellow  flowers,  the  lattar 
borne  in  flat  heads.  S.  clivorum  flowers  a  fort- 
night later  than  S.  japonica.  The  colour  of  its 
flowers  is  yellow,  and  the  leaves  are  unbroken 
and  circular  in  outline.  S.  Wilsonii  has 
enormous,  cordate  leaves  and  yellow  flowers  in 
erect,  branching  spikes.  S.  macrophylla  has  dis- 
tinct, glaucous-grey  leaves,  and  produces  erect 
spikes  of  yellow  flowers. 

Yucca  recurvifolia  should  be  given  a  promi- 
nent position,  as  the  plant  is  very  beautiful 
when  in  flower.    It  thrives  in  ordinary  soil. 


WINTER  FLOWERING  IRISES. 

In  addition  to  the  well-known  Algerian  Iris 
(I.  unguicularis),  with  its  many  beautiful  varie- 
ties, varying  in  colour  from  the  deep  purple- 
blue  variety  speciosa  to  the  pure  white  variety 
alba,  there  are  a  few  species  belonging  to  the 
bulbous  section  of  the  genus  which  flower  dur- 
ing the  winter  months.  These  winter-flowering 
Irises  deserve  protection  against  the  weather, 
and,  although  they  may  be  grown  in  warm, 
sheltered  nooks  outside,  where  they  will  develop 
their  beautiful  flowers,  they  are  liable  to  be 
spoilt  by  rain  and  frost.  Therefore,  a  hand- 
light  or  piece  of  glass  should  be  placed  over 
the  plants  when  in  flower  to  preserve  them  from 
injury.  It  is,  however,  when  grown  in  pots  or 
pans  in  a  cold  frame  or  Alpine  house  that  they 
are  seen  to  better  advantage.  With  the  shelter 
thus  given,  they  produce  a  longer  succession  of 
flowers  and  they  develop  better.  For  this  pur- 
pose the  bulbs  should  be  potted  up  in  the  early 
autumn,  using  a  mixture  of  light,  sandy  loam 
and  leaf-mould.  Until  the  flowers  begin  to 
show,  the  pots  may  be  plunged  out-of-doors  in 
ashes,  then  they  may  be  brought  inside  to  de- 
velop.    The  earliest  in  flower  is  I.  Vartanii. 


1    X 

i 

\ 

AttOrctt^'QB 

mil  ■       S 

&&V/ 

'ff- 

\ 

ra? 

.     -   T 

Fig.  32. — iris  alata  flowering  out-oi--l>ooks  on  December  io,  1908. 


Phormium  tenax  atropurpureum  may  also  be 
included  in  this  list,  as,  by  reason  of  its  leafage, 
it  provides  a  welcome  addition. 

Cortaderia  argentea,  the  Pampas  Grass,  enjoys 
a  rich  soil,  and  produces  its  magnificent  plumes 
of  flowers  during  the  late  summer. 

Arundo  Donax,  the  Great  Reed,  is  a  native 
species  that  grows  8  feet  high.  The  stems  arise 
as  a  thicket  of  lances  supporting  pennon-like 
leaves.  The  old  canes  should  never  be  re- 
moved before  the  spting. 

Cyperus  vegetus  and  Glyceria  spectabilis 
variegata  are  two  good  foliage  subjects. 

Several  dwarf  shrubs  succeed  in  wet  ground 
and  of  these  may  be  instanced  Clethra  alnifolia, 
which  produces  white  racemes  of  flowers  in 
autumn.  The  leaves  of  Oxydendron  arboreum 
furnish  beautiful  colour-effects  in  autumn. 
The  double-flowered  form  of  Spiraea  pruni- 
folia  is,  in  spring,  wreathed  with  its  snow- 
white  flowers  rese'.ubling  small  buttons;  the 
foliage  colours  richly  in  autumn.  S.  japonica 
(syn.  callosa)  in  all  its  forms  succeeds  in  wet 
ground  ;  the  best  varieties  are  Anthony  Waterer 
and  S.  j.  rubra.  Thomas  Smith,  Walmsgale 
Gardens,  Louth, 


7.  Vartanii. — This  pretty  species  comes  from 
Palestine,  and  usually  commences  to  flower  in 
November,  continuing  through  December.  It 
belongs  to  the  reticulata  section,  with  four-sided 
leaves,  armed  with  a  homy  point,  while  the 
flowers  are  pale  azjre  blue. 

I.  alata. — The  well-known  Scorpion  Iris  is  one 
of  the  most  valuable  winter-flowering  plants, 
producing  a  succession  of  beautiful  flowers  of 
various  shades  of  colour  during  the  winter 
months.  In  mild  winters  it  may  be  grown  with 
advantage  outside  in  warm,  sheltered  spots, 
where  it  makes  an  effective  display.  Having  a 
wide  distribution  over  the  Mediterranean  region, 
the  plants  naturally  show  a  considerable  range 
of  colour,  varying  from  deep  blue  to  pure  white, 
relieved  with  a  crest  of  yellow.  The  illustration 
at  fig.  32  is  reproduced  from  a  photograph 
taken  on  December  10  in  the  Royal  Gardens,  Kew. 

7.  Bakcriana. — Although  this  species  is  not 
usually  in  flower  till  February,  the  pretty,  sweet- 
scented  blooms  are  fully  out  in  the  Alpine 
house  at  the  beginning  of  January.  It  belongs 
to  the  reticulata  section,  but  the  leaves  are 
cylindrical  and  have  eight  ribs,  instead  of  being 
four-sided.      The   plant   comes   from   Armenia, 


January  23,  1909.] 


THE     GARDENERS'      CHRONICLE 


53 


and  is  somewhat  riaie  in  gardens.  It  produces 
flowers  with  bluish-lilac  standards,  while  the 
falls  are  creamy-white,  blotched  and  spotted 
with  dark  violet.  Two  kinds  in  flower  are  both 
forms  of  I.  jeticulata. 

/.  reticulata  var.  Histrio. — A  charming  variety 
from  Palestine  has  bright  blue  flowers  blotched 
with  golden  yellow. 

/.  reticulata  var.  histrioid.es,  from  Armenia, 
has  flowers  larger  than  those  of  the  type,  being 
often  5  inches  in  diameter.  These  appear  before 
the  leaves,  ai.d  vary  in  colour  from  purple-blue 
to  light  blue,  with  white  spots  on  the  fall  and  a 
narrow   orange   crest. 

All  the  above,  with  the  exception  of  I.  Var- 
tanii,  are  in  flower  now,  and  will  be  followed 
shortly  by  such  species  as  I.  Danfordiae,  I. 
stenophylla,  and  I.  Tauri.    W.  I.,  January  it. 


NOTICES    OF     BOOKS. 


*  "The  Encyclop/edia  of  Gardening." 

This  handbook  of  466  pages,  crown  8vo.,  is  a 
condensed  "Dictionary  of  Gardening,"  of  much 
use  as  a  work  of  reference  to  the  private  gar- 
dener, plant  cultivator,  fruit-grower  and,  to  a 
lesser  extent,  to  the  arboriculturist  and 
forester.  It  gives  the  names  of  all  kinds  of  gar- 
den plants  cultivated  in  British  gardens,  the 
Natural  Order  to  which  they  severally  belong, 
common  garden  names  and  the  botanical  names 
according  to  the  Index  Kewensis,  together  with 
their  native  country.  Much  information  concern- 
ing the  best  methods  .of  cultivation  is  conveyed 
in  the  briefest  possible  manner.  To  take  Marantas 
as  an  example.  We  are  first  given  the  common 
name,  "Arrowroot  plant,  Ord.,  Scitamina 
stove :  herbaceous  perennials.  Orn.  foliage. 
First  introduced  in  1732.  Leaves,  egg,  lance,  oi 
heart  shaped,  roundish  or  oblong ;  greyish, 
purplish,  or  rose  below,  upper  sides  green, 
blotched  or  streaked  with  white,  yellow,  brown, 
purple,  or  rose."  Then  follow  descriptions  as  to 
best  kind  of  compost  to  use,  and  directions  as  to 
culture  to  be  followed  throughout  the  year,  with 
a  list  of  the  species  in  cultivation.  It  is  suffi- 
cient recommendation  for  this  book  to  state 
that  the  present  revised  and  amplified  issue 
represents  the  13th  edition. 

f  Thirty-nine  Articles  on  Gardening. 

Although  this  book  might  form  an  accept- 
able gift  to  many  young  people  interested  in 
plants  and  in  gardening,  and  although  some  of 
the  chapters  are  eminently  practical ;  yet,  on  the 
who'e,  we  do  not  see  the  object  of  republishing 
chatty  articles  of  this  kind,  which  a*e  more  suited 
for  the  pa.ges  of  a  newspaper  than  to  swell  the 
already  crowded  shelves  of  the  botanist's  or  gar- 
dener's library. 

.  The  author  is  an  enthusiast,  and  has  travelled 
much.  She  has  been  in  the  Rockies,  and 
has  seen  Calochortus  and  Opuntia  grow- 
ing together  in  British  Columbia.  She  has 
visited  that  earthly  paradise,  Ceylon,  and 
evidently  knows  something  of  the  Euro- 
pean Alps,  as  well  as  of  the  British  Isles. 
Botanists  who  have  travelled  in  foreign  lands 
as  well  >asiin  their  own  and  hatte  seen  plants 
growing  in  their  natural  haunts  on  mountain 
side  or  in  tropical  forests,  must  necessarily 
have  something  to  talk  about,  especially  when 
they  seem  to  be  also  at  home  among  the  won- 
derful treasures  of  Ivew. 

The  first  thing,  thereto. e,  to  notice  about  the 
little  volume  under  discussion  is  its  distinct 
originality  and  freshness.  In  these  days  when 
so  much  "  literature  "  is  taken  out  of  books  of 
reference,  guide  books,  &c,  it  is  a  pleasure  to 
come  across  journalistic  work  of  this  kind 
which  is  original  and  based  upon  the  author's 

*  The  Encyclopedia  of  Gardtning%  by  T.  W.  Sanders, 
F.L.S.  London:  W.  H.  &  L.  Collingridge,  148  and  149, 
Aldersgate  Street,  E.C.     Price  3s.  6d. 

T  A  series  of  articles  bv  Miss  Emmeiine  Crocker,  F.L.S. , 
reprinted  from  The  World.    Messrs.  Diilau  &  Co. 


own  observations  and  experience  as  a  cultiva- 
tor of  plants.  Some  of  the  chapters  are,  there- 
fore, distinctly  readable.  Others,  such  as  that 
on  weeds,  are  less  interesting,  and  in  that  short 
chapter  more  might  have  been  said  about  the 
fascinating  subject  of  the  dispersal  of  seeds  by 
wind,  water,  animals,  &c,  and  less,  we  think, 
about  what  plants  are  regarded  as  "  weeds  "  in 
different  countries. 

The  coloured  illustration  of  "Weeds"  is  not 
altogether  intelligible,  comprising  Androsace 
obtusifolia  (Switzerland)  and  Gentiana  campes- 
tris  (Norfolk).  It  is  misleading  to  suggest  that 
Androsace  obtusifolia  is  often  found  as  a  weed 
in  Swiss  gardens  ;  nor  can  we  imagine  that  the 
widely-spread  Field  Gentian   is   a  typical  weed 


as  are  the  still  larger   plants  of  the  handsome 
Primula  latifolia. 

In  speaking  of  the  drainage  of  r-ock-garden-s 
we  are  very  truly  told  that  many  Alpine  plants, 
"  notably,  Campanula  cenisia,  have  their  long 
roots  running  among  stones  and  shale  so  loosely 
piled  together  that  you  can  pull  it  down  easily 
with  your  hands  and  release  the  entire  roots 
uninjured.  Similar  planting  in  this  country, 
of  course,  would  not  succeed,  unless  we  could 
insure  an  incessant  water-supply  such  as  the 
melting  snows  provide."  Fortunately  for  this 
rare  little  Campanula,  confined  to  so  small  an 
area  in  Central  Europe,  and  hardly  ever  seen 
below  8,500  feet,  it  is  often  so  much  the  colour 
of   the   loose  stones   among    which    it    grows, 


■ 


~£&-~ 


JTIG.   33. — ikis    BAKERIANA  :     FLOWER   PALE   VIOLET   SPOTTED    WITH    BLUE 

(See  page  52.) 


in    Norfolk   gardens,    though   it   may  occur   in 
some. 

There  is  an  interesting  chapter  on  Primulas, 
and  the  remark  that  P.  auricula  "  grows  best 
high  up  on  the  banks  when  placed  in  cracks  be- 
tween stones  "  is  a  better  description  of  the  situ- 
ation  proper  to  this  plant  than  that  of  a  recent 
writer  in  this  journal  (Oct.  17),  who  said,  "The 
Auricula  grows  naturally  on  the  mountains  of 
Southern  Europe  and  flourishes  in  the  natural 
loam  to  be  found  there ;  consequently,  loam 
should  be  the  staple  of  the  compost."  Those 
who  have  seen  the  beautiful,  pale-yellow  flowers 
of  the  Auricula  in  the  Alps  in  May  or  June — 
and  they  are  by  no  means  easily  found — know 
that  it  almost  invariably  grows  on  more  or  less 
precipitous,  limestone  rocks,  and  that  it  is  as 
tightly  wedged  into  the  narrow  cervices  of  rock 


exactly  as  described  by  Miss  Crocker,  as  almost 
to  suggest  a  "protective  colouring"  in  the  vege- 
table as  in  the  animal  world. 

Some  carelessness  appears  in  the  use 
or  non-use  of  capital  letters  and  little  points  of 
that  kind,  e.g.,  we  find  "  iris,"  "  geranium," 
"  rumex,"  "  White  Gentian,"  "  Michaelmas 
daisies,"  "  a  grand  White  form,"  "  a  good 
Mauve  variety,"  &c.  Nor  is  it  well  to  read, 
"  every  atom  (of  a  plant  in  seed)  was  closely 
cropped  off  with  shears."  And  why  is  it  neres- 
sary  to  place  in  quotation  marks  that  "  Reaths 
or  Ericas  '  belong  to  the  Natural  Order  of  plants 
Ericaceae'"?  These  are  trifles,  and  yet  their 
frequent  occurrence  shows  that  the  articles, 
if  published  at  all,  should  have  been  carefully 
revised  before  being  put  together  in  book 
form.    //.  S.  T. 


54 


THE     GARDENERS'    CHRONICLE. 


[January  ?3,  1309. 


The  Week's  Work. 


THE    ORCHID    HOUSES. 

By  W.  H.  White,  Orchid  Grower  to  Sir  Trevor  Lawrence, 
Bart.,  Burford,  Surrey. 

Evergreen  Calanlhes.—The  following  species  of 
the  Everg»een  section  of  Calantbes,  namely  C. 
veratrifolia,  C.  Masuca,  C.  sylvatica,  C. 
pleiochroma,  C.  citrina  and  C.  japonica  are 
now  actively  growing.  They  will  requi»e  fre- 
quent and  liberal  supplies  of  water,  with  an 
occasional  applicatio.i  of  weak,  liquid  cow- 
manure.  The  plants  are  more  or  less  frequently 
attacked  by  brown  scale  insects,  which  must  be 
kept  under  by  sponging  with  some  safe  insecti- 
cide. The  flower-spikes,  as  they  push  up,  must 
also  be  kept  free  from  green  and  yellow  aphides, 
or  they  will  disfigu»e  the  flower-bud.  These 
Evergreen  Calanthes  are  best  cultivated  in  the 
intermediate  house.  They  should  not  be  ele- 
vated near  to  the  roof  glass,  but  will  grow 
satisfactorily  in  a  shady  part  of  the  house. 

Vanda  Watsonii,  V.  Amesiana,  and  V.  Kimbal- 
liana. — At  the  cooler  end  of  the  Cattleya  house 
plants  of  the  new  Vanda  Watsonii  grow  fairly 
well,  and  several  plants  are  now  in  bloom.  A 
specimen  with  five  spikes  of  pure  white  flowers 
is  a  lovely  object.  At  this  season  every  care  is 
necessary  to  prevent  moisture  settling  on  the 
flowers,  which  would  cause  them  to  become 
spotted.  When  the  flower-buds  are  properly 
developed  and  are  just  on  the  point  of  opening 
it  will  be  necessary  to  gradually  lessen  the 
supply  of  water  at  the  roots,  but  do  not  allow 
the  roots  to  become  so  dry  as  to  cause  the  terete 
leaves  to  shrivel.  Treated  in  this  manner  the 
blooms  keep  perfectly  fresh  and  free  from  spot 
for  a  period  of  several  weeks.  Plants  uf  the 
winter-flowering  V.  Amesiana  will  require  simi- 
lar treatment,  but  this  species  needs  a  more  de- 
cided rest  after  the  flowers  fade.  The  earlier- 
flowering  plants  of  V.  Kimballiana  aje  now  be- 
ginning to  push  out  new  rooirs  from  the  stem, 
and  the  old  roots  are  also  commencing  to  grow. 
These  may  now  be  repotted  or  resurfaced  as 
may  be  considered  necessary.  They  succeed 
either  in  pots  or  teak-wood  baskets,  but  win.  h- 
ever  the  receptacle  used,  good  drainage  is 
necessary.  Pot  them  firmly  in  a  mixture  of  Os- 
mundi  and  Polypodium  fibre  in  equal  parts.  Cut 
these  materials  up  moderately  fii>e  and  mix  with 
them  plenty  uf  small  crocks.  Keep  the  com- 
post about  an  inch  below  the  rim  of  the  pot  or 
basket,  and  surface  the  remaining  space  with 
freshly-gathered  Sphagnum-moss,  making  it 
quite  solid  in  convex  fashion.  These  Vandas 
require  a  light  position  in  the  Cattleya  house. 
Sufficient  water  should  be  applied  to  preserve 
the  surface  moss  in  a  growing  condition. 


FRUITS  UNDER  GLASS. 

By  E.  Harriss,  Fruit  Foreman,  Royal  Gardens,  Frogrnore. 
Late  Peaches  and  Nectarines. — Any  pruning  and 
tiaining  still  to  be  done  should  no  longer  be 
delayed.  When  pruning  the  trees  remove  as 
many  of  the  old  branches,  as  can  be  spared,  in 
order  that  plenty  of  young,  fruitful  shoots  may 
be  trained  in,  thus  improving  the  general  ap- 
peal nice  of  the  trees.  The  greatest  care  must  be 
exercised  in  pruning  young  trees  which  have 
I  i  .ecently  planted,  for  any  neglect  or  mis- 
cement  now  will  be  followed  by  unsatisfac- 
tory results  in  later  years.  Any  extra  strong 
shoots  made  last  season  should  be  pruned 
severely  or  entirely  removed.  Do  not  attempt 
to  get  the  trellis  covered  too  quickly,  as  this 
sometimes  leads  to  a  deficiency  of  fruitful  wood 
at  the  base  of  the  branches.  Keep  the  centre  of 
the  trees  fairly  well  open,  and  endeavour  to  have 
most  of  the  fruiting  shoots  on  the  uppermost  side 
of  the  branches.  The  glass, .  woodwork,  and 
trellis  should  be  thoroughly  cleansed  by  wash- 
ing before  commencing  to  train  the  trees.  If 
the  trellis  is  at  all  rusty  it  should  receive  a 
coal  of  paint,  for  a  rusted  trellis  frequently 
causes  canker  by  its  rubbing  of  the  branches. 
The  trees  may  be  thoroughly  washed  with  a 
mixture  of  soft  soap  and  sulphur  in  water.  Only 
a  soft  brush  must  be  used  for  applying  this  mix- 
ture to  the  young  shoots,  or  the  buds  will  be 
liable  to  receive  injury.  Be  careful  to  mal»e  all 
the  tits  so  loosely  as  to  allow  for  the  proper 
swelling  of  the  wood.     When  the  tying  is  done, 


the  surface  of  the  borders  should  be  carefully 
forked  over,  removing  the  loose  soil  in  order 
that  a  top  dressing  of  loam  and  lime  rubble  may 
bo  applied.  In  the  case  of  old  trees,  some  arti- 
ficial manure  or  crushed  bones  will  be  beneficial. 
Syringe  the  trees  with  clear  water  on  fine  morn- 
ings. 

Tomatos. — Provided  that  the  winter-fruiting 
plants  a»e  still  in  a  clean  and  vigorous  condition, 
they  may  be  encouraged  to  set  further  fruits.  C 1 1 
away  most  of  the  old  foliage  and  select  some 
of  the  strongest  side  growths  and  lay  them  in, 
giving  them  plenty  of  room  to  develop.  Apply 
a  surface-dressing  of  loam  to  the  roots,  mixing 
with  the  compost  a  little  lime  rubble  or  wood 
ashes,  also  a  little  artificial  manure.  At  this 
time  of  the  yiear  it  is  prudent  to  pollinate  each 
flower  individually.  The  plants  which  were 
raised  from  seeds  sown  in  the  autumn  are  nearly 
ready  for  their  final  shift  into  10-inch  pots.  A 
fairly  rich  compost  is  necessary  for  pot  culture. 
This' should  consist  of  loam,  old  mortar  rubb'e, 
wood  ashes  and  crushed  bones.  In  potting,  the 
soil  should  be  made  firm.  Place  the  pots  near 
to  the  glass,  so  that  they  may  not  become  drawn. 
White  fly  is  a  very  |  ersistent  enemy  of  the 
Tomato,  and  once  this  pest  obtains  a  footing  it 
is  difficult  of  destruction.  A  good  preventive  is  to 
fumigate  occasionally  with  a  nicotine  vaporising 
compound.  Let  the  atmospheric  temperature  be 
60°  at  night,  but  during  the  day,  by  the  sun's 
influence,  it  may  rise  even  to  80°,  provided  there 
is  a  free  circulation  of  air.  Make  another  sow- 
ing to  provide  for  a  successional  crop. 


THE    KITCHEN    GARDEN. 

By  E.  Beckett,  i.  rd'ener  lo  the  Hon.  Vhary  Gibus, 
Aldenham  Iku  c,  Elstree,  Hertfordshire. 

Jerusalem  Artichokes. — This  useful  vegetable  is 
neither  fastidious  as  to  soil,  climate,  nor  situa- 
tion. It  grows  very  tall,  and  it  frequently  serves 
as  a  windscreen  or  is  so  planted  that  its  growth 
may  hide  unsightly  places  during  the  summer 
anil  autumn.  Cnlike  most  other  vegetables, 
Jerusalem  Artichokes  may  be  successfully  culti- 
vated on  the  same  piece  of  ground  for  a  number 
of  years  together,  provided  suitable  manure  is 
applied  and  the  ground  is  properly  prepared  by 
deep  tilt  each  year.  The  present  is  a  Mutable 
time  to  prepare  the  soil  by  trenching  deeply 
and  working  into  it  a  liberal  quantity  of  farm- 
yard manure.  If  it  is  very  stiff  and  retentive  in 
character  it  will  be  well  to  add  some  burnt  gar- 
den refuse,  road  scrapings,  or  old  mortar 
rubble.  Medium-sized  tubers  should  be  selected 
for  planting.  They  should  be  placed  6  inches 
deep  and  2  feet  from  each  other  in  the  rows 
The  rows  themselves  should  be  di\  i'  1  by  spaces 
of  3  feet.  The  newer  white  variety  is  superior 
in  every  way  to  the  old  purple-skinned  Am- 
choke.  The  tubers  are  more  shapely  and  their 
flavour  superior. 

Rhubarb.—  The  supply  of  Apples  is  decreas- 
ing, and  Rhubarb  will,  therefore,  be  in  great 
demand.  Larger  batches  of  roots  should  be 
taken  up  at  intervals  and  placed  in  a  gentle 
heat,  but,  in  addition,  some  of  the  roots  in  the 
open  ground  should  be  forced  in  the  positions 
tbey  now  occupy.  This  latter  practice  is  prefer- 
able to  lifting  the  crowns  and  forcing  them  in- 
doors, unless  crowns  are  obtainable  that  have 
been  specially  grown  for  the  purpose.  By  the 
indoor  forcing  system. the  plants  are  so  weakened 
that  they  need  two  years  at  least  to  regain  their 
vigour.  Ordinary  tubs  or  barrels  with  one  end 
removed  and  its  parts  bracketed  together  so  that 
it  can  be  used  as  a  lid  are  nxjre  convenient  than 
the  pots  specially  made  for  the  purpose.  A  small 
quantity  of  long  stable  manure  with  some  good 
Oak,  Beech,  or  Spanish  Chestnut  leaves  will  be 
needed  to  create  the  necessary  warmth,  but  care 
should  be  taken  not  to  employ  more  than  suffi- 
cient heat  to  cause  the  plants  to  grow  as  quickly 
as  tbey  do  ordinarily  at  their  proper  season.  If 
these  details  are  carried  out  intelligently,  the 
fermenting  materials  removed  in  good  time  after 
the  forcing  is  over,  the  beds  forked,  and  no 
more  stalks  pulled  during  the  present  season, 
the  roots  will  be  little  the  worse  lor  the  slight 
forcing. 

Seakale. — Introduce  batches  of  Seakale  to  the 
forcing  house  in  sufficient  quantities  to  meet  the 
demand.  It  must  be  pointed  out,  however,  that 
Seakale  may  be  forced  on  the  ground  much  in 


the  same  way  as  Rhubarb,  and  although  this 
method  gives  more  trouble,  the  growths  so  cul- 
tivated are  usually  much  stronger  and  of  better 
quality.  The  roots  which  were  taken  off  when 
the  crowns  were  lifted  for  forcing,  and  tied  into 
small  bundles,  should  now  be  placed  in  boxes 
and  put  into  cold  frames,  in  order  that  they  may 
be  induced  to  start  slowly  into  growth. 

Salads. — Continue  to  make  provision  for  main- 
taining regular  supplies  of  Salads  by  sowing 
small  quantities  of  seeds  at  regular  intervals  of 
such  crops  as  Onions,  Mustard  and  Cress  and 
Chervil.  See  to  the  blanching  of  Endive  and 
Lettuce.  Keep  a  good  quantity  of  Chicory  and 
Dandelion  roots  in  a  warm  corner  where  they 
will  produce  growths,  that  will,  of  course,  need 
to  be  blanched. 


PUBLIC   PARKS   AND   GARDENS. 

By  J.  W.  Moorman,  Superintendent  of  Victoria  Park, 
London. 

Trees  and  shrubs  (continued). — In  addition  to 
those  mentioned  last  week,  the  following  species 
are  well  suited  for  cultivation  in  parks: — Ber- 
beus  aquifolium  and  B.  Darwinii ;  Hypericum 
calycinum  and  H.  elatum.  Hypericum  calyci- 
iiiim  is  useful  for  covering  dry  and  shady  spots 
and  for  forming  a  groundwork  in  the  front  of 
shrubbery  borders.  Phillyrea  angustifolia,  with 
its  stout  leaves,  withstands  smoke  very  well,  as 
also  do  all  the  Ligustrums  or  Privets,  notably  L. 
Ibota,  L.  japonicum,  L.  lucidum,  L.  Quihoui, 
and  L.  siaense.  The  bright  green  leaves  of  the 
Privets  are  attractive,  independent  of  their 
plumes  of  snowy  white  flowers.  L.  ovalifolium 
and  its  golden  variegated  sports,  though  not 
evergreen,  are  capable  of  retaining  their  foliage 
until  very  late  in  the  year,  and  they  start  into 
growth  again  early  in  the  following  season.  At 
midsummer  the  yellow  varieties  are  amongst  the 
most  striking  of  town  shrubs.  Spartium  jun- 
ceum,  when  planted  on  poor  soil,  produces  an 
abundance  of  fragrant  yellow  flowers.  I  planted 
several  plants  of  Choisya  ternata  a  lew  years 
since  in  a  warm  border,  and  so  far  they  have 
done  well,  but  have  flowered  only  sparingly. 
Cydonia  japonica  makes  a  good-sized  bush  and 
flowers  well.  Fatsia  japonica  has  also  passed 
safely  through  three  or  four  winters  without  pro- 
tection, as  have  Elaeagnus  pungens  and  the  varie- 
ties aurea,  argentea  and  variegata.  <  otoneaster 
frigida  and  Crataegus  pyracantha  attract  much 
attention  when  in  berry.  All  the  Spiraeas  do 
well,  S.  Lindleyana  and  other  tall-growing  sp<  i  ies 
forming  stately  objects  when  in  flower  at  the  end 
of  the  summer.  The  numerous  varieties  of  Ivy 
(K&dera  Helix)  make  useful  and  interesting 
plants  for  covering  walls,  and  the  more  common 
forms  ate  excellent  for  planting  under  large 
trees  or  i:i  places  where  grass  will  not 
grow.  Ivies  present  much  diversity  in  the 
form  and  size  of  their  leaves  ;  the  contrast  be- 
tween the  varieties  dentata  and  Caenwoodiana, 
for  instance,  is  very  noticeable.  Other  useful 
subjects  for  shady  nooks  are  the  Vincas.  The 
hardy  forms  of  Bamboo,  Arundinarias  particu- 
larly, afford  a  graceful  subtropical  appearance 
if  planted  in  clumps.  Rhododendrons,  though 
not  first-class  town  plants,  can  1 -e  grown  with 
success.  They  will  thrive  in  any  soils  that 
are  not  exceptionally  heavy  or  that  do  not  con- 
tain a  large  proportion  of  lime  or  chalk  ;  but 
succeed  best  in  a  light,  peaty  soil  or  sandy  loam. 
When  they  are  making  their  new  giowths  copious 
supplies  of  water  should  be  applied  overhead. 

Deciduous  species. — Among  the  decidi  ous  tices 
and  shrubs,  the  variety  of  the  Plane  tree 
(Platanus  orientalis  acerifolia)  attains  a  very- 
large  size  and  is  capable  of  forming  stately 
.avenues.  When  used  for  this  purpose  the  trees 
should  not  be  planted  nearer  than  35  feel 
apart,  but  even  a  greater  distance  is  better. 
These  trees  require  plenty  of  water  at  their  roots 
during  dry  seasons.  They  do  not  burst  into 
leaf  until  danger  of  late  frosts  is  practically  over. 
Ailanthus  glandulosa  flourishes  well  in  smoke- 
laden  districts.  It  attains  large  proportions,  and 
its  foliage,  as  well  as  sometimes  its  flowers  are 
interesting  and  attractive.  The  various  forms 
of  the  Ash,  Horse  Chestnut,  Acer,  Crataegus, 
Elm,  Beech,  Birch,  Oak,  Poplar  and  Willow  suc- 
ceed well,  and  all  these  should  be  used  for 
variety  in  accordance  with  the  space  at  the  dis- 
posal of  the  planter. 


January  23,  1909] 


THE     GARDENERS     CHRONICLE. 


55 


THE  HARDY  FRUIT  GARDEN. 

By  J.  G.  Weston,  Gardener  to  H.  J.  King,  Esq.,  Eastwell 
Park,  Kent. 
Raspberries — If  this  work  has  not  already  been 
done,  the  quarter  devoted  to  Raspberries  should 
now  be  made  neat  for  next  season.  Assuming 
that  last  year's  fruiting  canes  were  removed  soon 
after  the  crop  was  gathered,  all  that  is  necessary 
in  this  direction  at  the  present  time  is  to  thin 
out  any  young  canes  that  are  considered  super- 
fluous, and  tie  the  remainder  neatly  to  the  sup- 
ports. In  most  private  gardens  the  system  fol- 
lowed is  that  of  tying  the  canes  to  wires  trained 
to  upright  posts.  This  system  has  much  to  re- 
commend it,  as  by  its  use  light  and  air  can 
reach  every  part  of  the  cane  and  the  fruit  is 
well  exposed  to  the  sunshine.  If  it  is  necessary 
to  renew  any  of  the  uprights,  th©  new  ones 
should  be  made  at  least  a  foot  higher  than  the 
canes  are  expected  to  grow.  They  will  then  be 
found  convenient  when  netting  the  Raspberries 
for  protection  against  birds,  as  the  uprights  will 
hold  up  the  nets  sufficiently  high  above  the 
canes    and    allow    head    room    for    those    who 


canes  on  permanent  plantations  should  now  be 
cut  down  to  the  ground  level,  for  the  fruit  will 
be  borne  on  the  new  canes.  Care  must  be 
taken  to  thin  out  the  new  shoots  to  a  reasonable 
number  early  in  the  season,  in  order  that  the 
remainder  may  develop  into  strong,  well-ripened 
canes,  capable  of  bearing  satisfactory  crops. 


THE  FLOWER  GARDEN. 

By  W.  A.  Cook,  Gardener  to  Sir  Edmund  G.  Loder,  Bart., 
Leonardslee,  Sussex. 

Herbaceous  plants. — Where  there  are  large  bor- 
ders of  herbaceous  plants  it  occasionally  happens 
that  one  or  more  of  these  need  to  be  overhauled 
entirely.  Before  such  a  time  arrives,  advantage 
should  be  taken  to  obtain  a  large  quantity  of 
manure,  leaf -mould,  road-scrapings,  and  similar 
materials.  In  the  first  place  it  is  necessary  to 
mark  out  the  positions  in  which  you  wish  to 
place  the  principal  plants,  labelling  any  that  it 
is  considered  unwise  to  shift.  Some  species, 
notably  Ostrowskia  magnifica,  are  known  not  to 
succeed  well  for  a  considerable  time  after  disturb- 


FlG.    34. — IRIS    RETICULATA    VAR.    HISTRIO  :    FLOWERS    BRIGHT    BLUE 

BLOTCHED    WITH   GOLDEN-YELLOW. 

(See  p.  53.) 


gather  the  fruits.  The  canes  should  be  tied  at 
about  9  inches  apart  on  the  wires.  When  this 
has  been  done,  clean  thoroughly  all  weeds  from 
the  soil,  and  afterwards  apply  a  mulching  of 
farmyard  manure.  Raspberries  being  surface- 
rooting  plants,  the  spade  must  not  be  used  to 
dig  between  the  rows,  but  if  the  surface  appears 
hard  it  may  be  carefully  picked  up  by  means  of 
a  fork.  Any  planting  which  may  have  been  post- 
poned on  account  of  the  weather  should  be  com- 
pleted as  30on  as  possible.  If  any  new  planta- 
tions have  been  made  this  season,  the  canes 
should  be  cut  down  to  within  12  inches  of  the 
ground  directly  they  commence  to  grow.  The 
best  red-fruiting  varieties  are  Superlative,  Hor- 
net, and  Baumforth's  Seedling.  The  best  yel- 
low-fruiting varieties  are  Queen  of  England, 
The  Guinea,  and  Yellow  Antwerp. 

Aulumn-fruiling  Raspberries. — The  autumn- 
fruiting  varieties  are  worthy  of  cultivation,  pro- 
vided this  fruit  is  appreciated  for  dessert. 
Two  excellent  varieties  are  Belle  de  Footenay 
and  the  newer  one,  November  Abundance.    The 


ance.  Afterwards  take  up  the  rest  of  the  plants 
at  one  end  and  lay  them  111  carefully  and 
promptly.  These  plants  will  be  needed  to  com- 
plete the  planting  when  the  remaining  part  of 
the  border  is  done.  The  next  operation  is  to 
take  out  a  trench  three  spits  deep  and  wheel  the 
soil  some  distance  away.  The  work  of  trenching 
may  then  proceed.  Borders  differ  greatly  in 
width,  but  a  first-class  border  should  be  8  to  12 
yards  wide  and  100  yards  in  length.  Many  of 
the  plants  which  grow  outwards  from  the  centre, 
as,  for  instance,  the  perennial  Phlox  and 
Michaelmas  Daisy,  will  be  found  to  have  their 
centres  in  a  very  weak  condition.  The  centres 
of  such  plants  should  not  be  planted  again.  -V 
clump  should  be  formed  from  croivns  or  pieces 
on  the  outside  of  the  old  clumps.  It  is  not  wise 
to  plant  large  batches  of  any  one  kind  of  plant, 
excepting  bulbs,  as  this  would  lead  to  there 
beine  large  spaces  without  flowers  at  certain 
periods.  Dwarf  annuals  may  be  planted  or  sown 
over  ground  containing  such  bulbs  as  Narcissus, 
and  small   bulbs  can  often  be  planted  near  to 


large  plants  which,  making  their  growth  late 
in  the  season,  will  allow  the  bulbs  to  flower 
before  overshadowing  them.  The  tall-growing 
species  of  Lilies  should  be  placed  in  conspicu- 
ous positions  to  make  a  bold  effect.  If  Lilies 
are  moved  at  this  date  they  should  be  planted 
again  as  soon  as  possible,  taking  care  not  to 
break  the  freshly-formed  roots.  If  the  soil  is 
inclined  to  be  heavy,  place  some  sharp  sand 
about  the  roots,  also  a  sprinkling  of  flowers  of 
sulphur.  Irises  should  be  planted  in  the  same 
manner  as  Lilies.  They  require  a  freely  porous 
soil.  The  best  background  for  such  a  border 
is  one  composed  of  evergreen  and  deciduous 
shrubs.  If  these  are  selected  with  care  their 
effect  wili  add  considerably  to  that  afforded  by 
the  border.  Should  the  background,  however,' 
be  a  wall,  let  it  be  covered  with  climbing  plants 
rather  than  with  fruit  trees.  Work  in  plenty  of 
manure  and  leaf-mould  and  a  sprinkling  of  soot 
as  the  work  of  replanting  proceeds.  On  no- 
account  let  the  planting  be  continued  in  wet 
weather.  In  some  cases  the  natural  soil  is  so 
thin  and  stony  that  it  is  necessary  to  add  rich 
loam  and  perhaps  a  little  clay.  On  the  con- 
trary, very  heavy  soil  may  be  much  improved 
by  the  addition  of  leaf-mould  and  road-scrap- 
ings. When  the  replanting  is  finished,  see  that 
all  the  plants  are  properly  and  accurately 
labelled  with  labels  that  are  likely  to  last  in 
good  condition  for  some  time  to  come. 

Calceolaria. — If  the  plants  are  in  cold  frames 
remove  the  lights  on  every  fine  day. 

Cyclamen  Coum. — The  deep  crimson  flowers 
and  dark  foliage  of  this  species  are  now  peeping 
through  the  soil.  We  find  it  a  good  practice  to 
place  a  little  fine  soil,  with  a  small  quantity  of 
soot  and  artificial  manure,  over  the  roots.  Simi- 
lar treatment  may  be  afforded  C.  ibericum 
Atkinsii,  which  flowers  from  February  to  April ; 
and  Anemone  blauda. 


PLANTS    UNDER  GLASS. 

By  A.  C,  Bartlett,  Gardener  to  Mrs.  Ford,  Pencarrow, 
Cornwall, 

Propagation. — The  propagating  house  should 
be  thoroughly  cleansed  in  readiness  for  raising 
and  increasing  the  stocks  of  various  plants. 
Seeds  of  such  kinds  as  Begonia,  Gloxinia,  Strep- 
tocarpus  and  Coleus  may  now  be  sown.  The 
cultural  details  connected  with  seed-sowing  have 
been  so  often  related  in  these  pages  that  I 
will  content  myself  with  pointing  out  the 
need  for  observing  the  following  points.  Us© 
clean  pots  and  pans,  and  soil  which  is  suffi- 
cientlv  moist  at  the  time  of  sowing  the  seeds 
that  it  will  not  want  water  immediately  after- 
wards. In  handling  the  finest  seeds  extra  car© 
must  be  exercised.  The  present  is  a  suitable 
time  for  inserting  cuttings  of  such  trailing  plants 
as  Oplismenus  Burmannii  variegata  (Panicum 
variegatuml,  Zebrina  (Tradescantia)  pendula, 
and  Fittonia.  It  will  be  necessary  to  insert 
further  batches  from  time  to  time  as  young 
stocks  of  such  subjects  are  more  decorative  than 
older  plants,  which,  after  use  in  the  dwelling- 
house,  are  seldom  of  any  further  use  for  decora- 
tion. Cordylines  (Dracaenas)  may  either  be  pro- 
pagated from  cuttings,  root-eyes,  or  by  "  ring- 
ing," according  to  the  size  of  the  plants  re- 
quired. "  Ringing  "  is  a  good  method  for  pro- 
pagating Codiffiums  (Crotons),  and  plants  raised 
thus  have  generally  longer  and  better  leaves  at 
their  base  than  those  raised  from  cuttings.  Old 
plants  of  Pandanus  Veitchii  variegata  usually 
have  some  well-coloured  shoots  at  their  base, 
and  if  these  are  taken  off  and  inserted  in  sandy 
soil  they  are  capable  of  making  very  handsome 
plants. 

Euphorbia  (Poinseitia)  pulcherrima. — As  these 
highly-decorative  plants  pass  from  the  flowering 
stage  they  should  be  removed  to  a  cooler  house 
and  rested  by  withholding  water  from  the  roots. 

Mignonette. — A  further  sowing  may  now  be 
made  in  firm  soil.  Very  careful  watering  will 
be  required  when  the  seedlings  appear  upon  the 
soil ;  they  must  not  be  subjected  to  much  fire 
heat.  Plants  now  showing  flower  need  frequent 
applications  of  weak  manure  water. 

Lachenalia  — Lachenalias  may  be  given  liquid 
manure.  Thev  should  be  kept  as  close  to  the 
roof  glass  as  is  possible  without  the  tops  being 
brought  into  actual  contact  with   it. 


56 


THE     GARDENERS"     CHRONICLE. 


[Januasy  23,  1909. 


EDITORIAL    NOTICE. 


ADVERTISEMENTS  should  be  sent  to  the  PUB- 
LISHER,  41,  Wellington  Street,  Covent  Garden, 
W.C. 

Letters  for  Publication,  as  well  as  specimens  or  plants, 
for  naming,  should  be  addressed  to  the  EDITOR, 
41,   Wellington  Street,   Covent  Garden,    London. 

Communications  should  be  written  on  one  side  only  of 
the  paper,  sent  as  early  in  the  week  as  possible  ami  duly 
signed  by  the  writer.  1/ desired,  the  signature  -'■•ill  not  be 
printed,  but  kept  as  a  guarantee  of  good  faith. 

Special  Notice  to  Correspondents.  —  The  Editor  docs  not 
undertake  to  pay  for  any  contributions  or  illustrations,  or 
to  return  unused  communications  or  illustrations,  unless  by 
special  arrangement.  The  Editor  does  not  hold  hunsclj 
responsible  for  any  opinions  expressed  by  his  correspondents. 

Illustrations.-  The  Editor  will  be  glad  to  receive  and  to  select 
photographs  or  drawings,  suitable  for  reproduction,  oj 
gardens,  or  of  remarkable  plants,  jlowers,  trees,  &c,  but  hs 
cannot  be  responsible  for  loss  or  injury. 

Local  News.—Coryec-poiulcnts  will  greatly  oblige  by  sendiitgto 
the  Editor  early  intelligence  of  local  events  likely  to  be  oj 
interest  to  our  readers,  or  of  any  matters  which  it  is  desirable 
to  bring  under  the  notice  of  horticulturists. 

Newspapers.— Correspondents  sending  newspapers  should  be 
careful  to  mark  the  paragraphs  they  wish  the  Editor  to  see. 


APPOINTMENTS  FOR  THE  ENSUING  WEEK, 


SATURDAY,  JANUARY  23-  • 

Ann.  Dinner  Soc.  Franc.  d'Hort.  de  Londres,  at  Cafe 
Royal,  Regent  Street,  W. 

TUESDAY,  JANUARY  26- 

Roy.  Hort.  Soc.  Corns,  meet.  {Competitive  Classes  for 
Seakale,  Rhubarb,  Asparagus,  Forced  Vegetables  and 
Salads.  Lecture  at  3  p.m.  by  Mr.  W.  D.  Scott- 
Moncrieff,  on  "  A  Method  of  using  Domestic  Sewage 
in  Horticulture  "). 


Average    Mean    Temperature    for    the    ensuing    week, 
deduced  from  observations  during  the  last  Fifty  Years 
at  Greenwich— 39't^. 
Actual  Temperatures: — 

London.  —  Wednesday,  January  20(6  r.M.):  Max.  42°; 
Min.  29". 
Gardeners'  Chronicle  Office,  41,  Wellington  Street, 
Covent  Garden,  London — Thursday,  January 
21  (10  a.m.):  Bar.  304;  Temp.  44"  j  Weather— 
Overcast. 
Provinces. —  Wednesday,  January  20  (6  P.M.)  :  Max.  47a 
Mayo  ;  Min.  36°  Durham. 


SALES    FOR    THE    ENSUING    WEEK. 

MONDAY  and  TUESDAY— 

Herbaceous  and  Border  Plants,  Liliums,  Bulbs,  Azaleas, 
&c,  at  12  ;  Roses  and  Fruit  Trees  at  1.30,  by  Protheroe 
&  Morris,  at  67  and  68,  Cheapside,  E.C. 

WEDNESDAY— 

Thousands  of  Gladiolus,  Begonias,  Tuberoses,  &c,  at 
11.30;  Herbaceous  Plants,  Perennials,  Lilies,  Bulbs, 
&c,  at  12;  982  cases  Japanese  Liliums  at  1;  Roses 
and  Fruit  Trees  at  1.30  ;  Azaleas,  Palms,  Plants,  &c,  at 
5,  at  67  and  68,  Cheapside,  E.C,  by  Protheroe  &  Morris. 

WEDNESDAY,  THURSDAY  and  FRIDAY— 

Important  Sale  of  Nursery  Stock  at  the  Nurseries,  South 
Woodford,  by  order  of  Mr.  John  Fraser,  by  Protheroe  & 
Morris,  at  11. 

FRIDAY— 

Imported  and  Established  Orchids,  in  variety,  at  12.45, 
by  Protheroe  &  Morris,  at  67  and  68,  Cheapside,  E.C. 


The  advocates  of  the  systematic 

National     afiore-tation     of     these     islands 
AtToresta-        ...      ,  ,  , 

tion.  encouraged     by     the 

second  Report  which  has  just 
been  issued  as  a  Blue  Book  by  the  Roval 
Commission  on  Coast  Erosion  and  . Minn-sta- 
tion. It  will  be  remembered  that  the  Com- 
mission has  already  issued  one  Report,  but, 
inasmuch  as  in  March  last,  its  terms  of  refer- 
ence were  extended  to  include  an  enquiry  as 
to  whether  the  evil  of  unemployment  might 
be  relieved  by  the  afforestation  of  suitable 
areas,  the  Commission  in  its  present  Re- 
port deals  not  only  with  land  which  may 
be  reclaimed  from  the  foreshore,  but  with 
the  available  land  in  all  parts  of  these 
islands.  Under  its  extended  terms  of  refer- 
<  in  e  Ihe  Commission,  presided  over  by  Mr. 
Ivor  C.  Guest,  M.P.,  has  held  fifty  sittings 
and  has  heard  evidence  from  eighty  wit- 
nesses. 

The  scheme  is  a  bold  one ;  indeed,  it  is  not 
too  much  to  say  that  its  proposals  for  affore- 
station are  the  boldest  ever  put  forward  by  a 


properly  constituted  authority  in  this  coun- 
try. It  is  to  be  hoped  that  in  its  compre- 
hensiveness it  will  not  frighten  men  brought 
up  in  the  atmosphere  of  compromise  and  ac- 
customed to  be  satisfied  with  half  measures. 

Those  who  have  had  this  experience  will, 
at  all  events,  welcome  the  scheme,  not 
necessarily  accepting  it  in  all  its  details, 
but  as  serving  as  a  basis  for  discussion. 
It  is  more  than  probable  that  legisla- 
tion will  not  proceed  on  the  exact  lines  now 
laid  down,  nor  to  the  full  extent  the  Commis- 
sion recommend.  At  the  same  time  it 
cannot  be  recognised  too  soon  that  one  of 
the  most  essential  conditions  necessary  for 
making  British  forestry  a  permanent  means 
of  increasing  the  national  resources  is  that 
the  industry  shall  be  started  on  so  broad  a 
basis,  and  with  such  financial  security  as  is 
only  possible  under  the  direct  management  of 
the  State.  It  is  perfectly  conceivable,  and  the 
Commission  have  satisfied  themselves  on  this 
matter,  that,  where  spasmodic  and  local  at- 
tempts have  failed  to  make  timber  cultivation 
a  remunerative  industry,  a  general  scheme, 
far-reaching  and  national  in  character,  would 
succeed.  In  succeeding  it  would  not  merely 
provide  a  means  of  employment  for  able- 
bodied  men,  but  would  supplement  the  fail- 
ing supplies  of  timber,  and  yield,  in  course 
of  time,  a  substantial  profit  to  the  national 
Exchequer. 

The  essential  Recommendations  of  the 
Commission  are  (i)  that  afforestation  is  de- 
sirable; (2)  that  the  approximate  area  of  suit- 
able land  in  the  United  Kingdom,  without 
material  encroachment  upon  agricultural 
land,  is  9,000,000  acres;  (3)  that  150,000 
acres  shall  be  planted  each  year ;  (4)  that,  to 
finance  the  scheme,  an  approximate  sum  of 
£2,000,000  will  be  required  annually. 

The  expenses  of  afforesting,  at  the  rate 
of  150,000  acres  a  year,  are  estimated  to 
rise  from  £90,000  in  the  first  to 
.£3,131,000  in  the  fortieth  year.  After 
forty  years  it  is  expected  that  the  forests 
will  begin  to  be  self-supporting.  From  the 
fortieth  to  the  sixtieth  year  this  stage  would 
continue;  from  the  sixtieth  year  the  profit 
would  progressively  increase,  until  at  the 
eightieth  year  the  approximate  equalised  re- 
venue would  be  about  £17,000,000  a  year, 
and  the  value  of  the  forests  would  be 
£562,000,000  or  £106,000,000  over  and 
above  the  entire  cost  of  their  creation.  A 
forest  of  9,000,000  acres,  in  which  the  trees 
represent  the  various  series  of  age-classes, 
may  be  expected  to  yield  9,000,000  loads  of 
timber  annually  in  perpetuity.  Now,  the 
importation  of  foreign  timber  from  temper- 
ate climates,  such  as  our  own,  into  the  United 
Kingdom  in  the  year  1907,  exceeded  8,500,000 
loads,  which  is  approximately  the  quantity 
which  could  be  expected  annually  from  the 
proposed  scheme  of  afforestation.  At  the  end 
of  sixty  years,  when  the  whole  of  the  9,000,000 
acres  have  been  planted,  it  is  estimated  that 
the  industry  will  keep,  at  the  least,  90,000 
men  permanently  employed.  It  should  be  re- 
membered that  the  work  of  planting  might  be 
carried  out  with  less  or  more  rapidity  accord- 
ing to  the  state  of  the  labour  market.  Whilst 
the  maintenance  of  the  forests  would  give 
employment  to  a  large  number  of  unskilled 
men,  the  greater  call  for  labour  would  be 
made  in  the  forming  of  new  forests.  It 
is   a    satisfactory    feature   of   forestry   opera- 


tions that  much  of  the  work  can  be  done  in 
the  winter  season,  when  the  evil  of  unem- 
ployment is  most  acutely  felt. 

Much  has  been  written  on  the  questions 
of  transporting,  housing,  and  feeding  the 
workmen,  and  the  alleged  difficulties  have 
been  urged  as  serious  obstacles  to  the  scheme, 
but  surely  there  is  no  basis  for  such  fears  I 
The  railway  and  water  companies,  and  even 
private  landowners,  have  occasionally  to 
transport  hundreds  of  men  to  remote  moun- 
tain districts,  far  removed  from  road  and 
rail,  and  maintain  them  whilst  work  is  in 
progress.  It  can  scarcely  be  doubted  that 
the  State  would  be  able  to  deal  effectively 
with  such  problems.  The  one  essential 
thing  to  do  is  to  get  the  men  on  to  the  land ; 
means  of  subsistence  would  be  devised  easily 
enough.  By  drafting  unemployed  men  into 
the  country,  where  remunerative  work 
abounds,  much  good,  both  in  an  economic 
and  hygienic  sense,  would  be  brought  about. 
Nor  can  tree-planting  by  means  of  unem- 
ployed men  be  considered  a  new  departure, 
for,  on  a  dreary,  exposed  hillside  in  Wales, 
as  well  as  in  various  parts  of  England,  the 
whole  of  the  work,  including  clearing  the 
ground  of  surface  growth,  pitting,  and  plant- 
ing, has  been  carried  out  by  drafts  from  the 
unemployed.  Afforestation  offers  the  most 
promising  means  of  dealing  in  a  scientific 
and  permanent  manner  with  the  question  of 
unemployment.  It  is  also  calculated  to  in- 
crease the  value  of  the  land,  in  some  cases 
sevenfold,  and  it  would  provide  an  ever- 
increasing  revenue  for  the  State. 

But  this  is  not  all,  for,  apart  from  the 
question  of  immediate  labour,  what  industries 
would  be  opened  up  in  years  to  come  by  the 
planting  of  waste  grounds.  At  present  there 
would  be  clearing,  draining,  fencing-,  and 
planting.  Thinning  would  commence  at 
about  the  tenth  year,  after  which  the  erection 
of  saw-mills  for  converting  the  timber 
would  open  a  vast  industry.  A  woodpulp 
industry  would  be  almost  certain  to  follow, 
and,  when  a  sufficiency  of  Spruce  timber  be- 
came available,  a  great  paper-manufacturing 
industry  would  arise.  Spruce  is  more  valuable 
now  than  Scotch  Fir,  because  almost  all  the 
paper  of  the  world  is  made  from  Spruce  wood. 
The  produce  of  about  5,000  acres  would  be 
required  to  keep  each  pulp-mill  going,  and 
the  Spruce  for  this  purpose  would  be  felled 
at  the  age  of  thirty  years.  In  the  little 
kingdom  of  Saxony  no  fewer  than  4,000  fac- 
tories, employing  60,000  people,  have  been 
brought  into  existence  by  the  development  of 
woodpulp,  paper,  and  other  manufacturing 
industries  in  connection  with  her  well-man- 
aged and  highly-profitable  forests. 

With  respect  to  the  most  desirable  places 
in  which  to  begin  planting  operations,  we 
would  suggest  those  counties  where  not  only 
the  greatest  area  of  waste  lands  exist,  but 
where  other  advantages  are  offered,  especially 
in  the  matter  of  cheap  land  purchase  and  easy 
removal  of  the  produce.  Thus  we  have — in 
England — Yorkshire  and  Northumberland 
with  1,019,925  acres;  in  Scotland,  Inverness 
and  Argyllshire  with  3,087,412  acres;  in 
Wales,  Breconshire  and  Merionethshire  with 
461,320  acres;  and  Ireland,  Donegal  and 
Kerry  with  657,337  acres,  exclusive  of 
172,436  acres  of  bog  land. 

It  has  been  urged  that  tree-planting  re- 
quires skilled  labour,  and  that,  consequently, 


JANUARY    23,    1909] 


THE     GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


57 


the  unemployed  are  unstated  for  it.  But,  as 
we  have  already  pointed  out,  the  preliminary 
work,  indeed  every  operation,  if  we  except 
the  process  of  planting  the  trees,  is  such  as 
can  be  carried  out  by  any  ordinary  workmen 
under  proper  supervision. 

Some  of  our  readers  may  think  that  the 
Report  of  the  Commission  is  of  too  sweep- 
ing a  character.  It  will  be  remembered 
that  a  less  ambitious  scheme  was  urged 
in  these  pages  (Card.  Chron.,  Dec.  15, 
1906,  p.  401,  and  June  22,  1907,  p.  409)  by  Mr. 
A.  D.  Webster  in  a  series  of  articles  on 
afforesting  waste  lands.  He  recommended 
the  planting  up  of  1,000,000  acres,  spreading 
this  work  over  a  period  of  25  years,  at  the 
rate  of  40,000  acres  each  year,  and  at  a  cost 
of  ^300,000  annually. 

But  public  opinion,  though  of  slow  growth, 
matures  quickly,  and  it  may  well  be  that  the 
larger  scheme  will  fire  the  enthusiasm  of  the 
people,  and  in  spite  of  its  ambitious  character, 
or  perhaps  because  of  it,  get  itself  adopted. 
If  this  proves  the  case  Mr.  Webster  will  be 
remembered  as  one  of  the  pioneers  of  affore- 
station whose  work  in  paving  the  way  for  the 
larger  scheme  actively  contributed  to  its 
adoption. 

We  are  perfectly  satisfied  that  afforesta- 
tion is  needed  for  meeting  the  future  de- 
mand for  timber,  that  it  is  desirable  as  a 
means  of  keeping  a  considerable  number  of 
men  upon  the  land,  and  that  if  it  is  carried 
out  in  a  properly  devised  scheme  under 
Government  control  it  will  eventually  yield 
a  profit  to  the  Exchequer.  For  these  rea- 
sons, and  for  the  further  reason  that  the 
establishment  of  a  State  system  of  forestry 
would  permanently  lessen  the  misery  caused 
by  unemployment  in  the  winter  season,  we 
hope  the  Report  will  lead  to  prompt  legisla- 
tion. 


Our  Supplementary  Illustration  repre- 
sents a  hybrid  flower  raised  by  Mr.  C.  G.  Van 
Tubergen,  Jun.,  Haariem,  from  a  cross  between 
Brunsvigia  Josephinae  and  Amaryllis  Belladonna. 
Mr.  Van  Tubergen-  thus  describes  the  cir- 
cumstances:— "Principally  with  a  view  of 
ascertaining  the  parentage  of  the  Kew  variety  of 
Amaryllis  Belladonna  (see  illustration  in  the 
Garden,  November  19,  1898,  also  notes  in  Gar- 
diners'  Chronicle,  February  9,  1901,  &c),  in  the 
autumn  of  1893  I  artificially  impregnated  Bruns- 
vigia Josephinae  with  pollen  of  Amaryllis  Bella- 
donna. Seeds  formed  freely,  as  the  two  genera, 
Brunsvigia  and  Amaryllis,  are  very  nearly  re- 
lated. As  could  be  foreseen,  with  the  slow- 
growing  Brunsvigia.  Josephinae  as  the  female 
parent,  a  long  time  had  to  elapse  before  the 
seedling  plants  would  be  strong  enough  to  reach 
flowering  size.  After  16  years  of  patient  wait- 
ing, two  of  the  strongest  bulbs  produced  flower- 
spikes  in  September  of  last  year.  When  the 
hybrid  plants  had  been  growing  for  a  few  seasons 
it  became  evident  that  they  differed  in  habit  from 
the  Kew  variety  of  Amaryllis  Belladonna,  which 
produces  a  leaf-stem  of  about  4  inches  high, 
whereas  my  hybrids  all  bear  the  character  of 
Brunsvigia  Josephinae  in  the  foliage,  leaves  being 
formed  directly  above  the  neck  of  the  bulbs. 
The  infusion  of  the  Belladonna  blood  is  clearly 
shown  in  the  bulbs,  as  these  resemble  those  of 
the  Belladonna  and  produce  offsets  freely,  whilst 
Brunsvigia  never  produces  offsets.  A  compari- 
son of  the  Supplementary  Illustration,  which  was 
drawn  by  Mr.  Worthington  Smith  from  an 
inflorescence  sent  from  my  garden,  with  the  en- 
graving in  the  Garden  above  cited,  leads  to 
the    conclusion    that   the     Kew     plant    can     no 


longer  be  regarded  as  a  hybrid  between  these 
species,  unless  it  was  a  cross  effected  in  the 
reverse  way,  taking  Amaryllis  Belladonna  as 
the  female  parent.  In  that  case  the  variety 
Clanda  must  have  been  used,  it  being  the  only 
variety  of  A.  Belladonna  known  which  pro- 
duces a  leaf-stem.  The  colour  of  the  flowers  of 
my  hybrid  was  a  clear,  deep  rose,  suffused  with 
carmine.     A  single  spike  produced  22  flowers. 

Flower  Shows  at  the  Royal  Agricul- 
tural Society's  Exhibitions.  —The  flower 
shows  held  in  connection  with  the  exhibitions 
of  the  Royal  Agricultural  Society  at  Lincoln  and 
Newcastle  having  proved  successful,  it  has  been 
decided  to  hold  a  similar  horticultural  exhibi- 
tion at  Gloucester  on  the  occasion  of  the  Agri- 
cultural Show  in  June  next.  The  Royal  Horti- 
cultural Society  has  promised  its  support, 
and  will  probably  send  a  deputation.  Mr. 
Peter  Blair  has  been  provisionally  engaged 
as  manager  of  the  show.  It  is  estimated  that 
the  cost  will  be  £300,  and  should  the  venture 
result  in  a  financial  loss,  half  the  deficit  will  be 
met  by  a  local  fund  and  the  other  half  will  be 
guaranteed  by  the  Royal  Agricultural  Society. 

"Kew  Bulletin." — The  current  number  of 
the  Kew  Bulletin  contains  an  interesting  account 
of  the  successful  attempt  to  naturalise  Rhamnus 
Purshiana,  D.C.,  the  tree  the  bark  of  which 
yields  the  drug  known  to  pharmacy  as  Cascara 
sagrada.  R.  Purshiana,  now  growing  in  the 
gardens  at  Kew,  was  raised  from  seed  sent  by 
Mr.  F.  R.  S.  Balfour  from  Washington.  It 
has  proved  itself  hardy,  and,  according  to  the 
investigations  carried  on  by  Dr.  Jowett  at  the 
Wellcome  Research  Laboratories,  London,  the 
cascara  yielded  by  the  Kew  plants  is  indistin- 
guishable in  its  action  from  that  made  from 
American  bark.  Hence,  it  would  seem  possible 
that,  as  Mr.  F.  R.  S.  Balfour  originally  sug- 
gested, an  industry  might  be  established  for 
the  growth  of  Rhamnus  Purshiana  in  this 
country. 

Agricultural  Co-operation. — The  Estate 
I  ir  January,  1909,  opens  with  a  very 
optimistic  article  on  co-operation  and  its  bene- 
ficial effects  on  agriculture.  According  to  the 
writer  the  Agricultural  Organisation  Society 
now  numbers  some  200  provincial  associations, 
and  will  show  a  record  of  trade  done  during  1908 
of  about  £850,000.  The  advance  made  by  the 
cognate  co-operative  society,  the  County  Gen- 
tleman's Association,  has  also  been  considerable, 
the  trading  account  having  grown  from  £8,000 
in  1903  to  £60,000  during  the  past  year.  En- 
couraging as  these  results  are  they  show  how 
much  remains  to  be  done  before  the  practice  of 
co-operation  among  the  agriculturists  of  this 
country  becomes  as  firmly  established  as  is  the 
case  in  different  parts  of  the  Continent. 

Aberdeen  and  North  of  Scotland  Col- 
lege of  Agriculture. — Dr.  James  W.  H. 
Trail,  Professor  of  Botany  in  Aberdeen  Uni- 
versity, has  inaugurated  a  course  of  lectures  for 
young  farmers,  under  the  auspices  of  this  col- 
lege. Hitherto  these  courses  have  been  remark- 
ably successful,  students  attending  from  all  parts 
of  the  north  of  Scotland.  Up  to  the  present  year  . 
lectures  have  been  given  in  agriculture,  agricul- 
tural chemistry,  veterinary  hygiene,  and  agricul- 
tural botany.  This  year  a  fifth  subject— agricul- 
tural zoology — has  been  added.  The  opening 
lecture  was  delivered  by  Professor  Trail  in  the 
botany  classroom,  Aberdeen  University.  There 
was  a  satisfactory  attendance,  students  being 
present  from  Aberdeenshire,  Kincardineshire, 
Banffshire,  Elginshire,  Nairnshire,  Inverness- 
shire,  Ross,  and  Cromarty  and  Caithness-shire. 


The  Surveyors'  Institution.— The  next 
ordinary  general  meeting  will  be  held  on  Mon- 
day, February  8,  at  8  o'clock  p.m.,  when  a  paper 
will  be  read  by  Colonel  Sir  Duncan  Alexander 
Johnston,  K.C.M.G.,  C.B.  (late  R.E.),  late 
Director-General  of  the  Ordnance  Survey,  en- 
titled "  The  Ordnance  Survey."  The  annual 
dinner  will  be  held  at  the  Whitehall  Rooms, 
Hotel  Metropole,  on  Tuesday,  February  16,  at 
6.30  p.m.  The  Council  have  decided  that 
after  the  election  of  members  in  October, 
1913,  no  examination  candidate  shall  be 
eligible  for  election  as  a  professional  asso- 
ciate unless  he  has  passed  both  the  inter- 
mediate and  final  examinations  of  the  in- 
stitution. As  a  consequence  of  this  change,  after 
the  present  year,  candidates  for  the  intermediate 
examination  will  be  allowed  to  sit  at  the  age  of 
19,  and  for  the  final  examination  on  competing 
their  21st  year. 

The  Rainfall  in  1908.— An  adequate  supply 
of  water  is  of  such,  great  importar.*e  to  gar- 
deners that,  however  much  other  folk  may 
grumble  at  wet  weather,  our  complaint  is  when 
the  amount  of  moisture  in  the  ground  falls  below 
an  average  quantity.  Several  correspondents 
have  sent  us  their  meteorological  records  for  last 
year  : — Mr.  H.  Wilson,  The  Gardens,  Cole  Orton 
Hall,  Ashby-de-la-Zouch,  informs  us  that  the 
rainfall  for  1908  has  been  less  than  in  1907, 
for  only  23.38  inches  fell  in  1908,  compared 
with  28.53  in  1907.  Mr.  Wilson  states  that  the 
past  season  has  been  an  excellent  one  for  all 
garden  crops,  with  the  exception  of  Goose- 
berries. Rain  fell  on  180  days  at  Cole  Orton 
Hall  Gardens.  At  Leonardslee  Gardens,  Hors- 
ham, Sussex,  Mr.  Cook,  the  gardener,  informs 
us  that  28.78  inches  of  rain  fell  during  1908. 
Rain  fell  on  179  days!  The  first  half  of  the  year 
was  the  drier,  which  is  unusual.  The  total  rain- 
fall for  1907  in  these  gardens  was  25.94  inches. 
Mr.  James  B.  Allan,  writing  from  Osberton 
Gardens,  Worksop,  states  that  the  hottest  day  in 
those  gardens  during  1908  was  July  2,  when 
the  thermometer  registered  86°  in  the  shade; 
the  most  severe  frost  was  on  the  morning  of 
December  29,  when  there  were  24°.  The  heaviest 
rainfall  was  on  August  20,  when  .68  of  an  inch 
was  recorded  in  24  hours.  The  rainfall  in  these 
gardens  for  the  year  amounted  to  20.19  inches, 
being  .99  of  an  inch  less  than  in  1907. 
At  Shugborough  Gardens,  Stafford,  the  rain- 
fall for  the  past  year  was  31.98  inches.  August 
was  the  wettest  month,  but  the  heaviest  rainfall 
occurred  on  April  28,  when  .94  inch  of  rain 
fell.  The  year's  rainfall  at  Davenham  Gardens, 
Malvern,  has  amounted  to  23.81  inches.  March 
and  April  were  the  wettest  months,  the  fall 
being  3.15  inches  and  3.17  inches  respectively. 
January  was  very  dry  at  Davenham.  In  connec- 
tion with  the  note  by  E.  M.  (page  32),  a  corre- 
spondent states  that  the  rainfall  in  the  extreme 
north-west  corner  of  Middlesex  was  .53  inch 
above  the  average  of  the  past  20  years.  The  in- 
crease was  principally  in  March,  April  and  Jul}'. 

Big  Game  as  Garden  Pests. — The  practice 
of  horticulture  in  some  parts  of  the  Empire  is 
attended  with  difficulties  with  which  the  cultiva- 
tor at  home  is  happily  unfamiliar.  Thus,  accord- 
ing to  a  recent  number  of  the  Agricultural  Bulle- 
tin of  the  Straits  and  Federated  Malay  States, 
beside  the  universal  fungal  and  insect  pests, 
bears  are  so  destructive  of  the  Cocoanut  trees  as 
to  merit  a  price  of  £20  per  head.  Wild  pigs, 
again,  as  the  reporter  regretfully  states,  do  con- 
siderable mischief.  But  by  far  the  most  paying 
animal  to  destroy  in  quantity  is  the  white  ant. 
For  the  wholesale  and  complete  destruction  cf 
this  pest  throughout  the  peninsula  a  prize  of 
£5,000  is  offered.  To  consider  the  ways  of  the 
ant  has  always  been  recommended  as  profitable, 
though  surely  it  can  be  nowhere  quite  so  re- 
munerative as  in  the  Malay  States 


58 


THE     GARDENERS'    CHROMCLE. 


[January  123,    1909. 


Year     Books   and   Annuals    for    1909.— 

Almost  indispensable  to  the  gardener,  nursery- 
man, seedsman,  and,  indeed,  to  all  business  men 
in  any  way  connected  with,  horticulture  are 
several  of  the  following  well-known  publica- 
tions :  — 

The  Horticultural  Directory  and  Year  Book 
is  issued  for  the  50th  time  this  year.  It 
contains,  as  heretofore,  a  list  of  the  principal 
gardening  establishments  in  the  counties,  a 
second  list  in  which  the  names  are  arranged 
alphabetically,  and  the  county  and  nearest 
railway  station  indicated.  Then  follows  a 
list  of  head  gardeners  in  the  United  Kingdom, 
also  arranged  alphabetically.  There  are  lists  of 
London  and  provincial  nurserymen,  landscape 
gardeners,  horticultural  builders,  engineers,  im- 
plement makers  and  suridriesmen,  and  of  the 
principal  nurserymen,  seedsmen  and  florists  on 
the  Continent,  in  the  United  States  of  America, 
in  Canada,  and  in  Australasia.  The  parks,  gar- 
dens, and  open  spaces  under  the  charge  of  H.M. 
Office  of  Works  and  of  the  London  County 
Council  are  indicated,  and  the  date  of  acquisition 
is  given  with  enumeration  of  the  acreage.  Lists 
of  the  principal  horticultural  societies  in  the 
United  Kingdom  and  of  the  botanic  gardens  in 
the  British  Empire  and  a  list  of  the  principal 


farmer.  The  following  are  among  the  sub- 
jects dealt  with  :  Breeds  of  Poultry,  Scheduled 
Insects  and  Pests,  Cleveland  Bays  and  York- 
shire Coach  Horses,  Clydesdale  Horses,  Care  of 
the  Foal,  Flock  Management  and  Lambing  Diffi- 
culties, Profitable  Cattle  Farming,  Useful  Live 
Stock  Medicines  for  Emergencies,  Summary  of 
Live  Stock  Sales  for  1908,  Small  Holdings  Legis- 
lation, and  the  Law  of  Agricultural  Holdings, 
&c.  The  authors  state  in  the  preface  that  the 
legislation  of  the  past  few  years  has  made  drastic- 
changes  in  the  relationship  of  landlord  and 
tenant.  It  gives  the  tenant  greater  freedom,  but 
it  also  entails  upon  him  added  responsibilities. 
In  the  Farm  and  Home  Year-Book  for  igog  he 
will  find  them  set  forth  clearly,  in  a  treatise 
written  by  a  barrister  who  has  given  agricultural 
questions  special  attention.  Also  the  Small  Hold- 
ings Act  embodies  legislation,  with  the  pro- 
visions of  which  all  connected  with  agriculture 
should   familiarise  themselves. 

Vinton's  Agricultural  Almanack  and  Diary 
igog. — Beside  the  usual  information  looked  for 
in  an  almanack  we  find  a  great  many  items  of 
special  interest  to  the  farmer,  for  example, 
on  cattle  breeding,  standards  of  feeding  oxen, 
growing  and  fattening,  cows  in  milk,  sheep 
growing  and  feeding,  horses  at  work,  pigs  grow- 


[I'hotogiaph  by  H.  F.  Macmillan. 

FlG.  35. — PARA-RUBBER  PLANTS  IN  PREPARATION  FOR  SHIPMENT  FROM 
CEYLON  TO  SOUTH  AMERICA. 


fruit  and  flower  salesmen  and  commission  agents 
in  London  are  given,  together  with  a  number  of 
valuable  lecipes  and  tables  connected  with  gar- 
dening. The  new  plants  certificated  in  1S08  are 
enumerated  and  short  descriptions  given. 

The  Garden  Annual  and  Almanack. — This  work 
contains  thousands  of  names  and  addresses, 
alphabetically  arranged,  of  country  seats,  of  the 
principal  parks  and  gardens  in  Great  Britain 
and  Ireland,  and  of  the  names  of  the  head  gar- 
deners employed,  with  corrections  up  to  near  the 
end  of  1908.  We  find  also  a  list  of  the  chief 
horticultural  societies,  and  a  lengthy  list  of  new 
plants,  fruits  and  vegetables  which  have  been 
certificated  during  the  past  year  by  the  Royal 
Horticultural  and  other  societies.  There  are 
likewise  an  almanack  and  a  page  of  reminders  of 
seasonable  work  for  each  month  ;  a  list  of  nur- 
serymen, seedsmen  and  florists  at  home  and 
abroad,  and  a  mass  of  other  matter  in  regard 
to   trades  having  a  connection  with   gardening. 

Farm  and  Home  Year-Book. — This  annual 
publication  is  issued  from  the  office  of  Garden- 
ing Illustrated.  The  book  is  designed  to  afford 
memoranda     and     hints     of     service     to     the 


ing  and  fattening,  periods  of  gestation  of  domes- 
tic animals,  and  of  incubation  of  poultry,  aver- 
age prices  of  grain  from  1886  to  1907.  The 
tables  of  composition,  manurial  and  compensa- 
tion values  of  feeding  stuffs  are  most  useful, 
and  other  statistical  tables  make  interesting  read- 
ing for  the  agricultural  world.  The  book  is  pro- 
vided with  a  diary  for  the  year,  printed  on  good 
paper,  showing  a  week  at  an  opening  on  two 
pages,  with  plenty  of  space  for  memoranda. 

Webster's  Foresters'  Diary  and  Pocket  Book. — 
This  is  an  invaluable  Annual  for  all  interested  in 
forestry.  It  contains  a  list  of  the  principal  fores- 
ters and  assistant  foresters,  forestry  associations, 
trees  suitable  for  various  soils,  methods  of  plant- 
ing, prices  of  home-grown  timber,  a  calendar  of 
forestry  work  for  the  year,  excellent  articles  on 
the  afforesting  of  waste  lands  and  the  education 
of  foresters,  innumerable  details  connected  with 
the  planting  of  trees,  measurement  of  timber, 
and  other  matters  of  importance.  There  are  a 
few  misprints,  but  these  do  not  seriously  detract 
from  the  value  of  Mr.  Webster's  book. 

A  Diary  and  Blotter. — Messrs.  Joseph  Bent- 
ley,  Ltd.,  manufacturing  chemists,   Hull,  send 


us  a  diary  and  blotting-pad.  There  is  a  calen- 
dar for  the  whole  year,  which  provides  a  space 
of  nearly  3  inches  square  for  each  day  in  which 
notes  may  be  entered.  These  pages  are  inter- 
leaved with  blotters. 

The  Gardening  Y ear-Book  and  Garden  Oracle. — 
This  compendium  of  gardening  information  is 
issued  for  the  51st  year.  The  editor  is  Mr. 
George  Gordon,  a  sufficient  guarantor  of  its- 
value  to  the  gardener.  A  calendar  serves  as  a 
reminder  of  the  principal  horticultural  events- 
during  1909,  and  to  each  day  is  appended  a 
short  note  for  some  seasonable  horticultural 
operation.  Under  each  month  are  given  direc- 
tions for  important  work  in  the  various  depart- 
ments of  the  garden.  This  is  followed  by  a  list 
of  the  new  garden  plants  of  1908,  several  of 
which  are  illustrated  from  photographs.  There 
are  chapters  on  bulbous  and  tuberous-rooted 
plants,  early-flowering  Chrysanthemums,  the 
propagation  of  plants  by  seeds,  cuttings,  and 
other  methods,  Roses  for  garden  decoration, 
plants  for  conservatory  and  greenhouse  decora- 
tion, hints  on  the  culture  of  useful  vegetables, 
fungoid  diseases  and  insect  pests  affecting  gar- 
den plants,  and  a  list  of  useful  garden  receipts. 
Not  the  least  valuable  part  of  the  book  is  the  list 
of  horticultural  and  botanical  societies  in  the 
United  Kingdom,  with  the  names  and  addresses 
of  their  respective  secretaries.  In  this  connec- 
tion it  should  be  noted  that  the  London  Dahlia 
Union  has  now  amalgamated  with  the  National 
Dahlia  Society,  and  does  not  exist  as  a  separate 
organisation.  Although  the  information  relating 
to  public  parks  and  gardens  is  the  most  complete 
of  its  kind,  we  observe  several  notable  omissions  ; 
it  is  but  fair  to  add  that  it  is  stated  "'there  are 
many  towns  in  the  United  Kingdom  possessing 
parks  of  which  particulars  have  not  been  re- 
ceived." The  work  contains  coloured  plates  of 
spring-flowering  Crocuses  and  fancy  Pansies. 

Transporting   Para-Rubber    Plants. — In 

connection  with  the  Ceylon  rubber  indus- 
try, which  formed  the  subject  of  our  leader 
last  week,  we  reproduce  a  photograph  in 
fig.  35  of  a  consignment  of  Para-rubber  plants 
(llevea  braziliensis)  established  in  YVardian 
cases  for  shipment  from  Ceylon  to  tropical 
South  America.  The  journey  by  sea  and  land, 
via  London,  covers  a  distance  of  12,000  miles 
at  the  least.  In  1876  the  first  plants  of  this 
Brazilian  tree  were  introduced  into  the  Eastern 
tropics,  through  the  agency  of  the  Botanic 
Gardens  of  Kew  and  Ceylon,  by  means  of  the 
same  kind  of  case  as  is  shown  in  the  photo- 
graph. In  Ceylon  the  plants  grew  rapidly,  and 
from  these  have  originated  millions  of  trees, 
now  cultivated  throughout  Ceylon,  Malaya, 
Mauritius,  Africa,  etc.,  for  the  production  of 
rubber.  Tropical  America,  the  native  habitat  of 
the  tree,  is  now  following  this  example  by  culti- 
vating this  valuable  tree,  instead  of  depending, 
as  hitherto,  upon  the  rubber  collected  from  trees 
scattered  in  the  native  forests.  So  difficult  is  it, 
however,  to  procure  plants,  especially  reliable 
plants,  to  form  plantations,  that  it  is  found 
necessary  to  import  them  from  Ceylon. 

National  Afforestation.  —  In  connection 
with  the  Report  of  the  Royal  Commisssion  on 
this  question,  it  is  interesting  to  recall  the  fact 
that  in  an  article  published  in  these  pages 
December  15,  1906  (p.  402),  Mr.  A.  D.  Webster 
stated  that  he  had  "  carefully  computed  that  of 
the  land  up  to  1,200  feet  where  timber  would 
grow  perfectly  well,  about  9,000,000  acres  are 
available  for  afforesting  purposes."  This  is  the 
exact  area  now  stated  by  the  Royal  Commission 
as  being  suitable  for  the  purposes  of  afforesta- 
tion. 


January  123,  1909.] 


THE     GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


59 


Jubilee  Flower  Show  at  Haarlem  in 
1910.— The  opening  date  for  this  show  is  now 
definitely  fixed  for  March  23,  1910.  Conse- 
quently, it  will  be  open  before  Easter  and  remain 
open  until  after  Whitsuntide  (May  15).  The 
show  will  be  divided  into  a  permanent  exhibi- 
tion in  the  open  and  three  temporary  shows  in 
buildings.  The  co-operation  has  been  obtained 
of  Boskoop,  Aalsmeer  and  other  important  hor- 
ticultural centres.  The  show  is  expected  to  give 
a  good  idea  of  Dutch  commercial  horticulture. 
The  first  temporary  show  is  to  be  held  at  Easter 
time,  the  second  about  mid-April  during  the 
flowering  season  of  the  bulb  fields,  and  the  third 
in  the  first  days  of  May.  Queen  Wilhelmina 
and  the  Queen-mother  are  patrons  of  the  society, 
which  will  hold  this  show  to  celebrate  its  Half- 
centenary  The  exhibition  will  be  held  under 
the  patronage  of  Prince  Henry  of  the  Nether- 
lands. 

The  "  New  Phytologist."— With  the  begin- 
ning of  the  present  year,  the  New  'Phytologist,  a 
British  Botanical  Journal,  which,  during  its 
seven  years  of  existence,  has  done  valuable  ser- 
vice to  the  cause  of  British  botany,  is  to  be  en- 
larged and  the  price  increased  to  15s.  per  an- 
num. The  editor  promises  that  notices  of 
current  botanical  work  shall  be  a  prominent 
feature  of  the  enlarged  periodical.  To  all  in- 
terested in  the  progress  of  botanical  science  this 
will  be  welcome  news.  The  occasional  reviews 
which  have  been  published  from  time  to  time  in 
the  pages  of  the  New  Phytologist  have  been 
aiming  the  most  valuable  of  its  articles.  We 
both  think  and  hope  that  the  greater  prominence 
which  is  to  be  given  to  reviews  of  botanical  work 
in  general  will  secure  for  the  New  Phytologist 
an  even  larger  sphere  of  influence  than  that 
which  it  has  enjoyed  hitherto.  When  we  remem- 
bei  the  very  considerable  number  of  botanical 
periodicals  published  in  Germany,  we  cannot 
feel  unduly  proud  of  the  fact  that  this  country 
(an  only  keep  going  some  three  or  four.  We 
congratulate  the  Cambridge  Botany  School  on 
its  decision  to  lend  support  to  the  editor  of  the 
■V,    i   /'  ytologist  in  his  enterprise. 

A  New  System  of  Mushroom  Culture. — 

It  was  discovered  some  few  years  ago 
that  minute  pieces  of  tissue  from  the  centre 
of  a  Mushroom,  if  planted  in  a  suitable  bed, 
were  capable  of  giving  rise  to  mycelium  and, 
therefore,  of  producing  fresh  spawn.  Messrs. 
Sutton  &  Son,  Reading,  utilise  this  method  in 
vhe  production  of  the  virgin  spawn,  which  they 
offer  u.ider  the  name  of  "Twentieth  Century.' 
We  are  indebted  to  Mr.  Arthitk  W.  Sutton  for 
the  following  account  of  the  methods  employed 
in  the  preparation  of  spawn: — "The  old 
style  of  procuring  virgin  Mushroom  spawn 
may  be  briefly  described  as  follows :  Ex- 
perienced men  searched  old  manure  or  com- 
post heaps  and  pasture  lands  for  the  mycelium 
of  the  Mushroom,  which  is  produced  natu- 
rally in  such  places.  This  they  sold  to 
growers  of  the  commercial  spawn,  who 
placed  it  in  beds  and  allowed  it  to  run  through 
the  material  forming  them.  The  '  stock  '  spawn 
thus  obtained  was  in  due  course  used  to  impreg- 
nate the  compost,  which,  in  the  form  of  'bricks,' 
is  the  medium  through  which  the  spawn  is  passed 
on  to  the  market  grower  or  amateur.  This 
method  was  more  or  less  unsatisfactory,  sim  e 
the  mycelium  of  species  other  than  the  common 
Mushroom  (Agaricus  campestrisi  appears  to 
hrr\e  been  occasionally  mistaken  for  it,  to  the 
great  disappointment  of  and  loss  to  the  grower. 
In  1897  a  process  was  discovered  of  producing 
virgin  Mushroom  spawn  by  artificially  germi- 
nating the  spores,  and  the  mycelium  thus  pro- 
duced was  sold  in  test-tubes  by  the  manufac- 
turers.    The  practice  of  propagation  by  spores 


was,  of  course,  a  great  step  forward,  and  growers 
could  for  the  first  time  be  fairly  certain  that  the 
spawn  they  purchased  would  produce  the  variety 
of  Mushroom  they  wished  for.  However,  even 
this  system  had  its  drawbacks,  and  it  was  hoped 
that  a  better  one  might  be  discovered.  With 
this  idea  careful  experiments  were  carried 
out,  but  it  was  not  till  some  years  later  that  the 
process  by  which  our  '  20th  Century '  Mush- 
room  spawn  is  now  manufactured  was  put  into 
practice.  This  method  is  known  as  '  tissue  cul- 
ture,' and  originated  in  -the  discovery  that 
mycelium  could  be  produced  from  a  portion  of 
the  Mushroom  itself.  The  possibility  of  this,  as 
the  name  of  the  method  implies,  is  the  under- 
lying principle  of  the  new  culture.  The  pro- 
cess involves  careful  work  in  the  laboratory, 
where  all  vessels  used  have  to  be  sterilised,  and 
dust  and  draught  rigorously  excluded.  The 
manure  employed  has  to  be  produced  under 
special  conditions  and  very  carefully  prepared, 
cleanliness  being  of  the  utmost  importance.  It 
is  claimed  for  this  process  that  not  only  can 
growers  be  quite  certain  that  the  spawn  they  pur- 
chase  is  true  to  name,  but  also  that  the  im- 
provement of  varieties  by  selection  is  for  the 
first  time  made  possible,  and  it  is  a  fact  that 
the  yield  has  already  been  largely  increased. 
From  a  practical  point  of  view  there  can 
be  little  doubt  that  the  'tissue  culture'  is 
an  advance  on  propagation  by  'spore  germina- 
tion,' which  itself  is  an  enormous  improvement 
on  the  haphazard  methods  of  ten  or  fifteen  years 
ago." 

Publications  Received — Annual  Report 
of  the  Bureau  of  Industries  for  the  Province  of 
Ontario,  1907.  Part  I.  Agricultural  Statistics. 
Part  II  Chattel  Mortgages.  (Toronto:  Pub- 
lished by  the  Ontario  Department  of  Agriculture.) 

—  Crops  and  Live  Stock  of  Ontario,  1908.  Crop 
Bulletin  No  99.  (Toronto:  Ontario  Department 
of  Agriculture  |—  The  Agricultural  Journal  of 
the  Cape  of  Good  Hope.  December,  1908. 
(Cape  Town:  Cape  Times  Limited:)  Price  6d.—  7"Ae 
Philippine  Agricultural  Review.  September,  1908, 
Vol.  I.,  No.ii.  (Manila:  Bureau  of  Agriculture.) — 
The  Queensland  Agricultural  Journal.  Decem- 
ber, 1908.  (Brisbane:  Department  of  Agriculture 
and  Stock)  —  Mitteilungen  der  Deutschen  Den- 
drologischen  Gesellschaft,  1908.  (Bonn-Pop- 
pelsdorf:  L.  Beissner.j  Reports  on  the  Botanic 
Station,  Agricultural  School,  and  Experiment 
Plots,  St.  Lucia,  1907-8.  (Barbados:  Imperial 
Commissioner  of  Agriculture  for  the  West  Indies.) 
Price  3d—  Millions  and  Mosquitos.  (Wesl  Indies: 
Acting  Commissioner  of  Agriculture.)     Price  3d. 

—  Onions  and  their  Culture,  by  A.  K.  Serle. 
(Leamii  gton  :  Rogers  &  Co  ,  Ltd.)  Price  3d.— 
School  Gardening,  by  W.  Francis  Rankine. 
(London  :  Sir  Isaac  Pitman  &  Sons,  Ltd.)  Price  Is. 
—List  of  Seeds  collected  during  the  year  1908 
in  the  Garden  at  La  Mortola,  Ventimiglia,  Italy. 
— Santa  Barbara  Parks.  Report  of  the  Park 
Superintendent.—  Cornell  Univers  ty  Agricul- 
tural Experimental  Station  of  the  College  of 
Agriculture.  1,  Insect  Pests  and  Plant  Diseases  ; 
2,  Bovine  Tuberculosis;  3,  Comparison  of  Four 
Methods  of  Feeding  Early-hatched  Pullets; 
4.,  The  Black-Rot  of  the  Grape,  and  ils  Control ; 
5,  Drainage  in  New  York  ;  6,  Bean  Anthracnose  ; 
7,  Street  Trees,  their  care  and  preservation  ;  8, 
Defects  in  American  Cheddar  Cheese ;  9,  The 
Moulting  of  Fowls.— Kew Bulletin,  No.  10,  1908. 
Containing  Cascara  sagrada,  Diagnoses  Afri- 
canae ;  XXVI.,  The  Nelson  District  of  New 
Zealand,  Decades  Kewensis ;  LI.,  and  Miscel- 
laneous Notes.  (London  :  Wyman  &  Sons ) 
Price  5d. — Raphael's  Almanac:  or,  The  Pro- 
phetic Messenger  and  Weather  Gu  de  for  1909. 
(London  :  W,  Foulsham  &  Co  ,  4,  Pilgrim  Street, 
1. ml. ate  Hill)  Price  Sd.  —  Bulletin  of  the 
Cornell  University  (November,  1908),  The  Pseony. 
By  J.  Eliot  Coit.  (Ithaca,  N.Y.  :  Published  by 
the  University .)—  A  Critical  Revision  of  the 
Genus  Eucalyptus.  Part  X.  By  J  H.  Maiden. 
(Sjdney:  William  Applegate  Gullick,  Govern- 
ment Printer!  Price  2s.  6d.  —  Common  Dis- 
eases and  Pests  of  Fruit  Trees,  etc.,  and 
their  Remedies.  George  Bunyard  &  Co., 
Maidstone,  Kent. —  The  Journal  of  the  Board 
of  Agriculture  (January).  (London:  R.  Clay  & 
Sons,  Ltd.,  7  and  8,  Bread  Street  Hill,  Queen 
Victoria  Street,  E.C  )     Price  id. 


EXPERIMENTS  ON  THE  VALUE  OF  NITRO- 
BACTERIA. 

In  the  spring  of  this  year  a  culture  material 
known  as  "  Nitro-bacterine,"  for  introducing 
into  the  soil  those  valuable  bacteria  which  form 
nodules  on  the  roots  of  leguminous  plants  was 
largely  advertised.  Its  value  and  efficiency,  at 
least  with  garden  crops,  have  now  been  scien- 
tifically tested  in  a  number  of  cases  wrth  almost 
uniformly  unfavourable  results.  I  would  refer 
to  the  very  complete  series  of  experiments  car- 
ried out  on  the  inoculation  of  Peas  with  "  Nitro- 
bacterine  "  by  Mr.  F.  J.  Chittenden,  F.L.S.,  at 
the  Royal  Horticultural  Society's  gardens  at 
Wisley  (J.R.H.S.,  vol.  34,  part  II.,  November, 
1908).  The  following  sentences  occur  in  his 
summary :—"  There  was  under  no  soil  treat- 
ment a  consistent  increase  in  the  crop  due  to 
inoculation.  The  uninoculated  seed  gave  a  crop 
14  per  cent,  heavier  than  the  inoculated  in  the 
aggregate.  It  is  concluded  that  the  inocula- 
tion of  leguminous  crops  with  '  Nitro-bacterine  ' 
in  ordinary  garden  soil  is  not  likely  to  prove 
beneficial."  Dr.  Voelcker  also  has  given  the 
material  a  trial  at  the  Royal  Agricultural 
Society's  farm  at  Woburn,  with  results  in  no 
wise  favourable  to  "Nitro-bacterine,"  and  there 
is  a  mass  of  private  testimony  to  the  same  effect. 

In  these  circumstances,  rt  will  perhaps  be 
of  interest  if  I  briefly  record  the  results  of  an 
experiment  on  the  inoculation  of  Peas  and  Beans 
with  "  Nitro-bacterine "  at  the  S.-E.  Agricul- 
tural College,  Wye,  Kent,  which  add  further 
confirmation  to  these  conclusions. 

The  varieties  of  Peas  employed  were  Carter's 
"  Eight  Weeks,"  "  Early  Morn,"  and  "  York- 
shire Hero."  Two  sets  of  trials  were  carried 
out  (1)  on  very  poor  soil  just  above  the  chalk, 
and  merely  dug  over  before  sowing ;  (2)  on 
well-manured,  trenched  ground  intended  for 
vegetable  culture.  Four  rows  of  each  variety — 
each  row  21  feet  long — were  planted,  and  in 
each  case  a  row  sown  with  inoculated  seed 
alternated  with  a  row  sown  with  untreated  seed. 
The  preparation  of  the  culture  material  and  the 
inoculation  of  the  seed  were  performed  precisely 
according  to  the  instructions  given  and,  in  all 
details,  inoculated  and  uninoculated  rows  were 
treated  in  an   identical  manner. 

The  following  table  gives  the  results,  show- 
ing the  total  weight  of  pods  obtained  from  each 
pair  of  rows,  expressed  in  grams. 

Soil  Manured  and  Trenched. 


Variety. 

Seed  not 
Inoculated. 

Seed 
Inoculated. 

Early  Morn 

Yorkshire  Hero     ... 
Broad  Beans 

Grams. 

9,889 
14,780 
1:3,14-2 

Grams. 
*,010 
14,295 
12,091 

Poor  Soi 

.  Unmanurei 

), 

Variety. 

Seed  not 
Inoculated, 

Seed 
Inoculated. 

Eight  Weeks'       

Early   Mom...           

Yorkshire  Hero     

Broad  Beans          

Grams. 
6,126 
5,694 
11,760 

10,427 

Grams. 
6,490 
5,291 

11,097 
9,098 

The  "Eight  Weeks"  Peas  on  the  good  soil 
were  somewhat  damaged  by  pigeons,  and  the 
crop  was  not  weighed.  It  will  be  seen  that  the 
produce  from  the  inoculated  rows  in  every 
case  but  one*  weighed  less  than  that  from  the 
corresponding  uninoculated  rows.  Throughout 
the  growth  of  the  plants  no  difference  betweer 
treated  and  untreated  rows  was  distinguishable; 
both  lots  formed  nodules  on  their  roots  to  about 
the  same  extent,  and  the  untreated  rows  came 
to  maturity  quite  as  soon  as  the  others  There 
was  no  evidence  of  any  kind  to  show  that  the 
slightest  benefit  had  been  obtained  by  <he  use 
of  "  Xitro-bacterine  "  on  either  type  of  soil. 


60 


THE    GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


[January  23,  1909. 


The  experiment  was  on  a  small  scale,  but  so 
far  as  it  goes,  is  conclusive,  and  serves  to  con- 
firm many  results  obtained  with  "  Nitro- 
bacterine "  this  summer.  Further  trials  on  a 
larger  scale  on  a  "  seeds  "  mixture  are  in  pro- 
gress on  the  College  farm.  C.  T.  Gimingham, 
Bacteriologist  to  the  S.-E.  Agricultural  College, 
Wye,  Kent.  . 

THE    ROSARY. 

NOTES  ON  VARIETIES. 
Clothilde  Soupert  (Soupert  et  Notting, 
j8qo).— Another  very  large  flower  for  a  Pompon, 
of  the  most  delicately  beautiful  colour— the  outer 
petals  being  pearly-white  and  the  centre  an  ex- 
quisite rosy  shade.  It  is  a  very  full  flower  with 
pleasing  foliage  and  succeeds  best  in  a  dry  sea- 
son. It  is  to  be  strongly  recommended  for 
planting. 

Mosella  (Lambert  6r  Reiler,  189b).— -A 
strong  grower,  often  classed  as  a  Hybrid- 
Polyantha  Rose.  The  flowers  are  quite  large 
and  almost  Camellia-shaped.  The  colour  is 
white  on  a  clear  yellow  ground.  Although  this 
Rose  is  not  a  favourite  of  mine,  it  is  very  flori- 
ferous. 

George  Pernet  (Fernet,  1S89J.—A  bright 
yellowish-rose,  changing  to  peach  colour.  A 
fair-sized  bloom  for  its  class,  and  one  that  lasts 
well  from  start  to  finish. 

Mrs.  W.  H.  Cutbush  (CutiusiJ.—A  very 
pretty,  little,  pale  pink  variety  with  flowers 
borne  in  clusters.  It  is  of  similar  habit  to  Mine. 
N.  Levavasseur,  and  is  just  as  free  as  that 
variety. 

Aennchen  Muller  (G.  C.  Schmitt,  1907).— 
This  pretty  Rose  has  cherry-pink  flowers  with 
distinct,  white  centres.  The  flowers,  which  last 
fresh  for  a  very  long  time,  become  on  ageing 
exactly  like  little  Cactus  Dahlias.  Although  of 
very  dwarf  growth,  the  blooming  is  as  free  as 
with  any  of  the  Pompons.  It  is  to  be  recom- 
mended as  a  good  and  pretty  novelty. 

Amy  Muller  (G.  C.  Schmitt,  1907).— The 
large  clusters  of  brilliant  rose-coloured  flowers 
are  produced  in  great  profusion.  I  have  not  yet 
secured  this  variety,  but  it  is  well  spoken  of. 
Alice  Charmion  (Dubreuil,  1907). — Another 
promising  new  variety,  having  small,  pale,  flesh- 
coloured  flowers  pink  in  the  bud  state.  The 
blooms  are  produced  in  large  bunches. 

Canarienvogel  (Welter,  1904). — The  flowers 
are  of  a  golden-yellow  and  orange  colour,  spotted 
with  rose.  The  blooms  are  full  and  borne  on 
erect  stems.  Canarienvogel  has  not  done  well 
with  me,  so  I  cannot  recommend  it. 

Madame  E.  A.  Nolte  (Welter,  1904). — The 
colour  of  the  flowers  is  a  chamois-yellow, 
opening  a  lighter  shade.  I  have  only  grown  it 
this  summer,  but  think  very  poorly  of  it. 

Petit  Constant  (Soupert  et  Notting,  1904). — 
A  pretty  little  flower  with  rosy-carmine,  reflexed, 
orange  petals. 

Primula  (Soupert  et  Notting,  1901 ). — This 
variety  has  bright  China  rose-coloured  flowers, 
with  snow-white  centres.  It  is  most  effective 
and  pretty,  but,  with  me,  not  free  in  flowering. 
Rosalind  (Paul  &■  Son,  1907). — This  has 
bright  pink  flowers,  but  deeper  coloured  buds. 
It  is  said  to  be  particularly  good  in  the  autumn, 
and  I  think  it  very  promising, 

Rosel  Dach. — A  full,  bright  cherry-rose 
coloured  flower.  I  have  only  one  plant  which 
has  not  done  well  this,  its  first,  season  with  me. 
The  habit  appears  to  be  very  dwarf. 

Amelie  Suzanne  Morin. — White,  shaded  with 
yellow,  flowers.  I  do  not  recommend  this  as  it 
is  a  poor  thing. 

ASCHENBRODEL  (P.  Lambert,  1903J. — A  fine 
variety,  with  most  lovely  peach-coloured  flowers 
exceptionally  freely  produced  in  clusters  of 
about  a  dozen.  The  growth  is  bushy  and 
strong  for  a  Pompon.  The  foliage  is  most  beau- 
tiful, and  the  plai-ts  are  grand  bedders.  Leonard 
Pctrie,  Gayton,  Cheltenham. 


ROYAL  COMMISSION   ON  COAST   EROSION 
AND  AFFORESTATION. 

(See  also  pages  56  and  58.) 

The  second  report  of  the  Commission  dealing 
with  the  question  of  afforestation  has  recently 
been  issued  as  a  Blue  Book*. 

To  the  original  warrant  of  July,  1906,  a  te- 
ference,  as  under,  was  added  in  March,  1908:  — 

"  To  enquire  and  report  whether,  in  connec- 
tion with  reclaimed  lands  or  otherwise,  it  is 
desirable  to  make  an  experiment  in  afforesta- 
tion as  a  means  of  increasing  employment  during 
periods  of  depression  in  the  labour  market,  and, 
if  so,  by  what  authority  and  under  what  condi- 
tions, such  experiments  should  be  conducted." 

The  names  of  the  Commissioners  are  as  fol- 
low : — Hon.  Ivor  C.  Guest  (chairman),  Sir  W. 
II.  B.  ffolkes,  Bart.,  Sir  Leonard  Lyell,  Bart.,  Sir 
William  Matthews,  E.  Stafford  Howard,  H.  C. 
.Monro,  W.  P.  Beale,  G.  C.  Frederick,  John 
Galvin,  H.  Rider  Haggard,  Thomas  J.  Jehu, 
Arthur  Levy  Lever,  R.  Beattie  Nicholson, 
Patrick  O'Brien,  William  Somerville,  Fraser 
Story,  Thomas  Summerbell,  John  Ward,  A. 
Stanley  Wilson,  C.  II.  Grimshaw  (secretary), 
and  D.  R.  Daniel  (assistant  secretary). 

The  Commissioners  were  unanimous  in  their 
findings  with  the  exception  of  A.  Stanley  Wil- 
son, Esq.,  who  is  of  opinion  that  the  utilisation 
of  unemployed  labour  will  involve  a  greater 
cost  than  is  anticipated ;  also  that  sporadic 
planting  is  inadvisable,  and  that  sufficient  allow- 
ances have  not  been  made  for  losses  by  forest 
flies,  insect  pests,  snowstorms,  and  similar 
troubles. 

The  following  is  a  synopsis  of  the  principal 
conclusions   contained  in   the   report:  — 

1.  Afforestation  is  practicable  and  desirable. 

2.  Approximate  available  area  in  the  United 
Kingdom  without  material  encroachment  upon 
agricultural  land  is  9,000,000  acres. 

3.  Best  rotation  to  secure  sustained  timber 
yield  requires  150,000  acres  to  be  afforested  an- 
nually. 

4.  Employment. 

[a)  Temporary. — Temporary  employment 
is  afforded  annually  to  18,000  men  during  the 
winter  months.  Fuither  an  almost  equal 
number  would  indire<  tly  derive  employment 
in  the  incidental  and  subsidiary  occupations 
connected  with  forestry.  This  figure  might 
be  increased  in  any  year  to  meat  exceptional 
pressure   of   unemployment. 

(6)  Permanent. — Permanent  employment  is 
afforded  to  one  man  per  100  acres  afforested, 
rising  to  90,000  men  when  the  whole  area 
has  been  dealt  with. 

{c)  Ultimate. — The  employment  connected 
with  subsidiary  industries,  i.e.,  conversion 
and  manipulation,  &c,  of  the  timber  crop, 
would  afford  occupation  for  a  still  larger 
population. 

5.  Any  scheme  of  national  afforestation 
should  be  on  an  economic  basis. 

6.  Labour. — There  are  sufficient  unemployed 
persons  willing  to  submit  to,  and  able  to  satisfy, 
ordinary  labour  tests,  who  could  advantageously 
be  employed  without  a  period  of  special  train- 
ing. 

7.  Finance. — Afforestation  represents  a  pro- 
ductive investment  and  should  be  financed  by 
<L  loan.  The  annual  sum  required  for  the  full 
scheme  is  £2,000,003.  The  interest  on  the  loan 
should  be  defrayed  out  of  taxation.  The  net 
deficit  will  be  £90,000  in  the  first  year,  and  will 
rise  progressively  to  £3,131,250  in  the  40th  year, 
after  which  period  the  forest  becomes  more  than 
self-supporting. 

8.  Profits. — After  80  years  the  net  revenue 
from     the     forest,     at     present     prices — which 

*  Second  Report  (on  Afforestation)  of  the  Royal  C\  mmission 
Appointed  to  enquire  into  and  to  report  on  Certain  Questions 
affecting  Coast  Erosion,  the  Reclamation  of  Tidal  Lands, 
mid  Afforetaiion  in  the  United  Kingdom.  Printed  for  His 
Majesty's  Stationery  Office  by  Wyman  &  Sons,  Limited, 
109,  Fetter  Lane,  E.C. 


promise  to  be  materially  enhanced — should  be 
17J  millions.  This  represents  3J  per  cent,  on 
the  net  cost  calculated  at  accumulated  compound 
interest  of  3  per  cent.  Looked  at  from  another 
point  of  view,  the  State  will  then  be  in  posses- 
sion of  property  worth  £562,000,000,  or  about 
£107,000,000  in  excess  of  the  total  cost  involved 
in  its  creation,  calculated  at  3  per  cent,  com- 
pound interest. 

9.  Administration  and  control. — The  afforesta- 
tion scheme  to  be  entrusted  to  a  special  Board 
of  Commissioners.  In  default  of  purchase  by 
agreement,  land  to  be  acquired  if  necessary 
under  compulsory  powers. 

10.  Disturbance. — The  acquisition  of  grazing 
areas  for  sylviculture  might  necessitate  a  modi- 
fication of  the  existing  agricultural  system  on 
certain  farms.  There  is  no  reason  to  suppose 
that  the  remaining  lowland  areas  on  such  farms 
could  not  either  be  adapted  to  other  forms  of 
agriculture,  or  could  not,  in  many  cases,  be 
profitably  utilised  for  small  holdings.  The  ac- 
quisition of  grazing  areas,  private  or  common, 
should  present  no  difficulty  which  cannot  be 
satisfied  by  arbitration  and  reasonable  compen- 
sation. 

11.  Incidental. — Afforestation  creates  a  new 
industry  ;  it  does  not  compete  with  private  en- 
terprise. The  conversion  of  comparatively  un- 
profitable lands  into  forests  enhances  the  pro- 
ductiveness of  the  adjacent  areas,  and  should 
promote  the  development  of  the  small  holdings 
movement.  More  than  any  other  apparent 
remedy,  afforestation  will  stem  the  tide  of  rural 
depopulation. 


BOSAHAN  CASTLE,  CORNWALL. 

Bosahan  Castle,  the  residence  of  Sir  Arthur 
P.  Vivian,  Bart.,  is  situated  on  a  point  of  land 
stretching  out  into  the  English  Channel,  from 
which  fine  seascapes  are  obtained.  The  mansion 
is  a  comparatively  new  building  erected  on  a 
spot  close  to  the  site  of  an  older  but  much  smaller 
house.  The  new  residence  was  erected  some 
24  years  ago,  when  a  large  number  of  Conifers 
and  other  trees  were  planted.  The  situation 
being  high  and  exposed,  the  plants  suffer  greatly 
from  the  effects  ot  wind,  but  species  of  a  tender 
nature  have  been  disposed  in  dells,  which  are 
screened  by  tall  forest  trees.  At  the  main  en- 
trance is  a  hedge  of  Fuchsia  Riccartonii  12  feet 
in  height  and  another  of  Escallonia  macrantha, 
whilst  on  the  south  side  of  the  castle  is  a  very 
fine  specimen  of  Cassia  corynibosa  30  feet  high, 
and  covered,  in  late  summer,  with  bright  yellow 
flowers.  Amongst  rare  and  tender  plants 
which  were  noticed  on  a  south  wall  were  Libonia 
floribunda,  Bougainvillea,  Sollya  heterophylla, 
i'ibouchina  (Lasiandra)  macrantha,  Solanum 
jasminoides  (with  flowers  in  large  masses),  Ber- 
beridopsis  in  fine  bloom,  and,  in  a  border  close 
by,  a  fine  plant  of  Rhododendron  Nuttallii.  Dra- 
caena purpurea  was  also  flourishing  in  the  open, 
as  were  Fuchsias  of  many  kinds.  In  a  lake 
were  masses  of  Kichardia  africana.  I  also 
noticed  specimens  of  Phormium  tenax  10 
feet  high  and  plants  of  Clethra  arborea  as 
tall,  the  latter  being  a  mass  of  bloom.  On 
another  wall  were  noticed  some  fine  plants 
of  Lapageria  rosea  and  the  variety  alba.  I 
noticed  trees  of  Benthamia  fragifera  40  feet  high 
and  crowded  with  fruits.  Bamboos  flourish 
in  this  garden  with  the  greatest  freedom. 
Tree  Ferns  planted  in  glades  under  trees 
were  in  a  delightful  condition  and  appeared 
as  though  they  were  growing  wild.  Blue- 
flowered  Hydrangeas  were  seen  in  the  glades. 
ChaniEerops  excelsa  was  growing  freely  and 
had  seeded,  the  young  plants  coming  up 
thickly  under  the  trees.  I  noticed  also  some 
fine  specimens  of  Pinus  excelsa  and  other  Coni- 
fers, some  of  them  reaching  to  a  great  height, 
although  planted  less  than  25  years  ago.  Mr. 
Cranford,  the  gardener  and  agent,  entered  the 
service  of  Sir  Arthur  Vivian  when  the  new 
castle  was  built.  He  came  from  the  extreme 
north  of  Scotland,  where  he  was  in  the  service 
of  the  Karl  of  Stair,  Lady  Jane  Vivian's  father. 
Visitors  approach  Bosahan  Castle  from  the 
sea,  boats  being  provided  for  that  purpose.  W. 
A.  C. 


January  23,  lyjy.] 


THE    GARDENERS'      CHRONICLE. 


61 


HOME   CORRESPONDENCE. 


(The  Editor  does  not  hold  himself  responsible  jor  the 
opinions  expressed  by  his  correspondents.) 

Chrysanthemum  Framfield  Pink.  —  May  I 
inform  Mr.  R.  Richards  (see  p.  27)  respecting 
the  colour  of  this  Chrysanthemum,  that  my  ex- 
perience is  the  same  as  his?  But,  in  addition 
to  the  colour  being  poor,  the  variety  is  shy  in 
flowering,  which  makes  it  scarcely  worth  grow- 
ing. This  is  regrettable,  as  the  lasting  proper- 
ties of  the  flower  and  the  stiff  stems  and  ample 
foliage  are  good.  T.  Down,  Basing  Park  Gar- 
dens, Alton. 

Flowers  at  Rosehill,  Falmouth.— I  send 
herewith  a  photograph  of  Solanum  Balbisii  (see 
fig.  36),  taken  on  November  11  last.     The  plant 


gans,  with  the  exception  of  one  month  in  1908, 
has  flowered  every  day  for  over  two  years. 
Coleonema  alba  (Diosma  ericoides)  has  not  been 
without  a  flower  for  a  single  day  during  the  past 
three  years.  It  is  slightly  sheltered  by  a  bough 
of  Yew.  Fragaria  indica  is  in  fruit  and  flower 
all  the  year  round,  and  birds  carry  the  seeds 
everywhere,  so  that  we  have  thousands  of  plants 
flourishing  like  weeds.  Calceolaria  Burbidgii 
has  magnificent  blooms,  and  is  5  feet  high.  In 
the  beginning  of  January,  1908,  we  had  a  plant 
of  Brugmansia  sanguinea,  8  yards  in  diameter, 
and  12  feet  high,  full  of  flowers.  The  frost  then 
killed  it  to  the  ground,  but  the  stumps  shot  out 
again,  and  now  it  is  8  feet  high  and  flowering 
freely.  Brugmansia  lutea  grows  equally  fast. 
We  planted  some  of  its  seeds,  which  came  up  and 
developed  flowers  of  sanguinea  type,  so  that  in- 
sects must  have  fertilised  it  with  pollen  from  its 


Fig.   50. — SOLANUM   BALBISII   in   bloom   AT   ROSEKILL.   FALMOUTH,'  ON 
NOVEMBER    II:    HEIGHT   6   FEET. 


is  6  feet  high,  and  remained  in  the  same  luxuri- 
ance of  bloom  until  the  middle  of  December.  It 
still  shows  flowers,  and  the  scarlet  berries  are 
very  numerous,  some  of  them  over  an  inch  in 
diameter.  The  plant  survived  last  winter's  cold 
without  any  protection.  The  peculiar  feature  of 
this  Solanum  is  its  elegantly-divided  leaf  and 
the  conspicuous  orange-coloured  sharp  spines, 
which  densely  cover  the  stems,  both  sides  of 
the  leaves,  petioles,  and  sepals.  The  south- 
west of  Cornwall  has  escaped  the  late  cold 
snap,  which  must  have  deprived  many  English 
gardens  of  their  exceptionally  brilliant  show  of 
flowers  in  winter  months.  At  Rosehill,  we  have 
a  tree  of  Acacia  longifolia  flowering  three  to 
foui  months  before  the  usual  time.  Cytisus 
prolifera  is  doing  the  same  thing.     Cestrum  ele- 


neighbeuring  cousin.  The  following  plants  are 
flowering  freely  in  the  open  air: — Abutilon 
Boule  de  Neige  and  A.  megapotanncum  (the  lat- 
ter has  survived  about  12  years  against  a  wall), 
"  Crusader  "  and  "  Prince  of  Wales,"  the  latter 
10  feet  high.  Desfontainia  spinosa  is  flowering 
freely,  with  many  berries  of  good  size..  Spar- 
mannia  africana  is  in  flower,  with  very  large 
leaves.  It  grows  rapidly,  but  its  roots  are  not 
strong  enough  to  prevent  violent  winds  blowing 
it  down.  Clianthus  puniceus  ;  Eupatorium  mi- 
cranthum  (Weinmannianum)  is  10-11  feet  high, 
full  of  seed,  with  a  few  flowers  still  in  bloom. 
M'jsa  japonica  sends  up  suckers  annu- 
ally. Early  in  January,  1908,  I  had  five  plants 
in  flower,  *vith  a  few  whorls  of  fruit  set  at  the 
top  of  the  arched  peduncle.     Cyclamens,  Ericas, 


Fuchsias,  Roses,  Hydrangeas,  Salvias,  Mar- 
guerites, Veronicas  in  variety  are  all  in  flower. 
Nicotiana  Langsdorffn  still  has  some  flowers. 
Primula  obconica  flowers  all  the  year  round. 
The  same  plant  of  Kniphofia  has  been  flowering 
continuously  since  March  last.  My  gardener 
counted  140  odd  plants  in  flower  on  Janu- 
ary 1  inst.  Howard  Fox,  Rosehill,  Falmouth, 
January  o. 

Trenching.— I  have  read  with  interest  Mr. 
Beckett's  excellent  notes  each  week  on  the 
cultivation  of  the  kitchen  garden,  but  I  do  not 
agree  with  his  remarks  on  trenching  (p.  22), 
where  he  advises  the  bringing  of  the  bottom  layer 
ol  soil  to  the  top,  whatever  its  condition  oi 
nature  may  be.  I  have  had  a  considerable  ex- 
perience in  gardens  in  which  the  top  soil  has 
scarcely  exceeded  1  foot  in  depth,  with  a  sub- 
soil of  stiff,  heavy  clay.  There  are,  doubt- 
less, hundreds  of  gardens  throughout  the 
country  of  such  a  nature,  and  I  am  cer- 
tain that  if  Mr.  Beckett's  advice  was  fol- 
lowed too  literally,  there  would  be  failures 
among  many  of  the  crops,  at  least  during  the 
first  season  after  trenching.  The  plan  I  adopt 
with  ground  having  a  very  heavy  subsoil  near 
the  surface  is  to  take  out  all  the  soil  which  is 
good  or  fairly  good  from  the  first  trench,  and 
place  it  where  it  is  required  for  finally  filling  in. 
I  next  break  up  the  subsoil  with  a  digging  fork 
or  pick,  using  the  former  whenever  possible. 
After  this  has  been  done,  a  considerable  quan- 
tity of  road  scrapings,  or  the  old  soil  from  the 
potting  shed,  which  has  been  laid  in  a  heap  for 
a  year  or  more,  is  placed  in  the  trench,  together 
with  some  manure.  These  materials  are  mixed 
with  the  subsoil,  and  more  loose  soil  is  applied. 
A  layer  of  manure  is  placed  over  this,  after 
which  the  trench  is  filled  with  the  best  of  the 
soil  from  the  next  trench.  In  trenching  at  a  sub- 
sequent season,  some  of  the  bottom  soil  will  be 
suitable  for  bringing  to  the  surface.  A.  Shakel- 
ton,  The  Gardens,  Forde  Abbey,  Chard. 

The  Classification   of    Daffodils.— The 

article  by  Mr.  A.  J.  Bliss,  printed  on  p.  42,  is 
a  timely  and  valuable  contribution  to  the  ques- 
tion raised  by  the  publication  of  the  new  classi- 
fication of  Daffodils  by  the  Royal  Horticultural 
Society.  Although  all  may  not  be  able  to  follow 
him  on  certain  points,  as,  for  instance,  the 
placing  of  all  Triandrus  hybrids  in  one  class, 
yet  his  proposal  for  the  printing  of  parentages 
is  a  practical  one,  and  it  is  to  be  hoped  that 
it  may  shortly  be  adopted.  At  present  few 
raisers  when  showing  their  seedlings  (with  the 
notable  exception  of  the  Rev.  G.  P.  Haydon) 
seem  willing  to  give  the  information  required. 
I  cannot  help  thinking  that  they  would  do  it 
did  they  realise  the  intense  interest  it  gives  to 
students  and  young  raisers  of  the  flower.  The 
R.H.S.  would  be  setting  a  good  example  by 
following  out  the  suggestion  offered  by  Mr. 
Bliss.     Narcissophtle. 


Preparations  for  Transplanting.  Trees 
and  Shrubs.— If  the  rools  of  large  shrubs  and 
trees  be  shortened  at  this  season  the  plants  can 
be  shifted  next  autumn  with  every  hope  of  suc- 
cess. Last  year  I  removed  a  Yew  hedge  that 
had  been  planted  28  years  ;  the  length  of  the 
hedge  was  60  yards.  Not  a  single  tree  died,  and 
the  hedge  appears  little  the  worse  for  its  dis- 
turbance. I  also  removed  a  large  Yew  weigh- 
ing 2  to  3  tons,  and  this  also  is  doing 
well.  A  circular  trench  2  feet  wide  should  be 
dug  around  the  plant  at  a  distance  from  the 
stem  varying  according  to  the  size  of  the  tree. 
If  the  specimen  is  from  6  to  10  feet  high  the 
distance  should  be  3  feet  from  the  bole.  This 
will  afford  a  circle  having  a  diameter  of  6  feet 
inside  measurement.  The  depth  of  the  trench 
should  be  from  2  to  3  feet.  When  all  the  largest 
roots  have  been  severed,  any  bruised  portions 
should  be  trimmed  with  a  sharp  knife,  as  a 
clean  cut  heals  quickly.  During  the  summer  a 
number  of  new  fibrous  roots  will  form  close  to 
the  stem  of  the  tree,  and  these  will  admit  of  a 
good  ball  of  soil  being  removed  with  the  tree. 
After  pruning  the  roots  fill  in  the  trench  again, 
well  ramming  the  soil,  and  taking  care  not  to 
bruise  the  ends  of  the  roots.  If  the  summer 
proves  hot  and  dry,  the  trees  must  be  syri 
two  or  three  times  each  day,  and  also  be  n 

an  occasional  watering  at  the  roots.    A .  Gooding, 
Fartham  House  Gardens,  Chichester. 


62 


THE    GARDENERS     CHRONICLE. 


[January  23,  1909. 


Vhe  Potato  in  Scotland. — The  note  which 
Mr.  McDonald  amplifies  (see  p.  13)  was  written 
simply  to  furnish  a  fact  which  hitherto,  so  far 
as  I  know,  had  never  been  published  regarding 
the  period  when  Potatos  were  first  cultivated  as 
a  field  crop  in  Scotland.  It  is  now  many  years 
since  I  first  pointed  out  that  the  Potato  had  been 
a  garden  crop  for  a  long  time  previous  to  the 
dates  given  by  most  authorities,  but,  in  books  and 
other  literature  published  since,  other  authori- 
ties than  Reid  are  still  accepted  as  guides.  Pro- 
bably the  same  treatment  will  be  accorded 
Donaldson's  statement.  Part  of  Mr.  McDonald's 
note  shows  hew  facts  are  misstated.  The 
Thomas  Prentice  referred  to  is  doubtless  Henry 
Prentice,  who  was  not  a  common  day  labourer, 
but  a  market  gardener  of  eccentric  character, 
who  cultivated  ground  east  of  Edinburgh  and 
sold  the  produce  in  that  city,  to  which  it  was 
transported  in  the  manner  described  in  Cock- 
burn's  Letter  (Scott.  Hist.  Soc.)  in  creels,  till  a 
nobleman  offered  him  the  loan  of  a  pony  and 
cart.  These  Prentice  accepted,  but  seems  to 
have  understood  that  the  loan  was  without  any 
time  limitation.  It  was  characteristic  of  this 
individual  that  he  purchased  his  own  coffin  and 
kept  it  in  his  hous^e  for  several  years,  had  bis 
gravestone  prepared,  and  precontracted  for  his 
burial  in  Restalrig  Churchyard,  where,  after  his 
death  at  the  age  of  85  years,  he  was  interred  in 
1788.  At  least  as  early  as  1746  Potatos  formed 
part  of  Prentice's  crops.  The  Kilsyth  Potato- 
grower  was  a  factor  named  Grahame,  who  culti- 
vated half  an  acre  of  the  esculent  in  lazy  beds. 
There  is  an  excellent  chapter  on  the  field  culture 
of  the  Potato  in  Berwickshire  in  Dickson's 
ise  of  Agriculture,  written  about  1764,  from 
which  it  is  evident  that  its  cultivation  was  well 
understood,  and,  compared  with  the  methods 
advocated  at  the  same  period  in  Museum  Rus- 
licum  et  Commercialc,  it  shows  that  the  Scottish 
farmer  was  far  in  advance  of  his  English  con- 
temporary. It  was  at  about  this  time  that  notice 
first  appears  of  "  curl "  in  the  haulm  of  the 
Potato.  In  Somerville's  Agriculture  of  East 
Lothian  (1805;  it  is  stated  that  the  first  serious 
attempt  at  field-culture  was  made  on  the  farm  of 
Craigilan,  near  Aberlady,  about  the  year  1760, 
and  that  Potatos  were  cultivated  in  fields  for 
sale  only  in  the  vicinity  of  towns,  the  farmer's 
usual  crop  amounting  to  as  much  as  supplied  his 
family,  and  one-sixteenth  of  an  acre  for  each  of 
hi;  farm  servants.  At  this  period  the  Kidney 
mentioned  in  my  previous  note  was  still  esteemed 
one  of  the  best  kinds.  This  writer  also  records 
how  it  was  customary  for  farmers  to  sublet  part 
of  certain  fields  to  townspeople,  who  paid  from 
£5  to  £10  per  acre  for  the  sole  purpose  of  grow- 
ing Potatos.  I  will  add  that  the  reason  for  the 
prejudice  against  the  Potato  was  on  account  of 
its  being  considered  a  plant  under  the  dominion 
of  Aphrodite.  As  I  hinted  previously,  the  belief 
is  not  yet  extinct.     R.  P.  Brotherston. 


SOCIETIES. 


ROYAL    HORTICULTURAL. 

Scientific  Committee. 

January  12. — Present:  E.  A.  Bowles,  Esq., 
M.A.,  F.L.S.  (in  the  chair),  Dr.  M.  C.  Cooke, 
Messrs.  Hales,  Chapman,  Gussow,  Fawcett, 
Worsdell,  Saunders,  Fraser,  Holmes,  Bennett- 
Poe,  Rolfe,  and  Chittenden  (secretary) 

Richardia  diseased. — A  large  spathe  of  R. 
africana  was  exhibited  having  about  half  the 
outer  part  brown  and  dead.  Similar  brown  spots 
had  appeared  upon  the  leaves.  No  fungus  was 
present,  and  the  Committee  thought  that,  in  all 
probability,  the  trouble  was  due  to  overfeeding. 

Malformed  Orchid. — From  Mr.  Lynch, 
V.M.H.,  of  Cambridge  Botanic  Garden,  came  a 
malformed  flower  of  Cypripedium  Dominianum, 
with  a  normal  flower  for  comparison.  The 
flower  had  the  sepals  fused  and  a  double  lip  ;  it 
was  taken  by  Mr.  Saunders  for  further  examina- 
tion. 

Diseased  Carnations. — Specimens  of  diseased 
Carnations  were  received  from  Natal,  where  a 
very  large  number  of  plants  had  suffered  at  all 
stages.  These  were  referred  to  Mr.  Saunders 
and  other  members  of  the  Committee  for  further 
investigation. 

Nomenclature  of  mult i generic  Orchid  hybrids.-- 
The  Chairman  announced  that  the  sub-committee 


appointed  to  consider  this  question  had  arrived 
at  the  decision  that  the  best  solution  of  the  ques- 
tion lay  in  coining  names  for  each  of  the  com- 
binations of  genera  made,  consisting  of  a  com- 
memorative name  and  the  termination  "  ara." 
The  full  text  of  their  finding  will  be  laid  before 
the  Committee  at  an  early  date. 

Parasitic  Rose  canker. — Mr.  Chittenden 
showed  specimens  of  the  Rose  canker  described 
in  the  Journal  R.H.S.,  Vol.  xxxiv.,  p.  222.  The 
Roses  attacked  had  been  imported  from  Ger- 
many three  years  since. 


GHENT    HORTICULTURAL. 

January  3. — At  the  monthly  meeting  held 
under  the  auspices  of  the  Chambre  Syndicate  des 
Horticulteurs  Beiges  and  the  Societe  Royale  d'Ag- 
riculture  et  de  Botanique  de  Gand,  which  took 
place  on  the  3rd  inst.,  Certificates  of  Merit 
were  granted  to  the  following  Orchids  exhi- 
bited by  Mons.  F.  Lambeau  : — Cypripedium 
insigne  Babette,  C.  Leeanum  Laekense,  C.  in- 
signe  Lambeauianum,  and  C.  aurem  Cyrus. 
Also  to  Cypripedium  var.  (Orphanum  x  Boadi- 
cea)  shown  by  Mons.  J.  Van  Schoote  ;  to 
Laslia  anceps  alba  var.  Stella  and  Cattleya 
Trianae  superba  exhibited  by  Mons.  Verdonck. 
A  Cultural  Commendation  was  awarded  to  Mons. 
A.  Maes-Braeckman  for  a  fine  specimen  of 
Cypripedium  Albertianum.  Certificates  of 
Merit  were  also  given  to  Begonia  Gloire  de 
Lorraine  var.  multiflora  praecox  exhibited  by 
Mons.  A.  Rigouts,  and  to  cut  flowers  of  winter- 
flowering  Carnation  Grande  Duchesse  Olga 
shown  by  Mons.  F.  De  Bievre. 


MANCHESTER   AND    NORTH    OF 
ENGLAND    ORCHID. 

January  7. — Committee  present :  E.  Ash- 
worth,  Esq.  (chairman),  and  Messrs.  Smith, 
Thorp,  Ward,  Cowan,  Shill,  Warburton, 
Keeling,  Holmes,  Ashton,  Cypher,  Parker,  Ball, 
and  Weathers  (hon.  sec). 

Z.  A.  Ward,  Esq.,  Northenden  (gr.  Mr. 
Weatherby),  exhibited  a  miscellaneous  group, 
amongst  which  Odontoglossums  were  a  feature. 
Two  hybrid  Odontoglossums,  the  parentage  of 
which  was  not  recorded,  received  Awards  of 
Merit.  These  were  O.  x  G.  Weatherby,  of  a 
fine  rich  bronze  colour,  and  O.  x  Martin;  the 
latter  resembled  O.  X  ardentissimum.  (Silver- 
gilt  Medal.) 

Messrs.  Hugh  Low  &  Co.,  Enfield,  were 
awarded  a  First-class  Certificate  for  Cattleya  x 
Maggie  Raphael  var.  alba,  an  albino  with  a 
faintly-tinted  lip. 

Mr.  J.  Robson,  Altrincham,  received  an  Award 
of  Merit  for  Cypripedium  x  Leeanum  Chardwar 
variety. 

E.  Rogerson,  Esq  ,  Didsbury  (gr.  Mr.  Price), 
exhibited  Odontoglossum  crispum  var.  Daphne, 
to  which  an  Award  of  Merit  was  granted. 

A.  Warburton,  Esq.,  Haslingden  (gr.  Mr. 
Dalgleishi,  staged  a  group  of  Cypripediums,  for 
which  a  Silver  Medal  was  awarded.  C.  X  CEson 
var.  giganteum  was  awarded  a  First-class  Certi- 
ficate. Other  choice  plants  in  the  group  were 
C.  X  Archimedes,  C.  X  Naudii,  C.  Stepmanii 
var.  superba,  and  C.  X  Harri-Villo.  C.  X 
Harri-Villo  received  an  Award  of  Merit. 

Mr.  11.  Arthur,  Blackburn,  was  awarded  a 
Bionze  Medal  for  a  small  group  containing 
choice  Cypripediums,  of  which  ('.  insigne  Hare- 
field  Hall  variety  was  the  most  noteworthy. 

J.  McCartney,  Esq.,  Bolton  (gr.  Mr.  Holmes), 
gained  a  Silver  Medal  for  a  group  of  Orchids. 
Laelia  X  Cranstonii  received  an  Award  of  Merit. 

Mr.    C.    Parker,    Preston,    was    awarded    a 
Bronze   Medal    for    a   group    of    Cypripediums, 
which  included  C.  insigne  var.  W.  M.   Dow,  C 
insigne  var.  Dorothy,  and   C.    x    aureum  var. 
virginale. 

G.  Shorland  Bali.,  Esq.,  Burton,  Westmore- 
land (gr.  Mr.  Herdman),  received  a  Silver  Medal 
for  a  choice  group  of  Cypripediums.  C.  X 
nitens  "  Under  Fell  variety "  and  C.  X  Lee- 
anum var.   Hercules  received  Awards  of  Merit. 

H.  J.  Bromilow,  Esq.,  exhibited  a  fine  group 
of  Cypripediums,  many  of  the  plants  being  of 
well-known  species  and  varieties.  C.  x  CEson 
var.  giganteum  received  a  First-class  Certificate, 
and  a  similar  award  was  voted  to  C.  Charles- 
worthii  "  variety  Bromilowise,"  a  form  quite  dis- 
tinct from  the  variety   Bromilowianum.      C.    x 


Euryades  "  Heaton  variety,"  C.  X  Juno  "  Kann 
Lea  variety,"  C.  bellatulum  var.  Marjorie,  and 
C.  X  Ainsworthii  received  Awards  of  Merit.  A 
Silver-gilt  Medal  was  awarded  to  the  group. 

Messrs.  Sander  &  Sons,  St  Albans,  exhibited 
Cypripedium  x  Lathamianum  Sander';,  variety, 
to  which  an  Award  of  Merit  was  granted.     , 

Messrs.  Keeling  &  Sons,  Westgate  Hill,  Brad- 
ford, were  awarded  a  Silver  Medal  for  a  grourj, 
Awards  of  Merit  being  granted  to  those  i< >! low- 
ing : — Calanthe  Veitchii  var.  alba,  Cypripedium 
>:  Courtauldianum  var.  magnificum,  C.  X 
Bruno  "  Keeling's  variety,"  and  C.  X  Mons.  de 
Curie  "  Keeling's  variety."  A  splendidly-culti- 
vated plant  of  Angraecum  sesquipedale  was 
awarded  a  First-class  Certificate. 

R.  Ashworth,  Esq.,  Newchurch  (gr.  Mr. 
Fletcher),  staged  a  good  group,  to  which  a  Silver 
Medal  was  awarded.  Odontoglossum  X  Lam- 
beauianum var.  Triton  and  Cymbidium  X  Hol- 
fordianum  received  Awards  of  Merit. 

S.  Gratrix,  Esq.,  Whalley  Range  (gr.  Mr. 
Shill),  was  given  an  Award  of  Merit  for  Cypri- 
pedium  X  Charlesianum  var.  Queen  Maude. 
The  flower  is  green  in  colour  and  of  fine  pro- 
portions. , 

Messrs.  Wm.  Bull  &  Sons.  Chelsea,  received 
an  Award  of  Merit  for  Odontioda  X  Chelsiensis. 

E.  Ashworth,  Esq.,  Wilmslow  (gr.  Mr.  Hol- 
brook),  staged  a  group  to  which  a  Silver  Medal 
was  awarded.  Cattleya  chocoerisis  alba  var. 
maxima  received  an  Award  of  Merit. 

Messrs.  James  Cypher  &  Sons,  Cheltenham, 
staged  a  very  bright  and  attractive  group  of 
plants.     (Silver  Medal.) 

Mr.  W.  Bolton,  Warrington,  obtained  a  Sil- 
ver Medal  for  a  good  group. 

Other  exhibitors  were  Mr.  J.  H.  Craven', 
Keighley,  and  Messrs.  Wm.  Owen  &  Co., 
Northwich.     P.  W. 


SCOTTISH    HORTICULTURAL. 

January  12. — The  annual  business  meeting  of 
this  association  was  held  at  14,  South  St.  An- 
drew Street,  Edinburgh,  on  this  date.  Mr.  Why. 
tock,  the  president,  presided  over  an  audience 
of  more  than  200  members.  The  report  by  the; 
council  showed  that  there  was  a  steady  increase 
in  the  membership,  and  that  the  work  of  the 
past  year  had  been  of  a  very  satisfactory  kind. 
Reference  was  made  to  the  death  of  the  late 
Marquis  of  Linlithgow,  who  was  for  two  years 
honorary  president  of  the  Association. 

The  Chrysanthemum  Show  held  in  Novem- 
ber was  not  a  financial  success.  It  was  de- 
cided, on  the  recommendation  of  the  council,  to 
hold  two  excursions  during  1909,  one  to  Tulli- 
allan  and  Dunfermline  in  July,  and  the  other  to 
Hopetoun  in  August.  Lord  Elphinstone  was 
re-elected  honorary  president,  Mr  Whytock 
president,  and  Mr.  A.  D.  Richardson  secre- 
tary and  treasurer.  The  two  vacancies  in 
the  vice-presidencies  were  filled  by  the  elec- 
tion of  Messrs.  A.  Johnstone  and  W.  Tait, 
and  the  seven  vacancies  in  the  council  by 
the  election  of  Messrs.  W.  Brunton,  W.  Cope- 
land,  J.  Dobbie,  A.  R.  Henderson,  D.  T.  John- 
ston, W.  Mather,  and  D  W.  Thomson.  A 
series  of  papers  for  reading  during  the  current 
session  was  submitted.  Twenty-seven  new  mem- 
bers were  elected  at  the  meeting. 

The  next  monthly  meeting  will  be  held  on 
February  2,  when  the  president  will  deliver  his 
address,  and  photographs  of  flowers,  fruits,  &c, 
in  their  natural  colours  will  be  displayed  by  Mr. 
E.  L.   Brown. 


HORTICULTURAL    CLUB. 

January  12. — The  usual  monthly  meeting  of 
this  club  took  place  at  the  Hotel  Windsor  on 
the  above  date,  Mr.  C.  E.  Shea  occupying  the 
chair.  The  Rev.  Canon  Horsley  gave  an  inter- 
esting lantern  display  of  views  of  the  Swiss 
Alps,  with  which  he  has  rendered  himself 
thoroughly  familiar  by  repeated  tours  accom- 
panied by  a  considerable  number  of  ladies  and 
gentlemen  who  form  private  touring  parties 
under  his  guidance.  The  lecture  was  an- 
nounced to  be  on  the  "  Flowers  of  Switzer- 
land," but  references  to  these  were  mainly  con- 
fined to  the  subsequent  discussion.  Canon  Hors- 
ley restricted  himself,  during  the  lecture  proper, 
to  a  description  of  beautiful  views  of  snow- 
clad  Alpine  ranges,  deep  gorges,  magnificent 
cascades  and  splendidly  rugged  glacier-.      Views 


January  23,  1909.J 


THE     GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE 


63 


were  presented  in  rapid  succession  to  illustrate 
the  progress  of  the  party.  As  the  Canon  on 
these  expeditions  avoids  the  beaten  track  as 
far  as  possible,  most  of  the  views  were 
fresh  even  to  such  of  his  audience  as  had  visited 
Switzerland.  The  fact  was  incidentally  men- 
tioned that  most  of  the  principal  glaciers  are 
retreating  with  comparative  rapidity  up  the  val- 
leys they  have  formed,  is  much  as  two  miles  be- 
ing- observed  within  recent  memory.  Another 
point  observed  by  the  lecturer  in  his  explora- 
tions was  what  he  termed  the  "  zonality "  of 
plant  life,  certain  Alpine  plants  being  only 
found  between  definite  extremes  of  high  and 
low  level,  so  that  when  his  party  produced  cer- 

ain  plants  he  could,  with  comparative  certainty, 
tell  the  heights  they  had  to  climb  to  obtain 
them.     Gentiana     acaulis     was     mentioned     as 

eing  the  only  Gentiana  which  varied  greatly  in 
colour.  This  species  has  tints  from  Oxford 
blue  to  Cambridge  blue,  pure  white,  and  blue 
striped  with  green.  A  number  of  views  were  of 
the  picturesque  villages  nestling  under  the  Alpine 
heights,  their  deep  overhanging  caves,  project- 
ing balconies,  curiously  carved  woodwork  and 
stone-laden  roofs,  coupled  with  the  quaint  cos- 
tumes of  the  inhabitants,  forming  very  charming 
snapshots.  A  view  of  Meiringen  before  and 
after  a  devastating  fire  gave  a  striking  idea 
of  what  a  conflagration  causes  in  a  closely- 
packed  mass  of  wooden  dwellings.  Mr.  Shea, 
himself  an  ardent  Alpine  climber  and  ex- 
plorer, confirmed  the  lecturer's  remarks  on  the 
glacial  phenomena. 


COVENTRY    CHRYSANTHEMUM. 

January  14. — The  annual  meeting  and  din- 
ner of  this  society  was  held  under  the  presi- 
dency of  the  Deputy-Mayor  of  Coventry — Al- 
derman A.  H.  Drinkwater — on  this  date.  The 
annual  report  showed  that  there  was  a  loss  of 
about  £8  on  the  annual  show,  but  a  balance  in 
hand  on  the  year's  working  of  £11.  The  Deputy- 
Mayor  and  Councillor  Batchelor,  in  proposing 
and  seconding  the  adoption  of  the  Report  and 
Balance-sheet,  said  that  considering  the  con- 
dition of  local  trade  the  society  was  to  be  con- 
gratulated  on  its  Report.  Alderman  Armishaw, 
speaking  with  regard  to  the  society's  proposal 
to  arrange  a  summer  show,  advised  waiting  until 
there  was  a  boom  in  trace.  The  Report  was 
adopted  and  the  committee  were  re-elected.  Mr. 
(',.  Griffin  was  re-appointed  secretary  and  Mr. 
T.   Smith   treasurer. 


GARDENERS'    ROYAL    BENEVOLENT 
INSTITUTION. 

January  21. — The  annual  meeting  of  this 
Institution  for  the  Election  of  Pensioners  is  being 
held  on  Thursday  afternoon  as  these  pages  are 
sent  to  press. 

RESULT     OF     ELECTION. 

There  were  73  candidates,  and  the  eighteen 
whose  names  are  given  below  were  successful  :  - 

Number 
Age.        of  \    i 
Emma  J.  Whitehurst  ...        71  4,746 

John    G.   Anstey  ...         80  3,028 

Matilda  Ings     65  2,946 

Henry  Heims G8  2,908 

Thomas  Jones -14  2,903 

John   Burton      74  2,883 

Henry  Cooper 7l>  2,855 

William  Gardiner        ...         73  2,825 

Jane    Noble       69  2,800 

Harriett   Herman  ...         64  2,681 

William  Cope 64  2,618 

Henry    Gage      74  2,569 

Thos.   C.   Cushion       ...         70  2,494 

Edward   Tibbies  ...         64  2,449 

George  Lawrence        ...         73  2,429 

Joseph  Throp 62  2,359 

Joseph   Talmage  ...         64  2,350 

William    Reynolds       ...         74  2,303 

After  the  declaration  of  the  poll  and  on  the 
proposition  of  the  committee,  two  additional 
candidates  were  elected.     These  were  • 

Nancy    Wright  James    Young. 

Mr.  Arthur  VV.  Sutton  generouslv  offered  the 
sum  of  £20  in  the  case  of  W.  J.  Williams;  Mr. 
G.  Munro  will  continue  the  pension  to  the  can- 
didate he  selected  last  year. 


CALEDONIAN    HORTICULTURAL. 

January  13. — The  annual  general  meeting  of 
the  above  society  was  held  on  this  date,  the 
occasion  being  the  centenary  of  the  society.  The 
chair  was  taken  by  Mr.  J.  W.  M'Hattie,  Superin- 
tendent  of  Parks.  The  financial  statement 
showed  a  balance  of  £177  0s.  5d.  in  favour  of 
the  income  account;  while,  under  the  capital  ac 
count,  the  credit  balance  of  the  life  members' 
fund  was  £569  9s.  The  Chairman  thought  the 
society  was  carrying  out  its  duties  perfectly. 
The  centenary  will  be  celebrated  by  a  show  in 
September  next,  and  everything  will  be  done  to 
make  the  event  a  great  success.  It  was  very  un- 
fortunate that,  acting  on  legal  advice,  they  were 
compelled  to  write  off  some  £200  worth  of  the 
Metropolitan  District  Railway  debenture  stock. 
It  was  a  peculiar  fact  that  almost  every  exhibi- 
tion had  met  with  financial  failure  in  the  Waver- 
ley  Market  this  year,  and  he  believed  that  even 
the  carnival  was  conducted  at  a  loss.  The 
Report  was  adopted.  Eord  Balfour  of  Burleigh 
was  re-elected  president ;  Lord  Dunedin  vice- 
president ;  and  Messrs.  William  Pirie,  The  Gar- 
dens, Dalhousie  Castle,  J.  D.  Adair,  Shandwick 
Place,  and  A.  Malcome,  Duns,  appointed  coun- 
cillors in  place  of  those  retiring. 


DEBATING    SOCIETIES. 


ROYAL    METEOROLOGICAL. 

J  wuary  20. — The  annual  meeting  of  this 
society  was  held  on  the  above  date  at  the  Insti- 
tution  of  Civil  Engineers,  Westminster,  Dr.  H. 
R.  Mill,  president,  in  the  chair. 

The  Council,  in  their  Report,  referred  with 
pleasure  to  the  increasing  interest  in  meteoro- 
logy which  is  apparent  throughout  the  country, 
and  they  believe  that  this  is  in  some  measure 
due  to  the  scheme  of  lectures  inaugurated  by  the 
society.  They  also  reported  a  further  increase 
in  the  membership. 

Dr.  Mill  devoted  his  presidential  address  to 
explaining  "Some  Aims  and  Efforts  of  the 
Society  in  its  Relation  to  the  Public  and  to 
Meteorological  Science."  He  pointed  out  that 
the  society  is  composed  of  Fellows  whose  in- 
terest in  meteorology  varies  widely,  and  there 
is  moderation  in  dividing  the  Fellows  into  no 
more  than  three  orders — meteorologists,  ob- 
5,  and  interested  persons. 

Alter  Dr.  Mill  had  been  thanked  for  his 
address  and  for  his  services  during  the  past 
year,  Mr.  II.  Mellish  was  elected  president,  and 
Mr.  F.  Campbell  Bayard  and  Commander  F.  W. 
Caborne,  C.B.,  secretaries  for  the  ensuing  year. 


CATALOGUES     RECEIVED. 


SEEDS. 
Wm,    tHOMPSON  &  Co.,  Ltd.,  Londonderry. 
Wm.  Siaws  St  to.,  8  .V  10,  Portland  Street,  Kilmarnock. 
Pennell  .v.  Sons,  Lincoln. 

Tillie,  White  &  Co.,  12,  Melbourne  Place,  Edinburgh. 
1).  G.  Purdie,  6,  Waterloo  Street,  Glasgow. 
Hogg  \  Robertson,  Ltd,  22,  Mary  Street,  Dublin. 
Pail    &    Son,  6,   Wormwood    Street,  Old    Broad   Street, 

London,   E.C. 
Thomas    S.     Ware,    Ltd..    Ware's    Nurseries,    Feltham, 

Middlesex— Also  Begonias. 
Thomas  Wyi  lie  &  Co.  (late  Cunningham  &  Wvlliu,  98, 

Mitchell  Street,  Glasgow. 
W.  Smith  &  Son,  Exchange  Seed  Warehouses,  Aberdeen. 
Arthur  Robinson,  35,  Camomile  Street,  London,  E.C. 
W.  P.  Bound,  Station   Road,  Redhill. 
James  Murray  &  Sons,  Deptford,  London,  S.E. 
Carter   Page  &  Co.,  52  &  53,  London  Wall,  London,  E.C. 
Frank  Dii  ks  \  Co.,  63,  Deansgate,  Manchester. 

MISCELLANEOUS. 

T.  Casbon,  Milltield,  Peterborough — Wooden  boxes  and 
trays  for  dispatching  fruits,  flowers,  &c, 

Amos  Ferry,  Enfield,  Middlesex— New  and  rare  hardy 
plains,  Montbretias,  Japanese  Lilies  flower  »ei 

Pennick  &  Co.,  Delgany  Nurseries,  Co.  Wicklow,  Ireland— 
Hardy  Trees  and  Shrubs. 

FOREIGN. 

Peter  11/  ndi  «    ■  .  St  Co.,  35  .nil  37,  Cortlandt  Street,  New 

York— Seeds. 
F.  C.  Heinemann,  Erfurt,  Germany— Seeds. 
Vn  morin-Andrieux    &    Co.,    i,   Quai    de  la    Megi 

Paris,  Prance— General  catalogue  of  Seeds  and  Plants. 


SCHEDULE     RECEIVED. 


Cardiff  and  County  Horticultural  Society's  Coming"- 
of-Age  Show,  to  be  held  on  Wednesday  and  Thursday, 
July  21  and  22,  in  the  Sophia  Gardens  and  Field,  Cardiff, 
Secretary,  Mr.  A.  Maurice  Bailey,  24,  Duke  Street,  Cardiff. 


BIRMINGHAM  GARDENERS'.  —  The  annual 
general  meeting  of  this  association  was  held  on  January 
lllh,  Mr.  Walter  Jones  presiding.  Mr.  Walter  E.  Collinge, 
«  of,the  Birmingham  University,  has  retired  from  the 
omce  of  president,  owing  to  his  appointment  at  Berkham- 
sted.  Dr.  G.  S.  West,  M.A.,  F.L.S.,  lecturer  in  botany 
at  the  University,  Birmingham,  was  elected  to  fill  the 
vacancy.  The  resignation  of  the  chairman,  Mr.  Walter 
Jones,  was  also  announced.  Mr.  Jones's  resignation  was 
accepted  with  regret,  and  a  hearty  vote  of  thanks  was 
accorded  for  his  past  services.  The  vice-chaiiman,  Mr. 
Thos.  Humphreys,  Curator  of  the  Botanical  Gardens, 
Birmingham,  was  unanimously  elected  chairman.  Mr.  C.  H. 
Herbert  was  elected  vice-chairman.  The  treasurer,  librarian, 
and  secretary  were  all  re-elected. 

BRIGHTON  AND  SUSSEX  HORTICULTURAL. 

—  Ihe  annual  report  for  1908  shows  a  financial  loss  on  the 
year  s  working  of  £64  18s.  3d.  Three  flower  shows  were 
held  during  the  past  year,  but  the  committee  have  decided 
oo  don  y  two  shovvs  in  19°9.  viz.,  a  Rose  show  on  June 
29  and  30,  and  a  Chrysanthemum  exhibition  on  November 
2  and  3. 

BRISTOL    AND     DISTRICT     GARDENERS'. 

The  first  meeting  in  1909  was  held  on  Thursday,  January  14, 
at  St.  John's  Parish  Rooms,  when  the  president,  Col.  Carey- 
Batten,  presided  over  a  good  attendance  of  the  members. 
A  paper  on  "  Odontoglossums  "  was  given  by  Mr.  Wake- 
field, gardener  to  Mr.  Shipley,  Elmfields,  Westbury-on- 
Trym.  The  lecturer  recommended  September  as  the  best 
month  for  potting  these  plants,  because  they  are  then  able  to 
recover  from  the  check  to  the  roots  before  the  advent  of  the 
dull  winter  months.  Although  Polypodium  and  Osmunda 
fibre  may  be  used  with  success,  the  lecturer  preferred  to 
employ  peat  of  the  best  quality.  Mr.  Wakefield  gave  a  list 
of  Odontoglossums  cultivated  at  Elmfield. 

CHESTER  PAXTON.— The  opening  meeting  of  the 
new  session  was  held  in  the  Grosvenor  Museum,  on  Satur- 
day, January  16,  under  the  chairmanship  of  Mr.  A.  W. 
Armstrong.  A  lecture  entitled  "Winter  Botany,"  illus- 
trated by  lantern  slides,  was  delivered  by  Mr.  J.  D.  Siddall. 
The  lecturer  dealt  with  various  aspects  of  winter  botany, 
and  gave  a  list  of  British  plants  which  are  to  be  found  in 
flower  during  the  winter  months.  Particulars  of  several 
of  the  winter-flowering  shrubs  and  berry-bearing  plants  were 
also  given.  The  next  meeting  will  be  held  on  Saturday. 
January  30,  when  Mr.  G.  P.  Miln  will  deliver  a  lecture  upon 
the  "Agriculture  and  Horticulture  of  Denmark." 

CROYDON  &  DISTRICT  HORTICULTURAL. 

The  annual  report  shows  a  satisfactory  year  for  1903. 
In  all  22  meetings  have  been  held,  at  most  of  which 
lectures  and  papers  relative  to  horticulture  have  been 
given.  There  has  been  a  greater  number  of  exhibits  at  the 
meetings,  the  quality  of  the  produce  displayed  bein.; 
excellent.  The  annual  dinner,  held  on  January  22,  proved 
successful.  The  spring  show  was  held  at  the  Horniman 
Hall,  Croydon,  on  May  6.  The  number  of  exhibits  was 
greater  than  at  any  previous  spring  show,  although  no  prizes 
were  offered  for  any  exhibit.  About  40  members  and  friends 
paid  a  visit  to  the  Franco-British  Exhibition  on  August  18, 
the  occasion  of  the  annual  summer  outing.  Two  meetings 
held  in  June  and  July  were  well  attended,  when  visits  were 
paid  to  the  nurseries  of  Mr.  C.  F.  Bause  and  to  the  Sydenham 
Recreation  Grounds.  The  financial  statement  shows  a 
balance  in  hand  of  £7. 

ESHER  COTTAGE  GARDENERS'. -At  a  meeting 

of  this  society  held  on  January  13,  Mr.  Edwin  Beckett, 
V.M.H.,  gave  a  lecture  on  "  Vegetable  Culture,"  illus- 
trated by  lantern  views.  Her  Royal  Highness  the  Duchess 
of  Albany  was  present  at  the  meeting.  Mr.  S.  A.  P.  Kitcat, 
the  newly  elected  president,  introduced  the  lecturer,  who 
for  some  years  was  a  resident  in  Esher.  Mr.  Beckett 
dealt  with  the  culture  of  many  of  the  more  important  vege- 
tables, his  remarks  being  illustrated  by  many  specimens 
of  the  various  kinds  of  vegetables  grown  at  Aldenham. 
Many  questions,  asked  at  the  close  of  the  lecture,  were 
answered  by  the  lecturer. 

READING    AND     DISTRICT     GARDENERS . 

The  annual  general  meeting  of  this  society  was  held 
on  Monday  evening,  January  11,  in  the  Abbey  Hall, 
Reading.  There  was  a  large  attendance.  The  principal 
business  of  the  meeting  was  the  election  of  officers  for 
the  ensuing  year,  and  the  passing  of  the  balance-sheet 
and  report  for  1908.  Mr.  Alderman  Parfitt,  J. P.  (president) 
occupied  the  chair.  The  balance-sheet  showed  that  the 
association  is  in  a  satisfactory  financial  condition.  Mr. 
Alderman  F.  B.  Parfitt,  J.P  ,  was  again  elected  president. 
The  meeting  also  appointed  Mr.  A.  F.  Bailey  chairman,  and 
Mr.  H.  C.  Loader  vice-chairman,  for  the  ensuing  year.  The 
other  officers,  including  the  hon.  secretary,  Mr.  Castle,  and 
tile  committee,  were  also  appointed.  Several  new  members 
were  elected. 

REDHILL,  REIGATE  AND  DISTRICT  GAR- 
DENERS'.— The  annual  social  gathering  in  connection 
with  this  society  took  place  recently  in  St.  Matthew's 
Parish  Room,  Redhill.  The  meeting  proved  a  great 
success,  the  large  room  being  well  filled  by  members 
of  the  association  and  their  lady  friends.  A  musical  pro- 
gramme of  much  excellence  was  carried  out,  and  during 
an  interval  light  refreshments  were  served.  The  chair  was 
occupied  by  Sir  Jeremiah  Colman,  Bart,  (president  of  the 
association). 

The  annual  general  meeting  of  this  association 

was  held  on  Monday,  January  11,  Mr.  W.  P.  Bound 
presiding.  The  report  and  balance-sheet  showed  thai 
the  association  closed  its  session  with  a  balance  in  the 
bank  of  £14  3s.  2d.,  as  against  a  balance  of  £22  12s.  5d. 
for  the  previous  year.  The  loss  was  accounted  for 
to  some  extent  by  a  decrease  in  the  membership,  which 
had  dropped  from  225  to  190.  The  committee  recommended 
that  honorary  members  be  asked  to  contribute  a  maximum 
subscription  of  5s.  Last  year  the  honorary  subscribers 
were  not  called  upon  to  subscribe.  The  report  and  balance- 
sheet  were  adopted.  Sir  Jeremiah  Colman,  Bart.,  was 
re-elected  president  of  the  association  for  the  ensuing  year, 
Mr.  W.  P.  Bound  was  re-elected  chairman,  and  the  other 
officers  and  committee  were  also  appointed.  The  lion, 
secretary,  Mr.  Rose,  was  presented  with  an  honorarium 
of  £5. 


64 


THE     GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


[January  23,  1909. 


THE     WEATHER. 

The  Following  Summary  Record  of  the 
weather  throughout  the  British  Islands,  for  the 
week  ending  January  16,  is  furnished  from  the 
Meteorological  Office: — 

GENERAL     OBSERVATIONS. 

The  weather  was  generally  rough  and  very  unsettled. 
Rain  fell  frequently  in  the  south  and  east,  alternately  with 
very  fine  intervals,  while  in  the  western  and  northern  dis- 
tricts rain,  sleet,  or  snow  occurred  nearly  every  day.  In 
Scotland  the  snow  winch  was  experienced  during  the  latter 
part  of  the  period  was  very  heavy,  many  places  receiving 
successive  falls  yielding,  when  melted,  more  than  0.5  inch 
of  water  in  the  gauge  ;  heavy  snow  was  also  general  in  the 
north  of  Ireland.  All  parts  of  the  Kingdom  were  visited  by 
a  thunderstorm  some  time  during  the  week,  and  in  some 
localities  the  disturbances  were  severe. 

The  temperature  was  subject  to  frequent  and  violent 
changes  in  the  north  and  north-west  of  the  Kingdom.  In 
Scotland  and  the  north  of  Ireland  the  mean  for  the  week 
was  below  the  average,  but  in  England  and  in  Ireland  S.  it 
was  above  it,  the  excess  in  the  Eastern,  Central,  and 
Southern  Counties  being  more  than  3°.  The  highest  of  the 
maxima  were  registered  during  the  early  days  of  the  week 
at  most  stations,  and  varied  from  54°  in  the  Midland 
Counties  to  49°  in  Scotland  N.  and  VV.  Late  in  the  week 
the  maxima  at  some  Scottish  stations  were  very  little 
above  32°.  The  lowest  of  the  minima,  which  occurred 
generally  during  the  latter  half  of  the  ween,  ranged  from  18° 
in  Scotland  E.  (at  Balmoral),  and  20°  in  England  E.  to  30° 
in  Ireland  S.  and  to  39°  in  the  English  Channel.  The  lowest 
grass  temperatures  reported  were  9^  at  Crathes,  12°  at 
Balmoral,  16°  at  West  Linton,  19°  at  Cockle  Park  (Morpeth), 
21°  at  Clacton-on-Sea,  and  22°  at  Norwich. 

The  wean  temperature  of  the  sea. — The  temperature  was 
more  than  4°  higher  than  during  the  corresponding  week  of 
last  year  on  the  south-west  coast  of  England,  but  in  several 
other  localities  it  was  rather  lower.  The  actual  figures 
ranged  from  49"7°at  Plymouth  and  490°  at  Newquay,  to  about 
40  0°  at  Margate  and  Kirkwall,  and  to  35  5°  at  Aberdeen. 

The  rainfall  (rain  and  snow)  exceeded  the  average  in  all 
districts  except  England  E.  and  N.E.  The  excess  was  very 
large  in  Scotland,  the  north-west  of  England,  and  north  of 
Ireland,  and  also  in  the  English  Channel,  but  moderate 
elsewhere. 

THE  WEATHER  IN  WEST  HERTS. 

Week  ending  January  20. 

The  third  mild  week  in  succession. — Since  the  year  began 
there  has  been  no  cold  worth  mentioning,  either  during  the  , 
daytime  or  at  night.  On  the  coldest  day  during  that  period 
the  highest  temperature  in  the  thermometer  screen  was  only 
23  colder  than  is  seasonable,  and  on  the  coldest  night  (last 
night)  the  exposed  thermometer  registered  only  10°  of  frost 
— or  5°  of  frost  more  than  the  average  minimum  for  January. 
The  ground  is  now  2°  warmer  at  2  feet  deep,  and  1°  warmer 
at  1  foot  deep,  than  is  seasonable.  During  the  past  week 
rain  has  fallen  on  four  days,  but  to  the  total  depth  of 
only  about  a  quarter  of  an  inch.  There  has  been  some  per- 
colation through  both  of  the  soil  gauges  on  each  day,  but 
the  amounts  have  been,  as  a  rule,  very  small  for  a  winter 
month.  The  sun  shone  on  an  average  for  2  hours  24 
minutes  a  day,  which  is  50  minutes  a  day  longer  than  is 
usual  at  this  period  of  the  year.  On  one  day  no  sunshine  at 
all  was  recorded,  but  on  one  other  day  the  sun  was  shining 
brightly  for  6|  hours.  The  winds  have  been  as  a  rule  high, 
and  in  the  windiest  hour  the  mean  velocity  amounted  to 
20  miles— direction  west.  The  average  amount  of  mi  isture 
in  the  air  at  3  o'clock  in  the  afternoon  was  8  per  cent  less 
than  a  seasonable  quantity  for  that  hour.  The  winter 
Aconite  came  first  into  flower  in  my  garden  on  the  17th, 
which  is  3  days  earlier  than  its  average  date  for  the  previous 
22  years,  and  also  3  days  earlier  than  last  year.  E.  M.t 
Berkhamsted,  January  20,  1909. 


Cormhondenfo 

t. ! 


1MW 

>W''  I 


(Diutuarjj. 

George  H.  Sage.— The  death  of  Mr.  Sage 
occurred  on  the  13th  inst.  at  the  age  of  50  years. 
Deceased  was  gardener  to  Earl  Dysart  at  Ham 
House,  Richmond,  for  some  years,  and  later  gar- 
dener at  Bayham  Abbey,  Kent.  Leaving  Bay- 
ham  Abbey,  Mr.  Sage  subsequently  commenced 
business  as  a  horticultural  sundriesman.  He 
leaves  a  widow  and  seven  children.  One  of  the 
sons  is  at  present  engaged  at  Gunnersbury  Park 
gardens,  under  Mr.  Reynolds. 


ENQUIRIES   AND    REPLIES. 

The  Paradise  Tree  of  Buenos  Ayres  (see 
p.  4012). — This  is  Melia  Azedarach,  figured  in  the 
Botanical  Magazine,  vol.  xxvii.,  tab.  1066, 
The  leaf  as  there  portrayed  exactly  agrees  with 
that  of  a  seedling  plant  given  to  me.  From  its 
being  called  the  giant  Paradise  tree,  I  concluded 
that  it  would  not  flower  until  it  attained  tree 
stature,  instead  of  which  it  is  said  to  flower 
when  three  years  old  from  seed.  Its  English 
name  of  the  common  Bead  tree,  was  given  to  it 
from  its  nuts  having  a  curious  natural  perfora- 
tion or  hole  through  their  centre,  enabling  them 
to  be  strung  on  thread  or  wire  and  used  as 
losaries,  by  the  constant  and  assiduous  use  of 
which  {known  as  telling  their  beads)  good 
Spanish  Roman  Catholics  believe  they  qualify 
for  admission  into  Paradise.  Hence  the  tree 
producing  them  is  called  the  Paradise  tree  or 
Arbor  sancta.     G. 


Accident  to  Gardener  :  Reader.  (1)  If  the 
accident  has  permanently  incapacitated  him 
he  can  be  dismissed  without  notice,  otherwise 
he  is  entitled  to  the  usual  notice,  or  wages  in 
lieu  of  notice.  (2)  Under  the  Workmen's  Com- 
pensation Act,  he  is  entitled  to  claim  not  more 
than  half-wages  during  disablement.  If  he  is 
under  21  years  and  his  wages  are  less  than  £1 
a  week,  he  can  be  awarded  any  sum  up  to  10s. 
a  week.  He  should  give  notice  of  his  claim  at 
once. 

Black  Scab  in' Apples.  F.  C.  We  cannot  de- 
termine from  your  description  what  the  dis- 
ease is.     Send  a  specimen  for  examination. 

Book  with  Coloured  Plates.  W.  D.  We  do 
not  know  of  a  work  such  as  you  require,  that 
can  be  purchased  cheaply.  An  edition  of 
John's  Flowers  of  the  Field,  published  by 
George  Routledge  and  Sons,  might  be  suit- 
able. This  edition  contains  92  coloured  plates 
of  wild  plants.  The  book  can  be  obtained 
from  our  publishing  department. 

Celery  Diseased  :  IV.  Truster.  The  plants  are 
affected  by  a  bacterial  "rot."  The  decayed 
parts  are  full  of  a  minute  bacterium.  Remove 
and  destroy  by  burning  all  affected  plants  at 
once,  and  do  not  plant  Celery  on  the  same 
soil  until  a  year  or  two  has  elapsed. 

Christmas  Rose  Failing  to  Flower  :  /.  VV. 
There  is  no  disease  present  in  the  plant  you 
send  us  for  examination.  The  trouble  is  due 
to  either  unsuitable  soil  or  surroundings. 
Break  up  the  clumps  and  plant  the  younger 
portions  in  a  fresh  site. 

Cyclamen  Blooms  Flagging  :  /.  B.  These 
flowers  droop  very  readily  in  the  dry,  warm 
atmosphere  of  a  dwelling-room.  Instead  of 
allowing  them  to  remain  in  the  room  all 
through  the  night,  remove  them  to  a  dark  cup- 
board or  a  zinc-lined  case  where  the  atmo- 
sphere can  be  kept  close.  Florists  always 
adopt  a  similar  practice  with  their  stocks  of 
flowers  at  night  time. 

Employment  in  the  London  Parks. — Forms 
of  application  for  employment  as  under-g  ir- 
dener  or  under-keeper  may  be  obtained  from 
the  Chief  Officer,  Parks  Department,  No.  11, 
Regent  Street,  S.W.  The  age  limits  are  from 
25  to  40  in  the  case  of  under-gardeners,  &c. 
Vacancies  as  gardeners  are  as  far  as  possible 
filled  by  promotion,  from  the  ranks  of  under- 
gardeners,  of  such  men  as  pass  the  examina- 
tion in  practical  horticulture  held  by  the 
Royal  Horticultural  Society,  and  in  the  other 
ranks  by   promotion. 

Evergreen  Oak  Dying  :  /.  K.  You  should 
have  forwarded  a  shoot  for  examination. 
From  your  letter  we  suspect  the  tree  has  suf- 
fered from  drought  or  some  other  check  to  the 
roots.  Next  summer  apply  a  heavy  mulching 
of  manure  to  the  roots  in  order  to  retain  the 
moisture  in  the  soil.  Soil  overlying  chalk  is 
apt  to  become  very  dry  in  hot  weather. 

Land  for  a  French  Garden  :  Plot.  We  can- 
not advise  you  in  the  matter.  Insert  an  ad- 
vertisement. Perhaps  some  firm  of  horticul- 
tural auctioneers  and  land  agents  may  be  able 
to  assist  you. 

Mangold  Diseased  :  C.  S.  dV.  Co.  The  root  is 
attacked  by  a  bacterial  disease,  probably  the 
same  as  that  described  in  the  Journal  of  the 
Board  of  Agriculture,  vol.  ix.,  June,  1902. 
The  specimen  more  resembles  a  Swede  Turnip 
than  a  Mangold.  There  is  danger  in  using  the 
dung  of  cattle  fed  on  these  diseased  roots — ■ 
especially  if  applied  to  soil  intended  for  a 
crop  of  Turnips.  If  there  is  any  considerable 
quantity  of  diseased  roots,  cart  them  on  to 
permanent  grass  land. 

Mealy-bug  on  Vines  :  /.  P.  R.  Instead  of 
using  the  mixture  you  mention,  we  should 
advise  you  to  dress  the  .vines  with  a  mix- 
ture of  coal  tar  and  clay.  This  is  the  most 
effectual  and  simple  remedy.  The  coal  tar 
and  clay  remedy  consists  of  one  part  of  the 
former  to  nine  parts  of  the  latter.     The  clay 


should  be  dried  and  powdered,  so  that  it  may 
be  passed  through  a  J-inch  sieve.  Then 
measure  the  pulverised  clay  into  a  large 
flowerpot  having  a  lump  of  stiffish  clay  put 
into  the  hole  in  the  bottom;  use  a  3-inch 
flowerpot  as  a  measure.  When  sufficient  clay 
has  been  measured,  add  the  proper  quantity 
of  tar.  Mix  these  well  together,  and  after- 
wards add  sufficient  boiling  water  to  give  the 
mixture  a  consistency  similar  to  that  of  or- 
dinary paint.  Apply  it  with  a  stiflish  paint 
brush  to  every  crevice  about  the  spurs  and 
every  portion  of  the  affected  vines,  keeping 
the  mixture  well  stirred  during  its  applica- 
tion. Take  every  care  to  avoid  injuring  th© 
buds.  But  before  applying  this  remedy  the 
vines  should  be  pruned,  and  all  the  old,  and 
somewhat  loose,  bark  carefully  and  thor- 
oughly removed,  especially  from  the  spurs, 
using  the  point  of  a  blunt-edged  knife  for  the 
purpose.  Afterwards  collect  and  burn  all 
the  material  thus  removed.  This  done,  thor- 
oughly wash  the  woodwork  in  the  house 
with  a  solution  of  soft  soap  and  paraffin, 
consisting  of  a  J-lb.  of  the  former  and  a 
port-wine  glassful  of  the  latter  dissolved  in 
one  gallon  of  boiling  water.  Wash  the  glass 
with  clear  water,  and  the  brick  and  plaster 
work  with  hot  liquid  lime,  forcing  this  well 
into  any  crevices.  Make  good  any  holes  by 
applying  moitar.  Openings  in  the  putty  in 
which  the  roof  and  other  glass  is  embedded 
should  be  stopped  with  good  white-lead 
putty.  Then  wash  the  vine  rods  thoroughly 
with  a  mixture'  of  soft  soap  and  petro>um  of 
the  strength  indicated  above,  and  afterwards 
apply  the  coal  tar  and  clay  remedy  in  the 
manner  already  described.  Suspend  the  vines 
when  dry  in  a  horizontal  position  from  the 
wires,  over  the  pipes  near  the  front  ventila- 
tors, and  let  them  remain  in  this  position  until 
the  buds  begin  to  push  into  growth  naturally 
in  March  or  earfy  in  April.  Remove  3  or  4 
inches  deep  of  the  surface  soil  from  the  vine 
border  (smearing  the  brick  and  plaster  work- 
thus  exposed  with  hot  liquid  lime)  and  then 
apply  a  good  compost  consisting  of  fibrous 
loam  five  parts,  and  lime  rubble  and  horse- 
.droppings,  one  part  each.  The  whole  should 
be  well  mixed  before  the  compost  is  placed 
on  the  border.  We  have  answered  your  ques- 
tion rather  fully,  as  there  is  no  use  in  em- 
ploying half  measures  in  dealing  with  such  a 
formidable  pest  as  mealy-bug. 

Names  of  Fruits  :  A.  L.  B.  These  are  beauti- 
fully coloured  fruits  of  Cox's  Orange  Pippin. 

Names  of  Plants:  Alba.  1,  Epidendrum  frag- 
rans;  2,  Trichopilia  laxa;  3,  Gongora  maculata. 
— Foreman.  1,  Pieris  hastata ;  2,  P.  longifolia  ; 
3,  Blechnum  occidenlale  ;  4,  Selasinella  laevi- 
gata ;  5,  Adiantum  hispidulum.— M.,  Lamellan. 
Cytisus  proliferus.  The  Rhododendron  (Azalea) 
is  infested  with  thrips.  Spray  the  plants  with 
tobacco-water,  or  fumigate  them  by  means  of 
a  nicotine  vaporiser. 

Rose  Shoots  Diseased  :  /.  T.  The  canker  is 
caused  by  a  fungus — Coniothyrium  Fuckelii. 
The  disease  commences  as  reddish-brown 
spots  on  the  young  wood,  and  when  the  bark 
becomes  broken,  frost  aids  in  the  formation 
of  the  larger  wounds.  The  more  badly 
affected  branches  should  be  cut  away,  as  the 
fungus  fruits  freely  on  these,  and  the  spores 
infest  the  young  wood. 

Soil  :  R.  P.  The  addition  of  lime  to  the  soil  is 
beneficial  to  most  plants,  but  Ericaceous 
species  are  exceptions.  If  you  use  the 
turf  for  Tomatos,  you  may  incorporate  a 
quantity  of  wood  ashes  with  it.  At  intervals, 
during  the  growth  of  the  Tomatos,  apply  a 
top-dressing  of  some  concentrated  manure. 
For  Roses,  the  turf,  as  you  describe  it,  will  be 
suitable  without  adding  anything  beyond  the 
manure  you  mention. 

Communications  Received. — W.  C.  P.,  we  think  you  had 
belter  wait  for  some  proof  of  such  an  extraordinary 
achievement. — D. — H.  E.  K.  (the  news  is  too  belated  for 
insertion). -H.  S.  B.,  Shooter's  Hill-  W.  M.  W.— W.  G.  F. 

-Dr.  F.-H.  T.  S.-W.  A.  C F.  J.  C  — H.  C— Peter 

Barr-Chloris-F.  J.  W.-E.  B.-J.  R.  J.— J.  J.  W.— 
C.  R.  G.— T.  L.— H.  R.— A.  S.— T.  S.-M.  B.— W.  J.  V.— 
L.  R.  R.— W.  P.— A.  D.— H.  K.— P.  &  Co.— A.  I.— J.  A.— 
G.  B.  M.— R.-P.  A.,  Amsterdam -1.  D.— H.  S.  B.— 
Rev.  C.  B.-Sir  C.  D.— J.  O'B-1.  A.  VV.— L.  P.-A.  S.— 
J.  R.-W.  N.-R.  W.I  .— F.  B.— W.  H.  C. 

For  Market  Reports  sec  page  xvi. 


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January  30,  1900.] 


THE     GA R D  ENER  S'      CHR  O  NI CL  E 


G5 


THE 


No.   1,153.— SATURDAY,  January  30,   1909. 


CONTENTS. 


Agricultural  science     ...      73 

Begonia  Patrie 75 

Benevolent    Institution, 

Gardeners'  Royal  ...72,76 
Bequest,   a    munificent, 

to  horticulture  ...      72 

Books,  notices  of— 

Sweet  Pea  Annual  ...      74 

Sweet  Peas  and  How 
to  Grow  Them      ...      69 

Publications  received  74 
Bougainvillea  Cypberi  74 
Pulbophyllum      lemnis- 

catoides  68 

Chrysanthemum    Fram- 

field  Pink        76 

Eryngium      pandanifol- 

ium        76 

Fennel,  Italian 7U 

Forcing    of     Lilacs     in 

Dresden  74 

French     garden,     notes 

from  a 75 

Fruit-grower's    year,    a 

market 65 

Gardens  of  Italy,  old  ...      74 
Grape    Mill    Hill    Ham- 

bu  gh     76 

Ilex  t'ernyi         75 

lnnes  Bequest,  the       ...      72 
Kew  notes — 

The  Greenhouse       ...       67 
Nitro-Bacterine,  experi- 
ments on  the  value  of  68, 76 


Parks    in    the    German 

Empire 

Pinus    pinaster    in    the 

Medoc  country 
Plants,    new    or    note- 
worthy— 

Euphorbia  Sapinii 
Sinningia  Dr.   Maxwell 

T.  Masters 
Societies- 
Chesterfield  Chrysan- 
themum         

Gardeners'  Royal  Bene- 
volent Institution    .. 

Royal  Horticultural  .. 

Society  Franc,ai--e 
d'Horticulture  de 
Londres 

Trenching  

Weather  at  Rothamsted 
Week's  work,  the  — 

-Npiary,  the      

Flower  garden,  the  ... 

Fruits  under  glass     ... 

Hardy  fruit  garden   ... 

Kitchen  garden,  the... 

Orchid  houses,  the   ... 

Plants  under  glass 

Public  parks  and  gar- 
dens    

Whortleberries       and 

Cranbenies     


ILLUSTRATIONS. 

Begonia  Patrie    ...        

Bulbophyllum  lemniscatoides 

Euphorbia  Sapinii         

Hive,  sectional  plan  of  a      ...        ...  

Ilex  Pernyi  

Pinus  pinaster,  tapping,  for  resin...  

Sinningia   Dr.    Maxwell   T.    Masters   (Supplementary 
Illustration) 


A  MARKET  FRUIT-GROWER'S 
YEAR. 

IN  a  series  of  articles,  of  which  this  is  the 
first,  it  is  proposed  to  record  the  principal 
proceedings  which  take  place  in  the 
market  fruit  garden  during  each  month. 

The  most  important  work  in  January  has 
been  that  of  pruning  Apples,  planting  hav- 
ing been  finished  in  December  under  ex- 
cellent conditions,  while  the  necessity  of 
spraying  Gooseberry  bushes,  to  deter  birds 
from  picking  off  the  buds,  called  for  in  some 
past  seasons  in  January,  has  not  arisen. 

Last  winter  a  plantation  of  Gooseberries 
near  the  homestead  was  attacked  in  Decem- 
ber, and  had  to  be  sprayed  then  with  lime 
and  sulphur  wash,  to  which  a  little  caustic 
soda,  perhaps  unnecessarily,  was  added. 
Before  the  end  of  January  nearly  every  fruit- 
bud  had  been  picked  by  birds  from  trees  of 
Old  Greengage,  'Coe's  Golden  Drop,  and  a 
few-  other  choice  Plums  in  my  private  orchard, 
though  field  crops  of  cooking  Plums  were 
not  touched.  This  season,  up  to  the  time  of 
writing,  not  a  bud,  so  far  as  I  can  detect, 
has  been  destroyed  on  a  Plum  tree  or  a 
Gooseberry  bush. 

The  first  operation  in  pruning  was  that  of 
cutting  back  two-year-old  Apple  trees, 
planted  in  December.  February  or  March  is 
now  recommended  for  this  operation,  but  it 


was  carried  out  just  after  planting  was 
finished,  in  order  to  prevent  the  wind  from 
swaying  the  young  trees.  They  will  ,be  gone 
ov^r  again  in  March,  in  order  to  repeat  the 
trimming  so  far  as  it  appears  desirable  in 
relation  to  cutting  above  the  buds  promising 
best  for  extension  growth.  The  plan  of  leav- 
ing the  cutting-back  until  the  second  season 
from  planting  appears  to  me  to  be  theoretic- 
ally unsound. 

The  Black  Currant  Bushes,  two  years  old, 
planted  among  the  Apple  trees,  were  cut  back 
to  three  or  four  buds  from  the  roots  on  each 
branch,  on  being  raised  from  the  nursery  bed 
in  which  they  had  been  grown  from  cuttings. 
It  has  been  stated  that  the  planting  was. done 
under  excellent  conditions.  That  is  to  say, 
under  conditions  which  would  be  considered 
excellent  by  any  grower  who  has  not  been 
converted  to  the  new  YVoburn  doctrine  in 
favour  of  planting  when  the  soil  is  wet 
enough  to  puddle.  While  prepared,  on  the 
basis  of  the  results  of  trials  reported  by  the 
VVoburn  authorities,  to  believe  that  ramming 
may  be  beneficial  when  the  soil  is  in  a  com- 
parative ly  dry  condition,  1  am  far  from  being 
convinced  that  planting  in  mini  is  beneficial. 

Returning-  to  the  subject  of  pruning;  it  is 
desirable  to  mention  that  the  treatment  uf 
Plum  trees  does  not  come  into  the  records  <>1 
January  work,  because  a  young  plantation  of 
this  fruit  was  pruned  in  November,  while  an 
old  plantation  has  to  take  its  chance  of  later 
pruning.  Having  observed  that  when  Plum 
trees  are  pruned  in  the  winter,  the  fruit-bud 
below  a  cut,  from  which  a  new  shoot  is  re- 
quired, often  dies  off,  probably  from  the 
action  of  frost,  1  have  come  to  the  conclusion 
thai  Plum  pruning  should  be  done  in  the 
autumn. 

The  second  field  of  Apples  to  be  pruned  wis 
one  of  nine  acres;  half  the  trees  were  planted 
in  November  and  December,  1905,  and  the 
rest  a  year  later.  The  outside  row  in  the  first 
half  furnishes  a  lesson  in  relation  to  the  ex- 
tension system  so  far  as  it  applies  to  young 
trees.  The  variety  is  Domino,  and  the  trees 
as  maidens  were  so  uncommonly  strong  that 
they  were  planted  to  complete  the  piece  of 
land  after  all  the  two-year-old  trees  had 
been  used.  They  were  cut  back  severely,  and 
made  splendid  growth  in  1936  and  1907.  In 
the  summer  of  190S  they  were  remarkably 
well  furnished  trees  for  their  age,  and  so 
strong  that  they  were  allowed  to  bear  fruit 
on  the  main  branches  close  to  the  trunk,  and 
there  only.  These  branches,  being  strong, 
had  been  allowed  to  grow  long.  With  the 
check  caused  by  fruiting,  fruit-buds  have 
formed  along  the  entire  length  of  the  shoots 
made  before  last  summer,  while  this  season's 
shoots  were  so  small  and  weak  that  they 
have  now  been  cut  back  to  two  or  three  buds. 

The  next  variety,  Early  Julyan,  made  the 
same  good  growth  as  Domino,  but,  as  it  did 
not  mature  fruit-buds  in  the  summer  of  1907, 
it  is  in  full  vigour.  These  two  varieties,  it 
is  to  be  observed,  naturally  grow  in  excellent 
form  requiring  very  little  shaping,  only 
Domino  needs  its  inside  laterals  to  be  shaved 
off,  as,  otherwise,  it  grows  too  densely  after 
a  few  years.  There  is  a  peculiarity  about 
Domino  not  noticed  in  any  other  variety  in 
my  possession.  The  fruit-spurs  terminate  in 
stumps,  or  natural  snags,  with  fruit-buds  at 
their  bases. 

It   may    here,  be    mentioned    that,    in    the 


second  season  after  planting,  most  ot  the 
varieties  blossomed  on  the  first  year's  wood; 
but  the  bloom  was  pinched  off,  as  one  of  the 
most  expensive  lessons  learnt  in  my  experi- 
ence is  the  folly  of  allowing  trees  to  fruit  too 
soon.  The  result  was  that  hardly  any  of  the 
trees  planted  in  1905  blossomed  to  any  con- 
siderable extent  in  1908.  They  were  engaged 
in  free  wood  growth,  as  it  was  desired  that 
they  should  be,  and  they  showed  very  much 
less  blossom  than  the  trees  in  the  other  half 
of  the  field,  planted  a  year  later,  which  also  • 
had  their  blossoms  pinched  off. 

Royal  Jubilee  is  another  variety  which 
grows  in  good  shape,  the  branches  being 
sturdy  and  bowed  outwards.  Like  the  two 
varieties  just  named,  its  branches  are  nearly' 
even  in  thickness,  whereas  some  kinds  pro- 
duce a  few  very  gross  branches,  double  the 
thickness  of  the  rest. 

Cox's  Orange  Pippin  is  the  only  variety  out 
of  16  varieties  to  show  scab  on  the  wood. 
Where  it  was  on  this  year's  shoots,  close  to 
the  ends,  the  infected  parts  have  been  cut  off 
and  burnt.  Where  it  showed  lower  down  on 
branches  needed  to  furnish  the  trees,  the 
scabby  eruptions  were  thinly  coated  with  tar, 
by  way  of  experiment.  This  variety  will  not 
withstand  Bordeaux  mixture  of  strength  suf- 
ficient to  kill  the  fungus.  Even  a  wash  con- 
taining only  8  lbs.  of  copper  sulphate  more 
than  half  defoliated  the  trees  in  a  plantation 
now  eight  years  old,  and  entirely  ruined  the 
crop  for  two  seasons.  The  scab  showed  on 
trees  only  two  years  from  planting — not  on 
all,  by  any  means,  but  perhaps  on  one-third 
of  them.  They  will  be  sprayed  with  copper 
sulphate  alone,  4  lbs.  to  100  gallons,  just 
before  the  buds  burst,  but  not  with  Bordeaux 
mixture  after  the  foliage  is  out.  Probably  a 
small  trial  upon  some  of  them  will  be  made 
with  the  lime  and  sulphur  wash. 

In  connection  with  Cox's  Orange  Pippin, 
as  with  two  or  three  other  varieties,  there  is 
a  point  of  interest  to  notice.  The  trce^  were 
raised  on  three  stocks,  the  Crab,  the  Free 
(from  Apple  pips),  and  the  Doucin,  and  the 
trees  were  kept  distinct  when  planted,  though 
in  rows  side  by  side.  There  is  no  distinct 
difference  in  the  amount  of  growth  made  by 
the  trees  on  the  three  stocks  in  the  cases  of 
Cox's  Orange  Pippin  and  two  other  varie- 
ties. In  the  case  of  Lane's  Prince  Albert, 
how  ever,  partly  on  the  Crab  and  partly  on  the 
Doucin,  there  is  a  small  advantage  in  growth 
in  favour  of  the  former  stock.  Lane's  Prince 
Albert  is  the  poorest  grower  among  all  the 
varieties,  and  trees  two  \ears  from  the  plant- 
ing have  had  to  be  cut  back  severely  to  shape 
them.  Some  of  the  shoots  emerging  from 
comparatively  sturdy  branches  are  miserably 
weak,  while  others  are  twice  as  large.  There 
is  also  a  tendency  to  form  fruit-buds  where 
wood-growth  is  wanted,  as  well  as  a  tendency 
in  the  shoots  to  grow  downw-ards.  A  special 
peculiarity  of  this  variety  is  the  cracking  of 
the  bark  of  wood  even  only  two  years  old. 
No  mycologist  has  explained  the  cause.  It 
is  not  canker,  because  in  trees  planted  eight 
years  ago,  and  similarly  affected,  no  develop- 
ment of  that  disease  has  occurred. 

Duchess  of  Oldenburg  is  a  troublesome 
variety  to  get  into  good  shape,  as  its  shoots 
lean  towards  the  centre.  Allington  Pippin  is 
another  awkward  grower.  The  shoots  are 
free  enough  as  to  length,  but  slender,  and, 
in    spite    of    careful    pruning,     pointing    in 


6G 


THE     GARDENERS     CHRONICLE. 


[January  30,  1909. 


all  directions.  It  is  a  very  free  bearer, 
and  inside  laterals  may  be  shaved  off  in- 
stead of  being  spurred,  without  any  fear  of 
not  getting-  enough  fruit-spurs.  Beauty  of 
Bath  is  growing  sturdily,  but  unevenly,  a 
few  of  the  shoots  on  a  tree  being  double  the 
thickness  of  the  others.  Bramley's  Seedling 
is  the  sturdiest  grower  in  the  plantation,  hav- 
ing thick  young  branches,  thinly  disposed. 
Warner's  King  has  more  branches,  with  size 
enough  and  plenty  of  length.  Gascoyne's 
Scarlet  Seedling  is  vigorous  and  excellently 
shaped.  There  is  only  one  row  of  Golden 
Spire,  and  that  is  one  too  many.  Like 
Duchess  of  Oldenburg  it  is  an  upright 
grower,  and  should  be  planted  much  more 
thickly  than  most  other  varieties ;  but  this  is 
impossible  in  a  field  set  out  for  horse-culti- 
vation. The  trees,  of  bush-shape  on  stems 
about  2  feet  6  inches  high,  are  all  12  feet 
apart  in  their  rows,  and  a  little  more  trans- 
versely, so  that  a  tree  in  one  row  is  opposite 
to  a  bush  in  the  next  tree  row.  Black  Cur- 
rant bushes  are  between  the  trees;  they  are 
planted  6  feet  from  each  other  and  from  the 
trees. 

In  the  case  of  Lord  Grosvenor,  there  are 
two  experiments  to  notice.  One  row  was 
rammed  when  planted,  two  years  ago,  the 
trees  being  carefully  selected,  so  as  to  be  as 
equal  as  possible  in  size  and  vigour  to  those 
in  the  two  adjoining  rows.  The  trees  in  this 
rammed  row  have  made  a  little  more  growth 
than  those  on  one  side  of  them,  and  a  little 
less  than  those  on  the  other  side.  Another 
row  was  not  cut  back  until  the  second  season 
after  planting,  the  same  precautions  as  are 
mentioned  above  being  taken  to  ensure 
equality  with  the  rows  on  either  side  of  it. 
When  the  cutting-back  was  done,  the  young 
branches,  of  course,  were  much  more  thinly 
disposed  than  those  on  trees  cut  back  in  the 
season  of  planting.  Moreover,  they  were 
forming  fruit-buds  nearly  from  their  bases  to 
their  tips,  and  had  to  be  cut  back  very 
severely  to  get  at  wood-buds.  These  trees 
have  now  made  ns  much  growth  as  the 
others,  but  are  not  as  well  shaped,  for  the 
simple  reason  that  there  was  not  the  same 
choice  in  selecting  a  wood-bud  to  cut  over  as 
in  the  trees  pruned  in  the  first  season. 

An  interesting  observation  in  connection 
with  this  plantation  of  young  trees  is  that 
[ess  than  a  dozen  spots  of  American  blight 
(woolly  aphis)  have  been  found  in  the  whole 
of  the' nine  acres,  although  the  nursery  piece 
in  which  they  were  raised  was  infested.  Fur- 
ther, it  is  worth  noticing  that  out  of  over  a, 
thousand  trees  raised  for  planting  out  this 
season  only  two  showed  a  speck  of  American 
blight  on  the  roots.  During  the  summer  my 
young  trees  have  been  treated  with  methy- 
lated spirit  about  once  a  week,  where  the 
woolly  aphis  showed.  This  is  by  far  the  best 
remedy.  It  has  been  used  without  dilution 
even  on  the  budded  portion  of  stocks, 
favourite  spots  for  the  pest.  It  has  proved 
harmless  to  the  buds,  while  it  has  saved  num- 
bers of  them  from  destruction  by  the  enemy. 
Some  of  the  stocks  which  had  their  buds 
thoroughly  wetted  with  the  spirit  were 
labelled,  in  order  to  ascertain  whether  they 
would  be  injured  by  it. 

Among  the  principal,  employments  afi 
labourers  since  Apple-planting  was  finished 
have  been  that  of  trenching  a  piece  of  grass- 
land and  planting  yearling  Black  Currants 
which  had  to  be  removed  from  their  old 
quarters.  They  were  cut  back  to  three  or 
four  buds  from  the  ground,  and  will  form 
bushes  for  planting  out  in  their  permanent 
quarters  next  season.  Other  work  has  been 
chalking  two  fruit  fields,  from  one  of  which 
some  mite-infested  Black  Currants  were 
taken  up.  They  had  been  planted  eight  years, 
and  were  being  shaded  by  Apple  trees  planted 
at  the  same  time. 

Cob  Nuts  are  more  densely  covered  with 
catkins  than  I  have  ever  seen  them  before. 
A  Southern  Grower. 


NEW  OR  NOTEWORTHY 
PLANTS. 


EUPHORBIA  SAPINII. 
Among  the  many  interesting  plants  intro- 
duced from  the  Congo  and  cultivated  in  the 
Botanic  Gardens,  Brussels,  is  the  species  of 
Euphorbia  represented  in  fig.  37,  which  has 
been  prepared  from  a  photograph  kindly 
forwarded  by  M.  Louis  Gentil,  the  gifted 
curator  of  that  establishment.  In  some  re- 
spects the  plant  resembles  E.  bupleurifolia, 
Jacq.,  native  of  South  Africa,  a  well-known  gar- 
den plant,  figured  in  the  Botanical  Magazine, 
t.  3476  (1836).  This  has  an  erect,  thick, 
succulent  stem  marked  all   over  with  the  scars 


opaque,  green  colour.  According  to  Dr.  K.  de- 
Wildeman,  who  has  published  a  figure  and  de- 
scription of  E.  Sapimi  in  the  Annalts  du  Music  dit, 
Congo,  1906,  the  flowers  and  bracts  are  very  small 
and  are  produced  on  very  short  peduncles  from 
the  axils  of  the  leaves.  M.  Sapin,  who  collected, 
the  plant  in  the  Congo,  says  that  its  milk-like 
sap  is  irritating  to  the  skin  and  even  danger- 
ous, a  property  which  is  common  to  the  genus. 
Although  not  possessed  of  any  showy  character, 
yet  E.  Sapinii  is  just  the  kind  of  plant  to 
please  and  interest  those  who  cultivate  succu- 
lent plants.  An  intelligent  youth  described  it  as 
a  sort  of  carrot  with  a  brown  crocodile  skin  and 
leaves  like  long  strips  of  soft  green  leather  fixed 
on  with  sharp-pointed  brown  spines.  It  grows, 
best  in  a  moist  tropical  house.     W.   W. 


FIG.    37, — EUPHORBIA    SAPINII,    FROM    A    PLANT    IN    THE    BRUSSELS    BOTANIC   GARDEN. 


occasioned  by  the  falling  away  of  the  old  leaves, 
and  thus  presents  a  reticulated  appearance. 
The  areolae  have  the  form  of  quadranglar 
tubercles  which  are  umbilicated  in  the  centre. 
The  leaves,  which  are  in  a  terminal  cluster,  are 
lanceolate,  4  to  6  inches  long,  bright  green  with 
a  white  midrib,  and  the  flowers,  which  are 
yellow,  are  enclosed  in  conspicuous  green  cup- 
like bracts  on  an  erect  peduncle  2  inches  long. 
In  E.  Sapinii  the  tubercles  are  swollen  and 
mamillate,  especially  on  the  younger  part  of 
the  stem ;  when  young,  they  are  green  and 
each  has  a  hard  stipular  spine  which  appears 
to  fall  off  in  about  the  third  year,  leaving  the 
stem  pale  brown  and  rope-like.  The  Kew  plant, 
kindly  presented  by  the  Director  of  the  Botanic 
Gardens,  Brussels,  has  a  stem  4  inches  high 
and  2  inches  in  diameter,  a  head  of  15  fleshy  leaves 
from  9  to  12  inches  long  and  £  to  J  inch  wide, 
the  upper  half  broader  than  the  lower,  keeled,  the 
apex  imperfect,  the  whole  being  of  a  uniform. 


WEATHER  AT  ROTHAMSTED  IN  1908. 

The  meteorological  records  of  the  Rothamsted 
Experimental  Station,  Hertfordshire,  for  1908 
show  that  the  year  was  characterised  by  a  de- 
ficiency of  rain,  as  was  that  of  the  previous  year,. 
1907.  There  were  but  three  months  of  excessive 
rainfall,  and  nine  months  which  recorded  a  de- 
ficiency. The  number  of  rainy  days  was,  how- 
ever, 184  :  being  12  days  in  excess  of  the  average 
of  the  past  55  years. 

The  mean  temperature  of  the  year  was  slightly 
in  excess  of  the  average.  The  most  unseasonably 
warm  months  were  February,  May,  October,  and 
November ;  whereas  only  April  was  unseason- 
ably cold.  There  were  six  months  of  tempera- 
ture above  the  average  record,  and  six  mouths 
below. 

The  bright  sunshine  showed  five  months  in 
excess  and  seven  months  deficient.  The  sun- 
niest  month   of   the  year   was    lune,   when    the 


JANUARY    30,    1909.] 


Til  E     GARDENS  R  S'     CHRO  NI CL  E. 


67 


record  of  sunshine  exceeded  the  average  by  50 
hours. 

There  were  18  days  on  which  snow  fell.  The 
total  depth  would  probably  aggregate  to  2  feet; 
the  greatest  quantity  of  snow  fell  during  Easter 
week.  About  2  inches  fell  on  Easter  Sunday, 
April  19;  about  6  inches  on  April  23;  and 
about  3  inches  on  April  25.  Such  a  fall  of  snow 
as  that  experienced  during  the  Easter  season  has 
not  occurred  at  Rothamsted  sine's  the  year  1876. 
From  April  11  to  14  in  that  year  a  great  quantity 
of  snow  fell,  which  overaged  more  than  a  foot  in 
depth,  and  drifts  in  the  narrow  lanes  around  the 
Rothamsted  estate  were  from  3  to  4  feet  deep. 

January  of  1908  gave  14  hours  more  than  aver- 
age sunshine  ;  but  both  rainfall  and  temperature 
were  less  than  the  normal 

February,  the  "  double-faced,"  was  quite  in 
accordance  with  ancient  tradition.  In  its  short 
spare  it  treated  us  to  hail,  snow,  frost,  lightning, 
lain,  and  gales,  to  say  nothing  of  the  sudden 
changes  that  occurred  as  regards  temperature, 
which,  on  the  whole,  was  high  compared  with 
the  average,  while  the  rainfall  and  sunshine 
were  deficient. 

The  comparative  genial  weather  of  the  first 
three  weeks  of  February  encouraged  both  far- 
mers and  gardeners  to  proceed  briskly  with  out- 
door work.  Gardeners  who  were  fortunate 
enough  to  secure  a  good  seed-bed,  planted 
Onions,  Parsnips,  Broad  Eeans,  and  Early  Peas 
■extensively. 

March  was  a  month  of  "  many  weathers."  On 
the  1st  and  3rd  days  of  the  month  about  3  inches 
of  snow  fell,  and  the  amount  of  water  from  the 
rain  and  melted  snow  on  these  days  measured 
about  22, GOO  gallons  per  acre.  The  total  rainfall 
for  the  whole  of  .March  was  nearly  3£  inches, 
being  1J  inches  in  excess  of  the  average.  The 
general  character  of  March  was  cold,  sunless, 
and  gloomy. 

May  and  June  each  gave  a  deficiency  of  rain, 
with  a  higher  than  average  mean  temperature 
and  bright   sunshine. 

The  three  English  usual  harvest  months  of 
July,  August,  and  September  recorded  a  de- 
ficiency of  rain,  a  lower  than  average  tempera- 
ture and  of  bright  sunshine. 

The  three  months  of  October,  November,  and 
December  gave  a  small  quantity  of  rain, 
i  spei  tally  November,  which  recorded  the  small- 
<  -i  monthly  total  of  the  whole  year;  less  than 
1  inch  was  measured,  being  If  inch  below  the 
average  of  the  previous  55  years. 

The  last  three  months  of  the  year  were  warmer 
than  the  average,  more  particularly  October, 
and,  to  a  less  degree,  November  also.  October 
and  November  recorded  36  hours  of  bright  sun- 
shine in  excess  of  the  average,  while  December 
was  gloomy  and  gave  14  hours  of  sunshine 
deficient. 

The  following  table  shows  the  rainfall  of  each 
month  for  the  past  year  of  1908  at  Rothamsted, 
with  the  average  amount  of  rain  for  each  month 
of  the  previous  55  years,  1853-1907,  and  the  dif- 
ference of  1908  above  or  below  the  average 
record  :  — 


Rainfall 

\  1     Rol HAM! 

1  1  li,  Hlim  s 

A!,  n 

Rainfall 
1908. 

Average 
Rainfall 

1908. 
Above  or 

i  f 

below  the 

55  years. 

average  (1). 

1        i    . 

Inches. 

Inches. 

January       

1-53 

2-37 

—  0.79 

February    

l  34 

1-80 

—  04K 

March 

3-40 

1-83 

+  1-57 

April    

:i-lh 

1-85 

-     1-43 

May      

1-89 

2' 19 

—  0-30 

.1  .ne     

1-67 

211 

—   1174 

J  .ly     

2-43 

2-51 

—  0-08 

August 

301 

2-63 

+  0-38 

September 

1  56 

2-43 

—  irs7 

October      

2-26 

3  17 

—  0  91 

Nuveinber ...      ..      .. 

0S2 

2-60 

—  1'78 

Dicember 

2-07 

232 

—  0'25 

Yi  .i!  ly  Total     

25-3i 

28-12 

—  281 

surface  of  the  ground,  and  is  about  420  feet 
above  sea  level. 

The  above  data  shows  a  total  rainfall  of  2 Y31 
inches,  against  an  average  for  the  previous  55 
years  of  slightly  over  28  inches,  being  2.81  inches 
deficient.  It  is  also  2  inches  less  than  the  record 
of  1907. 

Calculating  these  figures  up  to  the  acre,  we 
find  that,  during  the  whole  year,  2,556  tons  of 
water  have  fallen  on  each  acre  of  land,  which  is 
about  284  tons  of  water  deficient.  The  total 
rainfall  for  the  last  four  months  of  the  year  fell 
short  of  the  average  foi  the  same  period  in  the 
previous  55  years  of  3}  inches,  which  is  equiva- 
lent to  a  loss  of  76,197  gallons  on  each  acre  in 
the  underground  water  supply  of  this  district. 
East  year  at  the  same  time  there  was  an  excess 
of  60,859  gallons  pet 

The  next  table  shows  the  mean  temperature  in 
the  shade  for  each  month  of  the  year  1908  with 
an  excess  or  deficiency  at  the  Rothamsted  station 
during  the  past  30  years,  1878-1907;  also  the 
number  of  hours  of  bright  sunshine  made  by 
means  of  a  Campbell  Stokes  recorder  for  each 
month,  and  the  number  of  hours  above  or  below 
.  erage  record. 

Mian  Temperature  and  Bright  Sunshine  at   Rotham 
son,  Herts.,  for  Each  Month  of  the  Year  1908. 


KEW    NOTES. 


Mi'in  Temp 

Bright  S 

unshine. 

Month  - 

1908. 

Above 
or  below 
average. 

1908. 

Above 
or  below 
v.  eragi  . 

:  -     1 1 

Degrei 

Hours. 

Hours. 

January  

34-4 

—  2-4 

67 

4  14 

February        

111  s 

+  2-6 

69 

—    2 

March      

89  :: 

—  1-7 

115 

—   5 

April        

42  0 

—  8-0 

146 

—  22 

May 

54  7 

3  t 

Ills 

+    4 

lulu               

l 

iiT 

251 

4  50 

July 

00  5 

ii  ;; 

205 

—  20 

August     

5    'l 

-  If, 

202 

2 

Si  ptember    

-  1-2 

—    5 

October 

l 

1.3 

[20 

4  15 

November     

IV 1 

2  e 

,'s 

21 

December      ...     . 

:;  :  1 

03 

30 

—  14 

For  the  year 

18-2 

113 

1638 

4-35 

(1)  The  sign  in  the  last  column  (+)  signifies  above  the 
average,  and  the  sign  ( — )  below  the  average. 

The  rain  gauge,  which  is  one-thousandth  part 
of  an  acre  in  dimension,  stands  2  feet  above  the 


The  mean  temperature  for  the  whole  year  was 
4S.2  .  which  is  very  little  in  excess  of  the  aver- 
age, although  the  three  last  months  of  the  year 
recorded  an  aggregate  of  7.2°  higher  than  the 
normal. 

The  bright  sunshine  for  the  year  amounted  to 
1.638  hours,  being  35  hours  in  excess  of  the  aver- 
whilsl  last  voir  the  total  sunshine  was  49 
hours  deficient. 

Rothamsted  Crops  of  1908. 

Under  these  climatic  conditions  the  experi- 
mental hay  crop  at  Rothamsted  was,  under  all 
conditions  of  manuring,  less  than  the  average 
yield,  ranging  from  5  to  18  cwt.  of  Hay  deficient, 
and  considerably  below  that  of  1907.  As  a  set- 
off against  the  bulky  crop  of  1907,  which  was 
harvested,  the  crop  of  1908  was  cut  and 
earned  with  very  little  trouble. 

The  produce  of  the  experimental  Wheat  field 
was  somewhat  variable,  about  one-half  of  the 
plots    under   different   man:  gave    above    the 

bile  the  remaining  half  produced 
;i  slightlj  lower  than  average  quantity;  but  the 
quality  as  indicated  by  the  weight  per  bushel 
was  consi  lerably  above  the  average  record,  and 
ranged  from  631b.  to  651b.  per  bushel. 

The  experimental  Barley  crop  was,  under  all 
conditions  of  manuring,  except  that  of  the  farm- 
vanl  manure  plot,  below  the  average  in  yield, 
and  in  some  instances  very  considerably  below, 
while  the  weight  per  bushel  was  higher  than  the 
average. 

The  root  crops  were  variable,  there  being 
some  good  areas  of  Mangolds  and  Swedes  and 
some  very  bad.  The  general  character  of  growth 
was  an  excessive  amount  of  leaf,  which  the  late- 
ness of  the  season  failed  to  ripen  in  sufficient 
time  for  the  lifting. 

Rotatos  on  the  whole  were  a  large  crop,  but 
disease  set  in  very  badly  after  the  tubers  were 
harvested.     /.  /.  Willis,  Harpendm. 


THE    GREENHOUSE. 

This  year  the  late-flowering  Chrysanthemum- 
were  over  a  fortnight  or  three  weeks  earlier  than 
usual.  Flowering  trees  and  shrubs,  including 
Spiraea  prunifolia  flore  pleno,  Spiraea  arguta, 
Prunus  japonica  flore  albo  pleno  (a  double 
white  variety  with  extremely  showy  flowers), 
P.  Persica  var.  magnifica,  P.  pseudo-cerasus, 
Pyrus  floribunda.  Rhododendron  Rosa  Mundi, 
and  Lilacs,  Marie  Legraye  and  Charles 
X.  are  already  in  bloom.  A  few  Azaleas  (Rho- 
dodendron indicum),  which  have  been  forced 
gently,  are  also  in  flower.  The  small-flowered 
varieties  obtusum  (red),  obtusum  album,  illu- 
minator (magenta),  and  the  popular  Deutsche 
Perle  (white)  are  especially  worthy  of  culture. 

Senecio   grandifolius   is  a  tall-growing   plant, 
with  large,  dark  green  leaves,  surmounted  le 
terminal      corymb     of     yellow,      Groundsel-like 
flowers,  a  foot  or  more  in  diameter.     S.   Peta- 
sitis  is  also  in  flower. 

Two  large  specimens  of  the  Chinese  Jas- 
mine, Jasminum  primulinum,  are  amongst  the 
brightest  and  most  interesting  plants  in  the 
house.  The  long,  arching  shoots  are  thickly 
studded  with  semi-double,  Primrose-yellow 
flowers.  The  plants  should  be  grown  in  the 
open,  exposed  to  full  sun  in  summer-time,  and 
every  encouragement  be  given  them  to  secure 
well-ripened  shoots.  When  forced,  they  should 
be  placed  in  a  plant-house  having  a  minimum 
temperature  of  40°  till  January,  as  excessive 
heat  in  early  winter  encourages  the  formation  of 
growth  instead  of  flowers.  A  beautiful  Ai  ai  ia 
at  present  in  bloom  is  A.  longifolia  var.  mag- 
nifica. Richardia  Childsiana  flowers  perpetu- 
ally. 

A  new  introduction  to  gardens  is  Erlangea 
tomentosa,  a  Composite.  The  plants  at  Kew 
were  raised  from  seeds  collected  in  British  East 
Africa  by  Mr.  Diespecker.  The  flowers  are  pale 
heliotrope,  and  resemble  those  of  a  Eupatorium. 
The  plants  are  about  3  feet  high,  and  possess 
silvery-white  leaves.  On  the  side  stages  of  the 
house,  in  addition  to  Cyclamen,  Begonias,  Car- 
nations. &c,  the  following  plants  are  note- 
worthy:— Reinwardtia  trigyna;  Peri-strophe 
sa,  one  of  the  best  Acanthaceous  plants  for 
a  cool  greenhouse,  the  carmine-purple  flowers 
being  freely  produced  for  fully  three  months  ; 
two  species  of  Veltheimia,  South  African  bulb- 
ous plants  producing  numerous  flowers  on 
-  1  foot  or  more  in  height,  are  attractive. 
The  blooms  are  tubular,  pendulous,  and  rosy- 
red  in  colour,  marked  with  yellow.  Begonia 
semperflorens  var.  gigantea  is  one  of  the  freest 
winter-flowering  Begonias ;  B.  manicata  has 
branching  cymes  of  pale  pink  flowers  borne  well 
above  the  handsome  foliage.  Two  good  foliage 
plants  are  Bougainvillea  glabra  variegata  and 
Cordyline  australis  var.  lentiginosa.  The  long, 
narrow  leaves  of  the  latter  plant  are  dark  red 
in  colour.  The  plant  is  especially  suitable  for 
table  decoration. 

Xew  Holland  plants  occupy  a  considerable 
proportion  of  the  staging  in  both  wings  of  the 
house.  The  Epacris  tire  represented  by  some 
two  dozen  varieties,  and  one  or  two  species.  A 
few  of  the  best  species  and  varieties  are  Arden- 
tissima  (rosy  red),  Diadem  (rose),  Kinghornii 
(pink),  E.  hyacinthiflora  (pale  pink),  and  var. 
alba,  rose  perfection  (rich  rose),  E.  imj  i 
(rose),  and  var.  alba,  and  Lady  Panmure  (white 
flushed  pink).  Epacris  are  peat-loving  plants,  but 
may  be  cultivated  with  less  trouble  than  Heaths. 
The  best  of  the  Ericas  in  flower  are  E.  hye- 
malis,  E.  gracilis,  and  var.  nivalis,  E.  mediter- 
ranea  var.  hybrida,  and  E.  melanthera.  A. 
plant  of  Darwinia  (Genetyllis)  Hookeriana  is 
well  furnished  with  inflorescences,  but  only  a 
few  of  the  involucres  are  at  present  expanded. 
The  genus  Eriostemon  is  represented  by  three 
spe  tes,  all  with  white  flowers,  namely,  E. 
affinis,  E.  myoporoides,  and  E.  pulchellus.    D.  D. 


G8 


THE     GARDENERS'    CHRONICLE. 


[January  30,  1909. 


BULBGP.iVlLUM  LEMNISCATOIDES,  ROLFE. 

This  interesting  Bulbophyllum  was  first 
noticed  in  a  group  of  sl^wy  Orchids  staged  by 
Sir  Jeremiah  Colman,  Bart.,  Gatton  Park,  Rei- 
gate.  The  species  was  first  collected  in  Java, 
and,  diffeiing  so  widely  from  the  more  showy 
Orchids,  it  attracted  much  attention.  The  pen- 
dulous raceme  bears  about  20  flowers,  the  con- 
cave sepals  being  very  dark  purple,  with  scat- 


tered white  hairs  on  the  outside.  £  Ich  petal 
bears  a  long,  slender  appendage  of  whitish 
colour  mottled  with  rose,  the  whole  inflorescence 
having  a  tassel-like  appearance.  The  labellum 
is  dark  purple,  the  small  petals  and  column 
whitish.  The  flower  is  of  uncommon  structure, 
but  its  slight  resemblance  to  B.  lemniscatum,  a 
Burmese  species,  figured  in  Bot.  Mag.,  t.  5961, 
was  sufficient  to  suggest  a  name  for  the  species. 


8a  *t 


FlG.    38. — BULBOPHYLLUM    LEMNISC.VTOIDES. 


u 


EXPERIMENTS  ON  THE  VALUE  OF  NITRO- 
BACTERIA. 

In  th^  interesting  comments  in  the  Gardeners' 
Chronicle  of  January  9  and  16,  upon  the  experi- 
ments carried  out  at  the  Royal  Horticultural  So- 
ciety's Garden  at  Wisley,  upon  the  value  of 
nitro-bacterine  in  garden  soil,  attention  is  par- 
ticularly directed  to  the  remarkable  fact  that,  in 
many  cases,  the  produce  from  the  plots  which 
had  received  inoculated  seeds  was  less  than  that 
from  the  plots  which  had  received  uninoculated 
seeds,  but  which  had  otherwise  been  similarly 
treated. 

It  should  be  pointed  out  that  an  error  has 
crept  into  one  of  the  paragraphs  in  the  sum- 
mary of  the  report  bearing  upon  this  point. 
The  error  makes  the  difference  appear  ma- 
terially greater  than  it  actually  was.  The 
3'ield  from  the  whole  of  the  plots  receiving  in- 
oculated seed  was  493  lbs.  (not  450  lbs.),  while 
the  total  from  the  plots  in  which  uninoculated 
seed  was  sown  was  515  lbs.  The  uninoculated 
seed,  therefore,  gave  a  crop  4  per  cent,  (not  14 
per  cent.)  heavier  than  the  inoculated.  Th; 
weights  are  correctly  given  in  the  body  of  the 
report,  but  the  error  appears  in  the  "  Summary," 
from  which  quotations  are  made. 

Perhaps  the  most  remarkable  pa*t  of  the  re- 
sult, however,  lies  in  the  fact  that  31  rows  out  of 
the  48  which  were  sown  with  inoculated  seed 
gave  a  smaller  crop  than  the  corresponding  rows 
sown  with  uninoculated  seed.  It  is  suggested 
that  it  would  be  interesting  to  see  how  far  and  in 
what  direction  the  average  yield  of  the  plants 
which  had  been  inoculated  varied  from  that  of 
the  uninoculated.  The  details  concerning  this 
point  are  already  in  the  press,  and  will  appear  in 
the  Journal  of  the  Society  shortly  to  be  issued, 
along  with  some  other  details  bearing  upon  tie 
use  of  nitro-bacterine. 

Unfortunately,  the  figures  relating  to  tto 
numbers  of  plants  in  the  rows  of  two 
or  the  varieties  were  accidentally  lost ;  but 
we  have  those  relating  to  the  other  two 
varieties  used  in  48  rows,  the  seed  in  24 
of  which  was  inoculated,  and  in  24  not. 
For  details  as  to  the  number  of  plants  in  the 
separate  rows,  reference  may  be  made  to  the 
forthcoming  report,  but  the  main  results  may 
here  be  noted.  In  six  rows  of  Ne  Plus  Ultra,  in 
cultivated  ground,  grown  from  uninoculated 
seed,  there  were  353  plants  which  bore  fruit, 
yielding,  on  an  average,  98.7  grammes  of  pods. 
In  the  corresponding  six  rows,  which  were  grown 
fiom  inoculated  seed,  there  were  384  plants, 
which  yielded  an  average  of  89.2  grammes  of 
pods.  Thus  the  average  yield  of  the  inoculated 
plants  was  10  per  cent,  below  that  of  the  uninocu. 
lated,  and  four  out  of  the  six  rows  showed  a  de- 
crease. In  the  six,  uninoculated  rows  of  the 
variety  Maincrop,  on  the  same  soil,  there  were 
266  plants,  which  bore  an  average  of  110.5 
grammes,  and  in  the  corresponding,  inoculated 
rows,  240  plants,  giving  an  average  of  103.9 
grammes.  Here,  again,  there  is  a  diminished 
average  yield  of  6  per  cent,  from  the  inoculated 
plants,  and  four  out  of  the  six  rows  showed  a  de- 
crease. On  the  fallow  ground,  six,  uninoculated 
rows  of  Ne  Plus  Ultra  contained  297  plants, 
giving  an  average  of  82.5  grammes  to  the  plant, 
and  the  six  corresponding,  inoculated  rows  con- 
tained 291  plants,  and  gave  an  average  of  80.8 
grammes.  In  this  case  there  was  a  diminished, 
average  yield  of  3  per  cent,  from  the  inoculated 
plants,  and  four  out  of  the  six  rows  showed  a 
lower  average  than  the  uninoculated. 

The  six,  uninoculated  rows  of  Maincrop,  on 
the  same  soil,  contained  266  .plants,  which  gave 
an  average  of  52.5  grammes  ;  while  the  inoculated 
rows  contained  204  plants,  and  gave  an  average 
of  61.7  grammes  to  the  plant.  In  this  variety, 
therefore,  there  was  an  average  increase  ol  17 
per  cent,  from  the  inoculated  plants,  but  only 
th_';e  out  of  the  six  rows  showed  an  increase. 

In  all,  out  of  24  rows  of  inoculated  seed,  on'y 
seven  produced  a  greater  average  yield  thin  the 


January  30,  19C9.] 


THE     GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


69 


:orresponding  uninoculated  rows,  and  there  was 
Dne  giving  an  equal  yield. 

Like  many  other  expeiiments  of  this  nature, 
this  has  suggested  the  desirability  of  further  In- 
vestigation. The  results  obtained  are  far  from 
showing  that  the  decreased  yield  in  these  many 
cases  is  actually  due  to  the  inoculation  with 
nitro-bacterine  ;  but  the  results  given  in  the  re- 
port certainly  suggest  the  question  whether  cer- 
tain races  of  Pseudomonas  radicicola  may  not 
induce  a  smaller  yield  than  that  obtained  when 
the  races  of  Pseudomonas  native  to  a  par- 
ticular soil  are  present  therein,  and  the  results 
outlined  above  emphasise  this  question,  and,  at 
the  same  time,  give  a  very  interesting  corrobora- 
tion of  the  results,  upon  which  the  conclusion 
that  "  the  inoculation  of  leguminous  crops  with 
nitro-bacterine  in  ordinary  garden  soil  is  not 
likely  to  prove  beneficial "  was  primarily  based. 

Finally,  it  should  be  emphasised  that  the  ex- 
periment and  the  conclusion  refer  only  to  ordin- 
ary garden  soil,  and  do  not  in  any  way  show 
what  may  or  may  not  be  the  result  of  using  nitro- 
bacterine  on  newly-reclaimed  land  when  such  is 
brought  under  cultivation  by  means  of  legu- 
minous crops.  Fred.  J.  Chittenden,  F.L.S., 
Director  R.H.S.  Laboratory,  Wisley. 


PINUS  PINASTER. 

I  have  recently  seen  this  remarkable  tree  in 
the  Medoc  country,  where  it  is  extensively 
planted  for  the  purpose  of  holding  in  position 
the  enormous  sand  dunes.  By  means  of  its  long  tap 
root  it  gets  an  effective  hold  upon  the  ground, 
and  it  is  of  value  from  the  seedling  stage  until  it 
is  cut  down  for  timber.  The  tree  is  of  very  rapid 
growth,  but,  in  consequence  of  the  soft  character 
and  coarse  grain,  its  timber  is  of  little  value  for 
carpentiy,  although  it  is  used  largely  for  rough 
beams  and  supports.  It  is  exported  from  Bor- 
deaux to  Britain  for  use  in  mines  and  tunnels. 
The  wood  is  used  for  fuel,  sometimes  for  pav- 
ing, and  petrol  and  vinegar  are  extracted 
from    it. 

The  most  valuable  product  is  resin.  The 
young  trees  are  allowed  to  attain  a  height  of  18 
or  20  feet  before  being  tapped.  In  this  opera- 
tion a  portion  of  the  bark  is  planed  from,  the 
ground  upwards,  leaving  a  thickness  of  about 
a  \  inch  on  the  wood  ;  a  hollow  is  then  made 
at  the  base  by  cutting  into  the  wood,  and  in  the 
hollow  space  thus  carved  out  an  earthenware 
pot  placed  to  receive  the  resin.  The  pot  is  sup- 
ported on  a  nail,  and  is  held  in  position  above 
by  a  strip  of  zinc  fixed  in  a  carved  cut.  The 
zinc  strip  serves  the  further  purpose  of  guiding 
the  resin  into  the  pot.  The  flow  of  resin 
lasts  for  about  eight  days,  when  the  hollow  is 
extended  upwards  by  a  further  cutting  in  the 
form  of  a  groove,  and  more  resin  is  obtained. 
When  the  groove  has  been  cut  for  about  3  feet 
up  the  tree  the  pot  is  moved  and  fixed  again  at 
that  height,  and  every  eight  days  the  cutting  is 
continued  further  up  until  a  height  of  10  or  15 
feet  is  reached ;  the  pot  is  afterwards  moved 
upwards  3  feet  at  a  time.  When  the  first  groove 
has  been  exhausted  another  is  commenced  at 
the  base  of  the  tree,  beside  the  old  one,  and  so 
the  process  is  repeated  until  there  are  grooves 
all  round  the  trunk,  to  the  number  of  from 
6  to  16.  The  wood  that  overgrows  the  wounds 
thus  made  is,  in  course  of  time,  treated  in  a 
similar  manner.  The  operation  of  tapping  is 
performed  by  men  who  use  a  large  chopper, 
similar  in  shape  to  the  hammer  used  in  nailing 
fruit  trees,  except  that  a  sharp  edge  takes  the 
place  of  the  claw  used  for  drawing  nails.  The 
collection  of  the  resin  is  always  done  by  women. 
By  means  of  a  large  two-edged  knife,  they 
scrape  out  the  resin  from  the  pots  into  wooden 
buckets,  which  are  emptied  into  large  tubs  sunk 
In  the  ground.  When  these  are  full,  carts  are 
sent  with  barrels  to  receive  the  resin,  and  it  is 
sent  to  Bordeaux  to  be  clarified. 


Another  ind-^-.try  connected  with  the  tree  is 
the  collection  of  its  seeds.  In  former  times 
the  seeds  may  have  been  extracted  by  putting 
the  cones  in  hot  water,  but  now  they  are  ob- 
tained by  placing  the  cones  in  the  sun.  They 
are  arranged  upright  in  immense  'beds,  and 
when  the  scales  open  they  are  brought  to  a 
framework  of  hurdle-like  construction,  upon 
which  a  man  rakes  them  backwards  and  for- 
wards, when  the  seeds  fall  on  a  sheet  beneath. 
They  are  collected  in  sacks,  and  a  sachful  is 
said  to  be  worth  100  francs.  As  soon  as  the 
young  trees  have  attained  a  few  feet  in  height 
they  are  thinned  out  and,  of  the  thinnings, 
those  that  are  large  enough  are  made  into  broom 
handles  or  used  for  fuel  by  the  bakers.  The 
branches  are  used  for  the  support  of  Peas, 
Beans,  and  for  similar  purposes. 

On  the  coast  the  trees  are  always  more  or  less 
bent,  and  isolated  trees,  owing  to  the  deficiency 
of  lateral  roots,  are  inclined  at  an  angle  of  about 
30°  to  the  ground.  Pinus  pinaster  is  a  hand- 
some tree  with  rugged  bark  and  fine,  dark- 
green  foliage.    In  spring  its  beauty  is  greatly  en- 


la&japfcr 


[Photograph  bv  R.  Stewart  Lynch.. 

Fig.  39.— tapping  pinus  pinaster  for  resin. 

hanced  by  the  contrasting  golden  flowers 
produced  by  a  Genista  and  Gorse  which 
grow  on  the  open  spaces.  The  French  call  this 
tree  Pin  de  Bordeaux  or  Pin  maritime.  The 
English  name,  Cluster  Pine,  and  the  botanical 
name,  Pinaster,  are  both  justified  by  the  fine 
development  of  cones.  They  are  of  yellowish- 
brown  or  fawn  colour,  and  grow  in  large  dense 
clusters  around  tb.2  base  of  the  current  year's 
growth,  spreading  like  the  rays  of  a  star,  hence 
Pinaster. 

In  England,  Pinus  pinaster  makes  a  fine  orna- 
mental tree  of  pyramidal  shape,  80  to  90  feet 
high,  and  should  be  planted  wherever  it  is  likely 
to  succeed.  It  thrives  well  as  a  rule,  though 
it  is  said  not  to  flourish  much  above  sea  level. 
In  exposed  positions  its  top  may  sometimes  be 
broken.  The  seeds  must  be  sown  on  the  site 
in  which  the  trees  are  to  grow,  or  seed- 
lings must  be  prepared  for  moving  by  trans- 
planting them  when  one  year  old.  The 
young     trees      in      England   often      require     a 


stake  to  keep  them  upright  for  the  same  reason 
as  that  which  causes  the  trees  on  the  coast 
of  France  to  be  so  conspicuously  inclined. 
Loudon  records  a  tree  at  Croome  70  years 
old  and  90  feet  high.  In  the  Cambridge 
Botanic  Garden  the  growth  of  a  young  tree  ia 
about  2  feet  per  annum.  No  other  Pine  has 
become  so  widely  distributed  over  the  world. 
It  is  thriving  at  the  Cape,  and  is  spreading  spon- 
taneously in  the  neighbourhood  of  Cape  Town. 
It  is  common  in  parts  of  Australia  and  New 
Zealand,  and  is  found  in  China,  Japan  and 
Northern  India,  being  reintroduced  to  Europe 
under  other  names.  It  is  native  of  south-west 
Europe  and  the  Mediterranean  region.  R. 
Stewart   Lynch,   Paris. 


NOTICES    OF     BOOKS. 


*  Sweet  Peas  and  How  to  Grow  Them. 

The  Sweet  Pea  has  been  grown  as  a  garden 
plant  in  this  country  for  generations,  but, 
generally,  until  comparatively  recent  times 
in  a  half-hearted  manner,  as  if  not  worth 
any  particular  attention  on  the  part  of  the 
gardener.  As  a  consequence,  the  flower  re- 
mained pretty  much  as  Father  Cupani  found  it 
in  the  island  of  Sicily  200  years  ago.  Our  author 
traces  its  history  in  this  country  from  1713.  Page 
mentions  in  his  Prodomus,  published  in  1817, 
only  six  varieties,  one  of  them  being  Painted 
Lady,  which  the  present  writer  remembers  to 
have  seen  in  1849.  In  1842  James  Carter,  a 
seedsman,  named  but  six ;  and  in  1860  this 
seedsman  offered  nine  varieties. 

In  1872  there  were  12  in  commerce,  and 
some  of  these  were  given  distinctive  names. 
Greater  advances  were  made  in  1877  by  Mr.  H. 
Eckford,  then  gardener  at  Boreatton  Park,  who 
brought  out  several  varieties  of  much  promise. 
In  1885  Eckford  introduced  Princess  of  Wales 
and  Indigo  King  ;  in  the  next  year  Orange  Prince, 
and  in  the  following  years  many  lovely  varieties 
were  raised.  Mr.  Atlee  Burpee,  an  American 
florist,  has  been  very  successful  as  a  Sweet  Pea 
breeder.  Towards  the  end  of  the  '90's  he  raised 
some  famous  varieties,  viz.,  Golden  Gate,  Maid 
of  Honour,  Aurora,  and  others.  Mr.  Silas  Cole 
has  since  introduced  the  fine  Countess  of 
Spencer,  a  flower  with  a  waved  outline  to  the 
standard,  whose  coming  has  profoundly  in- 
fluenced the  Sweet  Pea  world,  for  it  has  proved 
to  be  the  forerunner  of  a  new  and  popular 
section. 

The  chapters  on  cultivation  out-of-doors  afford 
useful  information,  and  the  illustrations  given 
are  helpful.  Stopping  and  thinning  the  plants 
are  properly  insisted  upon.  The  reader  is 
shown  how  he  should  proceed  in  transplanting 
Sweet  Peas  from  pots  to  the  open  ground  ;  how 
to  sow  the  seed  in  drills,  and  to  earth-up  the 
young  plants.  In  the  directions  for  gathering 
the  blooms  it  is  recommended  that  the  stalks 
should  be  pulled  out  at  their  junction  with  the 
stem,  and  not  broken  off  or  cut  with  scissors  or 
knife.  Among  the  waved  varieties,  many 
"rogues"  arise  for  no  apparent  reason;  whilst 
among  plain  standard  varieties  "rogues"  are 
few. 

Fortunately,  Sweet  Pea  cultivators  have  not 
many  diseases  to  contend  with,  but  some  are 
sure  to  come  in  time  if  too  liberal  treat- 
ment is  afforded.  We  have  already  the 
so-called  "  streak  disease,"  also  a  fungus 
that  carries  off  the  young  plants,  viz., 
Brachysporium  pisi,  and  a  mildew  (Erysiphe 
polygoni),  which  is  developed  by  damp  weather 
following  bright  days.  Then  there  lurks  danger 
in  Penenospora  trifoiiolarum,  which  makes  yel- 
low blotches  on  the  leaves ;  and  the  "  Spot " 
fungus  (Ascochyta  pisi),  which  attacks  the  pods, 
and  occasionally  the  leaves  and  stems.  The  reader 
will  find  a  description  of  the  methods  of  com- 
bating  these  foes  in  the  last  chapter  of  the  book. 

*  Sweet  Peas  and  How  to  Grow  Them,  by  H.  H.  Thomas. 
Published  by  Messrs.  Casseil  &  Co.,  Ltd. 


THE     GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


[January  30,  1909. 


The  Week's  Work. 


FRUITS  UNDER  GLASS. 

By  E.  Harriss,  Fruit  Foreman,  Royal  Gardens,  Fro<,'more. 
Figs. — The  earliest  Fig  trees  in  pots  will  soon 
require  more  liberal  treatment.  Liquid  manure 
may  be  given  at  every  alternate  watering,  and 
au  occasional  sprinkling  of  some  approved  fer- 
tiliser may  be  made.  Be  careful  not  to  over- 
heat the  water  pipes  at  night.  Forcing  must 
only  be  done  during  the  day-time,  taking  full 
advantage  of  the  sunshine  and  closing  the  house 
early  in  the  afternoons.  Syringe  the  trses  twice 
a  day  and  damp  the  paths  and  other  available 
spaces  as  often  as  necessary.  Fig  trees  are  very 
subject  to  attacks  from  red  spider,  and  if  this 
pest  is  not  detected  and  checked  it  is  capable  of 
doing  irreparable  damage  to  both  foliage  and 
fruit  in  a  very  short  time.  The  best  way  to 
treat  it  is  to  sponge  the  leaves  with  a  weak 
solution  of  soft  soap  and  sulphur.  Stop  the 
shoots  at  the  third  or  fourth  leaf,  removing  any- 
weak  and  unfruitful  shoots  whose  retention 
would  merely  tend  to  crowd  the  tree.  The  atmo- 
spheric temperature  at  night  should  not  exceed 
00°  unless  the  weather  is  very  mild,  but  during 
the  day  the  temperature  may  be  allowed  to  rise 
to  85°  provided  the  top  ventilators  are  partly 
open.  Permanent  trees  which  will  fruit  in  suc- 
cession to  those  grown  in  pots  should  be  started 
into  growth  earlier  or  later  according  to  the 
season  at  which  it  is  desirable  the  crops  should 
ripen.  Nevertheless,  it  is  advisable  to  start 
pretty  early  that  the  forcing  may  be  done 
gradually.  Assuming  the  trees  are  planted  in 
well-drained  inside  borders,  they  will  need  fre- 
quent waterings.  Trees  that  are  well  established 
will  require  manure  water  applied  in  a  tepid  state. 
Let  the  trees  be  given  a  thorough  syringing  moi  - 
ing  and  afternoon  in  fine  weather,  and  the  paths 
and  other  surfaces  frequently  damped.  Admit 
plenty  of  air  in  the  torenoon  when  the  weather 
is  favourable.  Stop  the  shoots  at  the  fourth  or 
fifth  leaf  and  remove  any  weakly  growths  or 
suckers.  If  any  Fig  trees  have  vet  to  be  planted 
the  work  should  be  pushed  forward.  It  is 
essential  that  ample  drainage  should  be  provided 
for  new  borders,  and  the  drainage  material 
should  be  placed  on  a  concrete  floor  in  order 
that  the  roots  may  be  prevented  from  penetrating 
into  the  subsoil.  The  borders  should  be  re- 
stricted to  a  moderate  width  and  be  given  a 
depth  of  2  feet  6  inches  or  3  feet,  which  will  in- 
clude 6  inches  of  drainage  material.  S<  lei  I 
some  good  loam  and  mix  with  it  plenty  of  old 
broken  brickbats,  lime  rubble,  or  wood  ashes. 
Make  up  the  border-,  in  layers  and  see  that  each 
layer  is  made  firm. 


THE    ORCHID    HOUSES. 

By  W.  H.  White,  Orchid  Grower  to  Sir  Trevor  Lawrence, 
Bart.,  Burford,  Surrey. 

/jraziliin  Millonias. — Examine  such  Miltonias 
as  M.  spectabilis,  M.  Moreliana,  M.  Peetersiana, 
M.  virginalisj  M.  Bluntii,  and  M.  Ii.  Lubbersiana. 
If  any  of  the  plants  are  in  need  of  more  root  room, 
it  should  be  given  at  once.  It  is  important  that 
the  new  roots  shall  not  be  injured,  therefore 
the  plants  should  be  repotted  before  they  com- 
mence to  push  out,  so  that,  immediately  on  start- 
ing, they  may  penetrate  into  the  fresh  compost. 
The  plants  extend  themselves  rapidly  in  every 
direction,  and,  therefore,  they  require  consider- 
able space  for  rooting  purposes.  They  succeed 
1  i  ~i  in  well-drained  shallow  pans,  in  a  compost 
consisting  of  Osmunda  and  Polypodium  fibres 
in  equal  parts.  These  should  be  chopped  up 
moderately  fine,  mixing  them  together,  and  add- 
ing plenty  of  very  small  crocks.  Make  the  i  om- 
post  quite  firm,  as  the  roots  appear  to  delight  in 
having  a  hard  substance  to  cling  to.  Old  plants 
having  their  leading  growths  well  out  on  the 
edge  of  the  pan  having  become  bare  in  the  centre, 
should  be  divided.  Cut  out  all  the  diseased 
and  useless  pseudo-bulbs  and  dead  roots.  The 
best  pieces,  which  need  consist  only  of  two 
pseudo-bulbs  behind  each  new  growth,  may 
then  be  made  up  afresh  into  neat  and  compact 
specimens.  Those  pieces  which  have  but  few 
re  ts  to  hold  them  steady  must  be  fixed  down 
with  small  wooden  pegs  to  the  compost,  as  they 
seldom  succeed  if  not  made  quite  firm.  The 
■ii  inger-growing  Miltonias,  as  M.  Clowesii,  M. 
Regnellii,  M    Binotii,  M    ste'.lata,  M.  Lamarcki- 


ana,  M.  Veitchii,  M.  Classiana,  M.  flavescens, 
and  M.  Cogniauxa2  are  best  grown  in  pots, 
using  similar  soil.  The  pots  should  be  made 
at  least  two-thirds  full  of  broken  crocks.  Mil- 
tonia  Candida  and  the  rare  variety  grandiflora 
may  be  treated  in  exactly  the  same  way  as  M. 
Clowesii,  but  repotting  should  be  delayed  until 
growth  commences.  The  scarce,  white-lipped  M. 
cuneata  will  soon  be  in  flower,  and  must  not  be 
disturbed  by  repotting  now.  All  these  Miltonias 
grow  very  well  in  a  cool,  shady  part  of  the 
intermediate  house.  During  the  active  season, 
the  plants  should  be  kept  moderately  moist  at 
the  root,  but  when  the  flower-spikes  appear 
afford  water  more  freely.  After  repotting,  it  is 
advisable  to  damp  between  the  pots  at  least  once 
a  day,  or  if  the  position  be  very  dry,  twice 
a  day,  increasing  the  number  of  times  as  the  sea- 
son advances.  A  strict  watch  must  be  kept  on 
the  small  roots  as  they  push  forth,  or  woodlice 
may  eat  at  them.  These  insects  should  be 
trapped  with  small  pieces  of  Potato,  Carrot,  or 
Apple  laid  on  the  plants,  taking  care  to  examine 
the  baits  during  the  evening,  last  thing  at  night, 
and  again  early  in  the  morning.  After  each 
watering  of  the  plants  some  of  these  insects  may 
appear  on  the  surface  of  the  compost ;  they  may 
then  be  caught  easily. 

Epidendrum. — The  rare  E.  erubescens  is  now 
in  flower  at  Burford.  It  is  a  plant  of  scandent 
habit,  and  it  is  useless  to  try  and  make  it  con- 
form to  pot  treatment.  The  grower  must  adopt 
some  plan  so  that  the  roots  fri  im  each  new 
pseudo-bulb  will  have  something  to  root  into. 
A  teak-wood  raft  with  the  rods  about  j  of  an 
inch  apart  answers  the  purpose  admirably.  This 
should  be  made  considerably  longer  than  the 
length  of  the  plant.  First  lay  some  peat  and 
living  Sphagnum-moss  upon  the  raft,  place  the 
plant  on  the  compost,  and  by  means  of  small 
copper  wire  fasten  it  firmly  to  the  woodwork. 
Suspend  the  raft  perpendicularly  in  the  lightest 
position  available  in  the  intermediate  house,  and 
spray  it  frequently  to  induce  the  moss  to  grow. 
The  pseudo-bulbs  delight  to  have  the  moss  grow- 
ing luxuriantly  around  their  base.  The  dwarf- 
growing  E.  polvbulbon  is  also  in  bloom.  It  is 
only  conspicuous  when  bearing  50  or  60  flowers 
open  at  the  same  time.  There  are  two  distinct 
and  good  varieties  of  this  species.  One  has  sepals 
and  petals  of  a  brownish-yellow  colour  and  the 
other  is  greenish-yellow,  but  both  have  pure 
white  labellums.  These  Epidendrums  are  inter- 
mediate-house plants  and  grow  freelv  in  well- 
drained  pans  with  a  mixture  of  fibrous  peat. 
Sphagnum-moss  and  small  crocks. 


PLANTS    UNDER  GLASS. 

By  A.  C.  Bartlett,  Gardener  to  Mrs.  Ford,  Pencarrow, 
Cornwall. 

Pelargoniums. — Varieties  of  the  "show"  sec- 
tion of  Pelargoniums  will  now  make  faster 
growth,  therefore  train  the  shoots  so  as  to  allow 
room  for  development.  This  may  be  done  by 
fixing  a  ring  of  wire  just  below  the  rim  of  the 
pot  and  gently  drawing  the  shoots  towards  the 
wire  with  raffia  lies ;  or  by  placing  a  few  neat, 
stout  stakes  in  the  pots  at  angles  of  45°,  and 
securing  the  shoots  to  them  as  they  grow.  The 
shoots  should  now  be  pinched  on  all  but  the 
late-flowering  plants.  Keep  the  plants  in  a  light 
and  airy  position,  and  fumigate  them  once  a 
foitnight.  The  cuttings  of  Zonal  varieties  in- 
tended for  flowering  in  summer  and  autumn 
which  were  inserted  a  month  ago  are  now  suf- 
ficiently rooted  to  be  potted  singly  into  3-inch 
pots.  A  sandy  loam  with  a  little  leaf-soil  added 
may  be  used  for  these.  Pot  them  firmly,  and 
place  them  in  an  intermediate  house.  When  the 
plant  has  become  established,  pinch  out  the  lead- 
ing shoot. 

Climbing  plants. — As  a  general  rule,  it  is  only 
the  deciduous,  climbing  plants  that  require 
severe  pruning,  most  stove  and  greenhouse 
climbers  being  better  when  the  pruning  is  merely 
restricted  to  thinning-out  weakly  shoots  and 
shortening  the  longer  growths.  Plants  growing 
in  borders  should  have  the  surface  soil  removed, 
after  which  a  top-dressing  of  suitable  soil  to 
which  a  fair  quantity  of  bonemeal  has  been 
added,  should  be  applied.  Natural  manure 
should  not  be  used,  but  small  quantities  of  arti- 
ficial manure  may  be  applied  when  watering  the 
borders.  Boussingaultia  baselloides  is  a  capital 
pillar  and  roof  plant  for  a  cold  house.  If  it  is 
planted  in  a  rich,  loamy  soil  and  given  copious 


waterings  during  the  season  of  growth,  it 
quickly  makes  luxuriant  shoots  20  feet  in  length. 
Individually  the  flowers  are  small ;  but  they  are 
produced  in  pendant  clusters  and  are  very  fra- 
grant. 

Fuchsia. — The  old  plants  may  now  be  pruned 
and  cleaned,  but  do  not  repot  them  until  they 
have  started  into  growth.  For  the  purpose  of 
encouraging  them  to  grow,  place  the  plants  in 
a  warm  house  and  syringe  them  each  day. 
Plants  that  were  rooted  last  autumn  should  be 
kept  steadily  growing,  repotting  them  as  often 
as  necessary.  If  the  side  growths  are  duly 
pinched,  these  plants  will  quickly  make  pyramids 
and  flower  during  the  coming  summer.  Fuchsias 
grown  as  pillar  or  roof  plants  that  have  filled 
their  allotted  space  should  be  severely  pruned, 
treating  them  further  as  advised  for  pot  plants 
until  they  break  into  growth. 


THE    KITCHEN    GARDEN. 

By  E.  Beckett,  Gardener  to  the  Hon.  Vicauv  Gibbs, 
Aldenhani  House,  Elstree,  Hertfordshire. 

Value  of  trenches. — One  of  the  most  satisfac- 
tory methods  of  cultivating  pod-bearing  vege> 
tables  on  light  land  is  to  prepare  good  trenches 
for  them  such  as  are  used  for  Celery,  Leeks  and 
Cardoons.  For  Runner  and  Broad  Beans  or 
Peas  the  trenches  should  be  taken  out  18  inches 
to  2  feet  in  depth  and  15  to  18  inches  in  width. 
The  soil  at  the  bottom  of  the  trenches  should 
be  well  forked  up  and  the  trenches  afterwards 
filled  three-parts  as  follow: — A  liberal  layer  of 
good  farmyard  manure  should  first  be  placed  in 
the  bottom  of  the  trench,  and  the  remaining 
space  may  be  made  up  with  manure  from  an  old 
hot-bed.  Of  all  the  various  materials  used  iii  the 
kitchen  garden  none  is  more  serviceable  for 
most  vegetables  than  a  compost  which  has  done 
service  for  12  months  or  two  years  in  portable 
frames.  Such  a  compost  should  be  made  into  a 
good  heap  out-of-doors  and  allowed  to  remain 
for  a  few  weeks  before  it  is  used,  adding  to  it  a 
little  soot,  lime  rubble,  burnt  garden  refuse, 
and  a  small  quantity  of  bonemeal.  When  the-e 
have  been  mixed  together  they  will  be  found  to 
promote  the  growth  of  almost  every  kind  of 
vegetable.  The  soil  taken  from  the  trenches 
may  be  left  in  an  unbroken  condition,  for  the 
weather  will  break  it  up  much  more  perfectly 
than  can  be  done  by  the  hand.  The  distance  at 
which  the  trenches  should  be  placed  from  each 
other  will  depend  upon  the  average  height  of 
the  crops,  but  in  this  connection  it  may  be  urged 
that  in  most  gardens  Beans  and  Peas  are  riot 
given  the  amount  of  space  they  require.  Rather 
than  place  rows  of  such  tall-growing  plants 
i  losely  together,  I  prefer  to  grow  another  crop 
between  each  pair  of  rows.  Such  a  crop  may 
consist  of  three  or  four  rows  of  Cauliflower  or 
Broccoli.  The  sunlight  will  then  reach  the  Teas 
and  Beans  quite  easily,  birds  will  be  less 
troublesome,  and  heavier  crops  may  be  expected. 

Digging  and  trenching. — Complete  this  work 
as  quickly  as  possible,  it  being  essential  that  the 
soil,  especially  if  it  is  of  a  heavy  nature,  should 
bo  exposed  to  the  action  of  the  weather  during 
March. 

I  etables  in  frames. — Plants  which  were 
raised  last  autumn  and  have  been  wintered 
in  frames,  though  requiring  protection  from 
severe  frost,  must  not  be  coddled.  On  the  con- 
trary, take  the  opportunities  afforded  by  fine 
days  to  remove  the  lights  entirely.  It  is  neces- 
sary that  the  plants  shall  become  thoroughly 
hardened.  On  nights  when  there  appears  no 
fear  of  frosts,  mats  may  be  thrown  over  the 
glass,  but  the  lights  need  not  be  perfectly 
closed.  These  remarks  apply  to  autumn-sown 
Cauliflowers,  Lettuces,  Parsley,  and  suckers  of 
Artichokes. 

Cabbages. — Cabbages,  like  many  other  green 
winter  vegetables,  have  suffered  in  some  locali- 
ties because  the  extremely  mild  weather  in 
autumn  caused  the  plants  to  make  soft  growth. 
If  there  appears  a  likelihood  that  there  may  be 
a  scarcity,  a  small  quantity  of  seed  of  early- 
maturing  varieties  had  better  be  sown  now,  rais- 
ing them  in  a  gentle  heat.  Such  plants  may  be 
expected  to  produce  heads  fit  for  use  early  in  the 
spring. 

Parsley. — Seeds  should  be  sown  very  thinly  in 
boxes,  raising  them  in  a  gentle  heat.  If  Pars- 
1'  ■  seeds  are  sown  too  thickly  they  are  almost 
certain  to  damp  off  at  the  collar. 


Jam  akv  3D,   1909] 


THE     GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


71 


THE  HARDY  FRUIT  GARDEN. 

By  J.  G.  Weston,  Gardener  lo  H.  J.  King,  Esq.,  Eastwell 
Park,  [Cent. 

Winter  straying. — Assuming  that  all  the  fruit 
trees  and  bushes  have  now  been  pruned,  advan- 
tage should  be  taken  of  a  calm  day  to  spray  them 
with  an  alkali  wash.  A  concentrated  wash  of 
this  description  is  sold  by  nurserymen  and  sun- 
driesmen,  and  I  strongly  recommend  it  as  being 
convenient  in  its  application  and  effective  in  its 
result.  Not  only  does  an  annual  spraying  of 
this  nature  keep  the  trees  perfectly  free  from 
lichen  and  fungal  diseases,  but  it  also  destroys  a 
great  number  of  insect  pests.  A  knapsack  sprayer 
is  a  suitable  means  for  applying  a  spray  in  a 
small  garden  or  in  the  case  of  isolated  trees, 
but  if  a  large  number  of  wall  or  other  fruit  trees 
have  to  besprayed,  then  one  of  the  larger  ma- 
i  nines  now  on  the  market  will  be  more 
economical.  Care  must  be  taken  to  see  that  the 
spray  reaches  every  part  of  the  tree  and  also  any 
vacant  spaces  on  the  walls,  for  on  such  walls 
there  may  be  crevices  containing  insect  pests.    In 

ises  where  the  trees  have  been  neglected  in 
this  matter  in  past  years  a  second  application 
may  be  necessary,  and  it  should  be  carried  out 
just  before  the  flower-buds  expand.  In  the  mix- 
ing and  application  of  such  caustic  spray-fluids 
it  is  necessary  for  the  operator  to  wear  rubber 
gloves  as  a  protection  to  the  hands. 

American  blight. — If  American  blight  or  woolly 
aphis  is  prevalent  more  severe  measures  will 
have  to  be  undertaken.  I  have  cleared  this  pest 
fiom  badly-attacked  trees  by  the  application  of 
undiluted  paraffin,  which  was  worked  into  the 
infested  parts  by  means  of  a  painter's  small 
brush.  This  treatment  must  be  applied  now, 
whilst  the  trees  are  perfectly  dormant.  The 
stems  and  main  branches  may  be  treated  with 
a  strong  solution  of  Gishurst's  compound, 
applied  by  means  of  a  scrubbing  brush. 

Protection  of  fruit  trees. — In  districts  where 
past  experience  has  proved  the  usefulness  of 
piotection  against  spring  lrosts  it  will  be  wise 
to  see  that  everything  is  in  readiness  that  the 
protection  may  be  applied  at  any  time  at  short 
notice.  Apricots  are  the  first  to  need  such  pro- 
tection. Already  the  flower-buds  are  beginning 
to  assume  an  appearance  of  plumpness.  Tiffany 
or  canvas  fitted  on  roller  blinds  provide  the  best 
means  of  shading,  as  the  cultivator  can  easily 
remove  them  up  and  down  as  circumstances  re- 
quire. Permanent  coverings  of  thick  material 
usually  cause  more  harm  than  good. 


of  Lobelia  in  moderate  heat  will  soon  produi  . 
growths  suitable  for  cuttings.  These  should  be 
taken  off  when  2  inches  long  and  put  into  pans 
filled  with  light  soil,  covered  with  half  an  inch 
deep  of  fine  sand.  As  soon  as  the  cuttings  have 
rooted  they  should  be  moved  into  a  house  or 
frame  somewhat  cooler.  A  little  later  they  may 
be  put  into  boxes  or  potted  up  singly.  The 
double-flowering  variety  Kathleen  Mallard  suc- 
ceeds well  out-of-doors. 

.Seed-sowing. — Prepare  some  fine  soil  as  ad- 
vised in  a  previous  Calendar  and  sow  seeds  of 
the  Hollyhock  in  pots  *or  pans.  This  grand 
border  plant  can  be  grown  as  an  annual  if  the 
seed  is  sown  sufficiently  early.  Under  such 
cultivation  the  plants  are  not  so  liable  to  become 
attacked  by  the  fungus,  Puccinia  malvacearun. 
Petunias  and  Verbenas  should  be  sown  during 
the  next  week  or  two  and  the  trays  or  seed-pans 
placed  in  a  temperature  of  about  60°.  Seeds  of 
tuberous-rooted  Begonias,  if  sown  now,  will 
produce  plants  large  enough  to  flower  well  late 
in  autumn.  Begonia  seed  is  very  small,  and  the 
packets  should  not  be  opened  until  the  pots  have 
been  filled  with  soil.  It  is  necessary  to  use  a 
lens  in  order  to  see  that  the  seed  is  evenly  dis- 
tributed over  the  soil.  Place  a  piece  of  glass 
over  the  seeds  and  keep  them  moist  and  shaded, 
but  not  dark.  The  temperature  should  be  about 
65°.  It  is  a  good  plan  to  soak  Canna  seeds  in 
water  for  24  hours  before  sowing  them.  Seeds 
of  Marguerite  Carnations  may  be  sown  at  the 
present  time  and  again  towards  the  end  of  Feb- 
ruary. The  plants  will  generally  flower  when 
they  are  six  months  old. 

Lawns. — Prepare  some  fine  soil  and  add  to  it  a 
mixture  of  soot  and  bonemeal  or  a  special  lawn, 
grass  manure.  \\  hen  an  opportunity  offers  give 
the  tennis  court  and  any  other  part  of  the  lawn 
a  good  sprinkling  with  this  compost.  When  the 
mixture  has  become  overgrown  by  the  Grasses 
the  lawns  must  be  swept  and  rolled  at  frequent 
intervals. 

THE    APIARY. 


Hive  making  (continued). — In  continuation  of 
my  note  on  this  subject  (see  p.  23i,  I  will  now 
deal  with  the  up]  hive  proper.     In 

fig.  40  is  represented  a  sectional  plan  of  a  hive. 
A  is  the  body  box  or  brood  chamber,  which, 
with   its  porch   (F),   is  placed   on  the   floor   (B). 


THE  FLOWER  GARDEN. 

By  \Y.  A.  Cook,  Gardener  to  Sir  Edmund  G.  Loder,  Bait., 
Leonardslee,  Sussex. 

Bulbs. — Many  bulbs  are  already  commencing 
to  show  their  shoots  through  the  soil,  and  these 
may  require  to  be  protected  from  mice  and  birds. 
These  remarks  apply  also  to  Primroses  and 
Polyanthus.  The  charming  varieties  Miss 
Massey  and  Sparkler  attract  sparrows  very  early 
in  the  season. 

'Rhododendrons,  (Azaleas). — Azaleas  may  be 
planted  at  the  present  time.  The  soil  needs 
deep  digging,  not  so  much  for  the  purpose  of 
allowing  the  roots  to  descend  to  that  depth  as  to 
permit  of  moisture  coming  from  below.  There- 
fore the  soil  should  be  dug  two  spits  deep  and 
the  top  spit  kept  at  the  surface.  In  some  cases  it 
may  be  necessary  to  add  sand,  peat,  and  leaf- 
mould,  but  where  the  staple  is  sandy  loam  very 
little  else  is  needed,  though  it  may  be  advan- 
tageous to  put  a  little  leaf-mould  around  the 
roots.  Shake  a  considerable  portion  of  the  soil 
away  from  the  roots  of  the  plants  and  plant 
them  somewhat  shallowly  but  firmly.  In 
large  beds  of  deciduous  Azaleas  the  plants 
should  be  interspersed  with  evergreen  shrubs 
such  as  Rhododendron,  Kalmia,  and  Skimmia. 
The  appearance  will  then  be  less  dreary  in  win- 
ter. There  are  numerous  varieties  of  Azalea 
sinensis  (mollis),  and  the  best  of  them  should  be 
selected.  In  addition,  A  amoena  makes  a  fine 
display  and  A.  hedifolia  is  one  of  the  best  for 
flowering  late  in  spring.  A.  Vaseyi  has  flowers 
Varying  from  white  to  flesh  pink  and  makes  very 
fine  specimen  shrubs. 

Bedding  plants. — Zonal  and  other  Pelar- 
goniums that  have  been  wintered  in  boxes  or 
store  pots  should  now  be  potted  up  singly  and 
placed  in  a  light,  warm  position.     Store  plants 


Fig,  40. — sectional  plan  of  a  standard 
bar-fkame  hive. 

A,  the  body-box  or  brood  chamber  ;  B,  floor  ;  C, 
detachable  chamber  or  lift ;  D,  upper  lift  with 
roof;  E  E,  legs:  F,  porch  over  entrance; 
GGGG  G,  draught  excluding  strips  of  wood. 

The  hive  is  raised  on  four  legs,  well  splayed 
apart,  to  furnish  extra  rigidity,  for  if  the  legs 
are  perpendicular  to  the  floor  the  hive  will  most 
likelv  be  blown  over  during  boisterous  weather. 
The  floor  and  the  alighting-board  have  already 
been  described.  The  1st  floor  is  the  lift  (C). 
This  is  the  same  length  and  breadth  as  the  brood 
chamber,  but  only  5  or  6  inches  deep.  Two,  at 
least,  of  these  lifts  will  be  necessary  when  the 
bees  are  busy  storing  honey.  D  is  the  roof, 
which  must  be  made  perfectly  water-tight,  and 
to  secure  this  it  is  necessary  to  cover  it  with 
sheet  tin,  or  to  paint  it  thickly.  Should  paint  be 
used,  a  piece  of  calico  should  be  stretched  on 
and  tacked  down  securely  while  the  paint  is  wet. 
The  calico  itself  should  also  receive  a  coating  of 
paint.  The  parts  lettered  G  represent  strips  of 
wood  nailed  over  the  joints  to  make  the  hive 
water-tight  and  to  keep  out  draughts. 


PUBLIC   PARKS   AND   GARDENS. 

By  J.  W.  Moorman,  Superintendent  of  Victoria  Park, 
London. 

Deciduous  flowering  trees  and  shrubs. — These 
include  a  good  selection  for  park  planting.  Of 
the  Magnolias  several  useful  species  may  be  em- 
ployed, including  M.  acuminata,  M.  conspicua, 
M.c.  var.  Lennei  and  the  hybrid  M.  Sou- 
langeana.  The  Tulip-tree  Liriodendron  tulip- 
fera  grows  to  a  large  size,  and  is  attractive  when 
in  bloom.  Laburnums  in  variety  flower  well,  as 
do  also  the  Robinias.  Rhus  glabra  and  R. 
typhina  are  objects  of  interest,  not  the  least  by 
reason  of  their  beautiful  autumn-tinted  foliage. 
Amelanchier  alnifolia  and  A.  canadensis  are 
amongst  the  most  beautiful  of  early-flowering 
trees,  and  these  are  followed  by  the  numeroi 
species  of  Primus  and  Pyrus.  Catalpa  bignoni- 
oides  does  well  as  a  park  tree  and  freely  pro- 
duces both  its  flowers  and  fruit.  The  Sea-Buck- 
thorn (Khamnus)  is  interesting,  because  of  its 
sexes  being  on  separate  plants  ;  the  tree  is  a  beau- 
tiful object,  especially  when  in  berry.  The  Mul- 
berry thrives  and  fruits  in  the  London  parks. 
The  many  varieties  of  Hibiscus  syriacus  are  also 
attractive :  they  form  bushy  plants  that  flower 
freely  each  autumn.  The  various  kinds  of 
Philadelphus  are  all  good  town  trees  and 
flower  well ;  the  Forsythias  are  pleasing  objects 
in  the  early  spring,  when  they  are  covered  with 
their  bright  yellow  blossoms.  In  addition  to 
those  mentioned,  several  species  and  varieties  of 
Viburnum,  Colutea,  Cornus,  Diervilla  and 
Ribes  impart  further  variety.  The  many  beauti- 
ful varieties  of  Lilac  (Syringa)  are  especially 
valuable  for  park  planting,  and  several  of  the 
Elders  are  showy  in  flower  and  foliage. 

Lawns  and  Crass-lands. — In  public  parks  and 
gardens  the  area  of  Grass-land  is  consider- 
able, and  its  proper  maintenance  is  a  matter  of 
importance.  Attention  should  now  be  directed 
to  the  turf,  and  the  bush-harrow  brought  into 
requisition.  In  the  case  of  playing  fields  any 
necessary  renovation  should  have  been  made 
after  the  summer  games  had  ceased,  and 
the  ground  levelled,  the  surface  afterwards 
dressed  with  well-rotted  manure  or  soil  of  a  in  h 
nature.  The  dressing  of  soil  is  especially  valu- 
able if  the  land  is  of  a  light,  sandy  character, 
because  it  will  provide  a  more  durable  surface. 
These  materials  should  now  be  broken  up  and 
dispersed  as  finely  as  possible,  and  one  of  the 
best  means  of  doing  this  is  to  cross  and  rei  ro 
the  plots  with  a  bush-harrow.  This  implement 
is  readily  made  by  interlacing  long,  freshly-cut 
thorn  bushes  into  a  frame  not  unlike  a  large 
open  hurdle.  The  brushing  will  break  and 
scatter  the  particles  evenly  over  the  surface  of 
the  turf  and  freshen  the  Grass.  After  the  brush 
a  heavy  roller  should  follow  to  consolidate  the 
surface.  It  is  only  by  a  constant  and  judicious 
use  of  the  roller,  combined  with  proper  mow- 
ing,  that  a  good  sward  can  be  obtained.  Should 
the  ground  be  soft,  the  horses  to  the 
roller  or  mower  should  be  provided  with  boots. 
Rolling  should  be  done  during  dry  weather. 
It  is  a  struggle  between  wear  and  repair  on  all 
Grass  plots  that  are  much  frequented  by  the 
public,  especially  on  land  that  cannot  be  con- 
veniently closed  for  a  time.  Such  turf  can  only 
be  renovated  by  pricking  up  the  worn  surface 
with  a  fork  and  sowing  seeds  afresh.  In  such 
cases  the  sowing  should  be  done  as  early  in  the 
season  as  possible.  Sometimes  after  turf  has 
been  used  for  a  whole  season  for  football  the 
Grass  is  past  repair  and  must  be  renewed.  The 
ground  should  be  dug  deeply  and  a  suitable 
seed-bed  prepared  by  rolling  and  harrowing. 
A  slight  variation  may  be  made  in  the  variety  of 
Grasses  used,  according  to  circumstances,  but  tin- 
following  may  be  regarded  as  making  a  good  and 
useful  mixture:  Poa  pratensis,  P.  nemoralis,  P. 
trivialis,  Festuca  ovina  tenuifolia,  F.  rubra,  F. 
duriuscula  and  Cynosurus  cristatus.  The  peren- 
nial Rye-grass  may  also  be  included,  but  it  is 
not  so  much  used  as  formerly.  The  Grasses 
named  will  form  turf  of  a  finer  nature  without 
the  Rye-grass.  Poa  nemoralis  is  the  best  Grass, 
for  sowing  in  the  shade  and  under  trees.  A 
little  Clover,  about  lib.  to  each  bushel  of  Gra-s 
seed,  may  be  employed,  but  in  some  parks  objec- 
tion is  taken  to  the  use  of  Clover.  The  suckling 
Clover,  Trifolium  minus,  is  to  be  preferred, 
especially  on  a  light  soil.  Sow  the  seeds  thickly 
in  order  to  obtain  a  close  turf  as  early  as  pos- 
sible. 


72 


THE    GARDENERS'      CHRONICLE. 


[January  30,  1909. 


EDITORIAL    NOTICE. 


ADVERTISEMENTS  should  be  sent  to  the  PUB- 
LISHER,  41,  Wellington  Street,  Covent  Garden, 
W.C. 

Letters  for  Publication,  as  well  as  specimens  o/  plants 
for  naming,  should  be  addressed  to  the  EDITOR, 
41,  Wellington  Street,  Covent  Garden,  London. 
Communications  should  be  written  on  one  side  only  of 
the  paper,  sent  as  early  m  the  week  as  possible  and  duly 
signed  by  the  writer.  If  desired,  the  signature  will  not  be 
printed,  but  kept  as  a  guarantee  of  good  faith. 

Special  Notice  to  Correspondents.— The  Editor  does  not 
undertake  to  pay  for  any  contributions  or  illustrations,  or 
ti  return  unused  communications  or  illustrations,  unless  by 
sjecitl  arrangement.  The  Editor  does  not  hold  himself 
rtsfonuble  for  any  opinions  expressed  by  his  correspoiuitnts. 

Illustrations.  -  The  Editor  will  be  glad  to  receive  andto  select 
photographs  or  drawings,  suitable  for  reproduction,  of 
gardens,  or  of  remarkable  plants,  flowers,  trees,  &c,  but  he 
cannot  be  responsible  for  loss  or  injury. 

Newspapers.—  Correspondents  sending  newspapers  should  be 
carefulto  mark  the  paragraphs  they  wish  the  Editor  to  see. 


Appointments   for  February. 


MONDAY,  FEBRUARY  1.— 

Nat.  Chrysanthemum  Soc.  Annual  meet,  at  Essex  Hall, 
Strand,  at  7  p.m. 

THURSDAY,  FEBRUARY  4—  Linnean  Soc.  meet. 

SATURDAY,  FEBRUARY  6— 

Soc.  Fran?.  d'Hort.  de  Londres  meet. 

MONDAY,  FEBRUARY  8- 

United  Hort.  Ben.  &  Prov.  Soc.  Com.  meet. 

TUESDAY,  FEBRUARY  9— 

Ann.  meet.  Roy.  Hort.  Soc.  (Competitive  Classes  for 
late  dessert  Pears).  Hort.  Club  Ann.  meet,  and  Dinner. 
British  Gard.  Assoc.  Ex.  Council  meet. 

WEDNESDAY,  FEBRUARY  10- 

Perpetualflowering  Carnation  Soc.  Annual  meet,  at 
Hotel  Windsor,  4  p.m.  Croydon  &  District  Hort. 
Soc.  Annual  Dinner. 

THURSDAY.  FEBRUARY  11— 

London  Branch  B.G.A.  lecture  on  Kew  Gardens. 

FRIDAY,  FEBRUARY  12- 

Roy.  Gard.  Orphan  Fund  Ann,  meet,  and  Election  of 
Orphans. 

WEDNESDAY,  FEBRUARY  17- 
Roy.  Meteorological  Soc.  meet. 

THURSDAY,  FEBRUARY  18-Linnean  Soc.  meet. 

TUESDAY,  FEBRUARY  23- 

Roy.  Hort.  Soc.  Coins,  meet.  (Competitive  Classes  for 
late  dessert  Apples.  Lecture  at  3  p.m.  by  Mr.  Arthur 
W.  Sutton,  on  "  A  Camping  Tour  through  Syria  to 
Petra  in  Arabia.")  Surveyors'  Institution  Annual 
Dinner  at  Hotel  Metropole. 


Average  Mean  Temperature  for  the  ensuing  week, 
deduced  from  observations  during  the  last  Fifty  Years 
at  Greenwich — 39"4°. 

Actual  Temperatures: — 

London. — Wednesday,  January  27  (6  p.m.):  Max.  32° ; 
Min.  27". 
Gardeners'  Chronicle  Office,  41,  Wellington  Street, 
Covent  Garden,  London. — Thursday,  January 
28  (10  a.m.):  Bar.  303;  Temp.  34<-  ;  Weather— 
Dense  fog. 

Provinces. —  Wednesday,  January  27  (6  P.M.)  :   Max.  48° 
Co.  Cork;  Min.  27°  Durham. 


SALES    FOR    THE    ENSUING    WEEK. 

MONDAY  AND  FRIDAY— 

Perennials,  Lilies,  Border  Bulbs,  Azaleas,  Ferns,  &c, 
at  12  ;  1,000  Roses  and  Fruit  Trees,  at  1.30  ;  at  67  &  68, 
Cheapside,  E.C.,  by  Protheroe  &  Morris. 

WEDNESDAY— 

Hardy  Border  and  Herbaceous  Plants,  Lilies,  Bulbs 
and  Tubers,  at  12;  Roses  and  Fruit  Trees,  at  1.30; 
Azaleas,  Palms,  and  Plants,  at  5  o'clock;  by  Protheroe 
&  Morris,  at  67  &  68,  Cheapside,  E.C. 

FRIDAY— 

Burmese  Dendrobes,  Pleonies,  and  other  Orchids,  at 
67  &  68,  Cheapside,  E.C,  by  Protheroe  &  Morris, 
at  12.45. 


The  need  for  research  in  horti- 
Muniflcent     culture  has.  been  urged  again 
Bequest  to     an[i   a„ajn    jn   these  columns. 
Horticultural  ° 

Science.        Horticultural   practice   in   this 

country  leads  the  world;  hor- 
ticultural research  lags  behind. 

We  are  glad  therefore  to  be  able  to  an- 
nounce that,  by  the  munificence  of  the  late 
Mr.  John  Innes,  an  opportunity  occurs  for 
the  foundation  of  a  station  for  horticultural 
instruction  and  research  of  which  this 
country  may  be  proud. 

Under   the  terms  of  the  Innes  bequest  a 


Trust  will  administer  a  sum  which  may  not 
be  far  short  of  ,£7io,ooo  a  year,  in  the  in- 
terests of  horticulture.  The  full  details  of 
this  bequest,  which  we  have  just  received 
from  the  Charity  Commission,  are  as 
follow  : — 

In  the  first  place,  a  yearly  sum  of  ^350  out 
of  the  income  of  the  charities  will  be  applied 
by  the  trustees  to  various  charitable  objects. 

An  educational  foundation  is  established, 
by  means  of  which  certain  sums  of  money 
will  be  available  for  the  maintenance  of 
scholarships  at  the  Rutlish  Science  School. 
These  sums  will  be  :  In  the  first  year,  com- 
mencing from  the  date  of  the  scheme,  £64 ; 
in  the  second  year,  ^114;  in  the  third  and 
every  subsequent  year,  ^154.  This  educa- 
tional endowment  will  be  administered  as  a 
separate  foundation  under  the  title  of  the 
Innes  Scholarships. 

The  Merton  Boys'  Club,  in  which  the  late 
Mr.  Innes  was  deeply  interested,  is  to  be 
maintained  by  means  of  a  yearly  sum  of 
£200  paid  to  Mr.  Edward  William  Pillinger, 
of  the  School  House,  Merton. 

A  portion  of  the  grounds  held  with  the 
house  at  Merton,  formerly  known  as  Manor 
Farm,  is  to  be  maintained  as  a  park,  which 
is  to  serve  for  the  recreation  of  the  in- 
habitants of  Merton  and  Morden. 

Subject  to  the  provisions  already  men- 
tioned, the  charity  and  its  endowments  are 
to  be  administered  for  the  purposes  of  an 
institution,  which  is  to  be  called  the  "  John 
Innes  Horticultural  Institution,"  the  ob- 
ject of  which  is  to  be  "  the  promotion  of 
horticultural  instruction,  experiment,  and  re- 
search in  accordance  with  the  scheme." 

The  house  above  referred  to,  together  with 
the  outbuildings  and  appurtenances,  and  a 
portion  not  exceeding  two  acres  of  the  land 
held  therewith,  is  to  be  appropriated  for  the 
purposes  of  the  institution. 

The  charity  is  to  be  administered  by  a  body 
of  trustees,  who,  for  the  purpose  of  advice, 
particularly  on  technical  management,  may 
delegate  to  a  council  such  functions  as  they 
may  determine. 

The  first  trustees  will  be  the  trustees  of 
the  will,  viz.  :— Charles  Clare  Scott,  Middle 
Temple,  London,  Barrister-at-law ;  Frederick 
George  Courthope,  of  Southover,  Lewes; 
William  Ernest  Reid  Innes,  of  Roffey  Park, 
Horsham. 

Among  their  other  functions  the  trustees 
are  to  provide  land  in  the  neighbourhood 
of  Merton  of  sufficient  extent,  with  the  two 
acres  attached  to  the  Manor  Farm  already 
referred  to,  to  establish  a  horticultural  sta- 
tion, and  to  equip  it  efficiently,  including  the 
provision  of  buildings  and  lecture  rooms. 
Further  to  establish  and  equip,  or  assist  in 
such  work,  similar  stations  in  ether  parts  of 
the   country. 

The  council  will  consist  of  twelve  persons — 
three  ex-officio  members  and  nine  representa- 
tive members.  The  ex-ofticio  members  will 
be  the  three  trustees  of  the  charity. 

The  scheme  provides  that  the  representative 
members  shall  be  appointed  as  follow  : 

Two  by  the  L5;iard  of  Agriculture  and 
Fisheries,  one  each  by  the  Royal  Horticul- 
tural Society,  Fruiterers'  Company,  National 
Fruit  Growers'  Federation,  Hebdomadal 
Council  of  the  University  of  Oxford,  Council 
of  the  Senate  of  the  University  of  Cambridge, 
Senate  of  the  University  of  London,  and  the 


Governing  Body  of  the  Imperial  College  of 
Science  and  Technology. 

The  functions  of  the  council  (subject  to  the 
sanction  of  the  trustees)  will  be  : — 

1.  To  establish  and  maintain  the  institu- 
tion for  the  purpose  of  affording  practical  and 
scientific  training  in  horticulture. 

2.  To  carry  out  investigation  and  research, 
particularly  with  fruit  trees,  shrubs,  fruit, 
vegetables  and   flowers. 

3.  To  endeavour  to  improve  existing  varie- 
ties, and  to  create  or  introduce  new  ones. 

4.  To  further,  generally,  the  interests  of 
horticulturists. 

With  the  consent  of  the  trustees,  the  coun- 
cil may  enter  into  arrangements  with  other 
institutions  or  bodies  for  establishing  subsi- 
diary stations  and  for  carrying  on  similar 
work  in  different  parts  of  the  country. 

The  lands  and  monies  available  for  carry- 
ing out  these  projects  are  : — 

1.  The  house  and  grounds  (11  acres)  of 
Manor  Farm,  Merton. 

2.  Premises  at  Merton  known  as  the  Manor 
Club  and   Institute. 

3.  Ordinary  shares  of  £1  each,  fully  paid, 
to  the  value  of  ,£'24,350  in  the  Merton  Park 
Estate  Company. 

4.  Cumulative  preference  shares  of  £1 
each,  fully  paid,  to  the  value  of  ,£"62,650  in 
the  same  company. 

5.  i6,Soo  ordinary  shares  of  £2  10s.  each 
fully  paid  in  the  City  of  London  Real  Pro- 
perty Company,  Limited,  amounting  to 
£■4-', 000. 

6.  5,600  cumulative  preference  shares  of  £,$ 
each   in   the  same   Company,   amounting  to 

^2S,000. 

7.  Consols  to  the  value  of  £65,200  set 
apart  to  provide  for  annuities  bequeathed  by 
the  founder  of  the  charily. 

8.  Accumulated  funds  on  deposit  with 
Messrs.  Barclay  and  Company,  Limited, 
North  Street,  Brighton,    4,000. 

The  gross  yearly  income  from  the  bequest 
amounts,  according  to  the  report  of  the 
Charity  Commission,   to  ,£10,000. 

In  view  of  this  provision,  there  can  be  no 
doubt  that  the  John  Innes  Horticultural  In- 
stitution is  the  most  munificent  private  pro- 
vision ever  made  in  this  country  for  the 
furtherance  of  the  interests  of  horticulture. 

The  need  for  such  an  institution  is 
pressing;  the  money  is  now  available.  From 
this  noble  foundation  there  should  arise  a 
horticultural  university  in  which  research 
occupies  the  first  place  and  the  dissemination 
of  the  results  of  research — that  is,  advanced 
teaching — the  second  place.  If  the  institu- 
tion were  to  become  primarily,  or  mainly,  a 
school  of  elementary  instruction,  it  would  fail 
inevitably  as  a  school  of  research,  and  thus  a 
great  opportunity  would  be  lost.  To  guard 
against  such  a  contingency  must  be  the  first 
and  constant  aim  of  the  council. 


As  we  were  able  to  state  in  our 

Tno  last  issue,  there  were  21  pen- 
Gardeners'  .  ,  .,  . 
Benevolent,  sioners    elected    at    the    annual 

meeting  from  the  list  of  73  ap- 
plicants. It  may  be  pointed  out  that  the 
two  candidates  placed  on  the  funds  at  the 
suggestion  of  the  committee  had  sought 
election   on   several  previous   occasions,   and 


January  30,  1909.] 


THE     GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


73 


their  hopes  of  success  were  poor.  The 
candidate  who  benefits  by  the  generosity  of 
Mr.  Arthur  W.  Sutton  is  totally  incapacitated 
for  work,  although  but  40  years  of  age.  Mr. 
George  Munro,  as  last  year,  contributes  a 
sum  necessary  to  support  one  pensioner,  but 
as  this  pensioner's  name  did  not  appear  on 
the  original  list  it  need  not  be  deducted  there- 
from. After  our  pages  went  to  press,  how- 
ever, it  was  announced  by  Mr.  N.  N.  Sher- 
wood in  a  speech  which  he  made  during  the 
proceedings  which  followed  the  friendly  sup- 
per, that  he  would  contribute  a  sum  neces- 
sary to  support  two  additional  pensioners.  It 
was  understood  that  they  would  be  two  of 
three  candidates  to  whom  Mr.  Yeitch  had 
previously  referred  as  suffering  from 
paralysis  This  year,  therefore,  there  re- 
main 50  disappointed  candidates;  but  it  must 
be  remembered  that  there  were  20  more  appli- 
cants than  on  any  previous  occasion. 

It  may  be  noted  with  satisfaction  that  the 
widow  of  a  gardener  who  had  subscribed  to 
the  institution  for  45  years,  headed  the  poll. 
By  the  beneficent  rule  which  secures  to  a 
subscriber  100  votes  for  every  year's  subscrip- 
tion he  has  paid,  this  candidate  started  with 
4,500  votes  to  her  credit,  or  nearly  1,500  in 
excess  of  the  number  of  votes  obtained  by 
the  second  candidate  on  the  list  <>f  successful 
applicants.  Reference  to  this  matter  is  ap- 
posite, because  a  correspondent  complains 
(see  p.  76)  that,  whilst  many  candidates  who 
had  subscribed  to  the  institution  were  unsuc- 
cessful at  the  election,  several  were  elected 
who  had  never  contributed  to  the  funds.  The 
present  system  certainly  glvi  s  subscribers  an 
advantage  over  non-subscribers.  If  the  ma- 
jority of  those  who  support  the  institution 
desire  to  make  the  conditions  yet  more 
favourable  to  subscribers,  they  must  do  so 
by  changing  the  character  of  the  charity. 
If  non-subscribing  candidates  were  to  be 
entirely  excluded  it  would  become  a  benefit 
society  rather  than  a  benevolent  institution. 
It  must  be  borne  in  mind  that  only  a  very 
small  portion  of  the  fund  is  contributed  by 
those  who  are  ever  likely  to  receive  allow- 
ances :  the  main  part  of  the  income  is  de- 
rived from  gifts  that  are  purely  charitable. 
In  a  benefit  society  this  is  not  the  case.  At 
the  annual  meetings  frequent  references  have 
been  made  to  this  aspect  of  the  institution, 
and  there  appears  to  be  a  general  desire  to 
maintain  the  benevolent  character,  which  has 
been  a  marked  characteristic  during  the  70 
years  of  its  existence.  In  that  period  a  sum 
of  ^125,000  has  been  distributed,  and  the 
current  disbursements  amount  to  something 
like  ,£4,000  a  year.  There  are  J40  pensioners 
at  present  receiving  allowances.  Then  there 
is  the  Victoria  Era  Fund  from  which  candi- 
dates for  election,  who  have  subscribed  to  the 
institution,  are  given  assistance,  which,  in 
some  cases,  amounts  to  as  much  as  ^12  a 
fear  during  the  time  they  have  to  wait. 
The  Samaritan  Fund  is  available  for  assisting' 
non-subscribing  candidates  previous  to  elec- 
tion, and  for  making  temporary  grants  to 
meet  urgent  cases  for  relief. 

Notwithstanding  the  success  that  has  char- 
acterised the  operations  of  this  institution, 
the  present  position  is  one  which  must  cause 
considerable  anxiety.  It  lias  already  been 
shown  that  the  number  of  disappointed  can- 
didates is  greater  than  ever,  and  some  means 
must  be  sought  by  which  a  larger  number 


of  deserving  cases  may  be  relieved.  It  was 
stated  by  Mr.  Harry  J.  Witch,  whose  efforts 
on  behalf  of  this  institution  are  as  indefatig- 
able as  ever,  that  the  73  candidates  w,  re 
selected  by  the  committee  as  being  most  de- 
serving of  help,  but  that  the  actual  number 
that  applied  was  approximately  100,  which 
certainly  increases  the  gravity  of  the  situa- 
tion. 

There  appeared  to  be  considerable  int. 
at  the  meeting  as  to  the  effects  of  the  Old  Age 
Pi  nsions  Act  upon  the  policy  of  the  insti- 
tution. The  addition  to  Rule  III.  6,  pro- 
posed by  Mr.  White  on  behalf  of  Mr. 
VV.  A.  Bilney,  the  honorary  solicitor,  was 
accepted  by  the  meeting-  after  consider- 
able discussion.  This  addition  to  the  rules 
merely  gives  to  the  committee  power  to 
adjust  the  allowances  to  pensioners  in  such 
a  manner  that  they  will  not  prevent  the  pen- 
sioner from  claiming  a  Government  Old  Age 
Pension.  It  is  obvious  that  the  Government 
scheme  will  not  affect  in  the  least  a  large 
number  of  those  who  apply  to  this  institution 
for  relief.  The  age  limit  in  itself  invalidates  ■> 
large  number  of  the  pensioners,  and  in  this 
connection  it  may  be  stated  that  41  out  of  the 
73  applicants  this  year  are  disqualified  for  this 
reason.  In  some  few  cases  the  private  means 
11I  tlir  applicant  would  be  sufficient  to  render 
him  ineligible  f<  r  the  State  pension.  But 
there  arc  man)  cases  receiving  allowances 
in  which  modifications  may  have  to  be 
made  in  order  that  pensioners  may  take 
full  advantage  of  the  ^13  pt  r  year  ob- 
tainable loin  the  State.  We  will  supp  Se 
a  pensioner  is  over  70  years  of  age,  thus 
conforming  with  the  age  requirement  of  the 
Old  Age  l'i  nsiuns  Act.  Provided  that  such 
a  candidate  or  pensioner  has  no  private 
in;  ans,  this  institution  would  be  all  ,  as 
heretofore,  to  make  an  all  .vance  ol  //-•■>  per 
Mar  without  standing  in  the  way  of  the 
( iovernment  pension.  Indeed,  the  annual  in- 
come of  any  pensioner  might  be  made  up  to, 
say,  ^25  per  year  by  this  institution  granting 
^5.  £'I0>  £"'S.  °r  £2o,  varying  according 
to  the  private  means.  There  are  instances 
in  which  considerable  sums  would  be  saved 
the  institution  by  thus  placing  ever)  pen- 
sioner in  a  position  to  claim  a  State  pi  nsion. 
The  institution  is  hardly  likely  to  con- 
tinue to  grant  an  allowance  that  would  have 
the  effect  of  making  the  income  of  the  pen- 
sioner more  than  ^25  p  r  year.  There  is  a  leel- 
ing  amongst  subscribers  that  when  this  matter 
is  perfectly  adjusted  and  the  most  has  been 
made  of  the  State  pensions,  it  will  be  possible 
tu  assist  a  much  larger  number  of  cases  than 
is  possible  at  present.  This  appears  more 
than  probable.  As  a  subscriber  said  at 
the  meeting,  the  adjustment  is  neces- 
sary, in  order  to  ensure  the  greatest  good 
for  the  greatest  number.  It  was  sub- 
sequently announced  that  the  committee 
would  consider  this  matter  and  after  deter- 
mining a  course  of  action  would  communicate 
the  result  to  the  Press.  In  the  mean- 
time, there  is  not  the  slightest  reason  to 
doubt  but  that  the  committee  will  see  to  it 
thai  irivate  charity  does  not  operate  to  pre- 
vent the  acceptance  of  State  aid.  It  is  to  the 
interest  of  all  concerned  that  there  should  be 
no  overlapping,  and  we  have  every  confi- 
dence there  will  be  none. 

In  connection  with  the  fact  that  Mr.  Lionel 
de    Rothschild    will    preside    at    the    annual 


festival  in  June  next,  it  is  interesting  to  state 
that  already  five  other  members  of  the 
Rothschild  family  have  presided  at  similar 
festival  dinners  in  support  of  the  Gardeners' 
Royal  Benevolent  Institution. 


Our  Supplementary  Illustration  repre- 
sents a  hybrid  Sinningia  named  after  the  late 
Dr.  Maxwell  T.  Masters  by  Mr.  Ernest 
Bexary,  of  Erfurt.  Mr.  Benary,  who  ex- 
hibited plants  at  the  meeting  of  the  Royal  Horti- 
cultural Society  on  July  21,  1908,  states  that 
this  Sinningia  was  raised  from  a  cross  between 
the  garden  Gloxinia  (Sinningia)  and  a  species 
of  Gesneria.  The  flowers  are  rose-coloured, 
drooping,  and  very  freely  pioduced,  whilst  their 
construction  shows  some  trace  at  least  of  the 
influence  of  Gesneria.  The  leaf  petioles  are 
longer  than  in  most  Gloxinias  and  the  roundish 
ovate  leaf-blades  ai'e  of  a  soft,  silky  nature.  The 
Floral  Committee  recommended  the  plant  an 
Award  of  Merit. 

National  Chrysanthemum  Society.— The 

annual  general  meeting  of  this  Society  will  be 
held  at  Essex  Hall,  Essex  Street,  Strand,  W.C., 
on  Monday,  February  1,  at  7  p.m.  The  chair 
v  ill  be  taken  by  the  President,  Sir  Albert 
Roi.lit,  D.C.L.,  LL.D. 

Perpetual  -  flowering  Carnation 
Society. — The  annual  general  meeting  will  be 
held  in  the  Hotel  Windsor,  Victoria  Street, 
London,  SAY.,  on  Wednesday,  February  10,  at 
4  p.m.  The  spring  show  of  the  society  will  be 
held  on  March  24  in  the  Horticultural  Hall, 
Vincent  Square,  Westminster.  Particulars  may 
be  obtained  from  the  Hon.  Secretary,  Hayward 
Mathias,  Lucerne,  Stubbington,  Fareham, 
Hants. 

Horticultural  Club.— The  annual  dinner 
of  this  club  will  take  place  on  Tuesday,  Febru- 
ary 9,  at  6  p.m.,  at  the  Hotel  Windsor,  West- 
minster. Ladies  are  specially  invited.  The 
annual   meeting   will   be   held  at   5.30   p.m. 

Agricultural  Science. — Two  lectures  will 
be  delivered  by  Mr.  A.  D.  Hall,  M.A.,  Direc- 
tor of  the  Rothamsted  Experimental  Station,  at 
the  Royal  Institution  of  Great  Britain,  Albe- 
marle Street,  Piccadilly,  W.  The  first  lecture 
will  be  on  Thursday,  March  11,  and  the  second 
on  Thursday,  March  18,  at  3  p.m.  The  subject 
of  the  first  lecture  is  "  The  Fixation  of  Nitrogen 
by  Bacteria  in  the  Soil,"  and  the  following  is 
the  syllabus  : — The  fixation  of  nitrogen  by  the 
bacteria  associated  with  leguminous  plants. — 
History  and  description. — Attempts  made  to 
utilise  these  bacteria  in  practice ;  inoculation 
of  soil  and  seed. — Preparation  of  pure  cultures. 
— Reasons  for  the  partial  success  obtained. — 
Fixation  of  nitrogen  by  bacteria  living  free  in 
the  soil. — What  part  do  they  play  in  nature? — 
The  origin  of  the  virgin  soils  rich  in  accumu- 
lated nitrogen.  The  subject  of  the  second  lec- 
ture is  "  The  Effect  of  Fertilisers  upon  the 
Texture  and  Reaction  of  the  Soil."  Acid 
;oils  found  in  nature,  their  characteristics. — 
Acid  soils  of  artificial  origin,  due  to  the  con-  . 
tinual  use  of  ammonium  salts  as  fertilisers. — 
Xature  and  cause  of  the  acidity. — How  the 
acidity  brings  about  infertility. — The  part 
played  by  micro-fungi  in  the  soil. — The  injury 
caused  by  nitrate  of  soda  to  the  texture  of  the 
soil. — Deflccculation  of  clay  caused  by  soluble 
alkalis. — Formation  of  sodium  carbonate  from 
sodium  nitrate  by  the  growth  of  plants. — Evi- 
dence for  the  existence  of  sodium  carbonate  in 
the  Rothamsted  soil  receiving  sodium  nitrate, 
and  its  injurious  effect  upon  the  soil. 


74 


THE     GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


[January  30,  1909. 


The  Surveyors'  Institution. — The  secre- 
tary informs  us  that  the  ordinary  meeting,  pre- 
viously announced  for  February  8,  was  held 
on  January  25.  The  annual  dinner  will  take 
place   on   February  23. 

"The  Sweet  Pea  Annual  and  Schedule 
for  1909  •  is  now  ready.  It  may  be  obtained 
by  non-members  for  2s.  post  free,  not  Is.  3d.  as 
hitherto.  The  London  exhibition  will  be  held 
on  July  23,  and  the  provincial  show  at  Saltaire 
on  July  13.  A  new  catalogue  of  Sweet  Pea 
names  and  descriptions  will  be  ready  about  the 
end  of  February  ;  it  will  be  sold  at  6d.  per  copy. 
New  members  joining  the  society  for  1909  will 
receive   a   copy   gratis. 

A  New  "  Plant  Label." — Mr.  C.  E.  West 
sends  us  samples  of  a  new  plant  label  known 
as  the  "  Alu."  The  label  material  is  aluminium, 
and  it  is  claimed  to  be  indestrucible.  By 
means  of  a  narrow  strip  of  the  metal,  known 
as  the  shank,  the  labels  can  be  quickly  attached 
to  the  stem  of  a  plant  without  tying.  The  shank 
also  admits  of  the  label  being  inserted  in  the 
ground. 

Bougainvillea  Cvpheri. — As  a  general  rule 
coloured  illustrations  of  plants  leave  much  to 
desire  on  the  score  both  of  beauty  and  of 
accuracy.  An  exception  to  this  general  rule  is 
the  excellent  plate  of  Bougainvillea  Cypheri  and 
B.  glabra  Sanderiana  issued  in  the  Revue  Horti- 
cole,  No.  1,  January  1,  1909.  The  bracts  of  the 
former  variety  are  larger  and  of  a  somewhat  less 
magenta  colour  than  those  of  the  older,  better- 
known  B.  glabra  Sanderiana.  The  text  accom- 
panying the  plate  does  ample  justice  to  the  sensa- 
tion which  this  latter  variety  created  when  in- 
troduced in  1806.  Unfortunately,  the  newer 
variety,  unlike  B.  g.  Sanderiana,  is  difficult  of 
propagation.  On  this  account  it  has  not  yet  be- 
come so  widely  known  or  grown  as  it  deserves. 

Public  Parks  in  the  German  Empire.— 

The  spending  of  money  in  the  formation,  exten- 
sion, and  improvement  of  public  parks  and  re- 
creation grounds  appears  to  go  hand  in  hand 
with  the  increase  of  wealth  in  Germany.  One 
can  scarcely  scan  German  gardening  journals 
or  ordinary  newspapers  without  becoming  aware 
of  the  intention  of  this  or  that  town  to  lay  out 
an  area  for  a  park  or  public  garden.  We  note 
in  a  recent  number  of  Die  Gartenwelt  that  the 
municipality  of  Stettin  has  decided  to  apportion 
10  millions  of  marks  for  the  acquirement  of  land 
for  such  purposes,  and  for  the  establishment  of 
the  so-called  "  Laubencolonien  " — summer- 
house  gardens.  Of  course  it  is  solely  in  sum- 
n.er  time  in  that  country  that  a  garden  can  be 
enjoyed  at  all,  as  in  the  winter  months  snow  is 
the  rule  rather  than,  as  in  southern  England,  the 
exception.  Tubingen  is  to  have  woods  laid  out 
in  good  landscape  style,  in  combination  with 
certain  areas  planted  with  trees,  and  the  exist- 
ing wood  is  to  be  brought  nearer  to  the  town. 
The  town  of  Rixdorf  will  benefit  to  the  extent  of 
55  hectares,  i.e.,  nearly  140  acres. 

Forcing  Lilacs  in  Dresden. — Our  readers 
are  familiar  with  the  discoveries  of  Johanxsen 
of  the  effects  of  etherisation  on  plants  (Card. 
Chron.,  February  28, 1903,  p.  142).  It  is  interest- 
ing to  learn  from  an  article  translated  by  Mr. 
F.  Ledien  from  Midler's  Deutsche  Gaertner. 
Zeitung,  and  published  in  Le  Monitcur  du 
Jardinier  (ix.  1.  Jan.,  1909),  that  these  discoveries 
are  now  being  applied  commercially  and  that  a 
considerable  industry  in  the  etherisation  of 
Lilacs  for  winter  forcing  has  grown  up  in  Ger- 
many during  recent  years.  The  plants  are 
raised    in    Dresden,    etherised    there,    and    then 


distributed  to  such  distant  regions  as  Austria 
and  Hungary,  where  they  are  forced.  Beside 
etherisation,  the  hot-water  method  is  also  prac- 
tised, but  it  has  the  disadvantage,  in  comparison 
with  the  ether  method,  that  the  plants  gener- 
ally are  useless  for  forcing  a  second  year.  The 
varieties  of  Lilac  used  in  the  ether  treatment 
are,  beside  Marie  Legraye,  Charles  X.,  and 
the  double  varieties  Leon  Simon,  Mine.  Le- 
moine,  and  Mme.  Casimir-Perier.  The  Lilacs 
for  etherisation  are  grafted  on  stocks  of 
Syringa  vulgaris,  grown  for  two  years  in  the 
open,  and  then  potted  in  June.  A  proper  root 
development  is  induced  by  frequent  trans- 
plantations during  the  early  stages.  Batches  of 
plants  are  etherised  weekly  from  the  beginning 
of  November,  in  order  to  provide  cut-flowers. 
Towards  the  end  of  November  larger  numbers 
are  treated  to  meet  the  Christmas  demand  for 
pot-plants.  The  process  of  etherisation  lasts  24 
hours,  the  plants  are  then  put  in  a  dark  cellar 
or  pit  at  a  temperature  of  25°  C.  (=  77°  F.)  for 
a  fortnight.  Then,  the  inflorescences  being  about 
6  inches  long,  the  plants  are  exposed  to  the 
light  in  order  that  the  flowers  may  develop  their 
delicate  tints. 


Old  Gardens  of  Italy. — At  a  recent  meeting 
of  the  Italian  Circle  of  the  Lyceum  Club  Mr. 
Joseph  Cheal,  Crawley,  delivered  a  lecture  on 
the  "  Old  Gardens  of  Italy."  Mr.  Cheat,  said  that 
Roman  generals,  no  doubt,  brought  home  mar- 
vellous tales  of  the  gardens  of  Assyria,  Baby- 
lonia, and  Egypt,  and  that  it  was  probably  these 
accounts  which  fired  the  imagination  of  Lucul- 
lus,  whose  magnificent  garden  at  Naples  is  de- 
scribed by  PoMrEY.  The  Emperor  Hadrian 
early  in  the  second  century  seemed  to  have 
stimulated  the  taste  for  horticulture,  and  Pliny 
the  younger,  about  the  same  time,  not  only  de- 
signed gardens,  but  has  left  descriptions  of  some 
of  the  gardens  of  the  period.  For  several  cen- 
turies during  the  decline  of  the  Roman  power  the 
love  of  gardening  also  declined.  There  was  a  great 
revival  about  the  close  of  the  14th  century.  A 
great  impetus  to  gardening  seemed  to  have  been 
given  by  Lorenzo  de  Medici,  a  friend  of 
Michael  Angelo.  The  Medici  family  had 
much  to  do  with  the  creation  of  the  beautiful 
villas  and  gardens  around  Rome  and  Florence. 


Publications  Received.  —  The  Journal  of 
Agricultural  Science.  Volume  III.,  Part  I. 
(December  1908;)  (Cambridge:  University  Press.) 
Price  5s.     Health  in  the  Orchard.       By  H.  Ben- 

jafield,  M.B.  (Tasmania:  The  Mercury  Office, 
Hobart.)—  Bullettino  della  Societa  Botanica 
Italiana.  (N.  ri  7-8-9.)  (Firenze :  Angiolo 
Pucci,  via  Palazzuolo.  65.)  —  The  Agricultural 
Gazette  of  New  South  Wales.  (December  1908.) 
(Sydney :  W.  A.  Gullick,  Government  Printer.) 
Price  6d. — Beautiful  Flowers  and  How  to  Grow 
Them.  Edited  by  Horace  J.  &  Walter  P.  Wright. 
Part  VII.  (London :  T.  C  &  E.  C.  Jack  ) 
Price  Is.  net—  Missouri  Botanical  Garden,  Six- 
teenth Announcement  Concerning  Garden 
Pupils.  January  1909.  —  U.S.  Department  of 
Agriculture's  Bureau  of  Plant  Industry  : 
Circular  No  17,  containing  index  to  papers  re- 
lating to  plant  industry  subjects  in  the  year-books 
of  the  United  States  Department  of  Agriculture. 
Prepared  by  J.  E.  Rockwell,  Editor  Bureau  of 
Plant  Industry.  Circular  No.  19,  "  The  Decay  of 
Florida  Oranges  while  in  Transit  and  on  the 
Market."  By  Lloyd  S.  Tenny,  assisted  by  G.  W. 
Hosford  and  H.  M.  White.  Circular  No.  20. 
"  An  Electrical  Resistance  Method  for  the  Rapid 
Determination  of  the  Moisture  Contentof  Grain." 
By  Lyman  J.  Briggs.  Circular  No.  21,  "  Farmers' 
Co-operative  Demonstration  Work  in  its  Relation 
to  Rural  Improvement."  By  S.  A.  Knapp. 
Bulletin  No  132.  Seeds  and  Plants  imported 
during  the  period  from  July  1906,  to  December  31, 
1907.  Inventory  No.  13;  Nos.  19,058  to  21,730. 
(Washington:  Government  Printing  Office).— 
Is  Seed  Inoculation  Useless.  From  the  Review 
of  Reviews. 


WHORTLEBERRIES  AND  CRANBERRIES. 

(Continued  from  page  51.) 

Vaccinium  hirsutum. — An  interesting  history 
belongs  to  this  rare  species.  It  inhabits  little- 
frequented  spots  in  the  mountains  of  North 
Carolina,  where  it  was  first  discovered  some  70 
years  ago  by  Mr.  B.  S.  Buckley.  It  was  not  in- 
troduced to  cultivation  at  the  time,  and  was 
lost  sight  of  until  1886.  In  that  year,  Pro- 
fessor Sargent,  whilst  journeying  through  its 
native  region,  made  enquiries  amongst  the  in- 
habitants if  any  of  them  knew  of  a  "  hairy 
Huckleberry."  He  found  at  last  a  man  who 
"had  heard  tell"  of  such  a  plant,  and,  before 
leaving,  offered  a  reward  of  five  dollars  (a  con- 
siderable sum  of  money,  as  he  observes,  in  those 
parts)  to  anyone  who  would  find  and  send  it  to 
him.  The  following  summer  Professor  Sargent 
received  a  box  of  fruits  of  the  true  V.  hirsutum, 
and  afterwards  young  plants  were  sent  to  the 
Arnold  Arboretum.  In  this  way  the  species  be- 
came established  in  cultivation.  It  was  intro- 
duced to  Kew  in  1889,  and  has  flowered  and 
fruited  many  times  since.  It  is  a  low  shrub, 
rarely  more  than  2  feet  high.  In  its  native  home 
it  is  said  to  grow  in  light,  stony  soil,  in  the 
shade  of  large  trees.  The  leaves  are  ovate- 
oblong,  entire,  and  1  to  2  inches  long.  The 
flowers,  which  are  produced  in  short  racemes 
towards  the  end  of  May  or  the  beginning  of 
June,  have  a  cylindrical  corolla,  £  inch  long, 
with  five  small  lobes,  white,  tinged  with  pink. 
The  fruit  is  blue-black,  globose,  and  hairy  ;  it  is 
juicy,  and  has  an  agreeable,  although  not  very 
pronounced,  flavour.  The  distinctive  feature  of 
this  species  is,  of  course,  its  hairiness,  the 
young  wood,  the  lower  surface  of  the  leaves,  the 
flowers  and  the  fruit  being  all  densely  covered 
with  short  hairs. 

V.  intermedium. — The  credit  of  the  originaE 
discovery  of  this  hybrid  Whortleberry  in  Eng- 
land appears  to  belong  to  Mr.  Robt.  Garner,  who 
found  it  in  Maer  Woods,  Staffordshire,  in  1870. 
But  its  existence  in  the  British  flora  does  not 
appear  to  have  been  recorded  until  1886,  when 
it  was  collected  on  Cannock  Chase  in  the  same 
county  by  Professor  Bonney.  It  was  then  made 
the  subject  of  an  article  in  the  2-!t'.i  volume  of 
the  Journal  of  the  Linnean  Society.  the  late 
Mr.  G.  Nicholson  also  found  it  in  the  same- 
locality  in  1888.  Its  patents  are  V.  Vitis-Idaea 
and  V.  Myrtillus,  and  its  characters  are  fairly 
intermediate  between  the  two  species.  On  the 
whole,  it  is  more  suggestive  of  V.  Myrtillus  in 
habit,  but  its  stems  are  not  angular  as  in  that 
species.  It  shows  the  influence  of  V.  Vitis- 
Idaea  in  being  nearly  or  quite  evergreen.  In 
shape,  also,  the  leaves  approximate  those  of  the 
latter  species,  but  they  are  not  dotted  on  the 
under  surface.     The  fruit  is  dark  violet  colour. 

V.  Mortinia. — Growing  on  the  slopes  ol 
Mount  Pichincha,  in  Ecuador,  this  Vaccinium 
affords  one  of  the  few  instances  of  a  shrub,, 
which,  whilst  hardy  enough  to  thrive  out-of- 
doors  in  several  parts  of  England,  occurs  wild 
almost  exactly  on  the  equator.  It  has  flowered 
occasionally  in  the  open  at  Kew,  but  can  onlv 
be  regarded  as  half-hardy  there.  In  Sir  Edmund 
Loder's  garden  at  Leonardslee,  near  Horsham,  it 
appears  to  thrive  to  perfection.  It  is  a  small, 
evergreen  bush,  2  to  3  feet  high,  the  finely- 
pubescent  branches  being  thickly  set  with  small, 
leathery  leaves  (seven  or  eight  to  the  inch). 
The  leaves  are  uniform  in  size  and  shape,  being 
ovate,  pointed,  about  \  inch  long ;  they  are 
toothed  at  the  margin  and  speckled  with  minute 
black  dots  beneath.  The  blossoms  are  borne  in 
numerous,  small,  drooping  racemes  in  the  leaf- 
axils.  The  corolla  is  rosy  pink,  cylindrical,  and 
about  \  inch  long.  The  specific  name  is  derived 
from  "  Mortina,"  a  native  name  for  the  fruits, 
and  one  under  which  they  are  sold  in  the  market 
of  Quito.  The  species  was  originally  introduced 
to  this  country  by  the  Royal  Horticultural 
Society  through  their  collector,  Hartweg. 


Jam  aky  30,  1009.] 


THE     GARDENERS'      CHRONICLE. 


ro 


V.  Mvini.i-us  (Bilberry  or  Whortleberry). 

I  v  ept  the  Heather  (Calluna  vulgaris),  there 
is  no  shrub  more  characteristic  of  British  moors 
and  mountains  than  the  common  Bilberry.  On 
some  of  the  loftiest  summits  of  the  English  and 
Scotch  mountains  one  may  find  this  plant 
dwarfed  almost  out  of  recognition,  but  maintain- 
ing a  sturdy  existence  where  little  else  can  sur- 
vive. In  ordinary  situations  it  grows  from 
6  inches  to  2  feet  high,  with  very  well-marked, 
acutely-angled  stems.  The  leaves  are  from  J  to 
1  inch  long,  ovate,  regularly-toothed,  and  green 
both  above  and  below.  The  flowers  are  pro- 
duced singly  on  the  growth  of  the  current  sea- 
son ;  they  are  pinkish  in  colour  and  wax-like  in 
texture.  The  berries  are  about  the  size  of  Red 
Currants,  but  are  purplish-black.  As  edib'e 
fruits  they  are  the  most  valuable  of  British 
Whortleberries,  being  made  into  jellies,  tarts, 
and  puddings.  A  favourite  way  of  eating  them 
in  some  parts  is  with  new  milk  or  clotted  cream. 
Winged  game  feed  upon  them  freely.  The  Bil- 
berry is  found  plentifully  in  every  county  in  the 
three  kingdoms,  except,  perhaps,  the  flat  coun- 


at  its  best,  it  is  an  ornamental  and  striking 
shrub.  Its  young  wood  is  purplish  and  clothed 
with  a  short,  dense  pubescence.  The  leaves  are 
evergreen,  thickly  set  on  the  branches,  of  an 
almost  uniformly  ovate  shape,  finely  toothed, 
and  of  a  firm,  leather)-  texture;  they  average 
about  1  inch  in  length.  The  flowers  are  round, 
bell-shaped,  white,  and  produced  from  the  leaf 
axils,  four  to  six  together,  in  a  short  raceme. 
The  Bearwood  specimen  produces  small,  black 
fruits,  and  these,  according  to  Douglas,  have  an 
agreeable  flavour.  V.  la»ceoi.atum  is  simply 
a  narrow-leaved  form  of  this  species.  W.  J. 
Bean. 

(To  be  continue  d.  ) 


ILEX  PERNVI. 

Amongst  the  magnificent  group  of  ornamental 
trees  and  shrubs  shown  at  the  Royal  Horticul- 
tural Hall,  Westminster,  on  December  22nd  last, 
by  Messrs.  Jas.  Veitch  &  Sons,  of  Chelsea,  this 
remarkable  looking  Holly  did  not  fail  to  attract 


Fig.  41.— ilex  pernyi     a  Chinese  species. 


ties  of  East  Anglia.  It  reaches  over  the  greater 
part  of  Europe,  and  is  found  also  in  North 
Asia   and   Eastern  North  America. 

V.  Myktillus  var.  microphylla. — A  variety 
of  V.  Myrtillus  occurs  in  Western  North 
America  in  the  Sierra  Nevada,  at  elevations  of 
7,000  feet,  and  thence  northward.  It  is  called 
var.  microphylla,  and  is  about  half  the  size  of 
the  European  plant  in  all  its  parts. 

V.  ovatum  — Douglas  first  introduced  this 
shrub  to  England  in  1826,  during  his  famous 
journeys  on  behalf  of  the  Horticultural  Society 
in  Western  North  America.  It  had,  however, 
been  discovered  more  than  30  years  before  by- 
Archibald  Menzies,  whilst  he  was  attached  to 
Vancouver's  great  voyage  of  survey  (1791-5). 
The  species  grows  abundantly  in  Oregon  and 
California,  in  association  with  the  Redwood 
(Sequoia  sempervirens).  The  finest  plant,  I  be- 
lieve, in  this  country,  is  at  Bearwood,  Surrey, 
being  10  to  12  feet  high.  It  is  hardy  enough 
to  survive  the  severest  winter  experienced 
at  Kew,  but  gives  one  the  impression  that 
it  would  be  happier  in  a  milder  locality.     Seen 


attention.  It  had  been  shown  on  a  previous 
occasion— September  1,  1908— when  a  First- 
class  Certificate  was  awarded  to  it  by  the  Floral 
Committee. 

Although  new  as  a  garden  plant,  Ilex  Pernyi 
has  been  known  to  science  for  over  20  years,  and 
specimens  have  been  in  the  Kew  Herbarium 
since  February,  1887.  It  is  a  native  of  Centra! 
China,  where  it  forms  a  tree  20  feet  to  30  feet 
high.  It  was  discovered  in  the  neighbourhood 
of  Kinchu  by  the  Abbe  Perny,  after  whom  it 
was  named  by  Franchet  in  Plaulte  Davidiana,  p. 
69.  The  Abbe  David  (whose  name  is  com- 
memorated in  the  work  mentioned)  also  dis- 
covered this  Holly  at  Shensi  and  Patung,  and 
Dr.  Henry,  I  believe,  records  that  the  wood  is 
valuable  as  timber. 

The  plants  in  Messrs.  Veitch's  collection  are 
only  2  feet  high,  forming  dense,  compact  grow- 
ing evergreen  bushes.  They  are  remarkable  for 
the  peculiar  rhomboidal  or  squarely-ovate 
leaves,  which  measure  l\  inches  to  2  inches  in 
length,  the  apical  half  being  triangular  and  end- 
ing in  a  sharp  cartilaginous  spine.     The  lower 


half  is  almost  square,  but  is  a  little  narrower  at 
the  base,  and  the  margins  are  furnished  with 
two  or  three  spiny  teeth. 

One  peculiarity  noticeable  in  the  illustration 
in  fig.  41  is  the  seeming  overlapping  of  some  of 
the  leaves,  which  spread  out  flatly  from  the  wiry 
stems.  This  peculiarity  can  scarcely  be  regarded 
as  characteristic,  as  the  leaves  on  all  branches 
do  not  overlap  in  this  way.  Looking  at  them 
from  the  front,  they  appear  to  be  sessile,  but 
each  leaf  has  a  very  short  stalk,  scarcely  one- 
tenth  of  an  inch  long. 

Taken  altogether,  this  Holly  may  be  regarded 
as  a  decided  acquisition  to  the  evergreen  trees 
and  shrubs.    John  Weathers. 


NOTES  FROM  A  "FRENCH"  GARDEN. 

0\\«\G  to  the  favourable  weather,  the  making 
of  the  hot-beds  is  considerably  advanced,  and  in 
seme  gardens  these  beds  are  almost  completed. 
In  private  gardens,  or  where  the  produce 
is  sold  locally,  however,  it  is  advantageous  to 
spread  the  making  of  the  hot-beds  over  four 
weeks  in  order  to  obtain  a  succession  of 
Radishes  and  Lettuces.  If  this  rule  is  followed 
two  or  three  of  the  last-made  beds  may  be  sown 
with  the  Carrot  "  Bellot." 

If  it  is  intended  to  force  Turnips  in  March  we 
merely  sow  Radishes,  and  plant  42  Lettuces  per 
light.  The  Lettuces  will  be  ready  at  that 
period,  and  the  beds  can  then  be  turned  over  to 
give  a  mild  heat  sufficient  for  the  germination  of 
Turnip  seeds. 

We  are  now  planting  the  "  Passion  "  Lettuce 
in  the  open,  on  ground  previously  well  prepared 
and  on  which  a  layer  of  thoroughly  decayed 
manure  has  been  spread.  Before  planting  these 
we  usually  sow  a  few  seeds  of  Radish  "  Early 
French  Breakfast,"  setting  the  Lettuces  at 
10  inches  apart  each  way.  In  very  rich  soil  and 
where  there  is  a  good  supply  of  wati  1  th 
be  planted  closer. 

The  salads  supplied  to  the  Paris  market  are  of 
superb  quality.  English  salesmen  prefer  the 
white  strain,  but  in  Germany,  where  many  Let- 
tuces are  imported  from  France,  the  favourite  is 
the  brown-leaf  Passion.  In  the  first  week  of 
February  we  shall  sow  another  batch  of  Cos- 
Lettuces  (White  Cos  of  Paris)  and  Cabbage  Let- 
tuce "  La  Perichonne  "  in  a  cold  frame,  as  a 
succession  to  those  sown  on  the  hot-beds  a  fort- 
night ago.  This  latter  batch  will  be  pricked  off 
in  a  few  days  in  a  cold  frame,  150  to  160  plants 
per  light. 

We  shall  also  sow  the  first  lot  of  Cauliflowers 
"  Driancourt  and  Lenormand "  on  a  hot-bed 
12  inches  thick,  putting  500  seeds  in  each  light. 
They  will  be  planted  as  an  intercrop  in  the 
place  of  the  first  lot  of  Cos  Lettuces  grown 
under  the  cloches. 

The  Radish  seeds  planted  in  the  first  hut-beds 
made  about  the  15th  January  are  now  well  up, 
and  it  will  be  necessary  to  place  fresh  manure 
round  the  frames  so  as  to  keep  an  even  tem- 
perature. 

Until  recently  it  has  not  been  necessary  to 
cover  the  lights  with  mats  at  night,  but  now 
that  the  weather  has  become  colder  they  are 
needed.     P.   Aquatias. 


BEGONIA  x  PATRIE. 

The  hybrid  Begonia  illustrated  in  fig.  42  was 
raised  by  Messrs.  M.  V.  Lemoine  &  Sons,  Nancy, 
and  was  exhibited  by  them  at  the  meeting  oi 
the  Royal  Horticultural  Society  on  Januai 
when  the  Floral  Committee  granted  it  an 
Award  of  Merit  (see  Gardeners'  Chronicle, 
January  16,  p.  46).  The  parents  are  B.  soco- 
trana  and  a  variety  of  B.  Pearcei.  The  plant  is 
of  compact  habit  and  the  many  i  e's  are 

borne  in  rather  stiff  bunches  :   the  colour  of  the 
flowers  is  a  rich  shade  of  rose-pink. 


76 


THE     GARDENERS     CHRONICLE. 


[January  SO,  1909. 


HOME   CORRESPONDENCE. 


(The  Editor  does  not  hold  himself  responsible  jor  the 
opinions  expressed  by  his  correspondents.) 

The  Gardeners'  Royal  Benevolent  In- 
stitution.— The  50  unsuccessful  candidates  for 
the  pension  of  the  Gardeners'  Royal  Benevolent 
Institution  at  the  recent  election  claim  deepest 
sympathy,  and  one  would  have  liked  to  see  all 
of  them  elected.  As  matters  stand,  however, 
financial  considerations  do  not  allow  of  this, 
and  many  deserving  cases  have  to  be  passed 
over.  As  the  majority  of  the  rejected  candi- 
dates have  been  contributors  to  the  funds  of 
the  society,  I,  in  common  with  many  others, 
consider  that  the  time  has  come  when  sub- 
scribers should  have  an  even  greater  advan- 
tage than  they  now  enjoy  over  the  non- 
subscribers.  There  are.  possibly,  good  reasons 
why  outsiders  cannot  be  excluded  altogether, 
but  when  a  life  member  or  a  subscriber  of 
several  years'  standing  is  ousted  by  a  candidate 
who  has  never  contributed  one  penny  to  the 
funds  one  is  apt  to  think  that  there  is  con- 
siderable room  for  improvement.  When  trying 
to  induce  other  gardeners  to  subscribe,  I  often 
meet  with  the  objection  that,  even  if  the  sub- 
scription is  paid  for  years,  a  non-subscriber  may, 
in  the  long  run,  be  elected  and  the  subscriber  be 
passed  over.  This  objection  is  certainly  borne 
out  by  facts,  for  while  subscribers  up  to  21 
years'  standing  were  rejected  at  the  last  elec- 
tion, and  numerous  life  numbers  shared  the 
same  fate,  at  least  three  non-subscribers  were 
elected.  This  is  the  reason  that  gardeners  do 
not  largely  join  the  society.     W. 

Chrysanthemum     Framfield      Pink.  —  If 

Messrs.  R.  Richards  and  T.  Down  will  plant  this 
variety  in  a  bed  or  border  of  rich  soil  and  stop 
the  shoots  once  only  they  will  have  no  cause  for 
complaint  either  in  regard  to  flowering  or  poverty 
of  colour.  I  lifted  six  large  plants  in  September, 
having  cut  around  their  roots  with  a  spade  about 
a  fortnight  before  lifting,  and  they  have  fur- 
nished hundreds  of  large  well-coloured  blooms, 
the  supply  lasting  well  into  the  new  year.  Chas. 
Lawlon,  Wellon  House  Gardens,  East  Yorkshire. 

My  experience  with  this  variety  differs 

from  your  correspondent's,  inasmuch  as  \  get  not 
only  good  plants,  but  plenty  of  richly-coloured 
flowers.  Each  leading  shoot  furnishes  a  good 
spray  of  from  three  to  seven  blooms,  and  I  have 
only  just  finished  cutting  (January  22) :  most  sea- 
son's blooms  can  be  had  up  to  March.  The  system 
of  cultivation  I  adopt  with  all  single  and  decora- 
tive varieties  is  to  strike  the  cuttings  about  the 
middle  of  February,  and  as  soon  as  they  are 
well  rooted  pot  them  singly  into  large  3-inch 
pots,  transferring  them  into  their  flowering  pots 
(10  inch)  early  in  May.  From  the  time  they  are 
first  rooted  the  plants  are  given  as  hardy  a 
treatment  as  possible,  and  in  many  seasons  they 
are  placed  in  the  open  at  the  end  of  March. 
The  shoots  are  not  pinched  or  stopped  in  any 
way,  and  it  is  to  this  that  I  attribute  my  suc- 
cess. The  plants  form  good  bushes,  from  2  to 
3  feet  through,  and  with  24  to  30  shoots.  They 
range  from  2  to  4  feet  in  height.  The  qualitv 
and  colour  of  the  bloom,  as  well  as  the  strength 
and  hardiness  of  the  stem,  are  infinitely  better 
than  in  the  case  of  any  plant  that  has  been 
stopped.  No  manure  is  given  in  the  early 
stages  of  growth  except  a  little  bonemeal,  but 
after  the  flower-buds  are  formed  they  are  fed 
in  no  unstinted  measure.  Thomas  Stevenson, 
Woburn  Place  Gardens,  Addlestone,  Surrey. 

Trenching.— In  reply  to  Mr.  A.  Shakelton 
(p.  61),  I  am  not  surprised  to  know  that  he 
has  some  hesitation  in  following  my  advice  as 
to  placing  the  bottom  layer  of  soil  at  the  surface. 
I  know  there  are  many  other  good  cultivators 
who  disagree  with  me  on  this  subject.  But,  hav- 
ing practised  this  plan  of  trenching  for  more 
than  a  quarter  of  a  century,  I  can  recommend 
it  as  the  quickest  and  most  beneficial  method  of 
improving  soil,  and  specially  soil  devoted  to  the 
culture  of  kitchen-garden  crops.  I,  too,  have 
had  a  considerable  experience  in  different  parts 
of  the  country  and  with  a  variety  of  soils.  The 
gardens  at  Aldenham  House  have  a  subsoil 
known  as  London  clay,  and  this  clay  ranks 
amongst  the  most  unkindly  of  soils.  The  land 
wriuh  forms  our  kitchen  garden  has  probably 
been  cultivated  for  a  century  and  a  half.     The 


depth  of  the  garden  loam  when  I  was  first 
charged  with  the  care  of  these  gardens  aver- 
aged from  9  to  10  inches,  and  it  rested  on  a 
subsoil  of  pure  clay.  The  whole  has  now  been 
trenched  to  the  depth  of  3  feet,  and  I  have 
always  insisted  on  bringing  the  subsoiL  to  the 
top.  We  now  have  a  sufficient  depth  of  good 
soil  to  cultivate  all  kinds  of  vegetables,  and  I 
shall  be  pleased  at  any  time  to  show  Mr.  A. 
Shakelton  what  has  been  accomplished  here. 
Ground  devoted  to  the  culture  of  vegetables  is 
generally  intended  to  serve  this  purpose  for  a 
great  number  of  years  ;  and  without  deep  culti- 
vation to  provide  a  deep  root-run,  satisfactory 
results  can  hardly  be  expected.    E.    Beckett. 

Grape  Mill  Hill  Hamburgh.  —  I  think 
few  persons  will  agree  with  F.  B.  S.  that  this 
Grape  possesses  all  the  good  qualities  of  the 
Black  Hamburgh  variety.  In  flavour  it  is  dis- 
tinctly inferior;  the  flesh  also  is  hard,  and 
much  more  resembles  that  of  Gros  Maroc  than 
Black  Hamburgh.  Mill  Hill  Hamburgh  does 
not  colour  nearly  so  regularly  as  Gros  Maroc, 
and  too  often  it  is  seen  with  a  "foxy" 
tint.  It  is  owing  to  its  lack  of  good  flavour 
and  fault  in  colouring  that  it  is  not  more  often 
cultivated.     E.  M . 

Eryngium  pandanifolium. — In  respect  to 
Mr.  Elgar's  note  (p.  45)  on  this  interesting  but 
uncommon  plant,  may  I  state  that  I  became  ac- 
quainted with  it  while  at  Bessborough,  Co.  Kil- 
kenny, about  seven  years  ago,  where  it  was 
planted  as  an  isolated  specimen  on  Grass,  in  a 
fairly  sheltered  position  und;r  a  wall.  The 
specimen  did  remarkably  well,  although  given 
no  protection  whatever.  Later,  when  residing 
in  East  Kent,  I  procured  a  plant  of  the  species, 
and  though  it  was  given  a  sheltered  position,  it 
suffered  damage  by  cold  during  the  winter  of 
1906-07.  The  following  winter  it  was  afforded 
light  protection,  and  as  a  result  it  developed 
tall,  candelabra-like  flower-spikes,  surrounded 
by  a  mass  of  handsome  glaucous  foliage. 
/.  G.   W.,   East-well  Park  Gardens,   Kent. 

Italian  Fennel  or  Finocchio  (see  p.  45).— 
Last  year  I  made  an  unsuccessful  attempt  to 
cultivate  this  plant.  I  purchased  a  packet  of 
seed  under  the  name  of  Foeniculum  dulce  from 
each  of  two  well-known  English  seed  firms, 
and  the  result  was  two  distinct  varieties  of 
plants.  Not  knowing  which  variety  was  the 
true  Finocchio,  I  grew  both  side  by  side  and 
under  precisely  the  same  conditions.  Neither 
variety  formed  the  desired  enlargement  at  the 
base  of  the  petiole.  Except  that  I  did  not 
pinch  or  remove  the  flower-heads,  my  method 
of  culture  was  similar  to  that  adopted  by  R.  D. 
In  the  Journal  of  the  Royal  Horticultural 
Society.  June,  1907,  p.  280,'  Florence  Fennel 
is  said  to  be  "  easily  grown  and  deserving  of 
being  better  known  in  England,  and  the  heads 
were  sold  at  6d.  each  in  the  Paris  markets  in 
the  winter  of  1906."  I  have  elsewhere  read  of 
them  being  sold  at  9d.  each  in  these  markets. 
William   Wingfield,   Doddinglon,   Nantwich. 

Nitro-Bacterine.— I  have  been  interested 
in  the  results  of  the  Reading  experiments  on 
inoculated  Peas,  as  reported  in  the  Gardeners' 
Chronicle.  I  would  like  to  ask  who  has  claimed 
that  inoculated  Peas  bear  heavier  crops  than 
uninoculated?  I  understood — but  I  have  no 
papers  at  hand  just  at  present — that  the  idea  of 
inoculating  Peas  was  to-  effect  earlier  maturity, 
not  a  greater  yield  of  crop.  I  have  always  been 
led  to  believe  that,  in  the  case  of  Peas,  phos- 
phates, lime  and  potash  will  give  weightier 
crops,  but  not  increase  of  supplies  of  nitrogen. 
Market  gardeners  have  been  led  to  believe  that 
they  can  get  their  crops  ready  for  market  a 
week,  or  perhaps  10  days,  before  those  who  do 
not  utilise  the  assistance  of  these  co-operating 
bacteria,  and  this,  of  course,  means  profitable 
returns,  as  they  obtain  the  higher  prices  due  to 
the  supplies  being  few.  Last  year  I  found  my 
inoculated  Peas  just  over  a  week  earlier  than 
those  uninoculated — same  variety,  of  course, 
and  identical  treatment  and  soil.  Are  not, 
therefore,  these  experimenters  wasting  their 
time  and  perhaps  public  money  in  at- 
tempting the  impossible — the  production  of 
heavier  Pea  crops  from  increase  of  nitro- 
genous supplies?  (Rev.)  J.  Bernard  Hall, 
Corbridge.     [On  p.  10  of  Professor  Bottomley's 


pamphlet,  entitled  Seed  and  Soil  Inoculation  for 
Leguminous  Crops,  1907,  increased  yield  of 
leguminous 'crop  is  given  as  the  first  of  the  four 
advantages  claimed  for  inoculation.  Our  cor- 
respondent should  also  note  with  respect  to 
"earliness,"  that  Professor  Bottomley  (Loc.  cit., 
p.  11)  only  claims  that  "  in  many  cases  inocu- 
lation hastened  maturing  of  plants,  thus  allow- 
ing of  an  earlier  marketing  of  produce  with  en- 
hanced value,"  and  that  both  the  Reading  ex- 
periments and  those  at  Wisley  and  Wye  do  not 
constitute  such  cases ;  Nitro-bacierine  having 
produced  no  effect  whatever  on  "  earliness  "  in 
those  trials. — Ed.] 


SOCIETIES. 


ROYAL    HORTICULTURAL. 

January  26.— The  exhibition  on  Tuesday  last 
represented  most  sections  of  horticulture. 
Groups  of  Orchids,  Ferns,  greenhouse  flower- 
ing plants,  Carnations,  Alpine  flowers,  with 
a  fine  exhibit  of  Apples  and  another  of  vege- 
tables constituted  the  principal  features. 

The  Floral  Committee  granted  an  Award  of 
Merit    to    a   variety    of    Chrysanthemum. 

The  Orchid  Committee  awarded  two  First- 
Class  Certificates  and  three  Awards  of  Merit 
to   novelties. 

The  Fruit  and  Vegetable  Committee  did 
not  make  any  award  to  a  novelty. 

The  competitive  classes  for  forced  vegetables 
and  salads  were  almost  a  failure. 

At  the  afternoon  meeting  of  the  Fellows  51 
names  were  added  to  the  roll  of  members,  and 
a  lecture  on  "  A  Method  of  Using  Domestic 
Sewage  in  Horticulture  "  was  delivered  by  Mr. 
W.   D.   Scott-Moncrieff. 

Floral  Committee. 

Present:  H.  B.  May,  Esq.  (in  the  Chair),  and 
Messrs.  John  Green,  G.  Reuthe,  Chas.  Dixon, 
H.  J.  Jones,  W.  Bain,  Chas.  T.  Druery,  T.  W. 
Turner,  Chas.  E.  Pearson,  R.  C.  Notcutt,  Her- 
bert J.  Cutbush,  E.  H.  Jenkins,  E.  A.  Bowles, 
W.  Howe,  C.  Blick,  Walter  T.  Ware,  C.  R. 
Fielder,  John  Jennings,  and  R.  Hooper  Pearson. 

One  of  the  brightest  exhibits  in  the  hall  was 
a  group  staged  by  Mr.  W.  H.  Page,  Tangley 
Nursery,  Hampton.  It  was  composed  mainlv  of 
bold  vases  of  perpetual-flowering  Carnations  of 
the  best  kinds  in  commerce.  At  the  back  were  tall 
stands  filled  with  beautiful  Liliums,  the  species 
L.  speciosum  being  shown  in  the  red  and  the 
white  varieties  ;  there  was  also  a  large  epergne 
of  L.  longiflorum.  At  either  end  of  the  group 
were  numerous  vases  of  Narcissus  Golden  Spur. 
The  colours  of  the  various  subjects  contrasted 
pleasingly.     (Silver-gilt  Flora  Medal.) 

Mr.  H.  Burnett,  Guernsey,  staged  varieties 
of  the  perpetual-flowering  Carnation,  all  the 
blooms  being  finely  coloured,  and  pleasingly 
arranged  in  a  setting  of  suitable  greenery. 
(Silver  Flora  Medal.) 

Messrs.  Hugh  Low  &  Co.,  Bush  Hill  Park, 
Enfield,  also  showed  a  choice  exhibit  of  these 
popular  flowers  ;  adjoining  the  Carnations  was 
a  batch  of  Cyclamen,  many  of  the  plants  being 
of  the  Salmon  King  variety.  (Silver  Banksian 
Medal.) 

Messrs.  W.M.  Cutbush  &  Son,  Highgate, 
London,  showed  vases  of  Carnations  of  the 
winter-blooming  type,  the  exhibit  being  charm- 
ingly arranged  with  small  Palms  and  other 
graceful  foliage  plants.  The  selection  of  varie- 
ties represented  the  more  popular  kinds ;  the 
scarlet  Robert  Craig  was  exceptionally  good. 
Messrs.  Cutbush  also  showed  an  assortment  of 
forced  shrubs  and  other  plants  and  a  collection 
of  Alpine  plants.     (Silver  Flora  Medal.) 

Messrs.  H.  B.  May  &  Sons,  The  Nurseries, 
Edmonton,  showed  an  extensive  exhibit  of 
Davallias,  comprising  in  all  55  species  and  varie- 
ties. The  plants  were  bright  and  fresh  in  ap- 
pearance. They  were  mainly  decorative  varie- 
ties, for  which  purpose  the  Davallias  are  especi- 
ally useful.  Several  were  climbing  species. 
Some  were  large  specimens,  D  brasiliensis  (with 
large  elegant  fronds),  D.  effusa,  D.  fijiensis 
magnifica,  and  D.  decora  being  prominent.  On© 
of  the  most  elegant  of  all  the  plants  was  D. 
fijiensis  plumosus.     (Silver-gilt  Flora  Med.nl.) 

Messrs.  James  Veitch  &  Sons,  Ltd.,  King's 
Road,  Chelsea,  exhibited  greenhouse  flowering 


January  30,  1909.] 


THE     GARDENERS"     CHRONICLE. 


77 


plants.  At  one  corner  of  the  group  was  a  well- 
flowered  batch  of  Coleus  thyrsoideus.  In  front 
of  this  were  small  flowering  plants  of  Aphelan- 
dra  aurantiaca  Koezlii,  the  blooms  being  of  a 
rich  orange-red  tone.  A  pot-plant  of  Acacia 
dealbata,  although  only  2  feet  in  height,  was 
flowering  freely.  The  group  also  contained 
Primula  X  kewensis,  Crowea  latifolia,  Jaco- 
binia  coccinea,  Lopezia  miniata,  Camellia 
Cfiandleri  elegans,  and  Begonias.  Amongst  the 
Begonias  was  the  variety  Winter  Gem.  This  is 
the  latest  in  flowering  of  Messrs.  Veitch's  strain 
of  winter-blooming  Begonias :  the  flowers  are 
deep  rose  with  a  scarlet  sheen.  In  habit  and 
foliage  the  hybrid  resembles  B.  socrotana,  one 
of  the  parents.     (Silver  Flora  Medal.) 

Two  semi-circular  groups  of  flowering  plants 
were  exhibited  by  the  Marquis  of  Salisbury, 
Hatfield  House,  Herts,  (gr.  Mr.  Prime).  One 
was  of  Euphorbia  jacquiniasflora,  the  raremi  I 
intensely-coloured  flowers  being  highly  attrac- 
tive. The  other  group  was  composed  of 
Begonia  Gloire  de  Sceaux,  the  plants  being  large, 
well-bloomed  specimens.  The  plants  in  both 
groups  exhibited  skilful  culture.  (Silver-gilt 
Flora  Medal.) 

Messrs.  Sutton  &  Sons,  Reading,  displayed 
an  exhibit  of  Cyclamen.     There  were  batches  of 


Messrs.  John  Peed  &  Son,  West  Norwood, 
London,  arranged  a  long  rockery  with  real 
stones.  In  the  "  pockets  "  were  planted  species 
of  Alpines  in  flower,  with  dwarf  shrubs 
and  Bamboos  at  the  back.  Messrs.  Peed  also 
showed  a  large  assortment  of  Saxifragas  in 
small  pots  and  pans.     (Silver  Banksian  Medal.) 

Messrs.  Barr  &  Sons,  King  Street,  Covent 
Garden,  London,  exhibited  seasonable  hardy 
flowers,  having  such  early-blooming  plants  as 
Anemone  fulgens,  Crocuses  in  variety,  Freesia 
refracta,  Snowdrops,  Tulipa  saxatilis,  Lachena- 
lias  in  variety,  Cyclamen  Coum  of  the  rose- 
coloured  variety,  and  Rosmarinus  officinalis 
prostrata.  An  adult  specimen  of  Juniperus 
hibernica  compressa  was  not  more  than  6  inches 
in  height. 

Messrs.  Joseph  Cheal  &  Sons,  Crawley, 
Sussex,  showed  boxes  filled  with  Alpine  plants, 
dwarf  Conifers,  hardy  Ferns,  species  of  Pri- 
mula, Tulip.  Crocus,  Cyclamen  Coum,  &c. 

The  Misses  Hopkins,  Mere  Gardens,  Shepper- 
ton-on-Thames,  exhibited  a  small  rock-garden 
exhibit,  also  tubers  of  Tropaeolum  speciosum. 

Mr.  Herbert  Chapman,  Rye,  Sussex,  again 
displayed  blooms  of  hybrid  Freesias  as  at  the 
last  meeting. 

A   number  of   photographs  of  floral   subjects 


Fig.  42. — begonia   x   patrie  :   flowers  rose-pink, 
(See  page  75.) 


white,  salmon,  and  crimson  varieties,  and  a 
large  assortment  of  mixed  colours.  All  the 
varieties  had  been  selected  for  their  large 
flowers ;  the  white  blooms  were  of  remarkable 
purity  and  possessed  great  substance  of  petal. 
The  crimson,  salmon,  and  white  varieties  had 
been  selected  for  colour  blending,  especially 
when  seen  by  artificial  light.  The  plants  pos- 
sessed stout  foliage,  and  gave  evidence  of  good 
cultivation.     (Silver   Flora   Medal.) 

Sir  Trevor  Lawrence,  Bart.,  Burford, 
Dorking  (gr.  Mr.  Bain),  showed  spathes  of  An- 
thurium  Andreanum  with  a  wide  range  of 
colours.  One  spike  was  fasciated,  presenting 
a  double  spathe  on  the  one  stalk. 

Mr.  L.  R.  Rtisseil,  Richmond,  Surrey, 
showed  hardy  evergreen  shrubs  of  an  orna- 
mental character.  The  plants  were  small,  com- 
pact specimens,  and  would  be  prized  for  decora- 
tive purposes  in  the  conservatory  or  dwelling- 
rnom.     (Silver   Banksian   Medal.) 

Mr.  G.  Reuthe,  hardy-plant  specialist, 
Keston,  Kent,  showed  a  number  of  early-bloom- 
ing, garden  plants  such  as  Irises,  Crocuses, 
Cyclamen  Coum,  Snowdrops,  Daphne  japonica, 
and  Ilelleborus  fcetidus. 


taken  by  colour  process  was  shown  by  Mr.  H. 
Maude,  Wisley.     (Silver  Banksian  Medal.) 

Award  of  Merit. 
CKrysanthcmum  GAden  Sunset.— -This  is  a  very 
attractive  decorative  variety,  with  smooth  florets 
of  rich  yellow  colour.  It  is  stated  to  be  a  sport 
from  the  variety  Princess  Victoria.  Shown  by 
Messrs.  Robinson  &  Headey,  Dunstable. 

Orchid  Committee. 

Present:  J.  Gurney  Fowler,  Esq.  (in  the 
Chair),  and  Messrs.  Jas.  O'Brien  (hon.  sec.) 
Harry  J.  Veitch,  de  B.  Crawshay,  H.  Little,  J 
F.  Alcock,  J.  Wilson  Potter,  F.  J.  Thorne,  A 
Dye,  J.  Charlesworth,  W.  Cobb,  H.  G.  Alex 
ander,  W.  Bolton,  Stuart  Low,  W.  Boxall,  J 
Cypher,  Gurney  Wilson,  A.  A.  McBean,  and  F 
Sander. 

Messrs.  Charlesworth  &  Co.,  Haywards 
Heath,  were  awarded  ■  a  Silver  Flora  Medal  for 
an  excellent  group,  which  included  two  finely- 
coloured  new  hybrids  which  secured  the  only 
First-class  Certificates  of  the  day.  (See  Awards.) 
Also  remarkable   in  the  group  were  the   pretty 


Brasso-Cattleya  Cliftonii,  illustrated  in  the 
Gardeners'  Chronicle,  January  16,  p.  34  ;  the  new 
Odontoglossum  Venilia  (cirrhosum  X  Pesca- 
torei),  white,  spotted  with  dark  red  ;  Cymbidium 
Woodhamsianum,  Odontoglossum  ardentissi- 
mum  album,  Xylobium  leontoglossum,  with 
dense  spikes  of  cream-coloured  flowers  spotted 
with  pale  red ;  Odontoglossum  Uro-Skinneri 
superbum,  with  the  labellum  almost  covered 
with  bright   red   spots,   and   others. 

Sir  Jeremiah  Colman,  Bart.,  Gatton  Park, 
Reigate  (gr.  Mr.  Collier),  showed  a  very  inter- 
esting group,  in  which  were  Ccelogyne  Col- 
manii,  Phaio-Calanthe  Colmanii  (white,  with 
yellow  disc),  Spathoglottis  Colmanii  aurea 
(bright  yellow),  Dendrobium  Kingianum  album, 
the  singular  D.  tetragonum,  with  many  of  its 
large  spider-like  flowers,  and  others. 

Messrs.  Hugh  Low  &  Co.,  Bush  Hill  Park, 
were  awarded  a  Silver  Banksian  Medal  for  a 
group  of  Cypripediums,  including  varieties  of 
('.  aureum,  C.  Sallieri,  &C.  Also,  the  bright 
orange -red  La^'.o  -  Cattleya  Charlesworthii, 
Kodriguezia  secunda,  with  one-sided  racemes  of 
rose-coloured  flowers,  and  Bulbophyllum  Ble- 
pharistes. 

Mr.  A.  W.  Jensen,  Lindfield,  Haywards 
Heath,  was  awarded  a  Silver  Banksian  Medal 
for  a  small  group  of  his  very  fine  type  of  Odon- 
toglossum crispum,  all  the  flowers  being  large 
and  of  fine  form.  They  included  lose-tinted 
and  fringed-petalled  varieties,  and  two  or  three 
spotted  forms. 

Messrs.  J.  Cypher  &  Sons,  Cheltenham, 
secured  a  Silver  Banksian  Medal  for  a  group  in 
the  centre  of  which  was  a  specimen  of  Cypripe- 
d'um  Mrs.  William  Mostyn  in  fine  condition, 
irge  white  dorsal  sepal  having  very  large 
deep  chocolate-purple  blotches.  Others  noted 
were  C.  aureum  Lambianum,  C.  Thompsonii, 
C.  Mrs.  G.  F.  Moore,  &c. 

Col.  G.  L.  Holford,  CLE.,  C.V.O.,  Weston, 
birt  (gr.  Mr.  H.  G.  Alexander),  showed  a 
handsome  form  of  Laelio-Cattleya  Golde  l 
Oriole,  with  large  bright  chrome-yellow  flowers 
having  a  rose-purple  base  to  the  lip  veined 
with  gold ;  Sophro-Laslio-Cattleya  Danse  Ho!- 
ford's  variety  with  several  pretty  reddish-rose 
flowers  with  deep  yellow  base  to  the  lip  ; 
i  ■  I'upedium  Alabaster  (Alciibiades  superbum  X 
Godseffianum),  and  C.  Earl  of  Tankerville. 
(See  Awards.) 

Francis  Wellesley,  Esq.,  Westfield,  Wok- 
ing (gr.  Mr.  Hopkins),  showed  Cattleya  Trians 
"The  Premier,"  which  has  been  pronounced 
the  finest-coloured  Trianas.  Its  silvery-white, 
i  mted  flowers  have  the  petals  and  lip  of 
extraordinary  breadth  and  crimped  at  the  mar- 
gins. The  front  of  the  lip  is  ruby-crimson  with 
nearly  white  margin,  the  disc  is  chrome-yellow, 
and  the  base,  purple  with  white  veining. 

J.  Foksier  Alcock,  Esq.,  Exhims,  North- 
church,  showed  Cypripedium  Beryl,  a  very 
broad-pet. ill:  d  dark  hybrid  showing  its  two 
parents  C.  Mrs.  W  Mostyn  and  C.  Beckmannii 
plainly ;  also  another  Cypripedium.  (See 
Awards.) 

Mr.  F.  Hanson,  Somerleyton  Gardens, 
Lowestoft,  sent  cut  spikes  of  two  hybrid  Calan- 
thes  which  travelled  badly  and  were  not  pre- 
ssntable. 

Mr.  F.  McBean,  Plumpton,  staged  a  small 
group  of  very  pretty  varieties  of  Cattleya 
Trianas,  one  having  white  sepals  and  petals  and 
a  deep  purple  lip.  Also  various  Odontoglos- 
sums,  including  a  fine  form  of  O.  Hunne- 
wellianum. 

J.  B.  H.  Goodden,  Esq.,  The  Manor  House, 
Yeovil,  sent  cut  examples  of  two  good  light- 
coloured  forms  of  Lycaste  Skinneri. 

AWARDS. 

First-class  Certificate. 
Sophro-Lalio-Cattleya  Marathon  var.   Vesuvius 
(Sophro-Lalia     Psyche      X      Cattleya     Empress 
Frederick),  from  Messrs.  Charlesworth  &  Co., 
Haywards     Heath.      A    brilliant    hybrid    with 
flowers  of  good  size  and  form,  the  sepals  and 
petals    being    red    with    a    yellowish    glow,    the 
petals  also  having  a  tinge  of  violet  colour.    The 
front  of  the  lip  is  ruby-red,  the  base,  yellow. 
The   pretty  dark   scarlet   Sophro-I.a:lia    Psyche, 
obtained    from     a    cross    between     Sophronitis 
grandiflora   and    Lselia   cinnabarina,    for 
reason  has  never  been  a  favourite,  but  i  on 
with    Cattleya    Empress    Frederick    (Mo 
Dowiana  aurea)    it   has   produce',    in    iti    1«st 
varieties,   some  bright  new  coloi 


78 


THE    GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


[January  30,  1909. 


Lalio-Cattleya  Felicia  (L.-C.  Haroldiana  X 
C.  Triance),  from  Messrs.  Charlesworth  &  Co. 
A  very  fine  flower,  equal  in  size  to  L.-C.  cal- 
listoglossa,  and  of  a  pale  rose  tint,  the  front 
of  the  lip  being  a  dark  purplish-claret  shade. 

Award  of  Merit. 

Cypripedium  Earl  of  Tankerville  fexul  X1 
nitcni  Sander's  variety),  from  Col.  G.  L. 
Holford,  C.I.E.,  C.V.O.  (gr.  Mr.  H.  G.  Alex- 
ander). A  very  handsome  Cypripedium  in  form 
and  substance  very  remarkable,  the  almost  cir- 
cular white  dorsal  sepal  bearing  large  chocolate- 
purple  blotches,  changing  outward  to  rose- 
purple  ;  the  petals  and  lip  being  yellow  tinged 
with  red-brown. 

'  ipcdium  Euryades,  New  Hall  Hey  variety 
urn  superbum  X  Boxallii),  from  J.  For- 
STER  Alcock,  Esq.,  Exhims,  Northchurch.  A 
famous  variety  which  originated  in  the  collec- 
tion of  the  late  G.  W.  Law-Schofield.  The  dor- 
sal sepal  is  white,  heavily  tinged  with  rose- 
purple  on  the  reverse  side,  the  colour  showing 
through  between  the  dark  purple  spots  on  the 
surface.  The  petals  and  lip  are  yellowish, 
tinged  with  purple. 

Cypripedium  "Our  Queen"  (Lccanum  dark 
variety  X  Stevensii),  from  W.  Thompson,  Esq., 
Walton  Grange,  Stone,  Stafford  (gr.  Mr.  W. 
Stevens).  A  very  pretty  hybrid  of  good  shape 
and  resembling  a  good  C.  Leeanum,  but 
rounder  in  form  and  with  a  shining,  smooth 
surface  to  the  whole  flower.  Dorsal  sepal  white, 
densely  spotted  with  dark  claret-purple,  darkest 
where  the  spots  unite  to  form  the  central  band. 
Petals  broad,  undulated,  yellowish,  tinged  with 
purple,  excepting  the  margins.  Lip  pale  green. 
C.  Stevensii  was  obtained  by  crossing  C. 
Calypso  Oakwood  variety  and  C.  Lathamianum 
Albert  Hye,  both  of  which,  as  well  as  C.  Lee- 
anum, has  C.  Spicerianum  as  one  of  the  parents. 
C.  Spicerianum  shows  strongly  in  C.  "Our 
Queen,"  and  the  best  features  of  the  other 
species  are  reproduced. 

Fruit  and  Vegetable  Committee. 

Present:  George  Bunyard,  Esq.  IChairman), 
and  Messrs.  W.  Bates,  E.  Beckett,  A.  Dean,  H. 
Parr,  W.  Pope,  A.  R.  Allan,  J.  Davis,  (X 
Thomas,  G.  Wythes,  J.  Vert,  C.  Foster,  J. 
Hooper,  G.  Reynolds,  W.  J.  Jeffries,  J.  Harri- 
son,  H.   Markham,  and  J.   Jaques. 

University  College,  Reading  (superinten- 
dent Mr.  Chas.  Foster),  showed  forced  vege- 
tables, including  Lettuce,  Chicory  and  Seakale, 
also  Tomatos  and  Rhubarb.  The  Chicory  was 
a  good  sample  and  had  been  grown  without 
artificial  heat :  the  blanching  had  been  done 
by  placing  8  or  9  inches  of  soil  over  the  crowns. 
There  were  examples  of  Seakale  cuttings  ready 
for  inserting  and  some  very  strong  crowns  of 
this  vegetable  raised  from  cuttings  struck  dur- 
ing April,  1908,  and  lifted  in  November  last. 
(Silver  Banksian  Medal.) 

An  exhibit  of  vegetables  was  shown  by  Mrs. 
DENNISON,  Little  Gaddesden,  Berkhamsted 
(gr.  Mr.  A.  G.  Gentle).  They  were  prin- 
cipally Onions  and  Potatos,  but  in  the 
centre  of  the  group  were  Maltese  Pars- 
nips, Red  Elephant,  Intermediate  and  Sum- 
mer Favourite  Carrots,  and  Beets  of  the  Crimson 
Ball  and  Long  Perfection  varieties.  The 
Onions  were  of  the  large  Ailsa  Craig,  Cocoa- 
nut  and  Record  varieties.  The  Potatos  were  a 
remarkably  fine  sample,  well  matched  in  size 
and  with  clear  skins.  The  varieties  included  a 
large    selection.     (Silver-Gilt    Banksian    Medal.) 

Messrs.  Joseph  Cheai.  &  Sons,  Crawley,  Sus- 
sex, staged  60  varieties  of  Apples,  all  well- 
coloured  and  plump,  although  shown  so  late  in 
the  season.  Among  the  finer  fruits  were  Bram- 
ley's  Seedling,  Annie  Elizabeth,  Gascoyne's 
Scarlet  Seedling,  Chelmsford  Wonder,  Sand- 
ringham,  Jubilee,  Sturmer  Pippin,  Crawley 
Reinette  (an  Apple  of  very  attractive  appear- 
ance), Paroquet,  Lane's  Prince  Albert  (one  of 
the  finest  varieties  in  the  collection),  Bismarck, 
and  Vicar  of  Beighton.  (Silver  Knightian 
Medal.) 

Competitive  Classes. 

There  were  competitive  classes  for  Seakale, 
Phubarb,  Asparagus,  Salads,  and  forced  vege- 
tables. Only  one  exhibit  of  Salads  was  staged  : 
this  was  from  Aldenham  House  Gardens,  Els- 
tree  (gr.  Mr.  Edwin  Beckett).  The  varieties 
included    Mustard    and    Cress,    Chicory,    Blood 


Red  Beet,  and  Batavian  Endive.  They  were  all 
of  the  high  quality  for  which  produce  from 
this  garden  is  noted,  end  the  display  was 
awarded  the  1st  prize. 

In  the  class  for  two  dishes  of  Seakale  there 
were  two  entries,  the  1st  prize  being  won  by 
Mrs.  Trotter,  Dyrham  Park,  Barnet  (gr.  Mr. 
II.  Juniper)  ;  2nd,  Lady  Foley,  Ruxley  Lodge, 
Claygate,    Surrey   (gr.    Mr.    H.   C.    Gardner). 

Mrs.  Trotter  was  the  only  exhibitor  in  the 
class  for  Rhubarb,  and  was  awarded  the  1st 
prize,  the  variety  being  Royal  AlbeTt. 

There  was  no  entry  in  the  class  for  Asparagus. 


CHESTERFIELD    AND    DISTRICT 
CHRYSANTHEMUM. 

January  19. — The  annual  meeting  of  the  above- 
society  was  held  at  the  Hotel  Portland,  Ches- 
terfield, on  this  date.  Mr.  W.  Parks,  Whitting- 
ton  Hall  Gardens,  occupied  the  chair. 

The  annual  report  showed  that  the  spring 
flower  show,  held  at  Wingerworth  Hall  Gar- 
dens, was  a  record  both  in  regard  to  the  atten- 
dance and  the  amount  of  money  taken,  but  the 
autumn  show  was  not  so  numerously  attended 
as  was  last  year's  exhibition.  The  income  for 
1908  amounted  to  £200,  and  the  sum  of  £63  2s. 
had  been  disbursed  during  the  year,  including  £30 
to  the  Royal  Gardeners'  Orphan  Fund,  £21  to  the 
Gardeners'  Royal  Benevolent  Institution,  £10 
to  Chesterfield  Hospital,  and  £2  2s.  to  the  Clay- 
ton Challenge  Shield  Competition.  For  17  years 
the  committee  have  adopted  the  practice  of  not 
retaining  a  greater  balance  than  £50,  the  surplus 
being  devoted  to  assisting  deserving  institutions. 
The  president  for  1909  is  W.  B.  M.  Jackson, 
Esq.,  and  the  spring  show  will  be  held  at  this 
gentleman's  residence,  Ringwoorl  Hall,  Chester- 
field, on  Whit  Monday,  May  31.  No  prize 
money  will  be  offered  at  this  show.  The  Chry- 
santhemum show  is  fixed  for  November  9 
and  10.  At  the  conclusion  of  the  general  busi- 
ness an  essay  on  "  Begonia  Gloire  de  Lor- 
raine "  was  read  by  Mr.  Boult,  Brimington  Hall 
Gardens. 

GARDENERS'   ROYAL   BENEVOLENT 
INSTITUTION. 

(ANNUAL    MEETING.) 

(The  result  oi  the  election  was  recorded 
in  our  last  issue.) 

January  21. — The  sixty-ninth  annual  general 
meeting  of  the  supporters  of  this  institution  was 
held  on  the  above  date  at  "Simpson's,"  Strand. 
Mr.  Harry  J.  Veitch,  chairman  of  committee 
and  treasurer,  presided,  and  there  was  a  good 
attendance. 

Mr.    George    J.    Ingram,    secretary,    read    the 
minutes  of  the  last  meeting,  and  afterwards  the 
annual  report  and  balance-sluet  for  1908.    These 
'latter  were  as  follow:  — 

REPORT   OF  THE  COMMITTEE. 

The  charity  has  been  in  existence  70  years  ;  it  has 
d  stributed  in  permanent  and  temporary  help  upwards 
of  £125,000,  and  at  no  other  period  of  its  history  has 
it  done  so  much  in  the  way  of  assisting  the  necessi- 
tous and   suffering  as  in  the  year  now  under   review. 

At  the  commencement  of  1908  231  persons — 133  men 
and  98  widows — were  receiving  yearly  allowances 
amounting  in  the  aggregate  to  over  .£4,000.  During 
the  year  16 — 11  men  and  5  widows — have  passed  away; 
of  the  men,  four  left  widows,  who,  being  necessitous 
and  in  every  way  deserving,  were  at  once  placed  on 
the  funds  without  election  under  Rule  III.,  10,  to  re- 
ceive the  widow's  allowance  of  £16  a  year.  In  addi- 
tion to  those  who  died,  one  widow  has  gone  to  Aus- 
tralia to  reside  with  her  son,  and  another  widow  has 
been  removed  to  an  infirmary  by  medical  orders. 
There  were,  therefore,  at  the  close  of  the  year  217 
persons  on  the  funds,  and  the  committee  recommend 
for  election  this  day  18  candidates  from  an  approved 
list  of  73  applicants.  Although  the  number  of  bene- 
ficiaries will  thus  be  increased  to  235,  or  four  more 
than  at  the  corresponding  period  of  last  year,  the 
committee  deeply  regret  their  inability  to  recommend 
a  larger  number,  the  more  so  as  the  claims  for  help 
are  more  numerous  than  ever  before,  the  list  of  appli- 
cants this  year  showing  an  increase  of  20  on  that  at 
any    previous    election. 

The  two  special  funds,  the  "  Victorian  Era  Fund  " 
and  the  "  Good  Samaritan  Fund,"  still  prove  of  the 
utmost  value  and  usefulness  by  the  timely  help  they 
afford.  The  former  fund  temporarily  assists,  whilst 
awaiting  election,  those  unsuccessful  candidates  who 
have  been  subscribers  to  the  institution,  and  the  latter 
fund  enables  the  committee  to  afford  immediate  assist- 
ance to  applicants  whether  they  have  been  subscribers 
or  not  in  pressing  cases  of  misfortune  and  distress, 
to  whom  otherwise  they  would  lave  to  turn  a  deaf 
ear,  and  the  thankful  letters  from  the  recipients  show 
how  needful  was  the  help  given  and  with  what  grati- 
tude it  was  received.  It  may  be  mentioned  that  the 
interest    only    from    these    funds    is    available,    and    any 


special  donations  to  either  or  bath  of  them  would  be 
gratefully    welcomed. 

The  annual  festival  dinner,  which  look  place  at  the 
Hotel  Metropole  in  June  last  under  the  presideni  y  -f 
the  Right  Hon.  Lord  Aldenham,  was  most  successful, 
and  the  committee  take  this  opportunity  of  tendering 
their  grateful  thanks  to  his  lordship  for  his  warm  and 
sympathetic  advocacy  of  the  objects  and  aims  of  the 
charity  as  well  as  its  needs.  They  also  desire  to  offer 
their  sincere  thanks  to  those  gentlemen  who  acted  as 
stewards  or  collectors,  to  the  horticultural  Press  tor 
their  continued  gratuitous  and  invaluable  help,  to  the 
donors  of  flowers,  to  those  who  so  kindly  decorated 
the  tables,  and  to  all  other  friends  who  helped  to 
secure   the   success  of  the   festival. 

The  committee  have  further  to  express  their  grati- 
tude to  those  noblemen,  ladies  and  gentlemen  who 
have  so  kindly  allowed  their  beautiful  gardens  to  be 
opened  to  the  public  for  the  benefit  of  the  funds  of 
the  institution,  amongst  whom  may  be  mentioned  the 
Right  Hon.  Earl  Beauchamp  (Madresfield),  Lord 
Northbourne  (Betteshanger),  Mary  Countess  of  Ilchc-s- 
ter  (Holland  House),  The  Lady  Battersea  (Overstrand), 
Sir  Frank  Crisp  (Friar  Park),  and  E.  J.  Wythes,  Esq. 
(Epping) ;  thanks  are  also  due  to  Messrs.  Fisher,  Son 
&  Sibrary,  Ltd.,  for  opening  the  Royal  Nurseries  at 
Handsworth  for  the  same  purpose  ;  the  committee  are 
also  indebted  to  the  Messrs.  Geo.  Munro  Concert 
Committee  for  again  most  kindly  allocating  a  portion 
of  the  proceeds  derived  from  their  well-known  and 
successful  annual  concert.  The  committee  venture  to 
express  the  hope  that  other  friends  will  assist  the 
charity   in    similar    ways. 

With  much  gratification  the  committee  refer  to  the 
generous  kindness  of  N.  N.  Sherwood,  Esq.,  for  his 
gift  of  £25  for  unsuccessful  and  needy  applicants;  to 
Arthur  W.  Sutton,  Esq.,  for  kindly  giv'nj  a  year's  allow- 
ance of  £20  for  an  applicant  suffering  from  incurable 
paralysis,  and  to  Geo.  Munro,  Esq.,  for  his  kind  con- 
tribution of  £16  towards  the  maintenance  of  an  aged 
widow.  The  recipients  were  truly  grateful  for  these 
unexpected    bounties. 

The  services  of  the  honorary  treasurers  and  honorary 
secretaries  of  the  several  auxiliaries  are  keenly  appre- 
ciated, and  the  committee  gladly  p'ace  on  record  their 
indebtedness  for  the  kind  and  valued  efforts  of  the 
following  gentlemen  on  behalf  of  the  work,  viz.  :  — 

BRISTOL    AND    BATH. 
Presidents.  Hon.  Treasurers.       Hon.  Secretaries. 

Col.  H.  Cary  Batten.  I  W.    A.   Garaway,  I  Mr.  Geo.  Harris. 
I      Esq. 

WORCESTER. 
Rt.  Hon.  Earl  Beau-  I  Mr.  John  White 
champ,  K.C.M.G.  I 

DEVON    AND    EXETER. 
C.  R.  Collins,  Esq.     |  Mr.  W.  Mackay.     |  Mr.  W.  Mackay 

WOLVERHAMPTON. 
C.  T.  Mander,  Esq.,  I  Mr.  Bradley.  |Mr.     Tom      B 


Mr.      Percy      G. 
White. 


JP. 


Dobbs. 


BERKSHIRE,    READING    AND    DISTRICT. 


Mrs.  Rowland  Spur- 
ling. 


Arthur  W.Sutton, 
Esq.,  J. P., 
V.M.H. 


Mr,  L.  Castle. 


LIVERPOOL    AUXILIARY. 

The  Rt.    Hon.  The  I  A.  J.Crippin,  Esq.  I  R.  G.  Waterman, 
Earl  of  Derby.  |      Esq. 

It  is  with  much  pleasure  that  the  committee  announce 
that  Lionel  de  Rothschild,  Esq.,  has  kindly  consented 
to  preside  at  the  70th  anniversary  festival  dinner  in 
aid  of  the  funds  at  the  Hotel  Metropole  on  Wednes- 
day, June  23  next.  They  trust  he  will  be  well  and 
liberally  supported  on  the  occasion  by  all  friends  of 
the  institution  and  by  all  lovers  of  horticulture,  so 
that  the  festival  may  again  prove  instrumental  in 
obtaining  the  necessary  means  for  carrying  on  the 
work.  They  have  also  to  report  that  George  W.  F. 
Macnaughten,  Esq.,  M.D.,  M.R.C.P.,  has  kindly  con- 
sented to  accept  the  office  of  honorary  physician  to  the 
institution. 

Unhappily,  each  year  the  committee  have  to  record 
the  deaths  of  many  subscribers  and  supporters. 
Amongst  those  who  have  passed  away  in  the  pro  ding 
year  may  be  mentioned  the  Lord  Hotham,  H.  L. 
Bisehoffsheim,  Esq.,  E.  Bird  Foster,  Esq.,  Martin  R. 
Smith,  Esq.,  Henry  Baldcrson,  Esq.,  Geo.  Bethell, 
Esq.,  Mr.  \Y.  Whalley,  formerly  of  Addington  Park, 
Mr.  Geo.  Ambrose,  formerly  chairman  of  the  Wolver- 
hampton Auxiliary,  Mrs.  Nettlefold,  and  Mrs.  Rylands, 
the  last-named  lady  very  generously  remembering  the 
institution  in  her  will  by  bequeathing  it  a  substantial 
legacy.     The  loss  of  these  good  friends  is  keenly    felt. 

With  regard  to  the  Government  Old  Age  IN 
Act,  it  will  be  seen  that  the  honorary  solicitor  has 
given  notice  of  motion  to  be  submitted  to  the  sub- 
scribers at  the  meeting  this  day.  Its  intention — if  the 
subscribers  see  fit  to  adopt  it — is  to  enable  the  com- 
mittee to  act  under  Rule  III.,  6,  should  circumstances 
render  it  necessary  and  desirable  to  do  so,  without, 
however,  causing  any  pecuniary  loss  to  the  beneficiary 
or  applicant  for  help,  and  the  committee  would  point 
out  that,  of  those  now  applying  through  incapacity 
and  .  distress,  there  are  41  whose  ages  alone  render 
them  ineligible  for  the  benefit  of  State  aid ;  the  im- 
portance, therefore,  of  continued  support  to  the  insti- 
tution is  thus  manifest. 

In  conclusion,  the  committee  most  earnestly  appeal 
for  increased  means  for  this  National  Horticultural 
Society,  which  for  70  years  has  carried  on  its  bene- 
ficent work  with  such  comfort  and  help  to  the  recipi- 
ents of  its  benefits  as  cannot  be  overstated.  As  before 
mentioned,  there  are  73  applicants  for  aid,  and  if  only 
18  are  elected  there  will  be  55  unsuccessful  candidates 
still  on  the  list  who  will  have  to  wait  a  whole  year. 
Of  those  now  appealing  for  aid — to  whom  in  some 
cases  the  committee  have  already  afforded  a  much- 
needed,  temporary  help — there  are  several  who  are 
nearly   blind,   whilst   four   aged   59,  56,   44,   and   40  ate 


January  30,    1905] 


THE    GARDENERS'      CHRONICLE. 


79 


incurably  and  hopelessly  paralysed.  To  enable  assist- 
ance to  be  given  to  these  and  other  pathetically  sad 
cases  the  committee  plead  most  earnestly  for  increased 
support,  and  they  feel  confident  that,  for  such  genuine 
and  invaluable  work,  they  will  not  plead  in  vain. 

The  Chairman  made  but  few  observations  in 
moving  the  adoption  of  the  report  and  balance- 
sheet,  remarking  that  the  report  in  itself  ex- 
plrined  the  circumstances  of  the  year  very  fully. 
The  institution  was  still  making  progress,  but 
even  more  help  was  needed  than  was  at  present 
forthcoming.  Mr.  W.  Roupell,  in  seconding  the 
resolution  of  adoption,  stated  that  he  had  been 
connected  with  the  institution  since  1857.  The 
resolution  was  adopted  unanimously. 

Mr.  Arthur  W.  Sutton-  then  proposed  the  re- 
elei  tion  of  Mr.  Harry  J.  Veitch  as  treasurer, 
and,  when  Mr.  Alex.  Dean  had  seconded  the 
motion,  it  was  passed  with  acclamation. 

Mr.  G.  J.  Ingram  was  re-elected  secretary  on 
the  proposition  of  Mr.  George  Monro,  seconded 
by  Mr.  Wheeler.  The  retiring  members  of  the 
committee  were  afterwards  re-elected,  with  the 
exception  of  Mr.  R.  Milligan  Hogg,  whose  re- 
tirement led  to  the  appointment  of  Mr.  Frede- 
rick  Cooper  as  a   member  of  committee. 

Following  the  appointment  of  auditors  and 
arbitrators,  Mr.  White,  in  the  absence  of  Mr. 
W.  A.  Bilney  (honorary  solicitor)  through  in- 
disposition,  moved  the   following   resolution:  — 


"  That  every  person  having  attained  the  age 
of  70  years  who  is  in  receipt  of  an  annuity 
from  the  institution  and  is  eligible  for  a  Gi 
eminent  Old  Age  Pension  of  less  than  the 
maximum  allowance  of  5s.  per  week,  or  whose 
total  income  do;s  not  exceed  £31  10s.  per 
annum,  may  have  such  charitable  annuity  re- 
duced as  the  committee  may  determine  under 
Rule  III.  6,  so  as  to  render  him  or  her  eligible 
to  apply  for  a  pension  on  the  Government 
scale,  provided  always  that  such  reduction 
does  not  involve  the  beneficiary  in  any  pecu- 
niary loss."  • 

Mr.  White  observed  that  the  adoption  of  this 
resolution  would  not  commit  the  committee  to 
anything,  but,  on  the  contrary,  it  would  loosen 
their  hands.  The  resolution  was  seconded  by 
Mr.  Denning.  Considerable  discussion  followed, 
but  it  appeared  to  be  generally  recognised  that 
whilst  so  many  candidates  had  to  wait  several 
years  for  election  to  the  funds,  it  was  necessary 
that,  in  as  many  cases  as  possible,  advantage 
should  be  taken  of  the  State  Old  Age  Pension. 
Mr.  J.  Hudson  said  some  arrangement  of  the 
kind  was  necessary  in  order  to  obtain  "  the 
greatest  good  for  the  greatest  number."  The 
resolution  was   adopted   unanimously. 

Scrutineers  of  the  ballot  were  then  appointed, 
and  the  result  of  the  poll  was  declared  at  5.30. 
(Details  were  published  in  our  last  issue.) 


STATEMENT    OF    RECEIPTS   AND    EXPENDITURE   FOR   THE    YEAR    ENDING 

DECEMBER    31,    1908 


R.EC1  hi  -. 

£ 

S 

d. 

£ 

s. 

d 

To    Balance 

1,129 

9 

6 

,,    Amount  on   deposit 

3,880 

0 

0 

„     Annual    subscriptions 

1.434 

0 

6 

,,     1  >onations   at  and   in   i  i  n 

in  nee   of    festival   din 

in  ludlng    special    gifts    ... 

".954 

17 

10 

,,     Li  gacies  . 

Mrs.      A.      H.      Lewis-Hill, 

with    interest           

1,007 

4 

S 

Mr.    B.    Greaves       

50 

0 

0 

Return    of    Income    Tax 

4- 

18 

6 

„     Dividends    and    interest 

880 

0 

10 

2 

I 

I  

i'      V  nsii uib  And   gratuities 
eluding 
Mi  ssrs.    Sherwood,    Suit  m, 

and    M  inro      ...        

.,     Expenses  of  annual  mi 

and   1  let.  tion 

,,     Rent ,    bring,    lighl  ng 

including    salaries    of    Sec- 

I    Clerk      

.,     Pi  In  ting,        includ- 
Annual     Re- 
Polling  Pa- 
Appeals, 

etc.,   &c 1:1    7    3 

Less  advertise- 
ments in  An- 
nual     Li>t       ...     48  15    6 


s.  d. 


13      O 

to    3    4 


566    9    7 


Expenses    of     fe;  ti- 
\;il    dinner  ...     sa8    13 

Less        dinner 

charges  ...   174     o 


Postages,  including  Annual 
R(  ports.  Polling  Papers, 
App'  ' '  

Advertisement  in  Fry's 
Charities  

Collecting    boxes  

Carriage,  telegrams,  re- 
pa  1  -,  1lent.1l  t  x- 
I  >    1 1  -":  ■  - 

Bank   il  a  ges 

Plact  d   1  'ii   d<  ]>■  isit     

Ditto   (Mrs.    A.    H.    Lewis- 
Hills    Legacy)         

Balance  with   Treasurer 
„  ,,       Secretary 


54'j     o 
51      2     8 


3     3 
2     5 


13     6 

S     4 


888    8    4 
n    19    9 


3  9 

3.53o    o  o 

1,007     4  5 

•ifon     8  1 

£10,378  11  7 


We  certify  that  all  our  requirements  as  Auditors  have  been  complied  with,  and  we  have  compared  the  books 
witli  the  b.itikers  certificate  of  securities  deposited  with  them,  and  the  balance-sheet  is  a  true  and  correct  account 
of  same.    The  books  are  well  kept. 


January  19,  1909.  *  Required  to  meet  the  quarterly  payments  January  r,  1909. 

VICTORIAN    ERA    FIND.— BALANCE    SHEET,    1908 
Receipts. 

1908  ... 


THOMAS   MANNING, 
THOMAS   SWIFT. 


To  Balance,  January 

,.     Dividends  

,,     Rt  turn    of    Income    Tax 


£    s.  d. 

155     0    6 

8     3     2 

£   s.  d. 
184  n    5 

■63     3     8 
.i:347  '5     ' 

Expenditure. 

£    s.  d. 

By  gratuities  177    8    o 

,,    Balance    in    hand,    Decem- 
ber  31,   1908 •      ...      170    7     1 


£    s.  d. 


GOOD    SAMARITAN    FUND.— BALANCE    SHEET,    1908. 


£    s.  d.        £    s.  d. 
To   Balance,  January   1,    1908     ...  267    7    5 

,,     Donations  64  19    6 

„     Dhidends  :■   1  ;     6 

,,    Return    of    Income    Tax    ...  3    6     9 

■ 140  19    2 


£468     6     7 


By    gratuities  

,,    Balance    in    hand,     Decem- 
ber-31,  1908    


347  '3     1 

^347  "5     1 

£   s.  d. 

101  10    0 

£   s.  d. 

306  16    7 

408    6    7 

£408    6    7 

Audited  and  found  correct  {jhOMa!  SWIFT.NG" 
Jan-aaiy    19,    1909. 


The  Friendly  Supper. 

-Mr.    Sherwood  Provides   for  Two  More 
Pensioners. 

The  committee  and  friends  met  at  the  friendly- 
supper  at  6  p.m.,  also  at  Simpson's.  Mr.  W. 
J.  Jefferies  presided,  and  proposed  the  toast  of 
"  The  Gardeners'  Royal  Benevolent  Institu- 
tion." Mr.  Harry  J.  Veitch  responded.  He  said 
that  he  had  already  replied  to  this  toast  on  40 
occasions  at  the  annual  festivals  and  suppers. 
He  expressed  the  pleasure  of  those  present  at 
seeing  Mr.  N.  N.  Sherwood  amongst  them 
again.  Respecting  the  institution,  it  was  com- 
menced by  the  election  of  two  pensioners,  now 
there  were  L-40.  They  had  disbursed  £175,000  to 
needy  gardeners  or  their  widows,  and  the  pre- 
sent distribution  was  approximately  £4,000  each 
year.  Amongst  the  disappointed  candidates  this 
year  were  three  very  bad  cases  of  paralysis.  It 
was  distressing  to  the  committee  that  they  could 
not  put  more  on  the  funds,  and  he  (Mr.  Veitch) 
pleaded  for  increased  support  to  enable  them  to 
do  so.  Lionel  de  Rothschild,  Esq.,  had  kindly 
consented  to  preside  at  the  next  festival,  and  he 
would  make  the  sixth  member  of  that  house 
who  had  presided  at  these  functions. 

Mr.  N.  N.  Sherwood,  who  was  given  a  very 
enthusiastic  welcome,  said  he  had  been  con- 
nected with  the  institution  for  41  years,  and  his 
interest  and  sympathy  were  as  great  as  ever. 
Mr.  Veitch  had  referred  to  three  cases  of  paraly- 
sis, and  he  (Mr.  Sherwood)  would  be  pleased  to 
provide  a  year's  pension  for  two  of  these  to  be 
selected  by  the  committee. 

Mi.  \V.  Atkinson  proposed  the  toast  of  "  The 
Chairman,"  and  Mr.  George  Bunyard  that  of 
"  The  Committee  and  Auxiliaries."  Mr.  George 
Monro  replied  for  the  committee,  and  Mr.  R.  S. 
Waterman  (Liverpool)  for  the  auxiliaries.  Mr. 
Waterman  remarked  that  although  the  Liverpool 
Auxiliary  was  now  seven  years  old,  none  had 
been   formed   since  ! 

On  the  proposition  of  Mr.  Harry  J.  Veitch, 
the  toast  of  "The  Secretary"  was  received  with 
great  cordiality,  and  Mr.  Ingram  replied  in  an 
excellent  speech. 

SOCIETE  FRANCAISE   D'HORTICUL- 

TURE  DE   LONDRES. 

(ANNUAL  DINNER). 

January  23. — The  twentieth  anniversary  of 
this  Society  was  celebrated  at  the  Cafe  Royal, 
Regent  Street,  on  the  above  date.  Sir  Albert  K. 
Rollit,  D.C.L.,  LL.D.,  occupied  the  chair.  The 
company  included  M.  Iluguenet,  Editor  of  La 
Chronique,  M.  Lageat,  M.  Guilloud,  Mr.  George 
Schneider  (President),  and  Messrs.  T.  Bevan, 
E.  F.  Hawes,  Harman  Payne,  J.  H.  Witty, 
II.  J.  Jones,  J.  McKerchar,  D.  Ingamells,  Eric 
Such,  C.  H.  Curtis,  T.  W.  Sanders,  Arthur 
Turner,  Whitpaine  Nutting,  J.  Weathers,  Hiehle, 
and  G.  J.   Ingram. 

After  the  toasts  of  the  President  of  the 
French  Republic  and  the  King  had  been  duly 
honoured,  Sir  Albert  Rollit  proposed  the  toast 
of  the  evening,  that  of  "  La  Societe  Francaise 
d'Horticulture  de  Londres."  He  expressed  his 
satisfaction  at  the  useful  work  that  had  been 
done  by  the  Society  in  the  past,  and  congratu- 
lated the  members  on  the  admirable  report  for 
the  past  year.  He  referred  to  the  commercial 
importance  of  horticulture,  and  stated  that  the 
trade  in  gardening  produce  between  England 
and  France  was  of  very  considerable  extent. 
The  Society  is  the  means  of  many  young  men 
of  both  nationalities  gaining  an  insight  into 
nursery  and  other  horticultural  work  in  the 
two  countries.  The  speaker  referred  to  some 
of  the  aspects  of  French  horticulture  that  I 
lishmen  might  imitate.  The  Society  promoted 
a  knowledge  of  the  English  and  French  lan- 
guages amongst  its  members,  and  this  was  com- 
mendable, because  nations  that  understood  each 
other's  languages  are  better  able  to  under 
each  other's  temperaments  and  feelin 

Mr.  George  Schneider,  in  reply,  thanked  Sir 
Albert  Rollit  for  his  appreciation  of  the  worl 
done  by  the  Society.  He  regretted  that  death 
had  thinned  their  ranks,  but  the  Society  has 
enrolled  many  new  members  during  1908. 
Apart  from  placing  young  Frenchmen  in 
tions  in  England,  the  Society  had  been  the 
means  of  finding  situations  for  several  young 
Englishmen    in    France. 

Mr.    Schneider  referred   to  the   death   of  their 
late    Honorary    President,     M.     Ouvrard,     and 


8i» 


THE     GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


[January  30,  1909. 


stated  that  M.  Ph.  de  Vilmorin,  from  whom  a 
telegram  was  read,  had  consented  to  accept  the 
post. 

Mr.  D.  Ingamells  proposed  the  toast  of  past 
presidents,  to  which  Mr.  Thomas  Bevan  replied. 

At  this  stage  of  the  proceedings  a  presenta- 
tion  was  made  to  Mr.  Harman  Payne  by  the 
President,  Sir  Albert  Rollit,  of  a  silver  plaquettt 
d'honneur.  Sir  Albert  spoke  in  appreciation  of 
Mr.  Payne's  international  work  in  horticulture, 
and  the  plaquette  was  awarded  for  his  co-opera- 
tion at  the  Retrospective  Exhibition  in  Paris  last 
November.  The  gift  was  from  the  National 
Horticultural  Society  of  France. 

The  toast  of  the  Chairman  was  proposed  by 
Mr.  G.  J.  Ingram  and  duly  replied  to. 

Mr.  Harman  Payne  made  an  amusing  speech 
in  French  proposing  the  toast  of  the  officers  of 
the  Society  and  offering  the  thanks  of  the  meet- 
ing to  M.  Ripard  for  the  floral  decorations  at 
the  dinner.  M.  Ripard  replied  and  proposed 
the  toast  of  "  The  Press." 

During  the  evening  a  telegram  was  dispatched 
to  President  Fallieres  sending  the  friendly- 
greetings  of  the  Society.  The  two  caskets  pre- 
sented to  President  Fallieres  by  the  Corporation 
of  the  City  of  London  and  by  the  English  mem- 
bers of  the  Legion  of  Honour  and  other  French 
orders  on  the  occasion  of  his  visit  to  London  in 
May  last  were  on  view. 

A  presentation  of  a  silver  bowl  was  made 
to  Mr.  George  Schneider  on  behalf  of  the  young 
members  of  the  Society. 

Instrumental  and  vocal  music  and  recitations 
were  rendered  at   intervals. 


DEBATING    SOCIETIES. 


CARDIFF  GARDENERS'.— A  meeting  of  this  asso- 
ciation was  held  on  the  19th  inst.  Mr.  H.  R.  Farmer 
presided.  A  lecture  was  given  by  Mr.  F.  Woods,  gardener 
at  Llanfrechfa  Grange.  Newport,  on  the  Madresfield 
Court  Grape.  The  lecturer  stated  that  this  variety  can  be 
as  successfully  cultivated  as  the  Black  Hamburgh  or  any 
other  ordinary  kind.  The  formation  of  vine  borders,  their 
proper  depth  and  composition,  also  ventilation,  pruning  and 
mulching,  were  explained  in  detail. 

CROYDON  &  DISTRICT  HORTICULTURAL.- 

At  a  recent  meeting  of  this  association  Mr.  Mark  Webster, 
Kelsey  Park  Gardens,  Beckenham,  delivered  a  lecture  on 
Nitro -Bacterine.  In  the  practical  tests  he  had  given  it 
during  twelve  months,  success  was  not  obtained.  Dur- 
ing his  observations  he  alluded  to  the  soils  he  had 
tried  it  in,  and  the  poor  subsoil  he  considered  to  be 
the  best  medium  for  inoculation.  The  lecturer  stated 
that  in  many  instances  no  benefit  was  observed  from 
the  u^e  of  this  substance;  the  best  results  were  obtained 
with  a  free  use  of  lime.  When  used  in  conjunction  with 
certain  chemical  manures  it  had  deleterious  effects.  The 
seeds  used  for  experiment  were  Peas.  By  the  application 
of  this  culture  the  nodules  containing  the  nitrifying  bacteria 
were  increased.  The  lecturer  was  of  the  opinion  that  the 
soil  containing  the  roots  of  the  Peas  would  be  of  benefit 
to  successional  crops. 


THE     WEATHER. 


THE  WEATHER   IN    WEST    HEKTS. 

Week  ending  January  27. 
A  very  cold  week.— The  last  eight  days  and  nights  have 
been  all  more  or  less  cold,  but  on  only  four  of  those  days 
was  the  cold  exceptional,  and  on  no  night  did  the  exposed 
thermometer  show  more  than  14°  of  frost.  The  ground,  for 
the  first  lime  this  month,  is  cold  for  the  time  of  year.  At 
2  feet  deep  the  temperature  is  1°  colder,  and  at  1  foot 
deep  2°  colder,  than  is  seasonable.  No  rain  or  snow  has 
fallen  for  eight  days,  but  on  the  first  day  of  the  week  there 
was  a  rather  heavy  deposit  of  hoar  frost  on  the  funnel  of 
the  rain  gauge.  There  has  been  no  measurable  percolation 
through  either  of  the  soil  gauges  for  four  days.  The  sun 
shone  on  an  average  for  2  hours  27  minutes  a  day,  or  for 
three-quarters  of  an  hour  a  day  longer  than  is  usual  at  this 
period  of  January.  On  two  days  no  sunshine  at  all  was  re- 
corded, whereas  on  one  other  day  the  sun  was  shining 
brightly  for  over  five  hours.  Calms  and  ligl  t  airs  have 
alone  prevailed  during  the  week,  and  for  the  last  96  hours 
the  direction  of  the  air  currents  has  been  constantly  from 
the  north-east.  There  was  about  a  seasonable  amount  of 
moisture  in  the  air  at  three  p.m.  E.  M.,  Bcrkhamsted, 
January  27,  1909. 


SCHEDULE     RECEIVED. 


ENQUIRY. 

Timber  for  Forcing  Houses. — I  shall  be  glad 
if  any  readers  can  give  me  their  experience  as 
to  the  best  timber  and  the  best  mode  of  pre- 
serving it  from  decay,  for  the  sills  of  forcing 
houses,  which  are  constantly  kept  warm  and 
moist.  Seventeen  years  ago  I  tried  pitch  pine, 
and  find  that  it  does  not  last  much,  if  any, 
longer  than  best  red  deal,  which  is  now  a  very 
expensive  wood.  What  is  the  average  life  of 
sills  and  wallplates,  under  such  conditions,  when 
treated  with  creosote  or  carbolineum?  Has 
anyone  tried  the  wood  of  Louisiana  Cypress 
Taxodium  distichum,  which  is  said,  in  the  sub- 
tropical climate  of  New  Orleans,  to  last  in  con- 
tact with  the  soil  for  an  indefinite  period,  and 
which  is  now  on  the  market  in  England  at  a 
reasonable  price?     H.  J .  E/wes,  Colesbjrne. 


to 
Lormhondcnfo 


Berlin  International  Exhibition  :  L.  P.  The 
exhibition,  as  announced  in  our  issue  for  May 
23,  p.  325,  will  be  held  in  the  New  Exhibition 
Hall  of  the  Zoological  Society,  Berlin,  from 
April  2-13.  The  address  of  the  general  secre- 
tary is  Siegfried  Braun,  Berlin,  N.  4,  In- 
validenstrasse  42. 

Carnation  Maggot:  W.  E.  As  we  suspected, 
your  later  specimens  prove  that  the  grubs  are 
the  larvae  of  an  Anthomyia  fly.  Plants  already 
attacked    must    be    thrown    away.     Protection 


from  the  fly 
forded  by 
of  tarred 
one  side 
tral  opcn- 
the  stem  of 
(or  layer) 
theground. 
collar  pre- 
mother  fly 
her    eggs 


may  be  af- 
placing  pieces 
paper  slit  on 
with  a  ceil- 
ing around 
the  cutting 
quite  close  to 
This  paper 
vents  the 
from  laying 
close    to    the 


Southampton  Royal  Horticultural  Society's  Summer, 
Carnation,  and  Autumn  Exhibitions  to  be  held  on  June 
29,  31;  July  23;  and  November  9  and  10,  respectively. 
Secretary,  Mr.  C.  S.  Fuidge,  7,  Silverdale  Road,  Archer's 
Road,  Southampton. 


stem,  and  if  these  are  deposited  a  short  distance 
from  the  plant  the  larvae,  which  are  not  able  to 
move  easily,  fail  to  reach  the  Carnation,  The 
larvae  now  being  actually  inside  the  plant  spray- 
ing is  useless.  You  might  try  fumigating  with  a 
nicotine  preparation.  The  larvae  (grubs)  do  not 
crawl  from  plant  to  plant,  but  the  pest  is  spread 
by  means  of  the  eggs  laid  bv  the  mature  insect 

(fly). 

Landscape  Gardener:  C.  R.  C,  Massachusetts. 
You  will  find  a  short  account  of  the  career  of 
Edward  Kemp  in  the  Gardeners'  Chronicle, 
March  7,  1891,  p.  311.  He  died  on  March  'J, 
1891.  As,  doubtless,  you  have  the  English 
gardening  papers  of  that  period  in  your 
library,  you  may  gain  from  them  further  in- 
formation. 

Lobelia  compacta  :  /.  P.  The  plants  are 
attacked  by  a  fungus — Botrytis  cinerea.  This 
pest  .grows  on  every  kind  of  plant  refuse,  and 
becomes  parasitic  only  in  the  presence  of 
considerable  moisture  and  heat.  The  fungus 
is  best  kept  in  check  by  admitting  as  much 
fresh  air  as  is  possible  in  the  plant-houses  or 
frames. 

Names  of  Flowers,  Fruits  and  Plants. — We 
aie  anxious  to  oblige  correspondents  as  far  as 
we  consistently  can,  but  they  must  bear  in 
mind  that  it  is  no  part  of  our  duty  to  our 
subscribers  to  name  either  flowers  or  fruits. 
Such  work  entails  considerable  outlay,  both  of 
time  and  money,  and  cannot  be  allowed  to  dis- 
oi  ganise  the  preparations  for  the  weekly  issue,  or  to 
encroach  upon  time  required  for  the  conduct  of  the 
paper.  Correspondents  should  never  send  more 
than  six  plants  or  fruits  at  one  time  :  they  should  be 
very  careful  to  pack  and  label  them  properly,  togive 
every  information  as  to  the  county  the  fruits  are 
grown  in,  and  to  send  ripe,  or  nearly  ripe,  specimens 
which  show  the  character  of  the  variety.  By 
neglecting  these  precautions  correspondents  add 
greatly  to  our  labour,  and  run  the  risk  of 
delay  and  incorrect  determinations.  Correspondents 
not  ansivered  in  one  issue  are  requested  to 
be  so  good  as  to  consult  the  following  numbers. 
Plants  :  Africa.  Ornithogalum  niveum. — 
W.  H.  C.  1,  Selenipedium  Schroderae  ;  2,  S. 
longifolium ;  3,  S.  cardinale;  4,  S.  Sedenii. 
These  are  called  Cypripedium  in  gardens,  but 


they  have  botanical  differencies. — F.  B.  1, 
Schinus  Molle  (Pepper  Tree)  ;  2,  Epidendrum 
cochleatum;  3,  Rodriguezia  (Burhngtonia) 
decora. — T.  T.  1,  Pellionia  pulchra;  2,  Dra- 
caena rubra  ;  3,  Cyperus  alternifolms  ;  4,  Carex 
japonica  variegata ;  5,  Begonia  discolor ;  6, 
Selaginella  involvens.— B.  S.  1,  Dracaena  pul- 
cherrima  ;  2,  Chloropby turn  elatunt  vat  iexatum  ; 
3,  Cupressus  funebris  ;  4,  send  belter  specimen 
with  flowers ;  5,  Carex  riparia ;  6,  Curculigo 
recurvata.—  E.  W.  Veltheimia  viridifolia,  a 
native  of  South  Africa. — Foreman.  1,  Brassia. 
Keiliana;  2,  Restrepia  trichoglossa ;  3,  Epiden- 
drum polybulbon ;  4,  Calanthe  rosea ;  5, 
Lycaste  plana;  6,  Xylobium  sqnalens. — A.S. 
Cedrusatlantica  var.  glauca;  this  will  grow  with, 
a  single  trunk.—  G.  H.  B.  1,  Berberis  Wallich- 
iana ;  2,  Juniperus  chinensis  al bo  variegata; 
3,  Cupressus  Lawsoniana;  4,  C  L.  erecta 
viridis ;  5,  C.  L.  aurea ;  6,  C.  L.  aureo-variegata 

Peach  Buds  Killed  :  Anxious.  There  is  no 
disease  present  in  the  shoots.  The  buds  have 
probably  been  killed  by  the  paint  you  refer  to. 
Hot-water  pipes  should  not  be  painted,  but 
coated  with  lamp-black  and  oil.  We  do  not 
think  the  small  amount  of  paraffin,  with 
which  the  woodwork  of  the  house  was  painted, 
was  the  cause  of  the  trouble. 

Pelargonium  :  /.  H.  B.  The  trouble  is  not 
caused  by  disease,  but  has  resulted  from 
some  cultural  defect  or  physical  injury.  It 
may  have  been  due  to  an  excess  of  moisture 
in  the  soil  or  to  excessive  doses  of  strong 
fertilisers.  The  Phoenix  has  been  injured  by 
some  check,  such  as  might  be  produced  by 
cold  or  drought. 

Preserving  Ornamental  Gourds  :  //.  C.  The 
varieties  of  Lagenaria  or  bottle-gourds  should 
have  the  thin  outer  skin  removed,  and  after 
the  Gourd  has  been  thoroughly  dried,  it 
should  be  coated  with  thin  oak-varnish.  The 
green  and  white  Malabar  gourds  should  be 
gathered  when  quite  ripe  and  dried  in  a  ' 
greenhouse.  Without  any  further  troublei 
these  gourds  will  retain  their  colours  for 
about  two  years.  Ordinary  gourds,  both 
smooth  and  warted,  should  be  thoroughly 
dried  on  a  shelf  in  a  greenhouse,  and  bei 
varnished  afterwards  with  thin  oak-varnish. 

Pronunciation  of  Plant  Names  :  G.  Prickett. 
The  list  that  recently  appeared  in  these 
columns  will  be  re-issued  in  book  form.  The 
work  is  already  in  the  press,  and  its  publica- 
tion may  be  looked  for  at  an  early  date. 

Stephanotis  Leaf  :  Puzzled.  The  discolora- 
tion is  due  to  a  fungus,  a  species  of 
Capnodium.  It  is  not  usually  parasitic,  but 
follows  injury  by  aphis,  which  must  be  kept 
down  by  the  use  of  nicotine  insecticides. 

Vanda  ccerulea  :  /.  A.  Vanda  ccerulea  is 
capable  of  adapting  itself  to  tolerably  wide 
limits  in  point  of  temperature.  Its  most 
essential  requirement  is  the  pure  air  of  a 
well-ventilated  house.  If  it  is  kept  in  a  close, 
hot  atmosphere,  it  generally  fails  to  grow  or 
flower  well,  after  the  first  year  or  so.  If  the 
plants  are  now  on  the  stage  at  some  consider- 
able disfence  from  the  glass  of  the  roof,  they 
would  possibly  become  more  satisfactory  if 
suspended  close  to  the  ridge.  If  the  Orchid 
house  in  which  you  have  them  is  what  is 
called  the  hot-house,  remove  the  plants  to  the 
cool  end  of  the  Cattleya  house  and  suspend 
them  there.  They  lequire  a  good,  bright  light 
at  all  seasons.  An  atmospheric  temperature  of 
55°  to  65°  Fahr.  in  winter  is  sufficient.  la 
summer,  keep  the  plants  as  cool  as  possible. 
Vanda  ccerulea  requires  plenty  of  rain-water 
when  making  its  growth.  You  can  obtain  the 
book  mentioned  from  the  publishing  depart- 
ment of  this  journal. 

Willow  Shoots  Injured  :  P.  W.  J.  The 
damage  is  not  due  to  disease.  The  punctures 
have  been  caused  by  some  insect,  but  we  fail 
to  find  any  of  the  creatures  in  the  specimens  i 
received.  Send  further  examples  containing 
insects. 

Communications  Received.— R.  H.  H.  (Thanks  for  2s. 
sent  for  R.CO.F.  box)— J.  J.— Constant  Subscriber- 
's W.  E.-W.  E.  B.-W.  W.  P.— II.  J.  V.— G.  W.— 
W.  R.— C.  II.— A.  T.— A.  S.,  Mehlem— F.  M.— A.  D.— 
T.  L.— H.  J.  E.— W.  W.— C.  R.  G.,  Mass.— W.  K.—  Rev. 
C.  B.-W.  A.  C.-J.  G.-H.  I.  J.-F.  J.-A.  J.  H.— J.  R. 
—P.  J.  C— F.  J.  C.-Linnean  Soc— Reading  Gard.  Soc— 
H.L.  F.— A.  E.  B.  H.— J.  F.-T.  H—  H.  R.  C.  (Thanks 
for  Is.  which  has  been  placed  in  the  R.G.O.F.  box) — 
Y.C,  S,— J.  C.  B.— T.  A.-  P.  D.  R.— C.  F.— F.  C— W.  G.  B, 


Supplement  to  the  "  Gardeners'  Chronicle." 


SlNNINGIA      HYBRIDA     (HORT.)      "  Dr.    MAXWELL    T.     MASTERS,"      AS      SHOWN      BY 

Mr.   Ernest  Benary,   Erfurt  ;  flowers,  rose  coloured  and  white. 


Printed  by  Temple  Press  Ltd.,  London,  B.C. 


February  6,  1909.] 


THE    GARDENERS'      CHRONICLE. 


81 


THE 


(Sitrbcners'CbronicIc 

No.  hi 54.— SATURDAY,  February  6,   1909. 


CONTENTS. 

Afforestation      

84 

Nitrogen,  new    sources 

Albinism  in  Orchitis,  in- 

of             

88 

heritance  of 

81 

Parasites,  beneficial    ... 

90 

Alpine    garden    in    the 

Plant st     new     or    note- 

Alps        

90 

worthy — 

Angraecum  Augustum... 

S!) 

Sobralia     Elisabethae 

83 

Belladonna,  the  Kew  ... 

92 

Potatos,      British,      for 

Benevolent    Institution, 

America           

90 

Gardeners'  Royal 
Books,  notices  of — 

92 

Pruning  competition,  a 

90 

Societies — 

Botanical  Magazine... 

89 

National  Chrys. 

94 

Wax  Craft       

85 

Royal  Horticultural  ... 

93 

Publications  received 

91 

(Scientific  Committee) 

94 

Cornus  capitata 

83 

Street  trees,  the  care  of 

90 

Cyclamen  flowers        ...92,93 

Sulphate   of    ammonia, 

Foreign  correspondence- 

output  of         

91 

Gardens  of  Hyeres  ... 
Freesias 

93 

Veitch  Memorial  Medal- 

92 

lists        

91 

Fumigating     a     vinery 
with  cyanide  of  potas- 
sium       

96 

Week's  work,  the  — 
Flower  garden,  the  ... 

85 

Fungus  pests     

"  Geo.      Monro       Ltd " 

91 

Fruits  under  glass    ... 

87 

Hardy  fruit  garden   ... 

86 

Concert 

DO 

Kitchen  garden,  the... 

87 

Irises,  winter-flowering 

93 

Orchid  houses,  the  ... 

s7 

Leeds   parks  employes' 

90 

Plants  under  glass    ... 

87 

Masters'    Lectures,    the 

Public  parks  and  gar- 

forthcoming  

90 

dens  

85 

Nitro-Bacterine,  experi- 

Whortleberries       and 

ments  with      

91 

Cranberries     

83 

ILLUSTRATIONS. 

Angrascum     Augustum    (Supplementary    Illustration) 

Cornus  capitata,  a  fruiting  spray  of,  8'2  ;  flowers  of     ...  83 

Eranthemum  Wattii,  foliage  and  inflorescence  of        ...  89 

Loganberry,  the 86 


INHERITANCE     OF     ALBINISM 
IN  ORCHIDS. 

IN  consequence  of  the  important  results  re- 
cently obtained  at  Cambridge  by  Pro- 
fessor Bateson,  Mr.  Punnett  and  Miss 
Saunders  in  their  Mendelian  experiments 
with  Sweet  Peas  and  Stocks,  the  question  of 
the  inheritance  of  albinism  has  become  one 
of  great  biological  interest. 

In  Orchids,  the  raising  of  albino  forms 
from  seed  is  also  of  much  practical  interest. 
It  may  be  useful  therefore  to  collect  in  a 
brief  note  what  has  already  been  done  by 
Orchid  breeders  in  this  direction. 

Albino  Orchids  may  be  provisionally 
divided  into  two  classes  : — (i)  True  albinos 
with  no  trace  of  purple  sap.  (2)  Tinged 
"  albinos  "  with  some  purple  sap. 

The  following  list  gives  the  results  so  far 
obtained  in  mating  (a)  true  albinos  with  true 
albinos,  (b)  tinged  "  albinos  "  with  tinged 
"albinos,"  (c)  tinged  "albinos"  with  true 
albinos.  The  records  have  been  taken  partly 
from  the  reports  of  the  meetings  of  the  R.H.S. 
published  in  this  journal,  partly  from  Mr. 
Rolfe's  notes  in  the  Orchid  Review,  and 
partly  from  personal  notes  and  correspondence 
with  Orchid  breeders.  The  nomenclature 
adopted  is  that  of  the  Orchid  Stud  Book, 
now  being  issued  from  the  press. 


I  trust  that  the  list  is  fairly  complete,  and 
I  hope  that  any  omissions  will  be  at  once 
supplied  by  Orchid  breeders. 

(a)  True  Albinos  x  True  Albinos. 

Paphiopedilum  callosum  Sandercc,  selfed 
by  Mr.  Norman  Cookson,  produced  true  al- 
binos. Another  batch,  raised  by  Mr.  T. 
Statter,   also  produced  true  albinos. 

P.  Lawrenceanum  Hyeanum,  selfed  by  Mr. 
Norman  Cookson,  produced  nine  plants,  eight 
of  which  reproduced  the  true  albino,  while 
one  plant  is  said  to  have  reverted  to  an  or- 
dinary coloured  form  of  P.  Lawrenceanum. 
This  apparent  exception  is  remarkable,  and 
a  repetition  of  this  experiment  with  larger 
numbers  would  be  useful. 

P.  Lawrenceanum  Hyeanum  x  P.  callo- 
sum Sanderce,  raised  by  Messrs.  Charles- 
worth,  in  1900,  produced  the  albino  hybrid  P. 
x  Maudiae,  all  the  plants  of  which  have  so 
far  proved  to  be  true  albinos.  Another  batch 
raised  by  Baron  Schroder  in  1907  also  pro- 
duced true  albinos. 

P.  X  Maudiw  X  P.  insigne  Sanderianum, 
raised  by  Colonel  Holford  in  1908,  produced 
the  albino  hybrid  P.  X  Rosettii,  16  plants  of 
which  have  so  far  flowered,  all  apparently 
true  albinos.  It  may  be  noted  here  that 
while  P.  insigne  Sanderianum  so  far  appears 
to  behave  as  a  true  albino,  yet  the  presence 
•  if  siuiie  dark-coloured  hairs  at  the  base  of  the 
petals  suggests  that  this  variety  may  possibly 
be  a  tinged  albino  like  P.  insigne  Sanderae. 
It  would  be  interesting  to  know  if  the  hybrid 
P.  X  Rosettii  also  has  those  dark-coloured 
hairs. 

P.  callosum  Sanderce  X  P.  bellatulum 
album,  raised  by  Mr.  Cookson  in  1907,  pro- 
duced the  coloured  hybrid  P.  X  YVottonii,  25 
plants  of  which  have  flowered,  all  apparently 
sap^coloured  like  the  typical  hybrid  between 
P.  callosum  and  P.  bellatulum. 

P.  Lawrenceanum  Hyeanum  x  P.  bella- 
tulum  album,  raised  by  Mr.  Cookson,  pro- 
duced the  coloured  hybrid  P.  X  Lawrebel 
resembling  the  typical  hybrid  between  P. 
Lawrenceanum  and  P.  bellatulum. 

Cattleya  Mossier  Wageneri,  selfed  by 
Messrs.  Charlesworth  in  1907,  produced  a 
true  albino  with  no  trace  of  sap  colour. 

C.  Mossice  Wageneri  X  C.  Gaskelliana 
alba,  raised  by  M.  Jules  Hye,  produced  three 
true  albinos,  viz.,  C.  X  Hyeae,  C.  X  H. 
Suzanne,  and  C.  X  H.  jungfrau. 

C.  Mossicc  Wageneri  X  C.  intermedia 
alba,  raised  by  Colonel  Holford,  in  1906  pro- 
duced the  albino  hybrid  C.  X  Mackayi  Un- 
dine, 14  plants  of  which  flowered  true  albinos. 
In  1908  three  true  albinos  of  the  same  parent- 
age were  exhibited  by  Mr.  R.  G.  Thwaites, 
also  one  by  Sir  Trevor  Lawrence  and  one  by 
Messrs.  Veitch. 

C.  SchrddercB  alba  X  C.  intermedia  alba, 
raised  by  Mr.  Cookson,  produced  in  1907  the 
coloured  hybrid  C.  X  Thaveriana,  similar  to 
the  hybrid  raised  by  Mr.  Orpet  between  the 
typical  C.  intermedia  and  C.  Schroderae  alba. 

C.  Gaskelliana  alba  X  C.  Harrisoniana 
alba,  exhibited  by  Mr.  Thwaites  in  1908,  pro- 
duced the  coloured  hybrid  C.  X  Williamsiae, 
four  plants  of  which  had  coloured  flowers  like 


the  typical  hybrid  between  C.  Gaskelliana  and 
C.  Harrisoniana. 

C.  Gaskelliana  cdba  X  C.  Warneri  alba, 
raised  by  M.  Peeters  in  1904,  produced  the 
hybrid  C.  X  Peetersias,  five  of  which  were 
true  albinos  with  pure  white  flowers  and 
green  leaves,  and  two  were  coloured,  having 
lilac-purple  flowers  with  purple  margins  to 
the  leaves. 

C.  Eldorado  alba  X  Lcelia  Perrinii  alba, 
according  to  a  record  in  Rev.  Hort.  1907, 
p.  31,  produced  coloured  offspring  bearing 
pink  flowers. 

Odontoglossum  crispum  xanthotes  X  O. 
nobile  album,  raised  by  Messrs.  Charles- 
worth,  produced  in  190S  the  hybrid  O.  X 
armainvillierense  xanthotes,  all  of  which 
have  so  far  flowered  true  albinos. 

Dendrobium  nobile  virginalc,  selfed  by 
Mr.  Thwaites,  came  true  from  seed.  Another 
batch,  consisting  of  several  hundred  plants 
raised  from  one  capsule  by  Messrs.  Arm- 
strong and  Brown,  flowered  in  1907  and 
1908,  and  all  were  true  albinos. 

(b)  Tinged  "Albinos  "  x  Tinged  "Albinos.'' 

Paphiopedilum  insigne  Sanderce,  selfed  by 
Mr.  Cookson,  apparently  came  true  from 
seed.  Other  batches  raised  by  Mr.  R.  I. 
Measures,  Messrs.  Veitch,  Mr.  W.  Bolton, 
and  Colonel  Holford  all  apparently  came 
true  from  seed.  It  is  not  recorded,  however, 
whether  all  these  seedlings  were  tinged 
"  albinos  "  like  the  parent,  and  it  may  be 
that  some  were  true  albinos. 

/'.  insigne  Sanderce  X  P.  insigne  Dorothy, 
raised  by  Mr.  Appleton,  apparently  all  re- 
verted to  the  ordinary  type  of  P.  insigne,  with 
smaller,  and  in  some  cases  less  numerous, 
spots.  This  case  is  particularly  interesting, 
because  both  parents  have  a  yellow  ground 
colour,  which  breeds  true  selfed  in  the  case 
of  P.  insigne  Sandera?,  but  which,  whin 
crossed,  reverts  to  the  typical  green  ground 
colour  of  P.  insigne. 

P.  insigne  Sanderce  X  /'.  aureum  Surprise, 
raised  by  M.  Peeters,  in  1908  produced  1 
typical  green-coloured,  spotted  P.  insigne, 
while  soon  afterwards  Mr.  J.  H.  Craven  ex- 
hibited a  plant  of  the  same  parentage  bearing 
a  yellow  flower.  In  this  connection  it  may  be 
noted  that  in  190S  Colonel  Holford  raised 
eight  plants  from  P.  insigne  Chantinii  Lin- 
denii  X  P.  insigne  montanum  aureum,  both 
with  yellow  ground  colour,  and  all  the  seed- 
lings reverted  to  the  green  ground  colour  of 
the  ordinary  P.  insigne. 

Cattleya  labiata  Measuresii  X  C.  labiata 
Amesiana,  raised  by  Mr.  Thwaites,  in  1908 
produced  a  considerable  number  of  plants,  all 
of  which  bore  coloured  flow-ers  like  the 
ordinary  C.  labiata. 

C.  Mossicc  Reineckiaua  X  Lcelia  purpurata 
alba,  raised  by  M.  Peeters,  produced  both  the 
tinged  "  albino  "  Laelio-Cattleya  X  Can- 
hamiana  alba  and  the  ordinary  coloured  L.-C. 
X  Canhamiana  from  the  same  capsule  in  the 
proportion  of  about  two  coloured  to  one 
tinged  albino. 

Dendrobium  nobile  Ballianum  X  D.  nobile 
Murrhiniacum,  raised  by  Mr.  Gurney 
Wilson,  produced  150  plants,  all  of  which  re- 
verted to  the  typical  colouring  of  D.  nubile. 


82 


THE    GARDENERS     CHRONICLE. 


[February  6,  1909. 


(c)  Tinged  "  Albinos  "  X  True  Albinos. 

Paphiopedilum  insigne  Sanderce  X  P.  callo- 
sitin  Sanderce,  raised  by  Mr.  Cookson,  pro- 
duced more  than  ioo  plants,  all  of  which 
were  coloured  like  the  typical  hybrid  P.  X 
Leonae  (insigne  X  callosum). 

P.  insigne  Sanderce  X  bellatulum  album, 
raised  by  Messrs.  Armstrong  and  Brown,  pro- 
duced P.  X  Helena  Armstrongiae,  a  coloured 
hybrid  less  spotted  than  the  typical  hybrid 
P.   X  Helena  (insigne  X  bellatulum). 

P.  insigne  Sanderce  X  P.  Lawrenceanum 
Hyeanum,  raised  by  Mr.  M.  Isaac,  in  1908 
produced  a  coloured  hybrid  like  the  typical 
P.  xEucharis  (insigne  X  Lawrenceanum). 

P.  insigne  Sanderce  X  P.  X  Maudice, 
raised  by  Colonel  Holford,  in  1901  produced 
none  but  coloured  forms.  A  coloured  form  of 
the  same  parentage  was  flowered  in  190S  by 
Mr.  Isaac,  which  resembled  light  forms  of  P. 
X  Eucharis  and  P.  X  Leonae. 

Lcelia  anceps  alba  X  Cattleya  Triance  alba, 
raised  by  M.  Peeters,  in  1903  produced  the 
tinged  "  albino  "  Laelio-cattleya  X  Boylei 
Kerchoveae.  Another  plant  of  the  same  par- 
entage, raised  by  Mr.  Mead,  also  produced  a 
tinged  "  albino." 

Dendrobium  X  Ellisii  album  X  D.  nobile 
virginale,  raised  by  Mr.  Thwaites,  in  1907 
produced  22  plants,  all  of  which  were  tinged 
"  albinos,"  but  with  more  colour  than  the 
tinged  parent. 

General  Conclusions. 

The  above  facts  show  that  when  true  al- 
bino Orchids  are  mated  together  the  result 
may  be  all  albinos,  all  coloured  reversions, 
or  both  albino  and  coloured  forms  from  the 
same  capsule.  These  results  are  very  similar 
to  those  obtained  in  the  Mendelian  experi- 
ments with  Sweet  Peas  and  Stocks  at  Cam- 
bridge. It  seems  probable,  therefore,  that 
the  appearance  of  sap-colour  in  Orchids,  as  in 
Sweet  Peas  and  Stocks,  depends  on  the 
simultaneous  presence  of  two  complementary 
colour  factors.  If  both  the  colour  factors  are 
present  the  sap  is  coloured  ;  if  either  (or  both) 
is  absent  the  sap  is  colourless.  Thus,  the 
typical  coloured  forms  of  Paphiopedilum  cal- 
losum, P.  Lawrenceanum,  P.  insigne  and  P. 
bellatulum  may  be  represented  as  carrying 
the  two  complementary  colour  factors  C  and 
R.  The  albinos  of  these  species,  on  the  con- 
trary, will  be  carrying  only  one  of  these  fac- 
tors, consequently  their  sap  is  colourless.  If 
P.  bellatulum  album  be  represented  as  carry- 
ing the  factor  C  alone,  and  P.  callosum 
Sanderae,  P.  Lawrenceanum  Hyeanum,  and 
P.  insigne  Sanderianum  (if  a  true  albino)  be 
represented  as  carrying  the  factor  R  alone, 
all  the  results  in  Paphiopedilum  are  so  far 
clear.  On  this  interpretation  P.  insigne 
Sanderianum  (if  a  true  albino)  may  be  ex- 
pected to  give  albinos  when  crossed  with  P. 
callosum  Sanderas  or  P.  Lawrenceanum 
Hyeanum  and  coloured  reversions  when 
mated  with  P.  bellatulum  album.  Accord- 
ing to  the  Mendelian  scheme  in  Sweet  Peas 
there  are  five  different  kinds  of  albinos,  ;uid 
the  possible  matings  between  any  two  of 
them  may  give  any  one  of  four  different  re- 
sults, viz.  :—  (1)  All  albinos;  (2)  all  coloured 
reversions;  (3)  equal  numbers  of  albinos  and 
coloured  forms;  (4)  three  albinos  to  one  col- 
oured form. 

The  coloured  reversions  when  selfed  should 
give,  on  the  average,  nine  coloured  to  seven 
albinos.  It  seems  likely  that  similar  results 
may  be  found  in  Orchids,  and  the  appearance 
of  five  albinos  and  two  coloured  forms  from 
the  same  capsule  in  the  cross  between 
Cattleya  Gaskelliana  alba  and  C.  Warneri 
alba  is  certainly  suggestive.  From  this  it 
will  be  seen  that  individual  albinos  appar- 
ently identical  may  differ  in  their  germinal 
constitution  and,  consequently,  give  different 
results  in  breeding.  In  view  of  this,  it  would 
ieem  desirable  for  Orchid  breeders  to  adopt 


some  method  of  ear-marking  individual  al- 
binos, whether  imported  or  raised  from  seed. 
A  distinct  name  would  hardly  be  convenient 
for  individuals  which,  to  the  eye,  appear 
alike,  but  identification  might  be  assured 
by  putting  the  name  of  the  importer 
or  raiser  in  brackets  after  the  name 
of  the  albino,  together  with  a  number 
showing  the  order  of  its  appearance.  For 
instance,  the  original  Paphiopedilum  callo- 
sum Sanderae  was  first  flowered  from  an  im- 
portation by  Messrs.  Sander  in  1894,  and 
might,  therefore,  be  called  (Sander  1);  an- 
other individual  appeared  in  an  importation 
by  Messrs.  Low  in  1904,  and  might  be  called 
(Low  1),  and  so  on.     The  hand-raised  seed- 


owing  to  the  absence  of  a  complementary 
pattern  factor.  The  fact  that  the  ghost  form 
P.  insigne  Sanderas  breeds  true  when  selfed, 
but  gives  the  reversionary,  dense  form  when 
crossed  with  other  kinds  of  ghost  forms  like 
P.  insigne  Dorothy  and  P.  X  aurem  Surprise, 
tends  to  confirm  this  view,  though  the  evi- 
dence is  yet  hardly  conclusive.  The  fact 
also  of  the  yellow  ground-colour  of 
the  flower  of  P.  insigne  Sanderae  breeding 
true  when  selfed  and  giving  rise  to  the  rever- 
sionary, green  ground  when  crossed  with 
other  yellow  ground  varieties  may  also  have 
a  similar  explanation.  Further  evidence  in 
regard  to  these  cases  is  necessary  and  may 
soon  be  forthcoming. 


Fig.  43. — fruiting  spray  of  cornus  capitata  (benthamia  fragifera)  from 
specimens  supplied  by  colonel  tottenham. 
(See  page  83.) 


lings  of  P.  callosum  Sanderae  might  be  dis- 
tinguished in  the  same  way,  thus  (Cook- 
son  1),  (Statter  1),  and  so  on.  In  this  way 
all  the  individuals  of  any  particular  albino 
could  be  distinguished  for  breeding  purposes. 
The  same  principle  might  be  applied  to  the 
tinged  "albinos,"  which  are  equally  inter- 
esting in  their  inheritance.  The  tinged  "  al- 
bino "  P.  insigne  Sanderae  will  presumably 
be  carrying  both  C  and  R,  the  dense  sap 
colouring  of  the  ordinary  P.  insigne  being 
reduced  to  a  dilute  or  ghost  form,  probably 


It  is  interesting  to  note  that  two  such  an- 
parently  similar  forms  as  P.  insigne  San- 
derae and  P.  insigne  Sanderianum  have  such 
a  different  germinal  constitution  and  give 
such  opposite  results  in  breeding.  No  doubt 
albino  breeders  in  future  will  take  care  to 
use  P.  insigne  Sanderianum  as  a  parent  in- 
stead of  P.  insigne  Sanderae.  At  the  same 
time,  from  the  biological  point  of  view,  it  is 
important  to  test  all  the  yellow  varieties, 
whether  they  be  true  albinos,  tinged  "  al- 
binos "  or  coloured  forms.     C.  C.  Hurst. 


February  6,  1909  ] 


THE     GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


83 


NEW  OR  NOTEWORTHY 
PLANTS. 


SOBRALIA   ELISABETHS. 

On  two  occasions  previously  Mr.  Thomas 
Humphreys,  the  Curator  of  the  Botanical  Gar- 
dens, Edgbaston,  Birmingham,  has  forwarded  to 
us  flowers  of  a  singular  white  Sobralia,  which, 
being  imperfectly  developed  and  withered  were 
not  identified.  Again,  a  complete  growth  and 
inflorescence  is  sent,  and,  although  the  only 
■expanded  bloom  is  slightly  abnormal  in 
structure,  it  is  evident  that  it  is  Sobralia  Elisa- 
beths of  R.  Schomb,  in  Vtrh.  Befoerd.  Garlcnb. 
Press.  XV.  (1841),  137  tt.  1,  2,  the  plant  de- 
31  nbed  and  figured  being  ''dedicated  to  H.R.H. 
l'rincess   Elisabeth   of   Prussia." 

This  species  appears  not  to  have 
been  recorded  as  flowering  pre- 
viously in  Great  Britain.  It  belongs 
to  the  racemose  section,  its  flowers 
being  borne  in  terminal,  flexuose 
racemes  furnished  with  lanceolate 
bracts,  the  lower  of  which  is  leafy 
and  over  2  inches  in  length,  the 
upper  not  so  long.  The  stem  is  3 
feet  in  height,  and  furnished  with 
distant  lanceolate  leaves,  5  or  6 
inches  in  length.  The  inflorescence 
in  the  figure  cited  shows  that  nine 
flowers  may  be  produced  in  succes- 
sion. In  Mr.  Humphrey's  specimen 
four  would  be  likely  to  develop. 
The  expanded  flower  has  ovate, 
acute  petals  and  lanceolate 
sepals,  both  2  inches  long  and 
white.  The  lip  forms  a  tube 
over  the  columns,  the  front  beuv.; 
expanded,  emarginate,  and  crisped, 
white,  with  a  chrome-yellow  disc, 
and  faint  traces  of  rose  lines  from 
the  base.  The  column,  which  is 
slender  for  the  genus,  has  on  each 
side  an  acute  horn,  which,  in  the 
specimen  sent,  is  abnormally  elon- 
gated and  coloured  yellow  on  the 
under-side.  In  point  of  beauty,  it 
cannot  compare  with  Sobralia  ma- 
crantha  and  some  other  species,  but 
it  is  highly  interesting,  among 
other  points,  in  that  it  appears  to 
be  a  white-flowered  species,  whereas 
the  white  Sobralia  macrantha  and  most  other 
white  Sobralias  are  albinos  of  coloured  species. 
In  the  original  description  the  species  is  stated 
to  be  a  native  of  Guiana. 


ture  in  many  gardens  of  Cornwall  and  Devon, 
is  a?so  hardy  in  Ireland,  Western  Wales 
and  Western  Scotland,  and  will  bear  ordinary 
winters  in  other  parts  of  the  British  Inlands. 
But  it  is  really  hardy  only  in  the  western  counties, 
where  it  attains  dimensions  rarely  equalled,  I 
believe,  in  a  wild  state.  In  this  journal  for 
July  25,  1885,  is  an  illustration  of  a  group  of 
trees  in  the  garden  of  Mr.  R.  G.  Lakes,  Trevar- 
rickj.St.  Austell,  supposed  to  be  the  largest  in 
this  country.  At  that  date,  they  exceeded  35  feet 
in  height,  and  the  trunk  uf  one  was  5  feet  in 
circumference  at  3  feet  from  tin  gTrJtfrfd.  ('ornus 
capitata  is  very  striking,  both  in  flower  and 
in  fruit.  It  may  be  explained  that  what  is 
usually  called  the  flower  of  this  tree  is  a  collec- 
tion of  small  flowers,  consolidated  in  a  globose 
head,   surrounded  by  an   involucre  of  white  or 


Fig.  4.4. 


-FLOWER    OF    CORNUS   CAPITATA    (DENTHAMIA 
fragifera)  :    WHITE. 


CORNUS  CAPITATA  (SYN.  benthamia  fragifera >. 

This  handsome  tree  is  the  subject  of  many  notes' 
and  several  figures  in  the  Gardeners'  Chronicle, 
from  1848  onwards.  It  is  a  native  of  the  moun- 
tains of  Northern  India,  from  Kashmir  to  Khasia, 
and  it  extends  into  Burma  and  Western  China, 
where  it  has  been  collected  recently  by  Dr.  A. 
Henry  and  Mr.  E.  H.  Wilson.  Lindley  de- 
scribed and  figured  it  in  the  Botanical  Register, 
vol.  xix.,  1835,  t.  1579,  as  a  new  genus,  though 
Wallich  had  previously  published  it  (Roxb.  Fl. 
Jnd.,  vol.  i.,  p.  434,  and  PI.  Asial.  Rar.,  vol.  iii-. 
p.  10,  t.  214)  as  a  Cornus,  and  most  botanists 
now  agree  in  regarding  it  and  two  or  three 
other  species  as  constituting  a  section  of  that 
genus.  Mr.  W.  B.  Booth  (gardener  to  Sir  C. 
Lemon,  of  Carclow,  Cornwall),  furnished  Dr. 
Lindley  with  the  drawing'  and  history  of  the 
plant,  which  was  reproduced  in  the  place  cited 
above.  Sir  Anthony  Buller  sent  seeds  to  Mr.  J. 
II.  Tremayne,  of  Heligan,  Cornwall,  in  whose 
garden  plants  were  raised  in  1825.  Booth  de- 
scribed it  as  a  very  handsome  evergreen,  flower- 
ing in  great  profusion  during  summer  and  pro- 
ducing- an  abundance  of  large,  globular,  reddish 
fruits  in  autumn.     Now  it  is  a  conspicuous  fea- 


cream-coloured  bracts  an  inch  to  an  inch  and  a 
half  long  ;  the  whole  having  the  appearance  of 
a  small  Clematis.  The  fruit  is  yellow,  with 
more  or  less  red  in  it,  and  resembles  a  Straw- 
berry, hence  the  specific  name,  fragifera.  In 
structure,  however,  it  is  more  like  the  Mulberry. 
I  .mi  not  aware  that  the  fruit  is  eaten  in  this 
country,  but  Collett,  Flora  Simlensis,  p.  220, 
'.<  i  :bes  it  as  1  to  2  inches  in  diameter,  yellow, 
or,  when  ripe,  tinged  with  red,  and  states  that 
it  is  edible.  Dr.  Henry's  Chinese  collector  de- 
scribed it  to  him  as  sweet  and  edible. 

<  lornus  Kousa  (Benthanjia  japonical,  a  closelv 
allied  species,  recorded  as  having  been  intro- 
duced into  this  country  in  1847,  is  apparently  a 
much  hardier  species  ;  vet  it  i»  very  rarely  seen 
in  gardens.  A  figure  of  a  flowering  branch  i> 
given  in  this  journal,  vol.  xix.,  1896,  p.  783, 
f.  135;  and  there  is  an  illustration  in  the 
Journal  of  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society,  n.s, 
vol.  xxvii.,  p.  862,  f.  194,  representing  a  flower- 
ing specimen  13  feet  high.  From  the  description 
there  given,  this  species  should  be  grown  where 
C.  capitata  will  not  succeed.  A  third  species, 
C.  Hongkongensis,  described  by  the  writer  in 
the  Journal  of  the  Linnean  Society,  vol.  xxiii., 
p  345,  is  not  in  cultivation.  W .  Batting  Hems- 
ley.  [The  specimen  figured  on  p.  82  is  from 
Colonel  Tottenham's  gaiden  at  Ballycurry,  co. 
Wicklow.  This  garden  is  celebrated  for  its  col- 
lection of  tender  trees  and  shrubs.  The  flower 
illustrated  in  fig.  44  is  interesting  in  that  it 
shows  a  departure  from  the  normal  four-brac- 
teate  state  characteristic  of  the  Order. — Eds.] 


WHORTLEBERRIES  AND  CRANBERRIES. 

(Continued  from  page  75.) 

V.  padifolium  (V.  madekense). — Just  inside 
the  main  entrance  to  Kew  Gardens,  on  the  out- 
skirts of  a  shrubbery,  there  has  been  growing 
for  at  least  65  years  a  specimen  of  this  Vac- 
cinium.  Sir  Joseph  Hooker  saw  it  there  in 
1843.  The  species  was  first  introduced  from 
Madeira  to  this  country  by  Francis  Masson,  in 
1777,  on  his  return  from  his  collecting  expedi- 
tion to  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope.  (Masson,  it 
may  be  remembered,  was  the  first— and  one  of 
the  most  successful— of  the  long  line  of  plant 
collectors  sent  out  from  Kew.)  This  veteran 
plant  is  now  6  to  7  feet  high.  It  is  one  of  the 
very  few  woody  plants  from  Madeira  that  can  be 
termed  hardy  in  this  country  ;  at  the  moment  I 
can  only  recall  Genista  virgata  as  another.  The 
species  is  particularly  interesting  in  a  geo- 
graphical sense.  Its  closest  ally  is  V.  Arctosta- 
phylos,  which  is  found  in  the  Caucasus.  So 
closely  allied  are  they,  indeed,  that  some  au- 
thorities have  made  them  forms  of  one  species. 
This  curious  instance  of  geographical  distribu- 
tion, together  with  the  fact  that  several  Indian 
forms  of  the  Laurus  family  are  also  found  in  the 
Canary  Islands,  has  led  Sir  Joseph  Hooker  to 
observe  that  they  point  to  "  Spain  and  the  Atlan. 
tic  islands  being  the  isolated  western  homes  of 
the  fragments  of  a  flora  that  once  extended  over 
Europe  and  North  Africa,  but  now,  through  cli- 
matic changes,  elsewhere  expelled  from  those 
great  continents."  The  theory  is  also  supported 
by  the  existence  of  Rhododendron  ponticum  in 
Spain  and  Asia  Minor,  and  in  a  wild  state  in 
none  of  the  intervening  countries. 

V.  padifolium  is  a  deciduous  shrub  in  this 
country,  but  in  Madeira  it  is  a  small  tree,  grow- 
ing at  altitudes  of  3,000  to  5,000  feet.  Its  leaves 
are  1  to  2  inches  long,  ovate-oblong,  pointed, 
and  minutely-toothed  at  the  margin.  The  flowers 
are  borne  in  leafy  racemes,  springing  from  the 
nodes  of  the  previous  year's  growth,  each  flower 
pendant  on  a  short  stalk.  The  corolla  is  open 
bell-shaped,  with  five  well-marked  angular  lobes, 
large  for  a  Vaccinium,  and  yellow,  tinged  with 
rose.  The  berry  is  blue,  and  is  said  to  make  an 
excellent  preserve.  The  species  grows  very  well 
in  the  Abbotsbury  gardens,  Dorsetshire. 

V.  pakvi  folium.— It  is  doubtful  if  this  species 
i^  now  in  cultivation,  but,  coming  from  Western 
North  America,  where  it  extends  from  North 
California  to  Alaska  and  the  Aleutian  Islands,  it 
ought  to  be  quite  hardy  in  Great  Britain.  It  is 
a  shrub  varying  in  height  from  1  foot  to  6  feet, 
with  branches  sharply  angled,  after  the  fashion 
of  our  native  V.  Myrtillus.  Its  leaves  are  like 
those  of  the  Box,  only  smaller  and  thinner,  being 
usually  from  \  to  i  inch  long  and  oval.  The 
corolla  is  globular  and  pinkish-white,  the  berry 
pale  led  and  of  an  insipid  flavour. 

V.  pennsylvaxicum.— One  of  the  dwarfest  of 
the  East  American  species,  V.  pennsylvanicum  is 
also  one  of  the  most  useful  there  as  a  fruit- 
bearer.  It  is  a  densely-branched  shrub,  and 
never  appears  to  much  exceed  1  foot  in  height, 
and  is  often  only  6  inches  or  9  inches  high.  In 
foliage  and  habit  it  resembles  V.  canadense,  but 
is  distinguished  by  its  minutely-toothed  and 
more  acuminate  leaves,  and  less  pubescent  twigs 
and  leaves.  The  latter  are  quite  narrow — from  -J 
to  |  inch  wide — and  from  J  to  li  inches  long. 
The  flowers,  which  come  in  short,  dense  clusters, 
are  white,  tinged  with  red,  and  are  followed  b  f 
berries  covered  with  a  blue  bloom.  In  the 
Cnited  States  this  is  the  earliest  of  the  "Blue- 
berries "  to  ripen  its  fruits,  which  are  sweet 
and  very  palatable.  It  is  often  found  as  a  dense 
carpet  on  rocky  ground,  where  there  is  but  a 
bare  covering  of  soil.  According  td  Mr.  Daw- 
son, of  the  Arnold  Arboretum,  it  will  grow  under 
the  shade  and  drip  of  trees — a  useful  quality  if 
it  retains  it  in  this  country.  The  species  has 
some  botanical  affinity  with  V.  corymbosum,  but 
is  readily  distinguished  by  its  dwarf   habit,   its 


84 


THE    GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


[February  6,  1909. 


more    open    corolla,    and    by   the    more    dense 
arrangement   of  the   flowers. 

V.  PENNSYLVANICTJM  VAR.  ANGUSTIFOLIUM. — A 
variety  with  even  narrower  leaves  than  the  type 
— angustifolium — is  found  on  the  summits  of  the 
\Yhite  Mountains  of  New  Hampshire,  and  on  the 
Adirondacks. 

V.  stamineum. — Although  but  little  grown  in 
English  gardens,  this  species  is  quite  orna- 
mental. It  is  a  native  of  Eastern  North  America, 
from  Maine  south  to  Florida.  Mr.  J.  Dawson, 
commenting  on  its  behaviour  in  the  Arnold 
Arboretum,  says  that  few  hardy  shrubs  of  its 
tribe  are  more  beautiful,  and  that  it  is  worth 
growing  for  cut  flowers.  It  is  deciduous,  2  to  4 
feet  high,  of  neat  habit,  with  dark,  dull-green 
leaves,  glaucous  below,  1  to  2J  inches  long,  ellip- 
tical in  outline,  pointed,  and  thinner  in  texture 
than  those  of  most  Vacciniums.  The  racemes  are 
distinguished  by  the  leaf-like  character  of  their 
bracts,  in  the  axils  of  which  many  of  the  flowers 
are  produced.  The  flowers  are  very  abundant, 
and  are  rendered  conspicuous  by  the  bright  yel- 
low stamens  standing  out  beyond  the  white 
corolla.  The  berry  varies  in  colour  from  green 
to  yellowish-white.  The  species  blooms  at  Kew 
about  the  end  of  May ;  it  was  introduced  to  Eng- 
land in  1772. 

V.  uliginosum. — This  is  the  second  deciduous 
British  species,  not  so  common  as  V.  Myrtillus, 
but  still  widely  spread  over  the  North  of  Eng- 
land, Scotland,  North  and  Central  Europe, 
North  Asia,  and  North  America.  It  may  be 
readily  distinguished  from  V.  Myrtillus  by  its 
obovate,  entire  leaves,  and  smooth,  round  stems  ; 
and  from  V.  Vitis-idaea  by  its  deciduous  leaves 
and  black  fruit.  Like  them,  it  has  a  creeping 
rootstock,  and  grows  from  1  to  2  feet  high,  with 
smooth,  dull-green  leaves  from  i  to  1  inch  long. 
As  in  some  foreign  species,  the  flowers  are  pro- 
duced at  the  leafless  termination  of  the  previous 
year's  shoots,  above  the  point  whence  issue  the 
shoots  of  the  current  year ;  they  occur  singly  or 
in  clusters  of  two  or  three,  and  are  pale  red  or 
white.  The  berries  are  as  large  as  Black  Cur- 
rants, black,  covered  with  a  glaucous  bloom, 
and.  although  edible,  produce  headache  and 
giddiness  if  eaten  in  large  quantities.  They  con- 
stitute a  valuable  food  for  mountain  game. 

V.  vacili.ans. — A  species  from  the  Eastern 
United  States,  extending  from  New  England  to 
North  Carolina.  It  is  a  shrub  of  stiff  habit, 
sometimes  less  than  1  foot  high,  sometimes  more 
than  4  feet.  The  leaves  are  of  firm  texture,  en- 
tire, or  very  minutely-toothed  towards  the  apex, 
and  glabrous,  except  when  young  ;  they  are  ovate 
or  oblong,  1  to  2  inches  long,  with  a  mucronate 
apex.  The  flowers  are  produced  in  close  clusters 
on  leafless  branches,  the  pink  corolla  being 
i  inch  long.  The  fruits  are  globular,  black, 
covered  with  a  blue  bloom,  and  very  sweet. 

V.  Vitis-id^ea  (The  Cowberry). — The  Cow- 
berry, as  this  evergreen  species  is  often  called, 
is  well  known  on  moors  and  mountains  in  the 
northern  half  of  England,  and  in  Scotland  as  far 
north  and  west  as  Sutherlandshire  and  the 
Hebrides.  It  is  a  low,  evergreen  shrub,  almost 
always  under  1  foot  high,  with  a  creeping  root- 
stock.  The  stems  are  wiry,  round,  but  little 
branched,  and  covered,  when  young,  with  a 
short,  dark  down.  The  Box-like  leaves  are  obo- 
vate,  dark  shining  green,  and  freely  speckled 
with  black  dots  beneath.  It  is  the  only  ever- 
green British  species.  The  flowers  are  crowded 
5  to  12  together,  on  short  terminal  racemes, 
and  appear  in  May  and  June.  The  corolla  is 
open  bell-shaped,  rather  deeply  four-cleft,  and 
either  white  or  pink.  The  berries,  which  ripen 
between  August  and  October,  according  to  cli- 
mate, are  red,  and  about  the  size  of  Red  Cur- 
rants. They  are  eaten  cooked  in  some  parts  of 
England,  and  in  Northern  Europe  are  used  for 
making  a  jelly,  and  in  various  other  ways.  The 
species  does  not  thrive  in  the  hot  Thames  valley 
like  it  does  in  the  cool  north.     Besides  inhabit- 


ing North  Europe  and  Asia,  it  is  also  found  on 
the  mountains  of  the  Eastern  United  States. 

V.  Vitis-id.ea  var.  major  is  a  striking  form, 
with  larger  leaves  and  berries ;  whilst  var. 
minor  has  smaller  leaves  than  the  type.  W.  J. 
Bean. 

(To  be  continued.) 


POINTS   OF    INTEREST   IN   THE 
AFFORESTATION    REPORT. 

It  being  important  that  the  facts  and  con- 
siderations on  which  the  Royal  Commission 
bases  its  report  (see  Gardeners'  Chronicle,  Janu- 
ary 23)  should  be  widely  known,  we  now  give  a 
short  account  of  the  chief  conclusions  reached 
by  the  Commission  and  of  the  evidence  on  which 
these  conclusions  are  based. 

The  original  terms  of  Reference  to  the  Royal 
Commission  on  Coast  Erosion,  July,  1906,  were  to 
inquire  and  report  as  to  the  encroachment  of  the 
sea  on  the  coast,  the  damage  caused,  and  preven- 
tive measures  to  be  adopted  ;  whether  further 
powers  are  necessary  for  local  authorities  or 
owners  of  property  to  enable  them  to  give  effect 
to  schemes  for  protection  of  coasts  and  banks  of 
tidal  rivers  ;  whether  any  alteration  of  law  as 
regards  management  and  control  of  the  fore- 
shore is  desirable,  and  whether  further  facilities 
should  be  given  for  the  reclamation  of  tidal 
lands. 

Additional  reference,  March,  igoS. — Whether  it 
is  desirable  to  make  an  experiment  in  afforesta- 
tion as  a  means  of  increasing  employment  dur- 
ing periods  of  depression  of  the  labour  market, 
and,  if  so,  by  what  authority  and  under  what 
conditions  such  experiment  should  be  con- 
ducted. 

The  report  under  review  deals  with  the  last 
only  of  the  subjects  just  enumerated,  and  hence 
may  be  termed  the  Afforestation  Report. 

The  principal  conclusions  (a'ready  published 
in  these  pages)  may  be  summarised  thus:  — 

Afforestation  is  practicable  and  desirable. 
Nine  million  acres  are  available  for  the  pur- 
poses of  afforestation. 

By  planting  at  the  rate  of  150,000  acres  per 
annum,  temporary  employment  would  be  found 
during  the  winter  months  for  18,000  men,  and 
as  many  would  derive  employment  in  incidental 
and  subsidiary  occupations  connected  with 
forestry.  When  the  whole  area  had  been  planted 
permanent  employment  would  be  afforded  to 
90,000  men. 

The  scheme  should  be  on  an  economic  basis : 
labour  is  available.  The  State  should  finance 
the  scheme  by  means  of  a  loan,  and  should  en- 
trust its  control  to  a  Board  of  Commissioners. 

Afforestation  will  help  to  stem  the  tide  of  rural 
depopulation  :  being  a  new  industry,  it  will  not 
compete  with  private  enterprise. 

Afforestation  in  the  long  run  will  prove  an 
investment  of  profit  to  the  State. 

Part   I. — British   Forestry   Generally 
Considered. 

Percentage  of  forest  land  in  various  countries  : 

Austria  32.6 

Hungary        27.5 

Germany         25.9 

Belgium  17.3 

France  17 

Holland  7.9 

Denmark         7.2 

England  ...         ...         ...         •••       5.3 

Scotland  4.6 

Wales 3.9 

Ireland  1.5 

Value  of  imported  timber  and  timber-products, 
such  as  wood-pull),  was,  in  1907,  £32,326,117. 
Of  this  sum,  £20,127,943  was  paid  for  timber 
(8,513,937  loads)  imported  from  countries  with 
climates  like  our  own  :  Russia,  Scandinavia, 
Germany,  France,  Canada,  &c. 

The  9,000,000  acres  of  the  Commissioners' 
scheme  would,  with  our  present  forests,  produce 
the  amount  now  imported  from  countries  with 
a  temperate  climate. 

Quality  of  Home-grown  Timber. 
The  reasons  why  home-grown  timber  is  not, 
generally,  of  the  highest  quality,  are  many ;  but 
they  all  may  be  summed  up  in   "  the  lack  of 


facility  (in  this  country)  for  Forestry  Educa- 
tion." Lack  of  proper  education  has  led  to  im- 
proper methods  of  forest  management.  The 
too-open  condition  of  our  woodlands  reduces 
their  value  for  timber  in  two  ways,  viz.,  in  yield 
and  in  quality. 

Open  cultivation,  though  suitable  enough  for 
certain  purposes,  vis.,  ornamental  effect,  game 
preservation,  and  wind  screens,  and  though  not 
harmful  in  the  case  of  certain  trees,  viz.,  Oak, 
Ash,  and  Larch,  lowers  the  quality  of  the  tim- 
ber in  most  cases,  e.g.,  Beech,  Common  Spruce, 
and  Silver  Fir. 

The  defects  due  to  too-open  cultivation  are  ex- 
cessive branching  and  hence,  unduly  knotted 
timber ;  too  rapid  growth  and,  hence,  abnor- 
mally broad-ringed  wood  ;  short  boles  with  ex- 
cessive taper.  Well-shaded  wood  is,  moreover, 
of  better  quality  than  that  from  the  insufficiehtly 
shaded  trees  grown  on  our  open  woodlands. 

The  Climate  of  this  Country  is  Favourable. 

The  variety  of  soil,  together  with  the  equable 
nature  of  our  climate,  admit  of  the  cultivation 
in  this  country  of  many  trees  which  can- 
not be  grown  in  Central  Europe.  More- 
over, apart  from  theoretical  considerations, 
there  are  many  instances  of  successful 
results  of  British  forestry ;  results  showing 
returns,  60  years  from  planting,  of  £43  per  acre, 
representing  a  net  profit  of  £15  per  acre  (Scots 
Pine)  :  in  the  case  of  Larch,  a  profit  of  £36  per 
acre  65  years  after  planting  ;  mixed  wood,  75  to 
80  years  old,  realised  £157  per  acre  net,  repre- 
senting a  profit  sufficient  to  give  a  rent  of  over 
£1  per  acre  per  annum  as  contrasted  with 
7s.  6d.,  the  value  of  adjoining  land.  The  general 
conclusion  oome  to  by  the  Commission  is  that 
timber  growing  has  proved  profitable  in  the  past, 
and  that  with  modern  methods  it  may  be  made 
profitable  in  the  future. 

In  Germany,  where  systematic  forestry  has 
been  practised  for  a  century,  the  industry  is  pro- 
fitable, the  net  return  being  £1  12s.  per  acre. 

The  Increased  Prices  of  Timber  will  be 
Maintained. 

Timber  is  increasing  in  price,  and  during  the 
past  decade  the  cost  of  wood  has  risen  from 
20  to  50  per  cent.  This  increase  has  been  a, 
steady  one  and  will  continue.  Felling  has  ex- 
ceeded planting,  and  the  world's  consumption 
of  timber  is  increasing.  The  virgin  forests  of 
North  America  have  been  exploited,  in  many 
cases  recklessly  ;  a  "  timber  famine,"  that  is,  a 
shortage  of   timber,   is   a   possible  contingency. 

Even  Canada  is  now  importing  certain  classes 
of  timber,  e.g.,  Oak,  Walnut,  Hickory,  &c.  The* 
quality  of  timber  has  deteriorated. 

Part  II. — Unemployed  Labour  in  Relation 
to  Afforestation. 
The  reader  of  this  summary  should  observe 
that  the  Commission,  having  concluded  on 
general  grounds  in  Part  I.  that  afforestation  is 
economically  sound,  passes  on  to  survey  the 
problem  from  another  aspect  altogether.  We 
might  put  the  point  of  view  thus  :  — Afforestation 
is  good  :  if  it  can  serve  to  reduce  unemployment 
then  it  is  still  better. 

Suitability  of  Afforestation  for  Un- 
employed Labour. 

Unemployment  is  of  three  kinds  :  chronic,  sea- 
sonal, sporadic.  Unemployment  increases  dur- 
ing the  winter  months,  which  is  precisely  the 
period  when  forest  development  demands  most 
labour. 

The  work  of  forestry  varies  from  heavy 
digging  to  lighter  operations.  Though  the 
weaker  members  of  the  urban  unemployed  would 
be  scarcely  suitable  even  for  the  lighter  work, 
selected  men  from  the  ranks  of  townsmen  out 
of  work  might  be  employed. 

Afforestation  will  find  extra  employment  for 
the  rural  population  during  the  winter  months 
when  the  work  on  farms  or  holdings  is  slack. 
This  actually  occurs  in  France  and  Germany, 
where  the  permanent  staffs  of  foresters  are  rela- 
tively small  and  they  are  augmented  from  rural 
workers  when  more  labour  is  required.  Thus, 
though  not  suited  to  the  physique  of  certain  sec- 
tions of  the  urban  unemployed,  afforestation,  by 
taking  a  certain  number  of  suitable  men,  will 
relieve,  in  a  definite  measure,  the  stress  of  un- 
emplovment. 

It  is  possible,  in  addition,  to  adjust  the 
routine    of    an     afforestation     scheme     vrithout 


February  6,  1909.] 


THE     GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


85 


detriment  to  that  scheme  in  such  a  way  that  a 
larger  acreage  can  be  taken  in  hand  during 
those  periods  of  trade  depression  when  unem- 
ployment is  considerable. 

Beside  making  a  real  contribution  to  the  un- 
employed problem,  afforestation  will  help  to 
fix  men  on  the  land,  and  thus  to  check  thq 
exodus  from  the  country  to  the  towns; 
Estimating  that  much  of  the  land  which  would 
be  brought  under  tree  cultivation  now  provides 
employment  at  the  rate  of  one  man  per  1,000  to 
2,000  acres,  and  that  under  forest  it  would  pro- 
vide employment  at  the  rate  of  one  man  per 
100  acres  of  forest,  it  follows  that  if  the  land! 
were  under  forest  it  would  maintain  ten  times 
the  population   now   supported. 

Indirectly,  in  industries  arising  from  the  regu- 
lar and  large  supplies  of  timber  available,  work 
would  be  provided  for  a  yet  greater  number. 

Part  III. — Nature  and  Extent  of  Suitable 
Land. 

The  kind  of  land  which  seems  most  suitable 
for  afforestation  is  that  classed  as  "  Rough 
Mountain  Land  used  for  Grazing."  Of  such 
there  are  in  Great  Britain  13,000,000  acres.  In 
Scotland  over  3,500,000  are  devoted  to  deer 
forests ;  in  Ireland  "  barren  mountain  land," 
together  with  "  bog  and  marsh,"  amounts  to 
4,343,284  acres.  But,  of  these  lands,  much  lies 
too  high  for  afforestation  purposes.  On  the 
other  hand,  there  are  areas  not  included  in  the 
above  which  would  support  forests,  viz.,  poor 
tillage  land  which  has  gone  down  to  grass,  and 
the  dunes  along  the  coasts. 

After  considering  all  the  evidence  at  their 
disposal,  the  Commission  concludes  that 
9,000,000  acres  are  available  in  the  British  Isles, 
viz.  :  — 


England 
Scotland 
Ireland 


2,500,000  acres. 

6,000,000  acres. 

500,000  acres. 


Part  IV. — Administration  :   Afforestation  a 
Task  for  the  State. 

Not  only  are  there  fewer  forests  in  Britain 
than  in  any  European  countries,  but  also  there 
are  fewer  owned   by  the   State. 

The  evidence  in  favour  of  State  ownership  is 
overwhelming :  the  capital  requirements,  the 
long  period  over  which  no  returns  are  to  be  ex- 
pected are  deterrent  to  private  enterprise.  A 
beginning  should  be  made  forthwith,  and 
compulsory  powers  of  purchase  should  be  ob- 
tained. Co-operation  of  land  owners  should  not 
be  excluded.  The  scheme  should  be  admin- 
istered by  special  commissioners,  the  area  to  be 
devoted  to  afforestation  being  divided  into  dis- 
tricts. The  authority  should  be  central,  and  its 
powers  should  not  be  delegated  to  local  authori- 
ties. In  Ireland  the  Land  Purchase  Act  pro- 
vides an  opportunity  for  the  acquisition  of  suit- 
able land. 

Part  V. — Finance. 

Assuming  that  150,000  acres  are  afforested  an- 
nually for  60  years,  and  that  one-third  of  the 
area  is  worked  on  a  40  years'  and  two-thirds  on 
an  80  years'  rotation  :  that  cost  of  freehold  and 
expenses  of  afforestation  equal  £13  6s.  8d.  per 
acre  :  that  administrative  charges  equal  4s.  per 
acre  :  that  re-afforestation  equal  £6  10s.  per  acre 
and  rate  of  interest  is  3  per  cent.,  and  allow- 
ing that  thinnings  begin  to  be  of  value  after  20 
years,  the  40  years'  rotation  area  yields  £60  per 
acre  at  the  end  of  40  years,  and  the  80  years' 
rotation  area  £175  at  the  end  of  80  years,  then 
the  annual  deficit  rises  from  £90,000  in  the  first 
to  £3,131,250  in  the  40th  year.  From  the  41st 
to  the  60th  year  the  forests  become  self-sup- 
porting. The  revenue  increases  from  the  61st 
year  up  to  the  81st  year,  when  an  approximate 
equalised  revenue  of  £17,411,000  per  annum 
will  be  realised. 

Further,  the  value  of  the  property  would  then 
be  £562,075,000,  or  £106,993,000  above  cost.  The 
equalised  annual  revenue  of  £17,411,000  repre- 
sents a  yield  of  £3  16s.  6d.  per  cent,  profit. 
So  much  for  the  gist  of  the  scheme.  We  hope 
those  of  our  readers  who  are  interested  in  this 
important  subject  will  procure  the  Blue  Book 
giving  tha  full  report.  It  may  be  obtained 
through  any  bookseller  for  sixpence,  and  pro- 
vides more  interesting  reading  than  most  cur- 
rent literature. 


NOTICES    OF     BOOKS. 

*  "  Wax  Craft." 
The  apiary  is  such  a  general  accessory  to 
gardens,  both  large  and  small,  that  no  apo'logy 
will  be  needed  for  introducing  to  the  notice  of 
our  readers  a  book  of  some  170  pages  bearing 
the  above  title.  That  the  author  is  an  authority 
on  his  subject  may  be  inferred  from  the  fact 
of  his  official  position  as  chairman  of  the  British 
Beekeepers'  Association.  He  is,  in  addition, 
editor  of  the  British  Bee  Journal  and  the  author 
of  several  works  on  bee-keeping.  The  opening 
chapter  deals  with  the  history  of  beeswax  and 
its  early  uses,  and  though  the  account  is  neces- 
sarily brief,  it  affords  much  interesting  and  in- 
formative reading.  The  second  chapter  shows 
how  the  wax  is  produced  in  the  body  of  the 
working  bee,  and  gives  ihe  composition  of  bees- 
wax as  compared  with  vegetable  waxes.  Other 
chapters  treat  of  the  methods  of  wax  ren- 
dering, refining,  bleaching,  &c.  Though  it 
is  generally  known  that  beeswax  is  imported 
into  this  country  from  various  parts  of  the 
world,  it  is  interesting  to  learn  the  prin- 
cipal sources  whence  the  supplies  are  de- 
rived. These  are  as  follow: — Abyssinia, 
Australia,  Brazil,  Chili,  East  Indies,  France, 
Gambia,  Hayti,  Jamaica,  Madagascar,  Mauri- 
tius, Mombasa,  Niger,  Senegal,  Turkey, 
and  U.S.  America.  Waxes  from  these  different 
sources  vary  considerably  in  colour  and  quality, 
and  consequently  in  price.  Some  are  nearly 
white,  while  others  range  in  colour  to  almost 
black.  The  price  varies  from  £6  to  £8  per  cwt. 
wholesale. 

Vegetable  waxes  are  much  used  for  the  pur- 
pose of  adulteration  :  for  this  the  paraffins  with! 
a  high  melting  point  are  mostly  chosen.  Japan 
wax,  derived  from  the  small  fruits  of  Rhus  suc- 
cedanea,  which  comes  into  commerce  in  large, 
white  or  yellowish,  hard  cakes,  when  mixed 
with  beeswax  diminishes  its  malleability,  render- 
ing it  more  brittle  and  lowering  its  melting 
point.  Carnauba  wax,  which  is  a  deposit 
secreted  on  the  leaves  of  Copernicia  cerifera, 
known  as  the  Brazilian  wax  Palm,  is  collected  by 
shaking  the  substance  from  the  leaves  and  then 
melting  it  so  as  to  form  moulds  or  cakes.  Much 
of  this  wax  is,  in  its  imported  condition,  of  a 
dull  greenish-yellow  colour,  but  it  becomes 
lighter  in  the  process  of  refining.  When 
added  to  beeswax,  this  substitute  hardens  and 
raises  its  melting  point.  Carnauba  wax  is  im- 
ported into  this  country  in  increasing  quantities, 
not  only  for  candle  making  but  for  making 
phonograph  and  gramophone  records.  Another 
Palm-tree  wax  which  is  included  under  beeswax 
adulterants  is  that  from  Ceroxylon  andicolum, 
from  the  Andes  of  Colombia.  This  is  found  not 
on  the  leaves,  but  as  a  flaky  deposit  on  the 
trunks,  from  which  it  is  easily  scraped  off.  Its 
composition  is  similar  to  Carnauba  wax,  and  it 
is  used  for  making  candles,  for  which  purpose 
it  is  also  used  by  the  people  of  Colombia. 
Amongst  other  vegetable  waxes  classified  by 
Mr.  Cowan  as  adulterants  of  beeswax  are  those 
from  the  small  berry-like  fruits  of  several 
species  of  Myrica,  chiefly  M.  cerifera  and  M. 
cordifolia,  natives  of  North  America  and  South 
Africa  respectively. 

Sapium  sebiferum,  better  known  as  Stillingia 
sebifera,  also  yields  a  soft  white  wax  or  tallow, 
which  covers  the  seeds  and  is  easily  removed  by 
steaming.  In  China  it  is  much  used  for  candle 
making,  but  owing  to  its  soft  nature  it  is  mostly 
mixed  with  the  insect  wax  of  China,  which  is 
secreted  by  the  insect  Coccus  Pe-la  on  the  leaves 
and  stems  of  Ligustrum  lucidum  and  Fraxinus 
chinensis.  This  is  extensively  used  by  the 
Chinese,  not  only  for  candle-making  but  for 
other  purposes. 

Common  resin  and  mineral  substances  of  an 
inflammatory  nature,  are  also  used  for  adulterat- 
ing beeswax.  It  will  therefore  be  seen  that  bees- 
wax is  one  of  the  most  extensively  adulterated 
articles  of  commerce. 

The  concluding  chapters  of  the  book  are 
devoted  to  the  various  uses  of  beeswax,  such 
as  the  making  of  candles,  wax  flowers,  models, 
artificial  fruits,  &c.  A  list  is  also  given  of  more 
than  100  preparations  containing  beeswax  in 
some  form.  The  book  is  illustrated  by  17  full- 
page  plates. 

*  Wax  Craft :  A 11  about  Beeswax :  lis  History,  Pro- 
duction, Adulteration,  and  Commercial  Value,  by  T.  W. 
Cowan,    (Sampson,  Low,  Marston  &  Co.) 


The  Week's  Work. 


PUBLIC   PARKS   AND   GARDENS. 

By  J.  W.  Moorman,  Superintendent  of  Victoria  Park 
London. 

Bowling  greens. — The  game  of  bowls   is  now 
•played  with  such  science  that  the  greens  them- 
selves are  required  to  be  as  perfect  as  possible. 
The  turf  must  be  of  the  finest  texture  and  per- 
fectly  elastic.      The   game  is   most   popular   in 
Scotland  and  in  the  North  of  England,  where  it 
is  given  every  encouragement  by  most  of  the  city 
and    town    corporations.      In    recent    years   the 
London  County  Council  has  constructed  greens 
in  nearly  all  the  public  parks  under  its  control. 
In   London  the  greens   are   made  level,   but   in 
Yorkshire  and   Lancashire,    I   believe,   they   are 
made  to  fall  several  inches  from  the  centre,  or 
crown,  to  the  sides  or  ditch.     In  some  cases  the 
fall  is  as  much  as  18  inches.     The  lawn   I  am 
going  to  speak  about  is  one  with  a  level  surface. 
Such  lawns  vary  in  size,  but  one  that  measures 
112  feet   square   can   be   recommended  as  most 
useful.     It  allows  six  rinks  being  played  upon 
at  one  time,  thus  accommodating  48  players.    A 
green  of  this  size,  being  square,  has  an  advan- 
tage over  others,  in  the  fact  that  it  allows  the 
game    being    played    from    any   quarter    of    the 
green.     When,  by  hard  wear,  the  turf  becomes 
worn  near  to  the  edges  from  which  the  players 
deliver  their  bowls,  the  play  can  be  diverted  to 
courses  or  rinks  formed  in  a  cross  direction.    It 
is  primarily  necessary  that  such  lawns  should  be 
perfectly  drained.     If  the  subsoil  is  heavy  clay, 
it  must  be  drained  with  a  pipe  and  rubble  drain, 
or  drains  ;  but,  on  the  contrary,  if  the  subsoil  is 
of  a  sandy  or  gravelly  nature,  the  ashes  to  be 
recommended   presently    will   provide    sufficient 
drainage    to    allow   the   surface   water    to    pass 
away.     A  few  years  ago,  I  constructed  a  green 
on  a  gravelly  subsoil.    The  method  of  procedure 
was  as  follows: — After  the  size  of  the  ground 
had  been  properly  marked  out,  the  soil  was  re- 
moved to  a  depth  of  9  inches.     The  soil  thus  re- 
moved was  utilised  to  form   a  bank   round  the 
green  6  inches  high,  or  even  more.     The  inner 
edge   of  the  raised  bank   had  a  slope  of   about 
6  inches  to  enable  the  Grass  to  clothe  its  surface 
and  retain   its   angular   position  from  the  pres- 
sure    of    the    players'    tread.       After     the     re- 
moval of  this   soil,  the  greatest  care  was  taken 
to   see   that  there  were   no   hollows   or   places 
where  the  ground  was  likely  to  sink  more  than 
in  others.     The  whole  area  was  consolidated  as 
much  as  possible.     When  this  had  been  done, 
rough  ashes  were  spread  over  the  ground  to  a 
depth   of   8  inches,    and   the    ashes  were   after- 
wards compressed  by  rolling  and  beating  into  a 
space   of   6   inches   deep.      The   surface  of    the 
ashes   was    made   perfectly   level.      Around   the 
outside  of  the  green,  a  ditch  1  foot  in  width  was 
left,    and    lined    next   to    the    turf   with    boards 
5  inches  deep  by  1J  inches  thick.     These  were 
secured  by  wooden  pegs  placed  at  suitable  inter- 
vals.    Over  and  resting  on  the  lining  boards  was 
a  narrow   lattice  frame,  which   served  to   carry 
away    any    superfluous    surface    water,    and    to 
keep  the  bowls  clean  while  play  was  in  progress. 
This  lattice  frame  was  fixed  slightly  under  the 
surface    of    the    turf,    so    that    there    would    be 
nothing  to  prevent  the  bowls  from  running  into 
the    ditch.      Over  the   level    surface  of   pressed 
ashes  was  spread  an  inch  deep  of  good  loamy 
soil.     On  this  soil  was  laid  turves,  each  turf  cut 
1   foot   square   and   2  inches  in   thickness.      In 
this  case,  we  made  use  of  local  turf,  and,  unfor- 
tunately,   it    contained    some    suckling    Clover, 
which  occasioned  considerable  trouble  for  some 
time   afterwards.      Eventually    the    Clover   was 
eradicated,   and   the  green   is   now   as   good   as 
might  be  wished  for,  although  it  was  made  at  a 
low  cost.     For  expensive  greens,  turf  is  some- 
times conveyed  hundreds  of  miles  at  great  cost. 
But   if   ordinary  turf   is    used,    and   proper   at- 
tention afterwards  given  to  rolling,  mowing,  and 
the    supply    of    surface    dressings,    such    Grass 
improves  beyond  expectations. 


THE  FLOWER  GARDEN. 

By  W.  A.  Cook,  Gardener  to  Sir  Edmund  G.  Loder,  Bart., 
Leonardslee,  Susses. 

Rhododendron. — The  planting  of  Rhododen- 
drons should  be  pushed  forward  in  dry  weather. 
Spread  some  peat,  manure  and  leaf-soil  evenly 
over  the  soil.    Set  out  the  plants  over  the  ground 


86 


THE     GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


[February  6,  1909. 


in  the  positions  they  are  to  occupy.  In  many 
cases  special  soil  will  have  to  be  prepared,  and 
it  is  better,  therefore,  to  plant  the  bushes  more 
thickly  than  is  usually  done.  It  is  more  econo- 
mical ;  the  plants  have  the  benefit  of  each  others 
shade  over  the  roots,  and  when  thinning  is 
necessary  owing  to  the  growth  of  the  bushes, 
transplanting  can  be  effected  easily.  Rhodo- 
dendrons are  all  the  better  for  being  repeatedly 
shifted  whilst  young.  They  should  be  planted 
shallow  and  the  soil  should  be  well  rammed. 
Where  Rhododendrons  are  planted  on  sloping 
ground,  provision  must  be  made  for  watering 
them.  This  can  be  best  done  by  making  a  sort 
of  basin  around  the  stems  of  the  plants.  Among 
some  of  the  best  garden  varieties  and  hybrids 
are  Concessum  (rose-pink),  Edward  S.  Rand 
(scarlet),  Francis  B.  Hayes  (white,  with  dark 
spots),  Ascot  Brilliant  (blood-red),  Countess  of 
Clancartv  (rose-crimson),  Mrs.  Tom  Agnew 
(white,  with  yellow  centre),  Sappho  (white,  with 
maroon  spots),  Purity  (white,  with  a  faint  yellow 
eye),  Scipio  (rose,  'with  red  spots),  Mrs.  W. 
Agnew  (pale  rose),  George  Hardy  (white), 
Helen  Waterer  (white,  with  crimson  margin),  J. 
M.  Brooks  (scarlet,  with  brown  spots),  James 
Nasmyth  (rosy-lilac,  with  maroon  blotch),  Kate 
Waterer  (rosy-crimson,  with  yellow  markings), 
Lady  Eleanor  Cathcart  (rose,  with  chocolate 
spots),  Marchioness  of  Lansdowne  (pale  rose, 
with  black  spots),  Gomer  Waterer,  Marie  van 
Houtte  (white,  spotted  with  light  red),  Cynthia, 
Michael  Waterer  (bright  scarlet),  Minnie  (blush 
white,  with  chocolate  spots),  Mrs.  Holford  (sal- 
mon-pink), Pink  Pearl,  and  Lady  C.  Walsh  (red, 
edged  with  pink).  The  following  varieties 
flower  in  April  and  May: — Broughtonianum 
(rose-red),  caucasicum  album,  limbatum  (white 
and  crimson),  Auguste  van  Gee:t  (chocolate-col- 
oured), nobleanum  (scarlet),  Vesuvius  (crimson- 
scarlet),  and  Prince  Camille  de  Rohan  (white  and 
rose).  Some  of  the  best  garden  Rhododendrons 
are  those  which  have  been  obtained  from  Hima- 
layan species,  such  as  R.  X  kewense,  Lus- 
combe's  Scarlet,  and  Fosteri. 

Seed  raising. — It  is  inadvisable  to  sow  any 
seeds  at  present,  unless  it  is  absolutely  neces- 
sary. Dahlia  seeds  may  be  sown  in  pots  or  pans 
or  in  seed  trays.  Dianthus,  Lobelia,  Polyan- 
thus and  Primroses  may  be  sown  in  a  warm 
greenhouse  or  frame. 

Climbing  plants. — Examine  the  climbing 
plants,  whether  deciduous  or  evergreen,  care- 
fully pruning  and  training  any  that  require  at- 
tention in  these  matters.  If  any  climbing  plants 
have  to  be  planted,  the  work  should  be  done 
at   once. 

Summer  -  flowering  Chrysanthemums.  —  These 
may  be  propagated  now,  as  there  are  plenty  of 
growths  on  the  old  stools  that  may  be  used  for 
cuttings.  If  a  large  number  of  plants  is  re- 
quired, the  cuttings  should  be  rooted  in  seed 
trays,  and  50  cuttings  can  then  be  placed  in  one 
tray.  When  the  cuttings  have  rooted  they 
should  be  potted  up  singly  into  small  pots  and 
placed  in  a  cool  frame  for  a  time. 

Lawns  and  paths. — Keep  the  lawns  and  paths 
neat  in  appearance  by  sweeping  and  rolling 
them  frequently.  Prepare  soil  for  use  in  top- 
dressing  tennis-courts,  croquet  ground  and  simi- 
lar places.  A  suitable  mixture  is  one  consisting 
of  leaf-soil,  loam,  soot,  lime  and  bonemeal. 
These  should  be  well  mixed  together  and  turned 
several  times.  The  compost  should  be  kept  dry 
and  a  top-dressing  may  be  applied  about  the 
first  week  in  March,  covering  the  ground  about 
one-eighth  of  an  inch  thick. 


THE  HARDY  FRUIT  GARDEN. 

By  J.  G.  Weston,  Gardener  to  H.  J.  King,  Esq.,  Eastwell 
Park,  Kent. 

The  fruit  room. — Examine  the  Apples  at  fre- 
quent intervals  and  remove  any  fruits  which 
show  signs  of  decay,  laying  the  remainder  out 
thinly  over  the  shelves  and  benches.  Keep  the 
room  cool,  not  too  dry,  and  allow  sufficient 
ventilation  to  sweeten  the  air.  There  have 
ibeen  many  complaints  this  winter  that  fruit 
has  not  kept  well.  Each  season  proves 
afresh  the  necessity  of  planting  plenty  of  late 
varieties  of  both  dessert  and  cooking  Apples. 
Late  Apples  are  always  valuable,  and  for  this 
reason  the  season  should  be  lengthened  as  much 
is  possible.     Some  of  the  best  cooking  Apples 


in  use  from  this  date  onwards  include  Newton 
Wonder,  Lane's  Prince  Albert,  Alfriston, 
Chelmsford  Wonder,  Annie  Elizabeth,  Dume- 
low's  Seedling  (Wellington),  Norfolk  Beefing, 
and  the  newer  variety,  Royal  Late  Cooking. 
Dessert  varieties  include  Allen's  Everlasting, 
Sturmer  Pippin,  Court-Pendii-plat,  Brown- 
lee's  Russet,  Cockle's  Pippin,  Lord  Hindlip, 
and  Claygate  Pearmaiu.  These  varieties,  if 
stored  in  a  suitable  place,  will  afford  a  supply 
of  dessert  fruits  until  very  late  in  spring. 

The  Loganberry  (see  fig.  -15). — The  Logan- 
berry is  gaining  popular  appreciation,  and  it  is 
being  extensively  planted  in  this  country  for 
market  purposes.     The  plant  is  not  at  all  par- 


makes  extraordinary  growth,  and  this  circum- 
stance should  be  borne  in  mind  when  a  site  is 
being  selected  for  its  cultivation.  In  this  gar- 
den the  canes  are  trained  on  wire  forming  an 
arch  over  a  pathway,  the  top  of  the  arch  being 
10  feet  high  from  the  ground.  The  canes  are 
planted  on  both  sides  of  the  arch,  and  they  fill 
all  the  space  on  the  wires.  The  foliage  is 
ornamental  in  appearance  and  under  this 
method  of  cultivation  the  fruit  is  fully  exposed 
to  the  sun  and  air.  It  may  not  be  possible 
to  adopt  this  system  in  every  case,  but, 
whether  or  not,  provision  should  be  made  for 
the  whole  length  of  the  canes,  for  they  usually 
fruit  from  top  to  base. 


FlG.   45. — THE    LOGANBERRY. 


ticular  as  regards  character  of  soil,  and  it  is 
capable  of  growing  well  in  positions  where 
Raspberry  canes  will  not  succeed.  In  gardens 
where  the  Loganberry  has  not  hitherto  been 
planted,  I  would  recommend  that  the  plant  be 
given  a  trial.  It  is  not  too  late  even  now 
to  make  a  plantation.  Though  not  amongst 
the  choicest  dessert  fruits,  the  Loganberry 
makes  an  excellent  addition  to  culinary  fruits. 
It  is  also  suitable  for  bottling  or  for  preserv- 
ing with  sugar  in  the  ordinary  way.  When 
the  Loganberry  has  become  well  established   it 


Blackberries. — There  are  several  varieties  of 
the  Blackberry  which  are  not  only  valuable  for 
their  fruits,  but  possess  growths  and  foliage 
which  are  distinctly  ornamental.  Such  varie- 
ties may  very  suitably  be  planted  to  run  over 
old  tree  stumps,  or  to  cover  fences  or  low  walls. 
The  Parsley-leaved  Bramble  (Rubus  laciniatus) 
is  one  of  the  best  for  this  purpose.  Wilson 
Junior  is  another  variety  bearing  large  fruits, 
but  these  only  attain  their  best  condition  in 
favourable  seasons,  or  in  specially  warm 
localities. 


February  6,  1909] 


THE     GARD  ENER  S'     CHRONl  CL  E. 


S7 


THE    ORCHID    HOUSES. 

By  W.  H.  White,  Orchid  Grower  to  Sir  Trevor  Lawrence, 
Bart.,  Burford,  Surrey. 

Healing  the  houses. — At  the  time  of  writing 
frosts  prevail,  and,  in  all  probability,  for  the 
next  two  months  frosts  will  occur  at  intervals. 
During  such  weather  every  effort  should  be 
made  to  maintain  proper  temperatures  in  the 
houses  by  carefully  regulating  the  heating  ap- 
paratus. In  some  gardens,  through  an  ineffi- 
cient he-ating  apparatus  and  an  insufficient  sup- 
ply of  piping,  it  is  impossible  to  keep  the 
houses  at  the  proper  degree  of  heat  during  the 
night-time  without  continuous  hard  firing.  At 
such  times,  the  pipes  being  extremely  hot,  the 
atmosphere  of  the  house  becomes  more  than 
ordinarily  arid,  and  if  such  conditions  are 
allowed  to  continue  for  long  together,  they  will 
cause  great  deterioration  in  the  health  of  the 
plants.  On  occasions  when  the  pipes  are 
already  unduly  heated,  and  the  boiler  power  is 
insufficient  to  maintain  a  proper  temperature 
till  the  morning,  the  grower  may  be  led  to  damp 
the  houses  heavily  with  the  view  of  re- 
ducing the  temperature  of  the  hot  air. 
In  such  conditions,  if  a  sudden  fall  m 
the  temperature  occurred  before  daylight, 
it  would  cause  loss  of  foliage  to  some  species, 
although  no  such  harm  would  be  likely  to  accrue 
if  the  temperature  were  low  and  the  atmosphere 
comparatively  dry.  Everything  should  be  done 
as  far  as  possible  to  avoid  overheating  the  pipes, 
even  in  the  hottest  houses,  and  a  means  to  that 
end  is  to  cover  at  least  the  lower  part  of  the 
roofing  with  some  thick,  dry  material.  For  this 
purpose  Archangel  mats,  which  can  be  rolled 
on  at  dusk  and  taken  off  in  the  morning  at  day- 
light, are  suitable.  In  addition  to  these  mats,  I 
find  the  lath  roller  blinds  very  useful  to  roll 
down  over  them.  These  when  securely  tied  not 
only  greatly  assist  to  preserve  an  equable  tem- 
perature insirte,  but  will  keep  the  mats  from 
being  blown  off  by  wind.  If  at  this  time  of  the 
year,  when  the  warmth  from  the  sun  is  gradu- 
allv  increasing,  the  temperatures  at  early  morn- 
ing are  loo  low,  the  heat  of  the  houses  should 
be  increased  by  small,  sharp  fires.  so  that,  by 
the  time  the  sun  shines,  the  fires  will  have 
ceased  to  give  much  heat.  If,  unfortunately, 
there  is  a  big  fire  when  the  sun  shines  on  the 
house,  then  draw  out  a  portion  of  the  fire  and 
cover  the  remainder  with  a  thin  coating  of  damp 
ashes.  Should  the  weather  be  likely  to  become 
cold  again  after  mid-day,  the  fires  should  be 
thoroughly  cleaned  and  revived  before  the  heat 
in  the  houses  becomes  low.  It  is  advisable  to 
see  that  the  flues  and  ashpits  are  kept  clean, 
and  that  the  pipes  are  kept  full  of  water  at  all 
times,  so  that  the  boilers  may  do  their  work 
properly.  Every  air  tap  in  the  pipes  should  be 
opened  several  times  each  day,  especially  last 
thing  at  night,  and  again  at  early  morning 
The  temperature  of  each  division  by  night,  as 
maintained  bv  fire  heat,  should  be  as  follow  :  — 

The  East  Indian  or  warmest  house,  fioQ  to 
05°  ;  the  Cattleya  house,  about  60° ;  Mexi 
can  and  Intermediate  nouses,  55°  to  GO"  ; 
and    the    Odontoglossum    or    Cool    house, 

about  50°.  On  very  cold  nights  the  temperature 
may  be  allowed  to  fall  a  few  degrees  below  those 
given,  and  in  mild  weather  it  may  be  a  trifle 
higher.  Whenever  the  thermometer  shows  that 
the  temperatures  of  the  houses  are  below  the 
figures  indicated,  the  atmosphere  should  be  con- 
siderably  drier  than  at  anv  other  time. 


PLANTS    UNDER  GLASS. 

By  A.  C.  Bartlett,  Gardener  to  Mrs.  Ford,  Pencarrow, 
Cornwall. 

Herbaceous  Calceolarias. — These  plants  may 
now  be  given  their  final  potting.  A  suitable 
compost  is  one  consisting  of  sandy  loam  with 
the  addition  of  a  little  decayed  cow  manure. 
Do  not  give  the  plants  too  large  a  shift  and,  in 
potting,  press  the  soil  moderately  firm.  When 
the  plants  have  been  potted,  place  them  on  an 
ash,  or  gravel  base  in  a  cool  house,  where 
they  will  he  exposed  to  the  light  but  not  to 
direct  sunshine. 

Insect  f-ests. — Every  effort  should  be  directed 
towards  the  completion  of  the  plant-cleansing 
operations  before  milder  weather  occurs.  In 
the  warmer  houses  mealy  bug  may  put  in  an 
appearance  at  any  time,  and  in  the  intermediate 
and  cooler  houses  the  insects  will  be  apt  to 
leave  their  hiding  places  as  the  days  lengthen. 


In  all  cases  endeavour  to  destroy  them  before 
their  numbers  increase. 

Yellow-spathed  Richardias. — Kichardia  afri- 
cana  has  its  white  spathes  already  expanded, 
but  R.  Elliottiana  and  R.  Pentlandii  will  not 
flower  until  a  later  date.  The  tubers  having 
had  a  long  resting  period,  may  now  be  potted. 
The  plants  root  very  freely  and  therefore  re- 
quire large  pots.  A  suitable  potting  soil  is  one 
consisting  of  loam  two  parts  and  leaf-mould 
one  part,  with  plenty  of  coarse  sand  or  grit 
added  to  keep  it  porous.  The  use  of  fine  gravel 
is  also  advantageous.  The  tubers  should  be 
planted  rather  low  in  the  pots  and  the  soil 
must  not  be  rammed  hard.  These  yellow 
species  require  more  heat  than  R.  africana. 
They  should  be  given  a  position  in  full  sun- 
light. No  water  will  be  required  until  the 
plants  have  started  into  growth,  but  after- 
wards copious  supplies  will  be  necessary. 

Anthurium. — The  species  and  varieties  which 
produce  decorative  spathes  may  now  be  over- 
hauled. Those  which  were  repotted  last  year 
will  probably  merely  require  a  little  fresh  sur- 
face soil.  In  cases  where  repotting  is  neces- 
sary the  old  soil  should  be  washed  from  the 
roots  in  a  pail  of  tepid  water.  Cut  off  any 
decayed  roots  and  repot  the  plants  into  clean 
pots  or  pans  which  should  be  furnished  with 
drainage  material  to  one-third  their  depth.  Let 
the  potting  compost  consist  of  fibrous  peat  and 
loam,  broken  somewhat  roughly,  pieces  of  char- 
coal and  plenty  of  silver  sand.  Keep  the  crown 
of  the  plant  well  above  the  rim  of  the  flower- 
pot, and  arrange  the  composl  around  the  roots 
with  the  hand.  A  potting  stick  should  not  be 
used.  A  few  pieces  of  fresh,  living  Sphagnum- 
moss  should  be  inserted  with  the  top  laver  of 
soil.  Leggy  plants  may  be  shortened  with  ad- 
vantage by  cutting  off  a  portion  of  the  base, 
but  taking  care  to  retain  a  few  fibrous  roots. 
Anthuriums  which  have  ornamental  foliage  are 
so  susceptible  to  draughts  and  changes  of  tem- 
perature when  forming  new  leaves,  that  it  is 
better  not  to  ex<  ite  them  into  growth  for  some 
time  longer.  \\  hen,  however,  they  commence 
to  grow  naturally  they  will  need  treatment 
similar  to  that  recommended  for  those  having 
ornamental   spathes. 


FRUITS  UNDER  GLASS. 

By  E.  Harriss,  Fruit  Foreman,  Royal  Gardens,  Froginore. 

Queen  Pineapples. — Prepare  a  pit  for  the 
suckers  which  were  rooted  last  season.  These 
young  plants  must  now  be  potted  and  started 
into  growth  in  order  that  they  may  have  suffi- 
cient time  to  make  strong  fruiting  plants  for 
next  year.  They  will  need  to  be  plunged  into  a 
bed  of  Oak  leaves  about  4  feet  in  depth  having 
a  temperature  of  80°  or  85''.  If  the  leaves  have 
been  lying  in  a  heap  for  some  time  already 
there  will  be  a  little  warmth  in  them  and  this 
will  be  an  advantage.  Build  up  the  bed  in 
layers  and  tread  each  layer  well,  making  the 
bed  of  a  uniform  firmness  throughout.  The 
bed  should  be  made  of  such  a  height  that  when 
the  plants  have  been  plunged  they  will  be  as 
near  to  the  glass  as  is  possible  without  risk  of 
injury.  The  compost  used  in  potting  should 
be  a  rich,  friable  loam  from  which  the  fine  soil 
has  been  shaken.  Add  one  8-inch  potful  of  J- 
inch  bones  and  a  6-mch  potful  of  soot  to  each 
barrowload  of  loam.  If  the  — . . i  1  i~  inclined  to  be 
heavy  a  little  charcoal  may  also  be  added  with 
advantage.  The  compost  must  be  thoroughly 
warmed  before  potting  is  commenced.  The 
plants  should  be  put  into  10-inch  or  12-inch 
pots  according  to  the  strength  of  the  individual 
plants.  Each  pot  must  be  well  drained  and  the 
soil  must  be  made  firm.  Any  other  plants  re- 
■  | lining  to  be  repotted  should  be  given  atten- 
tion. They  will  need  a  hot-bed  as  in  the  case 
of  the  Queen  Pines,  and  they  must  be  potted  in 
a  similar  manner.  No  water  need  be  applied 
until  fresh  roots  have  been  made.  The  atmo- 
sphere of  the  house,  however,  must  be  kept 
moist  by  frequently  damping  the  walls  and 
other  surfaces.  The  plants  themselves  may 
be  syringed  frequently.  Excepting  on  very 
cold  nights,  the  temperature  may  be  kept  at  70°. 
Make  full  use  of  any  sunshine  that  occurs  during 
the  day,  but  admit  air  only  on  very  favourable 
occasions. 

Charlotte  Rothschild  and  Smooth  Cayenne  Finn . 
■ — Although  these  varieties  may  be   grown   suc- 


cessfully in  pots  they  succeed  better  and  give 
less  trouble  if  planted  out  in  a  bed.  The  sys- 
tem practised  here  for  many  years  was  to 
plant  two  batches  of  plants  each  year,  one  in 
March  and  the  other  in  September.  This 
method  produced  a  supply  of  fruits  almost  all 
the  year  round.  Preparations  for  putting  out 
the  spring  plants  should  commence  at  once,  so 
that  the  hot-bed  and  soil  may  become  warmed 
before  planting  is  commenced.  The  hot-bed 
should  not  be  less  than  5  feet  in  depth.  The 
compost  may  consist  of  roughly-chopped  loam, 
crushed  bones  and  soot  in  the  san.e  proportions 
as  I  have  mentioned  for  the  Queen  variety. 
Make  the  soil  quite  firm  by  treading.  It  should 
be  about  1  toot  in  depth  when  finished.  Plant 
the  suckers  about  2  feet  apart  each  way.  Shade 
them  from  the  sun  until  thev  have  become 
established  in  the  new  soil ;  syringe  them  two 
or  three  times  a  day  during  bright  weather. 
Keep  the  atmosphere  of  the  house  constantly 
moist  by  damping  the  floor  and  other  surfaces. 


THE    KITCHEN    GARDEN. 

By  E.  Beckett,  Gardener  to  the  Hon.  Vicarv  Gibbs 

Aldenham  House,  Elstree,  Hertfordshire. 
Onions.— Young  plants  raised  from  seed  sown 
early  last  month  will  now  require  to  be  pricked 
off  into  other  boxes  of  medium  depth.  Plenty 
of  drainage  material  should  be  placed  in  them, 
and  this  drainage  should  be  protected  by  plac- 
ing the  coarser  parts  of  the  compost  over  it 
to  prevent  fine  soil  from  washing  down.  The 
compost  should  consist  of  two  parts  of  light 
fibrous  loam  (well  pulled  to  pieces  with  the 
!i' nds),  one  part  of  well-decayed  leaf-mould, 
and  one  part  horse-droppings,  obtained  from 
an  old  Mushroom  bed.  The  leaf-mould  and 
horse-droppings  should  be  passed  through  a 
sieve  with  a  i-inch  mesh.  Add  sufficient  road 
grit  or  river  sand,  according  to  the  nature  of  the 
loam,  to  render  it  porous.  All  these  ingredients 
should  be  thoroughly  mixed,  and  care  should  be 
taken  to  see  that  it  is  in  a  sufficiently  dry  state 
to  prevent  caking  when  pressed  firmly  together. 
Carefully  lift  the  young  plants  with  a  pointed 
stick,  preserving  the  roots  intact  as  far  as  pos- 
sible, and  plant  them  with  a  small  dibber,  put- 
ting them  3  inches  apart  every  way.  Make  the 
soil  very  firm.  Prevent  the  seedlings  receiving 
a  check  from  chill.  It  is  best  to  perform  this 
work  in  a  structure  where  the  heat  is  similar 
to  that  in  which  the  plants  are  growing.  After 
applying  a  thorough  watering  with  tepid  water, 
place  the  plants  as  near  the  glass  as  possible. 
They  may  be  syringed  very  lightly  two  or  three 
times  during  the  day.  The  temperature  should 
never  be  allowed  to  exceed  60°  ;  55°  is  sufficient. 
Autumn-sown  Onions. — These  succeed  best 
when  raised  in  a  seed  bed  and  transplanted  to 
well-prepared  ground.  The  transplantation 
should  be  accomplished  as  soon  as  the  weather 
is  favourable.  Being  perfectly  hardy  plants, 
their  roots  will  commence  to  grow  provided  the 
ground  is  not  frosty.  Thanks  to  the  severe 
frosts,  ground  w-hich  has  been  heavily  manured 
and  thoroughly  trenched  will  now  be  in  splendid 
condition  for  breaking  down.  A  few  days  before 
the  planting  is  done  the  surface  should  be 
pointed  over  with  a  fork,  adding  a  good  dusting 
of  lime  and  soot,  after  which  the  surface  should 
be  raked  finely.  Place  the  plants  at  distances 
of  12  inches  from  each  other,  leaving  15  inches 
between  the  rows.  White  Emperor  and  White 
Leviathan,  both  excellent  and  distinct  white- 
skinned  varieties,  are  desirable  sorts  for  early 
use,  and  Giant  Red  and  Lemon  Rocca  are  excel- 
lent varieties  for  affording  late  supplies. 

Parsnip. — This  vegetable  requires  a  long  sea- 
son of  growth,  therefore,  wherever  possible,  the 
seed  should  be  sown  some  time  during  the  pre- 
sent month.  If  the  weather  is  unfavourable,  it 
may  only  be  advisable  to  sow  yet  on  light  soils. 
Unless  the  soil  is  a  very  suitable  one,  exhibition 
specimens  can  only  be  cultivated  by  boring 
holes  at  least  2  feet  6  inches  deep  with  an 
bar,  and  filling  these  holes  with  finely-sifted 
material,  such  as  the  soil  obtainable  from  be- 
neath the  potting  bench.  The  rows  should  be 
planted  18  inches  to  2  feet  apart.  There  are 
several  excellent  varieties  of  Parsnips,  but  the 
best  is  Tender  and  True. 

Celery. — Make  a  very  small  sowing  of  an  early 
and  quick  maturing  variety  of  Celery.  The 
seeds  should  be  sown  in  pans  and:  placed  in  a 
gentle  heat. 


88 


THE    GARDENERS'      CHRONICLE. 


[February  6,  1(jC9. 


EDITORIAL    NOTICE. 


ADVERTISEMENTS  should  be  sent  to  the  PUB- 
LISHER, 41,  Wellington  Street,  Covent  Garden, 
W.C. 

Letters  for  Publication,  as  well  as  specimens  of  plants 
for  naming,  should  be  addressed  to  the  EDITOR, 
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punted,  but  kept  as  a  guarantee  of  good  faith. 

Special  Notice  to  Correspondents.— The  Editor  does  not 
undertake  to  pay  for  any  contributions  or  illustrations,  or 
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Illustrations.  -  The  Editor  will  be  glad  to  receive  and  to  select 
photographs  or  drawings,  suitable  for  reproduction,  of 
gardens,  or  of  remarkable  plants,  Jlowers,  trees,  &c,  but  he. 
cannot  be  responsible  for  lossor  injury. 

Local  News.— Correspondents  will  greatly  oblige  by  sending  to 
the  Editor  early  intelligence  of  local  events  likely  to  be  of 
interest  to  our  readers,  or  of  any  matters  which  it  is  desirable 
to  bring  under  the  notice  of  horticulturists. 

Newspapers.  — Correspondents  sending  newspapers  should  be 
careful  to  mark  the  paragraphs  they  wish  the  Editor  to  see. 


APPOINTMENTS  FOR  THE  ENSUING  WEEK. 


MONDAY,  FEBRUARY  8— 

United  Hort.  Ben.  &  Prov.  Soc.  Com.  meet. 

TUESDAY,  FEBRUARY  9— 

Ann.  meet.  Roy.  Hort.  Soc.  (Competitive  Classes  for 
late  dessert  Pears).  Hort.  Club  Ann.  meet,  and  Dinner. 
British  Gard.  Assoc.  Ex.  Council  meet. 

WEDNESDAY,  FEBRUARY  10— 

Perpetual-flowering  Carnation  Soc.  Annual  meet,  at 
Hotel  Windsor,  4  p.m.  Croydon  &  District  Hort. 
Soc.  Annual  Dinner. 

THURSDAY.  FEBRUARY  11— 

London  Branch  B.G.A.  Lecture  on  Kew  Gardens. 

FRIDAY,  FEBRUARY  12— 

Roy.  Gard.  Orphan  Fund  Ann,  meet,  and  Election  of 
Orphans,  at  Simpson's,  Strand. 


Average  Mean  Temperature  for  the  ensuing  week, 
deduced  from  observations  during  the  last  Fifty  Years 
at  Greenwich— 39°. 

Actual  Temperatures: — 

London.—  Wednesday,  February  3  (6  p.m.):  Max.  54°; 
Min.  43". 
Gardeners'  Chronicle  Office,  41,  Wellington  Street, 
Covent  Garden,  London. — Thursday,  February 
4  (10  a.m.):  Bar.  298;  Temp.  59°;  Weather— 
Fine. 
Provinces.—  Wednesday,  February  3  (6  p.m.):  Max.  53" 
Cambridge;  Min.  49°  Lincolnshire. 


SALES    FOR    THE    ENSUING    WEEK. 

MONDAY  and  FRIDAY— 

Herbaceous  and  Border  Plants,  Hardy  Bulbs,  Lilinms, 
Azaleas,  &c,  at  12;  Roses  and  Fruit  Trees,  at  1.30, 
at  67  &  68,  Cheapside,  E.C.,   by    Protheroe  &  Morris. 

WEDNESDAY— 

Perennials  and  Border  Plants,  Liliums,  Bulbs, 
&c,  at  12;  Roses  and  Fruit  Trees  at  1.30;  thous- 
ands of  Bulbs,  Plants,  &c,  at  11.30;  784  cases 
Japanese  Liliums,  &c,  at  1,  at  67  &  68,  Cheapside, 
E.G.,  by  Protheroe  &  Morris. 


New 
Sources  of 

Nitrogen. 


Since  the  investigations  of 
Liebig,  Boussingault,  Lawes 
and  Gilbert,  during  the  first 
half  of  last  century,  into  the 
nature  and  sources  of  the  elements  neces- 
sary for  the  nutrition  of  plants,  the  great  im- 
portance of  an  adequate  supply  of  nitrogen 
has  become  fully  recognised  by  all  who  are 
concerned  with  the  cultivation  of  the  land. 
Among  plant-food  constituents  nitrogen  may 
be  said  to  take  first  place,  being  at  once  the 
most  costly,  and,  under  the  ordinary  condi- 
tions which  prevail  in  the  garden  or  on  the 
farm,  the  most  effective  element  for  increas- 
ing the  yield  of  all  kinds  of  crops.  Without 
the  constant  addition  of  an  abundant  supply, 
either  in  the  form  of  organic  material  such 
as  dung,  or  as  nitrate  of  soda  or  other  chemi- 
cal fertiliser,  the  cultivation  of  field  and  gar- 
den produce  rapidly  becomes  unprofitable. 

All  kinds  of  plants,  with  the  exception  of 
those  belonging  "to  the  leguminous  class, 
take  up  the  nitrogen  which  they  require  from 
the  soil  in  a  combined  state,  almost  entirely 
as  a  nitrate  of  lime,  soda,  or  some  other  base. 


Even  before  the  nitrogen  in  the  farmyard 
manure  and  other  organic  substances  be- 
comes available  for  the  nutrition  of  crops,  it 
is  changed  into  nitrates  by  the  activity  of 
special  soil  bacteria. 

Unfortunately,  from  all  cultivated  land 
there  goes  on  a  constant  drain  of  this  ele- 
ment, and  not  more  than  75  per  cent,  of  it 
added  in  manures  is  ever  recovered  in  the 
crops,  even  under  the  most  favourable  condi- 
tions. On  account  of  the  soluble  nature  of 
nitrates  they  are  rapidly  washed  out  of  the 
soil  into  the  drainage-water,  especially  in 
winter,  when  no  plants  are  present  to  absorb 
them,  and  a  certain  amount  is  decomposed 
with  the  formation  of  free  nitrogen  gas, 
which  escapes  into  the  air  and  is  lost.  Large 
amounts  are  removed  in  the  crops,  and  as 
these  or  the  products  derived  from  them  are 
transported  into  towns  and  other  areas  away 
from  the  land  which  produces  them,  it  will  be 
readily  understood  that  soils  which  have  been 
cultivated  for  centuries  have  been  undergoing 
a  process  of  gradual  exhaustion  of  one  of 
their  most  important  constituents.  The  de- 
mand for  supplies  of  nitrates,  which  has  in- 
creased to  an  enormous  extent  both  in  the 
Old  and  New  Worlds  during  the  last  30  or 
40  years,  becomes  intelligible  after  considera- 
tion of  the  points  just  mentioned,  and  the 
spread  of  intensive  methods  of  cultivating  the 
land  is  destined  to  increase  the  demand. 
About  1830  nitrate  of  soda  was  intro- 
duced from  Chili  and  Peru,  and  since  that 
date  it  has  tended  to  stave  off  the  nitrogen 
famine  and  keep  up  the  crop  returns.  In 
1S60  it  was  assumed  that  the  deposits  would 
last  for  more  than  1,500  years  at  the  rate  at 
which  the  fertiliser  was  then  being  used,  but 
an  increase  of  population  and  a  great  exten- 
sion of  cultivated  areas  along  with  increased 
intensive  management  of  the  soil  have  falsi- 
fied the  prediction.  The  world's  markets  are 
now  consuming  ih  millions  of  tons  of  nitrate 
of  soda  per  annum,  and  the  exhaustion  of  the 
present  source  of  supply  is  well  within  sight ; 
a  few  decades  will  see  an  end  of  it.  Tempor- 
ary checks  to  the  development  of  a  nitrogen 
famine  have  been  made  by  the  addition  of 
sulphate  of  ammonia  to  the  list  of  fertilisers 
supplying  this  all-important  ingredient,  but 
no  permanent  alteration  in  the  growing  need 
for  it  could  be  expected  from  either  of  these 
materials. 

That  the  food  supply  of  the  increasing 
population  is  bound  up  with  the  discovery  of 
some  new  source  of  nitrogenous  plant-food 
has  become  more  and  more  evident,  and  the 
existence  of  a  practically  unlimited  amount 
of  nitrogen  in  the  atmosphere  has  fired  the 
imagination  of  scientific  men  and  stimulated 
persistent  research  into  the  question  of  the 
conversion  of  the  free  nitrogen  of  the  air 
from  its  inert  gaseous  condition  to  a  com- 
bined state  suited  to  the  needs  of  all  crops. 

The  efforts  to  utilise  this  constituent  of  the 
atmosphere  for  the  production  of  a  nitrogen- 
ous plant-food  on  an  economical  scale  have 
been  crowned  with  success  during  the  last 
three  or  four  years,  and  at  the  present  mo- 
ment two  new  fertilisers  are  being  placed  on 
the  market.  One  of  them,  calcium  cyana- 
mide,  introduced  under  the  trade  name  of 
"  Nitrolin  "  is  obtained  by  heating  the  pure 
nitrogen  of  the  air  with  calcium  carbide  (the 
well-known  material  used  in  bicycle  lamps) 
in   an   electric   furnace;   the   nitrogen   is   ab- 


sorbed by  the  carbide,  and  calcium  cyanamide 
is  produced.  It  is  a  fine  powder,  somewhat 
like  basic  slag,  containing  20  per  cent,  of  com- 
bined nitrogen,  an  amount  equal  to  that  in 
the  best  samples  of  sulphate  of  ammonia.  It 
contains  also  a  certain  amounl  of  lime,  which 
is  of  benefit  upon  soils  deficient  in  that  ma- 
terial. In  comparative  trials  with  sulphate 
of  ammonia  and  nitrate  of  soda  upon 
Potatos,  Cabbages,  Wheat,  Mangels,  as  well 
as  many  garden  crops,  it  has  proved  itself 
an  excellent  substitute  for  these  manures. 
Since  it  is  liable  to  check  germination  and 
damage  seedling  plants,  it  is  best  applied  to 
the  land  10  to  14  days  before  sowing  seeds. 
The  application  may  be  made  at  the  rate  of 
icwt.  to  2cwt.  per  acre,  and  when  intended 
for  use  as  a  top-dressing  it  should  be  mixed 
10  to  14  days  before  application  with  one  to 
four  times  its  weight  of  finely-divided  soil. 
Like  sulphate  of  ammonia,  it  does  not  act 
immediately  upon  crops,  but  must  first  be 
nitrified  or  changed  into  a  nitrate  in  the  soil. 
It  is  adapted  for  use  in  all  kinds  of  land, 
with  the  exception  of  those  of  an  acid  cha- 
racter or  on  light  sands  where  the  nitrifying 
bacteria  are  not  abundant. 

The  other  product  whose  nitrogen  is  ob- 
tained from  the  air  is  calcium  nitrate,  a  com- 
pound which  is  certain  to  become  a  formid- 
able rival  of  all  nitrogenous  fertilisers,  and, 
with  "  Nitrolin,"  is  destined  to  have  a  far- 
reaching  effect  on  the  production  of  the 
world's  crops.  As  far  back  as  1786  Caven- 
dish discovered  that  the  combination  of  the 
nitrogen  and  oxygen  of  the  air  can  be 
brought  about  by  the  passage  through  it  of 
an  electric  spark.  This  fact  has  never  been 
lost  sight  of  by  chemists  and  engineers,  but 
its  practical  and  economic  application  have 
not  been  attained  until  recently.  Several 
methods  of  bringing  about  this  chemical 
combination  on  a  large  scale  are  now  known, 
but  the  process  which  is  apparently  giving 
the  best  results  is  that  devised  by  Birke- 
land  and  Eyde  in  Norway.  The  union  of  the 
gases  occurs  in  a  specially-constructed  elec- 
tric furnace,  the  oxides  of  nitrogen  being 
afterwards  passed  into  water,  and  the  nitric 
acid  formed  subsequently  combined  with 
limestone.  The  nitrate  of  lime  produced  is 
sent  into  commerce  75-77  per  cent,  pure  and 
containing  13  per  cent,  of  nitrogen — about 
2  percent,  less  than  in  nitrate  of  soda.  It  is  a 
brownish  substance  without  smell,  very  sol- 
uble in  water  and  as  active  as  nitrate  of  soda 
upon  plant  growth.  Experiments  both  in 
this  country  and  abroad  have  shown  that  its 
nitrogen  is  quite  as  efficient,  unit  for  unit,  as 
that  in  the  latter  manure,  and  on  soils  defici- 
ent in  lime  it  is  likely  to  be  more  effective. 

The  prophetic  statement  by  Sir  William 
Crookes  that  starvation  may  be  averted 
through  the  laboratory,  and  his  suggestion, 
that  the  production  of  electricity  at  a  cost  suf- 
ficiently low  to  make  the  manufacture  of 
nitrates  from  the  air  a  commercial  success 
may  be  attained  through  the  utilisation  of 
water  power,  are  now  being  realised.  The 
danger  of  a  nitrogen  famine  and  its  conse- 
quent bearing  upon  the  growth  of  human 
food  cereals  has  been  removed  by  these  new 
achievements  of  the  chemist  and  engineer. 

The  first  factory  for  the  manufacture  of 
calcium  cyanamide  was  erected  at  Piano 
d'Orte  in  Italy,  but  others  have  been  esta- 
blished in  Austria,  Germany  and  France.  The 


February  6,  1909.] 


THE    GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


89 


North-Western  Cyanamide  Co.  's  works  are 
situated  at  Odda,  near  the  southern  end  of 
t lie  Hardanger  Fjord  in  Norway,  and  from 
this  centre  the  new  fertiliser  will  be  supplied 
to  the  United  Kingdom  and  its  colonies  and 
the  greater  part  of  north-western  Europe. 

Nitrate  of  lime  is  manufactured  by  the  Nor- 
wegian Hydro-Electric  Co.  at  Notodden,  in 
Telemarken,  the  energy  for  the  electrical 
power  being  obtained  from  a  neighbouring 
waterfall.  The  output  of  the  factory  is  at 
present  about  20,000  tons  per  annum,  but  in 
less  than  two  years,  when  a  new  factory  will 
be  in  working  order,  with  power  derived  from 
the  Rjukan  Falls — the  largest  in  the  country 
— the  production  will  be  increased  to  100,000 
tons  per  annum. 

The  question  of  cost  will  largely  determine 
the  use  to  which  the  new  fertilisers  will  be 
put.  The  unit  of  nitrogen  in  each  is 
practically  the  same  as  in  nitrate  of 
soda  and  sulphate  of  ammonia,  but  the  new- 
products  have  a  valuable  asset  in  them  in  the 
form  of  lime,  and  with  new  improvements  in 
the  process  of  manufacture  and  a  reduction 
in  the  cost  of  production  a  substantial  lower- 
ing of  price  may  reasonably  be  expected.  In 
the  meantime  we  can  confidently  recommend 
both  of  these  products  for  trial  in  the  garden 
during  the  coming  season. 


Our  Supplementary  Illustration  repre- 
sents Angraecum  Augiistuiii.  Rolfe.  This  re- 
markable new  species  was  shown  by  Sir  Trevor 
Lawrence,  Bart,  K.C.V.O.  (gr.  Mr.  W.  H. 
White),  at  a  meeting  of  the  Royal  Horticultural 
Society  on  July  21,  1908,  when  the  Orchid  Com- 
mittee gave  it  an  Award  of  Merit.  Botanically, 
it  stands  nearest  to  A.  Kotschyi,  although  in 
habit  it  is  not  like  that  species.  A.  Augus- 
tum  has  thick,  fleshy  leaves  which  are  light- 
green  and  slightly  glaucous.  The  flowers  are 
pure  white,  with  pale  greenish  spurs  tinged 
with  brown  at  the  tips.  The  species  is  a  native 
of  North-east  Rhodesia,  and  plants  were  sent  to 
Sir  Trevor  Lawrence  by  Mr.  Augustus  Old. 

Royal  Horticultural  Society The  next 

meeting  of  the  Committees  of  this  Society  will 
be  held  on  Tuesday  the  9th  inst.  The  annual 
general  meeting  of  Fellows  will  take  place  at 
3  o'clock  p.m. 

British    Gardeners'     Association.  —  The 

next  meeting  of  the  London  Branch  of  this  Asso- 
ciation will  be  held  at  Carr's  Restaurant,  Strand, 
on  Thursday,  February  11,  at  7.30  p.m.  Mr. 
C.  H.  Curtis  will  deliver  a  lecture  on  "  Kew 
Gardens  "  ;  the  lecturer's  remarks  will  be  illus- 
trated by  lantern  views.  All  professional  gar- 
deners are  invited  to  attend  the  meeting. 

Royal  Horticultural  Society  of  Aber- 
deen.— The  annual  exhibition  will  be  held  on 
August  19,  20,  and  21,  in  the  Duthie  Public 
Park,  Aberdeen,  the  exclusive  use  of  which  for 
the  three  days  has  again  been  generously  granted 
by  the  Town  Council.  Among  the  prizes  offered 
are  two  challenge  cups  and  nearly  a  score  of 
medals.  Mr.  J.  B.  Rennett,  231a,  Union 
Street,  Aberdeen,  is  the  secretary,  and  he  will 
be  pleased  to  furnish  further  particulars  to  in- 
tending exhibitors. 

Aberdeen  University. — The  Dickie  prize  in 
botany  at  the  Aberdeen  University — the  income 
of  £100  granted  by  Professor  Trail  in  1902— 
has  been  awarded  Miss  A.  M.  Russell  for  a 
collection  of  300  specimens  gathered  within  10 
miles  of  St.   Cyrus. 


"The     Botanical     Magazine.'' — The 

February  number  of  this  magazine  contains 
descriptions  and  illustrations  of  the  following 
plants : — 

Alpinia  bracteata,  tab.  8237. — This  Zingi- 
beraceous  plant  most  resembles  A.  nutans, 
which  is  readily  distinguished  by  its  more  com- 
pound inflorescence,  and  A.  Henryi,  which  has 
the  indumentum  on  the  rachis  more  silky  in 
texture.  The  species  was  introduced  to  Euro- 
pean cultivation  in  1820,  and  a  plant  flowered 
at  Kew  in  1864.  The  plant  now  figured  was 
raised  at  Kew  from  seeds  received  from  the 
Royal  Botanic  Gardens,  Culcutta,  in  1882.  It 
flowered  for  the  first  time  in  a  tropical  house 


genus  Oligobotrya  is  intermediate  between 
Smilacina,  of  which  it  has  the  habit  and  the 
terminal  inflorescence,  and  Polygonatum,  with 
which  it  agrees  in  having  a  gamophyllous 
perianth.  This  Liliaceous  plant  from  China 
should  be  cultivated  in  a  shady  and  moist  bor- 
der consisting  of  leaf-mould  and  peat.  The 
plants  grow  about  3  feet  high,  and  at  Messrs. 
Veitch's  Coombe  Wood  Nursery  they  succeed 
when  treated  in  a  similar  manner  to  hardy 
Cypripediums. 

Eranthemum  Wattii,  tab.  8239. — This  Acan- 
thaceous  plant  (see  fig.  46)  was  included  in  the 
Kew  Handlist  of  lender  Dicotyledons,  1899, 
page    225,    as    Daedalacanthus    parvus    (C.    B. 


i 


vj>c 


C/^k.' 


Fig.  46. — eranthemum  wattii  (d.edalacanthus  parvus). 


in  May,  1908.  The  plant  grows  as  high  as  7  feet 
and  produces  terminal  racemes  of  white  or 
pinkish  flowers  having  a  reddish-purple  blotch 
in  the  interior  of  the  labellum.  The  tip  of  the 
labellum  is  shaded  with  yellow.  Like  all 
Alpinias,  the  plant  requires  to  be  cultivated  in 
a  tropical  aquatic  house,  where  the  soil  about 
the  roots  can  be  kept  in  a  mud-like  condition 
while  the  stems  are  exposed  to  abundant  sun- 
shine. 

Oligobotrya  Henryi,  tab.  8238. — Mr.  C.  H. 
Wright  describes  two  varieties  of  this  species. 
The  typical  variety  has  yellowish  flowers,  and 
the  variety   violacea   is  violet   coloured.      The 


Clarke/,  and  in  our  own  pages  Octo- 
ber 25,  1902,  page  311,  the  species  was 
illustrated  under  the  same  name.  In  the 
Gardeners'  Magazine,  1901,  page  644,  Colonel 
R.  H.  Beddome  described  the  plant  as 
Daedalacanthus  Wattii,  this  being  the  first  de- 
scription published.  Dr.  Staff  has  now  found 
it  necessary  to  place  this  species  and  Justicia 
nervosa  in  the  genus  Eranthemum.  E.  Wattii 
grows  from  8  to  10  inches  high  :  it  has  ovate 
leaves  and  paniculate  spikes  of  purple  or  violet- 
coloured  flowers,  both  purple  and  violet-coloured 
flowers  being  produced  on  the  same  spike.  It 
is   a    warm-house    plant   and    should   be  raised 


90 


THE    GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


[February  6,  1909 


from  spring-struck  cuttings  each  year.  If  the 
tops  are  pinched  back  during  the  growing  sea- 
son the  plants  will  quickly  form  shapely  little 
pot-shrubs  and  flower  freely.  This  species  is  at 
its  best  in  July  and  August. 

1'ixus  Bungeaxa,  tab.  8240  (see  Gard.  Chron., 
1882,  vol.  18,  page  8,  figs.  1  and  2).— This 
species  is  most  nearly  allied  to  P.  Gerardiana. 
These  two  species  and  P.  chihuahuana  and  P. 
I.umholtzii  form  a  small  group  which  the  late 
Dr.  Masters  looked  upon  as  distinct  from  the 
other  species  of  the  genus,  owing  to  the  de- 
ciduous leaf-scales  and  the  leaves  being  in 
bundles  of  three  with  minutely-serrulate  mar- 
gins. 

Sorbus  Vilmorinii,  tab.  8241. — This  species  is 
said  to  be  very  distinct  from  the  other  species 
of  the  genus  now  in  cultivation.  It  is  a  native  of 
Szechuan  and  Yunnan  in  South-western  China. 
Schneider,  in  Bull.  Herb.  Boiss.,  1906,  ser.  2, 
vol.  vi.,  p.  317,  recognises  two  varieties  of  S. 
Vilmorinii,  the  typical  variety  which  is  now 
figured  in  the  Botanical  Magazine,  and  a  variety 
called  setschwanensis.  This  latter  variety  has 
smaller  and  more  numerous  leaflets  than  the 
type  which  approaches  so  closely  to  S.  micro- 
phylla,  a  native  of  Sikkim,  that  it  might  readily 
be  regarded  as  a  geographical  form  of  that 
species.  S.  Vilmorinii  is  a  shrub  10  to  20  feet 
high.  It  has  slender,  unequally-pinnate  leaves. 
The  inflorescence  is  few  flowered  ;  the  flowers 
are  about  one  quarter  inch  across,  and  the  fruit 
is  globose-red  and  about  one-third  of  an  inch 
in  diameter. 

The  Masters  Lectures.  —  Fellows  will 
remember  the  intimate  connection  with  the 
Society  of  the  late  Dr.  Masters,  F.R.S., 
who  did  much  for  horticulture  by  draw- 
ing constant  attention  to  the  various  ways  in 
which  scientific  discovery  and  research  might 
be  made  serviceable  to  gardening  ;  and  it  will 
also  be  remembered  that  a  fund  was  estab- 
lished by  subscription  to  perpetuate  his  memory 
in  connection  with  the  Society,  and  to  carry  on 
in  some  degree  his  work  of  science  in 
relation  to  gardening.  "  The  Masters'  Lec- 
tures "  have  accordingly  been  founded,  and 
the  first  two  are  to  be  given  during  1909  by  Pro- 
fessor Hugo  de  Vries,  of  Amsterdam,  on  (a) 
"Masters'  'Vegetable  Teratology'"  (June  22), 
and  (b)  "  The  Production  of  Horticultural 
Varieties"  (September  28).  Extract  from  Report 
of  Royal  Horticultural  Society  for  iqoS. 

County     Lecturers      in     Ireland.  —  Mr. 

Wilfred  Mark  Webb,  F.L.S.,  has  recently  been 
acting  as  external  examiner  in  agricultural 
botany  to  the  Royal  College  of  Science,  Dublin, 
for  the  Department  of  Agriculture  and  Tech- 
nical Instruction  for  Ireland.  Most  of  these 
third  year  students  will  become  county  lecturers. 

"Geo.  Monro  Ltd."  Concert  Committee. 
- — The  thirteenth  annual  concert  will  be  held  on 
Thursday,  February  25,  at  the  large  Queen's 
Hall,  Langham  Place.  Mr.  Geo.  Monro  will 
preside.  This  annual  concert  is  held  for  charit- 
able objects.  We  have  before  us  the  statement 
of  accounts  for  the  last  event,  which  took  place 
on  February  20,  1908.  The  total  receipts,  in- 
cluding a  balance  of  £46  14s.  5d.,  amounted  to 
£279  17s.  8d.  Donations  were  given  to  the 
following  charitable  institutions: — Gardeners' 
Royal  Benevolent  Institution,  15  guineas ; 
Wholesale  Fruit  and  Potato  Trade  Benevolent 
Society,  10  guineas ;  Surgical  Aid  Society,  6 
guineas,  ,  Charing  Cross  Hospital,  5  guineas  ; 
Royal  Ophthalmic  Hospital,  Covent  Garden  Life- 
boat Fund,  and  George  Monro  Ltd.,  Outing 
Fund,  3  guineas  each  ;  and  to  George  Monro 
Ltd.,  Pension  Fund,  4  guineas.    The  remaining 


sum  was  expended  on  the  arrangements  for  the 
concert,  except  for  cash  in  hand  amounting  to 
£61  10s.  9d.  We  are  informed  that  the  forth- 
coming event  will  be  equal  to  any  of  its  pre- 
decessors, and  we  hope  that  many  of  our  readers 
will  attend   the   function. 

The  Leeds  Parks. — The  staff  of  the  Leeds 
parks  dined  together  on  the  24th  ult.,  their 
guests  including  Mr.  S.  F.  Witham  (chairman), 
Alderman  Carter,  Councillors  Hinchliffe, 
Owen,  and  Wadsworth.  In  submitting  various 
toasts  the  visitors  congratulated  Mr.  A.  J. 
Allsopp  and  his  staff  on  the  condition  of  the 
parks  and  recreation  grounds  of  the  city,  and 
also  spoke  in  praise  of  the  floral  decorations 
carried  out  from  time  to  time  at  the  Town  Hall. 

Lincolnshire    Potatos   for   America. — It 

is  reported  in  the  Times  that  in  the  Holbeach 
district  of»Lincolnshire,  which  is  one  of  the 
largest  Potato-growing  areas  in  England, 
heavy  consignments  of  Potatos  are  being  loaded 
for  despatch  to  America.  At  Holbeach  rail- 
way station  alone  the  average  weekly  tonnage 
despatched  is  about  1,000  tons,  and  sometimes 
as  many  as  350  to  400  tons  are  sent  away  in 
one  day.  The  Potatos  are  principally  brought 
from  the  Holbeach  Marsh  district.  The  price 
the  farmers  are  securing  for  the  consignments 
sent  to  America  works  out  at  about  35s.  per 
ton,  and  the  duty  payable  is  37s.  6d.  per  ton. 
A  very  large  quantity  of  Potatos  from  the  dis- 
trict are  also  being  sent  to  the  London  and 
provincial  markets. 

A  Pruning  Competition. — The  Madresfield 
Annual  Pruning  Competition  took  place  on  the 
30th  ult.  in  the  Home  Farm  Orchards,  near 
Malvern.  There  were  20  competitors  in  two 
classes.  Class  A  was  arranged  for  pupils  who 
have  just  taken  one  week's  course  of  instruc- 
tion given  by  a  qualified  instructor  upon  various 
kinds  of  fruit  trees  growing  in  the  widely  dif- 
ferent districts  covered  by  the  club's  area,  which 
embraces  a  large  portion  of  the  western  or 
fruit-growing  districts  of  the  county  of  Wor- 
cester. Twelve  pupils,  including  several 
farmers'  sons,  entered  the  competition.  Con- 
sidering that  it  is  impossible  to  learn  the  art 
of  correct  pruning  in  a  week,  the  work  was 
fairly  well  done.  The  Technical  Instruction 
Committee  allow  3s.  per  day  to  each  satisfac- 
tory pupil,  and  a  good  "  Saynor "  pruning 
knife  is  given  them  in  addition  to  the  club's 
prizes  of  20s.,  10s.,  and  5s.  respectively.  Class 
B  was  open  to  men  who  had  taken  previous 
instruction  and  others  who  were  nominated  by 
members  as  capable  men  at  the  work.  Each 
man  was  allotted  three  trees,  previously  selected 
as  uniform  as  possible,  and  numbered  before- 
hand by  the  appointed  stewards.  A  ballot  took 
place  and  the  men  drew  numbers  from  a  hat  to 
correspond  with  the  trees.  Thiee  hours  were 
allowed  to  complete  the  work.  The  stewards 
had  power  to  suspend  any  competitor  who 
showed  incapacity  or  unfairness.  The  judge 
based  his  awards  from  a  fruit-grower's  stand- 
point. He  commended  the  work  that  was 
done,  and  said  if  there  were  more  organisations 
of  a  similar  kind  in  fruit-growing  districts  the 
quality  of  the  fruit  supply  would  be  improved. 

Beneficial  Parasites. — Among  the  most 
interesting  of  the  methods  of  experimenting  in 
the  destruction  of  insect  pests  is  that  which  has 
been  practised  in  various  parts  of  the  world, 
notably  in  America,  and  which  consists  in  the 
introduction  into  the  region  suffering  from  a 
given  pest  of  some  parasitic  enemy  of  that  pest. 
This  is,  in  effect,  a  bold  effort  to  upset  the 
balance   of   Nature,    and  one  which,   though   it 


may  be  fraught  with  a  certain  measure  of  risk, 
seems  the  only  course  likely  to  prove  effectual 
where  a  pest  is  well  established  and  wide- 
spread. Experiments  of  this  kind  are  being 
conducted  on  a  large  scale  by  the  entomological 
staff  of  the  territory  of  Hawaii  (Fourth  Report, 
Board,  of  Commissioners  of  Agriculture  anj 
Forestry,  igoy).  Thus  there  have  been  intro- 
duced into  Hawaii  colonies  of  parasitised 
(diseased)  Orange  aphis  from  California.  From 
the  diseased  aphides  large  numbers  of  the  para- 
site (Trioxys  !)  have  been  bred  ;  but  it  has  not 
yet  been  determined  whether  the  parasite  attacks 
the  species  of  aphis  common  in  the  country. 
Similarly,  ladybirds  from  Mexico  have  been  in- 
troduced in  the  hope — not  at  the  time  of  writing 
demonstratably  fulfilled — that  they  would  attack 
the  Avocado  mealy-bug  (Pseudococcus  nipae  . 
In  other  cases,  as,  for  instance,  in  that  of  the 
Arizona  dung-fly  parasite,  breeding  operations 
have  been  undertaken  on  the  parasite,  and  it  has 
been  demonstrated  that  it — the  natural  enemy  of 
the  dung-fly — has  established  itself  in  the  home 
of  its  enforced  adoption.  The  parasites,  bred 
and  set  at  liberty,  were  discovered  subsequently 
in  distant  parts  of  the  country,  and  where  they 
were  observed  to  be  present  the  cattle  appeared 
to  suffer  less  than  elsewhere  from  the  attacks  of 
the  dung-fly,  thereby  supplying  ground  for 
the  belief  that  the  parasite  of  the  fly  was  making 
its  presence  felt  in  the  desired  way,  viz.,  by  at- 
tacking the  fly,  its  natural  prey.  There  is  cer- 
tainly scope  in  our  own  country  for  cautious 
experiments  along  these  lines,  and  we  venture  to 
hope  that,  at  all  events,  some  of  our  imported 
pests  may  ultimately  be  exterminated  by  im- 
ported parasites. 

The  Care  and  Preservation  of  Street 
Trees.  —  Anyone  travelling  in  this  country 
must  be  impressed  by  the  marked  differ- 
ence with  respect  to  trees  and  avenues 
which  different  towns  present.  Though 
it  is  a  matter  for  congratulation  that  during  re- 
cent years  much  has  been  done  to  beautify  our 
towns  by  tree-planting  ;  yet  the  fact  remains  that 
much  more  might  be  done,  both  in  this  direction 
and  also  in  the  care  of  town  trees.  Where,  for 
example,  shall  we  find  in  England  a  sight  to 
rival  that  presented  by  the  trees  of  the  Champs 
Elysees  in  May?  How  many  of  our  towns  can 
compare  as  regards  trees  with  the  German  pro- 
vincial towns?  We  could  wish  that  the  Bulletin 
(No.  256)  issued  by  the  College  of  Agriculture  of 
Cornell  University  might  get  into  the  hands  and 
the  contents  into  the  heads  of  those  municipal 
authorities  who  have  failed  to  appreciate  the  im- 
portance of  tree-planting  as  a  means  of  conceal- 
ing the  stark  ugliness  or  dreary  monotony  of 
much  modern  architecture,  and,  as  we  venture  to 
think,  of  increasing  the  healthiness  of  towns. 
The  Bulletin  deals  in  simple  fashion  with  such 
matters  as  the  dangers  to  which  town  trees  are 
liable  ;  the  proper  mode  of  planting,  protecting, 
and  pruning,  and  the  modes  of  "  renovating  "  old 
trees.  A  similar  pamphlet  should  be  drawn  up 
by  seme  competent  authority  and  distributed 
broadcast  throughout  this  country.  This  is  a 
subject  to  which  the  local  horticultural  colleges 
might  well  devote  some  attention. 

St.  Gallen.— The  Naturalists'  Society  of  the 
cantor.  St.  Gallen  have  resolved  to  form  an 
Alpine  garden.  They  have  selected  the  Alp 
Oberkamor,  at  Hohen  Kaslen,  at  an  altitude  of 
1,650  to  1,750  metres.  At  present  it  is  covered 
with  a  Conifer  plantation,  and  presents  interest- 
ing groups  of  rocks,  well  adapted  for  the  pur- 
pose. The  garden  will  not  only  afford  a  picture 
of  the  entire  Alpine  flora  of  the  country,  but  it 
will  form  a  preserve  for  those  rare  Alpine 
species  which  are  becoming  scarce  even  on  the 
Alps. 


February  6,  1909.] 


THE     GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


01 


Veitch  Memorial  Medallists. — At  a  recent 
meeting  of  the  Veitch  Memorial  Trustees,  it 
was  decided  to  offer  Gold  Medals  to  the  Uev. 
W.  Wilks,  M.A.,  Secretary,  and  Mr.  W. 
Marshall,  V.M.H.,  Chairman  of  the  Floral 
Committee  of  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society, 
for  valuable  services  rendered  to  horticulture. 
The  following  prizes  of  a  medal  and  £5  each 
were  also  offered: — To  the  Royal  Horticul- 
tural Society  for  the  best  group  of  Orchids 
at  the  Te».iple  Flower  Show,  not  exceeding  75 
feet,  and  staged  by  an  amateur  who  has  never 
taken  a  medal  at  either  the  Temple  or  Holland 
House  Flower  Shows ;  to  the  Cardiff  and 
County  Horticultural  Society  for  the  best 
exhibit  by  an  amateur,  of  12  distinct  varieties 
of  cut  sprays  of  hardy  flowering  shrubs  (cut)  ; 
and  to  the  National  Rose  Society  for  compe- 
tition at  their  exhibition  in  July  next.  At  the 
>ame  meeting,  Mr.  J.  Douglas,  of  Great  Book- 
ham,  was  elected  a  trustee  in  the  place  of  the 
late   Mr.    G.    NICHOLSON. 

The  Use  of  Sulphate  of  Ammonia. — The 
following  facts  and  figures  relate  to  the  manu- 
facture and  consumption  of  sulphate  of  am- 
monia during  the  past  year  (1908).  According 
in  Messrs.  Bradbury  &  Hirsch's  ft,z'i,7c  o)  the 
Market  for  Sulphate  of  Ammonia  during  iqoS,  the 
amount  manufactured  in  the  United  Kingdom 
was  314,000  tons,  of  which  slightly  more  than 
one  half  (164,000  tons)  was  produced  in  gas- 
works. Of  this  total  it  is  estimated  that  no  less 
than  235,000  tons  were  exported  (roughly,  two- 
thirds  of  the  total  manufacture),  and  that  only 
83,000  Ions  were  retained  in  this  country.  The 
countries  which  take  the  largest  quantities  of 
sulphate  of  ammonia  from  us  are,  in  1908: — 
Spain  and  Portugal,  51,000  tons;  Japan,  38,000 
tons;  France  and  Germany,  about  24,000  tons 
each.  When  it  is  remembered  that  large  quan- 
tities of  nitrate  of  soda  are  also  used  both  in 
this  country  and  abroad,  some  idea  is  obtained 
of  the  greatness  of  the  effort  which  the  modern 
world  is  making  to  satisfy  the  "  nitrogen-hun- 
ger "   of  the   soil. 

Fungus  Pests. — We  have  received  from 
Cornell  University  several  new  bulletins  issued 
by  the  Agricultural  Experiment  Station  of  the 
College  of  Agriculture.  These  bulletins  form 
valuable  additions  to  the  series  of  publications 
issued  by  this  University.  Bulletin  '.io.  253 
deals  with  the  black-rot  of  Grapes  and  its  con- 
trol ;  No.  255  with  Bean  anthracnose. 

The  loss  caused  by  the  black-rot  fungus  (Guig- 
nardia  bidwellii)  appears  to  have  increased  con- 
siderably in  recent  years  in  the  State  of  Xew 
York.  From  comprehensive  experiments  made 
under  the  direction  of  the  Professor  of  Horticul- 
ture, Mr.  John  Craig,  it  is  concluded  that  no 
better  remedy  exists  than  Bordeaux  mixture.  In 
one  series  of  experiments  thorough  spraying  re- 
duced the  loss  by  80  per  cent.  Several  sprayings 
are  recommended,  the  first  when  the  third  or 
fourth  leaf  is  showing  ;  second  with  the  same 
mixture  when  the  blossoms  are  showing;  third 
soon  after  the  flowers  have  fallen.  If  further 
-prayings  are  required  when  the  berries  are 
swelling,  ammoniacal  copper  carbonate  should 
be  used  instead  of  Bordeaux,  since  the  former 
Fungicide  does  not  discolour  the  Grapes. 

Bean  Anthracnose  or  pod  spot  is  due  to 
the  fungus  Colleototrkhum  lendemuthianum, 
which  affects  the  whole  plant  except  the 
roots,  and  at  the  time  of  fruit  formation 
appears  as  canker-like  spots  in  the  pod  and 
also  on  the  Bean-seeds  themselves.  Infected 
seeds  give  rise  to  infected  plants  ;  the  first  sign 
of  disease  being  small  black  cankers  on  the  seed- 
leaves.  Since  the  fungus  causing  the  disease 
occurs  within  the  tissues  of  the  seed,  no  external 
application  of  fungicides  to  the  seed  is  effective. 
It  is,  of  course,  easy  to  lull  the  fungus  by  poison, 
but  the  seed  is  also  killed.  Similarly  and  for 
the  same  reason  spraying  the  young  plants  is 
useless.  The  remedy,  or  rather  the  prevention, 
of   the   disease   appears   to   rest   with  the    seed- 


raiser.  It  is  shown  that  if,  in  seed-saving,  he 
will  reject  all  pods  showing  sign  of  anthracnose, 
he  will  save  only  clean  seed,  and  such  clean 
seed  will  give  clean  plants.  We  cannot  speak 
too  highly  of  the  excellence  of  these  bulletins. 
They  are  lucid,  admirably  illustrated,  and  emin- 
ently practical. 

Publications  Received.—  The  Sweet  Pea 
Annual,  1909.  (The  National  Sweet  Pea 
Society).— Grape  Culture.  By  Alexander  Kirk. 
(London:  Simpkin,  Marshall,  Hamilton.  Kfat  & 
Co.,  Ltd.).  Price  7s.  6d.net.-^rAe  Tropical  Agri- 
culturist and  Magazine  of  the  Ceylon  Agri- 
cultural Society  (December,  1908).  (Colombo: 
A.  M.  and  J.  Ferguson).  -  The  Amateur's  French 
Garden.  Second  Edition.  By  C.  D.  McKay, 
(London:  Watkins  &  Simpson).  Price  3d.— 
Reports  on  the  Botanic  Station,  Economic 
Experiments  and  Agricultural  Instiuction,  St. 
Kitt's-Nevis,  1907-8.  (Barbados:  Imperial 
Commissioner  of  Agriculture  for  the  West  Indies). 
Price  6d.— Travel  and  Exploration  (February). 
(London  :  Witherby  &  Co.)  Is.  net.—  Tenth 
Report  of  the  Woburn  Experimental  Fruit 
Farm.  By  The  Duke  of  Bedford,  K.G.,  F  R.S., 
and  Spencer  U.  Pickering,  M.A.,  F.R.S. 
(London :  The  Amalgamated  Press,  Ltd.) 
Price  Is.—  U.S.  Depattment  of  Agriculture, 
Bureau  of  Plant  Industry.  Circular  No.  18. 
ReBppearance  of  a  Primitive  Character  in  Cotton 
Hybrids.  By  O.  F.  Cook,  Bionomist,  Bureau 
of  Plant  Industry.  (Washington :  Government 
Printing  Office).  —  Rosen- Zeitung.  (December, 
1908).  (Trier:  Jacob  Lintz).  —  Agricultural 
Bulletin  of  the  Straits  and  Federated  Malay 
States  (January).  Containing  the  Treatment  of 
Acid  Soils  for  Rubber  and  other  Cultivations, 
the  Copra  Industry,  Virus  Remedies  against 
Rats,  Singapore  Market  Report,  &c.  (Singapore  : 
The  Methodist  Publishing  House). —  Lancaster 
County  Council  Education  Committee. 
Report  of  Experiments  with  Seed  Potatos, 
1905-8. 


EXPERIMENTS  WITH  NITRO-BACTERINE. 

In  view  of  the  interest  aroused  by  the  articles 
on  '•  Experiments  on  the  Value  of  Nitro-Bac- 
terine,"  which  have  recently  appeared  in  the 
Gardeners'  Chronicle,  it  may  be  well  to  point 
out  that,  to  many  people,  the  results  of  the 
Wisley  experiments  do  not  appear  to  justify  the 
sweeping  conclusion  that  "  the  inoculation  of 
leguminous  crops  with  Xitro-Bacterine  in  ordin- 
ary garden  soil  is  not  likely  to  prove  bene- 
ficial." On  the  contrary,  they  prove  just  the 
reverse,  and  are  a  complete  vindication  of  all 
that  has  been  claimed  for  seed  and  soil  inocu- 
lation. 

The  experiments  at  both  Wisley  and  Reading 
were  conducted  with  great  care,  and  are  to  be 
welcomed  as  the  most  extensive  series  of  ex- 
periments on  soil  inoculation  yet  attempted  in 
this  country  under  scientific  supervision.  It  has 
never  been  claimed  that  cultures  of  nitrogen- 
fixing  bacteria  will  always  increase  the  yield  of 
a  leguminous  crop.  The  varying  conditions  of 
soil,  culture,  and  climate  have  to  be  taken  into 
account.  It  must  never  be  forgotten  that  we  are 
dealing  with  organisms  which  are  alive,  and  are 
very  susceptible  to  soil  conditions. 

As  yet,  our  knowledge  of  soil  conditions  as 
affecting  inoculation  is  very  limited ;  but  ex- 
tensive  experiments  in  America  have  clearly 
demonstrated  some  of  them,  and  the  Wisley  and 
Reading  experiments  give  further  proof  of  the 
importance  of  providing  the  nitrogen-fixing  bac- 
teria with  conditions  suitable  for  their  growth. 

On  p.  10  of  Seed  and  Soil  Inoculation  it  is 
stated  that  "  Inoculation  will  be  a  failure  when 
the  soil  is  acid  and  in  need  of  lime."  Naturally, 
the  application  of  superphosphate  of  lime  and 
sulphate  of  potash  to  the  plots  would  tend  to 
increase  the  acidity  of  the  soil.  In  addition  to 
this,  these  acid  fertilisers  appear  to  have  a  di- 
rectly injurious  effect  upon  the  introduced  bac- 
teria themselves,  for  in  the  U.S.A.  Farmers' 
Bulletin,  240,  it  is  specifically  stated  that  the 
action  of  these  concentrated  fertilisers  on  in- 
oculated seed  is  injurious.   This  injurious  action 


is  fully  confirmed  at  Reading  and  Wisley.  The 
yield  from  inoculated  seed  on  every  plot  treated 
with  superphosphate  shows  a  decrease. 

The  effect  of  lime  on  inoculation  is  well  shown 
by  the  results  on  the  following  soil  at  Wisley. 
The  plots  diessed  with  lime  at  the  rate  of  40 
bushels  to  the  acre  show  : 


Inoculated  seed 
Non-inoculated  seed . 
Increase   .. 


4,702  grains  weight  of  Peas. 
4.182 
520  grains  or  124  per  cent. 

It  should  be  noted  that  in  each  case  where 
comparisons  have  been  made  between  inoculated 
and  non-inoculated  plots,  where  there  is  a  dif- 
ference in  the  number  of  plants  the  number  in 
the  inoculated  plot  has  been  taken  as  the 
standard  number  and  the  non-inoculated  aver- 
aged and  brought  to  this  standard.  That  this 
does  not  unduly  favour  inoculation  is  seen  by 
the  fact  that  in  the  limed  plots  if  the  number  of 
non-inoculated  plants  had  been  taken  as  the 
standard  the  figures  would  be 

Inoculated  seed          ...        4,139  grains  weight  of  Peas. 
Non-inoculated  seed  ...        3,624        ,,  ,,  ,, 

Increase 515  grains  or  14"2  per  cent. 

The  effect  of  liming  on  inoculation  was,  ac- 
cording to  the  figures  given  in  Table  L,  to  give 
an  increase  in  weight  of  Peas  of  29  per  cent.,  or 
taking  the  figures  corrected  for  variation  in 
number  of  plants,  an  increase  of  12.4  per  cent. 

Yet  Mr.  Chittenden  definitely  states  in  his 
report  (p.  250)  :  "  It  is  obvious  that  the  addition 
of  lime  does  not  yield  better  results  with  the 
inoculating  material  in  our  soil."  This  surprising 
conclusion  is  arrived  at  because  of  the  results 
on  plots  XXI.  and  XXII.,  where  the  plots  were 
treated  with  lime,  potash  and  superphosphate. 
But  surely  Mr.  Chittenden  would  not  seriously 
contend  that  a  mixture  of  lime,  potash  and 
superphosphate  is  identical  with  lime  alone  in 
its  effect  upon  soil  bacteria.  To  demonstrate 
the  fixation  of  nitrogen  in  laboratory  cultures  by 
the  nitrogen  assimilating  organisms  the  presence 
of  carbonate  of  lime  in  the  culture  solution  is 
absolutely  necessary.  The  usual  amount  added 
is  .1  per  cent.  The  same  proportion  of  lime 
added  as  a  mixture  of  lime,  potash  and  super- 
phosphate would  be  fatal  to  the  organisms. 
Would  it  not  be  more  accurate  for  Mr.  Chitten- 
den to  state,  "  It  is  obvious  that  the  addition 
of  lime,  potash  and  superphosphate  does  not 
yield  better  results  with  inoculating  material  on 
our  soil  "? 

No  one  who  knows  anything  of  the  action  of 
the  nitrogen-fixing  bacteria  in  the  soil  would 
advocate  the  use  of  nitrogenous  manures  along 
with  inoculated  seed.  Yet  this  is  what  was  done 
at  \\  isley  on  eight  of  the  24  plots. 

As  long  ago  as  1897  Prof.  Vines  demonstrated 
that  the  presence  of  nitrates  in  the  soil  has  an 
unfavourable  effect  upon  the  nitrogen-fixing  bac- 
teria. He  says  "  the  development  of  tubercles  is 
much  less  when  nitrate  is  present  in  the  soil 
than  when  it  is  absent.  As  the  amount  of  nitrate 
diminishes,  the  development  of  tubercles  be- 
comes more  marked." 

Even  leguminous  plants  appear  to  prefer  to 
absorb  their  nitrogen  directly  from  the  soil  when 
they  can,  rather  than  admit  the  nitrogen-fixing 
bacteria  into  their  tissues.  They  have  to  pro- 
vide the  bacteria  with  sugar  in  return  for  the 
nitrogen  supplied,  whereas  when  there  is 
nitrogen  in  an  available  form  in  the  soil  they 
pay  nothing  for  it.  To  attempt  to  decide  the 
value  of  Xitro-Bacteiine  by  inoculating  plots  to 
which  nitrogenous  manures  have  already  been 
added  is  as  absurd  as  to  imagine  that  the  value 
of  nitrate  of  soda  as  a  manure  can  be  proved 
or  disproved  by  adding  it  to  soil  already  treated 
with  sulphate  of  ammonia  or  calcium  cyanamide. 
In  experiments  on  the  value  of  a  nitrogenous 
manure  it  is  usual  to  compare  the  yield  given 
by  the  manure  with  the  yield  from  an  equal  plot 
untreated,  which  is  taken  as  the  control  plot, 
and  also  with  the  yields  from  similar  plots 
treated  with  other  manures  alone.  Can  one 
imagine  anyone  with  a  scientific  knowledge  of 
manures  seriously  stating  that  the  way  to  test 
the  value  of  nitrate  of  soda,  for  instance,  is  to 


92 


THE     GARDENERS'    CHRONICLE. 


[FEBRUARY'    6,    1909. 


apply  it  to  soil  already  treated  with  sulphate  of 
ammonia,  or  to  mix  it  with  a  substance,  such  as 
acid  phosphate,  which  is  known  to  largely 
neutralise  any  effect  it  may  have?  Yet  in  effect 
this  is  what  Mr.  Chittenden  has  done  on  eight 
of  the  Wisley  plots.  The  yield  from  the  inocu- 
lated seed  on  the  fallowed  ground  at  Wisley 
compared  with  the  yields  from  the  other 
manures  alone  is  shown  by  the  following  table 
from  Mr.    Chittenden's  figures:  — 

Weight  Weight 
of  pods,  i  of  Peas. 
Grains.         Grains. 

•Soil  and  seed  untreated    18,077  7,093 

Seed  inoculated       19,b04  7,963 

Manure,  10  tons  per  acre 19,545  7,bbb 

Limed  40  bushels  per  acre  ...  9,733  „,624 

Superphosphate  and  potash        ...  13,249  5,21b 

Calcium  cyanamide  8,290  3,157 

*  Number  of  plants  brought  up  to  number  in  inoculated 
plot. 

Hence  seed  inoculation  on  the  fallowed  land 
gave  a  greater  yield  than  any  of  the  manures 
applied.  . 

In    Reading   experiments   we   have    a   similar 

result.  lbs.  ozs. 

Soil  and  seed  untre,ited  5  7£ 

Inoculated  seed b  3 

Nitrate  of  soda     »  11 

Superphosphate  and  potash 4  Sf 

Here  again  the  inoculated  seed,  as  stated  by 
the  authors,  gave  the  largest  yield,  showing  an 
increase  of  7.6  per  cent,  over  the  control  plot. 

If,  therefore,  the  Wisley  and  Reading  experi- 
ments do  prove  that  seed  inoculation  is  useless 
on  ordinary  garden  soil,  how  much  more  do  they 
demonstrate  the  uselessness  of  adding  nitrates, 
superphosphates  and  calcium  cyanamide  to 
ordinary  garden  soils !  W.  B.  Boitomley,  King's 
College,  London. 


HOME   CORRESPONDENCE. 

(The  Editor  does  not  hold  himself  responsible  jor  the 
opinions  expressed  by  his  correspondents.) 

The  Kew  Belladonna.— The  hybrid  figured 
and  described  in  the  Gardeners'  Chronicle,  Janu- 
ary -2.3,  is  interesting,  as  it  is  another  proof  that 
Brunsvigia  and  Amaryllis  readily  hybridise.  A 
comparison  between  the  figure  of  Mr.  Van 
Tubergen's  plant  and  the  Kew  Belladonna,  as 
represented  by  the  figure  published  in  Gar- 
deners' Chronicle  on  October  29,  1898,  p.  315, 
leads  to  the  conclusion  that  both  plants  are  very 
closely  related.  Bulbs  of  the  Kew  Belladonna 
have  'been  distributed,  during  the  last  ten  years 
or  so,  imong  a  few  people  who  are  specially  in- 
terested in  bulbous  plants.  I  have  not  yet  seen 
either  the  plant  or  flowers  of  Mr.  Van  Tuber- 
gen's hybrid,  but  I  believe  he  has  the  Kew  Bella- 
donna, and  is,  therefor©,  in  a  position  to  com- 
pare the  two.  With  regard  to  the  origin  of  this 
plant,  which  I  still  think  is  the  loveliest  of  all 
bulbous  plants  capable  of  cultivation  in  the 
open  air  in  this  country,  it  was  presented  to 
Kew  in  1889,  by  Mrs.  Arbuckle,  of  Stawell 
House,  Richmond.  She  had  obtained  it  from 
Sir  Henry  Parker,  who  formerly  resided  at  Sta- 
well House,  and  whose  gardener,  Mr.  W. 
Boivell,  showed  a  plant  of  it  in  flower  at  a 
meeting  of  the  R.H.S.  in  August,  1875.  A  note 
in  the  Chronicle  of  that  year,  p.  302,  states  that 
this  plant  was  "  a  seedling  raised  by  Lady 
Parker  in  Australia  from  a  cross  between  Ama- 
ryllis Belladonna  and  Brunsvigia  Josephinae. 
This  cross  was  first  effected  by  the  late  Mr. 
Bidwill,  and  has  since  been  several  times  re- 
peated by  Lady  Parker."  The  Kew  plants  did 
not  flower  until  we  had  had  them  seven  years. 
Mr.  Baker  then  examined  them,  and  could  find 
no  trace  of  the  character  of  the  Brunsvigia  in 
the  flowers.  To  settle  the  question,  we  crossed 
Brunsvigia  r  and  the  Belladonna  at  Kew,  and 
we  have  now  bulbs  from  this  cross,  none  of 
which,  however,  has  yet  flowered.  I  see  no 
reason  now  to  doubt  that  the  Kew  Belladonna 
was  obtained  as  stated,  and  I  think  it  would  be> 
only  right  that  this  plant  should  be  known 
botanically  as  Amaryllis  Parkeri.  Mr.  J.  C.  Bid- 
will  was  superintendent  of  the  Botanical  Gar- 
den, Sydney,  New  South  Wales,  when  he  died 
in  1853.  In  Gardeners'  Chronicle  for  July  27, 
1850,  p.  470,  there  is  an  interesting  note  by  him 
on  the  crossing  of  Amaryllids,  from  which  I 
quote  the  following:  "In  Herbert's  Amarylli- 
daceee,  p.  278,  mention  is  made  of  some  seedlings 
raided  from  Amaryllis  blanda  and  A.  Josephinae 


(Brunsvigia).  In  1843,  Mr.  Herbert  had  the 
kindness  to  give  me  one  of  these  bulbs,  which 
was  then,  he  told  me,  20  years  old,  and  was 
not  so  big  as  a  goose's  egg.  It  would  not,  in 
all  probability,  have  flowered  in  England  in  20 
years  more  ;  in  a  more  suitable  climate,  such  as 
that  of  my  present  residence,  it  would  probably 
have  flowered  in  four  years,  but  it  was  destroyed 
by  accident.  I  never  saw  A.  blanda  in  flower, 
and  now  possess  only  two  seedling  bulbs,  given 
to  me  by  Mr.  Herbert,  which  are  expected  to 
flower  this  season.  ...  If  it  should  flower  I 
will  repeat  Mr.  Herbert's  experiment  ...  I 
raised,  in  February,  1841,  a  vast  number  of 
seedlings  from  Belladonna  by  Josephines.  .  .  . 
These  seedlings  flowered  for  the  first  time  in 
1847,  and  are  extremely  beautiful.  The 
colour  of  the  flowers  is  generally  like 
that  of  Passiflora  Kermesina,  but  varies 
in  different  specimens,  and  many  are 
blotched  with  white:  there  are  from  20  to 
30  flowers  on  a  scape.  I  could  never  keep  the 
seedlings  alive  which  I  raised  from  Josephinae 
crossed  with  Belladonna."  This  goes  to  support 
the  suggestion  that  Amaryllis  blanda  was  fer- 
tilised from  the  Brunsvigia  to  produce  the  Kew 
Belladonna,  and  as  Mr.  Van  Tubergen's  cross 
was  the  reverse  way,  that  would  account  for  the 
difference  in  habit  he  describes.  It  is  quite 
possible  that  the  plants  brought  by  Sir  Henry 
Parker  from  Australia  were  some  of  those  raised 
in  the  Sydney  Botanical  Garden  by  Mr.  Bidwill, 
Sir  Henry  having  been  Governor  of  New  South 
Wales.  I  have  seen  26  perfect  flowers  of  the 
Kew  Belladonna  all  open  together  on  a  single 
scape,  which  was  about  3  feet  high.     W .  W . 

Having    seen    the    above    note    from 

W.  W-,  I  should  like  to  add  a  few  words.  First, 
as  to  the  difference  between  Amaryllis  blanda, 
Gawl.  (Botanical  Magazine,  t.  1450),  and  A.  Bel- 
ladonna, L.  ;  Herbert,  who  knew  both  these 
plants  well  and  whose  botanical  and  cultural 
knowledge  of  the  Amaryllids  were  probably 
greater  than  that  of  any  living  man,  stated,  on 
pages  277  and  278  of  his  Amaryllidacca.  that  he 
considered  the  former  a  distinct  species  from 
Belladonna,  and  that  Brunsvigia  Josephinae, 
Redoute,  was  so  nearly  allied  to  it  that  he  in- 
cluded it  in  the  genus  Amaryllis.  He  said  that 
A.  blanda  has  a  strong  midrib  to  the  leaves 
which  sheath  above  the  ground.  Now  this  sheath, 
which  is  strongly  marked  in  my  plants  of  A. 
blanda,  which  I  procured  many  years  ago  from 
Van  Houttes'  nursery,  is  also  a  pronounced 
feature  of  the  Kew  hybrid,  for  which  I  accept 
Mr.  Watson's  name  of  A.  Parkeri.  The  sheath, 
however,  is  absent  from  all  the  other  forms  of 
Belladonna  known  to  me,  including  the  pale 
form  sometimes  sold  as  A.  blanda,  which  was 
confounded  with  the  latter  in  Herbert's  time. 
Baker,  however,  in  his  handbook  of  Amarylli- 
dacea  (p.  96),  treats  blanda  as  a  variety  of  A. 
Belladonna,  and  maintains  Brunsvigia  as  a  sepa- 
rate genus.  In  1901,  desiring  to  verify  the  alleged 
parentage  of  Parkeri,  I  raised  a  hybrid  between 
Amaryllis  blanda  f  and  Brunsvigia  Josephinae. 
J  ,  and  these  seedlings  show  the  sheath  more  or 
less  distinctly,  whereas  the  plant  raised  by  Mr. 
Hoog,  and  figured  in  your  last  number,  has  the 
leaves  like  those  of  Brunsvigia  Josephinae.  It 
seems  probable,  therefore,  that  the  influence  of 
the  female  parent  on  the  hybrids  is  much  more 
marked  than  that  of  the  male,  and  the  sheath, 
which  is  so  conspicuous  a  feature  in  Amaryllis 
Parkeri,  proves,  to  my  mind,  that  one  of  its 
parents  was  A.  blanda  and  not  A.  Belladonna. 
Herbert  states,  what  I  find  to  be  correct,  that 
both  A.  blanda  and  Josephinae  are  more  tender 
than  A.  Belladonna,  and  that  their  leaves,  when 
cut  by  frost  or  drought  at  the  points,  will  not 
continue  to  grow  like  those  of  A.  Belladonna. 
He  says  that  whatever  may  be  the  growth  of  the 
leaves  of  A.  blanda,  it  will  not  flower  if  it  is 
left  in  a  cold  situation  whilst*  dry,  and  that  he 
lost  both  of  his  bulbs,  which  were  of  the  origi- 
nal importation,  by  planting  them  in  front  of 
the  stove.  A.  Parkeri,  however,  seems  to  thrive 
well  in  front  of  the  stove  at  Kew,  though  in  my 
colder  soil  and  climate  I  have  to  treat  it  as  a 
greenhouse  plant  exactly  as  I  do  Brunsvigia. 
H.  J .  Elwes,  Ctlesborne. 

Freesias.  —  I  have  this  season  had  an 
inflorescence  with  ten,  and  another  with  nine 
blooms.  I  should  like  to  know  if  this  is  un- 
common. As  far  as  my  experience  goes,  the 
stem  usually  develops  fewer  than  eight  flowers. 
W.   /?.   H. 


The  Gardeners-  Royal  Benevolent  In- 
stitution.— I  was  not  surprised  to  read  II. 's 
note  on  p.  76,  as  it  is  a  most  distressing  fact 
that  there  were  50  unsuccessful  candi- 
dates at  the  election.  But  W.  should  read  the 
excellent  leader  on  p.  72,  which  clearly  explains 
the  difficulties  of  the  case.  I  am  thankful 
it  has  been  so  clearly  pointed  out  that  if  the 
non-subscribing  candidates  were  to  be  entirely 
excluded  the  Institution  would  cease  to  be  a 
benevolent  institution.  In  such  circumstances  a 
much  greater  amount  of  support  would  be 
needed  from  benefit  subscribers.  It  is  desirable 
to  repeat  the  words  printed  on  p.  72:  "only  a 
very  small  portion  of  the  fund  is  contributed  to 
by  those  who  are  likely  to  benefit,"  for  the  main 
part  of  the  income  is  deiived  from  donations 
that  are  purely  charitable.  The  votes  at 
present  allotted  to  subscribers  are  generous.  If 
a  gardener  supports  the  fund  in  his  early  days 
he  lias  a  powerful  lever  in  the  shape  of  votes, 
and  in  a  great  measure  can  ensure  elec- 
tion when  he  needs  help.  Mr.  Waterman 
clearly  expressed  my  view  of  our  needs  when  he 
stated  at  the  meeting  that  we  requiied  more 
auxiliaries  or  branches  in  order  to  make  it  a 
national   horticultural   charity.     G.    Wythcs. 

Afforestation.  —  Much  interest  is  being 
manifested  in  Scottish  arboricultural  circles  in 
the  report  of  the  Commission  appointed  to  en- 
quire into  this  subject.  This  is  not  to  be  won- 
dered at,  seeing  that  Scotland  is  credited  with 
having  6,000,000  acres  of  land  suitable  'for 
afforestation.  All  who  have  studied  the  subject 
are  thoroughly  convinced  that,  as  an  investment, 
forestry  is  sound.  Indeed,  the  returns  from 
forestry  are  extraordinary,  especially  when  com- 
pared with  the  profits  from  agricultural  land. 
Forestry,  under  a  proper  system  of  management, 
is  capable  of  giving  a  net  profit  of  anything  up 
to  15s.  or  20s.  per  acre.  The  average  rent  of 
Scottish  hill  land  is  Is.  per  acre.  The  commis- 
sioners, in  their  report,  give  the  area  of  land 
suitable  for  afforestation  in  Scotland  as 
6,000,000  acres,  but  let  us  assume  that  only 
5,000,000  acres  were  suitable.  This  area,  which 
now  only  supports  a  mere  handful  of  men,  has 
in  it  the  possibility  of  employing  at  least  35,000 
workmen.  Add  to  this  the  area  at  present  under 
wood,  and  the  number  should  not  prove  far 
short  of  40,000  men  ;  allowing  each  to  have  five 
dependents,  this  means  a  population  of  nearly 
a  quarter  of  a  million.  It  is  to  be  seen  what) 
effect  extensive  tree-planting  will  have  on  the 
climate,  which  is  already  sufficiently  damp.  One 
cannot  conceive  of  a  return  nowadays  to  the 
condition  of  things  when  ague  from  the  marshes 
and  consumption  bred  in  damp  houses  thinned 
the  population.  What  a  gale  in  Scotland  means 
to  trees  every  Scotsman  knows.  As  to  what 
fires  can  do  was  proved  pretty  conclusively 
several  years  ago  in  the  magnificent  Rothie- 
murchus  Forest  owned  by  the  Dowager  Countess 
of  Seafield.     K. 

Nitro-Bacterine. -Will  Mr.  Chittenden  tell 
us  why  it  is  thought  useful  to  inoculate  the  seeds 
(Peas  and  Beans)  before  sowing?  The  microbes 
infest  the  roots  ;  but  the  seed  skin  is  soon  thrown 
off.  Would  not  the  experiment  be  more  satisfac- 
tory if  the  soil  were  inoculated  as  soon  as  the 
secondary  roots  begin  to  appear?  I  give  the  fol- 
lowing experience  for  what  it  is  worth.  I  had 
a  narrow  trench  dug  on  a  gravel  path  against  a 
south  wall ;  a  man  was  employed  to  dig  it  and 
make  a  border  for  Scarlet  Runners.  Unknown 
to  me,  he  half-filled  it  with  cinders,  and  put 
very  little  earth  upon  them.  I  planted  the 
Beans.  They  came  up  dwarfed,  with  more  yel- 
low and  white  in  the  leaves  than  green.  I  then 
watered  them  with  Nitro-Bacterine  in  th© 
"cloudy  state."  The  Beans  soon  began  to  grow 
with  green  leaves,  and  bore  a  capital  crop.  The 
roots  had,  as  a  rule,  plenty  of  nodules.  George 
Henslow. 

Cyclamen  Flowers  (see  p.  64).— To  prevent 
cut  Cyclamen  flowers  from  flagging,  slit  each 
stem  for  about  three-quarters  of  an  inch  in  an 
upward  direction  when  arranging  them  in  vases 
for  room  and  dinner-table  decorations.  The  result 
well  repays  for  the  extra  trouble,  as  the  blooms 
will  last  quite  fresh  for  fully  a  week,  sometimes 
more,  if  the  rooms  are  not  overheated.  Before 
adopting  this  method,  I  always  found  the  flowers 
would  flag  within  a  couple  of  hours  after  being 
cut.    .4.  Jeff  cries,  Moor  Hall  Gardens.  Essex. 


February  6,  1909.] 


THE     GARDENERS     CHRONICLE. 


93 


Fading  of  Cyclamen  Flowers  (seep.  64). 
— It  is  necessary  to  cut  half  an  inch  off  the  ends 
of  the  flower  stems  and  then  split  the  stem  up 
about  an  inch.  The  blooms  will  then  last  for 
weeks  in  a  living-room  without  flagging.  I  have 
kept  blooms  fresh  in  a  warm  living-room  for 
three  weeks,  and  in  a  cool  room  for  six  weeks. 
A.  Simeson,  The  Goldings  Gardens,  Great  Warley. 
[Some  specimens  treated  in  this  manner  and 
kindly  sent  by  our  correspondent  are  now  fresh, 
seven  days  after  receipt. — Eds.] 

Sweet  Pea. — We  shall  be  glad  if  you  will 
publish  the  following: — The  name  "Mrs.  J. 
Wilcot "  given  to  the  Spencer  American  Pea 
mentioned  on  p.  86  of  the  Sweet  Pea  Annual  for 
1909,  should  be  "  Mrs.  Wilcox,"  and  the  variety 
there  named  "  Grace  Wilson"  has  been  renamed 
"  Mis.  D.  Gilbert."    Gilbert  eV  Son. 

Winter-flowering  Irises  (see  p.  52)  —In 
his  interesting  note  on  these  plants,  your  con- 
tributor, W.  I.,  fails  to  mention  another  species 
that  would  come  under  this  heading,  and 
which,  though  less  showy  than  those  he  has 
mentioned,  is  still  sufficiently  interesting  to  be 
cultivated.  I  refer  to  Iris  palaestina,  an  Iris 
with  close  affinities  to  I.  alata,  but  of  dwarfer 
habit  and  different  colour.  The  colour  is  of  a 
greenish-yellow,  seen  in  some  forms  of  I. 
orchioides.  In  mild  seasons,  freshly-imported 
bulbs  will  flower  in  November  and  through  De- 
cember, the  usual  time  for  flowering  being  in 
January.  There  is  in  existence  a  hybrid  be- 
tween I.  alata  and  this  species,  raised  by  the 
late  Sir  Michael  Foster,  which  is  intermediate  in 
character  between  the  two,  but  it  generally 
flowers  later  than  either  of  its  parents.  The  diffi- 
culty with  these  winter-flowering  Irises  is  to 
keep  them  under  ordinary  cultivation  beyond  a 
year  or  two.  Especially  is  this  so  with  Iris 
Vartanii,  and  pot  cultivation  seems  to  be 
almost  essential  to  give  them  the  rest  they  need. 
Juno.  

FOREIGN    CORRESPONDENCE. 


GARDENS  OF  HYERES. 

The  increasing  populaiity  of  Hyeres  among 
British  visitors  to  the  Riviera  should  lead  to  the 
famous  gardens  of  the  neighbourhood  becoming 
more  widely  known.  At  the  chief  of  them, 
M.  Nardy,  the  death  of  whose  father  was  noted 
not  long  ago,  continues  to  make  improvements. 
He  is  now  engaged  on  a  new  bank  of  "  plantes 
grasses,"  which  already  contains  young  speci- 
mens of  every  Aloe,  Agave,  Cactus,  and  Mesem- 
bryanthemum  known  to  Hyeres  as  cultivated 
in  the  open  air.  The  Berbers  left  some  species  of 
Cactus  at  Grimaud — for  two  centuries  their 
capital  in  the  Mountains  of  the  Moors.  The>e, 
despite  its  boast  of  "  unique  examples  " — (mean- 
ing only  the  finest  plants  | — Hyeres  cannot 
yet  match.  The  next  best  garden  to  that  over 
which  M.  Nardy  presides  as  an  official  is  in  the 
middle  of  the  town,  and  belongs  to  Madame 
Clerc.  Visitors  are  welcomed  by  the  head  gar- 
dener, M.  Rossi,  a  citizen  whose  politeness  and 
whose  charm  negative  the  suggestion  contained 
in  the  ancient  nickname  "tes  Iroquois,"  applied 
to  natives  of  Hyeres  by  jealous  rivals.     D. 


SOCIETIES. 


ROYAL    HORTICULTURAL. 

The  following  extracts  are  taken  from  the 
Report  of  the  Council  to  be  presented  at  the 
annual  meeting  of  Fellows  on  Tuesday  next, 
February  9th  :  — 

The  One  Hundred  and  Fifth  Year. 
The  past  year,  though  unmarked  by  any  very 
important  horticultural  events,  has  been  a  year 
of  quiet,   steady  progress  for  our  Society. 

Wisley  Gardens. 
The  Wisley  Gardens  continue  to  increase  in 
favour  with  the  Fellows  of  the  Society.  All 
branches  of  work  are  showing  good  results,  and 
improvements  are  being  made  as  time  and  op- 
portunity allow.  The  new  laboratory  is  proving 
of  great  assistance  to  the  educational  work  of 
the  Society,  and  the  result  of  the  first  year's 
-work  by  the  students  is  highly  satisfactory,  and 


well  repays  the  Council,  the  laboratory  director, 
the  superintendent  of  the  Gardens,  and  the  other 
officers  for  the  time  and  labour  they  have  de- 
voted to  it. 

Then  follows  a  report  received  from  his 
Majesty's  inspector. 

It  was  also  very  gratifying  to  the  Council  to 
find  that  in  general  examination  in  horticulture 
open  to  the  whole  of  Great  Britain,  the  scholar- 
ship of  £25  a  year  for  two  years  offered  by  the 
Worshipful  Company  of  Gardeners,  was  won  by 
Mr.  Perry,  one  of  the  students  at  Wisley. 

In'  the  local  examination  confined  to  the 
students  at  Wisley,  Mr.  H.  E.  Seaton  took  the 
first  place,  and  has  been  appointed  assistant 
demonstrator  in  the  laboratory. 

Experiments  have  been  set  on  foot  to  illustrate 
(1)  the  effect  of  various  methods  of  planting  fruit 
trees  ;  (2)  the  influence  of  pruning  and  not  prun- 
ing in  the  first  winter  after  planting ;  (3|  of 
summer  pruning  ;  l4|  the  importance  of  planting 
trees  at  a  correct  depth  ;  and  15)  the  effect  of 
Grass  over  the  roots  of  fruit  trees. 

Grape  Exhibit. 
At  the  fortnightly  meeting  on  September  29, 
an  exceedingly  fine  collection  of  Grapes  grown 
in  the  vineries  at  Wisley,  and  comprising  30 
varieties,  was  shown.  The  Grapes  were  magni- 
ficient,  and,  at  the  Council  meeting,  Mr.  S.  T. 
Wright,  the  superintendent  of  the  gardens,  and 
Mr.  A.  C.  Smith,  the  assistant-superintendent, 
were  complimented  by  the  president  on  the  ex- 
cellent results  they  had  obtained. 

Visitors. 
The  number  of  visitors  to  the  gardens,  ad- 
mitted by  Fellows'  tickets  during  the  year  1908, 
amounted  to  nearly  11,000  as  compared  with 
8,818  in  1907.  This  is  exclusive  of  horticultural 
parties  which  were  admitted  by  special  arrange- 
ment, and  would  increase  the  total  to  more  than 
11,500. 

Wisley  Trials. 
In  order  to  protect  the  members  of  the 
various  standing  committees  from  the  possibility 
of  reproach,  and  to  secure  absolute  freedom  from 
bias,  the  Council  have  arranged  that  in  future, 
when  trials  are  being  made  at  the  gardens,  the 
growing  plants,  flowers,  or  fruits,  shall  be  in- 
spected by  a  sub-committee  composed  of  five 
members  of  the  committee  interested,  and  that 
everything  so  grown  for  trial  shall  be  kept  under 
a  number  only,  and  that  the  names,  both  of  the 
varieties  and  of  their  senders  shall  not  be  dis- 
closed until  a  decision  has  been  arrived  at,  and 
samples  are  submitted  to  the  whole  committee 
at  Vincent  Square,  together  with  the  report  and 
recommendations  of  the  sub-committee.  Thus, 
the  judgments  of  all  sub-committees  at  Wisley 
will  be  given  under  number  only.  Specimens 
of  the  produce  for  which  a  sub-committee  shall 
have  recommended  any  award,  will  be  brought  to 
Vincent  Square  at  the  next  ensuing  meeting, 
and  the  whole  committee  will  then  have  an  op- 
portunity of  considering  the  report  and  recom- 
mendations made  by  the  sub-committee  at  Wi- 
ley. The  committee  having  inspected  the 
samples  brought  up,  and  adopted  (or  otherwise) 
the  recommendations  of  their  sub-committee, 
will  send  them  up  to  the  Council  for  its  approval 
in  the  usual  way. 

Wisley  Tithe. 
In  1907  the  land  tax  at  Wisley  was  redeemed  ; 
this  year  the  tithe  rent  charge  has  been  similarly 
treated,  so  that  the  land  is  now  free  from  both 
these  outgoings. 

A  Visit  to  Windsor. 
On  June  10,  by  the  gracious  permission  of  his 
Majesty  the  King,  the  Council  and  committees 
visited  Windsor  and  the  Royal  Gardens  at  Frog- 
more.  As  guests  of  his  Worship,  the  Mayor  of 
Windsor  (G.  Bampfylde,  Esq.),  an  excellent 
luncheon  was  enjoyed  at  the  Guildhall,  and  after 
visiting  St.  George's  Chapel,  the  Albert 
Memorial  Chapel,  and  the  State  Apartments,  an 
inspection  of  the  Royal  Gardens  at  Frogmore 
followed.  The  Council  were  much  impressed  by 
the  admirable  cultivation  and  order  displayed 
in  all  departments  of  the  garden,  and  desire  to 
express  their  great  thanks  to  Sir  Dighton  Pro- 
byn,  V.C..  G.C.B.,  and  to  Mr.  Mackellar,  his 
Majesty's  head  gardener,  for  the  kind  way  they 
received  the  visitors. 

Deputations. 
In    response   to   invitations   received,    deputa- 
tions from  the  Society  attended  the  flower  shows 


of  Truro,  York,  and  Newcastle,  and  were  in 
each  city  most  cordially  and  hospitably  received 
by  the  gentlemen  responsible  for  the  arrange- 
ments. The  Council  have,  with  much  pleasure, 
accepted  invitations  to  send  deputations  in  1909 
to  Birmingham  and  to  Cardiff,  and  negotiations 
are  in  progress  relating  to  another  important 
horticultural  meeting. 

Deputation  from  the  French  Horticultural 
Society. 

On  June  23,  100  members  of  the  Society 
Nationale  d'Horticulture  de  France,  with  their 
president,  M.  Viger,  and  their  secretary,  M. 
Chatenay,  were  received  by  president  and  Coun- 
cil, and,  after  visiting  the  day's  flower  show,  they 
were  entertained  at  a  luncheon  in  the  lecture 
room. 

Spring   Bulb   Show. 

In  the  coming  year,  March  9  has  been  fixed 
for  a  show  of  forced  spring  bulbs,  with  a  view  to 
specially  demonstrating  which  varieties  of  Daf- 
fodils, Hyacinths,  Tulips,  &c,  are  best  suited 
for  forcing.  Exhibits  of  large  or  small  collec- 
tions are  invited  from  amateurs  and  the  trade. 
Medals  will  be  awarded  according  to  merit. 

Fruit  Shows. 
In  consideration  of  the  facts  (1)  that  the  an- 
nual autumn  show  of  British-grown  fruit  is 
every  year  practically  a  repetition  of  the  pre- 
vious year's  show;  and  (2)  that  many  British- 
grown  fruits  cannot  possibly  be  shown  (or' 
shown  in  perfection)  at  any  one  show  of  fixed 
date ;  and  (3)  that  vegetables  have  been  some- 
what neglected  in  the  past ;  the  Council  have 
decided  to  omit  the  great  autumn  show  for  one 
year,  and  in  1909  to  substitute  in  its  place  a 
series  of  somewhat  similar  prizes  for  British- 
grown  fruit  and  vegetables,  but  spread  over  the 
whole  12  months,  so  that  everything  may  be 
seen  at  its  best.  Prizes  will  therefore  be  offered 
at  every  "  fortnightly  "  show  at  Vincent  Square 
during  1909,  the  schedule  of  which  will  be  pub- 
lished on  February  25  in  the  Society's  Book  of 
Schedules,  price  6d. 

Affiliated  Societies'  Challenge  Cup. 

In  connection  with  these  fortnightly  prizes  the 
Council  offer  a  challenge  cup  to  be  competed  for 
by  affiliated  societies,  hoping  thereby  both  to 
stimulate  the  interest  of  the  societies  concerned, 
and  also  to  bring  them  into  somewhat  more 
intimate  touch  with  the  parent  society.  The  cup 
will  be  held  for  one  year,  and  a  Silver-gilt 
Medal  awarded  to  the  society  winning  the  chal- 
lenge, and  also  to  the  society  obtaining  the 
second  place  in  the  contest. 

New  Life  Fellow. 
Sir  Daniel  Morris,  K.C.M.G.,  V.M.H.,  the 
treasurer  of  the  Society  during  the  financially 
difficult  years  1888  to  1891,  has  been  appointed 
an  Honorary  Life  Fellow  of  the  Society  in  recog- 
nition of  the  great  assistance  he  has  rendered  to 
horticulture  in  various  parts  of  the  world. 

The  "Journal." 

Mr.  Geo.  S.  Saunders,  F.L.S.,  having  resigned 
the  editorship  of  the  Journal,  owing  to  ill- 
health,  Mr.  F.  J.  Chittenden,  F.L.S.,  the  direc- 
tor of  the  laboratory  at  Wisley,  has  been  ap- 
pointed his  successor. 

Four  parts  of  the  Journal  have  been  issued  to 
the  Fellows  during  the  year.  To  secure  a  more 
frequent  circulation  of  the  proceedings  of  the 
Society  and  of  other  information,  the  new  editor 
has  been  requested  to  publish  the  Journal  in 
quarterly,  or  four-monthly,  parts.  The  smaller 
and  more  frequent  issues  will  undoubtedly  prove 
more  acceptable  to  the  Fellows  for  general  use. 

Bequest. 
The  Council  very  much  appreciate  and  ac- 
knowledge with  warmest  thanks  an  intimation 
they  have  received  from  Lady  Macleay  of  her 
intention  to  bequeath  to  the  Society  the  very 
valuable  gift  of  a  complete  copy  of  Curtis's 
Botanical  Magazine.  They  venture  to  express  a 
hope  that  it  may  be  several  years  yet  before  it 
comes  into  their  possession. 

The  Nicholson  Memorial. 
The  Council  have  been  requested  to  raise  a 
fund  for  the  establishment  of  a  permanent  me- 
morial of  the  late  Mr.  George  Nicholson, 
V.M.H.,  F.L.S.  With  this  they  most  cordially 
agree.     There  are  few,  if  any  men,  to  whom  the 


91 


THE    GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


[February  6,  1909. 


present  generation  of  gardeners  owes  a  deeper 
obligation  than  to  the  author  of  The  Dictionary 
of  Gardening,  a  work  which  "  has  done  more  to- 
wards the  standardisation  of  plant  names  and 
developing  an  interest  in  horticulture  than  any- 
thing published  since  Loudon,"  in  1829. 

Mr.  Nicholson  was  for  many  years  a  most 
valued  member  of  the  Scientific  Committee  of 
our  Society.  He  also  took  a  very  active  part 
and  keen  interest  in  the  re-establishment  of  ex- 
aminations by  the  Society,  and  himself  acted  as 
one  of  the  examiners.  It  is  in  view  of  this  last 
point  and  after  carefully  estimating  the  amount 
likely  to  be  subscribed,  that  the  Council  pro- 
pose to  establish  a  "  Nicholson  Prize,"  to  be 
awarded  annually,  after  examination,  to  the 
students  at  YVisley. 

Subscriptions  should  be  sent  addressed  "The 
Nicholson  Prize  Fund,  R.H.S.  Office,  Vincent 
Square,  London,"  and  cheques  and  postal  orders 
made  payable  to  "  The  Royal  Horticultural 
Society,"  crossed  "  London  and  County  Bank." 

The  Darwin  Centenary. 
The  centenary  celebration  of  the  birth  year  of 
Charles  Darwin  is  to  be  held  at  Cambridge  on 
June  22,  the  date  curiously  coinciding  with 
the  50th  anniversary  of  the  publication  of  his 
Origin  of  Species.  Representatives  of  Universi- 
ties and  other  learned  bodies,  together  with  dis- 
tinguished individuals,  have  been  invited  by  the 
University  of  Cambridge  to  take  part  in  the 
festival,  and  the  Rev.  Prof.  George  Henslow, 
M.A.,  V.M.H.,  has  been  appointed  to  represent 
the  Royal  Horticultural  Society. 

Classification  of  Daffodils. 
At  the  request  of  the  Daffodil  Committee  the 
Council  appointed  a  committee  to  consider  the 
best  way  of  avoiding  the  confusion,  and  conse- 
quent disputes,  likely  to  arise  from  the  recent 
multitudinous  crossing,  recrossing,  and  inter- 
crossing of  the  old  divisions  of  Magni-  Medio- 
and  Parvi-Coronati.  The  committee  have  de- 
livered their  report  instituting  an  entirely  new 
system  of  classification,  which  the  Council  have 
accepted,  and  ordered  to  be  used  at  the  Society's 
shows.  The  report  contains  a  list  of  every 
Daffodil  known  to  the  committee,  together  with 
the  name  of  the  raiser  as  far  as  it  could  be  dis- 
covered, each  flower  known  being  allotted  to  its 
appropriate  class.  The  report  has  been  printed 
in  a  handy  book  form,  and  can  be  obtained  from 
the  Society's  office,  Vincent  Square,  at  a  cost  of 
Is.  Experience  may  probably  suggest  some 
further  modification  of  the  new  classification, 
which,  for  the  present,  has  been  experimentally 
adopted. 

The  1909  Code  of  Rules  for  Judging. 
The  Society's  code  of  Rules  for  Judging  has 
again  been  carefully  revised  and  many  altera- 
tions and  additions  suggested  by  the  last  few 
years'  experience  have  been  adopted.  The  Coun- 
cil cannot  too  strongly  recommend  a  careful  per- 
usal of  the  code  (price  Is.  6d.)  to  the  secretaries 
of  all  local  shows  and  their  exhibitors. 

Conference  on  Spraying. 
A  useful  and  important  conference  on  the 
spraying  of  fruit  trees  was  held  on  Octo- 
ber 16,  when  papers  were  read  by  Mr.  Geo. 
Massee,  V.M.H.,  Mr.  H.  F.  Getting,  Mr.  F.  V. 
Theobald,  M.A.,  and  Mr.  Geo.  Hammond,  to 
whom  the  Council  are  greatly  indebted.  They 
also  desire  to  acknowledge  with  thanks  the 
chairmanship  of  Colonel  Warde,  M.P.,  and 
Colonel  Long,  M.P.,  at  the  morning  and  after- 
noon sessions.  Discussions  followed  the  various 
papers  ;  and  the  full  text  of  the  conference  will 
be  found  in  the  Society's  Journal,  Volume 
xxxiv.,  Part  iii. 

Retiring  Members  of  the  Council. 
Sir  Trevor  Lawrence,  Bart,  K.C.V.O.,  V.M.H., 
Mr.  (leorge  Bunyard,  V.M.IL,  and  Mr.  A.  H. 
Pearson  retire  from  office.  The  two  former  have 
allowed  themselves  to  be  renominated.  It  is 
with  great  regret  to  the  Council  that  Mr.  A.  H. 
Pearson,  who  has  occupied  a  seat  at  the  Council 
table  for  10  years,  finds  himself  unable  to  con- 
tinue in  office  any  longer.  He  has,  during 
those  years,  done  excellent  work  for  the  Society, 
and  deserves  the  warmest  thanks  of  the  Fellows. 

Victoria  Medal  of  Honour. 

During  the  past  year  two  vacancies  in  the  roll 

ef  the  Victoria  Medal  of  Honour  have  occurred 

(through  the  loss  of  Mr.   R.   Martin  Smith  and 

Mr.   George   Nicholson),  and  Sir  Jeremiah  Col- 


man,   Bart,    and   Mr.     Chas.     Ross    have    been 
appointed  by  the  Council  to  this  distinction. 

New  Certificate 
Of  late  years  the  want  has  been  increasingly 
felt  of  some  way  of  recognising  skilful  scientific 
work  amongst  plants.  Even  if  such  work  does 
not  immediately  result  in  any  great  horticultural 
advance,  it  may  either  disclose  the  steps  by 
which  existing  results  have  been  attained,  or  it 
may  lay  the  foundation  and  prepare  the  way  for 
future  development ;  and  is,  in  either  case,  de- 
serving of  the  Society's  recognition.  To  meet 
this  want  the  Council  have  created  a  new  certifi- 
cate, to  be  called  "  The  Certificate  of  Apprecia- 
tion." 

Annual  Progress 
The   following  table  will   show  the   Society's 
progress  in  regard  to  numerical  strength  during 
the  past  year : 

Loss  by  Death  in  1908. 

£    s.  d. 

Life  Fellows 13     ...  0    0  0 

4  Guineas         2    ...  8    8  0 

2        ,,  40    ...  84    0  0 

1        „  75     ...  78  15  0 


190 


Loss  by  Resignation,  &c. 


£     s.    d. 

4  Guineas         

1    ... 

4     4    0 

2        „                

...      107    ... 

224  14    0 

1        „                

...      489     ... 

513    9    0 

Associates 

22    ... 

11  11    0 

Affiliated  Societies    .. 

27     ... 

28    7    0 

616  ±'782    5    0 

Total  Loss    776  £953    8    0 

Fellows  Elected  in  1908. 


Hon.  Members           

4  Guineas         

2        „                 

1        „                 

Associates         

Affiliated  Societies    

Commutations  .         

=  £197  8s.  Od. 

5    . 

C    . 
601 
589    - 

4'2 
32 
8 

1,283 

£    s. 

0    0 

25    4 

..      1,262    2 

018    9 

22    1 

33  12 

d. 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 
0 

Deduct  Loss 

£1.961    8 
953    8 

0 
0 

Net  Increase  in  Income 

..  £1,008    0 

0 

New  Fellows,  &c 

Deaths  and  Resignations    ... 

Numerical  Increase 

Total  on  December  31,  1!07 

Total  on  December  31,  19C8 


1,233 
776 


507 
lO.noo 


The  Council  are  pleased  to  record  that  the 
total  number  of  Fellows,  Honorary  or  Corre- 
sponding Members,  Associates  and  Affiliated 
Societies  is  now  10,507,  which  is  believed  to  be 
the  highest  number  belonging  to  any  British 
Koyal  Society. 

Letting  of  the  Hall. 

The  annual  revenue  and  expenditure  account 
indicates  the  continued  success  of  the  hall  as  a 
financial  asset.  No  fewer  than  52  engagements 
(excluding  the  Society's  own  shows),  covering  a 
total  of  160  days,  have  been  accommodated,  and 
the  amount  received  (about  £2,067)  compares 
favourably  with  the  year  1907,  especially  when  it 
is  remembered  that  this  former  year  had  two 
lettings  of  a  value  of  £700,  which  have  not  re- 
curred. The  awning  over  the  main  entrance, 
and  the  kitchen  constructed  in  the  basement  dur- 
ing  the  past  twelve  months,  still  further  improve 
the  comfort  of  the  lessees.  Bronze  standard 
lamps  are  also  to  be  erected  at  the  main  en- 
trance. There  are  but  few  vacant  dates  left  in 
the  year  1903,  and  a  good  financial  return  is 
again  anticipated. 

Committees,  &c. 

The  hearty  thanks  of  the  Society  are  again 
due  to  the  members  of  the  committees,  the 
judges,  the  writers  of  papers  for  the  Journal, 
the  compilers  of  abstracts,  the  reviewers,  the 
several  examiners,  and  to  the  many  others  who, 
during  the  past  twelve  months,  have  done  so 
much  to  contribute  to  the  success  of  the  Society's 
work,  and  to  help  maintain  the  high  reputation 
it  holds  among  the  practical  and  scientific 
societies  of  the  world. 

By  order  of  the  Council, 

W.   Wilks.  Secretary. 

Royal  Horticultural  Society, 

Vincent  Square,  Westminster,  S.W., 
December  31st,  1908. 


Scientific  Committee. 

January  26. — Present :  Mr.  E.  A.  Bowles, 
M.A.,  F.L.S.  (in  the  Chair);  Dr.  A.  Voelcker  ; 
and  Messrs.  S.  Pickering,  A.  Worsley,  E.  M. 
Holmes,  G.  Gordon,  \V.  Hales,  J.  W.  Odell, 
and   F.   J.   Chittenden  (secretary). 

Diseased  Carnations. — Mr.  Saunders  and  Mr. 
Douglas  reported  upon  the  diseased  Carnations 
shown  at  the  last  meeting  that,  in  all  proba- 
bility, they  had  died  through  attacks  of  stem 
eelworm.  The  soil  used  for  potting  was  too 
light,  and  the  plants  were  too  old  to  yield  the 
best  results.  Plants  of  two  years  of  age  wer* 
sometimes  liable  to  sudden  collapse,  and  those 
of  a  greater  age  even  more  liable  to  fail  in 
this  manner. 

Grease  bands. — Mr.  Voss  reported  that  no 
moths  had  been  caught  upon  grease  bands  on 
fruit  trees  at  Enfield  since  November. 

Alga:,  eVc,  on  sewage  sludge. — Dr.  Voelcke? 
remarked  that  mosses,  hepatics,  and  algae  had 
developed  upon  certain  samples  of  sewage  sludge 
which  had  been  kept  at  Woburn,  but  not  upon 
cithers,  which  were  kept  under  precisely  the 
same  conditions.  The  samples  which  contained 
the  greatest  amount  of  lime  bore  the  largest 
amount  and  greatest  diversity  of  growth,  and  it 
was  thought  that  possibly  the  difference  was  as 
much  due  to  the  physical  condition  of  the  sludge 
as  to  its  chemical  constitution. 

Scilla,  Gfc. — Mr.  Worsley  showed  an  in- 
florescence of  Scilla  hasmorrhodalis,  a  plant  with 
rather  inconspicuous  flowers  followed  by  larger, 
fleshy  fruits.  He  also  remarked  upon  the  in- 
constancy of  the  arrangement  of  the  spines  in 
certain  of  the  Cacti  in  various  stages  and  at 
different  ages,  and  stated  that,  in  his  opinion, 
the  arrangement  of  the  spines  constituted  an  in- 
secure basis  for  the  classification  of  this  family. 

Fasciation. — From  Sir  Trevor  Lawrence, 
Bart.,  came  a  fasciated  specimen  of  Anthurium 
bearing  two  spathes  and  spadioes.  Mr.  E.  H. 
Jenkins  sent  a  fasciated  specimen  of  Daphne 
japonicum. 

Odontoglossum  malformed. — A  flower  of  an 
Odontoglossum  having  three  stamens  and  a  much 
reduced  perianth  was  received  from  Mr.  Gurney 
Wilson,  and  referred  to  Mr.  Saunders  for  fur- 
ther examination. 

Variation  in  foliage  of  Cyclamen. — Mr.  Bowles 
showed  a  large  number  of  leaves  of  Cyclamen 
hederasfolium  from  his  garden,  exhibiting  great 
and  wide  variation  in  the  arrangement  of  the 
markings  upon  the  foliage,  especially  in  the  ex- 
tent of  the  whitish  margin  and  median  blotch 
which  is  usually  present.  He  found  the  varia- 
tions to  be  characteristic  of,  and  retained  by,  the 
individual  plants. 


NATIONAL     CHRYSANTHEMUM. 

(ANNUAL  MEETING.) 
F'ebruary  1. — The  annual  general  meeting  of 
the  above  Society  was  held  in  the  Essex  Hall, 
Strand,  on  this  date.  The  President,  Sir 
Albert  K.  Rollit,  D.C.L.,  LL.D.,  occupied  the 
chair. 

The  Report  of  the  Executive  Committee  was  pre- 
sented, and  from  this  we  extract  the  following  : — 

EXTRACT    FROM    THE    ANNUAL    REPORT. 

The  dates  of  the  shows  for  the  current  year  have  been 
provisionally  fixed  for  October  6  and  7,  November  3,  4,  and 
5,  and  December  1  and  2,  but  unfortunately  it  has  not  yet 
been  possible  for  your  committee  to  approach  the  Crystal 
Palace  Company  with  regard  to  a  renewal  of  the  contract 
for  reasons  which  are  set  forth  in  this  report  under  the 
heading  of  finance. 

The  Floral  Committee  have  awarded  47  First-class 
Certificates. 

The  Society's  foreign  corresponding  secretary,  Mr.  C. 
Harman  Payne,  attended  the  Congress  of  the  SocieTe 
Francaise  des  Chrysanthemistes  held  at  Tours  in  November 
and  thence  proceeded  to  the  exhibition  of  the  Societe 
Nationale  d'Horticulture  de  France  at  Paris. 

One  hundred  and  seventy  members  of  the  Society  and 
friends  visited  the  Royal  Gardens  at  Frogmore  on  the 
occasion  of  the  annual  Outing  on  Monday,  July  27.  This 
was  the  largest  muster  at  any  outing  for  several  years. 

Arrangements  have  already  been  made  for  the  190U  Outing 
to  be  held  on  August  9  next,  when  a  visit  will  be  paid  to  the 
gardens  of  Sir  Frank  Crisp  at  Friar  Park,  Henley-on- 
Thames. 

The  annual  dinner  was  held  on  November  26  at  the 
Holborn  Restaurant,  the  chair  being  occupied  by  the 
President.  About  100  members  and  guests,  including 
ladies,  sat  down  to  dinner. 

It  is  with  great  regret  that  your  committee  have  to  report 
that  they  have  not  yet  received  the  consideration  money  due 
from  the  Crystal  Palace  Company  under  the  terms  of  the  con- 
tract for  any  of  the  1908  shows.  They  are  still  hoping, 
however,  that  the  money  will  shortly  be  paid  without  extreme 
measures  being  resorted  to.  For  this  reason  the  ordinary 
prizes  have  not  yet  been  distributed,  but  as  soon  as  such 


February  6,  1909  ] 


THE     GARDENERS'      CHRONICLE 


95 


money  is  received  from  the  Crystal  Palace  Company  the 
prizes  will  be  issued  without  a  day's  delay.  Subject  to  the 
receipt  of  that  money  it  will  be  observed  from  the  statement 
it  assets  and  liabilities  that  the  Society's  finances  show  a  con- 
siderable improvement  when  compared  with  the  previous 
year.  The  surplus  of  assets  over  liabilities  has  been 
increased  during  the  year  under  review  from  £53  15s.  4(1., 
tn  £109  ISs.  ild.,  winch  will  more  than  enable  the  committee 
to  carry  out  the  policy  set  forth  in  the  last  report,  of  re- 
transferring  £25  to  reserve  account  from  the  year's  income. 

On  moving  the  adoption  of  the  report  and 
balance-sheet,  the  President  congratulated  the  ' 
Society  on  its  work  during  the  past  year.  He 
said  the  exhibitions  were  all  good,  and  particu- 
larly the  great  November  show.  A  large  num- 
ber of  new  varieties  had  been  brought  before 
the  Floral  Committee,  and  many  novelties  had 
received  the  Society's  Certificate  of  Merit.  Sir 
Albert  Kollit  also  stated  the  annual  dinner  was 
a  success,  the  membership  had  considerably  im- 
proved, and  all  special  prizes  had  been  paid, 
lie  hoped  the  finances  of  the  Society,  which, 
during  the  year,  had  been  the  subject  of  care- 
ful attention  on  the  part  of  the  committee,  were 
now  placed  on  a  sound  footing.  The  exhibi- 
tions at  the  Crystal  Palace  again  cause  some 
little  difficulty  in  regard  to  finances,  but  in  the 
past  the  accounts  have  always  been  settled  in 
a  satisfactory  manner,  and  it  is  hoped  all,  or 
the  greater  part  of  the  money,  will  soon  be 
received. 

Mr.  T.  Bevan  seconded  the  motion  for  the 
adoption  of  the  report,  which  was  carried  unani- 
mously. A  vote  of  thanks  to  the  auditors, 
Messrs.  Joseph  Lake  and  R.  F.  Scammell,  for 
their  services,  was  duly  accorded.  The  re-elec- 
tion of  Sir  Albert  Kollit  as  President  was  pro- 
posed by  Mr.  J.  T.  Simpson,  and  carried  with 
acclamation.  Other  officers  were  re-elected  as 
follow: — Mr.  John  Green,  Treasurer;  Mr. 
Thomas  Bevan,  Chairman  of  the  Executive 
Committee  ;  Mr.  K.  F.  Hawes,  Vice-Chairman  ; 
Mr.  C.  Harman  Payne,  Foreign  Corresponding 
Secretary;  and  Mr.  R.  A.  Witty,  General  Sec- 
retary. Messrs.  J.  Lake  and  W.  II.  M.  Dean 
were   elected   auditors. 

The  General  Committee  was  next  elected  as 
follows: — Messrs.  J.  Emberson,  R.  F.  Felton,A. 
Hemsley,  D.  Ingamels,  E.  Jones,  F.  G.  Oliver, 
R.  E.  Reeve,  G.  Springthorpe,  W.  Wells,  J.  B. 
Riding,  H.  Runchman,  and  C.  Noyce. 

A  vote  of  thanks  to  the  chairman  concluded 
the  business. 


MARKETS. 


THE     WEATHER. 


THE  WEATHER   IN   WEST    HERTS. 

Week  ending  February  3. 

A  cohl,  diy,  and  dull  weeek, — The  day  temperatures  have 
been  variable,  but  on  the  whole  rather  low  for  the  time  of 
year.  The  nights,  however,  remained  cold  until  last  night, 
when  a  change  to  a  much  higher  reading  took  place.  On  the 
coldest  night  the  exposed  thermometer  showed  18w  of  frost, 
whereas  last  night  the  same  thermometer  did  not  fall  lower 
than  42°.  The  ground  is  at  the  present  time  2°  colder  than 
is  seasonable  at  2  feet  deep,  but  at  about  an  average  tem- 
perature at  1  foot  deep.  Rain  fell  on  two  days,  but  to  the 
total  depth  of  only  about  one  tenth  of  an  inch.  There  was  a 
light  fall  of  snow  on  the  first  of  those  days.  No  measurable 
quantity  of  rainwater  has  come  through  either  percolation 
gauge  for  11  days.  The  sun  shone  on  an  average  for  1  hour 
21  minutes  a  day,  which  is  35  minutes  a  day  short  of  the 
usual  duration  at  the  end  of  January.  On  January  27  there 
was  no  record  of  sunshine  here— about  80  feet  above  the 
Berkhamsted  valley— owing  to  fog,  whereas  at  200  feet  above 
the  valley  the  sun  was  shining  brightly  all  day  long.  Light 
airs  have,  as  a  rule,  prevailed  until  yesterday,  when  the 
mean  velocity  for  the  windiest  hour  reached  18  miles — 
direction  W.  The  average  amount  of  moisture  in  the  air  at 
3  o'clock  in  the  afternoon  fell  short  of  a  seasonable  quantity 
for  that  hour  by  5  per  cent. 

January. 

A  mild,  dry,  calm  and  sunny  month.— Taken  as  a  whole 
this  was  a  moderately  warm  January.  For  the  first  3  weeks 
the  weather  continued  warm,  but  the  temperatures  re- 
mained low  during  the  remainder  of  the  month.  The  days 
were,  as  a  rule,  more  unseasonably  warm  than  the  nights. 
On  the  warmest  day  the  temperature  in  the  thermometer 
screen  rose  to  51°— which  is  about  an  average  extreme  maxi- 
mum for  the  month.  On  the  coldest  night  the  exposed 
thermometer  registered  16°  of  frost— a  high  extreme  mini- 
mum for  what  is  usually  the  coldest  month  in  the  year. 
Rain,  hail,  or  snow  fell  on  but  11  days,  and  to  the  total  depth 
of  only  one  inch — which  is  1J  inches  below  the  January 
average  for  the  previous  53  years— during  which  period 
there  have  been  only  6  Januaries  as  dry.  Snow  fell  on  2 
days,  but  at  no  time  to  a  sufficient  depth  to  cover  the  ground. 
The  sun  shone  on  an  average  for  2  hours  a  day,  or  nearly 
half  an  hour  a  day  longer  than  is  usual  in  this  mid-winter 
month.  This  was  the  calmest  January  for  11  years,  and  in 
the  windiest  hour  the  mean  velocity  only  reached  20  miles 
—direction  west.  The  average  amount  of  moisture  in  the 
air  at  3  p.m.  was  4  per  cent,  less  than  a  seasonable  quantity 
for  that  hour. 

Our  Underground  Watkr  Supply. 

Since  the  winter  half  of  the  drainage  year  began  in 
October  last,  the  total  rainfall  has  fallen  short  of  the  averge 
for  those  four  nmnths  by  4£  inches,  which  is  equivahnt 
to  a  loss  of  109,490  gallons  per  acre  in  this  district.  At 
the  same  time  last  year  there  was  an  excess  of  46,370 
gallons  per  acre.     B.  A/.,   Berkhamsted,  February  3,  1909, 


COVENT  GARDEN,  February  J. 
[We  cannot  accept  any  responsibility  for  the  subjoined 
reports.  They  are  furnished  to  us  regularly  every 
Wednesday,  by  the  kindness  of  several  of  the  principal 
salesmen,  who  are  responsible  for  the  quotations.  It 
must  be  remembered  that  these  quotations  do  not  repre- 
sent the  prices  on  any  particular  day,  but  only  the 
general  averages  for  the  week  preceding  the  date  of  our 
report.  The  prices  depend  upon  the  quality  of  the 
samples,  the  way  in  which  they  are  packed,  the  supply 
in  the  market,  and  the  demand,  and  they  may  fluctuate, 
not  only  from  day  to  day,  but  occasionally  several  times 
in  one  day. — Ed.] 

Cut  Flowers.  &c. :  Average  Wholesale  Prices. 

s.d.  s.d. 
Acacia      (Mimosa), 

p.doz.  bunches  10  0-12  0 
Anemone    fulgens, 

p.  dz.  bunches    16-26 

—  double  pink,  p. 
dozen  bunches    16-26 

Azalea,  per   dozen 

bunches  ...     4  6-  G  0 

Bouvardia,  per  dz. 

bunches  ..      6  0-80 

Calla  anhiopica,  p. 

dozen 3  0-40 

Camellias,  per  doz.  10-20 
Carnations,       per 

dozen  blooms, 

best  American 

various  ...     2  6-36 

—  second  size    ...    10-20 

—  smaller,        per 
doz.      bunches     9  0-12  0 

Catdeyas,  per  doz. 

blooms  ...  12  0-15  0 

C  hrysanthemums, 

s  p  e  c  i  ni  e  n 

blooms  p.  doz.    2  0-30 

—  smaller,  per 
doz,      bunches  12  0-24  0 

Cypripedimns,  per 

dozen  blooms..  16-26 
Daffodils,  per  doz. 

bunches  ...     5  0     9  0 

Eucnaris      grandi- 

flora,  per  doz. 

blooms 3  0-40 

Freesias  (white),  p. 

doz.  bunches...  2  6-30 
Gardenias,  per  doz. 

blooms 3  0-50 

Hyacinths  (Roman) 

per  doz.  bchs.  9  0-12  0 
Lilac     (English), 

white,  p.  bunch    3  0-50 

—  mauve 4  0-60 

—  (French), mauve  4  0-50 
Lilium      auratum, 

per  bunch      ...    2  0-30 

—  fongilloruin    ...     4  0-50 

—  lane  i  f  o  1  iuin, 
rubruai  ...     2  0-30 

—  album 2  6-30 

Lily  of  the  Valley, 

p.  dz.  hunches    9  0-10  0 

—  extra  quality  ...  12  0  15  0 


s.d.  s.d. 

Marguerites,  p.  dz. 
bunches  white 
and  yellow     ...    2  0-30 

Mignonette,  per 
dozen  bunches 

Myosotis,  per  doz. 
bunches 

Narcissus,  Paper- 
white,  per  dz, 
bunches 

—  Gloriosa 

—  ornatus 

—  Soleild'Or    ... 
Odonto  glossum 

crispuin,      per 

dozen  blooms 
Pancratiums,     per 

dozen   

Pelargoniums, 

show,  per  doz. 

bunches 

—  Zonal,    double 
scarlet 

Ranunculus, perdz. 

bunches 
Roses,  12  blooms, 

N'iphetos 

—  Bridesmaid    ... 

—  C.  Testout     ... 

—  K  a  i  se  r  i  n  A. 
Victoria 

—  C.  Merniet 

—  Liberty 

—  Muie.Chatenay 

—  The  Bride 

—  Ulrich  Brunner 
Snowdrops,  per  dz. 

bunches 
Spiraea,  p.dz.  bchs. 
Stocks,       double 

white,  per  d<  ■/. 

bunches 
Tuberoses,  per  dz. 

blooms 

—  on   stems,   per 
bunch  

Tulips,   per  dozen 

bunches,  single    6  0*10  0 

—  best     double 
varieties  ...  18  0-24  0 

Violets,  per  dozen 

bunches  ..     16-30 

—  Parmas,  p.bch.    4  0-50 


2  0-30 

3  0-40 


2  6-30 

16-26 
5  0-60 
2  0-30 


3  0-40 

6  0-80 
8  0-10  0 
12  0-15  0 

2  6-36 

2  6-40 

3  0-50 

2  0-40 
2  0-36 
6  0-80 

4  0-60 
2  6-36 
6  0-80 

16-20 

5  0-80 

2  6-36 
0  3-04 
0  9-13 


Cut  Foliage,  &c. :  Average  Wholesale  Prices. 


Adiantum  cunea- 
turn,  dz.  bchs, 

Agrostis,  per  doz. 
bunches 

Asparagus  plu- 
mosus,  long 
trails,  per  doz. 

—  — medm.,bcb. 

—  Sprengeri 
Berberis,  per   doz. 

bunches 
Croton  leaves,  per 

bunch  

Cycas  leaves,  each 
Daffodil  foliage,  p. 

doz.  bunches... 
Ferns,    per    dozen 

bchs.  (English) 

—  (French) 

Plants  In  Pots,  &c. 


s.d.  s.d. 


s.d.  s.d. 


4  0-60 
16-20 


8  0-12  0 
10-20 
0  9-16 

2  6-30 

10-13 
16-20 

2  6-30 

2  0-30 
0  6-09 


2  0-26 


3  0-90 


1  0- 

2  0- 


1  6 

2  6 


0  9-16 


16-26 
5  0-60 


4  0- 
l  0- 


6  0 
1  6 


sd.  s.d. 
6  0-80 


Ampelopsis      Veit- 

chii,  per  dozen 
Aralia  Sieboldii,  p. 

dozen 4  0-  6  0 

—  larger   speci- 
mens         9  0-12  0 

—  Moseri 4  0-60 

Araucaria   excelsa, 

per  dozen       ...   12  0-30  0 

—  large    plants, 
each     3  6-50 

Aspidistras,  p.  dz., 

green 15  0-24  0 

—  variegated      ...  30  0-42  0 
Asparagus,  plumo- 

sus  nanus,  per 

dozen 12  0-18  0 

—  Sprengeri       ..      9  0-12  0 

—  ten  u  is  si  mus     9  0-12  0 
Azaleas  (Indian),  p. 

dozen 24  0-36  0 

Begonia  Gloire  de 

Lorraine, p.dz.  12  0-18  0 
Clematis,  per  doz.  8  0-90 
C  ocos    Weddelli- 

ana,  per  dozen  18  0-30  0 
Crotons,  per  dozen  18  0-30  0 
Cyclamen,  pr.  doz.  10  0-15  0 
Cyperus    alterni- 

folius,  dozen  ...     4  0-50 


Galax    leaves,   per 

dozen  bunches 
Hardy    foliage 

(various),    per 

dozen  bunches 
Honesty    (Lunaria) 

per  bunch 
Ivy-leaves,   bronze 

—  long  trails  per 
bundle 

—  short    green, 
perdz. bunches 

Moss,  per  gross  ... 
Myrtle,  dz.    bchs., 

(English) 

small-leaved... 

—  French 
Ruscus  racemosus, 

p.  dz.  bunches  18  0    — 
Smilax, p.dz.  trails    4  0-60 

Average  Wholesale  Prices. 

s.d.  s.d. 
Cyperus  laxus,  per 

dozen  

Daffodils,  per  doz. 
Dracaenas,  per  doz. 
Erica  hyemalis,per 

dozen  ...         ...  10  0-15  0 

—  melanthera    ...  12  0-18  0 
Euonymus.perdz., 

in  pots 4  0-90 

—  from  the  ground  3  0-60 
Ferns,  in  thumbs, 

per  100 

—  in    small    and 
large  60's 

—  in  48V,  per  dz 

—  in  32's 
Ficus  elastica,  doz. 

—  repens,  per  dz. 
Genista     fragrans, 

per  doz. 
Grevilleas,  per  dz 
Hyacinths,  per  dz 

pots      

Isolepis,  per  dozer 
Kentia       Behnore- 

ana,  per  dozen  15  0-24  0 

—  Fosteriana,  per 
dozen 18  0-30  0 

Latania  borbonica, 

per  dozen      ...  12  0-18  0 


4  0-50 

8  C-10  0 

9  0-24  0 


8  0-12  0 

12  0-20  0 
4  0-10  0 
10  0-18  0 

8  0-10  0 
6  0-80 

10  0-12  0 
4  0-60 

9  0-12  0 
4  0-60 


Plants  in  Pots,  ac:  Average  Wholesale  Prices  (Contd.). 


s.d.  s.d 
Lilium     1  o  ng  i- 

florum,  per  dz.  18  0-24  0 
—  lancifoluim.per 

dozen 12  0-24  0 

Lily  of  the  Valley, 

per  dozen       ...  18  0-30  0 
Marguerites,  white, 

per  dozen       ...    6  0-10  0 
Fruit 


s.d.  s.d. 
Rose  Madame  Le- 

vavasseur,  doz.  12  0-18  0 


8  0-86 
7  0-80 


Apples       Foreign 

—  California 
Newtown  Pip- 
pin, per  case,  4 
tiers     

—  4J  tiers 

—  (American),  per 
barrel  : 

—  Baldwin  ..    23  0-25  0 

—  Greening        ...  23  0-26  0 

—  Newtown  Pip- 
pin          25  0-28  0 

—  Oregon  New- 
town Pippin, 
per  case         ...  10  0-13  0 

—  per  case  (165 
185)        

—  (NovaScotian), 
per  barrel : 

—  Spy      

—  Russet 

—  Baldwin 

—  Ben  Davis 

—  Fallawater     ... 

—  French  Russet 
per  case 

Bananas,  bunch : 

—  Doubles 

—  No.  2  Canary. 
No.  1 


10  0-14  0 


20  0-22  0 
23  0-25  0 
18  0-22  0 
18  0-21  0 

21  0  24  0 

9  0-10  0 


—  Extra        tl    ... 

—  Giant       lf    ... 

—  (Claret) 

—  Jamaica 

—  Loose,  per  dz. 
Cape  fruit,  p.  case : 

—  Peaches 

—  Apricots 

—  Plums 

—  Nectarines     ... 
Cranberries,     per 

dozen  punnets 
Custard  Apples  ... 
Dates  (Tunis),  per 

dozen  boxes  ... 
Figs  (Eleme),  p.  dz. 

—  pulled,  per  dz. 
Grape    Fruit,   case 
Grapes,  Gros  Col- 
mar      

—  Alicante 

—  Muscat  of  Alex- 
andria   

—  (Guernsey)     ... 

Vegetables 


5  0-80 
2  6-60 
4  6-80 
10  0-18  0 

50    - 

8  0-15  0 

4  3-46 

4  3    — 

5  0-76 

9  0-11  0 

10-26 
0  10-  2  6 

5  0-80 

0  8-10 


I  0-12  0 


s.d.  s.d, 

12  6-20  0 

10  0-12  0 
10  0-16  0 
12  0-18  0 
10  0-15  0 
10-15 


s.d.  s.d 
Art  icholtes(G  lobe), 

per  dozen       ...  2  0-26 

—  white,  p. bushel  2  0    — 

—  per  cwtk  ...  3  6  — 
Asparagus,    per 

bundle: 

—  Sprue 0  6-07 

—  Pans  Green  ...  3  9-43 
Beans — 

—  (French),  p.  lb.  10-11 

—  (Guernsey), 

per  lb 2  6-30 

—  (Madeira),   per 
basket 2  6    — 

—  Niggers  ..  4  0-60 
Beetroot, perbushel  10-16 
Brussel  Sprouts,  h 

bushel 2  0-30 

—  bags     3  6-40 

Cabbages,  per  tally  2  6-76 

3  6-40 


Selaginella,  p.  doz.  4  0-60 
Solanums,  per  doz,  9  0-12  0 
Spiraea  japonica,  d. 

dozen  

Tulips    in    boxes, 

per  doz.  bulbs    0  6-09 
Average  Wholesale  Prices. 
s.d.  s.d, 

Grapes     (Almeria), 

per  barrel 
Lemons,  box : 

—  Messina,  300 

—  Do.        360 

—  per  case,  300. 

—  Naples,    360.. 
Lychees,  per  box 
Mandarines    (25*  s). 

per  box  ..'.    0  8-10 

—  <96's),  per  box  3  0-36 
Mangos,  per  doz.  3  0-60 
Nuts,  Almonds,  per 

bag        45  0    — 

—  Brazils,     new, 
perewt.         ...  50  0-55  0 

—  Barcelona,  bag  32  0-35  0 

—  Cocoa  nuts.  100  11  0-14  0 

—  Cob,  per  dozen 
lbs 16-19 

—  Chestnuts,  per 
bag       7  0-90 

—  (Italian),  p.  bag  14  0-16  0 

—  (Spanish)  ...  14  0-16  0 
Oranges  (Jamaica), 

per  case  ...     6  6-86 

—  (Denia)  ...     9  0-16  0 
9  0-10  0     —  California 
6  6    —            seedless,    per 

6  6-80  case     12  6-15  0 

8  0-90     —  (Valencia)    per 

10  0-12  0           case  (420) 
5  0-76      —  per  case  (714). 
5  0-56      —  Jaffas    .. 
0  6-10     —  Palermo  Blood 
Pears  (Californian), 
Doyenne1   du 
Cornice,       per 
case     

—  Easter  Beurre 
per  box 

—  Glou  Morceau, 
per  case 

—  Winter    Nelis, 
per  box 

—  (French),  Catil- 
lac),  per  crate 

Pineapples,  each  ... 

—  (Natal),  perdz. 
Tangerines     (Cali- 
fornian),     per 
case  (180-200)...  10  0-12  0 

—  (Florida),      per 
case  (120-200)...  18  0-20  0 

Average  Wholesale  Prices. 


8  0-16  0 
8  0-15  ^ 

8  0-  b  v 

9  6-11  0 


8  6-96 

6  0-76 

9  0-10  0 
8  0-10  0 

7  0-80 

2  0-36 
4  0-60 


■  d. 


12  0-18  0 
10-16 


3  0    — 


2  0-30 
8  0-10  0 

3  0  — 
2  6-36 
16-19 

2  6-36 

3  0-40 


2  0-36 


4  0-46 

12  0-15  0 
2  6-29 
7  0-80 

2  0     — 

3  0    — 


per  mat 

—  Greens,       per 
bushel 

Cardoon    (French), 

per  dozen 
Carrots    (English), 

dozen  bunches 

—  washed,  bag  ... 

—  unwashed 

—  (French), p. pad 
Cauliflowers,    per 

dozen      

—  St.  Malo,  crates 
(12  heads) 

—  Italian    Heads, 
per  basket 

Celery,  per   dozen 

rolls     12  0-15  0 

Celeriac,  per  doz.  2  0-26 
Chicory,  per  lb.  ...  0  3£-  0  4 
Cucumbers, perdz.  4  0-10  0 
Endive,  per  dozen     16-20 

Remarks. — The  Grape  trade  continues  fair,  the  demand 
from  the  provinces  being  moderately  good.  Trade  in 
Apples  is  very  quiet.  A  fair  consignment  of  Ealermo 
Blood  Oranges  arrived  during  the  past  week  and  met  with 
a  good  demand.  Cape  Plums  are  selling  freely.  Pineapples 
are  selling  well :  there  being  a  good  demand  for  the  smaller 
fruits  of  best  quality.  A  large  consignment  of  Apples  from 
Washington  have  sold  at  fair  prices,  7s.  6d.  to  8s.  ltd.  being 
an  average  price  per  case.  Rhubarb  is  arriving  from  Essex, 
also  from  Leeds,  but  the  quality  is  not  good,  and  the  stalks 
are  much  lighter  in  colour  than  usual.  There  has  been  a 
reaction  in  the  Lemon  trade,  and  prices  have  fallen  con- 
siderably. Oranges  also  are  cheaper,  but  this  is  principally 
owing  to  many  of  the  fruits  being  unsound.  Trade  generally 
is  fair.  E.  H,  R.,  Covad  Garden,  Wednesday,  Feb)  uarv  3,1909. 


Horseradish,  for- 
eign, per  doz. 
bundles 

Leeks,  12  bundles 

Lettuce  (French), 
per  crate 

Mint,     per     dozen 

bunches         ...    4  0-50 

Mushrooms, per  lb.  0  10-  1  0 

—  broilers  ...    0  6-08 

—  buttons,  per  lb.  0  10-  1  0 
Mustardand  Cress, 

per  dozen  pun.     1  0    — 
Onions,  per  bag  ...    9  0-10  0 

—  (Valencia).case  10  6-11  0 

—  Dutch,  pr.  bag    8  6-90 

—  pickling,  per 
bushel 

Parsley,  12  bunches 

—  4  sieve 

Parsnips,  per  bag... 
Potatos, Sweet,  per 

cwt. 

—  (French),  p.  lb. 
Radishes  (French), 

per  doz.  bunches    10-16 
Rhubarb  (English), 

forced,  per  dz. 

bundles  ...  0  10-  1  2 

Salsafy,  per  dozen 

bundles 
Seakale,  per  dozen 

punnetts 
Spinach,  per  crate 
Savoys,  per  tally... 
Turnips,  per  dozen 

bunches 

—  washed,  p.  bag 
Tomatos     (Tener- 

iffe),   per   bun- 
dle of  4  boxes     9  0-14  0 
Watercress,        per 

doz 0  6-08 


4  6  — 
2  0-26 
2  0-30 
2  6-30 

20  0-24  0 
0  3-0  34 


96 


THE     GARDENERS    CHRONICLE. 


[February  6,  1909. 


Rents— 

Snowdrop    

Sbarpe's  Express  ... 

Epicure        

Up-to-Date 

Lincolns  — 

Epicure         

British  Queen 

Up-to-Date 

Maincrop      

Sharpe's  Express  ... 

Remarks. — Prices 
with  good  supplies. 
St.  Pancras,  Februar 


Potatos. 
s.d.  s.d.    Lincolns- 


4  <>-  4 
3  6-39 
3  0-33 
3  0-36 


2  6-30 

3  0-33 
3  0-36 
3  6-39 
3  0-33 


s.d.  s.d. 
2  6-30 


2  6-30 
2  6-30 
2  3-26 


Evergoi  id 
Bedfords  - 

Up-to-Daie  . 
Epicure 
Blacklands. 
Dunbars— 
Lanaworthy 

Up-to-Date,  red  soil  3  9-40 
„         „      grey  soil  2  9-  3  3 

remain  unaltered.  Trade  is  very  steady 
Edward  J,  Newborn,  Cvvcnt  Garden  and 

y  3t  1909. 


...  4  : 


4  6 


COVENT    GARDEN     FLOWER     MARKET. 

There  has  been  a  falling  off  in  supplies  owing  to  the  foggy 
weather  of  last  week  retarding  the  development  of  flowers  ; 
generally  there  has  been  a  slight  advance  in  prices.  Azaleas 
and  bulbous  plants  are  the  only  flowering  subjects  that  are 
plentiful  in  the  market. 

Cut  Flowers. 
Large  supplies  of  Daffodils  are  seen :  Golden  Spur 
is  a  favourite  market  variety.  Emperor  is  already  obtain- 
able; this  variety  sells  for  high  prices.  Henry  Irving, 
princeps,  obvallaris,  and  Van  Sion  (double)  are  other 
good  market  varieties.  Narcissus  ornatus,  Soleil  d'Or, 
Scilly  White  (White  Pearl),  Gloriosa  and  Paper-white 
are  also  procurable;  their  prices  fluctuate:  Paper- 
white  Narcissus  has  realised  as  much  as  3s.  6d.  per 
dozen  bunches.  Tulips  are  very  abundant ;  ordinary 
single  kinds  are  offered  at  low  prices,  but  the  best 
double  flowers  are  worth  from  18s.  to  30s.  per  dozen  bunches. 
Roses  are  scarce:  a  lew  good  blooms  of  Caroline  Testout 
have  realised  from  10s.  to  12s.  per  dozen  blooms;  best 
quality  blooms  of  Liberty  have  also  made  high  prices; 
Madame  Hoste  does  not  find  favour  with  buyers,  as  the 
petals  are  not  of  the  shade  of  colour  best  appreciated  ; 
Niphetos  is  dearer.  Supplies  of  Lilinms  have  decreased; 
late  this  morning  (Wednesday)  good  blooms  were  not  pro- 
curable. There  was  also  a  falling  off  in  the  supplies  of 
Callas.  English-grown  Lilac,  boch  mauve  and  white 
flowered,  is  very  good,  and  high  prices  are  maintained. 
Violets  from  France  are  abundant ;  there  are  also  good 
supplies  of  English-grown  Violets.  Euphorbia  jacquinije- 
flora  is  fairly  good.  Blooms  of  Gardenia  and  Eucharis 
are  scarce. 

Pot  Plants, 

There  has  not  been  a  large  trade  in  pot  plants,  and  supplies, 
though  smaller  than  usual,  have  been  more  than  equal  to 
all  demands.  Well-flowered  Azaleas  are  a  prominent  fea- 
ture. Daffodils  are  seen  in  large  quantities.  Hyacinths  are 
also  abundant.  A  few  Tulips  in  pots  are  seen,  but  this 
flower  is  chiefly  grown  for  market  in  boxes.  Forced 
Spiraeas  are  rather  weak  in  growth;  S.  astilboides  from 
retarded  clumps  is  very  good.  Well-flowered  plants  of 
Begonia  Gloire  de  Lorraine  are  scarce.  Ericas  also  are  of 
poor  quality  ;  E.  Wilmoreana  will  be  ready  in  a  few  days, 
and  from  what  I  have  seen  in  the  nurseries  I  think  tins 
species  will  be  very  good  this  season.  Marguerites  are 
plentiful.  A  few  Callas  in  pots  are  seen,  but  there  is  very 
little  demand  for  them.  I  noticed  a  few  good  plants  of 
the  old  double  white  Primula.  Cyclamen  are  fairly  good. 
Liliums  in  pots  are  scarce.  Genistas  have  suffered  from 
the  effects  of  the  recent  fog.  Solanums  are  nearly  past 
for  the  season.  There  is  little  variation  to  record  in  the 
trade  for  foliage  plants,  and  supplies  generally  are  more 
than  equal  to  all  demands.  A.  //.,  tovent  Garden,  Wednesday, 
February  3t  1909. 


TRADE    NOTE. 


FAILURE    OF    SEED    MERCHANT. 

The  first  meeting  of  the  creditors  of  William 
Hubbard  Sharpe  took  place  recently  at  the  offices 
of  the  official  receiver  at  Lincoln.  Mr.  Sharpe 
carries  on  business  as  John  Sharpe  and  Son, 
seed  merchants,  at  Bardney,  Lincolnshire  and 
Reading,  and  at  Norwich  as  J.  E.  Barnes.  In 
the  absence  of  the  official  receiver  (Mr.  H.  J. 
Ward),  the  deputy  official  receiver  (Mr.  N. 
Temple)  presided,  and  the  meeting  elected  Mr. 
J.  E.  Walker,  auctioneer,  of  Horncastle,  as 
trustee  of  the  estate,  with  the  following  gentle- 
men as  a  committee  of  inspection: — Messrs. 
C.  W.  Le  May,  seed  merchants,  59,  Mark  Lane, 
London;  J.  H.  Ward,  farmer,  Withcall ;  H.  L. 
Barker,  farmer,  Langcrqft,  Louth ;  A.  F. 
Shawyer,  bank  manager,  Lincoln ;  and  G.  H. 
Boaler,  managing  clerk,  337,  High  Holborn, 
London. 

The  statement  of  the  debtor's  affairs  showed 
the  gross  liabilities  were  £33,422  16s.  lOd.  This 
included  130  unsecured  creditors  for  £27,508 
15s.  8d.,  and  three  creditors  partly  secured  for 
£5,620  17s. — less  estimated  value  of  securities, 
£2,327— £3,293  17s.  After  other  deductions,  the 
liabilities  expected  to  rank  for  dividend 
amounted  to  £31,108  13s.  lOd.  The  assets  were 
estimated  to  produce  £2,761  15s.  6d.,  including 
£1,211  18s.  good  book  debts,  and  there  was  a 
deficiency  of  £28,346  18s:  4d.  Debtor  attributed 
his  failure  to  "  want  of  capital,  heavy  bankers' 
and  discounting  charges,  and  expenses  of  ad- 
vertising." Explaining  his  deficiency,  the 
debtor  makes  the  following  statement: — Loss 
by  bad  debts   for  the  year  ending  January  4, 


1909,  as  yet  ascertained,  £70,  household  ex- 
penses of  self,  wife,  and  four  children 
(these  expenses  cannot  be  stated,  as  proper 
accounts  have  not  been  kept),  loss  by 
bad  debts  for  the  four  years  ending  October, 
1908,  £640.  Previous  to  this  period  heavy 
losses  have  been  made.  The  debtor  attributed 
heavy  loss  to  business  carried  on  in  Reading. 
He  had  paid  for  18  years  £116  per  an- 
num on  life  policies.  The  trading  had 
been  charged  heavily  with  unremunerative 
advertising,  and  also  with  interest  on  borrowed 
money  and  discounting  charges,  the  interest 
and  discounting  charges  amounting  to  between 
£800  and  £1,000  per  annum. 

The  case  came  before  the  Registrar  (Mr.  R.  A. 
Stephen),  at  the  Lincoln  Bankruptcy  Court,  but 
in  consequence  of  the  illness  of  the  official 
receiver  it  was  adjourned.  Debtor's  wife  is  the 
largest  creditor,  for  £15.492  Is.  4d.,  and  his 
father  is  a  creditor  for  £7,287. 


©bttuarjj. 

William  Bardney.— The  death  of  Mr.  W. 
Bardney  is  announced,  at  the  age  of  53  years. 
Deceased  was  gardener  at  Norris  Green,  near 
Liverpool,  tor  some  years,  and  later  at  Osmas- 
ton  Manor ;  subsequently  he  was  engaged  in 
business  on  his  own  account. 


Apple  Spot  :  F.  C.  The  spotting  is  due  to  a 
fungus,  Fusicladium  dendriticum.  Spray  the 
trees  with  the  Bordeaux  mixture  at  half 
strength,  first  when  the  leaves  are  unfolding, 
and  again  when  the  fruits  have  just  set. 

Chrysanthemum  Buds  :  H.  1.  J .  You  will 
find  articles  on  "  taking  the  bud  "  in  the  issues 
for  August  29,  1896,  December  10,  1898,  No- 
vember 10,  1900,  and  August  17,  1901.  These 
numbers  may  still  be  had  from  our  publishing 
department. 

Compensation  :  Constant  Reader.  A  master  is 
not  bound  to  provide  his  servant  with  medi- 
cal attendance  during  sickness,  but  if  the  mas- 
ter himself  calls  in  his  own  medical  man  to 
attend  the  servant  he  cannot  deduct  the 
charge  of  the  medical  attendance  out  of  the 
servant's  wages. 

Dressing  for  a  Lawn  :  Anxious.  Mix  the  malt 
combings  with  fine  soil  and  well-rotted  stable 
manure.  Apply  as  a  top-dressing  at  once. 
About  March  brush  and  roll  the  turf 
thoroughly,  and  give,  at  intervals,  small  appli- 
cations of  sulphate  of  ammonia  or  nitrate  of 
soda  mixed  with  good  loam  and  applied  as  a 
top-dressing. 

Fkuit  Trees  Infested  with  Moss:  W.  W. 
Spray  the  trees  with  the  winter  wash  prepared 
as  follows: — Dissolve  1  lb.  of  commercial 
caustic  soda  in  water,  then  1  lb.  of  crude 
potash  (or  pearl  ash)  in  water.  When  both 
have  been  dissolved,  mix  the  two  well  to- 
gether, and  afterwards  add  J  lb.  of  soft  soap, 
stirring  well  and  adding  water  sufficient  to 
make  10  gallons  of  the  wash.  As  the  pre- 
paration is  very  caustic,  care  must  be  exer- 
cised in  handling  it. 

Fumigating  Vinery  with  Cyanide  of  Potas- 
sium :  /.  P.  The  failure  of  both  attempts  to 
fumigate  vinery  was  probably  due  (1)  to  an 
insufficient  quantity  of  sulphuric  acid  being 
used  to  liberate  the  fumes  ;  or  (2)  to  an  insuffi- 
cient quantity  of  active  cyanide,  owing  to  the 
poor  quality  of  the  potassium  cyanide  sup- 
plied by  local  chemists.  If  the  vines  are  still 
dormant,  try  12J  oz.  of  sodium  cyanide,  130 
per  cent,  strength,  25  fluid  oz.  or  sulphuric, 
acid,  and  75  fluid  oz.  of  water,  for  your  house 
of  5,000  cubic  feet.  The  temperature  of  the 
house  should  be  50°  to  55"  Fahr.,  and  the  atmo- 
sphere should  be  dry.  For  even  distribution 
it  would  be  best  to  use  four  generators,  with 
3J  oz.  of  sodium  cyanide,  6+  oz.  of  sulphuric 


acid  and  19£  oz.  of  water,  to  each.  The  water 
should  be  first  measured.  This  can  be  done 
easily,  as  20  fluid  oz.  constitute  1  pint.  The 
sulphuric  acid  should  be  slowly  poured  into 
the  water,  and  then  the  cyanide  may  be  added. 
The  sodium  cyanide  may  be  obtained  through 
your  local  chemist,  of  Messrs.  Walter  Voss 
and  Co.,  Ltd.,  Millwall,  London,  E.,  who  are 
making  a  speciality  of  placing  cyanide  upon 
the  market  in  a  suitable  form  for  horticul- 
tural purposes.  2J  oz.  of  cyanide  (sodium) 
will  fumigate  1,000  cubic  feet  of  vinery  with 
dormant  Vines. 
Lignum  nefhriticum  :  H.  E.  By  this  name, 
which  you  have  seen  in  an  old  book  on 
physics,  is  meant  Guilandina  Moringa  Linn, 
which  in  Index  Kcwensis  is  referred  to  as  Mor- 
inga pterygosperma. 

Names  of  Fruits:   W.  G.  B.     Lord  Lennox. 

Names  of  Plants  :  T.B.  1,  Cheilanthes  elegans  ; 
2,  Adiantum  formosum  ;  3,  Lomaria  ciliata ; 
4,  Davallia  canariensis. — E.  C,  Warrington. 
Hippeastrum  equestre,  figured  in  the  Botanical 
Magazine,  t.  305,  as  Amaryllis  equestris.  It  is 
a  species  widely  distributed  in  South  America 
and  the  West  Indies. — S.  A.  1,  Selaginella 
Wildenovii ;  2,  S.  Kraussiana ;  3,  S.  csesia 
(uncinata) ;  4  and  5,  both  varieties  of  S. 
Martensii. — R.  0.  Y.  1,  Oncidium  fiexuosum  ; 
2,  OdontoglossumLindleyanum;  3,  O.  blandum. 
—  G.  IV.  W.  Solanum  ciliatum.— E.  C.  W. 
Odontoglossum  Lindleyanum. 

Rhododendrons  in  a  Churchyard:  A.  T. 
These  trees  will  succeed  as  well  in  a  church- 
yard as  elsewhere  if  you  plant  them  in  peat. 
For  the  borders  or  boundaries  there  can  be 
nothing  better  than  Rhododendrons ;  they 
have  a  good  appearance  all  through  the  winter. 

Roses  :  G.  IF.  The  Rose  you  require  to  mass 
in  a  large  bed  to  blend  with  the  variety 
Dorothy  Perkins,  which,  you  say,  you  have 
over  the  bed  in  the  form  of  a  handle  to  a 
large  basket,  is  Philippine  Lambert.  This  is 
one  of  the  very  freest-blooming  of  the  Pompon 
or  dwarf  Polvantha  Roses.  (See  note  in  Gar- 
deners' Chronicle,  January  16,  1909.)  The 
plants  will  commence  to  bloom  at  the  end  of 
May,  and  flower  continuously  until  the  frosts. 
This  variety  grows  nearly  2  feet  in  height. 
Should  you  require  a  sort  that  will  grow,  jay, 
6  inches  less  in  height,  try  Mignonette  or 
Gloire   de   Polyantha. 

Tropical  Fruits:  .4.  T.  The  most  suitable  of 
the  tropical  fruits  mentioned  on  p.  443,  for 
cultivation  in  hot-houses  in  this  country  are 
the  Persimmon  (Diospyros  Kaki),  Grape-fruit 
(Citrus  decumana  var.),  Passion-fruits  (Passi- 
fiora  edulis  and  P.  laurifolia),  Monstera  deli- 
ciosa,  Loquat  (Photinia  japonica),  Tree 
Tomato  Cyphomandra  betacea),  and  Grana- 
dilla  (Passiflora  quadrangularis). 

Tulips  Failing  :  Bulbs.  The  bulbs  are  per- 
fectly healthy,  and,  although  small,  should 
have  developed  their  inflorescences.  The 
failure  to  form  roots  is  due  to  some 
error  of  culture.  The  bulbs  were  pro- 
bably placed  in  too  much  warmth  at  the  com- 
mencement of  their  forcing.  We  do  not  sus- 
pect the  soil  has  anything  to  do  with  the 
trouble. 

Vine  Spur:  T.  A.  The  older  portion  of  the 
spur  is  decayed,  and  the  wood  has  become 
powdered  by  the  action  of  Merulius  lachry- 
mans,  the  fungus  causing  dry  rot.  The  more 
solid  portion  of  the  dead  wood  has  been  bur- 
rowed by  the  "furniture  beetle." 

Violets  :  C.  F.  The  plants  are  attacked  by 
Botrytis  cinerea,  and  this  fact  suggests 
there  has  been  too  much  moisture  in 
the  air.  Spray  the  foliage  at  intervals 
of  four  days  with  a  solution  of  sul- 
phide of  potassium  (liver  of  sulphur),  placing 
1  ounce  of  this  chemical  in  4  gallons  of 
water. — Rex.  There  is  no  disease  present  in, 
the  plants  ;  the  injury  is  due  to  some  cultural 
defect.  Have  the  plants  been  allowed  to  be- 
come dry  at  their  roots,  or  are  they  staged 
too  near  the  hot- water  pipes? 

Communications  Received. — P.  &  Co.--F.  J.  L. — N.  B.  H. 
— W.  E.  B.— S.  F.  W.— H.  R.— P.  A.--W.  H.  A.— J.  C.  B. 
— T.  H.— Sir  C.  W.  D.— S.  G.  R  — W.  A.  C— A.  C.  B.— 
W.  H.C,— F.  J.— A.  &  McA— A.  1}.— Otto  B.— F.  B.  S.— 
E.  H.  I.— E.  S.-C.  T.  D.— A.  "ri.-F.  N— A.  J.  E.— 
Geo.  W.— T.  C.-W.  P.  YV.-A.  E.  B.  H.— J.  P.-S.  H.— 
W.  A.  (Photograph)  -C.  L.— J.  W,  M—  T.  D.— J.  M.  M. 


February  13,  1909.] 


THE     GARDENERS'      CHRONICLE 


07 


THE 


(iarbeners'CbtonicIc 

No.   1,155.— SATURDAY,  February   13,   1909. 


CONTENTS. 


Agave,  a  noble 106 

Books,  notices  of — 

School  gardening      ...     102 
Reports  of  the  Woburn 
Experimental  Fruit 

Farm 97 

Publications  received  100 
Chrysanthemum   Fram- 

field  Pink         

Cultural  memorandum — 

Asparagus  plumosus  99 
Cyclamens,  hybrid  ...  107 
Cvpripedium   "  Earl    of 

Tankerville" 101 

Darwin  Centenary,  the  104 
Ei  yngium  pandamfolium  106 
Florists'  flowers — 

Sweet  Peas     101 

Flowers  in  season       ...     105 

Freesias 106 

Fruit  farm  experiments 

at  Woburn       97 

Fruit  register — 
Apple  and  Pear  stocks      99 
Stone  fruits  for  ama- 
teurs        99 

Gardener's  catechism,  a  105 
Greenhouses,  most  suit- 
able timber  for  ...  112 
Innes  Bequest,  the  ...  10S 
Lackey  moth,  the  ...  H2 
Lfelio-Cattleya  Felicia         9H 

Law  note 106 

Morris,  Sir  Daniel        ...     105 
Polystichum   aculeatnm 
gracillimum    Drueryi      98 


106 


112 


Rockery,  formation  of  a 
Rosary,  the — 
Cultural      notes     for 

January         100 

Small  Holdings,  prizes 

for  105 

Societies — 
Aberdeen       Chrysan- 
themum              HO 

Hemel        Hempstead 

Horticultural  110 

Leeds       Professional 

Gardeners' HO 

Manchesterand  North 

of  England  Orchid  HO 
Royal  Horticultural  104,  107 
Scottish  Horticultural  110 
United  Horticultural 
Benefit  &  Provident  110 
Trenching  kitchen-gar- 
den soil  107 

Violets,  hybridisation  of    112 
Week's  work,  the  — 

Flower  garden,  the  ...  102 
Fruits  under  glass  ...  103 
Hardy  fruit  garden  ...  103 
Kitchen  garden,  the...  103 
i  irchid  bouses,  the  ...  103 
Plants  under  glass  ...  103 
Public  parks  and  gar- 
dens         102 

Wh  ortleberries  and 

Cranberries     99 

Winter     Greens,      two 
l.arly     ...        107 


ILLUSTRATIONS. 

Agave  attenuata  (Supplementary  Illustration) 
Cypripedium  "Earl  of  Tankerville" 

Lielio-Cattleya  Felicia . 

Polystichum  aculeatum  gracillimum  Drueryi  . 


101 
100 


WOBURN  FRUIT  FARM 
EXPERIMENTS. 

TWO  reports  on  the  Woburn  Fruit  Farm, 
by  the  Duke  of  Bedford  and  Mr. 
Spencer  U.  Pickering  (Amalgamated 
Press,  London),  have  come  out  almost  simul- 
taneously. The  first  is  the  *Ninth  Report,  re- 
lating to  methods  of  planting  fruit  trees,  with 
an  appendix  on  studies  in  germination  and 
plant  growth,  and  on  the  action  of  heat  and 
antiseptics  on  soils.  The  Tenth  Report  relates 
the  results  of  experiments  in  the  treatment  of 
Nursery  trees  by  fumigation  and  other 
methods  for  the  destruction  of  woolly  aphis 
(American  blight),  and  for  killing  the  Apple 
sucker,  the  aphis,  and  various  caterpillars  on 
trees  in  foliage. 

It  will  be  remembered  that  the  Fifth  Report 
gave  the  results  of  experiments  in  methods  of 
planting  fruit  trees  entirely  at  variance  with 
those  in  general  use  and  recommended  as 
the  best  in  all  text-books  bearing  upon  the 
subject.  In  the  Ninth  Report  the  results  of 
repeated  and  new  experiments  of  the  same 
class  are  described.  The  result  in  the  earlier 
experiments  which  attracted  most  attention, 
and  called  forth  much  sceptical  criticism, 
was  the  benefit  declared  to  have  been  derived 

»  Ninth  and  Tenth  Re  foils  of  the  Woburn  Experimental 
Fruit  Farm.  (The  Amalgamated  Press,  Ltd.)  Prices, 
8s.  6d.  and  Is. 


from  placing  trees  with  untrinimed  roots  into 
holes  too  small  for  the  roots,  making  the 
roots  point  downwards  and  stamping  the 
soil  over  them  violently.  A  further  announce- 
ment appears  to  have  been  made  after  the 
issue  of  the  report  to  the  effect  that  the 
violent  stamping  had  been  developed  into 
ramming  the  soil  over  the  roots  until  it 
was  puddled.  The  Ninth  Report 
the  results  of  further  trials  in  this  direc- 
tion, carried  out  at  several  places  away 
from  Woburn  by  skilled  growers  whose 
names  are  given,  as  well  as  on  the 
Woburn  farm  itself.  No  fewer  than  1,372 
trees  were  used  in  these  experiments.  After 
deducting  those  planted  in  certain  places 
where  various  circumstances  spoilt  the  ex- 
periments, average  results  are  given  in  rela- 
tion to  the  growth  of  814  trees.  The  plan 
pursued  in  planting  is  thus  described  : — "  A 
few  forkfuls  of  earth  were  removed,  so  as  to 
make  a  shallow  hole  :  into  this  the  tree  was 
put,  with  the  roots  just  as  they  happened  to 
come,  the  earth  was  shovelled  over  them, 
and  rammed  with  a  heavy  rammer  till  the 
whole  was  thoroughly  puddled  and  shook  like 
a  jelly  at  each  stroke."  Finally  a  shovelful 
of  loose  earth  was  thrown  over  the  rammed 
ground  to  facilitate  hoeing. 

On  the  Woburn  farm  and  at  Harpenden, 
where  the  trials  were  most  extensive,  a  great 
majority  of  the  rammed  trees  made  mote 
growth,  even  in  the  first  season,  than  un- 
rammed  trees,  while  at  some  other  stations 
the  failures  were  nearly  as  numerous  as  tin- 
successes.  The  summary  of  results  states  that 
in  the  first  season  59  per  cent,  of  the  trees 
made  an  excess  of  growth,  27  per  cent,  gave 
no  definite  results,  and  14  per  cent,  showed  a 
deficiency ;  while  in  the  second  season  the 
percentages  in  the  same  order  were  72,  17, 
and  11.  The  writer  of  the  report  attributes 
the  benefit  of  ramming  to  the  extra  close  con- 
tact of  the  soil  with  the  roots  produced  by 
the  process,  and  this  appears  to  be  a  reason- 
able explanation.  It  is  admitted  that  the 
rammed  soil  is  not  propitious  to  the  growth 
of  the  roots  in  it;  but  it  is  pointed  out  that, 
before  the  end  of  the  first  season,  the  roots 
have  penetrated  into  the  loose  soil  beyond  the 
small  extent  of  the  rammed  earth.  What  ex- 
perienced fruit  growers  will  find  it  difficult  to 
accept  is  the  obvious  implication  that  the 
puddling  of  the  soil  is  beneficial  to  the  trees. 
So  long  as  the  ground  is  not  too  dry,  it  is 
stated,  its  condition  will  be  immaterial,  and 
the  failure  of  ramming  in  certain  cases  is 
attributed  to  the  comparative  lightness  of  the 
soil,  which  would  prevent  puddling. 

As  to  the  probable  injury  to  some  of  the 
roots  from  ramming,  it  is  argued  that  this  is 
beneficial.  "  The  continued  life  of  the  tree," 
it  is  added,  "  depends  entirely  on  the  forma- 
tion of  adventitious  roots,  and  it  is  well 
known  that  the  formation  of  these  is  fostered 
by  a  certain  amount  of  injury  to  the  old 
roots."  Independent  experiments  to  test  this 
point  were  conducted  on  a  small  scale.  The 
roots  of  some  trees  were  notched  all  along 
their  length,  and  these  are  reported  to  have 
made  more  growth  than  trees  with  uninjured 
roots.  Similarly,  trees  with  roots  bruised 
and  frayed  by  careless  raising  made  more 
growth  than  others  which  had  the  injured 
parts  trimmed  off. 

Seeing  that  in  a  separate  set  of  experi- 
ments the  moderate  trimming  of  the  roots  of 


trees,  raised  properly,  proved  beneficial,  the 
inference  is  that  it  is  advantageous  to  cut  off 
sound  portions  of  roots,  but  disadvantageous 
to  remove  bruised  and  frayed  portions.  In 
trials  of  root  pruning  under  ordinarv  circum- 
stances the  removal  of  one-fourth  to  one- 
third  of  the  roots  of  trees  is  represented  to 
have  given  favourable  results,  while  more 
drastic  pruning  did  harm.  Similarly,  the 
pruning-off  of  all  fibrous  roots  of  not  more 
than  one-twenty-fifth  of  an  inch  in  diameter 
is  said  to  have  produced  a  slight  benefit  in  the 
case  of  young  trees,  but  injury  in  that  of 
trees  eight  to  nine  years  old. 

Not  the  least  astounding  result  is  that  of 
an  experiment  in  tying  the  roots  of  a  tree 
together,  and  bending  them  in  the  form 
of  a  ball  under  the  tree.  This  operation,  it 
is  reported,  reduced  the  growth  in  the  first 
season,  but  resulted  in  practically  normal 
growth  in  the  second  year.  Trees  on  trenched 
ground  in  a  considerable  majority  of  in- 
stances did  better  than  those  on  untrenched 
ground  ;  but  an  attempt  is  made  to  explain 
this  by  the  statement  that  the  soil  where 
trenching  proved  advantageous  was  excep- 
tionally favourable  to  deep  rooting. 

It  must  not  be  supposed  that  the  favourable 
results  of  what  are  commonly  regarded  as 
had  practices  in  planting  are  reported  to  have 
been  uniform.  On  the  contrary,  the  evidence 
is  more  or  less  conflicting  in  many  in- 
stances, the  deductions  being  from  the  ma- 
jority of  the  results.  Fruit  growers  generally, 
it  may  be  surmised,  will  require  a  great  deal 
more  evidence  than  has  been  obtained  at  pre- 
sent to  convince  them  that  planting  in  wit 
soil  and  puddling  it  by  ramming,  planting 
trees  with  bruised  and  frayed  roots  un- 
trinimed, or  bunching  the  roots  and  ram- 
ming them  into  small  holes  can  be  otherwr  e 
than  disadvantageous.  As  already  stated, 
the  theory  as  to  the  benefit  of  trimming  off  a 
larger  proportion  of  the  roots  than  is  usual 
and  of  notching  them  is  that  the  formation  of 
new  roots  near  the  surface  of  the  soil  is 
thereby  promoted.  But  it  cannot  be  sup- 
posed that  this  process  would  be  favoured  by 
leaving  bruised  and  frayed  roots  untrimmed, 
a  neglect  not  recommended  in  the  report,  in 
spite  of  its  apparently  favourable  results;  and 
as  to  bunching  the  roots,  instead  of  spreading 
them  out,  it  is  contrary  to  all  reason  to  sup- 
pose that  this  can  be  otherwise  than  a  hin- 
drance to  the  extension  of  new  roots  over  the 
greatest  area  of  nourishment.  For  the  re- 
sults of  other  experiments  readers  are 
referred  to  the  report. 

The  Tenth  Report  is  well  worth  careful 
attention.  The  fumigation  with  hydrocyanic 
acid  gas  of  nursery  trees  and  stocks  raised 
for  transplanting  proved  ineffectual  for 
the  destruction  of  the  woolly  aphis,  and  crude 
paraffin  of  various  grades  was  fatal  to  some 
of  the  trees.  The  most  advantageous  treat- 
ment was  immersion  for  ten  minutes  in  v  ater 
at  the  temperature  of  1150  F.  Similarly, 
the  treatment  of  growing  trees  for  the  same 
pest  with  crude  paraffin  or  naphtha  injured 
the  foliage  badly,  and  killed  some  of  the 
trees.  Lime  and  salt  wash,  tried  for  the  de- 
struction of  the  eggs  of  the  Apple  sucker 
(Psylla  mali)  on  dormant  trees,  was  not  a 
success.  This  mixture  also  failed  to  kill  the 
insects  themselves  on  trees  just  coming  into 
foliage.  The  Woburn  winter  wash  destroyed 
only   5   per  cent.,     and    badly    scorched     the 


98 


THE    GARDENERS'      CHRONICLE. 


[February  13,  1909. 


foliage,  while  solutions  of  common  salt  and 
carbolic  acid  both  failed.  Thoroughly  suc- 
cessful, however,  was  Voss's  solution  of 
nicotine,  which,  unfortunately,  is  expensive. 
It  killed  up  to  95  per  cent,  of  the  insects,  and 
did  not  scorch  the  foliage  at  all.  For  the 
destruction  of  several  varieties  of  caterpillars 
paraffin  emulsion  proved  most  successful, 
particularly  that  made  with  Bordeaux  mix- 
ture as  the  emulsifier.  Nicotine  also  gave 
good  results,  but  needed  the  addition  of  lead 
arsenate,  at  the  rate  of  120Z.  to  io  gallons,  to 
render  the  wash  destructive  to  the  caterpillar 
of  the  winter  moth.  In  the  destruction  of  the 
Plum  or  the  Apple  aphis,  nicotine,  because 
harmless  to  the  foliage,  appears  to  be  by  far 
the  best  remedy,  although  paraffin  emulsion 
proved  also  effective. 

In  reading  these  Woburn  Reports,  no  one 
can  fail  to  appreciate  the  munificence  of  the 
Duke  of  Bedford  in  making  provision  for 
these  important  and  costly  investigations,  or 
with  the  painstaking  energy  shown  by  Mr. 
Pickering  in  arranging  and  conducting  the 
experiments. 


POLYSTICHUM   ACULEATUM    GRACILLIMUM 
DRUERYI. 

The  subject  of  our  illustration  is  one  of  the 
most  remarkable  examples  on  record  of  what 
has  been  termed  saltatory  variation.  The  extent 
of  this  variation  can  be  judged  by  comparing  the 
parental  form  indicated  in  the  lower  right-hand 
corner  with  the  typical  frond  of  its  offspring. 
The  graceful  habit  of  the  plant  is  shown  in  the 
left-hand  corner.  A  First-class  Certificate  was 
recently  awarded  to  this  Fern  by  the  Royal  Hor- 
ticultural Society.  The  "  sport  "  is  of  further 
interest,  as  being  one  of  about  a  score  of  simi- 
lar plants,  with,  however,  individual  variations 
of  a  minor  character,  which  originated  in  a  batch 
of  about  a  hundred  seedlings  of  P.  ac.  pulcherri- 
mum  found  many  years  ago  in  Dorset  by  a  farm 
labourer,  and  which,  until  a  few  years  back, 
was  believed  to  be  barren.  Isolated  sporan- 
gia were  then  noted  upon  a  plant  in  the 
possession  of  Mr.  C.  B.  Green,  of  Acton,  this 
plant  having  been  raised  from  an  offset  of  the 
original  plant  which  I  gave  to  Mr.  Green.  We 
both  made  sowings  and  obtained  similar  re- 
sults. The  majority  of  the  plants  so  raised 
were  mainly  of  the  true  parental  type,  but 
several  reverted  to  an  extremely  near  approach, 
not  to  P.  aculeatum,  but  to  P.  angu- 
lare,  a  closely-allied  but  softer  species,  de- 
void of  the  glossy  surface  of  P.  aculeatum. 
Another,  of  similar  type  to  the  one  depicted,  P. 
aculeatum  pulcherrimum  Drueryi,  was  also  cer- 
tificated at  an  earlier  date.  In  this  the  terminal 
pinnules  of  the  frond  are  deeply  serrate,  forming 
a  sort  of  fringe.  A  third  plant  in  Mr.  Green's 
possession  remains  to  be  exhibited,  in  which  the 
fronds  are  far  more  decomposite  and  dense, 
on  similar  plumose  lines  to  the  divisilobe  section 
of  P.  annulare  raised  by  Col.  Jones  and  Dr.  Fox. 
Chas.  T.  Druery,  V.M.H.,  F.L.S. 


L/ELIO-CATTLEYA    FELICIA. 

This  beautiful  hybrid  (see  fig.  48,  p.  100), 
raised  by  Messrs.  Charlesworth  &  Co.,  Hav- 
wards  Heath,  Sussex,  between  L.-C.  Harold, 
iana  (L.  tenebrosa  X  C.  Hardyana)  and 
C.  Trianae,  was  awarded  a  First-class  Cer- 
tificate at  the  Royal  Horticultural  So- 
ciety's meeting  on  January  26.  The  hybrid  re- 
tains the  fine  proportions  of  C.  Hardyana,  with 
a  remarkable  introduction  of  deep  purplish- 
claret  colour  on  the  front  and  edges  of  the  side 
lobes  of  the  lip.  This  extra  deep  colour  is  very 
effective  in  contrast  with  the  silver-white,  rose 
tint  of  the  rest  of  the  flower. 


FlG.   47. — POLYSTICHUM    ACULEATUM    GRACILLIMUM    DRUERYI. 


February  13,  1909.] 


THE     G  A  UDENER  S'     CHE  ON  J  CLE. 


99 


FRUIT     REGISTER. 


STONE   FRUITS    FOR   AMATEURS. 

Beginners  in  the  warmer  counties  may 
cultivate  Apricots,  Plums,  Peaches  and 
Cherries,  the  methods  of  their  cultivation 
and  the  principles  of  summer  and  winter 
pruning  being  easily  understood.  The  Peach, 
Nectarine  and  Apricot  require  the  warmth  and 
protection  of  a  south,  west  or  east  wall  in  the 
south  of  England  and  Ireland,  but  in  the  north 
of  England,  i.e.,  north  of  the  Humber  River 
and  in  Scotland  generally,  the  wood  and  the  fruit 
will  not  mature  on  any  tree  other  than  one  having 
a  due  south  aspect.  In  all  parts  of  the  country 
some  kind  of  protection  is  needed  against  frost 
at  the  time  of  flowering.  The  young  shoots  must 
not  be  trained  so  closely  together  as  to  prevent 
the  summer's  sun  reaching  the  wall  or  they  will 
not  mature  sufficiently  to  form  good  blossom- 
buds.  In  some  Yorkshire  gardens  Apricots  are 
grown  in  rough  sheds  having  merely  a  glass 
roof ;  and  the  trees,  if  frequently  syringed  with 
clear  water,  do  not  suffer  from  red  spider,  a 
great  pest  of  all  wall  trees.  The  syringing  must 
cease  when  the  fruit  on  any  of  the  trees  begins 
to  change  colour.  After  the  crop  has  been 
gathered  syringing  may  be  continued  at  intervals 
till  the  month  of  August  is  out. 

Plums  of  the  common  and  culinary  varieties 
may  be  grown  as  low  standard  trees  and  bushes, 
and  are  not  out  of  place  on  a  lawn,  provided 
they  are  afforded  liquid  manure  at  the  roots 
occasionally  in  the  winter.  Pruning  at  the 
winter  season  will  be  found  a  simple  operation 
if  it  be  borne  in  mind  that  the  fruit  is  produced 
by  the  well-ripened  shoots  of  the  previous  year. 
The  "  spurs  "  should  not  be  closer  than  8  inches 
apart,  and  they  need  to  be  kept  shortened  back 
when  they  exceed  4  or  5  inches  in  length.  It  is 
only  on  the  lower  half  of  the  one-year-old 
shoots  that  fruit  may  be  expected  to  form  :  the 
upper  half  may  be  removed  at  the  annual  winter 
pruning. 

The  dessert  Plums  are  the  better  for  the  pro- 
tection of  a  wall  or  fence,  or  they  may  be  grown 
in  bush-form  in  a  warm  part  of  the  garden. 
Excellent  varieties  of  Plums  are  the  Gages,  viz., 
Bryanstone,  a  large,  round  fruit  blotched  with 
red,  and  ripening  in  September  ;  Green  Gage,  a 
well-known  variety,  Denniston's  Superb,  a 
greenish-yellow  fruit  of  a  large  size  for  a 
Gage,  is  a  prolific  bearer  and  very  hardy,  and 
about  a  fortnight  earlier  in  ripening  than  the 
common  Green  Gage.  Oullin's  Golden  Gage  is 
of  great  size  ;  the  fruits  are  greenish-yellow  and 
ripen  in  August.  Reine  Claude  de  Bavay  is  a 
large,  delicious  Plum,  prolific  in  bearing,  and 
of  a  hardy  constitution.  Three  delicious  Gages 
were  raised  by  the  late  T.  Rivers,  viz.,  Early 
Transparent,  Golden  Transparent  and  Late 
Transparent.  Amongst  Plums  other  than  Gages 
may  be  recommended  Early  Favourite,  Grand 
Duke  and  Late  Rivers — the  two  latter  ripening 
in  October  and  November — and  Monarch  ripen- 
ing late  in  September.  The  Czar  ripens  about 
the  end  of  July  ;  it  is  a  richly  flavoured  fruit, 
and  the  tree  is  very  hardy.  Some  fine  culinary 
varieties  suitable  for  amateur  cultivators  are 
Autumn  Compote,  Curlew,  and  Early  Rivers. 
Of  Damsons,  the  Crittenden's,  King  of  the 
Damsons,  The  Shropshire  or  Prune  and  the 
Common  Damson  offer  a  good  assortment.  The 
Damson  makes  a  good  standard  tree  and  a  good 
boundary  or  shelter  tree  for  a  plantation  of  other 
kinds  of  fruit. 

The  Cherry  is  a  favourite  fruit  with  most  per- 
sons, and  the  varieties  are  many  ;  it  will,  how- 
ever, be  sufficient  to  give  the  names  of  some 
of  the  best,  with  the  proviso  that  the  earliest 
to  ripen  should  be  given  wall  space.  Ripening 
in  the  month  of  June  out-of-doors  are  Guigne 
Annonay,  Semis  de  Burr,  Bigarreau  Jaboulay; 
in  July,  Large  Black.  Large  Red,  Kmpress 
Eugenie,  May  Duke  (against  a  walll,  Noir  de 
Guben — a  Bigarreau,  as  is  also  de  Schreken, 
Black  Taitarian  (against  a  wall),   Klton-earlier 


than  the  Bigarreau  varieties  ;  Governor  Wood, 
light  red  in  colour,  with  tender  flesh ;  Mon- 
strueuse  de  Metzel,  dark  red,  one  of  the  largest 
Cherries,  and  Turkey  Blackheart,  a  favourite 
Kentish  variety.  The  Morello  and  Belle  Magru- 
fique,  both  prolific,  culinary  varieties,  and  very 
hardy,  may,  with  advantage,  find  places  on  a 
north  wall,  as  well  as  be  grown  as  standards 
or   bushes  in   the  open  garden. 

APPLE  AND  PEAR  STOCKS. 
It  may  be  said  that  all  varieties  of  Apples 
succeed  on  the  broad-leaved  Paradise  stock,  but 
it  is  not  the  kind  on  which  should  be  worked 
large-growing,  horizontally-  or  fan-trained  trees, 
such  as  are  commonly  planted  on  walls  in  the 
cooler  parts  of  these  islands.  The  trees  on  this 
stock  produce  fruit  when  very  young,  and  the 
formation  of  growth  is  thus  restricted,  so  that  the 
wall  space  would  be  bare  of  branches  for  several 
years  after  planting  if  the  Paradise  stock  was 
employed.  In  addition,  such  trees  scarcely 
have  the  vigour  the  Crab  stock  imparts ;  so 
that,  for  carrying  a  large  fruitful  head  for  a 
great  number  of  years,  the  latter  is  the  better 
stock.  These  remarks  apply  likewise  to  the 
Pear,  for  the  Quince  stock  may  only  be  advised 
for  single  and  double  cordons  on  walls  and 
bushes  and  pyramids.  Not  every  variety  of  the 
Pear  does  well  when  worked  on  the  Quince,  but 
needs  an  intermediate  graft  of  a  Pear  that 
unites  with  the  Quince  stock  satisfactorily. 
Such  are  those  early  July  Pears,  Doyenne  d'Ete 
and  Citron  des  Cannes,  which  make  good  and 
fertile  trees ;  Fondante  d'Automne,  a  large 
melting  Pear,  forms  a  well-shaped  pyramid  tree 
on  the  Quince  when  double-grafted.  This  last 
is  in  season  in  October.  That  delicious  but  un- 
certain variety  when  worked  on  the  Pear  stock, 
Gansel's  Bergamot,  for  early  fruiting  should  be 
double-grafted  on  the  Quince.  The  fruit  is  ripe 
in  October.  Thomson's  Pear  comes  into  use  in 
the  same  month  as  the  last-mentioned,  and 
should  be  double-worked  on  the  Quince,  like- 
wise the  Seckle  or  Honey  Pear  of  the  Americans. 
Of  January  and  February  Pears,  Zephirin  Gre- 
goire  and  Knight's  Monarch  make  good  cordons 
o  i  the  Quince,  double-grafted,  as  do  Ne  Plus 
Meuris  and  Beurre  Ranee.  The  latter  is  a  good 
bearer,  but  requires  a  place  on  a  south  wall. 
/■'.  .1/. 


CULTURAL    MEMORANDA. 

ASPARAGUS      PLUMOSUS. 

The  months  of  March  and  April  are  most  suit- 
able for  repotting  this  plant.  The  best  compost 
is  one  consisting  of  turfy  loam  one-third,  leaf- 
mould  two-thirds,  and  a  small  quantity  of  horn 
shavings  or  an  artificial  manure  rich  in  ammo- 
nia. The  drainage  in  the  pot  should  be  sufficient 
to  secure  a  free  outlet  for  water  and  no  more. 
After  potting,  which  should  be  performed  by 
hand  with  some  degree  of  firmness,  the  plant 
should  be  placed  on  a  warm  bed  in  a  house  or 
pit  of  considerable  height,  not  plunged,  or  but 
slightly.  No  shade  is  necessary  as  a  rule.  If 
enough  syringing  or  sprinkling  be  carried  cut 
there  is  no  danger  of  burning  or  scalding,  and 
the  conditions  are  just  those  most  favourable  to 
good  growth  :  the  more  so  if  the  walls  and 
paths  are  frequently  moistened.  After  a  long 
period  of  cloudy  weather  a  thin  kind  of  shading 
may  be  employed  during  brief  periods  of  strong 
sunshine  for  a  few  days.  When  this  Asparagus  is 
grown  for  cutting  it  is  usual  to  plant  it  in  a  bed 
or  border  of  soil,  and  train  the  main  shoots  on 
vertical  rods  or  strings,  from  which  it  is  an  easy 
matter  to  detach  them  when  wanted.  Asparagus 
plmnosus  nanus,  it  may  be  added,  is  obtainable 
from  seeds.  The  fronds  of  seedlings  differ 
slightly  from  those  made  by  divided  plants, 
being  thicker  and  the  stalks  weaker,  so  as  to 
cause  them  to  assume  a  more  pendant  habit. 
This  variety  may  be  grown  in  pots  or  in  beds  of 
rich  soil,  and,  if  so  desired,  the  main  growths 
mav  be  fastened  to  thin  Bamboo  rods.    F 


WHORTLEBERRIES  AND  CRANBERRIES. 

(Concluded  from  page  84.) 
OXYCOCCUS. 

O.    MACROCARPUS    (AMERICAN    CRANBERRY). — III 

habit  and  general  character  this  species  differs 
but  little  from  our  native  Cranberry  (O.  palus- 
tris). It  has  the  same  trailing,  wiry,  but 
stouter  stems,  with  larger  leaves  and  fruits. 
Botanically,  it  differs  chiefly  in  the  position  of 
the  flowers  on  the  shoot.  In  O.  palustris  they 
form  a  small  terminal  cluster  ;  but  in  the  present 
species  they  spring  from  the  axils  of  small  leaves 
or  bracts  below  the  extremity  of  the  branch. 
Above  the  flowers,  consequently,  there  is  always 
a  portion  of  leafy  shoot.  The  leaves  are  oval  to 
oblong  (those  of  O.  palustris  are  more  pointed), 
J  to  V  inch  long,  and  glaucous,  white  beneath. 
The  flower  is  light  pink,  and  the  globose  fruit 
red,  and  V  inch  or  rather  more  across.  The  culti- 
vation of  this  Cranberry  in  the  Northern  United 
States  has  developed  into  quite  an  important 
industry.  Hundreds  of  acres  have  been  specially 
prepared  for  its  accommodation,  the  land  being 
arranged  so  as  to  allow  of  its  being  flooded  when 
necessary.  According  to  Mr.  J.  Dawson,  the 
cost  of  this  preparation  is  sometimes  as  much 
as  £60  per  acre.  But  often  a  crop  of  500  bushels 
of  Cranberries  is  gathered  from  one  acre  of  well- 
piepared  land  in  a  single  season.  A  figure  of  a 
fruiting  branch,  showing  the  extraordinary  fer- 
tility of  this  plant,  was  given  in  the  Gardeners' 
Chronicle  for  October  30,  1880  (p.  569). 

O.  palustris  (Cranberry). — Our  native  Cran- 
berry extends  over  a  large  portion  of  the 
northern  hemisphere.  It  is  common  in  the 
Eastern  United  States  and  Canada,  and  reaches 
westward  to  British  Columbia.  It  is  abundant 
in  Northern  Europe,  and  is  widely  spread  over 
the  British  Isles,  but  most  plentifully  in  the 
north  of  England  and  the  south  of  Scotland.  In 
all  these  places,  as  well  as  in  Northern  Asia,  its 
habitat  is  always  the  same — boggy  situations  on 
moors  and  mountains.  In  general  appearance  it 
is  a  small  edition  of  O.  macrocarpus.  It  has  the 
same  entirely  prostrate  habit  and  trailing  wiry 
stems,  but  its  foliage  and  fruit  are  smaller.  The 
leaves  are  J  to  J  inch  long,  ovate,  pointed,  and 
glaucous  beneath.  The  rosy-pink  flowers  come 
in  a  cluster  of  five  or  less  at  the  ends  of  the 
branches.  The  berry  is  red  and  about  the  size  ol 
a  Red  Currant. 

The  gathering  and  sale  of  Cranberries  in  Great 
Britain  is  not  so  important  an  industry  as  it 
once  was.  The  draining  and  enclosing  of  boggy 
land  which  was  carried  on  so  extensively  during 
the  great  French  wars  of  a  century  ago,  and  up 
to  the  repeal  of  the  Corn  Laws,  destroyed  many 
favourite  habitats  of  the  Cranberry  in  this 
country.  At  Longtown,  in  Cumberland,  near 
Solway  Firth,  it  is  said  that  in  the  Cranberry 
season  £30  worth  of  berries  used  to  be  sold  on 
one  market  day.  They  have  an  acid  and  astrin- 
gent taste,  and  are  used  for  tarts,  preserves,  and 
sweetmeats. 

CHIOGENES. 

Chiogenes  serpyllifolia  (Creeping  Snow- 
berry). — In  habit  this  curious  North  American 
plant  very  much  resembles  Oxycoccus  palustris. 
It  has  creeping,  very  slender  stems,  and  small, 
ovate,  pointed  leaves,  but  is  readily  distinguished 
from  the  Cranberry  by  the  leaves  being  furnished 
beneath  v/ith  rigid,  rusty-coloured  bristles  in- 
stead of  being  glaucous.  The  flowers,  too,  are 
quite  different ;  they  are  very  small,  produced 
singly  on  a  nodding  stalk  from  the  leaf  axils, 
and  the  corolla  is  bell-shaped.  The  fruit  is 
white,  globular,  and  nearly  i  inch  in  diameter, 
with  a  delicate  acid  and  aromatic  taste.  The 
whole  plant,  indeed,  has  an  aromatic  odour  re- 
sembling that  of  Gaultheria  procumbens.  This 
plant  has  a  wide  distribution  in  North  America, 
reaching  from  Labrador  westwards  to  British 
Columbia,  and  south  to  Minnesota,  Michigan, 
and  North  Carolina.  It  inhabits  peat  bogs  and 
damp  woods.     W.  J.  Bean. 


100 


THE    GARDENERS'    CHRONICLE. 


[February  13,  1S09. 


THE    ROSARY. 


CULTURAL  NOTES  FOR  FEBRUARY. 

When  the  ground  is  dry  and  free  from  frost 
advantage  should  be  taken  of  the  opportunity  to 
finish  any  arrears  of  planting,  including  rooted 
cuttings  that  have  been  "  heeled  in"  temporarily. 

Roses  of  the  rugosa  type  and  hybrid  Sweet 
Briars  are  very  ornamental  subjects  for  group- 
ing in  gardens  or  pleasure  grounds.     They  suc- 


of  their  attractive  fruits  during  the  autumn 
months.  The  frost  will  have  loosened  in  the 
soil  many  stocks  and  cuttings  planted  last 
autumn  or  since  that  time.  With  this  in  mind, 
carefully  examine  all  newly-planted  Roses,  es- 
pecially the  standard  Briars,  and  tread  the  soil 
about  them  firmly  and  then  give  a  fresh  surface 
mulch  of  manure. 

All  hardy  climbing  Roses  can  now  have  their 
shoots  thinned  and  secured  to  the  arches,  pillars, 
or  pergolas  over  which  they  are  trained. 


of  60°  F.  is  ample,  but  it  may  be  increased 
5  or  10°  more  with  sun  heat,  provided  there  is 
plenty  of  top  ventilation  but  no  cold  draught. 
Just  before  or  at  the  time  the  flower-buds  de- 
velop the  plants  should  be  well  fed  with  liquid 
manure  and  soot  water  diluted  to  a  light-brown 
colour.  This  food  should  be  given  two  or  three 
times  a  week.  The  plants  will  now  be  benefited 
by  plenty  of  atmospheric  moisture  during  the  day, 
but  the  conditions  at  night-time  should  be  drier, 
when  a  little  top  ventilation  may  te  afforded. 


Fig.  48.— l.^lio-cattleya  felicia  :   awarded  a  first-ct.ass  certificate  at  the  meeting  of  the  e.h.s.  on  January  26. 

(See  page  98.) 


ceed  in  a  smoky  atmosphere,  and  for  that  reason 
they  should  be  planted  in  town  gardens.  Rosa 
rugosa  var.  Blanche  Double  de  Coubert  is  a 
very  effective,  double  white  variety,  free  in 
flowering  and  with  very  fragrant  blooms.  Rosa 
rugosa  atropurpurea  has  carmine-crimson 
flowers.  The  l'enzance  Briars  are  an  acquisition 
not  only  for  their  rich  perfume  but  also  because 


The  majority  of  the  pot  Roses  should  be 
brought  into  a  cold  house  or  frame  in  order  that 
they  may  gradually  be  started  into  growth 
and  pruned  at  intervals  before  being  brought 
into  heat.  By  this  method  the  results  will 
be  much  better,  both  in  the  quality  of  the 
growth  and  blooms,  than  if  they  are  forced  in 
excessive  warmth.     An  atmospheric  temperature 


The  early-grafted  plants  will  now  be  ready 
for  a  shift  into  5-inch  pots,  using  good  rich  loam 
with  a  small  proportion  of  decayed  or  spent  hot- 
bed manure  and  a  dash  of  river  or  washed  sand. 
Pot  firmly  and  afterwards  place  the  plants  well 
up  to  the  glass.  Keep  the  structure  closed  for 
a  few  days.  After  one  watering  at  the  roots  a 
light  syringing  overhead  will  suffice  for  several 


February  13,  1909.] 


THE     GARDENERS     CHRONICLE. 


101 


days,  or  until  the  new  roots  begin  to  ramify 
in  the  fresh  soil. 

Soft  grafting  will  now  be  in  full  operation,  and 
will  continue  until  the  supply  of  stocks  is  ex- 
hausted. The  propagation  of  Roses  on  their  own 
roots  will  follow.  As  a  general  rule,  early  in 
March  is  a  suitable  time  for  rooting  the  cuttings, 
as  by  then  the  bulk  of  the  herbaceous  grafting 
will  be  completed.  If  hot-beds  are  to  be  em- 
ployed for  the  purpose,  no  time  should  be  lost  in 
getting  the  manure  together.  Horse  manure, 
without  straw,  is  the  best  material,  and  it  should 
be  turned  over  several  times  into  a  heap  to  fer- 
ment and  dry.  If  the  hot-bed  is  made  up  pro- 
perly, it  should,  with  an  occasional  lining  of 
fresh  material,  furnish  a  steady  bottom  heat  of 
75°,  declining  to  65°,  up  till  such  time 
as  the  cuttings  are  well  rooted.  The 
depth  of  the  bed  at  the  back  should  be  at 
least  3  feet  6  inches,  with  a  fall  of  6  inches  to 
the  front.  The  manure  must  be  trodden  firmly. 
The  space  required  for  a  two-light  frame  will  be 
about  8  feet  by  10  feet.  This  will  allow  a  clear 
margin  of  1  foot  all  around  the  bed  for  fresh 
linings  when  the  heat  of  the  frame  begins  to  de- 
cline. A  two-light  box  frame  is  about  7  feet 
square,  and  the  bed  and  frame  must  be  ad- 
justed to  each  other  according  to  circumstances. 
I  have  used,  with  some  success,  hot-water  circu- 
lating tanks  under  closed  frames  for  propagating 
Roses  from  cuttings,  but,  on  the  whole,  the  old- 
fashioned  hot-bed  is  the  more  satisfactory. 

The  Roses  in  borders  will  now  be  making 
good  progress,  and  plenty  of  fresh  air  may 
be  admitted  by  both  top  and  bottom  venti- 
lators. Use  the  syringe  freely  to  clean  the 
shoots  and  to  keep  down  insect  pests.  If  mildew 
appears,  paint  the  pipes  with  a  solution  of  soft 
soap  and  sulphur.  Towards  the  close  of  the  day 
the  atmosphere  in  the  house  should  be  kept  dry. 

Whenever  possible  soft  water  should  be  used 
for  watering.  At  the  present  time  it  is  advisable 
to  give  no  more  moisture  than  will  be  fairly- 
absorbed  by  the  evening.  An  occasional  sprink- 
ling of  slacked  lime  over  the  surface  of  the  beds 
and  walks  will,  in  a  degree,  neutralise  any  sour- 
ness in  the  old  soil.  The  use  of  lime  will 
counteract  the  growth  of  algae ;  it  will  also 
sweeten  the  soil  and  be  beneficial  generally  to 
the  growth  of  the  plants.     /.  D.  G. 


FLORISTS'    FLOWERS. 


CYPRIPEDIUM   "EARL  OF  TANKERVILLE." 

This  beautiful  hybrid  (see  fig.  49)  was  raised 
by  Messrs.  Sander  &  Sons,  St.  Albans,  from 
Cypripedium  exul  and  C.  nitens  "  Sander's 
variety."  The  raisers  first  exhibited  the  plant  at 
the  Royal  Horticultural  Society's  meeting  on 
January  9,  1906,  when  it  was  given  an  Award  of 
Merit  by  the  Orchid  Committee.  A  part  of  the 
original  specimen  passed  into  the  collection  of 
Col.  G.  L.  Holford,  C.I.E.,  C.V.O.,  Westonbirt 
(gr.  Mr.  H.  G.  Alexander),  who  exhibited  it  at 
the  Royal  Horticultural  Society's  meeting  on 
January  26  this  year,  and  from  this  plant  our 
illustration  was  prepared.  Cypripedium  exul 
has  never  ranked  high  in  the  estimation 
of  Orchidists,  nor  has  it  been  of  much  value 
as  an  agent  in  hybridising.  The  present  instance 
is,  perhaps,  the  first  really  satisfactory  cross, 
and  in  this  case  the  good  result  has  probably 
been  due  mostly  to  its  combination  with  C. 
nitens  "Sander's  variety."  There  are  numbers 
of  hybrid  Cypripedium  s  with  larger  flowers  than 
those  of  the  Earl  of  Tankerville  variety,  but  in 
form  and  marking  it  is  difficult  to  imagine  a  more 
perfect  bloom  than  that  under  notice.  The 
flower  is  firm  and  wax-like  in  substance,  with  the 
dorsal  sepal  pure  white,  and  a  small,  emerald- 
green  'base,  bearing  deep,  chocolate-purple 
blotches,  which  change  in  the  upper  part  to  rose- 
purple.  The  remaining  portion  of  the  flower  is 
yellow,  tinged  with  purple-brown. 


SWEET    PEAS. 

It  is  a  matter  of  some  importance  for  culti- 
vators to  know  that  they  are  liable  to  purchase 
the  same  variety  of  Sweet  Pea  under  more  than 
one  name.  The  descriptions  in  the  catalogues 
may  be  a  little  differently  worded,  and  this  mis- 
leads the  purchaser. 

Amongst  the  best  varieties  for  exhibition  pur- 
poses and  also  for  general  garden  decoration 
is  one  known  as  The  King.  This  fine  Sweet  Pea 
has  many  good  qualities  in  addition  to  that  of 
size.  It  is  a  vigorous  grower,  and  although 
some  persons  recommend  it  to  be  grown  in 
slight  shade  I  prefer  planting  it  in  an  open 
position.  The  colour  is  best  developed  during 
bright  weather,  for  in  dull  seasons,  the  wings 
assume  a  magenta  tinge  that  detracts  from  the 
appearance  of  the  flower. 

Mrs.  A.  Ireland  is  a  new  variety  possessing 
good  decorative  qualities.     It   is  the   nearest  to 


ting  near  to  obtaining  a  sun-proof  scarlet. 
Prince  of  Asturias  is  a  very  fine  chocolate-col- 
oured variety.  Not  only  are  the  flowers  of  a 
pleasing  colour,  but  they  are  large  and  stout 
of  petal.  It  should  be  grown  for  exhibition 
purposes,  as  the  tone  is  suitable  for  mixing 
amongst  lighter  shades.  The  colour  is  pleasing 
even  when  seen  in  the  flowers  growing  in  the 
garden. 

Paradise  Ivory  attracted  much  attention  dur- 
ing 1908.  This  variety  is  wonderfully  fine  in 
flowering,  the  bloom  being  of  a  pleasing  cream 
shade.  The  blooms  are  valuable  when  in  the 
cut  state,  but  the  variety  will  be  superseded,  at 
least  for  show  purposes,  when  Mrs.  C.  Curtis 
and  the  Primrose  Spencers  are  better  fixed. 
Mrs.  J.  Wilcox  is  the  finest  of  the  Spencer 
American  type  that  1  have  noticed,  and  if  the 
raisers  can  place  a  good  stock  of  this  variety 
upon  the  market  they  will  earn  the  thanks  of 
those  who  admire  the  striped  forms  of  this 
flower.     The  growth  is  robust. 

Evelyn  Hemus  is,  without  doubt,  one  of  the 


FlG.   49. — CYPRIPEDIUM    ''EARL    OF   TANKERVILLE  "  :     GRANTED    A    FIRST- 
CLASS    CERTIFICATE    BY   THE    ROYAL    HORTICULTURAL    SOCIETY 
ON    TUESDAY   LAST. 


Jeannie  Gordon  of  any  of  the  Spencer  form 
yet  sent  out.  There  are  several  other  varieties 
described  as  nearly  like  this  older  variety,  and 
when  grown  in  comparison  they  will  doubtless 
prove  to  be  identical  with  it.  Apple  Blossom 
Spencer  is,  in  my  opinion,  one  of  the  finest 
Sweet  Peas  of  recent  introduction  for  planting 
in  clumps  in  gardens.  The  flowers  are  less 
changeable  in  colour  than  those  of  many  other 
kinds.  This  variety  is  very  similar  in  many  re- 
spects to  Mrs.  A.  Ireland,  yet  quite  distinct  and 
altogether  of  a  paler  colouring.  Some  of  the 
stocks  of  this  variety  are  already  quite  fixed  in 
character.  George  Stark  is  the  finest  scarlet 
variety  yet  raised.  Seeds  may  not  be  had  this 
season,  as  it  is  not  yet  placed  in  commerce.  The 
flowers  are  not  so  affected  by  strong  sun- 
shine as  others  of  a  similar  colour,  and  this  is 
therefore  a  great  advance  in  the  direction  of  a 
"  scarlet  "  that  does  not  burn.  There  are  several 
other  seedlings  which  have  the  same  good 
quality,    thereby    indicating    that    we    are    get- 


most  beautiful  Sweet  Peas  ever  raised.  The 
colour  of  the  flower  blends  and  harmonises 
anywhere  and  everywhere,  and  never  seems 
misplaced.  The  bine  is  healthy  in  growth, 
whilst  the  blooms  withstand  the  weather  well, 
although  they  are  produced  on  long  stems. 
Mrs.  C.  W.  Breadmore  need  not  be  cultivated  if 
Evelyn  Hemus  is  grown,  as  they  are  very 
similar. 

Elsie  Herbert  has  qualities  of  habit  and  vigour 
equal  to  those  of  Evelyn  Hemus,  but  the 
ground  colour  of  the  flowers  is  white  instead 
of  cream.  The  petals  have  a  beautiful,  pinkish 
edge,  and  it  is  the  opinion  of  many  that  the 
variety  is  second  to  none  for  general  beauty  and 
usefulness. 

The  variety  Constance  Oliver  has  made  a 
name  for  its  raiser  and  is  valuable  to  every 
exhibitor  and  lover  of  Sweet  Peas.  The  long, 
strong  flower-stems  are  crowned  with  mostly 
four,  beautiful  flowers  of  a  creamy-yellow  col- 
ouring suffused  with  an  orange-pink  tinge. 


102 


THE     GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


[February  13,  1909. 


Etta  Dyke  has  no  equal  amongst  the  white- 
flowering  varieties,  and  may  be  relied  upon  to 
come  true  to  character. 

Mrs.  Henry  Bull  is  another  of  the 
cream-ground  section  that  is  finding  general 
favour.  In  this  section,  although  the  differences 
in  the  flowers  are  not  great,  there  is  still  suffi- 
cient distinction  to  allow  of  naming  the  varie- 
ties accurately  at  a  glance.  A  cream  ground 
suffused  either  with  apricot-pink,  orange-pink, 
or  slightly-flushed  pink  is  a  very  beautiful  tone, 
and  this  type  of  Sweet  Pea  is  valuable  for  all- 
round  purposes. 

James  Grieve. — There  are  a  few  good  stocks 
of  this  Sweet  Pea  which,  when  true  to  charac- 
ter, is  not  surpassed  in  depth  of  colour  by  any 
ifi  the  cream  section.  When  seen  growing  in 
quantity  the  blooms  present  a  somewhat 
greenish-yellow  hue.  The  variety  is  very  fine 
in  flowering  and  forms  one  of  the  best  of  its 
colour  for  market  purposes.  Sweet  Peas  simi- 
lar in  character  to  Marjorie  Willis  are  numer- 
ous, their  nearest  approach  to  colouring  in  the 
Spencer  form  is  Prince  of  Wales.  Most  trade 
growers  appear  to  have  the  type  under  varying 
■  i  s'  At  certain  times,  when  at  its  brightest, 
the  colour  is  pleasing,  and  the  distinctive  white 
blotch  at  the  base  of  the  standard  adds  to  the 
effect.  But  there  is  a  "  Primula-sinensis  pink  " 
about  the  type  that  quickly  fades  into  objec- 
tionable magneta  shades,  and  the  lower  flowers 
upon  the  stem  usually  develop  these  shades 
before  the  top  flowers  are  in  perfection.  If  it 
can  be  shown  on  the  same  day  as  it  is  cut  in 
large  groups  it  is  effective,  but  when  sent  the 
previous  day  from  a  long  distance  it  is  dis- 
appointing. 

Maggie  Stark  may  be  classed  with  Helen 
Lewis.  It  is  a  variety  with  less  substance  in 
the  petals  than  the  true  Helen  Lewis,  and  some- 
what brighter  in  colouring.  Maggie  Stark 
forms  an  effective  variety  for  furnishing  cut 
flowers,  and  may  best  be  described  as  being  be- 
tween St.  George  and  Helen  Lewis.  It  is  really 
a  very  greatly  improved  form  of  Evelyn  Byatt. 
So  far  as  I  can  discern,  I  cannot  detect  any  dif- 
ference between  it  and  such  varieties  as  Lord 
Althorp  and  Helen   Grbsvenor. 

I  should  always  include  the  variety  Olive 
Ruffle  in  any  collection  of  Sweet  Peas.  But  it 
does  not  come  true,  and,  like  Audrey  Crier, 
seems  difficult  to  fix.  At  the  same  time  it  is 
a  very  desirable  variety  and  deeper  in  colour 
than  Constance  Oliver  and  others  of  that  class. 
The  growth  is  of  dwarf  habit  so  far  as  I  have 
observed.  This  does  net  affect  the  flower-stems 
or  flowers  which  are  mostly  produced  four  upon 
each  stem.  There  are  other  good  varieties  of 
recent  raising,  but  as  they  are  not  all  fixed  or  to 
be  had  in  commerce,  it  would  serve  no  useful 
purpose  to  write  upon  their  merits.  From  my 
knowledge  I  may  safely  predict  that  the  year 
1909  will  give  us  definite  fixed  improvements 
in  some  of  the  sections  of  this  beautiful  flower. 
Charles   Foster. 


NOTICES    OF     BOOKS. 


*  School-Gardening. 

Those  who  have  had  to  do  with  the  organisa- 
tion and  management  of  school  gardens  know 
that  many  difficulties  arise  in  the  course  of  the 
work.  The  choice  of  ground  is  usually  limited, 
the  land  is  often  in  bad  condition,  and  the  work 
o[  the  boys  has  to  be  arranged  so  that  it  will 
not  interfere  with  their  ordinary  class  work. 

At  the  same  time,  if  the  teaching  is  to  have 
any  practical  value,  it  is  necessary  that  the 
ordinary  routine  of  garden  work  should  be  fol- 
lowed as  closely  as  possible,  and  this,  with  the 
rather  uncertain  supply  of  labour  available,  it  is 
not  easy  to  ensure.  Above  all,  it  is  important 
that  the  best  methods  should  be  employed  for 
carrying  out  even  simple  operations,  and  that 
some  attempt  should  be  made  to  explain  clearly 
the  meaning  and  value  of  each. 

This  little  book  is  an  attempt  to  meet  such 
difficulties  half-way.  It  contains  little  that  is 
new,  but  offers  useful  advice-  as  to  the  best 
methods  of  laying  out  school  gardens  and  of 
planning  the  work.  The  descriptions  and  dia- 
grams are  clear,  and  should  be  of  service,  especi- 
ally to  inexperienced  teachers. 

A  chapter  is  devoted  to  seed-sowing.  The 
cultivation    of    the   commoner    garden    crops   is 

*  School-Gardening,  by  W.  Francis  Raukine.    Pitman  & 
Soni.     Price  Is, 


described  at  some  length,  and  sufficient  space  is 
devoted  to  fruit  culture,  diagrams  being  given 
to  illustrate  correct  methods  of  pruning,  grafting 
and  planting.  Common  diseases  which  attack 
garden  crops  are  described,  with  their  remedies, 
and  lists  of  the  best  varieties  are  given  in  the 
chapters  on  fruit  culture. 

There  is  a  short  introduction  by  Mr.  H.  J. 
Wright,  with  whom  we  agree,  that,  in  cases 
where  the  experience  of  the  instructor  has  been 
limited  through  uncontrollable  circumstances, 
this  little  work  "  should  do  much  to  establish, 
the  teaching  on  correct  lines." 


The  Week's  Work. 


THE  FLOWER  GARDEN. 

By  W.  A.  Cook,  Gardener  to  Sir  Edmund  G.  Loder,  Bart., 
Leonardslee,  Sussex. 

Hoses. — The  pruning  of  Roses  trained  on  warm 
walls  or  planted  in  sheltered  positions  may  be 
proceeded  with.  All  dead  wood  and  any  weak 
growths  should  be  removed.  Train  in  strong, 
well-ripened  shoots  that  may  be  required  for 
furnishing  the  wall  ;  any  not  required  may  be 
pruned  to  two  or  three  buds.  It  is  a  good  prac- 
tice to  train  in  some  new  shoots  each  year  and  to 
remove  a  corresponding  number  of  the  old  ones, 
as  this  will  impart  fresh  vigour  to  the  plants. 
The  shoots  should  be  secured  with  tarred  string, 
as  this  substance  is  more  durable  than  ordinary 
string.  Remove  any  of  the  surface  soil  that 
appears  exhausted,  replacing  it  with  a  fresh 
compost.  Another  plan  of  replenishing  the  soil 
is  to  make  a  trench  at  some  distance  from  the 
stems  and  to  refill  it  with  fresh  soil  with  which 
has  been  mixed  a  quantity  of  bouemeal. 

Early  blooming  of  Roses. — Among  early-flower- 
ing varieties  suitable  for  training  against  walls 
are  Rosa  sinica  anemone  (one  of  the  very  finest 
of  all  the  early-flowering  single  Roses,  the  large 
petals  being  a  delicate  -hade  of  pink)  ;  Viscoun- 
tess Folkestone  (creamy  pin';),  Sunset  (apricot), 
Niphetos  (white),  Catherine  Mermet  (pink),  Reine 
Olga  de  Wurtemburg  (red),  Cheshunt  Hybrid 
(maroon  crimson,  a  fine  variety  for  a  wall),  Wil- 
liam Allen  Richardson  (deep  orange  yellow)  ; 
LTdeal  (red,  tinted  yellow),  Solfatare  (sulphur 
yellow),  Comtesse  du  Cayla  (coppery  carmine 
shaded  with  orange  and  yellow,  an  exquisite 
Rose  when  in  the  bud  state),  and  Fulgens  (crim- 
son). The  best-coloured  blooms  of  the  beautiful 
William  Allen  Richardson  variety  are  obtained 
from  plants  trained  against  a  west  wall,  which  is 
also  the  best  position  for  the  well-known  Man  - 
chal  Niel  variety.  The  pretty  and  distinct  Rose 
bracteata  requires  some  slight  protection  in 
severe  weather,  and  should  always  be  planted 
against  a  warm  wall.  When  the  pruning  and' 
training  of  the  Roses  have  be?n  finished,  the 
plants  should  be  sprayed  with  a  preparation 
containing  nicotine,  and  another  application 
should  be  given  when  the  buds  break  intoi 
growth.     This   will   ward   off   attacks   of   aphis. 


PUBLIC    PARKS   AND    GARDENS. 

By  J.  W.  Moorman,  Superintendent  of  Victoria  Park, 
London. 

Late-planted  trees  and  shrubs. — Circumstances 
often  necessitate  the  planting  of  trees  and 
shrubs,  the  staking  of  trees,  turfing,  and  other 
work  being  done  late  in  the  new  year  that  would 
be  better  performed  in  the  autumn.  But  with 
care  such  late  work  is  generally  successful, 
although  the  risk  of  failure  is  far  greater  as  the 
summer  approaches.  In  March  late-planted 
trees  and  shrubs  are  often  injured  or  killed  by 
the  cold  winds. 

Staking  trees. — Standard  trees  should  be 
secured  to  a  stout  stake  immediately  after 
planting :  they  will  require  special  care  in  tying, 
so  that  the  bark  may  not  be  injured  by  rub- 
bing against  the  stake.  The  stems  of  all  speci- 
men trees  planted  by  themselves  should  have 
from  7  to  8  feet  of  clear  stem  between  the  ground 
line  and  the  branches ;  when  less  than  this  is 
allowed,  there  is  a  danger  of  the  tops  of  the  trees 
being  broken  by  mischievous  boys. 

Best  kinds  of  stakes. — The  most  serviceable 
stakes  are  Larch  poles,  with  the  bark  intact,  and 
the  "  ricker  "  poles,  which,  I  believe,  are  of  some 
imported  coniferous  tree.  Both  are  straight  and 
strong,  and  can  be  purchased  in  different  sizes, 
ranging  in  length  from  10  feet  to  18  feet.  The 
shorter  lengths  are  best  suited  for  newly-planted 


trees,  but  for  re-tying  those  that  have  been 
planted  three  or  four  years  the  taller  stakes  will 
be  needed.  Strips  of  sacking  should,  in  all 
cases,  be  bound  around  the  stem  of  the  tree  be- 
tween the  ligature  and  the  bark.  This  will  pre- 
vent injury  from  rubbing  or  from  tightening 
of  the  string.  Secure  the  plant  very  firmly 
as  high  up  ihe  stem  as  possible,  using  strong 
tarred  cord  for  the  purpose.  Trees  that  have 
been  planted  a  few  years  should  have  an  occa- 
sional inspection  to  see  that  the  string  is  not 
cutting  into  the  bark.  A  young,  fast-growing 
tree  swells  in  girth  considerably  between  the 
time  of  its  planting  and  the  time  when  it  is 
stout  enough  to  do  without  a  support.  During  this 
period  longer  and  stouter  stakes  become  neces- 
sary, for  when  in  full  leafage  the  tree  has  to 
withstand  a  very  great  strain  during  strong  winds. 
Tree  guards. — Some  kind  of  tree-guard  is 
necessary  to  protect  Plane  and  other  Avenue 
trees  by  the  side  of  carriage  drives.  Orna- 
mental guards  are  often  employed,  but  a  much 
less  costly  method  of  protecting  tree  stems  is  to 
place  a  narrow  strip  of  small-meshed  galvanised 
wire  netting  (usually  about  18  inches  wide) 
around  both  the  stem  and  the  stake.  The  net- 
ting should  be  made  secure  by  lacing  it  to- 
gether  with   wire. 


RHODODENDRONS    AND    AZALEAS   AS 
BEDDING  PLANTS. 

There  is  a  varied  assortment  of  flowering 
plants  that  will  provide  a  display  of  flowers  in 
spring,  and  a  succession  of  bloom  may  be  had 
from  the  time  the  earliest  varieties  of  Narcissus 
and  Tulips  open  until  the  summer  bedding 
beautifies  the  gardens.  We  have,  in  addition  to 
the  spring  bulbous  flowering  subjects,  a  large 
variety  of  "carpeting  plants,"  such  as  Arabi-. 
Myosotis,  Violas,  Polyanthus,  &c. 

It  frequently  happens  that  there  is  a  time  be- 
tween the  spring  and  summer  displays  when  the 
beds  are  bare  of  flowers,  especially  if  the 
weather  is  of  such  a  nature  that  the  work  of 
planting  the  summer  bedding  subjects  cannot  be 
early  proceeded  with. 

To  avoid  this  "  break  "  in  flow'.ring,  I  have 
for  several  seasons  past  filled  ?  few  beds  with 
dwarf  Rhododendrons  and  Ghent  Azaleas.  The 
showy  flowers  of  these  plants  furnish  a  charm- 
ing effect  and  one  not  easily  excelled.  Their 
flowering  season  follows  that  of  the  spring  bed- 
ding plants,  and  they  remain  in  bloom  till  the 
end  of  May  or  the  first  week  in  June.  A  few 
plants  of  Iris  germanica  mixed  with  the  Azaleas 
enhance  the  effect.  The  bright  purple  flowers 
of  the  Irises  provide  a  pleasing  contrast  to  the 
soft  shades  of  yellow,  salmon-pink,  &c,  of  the 
Azaleas. 

After  their  flowering  is  over,  the  Rhododen- 
drons are  removed  to  the  nursery,  where  they 
are  planted  in  rows  fairly  close  together. 
Directly  they  are  planted  the  roots  are  given  a 
copious  watering,  after  which  they  are  well 
mulched  with  manure,  which,  in  addition  to 
stimulating  new  growth,  affords  protection  to  the 
roots  throughout  the  summer  months.  If  a  par- 
tially-shaded site  is  selected  for  them  they  will 
withstand  the  dry,  hot  weather  of  summer  much 
better  than  if  placed  in  an  exposed  position. 

By  the  next  autumn,  flower-buds  will  have 
formed,  and  as  new  ones  are  produced  each  suc- 
ceeding year  the  same  plants  can  be  used  for 
several  seasons.  If  two  separate  batches  can  be 
provided  so  much  the  belter,  as  by  using  the 
plants  in  alternate  seasons  a  period  of  18 
months  in  the  nursery  can  be  allotted  to  each, 
which  is  an  obvious  advantage.  In  the  case  of 
the  Azaleas,  the  old  shoots  are  cut  hard  back 
whenever  the  growth  becomes  irregular.  By  this 
method  dwarf,  bushy  plants  are  maintained  with 
plenty  of  healthy  flowering  growth.  The  Rho- 
dodendrons do  not  respond  to  this  treatment 
quite  so  readily,  but  with  the  judicious  use  of 
the  knife  the  plants  can  be  kept  dwarf  and  suit- 
able for  this  method  of  planting  for  several 
years. 

I  have  also  used  with  good  results  for  a  similar 
purpose  the  light  and  graceful  flowering  Cine- 
raria stellata,  its  beautiful  shades  of  Aster-like 
flowers  giving  a  charming  effect.  These,  if 
raised  from  seeds  sown  about  the  end  of  July 
and  grown  in  a  cool  frame  or  house,  provide 
good  plants  for  flowering  during  May.  They  can 
be  plunged  in  pots,  either  in  separate  beds  or 
mixed  with  other  plants.  If  given  a  sheltered  posi- 
tion,  the  Star  Cineraria  will  continue  to  flower 
for  three  or  four  weeks.  /.  Rogers,  Ba/tersea  Pari. 


February  13,  1909.] 


THE     GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


103 


THE    ORCHID    HOUSES. 

By  W.  H.  White,  Orchid  Grower  to  Sir  Trevor  Lawrence, 
Hart.,  Burford,  Surrey. 

Oncidiums,  6-v. — The  warmth-loving  Oncidium 
ampliatum  and  the  variety  major  will  now  be 
showing  their  flower-spikes,  and  the  warm, 
moist  atmosphere  of  the  plant  stove  will  be 
suitable  for  them  until  the  flowers  open,  when 
they  may  be  removed  to  a  somewhat  cooler 
structure.  Immediately  the  spikes  appear, 
water  must  be  given  sufficiently  frequent  to  keep 
the  roots  moist.  Plants  of  O.  Cavendishianum 
that  have  their  flower-spikes  well  advanced  and 
are  prominently  showing  their  flower-buds  should 
be  placed  in  the  warmest  house,  as  the  Mexican 
house,  in  which  they  made  their  growth,  is 
rather  too  low  in  temperature  for  the  proper 
expansion  of  the  flowers.  Any  plants  of  O.  leuco- 
chilum,  O.  nigratum,  and  O.  maculatum  that 
are  showing  their  spikes  and  are  at  the  warmer 
end  of  the  Odontoglossum  house  should  now  be 
removed  to  the  Cattleya  house.  Afford  these 
Oncidiums  sufficient  water  at  the  roots  to  keep 
the  pseudo-bulbs  in  a  fairly  plump  condition 
until  the  flowers  open,  when  the  quantity  should 
be  considerably  lessened  until  growth  recom- 
mences. Floweiing  plants  of  Laelia  harpo- 
phylla,  Odontoglossum  platycheilum,  and  the 
cool-growing  Dendrobium  tetragonum,  D.  aemti- 
lum,  D.  Kingianum  and  its  variety  album,  will 
also  develop  their  flower-buds  better  if  given 
similar  treatment. 

Odontoglossum  citrosmum. — In  the  resting- 
house  plants  of  Odontoglossum  i  itrosmum  are 
already  starting  into  growth,  but  they  should 
not  be  excited  by  heat  or  moisture  to  make  any 
rapid  advance,  or  they  might  grow  away  and 
fail  to  produce  flowers  at  the  proper  season. 
Our  plants  of  this  species  are  in  a  dry  atmo- 
sphere ranging  between  50°  and  55°  at  night, 
but  rising  several  degrees  by  day  with  sun  heat. 
They  are  kept  in  a  comparatively  drv  condition 
at  the  root,  thus  causing  the  pseudo-bulbs  to 
become  somewhat  shrivelled.  Immediately  the 
flower-spikes  are   seen   pushing   up   through   the 

.me  of  the  new  growths,  the  plants  should 
be  placed  in  a  more  genial  atmosphere,  and  well 
supplied  with  water,  after  which,  in  a  few  days, 
the  pseudo-bulbs  will  rapidly  regain  their  former 
plump  condition. 


the  winter.  Plants  which  are  doing  well  and 
flowering  strongly  at  fairly  regular  intervals 
should  not  be  disturbed,  no  matter  how  many- 
years  they  have  occupied  the  same  pots,  or  how 
crowded  the  bulbs  appear  to  be.  The  present, 
however,  is  a  suitable  time  to  repot  those  whose 
soil  is  in  a  bad  condition.  The  bulbs  should  be 
,  washed  free  from  the  old  soil  in  a  pail  of  tepid 
water  and  repotted  rather  deeply  in  10  or  12-inch 
pots,  placing  the  bulbs  closely  together.  Good 
loam,  with  one-fifth  leaf-mould  added  and 
plenty  of  silver  sand  and  some  charcoal  will  be 
found  a  suitable  soil.  A  plentiful  supply  of 
water  is  needed  during  the  season  of  growth, 
but  after  the  leaves  have  matured  the  plants  re- 
quire rather  less  water  and  a  lower  temperature. 


FLilNTS    UNDER  GLASS. 

By  A.  C.  Bartlett,  Gardener  to  Mrs.  Fonu,  Pencarrcw 
Cornwall. 

Stove  foliage  plants. — Such  genera  as  Al"- 
cacia,  Calathea,  and  Maranta,  whose  young 
leaves  are  mostly  very  tender,  should  be  given 
any  necessary  repotting  early  in  the  year  before 
the  sun  gains  sufficient  power  to  burn  tender 
vegi  tation.  The  Marantas  and  allied  plants  are 
impatient  ot  root  disturbance,  and  it  is  usually 
the  best  plan  to  let  them  alone  and  be  content 
with  top-dressing  those  which  are  grow- 
ing satisfactorily.  At  the  same  time,  any  plants 
in  a  poor  condition  or  pot-bound  should  be  re- 
potted. A  suitable  soil  is  one  consisting  of  peat, 
leaf-mould,  and  fibrous  loam  in  equal  quantities, 
v.  ith  plenty  of  broken  charcoal  and  sand.  Pot- 
ting must  not  be  done  too  firmly.  Dieffenbachias 
are  more  useful  when  dwarf,  therefore  the  tops 
of  the  old  plants  should  be  cut  off  and  rooted. 
Further  stock  may  be  obtained  by  cutting  up 
the  stems  as  in  the  case  of  Cordylines. 

Caladium. — As  soon  as  the  tubers  show  signs 
of  growing  they  should  be  potted.  A  suitable 
compost  is  one  consisting  of  fibrous  loam  and 
peat  (not  finely  broken  up)  in  equal  parts,  to 
which  should  "be  added  leaf-mould,  dried  cow 
dung,  and  silver  sand.  See  that  ample  drainage 
is  provided,  as  in  the  growing  stage  these  plants 
require  heavy  waterings.  After  potting,  place 
the  plants  in  stove  heat,  applying  but  little  water 
until  they  have  developed  foliage.  A  mild 
bottom  heat,  and  frequent  sprayings  with  tepid 
water,  will  induce  free  and  vigorous  growth 
Keep  the  plants  close  to  the  glass,  shading  them 
only  during  the  hottest  part  of  sunny  days : 
the  humid  atmosphere  obtained  by  the  frequent 
use  of  the  syringe  will  prevent  any  burning  of 
the  leaves. 

Eucharis  grandifiora  (amazonica). — Unlike 
most  of  the  deciduous  bulbs,  this  evergreen 
species  is  rarely  grown  for  any  particular  season, 
so  that  no  time  can  be  stated  for  attending  to  their 
repotting.  Fxcept  in  the  case  of  those 
which  are  showing  flower  scapes,  it  is  usual  to 
keep  the  plants  slightly  drier  and  cooler  during 


FRUITS  UNDER  GLASS. 

By  E.  Harriss,  Fruit  Foreman,  Royal  Gardens,  Frogmore. 
Early  Muscat  vines. — When  Muscat  of  Alex- 
andria Grapes  are  required  very  early  in  the 
season,  it  is  advisable  that  the  vines  be  planted 
in  inside  borders  only.  By  this  system  there  is 
less  chance  of  the  vines  leceiving  a  check  during 
the  flowering  stage.  Before  the  vines  burst  into 
flower  examine  the  borders,  and,  if  dry,  water 
them  copiously  with  tepid  water.  It  is  not  ad- 
visable to  apply  water  to  the  vines  when  they 
are  in  flower,  but  it  is  equally  bad  for  the 
borders  to  be  dry.  All  laterals  of  a  sufficient 
length  to  pinch  should  be  stopped  before  the 
flowers  expand.  In  most  cases  shoots  should 
not  be  tied  to  the  wires  before  the  fruits  have 
set.  Care  must  be  exercised  to  maintain  an 
equable  temperature  in  the  vinery  when  the 
flowers  are  shedding  their  pollen.  A  night  tem- 
perature of  65D  or  70°  will  be  suitable.  During 
the  daytime  the  temperature  may  rise  to  85° 
by  sun  heat,  and  this  will  cause  no  harm, 
provided  there  is  no  sudden  fluctuation  in 
the  temperature,  which  can  be  prevented  by 
giving  close  attention  to  ventilation.  Let  the 
flowers  lie  artificially  pollinated  at  mid-day  by 
passing  a  rabbit's  tail  over  them.  The  rods  may 
be  tapped  occasionally  also  to  assist  pollination. 
Let  the  atmosphere  be  moderately  dry,  but 
should  the  surfaces  of  the  borders  become  very 
dry  they  may  be  damped  early  on  fine  mornings. 

f.olt  Muscats. — As  a  rule  the  vinery  containing 
late  Muscats  should  be  prepared  for  forcing  at 
the  beginning  of  March.  If  it  is  deferred  after 
that  date  there  is  a  danger  that  the  bunches  ma\ 
ml  perfectly  ripen.  Before  starting  the  vines, 
tin  in  Highly  cleanse  the  house,  and  wash  the  rods 
with  a  mixture  of  soft  soap  and  sulphur.  Young 
vines  when  newly  starting  into  growth  are  very 
subject  to  "  bleeding."  In  such  cases  the  cut 
surfaces  should  be  dressed  with  Styptic. 

The  orchard  house. — The  buds  on  the  trees,  and 
especially  those  of  Peaches  and  Nectarines,  are 
swelling  markedly.  Therefore,  the  pots 
should  be  placed  in  position  in  the  house,  be- 
cause if  this  is  deferred  the  growing  buds  will 
be  liable  to  suffer  damage  during  the  act  of 
removal.  Little  pruning  will  be  necessary  if  the 
shoots  were  properly  stopped  last  summer,  but 
any  very  strong  growths  should  be  pruned  hard 
back  and  all  weak  growths  not  required  for  fur- 
nishing the  tree  removed  altogether.  In  shorten- 
ing the  shoots,  be  careful  to  prune  to  a  wood- 
bud,  which  can  be  easily  distinguished  from  the 
flower-buds  at  this  stage.  Make  a  strong  solu- 
tion of  soft  soap  and  sulphur,  and  wash  the 
stems  with  this  mixture.  Then  place  the  trees 
on  their  sides  and  syringe  the  whole  of  the 
branches  with  similar  mixture.  Maiden  trees 
should  be  cut  back  to  five  or  six  buds. 


be  allowed  to  elapse  before  planting  the  Straw- 
berries, so  that  the  ground  may  settle  down 
again.  Then  spread  some  wood-ashes,  lime, 
and  soot  over  the  soil  and  fork  these  in,  not 
lower  than  the  top  spit.  Consolidate  the  ground 
by  treading,  so  that  planting  may  be  done  firmly, 
and  see  that  the  crown  of  the  plant  is  not  placed 
lower  or  higher  than  the  level  of  the  soil.  If  it 
is  decided  to  plant  Strawberri-s  next  July  or 
August,  it  is  advisable  to  select  the  ground  for 
the  purpose  now  and  to  trench  it  as  already  re- 
commended. In  the  intervening  time  the  land 
may  be  cropped  with  early  Potatos.  These  will 
be  ready  for  lifting  in  June  and  July,  so  that 
there  will  be  plenty  of  time  to  get  the  ground 
into  a  proper  condition  for  the  Strawberries. 
This  is  a  better  practice  than  to  leave  the 
trenching  until  just  before  the  ground  is  re- 
quired for  planting.  Labour  in  summer-time  is 
always  scarce,  and  trenching  is  performed  much 
better  and  quicker  in  cold  than  in  hot  weather. 
Plants  that  have  been  forced  may  be  prepared 
for  fruiting  again  in  the  autumn.  They  should 
be  gradually  hardened  and  planted  out  as  early 
afterwards  as  safety  will  permit.  Their  chief 
requirements  will  be  in  the  matter  of  watering 
till  they  are  well  established  in  their  new  quar- 
ters. In  gardens  where  a  number  of  young 
plants  are  planted  each  year,  the  runners  should 
be  layered  as  early  in  the  season  as  possible,  so 
that  after  they  are  well  rooted  they  may  be 
placed  in  their  permanent  quarters  in  good  time. 
Such  early-planted  runners  ahvays  produce  the 
earliest  and  finest  fruits.  Royal  Sovereign  is 
one  of  the  best  varieties  for  early-fruiting,  and 
I  recommend  Givon's  Late  t'rolific  for  late-fruit- 
ing. Another  late  cropper  is  Laxton's  Latest,  a 
variety  which  will  prolong  the  Strawberry 
season  till  the  end  of  July. 


THE  HARDY  FRUIT  GARDEN. 

By  J.  G.  Weston,  Gardener  to  H.  J.  King,  Esq.,  Eastwell 
Park,  Kent. 

Strawberries  — The  beds  of  established  plants 
should  be  cleared  of  any  dead  leaves  or  other 
rubbish  and  the  surface  of  the  soil  lightly  dug 
with  a  fork;  not  deeply,  or  many  of  the  roots 
will  be  injured.  After  this  work  is  finished, 
and  when  the  ground  is  hard  with  frost,  suffi- 
cient manure  should  be  wheeled  on  to  the  beds 
to  provide  a  liberal  dressing.  In  cases  where 
the  formation  of  new  beds  was  decided  upon 
last  autumn,  but  it  was  found  impossible  to 
carry  out  the  work  at  that  time,  the  plants  may 
now  be  planted.  The  land  should  first  be 
trenched,  working  in  plenty  of  farmyard 
manure  as  the  digging  proceeds.  After  the 
trenching   has   been  "done,   a   short   time   should 


THE    KITCHEN    GARDEN. 

By  E.  Beckett,  Gardener  to  the  lion.  Vicarv  Gibbs, 
Aldenham  House,  Elstree,  Hertfordshire. 

Peas. — Suitable  varieties  may  now  be  freely 
sown  on  ground  in  the  open  which  has  been 
deeply  trenched  and  well  manured.  So  many 
excellent  kinds  exist  at  the  present  time  which 
are  adapted  for  early  crops,  many  being  almost 
equal  in  point  of  flavour  to  the  maincrop  varie- 
ties, that  gardeners  may  dispense  entirely  with 
the  old  round-seeded  sorts.  Wherever  possible, 
I  advise  sowing  the  seeds  in  boxes,  pots,  or  other 
suitable  receptacles,  raising  them  in  a  cool 
house,  and  afterwards,  when  thoroughly  hard- 
ened, planting  them  out.  Three  or  four  sowings 
should  be  made  in  succession.  For  early  use  I 
piefer  varieties  which  grow  to  a  height  of  from 
3  to  4  feet  rather  than  the  very  dwarf  kinds, 
although  some  of  these  latter  are  well  suited 
for  small  gardens  where  stakes  are  difficult  to 
procure.  Suitable  varieties  for  this  sowing  are 
Gradus,  Early  Giant,  Early  Morn,  and  Edwin 
Beckett.  See  that  arrangements  are  made  for 
trapping  or  destroying  rats  or  mice.  Plants 
which  were  raised  early  and  which  are  growing 
in  pots,  boxes,  or  even  planted  out,  under  glass, 
should  be  to'p-dressed  as  required,  and  the 
growths  neatly  supported  with  stakes.  Afford 
them  all  the  light  and  air  possible  when  the 
weather  permits.     Avoid  hard  forcing. 

Broad  Beans. — These  should  be  sown  at  1  inch 
apart  in  boxes  and  raised  under  glass  for  plant- 
ing out.  Select  long-podded  varieties.  Batches 
of  these  Beans  should  be  sown  at  intervals  of 
from  10  days  to  a  fortnight.  I  have  always 
found  that  Beans  do  much  better  when  trans- 
planted than  when  allowed  to  remain  in  the 
ground  where  sown.  They  certainly  come  into 
bearing  much  quicker.  Beans  which  may  be 
growing  in  pots  for  supplying  early  crops  should 
be  assigned  the  coolest  place.  Place  them  quite 
near  to  the  glass,  where  plenty  of  air  can  be 
admitted.  Few  vegetables  are  more  easily  in- 
jured by  hard  forcing  than  these,  but  most  satis- 
factory results  can  be  obtained  if  the  plants  are 
allowed  plenty  of  air  and  a  cool  atmosphere. 

Asparagus. — This  vegetable  can  now  be 
brought  forward  on  mild  hot-beds  covered  with 
portable  frames.  The  chief  requirement  in 
the  forcing  of  Asparagus  is  to  place  the  roots 
in  position  and  cover  them  immediately  they 
are  lifted,  for  if  the  roots  are  allowed  to  become 
dry  the  results  are  poor.  Bury  the  crowns  to  a 
depth  of  about  3  inches  and  maintain  a  tempera- 
ture of  from  50°  to  55°.  which  may  be  allowed 
to  rise  10°  more  by  sun  heat  in  the  afternoon 
after  shutting  up.  The  beds  should  be  syringed 
twice  each  day. 


104 


THE    GARDENERS     CHRONICLE. 


[February  13,  1909. 


EDITORIAL   NOTICE. 


ADVERTISEMENTS  should  be  sent  to  the  PUB- 
LISHER, 41,  Wellington  Street,  Covent  Garden, 
W.C. 

Letters  for  Publication,  as  well  as  specimens  oj  plants 
for  naming,  should  be  addressed  to  the  EDITOR, 
41,  Wellington  Street,  Covent  Garden,  London. 
Communications  should  be  written  on  one  side  only  of 
the  paper,  sent  as  early  in  the  week  as  possible  and  duly 
signed  by  the  writer.  If  desired,  the  signature  will  not  be 
Printed,  but  kept  as  a  guarantee  of  good  faith. 

Special  Notice  to  Correspondents.— The  Editor  does  not 
undertake  to  pay  for  any  contributions  or  illustrations,  or 
to  return  unused  communications  or  illustrations,  unless  by 
special  arrangement.  The  Editor  does  not  hold  himself 
rtsponsible  for  any  opinions  expressed  by  his  correspondents. 

Illustrations.-  The  Editor  will  be  glad  to  receive  and  to  select 
photographs  or  drawings,  suitable  for  reproduction,  of 
gardens,  or  of  remarkable  plants,  Jlowers,  trees,  &c,  but  he 
cannot  be  responsible  for  loss  or  injury. 

Local  News.— Correspondents  will  greatly  oblige  bysendingto 
the  Editor  early  intelligence  of  local  events  likely  to  be  of 
interest  to  our  readers,  or  of  any  matters  which  it  is  desirable 
to  bring  under  the  notice  of  horticulturists. 

Newspapers.— Correspondents  sending  neivspapers  should  be 
carefulto  mark  the  paragraphs  they  wish  the  Editor  to  see. 


APPOINTMENTS  FOR  THE  ENSUING  WEEK. 

WEDNESDAY,  FEBRUARY   17— 
Roy.  Meteorological  Soc.  meet. 

THURSDAY,  FEBRUARY  18— Linnean  Soc.  meet. 


Average  Mean  Temperature  for  the  eDsuing  week, 
deduced  from  observations  during  the  last  Fifty  Years 
at  Greenwich— 89-5°. 

Actual  Temperatures: — 

London.— Wednesday,  February  10  (6  p.m.):  Max.  41°; 
Min.  35°. 
Gardeners'  Chronicle  Office,  41,  Wellington  Street, 
Covent  Garden,  London — Thursday,  February 
11  (10  a.m.)  :  Bar.  296;  Temp.  43°  ;  Weather— 
Dull. 
Provinces.—  Wednesday,  February  10(6  h.m.):  Max.  47° 
Ireland  S.W.  J  Min.  33°  Yorkshire. 


SALES    FOR    THE    ENSUING    WEEK. 

MONDAY  and  FRIDAY— 

Border  Plants  and  Perennials,  Liliums,  Begonias, 
Azaleas,  Ferns,  &c,  at  12;  Roses  and  Fruit  Trees  at 
1.30 ;  at  67  &  68,  Cheapside,  E.C.,  by  Protheroe  &  Morris. 

TUESDAY— 

Unreserved  Clearance  Sale  of  Carnations  and  other 
Greenhouse  Plants,  Greenhouses,  Piping,  &c,  at  The 
Gardens,  Warren  House,  Hayes,  Kent,  by  order  of 
the  Executors  of  Martin  R.  Smith  (deceased),  by 
Protheroe  &  Morris,  at  12. 

WEDNESDAY— 

Liliums,  Hardy  Bulbs  and  Tubers,  Herbaceous  Plants, 
&c,  at  12 ;  Roses  and  Fruit  Trees  at  1.80 ;  Palms, 
Plants.  Ferns,  &c,  at  5  ;  at  67  &  68,  Cheapside,  E.C.,  by 
Protheroe  &  Morris. 

FRIDAY— 

A  collection  of  Orchids  from  a  private  grower;  also 
other  Orchids  in  variety,  at  G7  &  68,  Cheapside,  E.C.,  by 
Protheroe  &  Morris,  at  12.45. 


The  present  year  is  the  Anni- 

The  versary  of   two   events   which 

Darwin 


Centenary. 


are    recorded    for   all    time    in 


the  history  of  the  world.  On 
February  12,  1809,  Charles  Darwin  was  born, 
and  50  years  later,  in  November,  1859,  the 
Origin  of  Species  was  published.  There- 
fore, we  celebrate  this  year,  in  a  twofold 
sense,  the  memory  of  Darwin  :  the  centenary 
of  his  birth,  the  jubilee  of  the  birth  of  his 
greatest  work. 

Though  all  will  rightly  claim  to  join  in  the 
celebrations,  nevertheless,  it  is  to  the  men 
who  are  occupied  in  laboratory,  field  or  gar- 
den with  the  study  of  living  things  that  the 
Darwin  anniversaries  will  appeal  with 
special  force,  for  those  whose  occupations  lead 
them  to  study  Darwin's  works  in  detail  can 
appreciate  most  the  compelling  genius  of  the 
man.  Each  and  every  one  of  his  published 
volumes  would  suffice  to  make  or  enhance 
the  reputation  of  any  professional  man  of 
science.  The  secrets  which  jealous  Nature 
guard  'd  since  the  world  began  are  yielded 
up  to  the  enchantment  of  his  patient  ques- 
tioning. No  aspect  of  Nature  is  too  vast, 
nor  none  to  small,  for  his  enquiry. 


Darwin's  contributions  to  geology  entitle 
him  to  rank  with  the  great  geologists.  His 
contributions  to  zoology  admit  him  to 
equality  with  the  professors  of  that  science. 
No  contemporary  botanist  laid  the  science  of 
botany  under  greater  obligations  than  did 
Darwin.  And  beyond  and  above  these 
several  contributions  to  the  individual 
sciences — contributions  on  coral  reefs,  cross 
and  self-fertilisation  of  flowers,  on  Orchids, 
climbing-plants,  earthworms,  insectivorous 
plants,  the  expression  of  the  emotions  in 
man  and  animals,  the  power  of  movement  of 
plants,  and  forms  of  flowers — there  are  his 
great  works  the  Origin  of  Species  and 
The  Variation  of  Animals  and  Plants  Under 
Domestication.  Were  they  but  mere  compila- 
tions it  had  been  no  small  feat  for  one  man 
to  publish  such  a  mass  of  varied  work. 
When  it  is  recollected  that  all  these  special 
works  contain  the  results  of  his  own  re- 
searches, then  the  outstanding  ability  of 
Darwin   comes  to  be  recognised. 

Those  great  storehouses  of  facts,  the 
Origin  of  Species  and  the  work  on  variation 
contain,  of  course,  much  information  collected 
from  the  most  varied  sources — not  a  little,  as 
we  are  proud  to  remember,  from  the  pages  of 
this  journal ;  but  with  what  masterly  general- 
ship this  motley  array  of  facts  is  marshalled 
in  ordered  ranks  !  With  what  transcendent 
skill  they  are  shown  to  contribute  to  the 
elucidation  of  that  mystery  of  mysteries,  the 
Origin  of  Species ! 

As  when  we  are  borne  away  from  some 
rich  landscape,  the  varied  details  merge  in 
one  another,  and  are  lost,  so,  after  some 
while  of  abstinence  from  reading  Darwin's 
works,  our  memory  plays  us  false,  suggesting 
that  his  discoveries  are  concerned  chiefly  with 
variation.  But  when  we  revisit  the  landscape 
the  details  reappear  the  more  strikingly  in 
contrast  with  the  illusion  of  sameness;  so,  as 
we  turn  the  pages  of  this  series  of  wonderful 
volumes,  we  realise  that  none  but  a  genius 
could  have  produced  work  of  such  variety  and 
worth. 

There  will  be  other  opportunities  during 
the  present  Anniversary  year  for  considering 
in  some  detail  certain  of  Darwin's  several 
contributions  to  knowledge.  In  connection 
with  the  approaching  celebration,  the  Uni- 
versity of  Cambridge  is  preparing  a  Darwin 
memorial  volume— a  testimony  to  the  catho- 
licity and  profundity  of  his  work.  The  publi- 
cation of  this  volume  will,  in  proving  Darwin 
one  of  the  most  distinguished  sons  of  Cam- 
bridge, reflect  upon  the  University  a  lustre 
which  time  can  never  dull.  Though 
the  expression  of  genius  is  infinite  in  its 
variety,  yet  all  men  of  genius  have  certain 
qualities  in  common  :  a  singleness  of  pur- 
pose, an  unquenchable  truthfulness  with  re- 
spect to  the  work  to  be  done,  a  power  of 
imposing  their  influence  on  their  fellow-men. 
All  these  attributes  of  genius  are  conspicuous 
in  Darwin.  His  devotion  to  work,  in  spite 
of  ill-health,  in  spite  of  the  claims  of  family, 
in  spite  of  easy  circumstances,  prove  his 
singleness  of  purpose.  His  weighing  of  the 
evidence  for  and  against  his  theories,  his 
meticulous,  sometimes  painful  care  in  say- 
ing only  what  he  meant  and  no  more,  his 
ready  admission  of  indebtedness  to  others, 
witness  to  his   unfaltering   truthfulness. 

His  power  of  winning  to  his  side  the  men 


that  count — Hooker,  Huxley  and  Lyell — his 
power  which  is  as  strong  to-day  as  ever 
of  winning  loyal  and  loving  followers, 
testify  to  the  magnetic  influence  which  he 
exerts.  But — and  this  is  not  so  general 
among  geniuses — Darwin  was  as  great  on 
the  moral  as  on  the  intellectual  side.  To  be 
great,  said  Whistler,  is  to  be  misunder- 
stood, and,  as  ail  the  world  knows,  the 
Origin  of  Species  evoked  a  storm  of  criti- 
cism. The  survivors  of  those  strenuous 
times  must  smile  now  when  they  recognise 
that,  like  other  famous  quarrels,  this  one 
was  largely  about  words.  No  one  can  read 
the  Life  and  Letters  of  Charles  Darwin  with- 
out venerating  their  subject.  The  biography 
is  a  contribution  of  the  first  order  alike  to 
literature  and  to  science.  It  reveals  Dar- 
win's greatness,  and  from  its  perusal  the 
reader  rises  up  a  better  man. 

We  rejoice  that  this  centenary  is  to  be 
celebrated  with  due  form  and  ceremony  at 
Cambridge;  we  rejoice  that  Darwin's  quali- 
ties were  to  such  a  high  degree  the  expres- 
sion of  what  we  are  fain  to  believe  are 
typically  British  attributes — determination — 
it's  dogged  does  it,  as  he  used  to  say — 
love  of  fair  play,  steadfastness  in  friendship, 
and  high  courage.  Our  sole  regret  is  that 
there  should  be  no  adequate  national 
memorial  to  one  whose  works  have  contri- 
buted so  much  to  the  intellectual  eminence 
of  this  country  among  the  nations  of  the 
world. 

The    proceedings   at   the   an- 
The  Royal       nu.|,    meeting    0f    the    R        , 
Horticultural  f  J 

Society.  Horticultural  Society  on 
Tuesday  last  were  in  every 
way  satisfactory.  The  Report  of  the  Coun- 
cil, which  was  published  in  these  pages 
last  week,  shows  clearly  enough  that  the 
Society  continues  to  enjoy  unparalleled  pros- 
perity. That  Report  was  so  exhaustive,  that 
Sir  Trevor  Lawrence,  who  presided  at  the 
meeting,  found  little  else  to  say  regarding  the 
year's  work.  In  a  few  words,  how- 
ever, it  was  pointed  out  that  a  large  measure 
of  success  has  been  already  obtained  at  Wis- 
ley,  and  special  reference  was  made  to  the 
work  which  is  being  done  in  connection  with 
the  Laboratory  and  in  the  training  of 
students.  Mr.  Chittenden's  trials  with  Nitro- 
Bacterine  have  been  discussed  in  these  pages, 
and  in  reference  to  these  Sir  Trevor  Law- 
rence stated  that  in  some  experiments  with 
Sweet  Peas  in  his  own  garden  at  Burford,  he 
obtained  only  the  same  negative  results  as 
have  been   reported  by  Mr.   Chittenden. 

In  these  days  of  motors,  and  other  swift 
modes  of  conveyance,  places  that  formerly 
were,  to  some  degree  at  any  rate,  inacces- 
sible, can  be  easily  reached  by  considerable 
numbers  of  people,  and  it  is  a  satisfactory  cir- 
cumstance that  during  the  past  year  11,000 
visitors  have  been  registered  at  the  Wisley 
Gardens.  These  gardens  have  offered  some 
valuable  object  lessons  for  practical  gar- 
deners ;  a  remarkable  instance  occurred  in  the 
Vineries.  The  Wisley  collection  of  Grapes  is 
comprehensive,  and  the  exhibit  of  numerous 
varieties  in  excellent  condition  which  was 
made  at  one  of  the  fortnightly  meetings,  was 
very  creditable  to  the  Superintendents  re- 
sponsible for  their  culture.  In  connection 
with  the  Society's  examination,  a  considerable 


February  13,  1809.] 


THE     GARDENERS'      CHRONICLE. 


105 


development  may  be  noticed  in  the  arrange- 
ments that  have  been  made  for  holding  an 
examination  in  India  at  the  invitation  of  the 
Indian  Government. 

Sir  Trevor  Lawrence  referred  to  Sir  Daniel 
Morris'  appointment  in  connection  with 
tropical  agriculture,  and  Fellows  will  be  glad 
that  Sir  Daniel  Morris  has  again  found  it 
possible  to  accept  a  seat  on  the  Council. 

The  intimation  that  the  Council  is  taking 
steps  to  provide  the  Society  with  a  first-class 
painting  of  Baron  Sir  Henry  Schroder,  Hart., 
will  be  received  with  the  utmost  satisfaction. 
Baron  Schroder's  great  liberality  to  the 
funds,  and  especially  his  munificent  contribu- 
tion  towards  the  expenses  of  providing  the 
Horticultural  Hall,  will  ever  be  remembered 
with  gratitude.  But  besides  these  acts  of 
munificence  Baron  Schroder  has  exhibited 
from  time  to  time  magnificent  collections  of 
Orchids  from  his  famous  garden  at  Egham. 

Mr.  Gurney  Fowler,  in  seconding  the  adop- 
tion of  the  Report,  made  one  of  those 
straightforward  statements  of  income  and 
expenditure  that  we  have  come  to  expect  from 
the  Treasurer.  He  told  us  that  the  sur- 
plus income  over  expenditure  during  the 
year  amounted  to  £7,867.  The  receipts  were 
,£1,400  higher  than  in  the  previous  year,  but 
the  expenses  were  increased  only  by  £11.  The 
income  from  subscriptions  alone  showed  an 
excess  of  £1,000.  In  connection  with  this 
extraordinary  growth  in  the  Fellowship  of  the 
Society  it  is  interesting  to  remark  that  since 
January  1  in  the  present  year  a  sum  of 
£10,483  has  been  received  from  annual  sub- 
scriptions,  this  sum  representing  an  increase 
°f  £'s43  °VI'1'  the  amount  received  in  the  same 
number  of  days  at  the  commencement  of  last 
year.  A  slight  decrease  in  the  receipts  from 
shows  is  explained  by  the  unfavourable 
weather  which  prevailed  on  several  occasions 
during  the  time  the  exhibitions  were  open  to 
the  public.  There  has  been  a  saving  of  £S;N 
on  the  cost  of  the  Journal,  notwithstanding 
that  four  numbers  have  been  issued  during 
the  year. 

An  interesting  incident  was  the  presenta- 
tion by  the  President  of  two  Veitch  Memorial 
Medals  on  behalf  of  the  Trustees,  and  two 
Victoria  Medals  of  Honour,  awarded  by  the 
Council  of  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society. 
In  order  to  show  how  worthily  the  medals 
were  awarded,  it  is  only  necessary  to  say  that 
the  Veitch  Medallists  on  this  occasion  were 
the  Secretary  of  the  Royal  Horticultural 
Society,  Rev.  YV.  Wilks,  and  the  Chairman 
of  the  Floral  Committee,  Mr.  William  Mar- 
shall. The  Victoria  Medals  were  presented 
to  Sir  Jeremiah  Colman,  Bart.,  whose  mag- 
nificent exhibits  of  Orchids  to  the  Society's 
mil  tings  and  to  the  Temple  and  Holland 
Park  Shows  have  excited  the  greatest  ad- 
miration, and  to  Mr.  Charles  Ross,  who  has 
enriched  our  collection  of  Apples  to  an  ex- 
tent unequalled  by  any  other  raiser.  Particu- 
lars of  the  fruits  raised  by  Mr.  Ross  have 
been  printed  in  this  journal. 

Mr.  Elwes  initiated  a  discussion  on  the 
management  of  the  Lindley  Library,  com- 
plaining that  only  £29  was  spent  by  the 
Society  in  purchasing  books  during  the  past 
year.  Several  Fellows  followed  in  a  similar 
strain,  showing  that  there  is  a  real  desire 
that  the  Library  should  be  properly  main- 
tained and   that   it  should  be  made  as  com- 


plete as  possible,  particularly  in  works  having 
the  greatest  horticultural  value.  The  Rev. 
J.  Jacob  proposed  that  a  sum  of  £1,000 
should  be  taken  from  last  year's  receipts 
for  this  purpose.  It  was  pointed  out 
that  the  Library  does  not  belong  to  the 
Society,  but  to  Trustees,  and  therefore  any 
money  spent  by  the  Society  in  the  purchase 
of  books  is  in  fact  a  presentation  to  the 
Trustees.  The  Fellows  appeared  to  think 
that  these  circumstances*  do  not  tend  to  the 
best  interests  of  the  Library,  and  it  was  sug- 
gested that  the  Society  should  commence  the 
formation  of  a  library  which  would  be  strictly 
its  own  property.  This,  however,  might  lead 
to  considerable  overlapping.  If  the  discus- 
sion has  the  effect  of  stimulating  the  Council 
to  increase  its  grants  to  the  Trustees  it  will 
do  good.  We  have  again  and  again  urged 
the  interests  of  the  Library,  and  we  hope  that 
the  Council  will  treat  this  question  in  the 
most  liberal  spirit  possible.  The  explanation 
of  the  present  policy  of  the  Council  in  saving 
several  thousands  of  pounds  every  year,  is 
that  it  is  imperative  to  provide  a  satisfactory 
reserve  fund.  When  this  has  been  accom- 
plished the  Council  will  probably  feel  at 
greater  liberty  to  adjust  its  income  and  ex- 
penditure in  such  a  manner  that  there  will 
be  better  provision  even  than  now  for  carry- 
ing out  desirable  work  for  the  extension  of 
si  Lentific  horticulture. 


Flowers  in  Season.  —  Messrs.  William 
Artindale  &  Soxs,  Sheffield,  have  forwarded 
flowers  of  their  improved  strain  of  Primula  ob- 
conica.  The  blooms  are  exceptionally  large  for 
this  species,  and  the  colours  are  a  great  advance 
upon  the  rather  washy  magenta  of  the  type. 
Some  of  deep  rose-colour  are  especially  pleas- 
ing. Messrs.  Artixdale  inform  us  that  their 
plants  have  been  continually  in  flower  since  last 
September,  and  that  they  are  pott;d  in  ordinary 
soil  and  afforded  a  temperature  1  >f  about  50°. 
The  seeds  were  sown  at  periods  from  March  to 
June. 

British  Gardeners'  Association  (Hasle- 
mere  and  District  Branch). — The  next  meet- 
ing of  the  Haslemere  branch  will  take  place  on 
February  20,  at  7.30  p.m.,  at  the  Co-operative 
Hall,  Clay  Hill,  Haslemere,  when  Mr.  George 
Gordon,  V.M.H.,  will  give  a  lecture  on  "Gar- 
dens of  Roses,"  illustrated  by  limelight  views. 
All  professional  gardeners  are  invited  to  be 
present. 

New  Appointment  for  Sir  Daniel  Morris. 
— Sir  Daniel  Morris,  K.C.M.G.,  late  Imperial 
Commissioner  of  Agriculture  for  the  West  la- 
dies, has  been  selected  for  the  newly-created 
office  of  Scientific  Adviser  to  the  Secretary  of 
State  for  the  Colonies  on  matters  of  an  agricul- 
tural character  relating  to  British  possessions  in 
the  tropics. 

Linnean  Society. — The  next  meeting  will 
take  place  on  Thursday,  February  18.  A  dis- 
cussion on  "  Alternation  of  Generations  "  will 
be  opened  by  Dr.  W.   H.  Lang. 

Royal  Meteorological  Society. — A  meet- 
ing of  this  society  will  be  held  at  the  Institution 
of  Civil  Engineers,  Great  George  Street,  West- 
minster, on  February  17,  at  7.30  p.m.  The 
papers  to  be  read  include:  1,  "Report  on 
the  Phenological  Observations  for  1908,"  by 
Mr.  Edward  Mawi.ey  ;  2,  "The  Cold  Spell  at 
the  end  of  December,  1908,"  by  Mr.  William 
Marriott. 


National  Auricula  Society  (Midland 
Section). — We  are  requested  to  announce  that 
the  dates  of  this  society's  show  have  been  al- 
tered to  Wednesday  and  Thursday,  April  28 
and  29. 

The  Innes  Bequest.  —  In  our  issue  for 
January  30  was  printed  the  details  of  the  munifi- 
cent bequest  to  horticulture  made  by  the  late 
Mr.  Innes.  In  view  of  the  importance  of  this 
bequest,  the  following  biographical  details  are 
interesting : — The  late  Mr.  John  Innes  was 
born  on  January,  1829,  and  was  educated 
privately  at  Brighton.  At  a  comparatively  early 
age  he  adopted  a  mercantile  career,  in  the  course 
of  which  he  and  his  elder  brother,  the  late  Mr. 
James  Innes  (of  Roffey  Park,  Horsham),  ac- 
quired a  considerable  amount  of  property  in  the 
City  of  London.  In  the  year  1861  they  becama 
the  founders  of  the  City  of  London  Real  Pro- 
perty Co.,  Ltd.,  which  continues  as  an  institu- 
tion of  the  highest  repute.  About  the  year  1867 
the  brothers  acquired  the  Merton  Park  Estate, 
and  from  that  date  until  his  death  the  chief 
energies  of  Mr.  John  Innes  were  directed  to  the 
development  of  that  property,  and  the  advance- 
ment of  the  welfare  of  the  neighbour- 
hood. Mr.  Innes  was  the  founder  of  the 
Boys'  Club  and  the  Manor  Club,  two 
institutions  which  have  proved  of  the 
greatest  advantage  to  the  working  classes  of 
Merton,  while  the  elementary  schools  of  the 
parish  were  always  the  subject  of  his  warmest 
interest.  The  Rutlish  School,  moreover,  owes 
much  of  its  success  to  the  energy  he  showed 
when  the  ancient  endowment  was  made  avail- 
able for  starting  it  on  its  present  successful 
career.  It  will  be  remembered  that,  under  the 
scheme  recently  sealed  by  the  Charity  Commis- 
sioners, scholarships  of  the  annual  value  of 
Ll.il  are  founded  at  the  Rutlish  School  to  be 
known  as  "John  Innes'  Scholarships."  The 
sum  available  for  the  purposes  of  Horticultural 
Education  and  Research  will  yield  an  annual 
income  of  £5,500. 

Mr.  George  Wythes,  V.M.H.  —  Much 
sympathy  will  be  felt  with  Mr.  Geo.  Wythes, 
late  gardener  at  Syon  House,  Brentford,  in  the 
bereavement  he  has  sustained  in  the  death  of 
his  wife  on  the  8th  inst. 

Prizes  for  Best  Cultivated  Small 
Holdings. — The  editor  of  Lloyd's  News  has  sent 
us  particulars  of  a  new  land  culture  scheme 
which  our  contemporary  has  promoted  to  ad- 
vance the  small  holdings  and  allotments  move- 
ment. The  scheme  has  the  approval  of  Earl 
Carrington,  President  of  the  Board  of  Agricul- 
ture and  Fisheries,  who  has  described  at  a 
public  meeting  the  conditions  of  the  competi- 
tion in  Classes  A,  B,  and  C. 

A  Gardeners  Catechism.  — A  correspondent 
has  forwarded  to  us  what  we  venture  to  think 
is  a  unique  document.  It  consists  of  five  folio 
pages  on  which  are  printed  no  fewer  thaa 
fifty-eight  questions  which,  as  we  gather,  aspir- 
ants for  the  post  of  gardener  to  a  particular 
employer  are  expected  to  answer  before  success 
can  attend  their  applications.  What  they  would 
be  required  to  do  afterwards  is  fortunately  not 
stated.  Anyone  thinking  of  applying  for  the 
post  must  state,  among  other  things,  what  has 
been  his  experience  of  pot  Roses  under  glass  ; 
whether  he  has  grown  them  to  flower  during 
November,  December  and  January  ;  the  largest 
number  brought  into  bloom  for  each  month — 
scope  here  indeed- -if  the  applicant  had  sole 
charge,  if  not,  what  charge — probably  in  the 
"counting  house" — how  long  he  had  charge? 
Answers  to  the  same  questions  must  be  repeated 


106 


THE    GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


[February  13,  1909. 


for  February,  March,  April  and  May.  A  similar 
series  of  questions  relates  to  Roses  planted  out 
In  borders  under  glass.  With  respect  to  Roses 
outside,  only  four  questions  are  asked  ;  for  Tree 
Carnations  seven,  Souvenir  de  la  Malmaison 
Carnations  seven  more.  As  to  general  green- 
house work,  the  applicant  whose  hand  aches 
and  whose  head  reels  has  to  say  what  experience 
he  has  had  with  Ferns,  bulbs,  decorative  and 
flowering  plants  for  the  house  and  general  green- 
house work.  Having  done  all  this,  the  aspirant 
turns  to  the  last  page  and  finds  it  easy  to 
answer  the  last  ten  questions  :  as  to  whether  his 
knowledge  of  trees  and  shrubs  is  good,  his  ex- 
perience of  planting  above  the  average,  his 
knowledge  of  rock  plants,  also  general  outside 
gardening  work,  and  of  fruit  cultivation  under 
glass.  His  experience  with  Grapes,  Peaches, 
Plums,  Cherries  ;  whether  he  has  a  good  control 
of  men  and  can  get  the  full  amount  of  work  out 
of  them,  and  whether  he  is  strictly  economical 
in  his  methods  of  working  a  place.  Finally,  this 
application-form  concludes  with  a  solicitous 
enquiry  after  the  health  of  the  applicant  in  the 
past  and  in  the  present.  There  is  a  silence, 
which  can  only  be  due  to  oversight  or  exhaus- 
tion, as  to  the  future  state  of  health  of  the 
successful  applicant.  Not  a  word  occurs  in  the 
document  on  the  subject  of  remuneration. 

Publications  Received.  —  That  Rock  Gar- 
den    of     Oars,     by     F.     E.     Hulme,     F.L.S., 
F  S  A.     With  eight  coloured  plates  and  42  illus- 
trations.   (London:  Fisher  Unwin.)   Price  10s.  6d. 
net—  The     Journal    of    Botany,    British    and 
Foreign,  edited  by  James  Britten.  K.S.G.,  F.L.S. 
(February).     (London  :  West,  Newman  &  Co  ,  54, 
Hatton  Garden,  E.C.)     Price  Is.  8d.     New   York 
Agricultural    Experimental    Station,     Geneva. 
/V.  Y.     Bulletin  No.  301 :     Report  of  Analyses  of 
Samples    of    Fertilisers    collected   by    the    Com- 
missioner of  Agriculture  during  1908.   Bulletin  No. 
305  :    Troubles  of  Alfalfa  in  New  York,  by  F.  C. 
Stewart,  G.  T.  French,  and  J.  K.  Wilson.   Bulletin 
No.  306':    Control  of  Leaf  Blister  Mite  in  Apple 
Orchards,   by  P.   J.  Parrott.    Technical  Bulletin, 
No.  7  :   The  Sporotrichum  bud-rot  of  Carnations 
and  the  silver  top  of  June  Grass,  by  F.  C.  Stewart 
and  H.  E.  Hodgkiss.     Technical  Bulletin  No.  8  : 
The  Bacterial  Flora  of  Cheddar  Cheese,  by  H.  A. 
Harding  and  M.   J.   Prucha.     (Published  by  the 
Station.) — The  AgriculturalJournal  of  the  Cape 
of  Good  Hope.     (January,  1909  )     (Cape  Town  : 
Cape  Times,  Ltd.)      Price  6d.— U.S.  Department 
of    Agriculture,     Bureau    of    Plant    Industry. 
Bulletin  No.  135  :  Orchard  Fruits  in  the  Piedmont 
and  Blue  Ridge  Regions  of  Virginia  and  the  South 
Atlantic  States,  by   H.   P.   Gould.     Bulletin  No. 
137  :  Seeds  and  Plants  imported  during  the  period 
from  January  1  to  March  31,  1908.    Inventory  No. 
14 :  Nos.  '21,732  to  22,510.    Bulletin  No.  138  :  The 
Production    of     Cigar-Wrapper    Tobacco    under 
Shade  in  the  Connecticut  Valley,  by  J.  B.  Stewart. 
Bulletin  No.  75.  Part  IV.  :  The  Relation  of  the 
Etiology  (cause)  of  Bee  Diseases  to  the  Treatment, 
by  G.  F.  White,  Ph.D.    Bulletin  No.  75,  Part  V.  : 
A  Brief  Survey  of  Hawaiian  Bee-Keeping,  by  E.  F. 
Phillips,  Ph.D.    Bulletin  No.  68,  Part  VIII.  :  The 
Grape-Leaf  Skeletoniser,  by  P.  R  Jones  ;  Report 
of  the  Entomologist  for  1908,  by  L.  O.  Howard. 
(From  annual  reports  of  the  Department  of  Agri- 
culture.)   Circular  No.  107  :  What  can  be  done  in 
Destroying   the   Cotton  Boll    Weevil  during    the 
Winter?  by  W.D.  Hunter.  (Washington:  Govern- 
ment Printing  Office.)  —  Imperial  Department  of 
Agriculture  for  the   West  Indies.     Reports  on 
the  Botanic  Station,  Experimental  Plots,  and  Agri- 
cultural Education,  Antigua,  1907-8.     (Barbados: 
Imperial    Commissioner    of    Agriculture   for   the 
West  Indies.)    Price  6d. 


object  during  the  whole  winter.  The  expan- 
sion of  the  innumerable  flowers  on  the  long  and 
singularly  decurved  spike  was  very  gradual,  and 
in  August  the  spike  still  iemained  with  a  few 
imperfect  capsules,  and  an  immense  quantity 
of  young  plants  (bulbils)  growing  on  the 
rachis.  The  leaves  had  by  that  time  withered 
and  the  stem  showed  signs  of  decay,  but 
suckers  were  produced  from  the  base  of  the 
stem,  and  there  was  altogether  a  most  abun- 
dant crop  of  young  plants.  The  flowering  of 
this  species  has  been  repeated  at  least  half  a 
dozen  times  at  Kew  since  then,  a  plant  of  it 
being  in  flower  in  the  Succulent  House  at 
the  present  time.  This  has  a  clear  stem  7  feet 
long  and  an  inflorescence  about  9  feet  long. 
Being  monocarpic,  the  plant  dies  after  once 
flowering.  The  prolific  character  of  the  in- 
florescence in  this  and  other  species  of  Agave 
should  be  borne  in  mind,  a  crop  of  bulbils 
usually  being  developed  when  the  whole  plant 
is  in  the  last  stage  of  dissolution. 

The  growth  made  by  this  species  in  New 
South  Wales  is  sturdier  than  anything  seen  here. 
Messrs.  Anderson  and  Co.,  of  Sydney,  state  that 
the  example  shown  in  the  Supplementary  Illus- 
tration was  planted  in  1885,  and  that  for  many 
years  it  grew  vigorously  and  was  a  magnificent 
specimen.  The  photograph  was  taken  last  July, 
when  the  flower-spike  measured  12  feet  in 
length  and  about  9  inches  in  diameter  at  the 
base.  The  flowers  open  slowly  from  the  base 
upwards,  the  upper  half  of  the  spike  as  shown 
being  still  in  bud  ;  they  are  green,  with  yellow 
anthers.  The  small,  supplementary  spike  shown 
in  the  illustration  is  noteworthy,  being  quite 
unusual.     The  leaves  of  A.  attenuata  are  soft, 

shy,  glaucous  green  and  spineless;  this  and 
A.  Ellemeetiana,  a  near  ally,  being  the  only  two 
broad-leaved  species  of  Agave  which  have  not 
spine-tipped  leaves.  The  grandeur  of  the  great 
Agave  family  has  never  been  realised  in  British 
horticulture,  always  excepting  the  Tresco  Gar- 
dens, where  there  is  a  good  collection  in  mag- 
nificent condition.  Where  Agaves  are  allowed 
a   little   space   they   are   usually   half   starved, 

ing  confined  to  small  pots  and  wintered  in 
sheds.  They  are  not  considered  to  be  good 
enough  for  the  glasshouse  accommodation  neces- 
sary for  their  full  development ;  indeed,  the  few 
men  who  have  thought  such  plants  worth  at- 
tention have  been  looked  upon  as  "cranks." 
Still,  Agaves  are  among  the  nobility  of  the 
i  3  t  ible  kingdom,  as  anyone  who  has  seen 
the  collection  at  La  Mortola  and  other  places 
on  the  Riviera  will  admit.  It  would  be  difficult 
to  find  a  more  striking  object  or  a  more  inter- 
esting plant  than  this  example  of  A.  attenuata 
must  have  been  when  it  was  in  the  full  flush  of 
its  procreative  effort.  For  20  years  it  had  made 
steady  growth,  and  accumulated  the  life  force 
which  resulted  in  the  putting  forth  in  a  few 
months  of  a  pole-like  spike  bearing  thousands 
of  flowers  to  be  followed  by  capsules  of  seeds 
and  numerous  bulbils.  The  curve  in  the  spike 
is  usual ;  one  may  wonder  what  it  means. 
W.   W.,  Kew. 


fore  he  was  supplied  it  was  found  that 
he  had  put  them  in  his  catalogue  at  6d. 
less  than  he  himself  was  offering  them. 
When  it  was  found  out  that  he  had  been  cut- 
ting prices,  the  plaintiffs  refused  to  supply 
him.  In  each  succeeding  year  defendant  had 
made  application  for  the  novelties,  but  they  re- 
fused to  supply  them  until  he  agreed  to  ask  the 
same  prices  as" the  plaintiffs  in  the  second  year. 
On  November  15,  1906,  defendant  ordered  certain 
Chrysanthemums  from  the  catalogue,  and  plain- 
tiff told  him  he  would  be  supplied  at  a  discount. 
On  December  4  the  plaintiffs  issued  a  fresh 
circular,  making  a  considerable  reduction  in  the 
price  of  their  "  Early  Singles,"  and  on  December 
8,  1906,  defendant  wrote  on  the  strength  of^  this 
circular,  ordering  ten  of  each  of  their  "  Early 
Singles."  In  the  circular,  in  notifying  the  re- 
duction, the  plaintiffs  stated  that  no  trade  reduc- 
tion would  be  allowed.  The  goods  were  sup- 
plied and  the  account  delivered,  to  which  the 
defendant  took  no  exception,  but  on  October  11, 
1907,  he  sent  £20  on  account,  and  did  not  in 
any  way  claim  a  discount.  He  first  raised  a. 
question  about  discount  on  December  18,  1907. 

Mr.  Hooper  contended  that  the  defendant  had 
always  been  and  was  entitled  to  the  usual  dis- 
count. 

His  Honour  gave  judgment  for  the  plaintirts 
on  the  claim  and  counter-claim. 


A  NOBLE  AGAVE. 

(See  Supplementary  Illustration.) 
Agave  attenuata  is  a  native  of  Mexico  and 
has  been  known  to  cultivators  since  about  1834. 
It  first  flowered  at  Kew  in  1861,  after  having  been 
,r0wn  for  many  years  in  the  Succulent  House 
under  the  name  of  A.  glaucescens.  An  excel- 
lent figure  of  this  plant  by  Fitch  was  published 
in  the  Botanical  Magazine  in  1862  (t.  53331, 
wheTe  we  are  told  that  it  was  a  very  attractive 


LAW    NOTES. 


CLAIM   FOR   DISCOUNT. 

At  the  Redhill  County  Court  on  the  3rd  inst., 
Messrs.  William  Wells  &  Co.,  Chrysanthemum 
growers,  Merstham,  sued  Mr.  William  Syden- 
ham, of  Tamworth,  nurseryman,  for  £4  3s.  4d. 
for  Chrysanthemums  supplied.  Defendant  coun- 
terclainied  for  £7  10s.,  agreed  trade  discount  in 
respect  of  such  Chrysanthemums,  and  £3  6s.  8d., 
the  difference  between  the  actual  amount  due 
for  plaintiffs'  account,  and  amount  paid  to 
plaintiffs  generally  on  trading  account. 

Mr.  William  Wells  said  he  had  for  some  years 
supplied  the  defendant  with  ordinary  Chrysan- 
themums, and  allowed  him  the  usual  trade  dis- 
count, but  had  refused  to  supply  him  with  the 
novelties,  as  on  a  previous  occasion  defendant 
ordered  12  "  Goacher's  Crimson,  1902,"  but  be- 


HOME   CORRESPONDENCE. 

(The  Editor  does  not  hold  himself  responsible  Jor  the 
opinions  expressed  by  his  correspondents.) 
Chrysanthemum  Fbamfield  Pink.  — The  . 
colour  of  this  variety  varies  considerably.  I 
have  seen  it  at  different  places  quite  a  good 
colour ;  but  in  these  gardens  we  have  never 
had  anv  really  pink  blooms,  they  always  came 
white,  flushed  with  pink.  I  should  advise  Mr. 
R.  Richards  and  Mr.  T.  Down  to  discard  this 
variety,  as  I  have  done,  in  favour  of  Winter 
Cheer'.  It  is  very  similar  in  growth  ;  the  stems 
are  stiff,  and  the  foliage  remains  more  free  from 
rust  and  mildew  than  some  of  the  very  late- 
flowering  Chrysanthemums.  The  colour  is  a 
deep  rosy-pink.  I  believe  it  is  a  sport  from  F'ram- 
field  Pink,  though  the  plants  with  us  grow  less 
tall  than  that  variety.  Winter  Cheer  succeeds  best 
when  potted  singly' in  6  and  7-inch  pots,  or  three 
plants  mav  be  grown  together  in  a  9-inch  pot. 
For  flowering  at  the  end  of  December,  the  last 
stopping  mav  take  place  at  the  beginning  of 
July.  If  the  flowers  are  cut  immediately  they 
are  out  they  will  last  fully  three  weeks  in 
water.  The  flowers  may  be  disbudded  to  one  on 
each  stem,  or  they  may  be  left  in  sprays,  or  the 
centre  bud  may  be  removed  and  the  buds  sur- 
rounding it  left  to  flower.  The  former  method 
produces  the  earliest  flowers.  Some  very  fine 
disbudded  blooms  were  shown  by  a  market- 
grower  at  the  N.C.S.  show  in  November  last. 
A.    Jefcries,   Moor   Hall    Gardens,    Harlow. 

Eryngium  pandanifolium.  — I  found  this 
plant  referred  to  by  /.  G.  W.,  Gardeners 
Chronicle,  January  30,  p.  76,  in  a  garden  in 
Jersey.  The  flower-heads  are  very  small,  about 
J  inch,  and  of  no  beauty;  but  the  foliage  is  in- 
teresting as  mimicing  that  of  Pandanus  in  ex- 
ternal form  and  internal  structure,  as  both  have 
long  air  chambers  surrounded  by  similar  cellu- 
lar tissue.  There  are  several  species,  e.g.,  F. 
aloefolium,  more  or  less  resembling  monocoty- 
ledons in  moist  ground  in  Brazil.  As  air  cham- 
bers are  only  characteristic  of  submerged  plants, 
this  group  of  Eryngiums  corroborates  the  theory 
that  monocotyledons  were  primitively  derived 
from  aquatic  dicotyledons.  We  thus  find  many 
terrestrial  plants  retaining,  by  heredity,  charac- 
ters acquired  when  they  were  aquatic  in  habit. 
It  may  be  noted  that  a  leaf  of  a  Banana  has 
similar  air  chambers.     George  Henslow. 

Freesias.— In  reply  to  IK.  R.  H.,  p.  92,  it  is 
no  uncommon  occurrence  here  for  Freesias  to 
produce  nine  and  ten  blooms  on  an  inflores- 
cence, and  occasionally  we  have  had  as  many  as 
12  blooms  on  a  single  flower-spike.  Wilmot  H. 
Yates,  Rotherfeld  Park  Gardens,  Alton,  Hants. 

My  batch  of  plants  is  flowering  well 

this  season.  It  consists  of  the  same  bulbs  that 
I  have  used  for  seven  years.  The  inflorescences 
on  several  of  the  stems  bear  15,  12,  11,  10,  and  9 
blooms  respectively.     R-  A 


February  13,  1909] 


THE     GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


107 


Grape  Mill  Hill  Hamburgh. — As  a  rule  I 
have  great  respect  for  the  opinion  of  E.  .1/., 
but  his  remarks  on  p.  76  on  this  subject  are 
certainly  wrong.  Mis  description  there  agrees 
in  every  way  with  the  Dutch  Hamburgh,  a  very 
inferior  Grape  (see  Hogg's  Fruit  Manual,  p.  384). 

1  maintain  that  Mill  Hill  Hamburgh  has  all  the 
good  qualities  of  the  Black  Hamburgh,  and  the 
berries  colour  easier  than  those  of  that  variety. 
F.  B.  S. 

Two  Hardy  Winter  Greens.  —  Brussels 
Sprouts,  Broccoli,  especially  the  sprouting 
variety ;  most  of  the  Kales  and  other  green  vege- 
tables in  general,  have  been  much  injured  by  frost 
in  this  district.  On  December  29  we  experienced 
29°  of  frost,  when  the  plants  were  wet,  and  in 
consequence  the  damage  was  greater  than  if  the 
foliage  had  been  dry.  Late  Queen  Broccoli  and 
Hardy  Sprouting  Kale  escaped  injury,  thus 
proving  the  extreme  hardiness  of  these  varieties. 
This  hardy  Kale  is  one  of  the  most  useful  and 
reliable  of  winter  greens.  Other  varieties,  in- 
cluding the  well-known  Curled  Kale,  were 
damaged  by  the  frost.     Wilmol  R.  Yates,  Alton. 

Trenching.—  Mr  Beckett  (p.  Til)  says  nothing 
as  to  how  the  first  crops  fared  after  trenching, 
although  2  feet  of  stiff  clay  had  been  brought  to 
the  surface,  and  this  is  the  whole  point  of  my 
objection.  If  there  is  a  piece  of  ground  at 
Aldenham    with    10   inches   of    surface   soil    and 

2  feet  of  heavy  subsoil  still  untrenched,  it  would 
be  interesting  to  see  the  first  crops  after  it  had 
been  trenched.  I  quite  agree  with  .all  Mr. 
Beckett  says  as  to  the  value  of,  and  necessity 
(or,  working  vegetable  quarters  deeply,  and 
fully  recognise  the  good  results  that  will  be  ob- 
tained after  a  few  years,  when  the  heavy  ma- 
terial has  been  manured,  broken  up,  and  culti- 
vated a  few  times  ;  but  the  system  I  advocate, 
whi'e  producing  the  same  result  in  the  end,  is 
much  safer  for  the  initial  cropping.  Since  my 
former  letter  was  written,  two  gardeners  have 
furnished  me  with  instances  of  failure  through 
bringing  the  subsoil  to  the  top.  A.  Shakelton, 
The  Gay. if  us.  Forde  Abbey,  Ckard. 

1   am   pleased   to   read    the   testimony 

of  Mr.  Beckett  at  p.  70  as  to  the  value  of 
bringing  to  the  surface  the  bottom  layer  of  soil 
when  land  is  trenched.  Some  persons  appear  to 
have  a  dislike  bordering  on  dread  at  seeing  the 
clay  soil  on  the  surface,  forgetting  or  igm  ring 
that  it  is  amenable  to  a  treatment  in  that  posi- 
tion that  will  render  it  of  immense  value.  What 
is  so  frequently  termed  "  inert  "  soil  is  too  often 
left  below  to  remain  inert.  Many  years  ago, 
when  in  charge  of  a  Sydenham  Hill  garden,  I 
had  to  deal  with  a  very  tenacious  kind  of  clay 
that  formed  part  of  the  borings  of  the  Penge 
tunnel.  So  unworkable  was  this  clay  that  it  was 
decided  to  burn  it,  and,  with  this  heavy  task 
accomplished,  trenching  was  begun,  and  the 
lightly-burnt  clay  freely  distributed  as  the  work 
proceeded.  In  this  way,  and  by  adding  all  the 
light  material  available,  this  most  tenacious  of 
soils  was  rendered  workable,  and  made  capable 
of  producing  the  finest  crops.  The  benefits  ac- 
cruing from  the  burnt  clay  were  a  revelation  to 
me,  the  soil  being  lightened,  warmed,  and 
drained  by  a  single  operation  that  was  lasting 
in  its  results.     E.  //.  Jenkim 

Had  Mr.  Beckett  our  soil  to  deal  with, 

he  would  have  been  unable  to  follow  his  system, 
for  nothing  will  grow  in  the  subsoil,  which  is  a 
barren,  loamy  sand,  for  a  great  number  of  years. 
When  brought  to  the  surface,  even  weeds  cannot 
exist  in   it.     /.  S. 

In  recommending  the  raising  of  even 

the  most  unkindly  of  subsoils  to  the  surface, 
Mr.  Beckett  is,  perhaps,  thinking  of  gardens 
where  exceptional  facilities  are  at  command  for 
i  ai  rying  out  the  great  amount  of  work  necessary 
to  render  the  soil  suitable  for  an  immediate 
crop.  Having  some  knowledge  of  hard,  impene- 
trable clods,  wdiich  bake  like  bricks  in  the  sum- 
mer's heat  when  unalloyed  clay  is  exposed  by 
ordinary  trenching,  I  am  confident  that  a  profit- 
able crop  of  the  majority  of  vegetables  cannot  be 
obtained  in  such  ill-conditioned  staple.  If  the 
trenched  plot  could  be  left  fallow  for  a  season, 
much  might,  of  course,  be  done  with  it,  but, 
failing  this,  double-digging  seems  the  more 
rational  course  to  pursue.  Besides,  those  plots 
which  the  short-handed  gardener  finds  time  to 
deeply  dig,  are  usually  those  upon  which  he 
relies  for  his  best  produce  ;  he  should  certainly 
think   twice  before  embarking  on  an  enterprise 


which  seems  likely  to  leave  his  soil  in  a  worse 
state  than  before,  especially  if  he  has  no  ground 
to  spare  for  experiment.  Taking  these  things 
into  consideration,  I  feel  sure  that  I  have  mis- 
understood Mr.  Beckett  or,  otherwise,  that  his 
advice  was  given  subject  to  reservation.  Joseph 
E.  Simms,  Norihwick  Park  Gardens,  Blockley. 

Hybrid  Cyclamens.— At  the  meeting  of  the 
Royal  Horticultural  Society,  held  on  the  26th 
ult.,  a  few  flowers  of  some  hybrid  Cyclamens 
were  shown  by  Mr.  F.  H.  Chapman.  These 
flowers  were  the  result  of  crossing  C.  ibericum 
with  C.  persicum,  and  though  not  as  yet  of 
much  merit  horticulturally,  they  are  of  great 
interest,  for  it  has  long  been  supposed  that  C. 
persicum  would  not  cross  with  any  of  the  hardy 
species.  It  has  often  been  attempted  without 
success.  In  1895,  Sir  W.  Thistleton  Dyer,  in  a 
communication  to  the  P.oyal  Society  gave  an 
interesting  sketch  of  the  cultural  evolution  of 
the  florist's  Cyclamen.  He  chose  this  flower  as 
being  certainly  of  pure  descent,  in  order  to 
illustrate  the  view  that  evolution  has  proceeded 
by  the  accumulation  of  small  "continuous" 
variations,  rather  than  by  sudden  sports,  or  by 
natural  hybridisation,  and  in  the  course  of  his 
remarks  he  said  :  "  There  is  no  question  of  hy- 
bridity  ;  Cyclamen  latifolium  (persicum)  has  re- 
sisted every  attempt  to  cross  it  with  any  other 
species."  As  he  had  consulted  the  leading 
growers,  and  relied  especially' for  his  facts  on 
information  supplied  by  Messrs.  Suttons'  hy- 
bridist, Mr.  J.  Martin,  it  may  be  assumed  that 
they  all  concurred  in  this  opinion.  A  year  pre- 
vious to  seeing  this,  I  fertilised  a  number  of 
flowers  of  C.  persicum,  some  with  the  pollen  of 
C.  coum,  and  some  with  that  of  C.  hederae- 
folium  ;  but  I  got  no  seed  at  all  from  any  of 
the  crossed  flowers.  It  may  be  noted  that  C. 
ibericum  is  one  of  the  parents  of  the  hybrid  C. 
Atkinsii,  the  only  one  recorded  in  Johnson's 
Gardener's  Dictionary ;  but  other  hybrids  have 
been  raised  among  the  hardy  species.  Until 
they  have  been  tested  by  further  generations, 
and  by  repeating  the  original  cross,  caution  is 
no  doubt  advisable  with  regard  to  the  reputed 
hybrid  parentage  of  these,  as  of  any  seedlings, 
even  when  every  precaution  has  been  taken. 
But  Mr.  Chapman  is  a  careful  and  skilful  hy- 
bridist, and,  in  the  opinion  of  several  experts 
who  have  seen  the  flowers,  they  are  hybrids. 
Mr.  (  hapman  has  given  me  the  following  par- 
ticulars of  his  crossings.  He  says :  "  I  com- 
menced three  years  ago,  using  C.  ibericum 
roseum  as  the  seed  parent,  and  some  large- 
flowered  forms  of  C.  persicum  for  pollen.  The 
parent  plants  are  in  pans  in  a  cold  house,  and 
the  pollinating  is  repeated  to  a  considerable  ex- 
tent. The  first  seedlings  commenced  to  flower  a 
year  ago,  and  there  was  then  no  advance,  but 
the  colours  varied.  This  year,  a  small  propor- 
tion of  the  flowers  are  distinctly  larger,  but 
clumsy  ;  the  petals  do  not  reflex  neatly  and  regu- 
larly as  in  the  seed  parent,  but  flop  about  in  an 
ungainly  way.  Those  that  resemble  C.  ibericum 
in  other  respects  vary  greatly  as  to  colour." 
Though  these  seedlings  of  the  first  generation 
are  not  in  themselves  an  improvement  on  exist- 
ing forms,  still,  if  they  prove  fertile,  it  may  be 
hoped  they  will  be  the  beginning  of  a  race  of 
hardy,  large-flowering  Cyclamens,  with  the  same 
range  of  colour  as  now  obtains  in  the  florists' 
Cyclamen.  It  has  yet  to  be  proved  whether  the 
hybrids  are  hardy ;  but  there  is  every  reason, 
on  Mendelian  principles,  to  expect  that,  at 
any  rate,  they  or  some  of  their  progeny 
will  be.  There  is,  likewise,  the  possi- 
bility of  a  correlation  between  size  or  colour  and 
hardiness,  so  that  only  the  smaller-flowered 
seedlings — those  nearer  C.  ibericum — would  be 
hardy,  while  the  larger-flowered  ones  would  re- 
tain the  tenderness  of  C.  persicum.  But  I  think 
it  is  more  probable  that  at  least  some  among  the 
seedlings  will  be  found  to  combine  the  size  and 
colour  characters  of  the  one  parent  with  the 
hardiness  of  the  other.  Such  a  race  would  be 
a  welcome  addition  to  our  early-flowering  hardy 
border  plants.     A.  J.  B. 


TRADE   NOTICE. 


MESSRS.  NUTTING  &  SONS,  LTD. 
This  private  company  has  been  formed  vvitli  a  capital  of 
i'20,000  in  £1  shares  to  take  over  the  business  of  seed 
merchants,  carried  on  at  106,  Southwark  Street,  S.E.,  as 
Nutting  &  Sons,  and  to  adopt  an  agreement  with  W.  J. 
Nutting,  H.  W,  W.  Nutting,  and  H.  R.  Nutting. 


SOCIETIES. 

ROYAL    HORTICULTURAL. 

February  9.— The  meeting  on  Tuesday  last 
was  the  occasion  of  the  annual  general  meeting 
of  the  Society,  and,  as  is  usual  at  this  anni- 
versary gathering,  there  was  a  fine  display  of 
exhibits  of  all  kinds.  No  fewer  than  three 
Gold  Medals  were  awarded — one  for  Orchids, 
another  for  cut  flowers,  and  the  other  for  a  dis- 
play of  Apples.  There  was  a  good  attendance 
of  visitors.  The  only  awards  to  novelties  were 
conferred  by  the  Orchid  Committee,  which 
granted  one  First-class  Certificate  and  two 
Awards  of  Merit;  and,  on  re-consideration,  the 
award  granted  to  Cypripedium  "  Earl  of  Tan- 
kerville"  (see  p.  101,  fig.  49)  was  raised  to  a 
First-class  Certificate.  The  annual  meeting  took 
place  at  3  o'clock.  A  short  account  of  the  pro- 
ceedings is  subjoined. 

Floral  Committee. 

Present:  W.  Marshall,  Esq.  (chairman),  and 
Messrs.  C.  T.  Druery,  Henry  B.  May,  Jno. 
Green,  T.  W.  Turner,  G.  Reuthe,  W.  J.  Bean, 
J.  T.  Bennett  Poe,  J.  Jennings,  W.  Howe,  C. 
R.  Fielder,  R.  Hooper  Pearson,  J.  F.  McLeod, 
R.  W.  Wallace,  Chas.  Dixon,  Jas.  Douglas, 
Arthur  Turner,  Chas.  E.  Pearson,  Chas.  E. 
Shea,  W.  Cuthbertson,  F.  Page  Roberts,  Her- 
bert J.  Cutbush,  W.  P.  Thomson,  E.  H.  Jen- 
kins, M.  J.  James,  George  Paul,  E.  A.  Bowles, 
and  R.  C.  Notcutt. 

An  imposing  display  of  Liliums,  Carnations 
and  Daffodils  was  made  by  Mr.  W.  H.  Page, 
Tangley  Nursery,  Hampton,  for  which  a  Gold 
Medal  was  awarded.  The  group  was  very 
large,  and  attracted  much  attention.  There  were 
bold  stands,  5  or  6  feet  in  height,  filled  with 
choice  blooms  of  Liliurn  speciosum  album,  I., 
longiflorum,  and  in  the  centre  L.  speciosum. 
Between  these  the  exhibitor  arranged  vases  of 
perpetual-blooming  Carnations  of  varieties  best 
suited  for  decorative  purposes.  The  golden 
trumpets  of  the  Daffodils  showed  in  bold  re- 
lief against  the  softer  tints  of  the  Carnations. 
The  group  was  staged  in  an  artistic  manner. 
Messrs.  James  Veitch  &  Sons,  Ltd.,  King's 
Road,  Chelsea,  arranged  an  exhibit  of  green- 
house flowering  plants,  with  many  decorative 
Ferns-  and  other  suitable  greenery.  A  novelty 
was  seen  in  Nottonia  Grantii  from  Uganda. 
The  stem  and  foliage  are  succulent,  as 
in  some  Euphorbias;  the  inflorescence  consists 
of  a  head  of  small,  red  flowers,  like  a  miniature 
Nerine  set  in  an  involucre.  Other  plants  in  the 
group  were  Jacobinia  coccinea,  Coleus  thyr- 
soideus,  Eupatroium  vernale,  Lopezia  miniata, 
&c.    (Silver-Gilt  Banksian  Medal.) 

Messrs.  Wit.  Cutbush  &  Son,  Highgate,  Lon- 
don, N.,  displayed  a  very  handsome  exhibit  of 
the  perpetual-blooming  Carnation,  tall  vases 
filled  with  large  bouquets  of  such  beautiful  varie- 
ties as  White  Perfection,  Fair  Maid  (pink),  Vic- 
tory (scarlet),  Mrs.  Burnet  (salmon),  with  shorter 
receptacles  containing  a  great  number  of  other 
kinds,  including  the  new  Rose  Dore,  made  a 
pleasing  group.  Messrs.  Cutbush  also  showed  a 
hybrid  between  the  perpetual-blooming  and  the 
Souvenir  de  la  Malmaison  types  named  Lady 
Millar.  The  habit  more  nearly  resembles  the 
Souvenir  de  la  Malmaison  variety :  the  bloom 
is  blush  colour  passing  to  a  bright  rose  at  the 
edge.  The  same  firm  also  exhibited  forced 
flowering  shrubs  and  a  rock-garden  planted  with 
many  early-blooming  Irises,  Crocuses,  Tulips, 
Hellebores,  and  other  early-flowering  plants. 
(Silver-Gilt  Banksian  Medal.) 

Mr.  H.  Burnett,  Guernsey,  showed  beauti- 
fully-developed blooms  of  the  perpetual-flower- 
ing Carnation,  the  colouring  in  the  flowers  being 
developed  to  a  remarkable  degree.  The  varie- 
ties were  numerous  and  represented  the  best  of 
those  in  commerce.     (Silver  Flora  Medal.) 

Messrs.  Hugh  Low  &  Co.,  Bush  Hill  Park, 
Enfield,  showed  plants  of  the  rose-coloured 
variety  of  Daphne  indica,  also  a  batch  of  Cycla- 
men latifolium,  in  which  the  Salmon  King 
variety  showed  to  advantage.  The  group  also 
contained  varieties  with  white,  red,  rose,  crim- 
son and  other  shades.  On  another  table  this 
firm  made  a  very  large  exhibit  of  perpetual- 
flowering  Carnations.     (Silver  Banksian  Medal.) 

Messrs.  H.  1>.  May  .v  SONS,  The  Nurseries, 
Upper    Edmonton,    showed    an    assortment    of 


108 


THE    GARDENERS'      CHRONICLE. 


[February  13,  1909. 


greenhouse  plants  of  both  flowering  and 
toliage  types.  In  the  centre  of  the  display 
a  batch  of  colouring  was  afforded  by  a 
group  of  Rhododendron  indicum.  There  was 
also  a  batch  of  Primula  obconioa  with  very 
deeply-coloured  flowers,  and  another  of  Cycla- 
men latifolium.  Ferns  of  the  elegant  Nephro- 
lepis  exaltata  Amerpholii,  N.  e.  Todeaoides, 
Adiantum  gracillimum,  Davallia  epiphylla, 
Platycerium  alcicorne,  and  other  decorative 
varieties  were  intermingled  in  the  group.  (Sil- 
ver Banksian  Medal.) 

Messrs.  R.  &  G.  Cuthbert,  Southgate  Nur- 
series, exhibited  a  large  floor  group  consist- 
ing mainly  of  forced  plants  of  Lilac,  Magnolia 
in  variety  as  bushes  and  tall  standard  trees, 
Forsythia  suspensa,  Japanese  Acers,  Prunus  of 
species,  Pyrus  floribunda  and  Azalea  sinensis. 
(Silver-Gilt  Flora  Medal.) 

Messrs.  Sutton  &  Sons,  Reading,  showed  an 
exhibit  of  Primula  sinensis  that  occupied  the 
whole  of  one  of  the  longest  tables.  The  plants 
were  a  very  compact-growing  type,  with  stout 
foliage  and  inflorescences  carrying  blooms  of 
the  largest  size.  They  represented  a  mixed 
strain,  in  which  were  seen  all  the  gradations 
of  colouring  formed  in  this  useful  winter-bloom- 
ing plant ;  especially  fine  were  those  of  crimson, 
rose,  magenta  and  salmon  shades.  The  exhibit 
was  set  forth  in  an  attractive  style,  small  Ferns, 
Palms  and  Isolepis  gracilis  being  employed  for 
relief.     (Silver  Flora  Medal.) 

Messrs.  H.  Canneli.  &  Sons,  Swanley,  Kent, 
also  exhibited  a  number  of  Primula  sinensis  in 
pots.  The  flowers  were  in  most  instances  of 
fine  quality  and  large  size.  The  best  white 
varieties  were  Moonlight  and  White  Perfection  ; 
a  fine  outstanding  pink-flowered  variety  was 
Pink  Perfection.  Other  good  varieties  were 
Miss  Caroline  Ward  (pink),  Mr.  Herbert  Ben- 
nett (pale  purple),  Mr.  J.  A.  Gardiner  (a  sym- 
metrical flower  of  a  bright  pink  tint),  and  Mr. 
Raphael  (deep  crimson).     (Silver  Flora  Medal.) 

Messrs.  Robert  Sydenham,  Ltd.,  showed 
Lily  of  the  Valley  in  very  fine  condition,  de- 
veloped from  retarded  crowns.  The  pots  in 
which  these  had  been  grown  were  without  drain- 
age material  but  contained  moss-fibre. 

Messrs.  R.  H.  Bath,  Ltd.,  Wisbech,  ex- 
hibited bulbous  plants — Crocuses  and  Daffodils 
— grown  in  bowls  containing  moss-fibre. 

Messrs.  Geo.  Mount  &  Sons,  Ltd.,  The  Nur- 
series, Canterbury,  showed  a  number  of  cut 
blooms  of  Roses,  the  varieties  being  Joseph 
Lowe,  a  new  Hybrid  Tea  ;  Mr.  W.  J.  Grant  and 
Richmond.     (Silver  Banksian  Medal.) 

Mr.  W.  Seward,  The  Beeches,  Hanwell,  Mid- 
dlesex,  exhibited  a  large  collection  of  Cyclamen 
latifolium.  The  inflorescences  had  a  wide  range 
of  colour,  whilst  the  leafage  was  dwarf  and 
compact.  The  plants  carried  masses  of  blooms, 
and  were  capital  examples  of  good  culture. 
(Silver-gilt  Banksian  Medal.) 

Mr.  L.  R.  Russell,  Richmond  Nurseries, 
Richmond,  Surrey,  showed  a  large  number  of 
plants  of  Citrus  japonica  as  bushes  beautifully 
fruited  and  their  fruits  approaching  maturity. 
Mr.  Russell  was  likewise  an  exhibitor  of  a 
large  number  of  the  Witch  Hazel  Hamamelis 
arborea.      (Silver   Banksian   Medal.) 

Messrs.  J.  Peed  &  Son,  West  Norwood  Nur- 
series, showed  a  rockery  of  rough  stones  planted 
in  a  natural  manner  with  various  species  of  Ferns, 
Sedums,  bulbous  plants,  hardy  species  of  Cycla- 
men, Narcissus,  &c,  intermixed  with  Skimmias, 
tree  Ivies,  Bambusas,  Ledums,  Azaleas,  and 
Cacti.      (Silver  Banksian  Medal.) 

Mr.  Herbert  Chapman,  of  Rye,  again  showed 
his  varieties  of  hybrid  Freesias. 

Messrs.  T.  S.  Ware  &  Sons,  Feltham,  Middle- 
sex, showed  an  extensive  collection  of  Primula 
obconica.  The  plants  had  been  selected  for  im- 
provements in  colour,  size  and  form  of  the 
flowers,  in  height  of  the  stalk  and  size  of  the 
trusses.      (Silver  Banksian   Medal.) 

Messrs.  G.  &  A.  Clark,  Ltd.,  The  Nurseries, 
Dover,  arranged  on  the  floor  in  a  realistic  man- 
ner a  rock-garden  exhibit.  Separating  the  larger 
"  bays "  were  grass  paths  and  at  appropriate 
spots,  shrubs  were  utilised.  The  rockery  was 
furnished  with  seasonable  flowering  plants. 
(Silver   Banksian  Medal.) 

Mr.  Geo.  Reuthe,  Keston,  Kent,  showed 
specialities  in  hardy-flowering  plants,  also 
Himalayan    species    of    Rhododendron,    Dapln- 


phyllum  macropodon,  Lomatia  pinnatifolia, 
Guevina  avellana,  Berberis  japonica,  Hama- 
melis arborea  var.  Zuccariniana,  Berberis 
nepalensis,  B.  japonica  var.  Bealii  (with  frag- 
rant flowers),  B.  dulcis  nana,  and  other  interest- 
ing shrubs.     (Bronze  Flora  Medal.) 

Messrs.  Barr  &  Sons,  King  Street,  Covent 
Garden,  London,  W.C.,  showed  early-flowering 
hardy  plants,  including  many  tuberous  and  bul- 
bous subjects.  Amongst  them  we  noticed  Iris 
reticulata,  I.  Danfordiae,  a  very  dwarf  species 
with  intense  yellow-coloured  blooms  ;  Crocuses 
in  variety ;  Snowdrops,  Lachenalias,  Scillas, 
Freesias,  Narcissi,  Anemones,  Adonis  amuren- 
sis    and    Cyclamen    Coum. 

Messrs.  R.  Wallace  &  Co.,  Kilnfield  Nur- 
series, Colchester,  showed  species  of  Crocus, 
viz.,  C.  biflorus,  C-  Sieberi,  C.  Weldenii,  and 
C.   Imperati. 

Miss  Alice  Smith,  Barnham,  Bognor,  made 
an  interesting  show  of  hardy  Primulas  and 
other  flowers  that  had  been  grown  in  cold 
frames. 

A  small  rock-garden  exhibit  was  arranged  by 
the  Misses  Hopkins,  Mere  Gardens,  Shepper- 
ton-on-Thames,  with  Primroses,  Daisies,  Helle- 
bores, Cyclamen  Coum,  Lithospermum  prostra- 
tum,  &c. 

Messrs.  Joseph  Cheal  &  Sons,  Crawley,  dis- 
played boxes  of  Alpine  plants,  also  dwarf 
shrubs,  including  Conifers,  suitable  for  the  rock 
garden. 

Plants  of  Sarracenia  purpurea  from  the  open 
garden  were  shown  by  Sir  Edmund  Loder, 
Bart.,  Leonardslee,  Horsham  (gr  Mr.  W.  A. 
Cook). 

Orchid  Committee. 

Present :  J.  Gurney  Fowler,  Esq.  (in  the 
Chair)  ;  and  Messrs.  Jas.  O'Brien  (hon.  sec), 
Harry  J.  Veitch,  de  B.  Crawshay,  Gurney  Wil- 
son, Norman  C.  Cookson,  W.  Bolton,  H.  Little, 
W.  Boxall,  J.  Forster  Alcock,  Stuart  Low,  F.  J. 
Hanbury,  F.  M.  Ogilvie,  G.  F.  Moore,  J.  Charles- 
worth,  A.  A.  McBean,  W.  Cobb,  W.  P. 
Bound,  W.  H.  Hatcher,  H.  Ballantine.  H.  A. 
Tracy,  A.  Dye,  C.  H.  Curtis,  H.  G.  Alexander, 
W.  H.  White,  C.  J.  Lucas,  and  J.  Wilson  Potter. 

Messrs.  Charlesworth  &  Co.,  Hay  wards 
Heath,  were  awarded  the  Society's  Gold  Medal 
for  a  display  of  Orchids,  the  middle  portion  of 
the  group  being  composed  of  about  100  grandly- 
flowered  specimens  of  Phalaenopsis  Schilleriana 
literally  laden  with  finely-developed,  rose-pink 
flowers,  borne  on  plants  in  the  best  possible 
condition  of  culture.  Probably  there  has  never 
before  been  staged  at  an  exhibition  such  a  mag- 
nificent display  of  this  Phalaenopsis.  In  the 
centre  was  a  selection  of  rare  kinds,  including 
the  pure  white  Phalaenopsis  Schilleriana  vestalis, 
P.  intermedia  Portei,  P.  Stuartiana  grandis,  and 
others.  At  one  end  of  the  exhibit  was  a  selec- 
tion of  Laelio-Cattleya  callistoglossa  and  other 
Laelio-Cattleyas,  a  batch  of  the  pretty  Cattleya 
Enid,  the  scarlet  Renanthera  Imschootiana,  the 
front  portion  of  this  group  having  an 
edging  of  the  dwarf  yellow  Oncidium  cheiro- 
phorum.  At  the  other  end  was  an  excellent  and 
varied  display  of  hybrid  Odontoglossums,  also 
Odontiodas,  Brasso-Cattleya  Queen  Alexandra, 
Miltonia  Hyeana,  &c.  The  whole  display  was 
edged  with  specimens  of  the  brilliant  scarlet- 
flowered    Sophronitis   grandiflora. 

Sir  Jeremiah  Colvan,  Bart.,  Gatton  Park, 
Reigate  (gr.  Mr.  Collier),  exhibited  a  select 
group  of  rare  and  pretty  species,  including  Den- 
drobium  macrophyllum,  the  elegant  white  D. 
aemulum,  D.  Kingianuni  album,  Masdevallia 
cucullata,  with  seven  blackish-purple  coloured 
flowers,  M.  chimaera,  and  its  variety  aurea, 
Restrepia  striata,  two  varieties  of  Pleione  yun- 
nanensis,  and  Pleurothallis  astrophora,  a  very 
singular  little  species.  Of  hybrids  there  was 
a  very  fine  specimen  of  Dendrobium  raised  at 
Gatton  with  large  and  beautifully-formed 
flowers ;    also   Phaio-Calanthe   Colmanii. 

Col.  G.  L.  Holford,  CLE.,  C.V.O.,  Weston- 
birt  (gr.  Mr.  H.  G.  Alexander),  showed  a  noble 
plant  of  Odontoglossum  crispo-Harryanum 
with  four  immense  branched  spikes  bearing  al- 
together 125  flowers^ '  the  largest  spike  having 
61  blooms.  The  Lindley  Medal  was  awarded 
to  Mr.  Alexander,  the  cultivator,  for  the  extra- 
ordinary good  culture  seen  in  the  specimen. 
The  same  exhibitor  showed  Laelio-Cattleya  Gold- 


finch, superba  (see  Awards)  ;  L.-C.  Goldfinch 
var.  Argus,  with  bright  chrome-yellow  flowers 
with  Indian-red  coloured  lip  veined  with  gold  ; 
the  beautiful  Cymbidium  Holfordianum  with 
two  flower-spikes  ;  and  Cypripedium  Helen  II. 
Holford's  variety,  a  large,  distinctly-spotted 
flower. 

Sir  Trevor  Lawrence,  Bart.,  K.C.V.O.  (gr. 
Mr.  W.  H.  White),  showed  a  fine  branched  in- 
florescence of  the  rare  Mexican  Epidendrum 
erubescens,  which  had  been  in  bloom  for  many 
weeks,  but  was  still  perfect  and  with  some 
flower-buds   unexpanded. 

Messrs.  J.  &  A.  A.  McBean,  Cooksbridge, 
were  awarded  a  Silver  Flora  Medal  for  an  ele- 
gant group  of  splendidly-grown  white  varieties 
of  Laelia  anceps,  the  flowers  being  large  and 
finely  developed  on  very  strong  spikes. 

Norman  C.  Cookson,  Esq.,  Oakwood,  Wylara 
(gr.  Mr.  H.  J.  Chapman),  received  a  Silver-gilt 
Flora  Medal  for  a  remarkable  group  con- 
taining many  handsomely-blotched  Odontoglos- 
sums, for  which  this  exhibitor's  collection  is 
noted.  Among  unnamed  varieties  was  a 
large-flowered  Odontoglossum  crispum  with  the 
inner  parts  of  the  segments  of  a  deep  reddish- 
purple,  the  like  of  which  had  not  been  shown 
before.  Other  choice  plants  noted  were  O. 
crispum  Mossiae,  with  fine  white  flowers  densely 
spotted  with  purple  ;  varieties  of  O.  ardentissi- 
mum ;  the  new  Brasso-Laelio-Cattleya  Cook- 
sonii,  with  vellow  flowers  heavily  tinted  with 
coppery-red,  and  which  was  obtained  by  cross- 
ing Brasso-Laelia  Gratrixiae  and  Cattleya  Dowi- 
ana  ;  Cypripedium  Chapmanii  Oakwoo J  variety, 
and  others. 

Messrs.  Cypher  &  Sons,  Cheltenham,  secured 
a  Silver  Flora  Medal  for  an  extensive  group  of 
choice  Cypripediums  which  included  C.  Mrs. 
Wm.  Mostyn,  C.  Miss  Louisa  Fowler,  C.  Van- 
dyke, and  varieties  of  C.  aureum.  With  these  was 
a  central  arrangement  of  Calanthe  Bryan,  also 
hybrids  of  Odontoglossum  Pescatorei,  Lycaste 
Skinneri,  Angraecum  eburneum,  Vanda  Amesi- 
ana,  and  a  bright  display  of  the  scarlet-flowered 
Sophronitis. 

Messrs.  Hugh  Low  &  Co.,  Bush  Hill  Park, 
Enfield,  obtained  a  Silver  Flora  Medal  for  a 
varied  group,  in  which  were  Cypripedium 
aureum  Surprise,  C.  aureum  virginale,  with 
<ight  flowers;  Saccolabium  Harrisonianum, 
Dendrobium  nobile  virginale,  D.  speciosum,  D. 
Wiganiae  xanthochilum,  Bulbophyllum  cupreum, 
and  well-flowered  plants  of  Sophronitis  grandi- 
flora. 

Messrs.  J.  W.  Moore,  Ltd.,  Rawdon,  Leeds, 
showed  an  interesting  group  in  which  Cypripe- 
diums were  specially  good.  Among  them  were 
the  beautiful,  dark-tinted  C.  Mrs.  Francis  Wel- 
lesley,  the  fine  C.  Tracyanum,  and  anew  form  of 
C.  Harrisianum,  or  a  closely-allied  hybrid,  with 
very  dark  and  finely-formed  flower;  C.  Roth- 
schildianum  Dulcote  variety,  C.  aureum  com- 
pactum,  C.  a.  Hyeanum,  C.  Sallieri  varieties, 
and  C.  Chapmanii.     (Silver  Banksian  Medal.) 

Messrs.  Jas.  Veitch  &  Sons,  Ltd.,  Chelsea, 
were  awarded  a  Silver  Banksian  Medal  for  an 
effective  arrangement  of  choice  Odontoglossums 
and  hybrid  Cypripediums. 

M.  Mertens,  Ghent,  staged  a  small  group  of 
hybrid  Odontoglossums. 

Mr.  F.  McBean,  Plumpton,  showed  varieties 
of  Cattleya  Trianae  and  Odontoglossum  crispum. 
The  Odontoglossums  included  a  very  pretty 
blotched  variety,  the  markings  being  on  a  clear 
white  ground. 

The  Duke  of  Marlborough,  Blenheim  Palace 
(gr.  Mr  Hunter),  sent  Cattleya  Trianae  "  Blen- 
heim variety,"  a  large  and  finely-coloured 
flower. 

J.  Forster  Alcock,  Esq.,  Exhims,  North- 
church,  showed  Cypripedium  Helen  II.  Exhims 
variety,  C.  Leoniae  Gratrix's  variety,  and  C. 
Leander  Exhims  variety.    (See  Awards.) 

W.  Bolton,  Esq.,  Wilderspool,  Warrington, 
sent  Cypripedium  Iris  magnificum  (Chamber- 
lainianum  magnificum  X  Maudiae),  a  very  dis- 
tinct flower,  much  larger  than  C.  Chamber- 
lainianum.  The  round  dorsal  sepal  is  white  with 
a  green  base  and  has  a  dark  purple  centre  with 
lines  of  the  same  colour.  The  lip  is  large  and 
densely  spotted  with  rose.  The  petals  are 
broad  but  with  some  undulation  as  in  C.  C-ham- 
berlainianum,  yellowish  and  veined  with  dark 
purple. 

Sir  W.  Marriott,  Down  House,  Bland  ford, 
sent     cut     spikes     of     Sophro-Cattleya     Warn- 


February  13,  1909.] 


THE     GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


109 


hamiensis  var.   Cerise,   and   Sophro-Laelia  Mar- 
riottiana. 

Messrs.  Armstrong  &  Brown.  Tunbridge 
Wells,  showed  a  notable  example  of  Cypripe- 
dium  Euryades  "  New  Hall  Hey  variety." 

Messrs.  Duchesne,  Watermael,  Belgium,  sent 
Cattleya  Schroderae  The  Giant  with  many  large 
flowers  of  a.  uniform  pale  lilac  tint,  and  of 
good  shape. 

R.  G.  Thwaites,  Esq.,  Chessington,  Streatham 
(gr.  Mr.  Black),  sent  his  form  of  Odontioda  Brad- 
shawiae,  which  has  slightly  broader  segments 
and  different  red  markings  to  the  original  plant 
of  this  raising. 

AWARDS. 

First-class   Certificate. 

Odontoglossum  ardentissimum  "  Phabe,"  from 
Norman  C.  Cookson,  Esq.,  Oakwood,  Wylam 
(gr.  Mr.  H.  J.  Chapman).  A  very  beautiful  form 
with  new  features  in  this  variable  hybrid, 
the  flowers  being  of  a  deep  reddish  claret  colour 
on  the  inner  halves  of  the  segments  :  the  tips 
and  margin  pure  white.  The  lip  is  also  finely 
developed  and  distinctly  marked. 

Awards  of  Merit. 

Lalio-Catllcya  Goldfinch  superba  (L.-C.  Warn- 
hamiensis  X  C.  Vowiana  aurcx),  from  Col.  G.  L. 
Holford,  CLE.,  C.V.O.,  Westonbirt  (gr.  Mr. 
H.  ].  Chapman).  A  charming  and  profuse- 
flowering  hybrid  with  bright  yellow  sepals  and 
petals,  and  deep  crimson-purple  lip  with  orange 
lines  at  the  base. 

Cypripedium  Leandfr  " Exkims  variety"  (vit- 
losum  x  Luanum  variety),  from  J.  Forster 
Alcock,  Esq.,  Exhims,  Northchurch.  A  hand- 
some flower,  with  a  large  circular,  white  dorsal 
sepal  that  is  blotched  with  deep  rose-purple. 
The  broad  petals  and  lip  are  of  a  yellow  shade 
tinged  with  light  puvple. 

Fruit  and  Vegetable  Committee. 

Present:  G.  Bunyard,  Esq.,  V.M.H.  (Chair- 
man) ;  and  Messrs.  J.  Cheal,  W.  Bates,  G. 
Woodward,  A.  Dean,  A.  Beckett,  A.  R.  Allan, 
H.  Parr,  G.  Hobday,  H.  Hooper,  J.  Davis,  W. 
Crump,  C.  Foster,  J.  Jacques,  G.  Keif,  J.  Lyne, 
J.  Mclndoe,  W.  l'oupart,  H.  S.  Rivers,  O. 
Thomas  ('.  G.  A.  Nix,  P.  D.  Tuckett  and  G. 
Reynolds. 

Prior  to  the  commencement  of  business,  it 
was  decided  that  the  secretary  should  send  to 
Mr.  G.  Wythes,  V.M.H.,  sympathy  and  con- 
dolence on  the  death  of  Mrs.  Wythes. 

The  competitive  classes  in  Late  Pears 
brought  four  single  dishes  only,  no  entries 
being  seen  in  the  other  classes.  Lord  Foley, 
Ruxley  Lodge,  Esher  (gr.  Mr.  Gardiner),  won  the 
1st  prize  with  fruits  of  Glou  Morceau  ;  2nd 
the  Dowager  Countess  of  Ilchester,  Holland 
House,  Kensington  (gr.  Mr.  C.  Dixon),  with  fair 
samples  of  Easter  Beurre.  Other  varieties  shown 
were  Josephine  des  Malines  and  Bergamotte 
d'Esperen. 

A  few  seedling  Apples  were  presented,  but 
none  merited  an  award.  One  sample  shown  as 
new  was  Annie  Elizabeth. 

Mr.  J.  R.  Allan,  Osberton,  Worksop,  sent 
six  good  pods  of  Vanilla  planifolia,  for  whichi  a 
Cultural  Commendation  was  awarded. 

Messrs.  G.  Bunyard  &  Co.,  Maidstone,  staged 
a  superb  collection  of  150  dishes  and  varieties 
of  Apples.  The  whole  collection  presented  an 
object-lesson  as  to  the  wealth  of  fine  varieties 
suitable  for  late  keeping,  and  the  effectiveness 
of  such  storing  as  is  adopted  in  the  Allington 
Nursery.  Amongst  dessert  varieties  were  Cox's 
Orange  Pippin,  Cornish  Aromatic,  Brownlees1 
Russet,  Mother  Apple,  Adams'  Pearmain,  Bau- 
mann's  Reinette,  Dutch  Mignonne,  King's  Acre 
Pippin,  Lord  Hindlip,  Scarlet  Nonpareil,  Brad- 
dick's  Nonpareil,  and  Barnack  Beauty.  Of  kit- 
chen Apples  the  following  were  seen  in  excellent 
samples: — Smart's  Prince  Arthur,  Golden 
Noble,  Annie  Elizabeth,  Bismarck,  Lane's 
Prince  Albert,  New  Hawthornden,  Alfriston, 
Lord  Derby,  Newton  Wonder,  Belle  de  Pontoise, 
Bramlev's  Seedling,  and  Hormead  Pearmain. 
(Gold  Medal.) 

Messrs.  Jas.  Carter  &  Co.,  High  Holborn, 
staged  a  very  fine  co'lection  of  some  160  dishes 
of  Potatos.  Many  white-skinned  Potatos  differ 
very  little  in  the  tuber,  and  thus  in  a  large  col- 
lection such  as  that  exhibited  by  Messrs. 
Carter,  many  necessarily  bear  a  close  re- 
semblance    to      each      other.        That     is     par- 


ticularly the  case  with  the  Up-to-Date  strain. 
The  chief  test  of  distinctness  is  necessarily 
found  in  their  habit  of  growth,  season  of  crop- 
ping, &c.  Amongst  the  white-skinned  varieties 
were  noticed  Abundance,  Factor,  Maincrop,  Dal- 
meny  Radium,  and  Langholme  Model ;  whilst 
of  coloured  varieties  we  may  instance  Mr. 
Breese,  King  Edward  VII.,  Sunrise,  Purple 
Perfection,  Queen  of  the  Veldt,  Ruby  Queen, 
Vicar  of  Laleham,  and  Sunrise  as  notable  kinds. 
(Silver  Knightian  Medal.) 

Messrs.  Carter,  Page  &  Co.,  London  Wall, 
sent  a  dozen  punnets  of  very  excellent  and  capit- 
ally-blanched Seakale  of  tfie  old  variety ;  also 
roots  trimmed  ready  for  forcing,  and  a  few  root 
cuttings.  (Cultural  Commendation  of  Horticul- 
ture.) 

Mr.  C.  Foster,  assistant  director  of  Horticul- 
ture, University  College  Gardens,  Reading  ex- 
hibited a  collection  of  forced  vegetables  of  high 
merit,  including  capital  Seakale,  Linnaeus  and 
Albert  Rhubarbs,  Witloof  Chicory,  Eclipse 
Tomatos,  Golden  Frame  and  Paris  Frame  Cab- 
bage Lettuces,  and  some  roots  and  crowns  of 
Asparagus,  showing  one,  two,  three,  four  and 
five-years-old  specimens.  The  Asparagus  formed 
a  valuable  object-lesson  in  its  development. 
(Silver  Banksian  Medal.  ) 


had  allowed  them  to  copy  Professor  Sir  Hubert 
von  Herkomer's  portrait  of  himself  to  hang  in 
the  Hall.  The  President  concluded  by  thanking 
the  members  of  the  committees  and  those  who 
had  read  papers  at  the  afternoon  meetings. 

The  Hon.  Treasurer,  Mr.  Gurney  Fowler,  in  a 
very  lucid  manner  referred  to  the  financial  posi- 
tion of  the  Society,  and  stated  that  whilst  the 
receipts  had  increased  by  £11,000,  the  expendi- 
ture had  exceeded  those  of  the  previous  year 
by  only  £11. 

Mr.  H.  J.  Elwes,  F.R.S.,  regretted  that  no 
remark  on  the  Lindley  Library  was  contained 
in  the  report.  The  sum  of  £29  expended  dur- 
ing the  year  on  the  library  was  totally  inade- 
quate. 

The  Rev.  J.  Jacob  supported  Mr  Elwes  in  his 
appeal  for  the  library,  and  suggested  that  the 
Council  should  apportion  a  sum — say,  £1,000 — 
to  purchase  books  as  occasion  arose. 

The    President   replied    that   the   library   was 
the   property  of  the   Lindley   Library  Trustees, 
and  the  Society  was  only  in  the  position  of  cus-  ! 
todians.       He   deprecated   any   sum   being   ear- 
marked for  the  library. 

Mr.    J.    Mclndoe    expressed    regret    that    the 
Society  undertook  such  work  as  the  inspection 
of  gardens,  &c,  in  competition  with  those  Fel-  . 
lows   who   were  professionally   engaged   in   this 
work  as  a  means  of  livelihood. 


THE  ANNUAL  MEETING  . 

The  one  hundred  and  fifth  Annual  General 
Meeting  of  Fellows  took  place  in  the  Lecture 
Room  at  three  o'clock.  The  President,  Sir  Trevor 
Lawrence,  Bart.,  occupied  the  chair,  and  he  was 
supported  by  the  members  of  the  Council  and  a 
representative  gathering  of  the  Fellows.  The  first 
business  was  the  submitting  of  72  names  for 
Fellowship,  and  these  were  elected. 

Sir  Trevor  Lawrence,  in  moving  the  adoption 
of  the  report,  stated  that  there  could  be  few 
Fellows  who  were  not  fully  satisfied  with  the 
good  work  the  Society  had  done  and  is  continu- 
ing to  do.  It  was  a"  matter  of  satisfaction  to 
the  Council  that  the  Schcx.l  of  Horticulture  at 
Wisley  had  attained  to  so  high  a  position  of  effi- 
ciency in  the  short  time  it  had  been  established. 
The  report  by  the  Government  inspector  was 
very  gratifying.  The  scientific  director  had 
conducted  some  important  experiments,  includ- 
ing some  with  the  nitro-bacterine  on  leguminous 
crops.  Sir  Trevor  Lawrence  stated  he  had  con- 
ducted a  small  experiment  of  a  similar  nature 
with  Sweet  Peas,  and  his  results  were  similar  to 
those  obtained  by  Mr.  Chittenden. 

The  President  referred  to  the  excursion  of  the 
Council  and  committees  to  Windsor,  and  he  had 
written  to  Sir  Dighton  Probyn  expressing  the 
admiration  of  himself  and  the  other  members  of 
the  party  at  the  excellent  manner  in  which  the 
gardens  were  maintained  in  all  departments,  re- 
lieving credit  on  the  head  gardener,  Mr.  Mac- 
Kellar.  The  number  of  visitors  to  the  gardens 
at  Wisley  had  shown  a  great  increase,  and  he 
referred  to  the  excellent  labours  of  the  superin- 
tendent, Mr.  Wright,  and  the  garden  staff 
generally. 

The  Society  had  sent  deputations  to  important 
provincial  flower-shows,  and  Sir  Trevor  Law- 
rence referred  especially  to  the  exhibition  at 
York,  which  he  declared  was  one  of  the  finest 
shows  he  had   attended. 

The  educational  side  of  the  Society,  as  carried 
on  in  the  numerous  examinations  held  under  its 
auspices,  had  great  value  and  importance.  He 
had  pleasure  in  announcing  that  the  Indian 
Government  had  requested  the  Society  to  under- 
take an  examination  in  India.  The  members 
were  to  be  congratulated  on  the  fact  that  Pro- 
fessor Hugo  de  Vries  had  consented  to  deliver 
two  lectures  in  connection  with  the  Masters 
Memorial.  Referring  to  the  late  Mr.  George 
Nicholson,  it  had  been  decided  to  perpetuate 
his  memory  by  awarding  annual  prizes  in  con- 
nection with  the  students'  work  at  Wisley.  The 
number  of  Fellows  was  nearly  11,000,  which 
was  the  largest  membership  of  any  Royal 
society  in  the  United  Kingdom.  The  Coun- 
cil desired  to  express  their  sense  of  grati- 
tude to  the  secretary  and  other  members  of  the 
permanent  staff.  Sir  Trevor  Lawrence  next  pre- 
sented the  Veitch  Memorial  and  Victorian 
Medals  to  the  Rev.  W.  Wilks,  M.A.,  Mr.  Wil- 
liam Marshall,  V.M.H. ,  Sir  Jeremiah  Colman, 
Bart.,  and  Mr.  Chas.  Ross  respectively.  I  he 
speaker  next  referred  to  the  indebtedness  of  the 
Society  to  Baron  Schroder,  and  it  was  with 
pleasure    he    announced    that    Baron    Schroder 


LINNEAN    SOCIETY. 

January  21. — At  a  meeting  held  on  this  date 
Dr.  Otto  Stapf,  F.R.S.,  Sec.L.S.,  exhibited  male 
and  female  specimens  of  Plagianthus  Helmsii, 
F.  Muell.  and  Tate,  and  demonstrated  with  the 
aid  of  lantern-slides  their  peculiar  leaf  and  floral 
structure,  pointing  out,  at  the  same  time,  that  it 
appears  more  natural  to  treat  this  species  to- 
gether with  Plagianthus  microphyllus  and  P. 
squamatus  as  members  of  a  distinct  genus,  for 
which  Mueller's  name  Halothamnus,  originally 
applied  to  P.  microphyllus,  would  have  to  stand. 

The  paper  by  Mr.  A.  W.  Hill,  M.A.,  F.L.S., 
entitled  "The  Genus  Nototriche,  Turez.," 
was  illustrated  by  specimens  and  lantern- 
slides.  The  genus  Nototriche  (Malvaceae)  in- 
cludes some  70  species  formerly  placed  in  the 
genus  Malvastrum,  A.  Gray.  It  is  distinguished 
especially  by  the  absence  of  an  involucre  and  by 
the  adnation  of  the  peduncles  and  stipules  to  the 
petioles.  The  species  are  determined  very 
largely  by  the  character  of  the  leaf  lamina, 
which  may  be  palmatifid  or  palmatisect,  pinnati- 
fid,  bipinnatifid,  or  variously  dissected  and  - 
lobed.  The  shape  of  the  stipules  and  the  nature 
of  the  stellate  hairs  are  also  of  value  for  taxo- 
nomic  purposes,  each  species  being  found  to 
have  a  definite  and  characteristic  tomentum. 
Two  tvpes  of  flower  are  found  in  the  genus  ;  in 
the  one  case  the  petals  are  almost  free,  and  are 
fused  with  the  staminal  column  only  at  the_ 
base  ;  in  the  other,  including  the  majority  of 
the  species,  there  is  a  definite  tube  formed  by 
the  fusion  of  the  petals  with  the  staminal  tube. 
At  tire  base  of  each  calyx-segment  theTe  is  a 
glandular  nectary.  The  carpels  are  beaked  and 
dehiscent,  and  are  often  provided  with  long, 
silky,  stellate  hairs.  In  the  paper  several  new 
species  are  defined,  and  the  descriptions  of  those 
already  known  have  been  amplified  and  rewrit- 
ten. The  genus  ranges  from  the  north  of  Ecua- 
dor to  the  Cordillera  of  Santiago  in  Chili,  some 
species  being  found  in  the  Cordillera  of  Western 
Argentina.  Only  two  annual  species  are  known. 
The  vertical  range  of  this  genus  lies  between 
3,900  and  5,700  m.  in  Tropical  South  America, 
and  is  about  2,500  m.  in  Temperate  South 
America.  The  highest  recorded  species  are  N. 
flabellata  and  Friesii,  which  have  been  found 
between  5,600  and  5,700  m. 

The  second  paper,  on  the  "  Longitudinal  Sym- 
metry of  Centrospermae,"  by  Dr.  Percy  Groom, 
F.L.S.,  was  also  illustrated  by  curves  shown  on 
the  screen.  By  means  of  measurements  of  many 
stems— primary,  secondary,  tertiary,  and  qua- 
ternary— of  one  species,  Atriplex  rosea,  and  of 
other  Chenopodiaceous  genera,  namely,  S 
and  Chenopodium,  additional  evidence  is  given 
that  the  internode-curve  of  alternate-leaved 
Chenopodiaceae  is  always  of  a  zigzag  nature,  and 
can  be  analysed  into  two  sub-curves.  Of  I 
one  represents  the  displacements  of  the  leaves 
from  the  originally  opposite  arrangement  at  the 
successive  nodes,  and  the  other  indicates  the 
lengths  of  the  modern  representatives  of  the 
original  intemodes.    In  order  to  test  whether  or 


110 


THE     GARDENERS'*  CHRONICLE. 


[February  13,  1909. 


no  opposite  phyllotaxis  was  the  original  type  of 
arrangement  throughout  the  Centrospermae,  and 
alternate  phyllotaxis  derivative  therefrom  by 
relative  displacement  of  the  leaves,  measure- 
ments were  made  of  the  stems  of  various  Caryo- 
phyllaceae,  Aizoaceae,  Amarantaceae,  Phytolac- 
cacea;,  and  Portulacaceae.  It  is  found  that, 
throughout  the  cohort,  in  the  case  of  opposite- 
leaved  species,  the  internode-curves  are  regular 
or  tend  to  be  so,  whereas,  in  alternate-leaved 
species,  the  internode-curves  are  invariably 
irregular.  The  irregular  zigzag  internode-curves 
of  the  latter  species  when  analysed  into  two  sub- 
curves,  generally  yield  two  more  or  less  regular 
or  consistent  curves,  which  largely  conform  with 
those  of  corresponding  stems  belonging  to  more 
typical  herbs. 

The  irregularities  of  the  internode-curves  of 
the  alternate-leaved  species  are  different,  often 
utterly  so,  from  those  of  the  opposite-leaved 
species  :  the  irregularities  of  the  former  are  sud- 
den, recurrent,  and  often  very  ample,  whereas 
those  of  the  latter  are  more  gradual,  less 
numerous,  and  probably  largely  due  to  the  in- 
fluence of  external  variations,  which  are  not 
periodic. 

LEEDS    PROFESSIONAL   GARDENERS'. 

This  gardeners'  benefit  society  is  a  branch  of 
the  Grand  United  Order  of  Odd-Fellows.  Gar- 
deners between  18  and  40  years  of  age,  residing 
in  any  part  of  the  United  Kingdom,  are  eligible 
for  membership,  but  prospective  members  must 
have  been  engaged  for  at  least  three  years  suc- 
cessively in  some  branch  of  horticulture. 

The  forty-second  annual  report  shows  that 
16  members  have  received  sick  benefits  during 
the  past  year,  the  total  amount  paid  to  them 
being  £71  0s.  lOd.  £20  has  been  paid  in  funeral 
allowances,  making  the  total  amount  paid  out 
of  the  benefit  fund  £91  0s.  lOd.  This  fund  now 
amounts  to  £1,564  13s.  lid.,  an  increase  during 
the  year  of  £82  2s. 

The  amount  of  the  distress  fund  is  £3  3s.  4d., 
an  increase  of  £1  6s.  2d.,  making  a  total  in- 
crease in  the  whole  of  the  funds  or  total  saving 
for  the  year,  of  £83  8s.  2d. 

Fifteen  new  members  have  been  enrolled, 
two  have  died,  and  three  have  resigned.  The 
membership  totals  147,  an  increase  of  10. 

At  the  annual  dinner,  held  on  February  12, 
the  Grand  Master,  Mr.  George  Bumby,  on  behalf 
of  the  members,  presented  to  Mr.  James  Inman 
a  framed  emblem  of  the  order  as  an  appreciation 
of  the  long  and  valuable  services  he  has  ren- 
dered to  the  Lodge. 


MANCHESTER   AND   NORTH    OF 
ENGLAND    ORCHID. 

January  21. — There  was  a  good  display  of 
plants  at  the  meeting  held  on  this  date. 

In  my  last  report  I  omitted  to  include  a  notice 
of  a  fine  group  of  Cypripediums  shewn  by  O.  O. 
Wrigley,  Esq.,   Bury  (gr.   Mr.   RogersK 

E.  Rogerson,  Esq.,  Didsbury  (gr  Mr.  Price), 
ie<  eived  Awards  of  Merit  for  Cypripedium  X 
l.ilie  Mayall,  and  Odontoglossum  X  Lilie  May- 
all. 

J.  H.  Craven,  Esq.,  Keighley  (gr.  Mr.  Cor- 
n<v),  exhibited  Cypripedium  X  Ville-actaeus,  to 
which  an  Award  of  Merit  was  given. 

H.  J.  Bromilow,  Esq.,  Rainhill  (gr.  Mr. 
Morgan),  exhibited  a  group  of  Cypripediums,  to 
which  a  Silver-gilt  Medal  was  awarded.  The 
plants  in  the  group  were  mostly  well-known 
hybrids. 

Mr.  John  Robson,  Altrincham,  was  awarded  a 
First-class  Certificate  for  Odontoglossom  X 
Wardiae,  a  fine,  bold,  richly-coloured  flower. 

N.  Galloway,  Esq.,  Great  Horton,  Bradford, 
was  awarded  a  Bronze  Medal  for  a  group  of 
Cypripediums,  including  C.  X  Charlesianum, 
C.  x  Adrastus  var.  Marie,  and  C.  X  Lucienia- 
num  var.  superbum. 

Mr.  W.  Shackleton  was  awarded  a  Bronze 
Medal  for  a  group  of  Cypripediums. 

A.  Warburton,  Esq.,  Haslingden,  exhibited 
;i  group  of  Cypripediums  ;  two  new  varieties  of 
('.  x  Euryades,  viz.,  C.  X  Euryades  var.  Tan- 
talus and  C.  X  E.  var.  Jacquard,  received 
Awards  of  Merit.     (Silver  Medal.) 

C.  Parker,  Esq.,  Preston,  was  awarded  a 
Bronze  Medal  for  a  small  exhibit  of  Cypripe- 
diums, which  included  some  well-known  forms 
of  C.  insigne. 


J.  McCartney,  Esq.,  Bolton  (gr.  Mr.  Holmes), 
gained  a  Silver  Medal  for  a  group  of  Laslias  and 
Cattleyas,  amongst  which  were  some  well- 
flowered  varieties  of  Laslia  anceps.  Cattleya 
Trianas  var.  Donald  received  an  Award  of  Merit. 

Z.  A.  Ward,  Esq.,  Northenden  (gr.  Mr. 
Weatherby),  staged  a  group  of  Odontoglossums, 
including  the  pure  white  O.  X  ardentissimum 
and  several  interesting  hybrids.  (Silver-gilt 
Medal.) 

H.  Arthur,  Esq.,  Blackburn,  was  awarded  a 
Bronze  Medal  for  a  small  miscellaneous  group 
of  Orchids. 

Messrs.  James  Cypher  &  Sons,  Cheltenham, 
showed  some  noteworthy  Cypripediums,  Laelias, 
and  Cattleyas  in  variety. 

R.  Ashworth,  Esq.,  Newchurch  (gr.  Mr. 
Fletcher),  was  awarded  a  Silver  Medal  for  a 
miscellaneous  display,  in  which  were  noticed 
several    Odontoglossums  of  good   quality. 

Messrs.  Hugh  Low  &  Co.,  Enfield,  exhibited 
several  choice  varieties  of  Cattleya  Trianae.  P.  W. 


ABERDEEN    CHRYSANTHEMUM. 

January  30. — The  annual  general  meeting  of 
this  society  was  held  in  the  Christian  Institute, 
Aberdeen,  on  this  date.  Mr.  Andrew  Davidson, 
chairman  of  directors,  presided.  The  annual  re- 
port stated  that  on  the  second  day  of  the  Novem- 
ber exhibition  unfavourable  weather  was  experi- 
enced, and  this  was  mainly  responsible  for  a  loss 
of  £29  5s.  lOd.  The  balance-sheet  of  the  society 
shows  £300  5s.  6d.  assets  :  the  expenditure  for 
the  year  has  amounted  to  £204  2s  10d.,  leaving 
a  balance  in  favour  of  the  society  of  £96  2s.  8d. 
Hope  was  expressed  that  the  members  would  en- 
deavour to  enlist  the  interest  of  their  friends  in 
the  society,  and  thereby  increase  the  member- 
ship and  strengthen  the  financial'  position.  The 
officers  were  elected,  Mr.  M.  H.  Sinclair  being 
again  appointed   secretary. 


SCOTTISH    HORTICULTURAL. 

February  2. — The  monthly  meeting  of  this 
association  was  held  at  5,  St.  Andrew  Square, 
Edinburgh,  on  this  date.  The  president,  Mr. 
Whytock,  occupied  the  chair,  and  he  gave  a 
short  opening  address  to  a  large  gathering  of 
the  members.  Mr.  Whytock  dealt  chiefly  with 
the  position  of  the  private  professional  gardener 
as  it  is  affected  by  the  market  grower  of  to-day. 
Flowers  and  fruits  can  be  purchased  at  very 
cheap  prices,  and  at  all  seasons  of  the  year,  but 
a  private  garden  properly  equipped  would  yield 
produce  of  better  quality  and  at  a  cheaper  rate 
than  could  be  procured  by  purchase.  It  was  to 
be  regretted  that  the  flower  shows  in  Edin- 
burgh, which  for  many  years  past  had  been  the 
most  enjoyable  meetings  of  the  year,  had  under- 
gone changes  in  their  character,  for  there  was 
a  demand  on  the  part  of  the  public  for  other 
popular  attractions  in  addition  to  the  horticul- 
tural displays. 

Mr.  E.  L.  Brown  displayed  a  series  of  photo- 
graphs of  flowers,  fruits,  &c,  in  their  natural 
colours,  obtained  by  means  of  the  Lumiere 
plates.  Mr.  Brown  pointed  out  the  advantage 
of  these  plates  over  ordinary  ones. 

Flower-spikes  of  Moschosma  riparium  were 
exhibited  by  Mr.  W.  T.  Staward,  Belford  Hall, 
Northumberland,  and  Mr.  J  as.  L.  Scarlett, 
Sweethope,  Musselburgh,  exhibited  and  ex- 
plained the  "  Symphonia  "  plant  sprayer. 

Twenty-five  new  members  were  elected. 

The  paper  at  the  meeting  on  March  2  will  be 
by  Mr.  John  Hunter,  F.I.C.,  County  Analyst, 
Edinburgh,  on  "  Soil  Science." 


UNITED    HORTICULTURAL     BENEFIT 
AND   PROVIDENT. 

February  8. — The  monthly  committee  meet- 
ing of  the  above  society  was  held  at  the  Royal 
Horticultural  Hall,  Vincent  Square,  Westmins- 
ter, on  this  date.  Mr.  Chas.  H.  Curtis  occu- 
pied the  chair.  Eleven  new  members  were 
elected.  Two  members  were  allowed  to  transfer 
from  the  lower  to  the  higher  scale  The  an- 
nual meeting  will  he  held  at  the  above-named 
Hall  on  Monday,  March  8  next,  at  8  p.m. 


NATIONAL    FRUIT    GROWERS' 
FEDERATION. 

(ANNUAL  MEETING.) 

February  8. — The  annual  meeting  of  the 
National  Fruit  Growers'  Federation  was  held 
on  this  date  at  the  Royal  Horticultural  Hall, 
Westminster.  Col.  C.  E.  Warde,  M.P.,  pre- 
sided. The  annual  report  showed  that  the 
members  number  about  400.  The  Council  ha\e 
secured  the  services  of  Mr.  E.  S.  Salmon  and 
Mr.  F.  V.  Theobald,  of  the  South-Eastern  Agri- 
cultural College,  Wye,  as  hon.  advisors  in  my- 
cology and  entomology.  The  Council  will  ap- 
point a  member  on  the  "John  limes  Trust.  ' 
Matters  the  society  have  considered  include  the 
increase  of  "black  scab"  in  Potatos,  the  rating 
question,  and  late  delivery  in  the  markets  by 
the  railway  companies.  In  consequence  of  the 
Council's  representation,  the  Board  of  Agricul- 
ture has  removed  the  restrictions  prohibiting 
the  importation  of  Black  Currant  trees. 

The  report  was  adopted,  and  officers  were 
re-elected.  Mr.  George  Bunyard,  V.M.H.,  and 
Mr.  F.  S.  W.  Cornwallis  were  appointed  vice- 
presidents. 

At  the  conclusion  of  the  ordinary  business 
various  papers  were  read,  including  one  bv  Mr. 
C.  S.  Martin,  manager  of  the  Toddington 
Orchard  Co.,  Winchcombe,  on  "The  Sale  of 
Fruit  and  Vegetables  by  Weight."  The  most 
important  difference  of  opinion  arose  over  the 
standard  weight  of  the  half  sieve  for  Plums, 
Cherries  and  Gooseberries.  It  was  the  opinion 
of  the  meeting  that  the  weight  should  be  24  lbs. 
in  the  case  of  these  fruits.  In  the  case  of  light 
fruit  the  sieves  should  be  uniformly  filled  and 
the  net  weight  declared.  As  regards  Straw- 
berries, the  opinion  prevailed  that  the  gallon 
basket  should  contain  5  lbs.  and  the  chip  basket 
6  lbs. 

Mr.  A.  D.  Hall,  Rothamsted,  gave  an  ad- 
dress on  the  soils  of  the  fruit-growing  areas  in 
Kent,  Surrey  and  Sussex. 

At  the  afternoon  session  a  paper  by  Mr  A. 
Griffith  was  read  on  the  committee's  recom- 
mendations on  rating  and  taxation. 


HEMEL    HEMPSTEAD    HORTI- 
CULTURAL. 

At  the  annual  meeting  of  this  society  held  re- 
cently, it  was  decided  to  hold  a  special  Rose 
and  Sweet  'Pea  show  on  July  7,  and  a  general 
flower,  fruit,  vegetable  and  farm  produce  show 
on  August  18 — this  being  the  Jubilee  year  of  the 
society.  The  subscriptions  for  1908  show  an 
increase  of  £22  over  those  of  the  previous 
years.  The  hon.  secretary,  Mr.  J.  W.  Burrows, 
of  Standish  Gardens,  stated  that  the  society  has 
a  balance  of  £24  on  the  year's  working.  Mr. 
Burrows  was  again  elected  hon.  secretary  and 
collector,  and  he  was  given  an  honorarium  of 
£10  10s.  J.  R.  Drake,  Esq.,  of  Gadebridge  Park, 
was  elected  president  for  1909. 


George  A.  Dickson. — The  announcement  of 
the  death  of  Mr.  Geo.  Dickson,  head  of  the 
firm  of  Messrs.  Dicksons,  Nurserymen,  Chester, 
will  be  received  with  regret.  Deceased  had  been 
ailing  for  some  time  past,  but  was  at  business 
in  the  early  part  of  last  week  ;  later,  however, 
he  was  taken  ill  with  an  attack  of  pneumonia, 
and  passed  away  at  his  home,  Springfield,  New- 
ton, Chester,  on  Saturday,  February  6.  The 
late  Mr.  Dickson  was  born  at  Chester  74  years 
ago.  He  entered  the  Chester  City  Council  in 
1879,  was  elected  mayor  in  the  year  18S6,  and  al- 
derman in  1896.  He  retired  in  1904.  Mr.  Dickson 
was  one  of  a  number  of  citizens  who,  for  their 
long  public  services,  were  granted  the  honorary 
freedom  of  the  city  on  the  occasion  of  the 
Diamond  Jubilee  celebration.  He  was  also  a 
city  and  county  magistrate.  When  the  Royal 
Agricultural  Show  was  held  at  Chester  in  1893. 
Mr.  Dickson  acted  as  hon.  secretary.  Deceased 
leaves  a  widow  and  family  to  mourn  his  loss. 


February  13,  1909.] 


THE    GARDENERS'      CHRONICLE 


ill 


MARKETS. 


CO  VENT  GARDEN,  February  70. 
[We  cannot  accept  any  responsibility  for  the  subjoined 
reports.  They  are  furnished  to  us  regularly  every 
Wednesday,  by  the  kindness  of  several  of  the  principal 
salesmen,  who  are  responsible  for  the  quotations,  It 
must  be  remembered  that  these  quotations  do  not  repre- 
sent the  puces  on  any  particular  clay,  but  only  the 
general  averages  for  the  week  preceding  the  date  of  our 
report.  The  puces  depend  upon  the  quality  of  the 
samples,  the  way  in  which  they  are  packed,  the  supply 
in  the  market,  and  the  demand,  and  they  may  fluctuate, 
not  only  from  day  to  day,  but  occasionally  several  times 
in  one  day. — Ed.] 

Cut  Flowers,  &c:  Average  Wholesale  Prices. 


s.d.  s.d. 

s.d 

s.d. 

Acacia      (Mimosa), 

Marguerites,  p.  dz. 

p. doz.  1 ches 

9  0-19  0 

bunches   white 

Anein ■    fulgens, 

and  \ellow      ... 

2  0- 

3  0 

p.  dz.  bunches 

16-26 

M  ignonette,      per 

—  double  pink,  p. 

dozen  bunches 

2  0- 

3  0 

dozen  bunches 

1  0-  2  G 

Myosolis,  per  doz. 

i  ea,   per    do/en 

bunches 

3  0- 

4  0 

bunches 

4  6-60 

Narcissus,    Paper- 

i '.  inv  ardia,  per  dz. 

white,  per  dz. 

bunches 

6  0-80 

bunches 

2  G- 

3  0 

i  alia  Bethiopica,  p. 

—  Gloriosa 

1  6 

2  6 

dozen  

3  0-40 

—  ornatus 

4  0- 

5  0 

i  amellias,  per  doz. 

10-20 

—  Soleil  d'Or    ... 

2  0- 

3  0 

(  ai  nations,       per 

O  d  on  t  o  gl  os sum 

dozen   blooms, 

crispum,      per 

best   American 

dozen    blooms 

2  0- 

2  6 

various 

2  6-36 

Pancratiums,     per 

—  second  size    ... 

10-20 

dozen  

3  0- 

4  0 

—  smaller,       per 

Pelargoniums, 

doz.      bunches 

9  0-12  0 

show,  per  doz. 

CaUleyas,  per  doz. 

bunches 

6  0- 

8  0 

blooms 

12  0-15  0 

—  Zonal,     double 

(  h  i  ysanthemums, 

scarlet 

8  0- 

10  0 

specimen 

Ranuncalus,perdz. 

blooms  p.  doz. 

2  0-30 

bunches 

9  0  12 

—  smaller,  per 

Roses,    12   blooms, 

doz.       bunches 

12  0-24  0 

Niphetos 

2  6- 

3  6 

Cypi  ipediuins,  per 

—  Bridesmaid    ... 

2  6- 

4  0 

dozen  blooms.. 

16-20 

—  C.  Test  out     ... 

6  0- 

9  0 

Daffodils,  per  doz. 

—  K  ai  seri  n  A. 

bunches 

5  0-90 

Victoria 

2  0- 

4  0 

1  tendrobium  nobile 

—  C.  Mermet     ... 

2  0- 

8  6 

per  dozen 

2  6-30 

—  Liberty 

6  0- 

8  0 

Eucuaris      grandi- 

—  Mme.Chatenay 

4  0- 

G  0 

ilora,  per  doz. 

—  Richmond 

6  0  in  n 

blooms 

2  6-36 

—  The  Bride      ... 

2  6- 

3  6 

Freesias  (white),  p. 

—  Uhich  Brunnec 

6  0 

8  0 

doz.  bunches... 

2  6-30 

Snowdrops,  per  dz. 

1  lai  detiias,  per  doz. 

bunches 

1  6- 

2  0 

blooms 

3  0-50 

Spirsa,   per  dozen 

1  [yacinths  (Roman) 

bunches 

5  0- 

8  0 

per  doz.  bchs. 

9  0-12  0 

Stocks,       double 

-   Dutch 

6  0-10  0 

white,  per  doz. 

Lilac     (English), 

bunches 

2  6- 

3  G 

white,  p.  bunch 

3  0-50 

Tuberoses,  per  dz. 

—  mauve 

4  0-60 

blooms 

0  3- 

0  4 

—  (French),  mauve 

4  0-50 

—  on    steins,    per 

[.ilium       auiatum, 

bunch  

0  9- 

1  3 

per  bunch 

2  0-30 

Tulips,    per   dozen 

—  loDgillorum    ... 

4  0-50 

bunches,  single 

6  0-10  i 

—  lane  i  f  o  iiuui, 

—  best     double 

i  ii  brum 

2  0-30 

varieties 

18  0- 

24  0 

-  album  ... 

2  6-30 

Violets,  per  dozen 

Lilj  of  the  Valley, 

bunches 

1  6- 

3  0 

p.  dz.  bunches 

9  0-10  0 

—  Par  m  a  s,    per 

—  extra  quality  ... 

12  0-15  0 

bunch  .. 

4  0- 

5  0 

Cut  Foliage, 

&c:  Aver 

age  Wholesale  Prices. 

Adiantiim  cunea- 
tnm,  dz,  bchs. 

Agrostis,  per  doz. 
bunches 

A  spar  a g  us  plu- 
mosus,  long 
trails,  per  doz, 

—  — inedm.,bch. 

—  Sprengeri 
Berberis,  per   doz. 

bunches 
Croton  leaves,  per 

bunch  

Cycas  leaves,  each 
Daffodil  foliage,  p. 

doz.  bunches... 
Ferns,    per    dozen 

bchs.  (Euglish) 

—  (French) 


s.d.  s.d. 


Galax    leaves,    pei 

dozen  bunches 
Hardy    foliage 

(various),    per 

dozen  bunches 
Honesty  (Lunaria) 

per  bunch 
Ivy-leaves,   bronze 

—  long  trails  per 
bundle 

—  short  green, 
perdz.  bunches 

Moss,  per  gross  ... 

Myrtle,  dz.  bchs., 
(English  ) 
small-leaved... 

—  French 
Ruscus  racemosus, 

p.  dz.  bunches  18  0 
Sinilax,  p.  dz.  trails    4  0 

Plants  in  Pots,  &c. :  Average  Wholesale  Prices 

s.d.  s.d. 


4  0-60 

16-20 


8  0-12  0 
10-20 
0  9-16 

2  6-30 

10-13 
16-20 

2  6-30 


2  0- 
0  G- 


s.d.  s.d. 


1  0- 

2  0- 


0  9-16 


16-26 
5  0-  G  0 


4  0-  G  0 
10-16 


G  0 


Ampelopsis     Veil 

chii.per  dozen     6  0-80 
Aralia  Sieboldii,  p, 
dozen 

—  larger   speci- 
mens     

—  Mnseri 

Arancaria   excelsa, 

per  dozen 

—  large     plants, 
each     

Aspidistras,  p.  dz., 
green    

—  variegated 
Asparagus,  plumo- 

sus  nanus,  per 
dozen  ... 

—  Sprenger: 

—  tenuissi  inns 
Azaleas  (Indian),  p 

dozen   ... 
Begonia  Gloire  de 

Lorraine, p. dz.  12  0-1*  0 
Cinerarias,  per  dz.  8  0-12  0 
Clematis,  per  do/.  8  0-90 
Cocos     Weddelli- 

ana,  per  dozen  18  0-30  0 


4  0-  G  0 


9  0-12  0 
4  0-  G  0 


12  0-30  0 
3  6-50 


15  0-24  0 
30  0-42  0 


12  0-18  0 
9  0-12  0 
9  0-12  0 

24  0-36  0 


s.d.  s  d, 
18  0-30  0 
10  0-15  0 


4  0-50 
4  0-50 
6  0-90 

9  0-24  0 

10  0-15  0 
12  0-18  0 
12  0-18  0 

4  0-90 


Crotons,  per  dozen 

Cyclamen,  pr.  doz. 

Cy  per  u  s    alterni- 

folius,  dozen  ... 

—  laxus,  per  doz. 
Daffodils,  per  doz, 
Dracaenas,  per  doz. 
Erica  hyemalis,  per 

dozen  

—  melanthera    ... 

—  Wilmoreana  ... 
Euonymns,perdz., 

in  pots.  . 

—  from  the  ground  3  0-60 
Ferns,  in  thumbs, 

per  100 8  0-12  0 

—  in    small    and 

large  60" s       ...   12  0-20  0 

—  in  48's,  perdz.     4  0-10  0 

—  in  32's,  per  dz.  10  0-18  0 
Ficus  elastica,  per 

dozen  

—  repens,  per  dz. 
Genista     fragrans, 

per  doz. 
Grevilleas,  per  dz. 


8  0-10  0 
6  0-80 


10  0-12  0 
4  0-60 


Plants  in  Pots,  &c:  Averag 

s.d.  s.d 

Hyacinths,  per  dz. 

pots      8  0-10  I) 

Isolepis,  per  dozen     4  0-60 

Kentu       Be)  more- 
ana,  per  dozen  15  0-24  0 
—  Fosteriana,  per 

dozen 18  0-30  0 

Latania  borbonica, 

pel  dozen       ...   12  0-18  0 

L  i  1  i  u  m     1  o  n  g  i- 

flonmi,  per  dz.  18  0-24  0 


Wholesale  Prices  (Contd,), 

s.d.  s.d. 
Lilium  lancifolium, 

per  dozen       ...  12  0-24  0 
Lily  of  the  Valley, 

per  dozen 
Marguerites,  white, 

per  dozen 
Selaginella,  p.  doz 
Solanums,  per  doz 
Spirxa  japonica,  d 

dozen  ...         ...     8  0-12  0 

Tulips    in     boxes, 

per  doz.  bulbs    0  6-09 


18  0-30  0 

6  0-10  0 
4  0-  6  0 
9  0-12  0 


Fruit:  Average  Wholesale  Prices. 

s.d.  s.d. 


8  0-86 
7  0-80 


22  0    — 
25  0    — 


25  0-28  0 


Apples       Foreign 

—  California 
Newti  iwn  Pip- 
pin, per  case,  4 
tiers      

—  i\  tiers 

—  (American),  per 
barrel : 

—  Baldwin 

—  Greening 

—  Newtown  Pip 
pin        

—  Oregon  New 
town  Pippin, 
per  case  (150).. 

—  Do.      (126).. 

(96)1 

—  Do. 

(80)} 

—  (NovaScotian) 
per  barrel : 

—  Russet 

—  Baldwin 

—  Ben  Davis 

—  Fall  a  water     ... 

—  French  Russet 
per  case 

i  Ian  anas,  bunch: 

—  Doubles 

—  No.  1         „     ... 

—  Extra        ,,     ... 

—  Giant        „     ... 

—  (Claret) 

—  Jamaica 

—  Loose,  per  dz. 
Cape  fruit,  p.  casi 

—  Peaches 

—  Apricots 

—  Plums 

—  Nectarines     ... 
Cranberries,      per 

case       16  0     - 

Custard  Apples    ... 
1  »at<  -   (Tunis),  per 

dozen  boxes  ... 
Figs  (Eleme),  p.  dz. 

—  pulled,  per  dz. 


13  0 

14  6 


13  6    — 


19  0    — 

20  0    — 
17  0    — 

21  0  24  0 

9  9-10  0 

9  0-10  o 

G  G-  s  n 

8  o-  y  o 

10  0-12  0 
5  0-  7  6 
5  0-56 
0  6-10 

n  o  lo  n 

2  h    r,  0 

3  0-60 

in  n  i-  n 


3  0-12  0 
4  6 
7  6 


4  a 

4  3 

5  0 


Grape    Fruit,   case 
Grapes,  Gros  Col- 
mar       

—  Alicante 

—  (Guernsey) 

—  (Ahneria),    per 
barrel  

Lemons,  box  : 

—  Messina,  300... 

—  Do.        360... 

—  per  case,  300.. 
Limes,  per  case  ... 
I  j  chees,  per  box... 
Mandarines    (25's), 

per  box 

—  (96"s),  per  box 
Nuts,  Almonds, per 



—  Brazils,  new, 
per  cwt. 

—  Barcelona,  bag 

—  Cocoa  nuts.  100 

—  Cob,  per  dozen 
lbs. 

Oranges  (Denial ... 

—  Californian 
seedless,  per 
case     

—  (Valencia)    per 

1:0) 

—  per  case  (714)... 

—  Jaffas    .. 

—  Palermo  Blood 

—  Palermo  Bitters 

—  Murcia  B  I. 
per  case  (200)... 

Pears,  Easier 
Beurre,  p.  box 

—  Glou  Morceau, 
per  case 

Pineapples,  each ... 

—  (Natal),  perdz. 
Tangerines     (Cali- 
fornian),      per 
case  (180-200)... 

—  (Florida),  per 
case  (120-200)... 


s.d.  s.d. 
9  6-15  0 

12-30 
13-26 

0  10-  I  2 

12  G-20  0 

10  0-15  0 

9  0  11  0 

12  0-1H  0 

5  0     — 

10-15 

0  8-10 
2  9-40 


50  0  55  0 
32  0-35  0 
11  0-14  0 

16-19 

9  0-1G  0 


12  6-15  0 

8  0-16  0 

8  0-40  0 

9  6-10  G 

s  6    9  6 
6  6-76 

9  6    — 

86    — 

11  0    — 
2  0-36 
4  0-60 


10  0-12  0 
18  0-20  0 


Vegetables  :  Average  Wholesale  Prices. 


Articholies(Globe), 
per  dozen 

—  white,  p. bushel 

—  per  cwt. 
Asparagus,     per 

bundle : 

—  Sprue  

—  Paris  Green  ... 
Beans — 

—  (French),  p.  lb. 

—  (Guernsey), 
per  lb 

—  (Madeira),  per 
basket 

—  Niggers 

I  ieetrmit,  pt r  bushel 

Brussel    Sprouts,  1 

bushel 

—  bags     

Cabbages,  per  tally 

—  per  mat 

—  Greens,  per 
bushel 

Cardoon    (French), 

per  do/>n 
Carrots    (English), 

dozen  bunches 

—  washed,  bag  ... 

—  unwashed 

—  (French),  p.  pad 
Cauliflowers,    per 

dozen       

—  St.  Malo, crates 
(12  heads) 

—  Italian  Heads, 
per  basket 

Celery,  per  dozen 
rolls     

Celeriac,  per   doz. 

Chicory,  per  lb.    ... 

Cucumbers,  perdz. 

Endive,  per  dozen 

Horseradish,  for- 
eign, per  doz. 
bundles 


s.d.  s.d. 

19-40 
20  — 
36  - 


0  8-09 

4  0-50 

10-11 

2  6-30 

36  — 

3  6-70 

1  0-  1  G 

2  0-30 

3  6-40 

5  0-60 
3  6-40 

3  6-40 

8  0-10  0 

3  0-  3  G 
2  G-  3  G 
16-19 

2  6-36 

3  0-40 

2  6  — 

3  0-36 

12  0-15  0 

16-26 
0  3J-  0  4 

4  0-70 
16-20 

12  0-18  0 


Kale,  per  bushel  ... 
Leeks,  12  bundles 
Lettuce     (French), 

per  crate 
Mint,     per     dozen 

bunches 
Mushrooms, per  lb. 

—  broilers 

—  buttons,  per  lb. 
Mustardand  * 

per  dozen  pun. 
Onions,  per  bag  ... 

—  (Valencia), case 

—  Dutch,  pr.  bag 

—  pickling,     per 
bushel 

Parsley,  12  bunches 

—  h  sieve 

Parsnips,  per  bag... 
Peas  (French),  pkt. 
Pot  at  os,    Sweet, 

per  case 
--  (Algeri  in),p.lb. 

—  (French),  p.  lb. 
Radishes  (French), 

per  doz.  bunches 
Rhebarb  (Englishi, 

forced,  per  dz. 

bundles  .  . 

Salsafy,  per  dozen 

bundles 
Seakale,  per  dozen 

punnets 
Spinach,  per  crate 
Savoys,  per  tally... 
Turnips,  per  dozen 

bunches 

—  washed,  p.  bag 
Tomatos      (Tener- 

iffe),   per   bun- 
dle of  4  boxes 
Watercress, 
doz. 


per 


s  d.  s.d. 

3  6    — 

10-16 

3  6-60 

4  0-50 

0  8  0  10 
0  6    — 

0  8-0  10 

1  0     — 

in  c,  n  ii 
11  6-12  0 
7  0-80 

4  6    — 

2  0-26 
2  0-30 
2  6-30 
0  8    — 

14  0  — 
0  4  — 
0  3-0  3* 

16-26 


0  10-  1  0 

4  0-46 

12  0-14  0 
4  0  — 
9  0-10  0 

2  0    — 

3  0    — 

9  0-14  0 
0  6-08 


Remarks.— Apples  from  France  are  selling  freely  at  good 
prices.  Californian  Oranges  are  slightly  cheaper  but  they 
continue  to  sell  well.  Denia  and  Valencia  Oranges  are  also 
lower  in  price.  Rhubarb  is  arriving  in  increased  quantities  : 
the  demand  is  fair.  Muscat  of  Alexandria  Grapes  are 
finished  for  the  season.  Vegetables  are  not  plentifm. 
Savoys  are  dearer  ;  also"  Nigger"  Beans.  Madeira  Beans  are 
a  shorter  supply.  Trade  generally  is  quiet.  E.  //.  /?., 
Covent  Garden,  Wednesday,  Fihiuarv  10,  1909. 


Kents— 

Snowdrop    ... 
Sharpe's  Express 
Epicure 
Up-to-Date  ... 
Lincolns  — 
Royal   Kidney 
British  tjueen 
Up-to-Date  ... 
Main  crop 

R    MARKS. 


Potatos. 


s.d.  s.d. 
.40-43 
.36-39 
.30-33 
.30-36 

2  6-29 

3  0-33 
3  0-36 
3  6-39 


Lincolns— 
bharpe's  Express  ... 

Evergood      

Bedfords — 

Up-to-Date 

Blacklands 

Dunbars — 
Langworthy 
Up-to-Date,  red  soil 
it        ii      grey  soil 


There     is    no     great    alteration     in 
Supplies  are  plentiful,  the  demand  being  about  an 
one.     Edward  J,  Newborn,  Covent  Garden  and  St. 
February  lo,  1909. 


s.d.  s.d. 

3  u-  3  3 
2  G-  3  0 

2  6-30 

2  3-  2  G 

4  6    4  9 

3  9-40 
2  9-33 

prices, 
average 
Pancras, 


COVENT    GARDEN     FLOWER     MARKET. 

Trade  appears  to  have  improved  a  little,  but  there  is 
no  great  change  to  record.  I  have  heard  it  remarked 
that  Covent  Garden  Market  is  simply  a  dumping 
ground  for  surplus  stock,  but  this  is  not  quite  correct, 
for  there  are  many  growers  who  depend  entirely  on  the 
market  for  the  sale  of  pot  plants,  and  large  consign- 
ments of  the  best  cut  flowers  are  disposed  of  in  this 
market. 

Pot  Plants. 
During  unfavourable  wi  ather  growers  are  careful 
not  to  send  large  supplies  of  plants  that  can  be  kept  a 
little  longer  at  the  nursery,  and  buyers  are  equally  care- 
ful not  to  purchase  more  than  they  require.  Azaleas  arc 
too  numerous  to  be  valuable.  Yesterday  (Tuesday)  I  saw 
well-flowered  plants  sold  for  what  thev  cost  in  Belgium 
before  forcing.  Some  good  Rhododendrons,  in-  i 
R.  (Azalea)  sinense,  are  seen.  Cinerarias  from  Mr. 
Mott's  and  from  Mr.  Sweet's  nurseries  are  good  speci- 
mens. Plants  of  Erica  melanthera  are  well  flowered 
this  year;  this  species  finds  increased  favour  with  the 
florists.  Plants  of  Lilium  longiflorum  sent  by  Mr. 
Holdrup  are  of  especial  quality.  Marguerites  are  re- 
markably good  from  several  growers.  Spiraeas  have 
rather  tender  foliage  this  season.  Hyacinths  in  pots 
are  abundant.  Some  fine  double-flowered  Tulips  in  pots 
arc  to  be  had.  Daffodils  in  several  varieties  are 
numerous.  Good  Callas  are  seen,  but  there  appears  to 
be  little  demand  for  them.  Messrs.  Butler  Bros,  are 
sending  in  plants  of  a  round-fruited  Capsicum  ;  they 
.'i'  very  pretty.  In  foliage  plants  variegated-leaved 
Funkias  are  prominent.  The  spec  mens  of  Aralia  Sie- 
boldii seen  are  well  finished,  but  in  many  instances  new 
growth  will  soon  be  starting,  and  tlun  they  will  not 
withstand  rough  treatment  so  well.  Aspidistras  Palm% 
and  Ferns  are  well  supplied. 

Cut  Flowers. 

Supplies  of  Chrysanthemums  still  hold  out.  Varieties 
noticed  include  W.  J.  Crossley  (a  shade  of  bronze \ 
Francois  Pilan  (yellow),  Madame  Charvct,  Madame 
Felix  Perrin,  and  Niveum.  Roses  are  scarce,  and  best 
blooms  are  making  high  prices.  There  have  been 
some  fine  blooms  of  Caroline  Tcstout,  Richmond, 
and  Mrs.  W.  J.  Grant,  but  they  were  not  ex- 
posed for  sale  long.  Carnations  are  plentiful 
and  generally  of  good  quality  Good  fresh  blooms 
make  from  2S.  to  3s.  per  dozen.  The  best  of  the  mid- 
season  varieties  of  Tulips  are  now  coming  in  :  the 
double-flowered  varieties  are  sold  for  the  highest  prices. 
Vuurbaak  is  the  finest  crimson-scarlet  variety,  and  is 
one  of  the  most  expensive  to  purchase,  the  lowest  price 
being  2s.  6d.  per  dozen  blooms.  Murillo  and  Salvatoz 
Rose  are  excellent  double  varieties. 

Daffodils  occupy  much  space  in  the  market :  they  are 
arriving  from  all  sources,  but  those  from  English 
sources  are  the  best.  Emperor  is  now  very  good,  also 
Empress,  whilst  Victoria  may  be  regarded  as  one  of 
the  best  of  the  bicolor  kinds.  Sir  Watkin  is  good. 
Golden  Spur  has  no  rival  as  a  pure  yellow  trumpet 
Daffodil.  Narcissus  ornatus  is  ahundant  trom  all 
sources.  Violets  are  plentiful  :  the  Parma  Violets  may 
advance  in  price,  but  at  prts  nt  they  are  fairly  plentiful. 
Eucharis  blooms  are  plentiful  again,  and  their  prices 
have  dropped.  French  flowers  are  arriving  in  good 
condition.  A.  H.,  Covent  Garden,  Wednesday^ 
February  10,  igog. 


THE     WEATHER. 


THE  WEATHER    IN    WEST    HERTS. 

!  1  iidin/i  Febi  uary  10. 
A  week  of  striking  contrasts  in  tempera  tun', — The 
first  three  days  were  unseasonably  warm,  but  since  then 
the  weather  has  remained  cold  for  the  time  of  year. 
The  first  day  of  the  week  proved  very  warm  ;  the  tem- 
perature in  the  thermometer  screen  in  the  middle  of  tie 
day  rose  to  55  degrees,  which  is  a  remarkabh 
reading  for  so  early  in  February.  During  the  previous 
night  the  exposed  thermometer  only  fell  to  45  degrees, 
which  is  equally  exceptional  lor  so  early  in  this  month 
By  way  of  contrast  it  may  be  stated  that  four  days 
afterwards  the  highest  reading  in  the  thermometer 
screen  was  only  35  degrees,  while  the  exposed  ther- 
mometer on  the  previous  night  registered  14  degrees  o_f 
frost.  The  ground  is  now  one  degree  colder  at  2  feet 
deep,  and  two  degrees  colder  at  1  foot  deep,  than  is 
seasonable.  Rain  or  snow  fell  on  two  days,  hut  to  th 
total  depth  of  only  about  one-tenth  of  an  inch.  There 
has  been  no  measurable  percolation  through  either 
gauge  for  nearly  three  weeks.  The  sun  shone 
average  for  only  one  and  three-quarter  hours  a  day, 
which  is  22  minutes  a  day  short  of  the  average  du 
for  the  early  part  of  February.  On  four  days  no  sun- 
shine at  all  was  recorded.  On  the  first  three  days  of 
the  week  the  wind  remained  high,  and  in  the  windiest 
hour  the  mean  velocity  amounted  to  20  miles — direction, 
W.N.W.  During  the  rest  if  ihe  week  light  airs  and 
.alms  alone  prevailed.  The  average  amount  of 
moisture  in  the  air  at  ;  p.m.  exceeded  a  seasonable 
quantity  for  that  hour  by  4  per  rent.  /;.  HI..  Berk' 
hamstcd,   Fehrttai  v   •••. 


112 


THE     GARDENERS'    CHRONICLE. 


[February  13,  1809. 


ENQUIRIES    AND    REPLIES. 

Timber  for  Forcing  Houses. — After  an  ex- 
perience extending  over  well-nigh  40  years,  I 
unhesitatingly  declare  in  favour  of  pitch  pine 
for  lasting  qualities  where  a  moist  and  hot  tem- 
perature is  maintained.  There  is  a  great  dif- 
ference in  the  quality  of  pitch  pine,  just  as  in 
other  varieties  of  timber.  I  advise  Mr.  Elwes 
either  to  select  his  own  logs  at  the  timber  yard, 
free  from  sap,  and  then  make  arrangements  to 
have  them  sawn  up  into  bars,  wallplates,  &c.  ; 
or  to  go  to  a  local  builder  and  contract  with 
him  to  supply  the  timber  without  sap. 
In  making  the  selection  at  the  timber  yard,  a 
small  advance  on  the  ordinary  prices  may  be  ex- 
pected. Ordinary  pitch  pine,  taken  haphazard, 
is  worse  than  good  common  red  deal.  Best- 
quality  red  deal  will  last  at  least  20  years ; 
selected  pitch  pine,  absolutely  free  from  sap, 
under  the  most  trying  conditions,  will  last  half 
a  century.  A  plant-house  in  my  nursery,  built 
25  years  ago  of  selected  pitch  pine,  and  used  as 
a  store,  is  as  sound  as  when  built.  I  tried  to  in- 
sert my  pocket-knife  into  it  to-day,  but  the  wood 
was  hard.  The  interior  of  the  house  has  never 
had  a  paint-brush  on  it.  The  nursery  also 
contains  a  range  of  glasshouses  built  45  years 
ago,  and  the  timber  of  which  the  houses  are  con- 
structed is  almost  without  a  trace  of  decay. 
A.  J.  A.  Binn,  Chorlton-cum-Hardy. 

More  depends  upon  skilful  workman- 
ship and  careful  painting  than  the  kind  of  tim- 
ber used.  Moisture  and  heat  are  the  enemies  to 
guard  against.  Sills,  ledges,  and  wallplates 
should  be  sharply  bevelled  and  well  coated  with 
paint  made  of  white  lead.  A  span-roofed  house, 
60  feet  long  and  18  feet  wide,  built  for  me  in 
1880,  was  removed  by  the  London  County  Coun- 
cil to  Brockwell  Park,  S.E.,  two  or  three  years 
ago,  in  good  condition.  The  boiler  was  worn 
out,  but  everything  else  was  sound,  and  the 
building  can  be  seen  as  a  show-house,  in  the 
public  park.  No  expense  had  been  spared  in  the 
first  instance,  and  the  house  had  not  been  built 
by  contract.  The  age  of  structures  used  by  mar- 
ket-gardeners' is  never  very  great,  and,  in  many 
cases,  it  does  not  exceed  10  years.     W.  Roupell. 

1  have  had  experience  in  the  construc- 
tion of  plant-houses  with  deal,  pitch  pine  and 
teak  woods,  and  I  have  come  to  the  conclusion 
that  there  is  scarcely  any  difference  in  the 
duration  of  these  timbers.  Three  years  ago 
we  erected  a  new  Peach  house  in  these  gardens, 
and  instead  of  using  an  ordinary  wooden  frame 
for  the  fronts,  we  made  a  cement  sill  and 
built  mullions  of  9-inch  brickwork  or  piers,  with 
a  f-inch  rebate  of  cement  on  them  to  form  the 
casings  for  the  front  lights.  The  furniture  for 
the  ventilating  gear  was  built  in  as  the  work  pro- 
ceeded. The  piers  should  be  built  about  four  days 
before  the  wallplate  to  which  the  rafters  are 
fixed,  in  order  to  allow  time  for  the  cement  to  set. 
All  wood  should  be  sufficiently  bevelled  to  carry 
off  the  moisture  from  condensation,  and  the  less 
mortising  the  better,  as  in  such  holes  decay 
usually  commences.  Our  houses  are  all  built 
on  the  longitudinal  purline  system,  so  that  there 
is  no  outside  painting  on  the  roofs,  and  no 
putty  required  for  glazing,  the  glass  being  fixed 
by  strips  of  lead,  escalloped,  tacked  on  the  pur- 
lines  and  turned  up  over  the  glass.  James  Sher- 
lock, Fowley  Gardens,  Liphook,  Hants. 


to- 
LorFtehordenU 


GARDENING     APPOINTMENTS. 


Mr.  P.  J.  Clinch,  for  the  past  7  years  Gardener  at  Scribbles- 
town  Park,  Castleknock,  Co.  Dublin,  as  Gardener  to 
Lady  Mowbray  and  Sturton,  Corbalton  Hall,  Tara, 
Co.   Meath. 

Mr.  James  Mills,  for  the  past  7  years  Foreman  at  Broad- 
oaks  Gardens,  West  Byfleet,  as  Gardener  to  Mrs. 
Brendt,  Tandridge  Hall,  Oxted,  Surrey. 

Mr.  H.  Reynolds,  for  the  past  3  years  Foreman  in  Poltal- 
loch  Gardens,  Lochgilphead,  Argyllshire,  as  Gardener 
to  J.  Musker,  Esq.,  Shadwell  Court,  Thetford,  Norfolk. 

Mr.  F.  Howell,  late  Foreman  at  Bramham  Park,  Boston 
Spa,  Yorkshire,  as  Gardener  to  F.  W.  Wignall,  Esq  , 
Bank  House,  Tattenhall,  near  Chester. 

Mr.  Jtjhn  Ed.  Hall,  for  the  past  3^  years  Foreman  at  the 
Castle  Gardens,  Castle  Eden,  Co.  Durham,  as  Gardener 
to  M.  D'Arcy  Wyvill,  Esq.,  Constable  Burton  Hall, 
Constable  Burton,  Yorkshire. 

Mr.  G.  Hyland,  for  the  past  2$  years  Fruit  Foreman  at 
Aston  Rowant  Gardens,  Oxon,  as  Gardener  to  Major 
Hibbert,  Ashby  St.  Ledgers,  Rugby,  and  Braywick 
Lodge,  Maidenhead. 

Mr.  J.  Cawkwell,  lately  with  Messrs.  Kent  &  Brydon, 
I  '.irlinn'.on,  as  Gardener  to  W.  Burdett-Coutts,  Esq., 
M  1'.,  The  Grove,  Witton-le-Wear. 


Carnation  Maggot  (Anthomyia)  :  W.  E.  Flies 
of  species  of  Anthomyia  are  on  the  wing 
throughout  the  summer,  appearing  first  in  early 
spring.  Hence  successive  generations  of  larvte 
are  kept  up  till  November.  After  that  time  the 
pupa  lie  in  the  ground  unhatched  till  spring  or 
early  summer.  The  flies  may  also  live  through- 
out the  winter  secreted  in  holes  and  crevices. 
The  larva?  live  some  months  and  take  three 
weeks  to  hatch. 

Celery  Diseased  :  W.  W.  See  reply  to  W. 
Truster,  p.  64  in  the  issue  for  January  23. 

Cypripedium  Unhealthy  :  R.  The  growth 
appears  to  have  been  damaged  by  excessive 
moisture  during  a  temporary  fall  in  the  tempera- 
ture. 

Dyeing  Foliage  Red  :  F.  H.  W.  Place  suffi- 
cient red  aniline  in  rain-water  to  make  a 
strong  dye  and  boil  it.  Dip  the  foliage  in 
this  solution  whilst  still  hot. 

Eggs  on  Apple  Tyvics  :  A'.  Y.  Z.  The  eggs  are 
those  of  the  Lackey  Moth,  Bombyx  neustria. 
The  perfect  moths  may  be  observed  on  the 
wing  in  July  and  August,  and  are  very  pretty, 
but  somewhat  variously  coloured.  The  eggs 
are  laid  in  rings  around  the  bark  of  the 
branch,  and  the  caterpillars  emerge  during 
April  in  the  following  year.  The  caterpillars 
live  in  colonies  surrounded  by  webs  spun  over 
the  leaves.  Cut  off  any  shoots  that  are  seen 
to  be  infested  with  eggs,  and  burn  them. 
Examine  the  trees  in  May  or  June,  and  cut  off 
the  branches  where  colonies  of  larvaa  exist, 
destroying  them  in  a  bucket  containing  some 
strong  insecticide. 

Hybridisation  of  Violets  :  /.  M.,  Grey  friar. 
The  hybridisation  of  Violets,  and  Violas  gener- 
ally, is  not  easy.  Emasculation  can  be  effected, 
but  it  is  difficult  to  make  certain  when  pollina- 
tion has  taken  place.  The  flowers  must 
be  emasculated  in  bud.  If  a  fairly  large 
bud  is  chosen,  it  is  easy  to  expose  the  stamens 
by  turning  back  one  of  the  lateral  petals.  When 
so  exposed,  the  stamens  can  be  picked  off  by 
means  of  a  fine  pair  of  forceps.  The  stamens 
must  be  examined  as  they  are  removed  to  see 
that  there  is  no  loose  pollen  about.  It  is  some- 
times necessary  to  tear  off  the  lateral  petal  in 
order  to  expose  the  base  of  the  stamens  suffi- 
ciently ;  but  it  is  better  to  avoid  this  if  pos- 
sible and  to  turn  back  the  petal  into  placet 
after  the  operation  is  performed.  The  expand- 
ing of  the  uninjured  petals  is  a  useful  guide  as 
to  the  proper  time  for  pollination.  The  process 
of  pollination  is  best  effected  by  taking  a  re- 
cently-dehisced stamen  from  the  male  parent, 
holding  it  in  a  pair  of  fine  forceps,  and  apply- 
ing it  to  the  stigmatic  surface  by  gently  rub- 
bing the  under  surface  of  the  stigma  with  it. 
For  some  reason,  and  it  may  be  owing  to  the 
structure  of  the  stigma,  this  method  is  not 
always  successful  in  getting  the  pollen  applied 
to  the  right  spot,  and  it  is  sometimes  found  de- 
sirable to  use  a  fine  camel's  hair  brush,  which 
is  covered  with  pollen  by  being  pushed  into  the 
throat  of  the  flower  which  is  to  be  used  as  the 
male  parent.  The  brush  is  then  rubbed  on 
the  under  surface  of  the  stigma  of  the  castrated 
flower.  If  a  brush  is  used,  several  brushes 
must  be  placed  in  readiness,  as  each  must  be 
sterilised  between  each  operation  by  dipping 
into  strong  spirit.  They  cannot  be  used  again 
till  they  are  dry.  These  are  the  only  methods 
of  castration  and  pollination  which  we  have 
found  it  necessary  to  adopt ;  they  are  success- 
ful in  a  fair  percentage  of  cases,  but  there  is 
no  doubt  that  the  operation  is  not  an  entirely 
simple  one.  The  difficulty  seems  to  lie  in  the 
application  of  the  pollen  to  the  receptive  area 
of  the  stigma.  In  addition  to  this,  one  has  to 
reckon  with  the  sterility  which  is  not  an  un- 
common feature  of  hybrid  Violas.  If  the 
sterility  lies  in  the  failure  of  the  stamens  to 
produce  good  pollen  in  sufficient  quantity,  it 
is  worth  while  to  try  using  the  plant  as  the 
female  parent  before  giving  up  hope  of  using 
it  in  crossing  experiments.  We  doubt  if  it  is 
possible  satisfactorily  to  emasculate  cleisto- 
gamous  flowers.  It  would  be  very  difficult  to 
make    certain    that    self-pollination    had    not 


occurred  before  emasculation  was  carried  out. 
In  the  case  of  hybrids,  they  would  provide  a 
very  easy  method  of  obtaining  "  selfs,"  and 
would  save  much  labour  in  that  part  of  the 
work. 

Mice  in  the  Garden. — Field  rats  and  mice  are 
easily  killed  by  placing  in  their  holes 
some  moistened  bran  or  meal,  to  which  some 
white  arsenic  has  been  added.  If  poultry  is 
present,  a  temporary  enclosure  of  wire- 
netting  should  be  put  up  where  there 
are  most  mice,  and  where  it  is  practicable  to 
feed  them  for  a  short  period.  This  will  draw 
large  quantities  to  the  feeding-place,  and  they 
can  be  killed  in  this  manner.  The  surplus 
poison  can  be  dug  in  the  ground,  and  the  net- 
ting, if  it  be  necessary,  removed  to  a  different 
part  of  the  garden  and  used  in  the  same  way. 

Names  of  Fruits  :  S.  Nye.    Bergamotte  Esperen. 

Names  of  Plants  :  /.  IF.  M.  1,  Rhododendron! 
ferrugineum  ;  2,  R.  hirsutum  ;  3,  R.  Hammondii. 
— Foreman.  1,  Ccelogyne  ochracea;  2,  Cochlioda 
sanguinea  ;  3,  Oncidium  cheirophorum. — A  .C.H. 
Ccelogyne  (next  week). 

Nitrogen:  G.  H.  H.  W.  The  probable  expla- 
nation is  that  the  soil  in  which  Gorse  lives  is 
of  a  sandy  nature  and  very  light  in  texture. 
From  such  soils  soluble  substances,  such  as 
nitrates,  are  washed  out  readily  by  rain.  The 
nitrogen  fixed  by  the  Nodule  organism  would 
sooner  or  later  be  converted  by  the  action  of 
other  races  of  soil-bactetia  into  either  nitrates, 
ammonia  compounds,  or  free  nitrogen.  The 
last-named  substance,  if  formed,  escapes  into 
the  air  ;  the  two  former  substances  would  tend 
to  be  washed  out  from  the  soil,  by  rain.  Hence 
no  considerable  accumulation  of  nitrogenous 
food-material  occurs  in  the  soil.  At  the  same 
time  it  is  to  be  observed  that  the  Nodule  or- 
ganism does  in  fact  enrich  even  poor,  sandy 
soil  in  nitrogen  to  some  extent.  Thus  Lupins 
are  used  largely  and  with  success  in  Germany 
as  a  means  of  reclamation  of  waste,  sandy 
soils. 

Rockery:  C.  //.  Your  best  course  will  be  to 
cut  a  semi-circular  pathway,  2  feet  wide, 
through  the  site.  This  will  provide  one  half- 
moon-shaped  bed  at  the  front  and  another 
bed  behind  it,  the  pathway  intersecting.  Col- 
lect sufficient  soil  to  raise  the  half-moon-bed 
5  to  6  feet  high  at  its  centre,  and  make  the 
ends  of  the  hindermost  bed  agree  in  height 
also.  Place  your  stones  so  that  they  will  sup- 
port the  soil  in  position,  and  each  stone  be 
practically  on  the  same  horizontal  plane  as  its 
neighbour,  forming  little  bluffs  and  declivities 
or  down  gradients  behind  each  bluff.  Your 
aim  must  be  to  represent  an  outcrop  of  rock, 
from  the  top  and  one  face  of  which  the  weather 
has  eroded  hollows,  fissures  and  crannies. 
These  are  destined  to  be  the  home  of  the  rock 
plants  proper.  All  the  other  spaces  can  b& 
furnished  with  Alpine  species  of  coarser 
growth,  and  low-growing  shrubs  and  bulbous 
plants.  When  finished,  your  rock-garden 
should  represent  a  series  of  irregular  rocky 
ledges  supporting  the  soil  in  position,  the  prin- 
cipal seams  or  joints  of  which  must  trend  in 
one  direction,  e.g.,  from  the  highest  point. 
Plants  for  such  a  rock  garden  may  include 
Arabis,  Aubrietia,  Saxifraga,  and  Arenaria 
in  many  species,  and  Lithospermum,  Alpine 
Phloxes,  Gypsophila  repens,  trailing  and 
tufted  Veronicas,  Sedums  Primulas,  Alpine 
Columbines,  Linarias,  and  Saponarias.  All 
kinds  of  Heather  and  Veronica  Hectori  and  V. 
decumbens  may  be  used  for  the  less  dry  sites. 
The  plants  will  teach  their  own  lesson. 
Those  with  long,  whip-like  roots  and 
trailing  growths  will  grow  between  hori- 
zontal layers  of  stone  and  drape  their 
faces  ;  those  with  slender  fibrils  and  trailing 
growths,  as  in  Campanula,  will  need  gritty 
ledges.  If  you  cannot  get  natuial  rock 
stone  in  sufficient  quantity,  it  does  not  matter 
how  your  seams  run.  In  such  a  case  use  every 
effort  to  cover  with  plants  as  much  of  the 
stone,  clinker,  or  other  supporting  material 
as    possible. 

Communications  Received. — W.  G.— G.  E. — F.  E.  M.— 
F.  I..  Cermisco— Sutton's— R.—H.  D.— J.  M.— RinaS.— 
A.  H— L.  M.— Ashtonian— Prof.  B.— Rev.  G.  H.  F..— 
(Next  week)  W.  C— W.  A.  C— W.  G.  S.— J.  G.  W.— 
A.  C.  B.— Linnean  Soc— W.  P.  W—  S.  B.— T.  A.  S.— 
H.  B.  H.— Gurney  Wilson— R.  P.  B.— C.  T.  D.-K.  II.  J. 
— E.  S.— O.  T.— N.  &  Sons— Anxious— R.  M.— W.  D.  H. 
— Mushroom— W.  H.-F.  N.— W.  B.  H.-P.  A.-T.  F.  U. 
-J.  C. 


Supplement  to  the  "Gardeners'  Chronicle." 


■ 


Agave  attenuata,  flowering  in   the  Royal  Agricultural  Society's  Grounds, 

Sydney,  New  South  Wales. 


Printed  by  Temple  Press  Ltd.,  London,  E.C. 


February  20,  1909.] 


THE     GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


113 


THE 


6;ubcncrsfCbronicIe 

So.   1,156.— SATURDAY,  February  20,   1909. 


CONTENTS. 


iSsculus  parviflora 

Apple  scab  

Berlin      International 
Exhibition       

Books,  notices  of— 

Flore  Alpine 

Paradise  Uetriev  d 
The  Book   of    Nature 

Study 

Zeitscbiift  FurBotani- 
ker      

Cleonies,  the      

Colonial     appointments 
from  Kew         

Fennel,  Italian 

Florists'  flowers — 
New    classification  of 
Daffodils      

Foster,   Mr.  Charles    ... 

Hampton  Court  gardens 

Kew    gardens,    visitors 
to ;  changes  at 

Lrelio-Cattleya  Elinor... 

Law  note- 
Owner's  risk 

Moisture-loving  plants 

Nitro-Bacterine,  experi- 
ments with       ...        114, 

Nursery  notes — 
Notcutt,  R.  C,  Wood- 
bridge  

Obituary- 
Gibson, William  Yates 
King,  Sir  George 

Orphan      Fund,      Royal 
Gardeners'      ...       120, 


117 


126 


Park  employes,  examina- 
tion of 

Plants     new     or     note- 
worthy- 
Iris     reticulata     atro- 

purpurea       

Rhubarb  at  exhibitions 
Sage,  G.  H.,  the  late  ... 
School-gardens  in  Staf- 
fordshire 
Shrewsbury  flower-show 
Societies — 

British         Gardeners' 

Association ... 
Commons    and    Foot- 
paths    Preservation 
Horticultural  Club   ... 
Leeds    Professional 

Gardeners' 

Manchester  and  N.  of 

England  Orchid     ... 

Perpetual  -  Flowering 

Carnation      

Royal  Horticultural... 
Vegetable   competitions 
at    Shrewsbury    show 
Vegetables- 
Chicory  

Week's  work,  the— 
Flower  garden,  the  ... 
Fruits  under  glass 
1  lardy  fruit  garden 
Kitchen  garden,  the... 
Orchid  houses,  the  ... 
Plants  under  glass    ... 
Public  parks  and  gar- 
dens    


IJl 


LIS 
12d 
121 

L'l 
12U 


ILLUSTRATIONS. 

VEsculus  parviflora,  a  flowering  tree  of  123 

Cistus  albidus  in  a  Woodbridge  nursery  117 

Cleome  spinosa 115 

Finocchio  or  Italian  Fennel  121 

Laelio-Cattleya  Elinor  (Supplementary  Illustration) 

View  in  a  plantation  adjoining  Mr.  Notcutt's  nursery  116 


PARADISE    RETRIEV'D. 

THOSE  who  are  acquainted  with  the 
scores  of  political  pamphlets  and  the  reli- 
gious sermonettes  of  the  latter  half  of 
the  17th  century  must  be  well  aware  of  the 
discrimination  the  authors  exhibited  in  label- 
ling them  with  telling  titles.  They  were 
followed,  but  at  a  far  distance,  by  dra- 
matists and  others,  among  whom  must  be 
included  a  few  writers  on  gardening,  and 
Paradise   Retrieved   is  a  good  instance. 

It  is  in  some  respects  a  remarkable  book. 
For  one  thing,  its  author  seems  to  have 
written  and  published  it  to  confute  certain 
propositions  of  the  Rev.  John  Lawrence,  who 
had  already  published  The  Gentleman's 
Recreation,  in  which  the  offensive  state- 
ments had  appeared  and  a  concise  treatise 
on  fruit  culture,  Paradise  Retriev'd  is  note- 
worthy as  being  far  in  advance  of  anything 
that  had  appeared  on  that  subject  up  to  the 
time  of  its  publication  in  1717.  Its  author  was 
Samuel  Collins,  Esq.,  of  Archester,  North- 
amptonshire, and  the  cause  of  his  rushing 
into  print  was  that  Mr.  Lawrence,  who  was 
rector  of  a  parish  in  his  neighbourhood  and 
had  taken  up  fruit  culture  with  great  en- 
thusiasm as  a  means  of  securing  a  crop  of 
fruit,    had   recommended   building   tiles  into 


fruit  walls  :  the  tiles  to  be  set  at  regular  in- 
tervals and  to  extend  outwards  an  inch  and  a 
half  from  the  wall.  Mr.  Collins' curiosity  hav- 
ing been  excited  on  reading  tin  description  of 
this  novel  fruit-protector,  made  a  journey  to 
Yelvertoft  Rectory,  where,  to  his  great  disap- 
pointment, he  found  only  "  stuck  about 
twenty  tiles  into  an  old  dirt  Wall  with  Lime." 
In  this  book  he  shows  that  these  "  horizontal 
shelters,"  as  they  came  ( to  be  called,  had 
never  been  proved  by  their  inventor,  and 
that  they  were  ineffective  as  a  means  of 
warding  off  intense  cold.  The  next  year 
Mr.  Lawrence  published  The  Fruit  Garden 
Kalender,  in  which  he  disclaims  any  connec- 
tion with  The  Lady's  Recreation,  a  kind  of 
bookseller's  book  on  gardening,  but  nothing 
appears  concerning  Collins'  outspoken  state- 
ments, so  that  one  can  hardly  escape  giving 
them  credence. 

At  the  same  time  it  must  be  mentioned  as 
proof  of  the  great  popularity  attained  by  Mr. 
Lawrence  as  a   fruit-grower  that  Hitt  men-. 
tions   his   device   of   tiles,    though    with   dis- 
approval,  as  being  in  use  as  late  as  1755. 

While  the  above  seems  to  have  been  the 
reason  for  Collins  writing:  indeed,  in 
the  preface  to  hi-  h<..ik  he  dec lares  that  "  the 
only  motive  that  induced  me  to  write  was 
the  sight  I  had  of  Mr.  Lawrence  and  his 
G  ird<  11  after  reading  his  Book,"  yet  it  con- 
tains ,1  good  deal  mi  fruit  culture  that  must 
have  been  helpful  to  its  readers.  He  modestly 
affirms  that  his  own  garden  was  "  managed 
to  a  verj  great  perfection,"  and  as  one  per- 
usr-  chapter  after  chapter  it  is  obvious  that 
gardening  must  have  formed  the  chief  em- 
ployment of  his  life.  He  takes  occasion  to 
warn  owners  of  gardens  to  be  slow  to  change 
gardeners  frequently,  which  seems,  as  in 
these  times,  to  have  been  customarv  with 
too  many  employers,  and  demonstrates  how  a 
man  of  "middling  capacity,"  if  honest  and 
industrious,  is  not  to  be  lightly  superseded, 
ami  almost  certainly  not  without  loss  to  the 
garden. 

A  few  points  in  his  teaching  may  oe 
noted.  He  preferred  trees  to  be  the  first 
year  from  the  bud.  He  insisted  on  planting 
in  October;  but  early  planting,  though  not 
invariably  the  rule,  must  have  been  cus- 
tomary, for  he  quotes  an  old  adage  to  the 
i  fifect  : — 

He  who  would   a   good   tree  have 

Must  bring  the  old   leaf   to  the  grave. 

Roots  were  to  be  shortened  slightly  previous 
to  planting,  and  pruning  deferred  till  the 
following  February.  Writing  of  Apricots, 
he  gave  it  as  his  experience  that  old  trees 
which  had  been  "  blasted  "  might  be  cut 
over  with  advantage,  and  that  they  would 
produce  a  sufficient  number  of  young  shoots 
in  the  course  of  three  years  to  again  cover 
the  walls.  The  advantage  of  properly  thin- 
ning fruit  is  dwelt  upon,  one  of  the  reasons 
he  gave  being  the  better  quality  of  the  fruit 
as  compared  with  that  only  slightly  thinned; 
and  not  only  is  the  necessity  of  laying  in  a 
limited  number  of  shoots  insisted  upon,  but 
an  engraving  shows  how  trees  should  be 
trained.  Another  engraving  exhibits  Pears 
trained  as  Espaliers,  in  which  the  branches 
have  more  space  than  any  previous  autho- 
rity had  recommended.  The  branches,  it 
may  be  noted,  were  not  trained  straight,  but 
slightly  curved,  a  fashion  which  continued 
for  some  time.     The  evil  of  allowing  moss  to 


vegetate  on  fruit  trees  is  pointed  out,  and 
rubbing  with  "  hair  cloath  "  the  remedy  pro- 
posed. 

A  part  of  the  volume  is  devoted  to  a  sepa- 
rate Treatise  of  Melons  and  Cucumbers.  He 
had  already  discovered  that  old  seed  of  the 
former  was  to  be  preferred  to  new  seed,  the 
plants  from  which  "  spend  themselves  too 
freely  in  their  vines  without  fruiting."  He 
also  asserted  that  fruit  from  old  seed  was 
"  better  tasted."  The  "Mellonry"  was  at  this 
period  an  important  adjunct  to  the  garden, 
and  Collins  describes  his  own.  This  was  an 
area  of  19  yards  by  16  yards,  and  it  was  en- 
closed on  all  sides  but  the  south  with  a  hedge 
of  Yew,  which  on  the  north  attained  a  height 
of  10  feet.  In  order  to  ensure  the  greatest  pos- 
sible warmth,  the  ground  inside  was  exca- 
vated to  a  depth  of  16  inches.  As  a  further 
protection  from  wind  there  were  8-foot 
hedges  of  Willow  between  the  lines  of  frames 
and  ridges.  The  fullest  details  are  recorded 
of  how  to  produce  both  Melons  and  Cucum- 
bers early  and  late  by  means  of  heated  dung 
and  grass,  bell-glasses  and  frames.  The 
treatise  concludes  with  a  warning  "  that 
Ladies  should  not  be  invited  to  this  Place  " 
lest  the  Melons  should  refuse  to  set,  the  last 
quaint  wwds  of  the  book  being:—"  I  have 
been  oblig'd  at  that  time  of  fruiting  to 
deny  their  entrance  into  the  Mellonry." 
R.  P.  Brotherston. 


NEW  OR  NOTEWORTHY 
PLANTS. 


IRIS  RETICULATA  ATROPURrUREA. 
A  kemarkable  form  of  Iris  reticulata,  which 
is  as  yet,  I  believe,  undescribed,  is  now  flower- 
ing here  for  the  first  time.  It  might  even  be  given 
rank  as  a  distinct  species  if  specific  names  are 
given  to  histrio  and  histrioides  :  but,  if  these- 
are  regarded  merely  as  local  varieties  of  I.  reti- 
culata, then  this  new  form  may  be  known  as  I. 
reticulata  atropurpurea. 

During  last  summer  I  received  a  few  bulbs  of 
I.  reticulata  from  Marash,  in  Asia  Minor,  and 
this  flower  now  appears  among  them,  together 
with  a  very  fine  form  of  histrioides  distinguished 
by  the  fact  that  the  deeper  shades  of  blue  on  the 
falls  occur  rather  as  mottlings  than  as  blotches. 
The  buds  of  the  variety  atropurpurea  appear 
when  the  two  four-sided  leaves  are  only  2  or  3 
inches  high.  They  somewhat  resemble  buds  of 
I.  Krelagei,  but  differ  in  having  veinings  ol 
purple-red  on  a  whitish  ground. 

When  the  flower  unfolds,  the  blade  of  the  fall 
is  seen  to  be  of  a  uniform  velvety-black,  which 
fades  a  little  to  red-black  at  the  edges.  There 
is  only  the  merest  trace-  of  a  signal  or  ridge  in 
the  form  of  a  minute  touch  of  dingy  yellow, 
but  along  the  haft  there  runs  a  row  of  glistening 
black  spines  about  a  sixteenth  of  an  inch  in 
height.  These  stand  out  conspicuously  on  a 
black  ground,  which  is  bordered  on  either  side 
by  a  slightly  lighter,  reddish  groundwork  veined 
with  black-purple.  The  small,  narrow  standards 
are  dark,  blackish-red,  widening  at  the  top, 
with  a  characteristic  outward  curve,  whilst  the 
styles  are  of  a  somewhat  lighter  shade  of  red, 
especially  at  the  edges.  In  one  respect  this  Iris 
differs  from  all  other  forms  of  I.  reticulata, 
namely,  in  having  spathes  that  are  veined  and 
blotched  with  red-purple.  In  other  varieties  the 
spathes  are  either  green  or  colourless,  but  in  this 
case  it  is  hard  to  distinguish  the  spotted  spathes 
from  the  similarly  spotted  tube.  W.  R.  Dykes,. 
Charterhouse,  Godalmii 


114 


THE    GARDENERS7      CHRONICLE. 


[February  20,  1909. 


EXPERIMENTS  WITH  NITRO  BACTERINE. 

(Concluded  from  page  91.) 

It  has  been  shown  that  in  the  Wisley  experi- 
ments on  fallowed  soil  three  lots  of  inoculated 
seed  were  planted  under  such  conditions  that, 
as  definitely  stated  in  the  directions  for  using 
the  cultures,  inoculation  would  be  either  useless 
or  a  failure. 

Comparing  the  total  weight  of  Peas  of  inocu- 
lated seed  with  that  of  non-inoculated  seed  from 
the  three  plots  where  inoculation  might  be 
reasonably  expected  to  produce  good  results,  we 
have   the   following    figures:  — 

Non-inoculated  Inoculated 

Seed.  Seed.  Increase. 

Gr^.  Grs.  Grs. 

Table  H        ...        7,175        ...        8,188  ...        1,013 

,,      I  ...      «7,0S3        ...        7,963  ...  870 

„     L        ...       »4,182        ...        4,702  ...  520 


18,450 


20.853 


2,403 


Increase  in  favour  of  inoculated  seed  =  13  per  cent. 

*  Number  of  plants  in  plots  equalised  to  number  of 
inoculated  plants. 

We  contend  that  it  is  both  unscientific  and 
unfair  to  add  the  results  from  plots  which  are 
known  befoiehand  to  be  either  unfavourable  or 
injurious  to  inoculation,  to  those  from  plots  on 
which  it  is  stated  inoculation  may  be  beneficial, 
and  then  to  draw  a  conclusion  either  for  or 
against  inoculation  therefrom.  If  Mr.  Chitten- 
den's method  is  the  correct  one,  it  is  quite  easy 
to  prove  that  any  manure,  if  only  sufficiently  un- 
favourable conditions  are  taken,  is  useless  on 
ordinary  garden  soil. 

Further,  we  cannot  accept  Table  J  of  the 
Wisley  report  as  a  fair  statement  of  results. 
In  order  to  obtain  this  table  the  produce  of 
"  maincrop "  is  omitted  entirely,  because  in 
Table  I  there  is  a  variation  in  the  number  of 
plants,  although  "  maincrop  "  in  both  Tables  H 
and  I  gives  the  largest  increase  for  inoculation 
in  weight  of  Peas.  Surely  the  scientific  method 
would  have  been  to  equalise  the  number  of 
plants  where  there  was  a  difference,  as  is  done 
in   the   following  table:  — 

Weight  of  Peas. 

Untreated "7,093  grs. 

Soil  inoculated     7,175     ,,    =     I     percent,  increase. 

Seed  inoculated 7,963    ,,    =  10-8    „      „ 

Seed  +  soil  inoculation...  8,188    ,,    =  15-4    ,,      „  ,, 

♦  Number  of  plants  in  plots  equalised  to  number  of 
inoculated  plants. 

These  figures  indicate  the  value  of  double 
inoculation.  In  the  directions  sent  out  with 
the  culture  material,  it  is  recommended  that 
the  seed  be  inoculated,  and  then  later  the 
growing  plants  watered  with  the  culture  solu- 
tion. It  is  definitely  stated  that  this  double 
inoculation  will  give  the  best  results.  Yet  the 
effect  of  watering  with  the  culture  solu- 
tion after  seed  inoculation  was  not  tried 
at  Wisley.  The  experiment  described  by  Pro- 
fessor Henslow  in  last  week's  Gardeners' 
Chronicle  is  interesting  as  showing  what  may  be 
the  effect  of  watering  with  culture  solution 
under  certain  conditions.  Just  a  word  about 
the  Wye  experiments.  These  certainly  indicate 
that  seed  inoculation  was  useless  on  this  ground. 
A  probable  reason  for  this  is  given  by  Mr. 
Gimingham  in  his  report.  He  states  that 
•'  both  lots  formed  nodules  on  their  roots  to 
ubout  the  same  extent."  Evidently  there  were 
already  present  in  the  soil  sufficient  bacteria  to 
produce  a  supply  of  nodules.  In  "  Seed  and 
Soil  Inoculation"  (p.  10)  it  is  pointed  out  that 
under  these  conditions  inoculation  is  useless. 
Hence  the  Wye  experiments  confirm  one  of  the 
conditions  under  which  it  has  been  stated  in 
Germany  and  America,  as  well  as  in  this 
country,  that  inoculation  will  be  useless,  but 
they  do  not  furnish  "  a  triumphant  proof  "  that 
inoculation  is  useless  on  ordinary  garden  soils, 
for  we  have  inoculated  seed  on  garden  soil 
giving  an  increase  of  10.8  per  cent,  at  Wisley 
and  7.6  per  cent,  at  Reading. 

After  all,  the  question  of  cost  is  an  im- 
portant factor  in  determining  the  practical 
value  of  any  manurial  material.  Considering 
that  seed   sufficient  for  an   acre  of  land  can  be 


inoculated  for  less  than  Is.,  the  cost  of  testing 
inoculation  on  any  garden  soil  is  not  a  prohibi- 
tive one.  There  may  be  no  result — as  at  Wye. 
On  the  other  hand,  there  may  be  success,  as  at 
Wisley  and  Reading,  where  the  inoculated  seed 
not  only  gave  an  increased  yield,  but  this  yield 
was  larger  than  the  yield  from  equal  plots 
treated  with  manures  which  would  cost  not 
much  less  than  £1  per  acre. 

I  quite  agree  with  Dr.  Keeble  that  further  ex- 
periments are  required,  but  these  must  be  in 
field  and  garden  as  well  as  in  the  laboratory. 
We  know  something  about  the  conditions  under 
which  the  nitrogen-fixing  bacteria  work  best  in 
the  soil,  but  many  points  are  still  obscure  and 
require  further  investigation.  We  want  to  find 
out  how  these  bacteria  can  benefit  agri- 
culture and  horticulture,  but  this  can  only 
be  done  by  recognising  their  limitations,  and 
experimenting  with  them  under  conditions  which 
give  them  a  chance  of  doing  their  work  properly. 
W.  B.  Bottomlcy,  King's  College,  London. 


THE  CLEOMES. 

There  is  no  modern  monograph  of  the  Cap- 
paridaceae  or  Caper  family,  and  identifications 
of  plants  of  that  family  have  accordingly  to  be 
based  mainly  on  the  descriptions  given  in  local 
floras.  The  South  American  species  were  re- 
vised by  Eichler  in  the  Flora  Brasiliensis,  vol. 
xiii.,  part  1,  and  from  the  account  there  given, 
the  Cleome  shown  in  fig.  50  has  been  identi- 
fied as  Cleome  spinosa,  forma  spinosa,  Eichl. 

Eichler  divided  Cleome  into  two  main  sec- 
tions, one  of  which  includes  all  the  shrubby  or 
tree-like  species,  in  which  the  petals  are  gradu- 
ally narrowed  down  to  the  base,  so  that  thev 
have  no  distinct  claw  ;  whilst  the  other  consists 
entirely  of  herbs,  in  which  the  petals  are  pro- 
vided with  a  distinct  claw.  C.  spinosa  belongs 
to  the  latter  section. 

Two  of  the  shrubby  or  arborescent  species 
have  been  introduced  into  cultivation,  namely,  C. 
gigantea  {Botanical  Magazine,  t.  3137),  a  shrub 
widely  distributed  over  tropical  America  ;  3  to 
5  feet  high,  and  with  greenish-coloured  flowers; 
and  C.  dendroidea  (Botanical  Magazine,  t.  3296), 
which,  according  to  Gardner,  who  found  it 
growing  on  the  seashore  near  Rio  de  Janeiro,  is 
a  small  tree  attaining  to  a  height  of  10  to  14  feet. 
The  flowers  are  blackish-purple,  and  the  plant 
presents  a  beautiful  object  when  in  flower. 

The  eight  other  shrubby  species  inhabit  rather 
restricted  areas  in  the  Andes  of  Venezuela, 
Colombia,  or  Peru,  and  the  section  as  a  whole 
appears  to  represent  an  archaic  type  in  slow 
process  of  extinction.  According  to  this  view, 
the  gradually  narrowed  petals  met  with  in  the 
shrubby  section,  being  less  differentiated,  would 
be  regarded  as  more  primitive  than  the  dis- 
tinctly-clawed petals  which  are  found  in  all  the 
herbaceous  species. 

The  herbaceous  section  includes  a  large  num- 
ber of  species,  among  which  are  several  cos- 
mopolitan weeds,  and  it  may,  accordingly,  be 
regarded  as  a  more  modern  group.  At  any 
rate,  most  of  the  species  are  evidently  more  in 
harmony  with  prevailing  modern  conditions  than 
are  those  of  the  shrubby  section.  The  species 
are  in  many  cases  difficult  to  distinguish,  but  ( '.. 
spinosa  may  be  distinguished  from  most  of  its 
allies  by  the  paired  stipular  prickles  which 
occur  one  on  either  side  of  the  base  of  the 
petiole.  As  defined  by  Eichler,  it  seems  to 
consist  of  an  unwieldy  assemblage  of  forms, 
some  of  which  are  strikingly  unlike.  He  de- 
scribes it  as  being  in  the  highest  degree  variable, 
sometimes  almost  glabrous,  sometimes  hirsute  ; 
the  petioles  and  veins  on  the  lower  surface  of 
the  leaf  prickly  in  some  forms  and  unarmed  in 
others ;  the  bracts  varying  between  orbicular- 
cordate  and  lanceolate ;  the  flowers  white, 
pinkish  or  deep  purple  ;  the  ovary  glabrous  in 
some  forms  and  glandular  in  others  ;  and  the 
gynophore  sometimes  as  long  as  the  pod, 
and  in  other  cases  only  half  as  long. 


Eichler  distinguished  three  forms  of  Cleome 
spinosa,  taking  into  account  only  the  character 
of  the  prickles  on  the  petioles  and  leaflets  and 
the  colour  of  the  flowers  : — 

(a)  Forma  pungens. — Petiole  unarmed  (not 
counting  the  basal  stipular  prickles),  or  with 
one  or  two  small  prickles ;  flowers  white  or 
pale  rose. 

(b)  Forma  spinosa. — Petiole  armed  with  stout 
prickles  ;  flowers  rose  or  deep  purple  (see  fig  50). 

(c)  Forma  horrida. — Petiole  with  crowded 
prickles  ;   flowers  white  or   pale  rose. 

According  to  these  definitions,  the  plant 
illustrated  in  fig.  50  belongs  to  forma 
spinosa ;  while  the  plant  represented  in  Bot. 
Mag.  t.  1640,  belongs  to  forma  pungens, 
for  the  petioles  are  unarmed.  Eichler,  however, 
expressly  referred  the  plant  shown  in  the 
Botanical  Magazine  to  his  forma  spinosa,  appa- 
rently because  the  petals  were  of  a  deep-rose 
colour.  The  presence  or  absence  of  prickles  is. 
of  greater  systematic  importance  than  a  slight 
difference  in  the  coloration  of  the  petals,  whilst 
the  shape  of  the  bracts  probably  affords  a 
character  of  even  greater  value,  and  should 
certainly  be  taken  into  account  in  any  attempt 
to  sub-divide  the  species.  Without  mono- 
graphic study,  however,  it  would  be  unsafe  to 
construct  a  revised  classification  of  the  forms 
hitherto  placed  under  C.  spinosa,  and  it  seems 
desirable,  therefore,  to  follow  Eichler  in  the 
meantime.  Nevertheless,  having  seen  actual 
specimens  of  both  the  plant  now  figured  and 
also  the  typical  C.  spinosa  (which  falls  under 
forma  pungens),  I  am  convinced  that  they  are 
specifically  distinct  from  one  another.  Typical 
Cleome  spinosa,  which  I  have  collected  in  waste 
ground  at  Ciudad  Bolivar,  the  port  of  the 
Orinoco,  has  comparatively  glabrous  stems  and 
leaves,  unarmed  petioles  (except  for  the  stipu- 
lar prickles),  suborbicular  bracts  and  white 
flowers.  The  plant  shown  in  fig.  50  has  a 
densely  glandular,  pubescent  stem  and  leaves, 
prickly  petioles,  lanceolate  bracts  and  purple- 
magenta  flowers.  In  fact,  it  has  much  more  the 
habit  of  C.  Selloana,  Eichl.,  from  which  it  differs 
in  having  the  ovary  and  pod  glabrous  instead  of 
densely  glandular. 

As  to  the  history  of  the  cultivated  plant  no- 
thing seems  to  be  known.  Two  plants  were  re- 
ceived at  the  Royal  Botanic  Gardens,  Kew,  last 
August,  from  Messrs.  R.  Veitch  6k  Sons,  Exeter, 
and  flowering  specimens  were  received  for  iden- 
tification in  September  from  Mr.  W.  E.  Oumble- 
ton  ;  the  figure  was  drawn  from  Mr.  Gumbleton's 
specimens,  with  the  exception  of  the  separate 
large  leaf  and  a  few  other  details,  which  were 
drawn  from  material  sent  by  Mr.  R.  C.  Notcutt, 
of  the  Nurseries,  Woodbridge.  In  order  to  aid 
identification,  a  short,  popular  description  is 
now  given. 

An  erect,  herbaceous,  sticky  plant,  about  3 
feet  high,  emitting  an  odour  not  unlike  that 
of  mint,  but  a  trifle  fetid.  The  leaves  fingered, 
the  upper  with  five  leaflets  and  the  rest  with 
seven  leaflets  each.  The  leaf-stalks  are 
prickly,  and  at  the  bottom  of  the  stalk 
a  pair  of  prickles,  one  on  either  side,  point 
downwards.  The  midrib  of  the  leaflets  is 
prickly  on  the  under  side.  The  bracts,  or  leaves 
below  the  flower-stalks,  are  lance-shaped  and 
sharp  pointed.  The  flower-stalks  vary  in  length 
from  1  to  \\  inch.  The  sepals,  which  are  awl- 
shaped,  are  under  \  inch  in  length  and  ascend- 
ing. The  petals  are  of  a  purple-magenta  colour 
and  nearly  1  inch  long,  including  their  stalks, 
which  measure  about  !  inch  in  length.  While 
the  upper  parts  of  the  petals  are  still  folded 
together,  the  filaments  begin  to  grow  faster  than 
the  petals,  and  as  the  long  anthers  at  the  end 
are  tightly  held  by  the  petals  the  six  filaments 
bulge  out  in  the  middle  in  the  form  of  a  bow. 
It  is  interesting  to  note  that  this  is  clearly 
shown  in  a  woodcut  of  a  Cleome  in  plate  No.  34 
of  Marcgraf's  Natural  History  of  'Brazil, 
which  was  published  as  long  ago  as  1648. 
T.   A.  S plague. 


February  20,  TS09.] 


THE     GARDENERS'      CHRONICLE 


115 


Fig.  50. — cleome  spinosa:   flowers  magenta  or  magenta-purple. 

<See  pp.  114  &  118.) 


■  Hi 


THE    GARDENERS'    CHRONICLE. 


[February  20,  1909. 


VEGETABLES. 

CHICORY. 
The  exhibition  of  Chicory  as  a  forced  vege- 
table at  a  recent  meeting  of  the  Royal  Horticul- 
tural Society  may  attract  attention  to  its  value 
as  a  winter  product.     Recent  frosts  have  done 
enormous   damage  to   ordinary   Brassica   crops, 
and  in  that  way  greatly  reduced  the  supply  of 
fresh  vegetables.     From  a  late  summer  sowing, 
Chicory  roots  are  obtainable  in  winter  and,   if 
these  are  lifted  and  safely  stored,  are  available 
to  furnish  blanched  heads.     It  is  generally  as- 
sumed  that  Chicory  when  blanched  is  only  suit- 
able as  a  salad.     But  it  makes  also,  when  pro- 
perly cooked,  an  acceptable  vegetable.     Whilst 
Seakale  may  be  regarded  as  more  useful  for  the 
table,    its    cultivation    necessitates    far    greater 
labour  than  is  the  case  with  Chicory.    Seakale,  if 
raised  from  seeds,  must  be  sown  in  April,  and  the 
plants  must  be  severely  thinned.    If  grown  from 
root  cuttings  and  planted  in  April,  considerable 
-preparation  and  labour  in  the  planting  and  sub- 
sequent  treatment  are  needed.    A  sowing  of  the 
Witloof    variety   of    Chicory    may   be    made    in 
drills  12  inches  apart,  and  the  plants  in  the  rows 
should  be  thinned  out  to  9  inches  apart.     Sow- 
ings may  be  made  in  May,  June,  and  even  in 
July  if  the  soil  is  exceptionally  good.     As  soon 
as  stout  roots  have  formed  in  the  autumn,  some 
may  be  lifted,  have  their  leaves  cut  off,  and  be 
placed   in  large  pots   or  boxes  filled   with  soil. 
They  should  be  covered  with  inverted  pots  and 
placed  in  a  warm  structure  from  which  sunlight 
is  excluded.     This  process  of  producing  heads, 
some  6  inches  tall,  and  fairly  compact,  may  be 
continued  all  the  winter  if  the  supply  of  roots 
is  sufficient.     The  roots   are  white   and  fleshy, 
but,   like   those  of   Seakale,   they   are   inedible. 
In  reference  to  a  different  method  of  blanching, 
Mr.    C.    R.    Fielder,    North   Mymms   Park   Gar- 
dens, tell  me  that  his  way  is  to  open  a  trench 
in  the  ground,   12  inches  deep,  and  of  slightly 
greater  width.     The  soil  thrown  out  is  piled  up 
on  each  side,  thus  making  the  entire  depth  of  the 
trench  about  18  inches.     Into  one  end  of  such 
trench  he   puts   the    Chicory   roots   fairly  close 
together.      The    sets-    hay©    already    been    cut 
level  at  the  base.     He  fills  in  round  them  and 
up  to  the  top  of  the  ridge  with  sifted  soil  from 
the  potting  bench  ;   on  this  is  laid  some.  2  feet 
thickness   of   warm   manure.      Splendid   crowns 
result  in   about  three  weeks.      Additional  roots 
are  treated  in  a  similar  manner  to  maintain  the 
supply.     A.  D. 


(unity  of  considering  such  a  sweeping  innova- 
tion, before  imposing  it  by  edict  of  the  Council 
upon  the  Society  and  the  public.  The  more  so, 
because  the  authors  of  the  new  scheme  betray 
doubt  as  to  its  reception,  by  the  expressions 
"for  the  present  experimentally  adopted,"  "if 
the  principle  involved  in  the  present  list  should 
find  acceptance."  The  large  number  of  errors 
the  list  contains  indicates  undue  haste  in  publi- 
cation, and  the  only  result  at  present  of  this 
precipitancy  has  been  confusion.  The  schedules 
'  of  one  or  two  of  the  spring  Flower-shows  have 
been  altered  in  accordance  with  the  new  classi- 
fication ;  in  others  the  old  system  is  retained. 
The  bulb  lists  of  the  chief  professionals,  in- 
cluding that  of  Messrs.  Barr  .%  Sons,  which  is 
counted  a  standard  classic,  are  retaining  the 
older  arrangement. 

I  may  mention  here  that,  by  some  extraordin- 
ary blunder,  the  name  of  Mr.  P.  R.  Barr,  who 
originated  the  demand  for  some  amended  plan  of 
nomenclature,  and  whose  advice  would  have 
been  invaluable,  was  omitted  from  the  special 
committee.  I  myself  was,  unfortunately,  pre- 
vented from  attending.  I  believe  I  am  at  liberty 
to  couple  Mr.  Barr's  name  with  my  own,  and  to 


FLORISTS'    FLOWERS. 


writes  that  it  is  exclusively  for  convenience  at 
the  shows,  i.e.,  for  experts,  and  that  the  o'.J 
order  might  remain  in  use  concurrently  for  or- 
dinary purposes  ! 

The  manifest  and  insuperable  fault  of  the  new 
arrangement  is  that  it  absolutely  abolishes  any 
approximation  to  natural  classification.  It  is  all 
very  well  for  its  authors  to  write  of  being  "  com- 
pelled to  fall  back  on  purely  arbitrary  divi- 
sions," but  to  push  this  supposed  necessity  to 
extremes  is  to  arrive  at  the  obviously  absurd 
and  grotesque.  The  ridicule  will  be  incurred 
even  of  "  the  man  in  the  street "  when  he  sees 
on  a  stand  such  evidently  incompatible  flowers 
grouped  together  as,  for  instance,  those  included 
in  the  new  division  7.    Here  we  have — 

(a)  Oidinary  Polyanthus  Narcissus, 

(b)  Triandrus. 

(c)  Jonquil. 

(d)  Hybrids  of  Ajax  and  Triandrus. 

(e)  "  Hyacinth,"  and  similar  varieties. 

(f)  Odorus. 

(g)  Tridymus. 

Let  us  consider  some  of  these  items.    To  pass 
over  the  fact  that  the  eye  rebels  against  bringing 


THE  NEW  R.H.S.   CLASSIFICATION   OF 
DAFFODILS. 

I  havk  been  asked  by  several  of  those  most 
closely  interested  in  the  subject  to  express  my 
opinion  of  the  new  classification  of  Daffodils. 
My  study  of  these  flowers  for  over  a  quarter  of 
a  century  gives  me  a  claim  to  speak,  and  will 
acquit  me  of  presumption   in  speaking  plainly. 

It  appears  to  me  that  the  procedure  adopted 
in  the  issue  of  the  classification  has  been 
unusual  and  unfortunate.  According  to  the 
■official  report  of  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society 
for  1908,  "  at  the  request  of  the  Daffodil  Com- 
mittee, the  Council  appointed  a  com- 
mittee. .  .  .  The  committee  have  de- 
livered their  report,  instituting  an  entirely  new 
system  of  classification,  which  the  Council  has 
accepted,  and  ordered  to  be  used  at  the  Society's 
shows."  And  the  newly-classified  list  of  Daffo- 
dil names  printed  by  authority  of  the  Council 
is  enjoined  "  for  use  at  all  exhibitions  of  the 
R.H.S." 

It  would  surely  have  been  expedient,  and  in 
accord  with  all  received  custom  in  such  delibera- 
tions, to  have  referred  the  report  of  the 
-special  committee  to  the  Narcissus  Committee 
as-  a  whole,  that  they  might  have  a  full  oppor- 


FlG.    51.— VIEW    IN    THE    PLANTATION    ADJOINING    MR.   NOTCUTT's   NURSERY. 

(See  p.  117.) 


say  that  we  should  both  have  strongly  opposed 
the  new  classification  as  now  published.  Every 
expert  with  whom  I  have  corresponded  expresses 
himself  in  the  same  sense,  and  all  agree  in  re- 
gretting that  the  criticism  of  the  Narcissus  Com- 
mittee was  not  invited. 

To  me  it  seems  in  no  single  feature  an  im- 
provement on  the  old  order,  but  a  revolution, 
indistinct  in  intention,  and  without  results  suffi- 
cient to  compensate  for  the  disturbance  it  has 
created.  Its  want  of  clear  aim  will  appear  from 
the  widely  different  views  of  members  of  the 
special  committee.  One  writes  to  me  that  the 
nature  of  the  new  arrangement  matters  little, 
but  the  one  thing  required  is  to  get  every  single 
flower  clearly  ticketed  with  its  own  class-label. 
But  if  this  is  all,  a  very  moderate  alteration  of 
the  old  arrangement  would  still  serve,  for  a  sub- 
committee appointed  for  the  purpose  could 
assign  to  its  proper  pigeonhole  every  flower  as 
it  arrives.  Another  member  tells  me  that  the 
new  list  is  simply  for  "  the  man  in  the  street," 
and  not  for  experts.     On  the  contrary,  another 


a,  b,  c  and  g  into  one  class,  it  may  be  noted  that 
a  single  seed  pod  of  Ajax  X  triandrus  (d)  com- 
monly yields  single-flowered  plants  and  multi- 
flowered,  also  flowers  differing  in  length  of 
crown.  Moreover,  the  same  plant  is  often 
single-flowered  one  season,  and  two  or  more 
flowered  the  next.  Therefore,  what  are  virtu- 
ally identical  plants  are  classed  in  the  new  list 
under  three  several  divisions,  e.g.,  1,  "  Count 
Visconti";  2,  "Countess  Grey";  7,  "Betty 
Berkeley" — "which  is  absurd,"  as  Euclid 
would  conclude.  "  Hyacinth  "  (e)  is  a  short- 
cupped,  single-bloomed  flower,  which  occasion- 
ally "  freaks  "  to  twin  flowers,  just  as  Poeticus 
ornatus  will  do  under  certain  conditions.  Thus 
an  accident  is  made  to  determine  its 
class.  Odorus  (f)  is  a  hybrid  of  Ajax  and 
Jonquil,  and  is  classed  in  division  7  because  it 
bears  two  or  more  flowers.  "Buttercup," 
although  from  the  very  same  cross,  is  put  into 
division  2  because  it  is  usually  single-flowered. 
But  seedlings  from  this  cross  and  from  the  same 
pod  vary  from  one  to  three  flowers  permanently 


February  20,  1909.] 


THE    GARDENERS'      CHRONICLE. 


117 


or  in  successive  years.  In  the  latter  case,  the 
flowers  of  the  same  plant  must  be  shown  one  sea- 
son under  division  2  and  the  next  Under  divi- 
sion 7 ! 

Again,  under  division  1  we  have  flowers  so 
totally  distinct  by  nature,  and  to  the  eye,  as  Ajax 
proper,  Cyclamineus,  hybrids  of  triandrus  and 
bulbocodium.  A  child — let  alone  "  the  man  in 
the  street" — would  refuse  to  squeeze  things  so 
dissimilar  into  one  compartment.  Did  space  per- 
mit, similar  absurdities  could  be  shown 
throughout  the  list.  In  brief,  this  is  the  prin- 
ciple of  arbitrary  division  by  measurement  run 
mad.     The  old  classification  of  Mr.   Baker  and 


not  be  confused  with  them.  Thus,  pure  Ajax 
and  pure  Poeticus  should  each  form  a  division, 
and  the  expert  will  be  at  fault  so  rarely  as  not 
to  matter  in  distinguishing,  say,  the  pure  Poeti- 
cus from  its  nearest  hybrids.  Any  classification 
is  really  for  the  expert,  in  the  first  instance,  for 
it  is  he  who  has  to  assign  each  new  flower  to 
its  proper  place  in  the  system.  I  have 
been  answered  that  division  4  of  the  new  scheme 
admits  of,  and  was  intended  to  contain,  a  separ- 
ate sub-division  of  pure  Poeticus.  But  this  con- 
cession appears  to  me  to  acknowledge  in  prin- 
ciple the  superiority  of  the  older  classification. 
It  must  be  seen,  too,  that,  in  proportion   as 


NURSERY     NOTES. 


FlG.    52. — CISTUS    ALBIDUS    IN    MR.    NOTCUTt's    NURSERY,    WOODBRIDGE,    SUFFOLK. 


Mr.  Peter  Barr  was  an  admirable  piece  of  work, 
inasmuch  as  it  contrived  to  be  usefully  arbitrary 
without  doing  unnecessary  violence  to  the 
natural  divisions.  I  maintain  that,  with  certain 
omissions  and  additions,  the  broad  framework  of 
this  arrangement  must  always  be  retained — 
naturam  ex  fellas  fund  lamen  usque  recurret. 

There  are  other  great  objections  to  the  new 
order.  Where  the  work  of  disentanglement  and 
arrangement  has  to  be  done  is  in  the  mass  of 
modern  intermediate  forms  ;  but  the  pure  ele- 
ments from  which  they  have  been  bred  should 


natural  classification  is  dropped,  not  only  does 
form  become  more  important  in  making  divi- 
sions, but  colour  also.  Any  scheme  claiming  to 
be  ready  for  actual  use  must  provide  for,  and 
should  improve  upon,  the  old  colour  distinc- 
tions in  each  division.  This  is  of  the  essence  of 
a  useful  scheme,  and  it  is  not  enough  to  suggest, 
as  the  new  list  does,  that  this  may  be  added  in 
a  later  edition.-  Even  if  its  general  principle 
were  acceptable,  which  I  deny,  this  new  classi- 
fication ought  not  to  have  been  launched  until 
more  complete.    67.  H.  Enghheart. 


MR.   R.    C.    NOTCUTT'S,   WOODBRIDGE. 
This  nursery  in  the  interesting  little  town  of 
Woodbridge  in  Suffolk  was  established  by  a  Mr. 
Woods,   some   150  years   ago,   and  was  success- 
fully carried  on  by  that  family  until  the  death 
of  the  late   Mr.   John  Woods   in   189G.      It   was 
taken    over    by    Mr.    Notcutt    in    March,    1897,. 
in   conjunction    with   his   nursery    at    Ipswich. 
That  its   formation  has   not  taken  place  in  re- 
cent years  is  plain  enough,  even  on  a  casual  in- 
spection.   It  contains  pleasant  little   nooks  and 
other  features  that  seem  never  to  find  a  place  in 
nursery   grounds   laid   out   in   the   present   day. 
Many  old-fashioned  plants  have  been  permitted 
to  remain  long  after  they  ceased  to  have  a  com- 
mercial value,  and,  consequently,  they  are  now 
fine      specimens      possessing      much      interest. 
Adjoining   the    nursery    is    a    wood    or   planta- 
tion   which,    having    but    little    economic    im- 
portance, is  put  to  a  different  use,  and  it  might 
be  almost  described  as    a    woodland    pleasure- 
ground.     We   will    not   attempt   to    describe    its 
sylvan    effects    in    the    different    seasons,    but 
direct    the    reader's    attention    to    the    illustra- 
tion   in   fig.   51,   which    shows,   although   inade- 
quately, that  the  paths  are  flanked  with  bulbs, 
which  in  spring-time  light  up  the  wood  with  their 
brilliantly-coloured  flowers.     Woodbridge  being 
not     far     from     the     coast,     the     climate     en- 
courages    the      growth      of      shrubs     that      in 
many  localities  are  insufficiently  hardy  for  out- 
of-doors  culture,  but  this  occurs  only  in  places 
more  or  less  sheltered  from  the  prevailing  winds. 
At  the  same  time,  there  are  many  plants  that 
succeed  but  indifferently  on  this  part  of  the  East 
coast.     So  much  is  this  the  case,  that  those  in- 
terested   find    it   necessary   to   study   the  matter 
pretty  closely.     Mr.   Notcutt's  collection  is,  in 
the  main,  a  selection  of  the  best  of  those  which 
have  proved  themselves  suitable  for  the  district. 
Several    species    of    Potentilla    were    blooming 
finely     at     the     end     of     last     summer,     espe- 
cially     P.      fruticosa,      which      formed     pretty 
little    shrubs    about    2    feet    in    height.      Bud- 
dleia    variabilis    Veitchii    and    magnifica    both 
succeed  well,  but  the  better  of  these  new  varie- 
ties appears  to  be  magnifica.     It  is  more  vigorous- 
at  Woodbridge  than  Veitchii,   and  the  flower9,. 
being  of  darker  colour,  have  the  greater  effect. 
The  collection  of  shrubby  Spiraias  contains  most 
of  the  known   species,   and   S.   Menziesii  trium- 
phans     attracted     our     attention     by     its     rich 
colouring.      Leycesteria       formosa,       Weigelas^ 
Ifedysarum   multijugum    and    Bignonia    grandi- 
flora  all  grow  well  and  flower  freely.      Species 
of  Cistos  succeed  remarkably  well,  forming  fine 
little   sub-shrubs   like  the  specimen   of   C.    albi- 
dus  shown  in  fig.  52.     An  excellent  variety  was 
noticed  in  C.  ladaniferus  purpureus,  which  pos- 
sesses  rich   colouring.     There  appears  to  be  a. 
big   demand   for    Brooms,   both   standards    and 
dwarfs,  which  are  grafted  in  the  spring  of  each, 
year    in    considerable   numbers,    and    grown    in 
pots.      Among    the    many    species    and    varie- 
ties   of    Berberis,    a    variety   of   B.   stenophylla 
named  gracilis  has  very  attractive  foliage.     The- 
collection  of   Hydrangeas  included   H.  arbores- 
cens  grandiflora,  for  which  plant  Messrs.   Paul 
obtained    an   Award   of   Merit    from   the    Royal 
Horticultural      Society      on      May      14,      1907. 
The      flowers      are      white,      and      the      plant 
may  be  recommended   for   culture  out-of-doors. 
Colutea   cruenta,   a   species   of    Bladder   Senna, 
with  reddish-yellow  flowers,  and  growing  about 
5  feet  high,  appears  not  to  be  common,  although 
a  very  old  garden   plant.      Of    the    numerous 
Privets,   one  of   the   most   ornamental   varieties 
for     cultivation     as     standards     is     Ligustrum, 
japonicum      superbum.        It      has      variegated' 
foliage   of   considerable   size.      Evergreen   Oaks- 
are    largely    grown,    and    these    could    be    seen- 


118 


THE     GARDENERS     CHRONICLE. 


[February  20,  1909. 


in  various  sizes,  from  seedlings  in  thumb  pots 
to  large  plants  from  5  to  6  feet  in  height. 

We  cannot,  however,  enumerate  a  tithe  of  the 
plants  in  the  home  nursery  which  covers  an 
area  of  20  acres.  Passing  to  the  collection 
of  herbaceous,  perennial  plants,  and  annuals,  we 
were  particularly  impressed  by  a  magnificent 
bed  of  Dierama  (Sparaxis)  pulcherrima.  The 
plants  were  7  feet  in  height,  and  bore  purple 
flowers  on  very  slender  but  erect  spikes  that 
only  bent  a  little  under  the  weight  of  the  seeds. 
The  species  is  hardy,  and  succeeds  best  when 
the  bulbs  have  remained  undisturbed  for  a 
couple  of  seasons;  Mr.  Notcutt's  plants  were 
three  years  old  from  seed. 

Another  very  interesting  plant  was  Cleome 
spinosa,  of  which  an  illustration  is  shown  in 
fig-  50.  The  illustration  was  drawn  by  Mr. 
Worthington  Smith,  who  had  specimens  from 
Mr.  W.  E.  Gumbleton,  Queenstown,  Ireland. 
and  from  Mr.  Notcutt.  The  bed  of  plants  in 
Mr.  Notcutt's  nursery  was  a  picture  of  deep 
rose-coloured  flowers,  and  the  plants  were  3  or 
more  feet  in  height.  The  seeds  were  sown  in- 
doors, and  the  seedlings  planted  into  the  bed 
in  May  or  June.  Mr.  Gumbleton's  plants,  we 
believe,  grew  less  high,  and  the  colour  of  the 
flower  was  rather  developed.  Mr.  Notcutt's 
variety  is  either  superior,  or  there  was  a  differ- 
ence due  merely  to  local  conditions  and  cultiva- 
tion. The  flowers  have  a  curious  appearance, 
i. wing  to  the  extremely  long  styles  characteristic 
of  most  of  the  Capparirlese.  The  plant  com. 
niences  to  bloom  in  July  or  August. 

Amongst  a  large  collection  of  Gladioli,  our 
attention  was  directed  to  the  American  novelty 
known  as  Princeps.  This  variety  has  very  large 
flowers  of  great  substance,  and  of  a  brilliant, 
bright  scarlet  colour  with  white  markings.  A 
bed  of  Aselepias  tuberosa  was  in  full  bloom. 
We  inspected  a  large  collection  of  herbaceous 
Phloxes  then  in  full  flower,  also  collections  of 
Dahlias,  border  Chrysanthemums,  Clematis, 
Roses,  and  other  plants,  including  many  old 
species  of  herbaceous  flowering  plants-  now 
seldom  seen  in  gardens. 

In  the  fruit-tree  department  about  20,0(10 
Apples  are  worked  every  year,  and  half  thai 
number  of  Pears.  Most  of  the  Pears  art- 
worked  on  the  Quince  stock,  there  being  but 
little  demand  for  Pears  on  the  free  stock.  The 
collection  of  Plum  and  Cherry  trees  included 
about  5,000  trees  of  each  kind.  Conference  is 
one  of  the  very  best  Pears  for  the  Woodbridge 
neighbourhood,  and  it  crops  splendidly.  Winter 
Orange  is  an  old  Suffolk  Pear,  for  which  Mr. 
Notcutt  obtained  an  Award  of  Merit  from  the 
Royal  Horticultural  Society  in  March,  1899.  It 
is  not  a  dessert  variety,  but  for  stewing  pur- 
poses it  possesses  excellent  qualities,  and  when 
conked  retains  a  very  attractive  red  colour. 

Some  little  distance  away  from  the  home 
nursery  is  another  nursery  known  as  Martle- 
sham  Field.  This  field  has  an  area  of  about 
23  acres.  Here  we  inspected  another  collection 
of  trees  and  shrubs,  including  a  fine  selection 
of  species  and  varieties  of  Tamarix,  which 
naturally  enough  succeed  uncommonly  well  in 
this  East  Anglian  district.  The  Judas  Tree 
(i  ercis  siliquastrum)  is  a  favourite  tree  in  the 
gardens  around  Woodbridge  and  Ipswich,  where 
one  may  frequently  see  specimens  in  the  front 
gardens  of  the  suburban  villas. 

Mr.  Notcutt  has  also  the  Creek  Farm,  which 
consists  of  about  140  acres,  part  of  which  is 
let.  Mr.  Notcutt  farms  about  50  acres,  and 
20  acres  are  planted  with  nursery  stock.  At 
Creek  Farm  the  principal  features  are  Roses, 
and  even  late  in  autumn  many  of  the  plants, 
especially  the  hybrid  Teas,  were  still  blooming 
well.  About  20,000  Roses  are  budded  each 
season. 

Altogether,  Mr.  Notcutt's  nurseries  are  ex- 
ceedingly interesting,  especially  the  home 
nursery,  for  in  this  the  plant-lover  will  be  sure 
to  find  something  of  interest  at  any  time  during 
the  spring,  summer,  or  autumn  seasons. 


The  Week's  Work. 


THE    KITCHEN    GARDEN. 

By  E.  Beckett,  Gardener  to  the  Hon.  Vicaky  Gibbs, 
Aldenham  House,  Elstree,  Hertfordshire. 

Paths. — The  paths  in  the  kitchen  garden  should 
be  well  drained  and  made  with  suitable  material. 
In  many  cases  Grass  paths  are  favoured,  and 
if  well  kept  these  are  satisfactory.  They  are  not 
to  be  generally  recommended,  however,  as  they 
will  not  withstand  rough  wear,  and  the  cost 
of  their  upkeep  is  considerable.  In  my  opinion, 
nothing  is  better  than  good  gravel,  bordered  with 
Staffordshire  tiles,  which  should  be  set  in  con- 
crete. The  present  is  a  favourable  time  either 
for  making  new  paths  or  putting  old  ones  in  a 
state  of  repair.  If  dwarf  hedges  of  Box  have 
become  too  large,  the  plants  may  be  taken  up, 
trimmed,  and  replanted  :  or  this  work  may  be 
deferred  until  the  autumn. 

Shallots. — Plant  these  without  delay  on  ground 
which  has  been  deeply  dug  and  heavily 
manured.  Fortunately,  Shallots  may  be  culti- 
vated on  the  same  ground  for  many  years  in 
succession,  provided  it  is  well  enriched  with 
manure  each  season.  Shallots  are  perfectly 
hardy  plants,  and,  to  ensure  good  results,  must 
be  planted  early.  The  rows  should  be  made 
1  foot  apart,  and  the  bulbs,  which  should  be 
buried  about  two-thirds  their  depth  and  made 
firm,  should  be  set  at  distances  of  about  9  to  10 
inches  apart.  Wood  ashes  and  soot  should  be 
liberally  employed  throughout  their  growing 
season. 

Garlic. — Garlic  requires  practically  the  same 
treatment  as  Shallots,  and  may  also  be  planted. 
A  small  quantity  of  Garlic  is  generally  sufficient 
for  any  garden. 

Lettuce. — Further  sowings  of  both  Cos  and 
Cabbage  varieties  should  be  made  in  boxes  and 
raised  in  a  gentle  heat.  Earlier-raised  plants 
should  be  placed  from  8  to  10  inches  apart  in 
pits  or  frames  as  near  to  the  yla^s  as  the  growth 
of  each  variety  will  allow.  The  soil  shouid  be 
free  from  wireworm,  and  must  afterwards  be 
made  very  firm. 

Turnips. — Make  a  small  sowing,  on  a  very 
mild  hot-bed  in  frames,  of  Early  Long,  Forcing. 
This  variety  I  have  grown  for  some  years  with 
the  best  results. 

Leeks. — Another  small  sowing  of  Leeks  should 
be  made  in  heat,  and  seedlings  of  earlier  sow- 
ings pricked  off  in  boxes  as  they  become  ready. 

Tomatos. — Plants  raised  last  December  should 
be  encouraged  to  make  growth  so  that  they  may 
be  transferred  to  the  final  pots.  They  may  be 
given  a  temperature  of  about  60°.  Winter- 
fruiting  varieties  which  are  now  bearing  ripe 
fruits  must  not  be  overwatered.  and  the  condi- 
tions of  the  house  in  which  they  are  growing 
must  be  kept  dry.  Maintain  a  temperature  of 
about  60°  and  admit  air  whenever  possible. 
Make  another  sowing  for  successional  crops, 
both  in  and  out-of-doors.  The  plants  can 
hardly  be  too  forward  for  planting  in  the  open 
ground  provided  the  growth  is  sturdy. 


PLANTS    UNDER  GLASS. 

By  A.  C,  Bartlett,  Gardener  to  Mrs.  Ford,  Pencarrow, 
Cornwall. 

Palms. — Experience  soon  teaches  the  plants- 
man  that  there  are  few  pot-plants  which  resent 
root  disturbance  so  much  as  Palms.  As  a  rule, 
the  healthiest  specimens  are  those  growing  in 
comparatively  small  pots,  and  as  these  plants 
are  the  most  useful  for  decorative  purposes,  it 
is  always  wise  to  leave  them  alone,  no  matter 
how  full  the  receptacles  may  be  of  roots.  But 
in  the  case  of  Palms  which  have  not  yet  attained 
a  required  size,  as  well  as  those  which  are  in  an 
unhealthy  state,  potting  becomes  necessary. 
Peat  is  needed  for  very  few  species  of  Palm.  Of 
those  usually  grown  in  gardens,  it  is  necessary 
only  for  the  species  of  Cocos.  For  most  other 
Palms  some  good  yellow  loam,  with  a  liberal 
qauntity  of  broken  charcoal  and  silver  sand  will 
be  suitable.  In  dealing  with  a  plant  ndrich  has 
roots  almost  as  deep  as  the  pot  it  is  to  be  placed 
in,  it  will  bei  well  to  retain  the  roots  but  to  dis- 
pense with  nearly  all  the  crocks.  Place  the  roots 
immediately  over  the  drainage  hole  and  a  few 
crocks  around  the  massive  roots,  covering  these 


crocks  with  lumps  of  fibrous  loam.  This  will  pro- 
vide ample  drainage  and  be  better  than  mutilat- 
ing the  roots,  although  in  some  cases  root  muti- 
lation may  not  be  followed  by  unsatisfactory  re- 
sults. If  we  except  species  which  produce 
suckers,  the  stems  of  other  Palms  should  not  be 
inserted  below  the  level  of  the  soil.  In  the 
case  of  Cocos  Weddelliana,  the  cause  of 
failure  is  frequently  that  of  deep  potting.  Palms 
require  an  abundance  of  moisture  in  the  atmo- 
sphere as  well  as  at  the  roots,  and  a  moderately 
high  temperature  during  the  season  of  growth. 
Established  plants  that  have  filled  their  pots 
with  roots  may  be  benefited  by  frequent  appli- 
cations of  liquid  manure. 

Bouvardia. — As  Bouvardia  plants  pass  out  of 
flower  they  may  be  kept  slightly  drier  at  the 
roots.  Surplus  plants,  which  will  not  be  re- 
quired for  propagating  purposes  or  forming 
larger  specimens,  may  at  once  be  destroyed. 
Propagation  is  effected  either  by  stem  or  by  root 
cuttings,  the  latter  method  being  the  better. 


PUBLIC   PARKS   AND   GARDENS. 

By  J.  W.  Moorman,  Superintendent  of  Victoria  Park, 
London. 

Children's  playgrounds. — The  gymnasiums  or 
children's  playgrounds  are  divided  into  three 
classes — for  the  use  of  boys,  girls,  and  men 
respectively.  In  the  London  parks  there  are 
altogether  16  separate  gymnasia  for  girls 
and  boys,  about  12  for  girls,  women  and  boys 
under  10  years  of  age,  and  six  for  the  use  of 
men  only.  Each  gymnasium  and  playground  is 
under  the  care  of  an  attendant,  and  those  for 
girls  and  children  are  conducted  by  a  female 
supervisor.  The  children's  gymnasia  are  open 
from  9  a.m.  until  sunset,  on  every  day  except 
Sundays.  Several  of  these  playgrounds  have  a 
pit  of  clean,  fine  sea  sand,  which  is  renewed 
periodically,  for  the  children  to  dig  in  and  other- 
wise amuse  themselves.  The  playgrounds  are 
frequented  by  children  at  such  times  as  the 
schools  are  closed,  and  they  are  much 
appreciated  during  the  holidays.  Provision  is 
made  for  other  amusements,  such  as  swings, 
giant-strides,  parallel  bars,  horizontal  ladders, 
and  skipping  ropes.  Each  of  these  playgrounds 
contains  a  large  open  shed  where  the  children 
may  take  shelter  in  wet  weather. 

Sine  of  a  children's  playground. — This  depends 
upon  the  space  available,  but  in  a!!  cases  the 
open-fronted  shed  should  be  as  large  as 
possible.  Our  playground  measures  75  feet 
by  25  feet,  and  it  is  enclosed  by  high 
brick  walls  on  three  sides.  Provision  is 
made  for  lavatories,  and  there  is  a  fountain  of 
drinking  water  in  the  centre  of  the  back  wall. 
The  covered  shed  is  supported  on  columns,  and 
it  has  a  corrugated  iron  roof.  There  is  an  at- 
tendant's cabin  at  one  end  of  the  playground. 
A  suitable  floor  must  be  formed  either  of  wooden 
blocks  or  fine  asphalte.  It  is  advisable  to  en- 
close the  swings,  &c,  with  railings,  in  order  to 
prevent  the  children  crowding  round  them  and 
receiving  injury.  On  busy  days  a  small  number 
can  be  admitted  into  the  enclosure  at  one  time, 
and  much  confusion  and  trouble  saved.  There 
have  been  occasions  when  more  than  8,000  chil- 
dren have  in  one  day  entered  the  playground  at 
Victoria  Park.  Frequently,  during  the  time  of 
the  children's  holidays,  as  many  as  4,000  and 
5,000  may  be  seen  at  play. 

The  sand-pit. — The-  heap  of  sea  sand  has  much 
to  recommend  it.  It  is  simple,  and  it  affords  an 
amusement  and  recreation  to  a  large  number  of 
children  at  one  time.  A  large  pit  is  dug  out, 
generally  about  50  or  60  feet  square,  and  about 
1J  to  2  feet  in  depth.  The  sides  should  be  built 
of  well-seasoned  Oak  timber  about  2  inches  in 
thickness  ;  timber  from  an  old  ship  serves  admir- 
ably. A  floor  made  with  bricks,  but  not 
cemented  together,  is  an  advantage,  and  it  is 
wise  to  place  tarred  paving  around  the  outside, 
say,  to  a  width  of  4  or  5  feet,  so  that  any  dis- 
placed sand  may  be  readily  swept  back  again. 
Our  sand  is  procured  from  Lowestoft.  About 
100  tons  is  a  sufficient  quantity  for  filling  a  good- 
sized  pit.  There  is  a  little  wastage,  therefore  in 
the  spring-time  the  sand  is  either  wholly  renewed 
or  an  addition  is  made  to  it  as  may  be  desired. 
Although  some  authorities  have  condemned 
these  sand-pits,  no  analytical  test  has  ever  dis- 
covered anything  in  the  sand  other  than  ordin- 
ary dirt.  It  has  not  been  proved  that  such  pits 
have  an  influence  in  the  spreading  of  diseases. 


February  20,  1909] 


THE     GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


119 


THE  HAEDY  FRUIT  GARDEN. 

By  J.  G.  Weston,  Gardener  to  H.  J.  King,  Esq.,  Eastwell 
Park,  Kent. 

Peaches  and  Nectarines. — If  these  trees  were 
loosened  from  the  wires  early  in  winter  in  order 
to  delay  the  development  of  the  buds,  they  must 
now  be  trained.  Assuming  that  the  trees 
were  disbudded,  and  the  shoots  pinched 
during  last  summer,  very  little  pruning 
will  now  be  necessary.  Cleanse  the  trees  with 
an  inset  ticicle,  taking  care  to  work  the  mixture 
well  into  the  crevices  or  rough  places  in  the 
bark  of  the  old  wood.  Before  commencing  to 
train  the  smaller  shoots,  fasten  the  main 
branches  securely  to  the  wires  in  such  a  manner 
as  to  dispose  the  tree  to  the  best  advantage. 
Train  in  the  smaller  shoots  between  the 
branches  and  leave  a  space  of  from  6  to  9  inches 
between  each  shoot.  When  the  training  has 
been  done  a  top-dressing  may  be  applied  to  the 
roots  of  any  trees  that  have  showed  signs  of 
exhaustion  through  over-fruiting  or  other  cause. 
The  top-dressing  should  consist  mainly  of  good 
loam  and  lime  rubble,  with  some  approved 
chemical  manure  added  to  it.  A  heavy  mulch- 
ing applied  after  the  top-dressing  has  been  made 
quite  firm  will  also  assist  the  trees  in  regaining 
their  vigour.  When  the  borders  have  been 
given  this  attention,  the  roots  should  receive  a 
copious  watering.  It  should  be  remembered  that 
wall  fruit  trees  suffer  from  drought  more  fre- 
quently than  is  generally  supposed  to  be  the 
case.  Young  trees  that  are  growing  vigorously 
do  not  require  a  top-dressing  :  the  borders  in 
this  case  should  merely  have  their  surfaces 
forked  over  lightly. 

Peach-blister  and  leaf-curl. — 1'each-blister  is 
usually  the  source  of  considerable  trouble,  and 
it  may,  therefore,  be  useful  to  say  that  the  pre- 
paration called  "  Medela "  has  been  used  in 
these  gardens  against  this  pest  with  success. 
This  specific  should  be  applied  at  the  present 
time,  according  to  the  published  directions. 

General  work. — Take  advantage,  during  unsuit- 
able weather  for  work  out-of-doors,  to 
prepare  stakes  and  labels.  All  the  varie- 
ties of  fruits  should  be  labelled  plainly,  it  being 
much  more  convenient  if  the  name  of  any  par- 
ticular tree  is  known  in  winter  as  well  as  m 
summer.  Xets  may  be  overhauled,  it  being  mure 
than  probable  that  some  of  them  require  to  be 
repaired.  If  any  new  ones  are  needed,  the  order 
for  them  should  be  sent  early,  for  the  vendors  of 
such  nets  are  usually  inundated  with  orders 
after  the  commencement  of  the  fruit  season. 


THE    ORCHID    HOUSES. 

By  W.  H.  White,  Orchid  Grower  to  SirTREVoK  Lawrence, 
Bart.,  Bmford,  Surrey. 

Masdevallias. — Masdevallia  tovarensis,  al- 
though at  one  time  a  very  rare  and  expensive 
plant,  is  now  well  known  throughout  the 
country,  and  is  much  appreciated  by  all  lovers 
of  Orchids.  Its  pure  white  flowers,  which  are 
produced  during  the  months  of  December  and 
January,  last  a  long  time  in  perfection.  Being 
a  compact-growing  plant,  and  developing  its 
flowers  well  above  the  foliage,  it  is  especially 
valuable  as  a  decorative  plant ;  the  spike 
of  two  or  three  flowers  is  also  extremely  useful 
when  other  flowers  are  scarce,  for  wearing  in 
buttonholes  and  for  similar  purposes.  The  in- 
florescences will  continue  to  develop  flowers  for 
several  successive  seasons,  but  it  is  not  advis- 
able to  retain  the  old  spikes  after  they  have 
once  carried  their  complement  of  flowers,  other- 
wise the  plant  is  liable  to  deteriorate.  The 
flowering  seison  being  over,  the  present  is  a 
suitable  time  to  examine  the  plants,  and  any 
which  are  bare  of  foliage  in  their  centres  may 
be  broken  up  and  re-made  into  small,  compact 
specimens.  Healthy  plants  which  have  suffi- 
cient space  wherein  to  grow  should  not  be  un- 
necessarily disturbed.  In  cases  where  the  com- 
post has  become  exhausted,  the  soil  may  be 
carefully  removed  and  fresh  material  substi- 
tuted. This  is  more  easily  done  when  the  soil 
in  the  pots  is  dry.  In  repotting,  the  pots  or 
pans  used  should  be  filled  to  about  one-half 
of  their  depth  with  broken  crocks  for  drainage, 
making  this  secure  with  a  layer  of  rough  Sphag- 
num-moss. As  a  potting  medium,  use  good, 
fibrous  peat  and  Sphagnum-moss  in  equal  parts, 
taking  care  to  add  sufficient  small  crocks  to 
ensure    proper    drainage    and    aeration.     About 


two  months  ago  several  small  plants  of  this 
species  at  Burford  showed  no  indication  of 
flowering,  but  commenced  to  grow  prematurely. 
They  were  repotted  in  a  mixture  of  Osmunda 
and  Polypodium  fibre,  intermixed  with  plenty 
of  small  crocks.  I'p  to  the  present  time  they 
have  lost  no  foliage,  but  appear  to  be  in 
excellent  health.  Repotted  plants  should 
be  very  carefully  watered  till  the  young 
leaves  are  well  advanced  and  the  roots  have 
obtained  a  firm  hold  of  the  compost,  for  if  too 
much  water  be  afforded,  both  roots  and  leav' 
will  decay  quickly.  When  well  established, 
plenty  of  water  at  the  roots  is  necessary.  For 
the  next  two  months  the  plants  should  be  kept 
near  the  glass  on  the  shady  side  of  the  inter- 
mediate house,  after  which  time  they  may  be 
removed    to    the    cool    house    for    the    summer. 

Cypripediums  in  the  injermediatt  house. — Such 
species  and  hybrids  as  C.  Fairrieanum,  C.  pur- 
puratum,  C.  Euryades,  C.  Hera,  C.  Arthuri- 
anum,  C.  Charlesworthii,  C.  Spicerianum,  C. 
Sallieri  Hyeanum,  C.  nitens,  C.  Aclasis,  C.  Lee- 
ainim,  C.  Ali  Lbiades,  C.  Mons.  le  Curte,  C.  Mrs 
Mostyn  and  C.  insigne  and  its  varieties,  that 
have  finished  blooming  should  now  be  given  at- 
tention provided  any  have  become  pot-bound,  or, 
being  rare  varieties,  require  dividing  for  propa- 
gating purposes.  Strong  healthy  plants  that 
may  be  required  to  form  specimens  and 
are  already  well  rooted,  may  be  put  into  pots 
2  inches  more  in  diameter  than  those  they  are 
now  growing  in.  The  pots  should  be  made 
about  one-third  full  of  drainage,  secured  with 
a  thin  layer  of  Sphagnum-moss.  When  placing 
the  plant  in  the  centre  of  the  pot,  it  is  advis- 
able to  keep  the  base  of  the  leaves  just  below 
the  rim,  so  as  to  make  watering  easy.  A  com- 
post consisting  of  equal  parts  good  yellow  loam, 
turfy  peat,  leaf-mould,  and  Sphagnum-moss, 
well  mixed  together,  with  the  addition  of  a 
moderate  quantity  of  small  crocks,  will  suit  any 
<>l  the  plants  I  have  named,  also  such  species 
as  C.  villosum  and  C.  Iinxallii.  Both  these 
plants  are  now  opening  their  flowers.  The  best 
season  for  repotting  is  within  a  few  weeks  after 
the  flowering  stage.  Annual  repotting  is  not 
desirable.  If  is  only  when  the  old  compost  is 
sour,  or  has  decayed,  or  division  of  the  plants 
is  net  essary,  that  the  operation  should  be  done. 
After  repotting  the  plants  apply  to  the  compost  a 
light  sprinkling  over  the  surface.  This  should 
be  continued  for  a  few  we.-ks  each  time  it 
appears  to  be  dry,  after  which  time  ordinary 
root-waterings  should  be  given.  Always  keep 
the  atmosphere  fairly  moist.  Shade  the  plants 
from    direct    sunshine. 


THE  FLOWER  GARDEN. 

By  W.  A.  Cook,  Gardener  to  Sir  Edmcnd  G.  I.odir,  Bart., 
Leonardslee,  Sussex. 

Tulips. — It  is  advisable,  as  soon  as  the  Tulip 
growths  can  be  seen  through  the  soil,  to  apply 
a  top-dressing  consisting  of  some  sifted  leaf- 
mould  with  a  little  soot,  lime  and  chemical  fer- 
tiliser added.  Such  a  top-dressing  is  also  useful 
for  Crocuses,  Hyacinths,  Silene,  Myosotis,  Wall- 
flowers and  Arabis.  Crocuses  and  Snowdrops 
growing  in  Grass  more  especially  need  such  a 
top-dressing. 

Ranunculus. — It  is  a  suitable  time  to  plant 
Ranunculus.  The  best  soil  is  one  composed  of 
a  rich,  rather  light  loam  into  which  has  been 
incorporated  some  well-decomposed  cow  manure 
and  sand.  The  bulbs  should  be  planted  about 
2  inches  deep  and  3  inches  apart.  Planting  may 
be  continued  until  the  middle  of  March  if  de- 
sired. Turban  Ranunculuses  flower  about  the 
middle  of  May,  and  Persian  sorts  the  end  of 
May  or  beginning  of  June. 

Tree  Paonies. — These  should  be  planted  as 
soon  as  the  weather  is  favourable  ;  being  gross 
feeding  plants,  they  require  a  very  rich  soil.  It 
is  necessarv  to  protect  the  young  growths  from 
spring  frosts. 

Tuberous-rooting  Begonias  should  be  examined 
with  a  view  to  starting  them  into  growth.  The 
largest  tubers  can  be  divided,  should  it  be  neces- 
sary to  increase  the  stock.  Afford  sufficient 
warmth  only  to  induce  a  slow  growth  at  the 
start.  The  same  remarks  apply  to  Cannas.  Seed- 
ling plants  in  pits  and  frames  should  be  kept 
somewhat  dry,  as  they  withstand  frost  better  in 
that  condition. 


Vacant  flower-beds  or  borders  should  be 
deeply  dug  and  manured.  If  they  are  occupied 
by  spring  bedding  plants,  the  necessary  manure 
must  be  placed  ready  at  hand  so  that  as  soon 
as  the  spring-flowering  plants  have  bloomed  the 
land  can  be  got  ready  for  the  summer  bedding. 

Cortaderia  argentea  (Pampas  Grass). — The 
clumps  of  this  ornamental  Grass  should  be 
trimmed,  the  old  inflorescences  removed,  and  the 
plants  generally  made  tidy.  The  present  is  a 
suitable  time  to  plant  the  Pampas  Grass.  Select 
a  position  by  the  side  of  a  stream  or  lake  or  a 
position  on  a  Grass  plot,  but  the  site  must  be  a 
fairly  sheltered  one,  otherwise  strong  winds  will 
break  the  plumes.  The  best  soil  for  the  Pampas 
Grass  is  a  moderately  light  one,  and  one  con- 
taining plenty  of  manure.  As  the  inflorescences 
are  developing  in  summer-time,  copious  watering 
at  the  roots  will  be  of  benefit.  The  Pampas 
Grass  can  be  propagated  by  division  of  the 
clumps  and  from  seeds ;  the  latter  should  be 
selected  from  the  finest  plants. 

The  bog  garden. — As  dead  and  withered 
foliage  will  protect  the  plants  from  damage  by- 
severe  frosts,  the  plants  should  not  be  made 
tidy  until  the  winter  is  past. 


FRUITS  UNDER  GLASS. 

By  E.  Hakriss,  Fruit  Foreman,  Royal  Gardens,  Frogmore- 

Planting  one-year-old  vines. — The  border 
should  be  prepared  two  or  three  weeks  before 
the  vines  are  to  be  planted,  in  order  that  the  sorl 
may  become  properly  settled  and  suitably 
warmed.  All  the  old  soil  should  be  removed, 
and  advantage  should  be  taken  when  the  house 
is  empty,  to  cleanse  the  woodwork  or  repaint 
it  if  necessary.  The  depth  the  border  should  be 
made  will  depend  on  the  variety  to  be  planted 
and,  to  some  extent,  on  the  width  of  the  vinery. 
For  the  first  two  years  a  width  of  4  feet  will 
be  ample.  In  the  case  of  late  vines,  the  borders 
should  be  at  least  3  feet  deep,  but  plenty  of 
drainage  material  must  be  provided.  It  is  a 
mistake  to  plant  late  varieties  of  Grapes  in 
shallow  borders,  as  these  require  water  too  fre- 
quently. For  early  and  mid-season  varieties  a 
depth  of  2  feet  6  inches  will  be  ample.  The 
bottom  of  the  border  should  be  concreted,  un- 
less the  subsoil  is  gravel,  and  a  layer,  not  less 
than  9  inches  deep,  of  material  for  drainage 
should  be  provided.  The  vine  enjoys  a  rich, 
calcareous  loam,  containing  plenty  of  vegetable 
fibre  ;  the  top  spit  of  an  old  pasture  is  the  most 
suitable  material.  Artificial  manures  and  coarse 
bones  should  be  added,  and  the  quantity  will  be 
more  or  less  according  to  the  quality  of  the  soil 
I  do  not  advise  the  use  of  farmyard  manure!  for 
vine  borders  except  as  a  surface  dressing.  Old 
mortar  rubble  and  wood  ashes  may  be  freely 
employed,  especially  if  the  soil  be  of  a  heavy- 
nature.  In  making  the  border,  it  is  important 
to  ram  the  soil  as  firmly  as  possible.  The  best 
time  to  plant  is  when  growth  is  just  becoming 
active.  The  roots  should  be  spread  out  evenly, 
and  for  this  reason  they  should  be  carefully 
separated  with  a  pointed  stick  ;  this  work  will 
be  facilitated  by  occasionally  dipping  the 
"ball"  into  a  tub  of  lukewarm  water.  Make 
a  hole  of  sufficient  depth  for  the  roots, 
spread  them  out  to  their  full  length,  and  work 
in  some  fine  soil  amongst  them,  arranging  them 
carefully  and  near  to  the  surface.  The  planting 
should  be  done  as  expeditiously  as  possible,  and, 
as  soon  as  completed,  the  roots  should  receive  a 
copious  watering,  making  the  water  tepid  and 
applying  it  by  means  of  a  fine-rose  can.  The 
vinery  should  be  kept  warm  and  close,  but  arti- 
ficial heat  should  be  used  very  sparingly  till 
the  roots  are  active,  or  the  vines  will  grovt 
weakly. 

Cherries. — The  house  should  be  fumigated  just 
before  the  trees  come  into  bloom.  The  Cherry 
is  very  impatient  of  forcing,  and  for  this  reason 
sudden  increases  in  temperature  are  to  be 
avoided,  especially  when  the  trees  are  in  flower. 
At  this  stage  the  atmosphere  in  the  house  should 
be  moderately  dry  and  in  constant  circulation, 
but  theie  should  be  no  severe  draughts  of  cold 
air.  Tap  the  trees  at  mid-day  to  aid  the  dispersion 
of  the  pollen.  Pot  trees  will  require  very  care- 
ful watering  until  the  fruits  commence  to  swell. 


120 


THE     GARDENERS     CHROMCLE. 


[February  20,  1909. 


EDITORIAL    NOTICE. 


ADVERTISEMENTS  should  be  sent  to  the  PUB- 
LISHER, 41,  Wellington  Street,  Covent  Garden, 
W.C. 

Letters  for  Publication,  as  well  as  specimens  of  plants 
for  naming,  should  be  addressed  to  the  EDITOR, 
41,  Wellington  Street,  Covent  Garden,  London. 
Communications  should  be  written  on  one  side  only  of 
the  paper,  sent  as  early  in  the  week  as  possible  and  duly 
signed  by  the  writer.  1/ desired,  the  signature  will  not  be 
printed,' but  kept  as  a  guarantee  of  good  faith. 

Special  Notice  to  Correspondents.— The  Editor  does  not 
undertake  to  pay  for  any  contributions  or  illustrations,  or 
to  return  unused  communications  or  illustrations,  unless  by 
special  arrangement.  The  Editor  does  not  hold  himself 
responsible  for  any  opinions  expressed  by  his  correspondents. 

Newspapers.—  Correspondents  sending  newspapers  should  be 
carejullo  mark  the  paragraphs  they  wish  the  Editor  to  see. 


APPOINTMENTS  FOB  THE  ENSUING  WEEK. 

TUESDAY,  FEBRUARY  23— 

Roy.  Hort.  Soc.  Corns,  meet.  (Competitive  Classes  for 
late  dessert  Apples.  Lecture  at  3  p.m.  by  Mr.  Arthur 
W.  Sutton,  on  "A  Camping  Tour  through  Syria  to 
Petra  in  Arabia.")  Surveyors'  Institution  Annual 
Dinner  at  Hotel  Metropole. 


Average  Mean  Temperature  for  the  ensuing  week, 
deduced  from  observations  during  the  last  Fifty  Years 
at  Greenwich— 399°. 

Actual  Temperatures:— 

London.— Wednesday,  February  17  (6  p.m.):  Mas.  44° ; 
Min.  31". 
Gardeners'  Chronicle  Office,  41,  Wellington  Street, 
Covent  Garden,  London  —Thursday,  February 
18  (10  a.m.)  :  Bar.  30  0 ;  Temp.  43°  ;  Weather— 
Fine. 
Provinces.—  Wednesday,  February  17  (6  p.m.):  Max.  49" 
Sligo;  Min.  35"  Scarborough. 


SALES    FOR    THE    ENSUING    WEEK. 

MONDAY  and  FRIDAY— 

Herbaceous  and  Border  Plants,  Liliums,  Bulbs.  Plants, 

Sec,  at  12;    Roses  and  Fruit  Trees,  at  1.30  ;  at  67  &  68, 

Cheapside,  E.C.,  by  Protheroe  &  Morris. 
WEDNESDAY— 

Perennials,  Border  Plants  and  Bulbs,  Liliums,  &c,  at  13  ; 

Roses  and  Fruit  Trees,  at  1.30  ;    Palms  and  Plants,  at  5; 

Miscellaneous  Bulbs  and    Roots,    at    11.30;    Japanese 

Liliums,  at  1 ;  at  67  &  6S,  Cheapside,  E.C.,  by  Protheroe 

&  Morris. 
THURSDAY— 

Special   Spring  Clearance   Sale  of  Nursery    Stock    at 

Hollamby's  Nurseries,  Groombridge,  near  Tunbndge 

Wells,  by  Protheroe  &  Morris,  at  11, 

FRIDAY—  ...    . 

Choice  Imported  and  Established  Orchids,  Orchids  in 
Flower  and  Bud,  at  67  &  68,  Cheapside,  E.C.,  by 
Protheroe  &  Morris,  at  12.45. 


A  few  weeks  since  we  recorded 

The         the  procf  xlings   at   the  Annual 

%rund."     Meeting  ,f  the  Gardeners' Royal 

Benevol.  nt  Institution.  In  the 
present  issue  it  is  the  turn  of  the  Royal  Gar- 
deners' Orphan  Fund.  Just  as  in  the  case  of 
the  Benevolent  Institution,  this  Report  of  the 
Executive  Committee  goes  to  show  that  a 
large  amount  of  money  has  been  subscribed 
for  the  purposes  of  charity.  The  year  1908  saw 
the  Coming-of-Age  of  the  Orphan  Fund, 
therefore  extra  efforts  were  put  forward  to 
make  the  year  one  of  greater  progress  than 
usual.  The  Duke  of  Bedford,  president  of  the 
Fund,  presided  at  the  Annual  Festival,  and,  in 
connection  with  that  event,  a  greater  sum  of 
money  was  raised  than  at  any  similar  Festival 
in  the  history  of  the  Fund.  In  order  to  spread 
an  interest  in  the  work,  especially  amongst 
those  young  gardeners  who  have  not  felt 
themselves  in  a  position  to  subscribe  5s.  a 
year,  the  committee  invited  shilling  contribu- 
tions. This  new  means  of  appeal  obtained  a 
considerable  degree  of  popularity,  and  re- 
sulted in  the  collection  of  a  sum  of  ^250. 
The  shilling  contribution,  therefore,  rendered 
considerable  financial  assistance,  but  beyond 
this  it  served  to  make  the  Fund  better  known 
to  many  who  heretofore  had  displayed  but 
little  interest  in  it. 

The  proceedings  at  the  Annual  Meeting 
will  be  read  with  supreme  satisfaction,  for 
not  only  were  20  additional  children  elected  to 


the  Fund,  but  after  an  appeal  by  Mr.  Harry 
J.  Yeitch  in  favour  of  the  candidates  who 
had  met  with  ill-success  at  the  poll,  the  com- 
mittee and  general  meeting  resolved  to  place 
these  also  upon  full  benefit.  We  believe  that 
the  committee  is  well  advised  to  thus  em- 
ploy to  the  full  the  funds  at  their  disposal, 
rather  than  to  save  an  amount  each  year 
greater  than  is  necessary  to  provide  for  a 
proper  reserve  fund.  Gardeners  and  others 
who  have  supported  the  Orphan  Fund  in  the 
past  will  be  the  more  encouraged  in  their 
liberality  by  such  enterprising  policy.  It  was 
pointed  out  at  the  meeting  that  the  two  can- 
didates who  received  most  votes  were  orphans 
of  a  gardener  who  had  been  a  life  member  of 
the  Fund,  and  who,  in  other  directions,  had 
done  all  he  could  for  the  charity  during  the 
time  that  he  was  in  a  position  to  afford  help. 
This  may  be  taken  as  a  reliable  indication 
that,  if  gardeners  subscribe  to  the  Fund,  their 
children  will  be  the  more  certain  of  obtaining 
support  should  it  ever  be  necessary  for  them 
to  appeal  to  the  subscribers.  During  the  21 
years  that  the  Fund  has  been  in  existence,  it 
has  distributed  the  sum  of  ^19,506.  The 
total  number  of  orphans  who  have  received 
benefits  is  253.  The  disbursements  last  year 
amounted  to  £1,621  7s.  6d. 

Mr.  Henry  B.  May  announced  that  already 
there  were  nine  candidates  whose  applications 
had  been  accepted  by  the  committee,  and  who 
therefore  will  come  up  for  election  next 
February.  Circumstances  seem  to  show, 
therefore,  that  the  list  next  year  will  be  a 
heavy  one.  We  have  every  reason  to  hope, 
however,  that  the  support  the  Fund  will  re- 
ceive during  this  year  will  be  equally  large, 
and  that,  at  the  next  annual  meeting,  it  may 
be  found  again  possible  to  grant  assistance 
to  every  child  on  whose  behalf  application 
is  made  for  relief. 


The  Secretaries  of  the  Shrop- 
Tho  shire      Horticultural      Society 

shs^ow.ire  have  sent  us  a  c°py of  the 

schedule  of  prizes  to  be  offered 
at  the  exhibition  which  will  be  held  at 
Shrewsbury,  on  August  18  and  19  next.  We 
do  not  find  any  important  additions  or 
omissions  in  the  section  for  plants  and  cut 
flowers.  Liberal  prizes,  amounting  in  some 
classes  to  .£.50,  are  again  offered  for  groups 
of  plants,  and  in  others  that  are  less  exacting 
the  prizes  are  proportionately  high.  In  the 
classes  for  cut  flowers  there  appears  provi- 
sion for  almost  every  species  that  may  be  ex- 
pected to  be  in  season  at  that  time.  The 
principal  class  in  the  fruit  department,  as  last 
year,  is  one  for  a  collection  of  30  dishes  of  ripe 
fruits  in  not  fewer  than  10  distinct  kinds. 
The  1st  prize  will  consist  of  a  handsome  silver 
Champion  Cup,  value  25  guineas  (to  be  won 
three  times),  and  ^20  in  cash,  with  the 
Society's  Gold  Medal.  In  the  remaining 
prizes  in  the  same  class  a  sum  of  ,£55  is 
offered  and  two  medals.  The  Cup  was  won 
for  the  first  time  last  year  by  the  Duke  of 
Westminster's  gardener,  Mr.  N.  F.  Barnes. 
Most  of  the  other  classes  for  fruit  familiar  at 
Shrewsbury  are  repeated,  and  an  excellent 
display  may  be  confidently  anticipated. 

The  show  of  vegetables  will  be  of  less 
extent  than  usual,  but  this  will  not  be  due  to 
any  cutting  down  of  the  Society's  own 
classes.  It  will  be  caused  by  the  omission  of 
most  of  the  special  prizes  usually  offered  by 


the  principal  seedsmen.  We  understand  that 
an  explanation  of  the  absence  of  these  classes 
is  to  be  found  in  a  new  regulation  which  the 
Society  has  introduced  to  the  effect  that  no 
condition  shall  be  expressed  in  the  schedule 
which  would  require  the  seeds  to  be  purchased 
from  the  donors  of  the  prizes.  We  for  our 
part  are,  nevertheless,  disposed  to  regard  this 
regulation  as  introducing  a  salutary  reform. 
The  familiar  cards  stating  that  the  produce 
has  been  grown  from  So-and-so's  seeds  have 
little,  if  any,  value  to  the  public;  whilst  they 
certainly  detract  from  the  general  appearance 
and  repute  of  the  exhibition.  Assuming  that 
in  all  cases  the  exhibits  have  actually  been 
raised  from  such  particular  seeds,  the  prac- 
tice has  the  effect  of  implying  that  the 
superior  quality  of  the  produce  is  due  solely 
or  chiefly  to  that  fact :  whereas,  the  greater 
part  of  the  credit  rightly  belongs  to  the  culti- 
vator, and  therefore  the  exhibitor.  It  has 
been  alleged  again  and  again  that  sufficient 
care  is  not  always  exercised  in  the  placing  of 
such  cards ;  but  whether  this  is  the  case  or 
not,  the  practice  of  admitting  them  to  the 
exhibition  is  certainly  susceptible  of  abuse, 
whilst  the  condition  that  only  such  exhibitors 
who  purchase  seeds  from  the  firms  offering 
the  prizes  may  compete,  serves  to  limit  un- 
necessarily the  number  of  competitors.  It  is 
to  be  hoped,  therefore,  that  the  trade  will 
come  to  recognise  that  the  new  regulation 
which  is  designed  to  increase  the  prestige  of 
the  show  is  in  no  wise  derogatory  to  that  of 
the  trade  itself.  Such  being  the  case, 
the  Society  deserves  all  support.  On  an- 
other page  a  correspondent  points  out  that 
it  may  be  possible  to  evade  the  spirit  of  the 
Society's  regulation,  owing  to  the  wording  of 
the  schedule  in  the  few  special  classes  that 
have  been  retained.  If  this  is  true  and  the 
intention  of  the  committee  is  frustrated 
amended  regulations  will  be  required. 

A  further  innovation  is  to  be  noticed  with 
regard  to  the  honorary  exhibits.  In  future 
a  definite  number  only  of  silver  cups,  and 
gold  and  silver  medals  will  be  awarded  to 
non-competitive  exhibitors,  probably  with  a 
view  to  enhancing-  the  value  of  these  awards. 


Our  Supplementary  Illustration. — Some 
years  ago  Messrs.  Charleswouth  &  Co.,  of 
Haywards  Heath,  raised  and  flowered  a  hybrid 
between  Lslia  harpophylla  and  L.  cinnabarina, 
which  they  named  L.  coronet.  Its  flowers  were 
of  bright  orange  colour,  similar  to  L.  harpo- 
phylla, and  they  were  larger  than  that  species. 
In  other  respects,  however,  the  hybrid  possessed 
but  little  qualification  as  a  garden  plant.  Like 
some  other  despised  seedlings,  it  has  made  a 
very  good  parent,  and  when  crossed  with  Catt- 
leya  Schroderae  it  has  produced  a  hybrid  which 
retains  the  intensely  bright  and  deep  orange 
colour  whilst  the  flowers  axe  of  good  size  and 
substance.  The  plant  depicted  in  our  Supple- 
mentary Illustration  was  shown  by  Messrs. 
Chaelesworth  &  Co.  at  the  Royal  Horticul- 
tural Society's  meeting  on  March  17,  1908,  when 
it  obtained  an  Award  of  Merit.  It  is  known  as 
Laelio-Cattleya  Elinor. 

Royal  Horticultural  Society. — The  next 
meeting  of  the  Committees  will  take  place  on 
Tuesday,  the  23rd  inst.  At  3  p.m.  a  lec- 
ture on  "  A  Camping  Tour  through  Syria  to- 
Petra  in  Arabia "  will  be  delivered  by  A.  W. 
Sutton,  Esq.,  J. P.,  F.L.S.,  V.M.H.  Phis  inter- 
esting lecture  will  be  illustrated  with  lantern- 
slides. 


February  20,  1909.] 


THE     GARDENERS'      CHRONICLE. 


121 


Examination  of  Employes  in  Public 
Parks. — The  Royal  Horticultural  Society's  fourth 
examination  of  the  employes  in  public  parks 
was  held  on  January  11  last.  As  previously, 
the  examination  was  partly  viva  voce  and  partly 
written,  occupying  about  3  hours  and  a  half.  It 
was  held  at  the  Society's  Hall  in  Vincent  Square, 
Westminster.  One  hundred  and  nineteen  candi- 
dates entered,  and  of  these  25  secured  places  in 
the  first  class,  40  in  the  second,  and  37  in  the 
third,  leaving  17  candidates  who  failed  to  obtain 
the  minimum  marks  required.  No  one  candidate 
stands  out  prominently  before  the  others,  and 
the  highest  marks  obtained  fall  considerably  be- 
low those  of  1908.  It  is  encouraging,  however, 
to  notice  that  about  50  per  cent,  of  the  candi- 
dates in  Class  I.  consisted  of  those  who'  had 
been  in  the  lower  classes  last  year,  and  that 
other  candidates  of  former  years,  if  not  yet  in 
Class  I.j  are  higher  in  the  list  this  year  than  they 
were  previously.  Reviewing  the  results  generally, 
the  examiners  state  that  "  there  is  still  much 
room  for  improvement,  the  higher  standard 
hoped  for  in  last  year's  report  having  to  be  still 
held  in  anticipation.  A  complete  knowledge  of 
garden  practice  and  the  reasons  for  it  ;  the 
values  of  phosphatic  and  nitrogenous  manures, 
their  comparative  tost,  and  the  quantities  re- 
quired ;  the  art  of  curves  and  the  power  to  ex- 
press them  neatly  on  paper  ;  arithmetical  cal- 
culations for  land  measures  and  simple  rib 
computations  -such  things  as  these,  added  to  a 
more  extensive  knowledge  of  gardening  special- 
ised for  public  parks,  are  necessary  to  raise  the 
employes  to  the  standard  of  really  first-class 
craftsmen  whose  skill  is  to  find  expression  in  the 
gardens  in  which  they  serve.  The  higher  places 
gained  by  most  of  the  old  candidates  in  the  lists 
should  be  an  encouragement  to  the  less  success- 
ful to  persevere  diligently  with  their  work  and 
try  again  next  year." 

Appointments. — Mr.  Archibald  Clarence 
Miles,  a  member  of  the  gardening  staff  of  the 
Royal  Botanic  Gardens,  Kew,  has  been  ap- 
pointed by  the  Secretary  of  State  for  the  Colo- 
nies, on  the  recommendation  of  Kew,  a  Curator  of 
Botanic  Stations  in  the  Agricultural  Department 
of  the  Gold  Coast.  Mr.  W.  C.  Worsdell  has 
been  appointed  deputy  Professor  of  Botany  at 
the  South  African  College,  Cape  Town,  South 
Africa,  in  the  room  of  Professor  H.  H.  W. 
1'earson  during  his  travels  in  Angola  and  else- 
where in  the  present  year.     Kew  Bulletin. 

Changes  at  Kew. — Mr.  William  Dallimore, 
who  has  had  charge  of  the  Arboretum  at  Kew 
for  some  years  past,  has  been  appointed  to  the 
New  Museum  for  British  Forestry,  under  Mr. 
Hillier.  Mr.  Arthur  Osborne,  Foreman  in  the 
decorative  department,  will  succeed  Mr.  Dalli- 
more as  Foreman  in  the  Arboretum. 

Mr.  Charles  Foster,  Assistant  Director 
of  Horticulture  at  the  Reading  University  Col- 
lege, will  remove  to  Sutton  Place,  Guildford,  in 
July  next  to  take  up  the  position  of  director  of  a 
model  farm  which  Lord  Northcliffe  is  about 
to  establish. 

School  Gardens  in  Staffordshire. — In 

the  quarterly  report  of  the  Staffordshire  Educa- 
tion Committee  it  is  stated  that  the  former 
system  of  evening  gardens  is  to  be  superseded, 
as  it  has  been  found  to  overlap  with  the  ele- 
mentary day-school  gardens.  Four  schemes  are 
put  forward  in  replacement,  by  which  instruc- 
tion in  horticulture  can  be  given.  The  scheme 
to  be  adopted  in  any  place  will  depend  upon 
local  circumstances  and  the  report  of  the  in- 
structor. The  schemes  are  as  follow: — (1) 
Allotment  demonstration  plots,  (2)  model  cot- 
tage gardens  in  villages,  (3)  fruit  demonstration 
stations,  (4)  evening  gardens  of  fruit  and  vege- 
tables. 


South-eastern  Agricultural  College. 

— A  meeting  of  the  Governors  of  the  South- 
Eastem  Agricultural  College  was  held  at  the 
Charing  Cross  Hotel  on  Monday,  February  8. 
The  Right  Hon.  Lord  Ashcombe,  who  was 
elected  chairman  for  the  ensuing  year,  presided. 
The  Principal,  Mr.  M.  J.  R.  Dunstan,  in  his 
report,  stated  that  the  number  of  students  at- 
tending the  college  courses  was  127,  the  largest 
number  on  record  for  the  spring  term,  and  that 
the  new  horticultural  course  had  commenced 
with  14  students. 

Visitors  to  Kew  during  1908 The  num- 
ber of  persons  who  visited  the  Royal  Botanic 
Gardens  during  the  year  1908  was  2,710,220. 
These  figures  show  a  decrease  of  252,494  visitors 
over  the  year  1907,  when  the  number  of  visitors 
was  the  largest  yet  recorded.  During  the  last  10 
years  (1898-1907)  16,428,064  persons  have  visited 
the  Gardens,  giving  an  average  of  1,642,808. 
The  total  number  on  Sundays  was  1,321,384  and 
on  week-days  1,388,836.  The  number  of  visitors 
on  Sundays  is  the  largest  on  record,  being  in 
excess  of  that  for  1907  by  52,863.  The  increase 
is  probably  very  largely  due  to  the  great  number 
of  French  visitors  during  the  tummer.  The 
total  number  on  week-days  was  1,388,836,  the 
corresponding  number  for  1907,  1,691,213.  The 
maximum  attendance  on  any  one  day  was  98,388 
on  August  3.  The  smallest  number  on  any  one 
day  was  68  on  January  21.  The  greatest  number 
on  a  Sunday  was  70,904  on  July  26,  and  is  a 
record  number  for  a  Sunday,  showing  an  excess 
of  5,990  visitors  over  the  figures  for  1907.  The 
■t  number  r>n  a  Sunday  was  1,032  on 
December  6.     Kew  Bulletin. 

The  Late  G.  H.  Sage.— Many  of  our  readers 
will  regret  to  hear  that  Mr.  G.  H.  Sage,  whose 
somewhat  unexpected  death  was  recorded  in 
these  pages  recently,  has  left  a  widow 
and  young  children  almost  or  entirely 
unprovided  for.  We  have  re  eived  a  letter  from 
Mr.  W.  A.  Cook,  gardener  at  Leonardslee, 
Horsham,  in  which  he  states  that  a  number  of 
friends  have  decided  to  raise  a  sum  of  monev  for 
presentation  to  the  widow,  and  it  is  hoped  that 
gardeners  will  assist  this  fund  to  the  extent  of 
their  ability.  Mr.  Cook  states  that  the  follow- 
ing sums  have  been  already  given  or  promised  : 
Messrs.  R.  &  G.  Cuthbert,  2  guineas  ;  ''X.Y.Z.," 
20s.;  J.  Jennings,  10s.;  H.  G.  Smyth,  10s.; 
J.  Barnshaw,  2s.  6d.  Others  interested  in 
this  movement  are: — Messrs.  Charles  Dick- 
son, John  McKercher,  Chas.  Foster,  John 
Weathers,  Joseph  Godseff,  H.  G.  Alexander, 
Herbert  J.  Cutbush,  W.  J.  Watson,  L.  R. 
Russell,  C.  F.  Waters,  T.  Walters,  A.  R. 
Allan,  A.  Taylor,  A.  R.  Searle.  Mr.  W.  A 
Cook  is  the  honorary  secretary,  and  contribu- 
tions may  be  sent  to  him.  It  is  suggested  that  a 
shilling  contribution,  if  generally  supported, 
would  be  sufficient  to  meet  the  case. 

The  Kings  Visit  to  Berlin. — It  is  in- 
teresting to  record  that  the  whole  of  the  floral 
decoration  for  the  banquet  offered  by  the 
British  Embassy  to  their  Majesties  the 
King  and  Queen  during  their  recent  visit  to 
Berlin  was  entrusted  to  a  London  firm  of  florists 
— Messrs.  Felton  &  Sons,  of  Hanover  Square. 
The  flowers  used  foT  this  purpose  were  scarlet 
Carnations,  Lilies  of  the  Valley  and  white  Lilac. 
Owing  to  the  fact  that  the  flowers  obtainable 
in  the  German  capital  were  not  of  so  high  a 
quality  as  the  best  giown  in  this  country,  it 
was  found  necessary  to  arrange  them  in  masses 
instead  of  lightly,  as  would  have  been  done  if 
finer  blooms  with  longer  stems  had  been  avail- 
able. Among  the  other  floral  decorations  car- 
ried out  by  Messrs.  Felton  in  connection  with 
the  Royal  visit  were  those  of  Messrs.  Waring  & 
Gillow's  Berlin  establishment.  Here  the  effect 
was  produced  by  the  use  of  "  Mimosa  "  (Acacia), 
Violets,    brown    foliage,    and    mauve    ribbons. 


In  carrying  out  this  work,  undertaken  at 
three  days'  notice,  100  workmen  and  three 
interpreters  were  employed.  Only  the  kindly 
aid  of  the  Municipal  Fire  Brigade  in  the 
shape  of  two  fire  escapes  enabled  the 
men  to  place  the  floral  and  other  decora- 
tions at  the  higher  altitudes  of  the  building.  It 
is  a  matter  of  congratulation  for  Messrs.  Felton 
to  know  that  both  His  Majesty  King  Edward 
and  H.I.M.  the  Kaiser  expressed  their  appre- 
ciation of  the  work. 

Recreation    Ground    for    Southall.— A 

new  recreation  ground  has  been  secured  by  the 
Southall  District  Council,  says  the  Times,  and 
it  is  to  be  called  Southall  Park.  After  the  com- 
pletion of  the  erection  of  a  new  lodge  at  the  en- 
trance, Lord  and  Lady  Jersey  will  perform  the 
opening  ceremony,  which  has  been  fixed  for 
May  1. 

Berlin  International  Horticultural 
Exhibition.— The  Prussian  Horticultural  Society 
(Der  Verein  zur  Beforderung  des  Garten-baues 
in  den  Preussischen  Staaten)  is  making  prepara- 
tions for  an  international  exhibition  to  be  held 
about  Easter  in  the  newly-erected  Exhibition 
Halls  at  the  Berlin  Zoological  Garden.  The 
honorary  president  of  the  exhibition  is  Herr 
VAN  Arntm-Criewen,  Minister  of  Agriculture. 
The  Prussian  Government  has  appointed  official 
representatives  of  all  foreign  European  states, 
and  from  these  special  exhibition  commissioners 
are  selected.  His  Majesty  the  Kaiser,  who,  like 
all  kings  of  Prussia  since  the  year  1822,  is  the 
patron  of  the  society,  will  give  a  prize  of  honour 
for  the  most  excellent  exhibit.  Her  Majesty  the 
KAlSERljw,  who  takes  the  greatest  interest  in 
plants  and  ir.  flower  shows,  will  award 
a  Gold  Medal  for  the  best  object  of  the 
florist's  art,  a  silver  medal  for  the  finest 
specimen  of  German  Rose  culture,  and  a 
bronze  medal  for  the  best  German  Lily  of  the 
Valley.  Her  Imperial  Highness  the  Crown 
Princess,  as  showing  her  sympathy  in  the  ex- 
hibition, will  give  an  award  of  honour.  The 
city  of  Berlin  has  sanctioned  prizes  of  a  total 
sum  of  6,000  marks,  and  many  suburban  authori- 
ties are  also  offering  prizes.  A  guarantee  fund 
has  been  raised  of  more  than  100,000  marks.  The 
entire  building  construction  and  the  horticul- 
tural decorations  in  the  two  adjacent  halls  are 
so  planned  that  the  more  decorative  Hall  1  will 
be  chiefly  set  apart  for  German  exhibitors  and 
their  exhibits.  The  handsome  orchestral  space 
will  be  enlarged  and  made  to  resemble  the 
rastle  terrace  of  the  Achilleion,  in  Corfu,  and 
its  gardens.  It  is  stated  that  Holland  intends 
to  have  a  special  show,  in  which  bulbs,  Rho- 
dodendrons, Azaleas,  fruits  and  vegetables  will 
be  chiefly  represented.  France  is  preparing  for 
a  private  exhibition  of  novelties  in  plants, 
forced  fruits,  vegetables,  and  French  floral 
arrangements.  From  Belgium  will  be  shown 
stove  and  greenhouse  plants,  Palms,  Azaleas, 
Araucarias,  and  hybrid  Orchids.  It  is  hoped 
that  England  will  be  well  represented.  About 
one-third  of  the  available  space  will  be  occu- 
pied by  foreign  exhibits. 

"  Zeitschrift      Fur      Botaniker." — The 

first  number  of  a  new  German  botanical 
periodical,  the  Zeitschrift  Fiir  Botanik,  has  just 
been  issued.  The  Zeitschrift  is  edited  by  Pro- 
fessors Jost,  Oi.tmann  and  Graf  zu  Solms- 
Laubach,  and  published  by  Gustav  Fischer 
in  Jena  at  the  price  of  24  marks  per  annum. 
The  first  number  contains  an  account  by  Hans 
Fitting  of  his  investigations,  conducted  for  the 
most  part  in  the  Botanic  Gardens  of  Buitenzorg 
(Java),  on  the  effects  of  pollination,  &c,  on  the 
flowers  of  Orchids.  The  number  contains  also 
a  series  of  reviews  of  current,  botanical  re- 
search publications  and  classified  lists  of  new 
literature.  The  names  of  the  editors  and  pub- 
lisher are  a  sufficient  guarantee  that  the 
Zeitschrift  will  be  a  valuable  addition  to  periodi- 
cal botanical  literature. 


122 


THE    GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


[February  20,  1909. 


LAW    NOTES. 


NOTICES    OF     BOOKS. 


OWNER'S     RISK. 

As  an  effort  is  again  being  made  to  get  this 
question  brought  before  Parliament,  may  I  be 
permitted   to   state   briefly   the  position? 

The  attitude  of  the  railway  companies. — Last 
year  a  well-known  nursery  firm  in  the  north  had 
6,000  five-year  Spruce  trees  rendered  worthless 
in  transit.  A  claim  was  made  and  the  following 
was  the  reply  received  from  the  traffic  manager 
of  the  railway  company: — ■ 

I  submitted  your  claim  to  a  meeting  of  the  Joint  Claims 
Committee  of  the  Scotch  Railway  Companies,  held  at  Perth 
on  2nd  inst.,  but  regret  to  say  could  not  get  it  passed  for 
settlement. 

The  owners  risk  note  which  was  signed  at  the  time  of 
forwarding  clearly  protects  the  company  and  relieves  them 
from  all  liability,  not  only  for  loss,  but  also  for  injury. 

I  am  exceedingly  sorry  that  you  should  have  suffered 
through  this  accident,  but  the  difference  saved  by  carrying 
your  goods  at  the  owner's  risk  rates,  instead  of  company's, 
must  amount  to  a  considerable  sum  in  the  year,  and  should 
go  some  way  at  least  towards  covering  your  loss. 

The  attitude  of  the  Courts.— -The  judge  said 
if  people  would  persist  in  taking  advantage  of 
these  low  rates  and  signing  contract  notes  which 
relieved  the  company  of  all  liability,  he  did  not 
see  how  they  hoped  to  recover.  Judgment  would 
be  given  for  defendants — the  railway  company, 
with  costs. 

The  official  attitude. — Extract  of  report  of 
Departmental  Committee  on  Fruit  Industry  ap- 
pointed by  Lord  Onslow,  President  of  the  Board 
of  Agriculture,    1903. 

With  regard  to  the  refusal  of  the  companies  to  pay  claims 
for  loss  or  damage,  especially  in  the  case  of  fruit  consigned 
at  owner's  risk,  the  committee  are  strongly  of  opinion  that 
it  would  be  a  great  advantage  to  all  parties  if  carriage  at 
owner's  risk  were  done  away  with  altogether.  Mr.  Hennell, 
as  representing  the  companies,  was  clearly  of  this  opinion, 
and  stated  that,  when  the  Great  Western  Company  framed 
their  new  scale  for  goods  traffic,  they  made  the  rates  at 
company's  risk  only,  and  that  they  did  not,  as  a  rule,  give 
owner's  risk  rates  between  places  where  they  controlled  the 
traffic,  on  account  of  the  friction  which  invariably  arose. 
We  believe  that  if  the  owner's  risk  rates  at  present  in  exist- 
ence were  slightly  raised,  say,  5  percent,  {which  Mr.  Vincent 
Hill  suggested  was  the  proper  difference  between  them  and 
company's  risk  rates— though  the  actual  difference  is  gener- 
ally much  more,  and  varies  enormously),  and  if  all  fruit, 
both  by  goods  and  passenger  trains,  were  carried  at  com- 
pany's risk  in  future,  growers  would  gladly  pay  the  small 
extra  amount,  and  get  rid  of  the  present  annoyances  and 
loss  occasioned  by  the  non-payment  of  claims,  or  the  pay- 
ment of  them  only  after  much  correspondence  and  delay. 

In  the  event,  however,  of  the  owner's  risk  rates  bein<: 
maintained,  the  committee  are  of  opinion  that  the  exemption 
of  a  company  from  liability  unless  "  wilful  misconduct  "  is 
proved,  is  too  stringent  a  condition  ;  for,  in  hardly  any  case 
would  it  be  possible  tor  a  consignee  to  obtain  the  necessary 
evidence,  as  that  would  have  to  be  derived  from  the  servants 


of    the    company    itself.      They    consider   that   the   term 

misconduct.1 


"culpable  negligence"  should  be  substituted  for  "wilful 


They  are  glad,  however,  to  note  that,  according  to  Mr. 
Hennell,  the  railway  companies  seem  inclined  to  take  a  more 
reasonable  view  of  their  liability,  and  to  admit  claims  in  the 
case  of  total  loss,  and  sometimes  in  the  case  of  damage,  the 
assumption  of  this  attitude  being,  no  doubt,  largely  dne  to 
the  representations  made  by  the  Board  of  Agriculture  to  the 
railway  companies  in  Great  Britain,  the  correspondence 
being  subsequently  presented  to   Parliament. 

The  attitude  of  the  horticultural  trade. — It  is 
universally  felt  that  it  would  be  a  great  gain 
if  a  Bill  on  the  lines  of  Mr.  Hooper's  could  be 
got  through  Parliament  making  the  railway 
companies  liable  for  "culpable  negligence"  or 
"gross  neglect"  instead  of,  as  at  present,  being 
only  responsible  for  "wilful  misconduct." 
The  latter  no  one  outside  the  railway  is  ever 
able  to  prove.  Then  I  believe  it  is  a  universal 
opinion  that  a  simple  arbitration  court  to  settle 
disputes,  or,  as  Mr.  Morgan  Veitch  so  ably  ad- 
vocates, a  simple  procedure  in  the  county  or 
borough  courts  from  which,  in  matters  of  liti- 
gation between  a  railway  company  and  a  trader, 
there  shall  be  no  appeal  where  the  amount  of 
dispute  is  under  £20. 

The  sheer  absurdity  of  judges  and  railway 
companies'  contentions  that  traders  must  send 
at  the  higher  or  company's  risk  rates  is  appa- 
rent by  simply  stating  that  the  difference  be- 
tween the  two  rates  on  seeds  and  plants  is  often 
as  much  as  100  per  cent. — in  the  case  of  Tomatos 
it  is  more,  viz.,  42s.  6d.  owner's  rate  London 
to  Glasgow,  while  company's  risk  rate  is  100s. 
per  ton. 

Railways  are  now  more  than  ever  before, 
owing  to  their  joint  committees,  a  gigantic 
monopoly,  and  it  is  the  duty  of  Parliament  to 
find  a  way  out  for  the  public — the  trader.  The 
Board  of  Trade  is  no  good  William  Cuth- 
bcrtson. 


*  "The  Book  of  Nature  Study." 

In  the  second  volume  of  this  work  Mr. 
Oswald  Latter  continues  his  remarks  of  inver- 
tebrate animals.  The  present  contribution  in- 
cludes a  most  interesting  description  of  bees. 
Though  concise,  it  affords  a  good  knowledge 
of  what  goes  on  in  a  hive.  Perhaps 
more  might  have  been  said  with  regard  to  the 
economic  aspects  of  these  creatures,  and  the 
same  remark  applies  to  the  article  on  ants, 
which  is  the  next  subject  dealt  with.  Gardeners 
will  be  especially  interested  in  the  chapters  on 
plant-lice  and  gall-flies.  The  gnat  is  given  as  a 
type  of  aquatic  insect  which  can  be  reared 
easily  in  captivity  and  kept  under  observation  ; 
and  a  water-bettle  (Dyticus)  is  used  as  an  illus- 
tration of  the  beetles. 

If  a  brief  space  can  only  be  given  to  well- 
known  forms,  it  is  not  to  be  expected  that  much 
will  be  devoted  to  creatures  which  have  hitherto 
attracted  but  little  attention.  This  is  regret- 
table, because  some  of  those  students  who  be- 
come interested  enough  to  study  natural  history 
might,  with  advantage,  turn  their  attention  to 
neglected  animals.  As  a  matter  of  fact,  many 
observations  still  remain  to  be  made  upon  the 
centipedes  and  millipedes,  and  not  quite  three 
pages  of  the  Book  of  Nature  Study  are  devoted 
to  them. 

Spiders  receive  a  little  more  attention,  as  do 
the  snails,  slugs,  and  fresh-water  mussels.  The 
carnivorous  forms  of  so-called  worm-eating 
slugs  have  a  special  interest  to  the  gardener,  in 
that  they  will  do  no  harm  to  vegetation  and  may 
be  useful  in  keeping  down  earthworms. 

Little  more  than  one-third  of  the  volume  is 
devoted  to  the  consideration  of  the  aquarium, 
as  well  as  of  fresh-  and  salt-water  plants  and 
animals  that  most  easily  accommodate  them- 
selves to  a  life  in  restricted  conditions.  Miss 
Marion  Xewbiggin  is  responsible  for  this  con- 
tribution. Several  aspects  of  the  aquarium  are 
pointed  out: — By  its  use  the  teacher  may  keep 
creatures  which  can  be  utilised  as  the  subjects 
of  lessons  ;  the  habits  of  aquatic  creatures  may 
be  studied  in  a  way  and  to  a  degree  which  could 
not  be  accomplished  if  the  creatures  were  in 
their  natural  surroundings ;  and,  finally,  the 
aquarium  shows  how  plants  and  animals 
mutually  depend  upon  one  another. 

Careful  directions  are  given  for  starting 
aquaria,  and  suitable  algae  and  aquatic 
water  plants  are  dealt  with.  Of  the  larger  ani- 
mals suitable  for  a  fresh-water  aquarium,  the 
pond  tortoise  of  South  Europe  and  various 
amphibia  and  a  few  fish  are  mentioned,  and 
afterwards  molluscs,  Crustacea,  and  insects.  In 
a  similar  manner  marine  forms  are  described, 
of  which  the  invertebrate  forms  belong  to  the 
classes  already  mentioned.  In  addition,  though, 
we  have  sea-urchins  and  star-fishes,  and  those 
very  common  inhabitants  of  the  marine 
aquarium,  the  sea-anemones  and  their  allies. 
The  concluding  chapter  has  been  written  by 
Professor  Arthur  Thomson,  and  serves  to  illus- 
trate that,  in  nature  study,  the  outlook  should 
be  a  general  one,  and  that  observations  should 
not  be  confined  to  the  creatures  themselves, 
nor  to  their  habits  merely,  but  should  also  in- 
clude their  surroundings  and  inter-relationships. 
The  title  chosen  is  "The  Haunts  of  Animals.'' 
The  habitats  dealt  with  include  the  seashore,  the 
open  sea,  with  its  free-swimming  population,  the 
depths  of  the  ocean,  where  everything  is  dark, 
and  silent,  and  cold,  and  where  there  are  no 
plants.  Rivers,  lakes,  and  ponds  are  also  con- 
sidered in  connection  with  their  inhabitants  ; 
whilst  on  dry  land,  links  and  dunes,  meadow- 
land  and  woodland  receive  attention.  Lastly 
are  considered  the  dwellers  of  the  air. 

*  The  Book  of  Nature  Study,  Vol  II.  Edited  by  J.  Bretland 
Farmer,  D.Sc,  F.R.S.  The  Caxton  Publishing  Co.  Price 
7s.  6d.  net. 


The  contribution  gives  many  useful  hints  and 
much  valuable  information  for  those  who  wish 
to  carry  on  that  outdoor,  observational  work 
which  should  be  the  keynote  of  all  nature  study. 

Hints  as  to  shore  excursions  follow,  and  Pro- 
fessor Thomson  describes  a  typical  one.  To  the 
open  sea  he  gives  less  attention,  and,  as  the 
subject  of  the  abysses  of  the  ocean  is  removed 
from  the  direct  scope  of  nature  study  in  school, 
he  passes  over  this  with  little  comment.  We 
commend  Professor  Thomson's  further  remarks 
to  the  consideration  of  every  earnest  exponent 
of  nature  stud}'. 

As  in  the  previous  volume,  particular  attention 
has  been  paid  to  illustrations.  The  photographs 
of  pools  with  which  Miss  Newbiggin  illustrates 
her  chapters  are  extremely  good.  Such  crea- 
tures as  slugs,  centipedes  and  woodlice  are  not 
usually  represented  by  photographs,  but  the 
pictures  by  Mr.  Hugh  Main  show  that  there 
are  considerable  possibilities  in  this  direction. 
Mr.  Berridge's  photograph  of  a  millipede  is  also 
very  good,  and  so  are  those  of  bees  and  ants  by 
Mr.  W.  P.  Westell. 

We  are  promised  in  the  third  volume  chapters 
on  the  germination  of  seeds  and  the  growth  of 
plants  by  Miss  Charlotte  Laurie  ;  Dr.  Lang  will 
deal  with  common  plants  and  their  structure  ; 
while  trees,  Ferns,  and  children's  gardens  will 
form  the  topics  to  be  considered  next.  W.  M.  W . 

*  Alpine  Flora. 

Mons.  C'orrevon  is  well  known  as  an 
authority  on  Alpine  plants,  and  those  who  have 
visited  his  garden  at  Floraire  are  well  aware  that 
he  can  also  grow  them  successfully.  We  had 
every  reason,  then,  to  look  forward  with  pleasure 
to  the  appearance  of  the  Flore  Alpine  when  it 
was  advertised  as  amongst  the  forthcoming 
books  on  horticulture.  The  expectation  is 
realised  on  opening  the  volume,  though,  per- 
haps, not  quite  in  the  form  we  anticipated. 
The  book  opens  with  a  brief  introduction, 
and  to  this  succeed  100  coloured  plates  by 
Mons.  Robert  of  some  180  plants.  The  repro- 
duction is,  in  many  cases,  remarkably  good,  and 
the  tinted  background  forms  an  effective  feature 
in  each  study.  The  work  is  so  excellent  that  it 
is  difficult  to  signalise  any  particular  plate  for 
praise  beyond  another,  and  there  is  hardly  one 
that  fails  to  reproduce  accurately  and  artistically 
the  plant  it  portrays.  Perhaps  we  may  be 
allowed  to  regret  that  the  Soldanella  is  repre- 
sented as  mauve  rather  than  blue.  We  have  >een 
plants  of  the  former  colour,  but  one  generally 
associates  a  more  pronounced  shade  of  blue 
with  the  flower  than  is  depicted  on    pi.  66. 

The  general  introduction  to  the  letterpress  fol- 
lows the  plates,  and  contains  a  brief  account  of 
some  of  the  famous  rock-gardens  of  Europe, 
among  which  those  of  this  country  easily  pre- 
dominate. A  fine  picture  of  the  "  Matterhorn  " 
in  Sir  Frank  Crisp's  garden  strikingly  recalls  the 
great  mountain  itself.  In  connection  with  this 
plate,  we  might  incidentally  remark  that  the  re- 
ference should  be  to  p.  248,  not  to  234,  as  given 
in  the  legend. 

The  description,  together  with  cultural  notes, 
of  a  good  representative  collection  of  Alpine 
plants  then  follows,  and  the  hints  respecting' 
some  of  them  are  such  as  to  make  one  realise  the 
defects  of  our  own  climate.  Eritrichium  is  said 
to  need  a  certain  degree  of  care  !  Of  Androsace 
glacialis,  perhaps  wisely,  nothing  of  cultural  ad- 
vice is  offered.  Its  habitat  is  given,  and  the  para- 
graph ends  in  a  verse. 

The  names  of  the  plants  are  given  in  English 
as  well  as  in  foreign  languages — an  advantage  to 
the  tourist,  who  might  well  add  Mons.  Corre- 
von's  volume  to  his  bag  when  making  an  expedi- 
tion  to  the  Alps.  The  only  serious  fault  we  have 
to  find  with  the  book  is  on  account  of  its  weight, 
but  the  delicacy  of  the  plates  could,  perhaps, 
hardly  have  been  secured  except  on  a  heavily- 
loaded  paper. 

*  Flore  Alpine,  by  H.  Correvon  and  Ph.  Robert.  Illustratefl 
with  100  coloured  plates.    Geneva,  1908.     Price  18s. 


February  20,  1909.] 


THE     GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


123 


/ESGULUS  PARVIFLORA. 

This  species  (see  fig.  53)  differs  from  other 
members  of  the  genus  in  having  a  shrubby  habit 
and  in  producing  its  flowers  in  the  month  of 
August,  a  time  when  most  other  shrubs  have 
finished  their  flowering.  The  plant  is  a  native 
of  South- Eastern  United  States,  and  is  usually  to 
be  seen  near  rivulets  in  moist  situations,  where 
it  forms  large,  spreading  clumps  or  thickets. 
Under  cultivation  in  this  country  ^Esculus  par- 
viflora  forms  a  large,  spreading  shrub,  reaching 
10  or  12  feet  in  height  and  as  much  as  20  feet 
in  diameter.  The  bushes  spread  by  means  of 
suckers,  which  are  produced  near  the  main  stem, 
so  that  the  plant  does  not  encroach  very 
fast  upon  other  shrubs  or  trees  with  which  it 
may  be  associated.  The  pure  white  flowers  are 
borne  in  long,  terminal  thyrsoid  racemes,  some- 
times more  than  1  foot  in  length.  The  petals, 
usually  lour,  vary  in  number,  there  being 
sometimes  as  many  as  seven :  the  upper 
are  slightly  longer  than  the  lower  petals. 
The  stamens,  which  are  long  and  thread-like  and 
often  three  times  the  length  of  the  corolla,  form 
the  attractive  part  of  the  flower.  Each  filament 
is  tipped  with  a  conspicuous  red  anther.  The 
foliage  resembles  that  of  the  Horse  Chestnut, 
but  is  somewhat  smaller.  The  plant  thrives  in  a 
moist  soil  and  delights  in  an  open,  sunny  posi- 
tion. It  forms  a  fine  subject  for  the  shrubbery, 
border  or  lawn.  On  account  of  the  white  flowers, 
the  plant  shows  best  when  in  bloom  against  a 
background  of  trees  or  tall  shrubs.     C.  P.  H. 


HOME   CORRESPONDENCE. 


(The  Editor  does  not  hold  himself  responsible  /or  the 
opinions  expressed  by  his  correspondents.) 

Vegetable  Competitions  at  Shrewsbury. 

— Competitors  in  the  vegetable  classes  at  the 
Shrewsbury  show  must  have  opened  their  eyes 
wide  when  they  read  their  schedule  of  the 
classes  at  the  ensuing  show  in  August  next. 
Those  favoured  classes  which  invariably 
brought  great  competition  and  the  finest  of  vege- 
table products  have  entirely  disappeared,  and 
their  places  taken  by  small  or  single-dish  classes 
fof  prizes  offered  by  a  Manchester  and  a  Words- 
ley  firm.  It  is  stated — although  whethti 
rect  or  not  I  do  not  know— that  this  year  the 
Shropshire  Horticultural  Society  declined  to  ac- 
cept any  prizes  fettered  with  conditions  as  to 
the  sources  from  which  seeds  be  obtained.  If 
that  is  so,  no  one  can  complain.  Nevertheless, 
its  vegetable  department,  which  has  hitherto 
been  such  a  popular  one  with  exhibitors  and 
visitors,  must  under  the  new  arrangement  ma- 
terially suffer.  That  result,  no  doubt,  the 
society  has  anticipated,  and  may  have  good  rea- 
sons for  the  course  it  has  taken.  But  there  re- 
mains good  cause  to  think  that,  in  spite  of  the 
determination  of  the  society  to  exclude  special 
restrictions  as  to  the  source  from  which  seeds 
are  obtained,  the  conditions  annexed  to  classes 
109  to  116  and  117  to  126  rather  override  the 
society's  intentions.  In  each  of  these  classes  the 
name  is  given  of  a  variety  which  a  particular 
fiim  has  not  only  so  named  but  of  which  it 
claims  exclusive  ownership.  How  .are  competi- 
tors to  obtain  these  things,  except  from  the 
firms  in  question,  and  is  not  that  a  method  of 
compelling  such  purchases  quite  as  bad  as  any 
methods  or  conditions  which  have  previously 
prevailed?  Assuming  that  any  competitor 
showed  Best  of  All  or  Scarlet  Emperor  as  "  New 
Exhibition  Runner"  Bean  in  Class  118,  and  this 
is  quoted  as  an  example,  and  a  representative 
of  the  firm  offering  the  prizes  declares  it  should 
be  disqualified,  because  not  their  "  New  Exhi- 
bition," specially  on  the  ground  that  the  com- 
petitor had  purchased  no  seed  from  that  firm, 
what  would  result?  Would  the  judges  be  com- 
pelled to  disqualify?  Some  authoritative  state- 
ment should  come  from  the  society  as  to  whether 
exhibitors  in  these  classes  are  necessarily  com- 
pelled to  obtain  seeds  of  the  varieties  from  the 
firms  offering  the  prizes  or  not.  If  the  answer 
is  yes,  then  the  society's  new  conditions  dis- 
appear. If  it  is  no,  then  no  competitor  can  be 
disqualified.     Vegetable. 


Nitro-Bacterine. — The  following  experi- 
ments which  I  made  during  1906  may  be 
of  interest: — The  bacterium  ( fseudomonas 
radicicola)  were  obtained  direct  from  the 
U.S.A.  Department  of  Agriculture,  and  had 
been  prepared  on  the  cotton-wool  system 
then  in  vogue.  A  field  on  which  the  usual 
rotation  of  farm  crops  had  been  grown  was 
selected,  and  long  beds,  1  foot  wide  and  50  feet 
long,  were  carefully  prepared,  each  bed  being 
afterwards  sown  with  equal  quantities  of  Clover 
seed.  One  bed  was  then  watered  with  plain 
water  and  the  other  with  bacterial  culture.  Dur- 
ing the  summer  and  following  year  the  beds 
were  constantly  examined,  but  although  the 
crops  succeeded  well,  at  no  time  could  any  dif- 
ference be  discovered  either  in  the  growth  or 
amount  of  nodules  on  the  roots  between  the  two 
beds.  The  second  experiment,  on  Sweet  Peas, 
made  at  the  same  time  and  with  the  same  cul- 
ture, gave  a  different  result.  Ten  new  flower- 
pots were  filled  with  a  mixture  consisting  of 
equal  parts  cinder-ash  and  sand,  which  had 
been  baked  for  an  hour  in  a  large  furnace.  Five 
of  these  pots  were  sown  with  12  ordinary  Sweet 
Pea  seeds,  the  other  five  with  12  seeds,  which  had 
previously  been  soaked  in  the  bacterial  culture  ; 
all  the  pots  were  afterwards  placed  in  a  green- 
house and  kept  moist  with  rain-water  from  a 
tank  inside.  The  uninoculated  plants  made  very 
little  progress,  being  dwarfed  and  appearing 
chlorotic,  with  very  few  flowers  and  no  nodules 


velopment  of  Apple  scab  such  as  seen  last  vear 
was  largely  due  to  two  successive  rather  cold 
and  wet  seasons  that  were  far  from  being 
favourable  to  the  production  of  good  fruit  out- 
of-doors.  But  now  that  through  such  climatic 
conditions  scab  seems  to  have  got  such  a  foot- 
hold is  it  wise  to  trust  to  a  succession  of  warm, 
dry  summers  to  check  it,  or  should  the  trees  be 
sprayed  for  that  purpose?  If  any  readers  have 
had  experience  of  home  spraying,  they  may  do 
well  to  let  the  world  know  the  results.     A .  D. 

Moisture  -  loving  Plants.  —  Mr.  Smilh 
(p.  52)  mentions  a  white  form  of  Astilbe  Davidii 
known  as  "  grande,"  which  he  says  is  "  worthy 
of  extended  planting."  This  white  variety  of 
Astilbe,  so  far,  has  not  come  under  my  notice, 
neither  have  I  seen  mention  made  of  it  before. 
There  is,  however,  a  species  known  as  Astilbe 
grandis  which  differs  in  several  particulars  from 
A.  Davidii.  This  is,  indeed,  a  splendid  plant 
for  moist  positions.  The  foliage  is  strong  and 
vigorous,  the  individual  leaves  measuring  often 
2  feet  in  length.  It  grows  to  about  6  feet  high, 
2i  feet  of  which  is  composed  of  the  erect 
slightly  branching  spike  of  white  flowers.  The 
inflorescence  has  not  the  plumose  appearance  of 
that  of  A.  Davidii,  and  the  plant  has  a  stronger, 
bolder  habit  than  that  species.  Another  addi- 
tion to  Mr.  Smith's  list  might  be  Artemisia 
lactiflora,  which  also  is  a  plant  of  recent  intro- 
duction,   and    one    specially    adaptel    for    half- 


(Photogmph  by  C    P.  Raffill. 
Fig.  53. — .-ESCULUS  PARVIFLORA  flowering  in  the   royal  gardens,   kew. 


on  the  roots,  while  the  inoculated  plants  made 
rapid  growth  of  a  typical  green  co.our  nearly 
twice  as  high,  and  they  produced  many  flowers 
at  least  a  week  earlier  than  the  others.  The 
roots  carried  a  number  of  good-sized  nodules. 
Gurney  Wilst  n. 

Apple  Scab.— I  saw  during  the  early  winter 
large  quantities  of  Apples  exposed  for  sale 
so  affected  by  black  scab  as  to  be  unfit 
for  food.  The  sight  of  these  fruits  was 
all  the  more  painful,  because  on  sale  with  them 
were  beautiful  Colonial  fruits  absolutely  free 
from  fungal  spots.  At  a  Surrey  gathering  of 
agricultural  co-operators  recently,  samples  of 
Apples  were  submitted  to  me  almost  eaten  up 
by  the  fungus.  It  would  helo  in  finding  a 
remedy  for  this  trouble  if  it  were  shown  exactly 
under  what  conditions  the  trees  were  growing 
that  produced  such  fruits,  just  as  it  would  be 
interesting  to  learn  from  growers  whose  trees 
and  fruits  have  been  quite  free  from  scab  what 
forms  of  trees  and  methods  of  culture  were 
adopted  by  them  to  secure  immunity.  It  may  be 
assumed  that  good  culture  has  much  to  do  with 
the  absence  of  the  fungus,  and  lack  of  culture, 
such  as  is  sometimes  seen  in  orchards,  may 
account  for  its  presence.  Again,  who  has 
sprayed  trees  to  protect  them  against  this 
fungus?  We  read  so  much  about  spraying^  yet 
see  so  little  of  it.  Does  it  begin  and  end  in  a 
trial?     It   is  fair  to   assume   that   the   great   de- 


shady,  moist  positions.  The  foliage  has  no  par- 
ticular attraction  ;  the  great  merit  of  the  plant 
lies  in  the  inflorescence  which  is  borne  on  stem9 
about  4  feet  high,  in  a  lax,  graceful  manner. 
The  flowering  period  is  the  end  of  August  and 
September.  The  plant  may  be  readily  increased 
by  division  or  by  cuttings.     Juno. 

Hampton  Court  Gardens.— At  Hampton 
Court  Palace  gardens  the  long  wall  which  ex- 
tends from  the  main  road  to  the  Palace,  and, 
again,  some  distance  beyond  it  to  the  river 
Thames,  presents  a  bare  and  uninviting  aspect 
in  winter.  It  is  faced  by  a  border  some  7  feet  in 
width  only,  which  in  summer-time  is  planted 
with  a  very  great  variety  of  flowering  plants, 
some  of  them  being  5  feet  to  6  feet  in  height. 
Obviously,  with  such  a  narrow,  crowded  bor- 
der, there  is  no  opportunity  for  training  plants 
against  the  wall.  Were  this  long  border  made 
20  to  30  feet  in  width,  very  fine  effects  might 
be  obtained,  and  still  leave  ample  room  behind 
for  the  inclusion  of  wall  climbers  and  shrubs. 
I  would  like  to  see,  as  an  experiment,  that  por- 
tion of  the  wall  from  the  garden  entrance  up 
to  the  high  road  specially  planted  with  a  view 
of  making  it  a  feature  of  attraction.  The  border 
in  front  should  be  planted  with  quite  dwarf 
plants,  such  as  would  not  in  the  least  ob- 
scure the  view  of  the  plants  on  the  wall. 
Flower    gardening    at    this    popular    place    of 


124 


THE    GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


[February  20,  1909. 


resort  has  become  somewhat  stereotyped,  and 
any  break  away  from  the  present  plan  would 
be  gladly  welcomed.  Along  the  wall,  at  inter- 
vals of  10  feet,  are  piers.  These  should  be 
planted  with  a  wide  range  of  climbers,  including 
the  best  varieties  of  climbing  Roses.  Some 
climbers  might  be  planted  for  their  handsome 
foliage  only,  but  the  range  of  selection  is  in- 
finite. The  intervening  panels  might  be  filled 
with  plants,  flat-trained  to  the  wall,  of  Escal- 
lonias,  Garryas,  Ceanothuses,  Cotoneasters, 
Cydonias,  Forsythias,  Magnolias,  Viburnums, 
Fuchsias,  Buddleias,  Choisya  ternata,  Chimo- 
nanthus,  and  other  shrubs.  Flat-trained  Helio- 
tropes, Ivy-leaved  Pelargoniums,  Cassia  corym- 
bosa,  and  other  tender  plants,  sunk  in  tubs, 
would  greatly  help  in  the  scheme  of  decoration. 
A.  D. 


about  August,  and  the  plants  put  out  sometimes 
in  trenches,  sometimes  on  the  flat,  but  always 
earthed  or  moulded  up.  Naturally,  in  this 
country  the  seed  would  have  to  be  .-own  earlier, 
and  the  crop  requires  much  the  same  culture  as 
Celery.  "Finocchio"  in  Italy  is  eaten  raw  with 
salt,  or  cooked  with  butter  and  served  up,  as  is 
the  case  here  with  Celery.  Although  this  vege- 
table is  not  much  known  to  English  people,  yet 
we  have  for  some  years  supplied  seed  of  it  to 
those  of  our  customers  who  have  met  with  it 
when  abroad.     Sutton  cV  Sons. 

Finocchio  or  Florence  Fennel  (Fceni- 
culum  dulce). — We  have  had  no  difficulty  in 
growing  this  plant  satisfactorily  under  ordinary 
garden  cultivation.  The  edible  part  consists 
of    the    broad    leaf-stalks,    which,     overlapping 


Fig.  54.. 


-SPECIMEN  OF  FINOCCHIO  BROUGHT  FROM  ITALY  BY 
MESSRS.  SUTTON  AND  SONS. 


The  Old  Double  Primula. — Mr.  Leonard 
Sutton  tells  me  that  a  type  of  Primula  sinensis 
formerly  existed  which  was  completely  double 
and  destitute  of  anthers.  As  it  set  no  seed,  it 
was  propagated  by  cuttings  exclusively.  Can 
any  readers  of  the  Gardener!:'  Chronicle  put  me  in 
the  way  of  obtaining  a  specimen  of  this  type? 
In  connection  with  a  study  of  the  inheritance  of 
doublenes9,  its  properties  would  be  well  worth 
investigating.  W .  Bateson,  Grantchester,  Cam- 
bridge. 

Finocchio. — We  have  just  returned  from  our 
annual  visit  amongst  our  seed  crops  in  the  south 
of  Italy,  arid,  remembering  that,  in  a  recent  issue 
of  the.  Gardeners'  Chronicle ,  there  appeared  an 
article  on  "  Finocchio,"  we  brought  back  one  or 
two  specimens  which  were  grown  at  Naples  (see 
fig.  54).  Large  quantities  of  this  "Finocchio" 
are  grown  around  Naples.     The  seeds  are  sown 


one  another  at  the  base  of  the  stem,  form 
an  enlargement  varying  in  size  from  that  of 
a  hen's  egg  to  the  size  of  a  man's  fist.  The 
plant  does  not  form  tubers  as  R.  B.  (see  p.  45) 
imagines.  The  edible  portion  should  be  used 
before  the  plant  develops  its  inflorescence, 
which  it  does  very  soon.  The  first  sow- 
ing may  be  made  in  April  or  May,  followed 
by,  say,  two  sucoessional  sowings  in  the  sum- 
mer. Sow  in  rows  made  18  inches  apart,  and 
thin  the  seedlings  to  9  inches  between  each 
other.  During  dry  weather  the  plant  should  be 
well  watered.  If  it  is  desired  to  blanch  the 
stems,  a  little  soil  can  be  drawn  about  them 
10  days  before  the  vegetable  is  required  for  the 
table.  Long  Sweet  Fennel  (Fceniculum  offici- 
nale, All.)  is  sown  in  the  autumn  for  a  spring 
crop.  The  tender  stems  of  this  plant  are  eaten 
just  as  it  runs  to  seed.  Vilmorin,  in  his  Vege- 
table  Gardtn,    says:    "The   famous   'Carosella,' 


so  extensively  used  in  Naples,  and  scarcely 
known  in  any  other  place,  is  referred  by  authors 
to  Fceniculum  piperitum,  D.C.,  a  species  very 
closely  related  to  F.  officinale.  The  plant  i* 
used  while  in  the  act  of  running  to  bloom,  the 
stems,  fresh  and  tender,  are  broken  and  served 
up  raw,  still  enclosed  in  the  expanded  leaf- 
stalks. They  are  esteemed  a  great  delicacy,  and. 
are  obtained  only  from  the  end  of  March  till 
June."     /.  Coutts,  Killcrton  Gardens,  Exeter. 

Pinus  pinaster.  — In  my  article  on  this  tree- 
on  p.  69,  I  appear  to  say,  with  reference  to  the 
collection  of  resin,  that  the  pot  receiving  it  con- 
tinues to  be  moved  up  3  feet  at  a  time  after  a 
height  of  from  10  to  15  feet  is  reached.  The 
pot  is  moved  up  3  feet  at  a  time  until  a  height 
of  10  or  15  feet  is  reached,  but  not  afterwards, 
for  when  that  height  has  been  attained  a  new 
groove  is  commenced.      7?.  Stewart  Lynch. 


SOCIETIES. 


MANCHESTER  AND  NORTH  OF 
ENGLAND  ORCHID. 

February  4. — Committee  present :  E.  Ash- 
worth,  Esq.  (chairman),  and  Messrs.  R.  Ash- 
worth,  F.  W.  Ashworth,  J.  C.  Cowan,  J.  Cypher, 
W.  Holmes,  A.  J.  Keeling,  C.  Parker,  J.  E. 
Shill,  F.  K.  Sander,  H.  Thorp,  W.  B.  Upjohn. 
Z.  A.  Ward,  A.  Warburton,  and  P.  Weathers 
(hon.  secretary). 

The  number  of  exhibits  were  fewer  than  at 
the  last  few  meetings. 

H.  J.  Bromilow,  Esq.,  Rainhill  (gr.  Mr.  Mor- 
gan), who  has  been  a  consistent  exhibitor  in 
the  class  for  the  Sander  Cypripedium  Cup, 
staged  a  splendid  group  of  Cypripediums,  for 
which  a  Silver-gilt  Medal  was  awarded.  Choice 
hybrids,  including  C.  X  Victor,  C.  X  aureum 
var.  virginale,  and  C.  X  Mrs.  YV.  Mostyn  were 
a  feature  of  this  display. 

S.  Gratrix,  Esq.,  Whalley  Range  (gr.  Mr. 
Shill),  exhibited  Cypiipedium  X  Memoria 
Jerninghamiae,  a  distinct  plant,  the  parentage  of 
which  was  not  recorded. 

Mrs.  S.  Gratrix  received  a  First-class  Cer- 
tificate for  Cypripedium  X  Actaeus  var.  Gra- 
trixas,  a  very  distinct  variety  with  a  pro- 
nounced green  tinge  throughout  the  flower  and 
finely-marked  dorsal  sepal. 

C.  Parker,  Esq.,  Preston,  was  awarded  a 
Bronze  Medal  for  a  small  group  of  Cypripe- 
diums containing  some  distinct  forms  of  C. 
insigne,  in,  addition  to  several  well-known  hy- 
brids. 

Z.  A.  Ward,  Esq.,  Northenden  (gr.  Mr. 
Weatherby),  gained  a  Silver-gilt  Medal  for  an 
exhibit  of  good   Odontoglossums. 

Mr.  J.  Birchenall,  Alderley  Edge,  exhi- 
bited Scelochilus  variegatus,  a  botanical  Orchid 
with  very  small  flowers.  Zygo-Colar  X  Amesi- 
ana,  showed  by  the  same  exhibitor,  received 
an  Award  of  Merit. 

Messrs.  Hugh  Low  &  Co.,  Enfield,  were 
awarded  a  Silver  Medal  for  a  group  of  choice 
plants,  including  several  good  hybrid  Cypri- 
pediums. Cymbidium  X  Wiganianum,  shown 
by  Messrs.  Low,  gained  an  Award  of  Merit. 

A.  Warburton,  Esq.,  Haslingden  (gr.  Mr. 
Dalgleish),  was  awarded  a  Silver  Medal  for  a 
group  of  Cypripediums,  which  included  C.  X 
aureum  var.  Hyeanum,  C.  X  aureum  Vine 
House  variety  (Award  of  Merit),  C.  X  Evansi- 
anum,  and  a  good  form  of  C.  Spicerianum,  War- 
burton's  variety.  Odontoglcssum  X  ardentissi- 
mum  var.  xanthotes  and  O.  sceptrum  var. 
Masereelianum  were  also  shown  by  Mr.  War- 
burton. 

Messrs.  Jas.  Cypher  &  Sons,  Cheltenham, 
staged  a  pleasing  display  of  well-grown  Cypri- 
pediums, for  which  a  Silver  Medal  was  awarded. 

Messrs.  Keeling  &  Sons,  Bradford,  were- 
awarded  a  Bronze  Medal  for  a  group  in  which 
two  plants,  viz.,  Cypripedium  x  Actaeus,. 
Grangefield  variety,  and  C.  X  Leeanum  var. 
Dorothy,  received  Awards  of  Merit. 

J.  McCartney,  Esq.,  Bolton  (gr.  Mr. 
Holmes),  was  awarded  a  Silver  Medal  for  a 
miscellaneous  group  of  plants,  in  which  were 
some  good  varieties  of  Laelia  anceps.  Cattleya 
Trianae  var.  Holmesii,  a  flower  of  commendable 
form  and  with  a  richly-coloured  lip,  received 
an  Award  of  Merit. 


February  20,  1909.] 


THE     GARDEN  E  US'     CHRONICLE. 


\  2  5 


E.  Rogerson,  Esq.,  Didsbury  (gr.  Mr.  Price), 
received  Awards  ol  Merit  for  Cypripedium  X 
Transvaal,  Oakdene  variety,  C.  x  Memoria 
Lord  Burton,  and  C.    X   Dicksonianura. 

H.  Arthur,  Esq.,  Blackburn,  showed  a  small 
group  of  Cypripediums.    (Bronze  Medal.) 

Other  exhibitors  were  Messrs.  Robson, 
Altrincham  ;  Shackleton,  Bradford  ;  Craven, 
Keighley ;    and   Bolton,    Warrington. 


COMMONS    AND    FOOTPATHS 
PRESERVATION. 

February  5. — Lord  Eversley  presided  over 
the  monthly  meeting  of  the  Society  held  on  this 
date  at  25,  Victoria  Street,  Westminster.  The 
solicitors'  report  upon  the  provisions  of  Private 
Bills  to  be  introduced  into  Parliament  during 
the  coming  session,  and  under  which  Commons, 
Open  Spaces  and  Rights  of  Way  will  be  sub- 
ject to  interference,  was  presented.  It  was 
stated  that  while  31  Bills  of  this  nature  would 
come  within  the  purview  of  the  Society  thi> 
year,  the  extent  to  which  public  rights  would 
be  interfered  with  was,  on  the  whole,  less  than 
the  average.  The  area  of  common  land 
scheduled  amounted  to  about  320  acres,  the 
most  serious  proposal  being  that  of  the  North- 
Eastern  Railway  to  absorb  178  acres  of  Salt 
End  Pasture  on  the  banks  of  the  River  Humber 
at  Preston.  It  was  resolved  to  oppose  this  Bill. 
The  Great  Western  Railway  proposed  to  acquire 
portions  of  the  Link  Common,  Malvern.  Hunger- 
ford  Common,  Berks,  and  9V  acres  of  Worm- 
wood Scrubs,  Hammersmith,  but  in  each  case 
the  company  had  consented  to  add  to  the  com- 
mon an  area  equivalent  to  that  to  be  abstracted. 
It  was  decided  to  make  representations  to  the. 
London  County  Council  in  order  to  provide 
that  on  the  widening  of  the  highway  at  Tavi- 
stock Square  the  Pine  trees  affected  should  not 
be  cut  down.  The  Society  also  determined  to 
take  steps  to  secure  the  reintroduction  into  Par- 
liament of  its  Public  Rights  of  Way  Bill,  the 
chairman  stating  that  a  number  of  members  had 
undertaken  to  ballot  for  this  measure.  The 
final  arrangements  with  regard  to  the  amicable 
settlement  of  important  footpath  disputes  being 
carried  out  by  the  Society  in  Herts,  and  Sussex 
were  approved  ;  and  the  recently-issued  afforest- 
ation report  was  carefully  considered.  The; 
general  feeling  was  that,  while  in  the  case  of 
some  exceptionally  large  commons  portions 
might  possibly  be  devoted  to  afforestation  with- 
out material  injury  to  grazing  rights,  in  the 
case  of  the  less  extensive  open  spaces'  an  im- 
portant class  of  small  farmers  and  cottagers 
would  be  seriously  affected  if  any  portion  was 
withdrawn  for  tree  planting. 


LEEDS    PROFESSIONAL    GARDENERS'. 

February  8. — The  members  of  this  society 
held  their  annual  dinner  on  this  date.  The 
chair  was  taken  by  the  Rev.  R.  Warburton, 
M.A.,  and  he  was  supported  by  the  Grand  Mas- 
ter of  the  Order  of  Oddfellows,  Bro.  G.  Bamby. 

The  secretary,  Mr.  Geo.  Carver,  stated  that 
the  amount  of  sickness  is  58  per  cent,  below  the 
average.  The  official  valuation  showed  the 
society  to  have  a  solvency  of  20s.  3d.  in  the 
pound,   with   a   surplus   of   £63. 

It  is  suggested  to  devote  the  surplus  funds  of 
the  lodge  to  the  benefit  of  the  aged  and  infirm 
members. 

HORTICULTURAL    CLUB. 

ANNUAL   DINNER. 

February  9. — As  a  fitting  social  pendant  to  the 
annual  meeting  of  the  Royal  Horticultural 
Society,  the  Horticultural  Club  held  its  annual 
meeting  and  subsequent  dinner  at  the  Hotel 
Windsor  on  the  above  date,  under  the  chair- 
manship of  Mr.  Harry  J.  Veitch. 

The  secretary's  report  of  the  progress  of  the 
Club  was  read  at  the  annual  meeting  by  Mr. 
E.  T.  Cook,  and  was  highly  satisfactory.  The 
number  of  members  has  increased  during  the 
year,  and  there  is  a  larger  balance.  A  number 
of  interesting  papers  and  discussions  have  been 
read  during  the  session,  proving  that  the  Club 
has  its  instructive  as  well  as  its  social  side.  This 
has  been  steadily  kept  in  view  for  many  years 
past  and  it  has  added  considerably  to  the  at- 
tractiveness of  the  meetings. 

Ab  'it  80  members  and  guests,  including 
ladie        ..    re     present     at     the     dinner.     The 


tables  were  beautifully  decked  with  flowers, 
while  a  charming  musical  and  vocal  enter- 
tainment was  provided  by  Sir  Frank  Crisp, 
who  was  present  on  the  occasion  and  was 
heartily  thanked  for  his  kindness.  Mr.  George 
Paul  proposed  the  toast  of  the  Royal  Horticul- 
tural Society  in  the  place  of  Sir  Albert  Rollit, 
who  had  hoped  to  be  present.  The  Rev.  Joseph 
Jacob,  M.A.,  responded  in  a  brief  but  humorous 
speech. 

The  Chairman  proposed  that  of  the  Horticul- 
tural Club,  laying  stress  upon  its  educational 
utility,  Mr.  H.  Morgan  "Veitch  replying.  The 
chairman's  health  was  drunk  with  all  the 
honours. 

The  visitors  were  welcomed  by  Mr.  George 
Munro  in  an  appropriate  speech,  Mr.  P.  Ander- 
son Graham  responding  on  behalf  of  the  ladies 
and  other  guests. 

The  health  of  Mr.  E.  T.  Cook,  the  honorary 
secretary,  was  next  proposed,  and,  finally,  that 
of  Sir  Frank  Crisp,  who  had  done  so  much  on 
the  present  occasion  to  enhance  the  enjoyment 
of  all  present  by  engaging  the  services  of  Miss 
Emily  Shepherd,  Miss  Carrie  Herwin,  and  Mr. 
M.  Fred  Rome,  Ernest  Sewell,  Samuel  Masters, 
Charles  Wreford,  and  Herbert  Townsend, 
whose  varied  contributions  of  music,  songs, 
humorous  stories,  experimental  magic,  and  liv- 
ing marionettes  served  to  delight  the  audience. 


PERPETUAL-FLOWERING 

CARNATION. 

(ANNUAL    MEETING  ) 

February  10. — The  annual  meeting  of  the 
above  society  was  held  at  the  Hotel  Windsor  on 
this  date.  Mr.  J.  S.  Brunton  presided,  about 
twenty  members  being  present.  The  minutes1  of 
the  previous  meeting  were  read  and  confirmed. 
The  hon.  secretary,  Mr.  H.  Mathias,  read  a 
letter  from  Lord  Howard  de  Walden,  president, 
regretting  his  inability  to  preside  over  the  meet- 
ing. The  chairman  moved  the  adoption  of  the 
report,  from  which  we  extract  the  following 
paragraphs  : 

At  the  annual  general  meeting  in  1908  the  title  of  the 
Society  was  altered  from  "The  Winter-Flowering  Carnation 
Society  "  to  "The  Perpetual  Flowering  Carnation  Society." 

A  scheme  for  the  registration  of  the  names  of  new  varii  ties 
has  been  adopted.  Nine  new  varieties  have  been  registered 
during  the  year.  A  variety  must  gain  at  least  85  points  to 
entitle  it  to  a  First-class  Certificate,  and  75  points  to  entitle 
it  to  an  Award  of  Merit. 

His  Serene  Highness  Prince  Francis  of  Teck  has  been 
graciously  pleased  to  become  a  patron  of  the  Society.  The 
Right  Hon.  Lord  Howard  de  Walden  has  accepted  the  post 
of  president. 

Two  successful  shows  were  held  at  the  R.H.S.  Hall, 
Vincent  Square.  The  greatly  increased  competition  in  the 
amateur  classes  at  the  December  show,  and  the  high 
quality  of  the  blooms  in  these  classes  have  largely  justified 
the  policy  of  your  committee  in  increasing  the  number  and 
scope  of  classes  for  amateurs'  exhibits. 

Asa  means  of  helping  amateurs,  an  expert  grower  was 
appointed  to  give  an  address  on  "The  Cultivation  of  the 
Perpetual-flowering  Carnation,"  in  the  lecture-room  of  the 
R.H.S  Hall,  on  the  afternoon  of  the  April  show.  On  the 
occasion  of  the  December  show  a  question  box  was  placed 
in  the  hall,  and  a  number  of  visitors  availed  themselves  of  the 
opportunity  of  writing  questions  and  placing  them  therein. 

Your  committee  considered  it  desirable  that  the  Society 
should  be  in  a  position  to  award  medals  of  its  own,  and. 
after  much  deliberation,  a  drawing  was  approved,  and  a  die 
cut.  Donations  to  defray  the  cost  of  medals  are  earnestly 
invited,  or  if  individual  members  will  defray  the  cost  of  one 
or  more  medals  and  place  them  at  the  committee's  dis- 
posal to  be  awarded  as  special  prizes,  they  will  be  much 
appreciated. 

Two  cups  have  been  presented  to  the  Society,  one  by 
Lord  Howard  de  Walden,  and  the  other  by  the  American 
Carnation  Society,  It  has  been  decided  that  these  two  cups 
shall  be  held  as  challenge  cups  in  perpetuity. 

Your  Honorary  Secretary  is  in  correspondence  with  Mr. 
Albert  M.  Herr,  the  Secretary  of  the  American  Carnation 
Society,  on  the  subject  of  the  compilation  of  a  complete 
list  of  perpetual-flowering  Carnations,  with  a  view  to  the 
framing  of  a  list  of  too-much-alike  varieties. 

The  Society  has  lost  seven  members  by  resignation, 
27  struck  off  for  non-payment  of  subscriptions,  and 
one  by  death,  viz.,  Martin  R.  Smith,  Esq.,  a  vice-president 
of  the  Society.  His  loss  is  one  that  will  be  deeply 
felt,  not  only  by  the  members  of  this  Society,  but  also 
by  every  true  lover  of  the  Carnation.  Fifty-one  new  mem- 
bers have  joined  during  the  year,  and  the  total  member- 
ship of  the  Society  at  December  31,  1908,  was  173. 

The  resolution  for  adopting  the  report 
was  seconded  by  Mr.  L.  J.  Cook,  and  carried 
unanimously.  A  vote  of  thanks  to  the  officers 
was  proposed  by  the  chairman,  and  special 
mention  was  made  of  the  admirable  manner  in 
which  the  secretarial  work  was  carried  out  by 
Mr.  H.  Mathias.  Mr.  E.  F.  Hawe:s  as  show 
superintendent  and  Mr.  J.  S.  Brunton  were  also 
entitled  to  thanks.  The  vote  was  carried  with 
acclamation.  The  adoption  of  the  balance-sheet 
for  the  past  year  was  moved  by  Mr.  C.  H.  Cur- 
tis, one  of  the  honorary  auditors  to  the  society, 


who  testified  as  to  the  able  manner  in  which  the 
accounts  had  been  kept.  It  was  resolved  that  the 
offices  of  hon.  secretary  and  treasurer,  which 
have  previously  been  held  by  Mr.  Mathias, 
should  be  held  by  separate  persons.  The  fol- 
lowing were  elected  to  serve  as  officers  of  the 
society  during  the  coming  year :  President,  Lord 
Howard  de  Walden  ;  treasurer,  Mr.  L.  J.  Cook  ; 
secretary,  Mr.  H.  Mathias  ;  exhibition  superin- 
tendent, Mr.  E.  F.  Hawes. 

The  retiring  members  of  the  committee  were 
all  re-elected,  and  the  Rev.  J.  Jacob  was  also 
appointed  on  the  committee.  Messrs.  C.  H. 
Curtis  and  R.  Pinches  were  re-elected  auditors. 
It  was  decided  to  hold  the  annual  dinner  on  the 
day  of  the  spiing  exhibition,  March  24,  at  7.30 
p.m.,  and  Mr.  Hawes  was  asked  to  undertake 
the  arrangements. 


BRITISH    GARDENERS'    ASSOCIATION. 

(LONDON  BRANCH.) 
February  11. — The  monthly  meeting  of  the 
London  branch  of  the  above  Association  took 
place  on  this  date  at  Carr's  Restaurant,  Strand, 
W.C.  There  was  a  large  attendance  to  hear 
Mr.  Chas.  H.  Curtis  lecture  on  "  Kew  Gardens." 
The  lecturer  gave  a  brief  account  of  the  history 
of  these  famous  gardens,  and  described  the 
more  important  features.  The  interiors  of  the 
Temperate  House,  the  "  North  "  Picture  Gallery, 
the  Museums,  the  Herbarium,  the  Lily  House 
with  the  Victoria  Regia  in  flower,  and  other  in- 
teresting parts  of  the  gardens  were  shown  as 
lantern  slides.  At  the  close  of  the  lecture  Mr. 
Curtis,  in  answer  to  a  question,  stated  the  ad- 
vantages offered  to  a  young  gardener  who  spends 
a  period  of  two  years  at  Kew.  The  opportuni- 
ties for  study  and  the  experience  to  be  gained 
were   unobtainable  elsewhere. 


ROYAL  GARDENERS'  ORPHAN  FUND. 

February  12. — The  twenty-second  annual 
meeting  of  the  supporters  of  this  charity  took 
place  on  the  above  date  at  Simpson's,  Strand, 
London.  Mr.  Henry  B.  May,  chairman  of  the 
Executive  Committee,  presided  over  a  somewhat 
limited  attendance.  The  secretary,  Mr.  Brian 
Wynne,  read  the  minutes  of  the  last  meeting, 
and  presented  the  report  of  the  Executive  Com- 
mittee for  1908.     This  was  as  follows:  — 

REPORT    OF    THE    EXECUTIVE    COMMITTEE. 

It  is  with  great  gratification  and  a  deep  sense  of 
thankfulness  that  at  the  close  of  the  twenty-first  year 
of  the  existence  of  the  Fund  the  Committee  is  enabled 
to  present  a  Report  which  they  believe  will  afford  the 
liveliest  satisfaction.  The  receipts  from  all  sources  in 
1908  amounted  to  no  less  a  sum  than  ^2,694  is.  9d. 
More  than  half  of  this  amount  was  obtained  by  the 
appeal  made  at,  and  in  connection  with,  the  Coming- 
of-Age  Festival  held  in  May,  which  will  be  long  remem- 
bered as  an  interesting  event  in  the  history  of  the. 
Fund.  The  Committee  acknowledges  with  deep  grati- 
tude their  indebtedness  to  their  noble  President, 
the  Duke  of  Bedford,  for  presiding  on  that  occasion, 
for  his  Grace's  sympathetic  appreciation  of  the  benefi- 
cent work  which  is  being  carried  on,  his  eloquent 
commendation  of  the  claims  of  the  Fund  to  the 
generosity  of  all  interested  in  gardeners  and  gardening, 
and  for  his  munificent  contribution  of  ^250  to  the 
Festival  dinner  list.  To  Mr.  N.  N.  Sherwood  and 
his  sons,  Mr.  William  and  Mr.  Edward  Sherwood, 
whose  practical  sympathy  with  the  objects  of  the  Fund, 
from  the  day  of  its  foundation,  has  helped  materially 
in  placing  the  charity  in  its  present  position,  grateful 
thanks  are  accorded  for  their  generous  presentation  of 
J6391  Metropolitan  Railway  35  per  cent,  preference 
stock  to  endow  the  "  Maybud  Campbell  Grant  "  of  £13 
per  annum  to  an  orphan  girl  selected  to  receive  same 
under  the  Rules  of  the  Fund.  The  appeal  made  on  the 
initiative  of  Mr.  H.  J.  Clayton,  for  a  special  Coming- 
of-Age  gift  to  the  Fund,  to  be  raised  by  means  of  a 
shilling  collection,  resulted  in  the  receipt  of  the  hand- 
some sum  of  £250,  and  the  Committee  tender  their 
grateful  thanks  to  all  who  assisted  in  bringing  about 
such   an  appreciable  addition  to   the   Fund's   exchequer. 

The  net  result  of  the  year's  work  is  an  increase  in 
income  over  that  of  the  previous  year,  amounting  to 
.6747  ns.  7d.  This  sum  has  enabled  the  Committee  to 
increase  the  Allowances  and  Grants  in  Aid  made  to 
the  poor  children  by  the  sum  of  ^109  17s.  6d.  ;  to  add 
£596  7s.  70..  to  the  Reserve  Fund,  £8$  to  the  deposit 
account,  and  to  increase  the  balance  carried  forward 
by   £77  9s.   2d. 

At  the  commencement  of  1908  there  were  100  children 
receiving  the  full  benefits  of  the  Fund.  Seventeen  more 
were  added  to  the  roll  at  the  annual  meeting,  held  in 
February.  At  the  close  of  December  the  number  on 
the  elected  list  was  104,  whilst  21  of  the  candidates 
awaiting  election,  greatly  being  in  need  of  assistance, 
were  receiving  compassionate  allowances.  The  total 
sum  distributed  among  the  beneficiares  during  the  year 
was  ^r,62t  7s.  6d.,  the  highest  total  yet  reached.  The 
number  of  children  elected  to  receive  the  benefits  of 
the    Fund    since    its    foundation    is    253,    and    the    total 


126 


THE    GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


[February  20,  1909. 


expenditure    in    weekly    Allowances   and    Grants    in    Aid 
.hum-    the   same   period   is   .£19,506. 

The  next  Festival  takes  place  on  Thursday,  May  6. 
at  the  Hotel  Cecil,  when  his  Grace  the  Duke  of 
Rutland  has  most  kindly  consented  to  preside.  The 
Committee  make  this  announcement  with  extreme 
pleasure. 

For  some  years  past  the  Fund  has  greatly  benefited 
by  the  exertions  made  on  its  behalf  by  the  Committees 
of  the  Chesterfield  and  District  Chrysanthemum  Society, 
the  Altrincham  and  District  Gardeners'  Mutual  Im- 
provement Society,  the  Chislehurst  Gardeners'  Mutual 
Improvement  Society,  the  Bradford  Chrysanthemum 
Society,  and  similar  institutions.  The  Committee  are 
glad  to  record  the  fact  that  during  the  year  several 
additional  societies  of  this  character  have  caused  their 
names  to  be  enrolled  among  the  regular  contributors. 
To  "lie  and  all  who  have  helped  the  Fund  in  this  way 
most  cordial  thanks  are  tendered.  The  Committee  also 
again  most  gratefully  acknowledge  the  valuable  support 
accorded  to  the  Fund  by  the  owners  of  private  gardens, 
who  kindly  open  their  establishments  to  the  public  from 
time  to  time  in  aid  of  this  and  other  charities.  In  this 
connection  special  thanks  are  due  to  Mary  Countess  of 
Ilchester,  Sir  Frank  Crisp,  and  Major  John  W.  Dent, 
for   valued    contributions. 

The  Committee  has  again,  unhappily,  to  deplore  the 
loss  the  Fund  has  sustained  by  the  hand  of  death.  As 
former  colleagues,  the  valued  services  of  Mr.  George 
Nicholson  and  Mr.  C.  E.  Osman  are  gratefully  remem- 
bered, as  also  are  the  active  services  rendered  in  the 
early  days  of  the  Fund  by  Mr.  W.  J.  Brewer  and  Mr. 
Henry  Hawkins;  whilst  in  recent  years  Mr.  W.  Neild, 
Mr.  R.  Lye,  and  Mr.  Joseph  Lee,  were  all  devoted 
adherents  to  the  children's  cause.  The  late  Mr.  J. 
Cawthra,  of  Bradford,  and  Mr.  Benjamin  Greaves, 
of  Horsham,  were  annual  contributors,  and  Legacies 
of  £150,  less  duty,  from  the  former  gentleman,  and 
£$b   from    Mr.    Greaves,   are    thankfully  acknowledged. 

The  members  of  the  Committee  who  retire  by  rota- 
tion are  Mr.  W.  Bates,  Mr.  G.  L.  Caselton,  Mr.  C. 
Dixon,  Mr.  H.  B.  May,  Mr.  J.  W.  Moorman,  Mr. 
Whitpaine  Nutting,  Mr.  G.  Reynolds,  and  Mr.  J  H. 
Witty.  These  members,  being  eligible,  offer  themselves 
for    re-election. 

To  the  Auditors,  Mr.  M.  Rowan  and  Mr.  P.  Rudolph 
Barr,  the  Committee  again  tender  their  sincere  thanks 
for  the  valuable  services  they  render  the  Fund  from 
year  to  year  by  their  exhaustive  examination  of  the 
accounts.  The  retiring  auditor  is  Mr.  Barr,  and  with 
great  pleasure  the  Committee  recommends  his  re- 
election. 

In  concluding  this  Report  the  Committee  again  appeal 
with  confidence  to  the  liberality  of  all  those  who  recog 
nise  the  legitimate  claims  of  necessitous  orphans.  In 
the  ranks  of  gardeners,  as  in  those  of  most  other 
callings,  there  are  many  distressing  cases  of  premature 
death.  The  breadwinner  is  suddenly  removed  from  the 
scene  of  his  labours,  whilst  still  young,  and  therefore 
before  he  has  had  time  and  opportunity  to  provide  for 
those  dependent  upon  his  industry.  The  widow,  being 
often  left  with  several  children  of  tender  years,  she 
is  unable  to  use  her  capacity  for  earning  a  living, 
because  her  presence  and  care  are  needed  at  home. 
Surely,  the  cry  of  the  children  is  one  that  we  have  no 
right   or   desire   to  disregard! 

The  amount  of  good  that  follows  the  disbursement 
of  small  sums  to  children  is  out  of  all  proportion  to 
the  sums  contributed,  and  not  only  is  this  the  case, 
but    in    helping    the    children    by    ensuring    to    them    the 


necessities    of    life,    the    heavy    lot    that    oppresses    the 
young    widow    is    materia'ly   lightened. 

The  Committee,  therefore,  believe  that,  in  the  future, 
as  in  the  past,  the  Royal  Gardeners'  Orphan  Fund  will 
receive  such  a  measure  of  support  as  will  enable  it 
to  continue  the  work  it  has  faithfully  discharged  in 
the    past    twenty-one    years. 

The  Chairman,  in  proposing  the  adoption  of 
the  Report  and  Balance-Sheet,  stated  that  there 
was  little  for  him  to  tell  the  meeting,  owing 
to  the  comprehensive  character  of  the  printed 
Report,  which  was  circulated  in  the  room. 
He,  however,  called  attention  to  the  increased 
receipts  during  the  Coming-of-Age  year,  which 
amounted  to  £747  lis.  7d.  over  the  previous 
year.  The  number  of  children  elected  to  re- 
ceive the  benefit  of  the  Fund  since  its  founda- 
tion was  253,  and  the  total  expenditure  in 
weekly  allowances  and  grants  in  aid  during  the 
same  period  was  £19,506.  He  called  attention 
to  the  useful  work  that  several  societies,  men- 
tioned in  the  Report,  continue  to  do  in  the 
interest  of  the  Fund,  suggesting  that  other 
societies  might  help  in  a  similar  manner.  The 
"  shilling "  subscription  was  adopted  on  the 
suggestion  of  Mr.  H.  J.  Clayton  to  signalise  the 
Coming-of-Age  year,  and  this  was  the  means  of 
raising  a  sum  of  £250.  The  resolution  was 
seconded  by  Mr.  Wm,  Marshall,  late  chairman 
of  the  Executive  Committee,  who  said  that  the 
Report  was  entirely  satisfactory.  The  resolu- 
tion was  adopted  with  unanimity. 

Mr.  R.  Hooper  Pearson  proposed  a  vote  of 
thanks  to  the  President  of  the  Fund,  the  Duke 
of  Bedford,  K.G.,  for  presiding  at  the  last 
Festival  Dinner.  He  said  that  the  gratifying 
successes  which  had  attended  the  efforts  of  the 
committee  to  raise  a  record  amount  of  money 
at  the  Coming-of-Age  festival  were  partly  due  to 
the  President's  presence  on  that  occasion  and  to 
his  munificent  gift  of  £250.  The  resolution  was 
seconded  by  Mr.  W.  J.  Cutbush,  and  carried 
unanimously. 

On  the  proposition  of  Mr.  \Y.  Roupell, 
seconded  by  Mr.  George  Gordon,  a  vote  of 
thanks  was  passed  to  Mr.  Edward  Sherwood 
for  his  duties  as  treasurer  during  the  year,  and 
he  was  re-elected  to  fill  the  position.  Mr. 
Rudolph  Barr  was  re-elected  auditor  on  the  pro- 
position of  Mr.  W.  Poupart,  and  seconded  by 
Mr.  W.  Bates. 

Mr.  A.  Dean  proposed  that  the  members  of 
committee  who  retired  by  rotation  and  whose 
names  were  mentioned  in  the  Peport,  should  be 
re-elected.  After  the  motion  had  been  seconded 
by  Mr.  W.  Rates,  the  resolution  was  carried. 


CASH  STATEMENT  FOR  THE  YEAR  ENDING  DECEMBER  31,  1908. 


RECEIPTS. 

To    Subscriptions  :    General 
,,  ,,  Local    Secretaries 

,,    Donations:    General       

,,  ,,  Local  Secretaries 

,,     Subscription     List    at     Annual 

]  'inner        ...  

Less    Expenses  


1887- 1 908  :    Special  Fund  (raised 

by      shilling      Subscriptions) 
"  Maybud      Campbell      Grant  " 

(presented     by     Mr.     N.     N. 

Sherwood    and    his    sons) 
Legacies:    Mr.    James   Cawthra       135 

,,         Mr.    Benjamin   Greaves        50 


£    s.  d. 

-'54    12     0 
79     3     5 


187 

6 

7 

25 

16 

3 

1,141 

17 

6 

2IO 

9 

S 

333  IS 
2"3     3 


931 

250 


185 

25 


••     359 

5 

6 

8 

7 

2  694 
.        8j8 

17 

9 

•4 

£3.502 

19 

I 

,,  Advertisements   in   List  of   Subscribers 
,,  Dividends     on      Stock     and      Interest 

Deposit       

,,  Income  Tax   returned      


Balance  last  Account 


Note — Investments. 

3   per   cent.    London    and    County   Consoli- 
dated Stock ^7,24°  '5     x° 

3  per   cent.   Canada   Stock      2,000    o    o 

L.     &    N.-W.     Railway    4    per    cent.     Pre- 
ference   Stock    ...  340    o    o 

Great    Indian     Peninsula    Railway    Guar- 
antee 3  per  cent.  Stock 514    o    o 

2I   per   cent.   Consols     1,000    o    o 

"Thomson   Memorial   Trust" — 
East    Indian    Railway    B.    Annuity    of    £14, 

cost         43°  11     0 

"  Km  ma   Sherwood    Memorial  " — 
Metropolitan  Water  (B)  3  per  cent.  Stock  516  15  11 

"  Maybud   Campbell   Grant  "— 
Metropolitan    Railway    33    per    cent.    Pre 

fere  nee     Stock  391     o     o 


EXPKNDITURK. 

£    s 
Allowances    to     Orphans        ...  1,486 
Grants    in    Aid       ...         ...         ...      122 

"  Emma    Sherwood    Memorial  "        13 


Secretary's    Salary  

Printing  &  Posting  List  of 
Subscribers  

Rent,   Insurance,  &c 

Printing   &    Stationery 

Advertising...  

Annual  General  and  Com- 
mittee   Meetings,     &c. 

Postages        

Bank    Charges 

Sundry    Expenses   (Petty    Cash) 


•  1 .6  2 1 
US 


3  6 

8  11 

1  6 

o  5 

8  11 

'5  6 

13  10 


Purchase      of      .£242      19s.      8d. 

2j  per   cent.   Consols   ... 
Metropolitan     Railway     35     per 
cent.    Pref.    Stock         


Balances :  Cash  at  Bank 
Cash  in  hand 
Cash      on      Deposit 


?°5  ? 
391  o 


50  7 


582  10  6 
1  6  10 

385 


—  968  17  4 
.£3,502 19  1 


The  Chairman  then  rose  to  propose  the  re- 
election of  Mr.  Brian  Wynne  as  secretary  to  the 
Fund,  at  a  salary  of  £200  per  year.  He  stated 
that  Mr.  Wynne  would  in  future  devote  his 
whole  time  "to  the  work  of  the  Fund,  and  that 
a  new  office  had  been  taken  by  the  committee  in 
Surrey  Street,  Strand.  The  Chairman  paid  a 
high  tribute  to  the  mariner  in  which  Mr.  Wynne 
had  discharged  his  duties  as  secretary  during 
the  10  years  he  had  held  that  position.  After 
the  resolution  had  been  seconded  by  Mr.  W. 
Bates,  it  was  carried  with  acclamation. 

Scrutineers  having  been  appointed,  the  meet- 
ing was  adjourned  until  4.30.  On  reassembling, 
the  following  candidates  were  declared  duly 
elected  :  — 

Result  of  the  Ballot. 

Votes. 

Muriel   H.    Lee  394 

Reginald  T.   Dyer     272 

Louisa  Dyer    ...         ...         ...         ...  263 

John  F.  Campbell 245 

Richard    ].    Lavingtnn         224 

Phyllis  M.   Lee         220 

Edith  M.  Campbell 211 

Gertrude  A.   Stenning         ...         ...  211 

Eva  A.  J.   Tulett      201 

Andrew  Murray         188 

Violet  S.  McCallum 162 

Albert   G.    Moore      162 

James  F.  Thomas     154 

Florence  A.  Gregg    ...  ..         ...  147 

Ethel   E.   E.   Smithers         136 

Elsie  F.  Fulbrook 129 

Arthur  H.  Warren    ...         ...         ...  129 

Ellen  L.  Lavington 107 

Kate  Tebbutt 93 

Albert   E.   Payne       90 

Mr.  Harry  J.  Veitch  congratulated  the  com- 
mittee upon  the  work  of  last  year  and  on  the 
lumber  of  candidates  that  had  been  elected. 
He  said,  however,  that  there  were  five  who  had 
been  unsuccessful  at  the  poll.  Being  uncon- 
nected with  the  management  of  the  Fund,  he 
did  not  know  the  exact  resources  at  the  com- 
mand of  the  committee  after  the  election  that 
had  taken  place  that  day.  But  he  appealed 
to  the  chairman  to  induce  the  committee  to 
stretch  a  point  in  favour  of  the  unsuccessful 
candidates.  If  this  could  be  done,  all  present 
would   be  deeply   grateful. 

The  Chairman  stated  that  the  committee  had 
every  confidence  that  the  public  would  continue 
to  assist  the  Fund.  The  circumstances  of  the 
disappointed  candidates  had  been  taken  into 
c  onsideration  by  the  committee,  and  he  thought 
that  if  it  were  the  desire  of  that  meeting  that 
those  candidates  should  be  placed  upon  the 
Fund  by  resolution,  the  committee  would  not 
oppose  the  motion.  In  addition  to  those  now 
before  the  meeting,  there  were  nine  fresh  candi- 
dates on  the  list  for  next  year.  It  looked,  there- 
fore, as  if  there  would  be  a  big  list  at  the  next 
anniversary  meeting,  and  they  must  look  to  their 
friends  for  increased  support  if  all  the  cases 
deserving  of  help  were  to  be  placed  on  the  Fund. 
Mr.  Veitch's  motion  was  seconded  by  Mr.  George 
Gordon,  and  carried  unanimously. 

The  following  candidates  were  therefore  de- 
clared duly  elected  :  — 

Florence  E.  Ward 89 

Edward   G.  W.  Randall     86 

Elsie  Atkinson           83 

Ann  Laing      ..  80 

Hilda  D.  Whitlock 34 

The  Fkiendly  Supper. 

The  same  evening  the  committee  and  a  few 
friends  dined  together  at  Simpson's.  Mr.  Henry 
B.   May  presided. 


Having  inspected  the  Securities  and  examined  the 
Books  and  Vouchers  supplied  to  us,  we  hereby  certify 
the  above  Account  to  be  correct. 


] nnuary  1$,   IQOQ. 


P.    RUDOLPH    BARR 
M.    ROWAN 


SCHEDULES     RECEIVED, 


National  Sweet  Pea  Society's  ninth  annual  exhibition 
to  be  held  in  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society's  Hall, 
Vincent  Square,  Westminster,  on  Friday,  July  2:1,  1909. 
Hon.  Secretary,  Mr,  C.  H.  Curtis,  Adelaide  Road,  Brent- 
ford, Middlesex. 

Midland  Carnation  and  Picotee  Society's  nineteenth 
annual  exhibition  to  be  held  on  July  28  and  29,  1909. 


February  20,  1909.] 


THE     GA  RDENERS     CHRONICLE. 


127 


MARKETS. 


COVENT  GARDEN,  February  17. 
[We  cannot  accept  any  responsibility  for  the  subjoined 
reports.  They  are  furnished  to  us  regularly  every 
Wednesday,  by  the  kindness  of  several  of  the  principal 
salesmen,  who  are  responsible  for  the  quotations.  It 
must  be  remembered  that  these  quotations  do  not  repre- 
sent the  prices  on  any  particular  day,  but  only  the 
general  averages  for  the  weeU  preceding  the  date  of  our 
report.  The  prices  depend  upon  the  quality  of  the 
samples,  the  way  in  which  they  are  packed,  the  supply 
in  the  market,  and  the  demand,  and  they  may  fluctuate, 
not  only  from  day  to  day,  but  occasionally  several  times 
in  one  day. — Ed.] 
Cut  Flowers,  Ac:  Average  Wholesale  Prices. 


16-26 

16-26 
4  0-50 
6  0-80 
3  0-40 
16-26 


2  6 
1  0 


3  6 
2  0 


s.d.  s.d. 
Acacia      (Mimosa), 

p. doz.  bunches  9  0-12  0 
Anemone    fulgens, 

p.  dz.  bunches 

—  double  pink,  p. 
dozen  Bunches 

Azalea,    per    dozen 

bundles 
Bouvardia,  per  dz. 

bunches 
Calla  sethiopica,  p. 

dozen  

Camellias,   per 

dozen  

Carnations,      per 

dozen  blooms, 

best  American 

various 

—  second  size    ... 

—  smaller,       per 

doz.  bunches  9  0-12  0 
Catileyas,  per  doz 

blooms 
Chrysanthemums 

specimen 

blooms  p.  doz.     2  0-30 

—  smaller,  per 

doz.  bunches  12  0-24  $ 
Cypripediunis,  per 

dozen  blooms.. 
Daffodils,  per  doz. 

bunches 
Dendrobium  nobile, 

per  dozen 
Eucuaiis      graudi- 

flora,  per  doz. 

blooms 

Freesias  (white),  p. 

doz.  bunches  .. 
Gardenias,  per  doz. 

blooms 

Hyacinths  (Roman) 

per  doz.  bchs. 

—  Dutch 

Lilac     (English), 

while,  p.  bunch 

—  mauve 

—  (French),  mauve  4  0- 
Lilium      an  rat  urn, 

per  bunch 

—  fongillorum   ... 

—  lane  i  f  olium, 
rubruai 

—  album 

Lily  of  the  Valley, 

p.  dz.  bunches 


12  0-15  0 


16-26 

3  0-60 
2  6-30 

2  6-36 

2  6-30 

3  0-50 

9  0-12  0 

6  0-10  0 

3  0-50 

3  0-50 
5  0 


2  0- 
4  0- 


2  0-30 
2  6-30 


9  0-10  0 


Lily  of  the  Valley, 
extra  quality  ... 

Marguerites,  p.  dz. 
bunches  white 
and  yellow     ... 

Mignonette,  per 
dozen  bunches 

Myosotis,  per  doz. 
bunches 

Narcissus,  Paper- 
white,  per  dz. 
bunches 

—  Gloriosa 

—  ornatus 

—  Soleil  d'Or    ... 
Odontoglos  sum 

cri  spurn,  per 
dozen  blooms 
Pelargonium  s, 
show,  per  doz. 
bunches 

—  Zonal,  double 
scarlet 

Ranunculus, pel  dz. 

bunches 
Roses,    12  blooms, 

Niphetos 

—  Bridesmaid    ... 

—  C.  Testout     ... 

—  K  ai  se  r i  n  A. 
Victoria 

—  C.  Mermet     ... 

—  Liberty 

—  Mme.Chatenay 

—  Richmond 

—  The  Bride      ... 

—  Ulrich  Brunner 
Snowdrops,  per  dz. 

bunches 
Spiraea,  per  dozen 

bunches 
Stock  s,      double 

white,  per  doz. 

bunches 
Tuberoses,  per  dz. 

blooms 

—  on  stems,  per 
bunch  

Tulips,  per  dozen 
bunches  single 

—  best  double 
varieties 

Violets,  per  dozen 
bunches 

—  Par  in  a  s,  per 
bunch  .. 


Cut  Foliage,  Ac:  Average  Wholesale  Prices. 


Adidiitum  cunea- 
tiuii,  dz.  bchs. 

Agrostis,  per  doz. 
bunches 

Asparagus  plu- 
uiosiis,  long 
trails,  per  doz. 

—  — medni.,bch. 

—  Sprengeri 
Betberis,  per   doz. 

bunches 
Croton  leaves,  per 

bunch  

Cycas  leaves,  each 
Daffodil  foliage,  p. 

doz.  bunches... 
Ferns,    per    dozen 

bchs.  ( English) 

—  (French) 

Plants  In  Pots,  &c 


s.d.  s.d. 


S  0-12  0 
10-20 
0  9-16 


10-13 
16-20 


2  0-26 


2  0- 

0  6- 


s.d.  s.d. 
Ampelopsis      Veit- 

chii.per  dozen  6  0-80 
Aralia  Sieboldh,  p. 

dozen 4  0-60 

—  larger   speci- 
mens        9  0-12  0 

—  Moseri...         ...     4  0-60 

Araucaria    excelsa, 

per  dozen       ...   12  0-30  0 

—  large    plants, 

each      3  6-50 

Aspidistras,  p.  dz., 

green 15  0-24  0 

—  variegated      ...  30  0-42  0 
Asparagus,  plumo- 

sus  nanus,  per 

dozen 12  0-18  0 

—  Sprengeri       ...    9  0-12  0 

—  ten  u  is  si  mus    9  0-12  0 
Azaleas  (Indian),  p. 

dozen 24  0-36  0 

Begonia  Gloire  de 

Lorraine,  p.  dz.  12  0-1K  0 
Cinerarias,  per  dz.  8  0-12  0 
Clematis,  per  doz.  **  0-  9  0 
Co  cos    WeddeUi- 

ana,  per  dozen  18  0-30  0 


4  0-50 
4  0-50 
6  0-90 
9  0-24  0 


Crotons,  per  dozen  18  0-30  0 

Cyclamen,  pr.  doz.  12  0-18  0 

Cy  peru  s   alterni- 

folius,  dozen  ... 

—  laxus,  per  doz. 
Daffodils,  per  doz. 
I)raca?nas,  perdoz. 
Erica  hyemalis.per 

dozen  ...         ...  10  0-15  0 

—  nielanthera    ...  12  0-18  0 

—  Wilmoreana  ...  12  0-18  0 
Euonymus.perdz., 

in  pots 4  0-90 

—  from  the  ground  3  0-60 
Ferns,  in  thumbs, 

per  100 8  0-12  0 

—  in    small     and 

large  60's      ...  12  0-20  0 

—  in  48's,  per  dz.     4  0-10  0 

—  in  32's,  per  dz.   10  0-18  0 
Ficus  elastica,  per 

dozen  

—  repens,  per  dz. 
Genista     fragrans, 

per  doz. 
Grevilleas    per  dz. 


Plants  in  Pots,  ate. 

Hardy  flower  roots, 

per  dozen 
Hyacinths,  per  dz. 

pots       

Isolepis,  per  dozen 
Kentia       Belmore- 

ana,  per  dozen 
—  Fosteriana,  per 

dozen  

Latama  borbonica, 

per  dozen 
Lilium     1  o  n  g  i- 

florum,  per  dz. 


s.d. s.d. 


2  0-30 

2  0-30 

3  0-40 


2  6-26 
16-26 
2  6-36 
2  0-26 


2  0-26 

6  0-80 

60-90 

9  0-12  0 

2  6-36 
2  6-40 
6  0-90 

2  0-40 
2  0-36 
6  0-80 

4  0-60 

5  0-90 
2  6-36 

6  0-80 

16-20 
5  0-80 

2  6-36 


6  0-10  0 
12  0-24  0 


4  0-50 


s.d.  s.d. 

2  0-  2  6 


Galax    leaves,    per 

dozen  bunches 
Hardy    foli  age 

( various),    per 

dozen  bunches     3  0-90 
Honesty    (Lunaria) 

per  bunch       ...     10-16 
Ivy-leaves,  bronze    2  0-  ti  6 

—  long  trails  per 
bundle 

—  short    green, 
perdz.  bunclies 

Moss,  per  gross  ... 
Myrtle,  dz.   bchs.. 

(  E  n  g  1  i  s  h  ) 

small-leaved ... 

—  French 
Ruscus  racemosus, 

3  0  p.  dz.  bunches  18  0    - 

0  9    Suiilax,  p.  dz.  trails    4  0-60 

Average  Wholesale  Prices. 


0  9-16 


16-26 
5  0-  C  0 


10-110 
10-16 


:  Average  Wholesale  Prices  (Contd,). 

s.d.  s.d. 
Lilium  lancifolium, 

per  dozen  ...  12  0-24  0 
Lily  of  the  Valley, 

per  dozen  ...  18  0-30  0 
Marguerites,  white, 

per  dozen  ...  6  0-10  0 
Selagineila,  p.  doz.  4  0-  li  0 
Solanums,  per  doz.  8  0-10  0 
Spiraea  japonica,  p. 

dozen 8  0-12  0 

Tulips    in     boxes, 

per  doz.  bulbs-  0  6-09 
—  in  pots,  per  dz.    9  0-12  0 


Potatos. 


s.d.  s.d 

10-20 

8  0-10  0 
4  0-60 

15  0-24  0 

18  0-30  0 

12  0-18  0 

18  0-24  0 

Fruit:  Average  Wholesale  Prices. 


Apples       Foreign 

—  California 
Newtown  Pip- 
pin, per  case,  4 
tiers      

—  4$  tiers 

—  (American),  per 
barrel  : 

—  Baldwin 

—  Greening 

—  Newtown  Pip- 
pin        

—  Oregon  New- 
town Pippin, 
per  case  (150)... 

—  Do.     (1S6] 

[96] 

—  Do.       (88)  \ 

(80)) 

—  (NovaScotian), 
per  barrel : 

—  Russet 

—  Baldwin 

—  Ben  Davis 

—  Faltawater     ... 

—  French  Russet, 
per  case 

Bananas,  bunch: 

—  Doubles 

—  No.  1        „    ... 

—  Extra        „     ... 

—  Giant        ,,     ... 

—  (Claret) 

—  Jamaica 

—  Loose,  per  i\/.. 
Cape  fruit,  p.  case  : 

—  Peaches 

—  Apricots 

—  Plums 

—  Nectarines     ... 
Cranberries,      per 

case 
Custard  Apples    ... 
Dates  (Tunis),  per 

■  \-  zen  I  ii  ■ 
Figs(Eleme),  p.  dz. 

—  pulled,  per  dz. 


s.d.  s.d. 


8  0-86 
7  0-76 


22  0-24  0 
25  0    — 


25  0-27  0 


13  0    — 

14  6    — 


13  6    — 


19  0-20  0 

20  0-21  0 
17  0 

21  0  24  0 

9  0-96 

9  0-10  0 
6  6-80 
8  0-90 
10  0-12  0 
5  0-76 

5  0-56 
0  6-10 

6  0-10  0 
2  6-60 

2  6-60 
10  0-18  0 

16  0    — 

3  0-12  0 

4  3-46 

4  3    — 

5  0    7  6 


Grape   Fruit,  case 
Grapes,  Gros  Col- 
mar      

—  Alicante 

—  (Guernsey)     ... 

—  (Almeria),    per 
barrel  

Lemons,  box  : 

—  Messina,  300  .. 

—  Do.        360... 

—  per  case,  300.. 
Limes,  per  case  .. 
l.ychees,  per  box... 
Mandarines    (25' s), 

per  box 

—  (96's),  per  box 
Nuts,  Almonds,  per 

bag       

—  Brazils,  new, 
per  cwt. 

—  Barcelona,  bag 

—  Cocoa  nuts,  100 

—  Cob,  per  dozen 
lbs 

Oranges  (Dema) ... 

—  Cal  i  f  or  n  lan 
seedless,  per 
case     

—  (Valencia)  per 
case  (4l0) 

—  per  case  (714)... 

—  Jaffas 

—  Palermo  Blood 

—  Palermo  Bitters 

—  Murcia  Blood, 
per  case  (200)... 

Pears,  Easter 
Beurre,  p.  box 

—  Glou  Morceau, 
per  case 

Pineapples,  each ... 

—  (Natal),  per  dz. 
Tangerines     (Cali- 

fornian),       i  -  i 
cavt  1180-200)... 

—  (Florida),  per 
case  (120-2001... 


s.d.  s.d. 
9  0-13  0 

12-30 

13-26 
0  10-  1  2 

12  6  20  0 

10  0-13  0 

9  0  11  0 

12  0-18  0 

5  0    — 

10-15 

0  8-10 
2  9-36 


50  0  55  0 
32  0-35  0 
11  0-14  0 

16-19 
9  0-16  0 


10  6-13  0 

8  0-16  0 

8  0-14  0 

9  6-10  6 
8  6-96 
6  6-70 


9  6 


11  0    - 
2  0-36 
4  0-60 


10  0-12  0 

18  0-20  0 


Vegetables  :  Average  Wholesale  Prices. 


Artichokes(Globe), 
per  dozen 

—  white,  p. bushel 

—  per  cwt. 
Asparagus,    per 

bundle: 

—  Sprue  ... 

—  Paris  Green  ... 
Beans — 

—  (French),  p.  lb. 

—  (Guernse  y), 
per  lb 

—  I  Madeira),    per 
basket 

—  Niggers 

Beet  root,  per  bushel 

Brussel   Sprouts,  J 

bushel 

—  bags     

Cabbages,  per  tally 

—  per  mat 

—  Greens,       per 
bushel 

Cardoon    (French), 

per  dozen 
Carrots    (English), 

dozen  bunches 

—  washed,  bag     . 

—  unwashed 

—  (French!, p. pad 
Cauliflowers,    per 

dozen      

—  St.  Malo, crates 
112  heads) 

—  Italian    Heads, 
per  basket 

Celery,   per    dozen 

rolls      

Celeriac,  per  doz. 
Chicory,  per  lb.  ... 
Cucumbers,  per  dz. 
Endive,  per  dozen 
Horseradish,  for- 
eign, per  doz. 
bundles 


s.d.  s.d. 

2  0-  2  6 
2  0  — 
36    — 


0  t>-  0  9 

4  0-46 

10-11 

2  6-30 

3  6    — 

3  6-70 

1  0-  1  (l 

2  0-30 

3  6-40 

5  0-60 
3  6-40 

3  6-40 

8  0-10  0 

3  0-36 
2  6-36 
16-19 

2  6-36 

3  0-40 

2  6-30 

3  0-36 

12  0-15  0 

16-26 
0  3±-  0  4 

4  0-70 
16-20 

10  0-12  0 


Kale,  per  bushel  ... 
l.eeks,  12  bundles 
Lettuce     (French), 

per  crate 
Mmt,     per     dozen 

bunches 
Mushrooms, per  lb. 

—  broilers 

—  buttons,  perlb. 
Mustardand  Cress, 

per  dozen  [.mi, 
Onions,  per  bag  ... 

—  (Valencia), case 

—  Dutch,  pr,  bag 

—  pickling,     per 
bushel 

ii    ey,  12  bunches 

—  h  sieve 

Parsnips  perbag... 
Peas  (French),  pkt. 
Potatos,   Sweet, 

per  case 

—  (Algerian), p.  lb. 

—  (French),  p.  lb. 
Radishes  (French), 

per  doz.  bunches 
Rhi'barb  (English), 

forced,  per  dz. 

bundles 
Salsafy,  per  dozen 

bundles 
Seakale,  per  dozen 

punnets 
Spinach,  per  crate 
Savoys,  per  tally... 
Turnips,  per  dozen 

bunches 

—  washed,  p.  bag 
Tomatos     (Tener- 

iffe),   per   bun- 
dle of  4  boxes 
Watercress,        per 
doz 


s.d.  s.d. 
3  6  — 
10-16 

3  6-60 

5  0-60 

0  10-   1  0 

0  8    — 
0  10-  1  0 

1  0    — 

10  6-11  0 

11  6-12  0 
7  0-80 

4  6    — 

2  0-26 
2  0-30 
2  6-30 
0  8    — 

14  0    — 
0  4     — 

0  3-0  3i 

16-26 


0  10-  1  0 
4  0-46 

12  0-14  0 

4  0    — 
9  0-10  0 

2  0    — 

3  0    — 

10  0  20  0 
0  6-08 


8  0-10  0 
6  0-80 


8  0-10  0 
4  0-60 


Rf.makks.— Tomatos  are  very  scarce  and  of  poor  quality. 
Vegetables  generally  are  dearer,  owing  to  the  cold  weather. 
Large  quantities  of  Oranges  continue  to  arrive:  sound 
packages  are  realising  similar  prices  to  those  of  last  week. 
The  trade  in  Lemons  and  Bitter  Oranges  is  very  slow. 
Californian  seedless  and  Jamaican  Oranges  are  arriving  in  a 
splendid  condition.  Fruit  from  Cape  Colony  continues 
to  sell  readily  except  Plums,  which  are  very  plentiful  and 
comparatively  cheap.  E.  H.  R.,  Covent  Garden,  Wednesday, 
February  17,  1909. 


Kents—  s.d.  s.d. 

Snowdrop     4  0-43 

Sliai  pe's  Express  ...  8  6-39 

Epicure 3  0-33 

Up-to-Date 3  0-36 

Lincolns  - 

Royal  Kidney         ...  2  3-29 

British  Queen        ...  S  0-  3  3 

Up-to-Date 3  0-36 

Maincrop      8  6-  3  y 

Rkmahks.— Supplies  are  large  and  the  demand  sm 
London  markets  contain  heavy  stocks  of  Potatos. 
J.  Newborn,  CovctU  Garden  and  St.  Patterns,  February 


Lincolns— 

bbai  pe's  Express  ... 

Ever^ood      

Bedfords — 

Up-to-Date 

Blacklands 

Dunbars— 
Languorthy 
Up-to-Date,  red  soil 
ii        ii      grey  soil 


s.d.  s.d. 
3  0-33 
2  6-30 


2  6 
2  0- 


3  0 
2  6 


4  9-50 
3  9-40 
2  6-30 

all.  The 
Edward 
17. 1909. 


COVENT     GARDEN     FLOWER     MARKET. 

Hardy  flower  roots  are  already  on  sale,  but  the  returrf 
of  frost  has  stopped  the  demand  for  them.  There  arc 
also  seen  Roses,  hardy  climbers,  Conifers,  and  ever- 
greens. The  cold  weather  has  also  affected  business  in 
pot  plants,  but  it  does  not  influence  the  cut-flower 
trade  quite  so  much. 

Pot   Plants. 

Azaleas  are  still  the  most  showy  plants  in  the  market, 
and  supplies  are  over-abundant.  Good  Marguerites  are 
plentiful,  also  well-flowered  Cinerarias  and  Cyclamen, 
but  Genistas  are  only  moderate,  and  their  in- 
florescences do  not  last  long  during  the  cold 
weather.  Begonia  Gloire  de  Lorraine  is  soon 
affected  by  cold,  but  well-flowered  plants  are  seen 
Hyacinths  are  good,  and,  in  addition  to  pots  con- 
taining  three  bulbs,  large  quantities  are  now  grown 
singly  in  3-inch  pots.  Cyclamens,  Primulas,  Ericas,  &C, 
are  also  grown  and  flowered  well  in  small  pots.  Plants 
of  Erica  Wilmoreana  in  45  and  5-inch  pots  are  well 
flowered.  Solanums  are  not  quite  finished,  but  the 
berries  are  getting  over-ripe,  and  fall  off,  unless  very 
carefully  handled.  Some  well-berried  plants  of  Aucuba 
vera  are  seen,  and  these  last  for  a  long  time.  Capsi- 
cums, with   round  berries,  are  very  pretty. 

Ferns  are  not  very  bright  in  the  foliage,  but  the  new 
fronds  will  soon  be  developing.  Supplies  of  small  Ferns 
are  well  sustained.  Palms  vary  but  little,  except  that 
the  demand  has  been  very  limited.  Aspidistras  do  not 
sell  readily,  and  there  has  been  very  little  trade  in 
tender  foliage  plants  ;  as  soon  as  milder  weather  sets 
in  we  may  expect  an  improvement   in  business. 

Cut  Flowers. 

Daffodils  are  more  abundant  and  cheaper.  The  variety 
Emperor  is  good,  also  Victoria,  Princess,  Golden- 
Spur,  and  Sir  Wat  kin.  Princeps  is  seen  in  large  quan- 
tities, but  this  varit-iv  is  lacking  in  quality.  Narcissus 
ornatus  from  English  growers,  and  also  from  the 
Scilly  Islands,  is  abundant.  Soleil  d'Or,  White  Pearl 
(Scilly  White)  and  Paper  Wh.te  are  plentiful.  Early 
forced  Ro-es  are  seen  in  larger  quantities.  Richmond 
is  undoubtedly  the  finest  red  Rose  now  in  the  market ; 
it  retains  its  colour  well,  but  growers  inform  me  that  it 
is  not  so  prolific  in  blooming  as  Liberty.  Caroline 
Testout  seems  to  be  the  best  early  pink  variety.  Joseph 
Lowe  is  another  Rose  that  forces  well.  Carnations  are 
plentiful,  and,  with  increased  sunlight,  the  colours  are 
better*,  there  is  no  improvement  in  their  prices.  Gar- 
denias are  very  scarce,  but  Eucharis  blooms  are  more 
plentiful.  Violets,  both  from  English  nurseries  and 
from  France,  are  over-abundant.  Lilium  longiflorum  is 
not  of  the  best  quality,  but  we  may  expect  a  better 
supply  soon.  L.  speciosum  is  always  known  in  the  mar- 
ket as  L.  lancifolium  :  the  variety  rubrum  is  rather  pale 
in     colmir. 

At  the  first  sale  of  Liliums  for  iqoq  at  Messrs. 
Protheroc  &  Morris'  Rooms,  on  the  10th  inst.,  the  bulbs 
sold  readily,  there  being  a  brisk  competition,  especially 
for  the  finest  bulbs,  which  were  in  splendid  condition. 
Large  quantities  of  Japanese  Irises  were  also  disposed 
of  at  good  prices.  A.  H.,  Covent  Garden,  Wednesday,. 
February   Jj,    iQog, 


THE     WEATHER. 


THE  WEATHER  IN  WEST  HERTS. 

Week  ending  February  17. 
A  nether  cold  week. — The  present  cold  period  has  now  lasted 
11  davs.  Except  on  one  day  during  the  past  week  the  weather 
continued  cold,  both  during  the  dayiime  and  at  night.  On 
the  coldest  day  the  temperature  in  the  thermometer  screen 
at  no  time  rose  higher  than  37°,  and  on  the  coldest  night 
the  exposed  thermometer  registered  14p  of  frost.  The 
ground  still  remains  cold,  being  1°  colder  at  2  feet  deep- 
and  2°  colder  at  1  foot  deep  than  is  seasonable.  Light  rains 
fell  on  three  days,  but  to  the  total  depth  of  only  about 
one-tenth  of  an  inch.  A  few  flakes  of  snow  fell  on  two  of 
those  days.  A  few  drops  of  rainwater  still  come  each 
day  through  both  percolating  gauges.  The  sun  shone  on 
an  average  for  3J  hours  a  day,  or  for  nearly  an  hour  a 
day  longer  than  is  usual  in  February.  The  winds  have 
been  light  during  the  week,  and  have  come  almost  ex- 
clusively from  s*  me  northerly  point  of  the  compass.  The 
mean  amount  of  moisture  in  the  air  at  3  o'clock  in  the 
afternoon  fell  short  of  a  seasonable  quantity  for  that  hour 
by  7  per  cent.  The  double  Snowdrop  came  first  into 
flower  in  my  garden  in  the  spot  selected  for  its  observa- 
tion on  the  15th,  or  6  days  later  than  its  average  date  in 
the  previous  22  vears,  but  3  days  earlier  than  last  year. 
E.  M.y  Berkhamsted,  February  17,  1909. 


TRADE   NOTICE. 


WALLIS  BROS.  LTD.,  HARPENDEN\ 
This  private  company  has  been  formed  with  a  capital  of 
£2,000.  in  £  1  shares.  The  objects  are  to  adopt  an  agree- 
ment between  A.  R.  Searlk  (trading  as  Wallis  Bros., 
horticultural  sundriesman)  and  Mrs.  F.  Wallis,  and  to 
carry  on  the  business  of  market  gardeners,  fruit  growers  and 
merchants,  dealers  in  agricultural  and  horticultural  seeds, 
plants,  &c.  Registered  offices,  Ecclesborne  Villa,  Amen- 
bury,  Harpenden,  Herts. 


128 


THE     GARDENERS    CHRONICLE. 


[February  20,  1909. 


<Stf)ttiuiv)j. 


Sir  George  King.— The  d<-ath  of  Lieutenant- 
Colonel  Sir  George  King,  K.C.I.K.,  F.R.S., 
LL.D.,  occurred  on  the  13th  instant  at  San 
Remo.  Sir  George  King  was  born  in  1810,  and 
entered  the  Bengal  Medical  Service  in  1865.    He 

was  appointed  to  the  Chair  of  botany  at  the 
Medical  College  and  Director  of  the  Royal 
Botanical  Gardens,  Calcutta,  in  1871.  In  1891, 
he  was  appointed  additional  director  of  the 
Botanical  Survey  of  India,  retaining  the  man- 
agement  of   the   gardens.      His   retirement   took 

place  in  1898.     We  shall  publish  an  article  on 

his  life  and  work  in  the  next  issue. 

William  Yates  Gibson.— We  regret  to  record 
the  death  of  this  Aberdeen  seedsman  on  the  7th 
inst.  at  the  residence  of  his  nephew,  Dr.  T. 
Best-Gibson.  The  late  Mr.  Gibson  was  a  native 
of  Lonmay,  and,  when  about  17  years  of  age,  he 
entered  the  service  of  an  Aberdeen  grocer.  Some 
three  years  later  he  became  connected  with  the 
firm  of  Messrs.  Benjamin  Reid  ft  Co.,  seedsmen 
and  nurserymen.  He  had  been  letired  from 
business  for  some  short  time  before  his  death, 
which  occurred  in  his  80th  year. 


DEBATING    SOCIETIES. 


DERBYSHIRE  GARDENERS'. -At  a  meeting  of 
this  association,  held  on  the  22nd  ult.  a  lecture  was  given 
hy  Mr  A.  Shambrook,  of  Sutton  Hall,  on  "  The  Culture 
of  Cyclamen  "  The  lecturer  stated  that  the  compost  he 
considered  best  for  the  final  potting  of  these  plants  was 
a  mixture  of  loam,  leaf-mould,  and  sand,  with  dried  cow 
manure  rubbed  fine  and  a  sprinkling  of  broken  char- 
coal. The  soil  should  not  be  pressed  tightly.  The 
plants  must  never  be  allowed  to  become  dry  at  the  roots. 
After  the  flowering  season  is  over,  active  growth  should 
be  encouraged.  The  finest  blooms  are  secured  from 
plants  about  15  months  old. 

BRISTOL     AND      DISTRICT     GARDENERS'.— 

Mr.  S.  Shaddick  presided  over  a  large  attendance  of 
the  members  of  this  association  on  Thursday,  the  20th 
ult.,  when  a  representative  of  the  Bath  Gardeners' 
Debating  Society,  Mr.  Stokes,  of  Trowbridge,  gave  a 
paper  on  "  Rock  and  Alpine  Plants."  The  lecturer 
stated  that  some  of  these  plants  are  natives  of  cold 
climates,  whilst  others  are  found  in  tropical  reg:ons. 
This  question  of  habitat  must  be  taken  into  con- 
sideration when  planting  a  rockery.  If  a  stream  of 
water  can  be  conducted  through  the  rock-garden  so 
that  it  trickles  down  between  the  stones,  moisture- 
loving  plants  may  be  included.  In  the  case  of  a 
large  rockery  a  few  rambling  Roses  may  be  introduced 
at  the  back.  Mr.  Stokes  showed  photographs  of  some 
noted    rock-gardens. 

At  the   meeting  held  on  Thursday,  February  11, 

Mr.  Tunbridge,  a  representative  of  the  Reading  Association, 
gave  a  lecture  on  "  Hardy  Ferns."  Mr.  Tunbridge  exhibited 
a  collection  consisting  of  fronds  of  more  than  one 
hundred  varieties,  with  their  correct  names. 

READING     AND     DISTRICT     GARDENERS'.— 

A  meeting  of  this  association  was  held  in  the  Abbey 
Hall,  Reading,  on  Monday,  the  25th  ult.  The  chair- 
man, Mr.  A.  F.  Bailev,  presided.  The  lecturer  was 
Mr.  J.  W.  Odell,  of  The  Grove  Gardens,  Stanmore, 
his  subject  being '"  British  Wild  Flowers  in  the  Gar- 
den." Mr.  Odell  illustrated  his  paper  with  a  com- 
prehensive and  beautiful  scries  of  photographic  slides. 
Many  illustrations  of  hard-wooded  plants  were  shown, 
including  the  Wild  Cherry,  Crab  Apple,  Plum,  and 
Dog     Rose.  These     were     followed    by    pictures    of 

native  aquatic,  bog,  rock,  woodland  and  climbing 
plants;  the  lecturer  also  dealt  with  British  Orchids. 
He  deplored  the  practice  of  robbing  the  hedgerows 
and  woods  of  plants  intended  for  sale  by  itinerant 
hawkers.     Several  new  members  were  elected. 

On  Monday,  February  8,  Mr.  W.    Shipway,    of 

Messrs.  Sutton  &  Sons'  Nursery,  gave  a  lecture  on  "  Lawns 
end  Lawn  Grasses."  Mr.  Alderman  F.  B.  Parfitt,  President 
of  the  Society,  occupied  the  chair.  A  number  of  lantern 
slides  were  used  by  the  lecturer  to  illustrate  his  remarks. 
The  following  points  were  dealt  with  by  Mr.  Shipway  : 
situation  and  aspect,  drainage,  preparation  of  the  soil, 
turfing  and  seeding,  sowing  seeds,  varieties  of  lawn  grasses, 
clover  in  lawns,  treatment  of  a  new  lawn,  mowing  and 
rolling,  manures,  &c.     Four  new  members  were  e'ected. 

REDHILL.  REIGATE  AND  DISTRICT  GAR- 
DENERS'*— A  meeting  of  this  association  was  held  on 
February  8.  Mr.  Bound  presided  over  an  attendance  of 
about  70  of  the  members.  A  letter  was  read  from  the 
secretary  of  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society  concerning  the 
Affiliated  Societies  Challenge  Cup.  Mr.  Wells,  Merstham, 
gave  a  lecture  on  the  culture  of  Chrysanthemums.  The 
chairman  announced  that  at  the  next  meeting  Mr.  Cooper, 
from  Reading,  would  give  a  lecture  on  Orchids. 

BIRMINGHAM  GARDENERS'.— The  first  meeting 
of  this  association  for  1909  took  place  on  January  25 
at  the  Athletic  institute,  Birmingham.  Mr.  C.  H. 
Herbert  presided.  Mr.  Thos.  Humphreys,  curator  of 
the  Botanical  Gardens,  Edgbaston,  delivered  an  essay 
on  "  The  History  and  Cultivation  of  the  Rose  for 
Suburban  Gardens."  The  speaker's  remarks  were  illus- 
trated  by   lantern    slides. 


Wrwfm 

Mr 


Book  :  A.  D.  B.    We  do  not  know  of  any  modern 
work   on   the  Pineapple.      The  Culture  of  the 
Pineapple,  by  D.   Thompson,  is  out  of  print, 
but  you  may  be  able  to  obtain  a  copy  from 
the  second-hand  booksellers. 
Eelworm  Infesting  Carnations  Roots  :  ^.  B. 
These  pests  can  be  killed  either  by  dressing 
the  land  with  vaporite  or  with  gas-lime.  As  the 
area  is  2^  acres,  perhaps  it  would  be  cheaper 
to  use  the   latter  substance,   although  it  is   a 
most  objectionable  material  to  employ.    Land 
dressed   with   gas-lime   should   remain    fallow 
for  some  months   afterwards,   or  be  allowed 
to   carry   some   crop   that  is   not   particularly 
valuable.     In  any  case,  do  not  plant  Carna- 
tions on  the  ground  for  some  time  to  come, 
and  when  removing  the  old  plants,  take  care 
to  burn  them  in  the  garden  fire. 
El.eagnus  Dying:  C.  R.    The  fact  of  both  the 
plants  dying  within  a  year  of  each  other  sug- 
gests their  having  reached  an  unsuitable  root- 
ing  medium.     You   will   find   an   account   of 
these  shrubs  in  any  good  book  on  trees  and 
shrubs. 
Employment  in  the  London  Parks  :  W.  D.  H. 
In  the  case  of  those  parks  under  the  control  of 
the  London  County  Council,  forms  of  applica- 
tion for  employment  as  under-gardener  or  un- 
der-keeper   may   be  obtained   from   the   Chief 
Officer,    Parks    Department,    No.    11,    Regent 
Street,  S.W.    The  age  limits  are  from  25  to  40 
in  the  case  of  under-gardeners,  &c.    Vacancies 
as  gardeners  are  as  far  as  possible  filled  by 
promotion,  from  the  ranks  of  under-gardeners, 
of  such  men  as  pass  the  examination  in  prac- 
tical horticulture  held  by  the  Royal  Horticul- 
tural Society ;   and  in  the  other  ranks  by  pro- 
motion.      Conditions   of   employment    in    the 
Royal   Parks,   London,   can  be  obtained  from 
the  respective  superintendents. 
Grapes  Diseased:   A.  D.     The  berries  are  af- 
fected by   black   rot,    caused  by   a   fungus— 
Guignardia  Bidwellii.     As  a  rule  the  disease 
first    attacks    the    leaves.       These    should    be 
sprayed    with   the    Bordeaux    mixture   at   half 
strength   before   the   flowers  appear.      Spray 
the  vines  again  when  the  fruit  is  set  with  eau 
celeste  (ammoniacal  copper  carbonate|. 
Hyacinth  Grown  in  Water:     F.  C.  K.     The 
bulb  is  a  good  specimen,   and  appears  to  be 
constitutionally  sound.     The  roots  have  been 
killed   by   some   check    such   as   frost.      Have 
you  placed  the  vases  in  which  they  are  grow- 
ing in  an  exposed  window  on  frosty  nights? 
Hyacinths  :  /.  P.    The  bulbs  appear  to  be  free 
from   disease,   and   two   of    them     have    suc- 
ceeded satisfactorily.     There  is  some  amount 
of  decay  at  the  base  of  the  third  bulb.     It  is 
not  advisable  to  mix  road  sweepings  with  soil 
intended  for  potting  purposes,  especially  when 
it  has  been  obtained  from  roads  in  suburban 
districts  where  motorcars  are  prevalent.     We 
notice  that  where  the  roots  are  injured  most 
they  are  nearest  to  the  pot :   this  suggests  in- 
jury by  frost. 
Liquid  Manure  for  a  Vine  Border:   Anxious. 
Your  letter  affords  no  clue  as  to  the  strength 
of  the  liquid  manure  which  you  have  applied. 
The  artificial  manure  you  mention   is  a  con- 
centrated  food,  and  this,   in   addition  to  the 
manure    water,    should    prove    ample    in    the 
way  of  feeding.     We  do  not  advise  using  the 
liquid    manure   at    a   great    strength  ;    a   little 
and  often   is  much   better  than   applying   big 
doses. 
Manures  for  Identification  :  Gardener,  Wales. 
Send  the  specimens  to  one  of  the  plant  sun- 
driesmen. 
Names   of   Fruits:    G.    H.    Fearn's    Pippin. — 

F.  D.  Sandringham. 
Names  of  Plants  :  F.  Lurani.  Cytisus  Slipes. — 
J.M.  Cupressus  nootkatensis  (Nootka  Sound  Cy- 
press).— Hort.  Laslia  anceps.—  A.  H.  A  species 
of  Dombeya,  probably  D.  Dawei,  but  the 
specimen  was  too  small  and  incomplete  to  name 
with  certainty.  —Hillfield.  Epidendrum  radicans, 
often  named  E.  r.bizophorum  in  gardens.  —  T.  B. 
1,  Bambusa  palmata;  2,  Arundinaria  japonica 
(Metak£)  ;    3,   A.   nitida ;   4,   A.  nobilis,  known 


sometimes  in  gardens  as  A.  falcata;  5,  Cineraria 
maritima;  6,  Santolina  incana.  (Thanks  for 
Is.  contribution  to  the  R.G.O.F.) — A.  C.  H. 
Ccelogyne  Mayeriana.— /-/.  T.  S.  1,  Odonto- 
glossum  pulchellum  majus;  2,  Oncidium  pulvi- 
natum;  3,  Cypripedium  villosum  ;  4,  Seleni- 
pedium  (Cypripedium)  Sedenii ;  5,  Cypripedium 
venustum  :  6,  Pellea  (Platyloma)  rlexuosa. — 
/.  Y.  1,  Aerides  odoratum  ;  2,  Brassia  verru- 
cosa; 3,  Oncidium  nexuosum  ;  4,  Masdevalfia 
nidifica ;  5,  Stelis  micrantha;  6,  Pleurothallis 
rubens  —  R.  H.  O.  1,  Selaginella  Kraussiana  ; 
2.  Pteris  Iongifolia  ;  3,  P.  hastata  ;  4,  Adiantum 
assimile;  5,  Pteris  cretica. —  IV.  R.  l.Blechnum 
occidentale  ;  2,  Lomaria  discolor. — A.G.  Hel- 
xine  Soleirolii.  a  Corsican  plant.— A',  and  B. 
Not  recognised. — S.  R.     Billbergia  nutans. 

Narcissus  Failing  to  Flower  :  W.  G.  S.  The 
inflorescence  is  present  in  each  case  and  some 
check  has  arrested  their  development.  This 
may  be  due  to  cither  some  cultural  error  or 
a    constitutional   defect   in   the   bulbs. 

Pea  Kaiser  :  P.  W .  To  have  this  variety  suit- 
able for  exhibition  purposes  during  the  second 
week  of  August,  you  require  to  sow  the  seeds 
on  or  about  June  1. 

Plum  Belgian  Purple  :  A'.  M.  This  is  a  valu- 
able culinary  variety,  sometimes  classed  as  a 
dessert  fruit,  ripening  about  the  middle  of 
August.  The  fruits  are  of  medium  size  and 
roundish.  The  skin  is  deep  purple,  covered 
with  a  blue  bloom.  It  is  certainly  worthy  of  a 
place  in  your  garden.  The  Victoria  variety  is 
one  of  the  most  prolific  in  bearing,  and  an 
exceedingly  valuable  kind,  but  it  is  later  than 
Belgian  Purple. 

Pressing  Orchid  Flowers  :  /.  71/.  Oichids  are 
amongst  the  most  difficult  subjects  to  press 
and  dry,  because  almost  invariably  the  flowers 
turn  black.  The  best  plan  is  to  dry  them  in 
heated  sand,  but  in  this  case  you  would  re- 
quire cabinets  for  storing  them.  Try  pressing 
them  with  a  hot  iron  between  pieces  of  blot- 
ting paper.  In  this  way  some  of  the  colour 
may  be  preserved.  We  do  not  know  of  a 
special  work  on  the  subject. 

Pruning  a  Newly-planted  Privet  Hedge  : 
Vanda.  Yon  may  prune  the  hedge  now,  but 
do  not  do  the  work  in  frosty  weather.  If  the 
growths  are  cut  to  within  2  feet  of  the  ground 
the  plants  will  make  a  more  bushy  habit,  as 
the  lower  buds  will  be  forced  into  growth. 

Rhubarb  at  Exhibitions  :  W.  H.  F.  The  ques- 
tion whether  Rhubarb  is  a  vegetable  or  a  fruit 
is  a  very  old  one,  but  it  admits  of  a  simple 
solution,  if  the  true  definition  of  a  fruit — the 
ovary  and  other  parts  of  the  flower  which 
undergo  a  change  as  a  result  of  fertilisation — is 
regarded.  Clearly  the  stalk  of  the  leaf  is 
no  part  of  the  flower.  Although  Rhubarb  is 
not,  strictly  speaking,  a  fruit,  it  is  used  as 
such  for  culinary  purposes,  and  the  compilers 
of  a  flower-show  schedule  should  be  careful 
to  state  that  the  inclusion  of  Rhubarb  in  an 
exhibit  of  vegetables  or  of  fruits  either  is  or  is 
not  permissible,  as  they  may  direct.  Your  case 
is  only  another  example  showing  the  need  for 
care  in  framing  a  schedule  for  a  flower  show. 

Temperatures  Below  Zero:  A.  G.  R.  During 
the  long  frost  of  January  and  February,  1895, 
temperatures  below  zero  were  registered — by 
verified  thermometers  suspended  4  feet  above 
the  ground  in  "  Stevenson "  thermometer 
screens — at  Braemar,  in  the  east  of  Scotland  ; 
Durham,  in  the  north-east  of  England  ;  Ket- 
ton,  in  the  Midland  Counties ;  Drumranlig, 
in  the  west  of  Scotland  ;  and  Colebrooke,  in 
the  north  of  Ireland,  as  well  as  at  other 
meteorological  stations  in  some  of  the  above 
districts. 

Violets  Diseased  :  Mid-Sussex.  The  plants 
are  attacked  by  the  fungus  Cercospora  violae. 
The  fungus  is  present  in  the  soil,  and  the 
plants  can  only  be  freed  from  the  pest  by 
planting  them  for  a  season  in  the  open  ground, 
after  the  old  soil  has  been  shaken  from  the 
roots  and  the  diseased  leaves  removed. 

Communications  Received. — B.  H.  (the  surplus  stamps 
have  been  placed  in  the  R.G.O.F.  box).— W.  F.  1! — 
A.  E.  E.— Sir  A.  B.  H.-H.  W.  W.— L.  G.— I.  G.  VV.— 
M.  C.  P.— C.  T.  D.— Roy.  Meteorological  Soc—  H.  J.— 
G.  H.  H.  W— T.  P.— J.  R.  J.— M.  E.  M.— M.  B.,  Java 
—P.  A.— J.  J.  W.— de  B.  C— J.  D.— J.  D.  G.— W.  B.— 
C.  F.— R.  A.  R.— H.  J.  V.-C.  D.-L.  R.  E.—  T.  ].  H.— 
YV.  A.  C— P.  A.,  Amsterdam— E.  H.  K.,  Haarlem— W.  D. 
— W.  J.  B.— T.  H.-Lord  L. 


February  27,  1909.J 


THE     GARDENERS'      CHRONICLE. 


120 


THE 


#atbcncrs'Cbrontclc 

No.  7,757.— SATURDAY,  February  27,   1909. 


CONTENTS. 


Abutilon,  garden 
varieties  of      ...         ...     131 

Alternation  of  gener- 
ations             ..    136 

Books,  notices  ot— 
Synopsisof  the  British 

Basidiomycetes     ...     131 
Publications  received     137 

Daffodils,  the  new 
R.H.S.  classification 
of 139 

I-n?esias ■--     139 

Pi^nch  gardeners  in 
London 137 

French  garden,  notes 
from  a 132 

Frost,  damage  by         ...    137 

Gardener's  golden  wed- 
ding         137 

Gardeners'  Royal  Bene- 
volent Institution     ...    137 

Haarlem  international 
bulb  show       137 

Hardy  flower  border— 
Green-flowered  Helle- 
bores   132 

King,  Sir  George,  the 
late         138 

Lady  gardeners  at  din- 
ner       137 

Lindley  Library,  the  ...     140 

Margam  Park,  Glamor- 
ganshire      129 

Moody,  Mr.  M.,  retire- 
ment of 137 


Nitro-Bacterine,  experi- 
ments with      

Obituary — 
Ward,  Mrs.  Robert  ... 

Orchid  notes  and  glean- 
ings         

Primula  sinensis,  an  in- 
fertile type  of 

Rosary,  the — 
Notes      on     climbing 
varieties        

Seeds       for       tropical 
countries         

Societies — 
Ghent  Horticultural... 
National   Chrysanthe- 
mum ... 

Protection  of  Birds... 
Royal  Horticultural ... 

Trees   and    shrubs    for 
winter  effect  ... 

Vegetables,   prizes   for, 
at   Shrewsbury  show 

Week's  work,  the— 

Apiary,  the     

Flower  garden,  the  ... 
Fruits  under  glass  ... 
Hardy  fruit  garden  ... 
Kitchen  garden,  the... 
Orchid  houses,  the  ... 
Plants  under  glass  ... 
Public  parks  and  gar- 
dens     


133 
137 
142 

142 
142 
140 


13D 

135 
134 
134 
184 
135 
134 
135 


ILLUSTRATIONS. 

Apple  Barnack  Beauty 

Bee-hive,  appliance  for  fixing  comb  foundation  in  a... 

Begonia  Gloire  de  Sceaux  as  grown  at  Margam  Park 

King,  the  late  Sir  George        

Margam  Park,  Glamorganshire,  views  at  (Supple- 
mentary Illustration) 

Odontoglossum  ardentissimum  "Phoebe"        

Odi  i  t  possum  crispo-Harryanurn,  a  remarkable 
specimen  of     

Orangery  at  Margam  Park,  Glamorganshire     ... 


142 
L35 

130 
138 


132 


133 
129 


MARGAM  PARK. 

(See  figs.  55  and  56  and  Supplementary  Illustration.) 

WALES  abounds  in  places  of  interest 
to  the  garden  lover  as  well  as  the 
historian  and  antiquarian.  Such  is 
Margam,  a  name  derived  from  Morgan, 
the  son  of  Caradoc  ab  Jestyn,  and  Lord  of 
Glamorgan,  who  was  a  great  benefactor,  if 
not  the  actual  founder,  of  the  famous  abbey, 
now  in  ruins. 

The  first  name  of  the  place  was  probably 
"  Pendar, "  or  "  The  Oak  Summit,"  descrip- 
tive of  the  oak-wooded  eminence  800  feet  in 
height  which  forms  its  background.  Though 
many  centuries  have  passed,  the  same  fea- 
tures remain,  and  the  Oak  to-day,  in  its 
monarchial  stateliness,  tranquilly  surveys  its 
modern,  as  it  did  its  old-world,  surroundings, 
and  will  witness  the  changes  in  the  years  to 
come. 

About  the  middle  of  the  16th  century  a 
residence  was  built  partly  on  the  site  of  the 
old  abbey  by  Sir  Rice  Mansel,  Kt.,  who  had 
purchased  the  property  probablv  at  the  time 
of  the  Dissolution.  The  present  mansion, 
however,    a   far   more  pretentious  structure, 


which  took  14  years  to  erect,  was  completed 
in  1S40  by  the  late  C.  R.  Mansel  Talbot,  Esq., 
M.P.,  who,  for  many  years  before  his  death 
in  1890,  was  "  Father  of  the  House  of  Com- 
mons." A  father  to  his  own  people  also,  both 
on  his  estates  and  over  a  wide  encircling 
area.  The  whole  county  of  Glamorgan  bene- 
fited much — particularly  its  churches — by  his 
beneficence. 

It  might  be  mentioned  in  passing  that  a 
bishopric  was  established-  at  Margam  at  a 
very  early  date,  probably  by  Morgan  Mwyn- 
fawr — "  Morgan  the  Courteous,"  son  of  the 
great  King  Arthur— but  after  several  succes- 
sions it  was  merged  in  that  of  Llandaff. 

The  Supplementary  Illustration  conveys  an 
excellent  impression  of  the  mansion,  but,  un- 
fortunately, does  not  include  the  pretty  terrace 
garden,  which  occupies  the  space  between 
the  park  wall  and  the  house.  Filled  with 
masses  of  highly-coloured  subjects  of  the 
usual  summer-blooming  varieties,  at  the  time 
of   our    visit    this    garden    was    exceedingly 


with  great  care  from  further  decay  by  Miss 
Talbot,  the  present  owner.  A  few  years  ago, 
seedling  trees  had  taken  possession  of  the 
crumbling  portions  of  the  walls,  and  had  been 
allowed  to  grow  to  considerable  size,  but  the 
masonry  is  now  clear,  and  demolition  from 
this  cause  has,  consequently,  been  arrested. 

The  Margam  Orange  trees  have  a  long  his- 
tory, and  I  therefore  inspected  one  of  the 
magnificent  specimens  with  a  feeling  akin  to 
reverence.  The  following  quotation  is  from 
Lewis'   Topographical  Dictionary  of   Wales, 

"  In  the  midst  of  the  pleasure  grounds  is  a 
splendid  orangery,  an  unusual  appendage  to 
a  gentleman's  residence,  but  there  is  no  re- 
cord in  existence  showing  the  period  of  its 
establishment.  According  to  tradition,  this 
celebrated  collection  of  Exotics  was  intended 
as  a  present  from  a  Dutch  merchant  to. 
Queen  Mary,  Consort  of  William  III.,  but 
the  vessel  conveying  it  having  been 
stranded  on  the  coast  here,  the  choice  cargo 
was  claimed  as  the  property  of  the  Lord, 
and  a  house  150  feet  in  length  was  built  for 


Fig.  55.— the  orangery  at  margam  park,  Glamorganshire. 


gay.  Distinctly-designed  beds,  in  four  large 
squares  of  Grass,  surrounded  by  a  still 
greater  breadth  of  warmly-coloured  gravel 
and  relieved  by  erect  plants  of  Irish  Yews, 
form  the  arrangement  of  this  garden.  From 
the  terrace,  across  the  beautiful  park,  with 
its  500  head  of  deer,  an  uninterrupted  view 
of  the  Bristol  Channel  is  obtained,  with  the 
numerous  passing  craft  which  provide  a  con- 
stantly changing  panorama;  whilst  land- 
ward, over  a  pretty  undulated  foreground, 
some  of  the  local  docks,  with  their  forest  of 
masts  appear,  and  beyond  is  the  curved  out- 
line of  the  lovely  Swansea  Bay,  with  the 
peninsula  of  Gower  in  the  distance. 

Decending  by  way  of  a  broad,  gravelled 
pathway  and  several  flights  of  stone  steps, 
the  visitor  comes  upon  the  ruins  of  the 
ancient  abbey,  said  to  be  the  very  earliest  of 
the  monastic  houses  set  up  in  this  part  of  the 
country.  As  a  link  with  the  past,  and  for 
their  picturesque  value  in  this  spot,  these 
ruins  are  most  interesting,  and  are  preserved 


the  reception  of  the  plants.  The  late  Mr.  Tal- 
bot, in  the  year  1787,  built  a  new  greenhouse 
327  feet  in  length,  with  a  handsome  Palladian 
front  and  a  room  at  each  end,  and  in  1800  a 
conservatory  150ft.  long,  with  flues  in  the 
ground.  There  are  about  110  trees  in  the 
greenhouse,  all  standards,  planted  in  square 
boxes,  and  many  of  them  18ft.  high ;  those 
in  the  conservatory,  40  in  number,  are  traced 
against  a  trellis  framing,  where  the  fruit, 
which  is  usually  abundant,  attains  its  native 
size  and  flavour." 

Two  of  the  original  trees  still  exist,  and 
several  others  are  certainly  very  old.  The 
collection,  by  its  vigorous  health,  testifies  to 
the  skilful  care  bestowed  upon  the  trees. 
About  40  specimens,  some  of  them  20  feet 
high,  in  large  tubs,  occupy  in  summer  an 
ideal,  greensward  position  encircling  a  water 
fountain.  They  are  wintered  in  the  large 
orangery,  which  is  an  exquisite  piece  of 
garden  architecture  (see  fig.  55). 

Tub  gardening,  now  becoming  more  com- 
mon,  has   long  been   practised  at  Margam, 


130 


THE     GARDENERS'    CHRONICLE. 


[February  27,  1909. 


and  in  the  vicinity  of  the  orangery  may  be 
seen  beautiful  and  large  plants  of  Hydrangea 
hortensis,  Brugmansia,  Agapanthus,  Citrus, 
Myrtle,  Eugenia  Ugni  ;  Oleander,  Lime, 
Camellia  and  the  lovely  Clethra  arborea,  all 
in  large  tubs,  with  Palms  and  other  foliage 
plants,  making  a  distinct  and  admirable  fea- 
ture in  harmony  with,  and  indeed  enhancing 
the  architectural  effect. 

I   quote  again   from   Lewis'   work  as  fol- 
lows : — 

"  The  evergreens  cultivated  in  the  grounds 
surrounding  the  orangery  are  healthy  and 
luxuriant.  Among  these  a  Bay  tree,  sup- 
posed to  be  the  largest  in  the  world,  sprout- 
ing from  the  ground  in  several  branches,  is 
the  most  remarkable,  being  upwards  of  60ft. 
in  height  and  40ft.  in  diameter." 

There  are  several  fine  "Bays,"  but  the  one 
above-mentioned  is  a  giant,  and  now  mea- 


trees,  a  fine  example  of  the  Oak-leaf  Beech 
and  a  good  specimen  of  Libocedrus  decurrens. 
I  missed  a  veteran  tree  that  had  successfully 
withstood  many  a  storm,  for  it  had  suc- 
cumbed at  last  to  a  storm  early  in  1907.  It 
was  an  old  Chestnut,  and  was  a  landmark 
near  the  mansion. 

Nestling  between  and  protected  by  the  fore- 
named  trees,  there  is  a  wealth  of  good  sub- 
jects, thriving  in  the  utmost  luxuriance. 
Hybrid  Rhododendron  and  Azaleas,  pro- 
fusely flowered ;  Hydrangeas  (most  of  them 
having  flowers  of  the  deepest  of  blue,  and  one 
of  the  plants  measuring  20  feet  across); 
Olearia  Haastii  and  O.  macrodonta,  the  latter 
species  18  feet  through  ;  Rhus  Cotinus  ;  Arbu- 
tus Unedo,  and  A.  Andrachne ;  masses  of 
Phormium  tenax  ;  Halesia  tetraptera,  30  feet 
across;  Berberis  vulgaris,  as  large;  and,  on 
the    wall    of    the    church     standing    in     the 


FlG.    56. — WINTER-FLOWERING    BEGONIA    GLOIRE    DE    SCEAUX    AT    MARGAM    PARK. 
LARGEST    PLANT    5    FEET    HIGH    AND    3    FEET   IN    DIAMETER. 


s'ures  80  feet  in  height  and  60  feet  in  dia- 
meter, a  superbly-clothed  pyramid.  The 
following  also,  with  their  dimensions,  are 
perhaps  equally  noteworthy  : — Picea  Morinda 
(syn.  Smithiana),  95  feet;  Platanus  orientalis 
(Oriental  Plane),  with  a  spread  of  90  feet ; 
Liriodendron  tulipifera  (Tulip  tree),  100  feet; 
Sequoia  gigantea,  90  feet;  Ouercus  Ilex,  65- 
70  feet  high,  3"d  a  diameter  of  75  feet.  Two 
grand  Stone  lines  (Pinus  Cembra)  occupy 
sites  at  either  end  of  the  orangery,  and  a 
specimen  of  Pinus  halepensis,  a  Pine  rarely 
seen  in  this  country,  75-80  feet  high,  in  capi- 
tal condition,  is  also  worthy  of  note. 

Beside  these  are  some  veteran  Larch  and 
massive    Beech,    Sycamore,    Elm   and    Lime 


grounds,  Magnolias,  Wistaria,  Myrtle, 
Roses,  &c,  seemed  to  fully  appreciate  their 
sacred  privilege ;  I  admired  also  Clianthus 
puniceus  doing  well  against  a  wall. 

The  Bamboo  Garden- 
Is  a  modern  institution,  but  here,  at  least,  it 
is  eminently  successful.  Mr.  Milner,  the 
head  gardener,  with  true  instinct,  discovered 
both  the  spot  and  the  treatment,  and,  aided 
by  conditions  of  pure  air  and  wind  shelter,  the 
progress  made  in  six  or  seven  years  has  been 
extraordinary.  A  plant  of  Arundinaria  fal- 
cata  is  18  feet  or  more  in  height,  and 
24  feet  across;  while  a  plant  of  A.  nitida  is 
scarcely  less.    About  twenty-four  varieties  are 


grown,  including  Arundinaria  falcata,  A. 
japonica  (syn.  Bambusa  Metake),  A.  nitida, 
Phyliostachys  aurea  (syn.  Bambusa),  P. 
nigra,  Arundinaria  Hindsii,  Bambusa  gracilis 
and  B.  palmata.  Mr.  Milner  informed  me 
that  these  plants  had  been  subjected  to  as 
much  as  20  degrees  of  frost. 

A  Rose  pergola  garden  has  b^n  developed 
within  the  last  few  years.  The  pergola  spans 
a  fairly  wide  Grass  walk,  and  describes 
a  semi-circle,  the  entrance  begin  marked 
by  a  pair  of  Italian  pillars.  The  wood- 
work is  of  Larch,  stoutly  built,  but  the 
arrangement  suggests  lightness.  It  is 
draped  with  Roses  of  the  best  colours,  whilst 
at  intervals  are  standards  of  the  Wichuraiana 
and  Polyantha  varieties,  sufficiently  far  from, 
but  running  the  length  of,  the  pergola  on 
either  side.  The  scheme  produces  a  most 
pleasing  effect,  which  is  heightened  by  a 
background  of  the  Himalayan  Briar  Rose 
Leuchtstern  and  other  Polyantha  sorts  and 
species.  Some  Italian  vases  were  prominent 
in  a  bed  of  tall  Lilies,  and  there  were  beds  of 
mixed  Larkspur  so  placed  as  to  complete  a 
most  artistic  picture. 

Space  forbids  me  to  dwell  at  length  upon 
the  other  departments  of  the  garden,  or  much 
might  be  written  of  the  fruit    trees    in    the 
kitchen  garden,  the  cordon  Pears  and  trained 
Peaches  on  walls,  which  invariably  carry  and 
furnish  fine  crops  of  delicious  fruit,  the  Roses 
and  herbaceous  plants.     About  Soo  plants  of 
the   best   varieties    of    Carnations   are   culti- 
vated; the  display,  when  they  are  in  bloom, 
can  be  easily  imagined.     A  large  number  of 
plants  of  Calanthe  Veitchii  arrest  attention, 
their  health   and   vigour  giving   promise  of 
good  bloom  later.     In  a  back  stove  there  are 
several    big    pots    of    Eucharis    grandiflora, 
Codiasums    (Crotons),    Cordyline    (Dracaena) 
and    the    usual,     useful,    decorative    plants. 
Orchids  are  represented  by  numbers  of  the 
more   useful   decorative   species  of   Cypripe- 
dium,     Coelogyne,     Dendrobium,     Cattleya, 
&c.  ;  one  house  is  devoted  chiefly  to  Odonto- 
glossums.     Among  Anthuriums  1  noticed  one 
of  the  Andreanum  type  labelled  "  Fletcheria- 
num,"  a  large  and  very  dark-coloured  form. 
The   indispensable    Begonia   Gloire  de    Lor- 
raine  is  largely  grown,   also   B.   Gloire  de 
Sceaux,   the   last-named   forming   specimens 
7  feet  in  height  (see  fig.  5(1).       The  largest 
plant  shown  in  the  photograph  (see  fig.  56) 
was  5  feet  high  and  3  feet  in  diameter.     The 
plants  were  raised  from  cuttings  inserted  in 
March,    and    they   commenced    to   bloom    in 
November,  being  then  in  10-inch  pots.     One 
of  the  plants  kept  beautifully  fresh,  although 
placed   in   a  dwelling   room    for    a    month. 
About    500    Chrysanthemums   are  grown    in 
bush  form,  whilst  about  200  others  are  cul- 
tivated expressly  for  large  blooms.     The  cul- 
tivation of   fruits  under    glass    is    attended 
with   great   success,   and   Mr.    Milner  ranks 
amongst    leading    fruit    growers.     Madres- 
field   Court    Grapes    are    produced   of  great 
size  and  perfect  finish,  as  also  are  Muscat  of 
Alexandria,     Black    Hamburgh,     Black    Ali- 
cante, &c.       Indoor  Peaches  and  Nectarines 
are  also-  of  the  best.     The  whole  establish- 
ment is  managed   with  that  skill  and  fore- 
thought which  commands  success. 

To  such  a  generous  patron  of  gardening 
as  Miss  Talbot,  the  splendid  results  achieved 
must  indeed  be  gratifying.     A.  P.  Rowler. 


February  27,  1809.] 


THE    GARDENERS'      CHRONICLE. 


131 


GARDEN  VARIETIES  OF  ABUTILON. 

Though  some  of  the  original  species  of  Abu- 
tilon  have  been  long  grown  in  this  country,  the 
garden  varieties,  which  are  now  so  numerous, 
are  of  recent  production.  The  first  stimu- 
lus to  the  raising  of  hybrid  forms  was  the  in- 
troduction from  Brazil,  in  1871,  of  the  bronzy- 
red  flowered  A.  Darwinii,  which,  in  addition  to 
its  other  desirable  qualities,  flowers  very  freely 
in  a  small  state.  A  year  after  this,  viz.,  in  1872, 
M.  Lemoine,  of  Nancy,  distributed  the  pure 
white-flowered  variety,  Boule  de  Neige,  of  whose 
origin  I  can  learn  nothing.  At  all  events,  this 
beautiful  form  soon  became  popular,  and  even 
to-day  holds  its  own  as  one  of  the  best  of  Abu- 
tilons with  white  blossoms. 

The  intercrossing  of  these  two  was  taken  in 
hand  by  many  raisers,  notably  by  Mr.  George, 
of  Putney,  and  MM.  Lemoine  and  Delaux  in 
France.  A  noticeable  fact  in  connection  with 
the  union  of  these  two  varieties  is  the  wide 
range  of  colour  found  in  the  progeny.  In  some 
of  them,  the  original  colour  of  one  or  other  of 
the  parents  is  completely  eliminated.  The  same 
thing  occurs  in  the  now  popular  Javanese  Rho- 
dodendrons, fir  the  union  of  the  white-flowered 
Rhododendron  jasminiflorum  and  the  deep 
orange-coloured  R.  javanicum  resulted  in  the 
production  of  the  pink-flowered  hybrid  Princess 
Royal. 

Returning  to  the  Abutilons,  it  may  be  noted 
that  it  was  not  long  before  many  garden  varie- 
ties, with  blossoms  of  varied  tints,  were  put  into 
commerce.  By  the  early  'eighties,  white,  pink, 
yellow,  purple,  as  well  as  different  shades  of  red, 
were  represented  among  them.  A  glance  at  the 
list  ni  plants  i  ertificated  by  the  Royal  Horticul- 
tural Society  serves  to  show  that  the  whole  of 
the  seven  varieties  of  this  class  that  were  so 
honoured,  received  the  Certificate  between  1875 
and  1882.  From  that  time  Abutilons  became 
very  popular,  and  remained  so  for  some  years  ; 
then  came  a  period  when  this  section  appeared 
to  be  somewhat  overshadowed  by  the  variegated- 
leaved  forms,  of  which  there  are  several  in  cul- 
tivation. Of  late,  however,  there  are  signs  of 
increasing  interest  in  Abutilons  as  flowering 
plants,  stimulated,  perhaps,  to  a  certain  extent, 
by  newer  forms  sent  here  from  the  Conti- 
nent. Some  of  these  are  characterised  by 
very  large  flowers,  more  or  less  semi-double  in 
character,  which,  instead  of  being  strictly 
drooping,  as  are  most  of  the  others,  are  dis- 
posed horizontally,  or  nearly  so.  Though  dis- 
tinct, they  are,  to  my  mind,  less  pleasing  than  the 
older  kinds,  but  no  doubt  they  are  admired  by 
some.  One  of  this  class,  viz.,  Triomphe,  with 
pink  flowers,  was  noted  in  good  CO  ulition  at  the 
last  Holland  Park  Show.  A  second  variety  of 
this  section,  Jour  de  Fete,  has  straw-coloured 
blossoms.  In  both,  the  flower-stems  are 
shorter  and  stouter  than  in  the  forms  generally 
seen,  and  are  therefore  able  to  support  the 
flowers  in  an  almost  horizontal  position.  There 
are  many  purposes  for  which  Abutilons  may  be 
advantageously  employed  in  gardens.  They 
may  be  grown  as  bushes  and  used  for 
the  embellishment  of  the  greenhouse  or  con- 
servatory throughout  the  summer  months.  In 
this  way  the  blooms  are,  from  their  pendu- 
lous character,  not  always  seen  to  the  best  ad- 
vantage. Hence  they  are,  by  some,  grown  as 
standards,  and  thus  the  flowers  are  brought 
more  on  a  level  with  the  eye.  For  furnishing 
the  pillars  or  walls  of  a  greenhouse  many  of 
the  varieties  are  very  suitable  ;  but  the  finest 
position  of  all  is,  I  think,  when  they  are  trained 
to  clothe  the  roof  of  a  glass  structure,  as  may 
be  seen  in  No.  4  greenhouse  at  Kew.  Treated 
in  this  way  they  flower  profusely,  and  pro- 
duce a  canopy  of  drooping,  bell-shaped  blos- 
soms. 

During  the  summer  months  Abutilons  may  be 
planted  out-of-doors,  and  they  are  often  used  in 
mixed   beds  of  flowering   plants. 

Of    the     numerous     varieties     in    cultivation, 


Boule  de  Neige  is  a  good  white,  Golden  Fleece 
a  fine  golden-yellow  flower,  Sanglant  a  rich  red, 
and  rosaeflorum  a  silvery-rose  variety. 

Among  variegated-leaved  varieties  are : — 
Thompsonii,  an  old  and  tall-growing  form,  whose 
lobed  leaves  are  mottled  with  cream  ;  Souvenir  de 
Bonn,  a  form  of  A.  striatum,  in  which  the  hand- 
some, lobed  leaves  are  broadly  but  irregularly 
edged  with  white  ;  Savitzii,  something  like  a  less 
vigorous  form  of  the  preceding,  but  much  more 
freely  variegated  ;  Darwinii  tessellation,  whose 
leaves  are  curiously  checkered  with  different 
shades  of  yellow  and  green  ;  and  a  variegated- 
leaved  form  of  the  slender-growing  A.  vexil- 
larium,  often  met  with  under  the  specific  name 
of  megapotamicum. 

Of  the  original  species  may  be  especially  men- 
tioned A.  insigne,  A.  striatum,  A.  venosum,  and 
the  just-mentioned  A.  vexillarium. 

One  of  the  best  of  all  Abutilons  is  A.  viti- 
folium,  but  to  see  this  in  perfection  the  south- 
west of  this  country,  or  some  parts  of  Ireland, 
where  it  flourishes  outdoors,  must  be  visited; 
for  under  greenhouse  treatment  it  is  not,  as  a 
rule,  a  success.     W. 


TREES   AND  SHRUBS. 

TREES  AND  SHRUBS  FOR  WINTER 
EFFECT. 

Trees  and  shrubs  that  are  decorative  in  the 
dull  days  of  December  and  January  can  be  pur- 
chased cheaply  and  cultivated  easily,  yet  in 
many  cases  Laurels  and  Piivet  aie  the  only  sub- 
jects planted. 

A  winter-garden  in  the  open  may  be  easily 
formed.  Its  situation  should  be  sheltered  from 
the  north  and  ease  winds,  not  that  the  plants 
require  shelter,  but  because  the  plants  can 
then  be  inspected  with  more  comfort  dur- 
ing cold  weather.  If  shelter  is  not  naturally 
afforded  by  the  contour  of  the  ground  or  by 
big  trees,  it  can  easily  be  seemed  by  planting 
Austrian  and  Scotch  Pines,  the  dark  green  of 
the  former  contrasting  well  with  the  glaucous 
foliage  and  brown  trunks  of  the  latter  These, 
with  a  clump  or  two  of  Birch,  and  perhaps  a 
few  Hollies,  will  soon  be  high  enough  to 
break  the  cold  winds,  and,  in  addition,  be 
pleasing  to  the  eye  in  winter.  No  tree 
is  more  beautiful  in  this  countrv  in  win- 
ter than  the  Birch,  with  its  silvery-white 
trunk  and  graceful,  drooping  branches.  It 
thrives  in  poor,  stony  soils,  and  there  are  very 
few  well-drained  soils  of  any  kind  in  which  the 
Birch  will  not  grow.  Some  of  the  Willows  are 
particularly  prominent  in  winter  by  reason  of 
the  colour  of  their  leafless  stems,  but  more 
especially  Salix  vitellina  in  its  red-  and  yellow- 
stemmed  varieties.  S.  daphnoides  (the  Violet 
Willow)  with  bluish-white  bloom  on  its 
branches,  and  S.  triandra  with  purplish-brown 
stems  are  both  to  be  recommended.  The 
Willows  are  most  effective  when  growing 
near  water,  though  they  also  do  well  on 
drier  ground.  The  colour  is  more  intense 
on  the  young  stems,  therefore  the  trees  should 
be  pruned  hard  just  as  growth  is  commencing, 
after  which  the  young  shoots  will  develop  to  a 
height  of  6  feet  or  more  by  the  following 
autumn  and  furnish  a  fine  display  of  colour 
after  the  fall  cf  the  leaf.  Some  of  the  Cornels 
also  have  coloured  stems  in  the  winter,  the 
bright-red  of  Coinus  alba  and  C  a.  var.  sibirica 
being  particularly  showy.  C.  stolonifera  var. 
flaviramea  has  yellcw-coloured  stems.  These 
Cornels  are  the  better  for  being  cut  down 
annually  ;  the  young  growths  reach  a  height 
of  3  feet  to  4  feet.  Rubus  biflorus  is  a  native 
of  the  Himalayan  region.  The  intensely  blue- 
white  canes  grow  to  a  height  of  8  feet  or  more  ; 
they  give  a  touch  of  colour  to  the  garden  in 
winter  ;  so  also  does  R.  lasiostylus,  a  compara- 
tively scarce  plant  from  China,  which  has 
bluish  canes  which  grow  rather  shorter  than 
those    of    R.    biflorus.        Kerria    japonica    has 


bright-green  stems  suitable  for  winter  effect,  as 
also  are  shoots  of  the  lesser-known  Stephanandra 
Tanakas.  The  latter  is  a  low-growing,  spread- 
ing plant,  possessing  very  little  ornamental 
value  except  for  its  winter  effect.  Fraxinus 
excelsior  var.  aurta  (the  Yellow-barked  Ash) 
displays  its  golden  branches  to  advantage  dur- 
ing the  winter  ;  the  weeping  variety  is  also  a 
desirable  plant. 

There  are  several  shrubs  which  flower  during 
the  winter,  of  which  the  Hamamelis  (Wych 
Hazels),  with  their  twisted,  golden-yellow 
petals;  Primus  Davidiana  in  its  white  and  pink 
forms ;  the  rosy-pink  Erica  mediterranea  hy- 
brida,  which  blooms  all  through  the  winter ; 
the  February- blooming  Erica  carnea  :  and  the 
red  and  white  varieties  of  Daphne  Mezereum 
can  be  recommended.  The  bright-yellow, 
trailing  Jasminum  nudiflorum  can  be  trained 
informally  on  pillars  or  old  tree  stumps, 
and  in  a  warm  corner  Lonicera  frag- 
rantissima  and  Chimonanthus  iragrans  will  open 
their  sweet-scented  flowers.  In  the  early  spring 
Spiraea  Thunbergii  displays  its  tiny,  white,  star- 
like blossoms  ;  the  peat-loving  Andromeda  flori- 
bunda  and  A.  japonica  open  their  white,  bell- 
shaped  flowers;  while  Viburnum  Tinus,  the 
mauve-coloured  Rhododendron  prascox  and  the 
crimson  R.  nobleanum  are  all  capable  of 
brightening  the  garden  at  this  season.  /.  Clark, 
Bagshot,  Surrey. 


NOTICES    OF     BOOKS. 


*  British    Basidiomycetes   in  the   British 

Museum. 
The    series    known    as    the    British    Museum 
Catalogues  ha"  e  justly  attained  to  an  important 
position  in  scientific  literature.     For  the  national 
collections  are  sufficiently  extensive  to  enable  a 
catalogue    of    any    single    series    to    rank    as    a 
monograph,  and  in  the  book  before  us  we  have 
an  admirable   volume   thoroughly   deserving   of 
a  high  rank  amongst  those  which  have  already 
been   published.    Mr.   Worthington   Smith  is  al- 
ready well  known  to  the  readers  of  the  Gardeners' 
'■i.  and  it  is  with  special  satisfaction  that 
we  greet  his  well-planned  and  well-executed  book. 
Only   those  who   have   attempted   something   of 
the  same  kind  are  aware  of  the  great  labour  in- 
volved in  the  preparation  of  such  a  monograph, 
and   Mr.    Smith   is   to   be  congratulated   on   the 
skill  and  thoroughness  with  which  he  has  car- 
ried out  his  task.     The  book  is,  of  course,  one 
that   will   appeal   to   the   specialist    rather   than 
to  the  general  reader.    Fungi,  and  especially  the 
Basidiomycetes  to  which  this  volume   is  exclu- 
sively  devoted,    are    often    difficult   to    identify, 
even    with     the    aid    of    a    good     description. 
This  arises  largely  from  the  lack  of  constancy 
in     their     characters,     and     furthermore,     from 
the      fact      that      many      of     them      change     a 
good     deal     in     colour     and     general     appear- 
ance   as    they    mature.        Even    the    spores    are 
not  always  trustworthy,  and  we  think  Mr.  Smith 
has  shown  a  wise  discretion  in  omitting  to  give 
their  measurements  as  a  means  of  identification. 
In  his  fig.  8,  portraying  the  basidia  and  spores 
of     the     Mushroom,     he     shows     what     great 
variation    may    obtain    within    the    limits    of   a 
single  individual  in  characters  that  a  priori  one 
would   have   been   inclined   to   rely   upon.      We 
can,   of  our  own  experience,   fully  confirm   the 
variation  shown  in  this  particular  instance,  and 
we  recall  the  circumstance  that  the  facts  them- 
selves were  called  in  question  by  certain  people, 
when  they  were  stated   some  years  ago. 

Where  we  have  been  able  to  test  the  book,  we 
have  found  it  accurate  and  reliable,  and  the 
figures,  of  which  there  is  a  considerable  num- 
ber, are  such  as  we  should  have  anticipated 
from  so  skilled  and  careful  an  artist.     /.  B.  F. 

*  Synopsis  of  the  British  Basidiomycetes,  a  descriptive 
catalogue  of  the  drawings  and  specimens  in  the  department 
of  botany,  British  Museum.  By  Worthington  George  Smith* 
F.L.S.  London  :  Printed  by  order  of  the  'trustees  of  the 
British  Museum,  1903.     Price  10s. 


132 


THE     GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


[February  27,  1909. 


NOTES  FROM  A  "FRENCH"  GARDEN. 

Work  in  the  French  garden  now  largely  con- 
sists of  preparing  the  hot-beds  for  the  forcing 
of  Cos  Lettuces.  A  few  years  back  Cos  Let- 
tuces early  in  the  season  were  worth  from  8d. 
to  lOd.  each,  and  special  hot-beds  containing 
three  rows  of  cloches  only  were  prepared  for 
their  culture.  But  this  entailed  much  work,  as 
the  outsides  of  the  beds  required  continual  at- 
tention to  keep  them  in  position,  owing  to  the 
constant  treading  when  passing  along  the 
narrow  paths.  Of  late  years  this  system  has 
been  abandoned,  and  the  bed  made  as  for  ac- 
commodating frames,  the  outside  portions  being 
carefully  formed  with  long,  strawy  manure. 
Cos  Lettuces  require  a  very  mild  and  constant 
heat,  therefore  the  hot-bed  should  be  formed 
of  one-third  fresh  manure  and  two-thirds  dry 
manure.  The  beds  need  not  exceed  9  inches  in 
height  when  finally  trodden  down.  The  neces- 
sary soil  is  placed  on  the  beds  in  ridges  until 
the  adjoining  bed  is  finished,  and  then  a  board 
is  placed  parallel  to  the  path  to  enable  the 
operator  to  level  the  soil.  When  this  is  finished 
short  and  broken  manure  is  placed  in  the  path- 
way to  the  level  of  the  soil,  to  prevent  the  latter 


the  culture  of  Cos  Lettuces  may  be  allowed  to 
last  about  a  fortnight,  so  that  when  the  crops 
from  the  first  beds  are  marketed  there  will 
be  a  succession  lasting  three  or  four  weeks. 

We  have  sown  our  first  batch  of  Endive 
for  the  season,  using  the  variety  La  Pari- 
sienne.  This  is  earlier,  although  smaller, 
than  the  variety  La  Rouennaise,  which  is  grown 
in  cold  frames  at  the  beginning  of  April  or  in 
the  open  at  the  end  of  that  month.  Early 
Endive  requires  a  uniform  amount  of  warmth 
when  in  the  seedling  stage,  and  light  and  fre- 
quent waterings  when  planted  under  a  cloche. 
It  must  never  be  neglected  in  this  latter  re- 
spect, and  for  this  reason  Early  Endive  is  only 
cultivated  in  those  gardens  where  it  is  possible 
to  give  it  regular  attention. 


HARDV    FLOWER    BORDER. 


THE  GREEN-FLOWERED  HELLEBORES. 

One  of  the  most  handsome  plants  in  bloom 
here  now  (January  8)  is  Helleborus  corsicus. 
Willd.    (H.   argutifolius,  Viv.),  a  native  of  Cor- 


FlG.    57. — ODONTOGLOSSUM    ARDENTISSIMUM    "  PHCEBE  "  :    COLOUR    REDDISH- 
CLARET    WITH    WHITE    MARGIN.        AWARDED    A    FIRST-CLASS    CERTIFICATE    BY 
THE    ROYAL    HORTICULTURAL    SOCIETY    ON    FEBRUARY   9. 


from  becoming  displaced.  Some  persons  make 
a  broadcast  sowing  of  "  Bellot "  carrots  to  form 
a  successional  crop  to  the  Lettuces,  but,  owing 
to  the  constant  removal  of  the  cloches,  the 
Carrots  have  not  a  favourable  opportunity  for 
proper  development,  and  it  needs  a  very  ex- 
perienced person  to  ensure  success  with  them. 
The  Lettuces  should  be  planted  as  follows:  — 
With  a  line,  mark  the  position  of  the  outside 
row  of  cloches  which  are  placed  at  a  distance 
of  1  inch  apart.  The  next  row  of  cloches  alter- 
nates with  the  first,  and  so  on  until  the  end 
is  reached.  Three  or  four  days  after  the 
cloches  are  placed  in  position  and  when  the 
heat  from  the  fermenting  material  has  tho- 
roughly warmed  the  soil,  one  Cos  Lettuce, 
"  Green  Flat  of  Paris/'  is  planted  in  the  centre 
of  the  bell-glass,  with  three  Cabbage  Lettuces 
in  a  triangle  around  it.  After  these  have  been 
planted  about  seven  to  ten  days  another  Cos 
Lettuce  is  planted  in  the  angles  of  the  cloches 
outside.  A  small  aperture  is  made  for  admitting 
fresh  air  to  the  cloches  by  pressing  the  soil  in 
one  spot  just  under  the  rim  of  the  glass  with 
the  closed  fist.     The  preparation  of  hot-beds  for 


sica  (see  fig.  in  Gardeners'  Chronicle,  April  13, 
1907,  p.  232).  One  of  the  plants  bearing  13 
trusses  of  flowers,  is  about  30  inches  high,  and 
has  smooth,  leathery,  trifid  leaves,  the  leaflets 
being  ovate-lanceolate,  glaucous  beneath  and 
sharply-toothed.  The  flowers,  with  nearly  flat, 
spreading  sepals,  are  about  2  inches  across,  yel- 
lowish sap-green  (vert  eau-de-Javelle),  nodding 
in  panicles  of  about  18  to  24,  overtopping  the 
leaves. 

II.  corsicus  is  sometimes  mistaken  for  the  true 
II.  lividus,  Ait.  (Bot.  Mag.,  t.  7903),  a  very 
scarce  plant,  which  is  a  native  of  Majorca,  and 
perhaps  Corsica,  but  from  a  horticultural  stand- 
point the  plants  are  quite  distinct.  True  H. 
lividus  has  dull  purple-grey  flowers,  tinged  with 
green,  and  it  used  to  grow  in  the  Botanic  Garden 
of  Trinity  College,   Dublin. 

H.  corsicus  is  a  most  useful  plant  for  a  north 
border.  It  is  evergreen,  and  beginning  to  flower 
early  in  December,  it  continues  until  the  end  of 
February  or  March.  Even  then  the  persistent 
sepals  give  the  plant  a  very  handsome  appear- 
ance. I  grow  it  with  a  background  of  Butcher's 
Broom  and  the  Gladwyn  Iris,  which  latter  bears 


capsules  in  profusion,  showing  their  saturnine- 
red  seeds,   about  Christmas  time. 

H.  corsicus  sows  itself  freely,  even  on  the 
hard  stone  path,  but  a  sharp  look-out  should  be 
kept  for  the  seedlings,  as  slugs  are  very  partial 
to  them.  A  few  seedlings  are  now  beginning  to 
appear. 

The  native  Bear's-Foot  or  Setterwort  (H. 
fcetidus)  is  also  now  at  its  best.  This  grows 
wild  near  here  in  rocky  woods,  and  is  something 
like  a  small  edition  of  H.  corsicus,  being  ever- 
green and  bearing  numerous  close  panicles  ot 
verdant  green  (vert  pre)  cup-shaped  flowers 
tinged  with  dull  purple,  which  stand  out  well 
above  the  pedately-divided  leaves. 

H.  viridis,  native  or  perhaps  only  a  denizen, 
is  later,  but  is  now  pushing  up  its  few-flowered 
stems  which  appear  before  the  digitate  leaves. 
This  species  is  entirely  herbaceous,  and  has  a 
few  varieties  which  are  worthy  of  a  rocky  corner 
in  the  wild  garden. 

All  these  Hellebores  are  easily  grown  in  any 
rich  deep  soil  in  shady  places,  but  it  is  as  well  to 
remind  those  who  wish  to  raise  seedlings  that 
the  seed  should  be  sown  as  soon  as  ripe,  since 
it  quickly  loses  its  germinating  power  if  allowed 
to  get  at  all  dry.  The  seedlings  generally 
flower  when  2|  years  old. 

Hellebore  flowers  are  very  interesting  to 
study.  What  appear  to  be  green  petals  are  really 
sepals,  the  petals  consisting  of  numerous  small 
green  bodies,  shaped  like  trumpets  (nectaries) 
which  soon  fall  off.  One  may  compare 
with  these  flowers  those  of  the  Winter  Aconite, 
whose  arching  stems  are  now  forcing  their  way 
thiough  the  ground.  Here  again  what  appear 
to  be  yellow  petals  are  really  sepals,  surround- 
ing the  true  petals.  G.  B.  Milne-Redhead,  Mil- 
lard's Hill,  Frome. 


ORCHID    NOTES    AND    GLEANINGS. 


CYPRIPEDIUM  T.  B.  HAYWOOD  (Druryi  x 

SUPERBIENS). 

A  remarkable  instance  of  the  long  duration 
of  the  flowers  of  this  hybrid  has  been  noticed  in 
the  gardens  of  F.  Menteith  Ogilvie,  Esq.,  The 
Shrubbery,  Oxford  (gr.  Mr.  Balmforth),  where 
flowers  which  opened  on  October  10  last  year  are 
only  now  fading. 

Instances  of  Cypripedium  continuing  for  a 
long  time  in  flower  by  means  of  a  succession  of 
blooms  are  not  uncommon,  but  for  individual 
flowers  to  remain  in  a  good  condition  from 
October   to   February   is   remarkable. 

ODONTOGLOSSUM    ARDENTISSIMUM 
"  PHCEBE." 

This  hybrid  was  shown  by  Mr.  Norman  C. 
Cookson  at  the  meeting  of  the  Royal  Hor- 
ticultural Society  on  February  9,  when  it 
gained  a  First-class  Certificate.  The  colour  of 
the  sepals  and  petals  is  claret-red,  save  for  a 
band  of  white  at  the  margins.  The  handsome 
colouring,  combined  with  good  form  of  segment-; 
and  finely-developed  and  distinctly-marked  lip, 
go  to  make  the  plant  one  of  the  best  of  the 
hybrids  yet  raised  from  Odontoglossum  arden- 
tissimum. 

FINE    PLANT    OF    ODONTOGLOSSUM 
CRISPO-HARRYANUM. 

We  have  illustrated  many  examples  of  the 
excellent  culture  to  be  seen  in  the  collection 
belonging  to  Colonel  Holford,  CLE.,  C.V.O., 
but  rarely  one  that  surpasses  the  specimen  of 
Odontoglossum  crispo-Harryanum,  now  shown 
at  fig.  58.  This  plant  was  exhibited  at  the 
Royal  Horticultural  Society's  meeting  on  Feb- 
ruary 9,  and  the  Orchid  Committee  recognised 
the  culture  displayed  by  awarding  the  grower, 
Mr.  H.  G.  Alexander,  a  Lindley  Medal.  One 
inflorescence  alone  bore  61  flowers,  whilst  the 
aggregate  number  on  the  plant  was  125. 


February  27,  1909.] 


THE     GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


133 


THE    ROSARY. 


NOTES    ON    CLIMBING   VARIETIES. 

Many  of  the  most  beautiful  climbing  Roses 
lack  the  quality  of  perpetual  flowering  ;  it  is  to 
be  hoped  that  during  the  next  few  years  the 
raisers  of  new  varieties  will  furnish  some  that 
show  improvement  in  this  respect. 

As  a  help  to  those  who  are  still  desirous  of 
planting  for  the  coming  season,  I  append  the 
names  of  those  sorts  that  I  consider  the  best 
in  this  section.  This  late  planting  is  now  best 
delayed  until  March,  as  in  January  or  February, 
even  if  the  weather  is  open,  the  temperature  of 
the  soil  is  very  low  and  an  unestablished  Rose 
feels   the  effects   of   frost    at    the    roots    most 


"  Climbing  Devoniensis,"  "  Climbing  K.  A.  Vic- 
toria "  (the  blooms  are  identical  with  those  of 
the  type ;  unfortunately  it  is  a  poor  climber, 
the  shoots  being  insufficiently  vigorous), 
"Climbing  La  France"  (this  also  with  me  re- 
fuses to  climb  much),  "  Climbing  Mrs.  W.  J. 
Grant "  (another  great  acquisition  to  the  climb- 
ing sectio'n,  but  not  very  vigorous),  "  Climbing 
Niphetos,"  "  Climbing  Papa  Gontier,"  "  Climb- 
ing Perle  des  Jardines "  (succeeds  best  under 
glass),  "  Crimson  Rambler,"  "  Dorothy  Perkins" 
(very  rampant),  "Conrad"  F.  Meyer,"  "Dr. 
Rouges,"  "  Dundee  Rambler,"  "  England's 
Glory  "  (a  good  Rose,  very  free  in  blooming  and 
having  an  extra  good  Tea  fcent),  "  E.  Veyrat 
Hermanos  "  (a  shy  bloomer  till  thoroughly  es- 
tablished, when  it  is  free  enough,  and  is  one  of 
the  most  beautiful  Roses  I  know),  "  Francois 


Some  Newer  Varieties. 
Ard's  Rambler  (Alex.  Dickson  &•  Sons,  igoS). 
— Judging  from  plants  seen  growing  in  quantity 
at  the  raiser's  nursery,  this  variety  is  to  be 
strongly  recommended.  The  blooms  are  of 
enormous  size,  with  great  stiff  petals,  and  are 
perfectly  formed.  The  colour  is  a  velvety 
orange-crimson,  with  the  base  of  the  petals 
shading  to  rosy-carmine.  Like  "  Ard's  Rover," 
it  is  deliciously  and  highly  perfumed. 
Though  not  such  a  vigorous  growth,  it  is 
sufficient  for  covering  a  house-side.  The  foli- 
age, too,  is  very  fine.  It  may  be  considered 
(in  growth)  intermediate  between  "Ard"  T.over" 
and  "Ard's  Pillar."  Planted  in  pots  and  grown 
under  the  same,  conditions  as  "  Marechal  Neil  " 
and  kindred  kinds,  it  has  outdistanced  them  in 
growth.     Should  it  prove  as  free  a  bloomer  as 


Fig.  58. — ODONTOGLOSSUM  crispo-harryanum   from   the  collection  of  colonel  g.  l.  HOLFORD,  CLE.,  c.v.o. 

THE   PLANT   CARRIED    125    FLOWERS. 


acutely.  When  planting  is  delayed  until  March, 
or  even  as  late  as  April,  prune  "hard"  at  the 
time  of  planting:  — 

"Aglaia,"  "  Aimee  Vibert,"  "  Alister  Stella 
Gray,"  "  Ard's  Rover "  (the  very  best  of  its 
colour  for  a  house-side  or  high  wall  and  one  of 
the  sweetest-scented,  rampant-growing  (Roses), 
"Billiard  et  Barre,"  "  Blairii  No.  2"  (the 
blooms  are  scented  like  a  Honeysuckle),  "  Ben- 
nett's Seedling,"  "  Blush  Rambler  "  (very  ram- 
pant in  growth,  producing  blooms  with  a  deli- 
cious scent),  "Bouquet  d'Or"  (a  very  free 
grower  ;  quite  the  best  of  the  Dijon  class,  all 
of  which  have  a  pleasing  Tea  scent)  ;  "  Carmine 
Pillar,"  "  Climbing  Caroline  Testout "  (this  is 
a  great  acquisition  in  climbers,  but  be  sure  and 
get  the  true  climbing  type,  because  the  first 
three    plants    I    had    refused   to    climb    at   all). 


Crousse,"  "  Gloire  de  Dijon,"  "  Griiss  an  Tep- 
litz,"  "  Helene,"  "  Hiawatha  "  (very  rampant, 
and  quite  the  best  of  the  Wichuraiana  Roses  : 
the  foliage  is  beautiful),  "Lady  Gay"  (very 
like  Dorothy  Perkins,  but  with  prettier  foliage, 
and  has  the  scent  of  the  Sweet  Briar),  "La 
Marque  "  (needs  a  warm,  dry  situation),  "  Mme. 
Alfred  Carriers "  (deliciously  fragrant),  "Mme. 
Berard  "  (the  petals  are  a  very  beautiful  shade 
of  salmon-yellow  and  are  set  off  by  the  hand- 
some foliage),  "Mme.  Hector  Leuilliot,"  "Mme. 
Jules  Gravereaux,"  "  Mme.  Moreau,"  "  Mare- 
chal Niel,"  "Minnehaha"  (a  vigorous  grower), 
"Mrs.  F.  W.  Flight,"  "  Reve  d'Or,"  "Rene- 
Andre,"  "  Reine  Olga  de  Wiirtemburg,"  "  Tea 
Rambler,"  "Thalia,"  "The  Garland,"  "The 
Wallflower,"  "  Wm.  Allen  Richardson,"  and 
the  "Yellow  Banksian." 


"  Ard's  Rover,"  it  will  be  a  valuable  addition 
to  red  climbing  Roses. 

Evangeline  (Walsh,  igoj). — A  hybrid  Wichu- 
raiana. The  flowers  are  borne  in  large  clusters, 
the  petals  being  2-J-  inches  in  diameter.  They 
are  white,  with  the  tips  carmine-pink.  The 
foliage  is  large  and  of  a  coppery  colour. 

Flower  of  Fairfield  (Schullheis,  igoS). — 
This  variety  is  claimed  to  be  a  perpetual-flower- 
ing Crimson  Rambler  of  the  same  habit  of 
growth  as  the  older  variety. 

Goldfinch  (Paul  cV  Son,  igoy ). — A  Rose  of 
beautiful  deep  golden-yellow  colour  in  the  bud, 
but  when  open  of  a  pale  orange,  shaded  with  vio- 
let, changing  later  to  lemon-white.  The  flowers 
are  semi-double  with  orange-coloured  stamens, 
and  are   produced   in   numerous   large   trusses. 


134 


THE    GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


[February  27,  1905. 


This  new  rambler  is  e  seedling  irom  "  Helene," 
and   a  \ery  rampant  grower. 

Lady  Wateklow  (Na.bonna.nd,  1902). — Al- 
though scarcely  new,  I  have  included  it  in  my 
notes,  as  it  deserves  to  be  better  known.  It  is 
a  Hybrid  Tea  variety,  and  is  one  of  the  most 
delicately-beautiful  climbing  Roses.  The  flowers 
are  very  thin,  but  freely  produced.  The  colour 
is  a  clear  salmon-pink,  with  large  crimson, 
almost  Picotee-edged  petals.  This  is  a  beautiful 
Rose  for  table  decoration. 

Mrs.  O.  G.  Orpkn  (Benj.  R.  Cant  <5r=  Sons, 
1900).— This  Rose  has  become  very  popular  for 
decorative  purposes  in  dwelling-rooms.  It  is  a 
climbing  damask,  and  has  the  most  beautiful 
flowers.  They  are  large  and  single,  and  are 
produced  in  trusses.  The  colour  is  a  bright 
rosy-pink,   with  golden   anthers.. 

Starlight  (Paul  cV  Son,  1908).— Another 
pretty  addition  to  the  single-flowered  varieties. 
The  blooms  are  large,  the  petals  being  of  much 
substance.  They  are  white,  suffused  with  a 
velvety  rose,  contrasting  well  with  the  deep 
green   foliage. 

TauseNDSCHON  (Schwartz,  1906J.—I  consider 
this  the  most  beautiful  of  the  new  climbing 
l'olvantha  Roses.  It  is  wonderfully  free,  and 
is  o'f  similar  growth  to  Crimson  Rambler.  The 
ground  colour"  is  like  the  tint  of  Peach  blossom, 
but  it  changes  to  a  rosy-carmine  and  the 
blooms  are  sweetly  scented.  The  inflorescences 
develop  10  to  15  blooms  in  a  bunch.  It  pro- 
mises to  become  a  most  popular  Rose. 

Trier  (Lambert,  1904).— This  is  a  German- 
raised  Rose,  and  is  really  perpetual  in  flowering. 
It  produces  laige  trusses  of  semi-double,  pale 
fawn-white  flowers.  Being  a  climbing  Polyan- 
tha  Ros;-,  it  offers  opportunity  for  raising  other 
autumn-flowering  Roses  of  its  class. 

White  Dorothv  ('Benj.  R.  Cant  6V  Sons, 
1908  1.—  This  1-  a  white  sport  of  the  well-known 
Dorothy  Perkins  variety.  I  have  not  yet  seen 
it,  but  should  imagine  it  to  be  a  valuable  addi- 
tion to  the  climbing  Wichuraiana  class. 

Sinica  Anemone  (F.  Schmitt,  189$). — On  a 
south  wall,  with  no  protection  given,  I  have  a 
fine  specimen  of  this  lovely  single-flowered  Rose. 
The  blooms  are  large  and  silvery-pink,  shaded 
with  rose  colour.  Leonard  Petrie,  Gayton, 
Cheltenham. 

The  Week's  Work. 

THE    ORCHID    HOUSES. 

By  W.  H.  White,  Orchid  Grower  to  Sir  Trevor  Lawrence, 
Bart.,  Burford,  Surrey. 

Angrescum,  Aerides,  Vanda,  cW. — Such  aerial- 
rob  ling  Orchids  as  Angraecum  sesquipedale  and 
A.  eburneum  having  just  finished  blooming  for 
the  season,  the  increasing  light  and  warmth  from 
the  sun  will  induce  the  roots  to  start  into  growth. 
Before  this  takes  place  the  plants  may  require 
attention.  In  cases  where,  through  loss  of  leaves, 
they  have  become  bare  some  distance  up  the 
stem,  they  must  be  let  down  lower  in  the  pots. 
Clear  out  the  old  Sphagnum-moss  and  replace 
the  drainage  with  clean  crocks,  covering  these 
with  fresh  moss.  Those  plants  which  have 
not  lost  many  leaves  may  be  left  undis- 
turbed, merely  resurfacing  them  with  Sphag- 
num-moss ;  all  long,  rambling  roots  should  be 
brought  very  carefully  to  the  surface  of  the  pot. 
The  rare  A.  Kotschyi  appears  to  thrive  best  when 
fixed  to  blocks  of  wood,  and  suspended  from  the 
roof,  where  it  can  be  sprayed  several  times 
daily.  These  Angraecums  enjoy  the  warm,  moist 
atmosphere  of  the  East  Indian  house,  or  a  shady 
corner  of  the  plant  stove,  while  most  of  the 
smaller-growing  species,  as  A.  bilobum,  A.  arti- 
culatum,  A.  arcuatum,  A.  Sanderianum,  A.  citra- 
tum,  A.  hyaloides,  A.  fastuosum,  and  A.  Ellisii, 
prefer  a  warm,  shady  position  in  the  Cattleya 
house.  The  scandent-growing  A.  Scottianum 
should  be  tied  up  to  neat  sticks  or  small  teak 
rods.  The  present  is  also  a  good  time  to  top- 
dress  or  repot  Aerides,  Saccolabiums,  Sarcan- 
thus,  Aracnanthe,  Stauropsis,  and  the  warm- 
growing  Vandas,  as  V.  Sanderiana,  V.  cristata,  V. 
coerulescens,  V.  Parishii,  V.  Roxburghii,  and  V. 
lamellata.  Remove  all  scale-insects  and  other 
pests  before  commencing  to  top-dress.  The  roots 
should  be  treated  in  every  respect  as  is  advised 
for  the  Angraecums.  These  epiphytic  plants 
should  be  watered  sufficiently  frequently  to  in- 


duce the  Sphagnum-moss  to  grow  over  the  sur- 
face. All  the  plants  must  be  carefully  protected 
from  strong  sunshine.  Vandas  of  the  suavis  and 
tricolor  section  should  now  receive  plenty  of 
water  at  the  roots,  as  they  will  soon  commence 
to  throw  up  their  flower-spikes  from  the  axils  of 
the  leaves.  A  cool,  shady  end  of  the  Cattleya  or 
intermediate  house  is  the  best  place  for  these 
Vandas  at  all  seasons. 

Shading. — The  sun's  rays  are  now  becoming 
too  powerful  for  some  species  of  Orchids, 
particularly  Cypripediums,  Odontoglossums, 
Phalaenopsis,  Aerides,  Saccolabiums  and 
Vandas ;  also  such  plants  that  have  recently 
been  repotted.  Therefore  blinds  or  shadings 
should   be   at   once   fixed  in  their  places. 


THE  HARDY  FRUIT  GARDEN. 

By  J.  G.  Weston,  Gardener  to  H.  J.  King,  Esq.,  Eastwell 
Park,  Kent. 
Firs. — Fig  trees  generally  succeed  better  in 
pots  or  in  restricted  borders  under  glass.  At 
the  same  time  there  are,  in  favourable  locali- 
ties, many  warm  corners  in  the  fruit  garden 
where  a  Fig  tree  would  repay  for  better  culti- 
vation than  it  usually  receives.  In  some  gar- 
dens may  be  seen  trees  which  should  bear  good 
crops  of  fruit  but  which  seldom  do  so.  As  a 
rule  this  result  is  due  to  the  neglect  of  one  or 
two  important  points  in  cultivation.  Perhaps  the 
most  frequent  reason  for  ill-success  is  the  fact 
that  the  roots  of  the  trees  having  nothing  to  re- 
strict them,  have  found  their  way  into  rich, 
heavily-manured  ground.  This  causes  the  trees 
to  make  a  large  quantity  of  strong  growth  which 
fails  to  mature.  The  growths  are  generally  left 
too  thickly  together  during  the  summer,  and  they 
are,  therefore,  severely  injured  by  frosts  in 
winter,  or,  failing  this,  they  are  severely  pruned 
in  spring.  These  conditions  aggravate  the  evil, 
for  they  tend  to  produce  growth  in  the  following 
season  even  stronger  than  ever.  In  order  to 
check  such  exuberant  growth  it  is  necessary  to 
cut  a  deep  trench  at  about  3  or  4  feet  from  the 
wall,  severing  all  the  roots  with  a  sharp  knife 
and  searching  for  any  tap  roots  that  may  be 
growing  straight  down  into  the  subsoil.  The 
roots  can  then  be  restricted  to  a  small  space  by 
means  of  a  wall,  or,  failing  this,  the  trench  may 
be  filled  with  chalV  and  stony  soil,  which  should 
be  thoroughly  rammed  as  the  work  proceeds. 
This  will  greatly  check  growth  in  the  first  sea- 
son. Train  the  shoots  thinly  over  the  wall 
space,  and  the  trees  will  then  make  short 
growths  in  the  following  season.  These  will 
thoroughly  mature,  and  bear  fruit  in  the 
ensuing  year.  When  any  young  Fig  trees 
have  to  be  planted,  select  for  them  a  south 
or  south-west  aspect,  and  if  a  narrow  border 
extending  by  the  side  of  a  hard  gravel  walk  or 
roadway  is  available,  no  further  preparation  will 
be  necessary,  otherwise  the  roots  should  be  re- 
stricted in  the  manner  I  have  already  described. 
Ordinary  garden  soil  is  suitable,  but  if  fresh 
soil  has  to  be  procured,  do  not  employ  a  rich, 
loose  compost,  but  instead  a  light  soil.  This 
should  be  well  rammed.  When  the  trees  reach 
a  fruiting  condition,  nutriment  can  be  applied 
with  advantage  in  the  form  of  liquid  manure, 
and  in  summer  a  mulch  will  be  beneficial.  The 
most  suitable  varieties  for  out-of-doors  culture 
are:  (1)  Brown  Turkey;  (2)  Brunswick;  (3) 
White    Marseilles. 


FRUITS  UNDER  GLASS. 

By  E.  Harriss,  Fruit  Foreman,  Royal  Gardens,  Frogmore. 
Late-fruiting  vines. — The  Grapes  in  late 
houses  have  usually  to  hang  on  the  vines  for  a 
much  longer  period  than  is  the  case  with  early 
or  mid-season  varieties.  It  is,  therefore,  the 
more  important  to  perfectly  clean  the  rods  at 
this  season,  particularly  if  they  have  been 
affected  with  mealy  bug.  In  the  first  place,  give 
the  house  a  thorough  cleansing  with  soapy 
water,  paying  particular  attention  to  any  holes 
or  crevices  that  would  be  likely  to  conceal  the 
insects.  This  done,  remove  any  loose  bark  from 
the  rods  and  then  scrub  them  with  a  stiff  brush, 
using  a  solution  of  soft  soap  and  sulphur  at  the 
rate  of  2  ounces  of  soft  soap  and  2  ounces  of 
sulphur  to  a  gallon  of  water.  The  rods  may  be 
again  washed  just  as  the  buds  commence  to 
break  into  growth.  Before  tying  up  the  vines, 
let  the  whole  of  the  trellis  be  painted  with 
paraffin  oil,  which  should  be  well  worked  into 
the    holes.      Lime-wash    all    the   exposed   brick- 


work. Carefully  fork  over  the  borders  and 
remove  an  inch  deep  of  the  old  soil.  Then 
apply  a  top-dressing  of  chopped  loam  with  a. 
liberal  mixture  of  old  mortar  lubble,  wood- 
ashes  and  a  chemical  vine  manure.  Should 
the  borders  be  approaching  to  dryness, 
thoroughly  soak  them  with  clear  water  before 
starting  the  vines  into  growth.  The  date  for 
starting  them  must  depend  to  a  great  ex- 
tent upon  the  locality.  In  orde.-  that  they 
may  keep  well,  the  Grapes  should  be  per- 
fectly matured  by  the  end  of  October.  Appley 
Towers  and  Black  Alicante  do  not  require  such 
a  long  season  of  growth  as  Lady  Downe's  Seed- 
ling or  Gros  Colmar.  If  these  two  latter  varie- 
ties cannot  be  given  a  separate  house  they 
should  be  cultivated  in  the  warmer  part  of  the 
house  containing  the  other  varieties.  Lady 
Downe's  Seedling  is,  perhaps,  the  best  late- 
keeping  Grape. 

Propagation  by  vine  eyes. — The  buds  should 
be  selected  from  well-ripened  shoots  ef 
last  season's  growth.  Leave  about  half-an-inch 
of  wood  both  above  and  below  the  bud,  and 
place  the  "eyes"  in  3-inch  pots  filled  with 
loamy  soil,  with  a  little  fine  brick  rubble  added. 
Press  the  wood  into  the  soil  so  that  the  bud 
is  level  with  the  surface.  Plunge  the  pots  in  a 
moderately  warm  hot-bed  and  lightly  spray  them 
two  or  three  times  each  day.  See  that  the  soil 
is  not  allowed  to  become  too  wet  before  roots 
have  formed  and  the  bud  has  started  into  growth, 
otherwise  the  shoot  will  decay.  As  soon  as  the 
roots  have  reached  the  sides  of  the  pots,  shift 
the  young  plants  into  5-inch  pots,  using  a  com- 
post of  fibrous  loam,  brick  rubble,  and  a  small 
quantity  of  crushed  bones.  The  compost  must 
be  thoroughly  warmed  before  being  used. 
Plunge  the  pots  again  in  a  hot-bed,  and  give 
them  rather  more  warmth  and  moisture  than  in 
the  earlier  stages. 

THE  FLOWER  GARDEN. 

By  W.  A.  Cook,  Gardener  to  Sir  Edmund  G.  Loder,  Bait., 
Leonardslee,  Sussex. 

Liliums. — If  any  Lilium  bulbs  have  still  to  be 
planted,  this  should  be  done  as  soon  as  possible. 
Thev  may  be  planted  in  the  borders  of  herba- 
ceous plants  or  in  beds  containing  Rhododen- 
drons or  Azaleas.  Rare  or  choice  varieties 
may  be  provided  with  sheltered  corners.  Liliums 
succeed  best  in  rich  loamy  soil  with  some  de- 
cayed manure  and  sand  mixed  with  it.  Plant 
the  bulbs  from  4  to  6  inches  deep  according  to 
their  size.  L.  tigrinum  F'ortunei  is  perfectly 
lovely  in  the  autumn,  and  if  bulbs  are  planted 
now  they  may  be  expected  to  yield  a  bright  dis- 
play of  flowers  in  September  and  October  next. 
The  growths  reach  6  or  even  8  feet  in  height, 
and  some  of  the  inflorescences  develop  as  many 
as  26  flowers.  L.  auratum  and  its  improved 
variety  L.  a.  platyphyllum,  also  L.  a.  vittatum, 
L.  Brownii,  L.  pardalinum,  L.  testaceum,  L. 
Krameri,  L.  speciosum,  L.  s.  var.  Krcetzeri.  and 
L.   s.  var.   Melpomene  all  succeed  out-of-doors. 

The  Alpine  garden. — The  Alpine  garden 
should  be  overhauled  :  given  a  spring  cleaning, 
so  to  speak.  It  will  be  necessary  to  treat  the 
portions  on  which  are  the  earliest  plants  first. 
Already  Narcissus  minima  and  Anemone  blanda 
are  observable.  First  clean  the  plants  and 
ground  from  weeds  and  moss.  Then  top-dress 
the  plants  with  some  fine  soil,  prepared  as  re- 
commended in  a  former  calendar.  Sprinkle 
it  evenly  over  the  surface,  lifting  up  the  plants 
with  one  hand  and  adjusting  the  soil  about  their 
stems.  The  Androsaces  should  be  covered  with 
small  lights  or  squares  of  glass,  for  if  they  receive 
too  much  wet  in  rainy  weather  they  may  perish. 
Cypripediums  may  be  planted  if  it  is  done  im- 
mediately, choosing  moist  and  shady  positions 
for  C.  acaule,  C.  calceolus,  C.  spectabile,  and 
C.  pubescens.  Plant  them  in  a  considerable 
depth  of  peat  and  leafmould,  as  the  roots  re- 
quire a  cool  medium  in  the  summer. 

Bedding  plants. — Pelargoniums  rooted  in  boxes 
should  now  be  transferred  to  small  pots,  using 
a  moderately-rich  soil  mixed  with  sand  and  leaf- 
mould.  When  potted,  place  the  plants  near  to 
the  glass  in  heated  frames,  or  on  a  shelf  or 
stage  in  a  greenhouse.  The  potting  should  be 
done  moderately  firmly,  and  the  plants  be  kept 
in  a  rather  close  atmosphere  for  a  week  or  two 
afterwards.  Very  little  water  will  be  needed  un- 
til the  roots  ramify  in  the  new  soil.  Any  plants 
that  have  become  drawn  should  have  the  points 
of  their  growing  shoots  pinched  out  in  order 
to  induce  a  bushy  habit. 


February  27,  1E03.] 


THE     GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


135 


PLANTS    UNDER  GLASS. 

By  A.  C.  Bartlett,  Gardener  to  Mrs.  Ford,  Pencarrow, 
Cornwall. 

Freesias. — Do  not  neglect  to  afford  generous 
tieatment  to  plants  which  have  passed  out  of 
flower.  Manure  water  may  be  applied  to  the 
roots  up  to  the  time  when  the  leaves  turn 
yellow.  On  the  first  appearance  of  this  yellow- 
ing of  the  leaves  the  water  supply  must  be 
lessened,  continuing  the  decrease  until  water 
can  be  safely  withheld.  At  that  time  the  plants 
should  be  exposed  to  full  sunshine  in  order 
that  the  bulbs  may  thoroughly  ripen. 

Gloxinia  and  Achimene. — Shake  the  tubers  out 
of  the  old  soil  and  lay  them  closely  in  boxes  con- 
taining a  light  compost  in  which  an  abundance 
of  sand  is  mixed.  Gloxinias  require  stove  heat, 
but  a  slightly  lower  temperature  will  suffice  for 
Achimenes.  When  the  tubers  have  made  growth 
an  inch  or  so  long,  they  should  be  placed  in 
their  flowering  pots.  Tuberous-rooted  Begonias 
require  similar  treatment  if  we  except  the  high 
temperature. 

Humea  elegans. — Do  not  allow  plants  of  this 
species  to  become  potbound  until  they  are  in 
their  final  pots,  llumeas  succeed  best  in  a  cool, 
well-ventilated  house  where  the  foliage  may  be 
kept  dry,  and  waterings  are  not  required  fre- 
quently. 

Lapagcria. — Examine  Lapageria  plants  fre- 
quently and  take  every  means  to  prevent  injury 
occurring  to  the  succulent  growths  arising  from 
the  base.  During  the  season  of  growth  abun- 
dant supplies  of  water  should  be  given  to  the 
roots,  applying  it   as  cold  as  possible. 

Gloriosa  superba. — The  tubers  of  this  valuable 
stove  twiner  should  now  be  repotted  into  large 
pots  having  ample  drainage.  A  rich,  loamy  s<  ll 
is  most  suitable.  Apply  copious  waterings  dur- 
ing  summer. 

W  inter- flowering  plants. — Such  species  as 
Coleus  thyrsoides,  Jacobinias  (Justicias),  Rein- 
wardtias,  and  Begonia  Gloire  de  la  Ueine, 
which  have  finished  flowering,  should  be  pruned 
and  placed  near  to  the  glass  in  a  warm  lini^e. 
They  will  then  produce  growths  suitable  for 
making  the  cuttings  which  are  necessary  for 
raising    plants   to    flower  next    season. 

Ferns. — Any  necessary  repotting  or  top-dress- 
ing should  be  carried  out  before  the  new  fronds 
have  so  far  developed  as  to  be  liable  to  injury 
during  the  process.  As  with  Palms,  so  with 
Kerns,  it  is  often  wise  to  let  well  alone,  remem- 
bering that  in  nature  most  Ferns  thrive  very  well 
with  but  little  soil  about  their  roots.  Never- 
theless, repotting  has  to  be  done  occasionally. 
Peat  is  usually  recommended  for  Ferns,  but  it 
is  not  absolutely  necessary  if  good  pasture  loam 
that  is  not  too  heavy  is  obtainable.  Such  loam, 
if  mixed  with  leaf-mould,  broken  charcoal,  and 
plenty  of  silver  sand,  will  suffice  well  enough. 
Ferns  which  have  rhizomatous  roots  must  not 
have  these  completely  buried  in  the  soil.  Such 
species  thrive  better  when  provided  with  perfect 
drainage  and  only  a  shallow  rooting  medium. 


THE    KITCHEN    GARDEN. 

By  E.  Beckett,  Gardener  to  the  Hon.  Vicar*  Gibbs, 
Aldenham  House,  Elstree,  Hertfordshire. 

Vegetable  Marrows. — Seeds  should  be  sown 
singly  in  small  "60  "  pots  for  early  supplies  and 
germinated  in  a  gentle  warmth.  Endeavour  to 
forward  the  development  of  the  plants  by  plant- 
ing them  under  portable  frames  on  mild  hot- 
beds, so  that  good  crops  may  be  cut  from  the 
middle  of  April  onwards.  When  safe  to  do  so, 
the  frames  could  be  removed  and  the  plants 
top-dressed.  These  plants  will  be  in  full  bear- 
ing when  those  of  most  persons  are  being 
planted,  and  will  continue  to  furnish  fruits  until 
frost  destroys  them  in  the  autumn.  Good  re- 
sults may  also  be  obtained  by  growing  the  plants 
in  large  pots,  afterwards  planting  them  in  vacant 
spaces  in  a  fairly  light  position  of  a  fruit-house 
or  similar  structures  and  training  the  shoots  to 
a  trellis.  Moore's  Cream,  Pen-y-Byd,  T  he 
Sutton,  and  Perfection  (a  splendid  green  variety), 
are  all   suitable  for  this   method  of  culture. 

Potatos. — Advantage  should  be  taken  of  the 
farmer  part  of  the  day  to  attend  to  the  earthing- 
up  of  any  Potatos  under  glass  which  are  already 
showing  above  the  soil.  The  compost  used 
should  be  one  consisting  in  equal  parts  of  well- 
decayed  leaf-mould  and  light  loam  free  from 
wireworm.    These  materials  must  be  thoroughly 


mixed  and  warmed  before  they  are  applied.  As 
the  days  lengthen  and  the  sun  gains  in  power, 
air  may  be  admitted  more  freely,  especiallv  when 
the  wind  is  from  a  warm  quarter,  lilt  the  lights 
in  the  opposite  direction  when  the  wind  is 
limn  the  N.  or  N.E.  Prepared  sets  may  now  be 
more  largely  planted,  either  in  unheated  frames 
or  skeleton  shelters,  where  ample  protection  can 
be  afforded  them  against  frost.  Except  in  the 
warmest  parts  of  the  country,  it  is  not  advisable 
t"  plant  Potatos  in  the  open  ground  for  at  least 
another  fortnight,  unless  one  is  prepared  to  take 
every  precaution  to  afford  protection  from  cold 
winds.  It  is  time  that  the  whole  of  the  tubers 
intended  for  planting  should  be  laid  out  thinly 
either  on  suitable  trays  or  shelves.  Keep  them 
in  a  cool  and  light  store  to  make  sturdy  shoots 
previous  to  planting 

Cucumbers. — Plants  put  out  on  well-prepared 
beds  last  month  should  now  be  coming  into 
bearing.  They  will  require  constant  attention  as 
regards  the  stopping  and  training  of  the  shoots. 
Avoid  overcropping  while  the  plants  are  young. 
A  surface-dressing  of  well-prepared  material 
should  be  frequently  applied  in  small  quantities. 
Maintain  a  brisk  heat  and  moist  atmosphere, 
damping  the  paths  with  manure  water  early  in 
the  afternoon.  Seed  for  a  successional  crop 
should  be  sown  singly  in  small  pots  and  raised 
in  a  bottom  heat. 

Seed  sowing. — Seed  of  Aubergines,  commonly 
known  as  Egg  Plants,  should  be  sown  immedi- 
ately in  considerable  heat.  Pot  the  seedlings  off 
singly  as  soon  as  they  are  large  enough  to 
handle,  and  afterwards  place  them  near  the  glass 
in  a  temperature  of  from  60°  to  70°  F.  Brussels 
Sprouts,  Early  Broccoli,  Cauliflowers,  and  fur- 
ther batches  of  Parsley  and  Celery  should  be 
sown  under  glass  in  boxes. 


PUBLIC   PARKS    AND    GARDENS. 

By  J.  W.  Moorman*,  Superintendent  of  Victoria  Park, 
London. 

Paths  and  roadways. — These  are  best  formed  i  if 
good,  binding  gravel ;  but  this  material  rapidly 
deteriorates,  and,  therefore,  requires  renewing 
frequently.  The  present  is  a  suitable  time  for 
carrying  out  any  renovating  work  that  is  neces- 
sary. The  channels  and  gulleys  by  the  roadside 
should  be  put  in  order,  and  the  catchpits  cleared 
out  so  that  the  suri  ice  water  may  readily  pass 
away  when  heavy  rams  occur.  Break  up  the  sur- 
face of  the  old  gravel,  and  apply  a  fresh  layer  of 
fine,  recently-dug  hoggin.  If  this  is  spread 
evenly,  and  then  rolled  with  a  heavy  roller,  the 
surface  will  remain  smooth  and  firm  during  dry 
weather.  ('.ravel  is  apt  to  lose  much  of  its 
binding  quality  alter  long  periods  of  wear  and 
exposure  to  winds.  Good  binding  gravel  is  not 
to  be  easily  procured.  If  it  contains  much  sand 
or  small  pebbles,  it  will  not  remain  so  solid 
during  dry  weather;  whilst  if  it  is  clayey,  it 
clings  to  the  feet  in  wet  weather.  Mitcham  and 
Croydon  gravel  has  been  largely  used  for  path- 
making,  especially  in  places  on  the  south  side  of 
London,  and  Wheathampstead  and  Hertford 
gravel  is  much  sought  after  in  North  London. 
Supplies  even  from  these  districts  vary  greatly 
in  quality.  Several  methods  have  been  adopted 
to  keep  the  surface  of  paths  smooth  and  firm 
during  hot  weather.  Crushed  cockle  shells 
spread  very  thinly  ovej  the  surface  is  beneficial, 
as  is  also  finely-sifted  sand.  The  frequent  use  of 
the  water  cart  in  dry  weather  is  a  necessity.  The 
roller  can  be  used  to  the  best  effect  on  mornings 
following  rain.  This  will  roll  in  the  fine  pebbles 
that  become  dislodged  by  constant  traffic,  and 
benefit  the  surface  generally. 

Forming  new  paths. — Where  there  is  a  con- 
siderable amount  of  traffic,  the  paths  should  be 
from  12  to  15  feet  wide.  Proper  drainage  is  of 
great  importance,  and  the  necessary  gulleys  and 
gratings  must  be  provided  for  at  distances  which 
will  vary  according  to  the  nature  of  the  ground, 
whether  level  or  rising,  and  according  whether 
the  subsoil  is  of  a  retentive  or  porous  nature. 
The  ground  should  be  excavated  to  a  depth  of 
10  inches,  and  in  the  bottom  of  the  trench  should 
be  placed  a  layer  6  inches  deep  of  hard  material, 
such  as  broken  bricks,  concrete,  or  clinkers.  Over 
this  hard  core  place  4  inches  deep  of  gravel,  put- 
ting the  rougher  at  the  bottom,  and  reserving  the 
finer  for  binding  on  the  surface.  Consolidate  the 
materials  as  the  work  proceeds  by  using  a  heavy 
roller. 


Roads. — Ordinary  pit  flints  of  a  medium  size 
are  suitable  for  repairing  the  surface  of  carriage 
roads.  After  breaking  up  the  surface  with  a 
pickaxe  and  spreading  the  fresh  flint,  add  a  layer 
of  about  1  inch  of  fresh  hoggin  or  binding  ma- 
terial, and  then  bring  the  roller  into  requisition 
to  make  the  surface  smooth,  but  the  centre  of  the 
road  should  be  slightly  higher  than  the  sides  so 
that  water  may  pass  quickly  away.  New  carriage 
roads  should  be  made  by  excavating  the  soil  to 
a  depth  of  17  inches,  and  placing  in  the  bottom 
1-  inches  of  hard  material,  next  i  inches  of  flint, 
and  then  1  inch  of  hoggin.  The  usual  width  for 
a  carriage  way  in  a  public  park  is  2>  feet.  In 
parks  a  small  steam  roller  is  of  great  ser- 
\  ice,  and  it  can  be  well  employed  on  the  roads 

Drains. — Proper  provision  for  the  removal  of 
the  surface  water  is  of  the  utmost  importance.  A 
6-inch  or  9-inch  dram,  according  to  circum- 
stances, should  be  placed  down  the  centre  of  the 
new  roadway,  with  an  easy  fall  to  the  outlet  or 
main  drain.  The  gulleys  should  be  placed  about 
200  feet  apart  on  level  ground,  but  if  there  is 
much  fall  to  the  roadway  they  will  require  to  be 
closer.  Many  roadways  in  the  London  [.arks  are 
kerbed  with  stone  pitchers,  which  vary  in  size, 
and  may  be  obtained  of  granite,  Purbeck,  or 
York  stone. 

THE   APIARY. 

By  Chloris. 
Preparing  frames  and  sections. — When  frames 
are  used  in  the  hives,  it  is  necessary  to  place 
either  a  portion,  or  a  whole  sheet,  of  foundation 
in  each  frame.  If  this  is  not  done  the  bees  will 
build  their  combs  in  any  direction  but  that 
desired  by  the  beekeeper.  It  is  an  advantage 
to  use  a  strip  of  comb  only  as  a  starter  when  a 
swarm  is  newly  placed  in  a  hive,  for  the  bees 
are  then  gorged  with  honey  for  comb-building, 
and  if  whole  sheets  are  used,  then  no  use  is 
made  of  this  supply.  Further,  if  sections  of 
drawn-out  comb  or  shallow  frames  are  placed 
above  the  queen-excluder  zinc,  then  the  bees  are 
compelled  to  store  in  the  supers,  because  there 
is  no  room  in  the  brood  chamber.  Some  may 
say  then  it  will  be  an  advantage  to  i 
"starters"  at  all  times,  because  of  the  saving 
of  foundation,  but  this  is  not  so.  When  bees 
are  transferred  in  the  spring  or  autumn  into  bar 
frame  hives,  it  is  advantageous  to  use  full  sheets 
of  foundation,  otherwise  the  bees  would  fill  a 
greater  part  of  the  remaining  space  below  the 
starters    with    drone    comb,    whereas     a     swarm 


FlG     id.      APPLIANCE   FOR    FIXING   COMB 
FOUNDATION    IN   FRAMES. 

rarely  builds  drone  comb  during  the  first  season. 
The  best  foundation  on  the  market  is  that) 
known  as  "weed''  foundation.  Always 
secure  the  foundation  to  the  top  bar.  Too 
much  care  cannot  be  taken  to  make  it 
quite  fast.  If  no  wiring  be  contemplated  then 
that  which  weighs  seven  or  eight  sheets  to  the 
pound  may  be  utilised,  but  when  wiring  is  re- 
sorted to,  then  the  thinner  quality — that  which 
is  9  or  10  sheets  to  the  pound — may  be  used 
with  safety.  Some  persons  use  a  board  when 
wiring  foundation  in  a  frame.  Take  a  piece  of 
wood  (A  in  fig.  59)  f  inch  thick  and  cut  it  so 
that  it  will  exactly  fit  inside  a  brood  frame  ; 
then  prepare  another  board  (B)  that  will 
fit  inside  a  shallow  frame.  Place  these  two 
pieces  back  to  back,  and  between  them  place 
two  strips  of  wood  (C,  C)  about  three-quarters 
of  an  inch  thick,  as  in  the  figure.  These  will 
project  at  the  top,  bottom  and  sides.  The  dotted 
line  in  the  illustration  represents  the  larger  board 
which  is  used  for  fixing  the  comb  in  brood 
frames,  and  the  smaller  one  for  shallow  frames. 
In  fixing  up  frames,  never  allow  the  founda- 
tion to  reach  to  the  bottom  bar,  but  allow  for 
stretching.  For  sections,  use  whole  sheets  of 
wax.  Tf  a  little  glue  is  put  on  the  edge  of  the 
foundation  :t  will  make  it  secure. 


136 


THE     GARDENERS'    CHRONICLE. 


[February  27,  1909. 


EDITORIAL   NOTICE. 


ADVERTISEMENTS  should  be  sent  to  the  PUB- 
LISMER,  41,  Wellington  Street,  Covent  Garden, 
W.C. 

Lt  tters  for  Publication,  as  well  as  specimens  of  plants 
for  naming,  should  be  addressed  to  the  EDITOR, 
41,  Wellington  Street,  Covent  Garden,  London. 
Communications  should  be  written  on  one  side  only  of 
the  paper,  sent  as  early  in  the  week  as  possible  and  duly 
signed  by  the  writer.  If  desired,  the  signature  will  not  be 
printed,  but  kept  as  a  guarantee  of  good  faith. 

Special  Notice  to  Correspondents. — The  Editor  does  not 
undertake  to  pay  for  any  contributions  or  illustrations,  or 
to  return  unused  communications  or  illustrations,  unless  by 
special  arrangement.  The  Editor  does  not  hold  himself 
responsible  for  any  opinions  expressed  by  his  correspondents. 

Illustrations.-  The  Editor  will  be  glad  to  receive  and  to  select 
photographs  or  drawings,  suitable  for  reproduction,  of 
gardens,  or  of  remarkable  plants,  flowers,  trees,  &c,  but  he 
cannot  be  responsible  for  loss  or  injury. 


Appointments  for  March. 

THURSDAY,  MARCH  4—  Linnean  Soc.  meet. 

SATURDAY,  MARCH  6— 

Soc.  Franc.  d'Hort.  de  Londres  meet. 

MONDAY,  MARCH  8- 

Ann.  Meet.  United  Hort.  Ben.  and  Prov.  Soc.  at  Hort. 
Hall,  Westminster. 

TUESDAY,  MARCH  9— 

Roy.  Hort.  Soc.  Corns,  meet.  (Bulb  Exh.  in  Hort. 
Hall,  Westminster.  Lecture  at  3  p.m.  by  Mr.  W.  S. 
Murray,  on  "  Bulb-growing  in  Holland  ").  British  Gard. 
Assoc.  Ex.  Council  meet. 

THURSDAY,  MARCH  11— 

London  Branch  B.G.A.  lecture  on  "Insect  Pests." 

WEDNESDAY,  MARCH  17— 
Roy.  Meteorological  Soc.  meet. 

THURSDAY,  MARCH  18— Linnean  Soc.  meet. 

TUESDAY,  MARCH  23- 

Roy.  Hort.  Soc.  Corns,  meet.  (Lecture  at  8  p.m.  by 
Mr.  K.  Lloyd- Praeger,  on  "Rock  Gardens"). 

WEDNESDAY,  MARCH  24— 

Perpetual-flowering  Carnation  Soc.  Sh.  at  Hort.  Hall, 
Westminster.    Annual  dinner  in  the  evening. 

THURSDAY,  MARCH  25-Torquay  Spring  Fl.  Sh. 

TUESDAY,  MARCH  30— 

Cornwall  Daffodil  and  Spring  Fl.  Soc.  Exh.  at  Market 
Hall,  Truro  (2  days).  Bournemouth  Spring  Fl.  Sh. 
(2  days).  

Average    Mean    Temperature    for    the    ensuing    week, 
deduced  from  observations  during  the  last  Fifty  Years 
at  Greenwich — 40,5°. 
Actual  Temperatures: — 

London.—  Wednesday,  February  24  (6  p.m.):  Max.  41°; 
Min.  80°. 
Gardeners'  Chronicle  Office,  41,  Wellington  Street, 
Covent  Garden,  London  — Thursday,  February 
25  (10  a.m.)  :  Bar.  302 ;  Temp.  38°  ;  Weather— 
Overcast. 
Provinces. —  Wednesday,  February  24  (6  p.m.):  Max.  45° 
Ireland  S.W. ;  Min.  34°  England  E.  coast. 


SALES    FOR    THE    ENSUING    WEEK. 

MONDAY  and  FRIDAY— 

Perennials,  Liliums,  Azaleas,  &c,  at  12 ;  Roses  and 
Fruit  Trees  at  1.30,  at  67  and  68,  Cheapside,  E.C.,  by 
Protheroe  &  Morris. 

TUF.SDAY,  WEDNESDAY,  THURSDAY,  FRIDAY— 
Sale  of  First  Portion  Nursery  Stock,  at  St.  John's  Nur- 
series,  Worcester,  by  order  of  the  Receiver  for  the 
Debenture  Holders  of  R.  Smith  &  Co.,  Ltd.,  in  volun- 
tary liquidation,  at  11.30,  by  Protheroe  &  Morris. 

WEDNESDAY— 

Herbaceous  Plants,  Bulbs,  &c,  at  12  ;  Roses  and  Fruit 
Trees  at  1.30;  Palms,  Plants,  &c,  at  5,  at  67  and  68, 
Cheapside,  E.C.,  by  Protheroe  &  Morris. 

FRIDAY— 

Imported  and  Established  Orchids,  at  12.45,  at  67  andCS, 
Cheapside,  E.C.,  by  Protheroe  &  Morris. 


The  problem  of  alternation  of 
Alternation  g-enerations  in  plants,  which  is 
Generations.0'  R^eat  interest  to  morpholo- 
gical botanists,  formed  the 
subject  of  discussion  at  the  meeting  of 
the  Linnean  Society  on  the  18th  inst. 
As  most  gardeners  know,  a  Fern  plant 
leads,  as  it  were,  a  double  life.  In 
completing  its  life-cycle,  it  passes  through 
the  Fern  stage  and  the  prothallial  stage. 
The  Fern  plant  bears  spores  and  is  hence 
termed  the  Sporophyte.  The  spores,  on 
germinating,  give  rise  not  to  a  new  Fern 
plant,  but  to  a  simpler  structure,  the  green, 
heart-shaped  prothallus.  Since  the  prothallus 
forms  the  male  and  female  reproductive  cells, 
or  gametes,  it  is  said  to  constitute  the 
Gametophyte  or  sexual  generation.    Thus,  in 


the  full  life-cycle  a  Sporophyte  generation 
alternates  with  a  Gametophyte  generation. 
Similar  phenomena  are  presented  in  an  almost 
equally  striking  manner  by  the  Mosses  and 
Liverworts.  In  these  groups,  as  in  the  Ferns, 
two  generations  alternate  with  one  another. 
The  Moss  plant  bears  the  male  and  female 
reproductive  cells,  and  so,  like  the  prothallus 
of  a  Fern,  is  to  be  regarded  as  the  Gameto- 
phyte. As  the  result  of  fertilisation  of  the 
egg-cell,  a  type  of  structure  entirely  different 
from  that  of  the  Moss  plant  itself  is  produced. 
This  structure  grows  out  from  the  Moss  plant 
as  a  capsule  borne  on  a  stalk.  The  capsule 
when  ripe  contains  spores  which  germinate 
without  fertilisation  and  give  rise  each  to 
a  Moss  plant.  Hence  this  peculiar  structure, 
the  capsule  with  its  stalk  is  a  Sporophyte, 
and  takes  a  place  in  the  life-cycle  of  the  Moss 
similar  to  that  taken  by  the  Fern  plant  in  the 
life-cycle  of  the  Fern.  It  is  noteworthy  that, 
whereas  in  the  Ferns  the  two  generations  are 
capable  of  independent  existence,  in  the 
Mosses  the  capsule  generation  (Sporophyte) 
lives  as  a  partial  parasite  on  the  Mosg  plant. 
But  more  noteworthy  for  our  immediate  pur- 
pose are  the  striking  dissimilarities  in  form 
presented  by.  the  Sporophyte  and  Gameto- 
phyte. 

During  the  19th  century  it  was  proved  that 
this  alternation  of  generations  is  not  con- 
fined to  Mosses  and  Ferns,  but  occurs  also  in 
as  precise,  though  less  obvious,  a  manner  in 
the  higher  plants.  Among  the  flowering 
plants  this  remarkable  alternation  is  disguised 
owing  to  the  fact  that  the  generation  bearing 
the  .sexual  cells — the  Gametophyte — is  at- 
tached to,  and  so  dependent  upon  the  flower- 
ing-plant itself — the  Sporophyte — as  to  seem 
part  and  parcel  of  it.  In  more  recent  times 
this  alternation  of  generation  has  been  shown 
to  occur  also  among  the  lower  plants,  such 
as  the  AlgEe. 

It  would  have  been  surprising  indeed  if  such 
impressive  and  general  phenomena  had  not 
engaged  the  attention  of  botanists  and  if  the 
search  for  the  meaning  of  alternation  of 
generation  had  not  led  to  considerable  con- 
troversy. Much  attention  has,  in  fact,  been 
given  by  botanists  to  this  question  and  much 
controversy  has  arisen.  Long  ago  the 
botanists  engaged  in  the  study  of  alternation 
formed  themselves  into  two  opposing  camps. 
In  the  one  camp  were  those  who  held  the 
antithetic  hypothesis,  in  the  other  those  who 
maintained  that  of  the  homologous  nature  of 
the  alternating  generations.  According  to 
the  antithetic  hypothesis,  the  two  generations 
— Sporophyte  and  Gametophyte — are  not 
comparable ;  the  Sporophyte  is  something 
which  did  not  occur  originally  in  the  life 
history  of  the  forerunners  of  plants  now  pos- 
sessing it,  but  which  has  been  intercalated. 
On  this  view  no  strict  comparison  can  be  in- 
stituted between  the  members  (leaves,  &c.)  of 
the  one  generation  and  those  of  the  other. 
According  to  the  homologous  theory,  the  two 
generations  are  comparable.  If  we  omit 
various  considerations  based  on  recent  dis- 
coveries bearing  on  the  minute  structure  of 
the  nuclei  of  the  two  generations,  we  may 
perhaps  fairly  say  that  but  for  one  other 
hypothesis  this  was  the  position  of  affairs 
which  the  botanists  met  to  discuss.  The 
other  hypothesis  just  referred  to  is  that  put 
forward  by  Professor  Bower,  who  has  cham- 
pioned     with      great    ability    the     antithetic- 


theory.  The  suggestion  put  forward  by 
Bower  was  that  the  kind  of  alternation  now 
exhibited  by  Liverworts,  Mosses  and  Ferns 
came  about,  or  assumed  its  present  propor- 
tions, as  a  consequence  of  the  adoption  of  a 
land  habit  by  plants  which  previously  had 
been  denizens  of  the  water.  In  the  circum- 
stances in  which  the  newcomers  to  the  land 
found  themselves  they  were  able,  or  were 
constrained,  to  make  provision  for  their  wide 
and  economical  distribution.  This  was 
effected  by  spores  :  minute,  cheaply-produced, 
reproductive  cells,  which  do  not  require  to  be 
fertilised,  but  which  are  capable  of  independ- 
ent growth.  The  more  efficient  the  spore 
production  the  greater  the  power  of  the  plant 
to  increase  and  multiply  and  occupy  the 
earth.  The  Fern  plant  and  the  Moss  capsule 
represent  successful  devices  evolved  for  the 
purpose  of  copious  spore  production. 

This  view,  though,  of  course,  hypothetical, 
had  the  merit  of  conferring  on  the  antithetic 
hypothesis  a  precision  as  to  ways  and  means 
which  was  lacking  from  the  opposed,  homo- 
logous hypothesis.  The  latter  hypothesis  ap- 
peared to  content  itself  with  the  affirmation 
that  the  two  generations,  though  they  look  so 
different,  are,  nevertheless,  comparable,  with 
respect  to  their  several  members,  one  with  the 
other.  The  holders  of  this  view  were  able  to 
bring  forward  much  evidence  in  support  of 
their  contention.  They  could,  for  example, 
point  to  the  discoveries  of  Farlow,  Lang,  and 
others  in  apospory  and  apogamy.  In  some 
Ferns  the  fronds  of  the  Sporophyte  may  fail 
to  bear  spores  and  give  rise  to  that  which,  on 
the  antithetic  theory,  they  ought  to  be  incap- 
able of  producing,  viz.,  a  prothallus.  Con- 
versely, a  Fern  prothallus  may,  in  certain 
circumstances,  give  rise,  without  preliminary 
fertilisation  of  an  egg-cell,  to  a  Fern  plant, 
a  Sporophyte. 

Recognising,  apparently,  that  the  homolo- 
gous theory,  though  supported  by  strong  evi- 
dence, was,  after  all,  in  a  sense  a  negative 
theory,  that  is,  that  it  did  not  offer  a  clear 
suggestion  as  to  how  the  Sporophyte  has  its 
remarkable  and  distinguishing  properties, 
Dr.  Lang,  who  opened  the  discussion  at  the 
Linnean  Society,  made  a  valuable  and,  as  it 
would  seem,  a  probable  suggestion. 

Dr.  Lang's  hypothesis  is  that  the  different 
forms  of  the  two  generations  are  due,  not  to 
any  essential  differences  in  the  specific  cell 
from  which  each  of  these  two  generations 
springs,  but  to  the  different  environmental  in- 
fluences which  operate  on  these  initial  cells. 
Thus,  in  the  Fern,  whereas  the  spore  develops 
on  moist  earth,  free  from  all  association  with 
the  Fern  plant  which  formed  it,  the  egg-cell 
develops  within  the  tissues  of  the  prothallus 
enclosed,  and  is  provided  with  food  material 
from  the  prothallus.  These  different  environ- 
ments suffice,  according  to  Dr.  Lang,  to  in- 
duce in  the  Sporophyte  and  Gametophyte  of 
the  Fern  the  differences  of  development  which 
lead  the  fertilised  egg-cell  to  become  a  Fern 
plant  and  the  spore  to  become  a  prothallus. 

The  introductory  paper  by  Dr.  Lang  was 
admirably  lucid.  The  discussion  which  fol- 
lowed was  opened  by  Professor  Bower,  who 
paid  a  warm  and  well-deserved  tribute  to  Dr. 
Lang's  work, admitted  that  he  was  prepared  to 
modify  his  well-known  views  on  the  antithetic 
nature  of  alternation,  but  maintained  that 
an  intercalation  of  Sporophyte  had  occurred' 
in  the  history  of  plants  which  show  alterna- 


February  27,  lHU'J.] 


THE     GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


137 


tion  and  that  the  origin  and  course  of  this 
occurrence  must  be  determined  before  the 
antithetic  theory  can  be  discarded. 

Dr.  Scott  pointed  out  that  Lang's  hypo- 
thesis does  not  supersede  the  homologous 
hypothesis,  and  that  it  is  a  theory  not  of 
origin  but  of  cause.  He  welcomed  the  sug- 
gestions of  Dr.  Lang  as  helpful  in  suggest- 
ing an  explanation  of  the  great  differences 
between  Sporophyte  and  Gametophyte  in  the 
.Mosses  and  Ferns. 

Dr.  Farmer  made  the  important  point  that 
the  evidence  of  the  behaviour  of  the  nucleus 
in  what  is  termed  the  reduction  division  must 
not  be  counted  on  in  support  of  theories  of 
alternation  ;  reduction  of  chromosomes  being 
a  phenomenon  common  to  animals  and  plants 
and  thus  of  even  wider  generality  than 
alternation. 

Both  Professor  Oliver  and  Mr.  Tansley 
made  valuable  contributions  to  a  discussion 
which  was  conducted  in  so  charming  a  man- 
ner as  to  disappoint  those  who  expected  that 
opposing  views  on  abstract,  scientific  subjects 
would  lead  to  acrimony.  Dr.  Prain,  in  a  few 
felicitous  words,  brought  the  meeting  to  a 
conclusion.  

Linnean  Society.— At  a  meeting  to  be  held 
on  March  4,  at  8  p.m.,  a  paper  on  "The  Mon- 
tane Flora  of  Fiji"  will  be  read  by  Miss  L. 
S.   GlBBS. 

The  Gardeners'  Royal  Benevolent  In- 
stitution.—At  a  largely  attended  meeting  of 
the  committee  held  on  February  23,  under  the 
presidency  of  Mr.  Harry  J.  Veitch,  and  includ- 
ing Mr.  W.  A.  Bilney.  the  honorary  solicitor, 
it  was  unanimously  resolved  that,  in  view  of 
amendments  to  the  Old  Age  Pensions  Act 
which  will  probably  be  proposed  by  the  Gov- 
ernment during  the  present  session  of  Parlia- 
ment, no  immediate  steps  should  be  taken  for 
the  alteration  of  annuities  payable  by  the  in- 
stitution. At  the  same  meeting  £45  was  voted 
from  the  Good  Samaritan  Fund  in  several  sums 
to  six  gardeners  and  two  widows  of  gardeners 
who  were  in  distressed  circumstances  and  in 
urgent  need  of  assistance. 

Presentation  to  a  Gardener.— Mr.  W.  H. 

Bailey,  on  leaving  Bevendean  Gardens,  Ox- 
shott,  was  reeently  presented  with  a  clock  by 
the  members  of  the  Oxshott  Cricket  Club  in  ac- 
knowledgement of  his  services  as  honorary  sec- 
retary. 

A  Gardeners  Golden  Wedding. — Mr.  and 

Mrs.  Alfred  Cole,  of  Pant-y-ffynon,  Llan- 
dudno, celebrated  their  goiden  wedding  on  the 
20th  inst.  Mr.  Cole  is  a  son  of  the  late  William 
Cole,  Senr.,  late  of  Fog  Lane  Nurseries,  With- 
ington,  near  Manchester,  and  well  remembered 
as  one  of  the  celebrated  plant-growers  of  thirty 
years  ago.  Mr.  Alfred  Cole  was  gardener  for 
some  years  to  the  late  Joseph  Broome,  of  Wood 
Lawn,  Didsbury,  and  Sunny  Hill,  Llandudno. 
At  Llandudno  he  proved  himself  to  be  not  only 
a  clever  Orchid  grower,  but  a  good  all-round 
gardener.       ^ 

"The  Dahlia  News." — This  little  monthly 
journal,  the  organ  of  the  New  England  Dahlia 
Society  of  Boston,  Mass.,  U.S.A.,  still  con- 
tinues to  flourish.  We.  have  just  received  No.  11 
of  Vol.  2  for  January,  1909,  and  find  its  con- 
tents, limited  as  they  must  necessarily  be,  just  as 
varied  and  interesting  to  the  grower  as  ever. 
The  contributors  are  by  no  means  confined  to 
America,  and  articles  appear  at  intervals  from 
Dahlia  specialists  in  England,  France,  Germany 
and  elsewhere. 


Mr.  M.  Moody,  gardener  to  F.  D.  Godman, 
Esq.,  F.R.S.,  South  Lodge,  Horsham,  will  retire 
at  the  end  of  March.  Mr.  Moody,  who  will 
continue  to  reside  in  Horsham,  Iras  had  the 
charge  of  this  garden  for  31  years,  27  of  which 
have  been  spent  in  the  service  of  F.  D.  Godman, 
Esq.  A  successor  has  been  found  in  Mr.  T.  H. 
Slade,    late   of   Poltimore   Gardens,    Exeter. 

Lady  Gardeners. — The  first  annual  dinner 
given  to  lady  farmers  and  gardeners  by  the 
Women's  Agricultural  and  Horticultural  In- 
ternational Union  took  place  recently  at 
the  Criterion  Restaurant.  Mrs.  Charles 
Chapman,  hon.  treasurer  of  the  union, 
presided  over  a  large  attendance.  Miss 
L.  Dunington,  in  proposing  the  health  of  "  The 
Guests,"  stated  that  the  union  sought  to  im- 
prove the  industrial  conditions  under  which 
women  worked  in  agriculture  and  horticulture, 
to  obtain  and  maintain  an  adequate  rate  of 
payment  for  work  done,  to  endeavour  to  pro- 
vide employment,  and  to  establish  a  high 
standard  of   perfection. 

French    Gardeners    in    London. — On   the 

occasion  of  the  annual  dinner  of  the  Societe 
Francaise  d' Horticulture  de  Londrus,  recently 
held  at  the  Cafe  Royal,  under  the  chairmanship 
of  Sir  Albert  K.  Kollit,  Officer  of  the  Legion 
of  Honour,  a  telegram  in  the  name  of  the  com- 
pany present  was  despatched  to  M.  1  ai  i  ieki  . 
the  President  of  the  French  Republic,  offering 
the  cordial  and  respectful  salutations  of  the 
meeting.  In  reply,  Sir  Alberi  ROLLIT  has  re- 
ceived a  very  cordial  message  from  the  Palais 
de  1'Elysee,  thanking  him  as  chairman,  Mr.  G. 
Schneider,  and  Mr.  Harman  Payne  and  the 
members  of  the  society  for  their  kind  saluta- 
tions. 

Effects  of  Frost. — From  reports  which 
have  reached  us,  it  appears  only  too  probable 
that  the  severe  frosts  this  season  have  caused 
considerable  damage  to  garden  and  nursery 
stock,  lea  Roses  especially  have  suffered 
greatly,  and  some  reports  even  indicate  that  a 
very  large  percentage  of  the  standard  Tea  Roses 
throughout  the  country  have  been  killed  out- 
right. The  usual  vagaries  are  noticed  in  respect 
to  shrubs,  whilst  some  that  are  not  reputedly 
tender  have  been  killed,  others  that  might  have 
been  expected  to  succumb,  have  so  far 
escaped  injury.  Mr.  Fielder,  of  North  Mymms 
Park  Gardens,  Hertfordshire,  states  that  whilst 
Olearia  Gunniana  and  other  species  are  killed, 
the  greenhouse  plant  of  former  years  Choisya 
ternata  is  perfectly  healthy.  Mr.  Hudson,  of 
Gunnersbury  House  Gardens,  Middlesex,  states 
that  he  finds  that  Irost  is  more  injurious  to 
Bamboos  if  the  roots  are  rathe.r  dry  than  when 
they  are  growing  in  a  moist  situation.  This  is  in- 
teresting, because  the  reverse  is  the  case  with 
most  other  plants.  There  is  some  satisfaction  in 
the  knowledge  that  during  periods  of  frost  the 
damage  to  vegetation  frequently  appears  greater 
than  it  really  is.  We  hope  that  such  is  the  case 
now,  and  that  when  the  season  of  growth  begins 
it  will  be  found  that  many  plants  survive  for 
which  but  little  hope  is  at  present  entertained. 

Jubilee  Flower  Show,  Haarlem,  1910.— 

The  complete  schedule  for  this  event  has  now 
been  published  in  a  volume  of  80  pages  in  the 
Dutch  language.  It  may  be  remarked  that  the 
competition  is  open  only  to  Dutch  exhibitors, 
and  that  it  is  expected  that  many  additional 
special  prizes  will  be  given  by  patrons  and  socie- 
ties, &c.  The  prizes  in  the  schedule  are  75  gold 
medals  and  about  2,500  other  prizes.  The  judges 
will  be  chosen  from  among  the  horticulturists 
of  all  nations.  The  permanent  show  in  the  open 
(from  March  23  till  May  16)  will  consist 
of  200  classes  for  beds  and  groups  of  Hyacinths, 
Tulips,   Narcissi,   Crocuses,  and  other  bulbous 


plants,  herbaceous  perennials,  rockeries,  Coni- 
fers, Aucuba,  Azalea  and  Rhododendrons, 
Buxus,  Ilex,  Prunus,  and  other  shrubs.  The 
first  special  show  (March  23  to  31)  contains  275 
classes,  principally  for  Hyacinths,  Tulips,  Nar- 
cissi, Crocuses,  Amaryllis,  and  other  bulbous 
plants  in  pots.  A  special  feature  will  be  the 
class  for  bulbs  and  plants,  retarded  in  ice. 
There  are  classes  for  Azalea  mollis  and  Rhodo- 
dendrons, Roses,  Lilacs,  and  other  forced 
shrubs,  stove  and  greenhouse  plants,  and  cut 
flowers.  The  second  special  show  (April  15  to 
27)  will  have  300  classes  of  the  same  general 
character  as  those  of  the  first  shew,  but  the 
third  special  show  (May  7  to  12)  will  not  afford 
an  opportunity  for  .showing  Hyacinths,  but  wili 
probably  have  the  character  of  a  special  show 
of  Orchids  and  decorative  floral  art.  The  regu- 
lar meetings  of  the  committee  for  judging  new 
bulbous  plants  will  be  held  in  the  show  build- 
ings every  week.  The  permanent  e».hibition  in 
the  open  will  have  the  greatest,  interest  for 
foreign  visitors,  and  although  the  artistic  and 
suitable  arrangement  of  bulbous  plants  is  a 
rather  difficult  matter,  there  is  every  prospect 
that  a  good  effect  will  be  obtained,  for  already 
four  local  exhibitions  of  the  same  nature  have 
been  organised  in  the  bulb  district.  The  Noord- 
wik  section  of  the  Bulb  Growers'  Society  has 
done  so  already,  the  Sassenheim  section 
quite  recently,  and  the  Hillegom  section  is 
even  this  season  preparing  a  local  show,  which 
may  be  considered  as  a  valuable  trial  for  the 
Jubilee  Flower  Show  to  be  held  next  year. 

Seed  for  the  Tropics. — The  question  of 
the  advisability  of  drying  seed  for  export  to 
tropical  countries  is  considered  in  a  brief  note 
by  Mr.  Main  in  a  recent  number  of  the  Agricul- 
tural Bulletin  of  the  Straits  and  Federated  Malay 
States  (12,  vii.,  108).  Mr.  Main,  who  is  the 
Superintendent  of  the  Government  Plantations, 
Perak,  states  that,  according  to  his  experience, 
ii  is  quite  unnecessary  to  subject  flower  and 
vegetable  seeds  to  a  special  drying  process  before 
despatching  them  from  England  to  tropica', 
countries.  He  has  compared  the  germination 
capacity  of  seeds  from  ordinary  paper  packets 
which  had  been  packed  in  brown-paper  parcels 
with  that  of  seeds  which  had  been  specially 
dried  and  packed  in  hermetically-sealed  tins. 
Mr.  Main  found  that  whereas  the  former 
showed  a  germination  of  85  per  cent.,  the  latter 
did  not  exceed  55  per  cent.  Unfortunately,  Mr. 
Main  does  not  state  with  what  kinds  of  seeds 
his  experiments  which  gave  these  results  were 
made.  Our  readers  will  recollect  that  we  have 
more  than  once  drawn  attention  to  this  sub- 
ject. The  method  of  drying,  when  carried  out 
with  proper  precautions,  does  not  in  such  cases 
as  those  of  which  we  ourselves  have  had  experi- 
ence lead  to  any  material  reduction  in  the  ger- 
mination capacity ;  though  it  does  lead  to  a 
somewhat  slower  rate  of  germination.  It  would 
be  interesting  to  know  the  result  of  a  carefully- 
planned  experiment,  in  which  samples  of  seeds 
of  known  histories  and  germination  capacities 
were  exported  at  various  seasons,  some  specially 
dried  and  enclosed  in  sealed  tins,  others  un- 
dried  and  packed  merely  in  paper.  Mr.  Watson 
in  sending  seeds  to  tropical  climates  from  Kew, 
has  not  found  it  necessary  to  dry  and  enclose 
them  in  sealed  tins  (see  Gardeners''  Chronicle, 
January  13,   1906,   p.   20). 

Publications  Received. — Handbook  on 
Pruning  Roses.  (Second  edition).  (The  National 
Rose  Society)  — Trees  and  Shrubs  of  the  British 
Isles,  by  C.  S.  Cooper  and  W.  Percival 
Westell,  F.L  S.  Sixteen  full-page  coloured  plates 
and  70  full-page  black  and  white  plates  drawn 
direct  from  Nature,  by  C.  F.  Newall.  (London: 
Dent  &  Co.)  Price  Is.;  Part  I —The  Estate 
Magazine.  (February).  Price  6d — The  Cross- 
Breeding  of  Farm  Plants.  Extracts  from  Press 
opinions  of  Messrs.  Gartons'  experiments  and 
results.  —  The  Life  of  Philibert  Commerson,  by 
Pasfield  Oliver.  (London  :  John  Murray).  Price 
10s.   6d,   net. 


138 


THE    GARDENERS'      CHRONICLE. 


[February  27,  1S09. 


THE  LATE  SIR  GEORGE  KING. 

The  death  of  Lieut. -Colonel  Sir  George  King, 
K.C.I. E.,  LL.D.,  F.R.S.,  F.L.S.,  M.B.,  &c, 
was  briefly  announced  on  p.  128.  All  who  had 
the  pleasure  of  knowing  him  personally 
will  regret  the  loss  of  an  amiable  and 
modest  friend.  Yet  this  regret  will  be  tempered 
by  the  knowledge  that  the  deceased  had  little 
pleasure  in  life  during  the  last  two  or  three 
years,  and  death  came  as  a  relief  from  much 
suffering. 

Sir  George  King  was  a  native  of  Scotland,  and 
was  born  on  April  12,  1840.  He  was  educated 
at  the  Aberdeen  Grammar  School  and  Univer- 
sity, where  he  took  the  degree  of  M.B.  In  1865 
he  entered  the  Bengal  Medical  Service,  and  was 
for  some  years  house  surgeon  of  the  hospital  at- 
tached to  the  Medical  College  in  Calcutta.  From 
early  years  botany  was  his  favourite  study,  and 
he  was  appointed  to  the  chair  of  Botany  at  the 
Medical  College  in  1871,  and  the  same  year  be- 
came superintendent  of  the  Royal  Botanic  Gar- 
den, Sibpur,  Calcutta.  Some  years  elapsed  be- 
fore King  became  an  active  contributor  to 
botanical  literature.  Probably  his  numerous 
duties  and  delicate  health — for  he  was  never  very 
robust — prevented  him ;  but  the  following  ex- 
tract from  a  1902  edition  of  the  guide  to  the  Cal- 
cutta garden  is  an  appreciation  of  his  qualities 
as  a  gardener  and  a  botanist :  "  When  he  as- 
sumed charge,  the  garden  was  still  suffering 
from  the  effects  of  the  devastation  caused  by  the 
two  great  cyclones  of  1864  and  1867  ;  so  much 
so,  that,  as  a  scientific  institution,  it  was  neces- 
sary largely  to  remodel  it,  and,  as  a  place  of  pub- 
lic resort,  practically  to  remake  the  whole.  The 
tireless  energy  of  the  new  superintendent,  com- 
bined with  his  genius  for  landscape  gardening, 
in  a  few  years  completely  altered  the  aspect  of 
the  place,  increasing  incalculably  its  value  as  a 
scientific  centre,  and  bestowing  on  it  all  the 
charms  that,  as  a  pleasure  ground,  it  now  pos- 
sesses. The  herbarium,  which  had  only  begun  to 
recover  from  the  effects  of  the  depletion  advised 
and  effected  by  Wallich,  during  Dr.  King's  in- 
cumbency again  attained  to  a  rank  commensur- 
ate with  the  needs  of  a  garden  of  such  import- 
ance, and-,  whether  for  the  quantity  or  the  ar- 
rangement of  its  contents,  is  now  of  a  value  un- 
dreamed of  when  the  Wallichian  distribution 
took  place." 

Subsequently  King  was  made  superintendent 
of  the  Cinchona  Plantations  in  Sikkim,  and  in 
1876  he  published  A  Manual  of  Cinchona  Culti- 
vation in  India.  His  work  in  connection  with 
this  establishment  was  enormous  for  one  on 
whom  so  many  other  duties  devolved.  The  cul- 
tivation of  Cinchona,  with  the  preparation  of 
quinine,  is  now  one  of  the  most  important 
Government  industries  in  India,  and  it  has 
brought  this  valuable  drug  within  reach  of  the 
poorest  of  the  vast  numbers  of  the  poor  in  that 
country. 

In  1891  King  was  appointed  Director  of  the 
Botanical  Survey  of  India,  in  addition  to  his 
other  offices.  If  he  published  little  during  the 
first  20  years  of  his  life  in  India,  he  made  up  for 
it  afterwards,  and  one  marvels  how  he  found 
time  for  so  much.  Some  account  of  his  more  im- 
portant publications  may  be  of  general  interest. 
Sir  George  was  the  founder  of  and  by  far  the 
largest  contributor  to  the  Annals  of  the  Royal 
Botanic  Garden,  Calcutta,  a  large  quarto  serial. 
The  first  volume  appeared  in  1888,  and  it  has  now 
reached  the  tenth  volume.  But  that  gives  no  idea 
of  the  extent  of  this  great  work,  illustrative  of 
the  flora  of  India,  as  the  so-called  parts  are  equal 
in  size  to  ordinary  volumes.  The  first  volume, 
for  example,  consists  of  two  such  parts  and  an 
appendix  ;  the  whole  devoted  to  a  monograph  of 
the  species  of  Ficus  of  the  Indo-Malayan  and 
Chinese  countries.  There  are  about  200  pages  of 
letterpress  and  232  plates.  Sir  George  made  a 
special  study  of  this  genus,  he  also  elaborated  the 
species  of  Ficus  for  Hooker's  Flora  of  British 
India,  and   wrote  several  papers  on  the  physi- 


ology of  the  genus.  The  second  volume  contains 
monographs  by  the  same  author  of  the  Indian 
species  of  Artocarpus,  Quercus  and  Castanopsis. 
Of  Quercus  alone  82  species  are  described  and 
figured,  comprising  many  of  the  handsomest 
trees  of  India.  The  eighth  volume  of  the  Annals 
is  of  special  interest  to  horticulturists.  It  is  the 
joint  work  of  King  and  R.  Pantling,  and  consists 
of  four  thick  parts,  illustrating  the  Orchids  of 
Sikkim  by  448  coloured  plates.  In  this  connec- 
tion it  may  be  mentioned  that  Part  I.  of  the 
fifth  volume  of  the  Annals  contains  "A  Century 
of  Indian  Orchids,"  by  Sir  Joseph  Hooker,  with 
101  coloured  plates  ;  and  Part  II.  of  the  ninth 
volume  contains  "  The  Orchids  of  the  North- 
western Himalaya,"  by  Mr.  J.  F.  Duthie.  These 
number  173  species,  belong  to  45  genera,  and 
they  are  represented  in  151  partially-coloured 
plates.  It  is  true  that  there  is  a  little  repetition, 
but  the  Orchid  flora  of  India  is  perhaps  the 
richest  in  the  world,  area  for  area,  probably  ex- 
ceeding 1,200  species,  outnumbering  those  of  any 
other  family. 

Concurrently  with  the  Annals,  King  published 
his  "  Materials  for  a  Flora  of  the  Malayan  Penin- 
sula "  by  instalments,  which  first  appeared  in  the 
Journal  of  the  Asiatic  Society  of  Bengal,  and 
were  afterwards  issued  separately.     The  first  in- 


LAW    NOTES. 


THE    LATE    SIR    GEORGE    KING. 

stalment  is  in  the  58th  volume  of  the  Journal, 
dated  1890,  and  the  last  in  the  74th  volume  in 
1907. 

The  classification  is  the  same  as  in  Bentham 
and  Hooker's  Genera  Plantarum,  and,  with  the 
co-operation  of  some  other  botanists,  the  work 
has  been  brought  down  to  the  end  of  the 
Labiatae,  forming  four  octavo  volumes  bearing 
both  the  original  and  a  consecutive  pagination. 

Several  collectors  were  engaged  in  gathering 
and  preparing  specimens  for  this  work,  which 
reveals  the  immense  wealth  of  the  arboreous  ele- 
ment in  the  vegetation  of  the  peninsula.  A  very 
large  number  of  new  species  are  described,  many 
of  them  valuable  timber  trees.  Taking  a  family 
remarkable  for  its  timber  trees,  the  Dipterocar- 
paceas,  for  example,  62  species  belonging  to  11 
genera  are  described,  two-thirds  of  which  were 
previously  unknown.  Such  is  a  sample  of  the 
kind  of  work  to  which  Sir  George  devoted  what 
one  may  truthfully  designate  every  minute  of  his 
spare  time.  Doubtless  he  worked  too  hard,  but 
he  has  left  his  mark  on  all  that  he  touched, 
especially  the  now  beautiful  Calcutta  garden. 
The  late  Dr.  Otto  Kunze,  who  was  a  keen  critic, 
in  his  Vm  die  Erde,  says  "  the  herbarium  and 
library  were  rich  and  a  pattern  of  what  they 
should  be  ;  the  gardens  tastefully  laid  out  and 
more  like  a  pleasure  ground  than  a  botanic 
garden." 


THE  POISONS  AND  PHARMACY  ACT,  1908. 
Draft  Regulations. 

The  Privy  Council  has  now  approved  of  the 
draft  Regulations  which  it  is  proposed  to  bring 
into  force  with  reference  to  the  working  of  the 
new  Poisons  and  Pharmacy  Act,  and  unless  the 
Privy  Council  should  see  fit  to  alter  its  decision 
in  the  interval,  these  Regulations  may  be  made 
effective  at  any  time  after  March  28  next,  that 
is  to  say,  40  days  after  the  draft  Regulations 
were   first   promulgated. 

It  is  encouraging  to  find  that  amongst  the 
Regulations  it  is  proposed  to  adopt,  the  follow- 
ing special  provision  is  made  in  favour  of  the 
horticultural  trade. 

"  In  granting  licenses  for  the  sale  of  poisonous 
substances  for  use  exclusively  in  horticulture, 
preference  shall  be  given  to  nurserymen,  florists, 
seedsmen,  and  other  persons  whose  business  is 
specially  connected  with  horticulture." 

It  will  also  be  observed  that  in  addition  to  the 
power  possessed  by  His  Majesty  in  Council  to 
vary  the  Regulations  themselves  from  time  to 
time  as  may  be  deemed  necessary,  the  Regula- 
tions also  reserve  the  right  to  revoke  or  suspend 
a  license.  Subject  to  this  power,  licenses  will 
remain  in  force  for  one  year,  so  that  application 
will  have  to  be  made  for  renewal  of  a  license 
annually.  The  fee  payable  on  the  granting  of 
a  license  is  £1  Is.,  and  for  renewal  of  license 
2s.  6d.  Various  forms  are  appended  to  the  draft 
Regulations,  but  it  will  be  ;ufficient  for  present 
purposes  to  give  the  form  of  application  only. 
The  Regulations  themselves  are  as  follow  :  — 

Regulations  Referred  to  in  the  Foregoing 
Order  in  Council. 

1.  A  license  shall  not  be  granted  to  any  person 
unless  the  local  authority  are  satisfied  that  he 
is  fit  to  be  entrusted  with  the  sale  of  the 
poisonous  substances. 

2.  In  granting  licenses  for  the  sale  of 
poisonous  substances  for  use  exclusively  in  hor- 
ticulture, preference  shall  be  given  to  nursery- 
men, florists,  seedsmen,  and  other  persons  whose 
business  is  specially  connected  with  horticulture. 

3.  Applications  for  licenses  and  lenewals  of 
licenses  shall  be  in  the  forms  set  forth  in 
Schedule  A  to  these  Regulations,  and  shall  be 
sent  to  the  local  authority  at  such  time  as  the 
local  authority  may  direct. 

4.  A  license  and  a  renewal  of  a  license  shall 
be  in  the  forms  set  forth  in  Schedule  B  to  these 
Regulations. 

5.  A  license  shall  continue  in  force  for  one 
year,  but  may  be  renewed  from  time  to  tune 
for  one  year  at  a  time,  subject  to  the  same  pro- 
visions as  in  the  case  of  a  grant  of  a  license. 

6.  A  license  may  be  revoked  or  suspended  for 
such  term  as  the  local  authority  think  fit,  if 
the  local  authority  are  satisfied  that  the  licensee 
has  failed  to  comply  with  the  lequirements  of 
these  Regulations  or  of  the  Poisons  Acts,  or 
that  the  licensee  is  not  a  fit  person  to  be  en- 
trusted with  the  sale  of  poisons. 

7.  A  licensee  shall,  on  being  required  to  do  so 
by  any  officer  of  the  local  authority  or  any  police 
officer,  produce  his  license,  and  any  renewal 
thereof. 

8.  The  fees  charged  in  respect  of  the  grant 
and  renewal  of  a  license  shall  be  such  as  the 
local  authority  may  determine,  not  exceeding 
in  the  case  of  a  grant  of  a  license,  21s.,  and 
in  the  case  of  the  renewal  of  a  license,  2s.  Cd. 

9.  A  license  shall  not  authorise  the  licensee 
to  sell  or  keep  open  shop  for  the  sale  of  poisonous 
substances  except  from  or  on  any  premises 
within  the  area  of  the  local  authority  which 
granted  it,  and  for  the  purpose  of  these  Regula- 
tions, a  municipal  borough  the  council  of  which 
is  a  local  authority  for  those  purposes  shall  not 
be  treated  as  forming  part  of  any  county. 

10.  Every  local  authority  shall  keep  a  register 
of  the  licenses  granted  by  them  for  the  time 
being  in  force,  and  any  person  shall,  at  all 
reasonable  times,  upon  payment  of  such  reason- 
able fees  as  may  be  fixed  by  the  local  authority, 
be  entitled  to  inspect  and  to  make  copies  of,  or 
take  extracts  from,  the  register. 

11.  All  poisonous  substances  shall  be  kept  in 
a  separate  store  or  cupboard  apart  from  any 
other  goods,  and  poisonous  substances  shall  not 


February  27,  1909.] 


THE     GARDENERS'      CHRONICLE. 


139 


be  sold  at  the  same  counter  as  articles  of  food 
for  human   consumption. 

1l!.  A  poisonous  substance  shall  not  be  sold 
except  in  an  enclosed  vessel  or  receptacle  as  re- 
ceived from  the  manufacturer,  distinctly  labelled 
with  the  word  "  Poisonous,"  the  rame  of  the 
poison,  the  name  and  address  of  the  seller,  and 
a  notice  of  the  special  purpose  for  which  it  has 
been   prepared. 

13.  Liquid  preparations  shall  be  sold  only  in 
bottles  or  tins,  easily  distinguishable  from 
ordinary  bottles  or  tins,  and  the  word 
"Poisonous"  shall  be  indelibly  marked  on 
each  bottle  or  tin. 

14.  Solid  preparations  shall  be  securely  pai  !  <  <1 
in  such  a  manner  as  to  avoid,  30  far  as  possib  i  . 
the  risk  of  breaking  or  leakage  from  transport, 
and  the  package  shall  contain  a  notice  that  it 
must  be  destroyed  when  empty. 

l.i.  For  the  purposes  of  these  Regulations  the 
expression  "poisonous  substances"  means  the 
poisonous  substances  to  which  Section  2  of  the 
Poisons  and  Pharmacy  Act,  1908,  applies  for 
the   time   being. 

Form   ok   Application    for    License. 

The  Poisons  and  Pharmacy  Act,  1908. 

I,  of  ,  carrying 

on  the  trade  of  at  , 

hereby  apply  for  a  license  to  sell  and  keep  open 
shop  for  the  sale  of  the  poisonous  substances  to 
which  Section  2  of  the  Poisons  and  Pharmacy 
Act,  1908,  applies  fur  use  exclusively  in  con- 
nection with* 

I  undertake  to  comply  with  the  provisions  of 
the  Arsenic    \it,    1851,  the   Pharmacy   A.  t,    1M1S, 
and  the  Regulations  made  by  order  in   Council 
under   the   Poisons   and   Pharmacy    A'  t.    1908. 
(Signed) 

Date. 

*(Here  insert  either  "agriculture  or  "  horti- 
culture"    or     "agriculture     and     horticulture.'1 

//.    .1/.    V. 


HOME   CORRESPONDENCE. 


(The  Editor  does  not  hold  himselj  responsible  Jor  the 
opinions  expressed  by  Ins  correspondents.) 

The  New  R.H.S.  Classification  of  Daf- 
fodils.—Mr.  Engleheart's  letter  of  protest  and 
criticism,  page  116.  regarding  the  new  R.H.S. 
classification  of  Daffodils  is  welcome  in  that 
it  voices  with  authority  the  dissatisfaction  of 
many  who  feel  that  their  opinion  is  of  too 
little  weight  to  warrant  their  giving  expression 
to  it.  In  the  notes  contributed  a  few  weeks  ago, 
being  under  the  impression  that  the  list  was 
published  with  the  full  authority  and  concur- 
rence of  the  Narcissus  Committee  of  the  R.H.S., 
I  assumed  that  there  was  nothing  to  do  but  ac- 
cept it  and  hope  that  the  inconsistencies  and 
deficiencies,  some  of  which  I  alluded  to,  and 
which,  as  Mr.  Engleheart  says,  are  obvious, 
would  be  removed  by  future  alterations  and 
additions.  It  appears,  however,  that  the  Nar- 
cissus Committee  as  a  whole  was  not  consulted 
before  the  publication  of  the  report  of  the 
Special  Committee,  and  that  neither  Mr.  P.  R. 
Barr  nor  Mr.  Engleheatt  were  represented  on 
that  committee.  That  being  the  case,  the 
authority  attached  to  the  present  classification 
list  is  very  much  weakened,  and  we  may,  there- 
fore, hope  that  it  may  be  altogether  recast. 
For  exhibition  purposes  (and  by  that  I  do  not 
mean  from  the  point  of  view  of  the  experts  or 
judges,  but  in  the  interests  of  the  managers  of 
shows  and  of  competitive  exhibitors)  some  prin- 
ciple of  classification  according  to  measurements 
is  inevitable,  for  the  public,  and  even  the  judges, 
are  always  more  or  less  influenced  by  size.  In- 
deed, it  is  quite  reasonable  that  flowers  of  the 
short  trumpet  type,  such  as  Giant  Incompara- 
bilis  and  Leedsii,  should  not  be  expected  to  com- 
pete either  with  pure  Ajax  on  the  one  hand 
or  with  the  Incomparabilis  and  Leedsii  varie- 
ties on  the  other.  The  principle  of  classifica- 
tion by  measurements  does  form  a  part  of  the 
old  arrangement,  but,  as  Mr.  Engleheart  says, 
it  could  and  ought  to  be  combined  with  more 
consideration  for  the  natural  divisions  and 
affinities,   and   more   account    should    be    taken 


of  colour  distinctions.  No  one  will  ignore  the 
difficulties  of  the  task,  which  have  been  greatly 
increased  by  secondary  crosses  in  vary- 
ing degrees  and  by  the  introduction  of  dis- 
tinct species,  such  as  N.  triandrus  and  N.  cycla- 
mineus.  Though  some  degree  of  arbitrariness 
Cannot  be  avoided,  it  need  not,  I  think,  be  so 
glaring  as,  for  instance,  is  displayed  in  the  case 
of  Triandrus  hybrids  and  in  Division  7  of  the 
new  classification.  Whatever  system  be  adopted, 
I  strongly  agree  with  Mr.  Engleheart  that  the 
pure  species  should  be  kept  in  separate  divi- 
sions, and  not  mixed  with  the  hybrids.  A.  J. 
Bliss. 

Freesias. — I  am  enclosing  some  spikes  of  this 
flower,  each  inflorescence  having  12  blooms, 
with  a  corresponding  number  on  the  side  sprays. 
We  have  had  as  many  as  13  blooms  on  the  main 
stalk,  with  eight  and  five  flowers  respectively 
on  the  lateral  sprays  from  the  same  flower  stem. 
Our  plants,  which  exceed  2  feet  in  height,  are 
potted  in  5  and  6-inch  pots.  G.  Elwood,  Swan- 
more  Park  Gardens. 

Our   plants  have  not   produced   more 

than  nine  flowers  on  an  inflorescence,  but  this 
season  the  majority  of  bulbs  developed  side 
shoots  that  flowered,  there  being  a  total  of  from 
30  to  33  flowers  per  bulb.  This  I  attributed  to  a 
liberal  feeding  with  manure  water  after  the 
plants  had  .flowered.  The  man.iie  enables 
the  new  bulbs  to  develop,  and  to  gradually 
but  thoroughly  ripen.  H.  Juniper,  Dyrham 
Pari;  Gardens,  Barnet.  [Some  excellent  spikes 
of  Freesia  accompanied  this  note. — Eds.] 

Experiments   with    Nitro  -  Bacterine.— 

Since  Trofessur  Bottomley's  article  on  experi- 
ments with  Nitro-Bacterine  [Garden  >  t'  i  'kronicle, 
February  6)  contains  several  statements  liable 
to  mislead  the  general  reader,  it  would  seem  de- 
sirable that  these  statements  should  be  taken 
as  they  occur  and  examined  more  closely. 
Firstly,  although  in  the  Wisley  trials  four  of 
the    p.ots   were   dressed    with    lime   in   addition 

Iphate  of  potash  and  superphosphate  of 
lime,  while  in  the  Reading  trials  the  soil  was  a 
calcareous  loam,  Prof.  Bottomley  still  main- 
tains that  the  application  of  these  mineral 
manures  would  tend  to  increase  the  acidity  of 
the  soil.  It  is  also  stated  by  Prof  Bottomley 
that  these  fertilisers  appi  u  to  have  an  in- 
ju s  action  on  the  introduced  bacteria  them- 

,  and  statements  contained  in  the  U.S.A. 
/■'aimers'  Bulletin,  240,  are  cited  ;  he  claims 
that  it  is  there  "  specifically  stated  that 
the  action  of  these  concentrated  fertilisers 
on  inoculated  seed  is  injurious."  As  a  matter 
of  fact,  reference  to  the  above  bulletin  will  show 
that  the  remarks  in  question  concern  the  method 
of  sowing  the  seed,  and  read  as  follows  : — "  The 
action  of  concentrated  fertilisers  drilled  with 
inoculated  seed  is  injurious;  this  is  especially 
true  if  the  seeds  should  be  still  moist  after 
treating  with  liquid  culture."  How  this  injuri- 
ous action  is  "  fully  confirmed  "  by  the  Reading 
and  Wisley  trials  is  not  easy  to  perceive,  since 
these  unfavourable  conditions  were  not  pre- 
sent in  those  trials.  Further,  in  the  discus- 
sion of  the  beneficial  results  obtained  by  the 
application  of  lime  to  Plots  XIX.  and  XX.,  it 
is  pointed  out  that,  in  order  to  demonstrate  the 
fixation  of  nitrogen  in  laboratory-cultures  by 
the  nitrogen-assimilating  organisms,  the  pre- 
sence of  carbonate  of  lime  is  absolutely  neces- 
sary. This  is  true  as  far  as  it  goes,  but  for 
some  reason  or  other,  Prof.  Bottomley  considers 
it  politic  not  to  mention  that  potash  and  phos- 
phates are  equally  indispensable.  In  using  the 
very  general  term  nitrogen-assimilating  organ- 
isms, he  includes  a  large  number  of  bacteria 
differing  greatly  in  their  physiological  and  mor- 
phological characters.  Whilst  the  addition  of 
carbonate  of  lime  is  necessary  to  the  growth  of 
such  organisms  as  Azotobacter  and  Clostridium, 
it  has  been  shown  by  several  investigators  that 
many  organisms  are  able  to  fix  nitrogen  equally 
well  in  the  absence  of  carbonate  of  lime  ;  the 
nodule  organism  is  one  of  these.  Would  it  not 
have  been  better  for  Prof.  Bottomley  to  confine 
his  attention  to  the  nodule  organism  as  related 
to  the  Wisley  and  Reading  experiments  instead 
of  indulging  in  a  dissertation  on  the  requisite 
conditions  for  the  culture  of  organisms  not  at 
present  concerned?  As  regards  the  culture  of  the 
nodule  organism  itself,  various  American  and 
German  bacteriologists  have  advocated  the  ad- 
dition of  acid  potassium  phosphate  or  even  of 


free  organic  acids  to  the  culture  solutions  and 
jellies  ;  hence  it  will  be  seen  how  very  slightly 
Prof.  Bottomley's  remarks  on  carbonate  of  lime 
and  its  use  in  laboratory  cultures  bear  upon  the 
consideration  of  the  Wisley  trials.  In  ad- 
dition, his  statement  that  "  the  same  proportion 
of  lime  applied  as  a  mixture  of  lime,  potash  and 
superphosphate  would  be  fatal  to  the  organisms" 
is  very  vague  and  quite  as  irrelevant  as  his 
foregoing  one.  Again,  in  his  consideration 
of  the  Wisley  trials,  we  are  presented  with 
a  specially-compiled  table  of  results,  which, 
he  states,  shows  that  the  seed-inoculated, 
unmanured  plot  gave  a  greater  yield  of 
produce  than  any  of  those  receiving  various 
forms  of  manure.  This,  at  first  glance, 
would  seem  to  indicate  a  decided  in- 
■  rease  to  be  due  to  inoculation,  and  a  decrease 
due  to  the  use  of  potassic,  phosphatic  and  nitro- 
ius  manures,  as  far  as  the  fallowed  land  is 
med.  If,  however,  we  tabulate  the  yields 
ol  the  corresponding  plots  on  the  cultivated 
land,  we  find  that  the  seed-inoculated  plot  pro- 
duced the  smallest  crop  in  the  aeries  ol  six 
plots. 

Weight        Weight 

Plot.  of  pods.       "I  Peas. 

grams.         grams. 

Soil  and  seed  untreated  25.549  10.303 

Seed  inoculated 19.507  8.179 

Manure,  10  tons  per  acre        23.674  9.653 

Lime,  40  bushels  per  acre       24.559  9.681 

Superphosphate  and  potash 27.017  10.788 

Calcium  cyanamide      25.692  9.696 

This  fable  is  given,  not  to  demonstrate  the 
futility  of  inoculation,  but  to  indicate  to  the 
general  reader  how  inaccurate  and  useless  it 
is  to  compare  yields  from  plots  in  absolutely 
different  series  as  was  done  by  Prof.  Bot- 
tomley in  the  case  of  the  Wisley  and  Reading  re- 
sults. An  explanation  of  these  very  erratic  yields 
«ill,  no  doubt,  be  found  in  Mr.  Chittenden's 
report  (p.  238),  in  which  he  says:  "One  point 
was  particularly  noticeable  on  the  fallowed 
ground;  the  soil  there  was  appreciably  deeper 
at  the  northern  end,  the  bottom  of  the  slope, 
than  at  the  southern  end,  owing  to  the  washing 
down  of  the  finer  particles  of  soil  during  the 
heavy  autumn  and  winter  rains  of  1907-8,  and 
fhis  had  a  marked  effect  upon  the  yield  of  the 
fallowed  land."  This,  in  itself,  would  seem  to 
account  for  the  abnormally  high  yields  of  the 
untreated  plots  and  for  the  gradually  decreasing 
yields  of  the  two  rows  of  plots  (cultivated  and 
fallowed  land]  taken  from  the  lower  to  the  higher 
numbers.  If,  further,  we  take  into  considera- 
tion the  disposition  of  the  two  plots  in  each 
series  of  experiments,  we  shall  find  that,  irre- 
spective of  soil-  or  seed-inoculation,  the  plot 
nearest  the  lower  or  northern  end  of  the  experi- 
mental field  gave,  in  the  majority  of  cases,  the 
heavier  crop.  All  the  plots,  1 — 2.  7 — 22  (with  the 
exception  of  13  and  14)  conform  to  this  rule, 
constituting  as  they  do  two-thirds  of  the  total 
number  of  plots.  This  is  shown  in  the  following 
table:  — 

Weight  of  Peas 

in  grams. 

Northern       Southern 

plot.  plot. 

Cultivated  land,    7  and    8      10.080  9.681 

„       9  and  10      lfl.788  9.067 

„     11  and  12      10.020  9.697 

Fallowed    land,  15  and  16       7.963  7  093 

„  „      17  and  18       7.686  6.513 

„      19  arid  20       4.702  4.182 

As  this  point  has  not  been  brought  to  the 
notice  of  the  reader  in  any  of  the  reviews  on 
Mr.  Chittenden's  report,  it  seems  desirable  that 
it  should  be  mentioned  in  this  article.  H.  B. 
Hutchinson,  Rothamsted  Experimental  Station, 
Jiarpenden. 

Vegetable      Prizes     at      Shrewsbury.— 

I  was  pleased  to  see  the  letter  by  Vegetable 
in  your  last  issue.  If  the  committee  had  con- 
templated the  change  they  have  made  I  think 
they  should  have  given  the  trade  notice  at  the 
last  exhibition,  or  have  sent  a  deputation  to  the 
largest  prize  donors  to  ask  their  opinions.  The 
trade  has  liberally  supported  Shrewsbury,  and 
to  a  great  extent  made  it  the  show  it  is.  I  feel 
sure  it  would  soon  fall  to  pieces  as  a  horticul- 
tural show  were  the  trade  support  or  exhibits 
withheld.  The  committee  said  they  would  ac- 
cept no  prizes  with  any  stipulations,  and  yet  they 
have  accepted  prizes  from  certain  firms,  allow- 
ing them  to  stipulate  their  own  fancy  names. 
In  offering  prizes  at  Shrewsbury  and  other 
places,  I  have  done  it  to  encourage  the 
gardeners      to      do      their      best      in      friendly 


110 


THE     GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


[February  27,  1909. 


competition  and  have  their  exhibits  judged  by 
impartial  judges.  I  fail  to  see  what  is  the  dif- 
ference in  my  offering  prizes  for  vegetables  or 
Sweet  Peas  grown  from  my  seeds  or  in  stipulat- 
ing on  particular  names.  Suppose,  for  instance, 
I  offered  prizes  for  Sweet  Peas  under  the  name 
of  "  Sydenham's  Sky  Blue,"  and  so  on,  and 
they  were  found  to  be  nothing  more  than  old 
standard  varieties  under  new  names,  what  would 
the  public  say?  The  committee  have  been 
badly  advised  when  they  say  they  will  only  give 
a  limited  number  of  awards  to  the  non-competi- 
tive exhibits.  These  exhibits  have  been  a  great 
feature  at  Shrewsbury.  The  trade  have  gone 
to  enormous  expense  to  bring  their  very  best. 
Now  the  committee  as  good  as  tell  them  they 
do  not  appreciate  this  help  :  they  would  rather 
favour  only  the  competitive  exhibits  by  giving 
them,  what  I  think,  unnecessarily  large  prizes, 
thereby  encouraging  the  covetous  man  to  come 
and  win  all  the  money  he  can,  whereas  the 
unselfish  man,  who  often  makes  a  ten  times 
more  interesting  exhibit,  is  to  have  the  cold 
shoulder.  I  shall  watch  with  considerable  in- 
terest how  these  new  regulations  are  carried 
out,  feeling  sure  there  will  be  considerable 
trouble,  which  will  be  most  unfortunate,  if  not 
disastrous,  to  the  former  good  and  liberal  repu- 
tation of  the  society.  Robert  Sydenham,  Birming- 
ham 

Our   attention    has   been   called   to   a 


letter  in  your  last  issue  under  the  nom  de 
plume  of  Vegetable,  which  we  think  it  advis- 
able to  answer  to  prevent  any  disputes  aris- 
ing hereafter.  On  reference  to  paragraph  4 
on  page  4  of  the  schedule  your  readers  will  find 
it  stated  "that  no  condition  shall  be  expressed 
in  the  schedule  as  to  the  seeds,  &c,  being  pur- 
chased from  the  donors  of  prizes."  The  com- 
mittee had  no  intention  of  preventing  these 
donors  specifying  any  particular  varieties  of 
vegetables  or  flowers  to  which  such  should  be 
confined,  but  they  declined  to  permit  any  re- 
strictions to  appear  stating  the  seeds  must  neces- 
sarily be  purchased  from  such  donors.  By  way 
of  obviating  any  compulsion  on  the  part  of  in- 
tending exhibitors  to  purchase  their  seeds  from 
these  donors,  we  may  mention  that  such  exhi- 
bitors will  not  necessarily  be  debarred  from 
competing  in  these  trade  classes  through  not 
ordering  seeds  direct  from  them,  as  it  is  pre- 
sumed the  donors  supply  the  trade  with  their 
produce  for  sale  in  the  usual  way,  and  conse- 
quently any  exhibitor  can  procure  such  through 
his  own  seedsmen  without  running  any  risk  of 
disqualification  when  the  judges  make  their 
awards.  We  imagine  it  will  be  the  duty  of 
these  donors  to  see  that  the  competitors  in  their 
respective  classes  have  complied  with  their  re- 
quirements. We  take  this  opportunity  to  call 
the  attention  of  your  readers  to  a  printer's 
error  on  page  29  of  the  schedule  in  the  third 
line  of  notes,  viz.,  "No  trade  cards  will  be 
allowed  on  any  of  the  exhibits  in  Classes  134 
to  165,"  whirh  should  read  Classes  131  to  165. 
The.  Hon.  Secretaries. 


The  Lindley  Library. — From  the  report 
which  was  printed  on  p.  105  of  the  proceedings 
at  the  Annual  Meeting  of  the  Royal  Horticultural 
Society,  held  on  the  9th  inst.,  it  appears  that  a 
discussion  took  place  respecting  the  ownership 
af  the  Lindley  Library.  The  report  says  :  "  It 
was  pointed  out  that  the  library  does  not  belong 
to  the  Society,  but  to  trustees,  and  that,  there- 
fore, any  money  spent  by  the  Society  in  the  pur- 
chase of  books  is,  in  fact,  a  presentation  to  the 
trustees."  This  suggestion  is  so  calculated  to 
mislead  ordinary  readers  and  to  do  serious 
mischief,  that  it  ought  not  to  be  allowed  to  pass 
without  notice.  Trustees  are  not  trustees  for 
themselves,  but  for  other  persons  ;  and,  although 
the  legal  ownership  of  property  held  in  trust  is 
in  the  trustees,  the  beneficial  ownership  is  in 
the  persons  for  whom  they  hold  it.  The  instru- 
ment declaring  the  trust  will  show  for  whom 
and  for  what  purposes  the  property  is  held,  and 
any  gift  to  the  trustees  is  a  gift  to  them  only  as 
custodians  for  the  benefit  of  others.  The 
botanical  library  of  the  late  Dr.  Lindley  was,  to 
the  best  of  my  recollection,  sold  by  his  executors 
to,  and  was  paid  for  by  or  for,  the  Royal  Horti- 
cultural Society,  and  was  vested  in  trustees  for 
that  Society.  The  instrument  declaring  the  trust 
ought  to  be  held  by  the  trustees,  or  by  their  solici- 
tor ;  and  a  copy  of  it  ought  to  be  in  the  posses- 
sion of  the  Society,  or  of  their  solicitor.     I  do 


not  remember  having  ever  seen  this  document ; 
but  it  is  incredible  that  it  should  be  so  drawn 
up  as  to  render  a  gift  of  books  to  the  trustees  a 
gift  to  them,  except  for  the  benefit  of  the  Society. 
A  gift  of  money  or  of  books  by  the  Society  to 
the  trustees  for  the  library  can  hardly  be  a  mis- 
application of  the  Society's  property.  It  seems 
a  legitimate  dedication  of  its  property  for  a  par- 
ticular purpose  for  its  own  benefit.  Moreover, 
the  mere  fact  that  persons  who  are  not  Fellows 
of  the  Society  may  be  allowed  to  use  the  library, 
can  hardly  prevent  it  from  being  the  property 
of  the  Society.  But  in  order  to  set  the  question 
at  rest  the  trust  deed  should  be  submitted  to 
some  competent  lawyer.  Lindley,  East  Carleton, 
Norwich. 

The  Infertile  Double  Primula  sinensis. 

— Professor  Bateson  can  no  doubt  obtain  from 
Messrs.  Cannell  &  Sons,  Swanley,  plants  of 
the  old  alba  plena,  Marchioness  of  Exeter, 
Annie  Hillier,  King  of  the  Purples,  and 
others  all  absolutely  double,  and  such  as  have 
been  in  commerce  for  many  years  past.  These 
plants  have  to  be  increased  by  severing  side 
growths  and  rooting  them  in  small  pots  as 
cuttings,  or,  as  some  growers  do,  heap  up  sandy 
soil  about  the  plants  in  the  pots.  Others  again 
layer  the  side  growths  to  induce  them  to  root, 
and  then  remove  them  from  the  parent  plants 
and  pot  them  up  separately.  A  few  years  ago 
wonderfully  fine  specimens  of  these  double 
Chinese  Primroses  were  grown  about  Leather- 
head,  Mr.  Mease,  at  Downside,  having  had 
plants,  18  inches  across,  carrying  large  heads 
of  bloom.  These  Primulas,  like  double  Prim- 
roses of  the  Acaulis  section,  are  pure  doubles. 
They  are  all  products  of  thrum-eyed  flowers, 
that  is,  those  which  have  as  singles  their  clus- 
ters of  anthers  or  pollen  cases  prominent.  These 
anthers  have  developed  into  petals,  and  hence 
the  flowers  are  barren.  All  these  doubles  origi- 
nated from  single  flowers,  which  gradually 
sported  and  became  thus  florally  demoralised. 
A.  D. 


SOCIETIES. 

ROYAL    HORTICULTURAL. 

February  23. — An  exceptionally  fine  display 
of  flowers  and  fruits  was  made  at  the  meeting 
held  on  Tuesday  last  in  the  Society's  Hall, 
Westminster.  The  building  was  filled  with 
groups  of  early  bulbous  plants,  forced  trees, 
and  shrubs,  Orchids,  Carnations,  Roses,  hardy 
flowers,  and  other  subjects.  The  attendance 
was  large,  the  building  at  times  being  crowded 
with   visitors. 

The  Floral  Committee  granted  an  Award  of 
Merit  to  a  rose-coloured  variety  of  Freesia ;  the 
Orchid  Committee  conferred  three  First-class 
Certificates  and  six  Awards  of  Merit ;  and  the 
Fruit  and  Vegetable  Committee  recom- 
mended a  First-class  Certificate  to  the  well- 
known  Apple  Bamack  Beauty. 

At  the  afternoon  meeting  in  the  lecture-room 
fi  .  new  Fellows  were  elected,  and  a  lecture  on 
"  A  Camping  Tour  through  Syria  to  Petra  in 
Arabia "  was  delivered  by  Mr.  Arthur  W. 
Sutton.  The  room  was  crowded  with  an  appre- 
ciative audience.  It  will  be  remembered  that 
Mr.  Sutton  gave  this  lecture  to  a  meeting  at  the 
Horticultural  Club  (see  Gardeners'  Chronicle, 
October  26,  1907). 

Floral  Committee. 

Present:  W.  Marshall,  Esq.  (Chairman),  and 
Messrs.  H.  B.  May,  Jno.  Creen,  T.  W.  Turner, 
G.  Reuthe,  Arthur  Turner,  F.  Page  Roberts, 
Chas.  E.  Shea,  W.  Cuthbertson,  W.  P.  Thom- 
son, W.  J.  James,  E.  H.  Jenkins,  E.  A.  Bowles, 
W.  A.  Bilney,  R.  C.  Notcutt,  J.  F.  McLeod,  W. 
Howe,  C.  R.  Fielder,  Herbert  J.  Cutbush,  W.  J. 
Bean,  R.  Hooper  Pearson,  A.  Kingsmill,  J.  T. 
Bennett-Poe,  Chas.  Dixon,  Jas.  Douglas,  R.  W. 
Wallace,  Walter  T.  Ware,  J.  Jennings,  C.  Blick, 
George  Paul  and  W.  G.  Baker. 

A  group  of  remarkably  fine  plants  of  Rich- 
ardia  Elliottiana  was  shown  by  Mrs.  Les- 
chai.las,  Highams,  Windlesham,  Surrey  (gr. 
Mr.  W.  Farmer).  The  spathes  were  not  only  of 
extra  large  size,  but  were  of  the  richest  yellow 
colour.     (Silver-gilt   Flora   Medal.) 

Messrs.  Hugh  Low  &  Co.,  Bush  Hill  Park, 
Enfield,  displayed  Ghent  Azaleas  in  variety,  the 


plants,  although  of  small  size,  being  crowded 
with  blossoms.  They  also  showed  Acacia  ovata, 
A.  cordata,  Erica  codonodes  Veitchii,  Daphne 
indica  rubra,  and  a  collection  of  Carnations  of 
the  perpetual-blooming  type.  The  Carnations 
made  a  pretty  display,  some  being  suspended  in 
baskets  hanging  from  slender  arches.  (Silver 
Flora  Medal.) 

Messrs.  H.  B.  May  &  Sons,  The  Nurseries, 
Upper  Edmonton,  showed  an  assortment  of 
decorative  Ferns,  batches  of  Primula  obconica 
and  P.  kewensis  X,  and  standard  plants  of  tire 
scented-leaved  Pelargonium  Clorinda.  (Silver 
Flora  Medal.) 

Messrs.  James  Veitch  &  Sons,  King's  Road, 
Chelsea,  showed  a  batch  of  hardy  Rhododen- 
drons in  bloom,  the  plants  having  been  lifted 
from  the  open  garden  early  in  January  pnd 
developed  under  glass.  The  varieties  were  The 
Countess  (white,  slightly  tinted  with  rose),  R. 
arboreum  Wellsianum,  and  Handsworth  Early 
Red.  At  the  back  of  the  Rhododendrons  was  a 
row  of  forced  Lilacs.  Messrs.  Veitch  also  ex- 
hibited a  batch  of  greenhouse  flowering  plants, 
including  Kalanchoe  Dyeri,  Crowea  angusti- 
folia,  Coleus  thyrsoideus,  Begonias,  &c,  whilst 
on  the  table  they  usually  furnish  with  green- 
house plants  were  large  groups  of  Cyclamen  lati- 
folium  and  Primula  sinensis.  The  Cyclamen 
especially  were  remarkable  for  their  wealth  of 
blooms  and  general  good  culture.  (Silver-gilt 
Flora   Medal.) 

Messrs.  R.  &  G.  Cuthbert,  Southgate,  ex- 
hibited a  large  group,  consisting  of  forced 
hardy  plants  of  many  species  of  deciduous 
Magnolias,  inclusive  of  M.  Lenne,  M.  speciosa, 
and  M.  alba  superba ;  also  numerous  plants  of 
Azalea  sinensis  in  variety,  Forsythias,  Pyrus, 
Prunus,  Syringas,  both  single  and  double- 
flowered,  and  Staphylea  colchica.  All  the 
plants  were  in  splendid  bloom.  (Silver-gilt 
Flora  Medal.) 

Messrs.  W.  Cutbush  &  Son,  Ilighgate,  Lon- 
don, N.,  showed  a  collection  of  forced  flower- 
ing trees  and  shrubs,  another  of  perpetual- 
blooming  Carnations,  also  a  variety  of  Alpine 
and  early-flowering  hardy  plants  arranged  as  a 
rock-garden  exhibit.  The  Carnations  were  very 
attractively  displayed,  there  being  large  bunches 
of  all  the  popular  kinds  in  tall  and 
short  receptacles  arranged  with  greenery. 
The  forced  plants  included  Lilacs,  Azaleas, 
Boronias,  Prunus  triloba,  Magnolias,  Staphylea 
colchica,  Xanthoceras  sorbifoha,  &c,  set  in 
Ferns  and  small  Palms.  The  Alpine  plants  in- 
cluded early-flowering,  bulbous,  and  other 
plants,  Irises  being  a  feature,  especially  I.  re- 
ticulata in  variety  and  I.  orchioides.  We  also 
noticed  the  dwarf-blooming  Tulipa  pulchella, 
with  pretty  carmine-rose-coloured  flowers.  (Sil- 
ver-gilt Flora  Medal.) 

Mr.  W.  H.  Page,  Tangley  Nursery,  Hampton, 
again  made  a  very  fine  display  with  Carnations 
and  Liliums,  not  so  large  as  the  exhibit  he 
staged  at  the  last  meeting,  but,  though  smaller, 
of  equally  fine  quality  and  arrangement,  the 
group  being  one  of  the  most  artistic  and 
brightest  in  the  building.  (Silver  Flora  Medal.) 
Mr.  H.  Burnett,  Guernsey,  again  demon- 
strated his  skill  in  the  culture  of  the  perpetual- 
blooming  Carnation  by  a  display  of  choice 
blooms  of  this  popular  flower.  The  colours  in 
the  numerous  varieties  exhibited  in  this  group 
were  remarkably  well  developed,  and  the  size 
of  the  blooms  and  substance  of  petal  were  also 
good.     (Silver  Flora  Medal.) 

Mr.  L.  R.  Russell,  Richmond,  Surrey,  exhi- 
bited a  group  of  Lilacs  in  flower.  The  exhibit 
was  arranged  as  a  semi-circle  on  the  floor  of  the 
building,  and,  in  addition  to  the  Lilacs,  were 
small  specimens  of  Clematis  indivisa  and 
Piunus  sinensis  alba  plena.  The  inclusion  of 
graceful  Bamboos  gave  a  pleasing  touch  of 
greenery  to  the  display.  (Silver  Flora  Medal.) 
Messrs.  H.  Cannell  &  Sons,  Swanley,  Kent, 
showed  Primulas  of  the  ordinary  florist's  and 
the  star  or  stellata  types.  Nearly  all  were  of 
named  varieties,  the  best  of  the  stellata  varie- 
ties being  Red  Rover,  Scarlet  Gem,  Lady  Emily 
(white),  Countess  of  Radnor  (a  fine  deep  red), 
Unique  (white  with  a  yellowish  eye,  surrounded 
by  a  zone  of  pink),  Blue  Lady,  and  White  Spray. 
Amongst  the  older  type  were  some  of  the  0ueen 
Alexandra  variety  with  exceptionally  large 
blooms,  Mrs.  C.  F.  Raphael  (pink),  Moonlight 
(white),  Mrs.  Marlow  (rosy-carmine),  Mrs.  Ken- 
nard  (rosy-purple),  and  The  Czar  (almost  helio- 
trope).    (Silver  Banksian  Medal.) 


February  27,  1909.] 


THE     GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


141 


Messrs.  Sutton  &  Sons,  Reading,  showed 
Primula  sinensis  "  The  Duchess"  of  the  normal 
type,  and  a  variety  in  which  the  foliage  par- 
takes of  the  Ivy-leaf  type. 

Mr.  G.  Mount,  Nurseryman,  Canterbury, 
showed,  as  at  the  last  meeting,  the  hybrid  Tea 
Roses  Liberty,  Richmond,  and  Joseph  Lowe. 
-(Silver  Banksian  Medal.) 

Messrs.  J.  Peed  &  Son,  Nurserymen,  West 
Norwood,  showed  a  rockery  decorated  with 
"various  lowly  Alpines,  such  as  Ericas  of  hardy 
species,  Cacti,  Snowdrops,  Helleborus,  Primula 
X  kewensis  finely  flowered,  various  Saxifragas, 
Lachenalias,  including  a  variety  named  Ruby. 
(Silver    Banksian    Medal.) 

Mr.  A.  Chafman,  Rye,  showed  Cyclamen 
ibericum  seedlings  ;  also  examples  of  Iris  Dan- 
fordiae. 

The.  Guildford  Hardy  Plant  Co.  showed 
examples  of  Iledera  minima.,  H.  conglomerata, 
Saxifraga  Valdensis,  S.  Burseriaaa,  Adonis 
amurensis,  hybrids  of  Helleborus  orientalis,  H. 
caucasicus,  and  Shortia  galacifolia. 

Mr.  Geo.  Reuthe,  Keston,  Kent,  again 
showed  rare  and  interesting  shrubs ;  also 
bulbous  plants,  coloured  Primroses,  Snowdrops, 
Hepaticas,  Primulas,  and  other  early-blooming 
plants.     (Bronze  Banksian  Medal.) 

Messrs.  Thos.  S.  Ware,  Ltd.,  Ware's  Nur- 
sery, Feltham,  displayed  rock-garden  plants  ar- 
ranged on  an  improvised  rockery  composed  of 
real  stones.     (Silver  Banksian  Medal.) 

Messrs.  Barr  &  Sons,  King  Street,  Covent 
Harden,  London,  displayed  an  assortment  of 
bulbous  flowers,  some  as  cut  blooms  and  others 
as  pot  plants. 

The  Misses  Hopkins,  Mere  Gardens,  Shep- 
I  nit.  m,  again  displayed  a  rock-garden  exhibit,  as 
at  the  last  two  meetings. 

Messrs.  G.  &  A.  Clark,  The  Nurseries,  Dover, 
showed  a  garden  rockery,  similar  to  the  one  they 
displayed  at  the  last  meeting,  and  planted  with 
Irises,  Trumpet  Daffodils',  hardy  Primroses, 
both  single  and  double-flowered,  small  Conifers, 
Taxus  of  species,  and  Thymus  of  low,  creeping 
habit. 

Messrs.  Eggett  &  Son,  Nurserymen,  Thame, 
showed  a  few  hardy  Ferns  arranged  in  a  rock- 
work  exhibit. 

Miss  Alice  Smith,  The  Bungalow,  Bognor, 
showed  a  small-sized  garden  rockery  planted 
with  suitable  species  of  plants. 

Water-colour  drawings  and  studies  depicting 
scenes  in  Kentish  gardens  and  sketches  in 
colours  of  flowers  were  shewn  by  Miss  Jose- 
phine Gundry,  Foot's  Cray.  (Silver-Gilt  Flora 
Medal.) 

Miss  Cox,  The  Cottage,  Rose  Hill,  Dorking, 
also  showed  several  studies  in  water-colours  of 
flowers  excellent  in  colouring  and  pose. 

Award  of  Merit. 
Freesia  Rose  Queen. — A  variety  of  Freesia,  with 
considerable    rose    colour   in    the    flowers,    was 
shown  by  Messrs.   Bark  &  Sons,  and  received 
an  Award  of  Merit. 

Orchid  Committee. 

Present:  Harry  J.  Veitch,  Esq.  (in  the 
Chair),  and  Messrs.  Jas.  O'Brien  (hon.  sec.),  de 
B.  Crawshay,  W.  Boxall,  G.  F.  Moore,  J.  For- 
ster  Alcock,  \V.  Thompson,  F.  Sander,  F.  M. 
Ogilvie,  R.  G.  Thwaites,  J.  Charlesworth,  A. 
A.  McBean,  W.  H.  Hatcher,  W.  P.  Bound,  J. 
Cypher,  W.  H.  White,  H.  G.  Alexander,  A. 
Dye,  C.  H.  Curtis,  H.  A.  Tracy,  H.  BaUantine, 
Gurney  Wilson,  W.  Bolton,  C  J.  Lucas,  N.  C. 
Cookson,    Stuart   Low,   and   F.   J.    Hanbury. 

The  premier  award,  a  Silver-Gilt  Flora  Medal, 
was  given  to  Messrs.  Sandkk  &  Sons,  St. 
Albans,  for  a  varied  group,  in  which  rare  hy- 
brid Odontoglossums  yvere  conspicuous.  The 
finest  of  these  included  the  large  and  hand- 
somely-blotched O.  crispo-Harryanum  Brug- 
gense,  raised  by  Messrs.  Sander  at  Bruges. 
Other  handsome  Odontoglossums  were  O.  Irene 
(O.  triumphans  X  O.  Kegeljanii),  a  good  yellow 
flower  blotched  and  barred  with  reddish-brown  ; 
O.  Helenus  (O.  Harvengtense  X  O.  Coradinei), 
a  distinct  and  pretty  variety ;  O.  gemmatum  (O. 
triumphans  X  O.  elegans),  curiously  showing 
the  colour  and  form  of  O.  triumphans  in  an 
intermediate  shape ;  O.  Vuylstekeas,  of  a  dis- 
tinct type  ;  O.  Nysa  (O.  Hunnewellianum  X  O. 
triumphans),  coloured  yellow  with  brown  mark- 
ings ;  O.  Vulcan  (O.  crispum  X  O.  Vuylstekei), 
a  well-formed  and  richly-coloured  flower  ;  and 
O    Hellemense  (O.   harvengtense  nobilor   X    O. 


crispum,  blotched  variety).  At  one  end  of  the 
group  were  some  magnificent  plants  of  Phalae- 
nopsis  Schilleriana,  one  having  eight  spikes 
bearing  together  about  100  flowers.  Other  not- 
able plants  were  Cattleya  Trianae  Rajah ; 
Cypripedium  villosum,  Sanders'  variety,  large, 
with  much  blackish-purple  in  the  dorsal  sepal ; 
Calanthe  hololeuca,  pure  white ;  Oncidium 
splendidum,  and  others. 

Messrs.  Charlesworth  &  Co.,  Haywards 
Heath,  were  awarded  a  Silver  Flora  Medal  for 
a  fine  group  rich  in  Odontiodas,  for  two  of  the 
best  of  which  see  "  Awards."  Among  the  rarer 
hybrids  were  Brasso-Laelio-Cattleya  Cooksonii, 
with  pretty,  yellow  flowers,  veined  and  tinged 
with  bronzy-rose ;  a  good  selection  of  hybrid 
Odontoglossums,  including  several  forms  of  O. 
Ossulstonii,  O.  crispo-Harryanum,  and  O.  ama- 
bile.  Among  the  Cattleyas  was  a  distinct 
form  of  C.  Trianae,  with  light-coloured  floyvers  ; 
and  with  the  Cypripediums  the  pretty  C. 
Rossettii,  many  varieties  of  C.  aureum,  and 
other  rare  forms. 

Monsieur  Mertens,  Ghent,  was  voted  a  Sil- 
ver Banksian  Medal  for  a  select  group  of  hy- 
brid and  seedling  Orchids.  Among  others  were 
good  forms  of  O.  laudatum,  O.  amabile,  and  O. 
Vulystekei. 

Messrs.  Cypher  &  Sons,  Cheltenham,  secured 
a  Silver  Banksian  Medal  for  a  group  of  rare 
Cypripediums,  which  included  the  best  varie- 
ties of  C.  aureum,  C.  vill-exul,  and  C.  Beeck- 
mannii.  With  them  were  Miltonia  Bleuana, 
Dendrobium  Melpomene,  D.  Leechianum,  Mas- 
devallia  macrura,   &c. 

Sir  Jeremiah  Colman,  Bart.,  Gatton  Park  (gr. 
Mr.  Collier),  staged  an  interesting  little  group, 
in  which  Bulbophyllum  comosum  bore  five 
spikes  of  yvhite  floyvers ;  Cirrhopetalum  Masters- 
ianum,  a  pretty  umbel  of  copper-red  blooms ; 
C.  retusiusculum,  several  reddish  heads  of 
bloom ;  Dendrobium  Mortii,  an  Australian 
species  of  the  D.  teretifolium  class,  many  slen- 
der, white  flowers.  Among  the  hybrids  were  a 
dark  Zygo-Colax  near  to  Z.  leopardinus  and  the 
latest  new  Gatton  hybrid,  Dendrobium  Lady 
Colman  (see  Awards). 

Colonel  G.  L.  Holford,  CLE.,  C.V.O.  (gr. 
Mr.  H.  G.  Alexander),  sent  Laelio-Cattleya 
Pizarro,  Westonbirt  variety  (L.  Jongheana  X 
C.  Dowiana  aurea),  a  rose-coloured  flower  with 
gold  veining  and  disc  to  the  lip ;  and  the  hand- 
some Cattleya  Trianae  Mooreana  (see  Awards). 
Messrs.  J.  &  A.  A.  McBean,  Cooksbridge, 
staged  a  select  group,  principally  Odontoglos- 
sums, among  which  were  a  handsome,  large- 
flowered,  spotted  O.  crispum  ;  a  large,  yellow 
Odontoglossum  blotched  with  brown,  raised 
from  O.  Wilckeanum  X  O.  crispum ;  and  a 
good   form   of  the  white   O.   ardentissimum. 

Messrs.  Hugh  Low  &  Co.,  Bush  Hill  Park, 
Enfield,  sent  the  handsome  blush-white  Cattleya 
Trianae  Lowiae ;  Odontoglossum  crispum  Car- 
mania,  Dendrobium  chessingtonense,  and  Cypri- 
pedium chrysotoxurn  Victor. 

R.  G.  Thwaites,  Esq.,  Streatham  (gr.  Mr. 
Black),  sent  Dendrobium  chessingtonense 
"  Buttercup,"  yellow  with  dark  eye  ;  D.  c.  King- 
cup, buff-orange  with  maroon  centre,  and  the 
singular  hybrid  D.  atro-Brymerianum.  (See 
Awards.) 

Mr.  H.  A.  Tracy,  Amyand  Park  Road,  Twick- 
enham, showed  Odontoglossum  crispum  Jamesi- 
anum,  an  effectively  blotched  variety  ;  Cypripe- 
dium Eurybel  (Euiyades  x  bellatulum),  and  an 
elegant  form  of  Cycnoches  peruvianum  with  five 
flower-spikes. 

G.  F.  Moore,  Esq.,  Chardwar,  Bourton-on- 
the-Water  (gr.  Mr.  Page),  showed  Cypripedium 
Graceae  "W.  F.  Page"  with  several  pretty 
yvhite  flowers  marked  with  purple  ;  two  very  dis- 
similar hybrids  of  C.  Beeckmannii,  and  C. 
Bridgei  magnificum  (see  Awards!. 

De  B.  CeawshaYj  Esq.,  Rosefield,  Sevenoaks 
(gr.  Mr.  Stables),  sent  his  dark-coloured  Odon. 
toglossum  Queen  Alexandra  var.  Theodora,  O. 
Zena,  and  other  interesting   Odontoglossums. 

Mr.  F.  McBean,  Plumpton,  showed  Cattleya 
Trianae  "  F.  McBean,"  a  blush-white  flower 
with  very  broad  petals  and  fine  lip-coloured  pur- 
plish-rose in  front. 

W.  Waters  Butler,  Esq..  Southfield,  Edg- 
baston  (gr.  Mr.  Jonesl,  sent  Cattleya  Trianae, 
C.  Enid  magnifica,  Dendrobium  Wardianum  al- 
bum, and  Odontoglossum  Pescatorei  album,  all 
of  good  quality,  well-grown  and  distinguished 
as  Southfield  varieties. 


J.  Gurney  Fowler,  Esq.,  Glebelands,  South 
Woodford  (gr.  Mr.  J.  Davis),  showed  the  hand- 
some Odontoglossum  Smithii  (Rossii  rubescens 
X  crispo-Harryanum),  illustrated  in  the  Gar- 
deners'1 Chronicle,  December,  1905,  p.  427,  in  fine 
condition. 

AWARDS. 

First-class  Certificate. 

Cattleya  Triance  Mooreana,   from   Col.   G.   L. 

Holford,  OLE.,   C.V.O.,   Westonbirt  (gr.   Mr. 

H.  G.  Alexander).     A  remarkable  variety,  lar:;e, 

of  fine  shape,  and  unique  in  colour.     The  sepals 

and   broad   petals   are   silver-yvhite   tinged   with 

rose,  the  petals  being  the  darker  and  having  a 

claret-purple  band  on  the  tips.     The  fror.t  of  the 

lip  is  deep  claret-purple  ;  the  disc  is  pale  yell  iw. 

Lcelio-Caitleya  Pizarro,  Westonbirt  variety  (L. 

Jongheana    x    C.    Dowiana    aurea),    from    Col. 

G.  L.  Holford.     A  charming  hybrid  with  large 

rose-coloured  flowers  with  gold  veining  on  the 

lip. 

Odonlioda  Lutetia  (O.  luteo-purpureum  X  C. 
Noezliana)  from  Messrs.  Charlesworth  &  Co. 
This,  in  the  variety  shown,  proves  to  be  a  vcTy 
handsome  hybrid  with  flowers  as  large  as  those 
of  O.  luteo-purpureum  and  of  a  yellowish 
ground  colour,  tinged  and  blotched  with  cinna- 
bar-scarlet. 

Award  of  Merit. 
Odonlioda  Keigh'.cyensis  CO.  cirrhosum  X  C. 
Noezliana),  from  Messrs.  Charlesworth  &  Co. 
A  very  elegant  hybrid  with  slender-branched 
spikes  of  blood-red  flowers  showing  the  influ- 
ence of  O.  oirrhosum  very  distinctly. 

Cycnoches  peruvianum  Tracy's  variety,  from  Mr. 
H.  A.  Tracy,  Twickenham.  Flowers  greenish- 
white,  sparsely  spotted  with  purple ;  the  rayed 
lip  white.  Inflorescence  more  dense  than  in  the 
type.     The  plant  bore  five  spikes. 

Cymbidium  W oodhamsianum  Orchidhurst 
variety  (Lowianum  X  eburneo-Lowianum),  from 
Messrs.  Armstrong  &  Brown.  Flowers  larger 
than  in  C.  eburneo-Lowianum,  greenish-white 
with  red-brown  markings  on  the  lip. 

Dendrobium  Lady  Colman  (Artemis  X  Find- 
layanum),  from  Sir  Jeremiah  Colman,  Bart., 
Gatton  Park  (gr.  Mr.  Collier).  One  of  the 
largest  and  most  beautiful  Dendrobiums  yet 
raised,  the  blooms  rivalling  the  best  forms  "I 
D.  Wardianum.  The  ground  colour  is  white 
with  the  outer  halves  of  the  segments  rose-pink. 
The  lip  has  a  deep  maroon  disc  with  a  white 
band  in  front,  the  apex  being  rose  colour. 

Cypripedium  Bridgei  magnificum  (Godseffia- 
Hum  X  Argus  Mocnsit),  from  G.  F.  Moore,  Esq. 
(gr.  Mr.  Page).  Dorsal  sepal  blackish  on  green 
ground,  with  a  narrow  white  margin  ;  petals 
broad,  deep  rose  on  the  outer  halves. 

Cypripedium  Curl-mannii  (Mons.  de  Curte  X 
Beeckmannii),  from  G.  F.  Moore,  Esq.  A  very 
fine  flower  with  large  dorsal  sepal,  green  at  the 
base  and  yvhite  above,  distantly  spotted  with 
purple.  Petals  broad  and  shining,  mahogany 
brown  on  the  upper  sides,  lighter  below  with  a 
few  dark  spots.     Lip  yellow  tinged  with  brown. 

Botanical  Certificate. 
Odontoglossum  cariniferum,  from  De  B.  Craw- 
shay, Esq.  A  rather  rare,  species,  originally 
introduced  from  Central  America  in  1848.  It 
bears  a  branched  inflorescence.  The  flowers 
have  brownish  lanceolate  sepals  and  petals 
keeled  at  the  back,  and  whitish  labellum. 

Certificate  of  Appreciation. 
Dendrobium  alro-Brymcrianum  ( atro-violaceum 
X  Brymerianum),  from  R.  G.  Thwaites,  Esq. 
(gr.  Mr.  Black).  A  very  interesting  hybrid,  tht- 
habit  of  the  plant  being  intermediate  between 
the  two  parents,  but  the  flowers  are  nearer  to 
those  of  D.  atro-violaceum  and  show  little  of 
D.  Brymerianum,  even  the  fringed  lip  of  which 
gives  no  indication.  Flowers  greenish  with 
small  purple  spots,  and  dark  purple  veining  on 
the  lip. 

Fruit  and  Vegetable  Committee. 

Present:  J.  Cheal,  Esq.  (in  the  Chair],  and 
Messrs.  W.  Bates,  A.  R.  Allan,  E.  Beckett,  A. 
Dean  G.  Hobday.  H.  Parr,  J.  Vert,  J.  Davis, 
P  d!  Tuckett,  J.  Mclndoe,  O.  Thomas,  H.  S. 
Rivers,  W.  Barnes,  H.  Markham,  W.  Poupart, 
and  C.   G.  A.   Nix. 

Mr.  A.  Poupart,  Twickenham  Green,  sent  a 
fine  sample  of  Barnack  Beauty  Apple  (see 
\wards).     Mr.    Poupart    also    sent    a    superb 


142 


THE     GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


[February  27,  1909. 


sample  of  blanched  Seakale,  for  which  a  Cul- 
tural Commendation  was  awarded. 

A  sample  of  home-made  Orange  jelly,  ex- 
hibited by  Mrs.  Miller,  Marlow,  was  highly 
commended.  A  Silver  Banksian  Medal  was 
given  to  this  lady  for  a  collection  of  preserves 
in  bottles. 

A  collection  of  bottled  fruits  sent  by  Mr. 
Poupart,  jun.,  Twickenham,  was  one  of  the 
best  exhibits  of  preserves  ever  displayed  in  the 
Hall  by  an  amateur.  The  fruits  repre- 
sented varieties  of  Plums,  Apricots,  Peaches, 
Nectarines,  Raspberries,  Currants,  Morella  and 
Sweet  Cherries,  and  Blackberries.  (Silver-gilt 
Knightian   Medal.) 

Q.  P.  Serocold,  Esq.,  Taplow  (gr.  Mr.  R. 
Bullock),  sent  a  collection  of  well-kept  Apples 
in  about  40  varieties.  Amongst  the  best  varie- 
ties were  Baxter's  Pearmain,  Melon  Apple, 
Tower  of  Glamis,  Cox's  Orange  Pippin,  Rib- 
ston  Pippin,  Adams's  Pearmain,  Dumelow's 
Seedling,  Cox's  Pomona,  Newton  Wonder,  and 
Dutch  Mignonne.      (Silver  Knightian   Medal.) 

Messrs.  W.  Seabrook  &  Co.,  Chelmsford, 
displayed  a  collection  of  some  36  dishes  of 
Apples,  many  of  the  samples  being  exception- 
ally  c;ood.  The  more  noteworthy  were  Dutch 
Mignonne  (specially  good,  as  it  was  in  several 
other  exhibit*].  The  Queen,  Blenheim  Pippin, 
Barnack  Beauty,  Beauty  of  Kent,  Gloria  Mundi, 


Orchard,  Hersham,  was  awarded  the  1st 
prize  for  Claygate  Pearmain;  2nd,  Mr.  II. 
G.  Wadlow,  Peterborough,  for  Cox's  Orange 
Pippin.  The  other  variety  was  Duke  of  Devon- 
shire. 

In  the  class  for  six  dishes  (open  to  trade 
growers  only)  two  exhibits  were  staged.  Messrs. 
Jas.  Veitch  &  Sons,  Chelsea,  were  well  1st 
with  fine  fruits  of  Sturmer  Pippin,  Northern 
Sky,  Dutch  Mignonne,  Lord  Hindlip,  King  of 
Tompkin's  County,  and  Reinette  du  Canada ; 
2nd,  Messrs.   W.   Seabrook  &  Co. 

First-Class  Certificate. 

Apple  Barnack  Beauty  (see  fig.  61). — This 
variety  is  a  good  late  market  Apple,  and  it  re- 
ceived an  Award  of  Merit  on  March  14,  1899. 
The  Committee  raised  the  Award  to  a  First-class 
Certificate  on  this  occasion,  believing  that  the 
variety  is  not  so  well  known  as  its  worth  merits. 
The  fruit  is  of  medium  size,  greenish-yellow  in 
colour,  with  red  on  the  side  next  to  the  sun. 
The  flesh  is  yellowish. 

Scientific  Committee. 

February  9. — Present :  E.  A.  Bowles,  Esq., 
M.A.,  F.L.S.,  F.E.S.  (in  the  Chair):  Messrs. 
C.  T.  Druerv,  II.  T.  Giissow,  G.  S.  Saunders, 
A.  Worsley,  J.  T.  Bennett-Poe,  W.  Hales,  F.  J. 


&'■. 


Fig.  6i. — apple  barnack  beauty,  awarded  a  first-class 
certificate  by  the  r.h.s.  on  tuesday  last. 


Bismarck,    Schoolmaster,    and    Bramlev's    Seed- 
ling.    (Silver   Knightian   Medal.) 

Messrs.  T.  Rivers  &  Sons,  Sawbridgeworth, 
exhibited  a  large  group  of  Orange  trees  and 
gathered  fruits,  the  whole  forming  a  very  at- 
tractive exhibit.  The  Oranges  included  Achilles, 
Seville,  White,  Silver,  Egg,  and  Brown's  Navel. 
There  were  also  Imperial  Lemon,  Shad'!  I  . 
and  Citrons,  in  all  a  remarkable  collection  of 
the  Citrus  family.  (Silver-gilt  Knightian 
Medal.) 

Competitive   Class  for  Df.ssert  Applf.s. 

Contrary  to  expectation,  the  amateur  class 
for  four  dishes  brought  11  collections  for  the  two 
prizes  that  were  offered.  Some  of  the  fruits  shown, 
whilst  well-kept  examples,  were  not  regarded  as 
late  varieties.  Mr.  Markham,  Wrotham  Park 
Gardens,  Barnet,  was  awarded  the  1st  prize 
for  medium-sized  but  well-coloured  fruits  of 
May  Queen,  King  of  the  Pippins,  Cox's  Orange 
Pippin,  and  Baumann's  Reinette ;  2nd,  Col. 
Borton,  Cheveney,  Hunton,  Kent  (gr.  Mr.  J. 
W.  Whittle),  with  Calville  Rouge,  Christmas 
Pearmain,  Barnack  Beauty,  and  Melon  Apple. 
The  judgments  were  for  appearance  rather  than 
for  table  quality,  and  russety  varieties  were  not 
favoured.  f^ 

Only  three  dishes  were  staged  in  the  single- 
dish    class.      Mr.    J.     Watkins,    Dairy    Farm 


Chittenden  (hon.  secretary),  and  Gurney  Wilson 
(visitor). 

Malformed  Orchids. — Mr.  Saunders  reported 
that  the  flower  of  Cattleya  Triance  referred 
to  him  from  the  last  meeting  showed  three 
perfect  stamens  surrounding  the  pistil,  three 
very  short  and  regular  petals,  and  three  sepals 
shorter  still.  Mr.  Saunders  showed  drawings 
illustrating  these  points. 

Albinism  in  Orchids. — Mr.  Gurney  Wilson  ex- 
hibited specimens  in  illustration  of  the  inherit- 
ance of  albinism  in  Dendrobiums.  He  found 
that  Dendrobium  Murrinianum  crossed  with  D. 
Ballianum,  the  former  not  a  pure  albino,  though 
pale,  the  latter  nearly  white,  gave  seedlings  al- 
most exactly  like  typical  D.  nobile.  D.  nobile 
alba  (virginale)  which,  when  selfed,  gives  quite 
white  seedlings,  when  crossed  with  D.  Findlay- 
anum  gives  D.  "  Cybele,"  all  the  seedlings  being 
alike,  and  no  light  forms  among  them.  Similarly, 
Dendrobium  Wardianum  album  crossed  with  D. 
nobile  alba  gives  all  coloured  flowers.  These 
"reversions"  to  coloured  forms  confirm  the  re- 
sults that  have  been  obtained  in  crossing  Sweet 
Peas  and  Stocks. 

Floral  proliferation  in  Cyclamen. — Mr.  L. 
Lawrence  (gr.  to  R.  Gregory,  Esq.,  of 
Shoreham)     exhibited     a     plant     of     Cyclamen 


showing  floral  proliferation.  The  seed  was  from 
Lowe's  Cyclamen  Salmon  Queen,  and  this 
was  the  only  plant  which  had  produced 
such  flowers.  All  the  flowers  on  the  plant  were 
alike,  and  every  one  had  five  perfect  flowers 
arising  from  within  the  calyx,  probably  axillary 
to  the  sepals,  though  apparently  alternating  with 
them,  and  surrounding  the  central  corolla,  &c. 

Hippeastrum  pardinum. — Mr.  A.  Worsley 
exhibited  flowers  of  a  form  which  he  regarded  as 
belonging  to  this  species.  He  considered  the 
species  to  be  a  variable  one,  and  the  form 
figured  in  the  Botanical  Magazine,  v.,  t.  5645, 
not  to  be  the  one  most  commonly  met  with. 

Notonia  Grantii. — This  interesting  Composite 
with  bright-red  heads  of  flowers  and  Kalanchoc- 
like  in  habit,  about  3  feet  in  height,  a  native 
of  Uganda,  was  exhibited  by  Messrs.  J.  Veitch. 
It  was  recommended  that  a  Botanical  Certificate 
be  awarded  to  it.  It  is  figured  in  the  Botani- 
cal Magazine,  t.  7691. 


GHENT    HORTICULTURAL. 

February  7. — A  monthly  meeting  of  the 
Chambre  Sytidicale  des  Horticulteurs  Beiges  and 
Societe  Royale  d'Agriculture  et  de  Botanique 
de  Gand  was  held  on  Sunday,  February  7. 

i  citificates  of  Merit  were  awarded  to  Mons. 
Th.  Pauwels  for  Cypripedium  aureum  ver- 
tumne,  Miltoniopsis  Pauwelsianum  (M.  Roezlii 
X  vexillaria  Leopoldii),  Cypripedium  "  Ville  de 
Paris,"  and  Cattleya  Trianas  var.  ;  to  Mons.  M. 
F.  Lambeau  for  Cypripedium  Queen  of  Italy, 
Miltonia  Bleuana  var.  splendidissinia,  Cypri- 
pedium aureum  Bruxellense,  Laelia  anceps  San- 
deriana,  Lycaste  Skinneri  var.  Hellemense, 
Miltonia  Bleuana  var.  Prince  Charles,  Cypripe- 
dium aureum  "  Surprise,"  C.  aureum  "  Pom- 
one,"  Laelio-Cattleya  Warneri-Digbvana,  and 
L.-C.  Digbyano-Mossiae  var.  Queen  Alexandra  , 
to  Mons.  Em.  Praet  for  Cattleya  Trianas  var.  and 
Cypripedium  Leeanum  Clinkaberryanum  ;  to 
Mons.  Verdonck  for  Dendrobium  nobile  virgin- 
ale  ;  to  Messrs.  Duchesne  &  Lanthoine  for 
Odontioda  Watermaelensii ;  to  Mons.  H.  De 
Coninck  for  Cattleya  Percivaliana  splendida ; 
to  Mons.  V.  Heursel  for  Cestrum  Smithii  and 
l.ibonia  igani ;  to  Louis  Van  Houtte,  pere, 
Ltd.,  for  Bilbergia  Forgetiana  and  Sanseviera 
Laurentii ;  to  Mons.  Aug.  Haerens  for  Azalea 
Mme.  Aug.  Haerens,  Azalea  President  Alexis 
Callier,  and  Azalea  Brillanta  belgica;to  Mons. 
Louis  De  Smet  for  Anthurium  Rothschildia- 
num  rotundiflorum  perfectum ;  to  Messrs. 
Haerens  &  Wille  for  Azalea  Christmas  Cheer 
X  Mme.  John  Haerens;  and  to  M.  Oct.  Van- 
tier  Cri'yssf.x  for  a  seedling  Azalea  known  as 
['resident   Arthur    De    Smet. 


NATIONAL     CHRYSANTHEMUM. 

February  15. — A  meeting  of  the  Executive 
Committee  was  held  on  this  date  at  Carr's 
Restaurant,  Strand,  Mr.  T.  Bevan  occupying  the 
chair. 

The  Hindhead  Chrysanthemum  Society  was 
admitted  in  affiliation.  The  secretary  placed  be- 
fore the  committee  an  interim  financial  state- 
ment, and  the  relations  with  the  Crystal  Palace 
Co.  were  fully  discussed.  It  was  resolved  that 
all  the  medals  awarded  at  the  Society's  shows 
be  handed  to  the  exhibitors,  and  that  10s.  in  the 
pound  of  the  prize  money  be  also  paid,  with  an 
intimation  that  the  committee  hoped  to  pay  the 
balance  if  and  when  the  debt  due  by  the  Crystal 
Palace  Co.  be  paid. 

The  question  of  the  1909  shows  was  then  dis- 
cussed, and,  under  the  altered  state  of  affairs,  it 
was  considered  advisable  to  hold  only  one,  in- 
stead of  three,  the  prospective  receipts  for  the 
year  not  justifying  a  greater  expenditure.  Upon 
the  motion  of  Mr.  Curtis,  it  was  resolved  that 
a  show  and  conference  of  early-flowering  varie- 
ties be  held.  Subject  to  arrangements  being  con- 
eluded,  the  show  will  take  place  some  time 
about  the  middle  of  October,  either  at  the  Hor- 
ticultural  Hall  or   Earl's  Court. 

One-third  of  the  Floral  Committee  retiring  by 
rotation,  the  following  gentlemen  were  elected  to 
fill  the  vacant  places: — Messrs.  P.  A.  Cragg, 
Moorman,  J.  B.  Riding,  W.  Wells,  Seabrook,  and 
W.  Newton.  The  Finance,  Schedule,  and  Pub- 
lications Committees  were  re-elected  as  at  present 
constituted. 


February  27,  1909.] 


THE     GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


143 


ROYAL    SOCIETY    FOR    THE 
PROTECTION   OF   BIRDS. 

February  16. — A  largely-attended  annual  meet- 
ing of  the  Royal  Society  for  the  Protection  of 
Birds  was  held  at  the  Westminster  Palace  Hotel 
on  the  above  date.  The  proceedings  included  the 
presentation  of  the  Society's  Gold  Medal  to  Mr. 
A.  Holte  Macpherson,  F.Z.S.,  as  winner  in  the 
Society's  international  competition  for  an  essay 
on  "  Comparative  Legislation  on  Bird  Protec- 
tion." The  second  prize  of  10  guineas  went  to 
Colonel  A.  G.  Momber  (San  Remo).  The  Duchess 
of  Portland  presided  at  the  meeting,  and,  in 
speaking  of  her  warm  sympathy  with  the  Society, 
of  which  she  is  president,  said  she  longed  for 
the  day  when  all  ladies  would  leave  to  the  birds 
their  beautiful  plumage  instead  of  wearing  dead 
bodies  with  glass  eyes  for  the  supposed  adorn- 
ment of  their  hats.  Sir  John  Cockburn  also  de- 
nounced the  wearing  of  plumage.  Mr.  F.  E. 
Lemon  (hon.  sec.)  made  special  reference  to  the 
story  recently  circulated  by  the  trade  that 
"  osprey  "  plumes  are  moulted  feathers,  and  to 
the  complete  answer  to  this  contained  in  infor- 
mation received  by  the  Society  from  II.B.M. 
Consuls  in  Venezuela  and  the  Argentine,  and 
from  the  United  States  ;  he  also  drew  attention 
to  the  fact  that  three  of  the  watchers  employed 
by  the  Audubon  Societies  had  recently  been 
murdered  at  their  posts,  two  of  them  in  Florida, 
where  they  were  specially  employed  in  protecting 
the  remaining  egrets. 

Sir  William  Anson  referred  to  the  excellent 
educational  effect  of  the  Bird  and  Tree  Chal- 
lenge Shield  Competitions  in  elementary 
schools,  of  which  he  has  knowledge  in  his  own 
county.  Other  speakers  included  Julia  Lady 
Tweeddale,  the  Earl  of  Stamford,  Captain  Tail- 
bv.  Mr.  Meade-Waldo,  Mr.  Trevor  Battye,  Mr. 
Montagu  Sharpe  (chairman  of  council),  and  Mr. 
t  hampion  B.  Russell  ;  and  among  those  also 
present  were  Lady  Forester,  the  Hon.  Mrs. 
Arthur  Henniker,  the  Hon.  Mrs.  Boyle 
■("E.V.B."),  Mr.  Dresser,  Dr.  Penrose,  Mrs. 
Sturge,  Mr.  W.  L.  Fisher,  and  Mr.  Ernest  Bell. 


DEBATING    SOCIETIES. 

CARDIFF  GARDENERS'.— A  meeting  of  the  above 
association  was  held  at  St.  John's  Schools,  Cardiff,  on 
February  2.  Mr.  H,  R.  Farmer  presided.  A  lecture  was 
given  by  Mr.  M.  Toy,  Foreman,  Castle  Gardens,  Cardiff,  on 
"  Perpetual-flowering  and  '  Malmaison  '  Carnations."  The 
lecturer  pointed  out  the  advantages  of  the  perpetual- 
flowering  varieties  for  all  kinds  of  decorative  purposes. 
Cure  should  be  taken  to  obtain  cuttings  from  clean,  healthy 
plants  for  propagating  purposes.  They  should  be  inserted 
by  the  first  week  in  January,  covering  them  with  hand-lights, 
and  affording  a  bottom  heat  of  55°.  Mr.  Toy  explained  the 
necessary  cultural  details,  including  the  best  composts, 
stopping  the  shoots,  and  watering  ;  he  also  spoke  of  the 
diseases  and  pests  which  infest  the  Carnation.  In  the  case 
of  varieties  of  the  Souvenir  de  la  Malmaison  type  Mr.  Toy 
advised  their  propagation  by  means  of  layers. 

At  the  meeting  cf  the  society  held  on  February  16, 

Mr.  H.  A.  Gerhold,  chemist,  Penarth,  delivered  a  lecture 
on  "The  Cultivation  of  Sweet  Peas."  Mr.  Gerhold  ex- 
plained the  form  of  the  flower,  the  preparation  of  soils  for 
planting,  autumn  and  spring  sowing,  and  the  best  chemical 
manures  to  produce  large,  well-coloured  blooms. 

SALISBURY  AND  DISTRICT  GARDENERS'.- 

A  meeting  of  this  society  was  held  on  February  3,  Mr.  S.  W. 
Tucker  presiding.  The  meeting  was  devoted  to  a  debate  on 
various  subjects,  including  the  origin  of  the  florists'  Cycla- 
men and  the  best  mode  of  cultivating  it;  the  advent  and 
growth  of  the  Sweet  Pea  and  the  best  method  of  culture  ;  tin- 
cultivation  and  exhibition  of  Turnips;  the  cultivation  of 
Cinerarias;  and  the  best  methods  of  growing  herbaceous 
Calceolarias. 

THE     WEATHER. 

THE  WEATHER   IN    WEST    HERTS. 

Week  ending  February  24. 
The  most  sunny  February  day  for  10  years.— The  present 
cold  period  has  now  lasted  18  days.  During  the  past  week, 
however,  the  low  temperatures  have  been  at  night,  the  mid- 
day readings  being  nearly  all  more  or  less  above  the 
average.  Consequently  the  daily  range  of  temperature  has 
been  unusually  large  for  a  winter  month.  For  instance,  on 
the  23rd  inst.  the  lowest  reading  in  the  thermometer  screen 
was  20°,  and  in  the  warmest  part  of  the  day  51° — giving  a 
range  in  temperature  of  31°— which  has  only  twice  been 
exceeded  in  February  during  the  last  23  years.  On  the 
coldest  night  the  exposed  thermometer  registered  20°  of 
frost,  the  lowest  temperature  since  the  severe  frost  at 
Christmas.  The  ground  is  now  3°  colder  at  2  feet  deep 
ami  5°  colder  at  1  foot  deep  than  is  seasonable.  No  rain 
has  fallen  for  9  days,  and  there  has  been  no  measurable  per- 
colation through  either  of  the  soil  gauges  for  over  a  month. 
The  sun  shone  on  an  average  for  5^  hours  a  day,  or  for  more 
than  twice  the  average  duration  for  this  part  of  February. 
On  the  brightest  day  there  were  8£  hours  of  continuoui  sun 
shine,  making  this  the  most  sunny  February  day  for  10  years. 
Light  air  and  calms  have  alone  prevailed  during  the  week. 
The  mean  amount  of  moisture  in  the  air  at  3  p.m.  fell  short 
of  a  seasonable  quantity  tor  that  hour  by  as  much  as  lb 
per  cent.— E.  A/.,  Bcrkhamsted,  February  24,  1909. 


m:  arkets. 


Plants  in  Pots,  ate:  Average  Wholesale  Prices  (Contd.), 


CO  VENT  GARDEN,  February  24. 

[We  cannot  accept  any  responsibility  for  the  subjoined 
reports.  They  are  furnished  to  us  regularly  every 
Wednesday,  by  the  kindness  of  several  of  the  principal 
salesmen,  who  are  responsible  for  the  quotations.  It 
must  be  remembered  that  these  quotations  do  not  repre- 
sent the  prices  on  any  particular  day,  but  only  the 
general  averages  for  the  week  preceding  the  date  of  our 
report.  The  prices  depend  upon  the  quality  of  the 
samples,  the  way  in  which  they  are  packed,  the  supply 
in  the  market,  and  the  demand,  and  they  may  fluctuate, 
not  only  from  day  to  day,  but  occasionally  several  times 
in  one  day. — Ed.] 


Cut  Flowers,  &c. :  Average  Wholesale  Prices. 


Acacia  (Mimosa), 
p.doz.  bunches 

Anemone  fulgens, 
p.  dz.  bunches 

—  double  pink,  p. 
dozen  bunches 

Azalea,   per    dozen 

bunches 
Bouvardia,  per  dz. 

bunches 
Calla  asthiopica,  p. 

dozen  

Camel  lias,    per 

dozen  

Carnations,      per 

dozen  blooms, 

best  American 

various 

—  second  size    ... 

—  smaller,       per 
do/.,      bunches 

Cattleyas,  per  doz, 

blooms 
Cypripediums,  per 

dozen  blooms.. 
Daffodils,  per  doz. 

bunches 
Dendrobium  nobile, 

per  dozen 
Eucnans      grandi- 

flora,  per  doz. 

blooms 2 

Freesias  (white),  p. 

doz.  bunches  ..    2 
Gardenias,  perdoz. 

blooms 3 

Hyacinths  (Roman) 

per  doz.  bchs.    9 

—  Dutch 6 

Lilac     (English), 

white,  p.  bunch     3 

—  mauve 3 

—  (French),  mauve  -1 
Lilium      auratum, 

per  bunch      ...    2 

—  longitloruin    ...     4 

—  lane  i  f  o  I  iuin, 
rubra  ai  ...    2 

—  album 2 

Lily  of  the  Valley, 

p.  dz.  bunches 


d.  s.d.  i 
0-12  0 
6-  2  G  , 
6-2  6 
0-5  0 
0-8  0 
0-4  0 
0-2  6 


s.d.  s.d. 


6-3  6 
0-  2  0 


0-15  0 
6-2  6 
0-6  0 


2  6-30 

2  6-36 
2  6-30 


0-12  0 
0-10  0 


30 
5  0 


extra  quality  . 


12 


0-  3  0 
6-  3  0 


0-10  0 
0  15  0 


2  0-30 

2  0-30 

3  0-40 


16-20 
16-2  6 

2  6-36 
2  0-26 


Marguerites,  p.  dz. 
bunches  white 
and  yellow     ... 

Mignonette,  per 
dozen  bunches 

Myosotis,  per  doz. 
bunches 

Narcissus,  Paper- 
white,  per  dz. 
bunches 

—  Gloriosa 

—  ornatus 

—  Soleil  d'Or     ... 
O  d  on  to  glossum 

crispum,  per 
dozen  blooms 
Pelargoniums, 
show,  per  doz. 
bunches 

—  Zonal,    double 
scarlet 

Ranunculus, per  dz. 

bunches 
Roses,   12  blooms, 

Niphetos 

—  Bridesmaid    ... 

—  C.  Testout     ... 

—  K  a  i  seri  n  A. 
Victoria 

—  C.  Mermet 

—  Liberty 

—  Mine.Chatenay 

—  Richmond 

—  The  Bride      ... 

—  Ulrich  Brunner 
Snowdrops,  per  dz. 

bunches 
Spiraea,  per  dozen 

bunches 
Stocks,      double 

white,  per  doz. 

bunches 
Tuberoses,  per  dz. 

blooms 

—  on   stems,   per 
bunch  

Tulips,   per   dozen 

bunches,  single    6  0-10  0 

—  best    'double 
varieties         ...  12  0-24  0 

Violets,  per  dozen 

bunches  ..     10-30 

—  Parraas.p.bch.    4  0-50 


6  0-80 

6  0-90 

8  0-10  0 

2  6-  3  G 
2  6-40 
5  0-  8  0 

2  0-40 
2  ii  9  6 
4  0-60 

4  0-60 

5  0-90 
2  6-36 

6  0-80 

16-20 
5  0-80 

2  6-36 
0  3-04 
0  9-13 


Cut  Foliage,  8tc:  Average  Wholesale  Prices, 
s.d.  s.d 


Adiautum  cunea- 
tnin,  dz.  bchs. 

Agrostis,  per  doz. 
bunches 

Asparag  us  plu- 
mosus,  long 
trails,  per  doz. 

—  — medm.,bch. 

—  Sprengeri 
Berberis,  per   doz. 

bunches 
Croton  leaves,  per 

bunch  

Cycas  leaves,  each 
Daffodil  foliage,  p. 

doz.  bunches... 
Ferns,    per    dozen 

bchs.  (English) 

—  (French) 


4  0-60 


8  0-12  0 
10-20 
0  9-16 

2  6-30 

10-13 
16-20 

2  0-26 

2  0-30 

0  6-09 


Galax  leaves,  per 
dozen  bunches 

Hardy  foliage 
(various),  per 
bunche 


s.d.  s.d. 

2  0-26 

3  0-90 


dozen 
Honesty   (Lunaria) 

per  bunch 
Ivy-leaves,   bronze    2  0-26 

—  long  trails  per 
bundle 

—  short    green, 
perdz.  bunches 

Moss,  per  gross  ... 
Myrtle,  dz.    bchs., 

(English) 

small-leaved... 

—  French 
Ruscus  raceniosus, 

p.  dz.  bunches  18  0    — 
Smilax,  p.  dz.  trails    4  0-60 


1  0-  1 


0  9-16 


16-26 
5  0-60 


4  0- 
l  0- 


r,  ii 
1  6 


s.d.  s.d. 
6  0-80 
4  0-60 


Plants  in  Pots,  &c. :  Average  Wholesale  Prices. 

s.d.  s.d. 
Crotons,  per  dozen  18  0-30  0 
Cyclamen,  pr.  doz.  9  0-15  0 
Cy  per  u  s    alterni- 

folius,  dozen  ...    4  0-50 

—  laxus,  per  doz.  4  0-60 
Daffodils,  per  doz.  6  0-90 
Dracaenas,  perdoz.  9  0-24  0 
Erica  melanthera... 

per  dozen      ..    12  0-18  0 

—  persolata  alba,  12  0-24  0 

—  Wihnoreana  ...  12  0  18  0 
Euonymus.perdz., 

in  pots.  .         ..      4  0-90 

—  from  the  ground  3  0-60 
Ferns,  in   thumbs, 

per  100 8  0-12  0 


Ampelopsis     Veit- 
cfaii,  per  dozen 

Aralia  Sieboldii,  p. 
dozen  

—  larger    speci- 
mens     

—  Moseri 

Araucaria   excelsa, 

per  dozen 

—  large    plants 
each     

Aspidistras,  p.  dz. 
green    

—  variegated 
Asparagus,  plumo 

sus  nanus,  per 

dozen 12  0-18  0 

—  Sprengeri       ...     9  0-12  0 

—  tenuis  si  inus    9  0-12  0 
Azaleas  (Indian),  p. 

dozen 24  0-36  0 

Begonia  Gloire  de 

Lorraine,  p.  dz.  12  0-18  0 
Cinerarias,  per  dz.  8  0-12  0 
Clematis,  per  doz.  8  0-90 
Cocos    Weddell' 


9  0-12  0 
4  0-60 


12  0-30  0 
3  6-50 


15  0-24  0 
30  0-42  0 


—  in    small     and 
large  60's       ...  12  0-20  0 

—  in  48's,  perdz.     4  0-10  0 

—  in  32's,  perdz.   10  0-18  0 
Ficus  elastica,  per 

dozen 8  0-10  0 

—  repens,  per  dz.    6  0-80 
Genista     fragrans, 

per  doz.  -     8  0-10  0 


Hardy  flower  roots, 

per  dozen 
Hyacinths,  per  dz. 

pots      

Isolepis,  per  dozen 
Kentia       Belmore- 

ana,  per  dozen 

—  Fosteriana,  per 
dozen  

Latania  borbonica, 

per  dozen 
Lilium     1  o  ng  i- 

florum,  per  dz. 

—  lancifolium,  p. 
dozen... 


s.d.  s.d. 

10-20 

8  0-10  0 
4  0-60 

15  0-24  0 

18  0-30  0 

12  0-18  0 

18  0-24  0 

12  0-24  0 

Lily  of  the  Valley, 

per  dozen 
Marguerites,  white, 

per  dozen 
Mignonette,  perdz. 
Primulas,  per  doz. 
Selaginella,  p.  doz. 
Solanums,  per  doz. 
Spiraea  japonica,  p. 

dozen  ... 
Stocks    (intermed- 
iate),white,  p.  dz. 
Tulips     in     boxes, 

per  doz.  bulbs 
—  in  pots,  per  dz. 


s.d.  s.d. 

18  0-30  0 

6  0-10  0 
8  0-90 
5  0-80 
4  0-60 
8  0-10  0 

8  0-12  0 

8  0-10  0 

0  6-09 

9  0-12  0 


Fruit:  Average  Wholesale  Prices. 
s.d.  s.d. 


2  0-26         —       Do. 


Apples       Foreign 

—  California 
Newtown  Pip- 
pin, per  case,  4 

tiers      8  0-86 

—  4*  tiers  ...    7  0-76 

—  (American),  per 
barrel  : 

—  Baldwin  ...  22  0-25  0 

—  Greening       ...  25  0    — 

—  Newtown  Pip- 
pin  25  0-27  0 

—  Oregon  New- 
town Pippin, 
per  case  (150)...  13  0 


14  6 


(126) 
(96)  I 

—  Do.       (88)  [   13  6 

(80)  J 

—  (NovaScotian), 
per  barrel : 

—  Russet 

—  Baldwin 

—  Ben  Davis 

—  Fallawater     ... 

—  French  Russet, 
per  case 

Bananas,  bunch : 

—  Doubles 

—  No.  1        „    ... 

—  Extra        „    ... 

—  Giant        „     ... 

—  (Cla<et)     ,,     ... 

—  Jamaica    ,,     ... 

—  Loose,  per  dz. 
Cape  fruit,  p.  case  : 

—  Peaches 

—  Apricots 

—  Plums 

—  Nectarines 
Cranberries,     per 

case 
Custard  Apples    ... 
Dates  (Tunis),  per 

dozen  boxes  ... 
Figs  (Elemel,  p.  dz. 

—  pulled,  per  dz. 


19  0-20  0 

20  0-22  0 
17  0    — 

21  0  26  0 

9  0-96 

9  0-10  0 
6  6-80 
8  0-90 
10  0-12  0 
5  0-76 

5  0-56 
0  6-10 

6  0-10  0 
2  6-60 

2  6-60 

10  0-18  0 

16  0    — 

3  0-12  0 

43-4  6 

4  3    — 

5  0    7  6 


Grape    Fruit,   case 
Grapes,  Gros  Col- 
mar      

—  Alicante 

—  (Guernsey)     ... 

—  (Almeria),  per 
barrel 

Lemons,  box  : 

—  Messina,  300  .. 

—  Do.  3G0... 
Limes,  per  case  ... 
Lychees,  per  box.,. 
Mandarines    (25's), 

per  box 

—  (96"s),  per  box 

—  (Jamaica),  case 
Nut?,  Almonds,  per 

bag        

—  Brazils,  new, 
per  cwt. 

—  Barcelona,  bag 

—  Cocoa  nuts,  100 

—  Cob,  per  dozen 
lbs 

Oranges  (Denia) ... 

—  C  al  if ornian 
seedless,  per 
case     

—  (Valencia)  per 
case  (420) 

—  per  case  (714)... 

—  Jaffas 

—  Palermo  Blood 

—  Palermo  Bitter 

—  Murcia  Blood, 
per  case  (200).. . 

Pears,  Easter 
Beurre,  p.  box 

—  Glou  Morceau, 
per  case 

Pineapples,  each .,, 

—  (Natal),  per  dz. 
Tangerines     (Cali- 

fornian),       per 
case  (180-200)... 

—  (Florida),  per 
case  (120-200)... 


s.d.  s.d 
9  0-13  0 

12-30 

13-26 
0  10-  1  2 

12  6-20  0 

9  0-12  0 
8  6-11  0 
5  0  — 
10-15 

0  8-10 
2  9-36 
11  0-13  0 


50  0-55  0 
32  0-35  0 
11  0-14  0 

1  6-  1  9 
9  0-16  0 


10  0-12  0 

8  0-20  0 

8  0-14  0 

9  6-10  6 
8  6-96 
6  6-70 


8  6    — 

11  0    — 

2  0-36 
4  0-60 


10  0-12  0 
18  0-20  0 


Vegetables  :  Average  Wholesale  Prices 

s.d.  s.d. 


Ailichokes(Globe). 

pel  dozen       ...    2  0-26 

—  white,  p. bushel    2  0    — 

—  per  cwt,        ...    3  6    — 
Asparagus,     per 

bundle : 

—  Sprue 0  8-09 

—  Paris  Green  ...  4  0-46 
Beans — 

—  (French),  p.  lb.    10-11 

—  (Guernsey), 

per  lb. 2  6-30 

—  (Madeira),  per 
basket 3  6    — 

—  Niggers  ..  3  6-70 
Beetroot, perbnshel  10-16 
Brussel   Sprouts,  £ 

bushel 3  0-40 

—  bags     4  0-50 

Cabbages,  per  tally    5  6-70 

—  per  mat  ...     4  0-46 

—  Greens,       per 

bushel  ..      4  0-46 

Cardoon    (French), 

per  dozen  ...  8  0-10  0 
Carrots    (English), 

dozen  bunches    3  6-40 

—  washed,  bag  ...    3  0-36 

—  unwashed       ...     2  0-26 

—  (French),  p.  pad  2  6-36 
Cauliflowers,    per 

dozen      4  0-50 

—  St.  Malo, crates 

(12  heads)       ...     3  0-36 

—  Italian    Heads, 

per  basket  ...  3  0-36 
Celery,  per   dozen 

rolls      12  0-15  0 

Celeriac,  per  doz,  16-26 
Chicory,  per  lb.  ...  0  3J-  0  4 
Cucumbers, perdz.  4  0-70 
Endive,  per  dozen  16-20 
Horseradish,  for- 
eign, per  doz. 
bundles  ...  10  0-12  0 


s.d.  s.d. 
3  6-40 
10-16 


6  0 
1  0 


1  0 


Kale,  per  bushel  .. 
Leeks,  12  bundles 
Lettuce    (French), 

per  crate       ...    3  6-60 
Mint,     per    dozen 

bunches  ...     5  0- 

Mushroonis,per  lb.  0  10- 

—  broilers  ...     0  8 

—  buttons,  perlb.  0  10- 
Mustaru and  Cress, 

per  dozen  pun.     10    — 
Onions,  per  bag  ...  10  6-11  0 

—  (Valencia), case  11  6-12  0 

—  Dutch,  pr.  bag    7  0-80 

—  pickling,     per 
bushel 4  6    — 

Parsley, 12bunches    2  0-26 

—  £  sieve 2  0-30 

Parsnips,  perbag...     3  0-40 
Peas  (French),  pkt.    08    - 
P  ot  at  os,   Sweet, 

per  case  ...  14  0    — 

—  (Algerian), p. lb.    0  4    — 

—  (French),  p.  lb.    0  3-0  3£ 
Radishes  (French), 

perdoz.  bunches    16-26 
Rhubarb  (English), 

forced,  per  dz. 

bundles 
Salsafy,  per  dozen 

bundles 
Seakale,  per  dozen 

punnets 
Spinach,  per  crate 
Savoys,  per  tally...     9  0-10  0 
Turnips,  per  dozen 

bunches         ...    2  6-30 

—  washed,  p.  bag    3  6    — 
Tomatos      (Tener- 

iffe),  per  bun- 
dle of  4  boxes  10  0-20  0 
Watercress,        per    ■ 

doz 0  6-08 


0  9-10 


4  0-46 


2  0-14  0 
4  0    — 


ona:  per  dozen  18  0-30  0  '  Grevilleas,  per  dz.    4  0-60 


Remarks.— Nectarines  are  arriving  from   the  Caj 
splendid  condition  and   are   making   good   prices  hut    this 
week  will  probably  see  the  last  consignment  for  tin 
The  Grape  trade  generally  is  quiet;   best  Black 
in  demand.       There    is  a  good   trade   in  Canary   I. m 
especially    those    selected    in    handle     baskets:     they    are 
averaging   5s.   per   dozen    lbs.      Puces   for  vegetables   are 
slightly  firmer  owing  to  the  very  cold  weather.    Oranges 
continue  to  arrive  in  large  quantities,  and  meet  with  a  good 
demand.    E.  H.  R.,  Coveni  Garden,  Wednesday,  February  24, 
1909, 


144 


THE    GARDENERS'      CHRONICLE. 


[February  27,  1909. 


Lincolns—  s.d.  s.d. 

Sharpe's  Express  ...  3  0-33 

Evergood      2  6-30 

King  Edward        ...GO  0  65  0 

Bedfords — 

Up-to-Date  ...         ...  2  6-30 

Blacklands 2  0-26 

Dunbars— 

Langworthy, red  soil  4  9-50 

Up-to-Date,  red  soil  3  9-40 

„        „      grey  soil  2  6-30 


Kents—  s.d.  s.d. 

Snowdrop     4  0-43 

Sharpens  Express  ...  3  6-  3  9 

Epicure  3  0-33 

Up-to-Date 3  0-36 

Lincolns  — 

Royal  Kidney         ...  2  3-29 
British  Queen         ...  3  0-33 

Up-to-Date 3  0-36 

Maincrop     3  6-39 

Remarks.— Trade  is  still  slow.  There  are  large  stocks 
of  cheap  varieties  in  London,  but  best  quality  tubers  of 
Up-to-Date  and  Maincrop  varieties  are  not  over  plentiful. 
Edward  J.  Newborn,  Covent  Garden  and  St.  Pancras, 
February  24,  1909. 

COVENT     GARDEN     FLOWER     MARKET. 

The  cold  weather  has  had  a  bad  effect  upon  trade  in  all 
departments,  but  especially  the  trade  in  plants.  Hardy  flower 
roots  such  as  Sweet  William,  Wallflower,  Carnation, 
Primrose,  Hollyhock,  Digitalis,  Aquilegia,  Arabis,  Pseonia, 
Delphiniums,  and  other  common  border  plants  are  seen  in 
large  quantities.  When  the  weather  changes  there  should 
be  a  good  trade  in  these  plants.  Trees,  shrubs,  and  a 
variety  of  other  hardy  subjects,  including  Rhubarb  roots, 
Cabbage  plants,  &c,  are  procurable.  Before  the  enlarge- 
ment of  the  market  most  of  the  hardy  produce  was  sold  out- 
side the  flower  market,  but  now  accommodation  is  available 
inside,  except  during  the  busy  spring  season. 

Cut  Flowers. 

Daffodils  are  the  leading  feature  amongst  cut  flowers: 
they  are  over-abundant,  but  supplies  may  not  continue  to 
be  so  great,  as  the  outside  crops  may  not  be  in  time  to 
succeed  those  grown  under  glass.  Golden  Spur  is  the  lead- 
ing yellow  variety ;  Emperor  is  very  good,  but  the  colour  is 
not  quite  so  bright  as  Golden  Spur.  Horsfieldii  is  a  popular 
bicolor,  but  Victoria  is  the  better  of  the  two,  and  it 
comes  in  at  a  useful  time.  The  variety  Queen  of  the 
West,  shown  by  Mr.  W.  T.  Ware  on  Tuesday,  should 
claim  the  attention  of  market  growers.  It  is  a  pure  lemon 
yellow  flower  of  the  King  Alfred  type,  having  a  giant  golden 
spur.  The  various  sorts  of  Narcissus  are  supplied  in  large 
quantities.  N.  ornatus  is  down  to  the  lowest  prices,  but 
when  the  first  early  supplies  are  over  they  may  be  more 
valuable.  Best  blooms  of  Lilium  longiflorum  have  not 
been  over-plentiful;  and  have  made  advanced  prices. 
Blooms  of  L.  lancifolium  rnbrum  are  now  a  better  colour. 
Callas  are  abundant  and  are  offered  at  low  prices.  Camellias 
are  slightly  dearer.  Carnations  are  seen  in  large  quantities, 
generally  they  are  very  good.  Enchantress  seems  to  have 
fallen  in  favour,  the  newer  Mrs.  H.  Burnett  variety  and 
others  of  a  deeper  shade  taking  its  place.  Lilac  is  good, 
both  the  coloured  and  white  varieties.  Though  we  have 
many  new  varieties  the  old  Charles  X.  is  extensively 
grown.  Large  supplies  of  Violets  arrive  from  various 
provincial  growers,  and  also  from  abroad.  We  have  seen 
the  last  of  Chrysanthemums  for  the  season.  Roses 
improve  week  by  week.  Richmond,  if  not  so  prolific  in 
blooming,  is  certainly  a  finer  Rose  than  Liberty.  Joseph 
Lowe  must  become  a  popular  market  Rose,  for  it  forces  well, 
and  blooms  recently  seen  in  the  market  have  been  of  a  very 
good  colour.     Early-flowering  Tulips  are  nearly  finished. 

Pot  Plants. 

Bulbs  are  the  leading  feature.  Hyacinths  of  various 
colours  are  of  the  best  quality.  Tulips  also  are  good ; 
the  double  varieties  grown  in  pots  command  good  prices. 
Daffodils  are  over-abundant,  and  to  clear  the  stocks  must 
be  offered  very  cheaply.  Cyclamen  are  well-flowered,  and 
Chinese  Primulas  are  better  in  this  respect  than  the  first 
plants;  P.  obconica  is  also  good.  Erica  persoluta  alba  is 
seen  in  well-flowered  plants.  Mignonette,  Intermediate 
Mocks,  Cinerarias,  Genistas,  Rhododendrons,  and  Azalea 
mollis  are  all  prominent  on  the  stands.  Whilst  the  cold 
weather  continues  there  will  be  but  little  trade  in  foliage 
plants.     A.  //.,  Lovent  Garden,  Wednesday ,  February  24t  1909. 


<0bttuanj. 


NEW   INVENTIONS. 


AN  ADAPTABLE  HOE. 
Mr.  M.  O.  Whitehorn  has  secured  patent 
rights  for  a  hoe  which  can  be  used  either  as  a 
Dutch  or  drag  hoe  by  adjusting  the  same  blade. 
The  change  is  effected  by  means  of  a  lever, 
which  withdraws  a  stud  that  holds  the  blade  in 
position,  whether  straight,  as  in  the  Dutch  hoe, 
or  at  an  angle,  as  in  the  drag  hoe.  In  order  that 
soil  shall  not  clog  the  working  parts,  the  socket 
is  seamless,  and  the  stud  fits  closely.  The  tool  is 
made  in  three  sizes,  with  4-inch,  6-inch,  and  8- 
inch  blades.  Either  can  be  used  in  the  one 
socket  and  handle. 

A  LAWN-MOWER  CARRIER. 
This  very  simple  device  is  intended  for  attach- 
ing a  lawn-mower  to  a  truck  or  hand  cart  when 
conveying  it  from  place  to  place.  An  iron  rod 
is  bent  in  the  shape  of  a  double  "  S,"  and  one 
part  is  hooked  over  the  axle,  whilst  the  rollers 
are  placed  on  the  other.  The  machine  is  then 
slung  up  and  attached  to  the  barrow  handles  or 
iron  stays  at  the  side.  For  suburban  and  job- 
bing gardeners  the  device  should  prove  useful. 
It  will,  at  the  least,  be  a  gain  to  suburban  resi- 
dents if  these  machines  are  conveyed  from  gar- 
den to  garden  noiselessly,  for  the  dragging  of 
them  through  the  streets  is  a  minor  public 
nuisance.  The  ittventor  is  Mr.  W.  Covill,  Chel- 
tenham. 


Mrs.  Robt.  Ward. — We  regret  to  record 
the  death  of  this  lady  at  the  Botanic  Garden, 
Georgetown,  British  Guiana,  on  January  6, 
1909.  The  late  Mrs.  Ward  was  known  to  many 
Kewites  as  Miss  Jessie  Newsham,  having  been 
one  of  the  lady  gardeners  employed  at  Kew, 
which  place  she  left  in  August,  1900.  She  married 
Mr.  Ward,  an  old  Kew  gardener,  in  April, 
1908,  and  soon  after  returned  with  him  to 
British  Guiana.  She  gave  birth  to  a  son  on 
January  2,  four  days  before  she  died.  Before 
going  to  Kew  she  studied  at  Swanley  for  two 
and  a  half  years,  having  gained  a  Kent  County- 
Council  scholarship.  She  made  many  friends, 
and  both  at  Kew  and  Swanley  her  early  death 
is  deeply  regretted. 


to 

urmjpondenfo 


A  Gardener's  Notice:  C.  S.  C.  You  are  right 
in  thinking  that  it  has  been  judicially  decided 
that  a  head  gardener  is  entitled  by  custom  to 
one  month's  notice.  There  is,  however,  no 
reported  decision  with  regard  to  anyone  in 
your  particular  position,  and  it  is  purely  a 
question  of  custom  for  the  judge  to  decide. 
Under  the  peculiar  circumstances  of  the  case 
your  employer  would  probably  accept  a  week's 
notice,  but  to-  be  quite  on  the  safe  side  we 
should  advise  you  to  give  a  month's  notice  if 
there  is  no  reason  for  any  haste.  By  so  doing 
it  would  also  put  you  in  a  better  position  if 
in  your  next  situation  you  wished  to  insist  on 
receiving  a  month's  notice. 

Assessment  for  Rates  :  .?.  F.  Glasshouses  are 
rated  as  buildings  arid  not  as  agricultural 
land,  and  where  any  property  consists  partly 
of  agricultural  land  and  partly  of  buildings 
the  gross  estimated  rental  of  the  buildings  is 
to  be  calculated  on  the  rent  at  which  they 
would  be  expected  to  let  to  a  tenant  from  year 
to  year.  As  you  have  a  21  years  lease,  it  does 
not  follow  that  the  assessment  should  be  equal 
to  the  rent  you  pay.  If  you  are  dissatisfied 
with  the  valuation,  you  should  apply  to  the 
assessment  committee  for  your  district. 

Mushrooms  :  L.  G.  The  house  you  mention 
may  be  converted  into  a  profitable  Mushroom 
house.  You  should  obtain  the  requisite 
quantity  of  manure  from  stables  in  which 
the  horses  are  mainly,  if  not  entirely, 
fed  on  hay  and  corn.  Shake  the  long  straw 
out  and  retain  only  the  short  straw  and  drop- 
pings for  forming  the  Mushroom  bed.  Turn 
this  material  over  every  day  for  a  few  days  to 
allow  some  of  the  volatile  gases  to  escape. 
This  must  be  done  until  all  danger  of  violent 
fermentation  is  past.  Then  place  the  manure 
in  your  house  in  sufficient  quantity  to  form 
a  bed  on  the  floor  18  inches  in  depth  after  it 
has  been  trodden  well  together  all  over.  This 
done,  insert  two  or  three  ground-thermo- 
meters at  short  intervals  on  the  bed  to  ascer- 
tain the  degree  of  heat.  These  should  be  ex- 
amined daily  after  the  bed  has  been  formed 
two  or  three  days,  and  when  the  heat  has 
declined  to  80°  Fahr.,  with  no  prospect  of  its 
rising  again,  the  bed  will  be  ready  for  spawn- 
ing. You  can  obtain  good  spawn  from  any 
of  the  nurserymen  or  sundriesmen  whose 
names  appear  in  our  advertising  columns. 
Break  each  brick  of  spawn  into  six  or  seven 
pieces  and  insert  these  pieces  separately  about 
8  inches  apart  underneath  the  surface  of  the 
bed,  drawing  the  manure  back  with  one  hand 
and  pressing  the  individual  pieces  of  spawn 
into  the  openings  with  the  other.  The  rough 
side  of  the  spawn  should  be  placed  down- 
wards and  the  smooth  side  barely  underneath 
the  surface  of  the  bed,  pressing  the  displaced 
manure  over  and  about  the  several  pieces  of 
spawn.  The  bed  should  then  be  covered  over 
to  the  thickness  of  between  1  and  2  inches 
with  sifted  garden  or  field  soil.     It  should  be 


sufficiently  moist  to  allow  of  a  firm,  smooth 
surface  being  presented  after  beating  with  the 
back  of  the  spade.  The  whole  should  then 
be  covered  with  12  or  1">  inches  thickness 
of  litter — that  which  has  been  rejected  when 
preparing  the  manure  will  answer  well.  The 
surface  of  the  ted  should  be  kept  moist. 
Treated  in  this  manner,  it  should  begin  to 
yield  Mushrooms  in  eight  or  ten  weeks  from 
the  time  of  inserting  the  spawn.  The  sooner 
you  make  the  necessary  preparations  the  bet- 
ter. We  would  rather  not  estimate  the  amount 
of  crop  you  are  likely  to  take  per  week  from 
your  house — so  much  depends  upon  circum- 
stances. 

Names  of  Fruits:  A.  E.  E.  Mannington's 
Pearmain. 

Names  of  Plants  :  H.  Hibernia.  The  Codiaeums  or 
Crotons  are  as  follow  :  1.  Laingii  ;  2,  varie- 
gatum  ;  3,  Johannis  ;  4,  Davisii  ;  5,  interruptum  ; 
6,  this  is  Cordyline  (Dracaena)  Cooperi.  — 
W.  F.  B.  Photinia  serrulala.— A.  E  E.  1, 
Cupressus  Lawsoniana  ;  2,  Thuya  occidentalis. 
— W.F.B.  1,  Abies  balsamea ;  2,  A.  numidica  ; 
3,  Cupressus  species  in  a  juvenile  stage  and, 
therefore,  impossible  to  determine  ;  4,  Berberis 
japonica  (B.  Bealeiis  a  synonym  of  B.  japonica). 
— D.  H.  Sparmannia  africana,  an  excellent 
plant  for  conservatories,  and  one  which  grows 
and  flowers  well  in  a  dwelling  house.— O.  R. 
1,  Oncidium  pubes  ;  2,  Odontoglossum  hastila- 
bium ;  3,  Brassia  brachiata ;  4,  Oncidium 
ornithorhynchum. — Knowledge.  1,  Cypripedium 
Calypso  (Boxallii  x  Spicerianum)  ;  2,  C.  villo- 
sum. — G.  H.  1,  Cedrus  deodara  ;  2,  Crypto- 
meria  japonica  ;  3,  Viburnum  Tinus  ;  4,  Berberis 
aquifolium  ;  5,  Choisya  ternata;  6,  Abies 
nobilis. — A.  S.  Ornithogalum  lacteum. —  ' 
W.J.  F.  1,  Begonia  metallica :  2,  Abutilon 
Savitzii ;  3,  Begonia  Gloire  de  Sceaux  ;  4,  On- 
cidium flexuosum. — E.  C.  B.  1  and  2,  Carex 
tristachya  (syn.  japonica),  the  type  and  varie- 
gated variety  ;  3,  Cyrtomium  Fortunei. 

Potato  Scab  :  Potato,  Oxon.  The  tubers  are 
affected  with  Dry  Scab,  caused  by  Stemphy- 
lium  atrovirens,  better  known  as  Phellomyces. 
Diseased  tubers  should  not  be  used  for  "seed," 
and  the  land  in  which  they  were  grown  will 
be  infected.  It  should  be  well  limed,  and  not 
used  for  planting  Potatos  or  root  crops,  except 
Turnips,  for  some  years  to  come. 

Purchasing  a  Nursery  :  G.  H.  W.  There  is- 
still  opportunity  for  the  energetic  man  to 
be  successful  in  a  market  nursery  business. 
But  competition  is  keen,  and  every  method 
must  be  adopted  to  so  lit  in  the  cropping  of 
both  the  land  and  the  houses  that  no  sooner 
is  one  crop  finished  than  another  is  ready  to 
take  its  place.  It  is  essential  that  a  good  mar- 
ket shall  be  near  at  hand,  or  payment  of 
freights  will  take  a  large  proportion  of  the 
profits.  Kent  and  Middlesex  are  both  great 
fruit-producing  counties,  the  supplies  from 
these  parts  being  mainly  sent  to  the  London 
markets.  Although,  as  you  state,  much  for- 
eign produce  is  sold  in  this  country,  it  is 
generally  at  a  time  when  our  own  fruits  and 
vegetables  are  out  of  season.  The  demand 
for   home  produce   is  always   good. 

Snowdrops  :  /.  McC.  The  plants  are  affected 
with  the  Snowdrop  mildew — Sclerotinia  galan- 
thina.  The  plants  should  be  destroyed  and 
the  ground  treated  with  lime. 

Trade  Paper:  Nurseryman.  The  Horticultural 
Trades  Journal  is  published  by  the  Horticul- 
tural Printing  Co.,  Junction  Street,  Burnley. 

Vine  Roots  Unhealthy  :  /.  C.  M.  There  is  no 
disease  present  in  the  roots  you  send.  The 
trouble  is  due  to  some  cultural  defect  or  an 
unsuitable  rooting  medium.  Overhaul  the 
border,  cut  away  the  dead  portions  of  the 
roots,  and  encourage  the  formation  of  new 
ones  near  the  surface  by  placing  some  fresh 
loam,  enriched  with  suitable  manurial  pro- 
perties, on  the  bolder.  At  the  same  time  see 
that  there  is  proper  provision  for  drainage. 

Communications  Received. — F.  C.  £. — H.  R.  G. — Linnean 
Soc— J.  V.— F.  J.  L.— J.  J.  W— J.  S.— C.  T.  D.— M.  &  Co. 
— H.  R.  R.,  Chicago— T.  P.— D.  B.  C.-G.  H.  H.  W.— 
A.  1.  L.— W.  A.  C— H.  C— W.— C.  H.  I'.-H.  W.  W.— 
A.  D.— F.  M.— W.  F.  V.— E.G.-F.  K.  P.-C.  C.— P.  A. — 
C.  F.  B.— T.  S.-C.  D.,  Buitenzoiy-C.  II.  J.-J.  C— 
C.  S.  &  Co.— II.  S.— T.  S.,  Battersea—  J.  R.— W.  A.— 
H.  &  Son-H.  G.  S.-H.  N.  H.-G.  F. 


Supplement  to  the  "  Gardeners'  Chronicle." 


Margam    Park,    Glamorganshire. 


Printed  by  Temple  Press  Ltd.,  London,  E.C. 


March  G,  1909.J 


THE     GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


145 


THE 


6arbcners'Cbroniclc 


No.  1,158.— SATURDAY,  March  6,   1909. 


CONTENTS. 


Apple  scab          

157 

Aquilegias           

14!) 

Book?,  notices  of— 

Life    Histories   of 

Familiar  l'lants     ... 

147 

That  Rock  Garden  of 

Ours 

147 

Publications  received 

154 

Bulb   exhibition  at  Hil- 

legom     

lb3 

Coffea,  a  disease-resist- 

ing species  of .. 

153 

Daffodils,  the  new  clas- 

sification of     

156 

Euphorbia      jacquiniae- 

1  flora       

161) 

Florists'  flowers — 

The  Auricula 

146 

Forestry- 

Treatment    of  planta- 

tions without  refill  jr 

thinning        

155 

11  French  "  garden,  notes 

from  a   ... 

155 

Fruits  from  Capi 

153 

Fruit  trees,  the  training 

of           

149 

Genetics,     progn  —     in 

the  study  of 

Ibi 

Green  Peas,  to  preserve 

160 

Law  notes  — 

Action  for  wages 

157 

Trade  name  dispute  - 

157 

Nelumbium    speciosum 

var,  Osiris        

154 

1H 
145 


1-16 


159 

15S 
153 
157 
159 

156 

LEG 

i  ifl 
154 
153 

161 

151 
150 
150 
151 
151 


146 


New  inventions 

Nursery  notes  — 

Sutton  &  Sons,  Read- 
ing      ■■ - 

Orchid  disease,  a  new... 
Orchid  notes  and  glean- 
ings- 
Three  new  hybrid 
Odontoglossums  ... 
Rosary,  the — 

Cultural      notes      for 

March  

Societies  — 

Debating 

Dumfriesshire  and 
Galloway  Hort.     ... 

Royal  Horticultural... 

(Scientific  Committee) 

Royal  Meteorological 
Stoking  garden  furnaces 
Sweet   Peas   for  winter 

flowering  

Vegetable      prizes       at 

Shrewsbury    

Vegetables,   scarcity   of 

Weed-killers      

Week's  work,  thi 

Flower  garden,  the   ... 

Fruits  undi  I 

Hardy  fruit  gardi  n 

Kitchen  garden,  the... 

Orchid  house   ,  the 

Plants  under  glass    ... 

Public  parks  and  gar- 
dens     


ILLUSTRATIONS. 

Cyclamens    as    cultivated    in    Messrs.  Sutton  &  Sons' 

nursery 

Leaf  of  Odontoglossum    affected    by   "  spot "  disease, 

145;  sections  through  affected  parts  of  a  leaf 
Nelumbium    speciosum    var.    Osiris    (Supplement,!:  \ 

illustration) 
Primula   sinensis  growing  in  its  natural  habitat,  148  , 

the  stellata  type  of,  at  Reading 


LEAF-SPOT    OF    ODONTOGLOS- 
SUM   URO-SKINNERI. 

FOR  some  time  past  my  attention  has  been 
directed  to  the  occuirence  of  numerous 
black  spots  on  the  lower  surface  of  the 
leaves  of  Odontoglossum  Uro-Skinneri. 
The  appearance  presented  by  these  diseased 
leaves  is,  I  believe,  well  known  to  growers  if 
the  species  in  this  country,  and  is  commonly 
attributed  to  unsuitable  cultivation.  The  ma- 
terial  which  I  have  investigated  was  kindly  sup- 
plied to  me  by  Mr.  Norman  C.  Cookson,  to 
whom  I  am  also  indebted  for  observations  upon 
the  effect  produced  by  a  change  in  cultural 
conditions. 

The  spots  (fig.  62)  are  found  chiefly  on  the 
older  leaves,  the  younger  leaves  being  almost, 
if  not  entirely,  unaffected.  They  are  often 
crowded  together,  and  vary  greatly  in  size,  the 
smallest  being  barely  visible  to  the  naked  eye, 
while  the  largest,  elliptical  in  shape,  may  attain 
a  longer  diameter  of  half  a  centimetre.  In  this 
latter  condition  the  spot  is  slightly  raised  above 
the  surface  of  the  leaf,  and  presents  the  appear- 
ance of  a  blister.  Each  spot  is  surrounded  by 
a  translucent  border,  and  all   stages  in  the  de- 


velopment  of  the   spots   may  be   found  on  the 
same  leaf. 

The  anatomical  structure  of  the  leaf  presents 
xerophytic  characters  (fig.  63).  The  outer  cell- 
wall  of  both  the  upper  and  lower  epidermis  is 
thickened,  and  possesses  a  well-defined  cuticle. 
The  stomata.  which  are  entirely  confined  to  the 
lower  surface,  are  sunk  in  pits,  with  the  forma- 
tion of  a  pronounced  outer  cavity  (fig.  64).  The 
cells  of  the  mesophyll  gradually  increase  in  size 
from  the  lower  to  the  upper  surface,  where  they 
constitute  a  large-celled  aqueous  tissue. 

Transversa  sections  through  the  region  of  the 
spots  show  an  accumulation  of  a  brown  muci- 
■  laginous  or  gummy  substance  beneath  the  lower 
epidermis.  In  the  initial  stages  this  substance 
is  present  only  in  the  respiratory  cavities  of 
the   stomata,    from   which   it    exudes    into    the 


-\.A  ^pctl^.w  (4  >--^ 


Fig.  62. — leaf-spot  of  odontoglossum  uro- 
skinneri.    (nat.  size.) 

stomatal  openings  (fig.  64).  In  more  advanced 
stages  it  collects  in  large  masses,  spreading 
through  the  hypodermal  cells  and  into  the  in- 
ternal tissues  of  the  leaf  (fig.  63).  In  the  interior 
of  the  leaf  this  muciiage  is  colourless,  and  may  be 
traced  as  a  white,  glistening  substance,  filling 
the  intercellular  spaces.  Towards  the  epi- 
dermis it  gradually  becomes  a  deep  brown,  at 
the  same  time  becoming  harder,  and  this 
gradual  fading  away  of  the  brown  colour  to- 
wards the  centre  of  the  leaf  may  indicate  that 
it  is  the  result  of  oxidation. 

The  gum  appears  to  be  excreted  from  the  cells 
into  the  intercellular  spaces,  and  thence  it 
gradually  accumulates  beneath  the  stomata.  It 
is  this  accumulation  which  raises  the  epidermis 
and  forms  the  blister-like  structure. 


In  no  case  were  wounds  of  any  kind  to  be 
found  upon  either  the  upper  or  lower  epidermis, 
and  all  idea  of  the  disease  being  due  to  an 
initial  injury  may  be  dismissed. 

Where  the  gum  is  present,  the  intercellular 
spaces  are  much  enlarged  by  the  separation  of 
the  cells  along  the  middle  lamella  (fig.  65),  but 
otherwise  the  cell-walls  appear  to  be  quite 
normal.  The  cell-contents  are  greatly  disor- 
ganised, and  there  is  a  partial  or  complete  dis- 
appearance of  the  protoplasm,  nucleus,  and 
chloroplasts.  A  marked  alteration  takes  place 
in  the  chloroplasts.  They  lose  their  regular 
outline,  increase  greatly  in  size,  split  into  a. 
number  of  smaller  bodies,  and  finally  disappear. 
Hence  in  an  advanced  stage  of  the  disease  the 
cells  are  found  without  any  trace  of  chlorophyll, 
the  protoplasm  and  nucleus  are  also  completely 
disorganised  and  the  cells  become  empty,  pre- 
senting a  strong  contrast  to  those  of  the  normal 
healthy  portion  of  the  leaf. 

In  the  Annals  of  Botany,  vol.  ix.,  1895,. 
Massee  describes  a  "spot"  disease  of  Orchids 
in  which  the  characteristic  is  the  plasmolysis  of 
the  cells,  the  complete  disappearance  of  the 
chloroplasts,  and  the  formation  of  highly-re- 
fringent,  hyaline  spheres.  These  spheres  were 
found  to  be  rich  in  tannin,  and,  contempo- 
raneously with  their  formation,  the  cytoplasm, 
becomes  turbid  and  the  primordial  utricle  tinged 
with  brown.  Massee  also  shows  how  this  "spot" 
can  be  produced  when  drops  of  water  were 
allowed  to  rest  on  the  leaves  and  the  tempera- 
ture was  suddenly  lowered.  He  finds  no  trace 
of  fungi  or  bacteria,  and  concludes  that  the 
Orchid  disease  known  as  "spot"  is  of  non- 
parasitic origin,  the  initial  cause  being  the  pre- 
sence of  minute  drops  of  water  on  the  surface 
of  the  leaves  at  a  time  when  the  temperature  is- 
cxceptionally  low  and  the  roots  copiously  sup- 
plied with  water. 

The  leaf-spot  of  Odontoglossum  Uro-Skinneri 
differs  in  many  respectsi  from  that  described  by 
Massee.  There  are  no  pits  formed  in  the  leaf, 
but,  on  the  contrary,  the  epidermis  is  raised 
above  the  surface  of  the  leaf,  and  the  spots - 
appear  only  on  the  lower  side.  The  sections 
bear  no  general  resemblance  to  tissues  invaded 
by  Plasmodiophora,  and  the  enlarged  vacuo- 
lated spheres  are  not  produced.  Again,  the 
accumulation  of  gum  in  the  intercellular 
spaces,  which  is  a  pronounced  characteristic  of. 
this  disease  of  O.  Uro-Skinneri,  is  not  noted  by 
Massee. 

The  nature  of  the  gum  is  difficult  to  determine. 
It  is  very  insoluble  ;  it  reacts  to  many  of  the 
aniline  stains,  and,  colouring  red  with  phloro- 
glucin  and  yellow  with  thallin  sulphate,  suggests 
that  it  is  a  substance  of  the  nature  of  vanilin. 
Gums  or  mucilages  are  frequently  met  with  in- 
plant-tissues,  but  always  as  the  result  of  some 
pathological  condition.  The  first  process  in  the 
healing  of  wounds  is  the  sealing  up  of  the  ex- 
posed surface  by  a  gummy  substance,  which 
prevents  the  too  rapid  loss  of  water.  These 
wound  gums  appear  to  be  formed  as  an  excre- 
tory product  in  the  natural  process  of  healing, 
but  little  is  definitely  known  as  to  their  origin. 
Many  gums  which  appear  to  be  of  much  the 
same  chemical  composition  are  also  formed  in 
the  plant  as  the  result  of  fungal  or  bacterial 
action.  The  production  of  Gum  Arabic,  for  in- 
stance, has  been  traced  to  the  action  of  certain 
bacteria,  and  nun  erous  well-known  diseases  of 
plants  in  which  gum  is  produced,  such  as  the- 
Red-string  of  the  Sugar-cane,  the  Gummosis  of 
the  Beet-root,  the  Black-rot  of  the  Turnip  and 
Swede,  &c,  have  been  proved  to  be  due  to  a 
similar  cause.  The  common  gum  flux  of  the 
Amygdaleae  has  been  attributed  to  the  action  of" 
a  Coryneum. 

In  the  leaf-spot  of  Odontoglossum  there  was- 
no  sign  of  any  fungus  to  be  found.     But  special 


146 


THE    GARDENERS'      CHRONICLE. 


[March  6,  1909. 


staining  and  examination  under  a  high  power 
of  the  microscope  revealed  the  presence  of 
numerous  bacteria  (fig.  65).  These  occupied 
notably  the  cells  surrounding  the  tissues  in  the 
initial  stages  of  gum  formation,  and  could  be 
seen  almost  filling  the  cavity  of  the  cells. 
Although  the  subject  requires  further  investiga- 
tion, it  is  probable  that  these  bacteria  have  some 


lence  in  the  first  place  This  Orchid,  in  its 
native  habitat,  Guatemala,  exists  at  a  high  ele- 
vation, in  cool,  shady  places.  Cultivation  in 
too  moist  and,  possibly,  too  heated  an  atmo- 
sphere produces  conditions  which  are  inimical 
to  the  health  of  the  plant.  M.  C.  Potter,  M.A., 
F.L.S.,  Botanical  Laboratory,  Armstrong  College, 
Newcasile-apon-Tyne. 


The  lip  is  oblong,  three-quarters  covered  with 
brown  in  the  horseshoe  form  seen  in  a  good 
flower  of  O.  triumphans,  and  showing  the  small 
blade  and  apex  and  crest  of  that  species.  The 
column  is  that  of  O.  triumphans,  with  brown 
wings  and  anther  cap.  de  B.  Crawshay.  [This 
description  was  received  a  week  or  so  before 
Messrs.  Sander  &  Son  exhibited  a  plant  from 
the  same  cross  at  the  R.H.S.  meeting  on  Feb- 
ruary 23. — Eds.] 


'■'      . '  '  '  '  ';'' 


FIG.  63. transverse  section  through  region  of  spots,  showing  general 

STRUCTURE    OF    LEAF    AND    ACCUMULATION    OF    GUM    UNDER    LOWER    EPIDERMIS    AND 
EXTENDING    INTO    THE    INTERNAL    TISSUES. 


destructive  action  upon  the  protoplasts,  and 
that  from  this  action  result  the  escape  of 
the  cell-contents  and  their  conversion  into 
the  gummy  substance,  filling  up  the  inter- 
cellular spaces.  According  to  the  researches 
of  Greig  Smith,  Gum  Arabic  is  not  de- 
rived from  the  cellulose,  but  is  die  to  the 
action  of  Bacterium  acaciae  upon  such  carbo- 
hydrates as  levulose,  saccharose,  maltose,  or 
mannite.  In  the  present  case  there  is  no  soften- 
ing or  swelling  of  the  cell-walls,  and,  doubtless, 
certain  carbohydrates  present  in  the  cell-con- 
tents may  provide  the  material  from  which  the 
gum  is  derived,  under  the  influence  of  the  in- 
vading organisms. 

Attempts  made  to  induce  the  disease  upon 
^healthy  plants  by  inoculation  with  bacteria  iso- 
lated from  the  diseased  leaves  have  been  unsuc- 
cessful. It  must  be  remembered,  however,  that 
infection  is  often  very  critical  and  uncertain, 
and  depends  upon  conditions  sometimes  difficult 
to  approximate. 

It  has  been  noted  that  the  spot  is  more  preva- 
lent when  the  plant  is  grown  in  a  very  moist  or 
almost  saturated  atmosphere,  and  in  such  con- 
ditions it  is  very  liable  to  spread  In  a  dry 
atmosphere,  on  the  contrary,  the  spot  does  not 
increase,  and  if  a  plant  affected  with  it  is  re- 


^V^v^y^ 


■  ^*jP.P<HfU>4~~ 


Fig.    01. — a    stoma   with   gum    in    respiratory 
cavity  and  exuding  into  stomatal  opening. 

moved  to  a  drier  atmosphere,  the  spot  already 
developed  is  checked,  and  instead  of  the  epi- 
dermis being  raised  as  a  blister,  it  may  even 
begin  to  sink  at  the  larger  spots. 

Clearly  bacteria  play  a  considerable  part  in 
the  development  of  the  disease  and  the  forma- 
tion of  the  gum,  but  unsuitable  cultural  condi- 
tions are  also  largely  responsible  for  its  preva- 


FLORISTS'   FLOWERS. 


ORCHID   NOTES   AND   GLEANINGS. 

ODONTOGLOSSUM    HUNIADES    (O.    Hun- 

NEWELLIANUM    X    O.    SCEPTRUM). 

The  hybrid,  as  represented  by  the  first  plant 
to  bloom,  can  hardly  be  called  interest- 
ing, except  for  the  fact  that  it  has  proved  the 
smaller  species  to  be  the  stronger.  In  form  and 
colouring  it  is  almost  a  duplicate  of  O.  Hunne- 
wellianum,  the  lip  alone  showing  a  form  some- 
what more  like  O.  sceptrum  than  the  remainder 
of  the  flower.  It  was  raised  by  Mr.  Sander  at 
Bruges,     de  B.  Crawshay. 

ODONTOGLOSSUM   LANDOLPHUS 
(O.  Andersonianum  x  O.  Rolfe.e). 

This  hybrid  was  also  raised  by  Mr.  Sander. 
The  first  one  to  flower  is  rather  a  pleasing  and 
interesting  plant.  The  sepals  and  petals  are 
clear,  bright  yellow,  the  sepals  having  one  brown 
spot  almost  at  the  apex,  and  the  petals  being 
unspotted  and  having  a  median  area  of  lighter 
yellow,  so  often  present  in  the  unspotted  forms 
of  the  female  parent. 

The  lip  is  unspotted,  somewhat  orbicular, 
with  the  right-angled  shoulders  of  O.  Andersoni- 
anum, and  likewise  the  colouring  in  the  channel. 
The  column  is  white.  The  influence  of  the 
smaller-flowered  parent  is  dominant,  and  the 
entire  blotching  of  Rolfeas  is  suppressed,  except 
the  spot  in  the  sepals,  which  is  almost  always 
present  like  an  island  in  a  sea  in  that  hybrid. 

Analogous  in  the  suppression  of  the  spotting 
is  O.  Rolfea?  Kathleen,  lately  in  Mr.  Bradshaw's, 
now  in  Mr.  Butler's  collection.  Doubtless  some 
of  the  plants  will  show  more  influence  of  O. 
Rolfeas.     de  B.  Crawshay. 

ODONTOGLOSSUM    POLYPHEMUS 

(O.    KEGELJANII    X    O.    TRIUMPHANS). 

In  raising  hybrids  of  O.  Kegeljanii,  many 
people  may  say  I  wasted  time,  but,  in  effect, 
they  have  a  different  character  to  all  others,  and 
eventually  the  later  generations  may  prove  good 
acquisitions. 

This  one  bloomed  a  month  ago,  and,  as  might 
be  expected,  it  has  rounded  and  filled  up  the 
form  of  the  female  parent,  retaining  the  rich 
yellow  ground  just  shaded  by  green  in  the  centre 
of  the  sepals.  The  sepals  have  two  bars  and  a 
great  apical  blotch  of  rich  glossy  brown,  like 
O.   Kegeljanii,  almost  covering  their  surface. 

The  petals  are  of  similar  yellow  colour,  with 
reddish-brown  basal  markings  and  a  large  blotch 
beyond. 


THE  AURICULA. 
The  hon.  secretary  of  the  National  Auricula 
Society  (Southern  Section)  stated  at  the  annual 
meeting  held  recently  in  London  that  the  list 
of  members  belonging  to  that  special  society 
was  larger  than  at  any  previous  time  in  the 
society's  existence.  This  is  very  satisfactory, 
and  is  evidence  that  this  charming,  old-fash- 
ioned garden  flower  is  increasing  in  favour 
with  those  who  value  flowers  for  their  in- 
trinsic worth,  as  well  as  for  their  historical  as- 
sociations. One  sometimes  hears  comments 
on  the  difficulty  in  cultivating  Auriculas.  I 
have  frequently  received  complaints  of  plants 
not  succeeding,  but,  on  investigation,  the  cause 
was  found  to  be  due  either  to  ignorance  of  the 
ordinary  rules  of  culture,  or  to  neglect.  If  Pelar- 
goniums or  any  other  garden  plants  are  at- 
tacked by  green  fly,  and  no  means  are  taken 
to  destroy  the  pest,  there  will  soon  be  an 
end  of  the  Pelargonium.  The  Auricula  also 
is  liable  to  be  attacked  by  aphis,  and  this  must 
be  destroyed  by  fumigations.  The  woolly  aphis, 
which  lives  and  thrives  on  the-  stem  and  roots,, 
can  be  destroyed  by  frequent  fumigations  with 
XL-All  compound,  or,  if  the  roots  are  care- 
fully examined  at  the  time  of  repotting,  the 
aphis   can   be   effectually   blushed    off. 

Auriculas  should  be  overhauled  before  the 
end  of  February  to  ascertain  that  the  roots  are 
in  a  good  condition  and  provision  for  drainage 
perfect.  When  this  has  been  done  a  clean  flower 
pot  of  similar  size  should  be  ready  in  which 
to  replace  the  plant.  Those  who  possess  a 
heated  house  for  Auriculas  should  place  their 
plants    in   it    now.     If    it    is    intended    that   the 


FlG.     65  —INTERCELLULAR     SPACES     FILLED     WITH 
THE    GUM,    AND    BACTERIA    INSIDE    THE    CELL. 

plants  should  all  be  in  flower  at  the  same  time, 
the  edged  flowers  should  be  placed  in  heat 
before  the  selfs,  although  a  few  of  the  edged 
flowers,  such  as  Acme,  will  come  into  flower 
with  the  selfs  under  similar  treatment.  Some 
care  is  necessary  in  watering  the  plants,  for  as 
the  season  advances  the  growth  is  very  rapid, 
and   the    plants    suffer    if    they    are    allowed   to 


March  6,  1G09.] 


THE     GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE 


117 


become  at  all  dry  at  the  roots.  Too  much  mois- 
ture will  be  equally  bad  and  cause  the  plants 
to  become  drawn  and  the  leaves  flabby.  Those 
who  possess  garden  frames  only  should  see 
that  the  glass  is  covered  at  night-time  with 
thick  mats.  Careful  attention  must  also  be 
{Tiven  to  proper  ventilation  of  the  frames  ;  the 
lights,  when  opened,  should'always  be  tilted  in 
a  manner  that  will  protect  the  plants  as  much 
as  possible  from  cold  winds.  Rooted  offsets 
should  now  be  removed  carefully  from  the 
parent  plants,  placing  two  or  three  aiound  the 
-edge  of  a  small  flower  pot  filled  with  fine, 
sandy  soil.  They  may  be  placed  in  hand- 
lights,  where  they  will  soon  become  established. 
The  offsets  which  were  put  in  small  pots  about 
September  should  be  repotted  :  they  will,  with 
good  treatment,  form  strong  plants  and  flower 
well  next  year.  By  keeping  insect  pests  from 
the  plants  and  giving  careful  attention  to  ven- 
tilation early  in  the  morning  in  fine  weather, 
satisfactory     results     will     be     obtained.  /. 

Douglas. 


THE    ROSARY. 


CULTURAL      NOTES      FOR      MARCH. 

Pruning  will  require  attention  towards  the 
end  of  this  month.  Roses  that  have  been  in- 
jured'by  the  frost  should  be  pruned  to  the  first 
dormant  bud.  Hardy  climbing  Roses  on  walls, 
arches,  fences  or  pergolas  should  be  first  at- 
tended to.  Prune  the  bushes  moderat'eiv  and 
cut  out  any  unripe  or  weakly  shoots,  f.nd,  «rh  e 
they  are  crowded,  thin  out  the  weaker  and  nail 
or  tie  the  remaining  shoots  to  the  walls  or 
trellis.-worlt.  The  following  varieties  growing 
in  a  sheltered  position  on  a  south  aspect  or 
1  jainst  a  wall  may  also  be  pruned  lightly  during 
the  present  month.  Leave  all  the  long,  ripened 
shoots  their  full  length,  and  only  shorten  the 
points  of  the  shoots  if  they  are  soft  and  un- 
opened:— Cheshunt  Hybrid,  Gloire  de  Dijon, 
Carmine  Pillar,  Madame  Berard,  Climbing 
(aroline  Te'stout  and  Aimee  Vibert.  There 
will  be  a  difference  of  several  weeks  between 
northern  and  southern  districts  for  practising 
pruning.  The  work  must  be  regulated,  not  only 
in  accordance  with  the  local  conditions,  but  also 
v,  ith  the  type  of  Rose.  The  Moss,  Provence, 
<hina,  Hybrid  China,  Austrian  Briar,  Sweet 
liriar  and  other  summer-blooming  Roses  may 
also  be  pruned  early  during  March,  but  their 
principal  stopping  and  thinning  should  have 
been  done  after  they  had  flowered  last  summer. 
What  is  required  now  is  to  cut  away  late- 
developed  and  unripened  shoots,  and  also  any 
suckers.  The  shortening  within  reasonable 
limits  of  long  rampant  snoots  should  also  be 
done.  After  these  are  pruned,  varieties  of  the 
hybrid  jx-rpetual  type  should  be  given  atten- 
tion. In  order  to  obtain  a  succession  of  blooms 
.some  of  the  bushes  should  be  trimmed  10  or  12 
days  in  advance  of  others.  Vigorous-growing 
shoots  should  be  shortened  to  one-third  of  their 
length,  or  even  more  severely,  according  to  the 
variety  ;  the  weaker-growing  kinds  should  be  cut 
most  severely,  leaving  only  four  or  six  buds. 
Pillar  Roses  should  be  cut  hard  back,  but 
in  this  case  it  is  only  the  old-flowering  wood 
which  must  be  shortened,  for  the  shoots  of  last 
season's  growth  must  be  left  intact.  Many  per- 
sons prune  Roses  by  rule  of  thumb,  and  deal 
with  all  types  on  similar  lines,  but  the  need 
of  each  class  is  different,  and  calls  for  special 
treatment. 

Standard  briars  that  have  suffered  damage  by 
frost  should  be  cut  back  to  uninjured  wood  and 
the  surface  mulching  on  the  beds  made  good. 
If  the  presence  of  manure  on  the  beds  is  ob- 
je  tionable,  a  light  layer  of  soil  can  be  spread 
over  it. 

The  seed  beds  wherein  are  planted  briar  seeds 
should  be  examined  occasionally,  as  the  seeds 
will  begin  to  germinate  at  the  end  of  this 
month.     A  little  fine   sandv   soil  scattered  over 


the  drills  will  be  of  benefit  to  the  young  seed- 
lines.     Syringing  will  also  be   an   advantage. 

Hot-beds  made  during  the  latter  part  of  Feb- 
ruary for  the  raising  of  Roses  from  cuttings  will 
now  be  in  a  suitable  condition  for  inserting  the 
shoots.  There  is  an  abundance  of  si  ble 
wood  for  the  making  of  cuttings.  Place  one  cut- 
ting, or  not  more  than  two,  in  a  small  pot  filled 
with  sandy  loam  and  leaf-mould  and  surfaced 
with  white  sand  :  make  the  cuttings  firm 
in  the  soil  and  water  with  tepid  water.  The 
heat  of  the  bed  should  be  about  75°  when  the 
pots  are  plunged.  It  is  advisable  to  place  a 
layer  of  cocoanut  fibre  or  clean  sawdust  in  the 
frame  in  order  to  absorb  excessive  moisture 
which  may  arise  from  the  bed.  If  this  does  not 
suffice,  a  little  ventilation  must  be  given  at  the 
back  of  the  frame  for  a  few  hours  in  the  middle 
of  the  day,  but  not  such  as  would  perceptibly 
lower  the  temperature.  The  frames  should  be 
covered  with  mats  or  litter  during  the  night. 
The  cuttings  will  not  require  much  water  until 
after  the  second  or  third  week  of  planting.  Then 
the  atmosphere  of  the  frame  will  become  much 
dryer  and  shading  from  direct  sunlight  must  be 
practised    during    the    davtime. 

Roses  planted  out  in  houses  should  be  kept 
dryer  at  their  roots  after  the  blooms  are  cut,  but 
an  occasional  syringing  after  pruning  will  assist 
them  to  form  the  new  growths  on  which  the 
later  crop  of  flowers  will  be  produced.  This 
advice  refers  specially  to  Noisette,  Tea  and 
Hybrid-Tea  Roses.  It  is  only  certain  kinds  of 
Hybrid-Perpetual  Roses  that  can  be  depended 
upon  to  produce  a  second  crop  of  flowers  in  a 
glasshouse,  therefore  it  is  not  advisable  to  plant 
i  1  that  description 

Rose  cuttings  in  the  open  aie  liable  to  become 
loosened  in  frosty  weather  ;  they  should,  there- 
fore, be  carefully  examined  after  the  frost  has 
disappeared  and  the  soil  about  them  made  firm 
by  treading. 

The  treatment  of  pot  Roses  is  now  of  a  routine 
character,  proper  conditions  of  ventilation  and 
moisture,  according  to  external  conditions, 
being  the  chief  requirements.  An  occasional 
sprinkling  of  some  suitable  fertiliser,  alternated 
with  weak  liquid  manure,  will  assist  the 
plants  when  they  are  forming  their  flower-buds, 
give  increased  vigour  to  the  foliage,  and  addi- 
tional substance  to  the  petals.  The  application 
of  manurial  stimulants  must  be  discontinued 
when  the  blooms  begin  to  show  colour. 

Grafted  Roses  may  still  be  repotted.  Place 
the  plants  near  to  the  glass  and  do  not  neglect  to 
fumigate  them  when  necessary.  Water  must  be 
sparingly  applied  until  the  new  roots  begin  to 
ramify  in   the  soil.     /.   D.  G. 


NOTICES    OF     BOOKS. 

•  Rock-Gardening. 

The  opportunities  for  foreign  travel,  formerly 
the  privilege  of  the  few,  have  rapidlv  been  abun- 
dantly extended  to  the  many,  and  a  profitable 
industry — that  of  the  manufacture  of  guide- 
books— has  been  thereby  called  into  existence. 
Guide-books  vary  much  in  quality.  At  the  one 
end  of  the  scale  are  those  written  by  authors 
who  thoroughly  know  their  subject,  curt,  to  the 
point,  compressing  the  ma>imum  of  serviceable 
information  within  the  narrowest  limits  of  space. 
At  the  other  end  we  encounter  the  innumerable 
stories  of  rather  aimless  wanderings  told  by 
discursive  and  not  over-critical  ramblers. 

Similar  conditions,  mutatii  mutandis,  occur  in 
other  pursuits  whirh  engage  the  interest  of  a 
large  and  heterogeneous  public.  In  amateur 
gardening  the  cult  of  the  rockery  is  now  well  to 
the  fore,  and  the  publishers,  who  presumably 
know  their  public,  are  busily  catering  for  all 
sorts  and  conditions  of  aspirants. 

No  doubt  the  volume  before  us  will  appeal  to 
a  particular  class  of  readers,  though  they  will 

*  That  Rock-Garden  0/  Ours,"  by  F.  Edward  Hulme, 
F.L.S.,  F.S.A.,  with50illustrationsby  the  Author.  T.Fisher 
Unwin.     Price  10s.  6d.  net. 


probably  not  be  drawn  from  the  ranks  of  people 
who  call  themselves  rock-gardeners.  In  fact,  it 
is  a  little  difficult  to  justify  the  title  of  the  book 
at  all,  except,  perhaps,  that  in  the  first  chapter 
Mr.  Hulme  gives  a  few  directions  as  to  their  re- 
lative positions  to  be  occupied  by  the  soil  and 
the  stones.  For  the  rest,  the  book  rather  reminds 
us  of  Ruskin's  treatise  on  sheepfolds,  which 
excited  a  not  inconsiderable,  though  wholly  tem- 
porary, interest  in  agricultural  circles. 

Indeed,  Mr.  Hulme  uses  the  term  mainly,  as  it 
seems  to  us,  to  indicate  a  rather  remarkable  wild 
garden,  wherein  are  to  flourish  all  the  wild- 
plants  that  have  already  mad©  themselves  promiJ 
nent  in  these  islands.  But,  however  beautiful 
Coltsfoot,  Cinquefoil,  and  many  other  plants  of 
the  same  sort  may  be,  they  are  hardly  in  place 
except  in  the  wildest  of  wild  gardens.  Even  the 
author  himself  seems  to  recognise  this,  for  he 
hints  at  their  devastating  powers  of  reproduction 
and  extension.  Few  cultural  directions  are 
given — nor,  indeed,  are  they,  for  the  most  part,-' 
necessary — for  the  denizens  of  such  a-  rock-' 
garden  as  Mr.  Hulme  had  in  his  mind,  and  he  is 
thus  able  to  devote  the  greater  part  of  his  pages 
to  the  antiquarian  and  other  lore  that  attaches 
to  the  objects  of  his  admiration. 

The  text  is  illustrated  bv  50  plates,  partlv  in- 
colour  and  partly  in  half-tone.  They  are  of  un^ 
even  character  ;  some  are  good,  but  others  ar£ 
blurred  and  indistinct.  Incidentally,  we  might 
remark  that  the  figure  of  a  Daffodil,  referred  to 
on  p.  56,  is  not  to  be  found  on  Plate  L,  as  stated,' 
but  on  Plato  XXIV. 

It  might,  perhaps,  be  gathered  from  the  fore- 
going, that  we  think  but  poorly  of  Mr. "Hulme' s 
book.  This  is  by  no  means  entirely  the  case  ;  but 
we  do  think  that  the  title  conveys  a  mistaken  im- 
pression, which  is  fair  neither  to  the  reviewer 
nor  to  the  general  reader.  If  the  author  '.ad 
called  his  book  a  gossip  about  common  plants 
we  could  have  found  no  fault  with  him.  /.  B.  F. 

*  Life  Histories  of  Familiar   Plants. 

This  book  is  not  addressed  to  the  professed 
botanist  but  to  "  that  large  and  growing  class  of 
\ature-investigators  who  derive  pleasure  from 
seeking  the  why  and  the  wherefore  of  details  in' 
plant  structure  and  the  relationship  of  these 
details  to  animal  life." 

While  acknowledging  his  indebtedness  to  dis- 
tinguished observers  in  the  past  in  the  sam9 
field  of  work,  the  author  puts  forward  in  each 
chapter  his  own  suggestions  as  to  the  solution  of 
various  plant  problems. 

Some  of  these  invite  criticism,  if  not  from  the 
Nature-investigator,  certainly  from  the  botanist.  ' 

The  Cowslip  flowers  rather  later  than  does 
the  common  Primrose,  but  that  this  fact  is 
directly  due  to  the  delay  caused  by  the  growth  " 
of  the  thick  stalk  on  which  the  umbel  of  flowers 
is  borne  seems  at  best  doubtful,  nor  can  we 
readily  agree  that  the  larger  size  of  the  Primrose  ■ 
flower  is  directly  associated  with  the  larger  sup- 
ply of  nutritive  material  available  owing  to  the 
absence  of  such  a  stalk.  The  Cowslip,  again, 
is  not  by  any  means  confined  to  low-lying  pas- 
tures, but  occurs  in  great  abundance  on  the 
slopes  of  downs  and  in  similar  situations.  It 
seems  unlikely,  moreover,  that  the  spotted  Orchis 
has  been  aided  in  the  struggle  for  existence 
by  the  fact  that  its  mottled  leaves  have  anv  re- 
semblance to  the  spotted  body  of  an  adder. 

It  may  well  be  that  browsing  animals  are  more 
familiar  than  is  man  with  the  "  snake  in  tha 
grass,"  and  with  the  frog  and  his  like,  but  this- 
theory  of  immunity  from  grazing  animals, 
secured  to  the  Orchis  by  virtue  of  its  spotted 
leaves,  demands  stronger  evidence  than  is  forth- 
coming here.  The  leaves  of  the  common  Arum 
are  similarly  spotted,  but  are  of  very  different  ' 
size  and  shape,  and  could  hardly  be  mistaken 
by  any  browsing  animal  for  a  viper. 

The  book  is  extremely  well  illustrated  with 
86  plates,  reproduced  from  photographs  and 
microphotographs. 

•  Lite  Histories  of  Familiar  Plants,  by  John  J.  Ward. 
Cassell  &  Co.    Price  6s. 


148 


THE    GARDENERS     CHRONICLE. 


[March  6,  1909. 


NURSERY     NOTES. 


THE    READING   PRIMULAS. 

It  scarcely  needed  a  visit  to  Reading  to  show 
that  the  Chinese  Primula  is  as  popular  a  green- 
house plant  as  ever.  It  blooms  at  a  time  when 
dwarf-flowering  plants  are  few,  and  there  is  no 
sign  that  any  other  species  is  likely  to  oust  it 
from,  its  present  high  position  as  a  decorative 
plant.  Every  florist  knows  how  suitable  Primu- 
las are  for  furnishing  vases  in  dwelling-rooms, 
and  how  their  qualities  in  this  respect  have 
been  improved  since  crossings  have  teen  made 
■with  the  star  or  stellata  section. 

But  if  these  facts  were  sufficiently  well  known, 
a  visit  to  Reading  served,  nevertheless,  to  show 
that  Messrs.  Sutton  &  Sons  are  in  no  way  relax- 
ing their  efforts  to  improve  and  develop  their 
strains.  Thus  they  are,  so  to  speak,  assisting 
the  plant,  as  best  they  can,  to  maintain  its  hold 
on  the  public.  When  it  is  remembered  that  their 
collection  includes  about  14,000  flowering  speci- 
mens, that  there  are  300  to  400  distinct  stocks, 
and  yet  that  only  60  sorts  are  catalogued,  it  can 
be  the  better  imagined  what  an  immense  amount 
of  detail  has  to  be  recorded  and  studied  merely 
for  the  sake  of  keeping  the  stocks  true.  But 
more  than  this  is  necessary.  The  strains  have 
not  only  to  be  maintained  at  the  present  high 
merit,  but,  where  possible,  this  must  be  in- 
creased. Cross-fertilisation  between  varieties  in 
themselves  cross-bred,  goes,  on  every  year;  it  is 
by  this  method  that  most  of  the  novelties  are 
obtained.  Cross-fertilisation,  however,  is  but 
one  step — a  step  that  leads  often  to  bewildering 
variation.  At  this  point  the  process  of  selection 
commences.  Not  the  old  process  of  attempting 
to  "  fix  "  characters  by  continued  selection  from 
a  batch,  but  selection  of  individuals,  which, 
being  pure  dominants  or  recessives,  will  be  cer- 
tain to  come  true  from  seeds  if  the  flowers  are 
self-fertilised.  As  Messrs.  Sutton  do  not  cata- 
logue any  novelty  that  cannot  be  perpetuated  by 
seeds,  nor  any  of  which  a  considerable  quantity 
of  seeds  cannot  be  obtained  at  one  time,  it  fol- 
lows that  many  novelties  appear  in  the  collection 
from  time  to  time  which  are  never  introduced 
to  commerce.  Some  of  them  are  sterile.  Others, 
again,  produce  seed,  but  have  not  the  property 
of  coming  true  from  seed,  and  if  these  were  to 
be  perpetuated,  it  could  only  be  done  by  layers 
or  side  growths,  as  in  the  case  of  the  old  alba 
plena  and  other  varieties  with  perfectly  doub'.e 
flowers.  Such  an  instance  is  found  in  Giant 
Lavender,  which,  being  incapable  of  breedi.ig 
true  from  seed,  is  what  is  described  as  a 
heterozygote  ;  there  are  others  of  the  same  class, 
including  some  of  the  seedlings  obtained  from 
the  Duchess  strain  crossed  with  Crimson  King. 

In  previous  notices  of  the  Reading  Primulas, 
W3  have  referred  to  the  attempts  that  are 
made  to  apply  the  principles  of  heredity, 
commonly  expressed  in  the  term  Mendelism,  to 
the  cross-breeding  experiments.  The  plants  form 
excellent  material  for  demonstrating  these  prin- 
ciples, and  for  proving  some  of  the  elementary 
truths  which  Mendel  first  discovered.  On  our 
recent  visit  we  were  shown  in  one  house  batches 
of  plants  representing  first  crosses,  such,  for  in- 
stance, as  from  Crimson  King,  and  Snow- 
don.  Being  the  first  seedlings  after  the 
cross,  they  are  termed  the  Fj  genera- 
tion, and,  in  most  cases,  all  the  plants  were 
similar  to  each  other,  and  intermediate  in  their 
characters  between  the  parents.  This  is  what 
we  should  expect ;  but  when  a  plant  from  the 
Fi  generation  is  self-fertilised,  the  seedlings  (F2 
generation)  vary  in  a  constant  proportion,  some 
being  pure  "  dominants,"  others  recessives,  and 
still  other  impure  dominants.  When  the  pure 
dominants  and  pure  recessives  are  again 
"  selfed,"  they  reproduce  themselves  true  from 
seeds  as  often  as  the  process  is  repeated.  They 
are,  therefore,  "  fixed,"  but  not  in  exactly  the 
manner  that  gardeners  have  been  in  the  habit  of 
meaning  by  that  term.  It  would  be  more  cor- 
rect to  say  that  they  are  pure     The  impure  domi- 


nants, upon  selfing  again,  split  up,  and  so  on. 
These  things  are  the  same,  of  course,  in  all 
plants ;  the  Primulas  are  merely  convenient 
plants  to  illustrate  hereditary  principles  that  ap- 
ply to  cross-breeding  in  plants  and  animals 
alike.  Occasionally  the  sum  does  not  work  out 
as  it  should  do,  and,  for  reasons  that  at  present 
arc  unexplainable,  except  by  the  somewhat  un- 
satisfactory assumption  that  the  operator  must 
have  made  a  mistake  in  making  his  records.  It  is 
always — or  nearly  always — in  regard  to  colour 
that  unexpected  results  are  obtained,  and  it  has 
to  be  remembered  that  some  of  the  colours  are 
not  pure  in  themselves,  but  combinations  of 
several  colours,  therefore  the  results  of  crossing 
are  the  less  certain.  In  the  characters  which 
have  to  do  with  the  habit  of  the  plant,  or  with 
the  foliage,  and  even  colour  of  stem,  the  propor- 
tions in  the  F2  generation  are  Mendelian.  The 
Fern  leaf,  for  instance,  is  a  recessive  character 
in  Primulas,  and  can  always  be  depended  upon 
to  breed  pure  when  a  cross  between  a  Palm  and 
a  Fern-leafed  variety  is  self-fertilised. 


much  the  same  manner.  All  these  and  other  cir- 
cumstances are  of  the  greatest  value  to  the  stu- 
dent. The  work  of  the  practical  breeder  fur- 
nishes facts  from  which  the  scientist  is  often 
able  to  deduce  principles  that,  in  their  turn, 
are  valuable  to  the  breeder.  It  may  be  said  that 
at  present  horticulturists  have  not  benefited  to 
the  extent  they  might  reasonably  expect  from 
Mendel's  principles,  but  at  the  very  least  Men- 
delisni  has  shown  them  the  value  of  the  Fj  gener- 
ation. In  days  gone  by  practical  men  have  often 
destroyed  their  seedlings  of  florists'  flowers  be- 
cause, after  the  first  cross,  they  failed  to  exhibit 
any  superiority  over  the  parents  ;  now  they  know 
that  even  when  this  is  the  case  one  plant  should 
be  selfed  in  order  to  see  what  it  is  capable  of  pro- 
ducing in  the  F2  generation.  In  this  matter  alone 
the  waste  of  effort  there  has  been  is  beyond  es- 
timation. A  second  point  is  the  uselessness  of 
attempting  to  "  fix  "  by  selecting  from  a  batch. 
De  Vries'  experiments  have  conclusively  shown 
that  selection  should  be  from  individuals. 
In  these  two  matters  gardeners  have  no  longer 


**«*oA 


Fig.  66. — primula  sinensis  growing  on  the  rocks  at  ping-shan-pai, 
western  china.   (nat.  size.) 


Among  the  most  interesting  results  in  cross- 
ing are  some  which  have  reference  to  what  is 
termed  correlation.  In  most  plants  there  are  cer- 
tain characteristics  which  are  so  opposite  to  each 
other  that  they  seldom  develop  in  the  same  plant ; 
whilst  there  are  others  that  are  almost  always  to 
be  found  when  certain  others  are  present  with 
which  they  correlate.  A  few  Primulas  shown  by 
Messrs.  Sutton  at  the  last  meeting  of  the  Royal 
Horticultural  Society  illustrated  this  point.  The 
moss-like  foliage  of  the  old  variety  Magnifica  has 
been  united  with  almost  all  the  colours  in  Primu- 
las, but,  nevertheless,  it  has  so  far  been  found 
impossible  to  get  the  Duchess  strain  to  take  on 
this  type  of  leaf,  although  repeated  trials  have 
been  made.  As  a  rule,  the  result  of  such  a  cross 
has  been  to  produce  a  kind  of  Ivy-like  leaf,  per- 
fectly distinct  from  the  other  types  of  leaf,  but 
not  in  itself  decorative.  This  type  of  foliage  is 
usually  correlated  with  star-like  flowers  of  poor 
quality,  as  judged  by  the  florist.  But  the  plants 
exhibited  at  the  meeting  had  long  lobes  to  the 
leaves,  and  correlated  with  this  character  were 
the  lobes  of  the  flowers  themselves  lengthened  in 


any   excuse   for  working   by  the  old,   wasteful 
and  comparatively  ineffective  method. 

To  refer  to  some  of  the  many  noteworthy 
varieties  : — Giant  Crimson  is  a  variety  which  re- 
presents as  well  or  better  than  any  other  the  de- 
velopment of  the  Reading  strains.  Of  good  habit, 
the  plant  bears  strong,  erect  spikes  of  flowers 
which  measure  from  2  inches  to  2$  inches  in 
diameter.  The  colour  has  been  much  improved 
in  the  past  few  years,  and  it  is  now  intensely 
vivid  and  full.  We  were  informed  of  a  curious 
circumstance  in  the  history  of  this  variety.  One 
of  its  parents,  nine  or  ten  years  ago,  had 
"Primula  blue"  flowers.  In  subsequent  breed- 
ing it  never  produced  a  plant  with  blue  flowers 
until  last  year,  but  it  has  repeated  the  effort 
again  this  season.  It  is  worth  while  pointing 
out  here  that  a  name  is  often  retained  for  a 
fresh  and  improved  stock.  Whilst  particular 
stocks  of  Crimson  King,  Snowdrift,  or  Rosy 
Queen  are  catalogued  for  sale,  other  stocks  vary- 
ing but  little  from  these,  but  alw-lys  on  the 
better  side,  are  in  course  of  development,  and, 
when  these  latter  stocks  are  large  enough,  they 


March  6,  1909.] 


Til  E     GA  R  D  ENE 11 S'     C II 11  ONI  CI  E. 


149 


are  substituted  for  the  earlier  ones,  usually 
without  any  change  in  the  name.  It  is  this 
procedure  that  explains  why  "  Blue  Fern-leaved" 
is  a  better  plant  to-day  than  it  was  five  years 
ago. 

In  regard  to  cultivation,  there  is  nothing  be- 
yond the  resources  of  the  Reading  establishment. 
The  excellent  houses  are  filled  with  plants  of 
such  perfect  development,  no  writer  can  easily 
exaggerate  the  high  culture  exhibited.  We  were 
impressed  with  the  effect  of  the  proper  tem- 
perature treatment  in  the  development  cf 
colour  in  the  well-known  variety,  "  Czar." 
Certain  plants  had  been  cultivated  in  as 
cool  conditions  as  could  safely  be  imposed, 
and  the  flowers  in  their  rich  violet-blue  and 
magnificent  zone  were  so  superior  as  to  be  dis- 
tinguished from  others  at  the  merest  glance. 
We  do  not  intend  to  retail  to  the  reader  a  list 
of  the  varieties  cultivated  at  Reading :  their 
names  and  characteristics  are  already  cata- 
logued. It  is  sufficient  to  say  that  almost  all 
colours  are  obtainable,  either  with  Fern,  Palm, 
or  Moss-like  foliage  ;  that  the  Giant  type  is  so 
true  that  even  when  cultivated  in  2J-inch  pots 
the  flowers  are  still  2  inches  or  more  in  diameter, 
and  that  the  stellata  section  is  variously  col- 
oured and  capable  of  producing  such  perfect 
plants  as  the  specimen  illustrated  at  fig.  67. 

We  invite  the  reader  to  compare  the  figure  just 
mentioned  with  fig.  66,  which  portrays  a  native 
specimen  of  P.  sinensis  growing  in  a  very  re- 
stricted district  in  China.  The  illustration  is 
reproduced  from  a  photograph  taken  by 
Mr.  E.  H.  Wilson,  and  is  probably  the  best 
yet  published  of  the  species  in  its  natural  hon.e. 
It  may  be  pointed  out  that  the  plant  shows  con- 
siderable difference  from  a  plant  now  in  the 
Reading  collection,  which  is  believed  to  be  of 
the  same  species,  and  interesting  in  the  fact  that 
the  flowers  are  perfectly  free  from  a  trace  of 
"  eye"  or  zone. 

Only  a  concluding  word  can  be  said  of  the 
Cyclamens.  The  view  reproduced  in  fig.  68 
will  serve  to  show  the  wealth  of  the  collection. 
The  seed  is  sown  in  October  in  pans,  and  the 
seedlings  are  pricked  out  singly  into  2J-inch 
pots  as  soon  as  they  are  ready  for  the  change. 
They  flower,  therefore,  when  about  14  or  15 
months  old..  The  strains  are  excellent  in  every  . 
way,  'as  is  the  culture  afforded  the  plants. 
Efforts  are  being  made  to  develop  a  large- 
flowered  type  with  scented  flowers.  "  Scented 
Rose"  is  a  considerable  step  in  this  direction. 


seriously  of  pruning  and  training,  but  as  early 
as  1717  a  gentleman  named  Collins  published  a 
small  treatise  by  the  name  of  Paradise  Relricv'd, 
in  which  the  subject  is  treated  in  the  most  en- 
lightened manner.  But  one  gathers  that  the 
writer  was  rather  more  intent  in  proving  other 
authorities  of  the  period  to  be  wrong  in  their 
methods  than  in  publishing  his  own,  which 
were  right.  Earlier  still,  that  accomplished  gar- 
dener, John  Reid,  of  Rosehaugh,  a  place  still 
famous  for  fruit,  wrote  on  this  subject.  He 
demonstrated,  though  in  a  rather  confused  man- 
ner— not  to  be  unexpected  in  a  man  whose  ac- 
quaintance with  English  was  .at  best  but 
slight — how  wall  trees  should  be  managed  to 
give  the  best  results.  This  was  in  1688,  34 
years  previous  to  the  first  English  writer  who 
approaches  the  subject  from  the  true  standpoint. 
It  is  not  to  be  denied  that  Hitt  carried  his  train- 
ing to  extremes,  just  as  Forsyth   did  later,  and 


THE  TRAINING  OF  FRUIT  TREES. 

It  is  common  belief  that  the  management  cf 
wall  trees  is  less  perfect  than  in  former  years. 
Certain  it  is  that  some  young  men  of  the  pre- 
sent time  have  little  skill  in  training  fruit 
trees,  having  never  been  taught  how  to  nail 
shoots  straight  nor  to  place  them  at  the  correct 
angle.  I  believe  there  are  some  persons  who 
consider  that  nothing  is  gained  by  being  particu- 
lar in  arranging  the  shoots  of  fruit  trees,  though 
a  slight  consideration  will  show  that  to  be  an 
error  of  judgment.  When  all  the  shoots  of  a 
fruit  tree  are  disposed  at  regular  distances  from 
each  other  there  is  no  overcrowding  in  one  part 
of  the  tree  and  waste  of  space  in  another.  Fur- 
ther, each  branch  receives  as  much  of  the  sun's 
rays  as  another,  and  the  young  growths  of  the 
current  year  have  ample  room  to  develop 
without  encroaching  on  the  old  or  fruit-bearing 
portions.  This  is  an  important  consideration, 
which  was  the  objective  of  a  former  race  of  gar- 
deners by  whom  the  training  of  hardy  fruit  trees 
was  attended  to  with  the  greatest  care.  It  is 
true  that  none  of  the  earliest  writers  on 
gardening  had  a  very  clear  conception  of  the 
importance  of  training  and  pruning,  and  well 
into  the  eighteenth  century  advice  on  the  subject 
is  occasionally  encountered  which  shows  how 
long  a  time  it  took  to  break  down  old  prejudices. 
Hitt,  whose  work  was  published  in  1755,  is 
supposed  by  some  to  have  been  the  first  to  treat 


sun's  rays  reach  the  bricks  and  warm  them  ; 
another,  that  none  but  vigorous  shoots  are  per- 
mitted on  the  trees  ;  these  being  capable  of  pro- 
ducing quite  as  large  a  crop  of  fruits  as  is- 
able  to  mature.     B. 


AQJILEGIAS. 

There  are  few  flowers  more  decorative  or  re- 
fining in  their  effect  on  our  herbaceous  border* 
than  the  comparatively  neglected  Aquilegias. 
Their  period  of  flowering  is  not  quite  so  pro- 
longed as  that  of  the  Viola,  yet  in  many  in- 
stances, as  in  that  of  A.  chrysantha,  the 
"  Golden  Columbine,"  it  has  lasted  in  flower  in- 
my  garden  for  nearly  three  months.  The  Aqui- 
legias have  come  to  us  from  various  regions; 
from  the  Altai  Mountains  in  Siberia,  from  the 
Alps    and    the    Pyrenees,    from    Guatemala   in. 


Fig.  67.— a  specimen  of  Messrs.  suttons'  stellata  type  of  Chinese  primula. 


later  still  other  gardeners  whose  pet  theories  are 
to  be  found  in  the  pages  of  the  contemporary 
gardening  Press.  Fundamentally,  these  old 
practitioners  operated  on  correct  lines,  though 
at  an  enormous  waste  of  energy,  and,  no  doubt, 
not  always  successfully,  because  all  else  was 
made  subservient  to  pruning  and  training.  No 
one  would  now  be  so  injudicious  as  to  appraise 
these  at  more  than  their  true  value.  One  of  the 
most  remarkable  improvements  of  Collins — con- 
sidering the  fact  that  his  contemporaries  plashed 
the  shoots  of  fruit  trees  one  over  the  other,  and 
that  Bradley,  at  the  same  period,  imagined  he 
was  making  an  advance  in  allowing  a  space  of 
4  inches  between  the  shoots  of  Apple  trees — was 
that  he  regulated  the  shoots  of  stone  fruits  at 
4  to  5  inches  apart.  One  of  the  benefits  resulting 
from   training   the  shocts   far   apart   is  that  the 


South  America,   from  Canada,  from  California, 
and  from  the  Rocky  Mountains. 

One  of  the  finest  of  the  Aquilegias,  and  most 
graceful  in  habit,  is  A.  ccerula  Tiybrida, 
"divinely  tall,  and  most  divinely  fair,"  as 
Tennyson  sings  of  Helen  of  Troy.  The  original 
colours  of  this  beautiful  Columbine  were  blue 
and  white,  but  when  crossed  with  A.  chry- 
santha, it  became  suffused  with  yellow  and  in- 
vested with  spurs  of  greater  length.  Aquilegia 
californica  hybrida  is  a  remarkable  combination 
of  deep  orange  and  bright  scarlet ;  though,  in 
virtue  of  its  peculiarly  pendulous  tendency,  in 
which  respect  it  resembles  several  notable  Roses, 
its  beauty  is  half  concealed.  Aquilegia  cana- 
densis, whose  colours  somewhat  resemble  thoss 
cf  A.  californica,  is  extremely  effective  in  certain 
situations ;     so    also    is    the    uniquely-coloured 


150 


THE    GARDE  NEKS'     CH li  O  NI CL  E. 


[Mauch  6,  ie09. 


A.  Skinned,  which  has  delicate  green  sepals  and 
yellow  petals,  with  strongly  contrasting  spurs 
of  brightest  orange-red.  It  is  a  native  of  the 
northern  regions  of  South  America.  Aquilegia 
glandulosa,  whose  colours  are  white  and  blue, 
is  a  species  which  is  easily  increased  by  careful 
division  of  the  fibrous  root-stock.  It  is  of 
closely-tufted  habit,  and  does  not  grow  to  any 
great  height,  forming  in  this  respect  a  con- 
trast to  such  commanding  forms  as  A.  cali- 
fornica  and  A.  ccerulea  hybrida,  which,  when  in 
flower,  can  be  seen  and  admired  from  any  part 
of  the  garden.  A  derivative  from  this  variety 
called  A.  Wittmaniana,  though  possessing  con- 
siderable fascination,  is  not  equal  in  beauty  or 
graceful  formation  to  the  parent  flower.  The 
late  Dr.  Stuart,  of  Chirnside,  in  Berwickshire, 
the  distinguished  originator  of  the  "Violetta" 
race  of  rayless  miniature  Violas,  raised  the 
grandest  of  all  Aquilegias,  which  bears  his 
name.  He  used  to  assure  me  that  Aquilegia 
Stuartii  could  not  be  grown  successfully  except 
by  earnest  cultivators,  since  it  requires  very  care- 
ful attention  in  its  earlier  stages,  and  a  deep, 
fertile  soil.  I  have  been  informed  by  Messrs. 
Cocker,  of  Aberdeen,  who  introduced  the  variety 
to  commerce,  that  it  was  the  result  of  a  cross 
between  A.  ccerulea  and  A.  glandulosa,  though 
others  have  attributed  part  of  its  origin  to  A. 
Wittmaniana. 

«)  After  cultivating  Aquilegias  for  many  years 
with  even  more  pleasure  and  success  than  I 
anticipated,  I  have  come  to  the  conclusion  that, 
whether  we  consider  the  length  of  time  during 
which  it  blooms  with  such  splendid  profusion, 
its  utter  indifference  to  atmospheric  conditions, 
its  strikingly  beautiful  formation,  or  its  lustrous 
golden  hue,  A.  chrysantha,  if  not  so  varied  or 
highly  artistic  in  its  aspect  as  A.  californica  or 
A.  ccerulea  hybrida,  is  the  most  valuable,  and 
assuredly  the  most  enduring,  of  them  all. 
Nothing  in  my  garden  is  more  impressive  in 
early  summer  than  long  lines  of  A.  chrysantha, 
with  innumerable  flowers  of  the  brightest  Prim- 
rose hue  glittering  beneath  the  blossoms  of  over- 
shadowing Apple  trees. 

Though  less  refulgent  than  the  Eastern  Lily,  the 
Carnation,  or  the  Rose,  the  Aquilegia  has  a  dainty 
beauty  of  its  own,  and  is,  as  this  contribution, 
I  hope,  sufficiently  proves,  of  much  value  for 
garden  decoration.  David  R.  Williamson,  Manse 
of  Kirkmaiden,  Wigtownshire,  N,B, 


The  Week's  Work. 

THE  HARDY  FRUIT  GARDEN. 

By  J.  G.  Weston,  Gardener  to  H.  J.  King,  Esq.,  Eastwell 
Park,  Kent. 

Late  planting.--\Nhete  circumstances  have 
arisen  to  so  far  prevent  the  planting  of  fruit 
trees,  the  work  may  still  be  done.  The  chief 
advantage  of  autumn  planting  is  that  the  roots 
form  new  growths  before  the  very  cold  weather 
sets  in,  and  thus  they  become  partially  estab- 
lished before  winter,  and  are  better  able  to 
withstand  drying  winds  and  hot  weather  during 
the  succeeding  summer.  When  planting  is  left 
until  the  spring  extra  care  is  needed  to  enable 
the  trees  to  get  a  good  start.  The  ground 
should  have  been  previously  prepared  as  ad- 
vised in  a  former  Calendar,  and  a  dry  day 
selected  for  the  planting.  The  soil  should  be 
in  a  proper  condition  for  working — neither  too 
wet  nor  too  dry ;  on  no  account  plant  when 
it  is  in  a  wet  condition.  After  the  planting  is 
completed  mulch  the  trees  with  some  light 
manure,  that  from  a  spent  Mushroom  bed  being 
suitable.  If  the  weather  continues  dry,  water- 
ing may  become  necessary  ;  the  trees  may  also 
be  svringed  early  in  the  afternoons  in  dTy 
weather,  as  this  will  assist  in  keeping  the  wood 
plump  and  fresh. 

Orchards. — In  improperly  tended  fruit  planta- 
tion-, the  trees  are  never  pruned,  whilst  spraying 
with  an  insecticide  or  dressing  them  with  lims 
is  never  thought  of.  Though  rather  late  for  the 
work,  the  trees  may  still  be  overhauled,  and  it 
will  be  better  to  do  this  now  than  to  wait  till 
next    winter.     Cut   out   all    the    dead    or   badly- 


placed  shoots,  and  thin  the  remainder  suffi- 
ciently to  allow  the  sunshine  and  air  to  pene- 
trate to  all  parts  of  the  tiee.  Old  orchard  trees 
are  often  dense  thickets  of  shoots,  producing 
only  inferior  fruits.  By  a  system  of  proper 
treatment  these  trees  may  be  made  to  bear  good 
marketable  crops.  When  the  shoots  have  teen 
thinned  choose  a  calm  day  for  spraying  the 
trees  with  an  alkali  wash,  and,  if  time  per- 
mits, give  them  a  second  spraying  after  an 
interval  of  a  week  or  two.  Any  grass  grow- 
ing immediately  beneath  the  trees,  and  for  at 
least  a  yard  beyond  the  spread  of  the  branches, 
should  be  dug  in.  After  this  a  good  dressing 
of  lime  should,  be  applied,  followed  by  a  mulch- 
ing of  farmyard  manure.  The  trees  will  derive 
benefit  from  this  treatment  the  first  season. 


THE    KITCHEN    GARDEN. 

By  E.  Beckett,  Gardener  to  the  Hon.  Vicarv  Gibbs, 
Aldenham  House,  Elstree,  Hertfordshire. 

Onions. — On  a  fine  day,  when  the  ground  is 
sufficiently  dry  and  the  soil  in  a  workable  condi- 
tion, advantage  should  be  taken  to  prepare  and 
sow  the  principal  bed  of  Onions.  First  make  the 
ground  thoroughly  firm,  and  rake  the  surface 
level ;  then  sow  the  seed  thinly  in  shallow  drills 
drawn  at  distances  of  10  to  12  inches  apart. 
Apply  a  dressing  of  soot  and  wood-ashes.  Then 
carefully  cover  the  seeds  and  again  rake  the  sur- 
face finely.  Onions  raised  in  heat  early  in  the 
year  should  still  be  grown  in  a  temperature  of 
from  50°  to  55°  F.,  being  placed  as  near  to  the 
glass  as  possible.  Any  surplus  plants  which 
have  not  been  pricked  off  may,  if  thoroughly 
hardened,  be  planted  out  in  a  sheltered  position 
on  ground  of  a  fine  tilth,  in  rows  1  foot  apart, 
and  the  plants  at  distances  of  6  inches  from  each 
other.  Under  this  treatment  Onions  invariably 
make  serviceable  bulbs,  and  no  amount  of  cold 
after  this  date  will  injure  them,  provided  they 
have  been  properly  prepared  for  exposure.  Any 
selected  bulbs  intended  for  seeding  should  be 
planted  in  a  sunny  position  sheltered  from  cold 
winds.  Plant  the  bulbs  18  inches  apart  in  the 
rows,  and  make  the  rows  at  distances  of  2  feet. 

Green  crops. — February  has  been  an  excep- 
tionally dry  month  in  this  locality.  There  have 
been  no  rains,  but  a  continuance  of  dry,  frosty 
weather,  which  has  had  the  effect  of  injuring 
most  of  the  green  crops.  Whole  breadths  of 
Sprouting  Broccoli,  especially  the  earlier  varie- 
ties, have  been  completely  destroyed,  also  many 
of  the  white  Broccoli.  Of  this  latter  vegetable, 
Late  Queen  and  Model  have  proved  to  be  the 
hardier  with  us,  and  amongst  Borecoles  or 
Kales  the  least  injured  have  been  the  Scotch, 
Cottager's,  Labrador,  and  Chou  de  Russie 
varieties.  The  last-named  sort  received  a  First- 
class  Certificate  from  the  Royal  Horticul- 
tural Society  in  April,  1907,  after  trial  at  Wis- 
ley.  Late  plantings  of  Brussels  Sprouts  have 
also  been  affected  by  frost.  Ground  that  has 
been  dug  or  trenched  has  benefited  from  recent 
weather,  especially  in  gardens  where  the  soil  is 
heavy. 

Seahale. — This  has  proved  to  be  especially 
valuable  now  that  green  vegetables  are  scarce. 
Care  should  be  taken  to  provide  for  a  continuous 
supply  by  introducing  successional  batches  into 
the  Mushroom  house  or  other  suitable  structure 
for  forcing.  Seakale  may  be  also  forced  in  the 
open  should  circumstances  require  this  method 
to  be  adopted.  The  cuttings  intended  for  culti- 
vation next  season  should  be  grown  gently  in  a 
cold  frame.  They  will  be  ready  for  planting  by 
the  end  of  March  or  early  in  April,  but  care 
must  be  taken  not  to  force  them  in  the  slightest 
degree. 

Spinach  raised  last  autumn  has  in  many  cases 
withstood  the  cold  weather  remarkably  well. 
As  soon  as  the  conditions  are  favourable  the 
ground  about  the  plants  should  be  weeded, 
hoed  and  given  a  dressing  of  soot,  repeating 
these  operations  about  every  ten  days.  Make 
an  early  sowing  of  this  vegetable  on  a  south 
border,  planting  the  seeds  in  drills  drawn  one 
foot  apart.  Early  Spinach  may  also  be  grown 
on  a  very  mild  hot-bed  in  frames  :  it  is  surpris- 
ing what  a  large  quantity  of  this  valuable  green 
vegetable  can  be  produced  from  an  ordinary 
three-light   frame. 

Celery  and  Chicory. — The  latest  varieties 
should  now  be  lifted  and  stored  in  sand  or 
ashes  under  a  north  wall.  The  heads  will  re- 
main in  a  good  condition  for  a  much  longer 
period  if  stored  in  this  way  than  when  left  in 


the  ground.  Chicory  may  also  be  taken  up  and 
treated  in  the  same  way  as  advised  for  Celery. 

Parsnits  are  much  better  when  allowed  to  re- 
main a  considerable  time  in  the  ground,  but  they 
should  now  be  lifted  and  stored  in  sand  in  a  cool 
place. 

The  herb  garden. — Examine  the  plants  care- 
fully v\ith  a  view  to  replacing  any  which  are 
becoming  exhausted.  Some  will  need  to  te 
propagated  from  cuttings,  others  by  division. 
The  herb  border  is  an  inteiesting  feature  in  a 
garden,  and  it  is  the  more  interesting  when  it 
contains  a  large  number  of  varieties. 


PUBLIC   PARKS   AND   GARDENS. 

By  J.  W.  Moorman,  Superintendent  of  Victoria  Park, 
London. 

The  propagating  department. — Many  of  the  stock 
plants  intended  for  furnishing  a  supply  of  ci.t- 
tings  will  now  be  in  such  a  condition  that  the 
work  may  be  commenced.  There  will  be  a  plen:i- 
lul  supply  of  cuttings  of  such  plants  as  Age.n- 
tum,  Lobelia  and  Koniga  (Alyssum).  Zonal  Pelar- 
goniums that  have  been  wintered  in  store  pots, 
and  are  now  potted  singly  in  smaller  pots,  should 
be  given  warmer  conditions  so  that  they  may 
grow  rapidly  and  form  strong  plants  by  the  time 
they  must  be  hardened.  Some  of  the  autumn- 
rooted  plants  of  Ivy-leaved  Pelargonium  should 
■be  allowed  to  develop  three  or  four  shoots  and 
be  trained  as  pyramids.  Others  may  grow 
naturally  for  pegging  down  as  a  groundwork  to 
such  plants  as  Fuchsias.  The  pyramids  will  be 
useful  as  "  dot "  plants  over  a  carpeting  of 
Violas,  Harrison's  Musk  (Mimulus),  Verbena, 
Phlox  Drummondii,  and  similar  dwarf-growing 
subjects.  Old  Fuchsias  should  be  started  into 
growth  and  repotted. 

Flower  seeds. — Many  flowering  plants  can  be 
easily  raised  from  seeds,  and  they  are  especi- 
ally valuable  when  cuttings  of  other  plants 
have  failed  to  survive  the  winter.  Tuberous- 
rooting  Begonias  will  form  good  plants  in  the 
one  season  from  seeds  sown  at  the  present  time, 
whilst  those  of  the  semperflorens  type  are  in- 
valuable for  summer  bedding.  Prick  off  the 
seedlings  in  suitably-prepared  pans  or  boxes  as 
soon  as  they  are  large  enough  for  transplanting 
and  give  them  a  further  shift  into  small  pots 
when  they  are  ready.  Petunias,  Verbenas,  Ager- 
atums  and  Lobelias  can  all  be  raised  from  seeds. 
Sweet  Peas  should  be  sown  in  5-inch  pots,  plac- 
ing five  or  six  seeds  in  each  pot.  Germinate 
them  in  a  cool  house,  and  when  the  shoots  are 
6  or  9  inches  in  length,  pinch  out  the  tops  in 
order  to  induce  a  bushy  growth.  It  may  be  ad- 
visable to  shift  them  into  6-inch  pots  before 
they  are  planted  in  rich,  deeply-dug  soil  in  the 
open.  Schizanthus  wisetonensis  and  Nemesia 
strumosa  are  suitable  annuals  for  planting  in 
the  flower-beds.  They  should  be  raised  in  a 
cool  house  and  planted  out  at  the  end  gf  May. 
Sub-tropical  garden. — Some  of  the  most  suit- 
able plants  for  the  sub-tropical  garden  are 
Grevillea,  Acacia,  Ficus,  Canna,  Eucalyptus, 
Musa,  Solanum,  Wigandia,  Ricinus,  Nicotiana, 
Palms  and  Ferns.  Acacia  Lophantha  is  easily 
propagated  from  seeds.  Abutilons  may  also 
be  readily  raised  from  seeds,  but  the  mi  st 
suitable  plants  are  those  about  2  to  3 
feet  tall,  and  these  are  best  grown  from 
cuttings,  inserted  during  the  previous  summer. 
Two  good  Abuti'.ons  for  the  sub-tropical  gardi  n 
are  A.  Thompsonii  variegata  and  A.  Savitzii. 
The  leaves  of  A.  Savitzii  are  blotched  with 
silver.  The  Cannas  also  furnish  a  wealth  of 
material  in  their  numerous  varieties  both 
foliage  and  flowering.  Those  with  bronze-col- 
oured stems  and  leaves  are  effective  when 
intermixed  with  free-flowering  plants  such  as 
Petunias  or  Fuchsias.  They  may  also  be  massed 
for  their  floral  effect.  The  best  method  of  in- 
creasing Cannas  is  by  division  of  the  root-stock 
in  early  spring.  There  are  several  species  of 
Eucalypti  suitable  for  the  sub-tropical  garden. 
One  of  the  best  is  E.  Globulus  (the  Blue-gum 
tree).  Others  are  E.  citriodora,  E.  Gunnii,  and 
E.  cordata.  All  the  Eucalypti  may  be  readily 
raised  from  seed.  The  Castor-oil  plant  (Ricinus) 
forms  a  handsome  subject  in  its  beautiful  foli- 
age, especially  when  planted  by  the  side  of  a 
rivulet  or  in  the  foreground  of  a  shrubbery.  It 
grows  very  quickly  from  seed.  Those  with  green 
foliage,  of  which  R.  zanzibarensis  is  the  best, 
are  the  most  hardy,  but  they  are  not  so  pretty 
as  the  coloured  varieties,  of  which  R  Gibsonii 
is  a  good  example. 


March  6,  1!)(J9.] 


THE     GARDENERS'      CHRONICLE 


151 


THE    ORCHID    HOUSES. 

By  W.  H.  White,  Orchid  Grower  to  Sir  Trevor  Lawrence, 
Bart.,  Burford,  Surrey. 

Masdevallia. — The  present  is  a  suitable  time 
to  break  up  old  plants,  or  to  afford  increased  root 
room  to  the  Chimera  type  of  Masdevallias, 
which  consists  of  such  species  as  M.  Chimaara, 
M.  bella,  M.  Backhousiana,  M.  Wallisii,  M.  Car- 
deri/and  M.  Chestertonii.  These  plants  should 
be  grown  in  shallow,  teai-wood  baskets,  as 
their  flowers  are  produced  from  descending 
stems  similar  to  those  of  a  Stanhopea.  No 
crocks  are  required  for  drainage,  and  only  a 
moderate  quantity  of  fibrous  peat  and  Sphag- 
num-moss for  a  rooting  medium,  which  must 
not  be  too  lightly  compressed.  These  Masde- 
vallias are  very  liable  to  attacks  of  red  spider, 
but  this  pest  may  be  prevented  by  frequently 
spraying  and  sponging  the  under-sides  of  the 
leaves.  Afford  the  plants  the  same  atmo- 
spheric temperature  as  advised  for  M.  tova- 
rensis.  Any  plants  of  Masdevallias  which 
require  a  cooler  treatment,  such  as  M.  Harry- 
ana,  M.  Lindenii,  M.  Veitchii,  M.  ignea,  &c, 
that  have  deteriorated  through  loss  of  roots 
and  foliage,  may  be  repotted  at  this  season.  It 
is  not  advisable  to  disturb  strong,  healthy  plants 
of  these  species  at  present,  but  to  pot  them  at 
the  end  of  August  or  the  beginning  of  Septem- 
ber. All  plants  that  are  repotted  should  be 
kept  well  shaded  from  direct  sunshine,  and  any 
flower-spikes  that  appear  should  be  pinched  off 
immediately  they  are  perceptible. 

Ccelogyne. — Plants  of  the  warm-growing  Ccelo- 
gyne  asperata  (Lowii)  andC.  pandurata  may  now 
be  safely  potted  should  they  require  more  root 
room.  C,  asperata  thrives  well  in  a  mixture  of 
good  fibrous  loam,  Osmunda  fibre  and  Sphag- 
num-moss in  equal  parts,  and  plenty  of  small 
crocks.  The  fibre  and  moss  should  be  cut  up 
rather  small  and  incorporated  with  the  loam. 
O.  pandurata  grows  well  in  the  Osmunda  and 
Polypodium  mixture.  When  repotting  the  plant, 
it  is  not  advisable  to  pot  up  more  than  two 
bulbs  behind  the  leading  growth.  Give  it  plenty 
of  room  to  grow,  as  the  rhizome  will  extend 
itself  several  inches  each  year.  The  flower- 
spikes  will  soon  be  pushing  up  in  the  centre  of 
the  growths,  therefore  good  supplies  of  water 
must  be  given  until  the  new  pseudo-bulbs  are 
completed.  The  flower-spikes  of  the  rare  Coelo- 
gyne  Sanderae,  which  for  ma|y  weeks  have  ap- 
peared to  be  in  a  stationary  condition,  will  soon 
begin  to  develop  their  flower-buds.  Keep  the 
plant  well  up  to  the  roof  glass  of  the  inter- 
mediate house,  where  it  will  not  be  exposed  to 
the  least  sunshine.  When  the  flower-buds  ad- 
vance afford  the  plant  frequent  waterings  at  the 
root. 

PLANTS    UNDER  GLASS. 

By  A.  C,  Bartlett,  Gardener  to  Mrs.  Ford,  Pencarrow, 
Cornwall. 

Ipomaa. — Such  species  as  I.  hederacea  and  its 
varieties,  and  I.  rubro-ccerulea.  are  useful 
greenhouse  twining  plants.  Seeds  should  be 
sown  in  heat,  and  the  young  seedlings  potted 
into  light,  rich  soil,  keeping  them  for  a  time 
in  a  warm  atmosphere.  When  they  are  repotted 
into  their  final  pots  a  heavier  soil  may  be  used, 
and  the  potting  should  be  done  firmly. 

Coltut. — Cuttings  may  now  be  taken  from  the 
plants  retained  from  last  year.  Insert  them  in 
sandy  soil  in  the  propagating  house,  and  keep 
them  shaded  until  they  have  made  roots.  A 
good  percentage  of  desirable  varieties  may  be 
raised  from  seeds,  but  the  plants  which  appear 
first  are  almost  invariably  of  coarse  growth  and 
poorly  marked.  Hence  they  should  be  rejected. 
Canna. — Plants  flowering  in  the  greenhouse 
should  now  be  repotted,  using  a  rich  soil.  The 
choice  varieties  may  easily  be  increased  by  root 
division,  but  it  is  necessary  that  each  piece  of 
severed  toot-stock  should  possess  a  bud  and  a 
few   roots. 

Tree  Ferns. — During  their  season  of  ai  the 
growth,  Tree  Ferns  are  benefited  by  a  slight  in- 
crease in  temperature.  Even  when  they  have  at- 
tained to  a  large  size  repotting  is  not  often 
necessary.  Should  the  soil  in  which  they  are 
growing  be  exhausted,  and  it  should  not  be  con- 
sidered advisable  to  use  larger  receptacles,  much 
of  the  exhausted  soil  may,  in  the  case  of  Dick- 
sonias,  be  removed,  and  the  plant  repotted  in 
the  same  tub  ;  the  work  should  be  done  just 
before  the  new  growth  commences.  When 
grown  in  a  warm  house  Cyatheas  quickly  make 


tall  stems.  When  these  become  too  tall  they 
may  be  cut  off  to  a  convenient  length  and  be 
placed  into  pots  containing  a  few  inches  of  soil. 
Such  work  should  be  done  now,  and  these  large 
cuttings,  as  they  may  be  termed,  will  quickly 
form  roots  and  produce  surprisingly  large 
fronds.  The  lower  portion  of  the  stem  may  be 
utilised  for  planting  on  it  Davallias,  Selagi- 
nellas  and  similar  plants.  When  Tree  Ferns  are 
actively  growing  abundant  moisture  in  the  at- 
mosphere is  necessary,  and  the  fronds  must  noi 
be  exposed  to  direct  sunlight.  Tree  Ferns  grow- 
ing in  a  conservatory  or  other  place  where  the 
surroundings  cannot  be  kept  sufficiently  moist, 
should  have  their  stems  frequently  damped  dur- 
ing hot,  dry  days. 

Forced  shrubs. — As  soon  as  these  have  finished 
flowering  they  should  be  removed  to  a  warm 
house  to  complete  their  growth.  Pick  off  the 
old  flowers  and  any  seed  vessels  that  may  have 
formed  and  prune  any  plants  that  require  it, 
remembering  that  the  shoots  should  never  be 
cut  so  severely  as  in  the  case  of  similar  species 
growing  out-of-doors.  Afford  the  shrubs  a 
liberal  treatment  in  the  matter  of  manuring,  &c, 
as  success  or  otherwise  in  flowering  next  spring 
will  depend  largely  on  the  quality  of  the  growth 
made  now. 

Blinds.— These  should  be  overhauled  and 
fixed  at  an  early  date  on  those  houses  where 
they  are  needed.  The  sun  for  a  few  hours  in 
the  middle  of  the  day  is  very  powerful,  even 
early  in  this   season. 


FRUITS  UNDER  GLASS. 

By  E.  Harriss,  Fruit  Foreman,  Royal  Gardens,  Frogmore. 
Early  pot  vines. — After  the  flowering  is  over 
and  the  young  berries  are  swelling  freely,  the 
vines  can  be  forced  rather  harder  than  hitherto, 
as  both  the  roots  and  the  upper  portion  of  the 
vine  will  be  in  active  growth.  Keep  a  moist 
atmosphere  by  constantly  spraying  all  avail- 
able spaces  in  the  house,  also  damp  the  paths 
with  liquid  manure  when  the  ventilators  are 
closed.  This  will  assist  in  keeping  down  red 
spider,  and  be  otherwise  beneficial  to  the  foli- 
age. The  roots  must  be  liberally  fed  with  diluted 
liquid  manure,  alternated  with  some  approved 
i.i  tiliser,  given  two  or  three  times  a  week. 
Take  care  not  to  overcrop  the  vines  or  the 
quality  erf  the  units  will  be  impaired.  Sin 
to  eight  bunches  of  Grapes  on  each  rod  will 
yield  an  ample  crop.  Attend  to  the  stopping  of 
the  laterals  as  often  as  they  require  it,  and  cut 
out  those  shoots  which  are  not  wanted.  The  tem- 
perature of  the  vinery  at  night-time  mav  be 
raised  to  70°.  During  the  daytime  it  may  reach 
85°  or  90°  if  the  top  ventilators  are  opened  a 
little.  Close  the  house  early  in  the  afternoon 
after  charging  the  atmosphere  with  moisture. 

Early  vines  in  borders. — As  soon  as  it  is  de- 
termined which  are  the  best  bunches,  all  those 
not  reqi  ired  should  be  removed.  Thinning  the 
berries  should  be  commenced  when  thev  .ire 
about  the  size  of  Peas.  This  operation  requires 
great  care  and  the  characteristics  of  each  par- 
ticular variety  need  to  be  studied  when  the 
bunches  are  thinned.  Black  Hamburgh,  al- 
though a  free-setting  Grape,  does  not  need  so 
severe  thinning  as  Madresfield  Court  or  Foster's 
Seedling.  After  the  bunches  are  thinned,  the 
borders  should  receive  a  good  dressing  of  well- 
seasoned  farmyard  manure,  the  properties  from 
which  should  be  thoroughly  washed  into  the  soil 
with   tepid   water. 

Mid-season  vines. — Attend  to  the  disbudding 
of  these.  First  remove  the  weak,  useless 
growths,  and  when  it  has  been  determined  which, 
are  the  strongest  and  best  shoots,  the  final  thin- 
ning may  be  done,  but  sufficient  shoots  should 
be  left  to  properly  furnish  the  trellis  with  foli- 
age. Borders  that  are  full  of  healthy  roots 
should  have  liberal  and  frequent  applications  of 
stimulating  manures. 

Melons. — Plants  which  were  raised  at  the  be- 
ginning of  the  year  should  be  stopped  when 
their  shoots  are  about  half-way  up  the  trellis. 
This  will  encourage  the  development  of  the 
lateral  shoots  and  hasten  the  plants  into  flower. 
Do  not  attempt  to  pollinate  the  flowers  till  three 
or  four  are  open  on  each  plant,  otherwise  the 
crop  will  be  uneven  and  -disappointing.  Pinch 
the  laterals  below  the  trellis  at  the  first  joint. 
Those  which  are  showing  fruit  may  be  stopped 
at  the  second  leaf  beyond  the  fruit.  Make  fresh 
sowings   as   often  as   necessary.      At   this   time 


of  the  year  ripe  fruit   can   be  had   in   about  13 
weeks  from  the  time  of  sowing.     The  hot-bed, 
which   was  necessary  for   Melon  culture   at  the. 
beginning  of  the  season,  can  be  dispensed  with. 
Strawberries  in  pots.— The  earliest  plants,  hav- 
ing    passed     their    flowering    stage      must    be* 
given    more    liberal    treatment    with'  regard    to 
moisture,  both   at  the  roots  and   in  the  atmo- 
sphere.    Thin  out  the  fruits  to  six  or  eight  upon 
a  truss,   and  securely  stake   and   tie  each  truss 
to   prevent   their   stems   being   broken.       Stakes, 
for  this  purpose  are  furnished  every  season  by 
the  prunmgs  from  outdoor  fruit  trees.     Syringe 
the   plants  two   or  three  times. every   day  with 
tepid  rain  water  and  damp  the  floor  of  the  house, 
frequently.     Close  the  house  early  in  the  after- 
noon and  syringe  the  plants  at  the  same  time. 
Apply  liquid  or  artificial  manure  at  every  alter- 
nate  watering.      It   is   a   good    plan   to   have   a 
large  batch  coming  on  slowly  in  a  cool  house 
From   this   batch  the   strongest   plants   may    be 
selected  when   they  commence  to  develop  their! 
flower-spikes,  removing  them  to  a  warmer  house 
as  required.     Before  removing  anv  plants  from 
out-of-doors,  clean  all  dead  leaves  from   them, 
and,    after    laying    the    plants    on    their   sides, 
thoroughly  syringe  them  with  a  solution  of  soft 
soap  and  sulphur  in  water. 


THE  FLOWER  GARDEN. 

By  W.  A.  Cook,  Gardener  to  Sir  Edmund  G.  Loder,  Bart., 
Leonardslee,  Sussex. 
Delphinium.— Young  plants  raised  from  seed 
sown  last  season  may  now  be  planted  out  in  the 
borders.  Slugs  are  fond  of  the  young  shoots, 
therefore  care  must  be  taken  to'  protect  them 
from  these  pests.  Seeds  may  be  sown  for  rais- 
ing plants  to  furnish  successional  flowers.  I). 
uudicaule,  sown  now,  will  produce  its  rich,, 
orange-scarlet  flowers  in  August  and  Septem- 
ber. Others  that  will  flower  by  the  end  of  the 
summer,  if  sown  now,  are  D.  cardinale,  D. 
Brunoniauum,  D.  grandiHorum,  D.  sulphureum,. 
and  D.  formosum.  It  is  a  good  plan  to  plant 
the  large-growing  Delphiniums  in  a  nursery  or 
reserve,  garden  during  the  first  season,  as  those 
with  the  best  flowers  can  be  selected  for  plant- 
ing in  the  permanent  borders. 

Pyrethrum.— These  hardy  border  plants  are 
valuable  alike  for  the  flower  garden  or  for  fur- 
nishing cut  blooms.  They  should  now  be 
planted  where  they  are  intended  to  flower. 

Pansies  and  Violas.— Sow  the  seeds  in  shallow 
boxes  and  place  them  in  a  frame  with  a  little 
bottom  heat.  The  seeds  should  be  sown  thinly, 
as  the  seedlings  are  liable  to  damping.  As 
soon  as  they  are  large  enough,  prick  out  the 
seedlings  into  other  boxes  and  afford  them  cold 
treatment.  Later  they  should  be  planted  in  the 
open  on  well-manured  ground,  where  they  will 
furnish  a  display  of  flowers  during  the  summer 
months.  Plants  that  were  put  out  in  the  autumn 
ior  spring  flowering  should  be  examined  and 
have  any  decayed  leaves  removed.  If  birds  are 
troublesome,  sprinkle  the  plants  with  water  in 
which  a  little  paraffin  has  been  placed :  the 
sprinkling  should  be  repeated  at  frequent  in- 
tervals. 

Wallflowers. — Any  blanks  should  be  filled 
with  fresh  plants.  Take  care  to  preserve  plenty 
of  soil  about  the  roots  in  transplanting,  and  do 
this  work  without  delay,  making  the  soil  quite 
firm.  Any  of  the  spring-bedding  plants  that 
have  failed  may  also  be  made  good  from  the  re- 
serve garden. 

Clematis. — The  plants  should  now  be  pruned 
and  made  tidy.  Shorten  the  shoots  somewhat 
severely,  and  top-dress  the  soil  as  mav  be  neces- 
sary. Mice  are  very  destructive  to  Clematis, 
and  it  may  be  necessary  to  place  traps  for  these 
pests.  Among  the  large-flowering  varieties 
notable  kinds  are  Fairy  Queen,  Gipsy  Queen, 
Ville  de  Lyon,  Madame  Van  Houtte,  Belle  of 
Woking,  Alba  Magna,  La  France,  Mrs.  Hope, 
and  Queen  Alexandra.  The  free-flowering  C. 
montana  and  its  rose-coloured  variety  are  ex- 
cellent climbing  plants  for  a  variety  of  purposes. 
Planting  shrubs. — This  work  should  be  pro- 
ceeded with  as  soon  as  the  conditions  admit.  In 
the  case  of  impoverished  soils,  some  fresh  ma- 
terial should  be  afforded,  such  as  leaf-mould, 
road  scrapings,  or  cow  manure.  The  border 
itself  should  be  given  a  top-dressing  of  manure. 
Lilacs  especially  enjoy  this  manurial  assistance, 
and  the  result  is  seen  in  the  superior  blooms 
and  increased  growth.  Conifers  may  still  be 
planted. 


152 


THE     GARDENERS     CHRONICLE. 


[March  6,  1909. 


EDITORIAL   NOTICE. 


ADVERTISEMENTS  should  be  sent  to  the  PUB- 
LISHER, 41,  Wellington  Street,  Covent  Garden, 
W.C. 

Letters  tor  Publication,  as  well  as  specimens  of  plants 
for  naming,  should  be  addressed  to  the  EDITOR, 
41,  Wellington  Street,  Covent  Garden,  London. 
Communications  should  be  written  on  one  side  only  of 
the  paper,  sent  as  early  in  the  week  as  possible  and  duly 
signed  by  the  writer.  1/ desired,  the  signature  will  not  be 
printed,  but  kept  as  a  guarantee  of  good  faith. 

Special  Notice  to  Correspondents.—  The  Editor  does  not 
undertake  to  pay  for  any  contributions  or  illustrations,  or 
to  return  unused  communications  or  illustrations,  unless  by 
special  arrangement.  The  Editor  does  not  hold  himself 
responsible  for  any  opinions  expressed  by  his  correspondents. 

Illustrations.-  The  Editor  will  be  glad  to  receive  andto  select 
photographs  or  drawings,  suitable  for  reproduction,  of 
gardens,  or  of  remarkable  plants,  flowers,  trees,  &c,  but  he 
cannot  be  responsible  for  loss  or  injury. 

Local  News.—  Correspondents  will  greatly  oblige  by  sending  to 
the  Editor  early  intelligence  of  local  events  likely  to  be  of 
interest  to  our  readers,  or  of  any  matters  which  it  is  desirable 
to  bring  under  the  notice  of  horticulturists. 

Newspapers.— Correspondents  sending  newspapers  should  be 
carejutto  m»rh  the  paragraphs  they  wish  the  Editor  to  see. 

APPOINTMENTS  FOR  THE  ENSUING  WEEK. 

MONDAY,  MARCH  8-  ■  ■„"...«. 

Ann.  Meet.  United  Hort.  Ben.  and  Prov.  Soc.  at  Hort. 
Hall,  Westminster. 

TUESDAY,  MARCH  9—  V  . 

Roy.  Hort.  Soc.  Corns,  meet.  (Bulb  Exh.  in  Hort. 
Hall,  Westminster.  Lecture  at  3  p.m.  by  Mr. .  W.  b. 
Murray,  on  "  Bulb-growing  in  Holland  ").  British  Card. 
Assoc.  Ex.  Council  meet.     Hort.  Club  meet. 

THURSDAY,  MARCH  11— 

British  Gardeners'  Association  (London  Branch)  meet, 
at  Carr's  Restaurant,  Strand.  Lecture  on  "  Insect 
Pests."  

Average    Mean    Temperature    for    the    ensuing    week, 
deduced  from  observations  during  the  last  Fifty  Years 
at  Greenwich— 41*0°. 
Actual  Temperatures  :— 

London.—  Wednesday,  March  3  (6  p.m.):  Max.  83"; 
Min.  29°. 
Gardeners'  Chronicle  Office,  41,  Wellington  Street, 
Covent  Garden,  London  —Thursday,  March  4 
(10  a.m.)  :  Bar.  293 ;  Temp.  36°  ;  Weather— 
Bright. 
Provinces.—  Wednesday,  March  3  (6  p.m.):  Max.  38" 
Ireland  S.W.  ;  Min.  29"  Yorkshire. 


SALES    FOR    THE    ENSUING    WEEK. 

MONDAY  and  FRIDAY-  ,       ■ 

Perennials,  Border  Plants,  Spring-flowering  Bulbs  and 
Tubers,  Azaleas,  &c,  at  12 ;  Roses  and  Fruit  Trees, 
at  1.30 ;  at  67  &  68,  Cheapside. 

WEDNESDAY- 

Herbaceous  and  Border  Plants,  Lihums,  Bulbs,  and 
Tubers,  at  12;  Roses  and  Fruit  Trees,  at  1.30;  Palms 
and  Plants,  at  5  ;  Miscellaneous  Bulbs,  Palm  Seeds, 
&c,  at  11.30;  Japanese  Liliums,  at  1.30;  at  67  and  68, 
Cheapside,  E.C.,  by  Protheroe  &  Morris. 


It      will     be     of     interest     to 

„  The         recall    the   circumstances   under 
Methods  i  r* 

and  Scope  which     the     volume     (see     Crar- 

Genetics;  deners'  Chronicle,  December 
12,  1 90S)  entitled  The  Methods 
and  Scope  of  Genetics  made  its  appearance. 
About  a  year  ago  the  University  of  Cam- 
bridge received  from  an  anonymous  source 
an  offer  to  endow,  for  the  space  of  five  years, 
a  professorship  in  biology.  The  offer  was 
accompanied  by  a  suggestion  that  the  pro- 
fessorship, if  founded,  should,  in  bearing  the 
title  "  The  Darwin  Professorship,"  serve  to 
commemorate  Darwin's  unique  services  to 
biology. 

The  University,  whilst  accepting  the  gener- 
ous gift,  decided  wisely  that  it  could  not  at- 
tach the  name  of  Darwin  to  a  professorship 
the  endowment  of  which  was  not  permanent. 
But  it  took  the  step  most  calculated  to  en- 
sure this  permanency  by  inviting  Mr.  Bate- 
son  to  occupy  the  chair.  Ancient  custom, 
which  finds  yet  an  abiding  place  within  the 
venerable  walls  of  our  older  Universities,  de- 
crees that  a  newly-elected  professor  shall,  on 
assuming  his  office,  deliver  before  the  mem- 
bers of  the  University  an  inaugural  lecture. 
To  a  stranger  coming  from  some  distant  seat 
of  learning,  such  an  occasion,  invested  with 
the  chill  decorum  which  reigns  in  academic 


spheres,  might  seem  a  distasteful,  almost 
barbarous,  relic  of  the  method  of  trial  by  or- 
deal. But  to  Professor  Bateson,  at  home  in 
Cambridge  and  known  as  one  of  the  most 
distinguished  of  her  men  of  science,  the  occa- 
sion had,  we  imagine,  no  such  sinister  import 
and  but  served  him  as  an  opportunity  for 
informing  the  world  in  general  of  recent  pro- 
gress in  the  experimental  study  of  evolution. 
Bateson 's  ordeal  was  in  the  years  which 
are  passed,  during  the  patient  time  when, 
alone,  and  heedless  of  the  talking  Darwinians, 
he  pursued  the  only  way  of  experimental  en- 
quiry into  the  problems  of  Variation  and 
Heredity  which  Darwin  himself  had  first 
shown  to  be  within  the  range  of  experimental 
science.  The  volume,  embodying  the  sub- 
stance of  Bateson 's  inaugural  lecture,  must, 
we  think,  convince  all  who  read  it  that 
the  new  modes  of  research  comprehended 
in  the  term  "  Genetics  "  mark  the  most  im- 
portant and  fruitful  departure  from  the  con- 
ventional methods  of  enquiry  which  has 
occurred  in  recent  times.  It  justifies  the  high 
claims  put  forward  not  so  long  ago  by  Bate- 
son himself  on  behalf  of  the  discoveries  asso- 
ciated with  the  name  of  Mendel ;  and  it  is 
a  splendid  record  of  the  work  which  we  owe 
to  Bateson  and  his  colleagues — Mr.  Punnett, 
Miss  Saunders,  Mr.  Doncaster,  Miss  Dur- 
ham— as  well  as  to  other  workers,  such  as 
Mr.  Hurst  and  Professor  Biffin  in  this  coun- 
try, and  de  Vries,  Correns,  Tschermak,  and 
other  investigators  in   foreign   lands. 

The  term  Genetics  was  proposed,  as  our 
readers  are  aware,  by  Bateson  himself  as  a 
more  comprehensive  substitute  for  the  older 
descriptive  phrase,  "  hybridisation  and  plant- 
breeding."  To  quote  his  own  words  used 
during  an  earlier  inaugural  address,  namely 
that  given  at  the  opening  of  the  Third  Con- 
ference on  Hybridisation  and  Plant  Breeding, 
called  by  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society  in 
1906: — "The  study  of  hybridisation  and 
plant-breeding  .  .  .  has  become  a  de- 
veloped science,  destined,  as  we  believe,  not 
merely  to  add  new  regions  to  man's  know- 
ledge, but  also  to  absorb  and  modify  pro- 
foundly large  tracts  of  the  older  sciences  .  . 
the  science  itself  is  still  nameless,  and  we  can 
only  describe  our  pursuit  by  cumbrous  and 
often  misleading  periphrasis.  To  meet  this 
difficulty  I  suggest  .  .  .  the  term  Genetics, 
which  sufficiently  indicates  that  our  labours 
are  devoted  to  the  elucidation  of  the  phe- 
nomena of  heredity  and  variation  :  in  other 
words,  to  the  physiology  of  descent." 

The  new  name  was  well  chosen.  It  has 
stood  the  test  of  time  and  has  passed  not  only 
into  our  language  but  into  the  languages  of 
the  civilised  world.  The  new  name  was 
wanted,  for  it  marked  the  introduction  of  a 
new  method. 

The  new  method  was  discovered  by  Mendel, 
whose  work,  forgotten  for  a  time,  was 
brought  to  light  again  by  de  Vries  and  other 
investigators.  To  no  one  more  than  to  Bate- 
son is  it  due  that  the  work  of  Mendel  has 
served  as  a  model  and  an  inspiration  for 
modern  research  in  Genetics. 

There  is  no  need,  in  this  place,  to  describe 
the  discoveries  which  Mendel  made.  They 
have  been  recounted  with  characteristic 
vigour  by  Professor  Bateson  and  by  his 
pupils.  One  aspect  of  Mendel's  work  de- 
serves, however,  more  prominence  than,  as 
far  as  we  can  remember,  it  has  yet  received. 


Judged  by  his  experiments  and  by  the  theory 
of  segregation  which  he  built  on  the  results 
of  his  experiments,  Mendel  was  a  genius 
among  men.  But  he  showed  his  genius  most 
by  beginning  at  the  beginning.  His  pre- 
decessors had  grown  grey  and  weary  in  the 
endeavour  to  discover  how  the  almost  infinite 
complexity  of  one  organism,  the  offspring, 
compares  with  the  equal  complexities  of 
the  parents.  The  task  was  superhuman. 
They  failed.  Mendel,  recognising  intui- 
tively that  the  complex  of  characters — ■ 
whose  sum  is  the  individual — is  made  up 
of  a  series  of  simple  characters,  fixed 
his  gaze  on  those  individual,  simple  char- 
acters. His  genius  manufactured  common 
sense.  By  the  study  of  the  simple  characters 
individually  he  showed  that  law  and  order 
reign  in  inheritance.  Into  the  eager  hands 
of  Bateson  came  the  Mendelian  key.  He  and 
his  pupils  and  co-workers  first  verified  the 
results  of  Mendel's  experiments  and  then  set 
themselves  to  solve  the  more  complex  cases 
which,  unsolved,  seemed  to  limit  the  applica- 
tion and  use  of  the  new  knowledge. 

What  striking  success  has  followed  upon 
their  efforts  readers  of  the  Evolution  Reports 
and  of  the  inaugural  lecture  may  learn. 
Foremost  in  interest  from  a  horticultural 
standpoint  is  the  discovery  of  the  meaning  of 
reversion.  Tall  Sweet  Peas  breed  true.  Of 
dwarf  Sweet  Peas  both  "  Cupids  "  and 
"  Bush  "  breed  true.  Now  Cupid  crossed 
with  Bush  gives  Tall.  The  explanation  is 
of  the  simplest,  Cupid  is  tall  minus  some- 
thing; "Bush"  is  tall  minus  something 
else.  In  other  words  Cupid,  in  sporting  out 
of  tall,  did  so  by  losing  a  certain  factor  which 
made  for  height.  Bush,  in  arising  from 
Tall,  did  so  by  losing  another  factor,  which 
also  made  for  height.  When  Cupid  and 
Bush  are  mated*  together  each  supplies  one 
of  the  missing  links  of  tallness  and  both 
necessary  factors  for  tall  are  thus  present  in 
the  offspring,   which  are  therefore  Tall. 

Similar  results  have  been  obtained  by  Bate- 
son and  Punnett  in  the  case  of  flower-colour 
of  Sweet  Peas.  Two  white  plants,  though 
breeding  true  when  selfed,  may  give,  when 
crossed,  purple-flowered  offspring.  The  albi- 
nos each  lack  one  of  the  two  necessary  factors 
for  colour  :  one  albino  lacks  one,  the  other  the 
other  colour  factor.  Coming  together  they 
supplement  each  other's  deficiencies  and 
colour  results  "  by  reversion."  As  shown  by- 
Hurst  in  a  recent  issue  of  this  Journal,  the 
facts  are  substantially  the  same  in  albino 
Orchids.  The  mysteries  which  have  so  long 
enshrouded  the  mode  of  inheritance  of  colour 
in  flowers  are  slowly  disappearing  and  the 
laws  of  such  inheritance  arc  discovering 
themselves. 

When  a  theory  admits  of  the  replacement 
of  vague  and  indefinite  ideas  by  precise  and 
definite  conceptions — and  this  is  what  the 
Mendelian  theory  does  in  the  case  of  rever- 
sion— it  proves  its  value  as  an  instrument  of 
thought.  Those  who  refuse  to  profit  by  the 
aid  of  such  vindicated  theories  must  be  con- 
tent to  remain  behind  in  the  march  of  pro- 
gress. Though  we  have  devoted  consider- 
able space  to  the  subject  of  reversion  because 
of  its  horticultural  interest,  it  must  not  be 
supposed  that  this  is  the  only  or  chief  matter 
dealt  with  in  the  pages  of  the  volume  on 
Genetics.  A  theory  of  the  nature  and  inheri- 
tance of  sex,  based  on  Mendelian  studies  and 


March  6,  1909.] 


THE    GARDENERS'      CHRONICLE. 


153 


supported  by  weighty  evidence,  is  brought 
forward,  and  evidence  of  the  dependence  of 
structure  on  chemical  constitution  is  offered. 
For  an  account  of  these  and  other  subjects 
of  equal  interest  we  must  refer  our  readers 
to  the  work  itself. 

It  is  unnecessary  to  say  that  the  most 
careful  perusal  of  "  The  Method  and  Aims 
of  Genetics  "  will  repay  all  who  are 
concerned  with  the  work  of  hybridi- 
sation and  of  plant-breeding.  Those,  too, 
who  are  interested  in  the  wider  aspects 
of  the  science  of  Genetics  will  find  much 
which  will  compel  their  careful  thought,  for 
Professor  Bateson  does  not  shrink  from  indi- 
cating that  this  new  knowledge  obtained  by 
breeding  Experiments  with  plants  and  animals 
has  bearings  of  the  most  profound  importance 
on  the  welfare  of  the  race  and  on  the  treat- 
ment of  social  problems. 

Horticulturists,  more  perhaps  than  any 
others,  have  the  right  to  congratulate  Pro- 
fessor Bateson  on  the  constant  care  and  suc- 
cess with  which  he  has  ministered  to  the 
growth  and  education  of  his  god-son 
Genetics. 


Royal  Horticultural  Society. — The  next 
meeting  will  be  held  on  Tuesday,  March  9.  At 
3  o'clock  a  lecture  on  "Tulips  and  the  Tulip 
Mania"  will  be  delivered  in  the  lecture  room  by 
Mr.  W.  S.  Murray. 

Horticultural  Club. —The  next  House 
dinner  of  the  Club  will  take  place  on  Tuesday, 
March  9,  at  6  p.m.,  at  the  Hotel  Wind- 
sor. Professor  Bottomley  will  further  discuss 
the  question  of  "  Soil  Inoculation,"  in  reply  to 
Mr.  Chittenden's  criticisms  in  the  Journal  of 
the  Royal  Horticultural  Society  based  on  the 
Wisley  experiments.  Mr.  Chittenden  will  Le 
present  and  take  part  in  the  discussion. 

The  Royal  Society.— Among  the  15  names 
of  gentlemen  nominated  by  the  Council  of  the 
Royal  Society  for  election  to  the  Fellowship 
of  the  Society  are  those  of  Mr.  A.  D.  Hall, 
Director  of  the  Rothamstead  Experimental  Sta- 
tion, and  Dr.  A.  B.  Rendle,  Keeper  of  the 
Department  of  Botany,  British  Museum. 

United  Horticultural  Benefit  and 
Provident  Society.— The  annual  meeting  of 
this  Society  will  be  held  at  the  Horticultural  Hall, 
Vincent  Square,  S.W.,  on  Monday,  March  8, 
at  8  p.m. 

The  National  Horticultural  Society 
of  France  has  recently  held  its  annual  election 
of  officers  and  committees.  We  understand  that 
Mr.  Hakman  Payne  has  the  unique  distinc- 
tion for  a  foreigner  of  being  appointed  a  mem- 
ber of  the  Floral  Committee  of  the  society's 
Chrysanthemum   section. 

Weed  -  killers.  —  Under  the  title  "Weed- 
Killers  and  their  Application,"  Mr.  F.  Pil- 
kington  Sergeant  publishes,  in  the  Pharma- 
ceutical Journal  ana  Pharmacist  for  Feb- 
ruary 20,  the  first  of  a  series  of  articles  on 
"Horticultural  Preparations."  Mr.  Sergeant 
classifies  the  weed-killers  in  general  use  into  the 
highly  poisonous  arsenical  compounds  and  the 
so-called  non-poisonous  compounds.  He  gives 
recipes  for  the  preparation  of  the  more  service- 
able arsenical  weed-killers  from  which  we  give 
the  following  details :  —  Arsenious  oxide, 
1  lb.  ;  sodium  hydroxide,  1  lb.  ;  water,  six  pints. 
The  mixture  is  boiled  till  clear,  diluted  to  one 
gallon,  and  then  to  it  is  added  any  suitable 
aniline  dye  to  serve  as  a  warning  colour  to  the 
riser.  This  concentrated  solution  is  diluted, 
before  use,  with  98  per  cent,  of  water.    A  gallon 


of  the  diluted  liquid  suffices  for  four  square 
yards  of  path.  It  is  recommended  that  (1)  the 
paths  should  be  sprayed  with  the  preparation 
during  dry  weather,  preferably  on  a  warm, 
sunny  afternoon  ;  (2)  during  the  spraying,  the 
borders  of  the  paths  should  be  protected  ;  (3) 
the  paths  so  treated  should  be  swept  on  the  fol- 
lowing morning  in  order  to  avoid  disastrous 
consequences  to  birds,  &c.  This  precaution  has 
the  additional  advantage  that  thereby  the  worms, 
which  have  died  on  the  surface,  are  removed. 
Of  the  so-called  non-poisonous  weed-killers, 
those  in  most  frequent  use  include  crude  hydro- 
chloric acid  diluted  with  40  parts  of  water  ;  4 
per  cent,  of  sulphuric  acid ;  and  1  per  cent, 
sodium  hydroxide.  These  substances  are,  of 
course,  poisonous,  and  should  not  be  used  by 
anyone  not  conversant  with  their  properties. 
Rock  salt  and  lime  powdered  and  sprinkled  on 
the  paths  are  effective,  but  have  the  drawback  of 
disfiguring  the  paths  temporarily.  Among  other 
materials  mentioned  are  lime  and  sulphur  in  the 
proportions  of  8  ounces  sulphur,  8  ounces  lime, 
and  one  gallon  of  water  ;  the  mixture  to  stand 
for  24  hours  and  to  be  diluted  with  one  gallon 
of  water.  This  mixture  is  very  effective  on 
cinder  paths,  but  is  apt  to  discolour  porous 
tiles  and  paths  dressed  with  red-sandstone  gravel. 
As  will  be  seen  from  the  foregoing,  Mr.  Ser- 
geant's article  is  very  valuable,  and  may  be 
commended  to  all  who  have  the  care  of  con- 
siderable areas  of  paths.  It  insists,  very  pro- 
perly, on  the  danger  of  the  indiscriminate  use 
of  the  highly  poisonous  arsenical  compounds. 
At  the  risk  of  repetition,  we  would  point  out  that 
those  desirous  of  using  any  of  these  poisonous 
substances  should  first  inform  themselves  of  the 
properties  of  the  substances  and  of  the  precau- 
tion to  be  adopted  in  their  use. 

Board  of  Agriculture  Leaflets.— These 

are  now  issued  in  sectional  form,  the  pamphlets 
relating  to  kindred  subjects  being  bound  together 
in  separate  volumes.  That  on  "  Fungi  Injurious  to 
Farm  and  Garden  Crops  "  contains  a  very  com- 
plete description  of  the  American  Gooseberry- 
mildew  disease,  and  is  illustrated  with  coloured 
pictures  showing  the  disease  in  its  various 
stages.  Others  of  the  greatest  use  to  the  gar- 
dener are  those  entitled  as  follow  : — "  Fungi 
Injurious  to  F'ruit  and  Fruit  Trees,"  "Insect 
and  Other  Pests  Injurious  to  Fruit  Trees  and 
Bushes,"  "Insect  and  Other  Pests  Injurious  to 
Farm  and  Garden  Crops,"  "  Forest  Trees  and 
Their  Diseases,"  "  Manures  and  Feeding 
Stuffs,"  and  ''  Cultivation  of  Fruit  Trees  and 
Farm  and  Garden  Crops."  The  cost  of  each 
volume  is  one  penny,  and  they  can  be  had  post 
free  from  the  Secretary,  Board  of  Agriculture 
and  Fisheries,  4,  Whitehall  Place,  London,  S.W. 

Exhibition  of  Bulbs  at  Hillegom, 
Holland. —  In  April  next  an  open  -  ground 
flower  show  will  be  held  at  Hillegom,  Holland. 
This  kind  of  show  was  a  great  success  last  year 
at  Sassenheim.  The  principal  idea  is  to  show 
how  to  obtain  the  best  results  from  planting 
Dutch  bulbs  in  small  and  large  gardens,  in  bor- 
ders, terraces,  and  lawns,  and  to  make  the  most 
effective  combinations  in  beds  and  groups,  com- 
bined with  evergreen  and  early-flowering  shrubs. 
The  show  ground  occupies  more  than  three  acres 
and  is  divided  into  two  parts.  One  part  will 
be  a  French  garden  and  the  other  part  an  old 
Dutch  garden.  In  the  centre  of  the  old  Dutch 
garden  is  the  town  hall,  an  interesting,  old- 
fashioned  building,  just  opposite  which  is 
the  church  situated  on  a  hill  near  a 
small  brook  (old  Dutch  "  gom " — hence  'he 
name  Hillegom).  The  church  was  erected  in 
the  fifteenth  or  sixteenth  century.  A  drain- 
ing mill  which  can  be  seen  from  the  show 
ground  is  used  to  pump  the  water  from  the  low 
land  into  the  leading  canal.     There  is  a  beauti- 


ful view  from  the  steps  of  the  towa  hall  over 
the  bulb  fields  in  this  drained  land  into  the 
low-lying,  green,  peasant  lands  of  the  old  Haar- 
lem Lake.  The  show  will  be  divided  into  a  per- 
manent exhibition  in  the  open,  and  temporary 
shows  in  large  tents — the  latter  beinp,  intended 
for  cut  flowers  and  forced  plants.  Cultivators 
of  Rhododendrons,  Lilacs,  and  clipped  plants 
(Forms),  &c,  will  also  exhibit  their  best 
products,  so  that  the  show  will  be  in- 
teresting for  florists  and  nurserymen  as 
well  as  for  amateurs.  The  opening  date  is  fixed 
for  April  8,  and  the  exhibition  will  close  at  the 
end  of  the  first  week  in  May.  The  great  inter- 
national exhibition  of  bulbs  will  be  held  next 
year  at  Haarlem. 

Disease  Resistant  Coffee. —  For  many 
years  past  the  existence  of  Coffea  arabica 
has  been  menaced  by  the  disease,  due  to  the 
fungus,  Hemileia  vastatrix.  No  effective 
cure  or  prevention  of  the  disease  has  as 
yet  been  discovered,  and,  mainly  for  this 
reason,  the  Coffee  plantations  of  Ceylon  have 
almost  totally  given  place  to  Tea  culture,  whilst 
plantations  of  Java  and  Madagascar  yield  less 
produce  each  year,  Liberian  Coffee  (Coffea 
liberica)  is  better  able  to  withstand  the  malady, 
but  its  market  value  is  less  than  that  of  C. 
arabica,  and,  therefore,  the  planters  have  not 
adopted  it  to  any  great  extent.  Hybrids  of  the 
two  species  have  so  far  failed  to  yield  any  useful 
results.  A  new  species,  discovered  growing  wild 
on  the  shores  of  the  Oubanghi,  Central  Africa, 
by  M.  Dybowski,  and  named  C.  congensis, 
which  has  been  grown  since  1903  in  the  botani- 
cal garden  at  Ivoloina,  has  so  far  remained 
free  from  disease.  Its  market  value  is  stated  to 
be  fully  equal  to  that  of  the  best  qualities  of 
Arabian  Coffee.  Whilst  the  present  crop  of  C. 
congensis  has  not  suffered  from  the  disease,  C. 
arabica,  planted  at  the  same  time,  has  been  en- 
tirely destroyed. 

Fruits  from  Cape  Colon  Y.—TheGovernment 

of  this  colony  has  instituted  a  scheme  for  the 
inspection  of  fruits  intended  for  export,  and 
those  consignments  that  satisfy  the  requirements 
are  branded  "  Passed  by  Government  Inspec- 
tor." The  Trades  Commissioner  for  the  Cape 
of  Good  Hope  has  been  informed  from  Cape 
Town  that  shippers  of  fruit  who  have  not  agreed 
to  the  conditions  of  the  Government  inspection 
scheme  are  branding  their  boxes  with  the  words 
"Extra  Selected"  and  "Selected,"  which  are 
the  terms  used  to  indicate  the  grades  of  fruit 
shipped  under  that  scheme.  The  Trades  Com- 
missioner desires  to  point  out  that  any  Cape 
fruit  so  branded  upon  which  do  not  also  appear 
the  Government  inspector's  stamp  with  the  Arms 
of  the  Government  of  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope 
and  the  words  "  Passed  by  Government  Inspec- 
tor "  is  not  shipped  under  Government  inspec- 
tion. 

The  "Retrospective"  Chrysanthemum 
Show  in  Paris. —This  exhibition  was  a  great 
success,  and  the  credit  of  its  organisation  must 
be  accorded  to  M.  George  Gibault,  the  able 
and  learned  librarian  of  the  National  Horti- 
cultural Society  of  France,  assisted  by  his 
deputy,  M.  Le  Texnier,  and  several  other  mem- 
bers of  the  society.  As  this  was  the  first  re- 
trospective flower  show  ever  held,  it  has  been 
asked  to  what  will  the  next  one  be  devoted. 
Another  dealing  with  some  other  flower  is  sure 
.  to  follow.  In  the  meantime  we  have  heard  the 
question  asked  :  A  retrospective  Chrysanthemum 
show  cannot  be  held  in  England?  As  a  souvenir 
of  the  show,  the  National  Horticultural  Society 
of  France  decided  to  strike  a  special  commemo- 
rative plaquette  d'honneur  to  be  awarded  to  the 
two  principal  exhibitors,  M.  Rene  Mommeja  r-.nd 
Mr.  Harman  Payne. 


154 


THE     GARDENERS     CHRONICLE. 


[March  6,  1903. 


"  Le  Chrysantheme." — This  interesting  pub- 
lication, the  official  organ  of  the  French 
National  Chrysanthemum  Society,  has  reached 
'tis  110th  number.  It  contains  an  article 
on  "  Le  Chrysantheme,  Fleur  du  Japan  "  (illus- 
trated) by  M.  Mommeja,  notes  on  the  Chrysan- 
themum "  retrospective  "  show  at  Pairs  by  M. 
Nonin,  an  account  of  the  Paris  show  (illus- 
trated) by  M.  G.  Clement,  a  continuation  of 
the  report  of  the  congress  at  Tours,  and  other 
matter. 

Horticulture   at  the  White  City. — Mr. 

W.  H.  Adsett  has  been  appointed  hon.  secre- 
tary to  the  horticultural  and  agricultural  sec- 
tion of  the  Imperial  International  Exhibition  to 
be  held  at  Shepherd's  Bush.  It  is  intended  to 
hold  two  international  flower  shows  during  the 
season.  Several  of  the  leading  continental 
firms  are  arranging  to  provide  specimens  of  their 
bedding-out,  and  it  is  hoped  to  secure  an  ade- 
quate British  representation.  Full  details  may 
be  forwarded  by  the  hon.  secretary,  Adminis- 
trative Offices,  London,  W. 

Horticultural   Show   at    Southport. — 

The  Royal  Lancashire  Agricultural  Society  will 
again  hold  a  horticultural  exhibition,  owing  to 
the  success  which  attended  the  show  at  Man- 
chester-last year.  The  exhibition  will  be  held 
at  Southport,  and  Mr.  Peter  Blair  has  been 
appointed  manager. 

Publications  Received.  —  Kew  Bulletin  of 
Miscellaneous  Information.  (No.  1,  1909). 
(London  :  Wyman  &  Sons,  Ltd.)  Price  2d.— 
The  Queensland  Agricultural  Journal.  (Janur 
ary).  (Brisbane:  Anthony  J,  dimming,  Acting 
Government  Prinler).  —  The  Transvaal  Agri- 
cultural Journal.  (January).  (Pretoria:  Govern- 
ment Printing  and  Stationery  ■  Office),  —  The 
Darwin-  Wallace  Celebration,  held  on  Thurs- 
day,  July  1,  1908,  by  the  Linnean  Society 
of  London.  (London:  The  Linnean  Society). — 
The  Fertilisation  of  Tea,  by  George  A.  Cowie, 
M.A.,  B.Sc.  (London:  Tkapical  Life  Publishing 
Department). — Beautiful  Flowers  and  How  to 
Grow  Them  [Part  VIII),  by  Horace  J.  and 
Walter  P.  Wright.  (London  :  T.  C.  and  E.  C. 
Jack.)  Price  Is—  The  Orchid  Stud-Booh,  by 
Robert  Allen  Rolfe,  A.L.S.,  and  Charles  Chamber- 
lain Hurst,  F.L.S.  (Kew:  Frank  Leslie  &  Co, 
12,  Lawn  Crescent).— One  and  All  Gardening, 
1909,  edited  by  Edward  Owen  Greening. 
(London  :  Agricultural  and  Horticultural  Associa- 
tion^ Price  2d.  —  Agricultural  Experiment 
Station,  University  of  Illinois.  Circular  No.  123  : 
The  Status  of  Soil  Fertility  Investigations.  Circular 
No.  124  :  Chemical  Principles  of  Soil  Fertility,  by 
Cyril  G.  Hopkins.  Bulletin  No.  129:  Market 
Classes  and  Grades  of  Sheep,  by  W.  C.  Coffey. 
U.S.A.  :  Urbana,  Illinois).— The  American  Apple 
Orchard,  by  F.  A.  Waugh.  (London  ;  Kegan 
Paul,  Trench  Trubner  &  Co.,  Ltd.)  Price  5s.  net. 
— Eliza  Brightwen.  The  Life  and  Thoughts  of 
a  Naturalist,  edited  by  W.  H.  Chesson,  with  an 
Introduction  by  Edmund  Gosse.  (London : 
T.  Fisher  Unwin,  Adelphi  Terrace). — Botanical 
Magazine.  (March).  (London:  Lovell  Reeve 
&  Co.,  Ltd.,  6,  Henrietta  Street,  Covent  Garden, 
W.C.).  —  Chrysanthemums  for  Garden  and 
Greenhouse,  by  D.  B.  Crane.  (Second  Edition). 
(London:  W.  H.  &  L.  Collingridge,  148  &  149, 
Aldersgate  Street,  E.C.).— Journal  of  Botany, 
edited  by  James  Britten.  F.L.S.  (London  :  West, 
Newman  &  Co.,  54.  Hatton  Garden,  E.C). 


VEGETABLES. 


SCARCITY  OF  GOOD  WINTER  VEGE- 
TABLES. 

Owing  to  the  severe  frosts  the  green  crops 
have  been  much  damaged,  and  prices  for 
all  green  vegetables  are,  in  consequence, 
much  above  the  average.  Leeks  appear  to 
have  gone  off  badly,  doubtless  owing  to  the 
mild  season  of  last  year  causing  the  growth 
to  be  soft.     I  do  not  consider  sufficient  use  is 


made    of    such    vegetables    as    Celeriac.       This 
should   be   sown  early,   like   Celery,    and   when 
lifted,  packed  in  soil  or  sand  in  a  cold  store  that 
is  just  frost-proof.     Celeriac  is  a  delicious  vege- 
table in  season  from   November  to  the  end  of 
April,  and  it  is  not  only  valuable  as  a  cooked 
vegetable,   but   also,    like   Beetroot,    for   salads. 
Frequently,     in     a     severe    winter,     Celery     is 
badly  injured  by  the  cold,  and  then  Celeriac  is 
doubly  valuable.    Chicory  is  not  often  used  as  a 
green  vegetable,  but  it  is  by  no  means  an  in- 
ferior one.     It  should  be  forced  so  that  the  top 
growth  is  compact   and   somewhat  like   Seakale 
before  it  opens  out.     Chicory  grows  so  readily, 
that  it  is  worth  a  trial.    The  Witloof  or  Brussels 
variety  gives  the  largest  crown  growths,  but  too 
much  heat  should  not  be  employed  in  forcing, 
otherwise  the  top  growth  is  weakened.     Cooked 
as  is  Seakale,  and  served  with  melted  butter,  it 
is  an  excellent  winter  vegetable,  and  may  be  had 
at     a     small    cost    from     December    to     May. 
The      Cardoon     is     worthy      of      more     atten- 
tion as  a  winter  green  vegetable.     Although,  to 
obtain  extra  fine  heads,  special  culture  is  neces- 
sary, good  Cardoons  may  be  had  at  a  small  cost 
by  sowing  the  seed  in  small  pots  in  frames  and 
planting   the    seedlings   out   in   trenches,    after- 
wards blanching  and  finally  lifting  them  in  No- 
vember, or  at  the  approach  of  frost.     They  will 
remain   good   for   a   considerable   time  if  lifted 
carefully  and  placed  where  frost  cannot  injure 
them.     Excellent  roots  may  be  had  by  sowing  in 
the  open  in  trenches  in  light  soil,  or  on  the  fiat 
in  the  case  of  heavy  land,  Late  in  April  or  early 
in  May.     A  distance  of  18  inches  from  plant  to 
plant     and     3     feet     between     the     rows     will 
allow     of     the    growth    of    stalks     sufficiently 
long  for  any  purpose,    and   these    I    find    are 
more  hardy  than  the  larger  ones  started  under 
glass.     The  Cardoon  is  a  gross  feeder  and  re- 
quires plenty  of  moisture.  I  recently  saw  French- 
grown    Cardoons     in     Covent    Garden     Market, 
and      these,      at      wholesale      price,       realised 
10s.  per  dozen.      Endive,  such  as  the  large,  round- 
leaved   Batavian,   grown  in  quantity  for  winter 
supplies,  makes  a  splendid  green  vegetable,  and 
though  by  no  means  hatdy,  with  timely  shelter 
or  lifting  into  a  cold  house,  will  give  variety.    For 
cooking  purposes  it  should  not  be  blanched,  but 
grown  as  hardy  as  possible,  and  it  is  surprising 
what  a  lot  of  good  edible  material  a  well-grown 
plant   contains. 

For  years  I  have  advocated  growing  the  dis- 
tinct varieties  of  Winter  Cabbage.  These  I  have 
always  found  hardy,  as  having  a  short  leg  or 
stem  they  better  escape  damage  by  frost.  Such 
kinds  as  Christmas  Drumhead,  St.  John's  Day 
and  Little  Gem  are  most  valuable  in  seasons  like 
this.  They  are  somewhat  like  a  small  Drumhead 
Cabbage,  the  hearts  being  remarkably  firm  and 
of  excellent  edible  quality.  Those  sown  in  the 
summer  for  winter  use  are  most  valuable,  be- 
cause they  have  few  waste  leaves  and  the  hearts 
are    much    protected. 

Spinach  Beet,  sown  on  a  well-drained  border 
in  August,  will  give  a  good  supply  of  green 
leafage,  and  though  liable  to  be  damaged  by 
frost,  I  have  found  a  little  loose  litter  sufficient 
to  protect  them  and  to  preserve  the  winter  sup- 
ply. The  plant  is  much  hardier  than  many 
people  imagine. 

Roots  enter  largely  into  the  winter  supply,  and 
Scorzonera  and  Salsafy  are  both  valuable. 
Scorzonera  is  not  grown  so  extensively  as  Salsafy, 
but  both  are  useful  winter  roots,  as  they  furnish 
a  supply  from  November  to  April.  Their  cul- 
tural requirements  are  simple,  and  they  may  be 
giown  in  a  not  over-rich  soil.  The  yellow-fleshed 
Turnip  is  of  greater  value  than  the  white  in  such 
seasons  as  this,  being  more  solid  and  a  better 
keeper.  As  regards  Potatos,  those  who  have  room 
for  the  Black  Congo  and  the  Fir  Apple  varie- 
ties would  find  them  a  welcome  addition  at  this 
season,  as  they  give  variety.  The  small  but  de- 
licious Stachys  tuberifera  or  Japanese  Artichoke 
is  excellent  fried  in  butter  and  served  on  toast. 
The  White  Artichoke  should  not  be  overlooked, 
being  a  good  winter  vegetable.     67.  Wythts. 


NELUMBIUM  SPECIOSUM  VAR.  OSIRIS. 

(See  Supplementary  Illustration.) 
This  very  beautiful  variety  of  the  Lotus  family 
flowered  in  Gunnersbury  House  Gardens  during 
last  summer.  I  had  previously  cultivated  several 
varieties  of  Nelumbium  speciosum,  but  the  op- 
portunity was  taken  to  make  a  fresh  trial  with 
some  of  the  best.  Upon  the  previous  occasion  I 
attempted  to  acclimatise  them  in  a  heated  tank- 
out-of-doors  during  the  summer  months.  I  tried 
this  with  all  possible  care  for  three  seasons,  but 
the  rhizomes  gradually  became  weaker  and 
weaker,  and  I  had  to  give  up  the  attempt.  The 
plants  produced  strong,  healthy  foliage,  but 
rarely  a  flower  of  good  quality.  Last  year  the 
plants  were  cultivated  under  glass,  and  the  re- 
sults were  much  more  satisfactory.  The  varie- 
ties of  N.  speciosum  are  truly  noble  plants,  both 
in  foliage  and  in  flower,  being  quite  a  feature 
during  the  season.  There  are,  in  all,  some  15 
varieties  of  N.  speciosum  described  in  the  French 
and  German  catalogues.  These  vary  in  colour 
from  pure  white  to  rose  and  crimson  shades, 
some  having  double  and  some  single  flowers. 
The  best  six,  in  my  opinion,  are  N.  speciosum 
var.  Osiris  (the  illustration  shows  the  flower 
natural  size)  ;  N.  s.  album  (pure  white)  ;  N.  s. 
album  plenum  ;  N.  s.  Shiroman  ;  N.  s.  japoni- 
cum  roseum  (rosy-lilac  with  white  base]; 
N.  s.  Pekinense  rubrum,  perhaps  the  finest  red  ; 
and  N.  s.  roseum  plenum,  with  large  double, 
deep  pink  flowers. 

Our  plants  are  grown  in  tubs  of  from  24  to  28 
inches  in  diameter  and  about  10  inches  in 
depth.  The  tubs  are  first  crocked  as  for  any 
other -plant  and  then  a  layer  of  turfy  loam  is  put 
on,  which,  with  a  thin  layer  of  finer  soil,  some 
under  and  some  upon  the  rhizomes,  is  all  that 
is  needed.  The  finer  soil  might  contain  with  ad- 
vantage a  small  proportion  of  leaf-mould  and 
some  coarse  sand  or  shingle.  The  plants  were 
cultivated  in  a  house  heated  much  the  same  as 
a  stove  during  the  season  of  growth,  but  a  little 
more  air  was  admitted  when  the  foliage  had 
matured.  By  having  a  hole  at  the  side  of  the 
base  of  each  tub  the  water  could  be  changed 
occasionally ;  afterwards  the  tubs  were  filled 
again  to  the  rims. 

Each  flower  will  last  from  four  to  six  days, 
but  the  buds  are  also  very  beautiful.  A 
free  use  of  the  syringe  is  sufficient  to  prevent 
red  spider,  which  appears  to  be  the  only  insect- 
pest  to  trouble  them.  Only  three  rhizomes  were 
placed  in  each  tub  and  this  number  is  ample. 
So  far,  they  have  not  been  examined  since  they 
were  stored  in  a  temperate  house  last  autumn, 
but  I  think  I  shall  take  them  out  and  replant 
them  before  they  start  into  growth. 

During  a  holiday  last  summer  I  saw  a  pool  of 
the  type  (N.  speciosum)  luxuriating  in  a  sunny 
position  in  the  garden  of  one  of  the  largest  hotels 
at  Lugano.  This  was  early  in  August,  and  the 
flowers  were  then  coming  on  ;  I  counted  some 
fifteen  or  sixteen  that  in  a  few  days  would  make 
a  fine  display.  I  have  seen  them  out-of-doors  at 
the  Villa  Carlotta  on  the  Lake  of  Como.  Last 
year  also  I  saw  cut  flowers  of  the  same 
(N.  speciosum)  in  the  florists'  shops  at  St.  Muiitz. 
These  had  evidently  been  cut  in  the  bud  stage, 
and  by  so  doing  it  is  possible  to  keep  the  flowers 
fresh  much  longer.  The  supply  of  the  cut  flowers 
is  from  Italy,  as  I  was  informed  by  Mr.  Leo- 
pold de  Rothschild,  who  takes  a  great  interest 
in  these  plants. 

The  essential  is  a  very  warm  and  sunny  posi- 
tion, such  as  prevailed  where  I  saw  them 
growing  out-of-doors.  In  this  country  we  can 
hardly  expect  to  succeed  with  Nelumbiums  ex- 
cept in  the  most  favoured  conditions,  or  under 
the  protection  of  glass. 

First-class  Certificates  have  been  awarded  by 
the  Royal  Horticultural  Society  to  N.  s.  album 
plenum  (shown  as  N.  s.  Shiroman),  August  27, 
1901,  and  N.  s.  Osiris,  July  21,  1908.  In  each 
case  flowers  were  exhibited  from  these  gardens. 
Jns.  Hudson,  Gunnersbury  House  Gardens,  Mid- 
dlesex. 


March  6,  1909.] 


THE     GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


155 


FORESTRY. 


TREATMENT    OF    PLANTATIONS    WITH- 
OUT   REGULAR    THINNING. 

We  have  from  time  to  time  published  notes 
from  our  correspondent  Capt.  Henry  Rogers 
on  this  subject.  The  system  of  treating  planta- 
tions without  regular  thinning  was  adopted  by 
him  in  1857,  and  in  1894  we  published  a  note 
on  the  subject.  Since  then  Mr.  Rogers  has  kept 
us  informed  of  the  results,  contributions  en 
the  subject  having  appeared  in  our  issues  of 
June  17,  1905,  p.  386,  and  December  8,  1906, 
p.    388. 

Mr.  Rogers  now  writes: — "The  last  cuts,  20 
feet  wide  leaving  80  feet  of  trees  unthinned, 
were  made  in  May,  1895.  These  cuts  were 
planted  with  three  rows  of  trees,  6  feet  between 
each  row.  The  centre  row  was  formed  of  Silver 
Fir,   there   being  a  distance  of   12  feet  between 


high.  I  iiitend,  ultimately,  to  have  the  Larch 
which  remain  among  the  Douglas  Fir  cut  out, 
and  I  hope  that  the  Firs  will  develop  without 
side  branches.  This  season  we  have  planted 
50  trees  of  the  Douglas  Fir  to  fill  vacancies 
caused  by  the  death  of  trees  planted  in  previous 
years.  The  young  Douglas  Fir  trees  have  a 
tendency  to  form  more  than  one  head.  We  are 
careful  to  remove  these  in  the  month  of  May." 


NOTES  FROM  A  "FRENCH''  GARDEN. 

Work  in  the  French  garden  has  been  greatly 
interfered  with  by  the  cold  weather,  but  the  mak- 
ing of  the  hot-beds  can  be  proceeded  with  in 
fiosty  weather,  especially  if  all  the  materials 
have  been  prepared  beforehand.  During  cold 
mornings  the  manure  should  be  brought  into  the 
frame  ground  and  placed  about  the  frame  to 
keep     up     the     temperature     therein.        It      is 


heat  should  be  too  great  and  destroy  their  ger- 
minating powers. 

Cauliflowers  sowneaily  in  February  are  grow- 
ing well.  They  must  receive  abundance  of  ven. 
tilation  whenever  the  weather  peimits,  for  every 
effort  must  be  made  to  have  them  sturdy.  We 
do  not  intend  to  plant  Melons  under  cloches  this 
year,  as  the  results  are  not  always  satisfactory. 
Instead  we  shall  use  the  bell-glasses  for  a  crop 
of  Tomatos,  which  will  be  planted  early  in  May. 
The  seeds  have  already  been  sown  on  a  mild 
bed,  originally  prepared  for  our  first  sowing  of 
Lettuces  in  January.  The  manure  of  this  bed 
has  been  turned  over,  and  some  fresh  material 
added.  We  have  sown  50  seeds  under  each  cloche 
in  a  rich  loam.  The  seedlings  will  be  pricked  off 
in  the  middle  of  March  in  frames  that  have  pre- 
viously housed  a  batch  of  Lettuces,  which  will 
have  been  harvested  by  that  time. 

Melons  to  succeed  Passion  Lettuce  grown  in 
cold  frames  should  now  be  raised  from  seeds. 
The     frames      will      be      at      liberty     for     the 


FlG.    68. — VIEW    OF    IHE    CYCLAMENS    AT    READING.        (See  p.  149.) 


each  tree;  the  other  two  rows  were  Beech, 
at  6  feet  apart.  In  May,  1905,  I  thinned  the 
Larch  trees  in  the  thick  parts  to  8  feet  apart, 
felling  any  that  had  scars  on  them  in  case 
th.v  should  be  affected  with  the  Larch  disease. 
On  November  20  I  planted  400  Douglas  Fir,  that 
were  2  feet  to  '2\  feet  high.  There  was  some 
delay  in  receiving  the  trees,  caused  in  their 
transit,  and  the  roots  suffered,  resulting  in  the 
death  of  some  of  the  trees.  In  1887,  when  this 
plantation  was  30  years  old,  a  Douglas  Fir  was 
planted  among  old  Oak  and  young  Larch  trees. 
This  Fir  grew  up  amongst  the  other  trees  with- 
out any  large  branches,  and  became,  in  1907, 
as  high  and  as  large  as  the  Larch  near  it 
which  had  been  planted  30  years  before. 
This  induced  me  to  plant  Douglas  Fir  at  dis- 
tances of  6  feet  from  any  other  tree  and  6  feet 
from  each  other.  In  November,  1906,  I  planted 
493  trees  of  Douglas  Fir  from  2  feet  to  2£  feet 


not  advisable  to  allow  the  mats  to  remain  on  the 
lights  after  8.30  a.m.,  even  though  frost  is  pre- 
sent, because  the  plants  would  become  drawn 
in  the  dark.  The  crop. of  Lettuces  under  the 
lights  are  growing  well ;  they  should  have  any 
of  the  outer  decayed  leaves  removed  as  soon 
as  opportunity  permits. 

We  have  sown  our  first  batch  of  Endive  on 
a  very  hot  bed,  composed  of  three-quarters 
fresh  manure  and  one  quarter  old.  We  gener- 
ally sow  a  pinch  of  seeds  when  the  heat  has 
reached  the  top  of  the  bed  in  order  to  test  if 
the  conditions  are  suitable.  If  the  seeds  ger- 
minate well  within  48  hours,  the  conditions  are 
favourable  for  sowing,  and  the  seed  should  be 
scattered  very  thinly.  The  manure  around  the 
frames  outside  must  be  changed  every  week. 
The  mats  are  kept  over  the  lights  until  the 
seeds  germinate.  Some  do  not  place  the  seeds 
below  the  soil,  but  on  the  surface,  in  case  the 


Melons  early  in  April.  They  are  set  on 
a  bed  of  manure  2  feet  high  after  tread- 
ing, and  sufficient  is  placed  to  accommodate 
one  light.  The  manure  is  made  level,  and  mats 
are  placed  around  the  beds  to  shelter  the  frames 
from  the  wind.  A  layer  of  soil  is  placed  in  the 
frames,  and  the  seeds  are  sown  1  inch  apart 
either  way  in  the  centre  of  the  frame.  The 
glass  is  covered  with  mats  until  the  seeds  ger- 
minate. As  soon  as  the  seedlings  appear  they 
should  receive  as  much  light  as  possible,  and,  in 
the  middle  cf  the  day,  w-hatever  the  weather 
may  be,  a  little  ventilation  on  the  side  opposite 
to  that  from  which  the  wind  is  blowing.  This  is 
necessary  to  change  the  atrn  sphere  in  the  frame 
as  well  as  to  harden  the  young  plants. 

Next  week  we  shall  sow  our  main  batch  of 
early  Celery,  using  the  variety  Chemin.  For  a 
winter  crop  we  use  Green  of  Paris.  P. 
Aquaiias. 


156 


THE    GARDENERS'      CHRONICLE. 


[March  6,  1809. 


HOME   CORRESPONDENCE. 

(The  Editor  does  not  hold  himself  tes^onsible  jor  the 
opinions  expressed  by  his  correspondents.) 

The   R.H.S.    Daffodil   Classification.— I 

would  like  to  make  a  few  remarks  on  Mr.  Engle- 
heait's  article  on  the  R.H.S.  Daffodil  Classifica- 
tion which  appeared  in  your  issue  of  February 
20  last.  First,  his  opening  paragraph  about  the 
constitution  and  procedure  of  the  special  com- 
mittee is  misleading.  I  have  a  copy  of  the 
minute  of  the  Council  before  me,  and  the  name 
of  Mr.  P.  R.  Barr  was  not  included.  Probably, 
remembering  the  services  of  Mr.  W.  Barr  at  the 
time  of  the  last  Daffodil  Conference,  they  chose 
him  instead  of  his  brother,  as  both  of  them  are 
recognised  by  all  Daffodil  people  as  high  autho- 
rities. Secondly,  Mr.  Engleheart  ignores  that 
part  of  the  introductory  remarks  appended  to 
the  classification,  in  which  it  is  distinctly  stated, 
"  If  the  principle  involved  in  the  present  list 
should  find  acceptance,  it  is  intended  in  a  future 
edition  not  only  to  correct  and  modify  the  ar- 
rangement according  to  further  experience,  but 
also  to  indicate  which  varieties  are  considered 
to  be  self-yellow  and  self-white,  large  and  small 
trumpets,  &c,  &C."1'*  This  surely  fully  answers 
his  remarks,  and  also  those  of  Mr.  Bliss  (see 
p.  139)  about  Division  7,  and  the  making  of  a 
special  class  for  pure  Poeticus  varieties.  Every 
division  can  be  subdivided  very  easily,  almost 
to  any  extent.  To  me  the  practical  *nd,  of  neces- 
sity,  debateable  point  will  be  how  far  such  sub- 
division, is  to  be  carried.  Thirdly,  I  cannot  fol- 
low Mr.  Engleheart  in  his  comparison  of  the 
present  classification  of  the  R.H.S.  with  the 
botanical  one  of  Mr.  Baker,  and  the  semi-botani- 
cal one  of  Mr.  Peter  Barr.  He  might  as  well 
compare  the  purely  florist  classification  of 
Tulips  with  that  of  the  same  Mr.  Baker  pub- 
lished in  the  Journal  of  the  Linnean  Society 
(vol.  xiv.,  p.  275).  I  would  rather  compare  it 
with  the  colour  classification  of  the  Sweet  Pea 
Society.  It  does  not  profess  to  be'  in  any  way 
natural  or  botanical,  and  so  I  think  it  will  avoid 
many  possible  pitfalls.  "  It  is  for  garden  and 
show  purposes."  Personally,  I  regard  it  as  one- 
seventh  garden  and  six-sevenths  show.  Fourthly, 
some  such  authorised  list  of  flowers  was  badly 
wanted.  There  is  no  recognised  standard  or 
classification  in  existence;  and  I  would  ask  Mr. 
Bliss  and  Mr.  Engleheart  whether  Peach  should 
be  shown  as  a  "  Medio "  or  a  "  Parvi,'-  or 
whether  Mr.  Goodwin's  Arnold  Rogers  is  a 
"  Magni "  or  a  "  Medio,"  and  then,  when  they 
have  answered  according  to  their  lights,  why 
the  exact  opposite  should  not  be  held  by  my- 
self? There  is  no  National  Daffodil  Society, 
and  I  hold  that  the  R.H.S.  ought  to  take  the 
lead,  and  that,  in  doing  as  it  has  done,  it  has 
done  a  great  service  to  those  who  exhibit 
flowers.  The  classification  is  not  complete,  and 
it  will  take  time  to  arrive  at  anything  approach- 
ing perfection.  Rome  was  not  built  in  a  day  ; 
neither  can  anyone  conversant  with  the  difficul- 
ties of  pigeon-holing  the  huge  number  of  old 
and  new  Daffodils  expect  it  to  be  done  at  once. 
The  issuing  of  some  list  which,  to  give  it  its 
lowest  value,  may  be  taken  as  a  basis  on  which 
to  build  up  a  more  perfect  scheme  is  in  itself 
the  best  thing  that  could  have  happened.  Had 
the  R.H.S.  waited  until  a  more  complete  list 
had  been  made,  it  is  highly  probable  that  Daffo- 
dil shows  might  be  a  thing  of  the  past  before  it 
ever  saw  light.     Joseph  Jacob. 

Vegetable  Prizes  at  Shrewsbury.— The 

esteemed  secretaries  are  evidently  under  a  mis- 
apprehension as  to  the  rules  of  the  seed  trade  in 
relation  to  the  selections  and  names  adopted  by 
a  particular  firm.  They  conclude  that  any  seeds- 
man will  have  in  stock  any  of  the  seeds  named 
in  the  Schedule  Classes  109  to  126,  but  I  do  not 
know  of  any  seedsman  in  the  kingdom  other  than 
the  firms  named  in  the  schedule  who  has  them. 
If  I  apply  to  my  seedsman  for  seed,  from  such 
firms  as  named,  of  "  Moneymaker  "  Tomato  or 
of  "  New  Standard "  Carrot,  he  will  tell  me 
that  he  does  not  stock  varieties  under  those 
names,  but  that  he  has  superior  sorts  with 
other  names.  If  I  ask  him  to  obtain  from  the 
said  firms  the  varieties  as  named  in  the  schedule 
ho  will  probably  decline  to  do  business  in 
that  way.  But  if  he  does  so,  it  is  obvious  that 
he  must  obtain  the  seeds  from  these  firms, 
and  whether  I  gel  them  directly  or  indirectly 


through  my  seedsman,  the  principle  of  compul- 
sion is  there  plainly  enough,  and  the  new  condi- 
tions of  the  society  are  essentially  violated.  Mr. 
E.  Murrell,  in  his  classes,  makes  no  conditions. 
His  offers  are  most  honourable.  Will  Messrs. 
Pritchard  &  Sons  and  Mr.  John  Wilson  say 
whether  "  Selected  Champion  Onion,"  and 
"  Excelsior "  are  other  than  selected  globular 
forms  of  Ailsa  Craig?  I  do  not  know  whether 
all  of  Messrs.  Baker's  Sweet  Peas  are  in  com- 
merce. As  to  the  Eckford  Peas,  they  are  all 
in  commerce.     Vegetable. 

Instead  of  being  censured  and  criti- 
cised for  the  alterations  in  this  schedule,  which 
I  consider  undoubted  improvements,  the  commit- 
tee and  hon.  secretaries  are  to  be  congratulated. 
By  their  action  they  have  come  into  line  with 
the  Royal  Horticultural  Society  and  the  Royal 
Caledonian  Horticultural  Society.  I  have  often 
wondered  why  they  did  not  do  it  years  ago  1 
William  Cuthbertson. 

1  am  well  aware,  from  personal  ex- 
perience of  the  inner  workings  of  a  horticultural 
society,  that  flower  shows  often  owe  much  to 
the  trade.  The  officials  are  usually  ready  to 
acknowledge  that  help,  whether  it  be  in  the  form 
of  subscriptions  or  exhibits.  Until  enlightened 
by  Mr.  Sydenham's  letter*  in  your  last  issue,  I 
was  of  the  opinion  that  the  object  of  the  trade 
was  to  secure  a  good  advertisement  for  their 
wares,  but  it  seems  that  they  are  actuated  by 
the  benevolent  object  of  "encouraging  gar- 
deners to  do  their  best  in  friendly  competition  !  " 
A.  C.  Bart  left. 

Stoking  Garden  Furnaces  (seepp,  379,  417, 
vol.  xliv.). — By  smothering  a  fire  with  coal,  a 
great  quantity  of  the  combustible  gases  escape 
without  being  consumed.  On  one  occasion  I 
was  stoking  a  crucifix  boiler,  and  the  damper 
had  been  shut  rather  close,  so  that  the  coal  had 
not  burnt  through.  When  I  broke  the  coal 
which  had  coated  together  on  the  top,  the  flame 
caused  an  explosion  of  gas,  which  had  accumu- 
lated in  the  top  chamber  of  the  boiler,  and  I 
was  blown  against  the  stoke-hole  wall.  In 
stoking,  much  depends  upon  the  kind  of  fuel 
that  is  used.  Small  coal,  such  as  is  employed 
in  the  North  of  England,  is  the  most  difficult 
to  regulate.  Anthracite  coal  gives  no  trouble  if 
there  is  a  good  draught  in  the  furnace,  but  when 
all  the  advantages  are  considered,  coke  is  one 
of  the  most  satisfactory  fuels.  I  agree  with  Mr. 
Jenkins  (p.  417,  December  12,  1908),  that  dif- 
ferent  boilers  require  different  treatment,  but 
neither  Mr.  Jenkins  nor  the  writer  (on  p.  379) 
mentions  the  most  essential  points  in  stoking. 
The  heating  capacity  of  the  boiler  must  be  first 
considered.  Some  years  ago  trials  were  made 
to  ascertain  the  number  of  feet  of  4-inch  pipes 
a  boiler  was  capable  of  heating,  but  the  trials 
were  made  in  comparatively  warm  weather,  and 
the  flues  of  the  boiler  were  quite  clean.  The 
same  boiler  would  not  heat  on  a  frosty  night 
more  than  half  the  cubic  space  that  the 
trial  credited  it  with,  especially  if  the  flues, 
tubes,  &c,  were  not  clean.  Herein  lies  the 
great  advantage  of  the  upright  tubular  boiler, 
for  there  is  no  chance  of  the  tubes  becoming 
coated  with  soot.  Notwithstanding  this,  I  do 
not  agree  with  Mr.  Jenkins  as  to  their  superiority 
over  horizontal  boilers.  I  have  stoked  two 
of  the  largest  upright  tubular  boilers  made 
by  the  Thames  Bank  Iron  Company.  They 
required  a  large  amount  of  fuel,  and  were 
eventually  replaced  by  horizontal,  terminal 
saddle  boilers,  with  the  result  that  there  was 
a  great  saving  of  fuel.  The  heating  power  of 
these  upright  "tubulars"  was  very  great.  On 
one  frosty  morning  I  started  big  fires  under 
ihem  at  about  4  a.m.,  and  after  attending  to  the 
other  fires  I  found  two  boiling  fountains  ;  the 
2-inch  safety  pipes  through  the  roof  were  throw- 
ing out  boiling  water  at  a  tremendous  rate.  In 
stoking,  the  first  thing  is  to  keep  all  parts  of 
1he  boiler  thoroughly  clean,  and  if  this  is  en- 
trusted to  an  ordinary  labourer  or  stoker,  it  is 
a  matter  of  chance  whether  it  is  done  properly. 
An  inexperienced  man  was  sent  to  clean  out  a 
boiler  and  the  flues,  and  after  he  had  finished 
I  cleared  out  nearly  as  much  soot  and  ashes 
from  the  side  flues  as  he  had  taken  out.  The 
great  secret  of  an  efficient  boiler  is  in  the  setting. 
The  flowpipe  should  have  a  good  rise  and  a 
sufficient  fall  for  the  return,  so  as  to  set  up  a 
pressure  of  cold  water  at  the  bottom  of  the 
boiler.    The  pipes  through  the  houses  need  have 


no  more  rise  than  is  sufficient  to  prevent  an 
accumulation  of  air  at  the  joints.  When  the 
water  in  a  boiler  or  pipes  begins  to  "kick"  or 
"  jump,"  it  is  a  sign  of  faulty  arrangement.  In 
regard  to  "feeding"  a  furnace,  I  was  taught, 
in  the  case  of  a  saddle  boiler,  to  push  the  burn- 
ing fuel  to  the  back  and  to  fill  up  the  front, 
but  sufficient  fuel  should  be  left  on  the  bars  to 
cause  combustion.  If  treated  as  recommended 
at  p.  379,  there  would  be  a  danger  of  getting  an 
air  space  at  the  back,  and  this  should  be 
avoided  at  both  the  front  and  the  back.  The 
most  economical  method  of  stoking  is  to  well  fill 
the  furnace  and  leave  the  damper  out  to  the 
fullest  extent  until  the  fuel  has  burnt  bright, 
then  shut  off  the  draught  below  and  put  the 
damper  in,  leaving  sufficient  space  only  for  the 
smoke  to  escape.  A  most  successful  cultivator 
once  said  that  by  doing  his  own  stoking  he 
saved  more  than  he  could  make  by  giving  his 
attention  to  the  plants.  Now  that  fuel  is  so 
much  dearer,  it  is  of  great  importance  that 
stoking  should  be  done  economically.     A.  H. 

Telemly  Sweet  Pea  for  Winter  Flower- 
ing.— These  charming  flowers  are  useful  for 
decorative  purposes  at  a  time  of  the  year  when 
other  flowers  are  scarce.  The  seeds  should  be 
sown  in  pots  early  in  September,  and  the  plants 
placed  in  a  fairly  cool  greenhouse  before  the 
advent  of  frost.  They  will  yield  a  wealth  of 
flowers  from  the  end  of  January  onwards.  Care 
must  be  taken  not  to  give  them  too  much  arti- 
ficial warmth,  or  the  dropping  of  the  flower-buds 
before  expanding  will  be  the  result.  L.  E. 
Walker,  The  Gardens,  Barton  Hall,  Bury  St. 
Edmunds. 


Euphorbia  jacquini/Eflora. — The  excellent 
plants  of  this  species  staged  by  Mr.  Prime  at 
the  meeting  of  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society 
on  January  26,  were  admired  greatly  by  all 
who  saw  them.  The  plants  were  not  only  re- 
markable for  their  brilliant  inflorescences,  but 
also  for  the  vigour  and  wealth  of  the  foliage 
which  was  present  on  the  stems  down  to  the  soil 
— ample  testimony  that  they  had  received  proper 
cultural  treatment.  The  cuttings  from  which 
the  plants  were  raised  were  not  inserted 
until  June,  thus  proving  that  a  long  succession 
of  flowering  may  be  maintained  by  successional 
propagation.  This  is,  of  course,  widely  prac- 
tised in  the  case  of  E.  pulcherrima,  with  this 
difference,  that  while  late  propagation  of  the  lat- 
ter species  invariably  means  loss  of  stature  and, 
usually,  size  of  the  coloured  bracts,  the  plants 
of  the  subject  of  our  note  were  not  affected  in 
these  respects.  Those  who  cultivate  this  plant 
for  winter  blooming  cannot  too  often  be  reminded 
that  no  class  of  soil,  nor  admixture  of  soils,  can 
possibly  counteract  the  mischief  caused  by  over- 
watering.  What  constitutes  over-watering  will, 
of  course,  depend  upon  the  subject  itself,  but  the 
soil  in  which  sparse-rooting  laticiferous  plants 
such  as  this  Euphorbia,  are  grown,  should  always 
be  on  the  dry  rather  than  the  moist  side.  One 
frequently  notices  peat  soil  used  for  this  plant, 
but  a  far  greater  degree  of  vigour  may  be  secured 
by  the  use  of  a  rather  strong  loam,  freely  inter- 
spersed with  finely-pulverised  old  plaster.  When 
such  has  not  been  available  I  have  used  with 
much  success  burnt  clay  finely  broken  up,  add- 
ing sand  freely  and  a  little  leaf-mould.  Firm 
potting  is  necessary,  and  so  is  ample  provision 
for  drainage.  So  impatient  are  these  shrubby 
Euphorbias  of  much  root  moisture  that  applica- 
tions twice  weekly  during  the  growing  season 
will  often  suffice.  The  best  cuttings  for  propa- 
gation are  obtained  from  planted-out  specimens 
that  have  had  no  moisture  at  the  roots  for  a 
month  or  six  weeks  at  least.  Where  pot-grown 
plants  have  to  be  relied  upon  for  cuttings,  a  simi- 
lar period  of  rest  in  a  dry,  warm  house  should  be 
afforded,  the  plants  being  cut  back  in  each  case 
below  the  region  of  flowering.  Much  the  best 
cuttings  are  those  taken  from  the  leaf  axils, 
cutting  them  out  with  a  heel  attached,  by  means 
of  a  sharp  knife,  plunging  the  bleeding  base 
into  dry  silver  sand,  and  inserting  them  forth, 
with.  Cuttings  produced  from  the  tops  of 
branches,  or  young  shoots,  and,  in  particular, 
such  as  are  produced  in  great  heat  and  moisture, 
often  damp  off  quickly.  Sand,  loam,  and  finely- 
powdered  brick-rubble  in  equal  parts  is  a  suit- 
able  mixture  for  the  cuttings  which,  if  inserted 
under  a  bell-glass  and  placed  in  a  bottom  heat 
of  75°,  will  form  roots  within  a  month.     E.  H.  J. 


March  0,  1909.] 


THE     GARDENERS1     CHRONICLE. 


157 


Apple  Scab  (see  p.  123) — Our  trees  have  been 
sprayed  for  several  years,  and  people  remark 
how  clean  they  appear.  The  amount  of  "  scab  " 
on  the  fruits  is  reduced  the  first  year  after  spray- 
ing, and  this  pest  can  eventually  be  got  rid  of 
altogether  if  the  treatment  is  continued.  I  ad- 
vise the  spraying  to  be  done  in  November  or 
December,  a?d  again  in  February,  using  an 
alkali  wash.  The  spray  should  be  fine  and 
thoroughly  applied  ;  a  fine  sprayer  attached  to 
a  length  of  hose  is  the  best  means  of  securing 
an  even  distribution  of  the  fluid.  It  will  need 
one  man  or  a  boy  to  work  the  pump  whilst  an- 
other man  manipulates  the  hose.  In  this  manner 
a  large  number  of  trees  can  be  treated  in  a 
few   days.      W.  A.  Cook,  Leonardslee  Gardens. 

A  Warning  to  Rose  Buyers. — On  the  24th 
ult.  at  Twyford,  Berkshire,  there  were  three 
men  hawking  pot  plants  and  Rose  trees.  Being 
a  rosarian,  I  looked  at  the  trees,  all  named, 
tied,  and  the  roots  nicely  packed.  Seeing  so 
many  labels,  I  wondered  what  varieties  they 
had ;  amongst  the  many  names  I  saw  John 
Hopper,  Crimson  Rambler,  Dorothy  Perkins, 
Gloire  de  Dijon,  Marechal  Niel,  and  many 
other  well-known  Rose  names.  On  examination 
they  were,  without  a  doubt,  all  "  Rosa  arven- 
sis,"  one  of  the  many  Dog  Roses.  Surely  a 
stop  should  be  put  to  such  dishonest  hawking  ! 
Eli  ilia  J .   Hicks. 

POLYSTICHUM        ACULEATUM        GRACILLIMUM 

Drueryi.  — In  the  note  accompanying  the  figure 
of  this  Fern  (see  p.  98*,  we  are  vouchsafed  the 
interesting  information  that  another  plant,  from 
the  same  sowing  and  the  same  parent,  is  also 
possessed  of  no  fewer  than  four  names,  i.e., 
Polystichurn  aculeatum  pulcherrimum  Drueryi, 
three  being  the  same  as  in  the  sister  plant.  The 
fact  that  both  plants  received  a  First-class  Cer- 
tificate from  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society 
brings  ns  to  the  pertinent  question  what  the 
Floral  Committee  was  thinking  of  when  it  al- 
lowed this  violation  of  Article  29  of  the  Vienna 
Code  of  International  Rules  of  Botanical  No- 
menclature. We  are  further  informed  that  a 
third  plant,  distinct  from  its  two  sisters,  re- 
mains to  be  exhibited,  and  it  is  not  without  some 
curiosity  that  we  look  forward  to  its  appella- 
tion. We  might  also  ask  by  what  process  of 
reasoning  a  sport  can  be  said  to  revert  to  an 
allied  species,  a  feat  performed — we  are  assured 
— by  several  plants  from  the  same  batch?    Tyro. 


LAW    NOTES. 


ACTION  FOR  WAGES. 
John  Lock,  gardener,  recently  sued  Mrs.  W. 
H.  Bright,  in  the  Bath  County  Court,  for  £4  8s. 
wages,  alleged  to  be  due  to  him.  Defendant  paid 
the  sum  of  £2  4s.  into  Court,  but  denied  lia- 
bility. Plaintiff  declared  that  he  was  employed 
by  Mrs.  Bright  as  a  gardener  He  stayed  there 
for  about  16  months,  when  his  employer  dis- 
missed him,  paying  him  a  week's  wages  in  lieu 
of  notice.  In  the  absence  of  any  agreement  he 
claimed  he  was  entitled  to  a  month's  notice  or  a 
month's  salary  in  lieu  of  notice.  Lock  admitted 
that  in  addition  to  his  gardening  work  he  looked 
after  a  couple  of  cows  and  did  a  little  work  in  the 
house.  He  was  engaged  as  a  gardener,  however, 
and  was  always  called  "  Gardener."  His  Hon- 
our held  that  a  gardener  was  entitled  to  a 
month's  notice,  and  gave  judgment  for  plaintiff. 
Mr.  Long  applied  for  leave  to  appeal,  but  his 
Honour  refused,  remarking  that  he  did  not  think 
a  poor  man  ought  to  be  put  try  the  expense  of 
providing  litigation  in  the  House  of  Lords. 

TRADE  NAME  DISPUTE. 
The  action  brought  by  Messrs.  Alexander 
Dickson  &  Sons,  Ltd.,  Royal  Irish  Nurseries, 
Newtownards,  County  Down,  seedsmen,  nur- 
serymen, and  florists,  claiming  an  injunction  to 
restrain  the  defendants,  Alexander  Dickson, 
Joseph  Dickson,  and  Alexander  Dickson,  jun., 
from  selling  any  Roses  or  seeds  not  grown  or 
propagated  by  the  plaintiffs  as  "  Dickson's,"  or 
from  carrying  on  the  business  'of  nurserymen  or 
seedsmen  under  the  name  of  "  Alexander  Dick- 
son &  Sons"  or  ''Alex.  Dickson  &  Sons,"  has 
been  finally  settled  by  the  Court  of  Appeal. 


The  Lord  Chancellor,  in  giving  judgment,  said 
that  the  plaintiffs  for  over  half  a  century  traded 
under  the  name  of  Alex.  Dickson  &  Sons.  They 
carried  on  business  as  horticulturists,  princi- 
pally in  Newtownards,  but  also  at  Ledbury,  in 
Herefordshire,  and  they  had  a  seed  business  in 
Royal  Avenue,  Belfast.  On  December  5, 
1900,  they  were  incorporated  under  the  name  of 
Alex.  Dickson  &  Sons,  Ltd.  In  1901  they  opened 
a  shop  in  Dawson  Street,  Dublin,  and  in  1906 
they  bought  a  tract  of  17  acres  at  Blackrock  and 
established  a  nursery  there.  They  had  a 
valuable  trade  name.  The  defendant  came  to  Dub- 
lin about  1875,  and  he  opened  a  shop  in  Capel 
Street  some  12  years  ago  under  the  name  of  the 
Ashbourne  Agricultural  Company,  and  he  also 
put  the  name  "  Alex.  Dickson "  on  the  sign- 
board. He  carried  on  the  seed  business, 
and  did  not  raise  or  grow  Roses  or  carry  on 
horticultural  business.  After  the  plaintiffs 
opened  the  shop  in  Dawson  Street  it  occurred 
to  the  defendant  that!  it  would  be  desirable  to 
go  into  the  nursery  business  in  order  to  com- 
pete with  his  new  Dublin  rivals,  and  accordingly 
in  1905  he  bought  for  £1,000  the  site  of  a  nur- 
sery at  Woodlawn,  Dundrum,  which  he  subse- 
quently called  "  The  Home  of  the  Rose."  All 
this  was  perfectly  legitimate  ;  but  in  February, 
1907,  there  was  a  tender  for  seeds  advertised  by 
the  Department  of  Agriculture,  and  plaintiffs 
and  defendant  both  competed  for  it.  The  plain- 
tiffs got  the  contract,  and  immediately  the  de- 
fendant advertised  himself  as  Alex.  Dickson  & 
Sons,  Woodlawn  Nurseries,  Dundrum.  Thus 
the  defendant  literally  adopted  the  old  and 
valued  trade  name  of  the  plaintiffs  expressly  for 
the  same  business  which  had  made  the  name 
famous,  and  the  question  which  the  Court  had 
to  consider  was  whether  this  act  was  lawful. 
The  Master  of  the  Rolls  had  granted  an  in- 
junction against  its  use.  Upon  the  whole  case, 
he  was  of  opinion  that  the  judgment  of  the 
Master  of  the  Rolls  was  right,  and  that  the 
appeal  must  be  dismissed,  the  costs  to  be  paid 
by  the  appellants. 

Lord  Justice  FitzGibbon  and  Lord  Justice 
Holmes   concurred. 

Accordingly  the  appeal  was  dismissed  with 
costs,  but  the  form  of  the  injunction  was  altered 
restraining  the  defendant  from  carrying  on  the 
business  of  nurseryman  or  seedsman  either  in 
the  name  of  Alexander  Dickson  &  Sons  or  Alex. 
Dickson  &  Sons,  or  in  any  name  or  any  manner 
so  as  to  mislead  or  deceive  the  public. 


SOCIETIES. 


NEW   INVENTIONS. 


A  POTATO  PLANTER. 

This  contrivance  is  used  for  making  holes  in 
the  ground  when  planting  Potatos  and  bulbs. 
At  one  end  is  a  pair  of  steel  jaws,  and  each  jaw 
is  connected  with  a  separate  handle.  When 
they  are  closed  and  the  handles  apart,  a  wedge 
is  formed  that  is  pressed  into  the. soil  by  the 
foot.  By  closing  the  handles,  the  two  sides  form- 
ing the  wedge  are  parted,  displacing  the  soil. 
The  tool  is  claimed  to  be  a  saver  of  labour  and  a 
useful  implement  at  bedding-out  time.  It  is 
made  by  the  "  Veriquic  "  Planter  Co.,  51,  Week 
Street,    Maidstone. 

TOOL  FOR  LAYERING  CARNATIONS 

This  appliance  has  a  formidable  appearance, 
having  butt,  nozzle  and  trigger  as  in  a  revolver. 
But  it  is  intended  for  increasing  not  destroying. 
The  trigger,  when  released,  sends  forward  a 
knife  or  knives,  which  partly  severs  the  shoot  as 
in  layering.  In  course  of  time  roots  are 
emitted  from  the  region  of  the  cut  without  any 
further  trouble,  and  when  they  have  developed 
sufficiently,  the  layer  is  potted  in  the  ordinary 
way.  A  great  deal  of  ingenuity  has  been  ex- 
pended in  producing  an  article  to  do  work  that 
the  more  clumsy  pocket-knife  might  accom- 
plish. The  makers  are  Messrs.  Cumming  and 
Sanders,    118,    Camden   Road,   London. 


ROYAL    HORTICULTURAL. 
Scientific  Committee. 
February   23.— Present :    Mr.    E.   A.    Bowles, 
M.A.,   F.L.S.,  F.E.S.   (in  the  Chair)  ;  Sir  J.   T. 

D.  Llewelyn,  Dr.  A.  B.  Rendle,  Rev.  W. 
Wilks,  Messrs.  J.  L.  Arkwright,  J.  W.  Odell, 
W.  Hales,  R.  Hooper  Pearson,  A.  Worsley,  E. 
M.  Holmes,  W.  Fawcett,  F.  J.  Baker,  A.  W. 
Sutton,  R.  A.  Rolfe,  G.  S.  Saunders,  J.  T. 
Bennett-Poe,  W.  Cuthbertson,  G.  Massee,  end 
F.  J.  Chittenden  (hon.  secretary). 

Diseased  Parsnips. — A  report  was  received 
from  Mr.  Gussow  concerning  the  Parsnips  with 
scabby  spots  shown  at  the  last  meeting,  from 
Mr.  Gregory.  They  were  attacked  by  the  fun- 
gus Plasmopara  nivea,  which  appears  first  on 
the  leaves.  This  fungus  also  attacks  Carr..ts 
and    Parsley. 

Malformations  in  Orchid..— Mr.  GuRNKf 
Wilson,  F.L.S.,  sent  the  apical  portion  of  a 
pseudo-bulb  of  Dendrobium  nobiie  bearing  a 
shoot  from  which  roots  had  grown  as  in  a 
vegetative  shoot,  and  a  flower,  the  lateral 
petals  of  which  were  coloured  like  the  labellum. 
He  also  sent  a  dimerous  flower  of  D.  nobiie, 
with  the  lip  suppressed  and  the  two  lateral 
sepals  coherent.  A  Cypripedium  from  Sir 
Jeremiah  Colman  having  two  dorsal  sepals 
was  also  shown. 

Mcndelism  in  Orchids. — Mr.  R.  A.  Rolfe 
showed  flowers  the  result  of  crossing  Epiden- 
drum  evectum  and  E.  xanthinum.  The  former 
of  these  is  purplish  in  colour,  the  latter  yellow. 
The  first  cross  gives  E.  x  kewense,  and  flowers 
of  this  hybrid  were  shown.  Seedlings  had 
been  raised  from  E.  x  kewense  after 
self-fertilisation,  and  of  these,  one  which 
flowered  earlier  was  practically  a  repro- 
duction of  E.  x  kewense,  while  of  two 
others  (flowers  of  which  were  shown)  one 
showed    partial    reversion    towards    the    purple 

E.  evectum,  the  other  toward  the  yellow  E. 
xanthinum.  He  also  showed  the  result  of  re- 
crossing  E.  X  kewense  with  the  original  parent 
E.  evectum,  the  resulting  plant  having  a  purple 
flower  not  quite  so  dark  as  the  parent.  Mr. 
Rolfe  said  that  E.  x  kewense  re-crossed  with 
E.  xanthinum  gave  a  yellow  flower.  Other 
plants  of  the  crosses  were  yet  to  flower. 

Colour  changes  in  Carrots. — Dr.  C.  B.  Plow- 
bight  sent  the  following  note  concerning  the 
colour  changes  occurring  in  Carrots,  together 
with  illustrative  specimens.  The  portion  of  a 
Carrot  sent  is  interesting  as  showing  the  con- 
dition common  last  year,  viz.,  the  longitudinal 
splitting  of  the  root  from  the  crown  downwards, 
exposing  the  medullary  portion,  which  shows  no 
tendency  to  cleave.  The  exposed  portion 
shows  a  tendency  to  development  of  chlorophyll. 
On  the  edges  of  the  cortical  portion  no  chloro- 
phyll is  seen,  but  minute  specks,  tending  to  be- 
come confluent,  of  a  red  colouring  matter  (caro- 
tin) have  been  freely  developed.  The  speci- 
men sent  is  of  an  ordinary  garden  Carrot,  the 
fissuing  of  the  out  portion  is  thought  to  be  due 
to  dryness  at  the  time  of  growth.  In  the 
smaller  specimen  different  colour  changes  have 
taken  place.  The  exterior  has  freely  developed 
a  green  tint  mottled  with  patches  of  purple. 
The  roots  have  been  exposed  on  the  surface  of 
the  ground  all  the  winter.  The  purple  is  quite 
superficial.  It  is  interesting  to  note  that  this  bril- 
liant change  has  taken  place  in  the  least  col- 
oured variety,  for  these  small  ones  are,  as  a 
section  shows,  of  the  pale  variety  grown  for 
cattle,  and  popularly  known  as  "  stock  Car- 
rots." Incipient  colours  are  often  shown  in  the 
exposed  roots  of  other  plants,  for  example,  blue 
discoloration,  as  wood  root-stocks  are  frequently 
mottled  with  blue  stains  when  they  are  pullel 
and  left  exposed  to  the  light  and  air. 

Potato  tuber  diseased. — Mr.  G.  Massee  showed 
a  Potato  tuber  having  a  black  patch  (dry  scabi 
about  2  inches  square,  the  result  of  (he  attack 
of  the  fungus  Stemphylium  (Phellomyces)  atro- 
virens.  This  disease  has  been  very  prevalent 
in  Scotland  this  season,  and  considerable 
damage  has  been  done  to  the  crop  The  present 
example  came  from  Oxford.  The  spores  are 
known  to  remain  alive  in  the  soil,  and  capable 
of  infecting  Potatos  for  several  years.  Diseased 
tubers  should,  therefore,  not  be  used  for 
"seed,"    nor   should   Potatos   be   grown   or.    the 


15S 


THE     GARDENERS     CHRONICLE. 


[March  6,  1909, 


same  land  as  that  on  which  the  diseased  crop 
was  grown. 

Apple  containing  germinating  sad. — Mr.  F.  J. 
Bakes  showed  an  Apple  containing  germinat- 
ing seed,  and  made  some  remarks  upon  the  re- 
sult of  allowing  seed  to  dry  thoroughly  before 
sowing.  He  considered  that  seed  of  many 
plants  which  had  been  allowed  to  lemain  as 
long  as  possible  within  the  fruit  gave  better 
results  than  seed  removed  early  and  kept  for 
some  time  before  sowing. 

Variation  in  Primula  sinensis. — Mr.  A.  \V. 
Sitton  showed  a  number  of  plants  of  Primula 
sinensis  having  leaves  of  a  shape  approaching 
those  of  Ivy.  He  said  that  occasionally  such 
plants  were  observed,  but  they  had  not  until  last 
year  set  any  seed.  Seeds  had,  however,  been 
obtained  from  three  plants  last  year,  and  this 
had  given  a  considerable  number  of  plants  with 
leaves  of  the  form  of  the  parents,  and  with 
petals  of  a  very  similar  form,  the  form  of  the 
latter  being  apparently  correlated  with  that  of 
the  former. 

Cinerarias  dying. — Mr.  W.  J.  James  sent  a 
p'ant  of  Cineraria,  one  of  about  150  which  had 
died  out  of  some  3,000.  It  was  found  that  the 
Base  of  the  plant  had  been  attacked  by  the 
bulb  mite,  Rhizoglyphus  echinopus,  in  greit 
numbers,  and  that  these  had  caused  the  death 
of  the  plant. 

DUMFRIESSHIRE    AND    GALLOWAY 
HORTICULTURAL. 

February  20. --The  annual  general  meeting  of 
this  society  was  held  in  the  committee  room  of 
the  Dumfries  Town  Hall  on  this  date.  There 
was  a  moderate  attendance,  presided  over  by 
Provost  Nicholson,  Maxwelltown,  chairman  of 
tha  directors.  The  secretary  and  treasurer,  Mr. 
Robert  G.  Mann,  submitted  the  annual  report, 
which  showed  that  the  income  for  the  past  year, 
including  a  balance  of  about  £22  from  the  pre- 
vious year,  had  amounted  to  £2 32  5s.  The  ex- 
penditure had  been  £246  6s.  4d.,  leaving  a  credit 
balance  of  £5  18s.  8d. 

The  Chairman  intimated  that  he  <'id  not  de- 
sire re-election,  and  suggested  Provost  Lennox, 
of  Dumfries,  to  succeed  himself.  This  was 
agreed  to,  and  the  following  other  directors  were 
appointed  : — Messrs.  las.  Henderson,  F.  W.  Mal- 
loch,  Jas.  M'Leod,  J.  M.  Haining,  J.  M.  Stewart, 
C.  Murray,  K.  A.  Giigor,  and  Taylor.  Mr.  R. 
G.  Mann,  "  Herald  "  Offices,  Dumfries,  was  re- 
appointed secretary   and   treasurer. 


ROYAL    METEOROLOGICAL. 

February  17. — On  this  date  Mr.  E.  Mawley 
read  his  "  Report  on  the  Phenological  Observa- 
tions for  1908."  The  most  noteworthy  features  of 
the  weather  of  the  Phenological  year  '  ending 
November,  1908,  were  the  severe  frosts  early  in 
January,  the  exceptionally  heavy  fall  of  snow 
and  remarkably  low  temperatures  in  the  latter 
part  of  April,  and  the  marked  periods  of  un- 
usually wet  aYid  dry  weather  during  the  sum- 
mer. In  February  and  March  wild  plants  came 
into  blossom  in  advance  of  their  usual  time, 
but  throughout  the  rest  of  the  flowering  season 
were  more  or  less  behind  their  average  dates. 
Such  earlj'  spring  migrants  as  the  swallow, 
cuckoo  and  nightingale  made  their  appearance 
very  late.  The  only  deficient  farm  crop  was 
fiat  of  Barley.  The  yield  of  Wheat,  Oats  and 
lieans  was  rather  above  the  average,  that  of 
1'eas  and  Hay  very  good,  while  the  crops  of 
Turnips,  Mangolds  and  Potatos,  taken  to- 
other, were  the  most  abundant  for  many  years. 
The  yield  of  Apples  was  under  average,  and 
Fiat  of  Pears  and  Plums  much  under  average. 
On  the  other'  hand,  the  crops  of  Currants,  Goose- 
berries, and  Strawberries  were  almost  every- 
where unusually  good.  As  regards  the  farm 
crops,  this  was  the  third  good  year  in  succes- 
sion, although,  compared  with  1906  and  1907, 
the  yields  in  1908,  except  in  the  case  of  Turnips, 
Mangolds  and  Potatos,  were  very  inferior  to 
those  of  either  of  those  years. 

Mr.  W.  Marriott  read  a  paper  on  "  The  Cold 
Spell  at  the  End  of  December,  1908."  The 
weather  during  December  was  generally  mild 
until  Christmas  Day,  when  a  considerable 
change  took  place  in  the  distribution  of  baro- 
metric pressure,  and  the  weather  assumed  a 
wintry  character.  Gales  occurred  in  many 
places,  and  snow  fell  more  or  less  over  the 
British   Isles  during  the  following  week.      The 


most  remarkable  feature,  however,  was  the  in- 
tense cold  which  prevailed  over  the  central  and 
south-eastern  portion  of  England  from  the  28th 
to  the  31st.  The  temperature  on  the  28th  did  not 
rise  above  25°  over  a  considerable  portion  of  the 
Midlands,  while  on  the  29th  it  remained  below 
25°  over  practically  the  whole  of  England  (ex- 
cept the  south-western  counties)  up  to  within 
about  20  miles  of  the  coast.  On  the  28th,  29th 
and  30th,  over  the  greater  part  of  the  country, 
the  minimum  thermometer  fell  below  20°,  while 
over  a  considerable  area  it  fell  below  10°  on  the 
29th  and  30th.  At  several  places  the  lowest 
temperature  recorded  was  about  zero.  At  Berk- 
hamsted  the  thermograph  showed  that  the  tem- 
perature remained  below  25°  for  a  period  of  58 
hours — a  most  unusual  occurrence.  Mr.  Marriott 
stated  that  the  isobaric  charts  indicated 
that  during  this  period  there  was  a  ridge  or 
wedge  of  high  pressure  between  two  cyclonic 
systems,  and  that  the  conditions  were  thus 
favourable  for  the  production  of  great  cold.  For 
the  month  of  December  the  cold  was  very  ex- 
ceptional, as  the  only  instances  in  the  neigh- 
bourhood of  London  or  at  Greenwich,  in  which 
the  maximum  temperature  was  below  25.5°  for 
the  dav,  were  the  following  :  1796,  25th,  19.5°  ; 
1798,  28th,  19.5°;  1816,  22nd,  24.0°;  1830, 
24th,  22.0°  ;  1855,  21st,  23.2°  ;  1874,  31st,  24.5°  ; 
1890,  22nd,  23.7°  ;  and  1908,  29th,  25.4°,  and 
30th,  23.3°.  

CATALOGUES     RECEIVED. 


James  Cocker  &  Sons,  130,  Union  Street,  Aberdeen. 
Mr.  John  A.  McCulloch,  Castletown,  Isle  of  Man. 
H.  N.  Ellison,  5  &  7,  Bull  Street,  West  Bromwich. 
William  Watt,  Cupar,  Fife. 
John  Burkitt  &  I  o.,  I.  UnderbanJc,  Stockport. 

>ns,  Lid.,  Wan  ington. 
Dobbie  and  Mason,  22,  Oak  Street,  Mancbester. 
Sutton  &  Sons,  Reading  (Farm  seeds). 
Wm.  Baylor  Hartland  &  Sons,  33,  Patrick  Street,  Cork. 
Warner,  Wright  &  Sons,  69,  Market  Place,  Leicester. 
Yarde  &  Co.,  Northampton. 

MISCELLANEOUS. 

W.  J.  Robertson,  Cowleigb  Road,  Malvern— Manures. 
John    Forbes,    Royal    Nurseries,    Hawick,    N.B.— Hardy 

plants. 
William  Cooper,  Ltd.,  751,  Old  Kent  Road,  London,  S.E. 

—  Greenhouses  and  garden  requisites. 

Flora,  Egginton  Vicarage,  near  Leighton  Buzzard—  Plants. 

Barr  &  Sons,  King  Street,  Covent  Garden,  London,  W.C. 
— Bulbous  and  tuberous  garden  plants. 

James  Veitch  &  Sons,  Ltd.,  King's  Road,  Chelsea -Per- 
petual-flowering Carnations. 

Liverpool  Orchid  and  Nursery  Co.,  Gateacre,  near 
Liverpool —Orchids ;  also  trees,  shrubs,  Roses,  &c. 

Ransomes,  Sims  &  Jefferiks,  Ltd.,  Orwell  Works, 
Ipswich — Lawn  mowers. 

W.  H.  Hudson  &  Co.,  218,  Goldhawk  Road,  London,  W. 
— Japanese  Liliums  and  other  bulbous  plants. 

H.  J.  Jones',  Ltd.,  Ryecroft,  Hither  Green,  Lewisbam  — 
Chrysanthemums,  Asters,  Begonias,  Dahlias ;  also 
flower  and  vegetable  seeds. 

W.  Drummond  &  Sons,  Ltd.,  Stirling  and  Dublin— Farm 
seeds. 

J.  Nichols,  Whitehall,  Bideford,  Devon— Trays  for  pro- 
pagating purposes. 

R.  Wallace  &  Co.,  Kilnfield  Gardens,  Colchester— Bulbous 
and  other  garden  plants. 

R.  H.  Bath,  Ltd.,  Floral  Farms,  Wisbech  — Plants  and 
seeds. 

J.  W.  Cross,  Old  Grammar  School,  Wisbech—  Seeds  and 
*'  Seed  "  Potatos. 

Wm.  Watson  &  Sons,  Ltd.,  Clontarf  Nurseries,  Dublin- 
Garden  plants. 

Messenger  &  Co.,  Ltd.,  Engineers,  Loughborough, 
Leicestershire— Garden  seats  and  wood  lath  blinds. 

Kent  &  Brydon,  Darlington— Farm  seeds. 

Wm.  Thompson  &  Co.,  Ltd.,  Londonderry  — Farm  seeds. 

Cooper,  Taber  &  Co.,  90  &  92,  Southwark  Street,  London, 
S,E.— Farm  seeds  (wholesale). 

James  Carter  &  Co.,  '237/8  and  97,  High  Holborn,  London 

—  Farm  seeds, 

Thos.  S.  Ware  i'0'2),  Ltd.,  Ware's  Nurseries,  Feltliam, 
Middlesex— Herbaceous,  alpine,  water  and  bog  plants. 

COLONIAL. 

Dupuy  &  Ferguson,  38,  Jacques-Cartier  Square,  Montreal 
—Seeds,  plants,  bulbs,  &c. 

FOREIGN. 

Ant.  Roozen  &   Son,  Overveen,   near   Haarlem,    Holland 

(Agents:  Mertens  &  Co.,  3,  Cross  Lane,  St.  Mary-at- 

Hill,  London,  E.C.)— Bulbs  and  seeds. 
H.  Correvon,  Floraire,  Chene-Bourg,  Geneva — Seeds. 
R.  &  J.  Farquhar   &  Co.,  6  &  7,   South    Market   Street, 

Boston,   Mass. — Seeds. 
Vilmorin-Andrieux  et  Cie,  4,  Quai  de  la  Megisserie,  Paris 

—Chrysanthemums. 
B.    Mullerklein,   Karlstadt   a   Main,   Bayern,    Germany- 
Fruit  trees,  ornamental  shrubs  and  trees,  hardy  flowering 

plants,  &c. 
Francois  Gfrbeaux,  21,  Rue  de  Cronstadt,  Nancy,  France 

— Novelties  in  plants. 
F.  Henkel,  Darmstadt,  Germany — Aquatic  and  Bog  Plants. 
C     L.    Klissing     Sohn,     Barth,     Pommern,    Germany— 

Caladiums. 
Wilhelm      Pfitzer,   Stuttgart,    Militarstrasse    74— Seeds 

and  plants. 
Paul    Lecolier,    Celle-Saint-Cloud,  Paris— Trees,  shrubs, 

fruit  trees,  Roses,  &c. 


THE     WEATHER. 


Tiie  Following  Summary  Record  of  the 
weather  throughout  the  British  Islands,  for  the 
week  ending  February  27,  is  furnished  from  the 
Meteorological  Office: — 

GENERAL     OBSERVATIONS. 

The  weather.— During  the  early  days  of  the  week  the  sky 
was  nearly  cloudless  over  a  large  part  of  England  and  Scot- 
land, but  subsequently  there  was  a  good  deal  of  cloud,  and 
later  in  the  period  nearly  all  districts  in  Britain  experienced 
snow  or  sleet,  and  Ireland  sleet  or  rain. 

The  tempciature  was  a  little  above  the  average  in  Ireland 
and  Scotland,  and  below  it  in  England,  the  deficit  being1 
greatest  (more  than  5°)  in  England  S.E.  The  highest  of  the 
maxima  occurred  on  the  21st  or  22nd  at  nearly  all  station?, 
and  ranged  from  57°  in  England  N  W.  and  56^'  in  Scotland 
E.  to  52°  in  England  S.E.  Late  in  the  week  the  maxima 
were  generally  low,  no  higher  than  36°  in  many  English 
localities  and  below  it  at  some  stations.  The  lowest  of  the 
minima,  which  were  recorded  on  irregular  dates,  varied 
from  14"  in  England  S.E.  and  S.W.,  and  15°  in  the  Midland, 
Counties  to  26°  in  Ireland  N.  and  to  31v  in  the  English 
Channel.  The  1  west  grass  readings  reported  were  2"?  af 
Llangammarch  Wells,  9W  at  Birmingham,  11°  at  Oxford; 
Greenwich,  and  Kew,  12"  at  Hereford,  and  between  14'  and 
20°  in  most  other  places. 

The  mean  temperature  of  the  sea.— On  many  parts  of  the 
coast  the  water  had  a  very  similar  temperature  to  that  dur- 
ing the  corresponding  week  in  1908,  but  at  Kirkwall  it  w.i. 
more  than  4"  in  excess,  and  at  Eastbourne  more  than  4° 
colder.  The  actual  values  ranged  from  47  3°  at  Plymouth, 
and  nearly  47"  on  the  south-west  coast  of  Ireland,  to  about 
40°  or  below  on  the  east  and  north-east  coasts  of  England, 
and  at  Eastbourne. 

The  rainfall  was  much  below  the  average  generally  ;  at  £ 
few  places  in  England  and  Wales  and  also  at  Douglas  (Isle 
of  Man)  there  was  no  measurable  quantity.  At  Armagh  on 
Wednesday  morning  the  rain  in  the  gauge  and  in  pools  on 
the  ground  was  observed  to  be  very  black. 
" The  bright  sunshine  exceeded  the  normal  in  England  and, 
also  in  Scotland  N.,  but  was  below  it  in  Ireland  and  the 
west  and  east  of  Scotland.  The  percentage  of  the'possib  i 
duration  ranged  from  52  in  the  English  Channel,  and  43  i'n 
England  S.W.  and  S.E  ,  to  20  in  the  east  and  west  of  Scot- 
land, and  to  only  10  in  the  north  of  Ireland. 

THE  WEATHER    IN    WEST    HERTS. 

Week  ending  March  3. 
The  fourth  week  in  succession  of  cold  weather.— The  present 
cold  spell  has  now  lasted  nearly  a  month,  and  the  past  w  eek 
has  been  the  coldest  of  that  period.  At  no  time  during  tlie 
week  did  the  temperature  in  the  thermometer  screen  rise 
above  37°,  and  on  the  coldest  night  the  exposed  thermometer 
registered  15*  of  frost.  The  ground  is  at  the  present  time 
4°  colder  at  2  feet  deep,  and  5°  colder  at  1  foot  deep,  than  is 
seasonable.  Snow  fell  on  3  days,  and  on  1  day  the 
ground  was  covered  for  a  short  time  to  the  average  depth  of 
2  inches.  There  has  now  been  no  measurable  percolation 
through  either  of  the  soil  gauges  for  nearly  6  weeks.  The 
sun  shone  on  an  average  for  U  hours  a  day,  which  is  only 
half  the  average  duration  for  the  end  of  February.  Calms 
and  light  airs  have  alone  prevailed  during  the  week.  The 
mean  amount  ot  moisture  in  the  air  at  3  p.m.  exceeded  a 
seasonable  quantity  for  that  hour  by  5  per  cent. 

February. 

Exceptionally  cold,  dry,  sunny,  and  calm.— This  was  an 
exceptionally  cold  February,  but  the  mean  temperature 
was  not  nearly  as  low  as  in  the  same  month  in  1895. 
when  it  was  as  much  as  8°  lower.  There  occurred  a  few 
days  of  warm  weather  at  the  beginning  of  the  month,  but 
during  the  rest  of  it  there  was  only  1  day  when  the 
mean  temperature  rose  above  the  average.  On  the  warmest 
day  the  highest  temperature  in  the  thermometer  screen 
was  55",  which  is  a  high  extreme  maximum  for  the  month. 
On  the  coldest  night  the  exposed  thermometer  indicated 
20°  of  frost,  which  is  rather  a  low  extreme  minimum  for 
February.  Taking  the  month  as  a  whole  the  nights  were 
much  more  unseasonably  cold  than  the  days.  Rain  or  snow 
fell  on  only  8  days,  and  to  the  total  depth  of  less  than  half  an 
inch,  the  average  for  the  month  being  2  inches.  It  is  now  13 
years  since  there  has  been  here  such  a  dry  February.  On  one 
day  the  snow  lay  for  a  short  time  to  the  depth  of  2  inches. 
Throughout  the  month  there  was  no  measurable  percola- 
tion through  either  of  the  percolation  soil  gauges.  The 
sun  shone  on  an  average  for  3  hours  a  day,  or  for  40 
minutes  a  day  in  excess  of  the  average— making  this  the 
sunniest  February  for  10  years.  It  was  the  calmest 
February  for  7  years.  During  the  windiest  hour  the  mean 
velocity  reached  20  miles— direction  W.N.W.  The  average 
amount  of  moisture  in  the  air  at  3  o'clock  in  the  afternoon 
was  5  per  cent,  less  than  a  seasonable  quantity  for  that  hour. 
In  only  two  previous  Februaries  in  the  last  24  years  has  the 
air  been  as  dry  at  that  hour  as  it  was  on  2  days  towards  the 
end  of  the  month. 

The  Winter. 

Rather  cold  and  sunny  ami  remarkably  dry.— Taking  the 
winter  as  a  whole,  it  was  rather  a  cold  one.  December 
proved  of  about  average  temperature,  while  January 
was  rather  warm,  and  February  exceptionally  cold.  On 
the  warmest  day  the  temperature  in  the  thermometer 
screen  rose  to  55",  and  on  the  coldest  night  the  exposed 
thermometer  registered  a  temperature  only  1°  above  zero, 
which  is,  with  three  exceptions,  the  lowest  extreme  mini- 
mum for  any  winter  during  the  past  24  years.  The  total 
rainfall  amounted  to  only  about  half  the  average  quantity 
for  the  season,  which  was  principally  due  to  the  excep- 
tional dryness  of  January  and  February.  The  heaviest  fall 
of  snow  occurred  on  December  29,  when  the  snow  lay  to 
the  average  depth  of  5J  inches.  The  sun  shone  on  an 
average  for  1  hour  56  minutes  a  day,  or  for  a  quarter  of  an 
hour  a  day  longer  than  is  seasonable. 

Our  Undfrground  Water  Supply. 
Since  the  winter  half  of  the  drainage  year  began  in 
October,  the  total  rainfall  has  been  6J  inches,  which  is  just 
half  the  average  quantity  for  the  same  5  months  in  the  pre- 
vious 53  years— equivalent  to  a  loss  in  rainfall  on  each  acre 
in  this  district  of  145,000  gallons.  At  the  same  time  last 
year  there  were  26,790  gallons  per  acre  in  excess  of  the 
average  amount.    E.  M.,  Kerkhamsted,  March  3,  1909. 


March  6,  1909.] 


THE     GA  RDENERS'      CHRONICLE. 


159 


MARKETS. 


CO  VENT  GARDEN,  March  3. 

[We  cannot  accept  any  responsibility  for  the  subjoined 
reports.  '1  hey  are  furnished  to  us  regularly  every 
Wednesday,  by  the  kindness  of  several  of  the  principal 
sa.esmen,  who  are  responsible  for  the  quotations.  It 
must  be  remembered  that  these  quotations  do  not  repre- 
sent the  prices  on  any  particular  day,  but  only  the 
general  averages  for  the  week  preceding  the  date  of  out 
report.  The  prices  depend  upon  the  quality  of  the 
samples,  the  way  in  which  they  are  packed,  the  supply 
in  the  market,  and  the  demand,  and  ihey  may  fluctuate, 
not  only  from  day  to  day,  but  occasionally  several  times 
in  one  day. — h,u.j 


Cut  Flowers,  Ac:  Average  Wholesale  Prices. 


Acacia     (Mimosa), 

s.d.  s.d. 

p.doz.  bunches 

9  0-12  0 

Anemone    fulgens, 

p.  dz.  bunches 

16-26 

—  double  pink,  p. 

dozen  bunches 

16-26 

Azalea,   per    dozuii 

bunches 

4  0-50 

Bouvardia,  per  dz. 

bunches 

G  0-  8  0 

Calla  aethiopica,  p. 

dozen  

3  0-40 

Camel  lias,    per 

dozen  

2  0-26 

(ai  nations,       per 

dozen  blooms, 

best  American 

various 

2  6-36 

—  second  size    ... 

10-20 

—  smaller,        per 

doz.     bunches 

9  0  12  0 

Laiileyas,  per  doz. 

blooms 

12  0-15  0 

Cypripediums,  per 

dozen  blooms.. 

16-26 

Daffodils,  per  doz. 

bunches 

2  6     5  0 

Dendrobiurn  nobile, 

per  dozen 

2  6-30 

Kuciians      gran  di- 

ll ora,  per  doz. 

blooms 

2  0-36 

1  i  -  esias  (white),  p. 

doz.  bunches  .. 

2  6-30 

Gardenias,  per  doz. 

blooms 

3  0-50 

Hyacinths  (Roman) 

per  doz.  bchs. 

9  0-12  0 

—  Dutch 

6  0-10  0 

Lilac     (English), 

white,  p.  bunch 

:t  0-  5  n 

—  mauve... 

3  0-50 

—  (French),  mauve 

4  0-50 

1. ilium      au  fat  inn, 

per  bunch 

2  0-30 

—  longillorum    ... 

4  0-50 

—  1  a  uc  i  folium, 

rubruai 

2  0-30 

—  album  ... 

■j  6    9  U 

J.iU  of  the  Val  ey, 

p.  tlz.  bunches 

9  0-10  u 

—  extra  quality  ... 

12  0  15  0 

Marguerites,  p.  d*. 
bunches  white 
and  yellow     ... 

Mignonette,  per 
dozen  bunches 

Myosotis,  per  doz. 
bunches 

Narcissus,  Paper- 
white,  per  dz. 
bunches 

—  Gloriosa 

—  ornatus 

—  Soleil  d'Or    ... 
O  d  on  toglosstim 

cri  spurn,  per 
dozen  blooms 
Pel  argon  i  n  ni  s, 
show,  per  doz. 
bunches 

—  Zonal,  double 
scarlet 

Ranunculus, perdz. 

bunches 
Roses,    12  blooms, 

Niphelos 

—  Bridesmaid    ... 

—  C.  Testout     ... 

—  Kai serin  A. 
Victoria 

—  C.  Mermet 

—  Liberty 

—  Mme.Chatenay 

—  Richmond 

—  The  Bride 

—  Ulrich  Brunner 
Snowdrops,  per  dz. 

bunches 
Spiraea,  per  dozen 

bunches 
Stocks,      double 

white,  per  doz. 

bunches 
Tuberoses,  per  dz. 

blooms 

on   stems,   per 

bunch  

Tulips,  per  dozen 

bunches,  single 

—  best  double 
varieties 

Violets,  per  dozen 
bunches 
Parmas.p.  bch. 


16-30 

4  0-50 


Cut  Foliage, 

Adiuutum  cunea- 
lum,  dz.  bchs. 
»tis,  per  duz. 
bunches 

A  s  par  ag  us  plu- 
inosus,  long 
trails,  per  duz. 

—  —  niedm.,l.cl'. 

—  Spiengeii 
Herberts,  per   doz. 

bunches 
Croton  leaves,  per 

bunch  

(yeas  leaves,  each 
I  'all  idil  foliage,  p. 

doz.  bunches... 
I  ft  us,    per    dozen 

bchs.  (Knglish) 

—  (French) 


&c: 

s.d. 

4  0- 
1  6- 


Aver 


s.d. 

6  0 

2  0 

12  0 

2  U 

1  6 

3  0 

1  3 

2  0 

2  6 

3  0 

0  9 

age  Wholesale  Prices. 

s.d.  s.d. 
Galax    leaves,   per 

dozen  bunches  2  0-26 
Hardy    foliage 

(various),    per 

dozen  bunches  3  0-90 
Honesty   (Lunari-i) 

per  bunch  ...  10-16 
Ivy-leaves,   bronze    2  0-  2  tj 

—  long  trails  per 

bundle 0  9-16 

—  short    green, 

perdz. bunches  16-26 
Moss,  per  gross  ...  5  0-60 
Myrtle,  dz.    bchs., 

(English) 

small-leaved...     4  0-  G  0 

—  French  ...     10-16 
Ruscus  racemosus, 

p.  dz.  bunches  18  0    — 
Smilax.p.dz. trails    4  0-60 


Plants  in  Pots.  Ac.     Average  Wholesale  Prices. 


Ampelopsis  Veit- 
chii,  per  dozen 

Aralia  SieboUn,  p. 
dozen   

—  1  ai  ger  speci- 
mens     

Mnseri 

Araucaria  excelsa, 
per  dozen 

—  1  a  rge  plants, 
each     

Aspidistras,  p.  dz., 
green 

—  variegated 
Asparagus,  plumo- 

sns  nanus,  per 
dozen  

—  Sprengeri 

—  t  en  n  i  s  si  inns 
Azaleas  (Indian),  p. 

dozen   

Begonia  Gloire  de 

Lorraine, p. dz. 
Cinerarias,  per  dz. 
Clematis,  per  doz. 
Cocos    Weddelli- 

ana,  per  dozen 


s.d.  s.d. 

6  0-80 

4  0-60 

9  0-12  0 
4  0-60 

12  0-30  0 

3  6-50 

15  0-24  0 

30  0-42  0 


12  0-18  0 
9  0-12  0 
9  0-12  0 

24  0-36  0 

12  0-1*  0 
8  0-1*2  0 
8  0-90 


s.d.  s.d. 
Crotons,  per  dozen  18  0-30  u 
C>clamen,  pr.  doz.  9  0-15  0 
Cyperus   alterni- 

folius,  dozen  ...     4  0-50 

—  laxus,  per  doz.  4  0-50 
Daffodils,  per  doz.  5  0-80 
Dracaenas,  perdoz.  9  0-24  0 
Erica  meianthera... 

per  dozen      ..    12  0-18  0 

—  persolata  alba,  12  0-24  0 

—  W  ilmoreana  ...  12  0  18  0 
Euonymus, perdz., 

in  pots.  .        ..      4  0-90 

—  from  the  ground  3  0-60 
Ferns,  in  thumbs, 

per  100 8  0-12  0 

—  in    small     and 

large  60's       ...  12  0-20  0 

—  in  48's,  per  dz.     4  0-10  0 

—  in  32's,  per  dz.  10  0-18  0 
Ficus  elastica,  per 

dozen 8  0-10  0 

—  repens,  per  dz.  6  0-80 
Genista     fragrans, 

perdoz.         ...    8  0-10  0 
Grevillcas,  per  dz.    4  0-60 


Plants  in  Pots,  8tc:  Average  Wholesale  Prices  \Cunt,i.). 

s.d.  s.d. 


Hardy  flower  roots, 
per  dozen 

Hjacinths,  per  dz. 
pots      

Isolepis,  per  dozen 

Kentia  Bel  more- 
ana,  per  dozen 

—  Fosteriana,  per 
dozen  

Latania  borbonica, 

per  dozen 
Li  Hum    1  o  ngi- 

florum,  per  dz. 

—  lancifolium,  p. 
dozen... 


s.d.  s.d 

10-20 

8  0-10  I! 
4  0-60 

15  0-24  0 

18  0-30  0 

12  0-18  0 

18  0-24  0 

12  0-24  0 

Lily  of  the  Valley, 

per  do?en 
Marguerites,  white, 

per  dozen 
Mignonette,  perdz. 
Primulas,  per  doz. 
Selaginelia,  p.  doz. 
Solanuins,  per  doz. 
Spiraea  japonica,  p. 

dozen  ... 
Stocks    (intermed- 
iate),white,  p.  dz. 
Tulips    in     boxes, 

per  doz.  bulbs 
— .in  pots,  per  dz. 


18  0-30  0 

6  0-10  0 
8  0-90 

5D-80 
4  0-  G  0 
8  0-10  0 

8  0-12  0 

8  0-10  0 

0  6-09 

9  0-12  0 


s.d.  s.d. 

2  0-30 

2  0-30 

3  0-40 


16-20 
16-26 

■1  i;    ;i  i; 
2  0-26 


6  0-80         — 
6  0-90         — 


8  0-10  0 

2  6-36 
2  6-40 
5  0    8  0 

2  0-40 

3  0-40 

4  0-00 

4  0-60 

5  0-90 
3  0-40 

6  0-80 

16-20 
5  0-80 


2  6-36 
0  3-04 
0  9-13 
6  0-10  0 

12  0-24  0 


Fruit:  Average  Wholesale  Prices. 


Apples       Foreign 

—  California 
Newtown  Pip- 
pin, per  case,  4 
tiers     

—  4J  tiers 

—  (American),  per 
barrel  : 

—  Baldwin 

—  Greening 

—  Newtown  Pip- 
pin        

—  Oregon  New- 
town Pippin, 
per  case  (150l... 

—  Do.     1 12151  .. 

96 
Do.       (88) 

—  (NovaScotian), 
per  barrel : 

—  Russet 

—  Baldwin 

—  Ben  Davis      ... 

—  Fallawater     ... 

—  French  Kusset, 
per  case 

liananas,  bunch: 

—  Doubles 

—  No.  1        „  ... 

—  Extra        ,,  ... 

—  Giant       „  ... 

—  (Claret)     ,,  ... 

—  Jamaica    ,,  ... 

—  Loose,  pet  dz. 
i  .i,"  fruit,  p. ca  i 

—  Peaches 

—  Apricots 

—  Plums 

(ectarines  ... 
Cranberries,  per 
case 

ird  Ipples  ... 
I  'atus  (Tunis),  per 

Fiijs  (Eleme),  p.  dz. 

—  pull-  d,-p 


s.d.  s  d. 


8  0-10  0 
7  0-  8  C 


52  0-25  0 
25  0    — 


25  0-27  0 


13  0    — 

14  6    — 


13  6 


17  0 

21  0 

21)  0 

22  0 

17  0 

— 

21  0  24  0 

9  0-90 

9  0-10  0 

6  6-80 

8  0- 

9  0 

10  0- 

12  0 

5  0- 

7  6 

5  0- 

5  6 

0  6- 

1  0 

6  0-10  0 

a  t;- 

6  0 

2  8- 

li  0 

10  0-18  0 

16  0 



3  0-12  0 

4  3- 

4  6 

i  ;i 

— 

5  0 

7  6 

Grape   Fruit,  case 
Grapes,  Gros  Col- 
mar      

—  Alicante 

—  (Guernsey)     ... 

—  (Almeria),    per 
barrel   

Lemons  box  : 

—  Messina,  300  .. 

—  Do.        360... 
Limes,  per  case  ... 
Lychees,  pel  box 
Mandarines    (25's), 

per  box 

—  (96's),  per  box 

—  (Jamaica),  case 
Nuts,  Almonds,  per 

bag        

—  Brazils,      new, 
per  cut. 

—  Barcelona,  bag 

—  Cocoa  nuts.  100 

—  Cob,  per  dozen 
lbs 

Oranges  (Deri. ■ ' 

—  Californian 
seedless,  per 
case     

—  (Valencia)    per 
case  (4l0) 

—  per  case  (714). .. 

—  Jaffas 

—  Palermo  Blood 

—  Palermo  Bitter 

—  Murcia  Blood, 
per  case  (200)... 

Pears,    Easter 
Beurre,  p.  box 

—  Glou  Morcean, 
per  case 

Pineapples,  each ... 

—  (Natal),  perdz. 
Tangerines     (Cali- 
fornian),     per 
case  (180  200 

—  (Floi  i'  la : 

case  U2u-200i.  . 


s.d    ■    '. 

9  0-12  0 

12-30 

13-26 

0  10-  1  2 

14  0-16  0 

s  e  is  o 

8  0  14  0 
5  0- 
10-15 

0  8-0  10 
2  9-30 
11  0-12  0 


50  0-55  0 

;\±  o  :ir.  o 
11  0-14  0 

16-19 
8  6-16  0 


10  0-12  0 

8  0-16  0 

8  0-14  0 

9  6-10  6 
8  6-96 
4  9-60 

7  6-86 


11  0    - 
2  0-36 

4  0-60 


10  0-12  0 
18  0-2U  0 


Vegetables  :  Average  Wholesale  Prices. 


WtichokestGlobe), 
per  dozen 

—  white, p. bushel 

—  per  cwt. 
Asparagus,     per 

bundle: 

—  Sprue 

—  Paris  Green  ... 
Beans,  per  lb. 

—  (French),  p.  lb. 

—  (Guernse  >), 
per  lb 

—  (Madeira),   per 
basket 

—  Niggers 
Ueetroot,  per  bushel 
lirussel   Sprouts,  J 

bushel 

—  bags      

Cabbages,  per  tally 

—  per  mat 

.  —  Greens,       per 

bushel 
Cardoon   (Frencli), 

per  dozen 
Carrots    (English), 

dozen  bunches 

—  washed,  bat,'  ... 

—  unwashed 

—  (French),  p.  pad 
Cauliflowers,    per 

dozen       

—  St.  Malo, crates 
(12  heads) 

—  Italian  Heads, 
per  basket 

Celery,  per  dozen 
rolls      

1   e'.ei  uc,  per   doz. 

Chicory,  per  lb.    ... 

Cucumbers,  per  dz. 

Endive,  per  dozen 

Horseradish,  for- 
eign, per  doz. 
bundles 


-  d.  s  ,l. 
3  6-40 
10-16 


3  0-46 
6  0-60 


s.d.  s.d. 

Kale,  per  bushel  ... 
2  6-30    Leeks,  12  bundles 

2  0    —      Lettuce    (French), 

3  6    —  per  crate 
Mint,     per    dozen 

bunches 
0  7-08    Mushrooms.perlb.  0  10-  1  0 
3  6-46      —  broilers  ...  0  10    — 

2  0-2  6      —  buttons,  per  lb.  0  10-  1  0 
0  10-  1  0     Mustardand  Cress, 

per  dozen  pun.     1  0    — 

2  0-26    Onions,  per  bag  ...  10  6-11  0 
—  (Valencia).case  11  6-12  0 

3  0    —       —  Dutch,  pr.  bag    7  0-80 
3  6-70      —  pickling,     per 
10-16  bushel 

Parsley,12bunches 

3  0-40      —  A  sieve 

4  0-50     Parsnips,  perbag... 

5  6-70     Peas  (French),  pkt. 
40-  46,  Potato s,    Sweet, 

per  case 
4  0-  4  0  |    —  (Algerian), p.lb. 
I    —  (French),  p.  lb. 
8  0-10  0  j  Radishes  (French), 

per  doz.  bundles     16-26 
;{  li-  4  it     Rlnbarb  (English), 

3  0-30'         forced,  per  dz. 
2  0-2(j|         bundles 

2  6-36.  Salsafy,  per  dozen 
bundles 

4  0-50    Savoys,  per  tally... 
Seakale,  per  dozen 

3  0-36  punnets 
Spinach,  per  crate 

3  0-36    Stachys     tuberosa, 
per  lb 

12  0  15  0    Turnips,  per  dozen 
16-26  bunches 

0  3J-  0  4       —  washed,  p.  bag 

4  0-70)  Tomatos      (Teuer- 
13-19  iffe),   per   bun- 
dle of  4  boxes  10  0-18  0 

—  p.  12  lb.  basket    4  0-46 
10  0-12  0  I  Watercress.per  dz.     0  6-08 


4  6 

— 

2  0-26 

2  0- 

3  n 

3  0- 

4  0 

0  8 

— 

4  0 



0  3 

— 

0  3-0  3j 

0  9-0  11 


4  li-  4  6 
9  0-10  0 


12  0-14  0 
4  0-46 


0  3 


2  6-30 

3  6    — 


Kencs—  s.d.  s.d 

Snowdrop     4  0-  4  I 

Sharpe's  Express  ...  3  6-39 


Epicure 
Up-to-Date 


3  0- 
3  0- 


Lincolns—  s.d.  s.d. 

Sharpe's  Express  ...  3  0-3  3 

Evergood     2  6-30 

King  Edward        ...  3  0-33 
Bedfords 
Up-to-Date  ... 
Blacklancls   . 
Dunbars— 

Langworthy, red  soil  4  9-50 

Up-to-Date,  red  soil  3  9-40 

grey  soil  2  6-80 


...  2  6     3  0 

...  2  0-26 


Remarks.— Californian  Apples  are  dearer,  but  Oranges 
from  the  saine  country  are  selling  slowly.  Supplies  of 
French  Apples  are  shorter,  but  their  prices  are  about  the 
same  as  those  of  last  week.  Bitter  Oranges  are  cheaper. 
Lemons  have  slightly  advanced  in  value.  English 
forced  Rhubarb  has  a  poor  demand,  accounted  for  by  the 
cold  weather.  Foreign  Tomatos  are  arriving  in  a  better 
condition,  and  are  cheaper.  Trade  generally  is  quiet. 
E.  II.  R  ,  Covmt  Garden,   Wednesday,  March  3,  19  9. 


Lincolns  — 

Royal  Kidney        ...  2  3-29 
British  Queen         ...  S  0-  ;i  3 

Up-to-Date 3  0-36 

Maincrop     3  6-39 

Remarks.— Trade  is  moderate:  there  is  an  increased 
demand  for  best  samples  of  Up-to-Date  variety.  The  wintry 
weather  has  checked  supplies,  and  there  isa  prospect  of  the 
large  stocks  in  London  becoming  considerably  reduced. 
I  /.  Newborn,  Covent  Gaiden  and  St.  Pancras. 
March  3,  1909. 

COVENT    GARDEN     FLOWER     MARKET. 

It  is  stated  that  the  floral  decorations  used  in  connection 
'"""j-™1  functions  last  week  represented  a  value  of 
i.1,000;  but  the  market  was  not  greatly  affected,  save  in 
the  cases  of  Roses  and  Carnations  of  special  quality.  The 
average  price  for  good  Roses  is  5s.  to  9s.  per  dozen 
blooms.  Some  extra  flne  blooms  have  sold  for  15s.  per 
dozen.  Carnations  need  to  be  very  choice  to  sell  for 
more  than  2s.  6d.  per  dozen  blooms.  All  kinds  of  Nar- 
cissi are  abundant,  and  prices  are  lower  than  they  may 
be  a  week  or  more  later  Those  from  the  Scilly  Islands 
arrive  in  large  quantities  and  are  sold  very  cheaply.  Best 
blooms  of  Golden  Spur,  Horsfieldii  and  F.mperor  are  worth 
not  more  lhan  5s.  per  dozen  bunch  es.  Eucharis  has  been 
more  plentiful,  but  Gardenias  are  scarce.  Liliums  vary  ; 
flowers  of  the  best  quality  have  a  tendency  to  increase  in 
value.  Blooms  of  L.  auratum  are  rather  small.  Some  of  L. 
longiflorum  are  goo4,  but  others  are  of  indifferent  merit. 
L.  lancifolium  blooms  are  also  smaller  than  usual.  Callas 
are  exceedingly  plentiful.  Violets  from  English  growers 
have  been  down  to  the  lowest  prices,  owing  to  the  large 
supplies  received  from  France.  Acacia  dealbata  (Mimosa) 
is  very  good.  Several  varieties  of  Acacia  are  imported 
during  the  season  ;  just  now  it  is  the  true  A.  dealbata  that 
is  seen. 

Pot  Plants. 

The  cold  weather  has  caused  trade  to  be  dull,  yet  some 
things  have  sold  fairly  well.  Azaleas  are  still  plentiful  ;  also 
Daffodils  in  various  sorts.  Tulips  and  Hyacinths:  are  well 
supplied  in  pots  and  in  boxes.  Ericas  are  good,  especially 
E.  persoluta  alba  and  E.  Wilmoreana.  Marguerites  have  a 
better  demand,  but  some  of  the  forced  Spiraeas  are  rather 
'"thin";  others  are  very  good.  Rhododendrons  are  well 
flowered.  Cyclamen  and  Primulas  are  both  of  better  quality 
than  is  usual  at  this  season. 

All  foliage  plants  are  plentiful,  but  the  demand  is  poor.  A 
buyer  complained  to  me  that  Ferns  bought  in  the  market 
soon  faded  :  this  is  not  surprising,  for  though  they  do  not 
show  any  damage  whilst  they  are  exposed  to  the  cold,  the 
fronds  turn  black  as  soon  as  the  plants  are  put  into  warmth. 
Trade  in  hardy  plant  roots  has  been  very  slow;  also  in 
nee*,  shrubs,  climbers,  &c.  A.  II.,  Covent  Garden,  Wed- 
nesday, March  j,  I9U9. 


DEBATING    SOCIETIES. 

BATH  AND  DISTRICT  GARDENERS'.  meet 

ing  ot  the  above  society  was  held  in  the  Foresters'  Hall  on 
February  8,  Mr.  T.  Parrott  presiding  Mr.  Garnish,  of  the 
Bristol  Association,  read  a  paper  on  "  Bulbs  for  Pots."  The 
culture  of  bulbs  in  pots,  especially  those  for  spring-flowering, 
was  ably  dealt  with  by  the  lecturer. 

A  meeting  of  this  society  was  held  on  February 

22,  under  the  presidency  of  Mr.  T.  I\.rrolt.  Mr.  Mowbray 
A.  Green  gave  a  lecture,  illustrated  with  limelight  views,  on 
"Garden  Cities."  The  lecturer  dealt  at  length  with  tuch 
noted  garden  cities  as  Bournville,  Port  Sunlight,  and 
Letcbworth. 

BRISTOL     AND      DISTRICT     GARDENERS'. 

A  meeting  of  this  association  was  held  on  Thursday, 
February  25.  Mr.  A.  O.  Shelton  presided  over  a  good 
attendance  of  the  members.  A  lecture  upon  ' '  Barren  Soils  " 
was  given  by  Mr.  Arnold,  gardener  to  Earl  Bathurst, 
Cirencester  House.  The  lecturer  described  the  best  methods 
of  successfully  working  various  soils.  Shallow  soils  resting 
on  a  stony  or  brashy  subsoii  should  have  a  layer  of  manure 
placed  at  the  bottom  when  trenching  ;  they  should  also  be 
liberally  top-dressed  and  mulched  with  manure.  Deep  soil 
with  a  subsoil  of  gravel  is  generally  deficient  in  potash  and 
lime.  Stable  manure  and  wood  ashes  were  recommended 
in  this  case.  A  deep  loam,  with  a  clay  subsoil,  often  requires 
draining.  In  the  case  of  a  heavy  soil  with  a  sandy  subsoil, 
deep  cultivation  is  necessary.  Heavy  clay  lands  should  be 
thoroughly  drained  and  the  surface  burned  to  a  depth  of 
12  inches.  Such  lands  are  improved  by  the  addition  c  f  sand, 
grit,  builders'  rubbish,  and  lime. 

CHESTER  PAXTON.— The  third  of  a  series  of  lec- 
tures by  Mr.  N.  F.  Barnes,  Eaton  Hall  Gardens,  was  given 
at  the  meeting  held  on  February  20.  The  subject  on  this 
occasion  was  "A  Visit  to  the  Centenary  Exhibition  at 
Ghent,  with  notes  by  the  way."  Mr.  Barnes'  remarks  were 
illustrated  by  a  number  of  lantern  slides.  The  lecturer 
gave  an  account  of  the  town  of  Ghent,  and  a  description 
of  the  exhibition.  Special  reference  was  made  to  the  col- 
lections of  Hippeastrums  shown  by  Major  Holford,  and  by 
Messrs,  Ker  &  Sons,  of  Liverpool.  The  collection  of 
Orchids  staged  by  Major  Holford  was  the  finest  and  most 
representative  display  of  Orchids  in  the  show. 

The  meeting  held  on  Saturday,  February  27,  wis 

the  last  of  the  session.  The  Curator  of  the  Grosvenor 
Museum,  Mr.  Alfred  Newstead,  contributed  a  paper,  illus- 
trated by  lantern  slides,  on  "  Familiar  Wild  Birds  in  relation 
to  Gardens  and  Orchards."  The  lecturer  not  only 
described  the  habits  and  life  history  of  these  birds,  but 
also  dealt  with  the  economic  aspect  of  the  subject.  He. 
explained  minutely  the  nature  of  their  food,  and  showed 
which  birds  are  beneficial  to  the  horticulturist  and  agricul- 
turist, mentioning  that  some  species  are  wholly  insec- 
tivorous, whilst  others  feed  partly  on  insects  and  partly 
on  fruits,  grain,  &C,  He  instanced  the  results  of  Prof. 
N'ewstead  s  post-mortem  analysis  of  the  stomach  contents 
of  some  birds  in  his  report  recently  published  by  the  Board 
of  Agriculture. 


1G0 


THE     GARDENERS"    CHRONICLE. 


[March  6,  1909. 


CROYDON  &  DISTRICT   HORTICULTURAL.- 

The  ninth  annual  dinner  of  this  association  was  lield  on 
Wednesday,  February  10.  Some  eighty  members  and  friends 
were  present.  Mr.  J.  J.  Reid  (Presideni)  was  in  the  cbair, 
and  Mr.  E.  H.  Jenkins  (President  of  the  Kingston  Gar- 
deners' Association)  occupied  the  vice-chair. 

A  meeting  of  this  society  was  held  on  Tuesdaj* 


ANSWERS  TO  CORRESPONDENTS. 


February  16.  The  evening  was  devoted  to  a  lecture  and 
demonstration  on  "Table  Decorations."  The  lecturer  was 
Mr.  R.  Edwards,  Beechey  Lees  Gardens,  Sevenoaks.  The 
lecturer  stated  that  harmony  of  colour  was  essential  in  a 
table  decorated  with  flowers,  for  whatever  flowers  be 
brought  into  requisition  they  must  be  of  shades  unopposed 
to  each  other.  The  decoration  should  be  appropriate  to  the 
season.  When  Iceland  or  Shirley  Poppies  are  used  it  is  a 
good  plan  to  put  the  cut  stems  in  boiling  water  or  just  burn 
the  ends  with  a  lighted  candle  or  match.  Where  flowers  are 
required  to  be  preserved  for  several  days  the  water  should 
be  changed  daily,  and  a  little  sugar  may  be  added  with 
beneficial  results.  Flowers  for  travelling  are  best  cut  over- 
night when  dry  and  the  stems  immersed  in  water. 

DORCHESTER  GARDENERS1.  —  An  address  on 
"Lawns  and  Lawn  Grasses"  was  delivered  on  Monday, 
February  22,  to  the  members  of  this  association  by  Mr. 
Shipway,  of  Messrs.  Sutton  &  Sons,  Reading.  The  lecturer 
dealt  with  the  formation  and  upkeep  of  lawns,  bowling 
greens,  tennis  grounds,  &c.  The  lecture  was  illustrated 
with  lantern  slides.  Mr.  Shipway  stated  that  beautiful 
lawns,  in  the  great  majority  of  cases,  are  much  more  easily 
and  cheaply  obtained  from  seeds  than  from  turves. 

READING     AND     DISTRICT     GARDENERS'.— 

A  lecture  was  given  before  the  members  of  this  association 
by  Dr.  Keeble,  of  the  University  College,  Reading,  in  the 
Abbey  Hall,  on  Monday,  February  22,  the  subject  being 
"  Applied  Mendelism."  The  president,  Mr.  Alderman  F.  B. 
Parfitt,  occupied  the  chair.  Dr.  Keeble  stated  that  compara- 
tively little  was  yet  known  regarding  Mendelism  or  the 
abstruse  laws  governing  heredity,  which  had  puzzled 
scientists  for  many  ages.  The  fact  that  like  produces  like 
was  correct  only  in  a  degree,  for  in  the  course  of  experiment 
under  Mendelian  Laws  it  was  frequently  found  that  the 
hybridisation  of  two  flowers  would  result  in  blooms  of  quite 
a  different  shade  and  character  to  those  of  either  parent. 
For  example:  two  white  Sweet  Peas  crossed  produced  a 
purple ;  this  was  due  to  latent  characters  which  could  only 
manifest  themselves  when  in  conjunction  with  other  com- 
plementary characters  which  came  together  as  a  result  of 
hybridisation.  Hybrids  always  embodied  the  colour,  habit, 
and  constitution  of  both  parents,  though  one  only  might  be 
evident,  but  the  influence  of  the  recessive  qualities  came 
out  in  the  second  generation.  Thus  if  tall  Peas  were  crossed 
with  dwarf  Peas  the  result  would  be  tall  Peas  only  ;  but  the 
second  generation  produced  by  self-fertilising  these  hybrid 
plants  would  give  25  per  cent,  dwarf  and  75  per  cent,  tall, 
proving  that  the  characters  of  the  dwarf  parent  had  been 
carried  through  a  generation  without  visibly  showing.  At 
the  close  of  his  lecture  Dr.  Keeble  answered  many 
questions. 

REDHILL,  REIGATE  AND  DISTRICT  GAR- 
DENERS'.—Mr.  W.  P.  Bound  presided  over  the  fort- 
nightly meeting  of  this  association,  held  at  the  Penrhyn 
Hall,  on  Monday,  February  22.  A  lecture  was  given  by 
Mr.  Cooper,  of  St.  Albans,  on  the  "  Culture  of  Orchids." 
The  next  meeting  of  the  society  will  be  on  March  8,  when 
Mr.  Daisley,  of  Worth,  will  lecture  on  "  Vegetables  for 
Exhibition," 

WARGRAVE  AND  DISTRICT  GARDENERS'. 

At  the  usual  fortnightly  meeting  of  this  association,  Mr. 
T.  Haskett,  of  Hennerton  Gardens,  read  a  paper  on  "  The 
Cultivation  of  the  Florists'  Cyclamen."  The  lecturer  gave 
details  for  seed  sowing,  and  the  best  compost  to  use. 
He  recommended  the  sowing  of  freshly-gathered  seed  in 
preference  to  that  which  was  a  few  months  old.  An 
equable  temperature  was  necessary  for  the  young  plants, 
because  sudden  changes  were  detrimental  to  their  well- 
being.  The  method  of  potting  the  young  plants  was  carefully 
described,  as  well  as  watering,  ventilation,  shading.  &c. 
Insect  pests  were  referred  to,  and  the  best  methods  of 
destroying  them  were  given. 


SCHEDULES     RECEIVED. 


Perpetual-Flowering  Carnation  Society's  sixth  exhibi- 
tion, to  be  held  in  the  Royal  Horticultural  Hall,  West- 
minster, on  Wednesday,  March  24.  Show  superintendent, 
Mr.  E.  F.  Hawes,  Royal  Botanic  Gardens,  Regent's  Park, 
London. 

Royal  Caledonian  Horticultural  Society's  spring  flower 
f  how,  to  be  held  on  April  7  and  8,  and  centenary  exhibition 
en  September  8  and  9.  Both  shows  will  be  held  in  the 
Waverley  Market,  Edinburgh.  Secretary,  Donald  Mackenzie, 
23,  Rutland  Square,  Edinburgh. 

Durham,  Northumberland,  and  Newcastle-on-Tyne 
Botanical  and  Horticultural  Society's  summer  show,  to 
be  held  in  the  Recreation  Ground,  North  Road,  Newcastle- 
on-Tyne,  on  Wednesday,  Thursday,  and  Friday,  July  28.  29, 
30.  Secretary,  Mr.  J.  Wilfrid  Pace,  Emerson  Chamber, 
Blackett  Street,  Newcastle, 

Foyal  Ulster  Agricultural  Society's  horticultural  show, 
to  be  held  on  the  society's  premises,  Balmoral,  Belfast,  on 
Thursday  and  Friday,  July  22,  23.  Secretary,  Mr.  Kenneth 
MacRae,  Balmoral,  Belfast. 

Clevedon  Horticultural  Society's  33rd  annual  flower 
show,  to  be  held  on  Tuesday  and  Wednesday,  August 
3  and  4,  in  the  Clevedon  Hall  Paddock  ;  also  Clevedon  Chry- 
santhemum show,  to  be  held  in  the  Public  Hall,  Clevedon, 
on  Tuesday  and  Wednesday,  November  9  and  10.  Hon. 
secretary,  Mr.  Frank  Leckington,  Branch  Hill,  Clevedon. 

Huntingdonshire  Daffodil  and  Spring  Flower  Society's 

show,    to   be   held  en  Tuesday,    April  27.     Hon.  secretary, 
Miss  L.  L.  Linton,  Stirtloe  House,  Buckden,  Huntingdon. 

Sandiway  and  District  Horticultural  Society's  fourth 
annual  exhibition,  to  be  held  at  Sandiway,  on  Monday, 
August  2;  Hon.  secretary,  Mr.  W.  May,  Sandiway  Lodge 
Gardens,  near  Norlbwich. 


Alpine  Plants  from  Italy  or  Naples  :  F.  S. 
It  is  not  advisable  to  send  them  by  rail,  be- 
cause, the  freight  is  considerable,  and 
much  damage  is  done  to  plants  at  the 
various  depots  on  the  frontiers,  where  they 
may  be  overhauled.  The  journey  by  rail 
occupies  about  46  hours.  Your  better  plan  is 
to  consign  them  from  Naples  by  steamer.  As- 
certain from  the  London  agents  the  date  of 
call,  and  have  them  ready  for  shipment  direct 
to  England.  Packed  tightly  in  boxes,  with 
plenty  of  soil  and  moss  about  their  roots, 
they  should  travel  safely,  but  the  safest  way 
to  send  them  is  in  Wardian  cases. 

Bottling  Peas  :  C.  C.  To  bottle  green  Peas, 
shell  the  Peas,  put  them  into  dry,  wide- 
mouthed  bottles  and  shake  them  together  so 
that  they  may  lie  in  as  little  space  as  pos- 
sible. Cork  the  bottles  closely  and  seal  the 
corks.  Bury  the  bottles  in  the  dryest  part  of 
the  garden  and  take  them  up  as  they  are 
wanted.  They  ought  to  keep  good  for  some 
months.  Or,  try  this  recipe.  Choose  Peas 
which  are  large  and  fully  grown,  though  not 
old.  Put  them  into  perfectly  dry,  wide-mouthed 
bottles;  shake  them  down,  cork  securely, 
and  cover  the  cork  with  bladder.  Tie  a  wisp 
of  hay  round  the  lower  part  of  the  bottles 
to  prevent  their  knocking  against  each  other 
in  the  pan,  put  them  side  by  side  in  a  large 
saucepan,  and  pour  into  it  as  much  cold  water 
as  will  reach  the  necks  of  the  bottles.  Put 
the  saucepan  on  the  fire,  and  let  the  bottles 
remain  standing  for  two  hours  after  it  has 
reached  boiling  point,  then  take  the  saucepan 
off,  but  do  not  remove  the  bottles  until  the 
water  is  cold.  Seal  the  corks  and  stoie  in  a 
cool,  dry  place. 

Carnations:  //.  W.,  Sussex.  The  plants  are 
infested  with  rust  disease — Puccinia  Arenarise. 
Spray  them  with  a  rose-red  solution  of  per- 
manganate of  potash. 

Cyclamen  :  W.  L.  The  plants  are  attacked  by 
a  mite  similar  to  that  which  infests  Begonias 
and  Gloxinias.  Dip  the  foliage  in  tobacco- 
water,  repeating  the  operation  at  intervals. 

Flowering  Shrubs  in  Winter  :  D.  M.  You 
will  find  all  the  information  you  require  in 
the  article  by  Mr.  Osborne,  on  "  Hardy  Trees 
and  Shrubs  Suitable  for  Forcing,"  published 
in  the  Gardeners'  Chronicle.  December  12,  19, 
and  26,  1903. 

Hyacinth  'Bulb  Rotten  :  H.  &•  S.  The  in- 
terior of  the  bulb  is  full  of  a  bacterial  rot. 
The  bacteria  may  have  been  present  in  the 
bulb  from  last  season,  or  may  have  entered 
from  the  soil  when  planted  last  autumn, 
through  some  bruised   spot. 

Ivy-leaved  Pelargoniums:  /.  /?.  and  H.  S. 
There  is  no  disease  present  in  the  shoots.  The 
injury  has  been  caused  by  some  insect-pest 
such  as  green-fly  or  red-spider. 

Manure  for  Potatos  :  Sussex.  You  may  use 
the  manures  you  mention,  but  it  would  be  ad- 
visable to  supplement  them  with  a  manure 
containing  potash.  A  good  stimulant  for 
Potatos  is  composed  of  superphosphate  two 
parts,  and  one  part  each  of  sulphate  of  am- 
monia and  sulphate  of  potash.  The  compound 
should  be  applied  at  the  rate  of  about  10  cwt. 
per  acre. 

Names  of  Flowers,  Fruits  and  Plants. — We 
ate  anxious  to  oblige  correspondents  as  far  as 
we  consistently  can,  but  they  must  bear  in 
mind  that  it  is  no  part  of  our  duty  to  our 
subscribers  to  name  either  flowers  or  fruits. 
Such  work  entails  considerable  outlay,  both  of 
time  and  money,  and  cannot  be  allowed  to  dis- 
organise the  preparations  for  the  weekly  issue,  or  to 
encroach  upon  time  requited  for  the  conduct  of  the 
paper.  Correspondents  should  never  send  more 
than  six  plants  or  fruits  at  one  time  :  they  should  be 
very  careful  to  pack  and  label  them  properly,  to  give 
every  infoi  mation  as  to  the  county  the  fruits  are 
grown  in,  and  to  send  ripe,  or  nearly  ripe,  specimens 
which  show  the  character  of  the  variety.  By 
neglecting  these  precautions  correspondents  add 
greatly  to  our  labour,  and  run  the  risk  of 
delay  and  incorrect  determinations.  Correspondents 
not  answered  in  eve  issve  are  requested  to 
be   so   good   os   to   consult   the   following   numbers. 

Fruits:  C,  Piterloro.  The  Apple  you  have 
sent  us  is  a  \ery  fine  specimen.  We  have 
compared  it  with  the  variety  Annie  Elizabeth 
and  fail  to  find  the  least  difference  between  them. 
The  description  of  this  variety  in  the  Fruit 
Manual  exactly  fits  your  fruit. 


Plants:  F.  K.  1,  Ccelia  Baueriana.;  2,  Epi- 
dendrum  vitellinum ;  3,  Laelia  harpophylla; 
4,  Pleurothallis  Barbcriana. — F.  C.  P.  1, 
Bulbophyllum  cupreum  ;  2  and  3,  B.  Pechei. — 
Filices.  1,  Pleris  umbrosa;  2,  P.  cretica ;  3,  P. 
serrulata  cristata;  4,  P.  serrulata ;  5,  Adiantum 
Capillus-veneris. — A.J.  W.  Saccolabium  gigan- 
teum. — Anxious.  Schaueria  calicotricha. — 
J.  M.  S.  Schaueria  calicotricha  (syn.  Justicia 
flavicoma). 

Nectarine  Lord  Napier:  Anxi.ms.  The  failure 
of  the  trees  to  produce  flowers  cannot  be  at- 
tributed to  early  forcing,  as  the  flower  buds 
are  formed  in  the  autumn  of  the  previous  year. 
The  trouble  may  be  due  to  the  wood  being 
insufficiently  ripened  last  autumn.  The 
damaging  of  the  foliage  by  soot  in  August 
may  have  been  the  cause,  as  this  would  en- 
tail a  check  to  the  tree  at  the  time  the  foliage 
Was  about  to  put  into  the  stem  and  buds 
much  reserve  food.  Other  reasons  for  non- 
flowering  may  be  advanced,  such  as  a  too 
vigorous  development  of  wood  growth,  indi- 
cating the  need  for  root  pruning,  or  an  un- 
satisfactory rooting  medium. 

Plants  for  a  Window-box  in  London  :  B.  S. 
In  addition  to  the  plants  you  mention,  you  can 
use  Marguerites,  Fuchsias,  Begonias — both 
the  semperflorens  and  the  tuberous-rooting 
kinds ;  Nasturtiums,  Campanulas  (especi- 
ally the  varieties  of  C.  isophylla),  Petunias, 
Heliotropium,  Mimulus  (Musk),  Ericas  and 
Sedums.  The  small  polyantha  Roses  of  the 
Mme.  N.  Levavasseur  type  are  very  pleasing 
for  this  kind  of  gardening.  The  front  of  the 
box  should  be  draped  with  Lobelia,  Zebrina, 
Lysimachia  Num-nrularia  (Creeping  Jenny)  or 
similar  plants.  We  have  also  noticed  Aspara- 
gus Sprengeri  doing  well  in  London  window- 
boxes. 

Potatos  with  Scabbed  Skins  :  S.  cV  Co.  There 
is  no  disease  present  in  the  tubers.  The  injury 
is  due  to  some  mechanical  irritant  in  the  soil, 
such  as  would  be  caused  by  ashes  in  the 
manure,  or  sand. 

Recreation  Ground  :  //.  A\  G.  To  keep  the 
recreation  ground  in  first-class  order  would 
take  five  men.  If  the  paths  are  made  of  gravel 
they  will  require  frequent  and  constant  atten- 
tion. The  area  of  the  ground  does  not  allow 
of  much  being  devoted  to  sports,  therefore 
all  the  Grass  plots  will  require  frequent  mow- 
ings, and  the  verges  to  the  paths  and  beds  will 
need  to  be  kept  in  a  neat  condition.  The 
beds  and  borders  will  require  considerable 
work  to  maintain  them  in  a  proper  condition, 
and,  if  the  district  is  a  populous  one  and 
there  are  many  children,  some  time  of  each 
day  will  be  taken  up  in  keeping  order  and 
clearing  up  waste  paper  and  other  refuse. 
Recreation  grounds  are  usually  open  seven 
days  in  each  week,  and  they  are  allowed  to 
remain  open  each  day  from  early  morning  until 
sunset,  which  far  exceeds  an  ordinary  working 
day.  In  calculating  the  strength  required 
therefore,  all  such  details  are  taken  in  con- 
sideration. 

Tulips  Failing  to  Flower  :  Gardener.  The 
failure  of  your  bulbs  to  flower  is  ■  probably 
due  to  one  of  two  causes  ;  either  the  bulbs  were 
not  sufficiently  matured  last  autumn,  or  they 
were  started   in   too  much  warmth. 

Violets  :  T.  V.  The  plants  are  attacked  by  a 
fungus — Cercospora  viola;.  Burn  the  affected 
plants  and  spray  the  others  with  dilute  Bor- 
deaux mixture.  Do  not  plant  Violets  in  the 
same  soil  for  several  seasons. 

Winter-dressing  for  Vines  :  E.  G.  The  loose 
bark  should  be  first  removed  from  the  rods, 
and  especially  about  the  neighbourhood  of  the 
spurs.  Afterwards  coat  the  vines  with  the 
following  mixture  :  Coal  tar  one  part  and  clay 
six  parts  ;  dry  the  clay  so  that  it  will  readily 
pass  through  a  fine  sieve.  Work  the  clay  and 
tar  thoroughly  together,  adding  sufficient  boil- 
ing water  to  make  the  mixture  of  the  con- 
sistency of  paint.  In  applying  the  prepara- 
tion avoid  coating  the  buds.  Keep  the  mixture 
well  stirred  during  the  process  of  application. 

Communications  Received.— C.  C  (thanks  for  six  stamps^ 
which  have  been  placed  in  the  R.G.O.F.  box.) — H.  I.  W. — 
W.  E.  B.-H.  R.  G— G.  H.— F.  C.— S.  M.  C— F.  W.— 
P.  A.— L.  F.— T.  S.— W.  B.-J.  D.  G.— T.  L.— E.  W.  B.— 
H.  M.  V.— J.  R.  J.— A.  H.-A.  D.— F.  W.  S.— W.  W.-K. 
— H.,  Darmstadt-F.  W.  C.-C.  F.-Miss  M,  R.— J.  C.— 
Linnean  Soc— S.  S.— C.  H.  S.— J.  G.  (photograph)— Nemo 
— P.  Aquatias— G.  T. 


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March  13,  1909.] 


THE     GARDENERS'      CHRONICLE. 


161 


THE 


#itrbcncrs'CbronicIc 

No.  1,759.— SATURDAY,  March   73,   7909. 


Alpine  garden,  the— 
Saxifraga  Dr.  Ramsay 
Tenormin  pyrenaicum 

American  notes — 

Antirrhinums 

Carnations      

Orchid     show     at 
Boston  

Berry,  a  new  hybrid     ... 

Books,  notices  of  — 
Botanical  Magazine 
Darwin-Wallace  Cele- 
bration   

Lawns   

Nature  Study  „ 
Plants  and  their  Ways 
Publications  received 

Budd,  Mr.  W.(  retire- 
ment of 

Cabbages  and  the   frost 

Daffodil  classification, 
the  new... 

Dahlia  trials,  forth- 
coming   

Dynevor  Castle... 

Forcing  by  cloches 

Frost  at  Monmouth 

Fruit  growing  for  mar 
ket,  notes  on 

Fruit  register — 

Lain  dessert  Apples 

Fruit  trees,  the  training 
of 

Horse  Guards'  Parade, 
suggested  improve- 
ment of  the     

Imperial  training  in  hor- 
ticulture   

Ljelio  -  Cattleya  Lustre 
gigantea  


CONTENTS 

Law  notes — 

Repair  of  nurseries  ... 
Mushroom  disease 
Nitro-Bacterine,  inocula- 
tion with  

Orchid  hybrids,  the 
naming  of  multi- 
generic  

Orchid  notes  and  glean- 
ings— 
Cattleya  Trianae  Cour- 

tauldiana      

Plants,    new    or    note- 
worthy— 
A  new  genus  of  Cacta- 

ceae     ...        

Lomatia  obliqua 
Rosary,  the— 

Notes  on  pruning 
Snow,  glasshouses   de- 
stroyed by      

Societies — 
French    Horticultural 

Traders'       

Kingston    Gardeners' 

Royal  Horticultural ... 

Scottish  Horticultural 

United     Horticultural 

Benefit  &  Provident 

Week's  work,  the  — 

Flower  garden,  the  ... 

Fruits  under  glass    ... 

Hardy  fruit  garden   ... 

169        Kitchen  garden,  the 

Orchid  houses,  the 
108        Plants  under  glass 

Public  parks  and  gar 
163  dens 


166 
166 

168 

it,,  i 

163 
172 

169 

161 

L69 
HI 

161 
169 

169 
171 

170 

169 
165 
164 

171 

161 
163 

172 


ILLUSTRATIONS. 

Bottle  for  preserving  Grapes,  an  improved         

Cerens  giganteus  growing  in  Arizona        

Cloches,  arrangement  of,  in  forcing  Lettuces     

Dynevor  Castle,  Carmarthenshire 

Laelio-Cattleya  Lustre  gigantea  (Supplementary  Illus- 
tration) 

Nursery  glasshouses  destroyed  by  snowstorm 

Odoutioda  Bradshawias,  Cookson's  variety  


170 
176 

172 
171 

16.1 


162 
162 


163 

171 


175 
175 
172 
175 


166 
167 
166 
166 
167 
167 


175 
162 
164 
165 


171 
174 


A  MARKET    FRUIT    GROWER'S 
YEAR. 

FEBRUARY  of  the  present  year  has  been 
remarkable  alike  for  dryness,  extraor- 
dinary abundance  of  bright  sunshine, 
and  the  occurrence  of  frost  nearly  every 
night.  At  my  own  station  less  than  a  quarter 
of  an  inch  of  rain  has  been  registered.  The 
frosts,  for  the  most  part,  have  been  slight  or 
moderate,  but  approaching  the  severe  type 
in  the  last  week.  Even  the  slight  frosts, 
however,  have  sufficed  to  render  the  ground 
•  hard  nearly  every  morning,  until  thawed  by 
the  sun's  rays. 

The  persistence  of  night  frosts  must  be  re- 
garded as  highly  propitious  to  the  outlook 
for  the  fruit  crops,  as  they,  probably  as- 
sisted by  the  dryness  of  the  soil,  have  su 
effectually  checked  the  development  of  buds 
on  all  kinds  of  fruit  trees  and  bushes  that 
these,  being  much  more  backward  than  usual, 
are  the  less  likely  to  suffer  damage  from  late 
frosts.  With  respect  to  Gooseberries  and 
Plums,  this  backwardness  is  also  a  safe- 
guard against  bud-eating  by  birds,  as,  when 
the  buds  are  late  in  swelling,  there  is  more 
food  of  other  kinds  available  for  these 
feathered  destroyers.  Long  before  this  stage 
last    season,    nearly   all  the    buds    of   choice 


varieties  of  Plums  in  my  home  orchard 
had  been  picked  off,  and  Gooseberry 
buds,  also  near  the  homestead,  had  been  at- 
tacked, necessitating  spraying  to  protect 
them.  At  present  not  a  bud  has  been  taken 
off  a  Gooseberry  bush,  so  far  as  has  been 
noticed  in  many  inspections,  and  only  a  few- 
Plum  buds  from  two  trees  close  to  the  sleep- 
ing quarters  of  a  great  number  of  sparrows. 
A  year  ago  the  pruning  of  Gooseberry 
bushes,  always  deferred  until  the  buds  are 
on  the  point  of  bursting,  was  in  full  swing, 
but  this  season  it  has  not  yet  commenced. 
Apart  from  the  fact  that  birds  cannot  disbud 
the  bushes  so  easily  before  pruning  as  after 
that  operation  is  done,  the  work  can  be  car- 
ried out  best  when  any  damage  of  this  kind 
has  been  completed,  as  then,  and  not  before, 
disbudded  portions  of  shoots  can  be  trimmed 
off. 

With  respect  to  one  Gooseberry  plantation, 
there  is  a  special  reason  this  season  for  late 
pruning.  Last  year  a  great  many  of  the 
bushes  were  badly  attacked  by  the  fungus 
Botrvtis,  which  caused  the  leaves  to  turn 
while  at  the  tips  and  die  prematurely,  result- 
ing in  the  berries  developing  merely  to  half 
size.  Some  of  these  diseased  bushes  are  now 
dead,  and  portions  of  others.  What  to  cut 
away,  therefore,  cannot  be  seen  easily  until 
the  healthy  buds  have  swollen  almost  to  the 
point  of  btirsting.  The  bushes  in  this  field 
had  borne  great  crops  since  they  were 
planted  in  the  autumn  of  1902,  or,  at  least, 
from  1904  onwards,  and,  in  spite  of  artificial 
manuring  two  or  three  limes,  some  "I  them 
have  apparently  been  injured  by  the  strain  by 
cropping.  They  were  heavily  manured  in 
January  with  kainit  and  basic  slay,  and  will 
be  given  two  dressings  of  nitrate  of  soda  later 
in  the  season  in  the  hope  that  their  vigour 
may  be  restored.  It  is  worth  notice  that  on 
the  experimental  plots  at  Hadlow,  Kent,  man- 
aged bv  Dr.  Dyer  and  Mr.  Shrivell,  Goose- 
berrv  bushes  that  have  never  had  any  potash 
supplied  to  them,  like  those  on  adjoining 
plots  which  had  received  potassic  manures, 
were  found  last  summer  to  be  badly  affected 
with  Botrvtis. 

The  principal  kinds  of  work  carried  on  in 
February  have  been  the  forking  over  of  fruit 
and  nursery  stock  plantations,  the  planting 
of  fruit  stocks  for  grafting  or  budding,  the 
pruning  of  Apples  and  Plums,  and  the  winter 
spraying  of  Apples  and  a  few  choice  Plums. 
With  respect  to  the  first-named  operation,  it 
may  be  said  that,  in  consequence  of  repeated  • 
hoeings  having  been  rendered  almost  useless 
by  the  frequent  rainfall  of  last  spring  and 
summer,  the  plantations  were  more  thickly 
covered  with  weeds,  chiefly  Grass,  than  in  any 
previous  year.  The  oldest  Apple  plantation, 
indeed,  resembled  a  meadow  by  the  end  of  the 
autumn,  and  does  so  still,  for,  as  the  Black 
Currants  have  been  dug  out  of  it,  and  the 
trees  are  sufficiently  mature,  it  is  to  be  left  in 
•  ir.iss,  which  will  be  cut  twice  in  the  season, 
and  left  to  rot  and  form  a  mulch  on  the 
ground.  As  the  trees  have  grown  out  too 
much  for  horse  cultivation,  and  it  would  cost 
at  least  £$  an  acre  to  have  the  land  dug 
and  hoed  sufficiently  to  keep  it  free  from 
weeds,  a  trial  of  the  effect  of  leaving  it  in 
Grass,  to  save  expense,  is  to  be  made.  The 
soil  of  this  field,  it  may  be  explained,  is  of 
so  fine  a  texture  that  -even  a  slight  shower 
after  hoeing  is  sufficient  to  set  weeds  chopped 


up  growing  afresh.  This  accounts  for  the 
great  expense  necessary  to  keep  it  clean, 
which,  indeed,  is  almost  impossible  in  a 
showery  season.  Possibly  White  Clover  will 
be  sown  on  the  land,  and  at  any  rate,  manures 
calculated  to  cause  indigenous  Clovers  to 
grow  have  been,  and  will  hereafter  be,  sown, 
while  farmyard  manure  will  be  placed  around 
the  trees  in  some  seasons. 

The  most  distressing  work  of  the  month 
has  been  the  necessary  treatment  oi  King  >>f 
tin-  Pippins  and  Potts 's  Seedling  Apples,  both 
badly  cankered,  in  spite  of  their  having  had 
cankered  spots  cut  out  and  tarred  from  the 
first  appearance  of  the  disease,  and  badly- 
affected  branches  cut  off  and  burned  later. 
B}  persistent  treatment  Potts's  Seedling  has 
been  greatly  improved,  but  King  of  the  Pip- 
pins is  hopeless,  as  the  canker  breaks  out  at 
intervals  right  up  the  branches,  and  on  young 
shoots  and  fruit  spurs.  Some  of  the  trees 
have  been  cut  nearly  to  the  ground  for  graft- 
ing, and  III  .-i'  least  affected  have  had  Plums 
planted  between  them,  so  that  they  ma\  be 
ting  ,up  in  a  season  or  two.  Neither  oi  these 
two  varieties  should  ever  be  recommended  to 
market  growers,  although  they  are  to  be  seen 
in  most  selected  lists  of  varieties.  There 
are  90  of  one  variel  v  and  120  of  the  other,  very 
fine  trees  apart  from  the  pestilent  malady 
from  which  they  suffer. 

The  winter  wash   US<  d  emis'ists  of  20  lbs.  of 

freshly-burned  quicklime,  20  His., if  flowers  of 
sulphur,  and  [2  lbs.  of  caustic  p<ita^h  In  on. 
gallons  hi  water.  The  sul; ih in  is  first  beaten  up 
well  into  a  -lill  paste  to  mash  all  the  lumps, 
and  then  diluted  and  poured  over  the  lime, 
su  that  the  former  will  be  boiled  by  the  slak- 
ing action  cf  the  kilter.  After  being  well 
stirred,  the  mix  tun  is  1  ivi  red  with  sacks  for 
half  an  hour,  and  then  well  stirred  again. 
When  the  boiling  action  is  nearly  finished 
the  caustic  potash  is  added  and  well  stirred 
in,  causing  a  fresh  boiling  a<  lion.  Sufficiently 
diluted,  this  mixture  is  strained  into  a  water 
barrel,  and  made  up  to  100  gallons  for  con- 
veyance to  the  tubs  in  the  plantation  that  is 
to  be  sprayed.  This  wash,  applii  d  very 
freely,  so  as  to  cover  trunks  and  branches 
completely,  has  been  used  for  Apples,  and  will 
be  used  shortly  for  Gooseberries,  without  the 
caustic  potash,  which  might  do  damage  to 
well-swollen  buds.  It  has  been  used  twice  on 
choice  Plums,  which  now  look  as  if  they  had 
been  thickly  white-washed,  the  object  being 
that  of  preventing  birds  From  n  peating  the 
destruction  they  worked  last  season.  This 
wash  is  supposed  to  have  some  effect  in  pre- 
venting scab,  even  when  applied  to  dormant 
trees.  For  this  purpose  copper  sulphate 
alone,  4  lbs.  to  too  gallons,  is  better,  and  this 
has  been  applied  to  young  Apple  trees  liable 
to  scab,  particularly  Cox's  Orange,  which 
showed  scab  on  the  wood  to  some  extent, 
though  young  shoots  thus  affected  were  cut 
off  and  burned.  But  for  comparatively  old 
trees  the  mixture  named  above  is  preferred, 
because  it  cleanses  the  trees  of  Moss  and 
Lichen,  and  possibly  does  a  little  good  in  de- 
stroying hibernating  insects  and  eggs.  Both 
washes,  of  course,  are  to  be  used  only  on  dor- 
mant trees,  but  lime  and  sulphur,  without  Ht 
caustic  potash,  have  been  applied  successfully 
to  Peaches  and  Apples  in  foliage  in  two  sea- 
sons bv  the  Bureau  of  Plant  Industry  in  trie 
United  States.  .4  Southern  Grower,  Febru- 
ary 28. 


IG2 


THE     GARDENERS'    CHRONICLE. 


[March  13,  1909. 


NEW  OR  NOTEWORTHY 
PLANTS. 


A 
This 


NEW  GENUS  OF  CACTACE^E. 
the  title   of   a  joint   paper   by 


is  the  title  ot  a  joint  paper  Dy  Drs. 
N.  L.  Britton  and  J.  N.  Rose  in  the  Journal  of 
the  New  York  Botanical  Garden,  vol.  ix.,  pp. 
183—188,  plates  48—51.  The  paper,  which  is 
most  interesting,  is  illustrative  and  descrip- 
tive of  the  home  of  the  plant  hitherto 
known  as  Cereus  giganteus,  therein  described 
as  a  new  genus  under  the  name  of  Carnegiea 
gigantea.  Whether  this  change  will  meet  with 
general  acceptance  is  doubtful,  especially  as  the 
authors  do  not  indicate  the  characters  upon 
which  their  genus  is  based.  Without  differen- 
tial descriptions  it  is  impossible  for  anybody  ex- 
cept an  expert  to  form  an  opinion.  Few 
botanists  possess  so  wide  a  knowledge  of  the 
North  American  flora  as  the  gentlemen  respon- 
sible for  this  change,  and  fewer  still,  perhaps, 
take  so  restricted  a  view  of  generic  limits,  judg- 
ing from  their  treatment  of  the  species  formerly 
refer.ied  to  the  genera  Sedum  and  Cotyledon. 
The  Cactus  in  question  is  one  of  the  most  in- 
teresiing  of  the  family,  and  some  particulars 
of  it,  with  a  landscape  in  which  it  appears  as 
the  most  conspicuous  feature,  are  to  be  found 
in  this  journal,  vol.  xx.,  1883,  p.  264,  the  illus- 
tration being  now  reproduced  at  fig.  69.  Later, 
in  1890,  Kew  imported  a  stem,  which  on 
its  arrival  had  no  roots  and  weighed  12  hun- 
dredweight. This  flowered  in  July,  1891,  when 
the  stem  was  14  feet  high,  and  it  was  figured 
in   the  Botanical  Magazine,  t.   7222. 

According  to  Britton  and  Rose,  Cereus  gigan- 
teus, as  we  shall  continue  to  call  it  for  the 
present,  known  in  its  home  by  the  name 
Sahuaro,  is  the  most  remarkable  and  strik- 
ing plant  in  the  desert  vegetation  of  the 
Sou'/h-West.  It  grows  on  hillsides  in  Southern 
Arizona  and  South-eastern  California,  and 
Northern  and  Central  Sonora,  sometimes  reach- 
ing a  height  of  60  feet,  branching  at  from  12 
to  20  feet  above  the  ground.  Carnegiea  is  dedi- 
cated to  Mr.  Andrew  Carnegie,  the  founder  of 
the  Carnegie  Institution  of  Washington,  which 
possesses  a  laboratory  at  Tucson,  Arizona,  "  sur- 
rounded by  typical 
specimens  of  this 
unique  plant." 

Dr.  Britton  de- 
scribes (Studies  of 
West  Indian  Plants, 
No.  2,  p.  561)  an- 
other new  genus  of 
Cactacese,  under  the 
name  Harrisia,  in 
honour  of  William 
Harris,  superinten- 
dent of  Public  Gar- 
dens and  Planta- 
tions of  Jamaica.  To 
this  he  refers  the 
old  Cereus  erio- 
phorus,  C.  gracilis 
and  C.  undatus,  to- 
gether with  five  new 
species  In  this  in- 
stance, again,  the 
essential  characters 
of  the  genus  are  not 
indicated,  although 
doubtless  embodied 
in  the  description. 
They  are  night- 
flowering  Cacti,  with 
slender,  erect, 
cylindric  stems  bear- 
ing fluted  branches. 
Plates  22  and  23  c  f 
Pfeiffer  and  Otto's 
Abbildungen  und  Bes- 
chreibungen  Blue- 
hinder  Cacteen  repie- 
sent  two  of  the  spe- 
cies of  this  propoed 
new  genus.  W.  B.  H. 


L 


LOMATIA  OBLIQUA. 
Among  the  seeds  collected  in  Chili  in  1902 
and  brought  home  by  Mr.  H.  J.  Elwes  were 
some  of  a  Proteaeeous  plant  which  he  gave  to 
Kew,  where  plants  were  raised  from  them. 
They  were  at  fbst  thought  to  be  a  strange  species 
of  Embothrium,  but  subsequent  comparison 
with  dried  specimens  in  the  herbarium  proved 
their  identity  with  Lomatia  obliqua — a  common 
shrub  in  Chili,  Peru,  &c.  Mr.  Elwes  found  the 
plant  between  Quilon  and  Junin,  at  an  altitude 
of   from   3,000  to   4,000 

feet.      Its   flowers   were  __=^= 

collected  in  the  valleys  -Jg-J 

of   the    Andes    in    Chili  . '~      - 

by   Bridges,    who   noted  / 

it  as  being  from  10  to 
20  feet  high ;  he  also 
found  it  in  Valdivia 
and  Chiloe,  where  it  is 
known  as  "  Raral,"  and 
grows  from  20  to  40  feet 
high.  Hartweg  found 
this  species  in  abun- 
dance between  Cunebu 
and  Lima,  in  Peru, 
where  it  forms  a  small 
tree,  known  as 
"  Garoo,"  and  is  ap- 
preciated for  the  varie- 
gated appearance  of  its 
wood  when  polished. 
At  high  elevations  it  is 
a  shrub  6  feet  or 
so  high,  with  short 
branches  and  small 
leaves.  Some  of  the 
plants  raised  at  Kew 
were  distributed,  and  a 
few  were  planted  in  a 
border  outside  the  tem- 
perate house.  Here  they 
have  grown  well,  the 
largest  being  now  a 
sturdy  bush  over  6  feet 
high,  with  erect 
branches  crowded  with 
perfectly  health}'  leaves, 
notwithstanding  the  try- 


ing character  of  the  weather  this  winter,  which 
has  injured  many  plants  known  as  hardy.  We 
may,  therefore,  assume  that  this  Lomatia  is 
sufficiently  hardy  to  be  grown  outside  in  the 
warmer  parts  of  the  British  Islands,  and  as  such 
it  is  a  really  interesting  addition  to  hardy  ever- 
greens. It  has  the  habit  of  Embothrium  cocci- 
neum,  but  the  branches  are  sturdier ;  the.  stout, 
leathery,  smooth,  bright  green  leaves  are  dis- 
tinctly ovate,  with  crenate  margins,  the  largest 
being  4  inches  by  2h  inches,  the  smallest  only 


FlG.    69.  — CEREUS    GIGANTEUS    GROWING    IN    ARIZONA. 


March  13,  1909.] 


THE     GA  R  D  ENER  S'     CH  R  O  N I CL  E. 


103 


about  one-fourth  that  size ;  the  petioles  are 
joloured  brown.  Flowers  have  not  yet  been  pro- 
duced by  cultivated  plants,  but  judging  by  her- 
.barium  specimens  they  are  ol  the  same  charac- 
ter as  those  of  the  cultivated  Lomatias  of  which 
L.  ferruginea,  also  Chilian,  is  by  far  the  best. 
This  has  decompound  leaves  and  racemes  of 
bright  red  flowers.  It  is  best  known  through 
the  grand  example  at  Castlewellan,  where  it  has 
proved  not  only  a  handsome,  hardy  evergreen, 
but.  also  a  beautiful  summer-flcwering  shrub. 
This  species  may  be  quite  as  hardy  in  England 
as  L.  obhqua,  but,  so  far  as  I  know,  it  is  grown 
only  as  a  greenhouse  plant.     W.  II'. 


ORCHID    NOTES    AND    GLEANINGS. 


FRUIT    REGISTER. 


LATE    DFSSERT    APPLES. 

It  was  somewhat  of  a  surprise  to  find  at  the 
competition  for  dessert  Apples  at  the  Royal 
Horticultural  Society's  meeting  on  February  23 
that  such  autumn  and  early-winter  varieties  as 
.('ox's  Orange  Pippin,  King  of  the  Pippins,  and 
Baumann's  Red  Remette  were  exhibited  as 
dessert  Apples.  Certainly  the  conditions  of  the 
schedule  left  the  season  of  any  variety  quite 
open,  but  it  was  very  natural  that  competitors 
should  assume  that  preference  at  this  late  period 
of  the  winter  would  be  given  to  the  latest- 
maturing  Apples,  and  it  may  be  imagined  that 
the  particular  competition  was  instituted  speci- 
ally for  such  varieties.  It  is  expressly  laid 
down  as  one  of  the  conditions  governing  these 
competitions  on  page  37  of  the  Society's  Book 
o]  Arrangements  that  "in  all  cases  flavour  and 
quality  will  have  the  chief  consideration,  and 
judges  will  have  the  option  of  tasting."  In 
the  case  in  queslion  not  one  of  the  fruits  was 
tasted  for  flavour  or  quality,  the  judges  doubt- 
less demurring  to  taste  as  many  as  48  fruits. 
But  it  may  well  be  asked  how  could  flavour 
and  quality  be  tested  except  by  tasting  ?  The 
way  out  evidently  was  to  ignore  flavour  and  con- 
sider only  colour  and  appearance  ;  hence,  early- 
winter-maturing  Apples  having  bright  colour 
and,  therefore,  more  pleasing  appearance,  were 
placed  before  varieties  that  are  reputably  of  the 
highest  excellence  in  late  winter,  though  not 
high  coloured  or  of  such  attractive  appearance. 

In  the  first  prize  collection  of  six  dishes  from 
trade  growers  there  were  such  late  dessert 
Apples  as  Sturmer  Pippin,  Northern  Spy,  Dutch 
Mignonne,  Lord  Hindlip,  Reinettt  de  Canada, 
and  King  of  Tompkins  County.  Not  one  of 
these  excellent  but  somewhat  sombre-coloured 
varieties  were  seen  in  the  two  prize  collections 
in  the  class  for  four  dishes.  Naturally,  such 
judgments  bother  competitors  very  much. 

Some  kind  of  consistency,  as  well  as  unani- 
mity of  decision,  is  badly  needed  in  judging 
dessert  Apples  in  late  winter.  Which  is  most  de- 
sirable, to  make  awards  to  varieties  ever  so 
highly  coloured  and  beautiful,  yet  much  past 
their  best,  or  to  others  less  coloured  or  beauti- 
ful,  but  full  of  crispness,  juiciness  and  flavour? 
That  is  a  point  which  it  seems  needful  to  satis- 
factorily determine.  I  do  not  complain  if 
judges  think  colour  and  beauty  the  dominating 
features  of  dessert  Apples.  It  is  a  question  of 
taste,  but  such  features  seem  more  to  befit 
an  Apple  competition  in  the  autumn  than  in 
late  winter,  when  table  excellence  should  be 
the  dominating  quality. 

The  late  competition  should  serve  to  bring 
out  the  keeping  qualities  of  Apples,  and  I  could 
wish  that  the  competition  might  be  repeated 
in  April  for  that  purpose.  Of  good  late 
keepers,  Adams's  Pearmain,  Sturmer  Pippin, 
Claygate  Pearmain,  Lord  Hindlip,  Boston  Pear- 
mam,  Brownlee's  Russet,  Cockle's  Pippin, 
Dutch  Mignonne,  Braddick's  Nonpareil,  Man- 
nington's  Pearmain,  King  of  Tompkins  Countv, 
Barnack  Beauty,  and  Scarlet  Nonpareil  make 
a  baker's  dozen  hard  to  beat.      i~> 


CATTLEYA  TRIAN^E  COURTAULDIANA. 
In  the  report  of  the  Ghent  Quinquennial  Show 
in  the  Gardeners'  Chronicle,  April  21,  1388,  is  the 
following  passage:  "Perhaps  the  greatest  in- 
terest centred  in  any  one  object  was  created  by  a 
cut  three-flowered  spike  of  a  grand  form  of  Cat- 
tleya  Trianse,  superb  in  form  and  size,  and  with 
the  additional  attraction  of  a  bright  crimson 
marbling  on  the  sepals,  and  a  similar  broad 
feather  of  crimson  spots  .up  the  wide  and  con- 
spicuous petals.  All  agreed  that  such  had  never 
arrived  before,  or  anything  like  it,  and  it  was 
suggested  to  call  it  C.  Triana?  var.  Court.uildiana, 
as  it  was  brought  from  that  gentleman's  collec- 
tion by  Mr.  O'  Brien." 

The  plant  which  flowered  in  the  collection  of 
the  late  Sydney  Courtauld,  Booking  Place,  Brain- 
tree,  for  the  first  time  on  the  occasion  cited,  gave 
flowers  perfectly  normal  in  every  respect,  and  yet 
it  seems  to  have  failed  to  produce  the  ornate 
crimson  spotting  afterwards,  or,  at  least,  there  is 
no  record  of  it.  At  the  present  time  it  is  in 
flower  in  the  Orchid  nurseries  of  Mr.  H.  A. 
Tracy,  Amyand  Park  Road,  Twickenham,  who 
obtained  a  very  small  plant  of  the  variety  at  the 
dispersal  of  the  Courtauld  collection.  The  flower 
is  of  fine  form  and  shape,  and  the  sepals  and 
petals  of  a  light"  rose-pink,  the  petals  show  mg 
a  disposition  to  produce  a  coloured  band,  but  in 
a  very  slight  degree.  The  lip  is  of  good  shape, 
the  front  being  purplish-crimson,  with  a  pale 
lilac,  crimped  margin,  and  some  broad  gold 
lines  from  the  base.  It  would  be  interesting  to 
know  whether  anyone  has  flowered  it  in  its 
original  form. 


AMERICAN    NOTES. 


ORCHID  SHOW  AT  BOSTUX. 
The  Massachusetts  Horticultural  Society  ex- 
pects to  have  a  good  Orchid  show  at  Boston 
in  May,  1910.  'Hie  Society  hopes  to  attract 
some,  at  least,  of  the  European  growers,  and 
offers  in  one  class  a  gold  medal  and  1,000  dol- 
lars in  cash  as  a  fiist  prize.  Many  other  large 
money  prizes  and  medals  are  offered.  Special 
attention  will  be  given  to  plants  of  rarity  and 
value,  as  well  as  trees  and  herbaceous  subjects 
likely  to  prove  hardy  in  the  Bay  State. 

CARNATIONS. 

Yellow  Carnations  are  not  as  popular  in  the 
United  States  as  in  England,  ana  although  this 
may  be  in  part  due  to  the  fact  that  there  are 
few  really  good  kinds  that  are  profitable  to 
grow  commercially  as  cut  flowers,  yet  the  fact 
remains  that  growers  generally  are  shy  of 
them.  The  new  variety,  J.  \\  hitcomb  Riley, 
was  well  shown  both  at  Chicago  and  at  the 
Indianapolis  Convention  of  the  American  Car- 
nation Society,  and  is  a  very  beautiful  flower, 
as  well  as  a  fine  grower  and  free  flowerer.  The 
raisers  are  said  to  have  received  an  offer  from 
a  British  firm  for  the  whole  of  the  stock,  in 
which  case  it  would  not,  of  course,  be  sent  out 
here.  More  than  one  piominent  grower  has 
told  the  writer  that  no  yellow  variety  will  ever 
be  taken  up  with  any  spirit  in  America. 

It  is  singular  that  the  gold  medal  of  the  above 
.Society  should  have  been  awarded  to  a  "  varie- 
gated "  variety,  as  the  flaked  kinds  are  called 
here,  for  such  sorts  are  not  really  popular. 
Bay  State,  the  variety  so  honoured,  is  a  bold 
flower,  and  will  doubtless  be  largely  grown. 
Pink  Carnations,  although  their  name  is  legion, 
are  not  in  many  cases  satisfactory.  There  is 
a  dullness  about  the  tints  that  is  not  pleasing, 
and  many  that  came  out  with  a  flourish  will 
be  discarded.  Rose  Pink  Enchantress  is  being 
thrown  out  in  one,  at  least,  of  the  very  largest 
of  the  Chicago  establishments,  and,  strange  as 
it  may  seem,  the  old  Mrs.  T.  W.  Lawson  is 
being  more  largely  planted  on  account  of  its 
fine  shipping  qualities   and   its  excellence   as   a 


mid-winter  bloomer.  Winona  is  very  highly 
spoken  of,  the  colour  being  clear  and  good. 
It  has  probably  come  to  stay.  In  red  flowers, 
Victory  seems  to  have  slightly  the  advantage 
over  Beacon.  Robt.  Craig  has  probably  seen  its 
best  days,  while  growers  are  buying  the  new 
O.   P.  Bassett  in  enormous  quantities. 

ANTIRRHINUM.- 
are  among  the  most  pleasing  of  the  spring 
flowers  offered  here  other  than  Roses,  Carna- 
tions, and  bulbous  stock.  Some  of  the  soft 
yellow  or  light  chrome  tints  of  pure  self  colour 
are  very  beautiful  now  among  the  earliest  ones, 
while  later  in  the  season  the  deep  reds  are 
popular.  The  plants  are  raised  from  seed  or 
cuttings  in  summer  and  autumn,  the  earliest 
being  benched  in  September  or  thereabouts, 
and,  as  these  frequently  come  in  at  a  time  when 
Roses  are  scarce,  they  prove  a  paying  crop,  as 
they  need  but  little  heat.     H.  R.  R. 


THE    ROSARY. 

NOTES  ON  PRUNING  ROSES. 
As  the  month  of  March  comes  round  one  of 
the  most  important  operations,  namely,  the  pro- 
per pruning  of  Roses,  has  to  he  undertaken. 
Never  be  in  too  great  a  hurry  to  commence  the 
work,  especially  in  the  case  of  newly-planted 
Roses.  By  pruning  too  early  the  result  is  thin, 
sickly  growths,  which  never  give  satisfaction. 
Whereas,  if  patience  is  exercised,  the  work  de- 
ferred till  the  sap  is  running  freely,  and  the 
shoots  pruned  to  plump,  healthy  eyes,  the  result 
is  blooms  nearly  as  early,  and,  given  other  pro- 
per attentions,  stout,  healthy  growths,  with  cor- 
respondingly fine  flowers.  Where  unable  to  make 
a  clean  cut  with  a  sharp  knife,  use  secateurs — 
those  with  a  drawing  action  of  the  blades  are 
the  best  for  the  purpose.  When  using  a  knife 
always  hold  the  plant  firmly  with  the  hand, 
otherwise  there  is  a  danger  of  loosening  the 
roots,  and  this  is  easily  done  in  the  case  of 
newly-planted  Roses.  Year  an  old  glove  on  the 
hand  that  is  not  used  for  the  knife.  Look  over 
the  plants  daily,  planning  where  the  knife  shall 
go,  and  at  the  same  time  rub  off  any  pushing 
buds  that  will  not  be  wanted.  Scratch  these  oft 
neatly  with  the  thumb-nail.  Whenever  on  cut- 
ting the  pith  appears  brown,  cut  lower  if  pos- 
sible to  where  the  pith  is  white.  Remove  alto- 
gether dead,  weak  and  overcrowded  shoot>  to 
the  base  from  where  they  start.  Speaking  gen- 
erally,  three  or  four  growths  are  quite  suffi- 
cient to  retain.  It  is  always  best  to  do  any 
necessary  thmning-out  in  October,  as  the  wood 
left  for  the  following  season  is  then  better  able 
to  ripen.  Each  year  one  can  generally  cut  away 
old  shoots  from  most  varieties  ;  try  and  discard 
all  wood  more  than  two  years  old,  thereby  mak- 
ing room  for  younger  shoots  from  the  base,  as 
by  this  means  the  youthfulness  of  the  plant  is 
maintained.  Always  cut  to  an  outward  bud, 
having  in  mind  at  the  same  time  the  future 
shape  of  the  plant.  Standards  may  be  pruned 
in  the  same  manner  as  dwarfs,  excepting  only 
that,  if  of  weak  growth,  they  may,  in  some 
cases,  be  cut  a  little  less  severely.  With  climb- 
ing and  rambling  Roses  it  is  best  to  get  rid 
of  as  much  old  wood  as  possible  in  October,  so 
that  now,  speaking  generally,  there  will  be  only 
a  little  dead  wood  to  remove  here  and  there. 
In  their  first  season  of  planting,  these  Roses 
should  be  cut  back  to  about  2  feet  from  the 
ground.  Newly-planted  dwarf  and  standard 
varieties  are  better  if  they  are  cut  back  to 
within  three  or  four  eyes  from  the  base  their 
first  season.  Any  that  are  planted  in  the  spring 
instead  of  autumn  should  be  pruned  before  being 
planted.  March  is  the  best  month  for  spring 
planting  of  Roses.  In  dealing  with  established 
plants,  shoots  must  still  be  cut  back  severely,  if 
exhibition  blooms  are  required.  For  ordinary 
garden  decoration  the  shoots  may  be  left  longer  ; 
for  forming  bushes  or  hedges,  still  longer ;  whilst 
for  furnishing  pergolas.    Dillars.     &c,,    thinning 


164 


THE     GARDENERS     CHRONICLE. 


[March  13    1909. 


and  removing  the  dead  wood,  also  old  wood 
where  it  can  be  spared,  is  all  that  is  necessary. 
Then  also  the  idiosyncrasies  of  ■  the  various 
sorts  have  to  be  considered,  and  as  it  would 
require  too  much  space  to  deal  fully  with  this 
question,  I  must  refer  readers  to  the  excellent 
work  published  by  the  National  Rose  Society 
entitled  Handbook  on  Pruning  Roses. 

Vigorous,  medium,  and  moderate  growers  of 
the  different  hybrids  and  species  all  need  differ- 
ent treatment.  For  example,  Pom-poms  only  re- 
quire their  old  flower-stems  removing  and  a 
little  thinning.  Tea  Roses,  which  should  be 
pruned  the  last  of  all— the  second  week  in  April 
being  quite  early  enough— are  often  damaged  by 
frost.  Any  injured  wood  must  be  cut  away  to 
where  the  shoot  is  sound  and  the  pith  white, 
the  more  vigorous  sorts,  except  where  the  wood 
is  damaged,  being  very  sparingly  pruned.  In 
ninety-nine  out  of  every  hundred  gardens  where 
Roses  are  grown  the  plants  are  pruned  igno- 
rantly.  It  is  nearly  always  a  case  of  "spare  the 
knife  and  spoil  the'  Rose,"  though  in  some  cases 
many  sorts  are  spoiled  by  cutting'  away  the 
flowering  wood.  It  is  essential  that  the  growth 
and  character  of  the  individual  Rose  be  studied, 
remembering,  though,  that  all,  by  being  pruned 
severely  the  first  season  after  planting,  have 
thereby  the  foundation  laid  of  a  sound  and 
healtSv  plant. 

Finally,  when  all  the  Roses  are  pruned  and  the 
prunings  cleared  away,  remove  gradually  the 
so:!  heaped  up  around  those  which  have  been 
protected  from  frost  in  this  manner.  Next  fork 
in  a  very  light  top-dressing  of  well-rotted  cow- 
dung  :  a  small  handful  of  soot  may  be  dusted 
around  each  plant,  or  a  dressing  of  some  arti- 
ficial manure.  But  in  all  cases  use  stimulants 
sparingly,  and  do  not  apply  any  artificial  ferti- 
lisers to  newly-planted  Ro=es.  After  the  pruning 
is  done,  when  buds  are  breaking  in  places 
where  they  are  not  wanted,  i.e.,  where  the 
shoots  would  crowd  too  much,  grow  in- 
wards, or  cross  one  another,  scratch  them  off 
neatly  with  the  thumb-nail.  Leonard  Pctric, 
Cavton,  Cheltenham. 


NOTICES    OF     BOOKS. 

*  Plants  and  Their  Ways. 

The  subject-matter  in  this  book  is  arranged  in 
the  form  of  short  lessons,  describing  the  struc- 
ture and  functions  of  plant  organs.  Each  lesson 
is  accompanied  by  practical  work  of  an  experi- 
mental kind  to  be  carried  out  by  the  class — a 
feature  specially  to  be  commended. 

A  few  errors,  such  as  "  syneigida; "  for 
"  synergidas,"  have  been  left  uncorrected,  but 
they  are  not  numerous. 

f   Nature  Study. 
Professor    Davis     describes    his    book    on 
nature  study  as  a  "  reader  for  the  higher  classes 


The  range  of  the  book  is  remarkable,  includ- 
ing, as  it  does,  both  botanical  and  zoological 
sections,  and,  although  the  information  is  neces- 
saiily  much  condensed,  it  is  always  clear,  and 
the  wider  point  of  view,  so  often  absent  from 
books  intended  for  use  in  schools,  is  not  lost 
sight  of. 

The  illustrations,  from  original  photographs, 
are  well   selected   and   reproduced. 

The   Memorial  Volume  of  the  Darwin- 
Wallace  Celebration. 

This  volume  issued  by  the  Linnean  Society  is 
a  memento  of  a  memorable  occasion. 

On  July  1,  1858,  the  Society  held  the  most 
important    meeting    recorded    in    its    long    and 


FORGING  BY  CLOCHES. 

The  cloche  is,  perhaps,  better  known  in  gar- 
dens in  this  country  by  the  name  of  bell-glass, 
and  although  its  use  is  not  so  extensive  as  in 
France,  most  gardeners  are  more  or  less  ac- 
quainted with  "its  value  for  forcing  purposes. 
Those  who  have  read  the  weekly  articles  by  Mr. 
P.  Aquatias  on  the  "French"  garden  in  these 
columns,  will  recognise  the  great  part  the  cloche 
plays  in  this  system  of  intensive  culture. 
Such  a  garden  is  necessarily  restricted  to  a 
relatively  small  area,  mainly  because  of  the 
great  cost  of  the  manure  ;  therefore  everything 
must  be  done  to  make  the  fullest  possible  use 
of  the  cloches  and  frames,  and  to  have  another 
crop  ready  to  occupy  the  hot-beds  directly  one 
has  been  harvested.  The  diagrams  shown  in 
fig.  70  represent  the  methods  of  arranging  the 
cloches  so  as  to  obtain  the  best  results  in  forc- 
ing Lettuces  The  top  portion  of  the  diagram 
shows  the  cloches  placed  over  four  Lettuces, 
the  central  one  being  of  the  large  Cos  type, 
whilst  the  three  around  it  are  Cabbage  Lettuces. 
In  the  angles  between  the  bell-glasses  and  outside 
the  latter,  Cos  Lettuces  are  also  planted.  The 
three  Cabbage  Lettuces  are  removed  after  about 
a  fortnight,  and  the  Cos  variety  occupies  the 
whole  of  the  cloche,  where  it  develops  into  a 
large  specimen.  As  soon  as  this  is  cut,  at  the 
end  of  April,  the  cloches  are  rearranged  so  that 
half  those  previously  growing  outside  are  now 
covered.  This  will  be  readily  understood  by 
noticing  the  direction  of  the  arrows. 

There  is  still  a  batch  uncovered,  and  this  re- 
mains so  until  about  the  middle  of  May,  when 
the  second  batch  is  harvested.  The  third  figure 
of  the  diagram  shows  the  final  stage,  with  the 
Cloches  placed  over  the  third  batch. 


iJotUAg  ,J  Cos  UttUCO-  tSti-CLoMynHCjlL  fW»).l-'?«6iJ» 


i)U-  llnd/ruiencrvt  ;/flu-  CUfw>.,;jl-  ^WtUoj)'' 


N 


FlG.  70. — ARRANGEMENT  OF  CLOCHES 


IN  FRENCH  GARDEN. 


of  schools,"  and  it  should  prove  extremely  use- 
ful to  teachers,  not  only  as  an  aid  to  class  work, 
but  also  for  reference  out  of  school. 

The  needs  of  the  teacher  in  town  schools — 
often  dependent,  to  some  extent  at  least,  on 
museums  and  natural  history  collections — have 
evidently  been  considered,  and  much  useful  and 
accurate  information  concerning  members  of 
both  plant  and  animal  kingdoms  has  been 
brought  together. 

•  By  Ernest  Evans.    (Dent  &  Co.) 
t  By  J.  R.  Ainsworlh  Davis,  M.A.,  F.C.P.     (Dent  &  Co.) 


distinguished  career,  for  it  was  on  that  date- 
that  the  joint  paper  by  Darwin  and  Wallace 
"  On  the  Tendency  of  Species  to  form  Varieties ; 
and  on  the  Perpetuation  of  Varieties  and  Species 
by  Means  of  Selection  "  was  communicated  to 
the  Society  by  Sir  Charles  Lyell  and  Sir  Joseph 
Hooker. 

On  July  1,  1908,  the  fiftieth  anniversary  of 
that  event  was  celebrated  in  a  manner  worthy 
of  the  event  and  of  the  Society. 

The  memorial  volume,  giving  a  full  record  of 
the  proceedings  is  not  only  a  valuable  souvenir 


March  13,  1909.] 


THE     GARDENERS'      CHRONICLE 


165 


to  the  members  of  the  Lirmean  Society  who 
were  present  at  the  celebration,  but  also  a  docu- 
ment of  importance  to  the  historian  of  biology. 

As  our  readers  will  remember,  the  Society,  in 
•order  to  celebrate  the  fiftieth  anniversary  of  the 
reading  of  the  paper,  presented  Darwin-Wallace 
medals,  struck  in  honour  of  the  occasion,  to  men 
eminent  in  biology  both  in  this  country  and 
abroad :  to  Dr.  Wallace,  Sir  Joseph  Hooker, 
Dr.  Francis  Galton,  and  Sir  E.  Ray  Lankester 
as  representing  British  biologists  who  have  con- 
tributed, by  their  advocacy  and  by  their  inves- 
tigations, to  the  wider  acceptance  of  Darwin's 
work ;  to  Profesors  Haeckel,  Weismann  and 
Strasburger  as  representatives  of  the  great  band 
of  -foreign  naturalists  who  count  themselves 
among    Darwin's   followers. 

A  full  report  of  the  admirable  series  of 
speeches  made  by  the  president  of  the  Linnean 
Society,  Dr.  D.  H.  Scott,  by  the  recipients  of 
the  medals  and  by  representatives  of  the  univer- 
sities and  other  learned  bodies,  is  given  in  the 


portraits,  with  which  the  volume  is  adorned. 
The  place  of  honour,  at  the  beginning  of  the 
volume,  is  occupied  by  a  reproduction  of 
Flamung's  well-known  engraving  of  Darwin ; 
whilst  at  the  end  are  a  series  of  portraits  of 
Wallace,  Hooker,  Haeckel,  Weismann,  Stras- 
burger,  Galton,   and  Lankester. 

On  the  cover,  which  is  not  attractive,  are 
figures  of  the  Darwin-Wallace  medal,  bearing  on 
the  one  side  an  effigy  of  Darwin  and  on  the 
other  one  of  Wallace. 

The  Linnean  Society  is  to  be  congratulated 
on  the  dignified  and  adequate  way  in  which  it 
has  recorded  the  jubilee  of  a  great  event. 


DYNEVOR  CASTLE. 


Dynevor  Castle,  the  residence  of  Lord 
Dynevor,  is  situated  near  to  the  picturesque 
town  of  Llandilo,  on  an  eminence  from  which 
the  upper  reaches  of  the  Towy  Valley  and,  be- 


notable  trees.  An  Ash,  in  particular,  is  of  an 
immense  size ;  its  old  branches  are  carefully 
braced,  and  the  decayed  parts  filled  in  to  pre- 
vent further  rotting. 

The  old  castle  of  Dynevor,  now  in  ruins,  was 
originally  erected  as  a  Royal  palace  by  Roderic 
the  Great,  Sovereign  of  all  Wales,  and  for  cen- 
turies was  the  seat  of  the  government  for  South 
Wales.  Overlooking  the  fertile  Vale  of  Towy, 
and  the  meandering  river  of  the  same  name 
which  washes  the  foot  of  the  wooded  hills  hun- 
dreds of  feet  below,  and  on  one  side  standing 
on  the  verge  of  a  sheer  and  deep  precipice,  its 
position  in  the  days  of  primitive  warfare,  all 
but  impregnable,  would  be  of  great  strategic 
importance.  The  walls  of  the  old  quadrangle 
are  in  good  preservation,  and,  after  centuries 
of  opening  and  closing,  an  oaken  door  remains 
still  solid  and  apparently  fit  for  further  cen- 
turies of  service. 

I  noticed  a  Rose  garden,  the  ground  of  the 
beds  being  clothed  with  common  Musk.     This 


Cardchra, 


flshisortk  ZlfereJith. 


Fig.  71 


-DYNEVOR  CASTLE,  CARMARTHENSHIRE. 


volume.  A  perusal  of  these  speeches,  particu- 
larly those  of  Sir  Joseph  Hooker,  Francis  Gal- 
ton, Sir  William  Thiselton  Dyer  and  Francis 
Darwin,  will  convince  the  younger  school  of 
biologists — if  conviction  be  needed — of  the  high 
scientific  worth  and  of  the  fine  character  of  the 
naturalists  of  the  past  generation. 

It  is  unfortunate  that  by  some  error  of  bind- 
ing pp.  17  to  32  appear  twice  in  the  volume  : 
though  these  pages  are  indeed  fit  to  survive,  it 
scarcely  enhances  their  value  to  survive  twice. 

In  addition  to  the  record  of  the  meeting  at 
which  the  Darwin-Wallace  medals  were  pre- 
sented, the  memorial  volume  contains  the  pro- 
gramme of  the  proceedings  at  the  reception 
by  the  President  and  Council  in  the  evening  of 
July  1 ;  a  reprint  of  the  papers  by  Charles 
Darwin  and  Alfred  Russel  Wallace,  rond  before 
the  Linnean  Society  on  July  1,  1858 ;  and  selec- 
tions from  Malthus's  "Essay  on  Population," 
which  suggested  the  idea  of  natural  selection. 

No  less  valuable  than  the  letterpress  are  the 


yond,  the  Carmarthenshire  beacons  offer  a 
landscape  of  great  extent  and  beauty.  The 
castle  is  a  somewhat  modern,  quadrangular 
structure  (see  fig.  71),  crowned  at  each  of  the 
angles  with  a  cupola.  The  family  of  Dynevor 
has  a  most  interesting  genealogy,  and  the  mem- 
bers of  this  ancient  Welsh  house  still  sacredly 
maintain  many  of  the  old  customs  and  tiadi- 
tions  of  Gwalia.  The  family  name  is  "  Rice," 
a  corruption  of  "  Rhys,"  from  the  famous 
knight,  Sir  Rhys  Ab  Thomas,  who  supported 
King  Henry  VIL,  and  whose  prowess  long  con- 
tinued to  be  sung  by  the  bards  of  Wales. 

There  is  a  herd  of  old  Welsh  white  and  black 
cattle  in  the  park,  and  the  tinkling  of  tiny  bells 
from  the  necks  of  these  animals  is  reminiscent 
of   Swiss   pastures. 

In  all  parts  of  the  grounds  are  stately  trees. 
On  the  north  :side  of  the  castle  is  a  group 
of  Oak;  Beech,  and  Spanish  Chestnut  of  great 
age,  forming  a  dense  canopy  ;  and  in  the  direc- 
tion  of   the   old   castle   ruins   are   many  other 


Rose  garden  is  composed  of  a  series  of  circles, 
with  Grass  intersections. 

Camellias  do  well  out-of-doors  at  Dynevor,  so 
do  the  Himalayan  species  of  Rhododendron,  as, 
indeed,  they  do  in  many  parts  of  Wales. 
The  same  remark  applies  to  Kalmias,  which 
deserve  to  be  more  generally  cultivated. 
I  noticed  a  plant  of  Kalmia  latifolia  20  feet 
broad  and  12  feet  high.  The  flower  garden  is 
most  informal  in  design,  and  appears  to  have 
been  evolved  from  what  at  one  time  were  vege- 
table, fruit,  and,  possibly,  flower  gardens  com- 
bined ;  some  of  the  old  fruit  trees  still  remain. 
A  tree  of  the  Golden  Hedgehog  Holly,  of  con- 
siderable dimensions,  a  deciduous  Cypress,  and 
a  tree  of  Cryptomeria  japonica,  60  feet  high, 
were  all  of  interest.  I  noticed  several  fine  trees 
of  Scotch  Fir,  and  a  notable  specimen  of 
Liriodendron,  the  Tulip  Tree. 

Overlooking  the  deer  park  on  the  north  side 
of  the  mansion  is  a  formal  flower  garden,  the 
design  being  worked  out  in  Box.    The  colour  oi 


166 


THE     GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


[March  13,  1609. 


the  flowers  used  in  this  garden  is  almost  exclu- 
sively scarlet. 

The  kitchen"  garden  and  greenhouses  are  situ- 
ated nearly  a  mile  from  the  castle.  There  is 
an  old  vinery,  heated  with  a  flue.  The  green- 
houses accommodate  plants  that  are  useful  for 
decorative  purposes  in  the  mansion,  and  there 
are  fruit  houses  planted  with  Peach,  Nectarine, 
and  other  fruit  trees.  It  is  not  an  easy  matter 
in  this  locality  to  grow  good  fruits  out-of-doors, 
as  there  is  so  much  moisture  in  the  atmosphere. 

A  fine  plant  of  Taxus  adpressa  occupies  a 
position  at  the  end  of  a  long,  broad  walk  in  the 
kitchen  garden.  The  tree  is  16  feet  high,  and 
30  feet  across.  Intersecting  the  kitchen  garden, 
in  addition  to  a  good  wall  for  the  culture  of 
fruits,  are  several  large  Box  hedges. 

In  the  park  is  an  interesting  church,  which  has 
been  built  on  the  site  of  an  ancient  Roman 
temple,  the  foundations  of  which  were  dis- 
covered some  years  ago.  There  is  a  well,  too, 
in  the  neighbourhood,  which  ebbs  and  flow.-. 
the  stream  issuing  therefiom  being  called 
Nant-y-Rheibio,  "the  bewitched  well."  Giraldus 
Cambrensis  supposed  it  to  have  sorne  depend- 
ence on  the  fluctuation  of  the  tides,  but  the  sea 
at  the  nearest  point  is  about  20  miles  distant. 

The  gardener  at  Dynevor  is  Mr.  A.  Richard- 
son, who  has  occupied  the  post  for  several  years 
and  has  carried  out  many  improvements.  A .  P. 
Howler. 


THE  ALPINE   GARDEN. 


SAXIFRAGA    DR.     RAMSAY. 

We  owe  to  Mr.  Robert  Lindsay,  of  Kaimes 
Lodge,  Midlothian,  the  beautiful  silvery  Saxi- 
frage which  bears  the  name  of  the  late  Dr. 
Ramsay,  himself  an  ardent  horticulturist.  The 
plant  was  raised  by  hybridising  the  two 
silvery  Saxifrages,  called  S.  Macnabiana  and  S. 
lantoscana  superba,  and  in  its  habit  it  largely 
partakes  of  the  latter  parent.  The  rosettes  of 
silvery-grey  are  very  handsome,  and  the  plume- 
like spikes  of  flowers  are  arched  over  after  the 
fashion  of  S.  lantoscana  superba,  in  itself  one  of 
the  most  charming  of  this  class  of  Rockfoils. 

The  individual  flowers  are  beautiful,  the 
purity  of  the  white  ground  being  the  more  effec- 
tive on  account  of  the  presence  on  the  petals  of 
a  few  red  spots.  Saxifraga  Dr.  Ramsay  is  both 
a  good  grower  and  a  free-flowerer,  but  those  who 
wish  plants  to  increase  do  not  care  to  have  too 
many  flowering  rosettes  at  one  time,  since  those 
which  bloom  die.  However,  this  variety  pro- 
duces rosettes  freely  enough,  and,  by  taking  the 
young  ones  off  and  repeating  the  process  year 
by  year  for  a  time,  a  good  stock  of  plants  may 
be  obtained.  At  the  same  time,  this  and  other 
Silvery  Saxifiages  are  more  beautiful  when  they 
are  in  good-sized  plants.  Like  others  of  its  class, 
S.  Dr.  Ramsay  succeeds  best  in  a  soil  containing 
a  little  lime,  and  those  who  have  not  this  in  their 
soils  can  easily  supply  it  by  the  addition  of  old 
mortar  rubbish  or  pieces  of  limestone  in  chips. 

TEUCRIUM   PYRENAICUM. 

The  Pyrenean  Germander  (Teucrium  pyrenai- 
cumi  is  a  beautiful  little  Alpine  plant  of  value, 
although  in  many  gardens  it  is  not  one  of  great 
permanence.  In  light  and  dry  soils  I  have  seen 
it  as  dwarf  as  3  inches,  although  it  is  sometimes 
as  much  as  7  or  8  inches  in  height.  The  plant  is 
prostrate  in  its  growth,  and  forms  a  little  mat  of 
roundish,  downy  leaves,  notched  at  the  margins, 
and  bearing  in  summer  a  number  of  small  clus- 
ters of  pretty  little  creamy-white  and  purple 
flowers.  It  is  a  plant  which  appeals  rather  to  the 
specialist  in  such  flowers  than  to  the  cultivator 
of  Alpine  flowers  with  more  showy  blossoms. 
The  Pyrenean  Germander  does  not,  however, 
seem  to  be  perfectly  hardy,  and  this  appears  to 
result  largely  from  the  fact  that  the  leaves  are 
so  woolly  that  the  rain  lodging  about  them 
causes  them  to  decay  in  very  wet  seasons. 
Slugs  are  serious  enemies  to  the  plant,  and  in 


gardens  where  these  pests  are  numerous,  it  is 
necessary  to  entrap  them.  In  wet  districts  the 
plants  should  be  sheltered  in  winter  and  spring 
from  heavy  rains.  The  stock  is  increased  by 
division,  and  the  divisions  should  be  grown  on 
in  pots  until  they  attain  a  fair  size,  the  pots 
being  filled  with  loam,  sand,  and  grit,  and 
placed  in  a  frame  or  an  Alpine  house.  A  similar 
compost  may  be  used  on  the  rockery,  where 
the  plant  should  occupy  a  position  well  ex- 
posed to  view  and  on  a  level  terrace  or  gentle 
slope.     S.  Arnott. 


The  Week's  Work. 


THE  HARDY  FRUIT  GARDEN. 

By  J.  G.  Weston,  Gardener  to  H.  J.  King,  Esq.,  Eastwell 
Park,  Kent. 

Black  Currant  gall-mite  or  tig  bud. — Before 
the  bushes  burst  into  leaf,  carefully  examine 
them  to  see  if  they  are  infested  with  this  pest, 
picking  off  any  of  the  big  buds  and  burning 
them  without  delay.  Should  the  bushes  be 
badly  infested,  grub  them  up  and  burn  them, 
and  plant  any  fresh  bushes  as  far  from  the  old 
site  as  circumstances  will  allow.  A  remedy 
strongly  recommended  by  various  growers  is  to 
spray  during  March,  April,  and  May  with  ordin- 
ary soft  soap  and  Quassia  mixture,  the  quanti- 
ties being  2  ounces  of  the  former  to  4  ounces  of 
the  latter,  dissolved  in  1  gallon  of  water. 

Vines  out-of-doors. — It  would  seem  that  vines 
in  the  open  are  not  so  common  nowadays  as 
formerly.  This  is  to  be  regretted,  for,  apart 
from  the  question  of  the  fruit  ripening,  the 
foliage  is  extremely  attractive.  Even  where 
the  fruit  does  not  ripen  sufficiently  for  dessert 
purposes,  it  can  always  be  utilised  for  the 
making  of  wine.  A  south  or  south-west  wall  is 
the  best  position  in  which  to  plant  out-door 
vines.  They  will  thrive  in  any  good  soil ;  but 
when  preparing  the  ground  for  planting,  on  no 
account  use  rank  farmyard  manure.  The  use  of 
too  much  of  this  commodity  is  probably  the 
main  cause  of  mildew,  which  is  the  greatest  pest 
of  outdoor  vines  in  this  country.  Defer  the 
planting  of  young  vines  till  about  the 
month  of  May,  when  the  ground  will  be 
warm,  and  root  action  will  soon  commence, 
Suitable  varieties  are  Royal  Muscadine, 
Sweetwater,  and  Strawberry  Grape.  The 
work  of  pruning  established  vines  (if  these 
have  not  already  been  attended  to)  should  be 
commenced  at  once,  after  which  they  should  be 
washed  with  an  insecticide  such  as  Gishurst 
Compound  to  clear  the  rods  of  red  spider  and 
other  insect  pests. 

General  remarks. — The  extremely  severe 
weather  recently  experienced  has  acted  bene- 
ficially in  retarding  the  fruit-buds,  thus  affording 
them  a  better  chance  of  escaping  the  ill  effects 
of  spring  frosts.  Whenever  the  weather  is  too 
bad  to  allow  of  work  in  the  open,  anything  that 
can  be  done  under  cover  should  receive  atten- 
tion. The  fruit  in  the  fruit  room  will  require 
examining  for  the-  purpose  of  removing  any  that 
are  decayed.  Exercise  care  in  ventilating  the 
fruit  room,  and  admit  no  more  fresh  air  than 
is  absolutely  essential,  as  an  excess  at  this  time 
of  the  year  causes  the  fruits  to  shrivel. 


THE    KITCHEN    GARDEN. 

By  E.  Beckett,  Gardener  to  the  Hon.  Vicary  Gibbs, 
Aldenham  House,  Elstree,  Hertfordshire. 

Forwarding  crops  under  glass.- — Everything 
possible  should  be  done  to  raise  under  glass 
many  kinds  of  vegetables  which  would  have 
been  sown  in  the  open  ground  had  the  weather 
been  more  favourable.  By  adopting  this  course, 
little  time  will  be  lost,  as,  the  seed  germinating 
under  much  more  favourable  conditions,  the 
subsequent  growth  will  be  more  satisfactory. 
The  seedlings  must  be  pricked  off  when  quite 
small,  either  into  boxes,  unheated  frames,  or,  in 
southern  localities,  merely  improvised  shelters. 
Under  no  circumstances  should  they  be 
"  coddled,"  but,  on  the  contrary,  air  must  be 
admitted  whenever  possible. 

Cauliflowers. — Plants  of  early-forcing  varieties 
that  were  potted  up  into  8  and  10-inch  pots 
and  are  now  growing  in  a  cool  temperature  may, 
if  the  pots  are  well  filled  with  roots,  be  intro- 
duced  to   a   temperature   from    50°   to   60u    and 


exposed  to  as  much  light  as  possible.  Give 
them  a  surface  dressing  of  well-decayed  cow 
manure  and  fibrous  loam  and  let  the  roots  be  at 
all  times  well  supplied  with  water.  For  a  suc- 
cessional  crop,  another  batch  may  be  potted  up 
either  from  seedlings  raised  last  November  or 
from  plants  which  have  been  wintered  in  an 
unheated  frame.  Select  the  strongest  plants,  lift 
them  with  as  large  a  ball  of  earth  as  possible, 
and  pot  them  very  firmly.  Some  of  the  same  batch 
should  also  be  planted  out  in  unheated  frames, 
or,  failing  these,  hand-lights  or  cloches  may  be 
used,  care  being  taken  to  select  a  sheltered, 
sunny  position.  Prick  off  young  seedlings  im- 
mediately before  the  third  leaf  is  made,  and 
sow  small  quantities  of  suitable  varieties  once 
a   fortnight. 

Kohl  Fabi. — Seeds  should  be  sown  thinly  in 
boxes  about  the  middle  of  the  present  month  in 
a  gentle  heat.  Prick  off  the  young  plants  as  soon 
as  they  are  large  enough,  and  plant  them  out 
in  an  open  position  in  well-prepared  ground  at 
the  middle,  or  towards  the  end  of  April. 

French  Beans. — If  these  plants  are  not  over- 
crowded, but  are  kept  clean  and  in  only  a 
moderately  warm  atmosphere,  they  will  now  give 
abundant  crops.  Alternate  waterings  of  diluted 
manure  water  should  be  afforded.  The  foliage 
should  be  thoroughly  sprayed  with  tepid  water 
twice  daily  on  bright  days,  and  the  atmosphere 
must  be  kept  moist.  The  most  suitable  place 
at  this  season  for  these  plants  is  on  shelves  in 
the  intermediate  house.  Make  further  sowings 
once  a   fortnight. 


THE  FLOWER  GARDEN. 

By  W.  A.  Cook,  Gardener  to  Sir  Edmund  G.  Loder,  Bart., 
Leonardslee,  Susses. 

Seed  sowing. — The  details  connected  with  seed 
sowing  will  now  claim  attention.  Prepare  a  suf- 
ficient quantity  of  rich  soil,  which  should  be 
composed  of  rotted  loam,  leaf-mould,  and  silver 
sand.  Next  get  some  shallow  seed  trays,  boxes, 
or  pots,  and  prepare  these.  If  boxes  are  used,  a 
layer  of  coarse  soil,  or  the  sittings  from  the  soil 
will  be  all  that  is  required  in  the  matter  of 
drainage  for  such  as  will  contain  annuals,  as 
these  will  not  remain  in  the  boxes  for  any  leng.h 
of  time.  The  boxes  intended  for  seeds  of  Coni- 
fer, Rhododendron,  Erica,  or  similar  plants  will 
need  to  be  clocked.  No  time  should  be  lost  be- 
fore sowing  seeds  of  Begonia,  Lobelia,  Marigold, 
Dianthus,  Stock,  Aster,  Campanula,  Salpig'os- 
sis,  Phlox,  and  any  other,  tender  or  half-hardy 
annual  that  may  be  desired.  The  boxes  may  be 
placed  on  a  half-spent  hot-bed  ;  one  that  was  re. 
cently  used  for  Asparagus  will  answer  well.  Sow 
the  seeds  thinly  and  prick  off  the  seedlings  into 
boxes  or  pots  as  soon  as  they  are  large  enough 
to  handle. 

Sweet  Peas. — An  endeavour  should  be  made 
to  have  Sweet  Pea  flowers  over  as  long  a  period 
as  possible.  Those  that  were  sown  in  the 
autumn  will  now  require  thinning-out  and  stak- 
ing. First  place  some  short  brushwood  stakes 
on  either  side  of  the  plants  ;  these  will  afford  a 
little  shelter  from  winds  and  will  also  serve  to 
support  the  Peas.  The  larger  stakes,  7  to  8  feet  in 
height,  should  be  placed  outside  the  smaller  ones. 
When  this  has  been  done,  rake  the  ground  level, 
and  apply  a  sprinkling  of  ashes  and  soot  on 
each  side  of  the  row.  Sow  another  batch  of 
seeds  in  4J~inch  pots,  placing  three  or  five  seeds 
in  each  pot.  These  may  be  thinned  out  after- 
wards if  all  the  seeds  should  germinate.  Place 
the  pots  in  a  frame,  or,  if  in  a  greenhouse,  on 
shelves  near  to  the  glass.  Sow  also  a  batch  of 
seeds  out-of-doors,  selecting  well-tilled  and 
liberally-manured  soil.  A  good  effect  is  ob- 
tained by  sowing  in  clumps.  If  this  method  be- 
adopted,  a  hole  should  be  taken  out,  and  half  a 
barrowful  of  manure  put  at  the  base.  Then  fill 
in  the  soil  and  mix  with  it  some  soot  and  bone- 
meal,  afterwards  applying  a  few  inches  deep  of 
rich  soil  on  the  surface.  The  seeds  should  be 
sown  in  the  rich  soil.  Sweet  Peas  raised  in  pots 
may  eventually  be  planted  out  in  similar  posi- 
tions prepared  in  like  manner.  If  long  rows  of 
Peas  are  desired,  then  dig  out  the  trench  as  one 
would  do  for  Celery.  Among  some  of  the  best 
varieties  and  colours  are  Helen  Lewis,  King 
Edward  VII.,  Queen  Alex?ndra,  America,  John 
Ingman,  Countess  Spencer,  Frank  Dolby,  St. 
George,  Sutton's  Queen,  Flora  Norton,  S.  J. 
Castle,  Dorothy  Eckford,  Henry  Eckford,  and 
White  Spencer. 


March  13,  1909] 


THE     GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


167 


FRUITS  UNDER  GLASS. 

By  E.  Harriss,  Fruit  Foreman,  Royal  Gardens,  Frogmore. 

Pineapples. — Pot-plants  which  are  ripening 
their  fruits  will  mature  more  satisfactorily  if 
they  can  be  removed  to  a  light,  dry  house.  Water 
them  sparingly  with  clear  tepid  water.  The 
earliest  plants  of  The  Queen,  now  developing 
their  fruits,  require  to  be  treated  more  liberally 
in  regard  to  heat  and  moisture  than  hitherto  ;the 
walls  and  other  surfaces  should  therefore  be 
damped  frequently  to  create  a  humid  atmo- 
sphere. Growth  must  be  aided  by  liberally  feed- 
ing the  plants  with  diluted  farmyard  manure  and 
guano,  applying  these  alternately.  In  the  after- 
noon the  water  may  sometimes  be  weakly 
diluted  with  guano  water  and  syiinged  about  the 
base  of  the  pots.  While  the  plants  are  in  flower 
syringing  must  be  discontinued  and  the  atmo- 
sphere kept  moderately  dry,  but  when  the  flower- 
in-  stage  is  past  growth  must  be  again  encour- 
aged. Maintain  a  minimum  temperature  of  not 
less  than  70°,  which,  during  the  day,  may  be 
allowed  to  rise  to  85°  or  90u  from  the  heat  of  the 
sun,  but  a  little  air  should  be  admitted  at  the  top 
of  the  pit.  Close  the  lights  early  in  the  afternoon 
before  the  sun  loses  its  power.  Plants  which 
were  potted  last  month  will  now  be  rooting 
freely  into  the  new  soil,  and  it  will  therefore  be 
safe  to  water  them  well  with  clear  tepid  water. 
Maintain  the  atmosphere  in  a  humid  condition, 
admitting  air  only  on  favourable  occasions,  and 
closing  again  early  in  the  afternoon  directly 
after  syringing.  Pot  up  the  suckers  from  plants 
which  have  fruited,  and  place  them  in  a  warm 
and  moist  atmosphere,  where  they  can  be  shaded 
from  bright   sunshine  till  rooted. 

( 'ucumbers. — As  soon  as  the  roots  of  the 
earliest  plants  which  are  now  fruiting  appear  on 
the  surface,  apply  a  top-dressing  of  loam  mixed 
with  a  little  decomposed  horse  manure  It  is 
better  to  add  a  moderate  top-dressing  at  frequent 
intervals  than  to  give  a  large  quantity  at  one 
time.  Maintain  a  moist  atmosphere,  and  s\ 
the  plants  in  the  morning  and  again  at  closing 
time  in  the  afternoon.  See  that  the  roots  art- 
kept  well  supplied  with  water,  using  liquid 
manure  and  some  approved  fertiliser  two  or 
three  times  a  week.  Regulate  the  growths  on  the 
trellis,  and  stop  the  shoots  at  the  second  or  third 
leaf.  Do  not  allow  the  plants  to  carry  more 
fruits  than  they  can  properly  bear  or  they  will 
soon  become  exhausted.  To  prevent  red  spider, 
syringe  the  foliage  occasionally  with  a  weak 
mixture  of  soft-soap  and  sulphur. 

Obstruction  of  daylight. — Should  the  roof 
glass  on  any  of  the  fruit  houses  have  been 
affei  ted  by  fogs,  have  it  thoroughly  washed, 
otherwise  plants  will  become  drawn. 


PLANTS    UNDER  GLASS. 

1  y  A.  C.  Bartlett,  Gardener  to  Mrs.  Ford,  Pencarrow, 
Cornwall. 

Stove  Aquatics. — The  most  successful  method 
of  cultivating  these  plants  is  to  devote  a  house 
to  them  containing  a  central  tank,  but  in  cases 
where  this  cannot  be  done  a  few  species  may- 
be grown  in  tubs.  Aquatics  add  greatly  to  the 
interest  of  the  collection  of  stove  plants.  All 
water  should  now  be  run  out  of  the  Water-Lily 
tank.  The  tubers  should  be  removed  from  the 
old  soil  and  placed  separately  in  pots  either  of 
damp  moss  or  wet  sand,  taking  care  to  label 
each  sort.  The  evergreen  floating  species  should 
be  placed  in  tubs  or  pans  of  warm  water. 
Thoroughly  cleanse  the  tank  and  see  that  there 
is  no  fault  in  the  hot-water  pipes  which  heat  the 
water.  Some  authorities  recommend  planting  the 
tubers  of  Nymphaea  in  tubs  or  large  flower-pots 
and  sinking  these  in  the  tank,  but  I  find  it  more 
satisfactory  to  grow  them  in  mounds  of  soil 
placed  in  position  in  the  tank  itself.  The  soil 
should  consist  of  good  heavy  loam  broken 
coarsely,  and  to  which  has  been  added  a  fourth 
part  consisting  of  dried  cow  manure.  If  the 
loam  is  light,  some  clay  should  be  mixed  with 
it.  After  having  allowed  the  soil  to  remain  a 
couple  of  days  in  the  house  to  warm,  it  should 
be  made  as  firm  as  possible,  remembering  that 
the  plants  grow  naturally  in  soil  which  is  under 
considerable  pressure  from  the  water  above. 
Plant  the  tubers  about  3  inches  deep,  and  place 
over  Ihe  soil  a  good  layer  of  gravel  or  coarse 
sand  The  water  should  be  warmed  to  a  tem- 
pcalare  of  about  70°,  and  allowed  to  rise  to 


not  more  than  80°  as  the  season  advances.  Such 
tall-growing  aquatic  plants  as  Nelumbiums, 
Cyperus  Papyrus,  Sagittaria  montevidensis,  &i  , 
may  be  planted  between  the  Nymphasas  and 
around  the  sides  of  the  tank.  Hedychiums,  well 
rooted  in  pots,  may  be  partially  submerged  in 
the  water. 

Primulas. — A  pinch  of  seed  of  the  single  varie- 
ties may  now  be  sown  to  provide  a  batch  of 
plants  for  early  flowering.  Preparations  should 
be  made  for  rooting  the  growths  of  the  old 
double-white  variety.  Lighth  pri<  1.  ovei  the  sur- 
face soil  and  cut  away,  with  a  pair  of  scissors, 
some  of  the  lower  leaves.  Afterwards  heap 
around  the  root-stock  a  top-dressing  of  sifted 
loam  and  leaf-soil,  with  plenty  of  silver  sand. 
The  soil  may  be  easily  kept  in  place  if  the  pots 
are  either  sunk  into  empty  pots  a  size  larger, 
or  a  collar  of  cardboard  is  placed  inside  the  rim 
of  the  pot.  If  the  plants  are  given  an  inter- 
mediate temperature  and  the  soil  kept  moist,  the 
shoots  will  have  rooted  in  about  two  months, 
when  they  should  be  removed  and  potted  singly. 

Hard-u>o?did  plants. — For  the  next  few  weeks 
great  care  must  be  taken  as  regards  ventilating 
the  house  in  which  these  plants  are  grown.  They 
need  an  abundance  of  air,  but  at  the  same  time 
are  most  susceptible  to  draughts.  Watering  also 
requires  judgment,  and  this  is  especially  the 
case  with  Boronias  and  Leschenaultias.  As  the 
flowers  of  the  Epacris  fade,  the  plants  should  be 
rather  severely  pruned  and  placed,  for  a  short 
time,  in  a  warmer  house.  When  the  new  shoots 
are  about  an  inch  long,  repot  the  plants  firmly  in 
peat  and  sand,  paying  proper  attention  to  the 
drainage.  Ericas  passing  out  of  flower  require 
similar  treatment,  although  they  should  not  be 
pruned  quite  so  severely  ;  merely  requiring  to 
have  the  weakly  growths  thinned  out.  The  late- 
flowering  Heaths  must  be  kept  in  a  well-ven- 
tilated house  and  as  cool  as  possible  without 
frost. 


THE    ORCHID    HOUSES. 

By  W.  H.  White,  Orchid  Grower  to  Sir  Trevor  Lawrence, 
Bart.,  Burford,  Surrey. 

Blinds  and  other  shadings. — At  this  time  of 
the  year  there  are  frequent  periods  of  excep- 
tionally bright  weather,  and  unless  precautions 
are  taken  the  foliage  of  Orchids  is  liable  to  be- 
come scorched  by  the  sun's  rays,  especially  if 
there  are  any  flaws  in  the  glass.  The  danger 
is  greater  at  this  season  than  at  any  other  time 
of  the  year.  Presuming  that  all  the  blinds  and 
other  shading  materials  are  fixed  in  their  pro- 
per places,  it  will  be  necessary  to  use  them 
with  discretion,  for,  although  recommending 
caution  in  this  respect,  I  do  not  advise  shading 
the  plants  more  than  is  necessary.  It  is  better 
to  err  in  giving  too  much  shading  than  too  little, 
as  far  more  injury  is  likely  to  accrue  to  tender 
plants  from  too  much  sunshine  than  from  too 
much  shade.  In  cool  houses  where  Odontoglos- 
sums,  Masdevallias,  &c,  are  housed,  the  tem- 
perature, when  the  sun  is  shining  brightly,  will 
quickly  rise  above  60°,  especially  on  clear, 
bright,  cold  mornings,  when  the  air  outside  is 
perhaps  much  colder  than  40-  and  too  cold  to 
admit  through  the  ventilators.  In  order  to 
regulate  the  temperature  of  the  greenhouse  at 
such  times  it  is  advisable  to  lower  the  blinds. 

The  Cattleya  and  intermediate  houses  should  be 
shaded  when  the  sun  is  bright  and  continuous, 
but  only  on  that  side  which  is  fully  exposed 
to  the  sun's  rays.  The  Mexican  division  which 
contains  such  plants  as  Laelia  anceps,  Vanda 
teres,  Odontoglossum  citrosmum,  &c,  unless 
facing  direct  sunshine,  will  need  no  shading  for 
the  present,  but  so  soon  as  the  leaves  begin  to 
feel  warm  to  the  touch  shading  should  be 
afforded. 

The  East  Indian  or  warmest  house  contains 
a  number  of  distinct  species  of  Orchids,  and 
many  require  very  great  caie  in  the  matter  of 
shading,  therefore,  immediately  the  sun  has 
sufficient  power  to  raise  the  temperature  6°  or 
7°,  the  blinds  should  be  used.  With  regard 
to  providing  suitable  positions  for  the  many  dis- 
tinct species  which  occupy  the  East  Indian 
house,  it  is  advisable  to  arrange  such  species 
as  Catasetum,  Cycnoches,  Mormodes,  Thunia, 
Dendrobium,  Cyrtopodium,  &c,  on  the  lighter 
side,  and  Cypripedium,  Aerides,  Angraecum, 
Mystacidium,  Vanda  Lowii,  Phalasnopsis,  Cirr- 
hopetalum,  Bulbophyllum,  the  warm-growing 
Ccelogynes,  &c,  on  the  shady  side,  where  they 


may    at    all    times    be    easily    protected    from 
direct  sunshine. 

Intermediate  and  cool  houses. — The  blinds  on 
the  Cattleya,  Mexican,  intermediate  and  cool 
houses  should,  when  drawn  down,  be  5  or 
6  inches  above  the  glass.  This  may  be  easily  ar- 
ranged by  fixing  neat  wooden  rafters  or  iron 
rods  from  top  to  bottom  of  the  roof,  When  the 
blinds  are  arranged  in  this  manner  abundance  of 
light  and  air  passes  between  th>  id  the 

blinds,  the  benefit  of  which  cannot  be  over- 
estimated. The  blinds  on  the  East  Indian  house 
need  not  be  elevated  above  the  roof  glass,  and 
the  material  of  which  the  blind  is  made  also  tor 
the  intermediate  and  cool  houses  should  be  of  a 
closer  texture  than  that  used  for  the  Cattleya 
and  Mexican  divisions,  in  order  to  keep  the 
houses  as  warm  as  possible.  Many  cultivators 
are  obliged  to  grow  such  species  as  CatjJeya; 
Laelia,  Epidendrum,  Ccelogyne,  Cypripedium, 
Cymbidium,  Miltonia  vexillafia,  Vanda  suavis, 
Trichopilea,  and  numerous  other  Orchids  in  a 
house  having  an  intermediate  temperature,  ami 
it  is  found  inconvenient  or  impracticable  to  sepa- 
rate them  for  ihe  purpose  of  placing  some  s|  ei  i 
on  the  light  and  others  on  the  shady  side  of  the 
house  ;  in  this  case  it  is  best  to  shade  all. 

Some  growers  use  blinds  made  of  wooden 
laths  and  these  are  useful  and  convenient  for 
covering  the  roofs  at  night-time  when  the 
weather  is  very  cold. 


PUBLIC   PARKS   AND   GARDENS. 

By  J.  W.  Moorman,  Superintendent  of  Victoria  Park, 
London. 

Spring-flowering  bulbous  plants. — The  various 
bulbs  planted  during  autumn,  including  Hya- 
cinths, Tulips,  and  Narcissus,  are  pushing 
through  the  soil,  and  as  soon  as  the  snow  has 
completely  disappeared,  the  surface  soil  of  the 
beds  will  require  to  be  carefully  stirred  with  a 
small  hoe.  The  Crocuses  are  pushing  through 
the  turf,  and  will  soon  make  rapid  growth. 
The  blooms  will  require  to  be  protected  from  the 
sparrows.  Black  cotton,  supported  on  small 
sticks  and  twined  about  the  plants  in  a  kind  of 
web,  is  the  best  form  of  protection.  The  birds 
are  startled  when  they  come  in  contact  with  the 
cotton.  At  one  time  it  seemed  that  the  varieties 
with  yellow  flowers  were  the  only  ones  attacked 
by  sparrows ;  but  in  recent  years  they  have 
destroyed  the  flowers  irrespective  of  colour. 

Pits  and  cold  frames. — Rooted  cuttings  of 
Antirrhinums,  Pentstemons,  Calceolarias,  and 
Violas  that  have  been  wintered  in  cold  frames 
require  the  soil  to  be  loosened  between  the 
rows,  and  on  sunny  days  several  copious 
soakings  of  water  should  be  given.  These 
plants  will  soon  be  well  rooted  and  ready  for 
transplanting  direct  from  the  frame  to  where 
they  are  required  to  flower.  Antirrhinums  are 
easily  raised  from  seeds,  which  should  be  sown 
at  once.  They  are  best  massed  in  beds  of  dis- 
tinct colours,  such  as  crimson,  yellow,  and 
white.  The  Pentstemon  is  also  easily  propa- 
gated from  seeds.  This  plant  has  few  equals 
for  massing  in  beds  or  borders.  The  great 
variety  of  colours  and  the  beautiful  pencilling  in 
the  throats  of  the  flowers  always  evoke  admira- 
tion. Innumerable  are  the  bedding  arrange- 
ments of  other  plants  that  associate  well  with 
the  Viola.  These  flowers  are  almost  indis- 
pensable ;  their  value  as  edging  plants  on  long 
herbaceous  borders,  or  for  planting  in  beds  by 
themselves  or  as  a  groundwork  to  other  subje.  ts 
is  very  great.  Coxcombs  and  Celosias  are  much 
used  in  the  London  parks  for  furnishing  flower- 
beds during  the  summer  months.  Their  plumes 
of  purple,  crimson,  golden,  yellow,  and  lemon- 
coloured  flowers  are  especially  attractive.  A 
sowing  of  both  Celosias  and  Coxcombs  should 
now  be  made.  When  the  seedlings  are  well 
above  the  seed-pan,  place  them  near  to  the  glass 
in  a  considerable  heat,  but  guard  against  damp- 
ing, which  is  a  source  of  great  danger  to  these 
plants  in  their  early  stages. 

Lajuns  and  edgings.^M\zc\\\Qr\.  should  now  be 
given  to  the  rolling  and  mowing  of  lawns  that  are 
kept  closely  cut  by  mowing  machines.  The  edges 
and  verges  on  the  side  of  paths  should  have  the 
turf  cut  neatly  and  evenly,  for  nothing  appears 
so  untidy  as  a  badly-kept  edging,  either  by  walks 
or  around  flower-beds.  All  mowing  machines 
should   have   been   repaired   and    set   in    proper 

order  before  this  date.     After  the  cl >j  each 

season  they  require  overhauling  and  readjusting, 
whether  triev  be  hand,  horse,  or  motor  mowers. 


168 


THE     GARDENERS     CHRONICLE. 


[March  13s  1909. 


EDITORIAL    NOTICE. 


ADVERTISEMENTS  should  be  sent  to  the  PUB- 
LISHER, 41,  Wellington  Street,  Covent  Garden, 
W.C. 

Letters  for  Publication,  as  well  as  specimens  of  plants 
for  naming,  should  be  addressed  to  the  EDITOR, 
41,  Wellington  Street,  Covent  Garden,  London. 
Communications  should  be  written  on  one  side  only  of 
the  paper,  sent  as  early  in  the  week  as  possible  and  duly 
signed  by  the  writer.  If  desired,  the  signature  will  not  be 
printed,  but  kept  as  a  guarantee  of  good  faith. 

Special  Notice  to  Correspondents.—  The  Editor  does  not 
undertake  to  pay  for  any  contributions  or  illustrations,  or 
to  return  unused  communications  or  illustrations,  unless  by 
special  arrangement.  The  Editor  does  not  hold  himself 
responsible  for  any  opinions  expressed  by  his  correspondents. 

Illustrations.-  The  Editor  will  be  glad  to  receive  and  to  select 
photographs  or  drawings,  suitable  for  reproduction,  of 
gardens,  or  of  remarkable  plants,  Jlowers,  trees,  &c,  but  he 
cannot  be  responsible  for  loss  or  injury. 

Local  News. — Correspondents  will  greatly  oblige  by  sending  tn 
the  Editor  early  intelligence  of  local  events  likely  to  be  of 
interest  to  our  readers,  or  of  any  matters  which  it  is  desirable 
to  bring  under  the  notice  of  horticulturists. 

Newspapers. — Correspondents  sending  newspapers  should  be 
carejulto  mark  the  paragraphs  they  wish  the  Editor  to  see. 


APPOINTMENTS  FOR  THE  ENSUING  WEEK. 


WEDNESDAY,  MARCH  17- 
Roy.  Meteorological  Soc.  meet. 

THURSDAY,  MARCH  18— Linnean  Soc.  meet. 


Average    Mean    Temperature    for    the    ensuing    week, 
deduced  from  observations  during  the  last  Fifty  Years 
at  Greenwich — 4L7°. 
Actual  Temperatures: — 

London.—  Wednesday,  March  10  (6  p.m.):  Max.  43°; 
Min.  36°. 
Gardeners'  Chronicle  Office,  41,  Wellington  Street, 
Covent  Garden  London — Thursday,  March  U 
(10  A.M.)  :  Bar.'  29'7 ;  Temp.  36^'  ;  Weather— 
Overcast. 
Provinces.—  Wednesday,  March  JO  (6  p.m.):  Mas.  42° 
Ely;  Min.  341-  Durham. 


SALES  FOR  THE  ENSUING  WEEK. 

MONDAY  and  FRIDAY— 

Perennials,  Bulbs,  Liliums,  &c,  at  12  ;  Roses  and  Fruit 
trees  at  1.30,  by  Protheroe  &  Morris,  at  67  &  63,  Cheap- 
side,  E.C. 

WEDNESDAY— 

Hardy  Border  plants  and  bulbs,  Liliums,  &c,  at  12; 
Roses  and  Fruit  trees,  at  1.30;  Azaleas,  Palms,  &c,  at 
5,  by  Protheroe  &  Morris,  at  67  &  63,  Cheapside,  E.C. 

FRIDAY— 

Choice  Established  Orchids  in  large  variety,  by 
Protheroe  &  Morris,  at  67  &  68,  Cheapside,  E.C. 

I 

The    task   of    cultivating    the 
Imperial        ,        ,      .     ,       _  .      , 

Training  'ar>d  of  the  Empire  is  becom- 
in  Hor-         ing   more   and   more   one    for 

ticulture.  tra-med  horticulturists.  The 
increasing  complexity  of  modern  life  causes 
an  increase  in  the  number  of  commodities  in- 
dispensable to  that  life.  The  natural  or  agri- 
cultural rate  of  production  being  too  slow  to 
meet  the  demand,  it  has  to  give  place  to  in- 
tensive methods  which  are  essentially  he  rti- 
cultural  in  their  character. 

Our  point  of  view  is  strikingly  illustrated 
by  the  custom  which  is  growing  up  in 
various  tropical  regions  of  holding  what 
are  called  "  agri-horticultural  shows  "  in 
the  place  of  the  purely  agricultural  and 
purely  horticultural  shows  common  in  our 
own  country.  Though  the  word  agri-horti- 
culture is  ungainly  enough,  it  is  expressive 
of  the  modern  trend  of  development  of  the 
science  of  the  cultivation  of  the  earth. 

In  treating  of  the  training  of  horticul- 
turists for  the  Empire,  we  have  not  primarily 
in  mind  the  training  of  men  for  service  in  the 
Government  Botanical  Gardens  at  home  or 
abroad.  Kew  provides,  in  a  manner  not  to 
'be  rivalled  elsewhere,  the  technical  education 
and  practical  experience  necessary  for  the 
men  who  are  to  fill  official  posts  of  this  kind, 
and  in  the  present,  as  in  the  past,  Kew  men 
are  giving  an  excellent  account  of  themselves 
in  all  parts  of  the  civilised  world. 

But  even  with  respect  to  such  posts  as 
these  more  might  be  done  than  is  at  present 


attempted.  For  botanical  gardens  are  be- 
coming also  experimi  ntal  stations.  Now, 
the  director  of  an  experimental  station 
requires  special  training  of  a  kind  not  yet 
available  at  Kew.  In  such  a  man  practical 
skill  in  the  science  of  horticulture  should  be 
combined  with  a  knowledge  of  the  methods 
of  experimentation. 

We  are  concerned  for  the  moment  with  the 
need  for  training  young  men  who  possess 
some  small  available  capital,  or,  in  default  of 
capital,  a  fair  endowment  of  energy,  and 
who  are  willing  to  emigrate  to  one  or  other 
part  of  the  Empire  in  order  to  till  the  soil. 

It  would  be  well  for  the  Empire  if  the 
home  country  were  engaged  in  preparing  and 
sending  out  year  by  year  colonists  who  had 
a  knowledge  of  the  methods  of  horticulture 
already  implanted  within  them. 

The  reader  may  ask  :  Is  it  likely  that  any 
system  of  training  at  home  will  be  of  real 
value  in  the  novel  conditions  which  the  emi- 
grants are  likely  to  encounter?  Will  it  not  be 
better  to  send  them  as  boys  to  the  new  coun- 
tries, there  to  learn  their  work  by  experience? 
When  the  diverse  conditions  under  which 
horticulture  is  carried  on  are  considered  : 
when  the  climate  of  Canada,  severely  conti- 
nental in  type,  is  contrasted  with  the  insular 
climates  of  our  tropical,  island  possessions: 
when  regard  is  paid  to  the  varied  produce  of 
the  Empire,  it  may  well  seem  as  though  the 
experience  to  be  gained  at  home  could  be  of 
but  little  service  to  the  emigrant  in  his  new- 
surroundings. 

Nevertheless,  we  believe  that  to  draw  such 
a  conclusion  would  be  to  make  a  profound 
mistake.  The  successful  horticulturist  learns 
by  experience  to  control,  in  as  large  a  mea- 
sure as  is  humanly  possible,  the  conditions 
under  which  his  plants  are  growing.  He 
knows,  consciously  or  unconsciously,  the  ideal 
conditions  for  certain  plants,  and  proceeds 
sagaciously  to  provide  the  closest  approxi- 
mation to  those  conditions.  His  plants,  like 
all  plants,  have  simple  wants — water  and  air, 
sunlight  and  warmth,  together  with  small 
quantities  of  soluble  compounds  such  as 
nitrogen  and  phosphorus.  Some  plants,  it  is 
true,  need  more  water  or  light  than  others. 
But  the  peculiarities  of  the  plants  which  grow 
at  home  are  as  wide  as  those  that  grow  any- 
where. 

Therefore,  the  knowledge  he  has  gained 
here  will  stand  him  in  good  stead  abroad. 
He  will  make  mistakes ;  but  so  he  does  at 
home.  He  will  be  confronted  with  special 
difficulties;  but  so  he  will  be  wherever  he  may 
practise  his  craft. 

The  training  which  he  had  at  home  would, 
moreover,  unless  it  were  of  an  inadequate 
kind,  teach  him  caution  ;  for  it  is  >nly  the 
half-trained  who  think  they  have  nothing  to 
learn. 

It  would  be  a  good  thing  if  the  men 
going  out  from  these  shores  to  grow  fruit 
in  British  Columbia,  rubber  in  Malaya, 
or  tea  in  Ceylon  were  men  trained  in  the 
general,  universal  principles  of  horticulture, 
and  not  men,  trained  or  untrained,  selected 
haphazard  by  the  careless  hand  ol  chance. 

For  this  purpose  no  small  horticultural 
college,  with  its  good  intentions  and  neces- 
sary limitations,  would  suffice.  Such  a  hor- 
ticultural station  as  that  contemplated  by  the 
Innes  bequest  might,  without  detriment  to 
the  home  interests  which  should  be  its  first 


care,  form  a  centre  for  such  Imperial  training. 
What  is  wanted  is  an  Imperial  Institute  of 
Horticulture ;  an  institution  amply  endowed 
and  supported  by  the  constituent  members  of 
the  Empire.  Such  an  institution  would  not,  of 
course,  be  a  teaching  body  only;  it  would  in- 
vestigate as  well  as  instruct.  Nor  would  it 
exist  solely  for  the  service  of  the  colonies  and 
dominions  of  the  Empire;  it  would  benefit 
also  the  home  country.  An  institution  of  the 
kind  would  not  only  train  men  to  go  abroad 
and  train  men  for  home  horticulture,  but  it 
would  attract  men  from  the  colonies  them- 
selves. To  it  would  come  men  from  the 
east  and  from  the  west  in  order  that  they 
might  learn  the  latest  word  of  horticultural 
wisdom. 

This  is  no  place  to  discuss  detail  :  as,  for 
instance,  whether  anyone  should  be  admitted 
to  study  at  the  Imperial  Institute  of  Hi  rti- 
culture  before  he  had  worked  for  a  term  at 
the  practice  of  horticulture,  or  whether  the 
manual  and  mental  parts  of  the  work  should 
be  carried  on  simultaneously — we  refrain 
from  using  such  words  as  "  practical  "  and 
"  scientific  "  in  antithesis.  To  do  so  is 
ridiculous;  for,  if  science  is  not  practical  and 
if  practice  is  not  scientific,  then  both  are 
nonsense. 

The  proposal  thus  outlined  in  briefest 
fashion  may  seem,  even  to  those  who  sym- 
pathise with  the  aspirations  suggesting  it,  too 
bold  to  be  likely  of  realisation.  It  is  true 
that  such  a  scheme  would  require  the 
expenditure  of  a  large  sum  of  money.  But 
when  the  importance  and  the  magnitude 
of  the  work  which  such  an  institution 
would  perform  are  considered,  it  cannot 
be  doubted  that  the  money  would  be  well 
expended.  Other  industries,  great  and  im- 
posing, it  is  true,  but,  nevertheless,  of  lesser 
magnitude  than  those  of  agriculture  and 
horticulture,  have  their  "  Charlottenburgs." 
In  this  country  we  are  still  without  a  Chair 
of  Horticulture  at  any  of  the  universities,  and 
it  is  not  long  since  the  first  Chair  of  Forestry 
was  established.  Why,  at  the  next  Imperial 
Conference,  should  not  such  a  proposal  as 
that  outlined  here  be  given  consideration? 


Our  Supplementary  Illustration.— At  the 

Royal  Horticultural  Society  on  October  27  last 
year  Colonel  G.  L  Holford,  C.I.E.,  C.V.O., 
Westonbirt  (gr.  Mr.  H.  G.  Alexander),  staged  one 
of  those  magnificent  groups  of  Orchids  for 
which  his  gardens  have  become  famous.  One  of 
the  most  admired  plants  in  the  group  was  Laelio- 
Cattleya  Lustre  gigantea  (C.  Luddemanniana  X 
L.-C.  callistoglossa),  which  was  accorded  an 
Award  of  Merit.  The  beauties  of  the  flower  con- 
sisted not  only  in  its  fine  colouring,  but  more 
particularly  in  the  remarkable  arrangement  of 
its  segments.  The  plant  is  of  dwarf  and  com- 
pact habit,  and  the  flowers,  therefore,  appear 
unusually  large  in  comparison  to  the  size  of 
the  growths.  The  sepals  are  white,  tinged  with 
rose ;  the  petals  crimped  and  decurved,  white, 
tinged  and  mottled  with  rose,  the  mid-ribs  being 
white.  The  lip  is  deep  claret-purple,  lighter  to- 
wards the  front,  which  has  a  light  violet  shade, 
the  base  having  deep,  golden-yellow  lines,  and 
the  front  a  branched  reticulation  of  a  yellowish 
tint.  It  is  interesting  to  note  the  features  of 
Cattleya  Warscewiczii,  which,  with  La^lia  pur- 
purata,  were  the  parents  of  L  -C.  callistoglossa, 
appearing  so  marked  in  the  flower  of  L.-C. 
Lustre,  whose  fine  substance  is  also  derived 
from   that  parent. 


March  13,  1909  ] 


THE     GARDENERS     CHRONICLE. 


1G9 


The  "  Botanical  Magazine." — In  the  issue 
of  this  publication  for  March,  there  are  illus- 
trations and  descriptions  of  the  following  plants  : 

Cycas  Micholitzu,  tab.  8242. — This  species 
was  discovered  in  Annam  by  Mr.  W.  Michulitz 
when  collecting  on  behalf  of  Messrs.  Sander  & 
Sons.  A  plant  sent  home  by  him  in  190-1  and  a 
complete  series  of  herbarium  specimens  were 
placed  at  the  disposal  of  Sir  W.  T.  Thiselton- 
Dyee,  whose  formal  description  of  the  species 
was  published  in  Gardeners'  Chronicle,  1905,  vol. 
xxxviii.,  p.   142,  figs.  48  and  49. 

Saxifraga  scardica,  tab.  8243. — A  form  of  S. 
scardica  was  figured  in  the  Botanical  Magazine, 
1905,  tab.  8058.  That  form  is  most  usually  met 
with  in  Alpine  gardens,  but  Mr.  Spkacue  pointed 
out  at  the  time  that  it  was  not  the  typical  state  of 
the  species.  The  typical  S.  scardica  now  figured 
is  a  rare  plant,  and  it  is  stated  to  have  been  in- 
troduced to  cultivation  in  this  country  by  Mr.  R. 
Farrer,  of  Ingleborough.  A  living  plant  was 
presented  to  Kew  in  1908  by  Mr.  E.  II  Jenkins. 
The  differences  exhibited  by  the  two  forms  are 
described  as  follow: — In  S.  scardica  proper  the 
lower  leaves  are  acute  with  9-15  intramarginal 
pits,  the  3-11  flowered  stems  are  reddish,  and 
the  reddish  subacute  calyx  lobes  are  distinctly 
glandular-pilose.  In  the  form  figured  at  t.  8058, 
for  which  Mr.  Sprague  proposes  the  name  S. 
scardica  variety  obtusa,  the  lower  leaves  are 
subacute,  with  5-11  intramarginal  pits  :  the  1-3 
flowered  stems  are  green,  and  the  green,  obtuse 
calyx  lobes  are  relatively  free  from  pubescence. 

PSEVDERANTHEMVM      SETICALYX,      tab.      8244. 

This  is  the  species  that  was  described  by  C.  B. 
Clarke  in  the  Flora  of  Tropic'.'.  A  jrica  as 
Eranthemum  seticalyx.  The  specific  name  has 
reference  to  the  attenuate  calyx-lobes,  not  to  the 
presence  of  setas,  for  the  calyx  is  glabrous  or 
nearly  so.  There  are  several  species  of  Pseuder- 
anthemum  which  may  be  grown  so  as  to  get 
them  to  flower  in  winter.  These  include  P.  albi- 
florum,  P.  Andersonii,  P.  cinnabarinuni,  P. 
igneum,  and  the  species  now  figured,  which  last 
may  also  be  grown  so  as  to  flower  in  late  sum- 
mer. These  Acanthaceous  plants  require  the 
temperature  of  an  intermediate  house. 

Nigella  integrifolia,  tab.  8245. — For  illus- 
tration and  description  of  this  species  see 
Gardeners'  Chronicle,  1908,  xliv.,  p    226. 

Rubus  KoEHNEANts,  tab.  8246. — The  figure 
of  this  plant  was  prepared  from  a  plant  pur- 
chased from  Mr.  Spath,  of  Berlin,  in  1890,  under 
the  garden  name  of  R.  moriifolius.  It  differs, 
however,  from  Siebolp's  species  so  named,  and 
Dr.  Focke  [Engl.  Prantl.  Pflanzenfam,  vol.  iii., 
pars  iii.,  page  28)  found  it  necessarv  to  treat 
it  as  a  distinct  species  referable  to  a  small  East 
Asian  group,  the  Corchorifolii  of  the  section 
Batothamnus.  At  Kew  this  plant  forms  a 
rounded  bush  3  feet  high.  It  blossoms  towards 
the  end  of  May,  and  its  fruit  ripens  in  July. 
The  plant  thrives  vigorously  in  a  border  of 
loamy  soil,  and  can  easily  be  increased  by  means 
of  suckers.  Its  attractions  as  a  shrub  for  the 
garden  lie  in  its  fine,  lobate  leaves  and  in  its 
abundant  and  distinct  white  flowers. 

Linnean  Society.— At  a  meeting  to  be  held 
on  March  18,  at  8  p.m,  the  following  papers 
will  be  read: — 1,  Miss  Sibyl  Longman,  "The 
Dry  Rot  of  Potatos  "  :  2,  Mr.  A.  Horne,  "The 
Structure  and  Affinities  of  Davidia  involu- 
crata."  Baill. 

Mr.  W.  Budd  is  retiring  after  47  years'  service 
as  head  gardener  to  Mr.  Dalgety  and  Captain 
Dalgety  his  son,  at  Lockerby  Hall,  Romsey, 
Hants.  He  will  be  succeeded  by  Mr.  W.  Baxter. 
from  Melchet  Court  Gardens,  Romsey,  where  he 
has  served  as  foreman  for  the  past  ten  years 
under  Mr.  G.  Hall,  who  is  so  well  known  as  a 
leadiug  exhibitor  of  Japanese  Chrysanthemums. 


Royal   Gardeners    Orphan    Fund. — From 

February  26  last  the  address  of  the  office  of  this 
fund  will  be  Milton  House,  Surrey  Street,  Lon- 
don, W.C.  The  secretary  is  Mr.  Brian  Wynne. 

Mr  J.  F.  Bailey. -At  the  annual  meeting  of 
the  Royal  Society  of  Queensland,  held  at  the 
Technical  College,  Brisbane,  on  January  29,  Mr. 
J.  F.  Bailey,  Director  of  the  Botanic  Gardens, 
Brisbane,  was  elected  to  the  presidency,  in  suc- 
cession to  Mr.  J.  C.  Brunxtch,  F.I.C.  The  late 
president  took  for  the  sjibject  of  his  retiring 
address,  "  The  Land  we  Live  On."  Speaking  of 
the  economic  position  of  Queensland,  he  showed 
that  whilst  Queensland  could  grow  practically 
all  the  food  stuff  she  requires,  she  still  depends 
largely  on  outside  markets.  If  only  a  narrow 
strip  of  6  per  cent,  of  the  whole  of  Queensland 
were  cultivated,  Queensland  couid  produce  a 
wheat  crop  equal  to  about  that  of  the  United 
States. 

Trials  of  Dahlias.— The  National  Dahlia 
Society,  in  addition  to  holding  two  exhibitions 
in  September  next,  has  arranged  for  three  trials 
of  Dahlias  for  the  purpose  of  determining  the 
varieties  best  adapted  for  garden  decoration. 
These  trials  will  be  as  follow  :  — Garden  Dahlias, 
in  association  with  the  Royal  Horticultural  So. 
ciety,  at  Wisley  Gardens ;  Cactus  Dahlias,  in 
conjunction  with  Mr.  J.  T.  West,  at  Shenfield  ; 
and  Pompon  Dahlias  at  Slough,  under  the  care 
of  Mr.  Charles  Turner.  The  garden  Dahlias 
at  Wisley  will  be  grown  under  a  distinctive 
name,  and  two  plants  of  each  variety  intended 
f  ir  trial  should  be  sent  to  the  superintendent  in 
April,  addressed,  if  by  rail,  R.H.S.  Gardens, 
Horsley  Station,  L.  and  S.W.R.  ;  or,  if  by  post, 
R.H.S.  Gardens,  Wisley,  Ripley,  Surrey.  A  post- 
card should,  in  either  case,  be  sent  announcing 
the  despatch  of  plants.  In  connection  with  the 
other  trials,  new  varieties  of  Cactus  and  Pompon 
Dahlias  are  alone  invited,  and  these  will  be 
grown  under  numbers,  in  conjunction  with  com- 
prehensive collections  of  varieties  in  commerce. 
Two  plants  of  each  variety  should  be  sent  not 
than  the  end  of  May.  Those  desirous  of 
including  their  novelties  in  the  trials  should 
notify  their  intention  to  Mr,  E.  F.  Hawes,  Royal 
Botanic  Gardens,  Regent's  Park,  N.W.,  and  send 
with  the  notification  the  names  of  the  varieties 
intended  for  trial.  These  names  will  be  regis- 
tered in  numerical  order,  and  the  corresponding 
number  with  address  label  will  be  returned  ready 
for  despatch  to  the  trial  ground.  All  packages 
should  be  sent  carriage  paid.  On  arrival  they 
will  be  carefully  planted,  be  supported  with  a 
single  stake,  and  grown  without  disbudding. 
The  plants  will  be  inspected  on  convenient  dates 
by  a  special  committee  of  the  National  Dahlia 
Society. 

The  Horse  Guards  Parade:  aSuggested 
Improvement.  — London,  which  is  always  to  its 

citizens  a  fascinating  place,  may  yet  become  a 
splendid  city.  It  has  unrivalled  parks,  and  no 
lack  of  stately  buildings,  but,  by  reason  of  its 
haphazard  growth,  it  lacks  the  ordered  majesty 
which  should  belong  to  the  metropolis  of  a  great 
empire.  Statues,  some  of  great  beauty,  some  un- 
worthy of  their  subjects  or  of  any  city,  have  been 
dumped  down  in  obscure  corners,  or  in  crowded 
thoroughfares.  Fine  buildings  rub  shoulders 
with  mean  houses,  and  great  avenues  of  adequate 
proportions  ate  but  few.  Recent  improvements, 
however,  prove  that  these  disabilities  are  be- 
coming widely  recognised,  and  that  artistic 
ability  is  available  to  remedy  some  at  least  of 
these  defects.  Kingsway  is  a  noble  thoroughfare 
in  the  making.  The  Marble  Arch  improvement 
is  a  notable  success.  Mr.  J.  W.  Speaight,  to 
whom  London  is  indebted  for  the  idea  of  this 
latter  improvement,  has  now  turned  his  attention 


to  the  amelioration  of  that  dreary  stretch  of  deso- 
lation—the Horse  Guards'  Parade.  Mr. 
Speaigh  i'  would  transform  this  into  a  great  Place 
of  parade  ground,  broad  walks,  and  avenues, 
wherein  the  statues  of  British  military  heroes 
should  be  gathered  together— a  British  Valhalla. 
The  plans,  which  Mr.  Speaight,  with  the  col- 
laboration of  Mr.  C.  E.  Mallows,  F.R.I.B.A., 
has  now  prepared,  represent  a  good  idea  finely 
developed.  The  cost— some  £60,000— is  not  con. 
siderable,  and  the  work  would  provide  emplov- 
ment  both  for  skilled  and  unskilled  labour.  It 
is  to  be  hoped  that  all  who  are  eager  for  the 
beautification  of  London  will  lend  their  active 
support  to  the  scheme. 

Mr.  W.  J.  Simpson,  late  gardener  at  The 
Grange,  Sutton,  Surrey,  and  one  of  the  most 
expert  cultivators  of  Sweet  Peas,  has  removed  to 
Stoke  Rochford,  Grantham,  as  gardener  to  H. 
YV.  Jefferson,  Esq. 

*  Lawns.  —  We  have  received  a  pamphlet 
on  this  subject  by  W.  J.  Stevens.  The 
author  rightly  insists  on  the  necessity  there  is 
for  providing  a  good  foundation  for  the  lawn 
at  the  commencement.  It  is  impossible  to  ob- 
tain good  results  if  the  ground  is  likely  to  fall 
afterwards  here  and  there  and  thus  show  depres. 
sions  wheii  the  Grass  should  be  level  or  have 
an  even  slope.  The  details  of  lawn-making 
with  turf  and  with  seeds  are  carefully  explained, 
it  being  advised  that  one  or  the  other  method 
should  be  adopted,  according  to  local  circum- 
stances. As  a  rule,  however,  the  best  sward 
can  be  obtained  by  sowing  seeds,  it  being  next 
to  impossible  to  get  turf  free  from  weeds.  Short 
descriptions  of  the  principal  kinds  of  Grasses 
are  given,  and  information  with  respect  to  the 
renovating  and  manuring  of  lawns,  as  well  as 
methods  of  destroying  worms  and  Moss.  The 
pamphlet  concludes  with  an  article  by  Mr. 
Hearxe,  of  Lord's  Cricket  Ground,  on  the  for- 
■mation  and  management  of  cricket  and  tennis 
grounds. 

Publications  Received.  —  One  and  All 
Garden  Books:  Stocks.  By  R.  P.  Brotherston. 
(London  :  Agricultural  and  Horticultural  Associa- 
tion, Ltd  )  Price  Id  —Bulletin  de  la  Societe 
Nationale  d'Acclimatation  de  France.  (Paris: 
33,  Rue  de  Buffon).— Bullettino  delta  Societa 
Botanica  Italiana.  No.  1 — List  of  Herba- 
ceous Perennials  Tested  in  the  Arboretum 
and  Botanic  Garden  Central  Experimental 
Farm,  Ottawa,  Canada,  with  Descriptions  of 
Flowers,  and  Other  Notes.  By  W.  T  Macoun. 
(Bulletin  No.  5,  Second  Series).  (Ottawa  :  Gov- 
ernment Printing  Bureau).  —  U. S.  Department  of 
Agriculture  :  Bureau  of  Plant  Industry.  Cir- 
cular No.  23.  Potato  Diseases  in  San  Joaquin 
County,  California.  By  W.  A.  Orton.  Bureau 
of  Entomology.  Bulletin  No.  66,  Part  IV. :  Some 
Insects  injurious  to  Truck  Crops.  The  Leaf- 
hoppers  of  the  Sugar  Beet  and  their  relation  to 
the  "Curly-Leaf"  condition.  By  E.  D.  Ball, 
Ph  D.  Bulletin  No.  75,  Part  VI.  :  Miscellaneous 
Papers  on  Apiculture.  The  Status  of  Apiculture 
in  the  United  States.  By  E.  F.  Phillips,  Ph.D. 
Circular  No.  104  :  The  Common  Red  Spider. 
By  F.  H.  Chittenden,  Sc.D.  Farmers'  Bulletin 
No.  344:  The  Boll  Weevil  Problem,  with  special 
reference  to  means  of  reducing  damage.  By 
W.  D.  Hunter.  (Washington :  Government 
Printing  Office).  —  Agricultural  Bulletin  of  the 
Straits  and  Federated  Malay  States.  I  Feb- 
ruary). (Singapore :  The  Methodist  Publishing 
House). — Johnston  on  Small  Holdings  and 
Allotments.  Second  and  Revised  Edition.  (Lon- 
don :  Effingham  Wilson,  54,  Threadneedle  Street, 
EC.)  Price  16s  net.  —  The  Estate  Magazine. 
(March).     Price  6d. 

Agricultural  and  Horticultural  Association,  Ltd.  Price  Id. 


170 


THE     GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


[March  13,  1S09. 


NOTES  FROM  A  "FRENCH''  GARDEN. 

The  recent  snowy  weather  has  been  very- 
harmful  in  the  French  garden.  Work  had  to  be 
entirely  suspended,  and  the  numerous  sowings 
which  in  ordinary  conditions  would  have  been 
made  were  inevitably  delayed.  This  weather 
has  emphasised  the  importance  of  having  every- 
thing in  readiness  for  the  making  of  the  hot- 
beds, and  the  ground  prepared  before  Christmas 
for  the  crops  in  the  open. 

Although  the  weather  has  caused  much  de- 
lay, it  would  be  unwise  to  make  the  hot-beds 
thicker  than  usual  with  a  view  to  making  up 
for  lost  time,  as  plants,  especially  seedlings, 
suffer  from  excess  of  heat  as  well  as  from  cold. 

The  snow  has  cooled  the  beds  that  were  made 
in  January  and  February,  and  the  paths  be- 
tween the  frames  will  have  to  be  filled  up  again 
with  hot  and  strawy  manure. 

In  many  places  the  mats  have  been  kept  con- 
tinually on  the  lights,  and  this  has  been  preju- 
dicial to  the  crop  of  Radishes.  As  soon  as  the 
weather  permits  the  plants  will  be  pulled  out. 
The  Lettuces  also  will  require  attention,  as  they 
have  many  decayed  leaves. 

The  first  Lettuces  planted  in  January  will  be 
ready  for  harvesting  shoitly.  We  generally  cut 
the  Lettuces  early  in  the  morning,  and  put  them 
in  hampers,  head  downwards.  This  is  to  pre- 
vent dirt  from  getting  between  the  leaves  :  they 
are  carried  to  the  shed  to  be  packed. 

If  Cauliflowers  sown  in  September  have  not 
grown  satisfactorily,  they  should  be  planted 
now,  but  if  the  plants  are  strong  and  healthy, 
it  is  preferable  to  wait  till  the  Lettuces  arc 
cleared  before  planting  them  among  the  Carrots. 

We  are  now  sowing  another  batch  of  Cauli- 
flower "  Lenormand,"  to  be  planted  in  the  open 
amongst  the  Cabbage  and  Cos  Lettuces  at  the 
beginning  of   May. 

Endive  sown  in  the  middle  of  February  will 
be  ready  for  transplanting  on  a  hot-bed  9  inches 
in  height  when  trodden  down.  We  shall 
allow  140  to  150  plants  per  light.  The  lights 
are  kept  closed  until  the  plants  are  well  estab- 
lished, after  which  they  receive  a  little  ven- 
tilation. 

For  a  succession  we  generally  sow  some 
seeds'  in  the  hot-beds,  on  which  are  reared  the 
young  Melons.  The  plants  are  pricked  off  a 
month   after  sowing. 

We  are  sowing  Celery,  and,  as  the  snow  has 
delayed  this  work,  a  hot-bed  will  be  requisi- 
tioned. One  batch  is  of  the  variety  Chemin  ; 
this  is  employed  for  early  cropping.  The 
variety  Long  Winter  Green  is  used  for  the  main 
batch.  A  few  seeds  of  Celeriac  Improved 
Parisian  will   also  be  inserted. 

Melons  sown  in  the  middle  of  February  will 
now  require  to  be  potted  into  3-inch  pots  filled 
with  rich,  loamy  soil.  The  soil  is  not  made 
firm  at  the  roots,  and  the  pots  are  well  filled 
so  as  to  avoid  them  holding  too  much  water. 
The  plants  aie  plunged  in  a  hot-bed  which  has 
been  prepared  a  few  days  earlier.  We  insert 
from  90  to  100  plants  in  each  light,  which  are 
kept  closed  for  eight  or  ten  days,  after  which 
they  can  be  opened  a  little  in  the  middle  of  the 
day,  to  assist  in  hardening  the  plants. 

The  main  batch  of  Melons  should  be  sown 
in  the  middle  of  March  to  have  them  ready  at 
the  beginning  of  May  to  utilise  the  frames  and 
lights  until  then  occupied  by  the  Carrots  and 
Tin  nips.  We  sow  two  lots  of  seeds  at  an  in- 
terval of  a  few  days,  in  case  the  first  batch 
fails. 

In  some  of  our  frames  we  have  planted  a  crop 
of  Lettuces  without  sowing  Carrots  amongst 
them.  As  soon  as  the  Lettuces  are  cleared, 
we  shall  remove  the  frames  and  the  lights,  put 
the  soil  in  a  convenient  place,  and  then  turn 
the  manure  over  and  well  tread  it.  After  this 
operation  the  frames  and  the  soil  will  be  re- 
placed in  their  original  positions.  These  beds 
will  then  be  ready  for  the  sowing  of  Turnip 
Early  White.  To  sow  Turnips  in  the  frame 
we  have   a    special    appliance   a   little    shorter 


than  a  light,  viz.,  4  feet  3  inches  by  4  feet 
4  inches.  It  is  made  of  11  pieces  of  wood 
nailed  at  equal  distance  across  10  similar  pieces. 
At  the  place  where  the  slips  of  wood  cross  is 
fixed  a  small  peg  1  inch  in  length.  Y\  hen  this 
tool  is  pressed  on  the  soil  it  makes  110  holes, 
into  each  of  which  are  placed  three  seeds  of 
Turnip.  The  lights  are  kept  closed  till  the 
young  plants  come  up,  when  a  little  ventila- 
tion is  permitted  and  the  quantity  increased 
gradually,  some  being  allowed  even  at  night- 
time. When  the  cotyledons  are  well  developed, 
all  save  one  plant  are  removed  from  each  hole. 

Tomatos  that  were  raised  from  seeds  sown 
on  February  '20  will  be  pricked  off  in  beds  which 
have  previously  carried  a  crop  of  Lettuces. 
The  beds  will  be  prepared  as  for  the  sowing 
of   Turnips. 

We  are  planting  early  Potato  Ffenot  in  a 
well-sheltered  bed.  The  tubers  are  very  even 
in  size,  and  the  haulm  is  small.  We  plant 
them  in  rows  made  2  feet  apart  and 
allow  IS  inches  between  the  plants  in  the 
rows.  By  the  middle  of  May  they  will  be 
fully  earthed  up,  when  we  shall  plant  Tomatos 
between  the  rows,  and  this  crop  will  occupy 
the  ground  when  the  Potatos  are  lifted. 
P.   A  qua  Has. 

LAW    NOTES. 


REPAIR    OF    NURSERIES. 

An  action  of  considerable  interest  to  nursery- 
men was  recently  tried  before  Mr.  Justice  Jelf, 
at  Nottingham  Assizes,  in  connection  with  a 
dispute  which  had  arisen  between  Messrs.  J.  R. 
Pearson  &  Sons,  of  Nottingham,  and  their  late 
landlord. 

The  land  which  formed  the  subject-matter  of 
the  action  had  formerly  been  occupied  by 
Messrs.  Pearson  as  nursery  ground,  but  it  was 
afterwards  sublet  by  them.  When  the  lease  ran 
out,  the  landlord  of  the  premises,  Mr.  Charlton, 
brought  an  action  for  damages,  mainly  on  the 
ground  that  the  land  had  not  been  left  in  proper 
condition. 

Putting  the  matter  briefly,  the  dispute  princi- 
pally  turned  on  the  construction  of  a  clause  in 
Messrs.  Pearson's  lease,  which  provided  that 
the  land  should  be  given  up  at  the  expiration  of 
the  tenancy  "  in  good  state,  plight  and  condi- 
tion." In  addition  to  this,  the  landlord  con- 
tended that  the  land  had  not  been  used  "in  a 
husbandlike  manner,  according  to  the  custom 
of  the  country." 

Messrs.  Pearson,  as  defendants,  thus  had  to 
defend  the  manner  in  which  the  land  had  been 
left  by  their  under-tenants,  and  they  raised  a 
variety  of  interesting  objections  to"  the  land- 
lord's claim.  They  pointed  out  that  the  lease 
contained  no  restrictive  conditions  as  to  crop- 
ping, and  that  a  nurseryman  could  not  claim 
for  compensation  or  tenant-right  on  his  leaving 
the  land,  and  ought,  consequently,  to  have  a 
free  hand  as  regards  cultivation  and  manuring. 

In  summing-up  the  case  to  the  jury,  the 
learned  judge  declined  to  regard  the  points  put 
forward  by  the  defence  as  relevant  to  the  issue, 
and  stated  that,  in  his  opinion,  the  case  turned 
entirely  on  the  wording  of  the  covenant  in  the 
lease  to  the  effect  that  the  land  should  be  given 
up  ''in  good  state,  plight  and  condition."  So 
far  so  good,  and  if  the  matter  had  been  left  to 
the  jury  at  this  point,  they  would  have  had 
merely  to  determine  the  simple  question  as  to 
whether  the  tenants  had  or  had  not  left  the  land 
in  this  state.  But  the  learned  judge  went  fur- 
ther than  this,  and  expressed  the  opinion  that 
the  tenants  would  not  be  leaving  the  land  in 
good  state,  plight  and  condition  unless  they 
actually  left  it  in  just  such  a  state  as  they 
would  yield  it  up  to  a  son  or  a  brother,  or  as 
it  was  during  the  middle  of  their  tenancy,  i.e., 
in  the  height  of  condition  as  regards  cultivation 
and  manuring.  If  the  learned  judge  was  correct 
in  adopting  this  point  of  view,  it  will 
be  seen  that  a  nurseryman  who  holds  under  a 
lease  in  these  terms  is  in  a  position  of  extreme 
hardship,  inasmuch  as  he,  like  the  market-gar- 
dener, can  be  called  upon  to  leave  the  land  at 
the  end  of  his  tenancy  in  first-class  condition 
(and  not  merely  in  fair  condition),  although,  un. 
like  the  market-gardener,  he  can  claim  no  com- 


pensation from  his   landlord  for   improvements 
or  special  manuring. 

Fortunately  for  Messrs.  Pearson,  the  <  ase 
came  before  a  jury  composed  of  men  familiar 
with  agricultural  conditions  from  the  practical 
point  of  view,  and,  somewhat  to  the  surprise  of 
those  present  in  court,  they  entirely  disregarded 
the  summing-up,  and  gave  a  verdict  foi  Messrs 
Pearson  on  all  points. 

Had  the  case  come  before  a  jury  of  another 
type,  the  result  might  have  been  disastrous  for 
Messrs.  Pearson.  It  is  a  practical  instance  of 
the  unsatisfactory  position  of  the  nurseryman, 
which  has  more  than  once  been  described  in 
these  columns.  The  case  also  furnishes  an  ad- 
ditional argument  in  favour  of  the  remedy 
which  has  been  urged  many  times  in  these 
pages,  that,  in  disputes  between  nurserymen 
and  their  landlords,  all  matters  of  fact  should 
be  compulsorily  referred  to  the  arbitration  of  a 
single  practical  man,  as  is  already  the  rule  in 
the  case  of  market-gardeners.  The  simplest 
way  to  achieve  this  object  would  be  to  extend 
to  nurserymen  the  same  easy  machinery  for  ar- 
bitration which  is  granted  to  market-gardeners 
by  the  provisions  of  the  Agricultural  Holdings 
Act.     H.  HI.    V. 


HOME   CORRESPONDENCE. 


(The  Editor  does  not  hold  himself  responsible  jor  the 
opinions  expressed  by  his  correspondents.) 

The    R.H.S.    Daffodil    Classification.— 

I  desire  to  say  that  I  was  wrong  in  attribut- 
ing to  the  R.H.S.  Council  the  want  of  mature 
consideration  in  issuing  this  new  scheme.  It 
appears  that  the  Council  did  exactly  as  re- 
quested by  the  Narcissus  Committee,  i.e., 
authorised  first  the  appointment  of  the  Special 
Committee  and  then  its  recommendations  when 
received.  The  blame  must  rest  with  the  Nar- 
cissus Committee,  of  which  I  am  myself  a  mem- 
ber. It  should  have  appointed  its  own  sub- 
committee and  fully  considered  its  report  before 
passing  it  to  the  Council  for  its  imprimatur. 
Mr.  Jacob  gives  an  erroneous  impression  by  his 
account  of  the  omission  of  Mr.  P.  R.  Barr's 
name  from  the  Special  Committee.  Mr.  Barr 
was  the  original  mover  for  a  revision  of  the 
classification,  and  his  name  was  necessarily  one 
of  the  very  first  chosen  by  the  Narcissus  Com- 
mittee. Its  subsequent  omission  was  owing  to 
a  pure  but  most  unfortunate  misconception.  I 
need  hardly  explain  that  in  making  this  correc- 
tion I  am  not  in  any  way  depreciating  the  work 
of  Mr.  W.  Barr.  I  will  not  occupy  space  by 
answering  Mr.  Jacob  on  the  general  question 
of  this  classification.  He  apparently  stands 
alone  in  his  advocacy.  The  experts  in  the  sub- 
ject seem  to  be  united  in  their  strong  disap- 
proval, which  will  probably  have  been  effectu- 
ally expressed  elsewhere  before  this  is  ;n  print. 
G.  H.  Engleheart. 

1    fully    recognise    the    great    service 

conferred  by  the  Daffodil  Committee  in  com- 
piling and  issuing  this  List.  They  are  the  most 
competent,  and,  indeed,  the  only  body  who 
could  do  so  with  the  necessary  experience  and 
authority,  and,  moreover,  since  a  new  classi- 
fication was  urgently  needed,  it  was  certainly 
wiser  to  issue  it  now,  though  necessarily  im- 
perfect, than  wait,  perhaps  indefinitely,  for  a 
more  complete  or  perfect  scheme.  But  the  List 
was  admittedly  tentative,  and,  hence,  invited 
the  expression  of  opinions  of  those  interested. 
Anyone  who  has  thought  about  the  matter  at  all 
will  have  realised  how  difficult  the  task  is  and 
how  impossible  it  would  be  to  make  a  perfect 
scheme  that  would  satisfy  all  interests.  But 
Mr.  Jacob  says  :  "  It  does  not  profess  to  be  in 
any  way  natural  or  botanical.  .  .  It  is  for 
garden  and  show  purposes.  Personally,  I  re- 
gard it  as  one-seventh  garden  and  six-sevenths 
show."  It  seems  to  me  that  this  fully  justi- 
fies Mr.  Engleheart's  criticism,  and,  without 
going  into  any  question  of  degree,  I  plead  that 
regard  might  be  paid  to  other  points  of  view. 
Mr.  Engleheart's  letter  is,  I  think,  evidence 
that  it  would  be  possible  to  do  so  with  advan- 
tage, and  that,  so  far  from  its  value  for  show 
purposes  being  diminished,  the  classification 
would  be  improved,  would  gain  in  general  use- 
fulness and  authority,  and,  what  is  especialK- 
desirable,  it  would  appeal  to  a  far  wider  circle 
than  those  who  are  only,  or  primarily,  interested 


March  13,  1909] 


THE     GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


171 


as  exhibitors.  Referring  to  doubtful  cases, 
Mr.  Jacob  asks  whether  certain  varieties  should 
be  classed  in  one  division  or  another,  and  adds 
that,  whatever  view  might  be  taken,  he  is  ready 
to  argue  the  case  for  the  other  side.  The 
opinion  of  an  individual,  even  if  he  is  an  ex- 
pert, has  only  a  limited  value.  It  varies  with 
the  degree  of  his  experience  and  is  influenced  by 
his  special  interest  in  the  flower — as  exhibitor 
or  grower,  gardener,  breeder  or  botanist.  It  is 
just  such  debatable  cases,  where  there  seems  to 
be  as  much  to  be  said  for  one  side  as  the  other, 
that  illustrate  the  necessity  for  the  widest  pos- 
sible expression  of  opinions,  and  it  is  in  such 
cases  especially  that  considerations  from  the 
point  of  view  of  the  breeder  and  botanist  would 
be  helpful  in  making  a  satisfactory  decision. 
A.  J.  Bliss. 

Damage  by  Snow. — I  am  sending  you  a  photo- 
graph (see  fig.  72)  of  the  wreck  made  by  the 
heavy  fall  of  snow  last  week  on  Mr.  W.  Wood's 
place  at  Dartford  Heath,  when  seven  houses, 
300  feet  long  by  12  feet  wide,  completely  col- 
lapsed, although  fires  were  going.  As  there  were 
23°  of  frost,  scarcely  any  of  the  contents  of 
the  houses  were  saved.  Amongst  the  plants 
lost  were  over  20,000  young  Tomatos,  be- 
sides Carnation  and  Chrysanthemum  cut- 
tings, so  that  practically  the  whole  of 
the   season's  crops  are   ruined.     Having  known 


Broccoli,  and  Brussels  Sprouts  on  highly- 
manured  or  loose  soil.  Under  such  conditions, 
nearly  all  the  Winter  Broccoli  has  collapsed, 
and  many  of  the  Brussels  Sprouts  are  of  little 
value,  because  there  are  no  compact  buttons, 
only  loose  leafage  that  is  scorched  in  the  open 
field  on  hard,  poor  soil.  Green  vegetables  in 
general  are  in  a  much  better  condition,  although 
not  by  any  means  entirely  undamaged.  The 
Broccoli  crop,  even  in  fields,  has  suffered 
severely  in  a  few  instances.  Kales,  more 
especially  the  old  cottager's  type  and  scotch, 
show  their  superiority  over  other  green 
vegetables  during  such  winters  as  this, 
and  are  valuable  in  any  household  or  market. 
Such  seasons  as  the  present  teach  us  that  it  is 
unwise  to  rely  upon  one  sowing  of  any  of  the 
winter  and  spring  green  vegetables,  and  that 
smaller,  less  succulent  plants  are  superior  to 
larger,  sappy  specimens  for  withstanding  severe 
frosts.  The  Spring  Cabbage  crop  is  looking  any- 
thing but  promising.  The  26°  of  frost  experienced 
just  after  Christmas,  in  spite  of  its  suddenness, 
did  our  plants  no  harm.  Fortunately  they  were 
securely  covered  with  snow,  and  they  looked 
very  fresh  after  the  thaw.  Now  they  look  un- 
healthy, for  the  many  frosts  during  February — 
both  wind  frosts  and  rime — without  any  covering 
or  rains  to  help  them,  have  caused  the  plants  to 
dwindle  to  veiy  small  proportions.  The  best 
course  to  take  is  to  commence  forming  a  gentle 


Fig.  72. — plant  houses  destroyed  by  snow  in  a  market  nursery. 


Mr.  Wood  for  a  great  many  years  as  a 
worthy  man  and  good  grower,  I  am  making 
an  appeal  on  his  behalf,  and  shall  be  glad 
if  you  will  find  room  to  publish  the  photograph 
in  your  next  issue,  with  my  letter,  as  I  feel  sure 
that  many  will  contribute  to  help  a  man  over 
such  a  disaster.  I  shall  be  glad  to  acknowledge- 
direct,  and  through  your  columns  each  week, 
any  subscriptions  given,  if  you  will  kindly  allow 
space  for  that  purpose.  The  following  dona- 
tions have  been  promised: — H.  O.  Larsen, 
£10  10s.;  James  Sweet,  £10;  Toseph  Rochford, 
£10;  Geo.  Monro,  Ltd.,  £10;  J.  Nielsen, 
£3  3s.  ;  A.  J.  Monro,  £2  2s.  ;  R.  Cobley,  £2  2s.  ; 
A.  W.  Pollard,  £2  2s.  ;  H.  B.  May,  £1  Is.  ; 
Robert  Piper,  £1  Is.  ;  James  Walker,  £1  Is.  ; 
Mrs.  Monro,  £1 ;  F.  Home,  £1  ;  R.  Seymour 
Cobley,   £1.      Geo.   Monro,   March    it. 

Cabbages  and  the  Frost. — Most  of  ihe  life 
of  the  winter  vegetables  has  been  squeezed  out 
by  alternate  freezing  and  thawing.  They  are 
looking  very  flabby  and  dejected.  There  was  a 
prolonged  growing  period  last  autumn,  and  such 
is  scarcely  the  best  weather  for  preparing  green 
crops  for  withstanding  a  severe  winter.  If  there 
is  one  cultural  point  emphasised  more  than 
another  during  the  present  winter,  it  is  the  folly 
of  growing  such  crops  as  Winter  Broccoli,  Spring 


hot-bed,  and  to  raise  a  few  thousand  young] 
healthy  plants  of  the  smaller  early-hearting 
i .  .ii  H  ties,  such  as  Sutton's  April,  or  any  selected 
type  of  Ellam's  Early.  Plants  raised  at  this  sea- 
son grow  away  very  quickly.  Everything  must 
be  done  to  prevent  a  shortage  in  the  supply.  It  is 
usually  possible  to  find  suitable  spots  for  prick- 
ing-off  frame-raised  plants  a  few  inches  apart, 
to  be  moved  during  April,  with  a  small  ball  of 
earth,  to  their  final  positions.  When  they  are 
established  there,  light  applications  of  nitrate  of 
soda  will  assist  in  the  early  formation  of  dark, 
tender,  succulent  leaves.  Soluble  fertilisers  are 
never  more  economically  employed  than  for  add- 
ing colour  and  succulence  to  such  produce.  It 
renders  them  so  tender  that  the  supply  rarely 
equals  the  demand,  which  is  always  a  healthy 
sign  to  the  purely  market  man.  Perhaps  the 
quickest  hearting  of  all  the  Cabbages  suited  to 
spring  sowing  is  "  Earliest,"  which  has  received 
t»  '  awards,  and  ought  to  be  grown  in  every  pri- 
vate garden.     Charles  Foster,  Ridding. 

Frosts  at  Monmouth.— On  the  morning  of 
March  4  we  registered  25  degrees  of  frost,  and 
on  the  5th  inst.  32  degrees.  Fortunately,  for 
some  subjects,  the  ground  was  co\  ered  with 
about  8  inches  of  snow.  T.  Coomber,  The  llcndre 
Gardens,  Monmouth,  March  S. 


Naming  of  Multigeneric  Orchid  Hybrids. 

— Having  carefully  studied  the  circular  issued  by 
the  sub-committee  of  the  Orchid  Committee  of 
the  Royal  Horticultural  Society,  it  appears  to 
me  that  a  much  simpler  and  more  intelligible 
plan  might  be  adopted  than  any  of  the  half- 
dozen  described.  Plan  No.  1,  as  at  present 
adopted,  involving  the  combination  of  parts  of 
the  names  of  the  different  genera  combined  in 
the  hybrid,  is,  to  my  mind,  open  to  a  practicable 
modification  as  follows,  which  considerably 
shortens  the  compound  names  without,  however, 
sacrificing,  for  the  Orchid  expert,  their  signifi- 
cance. By  the  present  system,  several  syllables 
of  each  genus  are  used  ;  thus,  in  the  examples 
given,  we  have  Anguloa  X  Lycaste  =  Angulo- 
caste,  Anaectochilus  X  Haemaria  =  Anaecto- 
maria,  and  so  on  ;  a  trigeneric  hybrid  Sophro- 
nitis  X  Cattleya  X  I.aelia  thus  becoming  Sophro- 
laeliocattleya.  So  that  it  is  quite  obvious  that, 
as  the  circular  states,  for  multigeneric  hybrids 
of  very  complex  character,  the  names  would  be- 
come ridiculously  long  and  unmanageable.  A 
careful  study  of  the  generic  names  shows,  how- 
ever, that  each  genus  in  its  name  has  a  single 
syllable  or  dissyllable,  sometimes  more  than 
one,  which  could  be  adopted  as  its  symbol,  and 
used  in  conjunction  with  others  in  such  a  way 
that  there  would  hardly  be  more  syllables  than 
genera.  This,  at  any  rate,  is  a  great  step  in  the 
right  direction,  while  those  acquainted  with 
Orchids  could  at  a  glance  read  off  the  symbolic 
syllables,  and  see  at  once  the  composition  of 
the  plants,  so  far  as  the  genera  involved  were 
concerned.  It  is  absolutely  hopeless  to  attempt 
to  do  more  than  this  ;  that  is,  to  indicate  the 
varietal  parentage  in  addition.  Having  thus  in- 
dicated the  nature  of  my  suggestion,  I  will  illus- 
trate it  by  comparing  the  list  of  bigeneric  and 
trigeneric  hybrids  already  named  and  cited  in 
the  circular  under  consideration,  with  the  com- 
pound names  on  my  system  :  — 


Group  Genera. 

Hybrid  as 
Named. 

New  System. 

1. 

Anguloa-Lycaste 

Angulocaste 

Angcaste 

a. 

Anaechtochilus  -  Hae- 

Anaectomaria 

Haemaecta  or 

maria 

Anaeria 

Dossinia-Haemaria 

Dossinimaria 

Dossaria 

Macodes-Haemaria 

M  acorn  aria 

Macoria  or 
Macria 

B. 

Chondrorhynca-Zygo- 

Chondropeta- 

Chonalum 

petalum 

lum* 

Batemannia-Zygo- 

Zygobateman- 

Zygannia  or 

petalum 

nia 

Batalum 

Colax-Zygopetalum 

Zygocolax 

Zygolax 

Aganisia  -  Zygopeta- 
luin 

Zygonisia 

Aganalum  or 

Zygisia 

4 

Cochlioda-Odonto- 

Odontioda 

Cochlossum  or 

glossum 

Odontoda 

Miltonia-Odonto- 

Odontonia 

Miltossum  or 

glossum 

as  Intherto 

These  last  two,  it  will  be  noted,  are  named 
approximately  or  quite  on  the  briefer  system  1 
advocate,  and  it  is  useless  for  me  to  go  through 
the  entire  list,  as  the  above  are  sufficient  to 
show  how  compound  names  can  be  built  up  in  a 
short  compass,  and  yet  indicate  all  the  genera 
involved.  I  have,  indeed,  gone  through  them  all, 
and  found  no  difficulty  whatever  in  applying  the 
system.  For  Cattleya  and  Laelia  some  objection 
might  be  raised  to  the  use  of  such  similar-sound- 
ing terminals  as  "  leya  "  and  "  lia  "  for  these 
genera  ;  but,  to  my  mind,  the  first  essential  is 
a  clear  label,  or  written  or  printed  record, 
rather  than  a  pronounced  name,  which,  in  prac- 
tice, is  little  used.  Turning  now  to  the  tri- 
generic hybrids  cited,  we  have  Brassavola-Cat- 
tleya-Laelia  =  Brassocattlselia  reduced  to  Brass- 
attlia,  and  Sophronitis-Cattleya-Laelia  =  So- 
phrolaeliocattleya  reduced  to  Sophrattlia,  which 
is  surely  a  step  in  the  right  direction,  since,  from 
the  very  outset,  the  orchidist  who  gripped  the 
principle  and  knew  the  generic  names  could 
read  them  off  instanter,  quite  as  well  from  the 
abbreviated  forms  as  he  could  from  the  long 
and  cumbrous  ones,  which,  moreover,  are  ren- 
dered impracticable  where  many  genera  may  be 
involved.  I  take,  for  instance,  by  way  of  test, 
eight  genera  as  they  stand  seriatim  on  the  list, 
viz.  :  1,  Anguloa  ;  2,  Lyi  .i^te  ;  3,  Anaectochilus  ; 
i  Haemaria  ;  5,  Dossinia  ;  6,  Chondrorhym  ha  ; 
7,  Zygopetalum  ;  and  8,  Aganisia  ;  and,  with  a 
little  ingenuity,  arrive  at  this  :  Chondoszygan- 
gochaemagaluin,  i.e.,  nine  syllables,  as  repre- 
senting all  the  eight  genera.  This  is  bad 
enough,  I  admit,  but  it  is  only  about  half  as  long 
as  the  seven  generic  names  combined  in  the  cir- 
cular  as   an   example   of   unwieldiness.      In   m7 


172 


THE     GARDENERS'    CHRONICLE. 


[Makch  13,  K09. 


humble  opinion,  it  is  a  practical  impossibility  to 
invent  a  system  of  nomenclature  which  can 
embrace  an  unlimited  number  of  genera  in  one 
name.  The  one  I  suggest  will  certainly  deal 
with  a  fair  number,  embracing  the  great  ma- 
jority of  likely  combinations,  and  that,  at  least, 
is  something.  It  would,  however,  be  essential 
that  the  naming  be  done  or  approved  by  the 
Orchid  Committee  of  the  R.H.S.,  so  far  as 
British  productions  are  concerned,  since  it  is 
obvious  that  different  combinations  of  the  same 
symbolic  elements  are  not  desirable,  though  they 
would  none  the  less  indicate  the  composition  of 
the  hybrid  to  the  expert,  and  it  is  practically 
onlv  the  expert  who  is  concerned.  Chas.  T. 
Dr'uery,  V.M.H.,  F.L.S. 

Another  Hybrid  Fruit  from  Luther 
Burbank.— In  the  current  number  of  the  Revue 
de  I'Horticulture  Beige,  published  on  March  1, 
the  "  Wonderberry "  is  described  by  a  corres- 
pondent named  Albert  Dervaes  as  the  latest 
product  raised  by  Mr.  Burbank.  This  most 
curious  hybrid  fruit  has  the  alternative  names  of 
Sunberry  and  Sugarberry.  It  is  described  as  the 
results  of  a  cross  between  two  species  of  Wild 
Solanum  (S.  guianense  and  S.  villosum).  The 
first  of  these  species  is  a  native  of  the  western 
side  of  South  Africa,  and  the  second  of  the 
western  side  of  Eastern  America.  While  neither 
of  these  species  produces  edible  fruit,  this 
bispecific  hybrid  produces  a  profusion  of  de- 
licious berries,  which  are  both  sound  and  whole- 
some. There  is  also  the  additional  advantage 
that  they  come  quite  true  from  seed  like  a 
natural  species.  The  plant  is  not  more  than 
IS  inches  high  by  a  little  more  in  diameter  ;  the 
flowers  show  themselves  about  the  end  of  May 
and  succeed  one  another  without  interruption 
till  very  late  in  the  autumn.  The  fruit  or  berry 
is  of  a  blackish-blue  colour  of  the  size  of  a 
large  Black  Currant,  and  is  produced  in  clusters 
of  six  in  such  abundance  as  to  entirely  cover  the 
plant.  The  first  fruits  ripen  early  in  July,  and 
the  same  plant  continues  to  yield  fruits  until 
late  in  autumn  or  until  the  first  frosts.  The 
fruit  is  either  eaten  raw  or  cooked  or  made  into 
jam.  The  culture  is  easy  and  requires  less  care 
than  either  that  of  Haricot  Beans  or  Tomatos  ; 
any  soil  suits  it  provided  that  it  be  not  too 
highly  manured,  the  result  of  which  is  only  to 
produce  a  more  luxuriant  vegetation  without  in- 
creasing the  amount  of  fruit.  Seed  may  be  sown 
under  glass  in  April,  and  in  the  open  ground  in 
May.  The  seedlings  may  be  planted  out  when 
danger  of  frost  is  over  at  a  distance  of  three- 
quarters  of  a  yard  apart,  after  which  they  re- 
quire no  further  care  than  hoeing  between  the 
rows  and  keeping  free  from  weeds.  They  re- 
quire no  artificial  manures.  At  the  end  of  the 
season,  when  the  plants  go  to  rest,  if  the 
crowns  are  protected  with  dead  leaves,  they 
will  shoot  vigorously  the  following  spring.  W. 
E.  Giimblcton. 

Nitro-Bacterine  Trials.— As  Mr.  Hutchin- 
son stated  in  your  issue  of  February  27  that  I 
made  "  several  statements  liable  to  mislead  the 
general  reader,"  will  you  kindly  permit  me  to 
reply  to  these  charges  under  three  headings? 
(1)  Concentrated  fertilisers. — The  continuation  of 
Mr.  Hutchinson's  quotation  from  the  U.S.A. 
Farmers'  Bulletin,  240,  reads  as  follows  : — 
"  Floors  used  for  drying  inoculated  seeds  should 
be  thoroughly  scrubbed  and  rinsed,  especially 
if  the  same  floor  space  has  served  for  mixing 
fertilisers."  And  the  last  clause  reads : 
"Fertilisers  should  be  spread  and  mixed  with  the 
soil,  or  drilled,  previous  to  sowing  the  seed,  and 
if  the  drill  has  been  used  for  this  purpose  all 
parts  with  which  the  seeds  may  come  in  contact 
should  be  cleaned."  I  leave  it  to  the  reader  to 
judge  which  is  the  more  misleading,  to  state,  as 
Mr.  Hutchinson  does,  that  the  reference  "  con- 
cerns the  method  of  sowing  the  seed  "  only,  or  to 
state  as  I  did  that  "  the  action  of  the'se  con- 
centrated fertilisers  on  inoculated  seed  is  in- 
jurious." (2)  Action  of  lime. — Mr.  Hutchinson 
states  that  when  speaking  of  the  growth  of  the 
nitrogen-assimilating  organisms  in  a  culture 
solution  I  "consider  it  politic  not  to  mention 
that  potash  and  phosphates  are  equally  indis- 
pensable." Mr.  Hutchinson  might  as  fairly 
complain  that  I  do  not  mention  water  and  some 
form  of  sugar  as  being  indispensable.  Mr. 
Hutchinson  is  wrong  when  he  states  that  I  in- 
clude a  number  of  different  bacteria  under  the 
term  nitrogen-assimilating  organisms.  All 
through  the  article  I  was  speaking  only  of  the 


nodule-forming  organism  (Pseudomonas  radici- 
cola).  Prof.  Chester,  of  Delaware,  one  of  the 
greatest  authorities  on  soil  organisms,  definitely 
states  that  the  presence  of  carbonate  of  lime  is 
necessary  to  fixation  in  laboratory  cultures. 
What,  then,  becomes  of  the  charge  of  writing 
"a  dissertation  on  the  requisite  conditions  for 
the  culture  of  organisms  not  at  present  con- 
cerned "  ?  (3)  Comparative  tables. — The  alteration 
of  Mr.  Chittenden's  figures  in  the  table  I  gave 
was  made  at  the  suggestion  of  Dr.  Keeble  (vide 
Gardeners'  Chronicle,  p.  36)  as  being  a  more 
scientific  method  of  comparing  the  yields.  Had 
I  quoted  the  figures  as  given  by  Mr.  Chittenden 
in  his  report,  they  would  have  shown  a  still 
greater  advantage  for  inoculation — an  increase 
of  17.4  per  cent,  for  seed  inoculation,  and  an  in- 
crease of  20.7  per  cent,  for  seed  and  soil  inocu- 
lation. My  comparison  of  the  yields  from  the 
plots  on  the  fallowed  land  is  said  to  be  "  in- 
accurate and  useless"  because  taken  "from 
plots  in  absolutely  different  series."  I  was 
under  the  impression  that  the  experiments  on 
the  cultivated  land  formed  one  series,  and  those 
on  the  fallowed  land  another  series.  That  Mr. 
Chittenden  also  thought  this  is  shown  by  the 
three  comparative  tables  G,  O  and  P,  given  in 
his  report.  I  am  glad  that  Mr.  Hutchinson  has 
given  the  table  comparing  the  yield  of  inocu- 
lated seed  only  with  yields  from  other  manures 
on  the  cultivated  land.  Certainly  the  lowest 
yield  is  from  the  inoculated  seed,  but  then  the 
addition  of  10  tons  of  manure  to  this  soil  also 
decreased  the  yield  !  Can  a  garden  soil,  which 
gives  a  decreased  yield  when  manured  with 
dung,  be  truthfully  called  either  a  poor  or  an 
ordinary  garden  soil?  W.  B.  Bottomlcy,  King's 
College,  London. 

Inoculation   with   Nitro-Bacterine.— In 

a  leaflet  that  is  being  circulated  by  the  Nitro- 
Bacterine  Distributing  Agency,  Prof.  Bottomley 
criticises  the  results  of  experiments  with  Nitro- 
Bacterine  carried  out  this  summer.  Referring  to 
the  experiments  at  WTye  College,  a  brief  account 
of  which  appeared  in  the  Gardeners'  Chronicle 
for  January  23,  he  states  that  in  this  case  "  evi- 
dently there  were  already  present  in  the  soil 
sufficient  bacteria  to  produce  a  supply  of 
nodules,"  and  goes  on  to  say  that,  "In  Seed 
and  Soil  Inoculation  (p  10)  it  is  pointed  out  that 
under  these  conditions  inoculation  is  useless." 
All  this  is  very  true,  but  I  should  like  to  point 
out  that  in  making  these  statements  Prof.  Bot- 
tomley seems  to  be  reducing  to  a  very  small 
minimum  the  number  of  cases  in  which  inocula- 
tion is  likely  to  result  in  an  increased  crop  in 
this  country.  One  of  the  soils  on  which  the 
Wye  experiment  was  carried  out  was  very  poor 
indeed  and  low  in  organic  matter,  and  had  not 
borne  a  leguminous  crop  for  many  years — just 
the  type  of  soil  on  which,  according  to  Seed  and 
Soil  Inoculation,  inoculation  is  necessary.  If,  in 
such  a  soil  as  this,  "  there  were  already  present 
.  .  .  sufficient  bacteria  to  produce  a  supply  of 
nodules,"  it,  at  least,  seems  unlikely  that  there 
are  many  cultivated  soils  in  this  country  which 
do  not  already  possess  a  sufficient  supply  of 
nodule-bacteria.  The  advantage  of  inoculation, 
when  a  leguminous  plant  new  to  a  district 
is  introduced  or  on  reclaimed  land,  as 
proved  in  Germany  and  America,  is  indisput- 
able ;  but  in  this  country,  where  most  of  the 
land  has  been  under  cultivation  so  long,  its 
value  has  not  yet  been  demonstrated.  C.  T. 
Gimingliam,  Bacteriologist  to  the  S.E.  AgricuU 
tural  College,  W ye,  Kent. 

The    Training    of    Fruit    Trees. — I    was 

pleased  to  see  the  remarks  of  B.,  p.  149,  on  this 
subject.  Speaking  generally,  it  is  a  fact  that 
fruit  trees  upon  walls  are  less  carefully  trained 
than  was  the  case  even  a  few  years  ago.  Men 
who  have  been  educated  in  gardening  routine 
in  what  are  looked  upon  as  good  schools  are 
some  of  the  greatest  sinners  in  this  phase  of 
fruit  culture.  I  venture  to  say  that  if  the  trees 
weTe  subjects  for  a  horticultural  exhibition,  and 
prizes  offered  for  them,  we  should  quickly  see 
a  change  in  wall-tree  training.  It  is  quite  as 
easy  to  train  a  Peach  tree  correctly  as  it  is  to 
cross  the  branches  with  young  shoots  or  tie  or 
nail  others  in  just  as  they  grow,  with  an  almost 
semi-circular  bend.  Any  ordinary  labourer  is 
put  to  train  the  trees,  and  often  without  any  in- 
struction, except  to  get  them  done  quickly.  As 
a  rule,  fruit  trees  are  allowed  to  retain  too 
many  shoots.  The  crops  would  be  much  better 
if  less  bearing  wood  were  retained.     E.  M. 


SOCIETIES. 

ROYAL    HORTICULTURAL. 

March  9. — A  large  and  successful  meeting  was 
held  in  the  Society's  Hall,  Vincent  Square,  on 
Tuesday  last.  The  building  was  filled  with 
exhibits,  some  of  them  overflowing  into  the 
annexes.  This  was  partly  in  consequence  of  the 
competitive  classes  for  forced  bulbs.  In  addi- 
tion many  trade  growers  showed  large  groups 
of  bulbous  plants,  so  that  the  exhibition  was 
composed  largely  of  Hyacinths,  Tulips  and  Nar- 
cissi. Orchids  made  a  fine  display,  the  chief 
honour  for  these  flowers  going  to  Sir  Jeremiah 
Colman,  Bart.  Awards  were  also  given  for 
groups  of  Alpine  plants,  Begonias,  Camellias, 
Carnations,  forced  shrubs  in  flower,  and  other 
spring-flowering  plants.  The  Narcissus  Com- 
mittee assembled  for  the  first  time  this,  season. 

Not  much  was  brought  to  the  notice  of  the 
Fruit  and  Vegetable  Committee,  and  this 
body  made  no  award  to  a  novelty,  neither  did 
the  Floral  nor  Narcissus  Committees,  but  the 
Orchid  Committee  granted  five  First-class 
Certificates  and  two  Awards  of  Merit. 

At  the  three  o'clock  meeting  in  the  lecture 
room  an  address  on  "  Tulips,  and  the  Tulip 
Mania  "  was  given  by  Mr.  W.  S.  Murray. 

Floral  Committee. 

Present :  XV.  A.  Bilney,  Esq.  (in  the  Chair)  ;  and 
Messrs.  Chas.  T.  Druery,  E.  A.  Bowles,  Jno. 
Green,  T.  W.  Turner,  J.  W.  Barr,  R.  Hooper 
Pearson,  C.  R.  Fielder,  W.  Howe,  J.  Jennings, 
Herbert  J.  Cutbush,  Chas.  Blick,  J.  F.  McLeod, 
Jas.  Douglas,  W.  J.  Bean,  E.  T.  Cook,  Arthur 
Turner,  Chas.  Dixon,  Chas.  E.  Shea,  Chas.  E. 
Pearson,  W.  Cuthbertson,  W.  P.  Thomson, 
E.  H.  Jenkins,  W.  J.  James,  and  George  Paul. 

Mr.  L.  R.  Russell,  The  Nurseries,  Richmond, 
Surrey,  exhibited  about  50  plants  of  Rhododen- 
dron (Azalea)  indica  trained  in  a  semi-globular 
shape  and  finely  flowered.  These  were  good 
examples  of  Madame  Van  der  Cruyssen,  Pro- 
fessor Walters,  Comts  de  Chambord,  President 
Oswald  de  Kerchove,  Phcebus,  &c.  (Silver  Flora 
Medal.) 

Messrs.  W.  Paul  &  Son,  Waltham  Cross,  con- 
tributed a  showy  floor  group  consisting  of  a 
number  of  choice  Camellias,  flowering  Peaches, 
Almonds,  Pyrus,  &c.     (Silver  Flora  Medal.) 

Messrs.  Hugh  Low  &  Co.,  Royal  Nurseries, 
Bush  Hill  Park,  Enfield,  showed  a  miscellaneous 
collection  of  greenhouse  and  hardy  subjects,  and 
among  them  Daphne  indica  rubra,  Erica  codo- 
nodes  Veitchiii,  Acacia  cordata,  A.  acinacea, 
Grevillea  alpina,  and  a  collection  of  perpetual- 
flowering  Carnations.     (Silver  Banksian  Medal.) 

Messrs.  W.  Cuibush  &  Son,  Highgate  and 
Barnet,  showed  forced  plants,  including  Rhodo- 
dendron Jacksonii,  R.  canadensis,  hardy 
Azaleas,  Pyrus  Malus  Scheideckeri,  Magnolias, 
&c.  The  same  firm  exhibited  seasonable  hardy 
flowers.     (Silver  Banksian  Medal.) 

Messrs.  Paul  &  Son,  The  Old  Nurseries, 
Cheshunt,  showed  Lachenalia  Coston  Gem,  a 
variety  of  L.  pendula  having  yellow  flowers  of 
small  size  and  furnished  with  a  red  calyx ; 
two  new  Hybrid  Tea  Roses  named  Mrs.  Sophia 
Neate  and  Rhea  Reid  ;  Clematis  montana  rubens 
and  seedlings  of  Azalea  sinensis. 

Messrs.  J.  Carter  &  Co.,  High  Holborn,  Lon- 
don, exhibited  on  the  floor  of  the  Hall  growing 
examples  of  lawn  Grasses  in  trays,  forming  a 
piece  of  sward  about  20  feet  by  8  feet.  This 
plot  was  surrounded  by  a  serpentine  border  of 
flowering  and  evergieen  plants.  (Silver-gilt 
Banksian  Medal.) 

Mr.  H.  Burne t  i  ,  Carnation  specialist..  Guern- 
sey, exhibited  perpetual-flowering  or  tree  Carna- 
tions as  at  recent  meetings.  (Silver  Banksian 
Medal.) 

Mr.  W.  H.  Page,  Hampton,  Middlesex,  again 
made  a  beautiful  display  with  Carnations, 
Daffodils,  and  Liliums.     (Silver  Flora  Medal.) 

Messrs.  H.  Cannell  &  Sons,  Swanley,  Kent, 
showed  an  interesting  collection  of  Begonias 
in  about  50  species  and  varieties.  Some  of  the 
inflorescences,  such  as  in  B.  manicata  and  B. 
Verschaffeltii,  were  developed  on  tall  stems, 
2  feet  or  thereabouts  in  height.  Several  of  the 
semperflorens  type  were  especially  floriferous  ; 
B.  s.  gigantea  rosea  has  finely-coloured  blooms. 
B.  Saturne  of  the  manicata  type  has  very  strong 
flower-spikes  and  numerous  blossoms.  Others 
of  interest  were  B.  ascotiensis,  B  fnchsioides, 
and  B.  Wellsiana.     (Silver  flora  Medal.) 


March  13,  1909.] 


THE    GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


173 


Messrs  Bees  Ltd.,  Mill  Street,  Liverpool, 
showed  a  batch  of  the  new  Primula  malacoides. 
The  plants  were  extremely  floriferous,  some  of 
them,  in  4-inch  pots,  having  20  or  more  in- 
florescences. The  plant  is  a  splendid  acquisi- 
tion amongst  greenhouse  subjects  for  winter 
blooming.     (Silver  Banksian  Medal.) 

Messrs.  H.  B.  May  &  Sons,  The  Nurseries, 
Edmonton,  staged  miscellaneous  flowering  and 
foliage  plants  of  a  decorative  character,  includ- 
ing many  handsome  Ferns.  Small  pot-plants  of 
Clematis  in  batches  of  white,  mauve,  lavender, 
and  other  shades  were  set  in  groups  of 
Cinerarias,  Primula  X  kewensis,  Rhododendron 
(Azalea)  indicum,  and  Primula  obconica  of  an 
improved  strain,  with  Ferns  as  a  groundwork. 
(Silver  Banksian  Medal.) 

Messrs.  James  Veitch  &  Sons,  Ltd.,  King's 
Road,  Chelsea,  exhibited  250  Hyacinths  in  about 
60  varieties.  All  were  shown  in  large  massive 
spikes  of  blooms  in  almost  all  colours.  Messrs. 
Veitch  also  showed  Boronia  megastigma  and  its 
golden-flowered  variety,  Crowea  angustifolia, 
small  plants  of  Orange  in  flower,  and  a  grand 
display  of  Rhododendron  (Azalea)  indicum. 
(Silver  Banksian  Medal.) 

A  batch  of  Lachenalias,  some  as  pot  and 
others  as  basket  plants,  was  shown  by  the  Mar- 
quis of  Salisbury,  Hatfield  (gr.  Mr.  Prime). 
Those  in  baskets  were  especially  fine  ;  the  cul- 
ture throughout  was  good.  (Silver  Banksian 
Medal.) 

Sir  Everard  Hamdro,  Hayes,  Kent  (gr.  Mr. 
Grandfield),  showed  a  very  large  number  of 
hardy  flowering  plants,  including  masses  of 
Primula  cortusoides,  P.  floribunda,  P.  Forbesii, 
Crocus  King  of  the  Whites,  Kalmia  glauca, 
hardy  Heaths,  Saxifrages  in  ^reat  variety,  and 
many  other  Alpine  plants,  all  well  cultivated 
and  excellently  displayed.     (Cold  Medal.) 

Messrs.  Barr  &  Sons,  11-13,  King  Street, 
Covent  Garden,  London,  exhibited  bulbous 
flowers,  mainly  choice  varieties  of  Narcissi. 
Notable  flowers  were-  Admiral  Togo  (a  sturdy 
Ajax  variety).  White  Lady  (of  the  I.eedsii  sec- 
tion), Bridesmaid  (whitel,  Fairy  Queen  (white), 
arid  Constellation.  Messrs.  Bark  also  exhibited 
a  collection  of  Alpine  and  hardy  garden  plants, 
Crocuses  1  eing  a  feature;  one  with  lavender- 
blue  flowers,  named  Bleu  Celeste,  was  especially 
pleasing,  the  pans  in  which  this  was  shown  be- 
ing masses  of  flowers.  Harlequin  is  a  striped 
pale  mauve  variety  with  a  deep  violet  base. 
There  were  also  Tulips,  Lachenalias,  Scillas, 
and  Anemones  in  variety.  • 

Mr.  G.  Reuthe,  Keston,  Kent,  again  showed 
Rhododendrons,  rare  and  choice  flowering 
shrubs,  and  an  assortment  of  seasonable  hardy 
flowers.  Iris  histrioides  major  and  Saxifraga 
Burseriana  were  prominent  in  this  exhibit. 

Messrs.  R.  Wallace  &  Co.,  Kilnfield,  Col- 
chester, showed  on  a  table  a  rockery  planted 
with  a  number  of  dwarf,  hardy  subjects.  The 
design  was  boldly  laid  out,  and  on  a  large  scale 
would  afford  a  pleasing  feature  in  a  villa  garden. 
(Silver-gilt  Banksian   Medal.) 

Messrs.  Thomas  S.  Ware,  Ltd.,  The  Nur- 
series, Feltham,  also  showed  a  rockery ;  also 
plants  of  Veltheimia  viridiflora,  Iris  reticulata, 
Dicentra  (Dielytraj  spectabilis,  &c.  (Silver 
Banksian   Medal.) 

Messrs.  John  Peed  &  Son,  Mitcham  Lane, 
Streatham,  S.W.,  showed  a  rockery  planted  with 
Alpine  species  of  low  growth,  and  succulents. 
This  firm  also  exhibited  a  batch  of  Lachenalia 
aurea,  L.  luteola,  and  L.  Nelsonii.  (Silver  Bank- 
sian Medal.) 

M  issrs.  G.  &  A.  Clark,  nurserymen,  Dover, 
showed  a  small  rockery  planted  with  hardy  Pri- 
mulas, &c. 

Mr.  P.  Horton,  Cravenhurst,  Seafcrd,  Sussex, 
exhibited  a  small  collection  of  Hyacinths,  Nar- 
cissus in  variety,  Veltheimia,  Crocus,  Iris  his- 
trioides, &c. 

Messrs.  Joseph  Cheal  &  Sons,  Crawley, 
Sussex,  showed  Alpine  plants  arranged  amongst 
rockwork  and  with  a  row  of  dwarf  Conifers  and 
small  shrubs  such  as  are  suitable  for  planting 
on  a  rockery. 

COMPETITIVE  EXHIBITS  OF  FORCED 
BULBOUS  PLANTS. 
The  competitive  classes  arranged  for  forced 
bulbous  plants  were  generally  well  contested. 
The  prizes  in  most  instances  vere  offered  by 
the  Dutch  Bulb  Growers' Association.  Hyacinths 
■were   especially   well    shown,    and    it    is   doubt- 


ful if  finer  spikes  of  these  flowers  have  ever 
before  been  staged  at  this  eaily  date.  The 
Tulip  and  Narcissus  grown  in  moss-fibre,  in 
bowls  or  ornamental  pots  without  drainage 
material,  served  to  demonstrate  the  value  and 
utility  of  this  material  for  growing  bulbous 
plants. 

In  the  class  for  18  Hyacinths  of  distinct 
varieties  open  to  amateurs,  the  premier  prize  of 
six  guineas  was  awarded  to  the  Hon.  Vicary 
Gibbs,  Aldenham,  Elstree  (gr.  Mr.  E.  Beckett), 
for  a  superbly-grown  collection,  which  in- 
cluded LTnnocence  (white),  Klectra  (blue), 
City  of  Haarlem  (yellow),  Jacques  (pink), 
Schotel  (pale  blue  or  porcelain),  La  Grandesse 
(white),  Lady  Derby  (pink),  and  Menelik 
(purple-violet  or  dark  plum  colour).  The  ex- 
amples throughout  showed  great  cultural  skill. 
The  second  prize  of  five  guineas  was  won  by 
L.  Noblett,  Esq.,  Monkswell,  Wavertree, 
Liverpool.  The  varieties  King  of  Yellows,  King 
of  Blues,  Morendo  and  Isabella  (pink)  were 
particularly  fine.  The  remaining  prizes  were  won 
by  the  Duke  of  Portland,  Welbeck  (gr.  Mr. 
J.  Gibson)  ;  H.  S.  Bartlett,  Esq.,  Shooter's 
Hill ;  the  Marquis  of  Salisbury  (gr.  Mr. 
Prime),  and  Mr.  A.  G.  Gentle,  Little  Gaddes- 
don,  in  this  order. 

In  the  class  for  12  Hyacinths,  open  to  ama- 
teurs, there  was  good  competition.  The  1st 
prize  was  won  by  A.  Earle,  Esq.,  Childwell 
Lodge,  Wavertree,  Liverpool  (gr.  Mr.  Hutchin- 
son I,  with  excellent  examples  of  King  of  Blues, 
Goliath  (blue),  Mont  Blanc,  Morendo  and 
others ;  2nd,  F.  Stewart  Jesmond,  Green 
Lane,  Wavertree,  Liverpool ;  this  exhibitor 
showed  King  of  Blues,  Schotel  and  City  of 
Haarlem  exceptionally  well  ;  3rd,  Lord  Howard 
de  Walden,  Audley  End,  Saffron  Walden  (gr. 
Mr.  J.  Vert).  The  4th  and  5th  prizes  were  won 
respectively  by  E.  G.  Mocatta,  Woburn  Place, 
Addlestone,  Surrey  (gr.  Mr.  F.  Stevenson),  and 
Mr.  G.  Dyke,  The  Gardens,  Garston  Manor, 
Watford. 

Four  fans  of  Hyacinths.— The  schedule  re- 
quired 10_  bulbs  of  one  variety  in  each  pan, 
and  this  class  made  a  particularly  fine  display. 
Those  shown  by  the  Duke  of  Portland,  Welbeck 
Abbey  (gr.  Mr.  J.  Gibson),  were  much  superior 
to  all  others  and  won  the  1st  prize  :  the  varieties 
were  King  of  Blues,  City  of  Haarlem  (yellow). 
La  Grandesse  ( white i,  and  Morendo  (pink)  ;  2nd, 
the  Hon.  Vn.m  Gibbs,  who  showed  Ki 
Blues,  LTnnocence,  City  of  Haarlem  and  Lord 
Balfour  (rose  and  crimson!  ;  3rd,  Lord  Howard 
de  Walden.  There  were  six  entries  in  this 
class. 

The  class  for  trade  growers  brought  three 
competitors,  the  1st  prize  being  the  Gold  Medal 
of  the  Dutch  Bulb  Growers"  Society,  Haarlem. 
It  was  won  by  Messrs.  R.  &  G.  Cuthbert, 
Southgate,  N.,  with  a  fine  collection  arranged 
in  groups  at  the  western  end  of  the  hall.  The 
plants  were  staged  in  semi-circular  groups  of 
one  variety  and  in  a  setting  of  small  Adiantum 
Ferns.  Among  the  finer  examples  were  Sim- 
plicity (white),  Lord  Derby  (pink),  City  of  Haar- 
lem (yellow),  LTnnocence  and  Linnaeus  (red), 
Messrs.  Jas.  Veitch  &  Sons,  Ltd.,  Chelsea, 
also  staged  a  very  fine  collection  of  250  pots  of 
Hyacinths  in  some  50  of  the  leading  varieties, 
the  plants  being  particularly  well  grown. 
Messrs.  Gleeson  &  Co.,  Watford,  was  the  other 
exhibitor. 

Bulbs  grown  in  moss-fibre  or  similar  material. 
—  The  prizes  in  these  classes  were  presented  by 
Mr.  Robert  Sydenham.  There  were  classes  for 
six  Hyacinths,  six  Narcissi  and  six  Tulips  re- 
spectively. The  best  Hyacinths  were  shown  by 
Hon.  Mrs.  Guv  Baring,  116,  Cadogan  Square, 
S.W.  ;  2nd,  Miss  C.  A.  Mitchell.  Mrs.  Baring 
also  won  the  1st  prize  for  Tulips  ;  2nd,  Lady 
Tate,  Streatham  (gr.  Mr.  \V.  Howei,  who  was 
1st  for  six  vases  of  Narcissi;  followed  by  R. 
Holmes,  Esq.,  Tuckwood,  Norwich. 

Narcissus  Committee. 

Present:  H.  B.  May,  Esq.  (in  the  Chair); 
and  Messrs.  W.  Poupart,  Joseph  Jacob,  Henry 
Backhouse,  W.  F.  M.  Copeland,  Arthur  R. 
Goodwin,  E.  M.  Crossfield,  P.  Rudolph  Barr, 
Walter  T.  Ware,  Geo.  H.  Engleheart,  Alex.  M. 
Wilson,  G.  W.  Leak,  G.  Reuthe,  H.  Denison, 
J.  T.  Bennett-Poe,  A.  Kingsmill,  Robt.  Syden- 
ham, J.  Duncan  Pearson,  W.  Wilks,  E.  A. 
Bowles,  F.  Herbert  Chapman,  Christopher 
Bourne,  Henry  B.  Young,  and  James  Walker. 


Lady  Tate,  Park  Hi_i,  Streatham  (gr.  Mr. 
W.  Howe)  filled  a  large  table  with  bulbous  and 
other  flowers,  including  Tulips,  Daffodils, 
Hyacinths,  Lachenalias,  Hippeastrums,  Aza- 
leas, Richardia,  Dicentra  (Dielytra),  arranged 
with  Ferns,  Retinospora  picifera,  Helxine, 
Pilea  muscosa,  and  having  a  row  of  Bamboos 
at  the  back.  The  group  made  a  bright  display 
of  colour  and  was  much  admired.  (Silver-gilt 
Banksian  Medal.) 

Messrs.  Robert  Sydenham,  Ltd.,  Tenby 
Street,  Birmingham,  exhibited  Lily  of  the 
Valley,  Narcissi,  and  Hyacinths  growing  in 
moss-fibre  and  all   finely  flowered. 

Messrs.  Cartwright  &  Goodwin,  Blake- 
brook,  Kidderminster,  showed  Narcissi  in 
variety.  The  exhibit  was  characterised  by  the 
extreme  refinement  of  the  blooms  and  their  ex- 
cellent colouring,  especially  in  the  flowers  of  the 
Pceticus  and  Leedsii  sections.  Notable  examples 
were  Circlet,  Sunset,  Aspasia,  Victoria,  Water- 
witch,  Blakewell,  Lucifer,  Beauty,  Fairy 
Queen,  Scarlet  Eye  and  Chaucer.  (Silver-gilt 
Flora  Medal.) 

Messrs.  W.  Cuteush  &  Son,  Highgate,  staged 
a  collection  of  Hyacinths  in  pots,  even  as  to 
height  and  length  of  flower  spike.  We  noted  the 
following  fine  specimens  :  Grand  Maitre,  Lord 
Balfour,  Schotel,  Ornamente  Rose,  General 
Havelock,  Lady  Derby,  La  Grandesse,  City  of 
Haarlem  (one  of  the  finest  of  the  yellow  varie- 
ties!, and  General  von  Heyden.  'A  collection 
of  Narcissus  shown  by  this  firm  was  also  a 
comprehensive  one.  (Silver-gilt  Banksian 
Medal.) 

Messrs.  R.  H.  Bath,  Ltd.,  Wisbech,  showed 
a  great  assortment  of  bulbous  plants  in  pots 
and  bowls,  having  Hyacinths,  Tulips  and  Nar- 
cissi in  all  the  best  early-flowering  varieties. 
Those  in  bowls  grown  in  moss-fibre  without 
material  for  drainage  were  especially  useful  for 
indoor  decoration.     (Silver  Flora  Medal.) 

The  Rev.  JOSEPH  Jacobs,  Whitewell  Rectory, 
Whitchurch,  Salop,  showed  Narcissi,  including 
the  trumpet  varieties  Sarah  Bernhardt  and  Hobo- 
ken  Fairy,  a  refined  variety  with  a  soft  yellow 
coronet  and  lemon-coloured  (  lalyx.  There  were 
also  varieies  of  N.  Poeticus  and'X.  Tazetta. 

Narcissus  Queen  of  the  West  and  N.  Circlet, 
shown  by  Mr.  Walter  T.  Ware,  Bath,  and 
Messrs.  Cartwright  and  Goodwin  respec- 
tively, were  awarded  Certificates  of  Commen- 
dation for  their  value  as  forcing  varieties. 

Orchid  Committee. 

Present :  J.  Gurney  Fowler,  Esq.  (in  the 
Chair)  ;  and  Messrs.  Jas.  O'Brien  (hon.  sec.i, 
Harry  J.  Veitch,  de  B.  Crawshay,  R.  Brooman- 
White,  J.  Wilson  Potter,  W.  Bolton,  Gurney 
Wilson,  W.  Waters  Butler,  H.  Ballantine,  H.  A. 
Tracy,  H.  G.  Alexander,  A.  Dye,  W.  H.  White, 
W.  H.  Hatcher,  J.  Cypher,  J.  Charlesworth, 
W.  Cobb,  A.  A.  McBean,  F.  J.  Hanbury,  R.  G. 
Thwaites,  II.  J.  Chapman,  G.  F.  Moore,  F. 
Menteith  Ogilvie,  J.  Forster  Alcock,  W.  Boxall, 
H.  Little,  F.  Sander,  Stuart  Low,  and  Sir  Jere- 
miah Colman,  Bart. 

Sir  Jeremiah  Colman,  Bart.,  Gatton  Park, 
Reigate  (gr.  Mr.  Colliei),  was  awarded  the 
Society's  Gold  Medal  for  a  grand  group  com- 
posed largely  of  Gatton  hybrid  Dendrobiums, 
Spathoglottis,  Phaio-Calanthes,  &c,  together 
with  an  interesting  selection  of  rare  and  pretty 
species.  The  new  hybrid  Dendrobiums  included 
D.  Duchess  of  Albany  (a  pretty  pearly  white), 
D.  sulphureum  (yellow),  D.  Purity  (white,  with 
purple  disc),  D.  Chessingtonense  Gatton  Park 
variety,  D.  Goldfinch  and  many  others,  but 
none  of  them  was  equal  to  the  handsome  D. 
Lady  Colman,  which  gained  an  Award  of  Merit 
at  the  last  meeting,  and  which  was  again  well 
shown.  The  centre  of  the  group  was  of  scarlet, 
yellow  and  crimson  Epidendrum  O'Brienianum 
and  E.  Boundii,  the  Dendrobiums  being  arranged 
in  sections  throughout  the  group.  Cymbidium 
Lady  Colman  was  very  fine  ;  the  selection  of 
yellow  Dendrobiums,  the  patch  of  the  white 
variety  of  D.  nobile,  and  the  fine  D.  Cybele 
Gatton  Park  variety  were  very  attractive.  At 
one  end  was  a  selection  of  pretty  and  curious 
species,  including  Dendrobium  tetragonum,  Bul- 
bophyllum  comosum,  with  five  heads  of  white 
blooms  ;  the  yellow  form  of  Sophronitis  grandi- 
flora,  Epidendrum  polybulbon,  &c. 

Messrs.  Charlesworth  &  Co  ,  Hay-wards 
Heath,  staged  a  bright  and  effective  group,  the 
plants  in  which  were  all  of  very  high  quality, 


174 


THE    GARDENERS'      CHRONICLE. 


[March  13,  1809. 


and  for  which  a  Silver-gilt  Flora  Medal  was 
awarded.  Among  the  hybrid  Odontoglossums 
were  several  superb  forms  of  O.  ardentissimum, 
one  especially  being  very  large  and  finely 
blotched  with  dark  purple.  Other  hybrids 
noted  were  good  scarlet-red  Odontioda  Cravenia? 
and  O.  Bradshawiae,  the  white  Brasso-Cattleya 
Queen  Alexandra,  Laelio-Cattleya  Empress 
Frederick,  L.-C.  Sheila,  a  pretty  white  flower, 
L.-C.  Katie,  of  a  clear  yellow,  and  others.  (See 
Awards.) 

Col.  G.  L.  Holford,  CLE.,  C.V.O.,  Weston- 
birt  (gr.  Mr.  H.  G.  Alexander),  showed  Laelio- 
Cattleya  Arbaces  (C.  labiata  X  L.-C.  Cassiope), 
a  perfectly-formed  flower  of  fine  substance  of  a 
bright  rosy-lilac  colour  with  a  deep  purple  front 
to  the  finely-crimped  labellum. 

Messrs.  Sander  &  Sons,  St.  Albans,  were 
awarded  a  Silver  Flora  Medal  for  a  group  in 
which  new  hybrid  Odontoglossums  were  well  re- 
presented. These  included  O.  Thalia  (Ander- 
sonianum  x  excellens),  a  pretty  canary-yellow 
flower  uniformly  spotted  with  red -brown  ;  O. 
Verona  (Adrianae  X  Vuylstekei),  cream-white, 
spotted  with  chestnut-red  and  tinged  with  red 
on  the  petals ;  O.  Hebe  (Lindlevanum  X 
Kolfeas)  ;  O.  Solon  (Adrianae  X  ardentissimum), 
of    fine     shape,     white,     heavily    marked     with 


ruby-red  colour,  a  thin  irregular  cream-white 
line  running  round  the  central  portion  and  a 
similar  transverse  line  partly  across  the  middle, 
the  crest  of  the  lip  being  yellow  with  red 
blotches  on  each  side  and  in  front.  Its  parent, 
age  is  uncertain,  but  it  might  be  Cochlioda  Xoez- 
liana  X  Odontoglossum  ardentissimum  album. 
Mr.  Goodson  also  showed  Cattleya  Schroderae 
The  Prince,  a  very  fine  flower  with  crimped 
petals  and  lip,  the  latter  having  a  velvety-purple 
front. 

J.  Gurney  Fowler,  Esq.,  Glebelands,  South 
Woodford  (gr.  Mr.  J.  Davis),  sent  Odontoglos- 
sum crispum  Carmania,  a  finely-blotched 
variety,  and  the  new  O.  Wyonianum.  (See 
Awards.) 

Norman  C.  Cookson,  Esq.,  Oakwood,  Wylam 
(gr.  Mr.  H.  J.  Chapman),  showed  Odontioda 
Bradshawiae  Oakwood  variety  (O.  crispum 
Graireanum  x  C.  Noezliana),  a  fine  flower  ot 
an  uniform  reddish-scarlet  colour  and  yellow 
crest ;  Odontoglossum  percultum  Oakwood 
variety,  white,  beautifully  blotched  with  purple  ; 
and  the  handsome  new  Odontioda  Bradshawiae 
Cookson's  variety.    (See  fig.  73.) 

Messrs.  Huch  Low  &  Co.,  Enfield,  staged 
an  effective  group  of  Dendrobiums,  fine  varie- 
ties of  Cattleva  Trianae,   Cymbidium  Wigania- 


FlG.   73. — ODONTIODA    X    BRADSHAWIAE    COOKSON'S    VARIETY:    AWARDED    A    FIRST-CLASS 
CERTIFICATE   AT   THE    ROYAL    HORTICULTURAL    SOCIETY'S    MEETING    ON    TUESDAY    LAST. 


purple  ;  O.  Helenus  (harvengtense  X  Coradinei), 
quite  a  new  form  with  primrose-yellow  flowers 
closely  speckled  with  cinnamon-brown.  Among 
other  Odontoglossums  was  a  very  remarkable 
and  beautiful  imported  form  with  the  sepals  and 
petals  of  a  good  O.  triumphans  and  a  broad  sul- 
phur-co'.oured  lip,  much  fringed,  and  bearing 
one  large  blotch  in  the  middle.  Also  in  the 
group  was  a  fine  selection  of  Cattleya  Trianas, 
together  with  the  very  large  pure  white  C. 
Trianae  Queen  Alexandra.  Zygonisia  Sanderi 
(Aganisia  lepida  x  Zygopetalum)  is  an  interest- 
ing novelty  with  cream-white  flowers  heavily 
blotched  with  violet.     For  others,  see  Awards. 

Messrs.  Jas.  Vf.itch  &  Sons,  King's  Road, 
Chelsea,  staged  a  group  of  good  Odontoglossum 
crispum,  O.  Pescatorei,  Cattleya  Trianae, 
I.aelio-Cattleva  Callistoglossa  and  a  number  of 
their  Cypripedium  Countess  of  Carnarvon, 
which  varies  very  much  in  form  and  colour,  but 
is  always  good  and  lasts  a  long  time  in  bloom. 

H.  S.  Goodson,  Esq.,  Fairlawn,  West  Hill, 
Putney  (gr.  Mr.  G.  E.  Day),  showed  Odontioda 
Goodsoniae,  a  charming  hybrid  and  probably 
the  finest  in  shape  and  richest  in  colour  of 
any  yet  raised.  The  flower  is  large,  the  petals 
and    sepals    equally    broad    and    of    a    glowing 


mm!,  C.  Holfurdianum,  Aerides  Vandarum,  &c. 
(Silver  Flora  Medal.) 

Messrs.  Armstrong  &  Brown,  Tunbridge 
Wells,  staged  an  effective  group  of  good  Cypri- 
pediums,  Cymbidium  Woodhamsianum,  C. 
eborneum,   C.   Ballianum,   Odontoglossums,  &c. 

Messrs.  Jas.  Cypher  &  Sons,  Cheltenham, 
were  awarded  a  Silver  Banksian  Medal  for  a 
group  in  which  were  good  Cattleya  Trianae,  well- 
flowered  Odontoglossums,  including  O.  Cervan- 
tesii,  Cypripedium  Milo  Westonbirt  variety, 
Sophronitis  grandiflora,  F.piphronitis  Veitchii, 
Aerides  Vandarum,  &c. 

Monsieur  Maurice  Mertens,  Mont  St. 
Amand,  Ghent,  was  awarded  a  Silver  Banksia.. 
Medal  for  a  very  interesting  group  of  pretty 
hybrid  Odontoglossums. 

J.  Forster  Alcock,  Esq.,  Exhims,  North- 
church,  sent  Cypripedium  W.  Hopkins,  a  dis- 
tinct flower  of  fine  shape. 

II.  A.  In'nes,  Esq.,  Croft  Spa,  Yorks.,  sent 
two  light  varieties  of  Cattleya  Trianae,  a  very 
large  and  good  Lycaste  Skinneri  alba,  and  a 
fine  dark  Masdevallia  chimasra. 

Mr.  W.  P.  Horton,  Cravenhurst,  Seaford, 
staged  a  group  of  Odontoglossums,  Cypripe- 
diums,   and   Dendrobiums. 


AWARDS. 
First-Class  Certificate. 

Cattleya  Schroderce  "Mrs.  F.  Sander,"  from 
Messrs.  Sander  &  Sons,  St.  Albans. — A  prre 
white  variety,  large  and  of  fine  shape,  the  broad 
labellum  finely  crimped  at  the  margin. 

Odontioda  Bradshau>i<z  Cookson's  variety  (see 
fig.  73),  from  Norman  C.  Cookson,  Esq.,  Oak- 
wood,  Wylam  (gr.  Mr.  H.  J.  Chapman). — This 
hybrid  is  a  near  approach  to  the  ideal  scarlet 
Odontoglossum  crispum,  long  hinted  at  by  the 
Orchidist.  The  flowers  equal  those  of  an  ordi- 
nary O.  crispum,  the  greater  part  of  the  sepals 
and  petals  being  of  a  clear  cinnabar  scarlet 
colour,  with  lighter  margin  flecked  with  rose 
colour,  the  tips  of  the  segments  being  cream 
white.  The  crest  of  the  lip  is  yellow,  with  a 
red  blotch  in  front,  the  apex  tinged  with  rose. 

Sophro-Cattleya  Thwaitesii  (S.  grandiflora  x 
C.  Mendelii  J,  from  R.  G.  Thwaites,  Esq.,  Ches- 
sington,  Streatham  (gr.  Mr.  Black). — A  hybrid 
comparable  to  the  handsome  S.-C.  Doris.  The 
sepals  are  carmine-red,  with  the  silvery  ground 
colour  showing  in  places.  The  petals  are  broad, 
reddish-rose,  slightly  darker  on  the  veining.  Lip 
cowslip-yellow,  with  the  margins  of  the  side 
lobes  and  the  front  lobe  red.  A  pretty  flower  of 
true  Cattleya  shape. 

Cattleya  Triance  "  Grand  Monarch"  from  F. 
Menfeith  Ogilvie,  Esq..  The  Shrubbery, 
Oxford  (gr.  Mr.  Balmforthl. — A  perfect  giant  in 
stature  and  a  model  in  form.  The  sepals  and 
very  broad  petals  are  bright  rosy-lilac,  the  front 
of  the  lip  purplish-crimson,  the  disc  orange, 
with  some  dark  lines  at  the  base. 

Brasso-Cattleya  Cliftonii  magniflca  (B.-C. 
Digbyano-Mossiec  X  C.  Triance  Vftands  variety  ), 
from  Messrs.  Charlesworth  &  Co.,  Haywards 
Heath. — A  further  advance  on  the  beautiful  type 
illustrated  in  the  Gardeners'  Chronicle,  Janu- 
ary 16,  1909,  p.  34.  In  the  present  variety  the 
sepals  and  petals  are  silver-white,  tinged  with 
rose,  the  broad,  fringed  lip  being  rich  ruby- 
crimson  in   front. 

Award  of  Merit. 

Odontoglossum  Wyonianum,  from  J.  Gurney 
Fowler,  Esq.,  Glebelands,  South  Woodford  (gr. 
Mr.  J.  Davis). — A  pretty,  clear  white  flower, 
unique  in  marking,  the  small,  confluent,  dark- 
red-purple  blotches  being  arranged  in  the  middle 
portions  of  the  segments  in  a  very  attractive 
manner.  The  spring  crest  of  the  labellum  is 
vellow,  with  some  red  markings. 

Brasso-Lcelio-Cattleya  Cooksonii  (B.-L.  Mrs. 
Gratrix  X  C.  Dowiana  aureaj,  from  Messrs. 
Charlesworth  &  Co. — A  very  effective  cross 
with  yellowish  flowers  tinged  and  veined  with 
copper-red,  the  lip  being  fringed. 

Botanical  Certificate. 

Chytroglossa  Marileonia,  from  Messrs.  Sander 
&  Sons. — A  charming  dwarf  species  with  elegant 
racemes  of  pretty  flowers. 

Cultural  Commendation. 

To  Mr.  H.  Ballantine  (gr.  to  Baron  Sir  H. 
Schroder,  Bart.),  for  Cymbidium  insigne,  with 
three  very  fine  spikes. 

To  Mr." Salter  (gr.  to  Walter  Code,  Esq.),  for 
an  enormous  Ccelogyne  cristata  alba,  heavily 
bloomed. 

Fruit  and  Vegetable  Committee. 

Present:  George  Bunyard,  Esq.  (in  the 
Chair)  ;  and  Messrs.  Jos.  Cheal,  E.  Beckett, 
Alex.  Dean,  H.  Parr,  G.  Hobday,  Jas.  Gibson, 
Henry  Hooper,  H.  Markham,  Chas.  Foster,  G. 
Reynolds,  P.  C.  M.  Veitch,  Jno.  Lyne,  J.  Davis, 
A.  R.  Allan,  Jas.  Vert,  F.  Perkins,  Owen 
Thomas,  Jno.  Harrison,  C.  G.  A.  Nix,  P.  D. 
Tuckett  and  A.  H.  Pearson. ' 

Messrs.  Sutton  &  Sons,  Reading,  exhibited, 
Lettuces  and  Radishes  forced  by  the  "  French  " 
system  of  forcing  these  salads.  The  Lettuces 
were  (Cabbage)  Commodore  Nutt,  Improved 
Tom  Thumb,  Early  Paris  and  Golden  Frame, 
and  (Cos)  Nonsuch  and  Little  Gem.  Radishes 
included  Earliest  of  All,  Paris  White-tipped  and 
Sutton's  Forcing  French  Breakfast.  The  bed? 
were  made  and  sown  with  Radishes  and  Car- 
rots .in  December,  amongst  which  the  Lettuces 
exhibited  were  transplanted  from  sowings  made 
under  cloches  in  October.  (Silver  Banksian 
Medal.) 


March  13,  1909] 


THE     GARDENERS      CHRONICLE. 


175 


The  Hon.  Vicaky  Gibbs,  Aldenham  House, 
Elstree  (gr.  Mr.  Ed.  Beckett),  showed  especially 
fine  samples  of  Onion  Ailsa  Craig,  for  which  a 
Silver   Banksian   Medal  was  awarded. 

P.  Xelke,  EGq.,  Woodlee,  Virginia  Water  (gr. 
Mr.  G.  Baskett),  showed  seven  varieties)  of 
Apples,  all  plump  and  well  preserved,  the  varie- 
ties being  Cox's  Orange  Pippim,  Court-pendu- 
plat,  Hereford  Winter  Quoining,  Ribston  Pip- 
pin, Dumelow's  Seedling,  King  of  the  Pippins, 
and  Old  Nonpareil.     (Silver  Banksian  Medal.) 

Messrs.  William  Wood  &  Son,  North  British 
Wharf,  Wood  Green,  showed  bottles  for  pre- 
serving Grapes  in  water.  The  bottle  lies  flat 
on  one  of  its  sides  and  is  filled  from  a  hole  in 
the  centre  of  the  upper  side.  The  mouth  is  curved 
upwards  and  none  of  the  water  can  escape  from 
the  neck  when  refilling  and  run  over  the  Grapes 
(see  fig.  74). 

Competitive  Classes  for  Appi.es. 

Four  dishes,  distinct,  shown  by  amateurs. — 
There  were  three  competitors,  the  1st  prize  be- 
ing awarded  to  Sir  Mark  E.  Collet,  Bart.,  St. 
Clere,  Kemsing,  Sevenoaks  (gr.  Mr.  M.  Nicholsi. 
The  varieties  were  Newton  Wonder,  Bramley's 
Seedling,  Alfriston  and  Hambling  Seedling  ; 
2nd,  Viscount  Enfield,  Wrotham  Park,  Barnet 
(gr.  Mr.   H.   Markham). 

In  the  class  for  one  dish,  Lt.-Col.  Borton, 
Cheveney,  Hunton,  Maidstone  (gr.  Mr.  Whittle), 
won  the  1st  prize  with  the  variety  Belle  du 
Bois ;  2nd,  Hon.  Vicary  Gibbs  !gr.  Mr.  Ed. 
Beckett),   with   Bramley's  Seedling 

In  the  classes  for  trude  growers  Messrs. 
James  Veitch  &  Sons,  Ltd.,  King's  Road, 
Chelsea,  staged  eight  dishes  of  culinary  Apples, 
the  varieties  being  Newton  Wonder,  Lane's 
Prince  Albert,  Betty  Geeson,  Belle  de  Pontotse, 
Bramley's  Seedling,  Wadhurst  Pippin,  Alfriston 
and  Lord  Derby.  The  fruits  were  finely  pre- 
served, and  Messrs.  Veitch  received  a  Siher 
Knightian  Medal  as  the  1st  prize. 


scale.  During  ihe  year  21  members  have  lapsed,  and  seven 
have  died,  the  sum  of  £81  7s.  lid.  having  been  paid  to  the 
nominees  of  the  latter. 

The  subscriptions  to  the  L'enevolent  Fund  have  amounted 
to  £238  9s.  5d.,  and  the  payments  from  the  same  £11^  4s., 
this  t.um  including  the  money  paid  to  members  over  70 
years  of  age.  Two  widows  of  deceased  members  were 
given  £i  and  £2  respectively  from  this  fund,  these  being 
the  only  special  grants  made  during  the  year. 

We  regret  that  so  little  advantage  is  taken  of  this  fu  d, 
as  we  think  that  members  recovering  fioin  an  illness  might 
more  largely  avail  themselves  of  the  benefits  accruing  from 
it.  The  sum  of  only  30s.  has  been  withdrawn  from  the 
Convalescent  Fund.  The  amount  paid  into  the  fund  in 
1908  was  ill  5s.  Gd.,  to  which  sum  Mr.  faherwood  con- 
tributed ±'5  5s. 

The  expenses  of  the  Management  Fund  have  been 
reduced  by  about  £''22  when  cornpaitd  with  1907. 

The  assets  held  by  the  Society  amount  to  nearly  £35,000, 
the  subscriptions  last  year  being  £2,030  0s.  lOd. 

In  proposing  the  adoption  of  the  Report,  the 
Chairman  dealt  with  the  principal  points,  and 
drew  attention  to  the  useful  work  being  carried 
out  by  the  Society. 

Votes  of  thanks  were  cordially  offered  the 
officers  and  committee,  and  these  were  re-elected. 


THE     WEATHER. 


SCOTTISH    HORTICULTURAL. 

March  2. — The  monthly  meeting  of  this  asso- 
ciation was  held  at  5,  St.  Andrew  Square,  Edin- 
burgh, on  this  date.  The  president,  Mr.  Why- 
tock,  was  in  the  chair,  and  there  was  a  large  at- 
tendance of  m-mbers.  A  lecture  was  delivered 
by  Mr.  John  Hunter,  F.I.C.,  County  Analyst, 
Edinburgh,  on  "  Soil  Science."  Mr.  Hunter  said 
lime  was  not  an  oxidiser ;  it  might  neutralise 
acidity  in  a  water-logged  soil,  but  it  would  not 
prevent  the  acidity  from  reappearing  unless  the 
si nl  were  properly  aerated.  The  principal  value 
of  draining  land  was  not  to  carry  off  water,  but 
to  ventilate  the  soil,  which  was  necessary  for  the 
existence  of  the  living  organisms  which  it  con- 
tained, and  to  draw  off  the  heavy  carbonic  acid 
which  existed  to  the  extent  of  60  to  70  per  cent, 
in  the  air  of  the  soil,  but  which  was  not  required 
for  the  liberation  of  the  essential  elements  of 
plant  life. 

Fourteen  new  members  were  elected. 

The  paper  at  the  meeting  on  April  6  will  be 
by  Mr.  L,  B.  Stewart,  Royal  Botanic  Garden, 
Edinburgh,  on  "Insectivorous  Plants." 


UNITED    HORTICULTURAL    BENEFIT 
AND    PROVIDENT. 

(ANNUAL  MEETING.) 

March  8. — The  annual  general  meeting  of  this 
Benefit  Society  was  held  on  the  above  date  at 
the  Horticultural  Hall,  Westminster.  Mr.  Thos. 
Winter,  vice-chairman  of  committee,  presided. 
The  Secretary  read  the  annual  report  and 
balance-sheet. 

EXTRACTS    FROM    THE    REPORT. 

The  year  has  been  marked  by  steady  progress,  both  in 
the  number  of  members  that  have  been  enrolled  and  the 
amount  of  money  that  has  been  invested,  the  total  sum 
invested  this  year—  £2,700-being  £500  more  than  in  1907. 

Benefit  Fund. 

Although  the  number  of  members  has  increased  consider- 
ably, the  net  gain  on  the  year  being  44,  the  sick  pay  for  the 
year  amounted  to  £485  4s.  6d.,  being  about  £5  more  than  in 
1907.  The  above  amount  is  apportioned  to  members  paying 
on  the  higher  scale  at  9s.  2d.,  and  to  members  paying  on  the 
lower  scale  at  6s.  Id.  The  new  rule  allowing  members  to 
withdraw  twice  Ihe  amount  of  interest  on  the  last  balance 
of  their  account  in  the  books  of  the  Society  has  been  much 
appreciated.  The  membership  now  stands  at  1,288,  made 
up  as  follows,  741  on  the  higher  scale,  and  547  on  the  lower 


KINGSTON    GARDENERS'. 

March  4. — At  the  meeting  of  this  association 
held  on  the  above  date,  Mr.  C.  P.  Raffill.  of  the 
Royal  Gardens,  Kew,  gave  a  lecture  entitled, 
"  Holiday  Rambles,"  the  subject  being  illus- 
trated by  lantern  slides.  Mr.  Raffill  discoursed 
on  the  subjects  of  the  pictures,  which  included 
views  of  the  Rhododendron  Gardens  of  Corn- 
wall. Sir  J.  T.  D.  Llewelyn's  gardens  at 
Penllergare ;  the  Botanic  Gardens,  Birming- 
ham ;  the  Botanic  Gardens,  Liverpool ;  and 
finally,  the  Blackburn  public  parks,  in  which 
not   only   was  the   smoky,   grimy   atmosphere  of 


Fig. 


-A    NEW    BOTTLE    FOR    PRESERVING 

GRAPES.     (See  text.) 


that  Lancashire  town  too  plainly  in  evidence, 
but  also  the  injurious  effect  these  deleterious 
substances  have  on  vegetable  life.  The  contrast 
between  vegetation  growing  in  Cornwall  and 
Lancashire  was  very  marked. 


UNION  OF  FRENCH  HORTICULTURAL 
TRADERS. 

We  are  informed  by  Mr.  George  Schneider 
that  at  the  last  meeting  of  the  Committee  of 
L'Union  Commerciale  des  Horticulteurs  et 
Marchands  grainiers  de  France,  presided  over  by 
Mons.  A.  Truffaut,  it  was  decided  after  due  con- 
sideration of  the  propositions  contained  in  the 
Report  of  the  Commission  on  the  Revision  of 
Tariffs  to  be  submitted  to  the  French  Parlia- 
ment, to  protest  against  any  new  duties  or  in- 
crease of  duties  on  the  importation  of  plants, 
flowers,  fruits  and  vegetables.  The  Union 
Commerciale  is  of  opinion  that  French  horti- 
culture is  sufficiently  protected.  The  adoption 
of  new  or  increa-sed  taxes  might  cause  other 
countries  to  create  or  increase  tariffs  which 
would  sensibly  affect  the  exportation  of  French 
products,  such  as  flowers,  fruits,  did  Palms 
from  southern,  and  plants  and  trees  from  west- 
ern parts,  of  France,  as  well  as  early  vegetables 
and  fruits  from  the  Paris  district,  these  products 
forming  the  most  important  part  of  French 
horticulture. 

It  was  decided  that  a  deputation  should  wait 
upon  the  President  of  the  Commission  and  also 
that  Mons.  Deloncle,  M.P.  for  the  Department  of 
Seine,  and  Mons.  Arago,  M.P.  for  the  Alpes 
Maritimes,  should  be  asked  to  use  their  in- 
fluence and  to  oppose  all  new  taxes  and  any 
increase  of  existing  taxes  on  such  produce  when 
the  discussion  of  the  Bill  takes  place  in  the 
French  Parliament. 


The  Following  Summary  Record  of  the 
weather  throughout  the  British  Islands,  for  the 
week  ending  March  6,  is  furnished  from  the 
Meteorological  Office: — 

GENERAL     OBSERVATIONS. 

The  weather — The  general  condition  was  very  wintry 
throughout  the  whole  Kingdom.  Snow  fell  in  consider- 
able or  large  amounts  in  almost  all  localities,  the  heaviest 
falls  occurring  either  about  the  middle  or  at  the  end  of  the 
week.  Thunder  was  heard  at  Gordon  Castle  on  Tuesday 
afternoon,  and  at  Tavistock  on  Friday  afternoon. 

The  temperature  was  much  below  the  average,  the  deficit 
amounting  to  nearly  10°  in  the  Midland  Counties  and  Eng- 
land S.W.,  and  to  more  than  10°  in  England  S.E.  The 
highest  of  the  maxima  were  registered  on  rather  irregular 
dates,  but  in  most  places  either  very  early  or  quite  late  in 
the  period.  They  ranged  from  49u  in  the  English  Channel, 
to  41°  in  England  E.  and  Scotland  N.  During  the  greater 
part  of  the  week  the  thermometer  remained  below  40° 
over  the  Kingdom  generally  ,  on  some  occasions  in  central 
and  south-eastern  England  it  remained  at  about  32°  or 
below  it  all  day.  The  lowest  of  the  minima  were  record- 
ed, with  some  exceptions,  between  the  3rd  and  5th.  In 
England  S.E.  the  thermometer  descended  to  zero  (at 
Marlborough  on  the  3rd),  and  in  Scotland  E.  to  1°  (at 
West  Linton  on  the  5th),  while  readings  as  low  as  7e  and 
8°  respectively  were  recorded  in  England  N.W.  and  the 
Midland  Counties.  Over  nearly  all  parts  of  the  Kingdom 
the  minima  were  below  20°,  but  in  the  English  Channel 
the  lowest  value  was  28^.  From  thermometers  on  the 
grass  the  lowest  readings  reported  were  5"  at  West  Linton 
(on  the  5th),  4°  at  Llangammarch  Wells  (on  the  4th  and 
5th),  3°  at  Canterbury  and  Balmoral,  5°  at  Hereford,  6° 
at  Aspatria,  7"  at  Kew,  and  8°  at  Cardiff. 

The  mean  temperature  of  the  sea.— At  nearly  all  stations 
except  Clegiian  the  water  was  colder  than  during  the 
corresponding  week  of  last  year.  The  greatest  difference 
being  about  4°  at  Margate  and  Eastbourne.  The  mean 
values  for  the  week  ranged  from  45-9"  at  Plymouth,  and  452° 
at  Cleggan,  to  about  39°  at  Kirkwall,  Pennan  Bay,  and 
Burnmouth,  to  36'1°  at  Eastbourne,  and  to  35  6°  at  Margate. 

The  rain/all  (rain  or  snow)  exceeded  the  normal  in  all 
districts  except  Scotland  N.  and  W.  and  Ireland  S.,  the 
excess  being  large  in  nearly  all  parts  of  England.  At 
some  places  in  the  south-east  of  England  the  snow  measured 
on  Thursday  morning  yielded  more  than  an  inch  of  water, 
and  at  Dungeness  as  much  as  1*9  inch.  More  than  an  inch 
was  also  measured  over  a  large  part  of  the  Midlands  and 
northern  England  as  the  result  of  the  snowfall  on  Satur- 
day, the  largest  quantity  reported  being  13  inch  at  Cheadle 
and  Fulbeck.  Some  places  further  south  experienced 
a  large  amount  of  rain  and  snow ;  at  Shaftesbury 
the  gauge  yielded  1  64  inch.  At  Buxton  and  Huddersfield 
the  depth  of  snow  after  the  fall  of  Saturday  averaged  10 
inches,  while  at  Ulcotnbe,  Kent,  on  Friday  morning  the 
depth  on  the  level  was  12  to  15  inches. 

The  bright  sunshine  was  generally  rather  above  the  aver- 
age in  the  western  districts,  and  below  it  in  the  east. 
The  percentage  of  possible  duration  ranged  from  38v  in 
Ireland  N.,  and  34  in  the  English  Channel,  to  19  in  Eng- 
land E.,  and  18  in  the  Midland  Counties. 

THE  WEATHER   IN    WEST    HERTS. 

Week  ending  March  10. 

The  wettt  it  v  ei  \  as  yet  this  year.— The  present  term  of  col  J 
weather  has  now  lasted  nearly  hve  weeks.  Throughout  the 
past  week  the  days  and  nights  have  been  all  more  or  less 
cold,  and  on  the  coldest  night  the  exposed  thermometer 
registered  19^  of  frost,  which  is  the  lowest  reading  but  one 
of  the  above-mentioned  cold  period,  and  the  lowest  in 
March  for  ten  years.  The  ground  is  at  the  present  time  3° 
colder  at  2  feet  deep,  and  4°  colder  at  1  foot  deep,  than  is 
seasonable.  Rain,  hail,  snow  or  sleet  fell  on  all  but  one  day, 
and  to  the  total  depth  of  1£  inches— making  this  the  wettest 
week  as  yet  recorded  here  this  year.  On  one  day  the 
ground  was  covered  with  snow  to  the  average  depth  of  2 
inches.  As  much  as  6  gallons  of  rain  and  melted  snow 
have  come  through  the  bare  soil  percolation  gauge,  and 
5A  gallons  through  that  on  which  short  grass  is  growing. 
'Ihe  sun  shone  on  an  average  for  3J  hours  a  day,  which  is 
about  the  average  duration  for  this  period  in  March.  On 
three  days  no  sunshine  at  all  was  recorded.  Light  airs 
and  .calms  have  alone  prevailed  during  the  week.  The 
mean  amount  of  moisture  in  the  air  at  3  o'clock  in  the 
afternoon  exceeded  a  seasonable  quantity  for  that  hour  by 
3  per  cent.     E.  A/.,  Berkhamsted,  March  10,  1909. 


DEBATING    SOCIETIES. 


CROYDON   &  DISTRICT    HORTICULTURAL 

At  the  fortnightly  meeting  of  this  society,  held  on  Tues- 
day, March  2,  a  lecture  on  "  Manures  "  was  given  by  Mr. 
W.  Rowson,  Falkland  Park  Gardens,  a  member  of  the 
society. 

IPSWICH    AND    DISTRICT    GARDENERS.'— A 

large  number  of  the  members  of  this  association  were 
present  at  the  Co-operative  Hall,  on  Wednesday,  March  3, 
when  a  discussion  took  place  on  "The  Violet,  its  culture 
and  varieties."  A  paper  was  announced  to  have  been 
read  by  Miss  H.  C.  Phil  brick,  of  Halstead,  who  was 
unavoidably  prevented  from  attending. 

WARGRAVE  AND   DISTRICT  GARDENERS'.— 

At  the  last  meeting  of  this  association  a  short  practical 
paper  on  "  Primula  Culture  "  was  read  by  Mr.  W.  Glen, 
of  Shiplake.  The  lecturer  gave  details  on  the  subjects  of 
seed-sewing,  soils,  prickinE-off,  potting,  and  ventilation. 


17G 


THE    GARDENERS'      CHRONICLE. 


[March  13,  1909. 


<5H)ituari). 


Edward  Shuttleworth.  —  We  regret  io 
record  the  death  at  Putney  on  the  5th  inst.  of 
this  well-known  Orchid  grower  and  collector  in 
his  eightieth  year,  after  a  somewhat  long  ill- 
ness. Deceased  was  better  known  to  the  past 
generation  of  Orchid  growers,  having  been  em- 
ployed in  Knight  and  Perry's  Nursery  at 
Chelsea.  He  afterwards  entered  the  establish- 
ment of  the  late  William  Bull,  later  taking 
charge  of  the  Orchid  collection  of  Mr.  G. 
H.  Bunney,  of  Stratford.  On  the  dispersal 
of  this  collection  in  1872,  he  again  entered 
the  service  of  Mr.  William  Bull,  who  in 
the  following  year  sent  him  as  collector  to 
the  United  States  of  Colombia.  He  made 
several  successful  journeys,  sending  home  large 
consignments  of  Cattleyas,  Odontoglossutn 
crispum,  Oncidiums,  Miltonia  vexillaria,  Mas- 
devallias,  and  other  plants.  Among  many  intro- 
ductions his  name  is  recorded  in  Masdevallia 
Shuttleworthii,  Stanhopea  Shuttleworthii,  Smi- 
lax  Shuttleworthii,  and  Dieffenbachia  Shuttle- 
worthii. He  retired  from  horticultural  life 
some  15  years  ago,  after  being  in  business  with 
Mr.  John  Carder,  who  so  lately  predeceased 
him,  and  Mr.  J.  C.  Charlesworth.  The  remains 
were  laid  to  rest  at  Mortlake  Cemetery  on  the 
11th  inst. 


ENQUIRY. 

Burning  Clay  Soil. — Can  any  reader  inform 
me  what  is  the  best  method  of  burning  clay  for 
garden  purposes?  My  first  attempt  has  not  been 
successful.  After  starting  a  fire  I  built  up  the 
clay  around  it,  then  a  layer  of  small  coal  slack, 
and  again  clay.  I  found  a  difficulty  in  keep- 
ing the  fire  from  being  smothered,  and  much 
slack  was  left  unburnt.  Ought  air  passages  to 
be  left   in  the  heap?      L.   F. 


Advice  in  Orchid  Growing  :  L.  F.  P.  We  dare- 
say there  are  openings  for  Orchid  experts,  but 
cannot  undertake  to  advise  you  as  to  the  fees 
you  should  charge.  You  will  need  to  adver- 
tise. 

Beginner  in  Florists'  Business  :  V.  B.  We 
cannot  advise  you  in  respect  to  finance  beyond 
the  fact  that,  if  you  have  to  borrow  money  at 
the  commencement,  you  will  be  likely  to  ex- 
perience considerable  anxiety  before  it  is 
repaid.  If  you  are  diligent  and  keep  out  of 
debt,  you  will  probably  succeed. 

Begonia  Gloire  de  Lorraine  :  Nemo.  Propa- 
gate the  plants  from  cuttings  and  grow  them 
on  in  a  warm  house,  affording  increased  pot- 
room  as  required.  This  Begonia  thrives  best 
in  its  early  stages  when  placed  on  a  shelf  near 
the  glass  o>f  the  roof.  It  makes  an  excellent 
subject  for  planting  in  baskets. 

Bulbs  :  B.  Hodgson.  The  bulbs  were  infested 
by  the  grubs  of  a  small  fly,  and  by  the  bulb 
mite  (Rhizoglyphus  echinopus).  The  little 
beetles  are  members  of  the  family  Brachely- 
tra,  and  they  were  probably  feeding  on  the  de- 
cayed vegetable  matter.  In  the  bottle  there  were, 
besides  these  beetles  and  bulb  mites,  a  number 
of  small  worms  belonging  to  the  family  En- 
chytraeidae,  and  nearly  allied  to  the  earth- 
worms. They  are  decidedly  injurious  to  the 
roots  of  plants.  Vaporite  or  apterite  would 
be  likely  to  kill  them  if  mixed  with  the  soil. 
The  bulb  mites  might  probably  be  killed  by 
the  same  means,  but  no  liquid  insecticide  ap- 
pears to  be  of  any  use  against  this  pest. 

Ccelogyne  cristata  :  T.  H.  This  Orchid  does 
not  require  a  high  temperature  ;  a  cool  inter- 
mediate house  is  suitable.  The  cause  of 
failure  to  flower  is  usually  due  to  an  insuffi- 
ciency of  water  at  the  roots  duiing  the  plant's 
season  of  active  growth,  when  too  much 
rain-water  can  scarcely  be  given.  Coelogyne 
cristata  should  be  shaded  from  the  sun  in 
summer  and  never  be  thoroughly  dried  off  at 


the  roots.  Insert  cuttings  of  Hydrangeas  of 
mature  growth  when  available.  The  plants 
may  also  be  propagated  readily  by  division. 

Fiiire  from  China  :  /.  /.  F.  The  fibre  appeals 
to  be  Hemp  (Cannabis  sativa),  or  an  allied 
species. 

Forcing  Seakale  :  /.  R.  B.     Very  good  samples 
of   Seakale  may  be  grown   in   the  cellar  you 
mention    during     winter     and     early    spring, 
seeing  that  a  temperature  of  from  54°  to  58° 
is  maintained.     The  quickest  and  best  way  to 
establish   a    plantation    of    Seakale   that    will 
provide    plants    for    forcing    purposes   as    re- 
quired,  is  by  utilising  the  extremities  of  the 
roots  taken  up  each  year  for  forcing.     These 
are  cut  into  lengths  of  4  or  5  inches,  and  kept 
in  a  box  containing  dry  sand  until  the  follow- 
ing March,  when,  the  condition  of  the  ground 
permitting,  these  root-cuttings  or  "thongs,"  as 
they  are  commonly  called,  are  dibbled  in  rows 
formed  at  about  15  inches  apart,  putting  the 
sets  at  distances  of  9  inches  in  the  rows,  and 
covering  them  with  about  1  inch  of  soil.     After 
this  has  been  done,  apply  a  surface  dressing 
of  short  manure  between  the  rows  and  plants 
to  the  depth  of  1  or  2  inches.     It  is  only  neces- 
sary afterwards  to  keep  them  free  from  weeds 
and  remove  the  flower-stems  as  they  appear, 
until  November  or  December,  when  they  may 
be  lifted  for  forcing.     A  deep,  light,  loamy  soil 
enriched  with  short  manure  is  the  best  rooting 
medium    for    Seakale.     Root-cuttings    treated 
as  described  will  furnish  strong  plants  for  forc- 
ing   next    winter    and    following    spring.     In 
raising  plants  from  seed,  the  seeds  should  be 
sown   thinly   in    March   or   April   in   prepared 
ground  in  drills  drawn  2  inches  deep  and   12 
inches  apart,  closing  in  the  soil  over  the  seed 
with  the  feet,  heading  and  raking  the  ground 
level    afterwards.     Thin     the    seedlings     to    6 
inches   from   plant  to  plant   in  the  rows,  and 
apply  a  mulching    of  short    manure.     Plants 
thus  raised  will  be  ready  for  transplanting  in 
March,  1910,  after  the  crown  buds  have  been 
removed   so  as  to  prevent  the  plants  running 
to  seed  during  the  summer.     If  you  have  any 
established  plants  of  Seakale  in  your  garden, 
you  might  take  up  a  score  or  two,  cut  the  roots 
into  lengths  as  lecommended,   and   plant   the 
root-cuttins's    forthwith    in    the   manner    indi- 
cated to  furnish  plants  for  lifting  to  force  in 
December  next  and  onwards.     If  you  plant  in 
this   month  or  April,   one-year-old,   two-vear- 
old,   and   three-year-old   seedlings,   the   three- 
year-old    seedlings    should    furnish    vou    with 
good  plants   for   forcing   next   December,   the 
two-year  and  one-year-old  seedlings  supplying 
respectively  good  forcing  roots  in  the  two  fol- 
lowing years.     For  Rhubarb,  see  next  week's 
issue. 

Grub  in  Garden  Soil  :  Ashtoniar..  One  of  the 
specimens  you  sent  as  wireworms  is  the  grub 
of  a  ground  beetle.  These  insects  and 
their  grubs  are  carnivorous,  feeding  on 
other  insects,  &c,  and  not  on  vegetable  food, 
so  that  they  are  in  no  way  garden  pests,  but 
the  reverse.  They  may  be  easily  distinguished 
from  the  wireworms  by  the  quickness  of  their 
movements.  They  run  fast,  while  the  wire- 
worms  are  slow  in  their  actions.  They  are 
the  grubs  of  the  skipjack  or  click  beetles,  but 
we  cannot  tell  you  to  which  species  thev  be- 
long, as  the  grubs  resemble  one  another  very 
closely. 

Mushrooms  Diseased  :  H .  K.  The  Mushrooms 
are  affected  by  a  minute  parasitic  fungus, 
Hypomyces  perniciosus,  which,  when  once  in- 
troduced, spreads  very  quickly  under  the  con- 
ditions of  temperature  and  moisture  essential 
for  the  rapid  growth  of  Mushrooms.  Accord- 
ing to  a  leaflet  on  this  disease,  issued  by  the 
Board  of  Agriculture  and  Fisheries,  numerous 
Toadstools  and  other  fungi  suffering  from  the 
parasitism  of  different  kinds  cf  Hypomyces 
are  common  in  woods  and  pastures  every 
season,  and  spoies  are  probably  introduced 
into  the  Mushroom  bed  along  with  the  manure 
or  road  sweepings  commonly  used.  Tri  some 
instances  it  is  certain  that  "the  spawn  is  in- 
fected before  it  is  placed  in  the  Mushroom 
bed.  When  infection  occurs  through  the  in- 
troduction of  spores  into  the  house  by  wind 
or  other  causes,  the  disease  may  be  confined  to 
certain  portions  of  the  bed,  and  the  prompt 
removal  of  infected  Mushrooms  as  soon  as  the 
slightest  symptoms  are  observed  may  check  the 


disease  from  assuming  the  proportions  of  an 
epidemic.  When  a  house  or  other  structure 
in  which  Mushrooms  are  grown  has  become 
infected,  it  should  be  completely  emptied  cind 
thoroughly  sprayed,  both  roof,  walls,  a. id 
floor,  three  times  at  intervals  of  10  days  with 

a    solution    of     sulphate    of     copper 1     lb. 

of  sulphate  to  15  gallons  of  water.  During 
this  period  of  spraying,  the  house  should  be 
kept  warm  and  moist,  for  the  purpose  of 
favouring  germination  of  the  spores  of  the 
parasite,  which  are  destroyed  with  greater  cer- 
tainty when  growing  than  when  in  a  resting 
condition.  After  removing  the  soil  and 
manure  of  an  infected  bed,  great  care  should 
be  taken  in  cleansing  the  tools,  boots,  and 
even  clothing  ;  otherwise  there  is  great  risk  of 
infecting  other  beds. 

Names  of  Fruits  :  G.  T.  0.  We  do  not  recognise 
the  Apple.  It  is  probably  a  local  variety. 
— C.    Luke.     Darling  Pippin. 

Names  of  Plants:  H.J.W.  Thuya  Lobbii  var. 
zebrina.  T.  Lobbii  is  known  also  as  T.  plicata 
and  T.  gigantea.—  Nemo.  1,  Satureia  montana 
(Winler  Savory)  ;  2,  Eriobotrya  japonica 
(Loquat)  ;  3,  Aloe  socotrana;  4,  Cotyledon, 
send  when  in  flower.  —  C.  0.  1,  Pteris  hastata  ; 
2,  Adiantum  formosum ;  3,  Cyperus  alterni- 
folius;  4,  Oncidium  barbatum — H.  y.  11'. 
Brunfelsia  calycina,  known  in  some  gardens  as 
Franciscea  calycina. — T.  T.  1,  Pleurothallis 
lateritea  ;  2.  Stelis  ophioglossoides  ;  3,  Bulbo- 
phyllum  auricomum. — S.A.  You  should  number 
the  specimens.  The  Fern  is  Asplenium  luci- 
dum;  the  tall,  grass-like  plant  Panicumplicatum  ; 
the  flower  Polygala  Dalmaisiana ;  the  plant 
with  prickles  Euphorbia  splendens;  Eupatorium 
Weinmannianum  is  the  specimen  having  white 
flowers;  that  with  thick  leaves,  having  a  red 
mid-rib,  is  Elaeodendron  orientale  (syn.  Aralia 
Chabrieri).— R.  E.  J.  1,  Sprekelia  formo- 
sissima ;  2,  Begonia  Ingramii  ;  3,  B.  metallica; 
4.  B.  hydrocotylaefolia  ;  5,  Eranthemum  pul- 
chellum.  — II',  B.  M.  We  cannot  recognise  (he 
plant  either  from  the  drawing  or  the  description. 

Palms  with  Dead  Foliage  .  W.  T .  C.  The 
plants  have  suffered  from  the  unsuitable  atmo- 
sphere of  the  dwelling-house  during  the  pro- 
tracted cold  weather. 

Propagating  Pelargonium  Raspail  for 
Flowering  in  Winter:  F.  R.  D.  Plants 
propagated  any  time  during  March  or  April 
will  flower  well  the  following  winter.  They 
should  be  potted  firmly  in  good  loam,  with 
some  manure  added.  Place  them  in  the  open 
in  a  position  fully  exposed  to  the  sun  during 
the  summer.  About  the  first  week  in  Septem- 
ber they  should  be  transferred  to  the  green- 
house. All  the  flower-stems  should  be  re- 
moved until  about  one  month  before  they  are 
required  to  be  in  flower.  The  house  in  which 
they  are  grown  should  be  light  and  airy,  as 
they  will  not  succeed  in  a  close,  stagnant 
atmosphere.  Do  not  use  manurial  stimulants 
too  freely  until  late  in  the  spring,  whan  growth 
will  be  especially  active,  and  the  plants  can 
make  use  of  much  food. 

The  Loquat  :  Nemo.  This  plant— Eriobotrya 
japonica — is  easily  cultivated  in  any  ordinary 
greenhouse.  It  thrives  also  in  the  open 
garden  in  sheltered  positions  in  warm  districts. 
If  grown  in  pots,  the  roots  need  plenty  of 
room. 

Worms  in  Stable  Manure  :  C.  W .  These  are 
worms  belonging  to  the  family  Enchytraeidae, 
and  nearly  related  to  the  earth-worms.  They 
are  injurious  to  the  roots  of  plants,  but  they 
may  be  killed  by  soaking  the  soil  throughlv 
with  lime  water.  Vaporite  or  apterite  would 
probably  kill  them  ;  the  latter  proved  fatal 
to  them  in  a  laboratory  experiment,  but  that  is 
no  proof  that  it  would  succeed  under  other 
circumstances. 

Communications  Receivfd.— A.  J. — W.  T.  C.  (Thanks  for 
Is.  which  has  been  placed  in  the  R.G.O.F.  boxl.— J.  C. 
&  Co.— M.  B.,  lava— T.  W.  C.-W.  C— W.  S.— W.  P.  R. 
— H.  M.— S.  R.— J.  G.  W.-Reading  Gard.  Assoc— 
W.  A.  C.-An  Old  Reader— A.  J.  H.-Linnean  Soc— 
C.  P.  R.— W.  W.  P.— T.  H.— \V.  G.  F.-G.  H. -Onlooker 
—  R.  B.— H.  E.-Rev.  D.  R.  W.— T.  H.  S.-YV.  M.— 
L.  T.  D.— J.  O'B.-J.  R.  J.— H.  W.  YV\- Royal  Insiilu- 
lion— W.  W.  N.-E.  S.  F.  M.-G.  M.— W.  H. 


Fot  -V. irksi  Reports  sec  page  ivi. 


March  20,  1909.] 


THE     GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


177 


THE 


^aibcncrs'Cbronirle 

No.  J, 760.— SATURDAY,  March  20,   1909. 


CONTENTS. 

Alpine  garden — 

Plant  notes — 

I  pigsea  repent 

179 

Adonis  amurensis     ... 

179 

Erodium         chrysan- 

Daphne  collina 

179 

thum 

179 

Schizanthus 

179 

Geranium  Traversii... 

179 

Triteleia  uniflora 

179 

Apple  scab          

188 

Polystichum  aculeatum 

Apples,      late      dessert 

gracillimum  Drueryi., 

188 

varieties  of      

187 

Rhubarb    

192 

Asparagus,  varieties   uf 

192 

Snow,      the     fertilising 

Berlin  International  Ex- 

value of 

186 

hibition 

185 

Societies — 

Books,  notices  of — 

Gloucester  Rose  and 

The  Orchid  Stud-Book 

184 

Sweet  Pea 

189 

Publications  received 

166 

Horticultural  Club    ... 

189 

Boronia        megastigma, 

Linnean            

188 

the  propagation  of    ... 

192 

Manchester  and  North 

Calvat,  M.  Ernest,  hon- 

of  England   Orchid 

190 

our  for    ..         

185 

Royal  Horticultural  ... 

185 

Carnations,  show  of  per- 

(Scientific Committee) 

188 

petual-flowering 

185 

Sweet      Pea     Show     at 

Cattleya  Trian;e    Cour- 

Saltaire,   forthcoming 

186 

tauldiana 

187 

Sweet    Peas,    notes   on 

Chicory,  the  culture  of 

192 

the  newer  varieties  of 

177 

Clay  soil,  burning 

191 

Versailles      and     Petit 

Conifers,  tall,  at    Knepp 

Trianon,  the  gardens 

Castle 

188 

at 

177 

Forest     trees,    cost    of 

Weeds  and  hoeing 

178 

planting 

187 

Week's  work,  the— 

"French"  Garden,  notes 

Apiary,  the      

183 

from  a 

186 

Flower  garden,  the  ... 

182 

Fritillaria   askabadensis 

185 

Fruits  under  glass     ... 

183 

Kew  notes — 

Hardy  fruit  garden   ... 

182 

Ardisia  crenata 

181 

Kitchen  garden,  the... 

183 

Lignum  Nephriticuni  ... 

187 

Orchid  houses,  the   ... 

182 

Lilac,  the  forcing  of    ... 

192 

Plants  under  glass    ... 

182 

Market     nursery,     land 

Public  parks  and  gar- 

for a      

192 

dens    ... 

183 

Naartje  Oranges 

180 

Wolverhampton    Floral 

Finus  rtgida       

178 

Fete        

185 

ILLUSTRATIONS. 

ich  "  garden  exhibit  at  the  R.H.S.  meeting         ...     190 
1  '  mllaria  askabadensis  flowering  in  the  Royal  Gardens, 

Kew.     (Supplementary  Illustration) 

Inflorescence  of  Fritillaria  askabadensis 185 

Killarney  House,  co.  Kerry,  180;  views  in  tiit-  gard 

and  grounds  at 181,187,169 

Pinus  rigida,  cone-bearing  branch  c  f  178 


VERSAILLES  AND  PETIT 
TRIANON. 

THE  gardens  of  Versailles  have  so  often 
been  described  in  detail  that  it  is  not 
necessary  to  attempt  the  task  again.  For 

many  years  now  it  lias  been  the  fashion  to 
hold  them  up  to  scorn.  But,  however  much  one 
may  contemn  them  and  tin-  school  of  land- 
scape gardening  of  which  they  are  the  must 
famous  example,  Versailles  is,  nevertheless, 
not  lacking  in  attraction.  The  splendour  of 
the  design  is  unequalled  among-  the  gardens 
of  the  world.  Then,  the  associations  of  the 
place  and  the  emotions  they  inspire  in  the 
foreigner's  mind  lend  to  the  gardens  a  cer- 
tain charm.  The  thoughts  of  the  English 
visitor  are  strongly  coloured  not  onlv  bv 
memories  of  Louis  XIV.  and  Le  Notre,  who 
laid  the  foundations  of  the  scenes  around, 
but  by  memories  also  of  those  events,  so 
full  of  menace,  that  occurred  here  in  the  earlv 
years  of  the  French   Revolution. 

In  the  present  condition  of  the  gardens 
there  is  a  strong  contrast  between  the  scheme 
itself  and  the  mode  in  which  its  details  are 
carried  out.  A  certain  air  of  neglect  and  de- 
cayed grandeur  overhangs  the  place.  The 
flower-beds  are  filled  with  the  most  ordinarv 
of  bedding  plants,  and  are  edged  with  the 
ugly  and  old-fashioned  Box-edging.  The 
walks  are  rough,  and  the  famous  tail's  vert 
is  a  very  ordinary  piece  of  lawn  by  no  means 
well  kept  (see  Supplementary  Illustration  in 
Gardeners'    Chronicle,    November    14,    1903). 


Perhaps  the  strongest  emotion  Versailles  in- 
spires is  that  of  melancholy. 

The  most  astonishing  feature  of  Versailles 
is  the  Orangery  (see  Supplementary  Illustra- 
tion in  Gardeners'  Chronicle,  December  26, 
1903).  On  a  deeply-sunk  area  on  one 
side  of  the  Chateau  are  congregated  some 
hundreds  of  Orange  trees  in  tubs.  The 
labour  and  expense  of  attending  to  these 
plants  and  housing  them  every  winter  are 
certainly  not  justified  by  their  appearance. 
The  greater  proportion  of  them  should  be 
burnt  right  away.  One  hundred  or  one  hun- 
dred and  fifty  years  ago  the  cultivation  of 
Orange  tree,  in  tubs  was  very  general.  The 
fact  that  the  plant  produced  one  of  the  most 
precious  of  all  fruits,  as  well  as  the  frag- 
rance and  associations  of  its  blossom,  gave 
it  an  interest  in  the  gardens  of  northern 
Europe  which  it  scarcely  possesses  to-day. 
And  an  Orange  tree  in  a  tub  is  scarcely  'Mi- 
an object  of  beauty.  These  specimens  at 
Versailles  are  very  much  the  opposite.  The 
French  as  a  nation  have  a  deserved  repu- 
tation for  a  strong  artistic  feeling  and  a 
deeply-rooted  sense  of  economy.  It  is  diffi- 
cult to  understand  how  they  continue  to 
tolerate  this  Orangery  at  Versailles,  which 
outrages  bi  ith. 

Petit  Trianon  (see  Supplementary  Illustra- 
tion in  Gardeners'  Chronicle.  November  21, 
1903).  \  very  different  scene  awaits  him 
who  enters  tin-  grounds  of  Petit  Tria- 
non, close  by.  Here  is  an  "  English 
Garden"  of  the  Continental  type,  and  de- 
cidedly one  of  the  lust  ,il  its  kind.  In  the 
firs!  place,  it  is  not  too  large.  In  the  intrica- 
cies "I  somi  oi  the  larger  "English  Gar- 
d<  ns  "  of  the  Continent  like  that  at 
Munich,  Ini-  instance-  the  stranger  is  speedily 
bewildered.  But  here,  at  Petit  Trianon,  the 
area  is  small  enough  to  bo  complete!} 
traversed  in  a  comparative!)  shorl  time,  .ml 
the  gentli  curves  and  windings  of  its  walks 
give  a  pleasanl  diversity  of  prospe  I  without 
obliterating  the  visitor's  sense  of  locality. 
This  garden  was  made  by  Marie  Antoinette 
in  her  early  and  happier  days  in  France.  The 
ideas  of  Le  Notre  had  dominated  the  garden- 
making  o!  Europe  for  a  century  or  more; 
this  and  other  gardens  of  the  same  type  ex- 
pressed  a   feeling  of  revolt  against  them. 

There  is  but  little  flower  gardening  at 
Petit  Trianon.  It  owes  its  charms  to  its 
noble  trees  and  shrubs,  to  its  pleasant  dis- 
position of  water,  path  and  lawn,  and,  per- 
haps not  least,  to  its  contrast  with  the  more 
fami  us  garden  close  b)  . 

There  are  mam  fini  trei  s  of  particular  in- 
terest at  Petit  Trianon — especiallv  those 
of  American  origin.  The  deciduous 
Cypress  (Taxodium  distichum)  is  repre- 
sented by  six  specimens  growing  on 
the  edge  of  the  lake  and  averaging 
So  feet  in  height.  A  Tulip-tree  (Lirioden 
dron  tulipifera)  is  about  as  high.  Weymouth 
Pines  (P.  Strobus)  are  here  in  some  quan- 
tity, and  one  of  them  is  10  feet  in  girth  of 
trunk  and  nearly,  or  quite,  100  feet  high. 
The  American  White  Ash  (Fraxinus  ameri- 
tana)  is  of  a  similar  stature.  A  white  Oak, 
probably  Ouercus  bicolor,  is  50  feet  high. 
Populus  deltoidea  has  a  trunk  12  feet  in  girth, 
and  there  are  several  very  striking  examples  of 
the  Poplar  with  hairy  young  wood  which  we 
know  as  P.  nigra  betulaefolia,  the  character- 
istic rough  burrs  on  the  trunk  being  remark- 


ably  developed.  Populus  canescens  is  about 
100  feet  high  and  14  feet  in  girth  of  trunk. 
Pinus  Laricio  var.  Pallasiana— the  variety 
with  erect-growing  branches — is  So  feet  high 
and  its  trunk  9  feet  in  girth.  Other  species 
represented  by  fine  specimens  are  Cedar  of 
Lebanon,  Carpinus  caroliniana,  Fraxinus 
pubescens,  an  old  tree  of  Morus  rubra  (un- 
common in  Britain),  a  large  Sophora  japonica 
(near  the  villa),  and  the  true  red  Spruce 
(Picea  rubra). 

The  little  hamlet  of  picturesque  cottages 
which  Marie  Antoinette  built  to  give  diver- 
sity to  the  scene  still  remains,  hut  the  build- 
ings are  not  kept  in  good  repair.  Here,  as 
in  the  gardens  of  Versailles,  the  effects  of 
time  are  very  evident,  and  the  management 
lacks  either  the  means  or  the  will  to  combat 
them.     B.  ].    IP. 


SOME    OF   THE    NEWER 
SWEET   PEAS. 

A  SWEET  Pea  of  great  beauty,  though 
somewhat  too  susceptible  to  atmo- 
spheric influences,  commemorates  the 
name  of  Henry  Eckford,  who  did  so  much  to 
develop  this  flower.  Several  years  have 
elapsed  since  the  variety  was  introduced,  but 
it  has  not  yet  been  entirely  superseded.  As 
much,  perhaps,  may  be  said  of  the  success  of 
my  own  namesake,  also  raised  by  Mr.  Eck- 
ford, which  now  stands  alone  in  the  Eckfor- 
dian  catalogue  under  the  head  of  "  Indigo 
Blue."  The  finest  varieties  raised  by  the 
In.  Mr.  Eckford  were  Dorothy  Eckford  and 
Queen  Alexandra.  Whether  in  dimensions, 
in  faultless  form,  or  in  perfection  of  colour, 
those  ideal  representatives  of  purest  white 
end  richest  scarlet  will  not  easily  be  sur- 
passed. At  present,  however,  the  predomi- 
nating forms  are  the  Spencer  hybrids,  with 
their  fantastically  "  waved  "  or  "  cre- 
nulated  "standards,  to  whose  excessive  multi- 
plication some  prominent  horticulturists  are 
beginning  to  object,  on  the  ground  that  older 
and— as  they  deem  them— more  valuable 
'.  ariolies  are  in  danger  of  being  forgotten. 
\.mong  the  most  prominent  of  the  latest 
Spencerian  hybrids  is  a  notable  one  entitled 
"  The  King,"  by  Messrs.  Dobbie  &  Co.,  and 
"  King  Edward  Spencer,"  by  Mr.  Atlee  Bur- 
pee. It  is  probably  the  largest,  and  one  of 
the  most  brilliant  in  colour,  of  all  Sweet 
Peas  of  its  own  peculiar  hue,  but  requires  a 
fertile  soil  and  a  warm  summer  to  develop 
its  possibilities.  In  the  coolness  of  autumn 
it  perceptibly  declines.  Etta  Dyke,  whose 
synonym  in  America  is  the  White  Countess 
Spencer,  is,  perhaps,  the  most  eulogised  of 
all  pure  white  Sweet  Peas  of  this  special  de- 
scription. Very  beautiful  are  also  the  Prim- 
rose, Ramona,  and  Apple  Blossom  Spencers  ; 
likewise  the  beautiful  lavender-coloured  Asta 
Ohn,  raised  and  named  after  his  daughter 
by  Mr.  Henry  Ohn,  the  Chinese  head- 
hybridist  of  Mr.  Lister  Morse,  of  the  Santa 
Clara  Nurseries,  in  California.  Mr.  Morse 
recently  sent  to  me  several  unnamed  Spen- 
cerian hybrids,  whose  appearance  during  next 
summer  I  await  with  interest.  Among  named 
varieties  that  I  have  not  yet  seen  in  flower 
are  Mrs.  Walter  Carter  and  Dobbie's  Mid 
Blue,  the  former  of  which  is  said  to  resemble 
the  variety  Mrs.  Charles  Foster,  while 
the  latter  is  unquestionably  an  exquisite  pro- 
duction.    The  Marquis  and  Mrs.  A.   Ireland 


178 


THE    GARDENERS'      CHRONICLE. 


[March  20,  1909. 


are,  in  their  way,  equally  charming  intro- 
ductions. Two  of  the  loveliest  of  recent 
Spencer  hybrids  are  Mrs.  Routzahn  and  Mrs. 
Henry  Bell.  Their  most  formidable  rival  in 
delicate  beauty  and  refinement  is  Evelyn 
Hemus  which,  notwithstanding  the  present 
keen  competition  in  form  and  colour,  seems 
likely  to  endure.      David   R.    Williamson. 


WEEDS   AND    HOEING. 

ALTHOUGH  the  deleterious  action  of 
weeds  upon  crops  is  well  known  to  all 
practical  cultivators  of  the  soil,  very 
few  accurate  determinations  have  been  made 
of  the  amount  of  reduction  in  yield  of  a  crop 
■which  is  produced  when  weeds  are  alloweJ 


Comparing  plots  4  and  5  with  plot  1,  we 
see  that  in  the  wet  season  of  1907,  allowing 
the  weeds  to  grow  reduced  the  crop  about  60 
per  cent.,  the  loss  in  the  drier  year  1908  being 
about  50  per  cent.  The  serious  character 
of  these  figures  is  obvious. 

An  interesting  and  unexpected  result  is  re- 
corded on  plots  4  and  5.  The  yield  on  No.  5, 
from  which  the  weeds  were  removed  by  hand 
only,  is  practically  the  same  as  that  on  No.  4, 
which  was  kept  clean  by  hoeing.  Stirring 
the  ground  and  leaving  a  natural  mulch  upon 
it  is  usually  supposed  to  be  conservative  of 
soil  moisture,  leading  indirectly  to  an  increase 
in  crop.  This,  however,  has  not  been  the 
case  in  these  experiments,  neither  in  the  wet 
nor  the  drier  season;  it  would  appear  from 


PINUS  RIGIOA. 

Whilst  Pinus  rigida,  Miller,  cannot  be  de- 
scribed as  one  of  the  most  ornamental  of  Pines 
in  English  parks  and  gardens,  it  is  an  interest- 
ing species,  and  fills  an  important  place  in  the 
sylva  of  Eastern  North  America.  The  species 
is  found  in  a  wild  state  as  far  north  as  New 
Brunswick,  and  reaches  southwards  to  Georgia 
and  the  western  slopes  of  the  Alleghany  Moun- 
tains. It  is  abundant  in  the  central  portions  of 
this  area,  where  it  covers  thousands  of  acres  of 
dry,  sterile  land,  in  which  scarcely  any  other 
tree  would  thrive. 

Pinus  rigida  bears  its  leaves  in  groups  of 
three,  each  leaf  being  usually  from  2i  to  4  inches 
long.  The  shoot  is  yellowish-brown  and  gla- 
brous, and  the  winter  bud  is  about  -J  inch 
long.  The  cones  are  remarkably  variable 
in  size,  shape  and  arrangement.  The  branch 
shown  in  fig.  75  was  taken  from  a  tree 
growing  in  the  Queen's  Cottage  Grounds 
at  Kew  Gardens.  The  tree,  a  bushy 
specimen  not  much  more  than  20  feet  in 
height,  was  blown  down  during  a  recent 
gale,  when  the  upper  branches  were  seen 
to  be  covered  with  clusters  of  small  cones 
interspersed  with  oldeT  and  somewhat  larger 
cones,  as  seen  in  the  illustration.  The  smaller, 
clustered  cones  are  1  to  1J  inches  long,  and 
both  in  size  and  arrangement  resemble  those 
figured  by  A.  B.  Lambert  in  his  Pinetum,  t.  19, 
and  described  as  P.  rigida,  small-coned 
variety.  Lambert's  tree  was  growing  in  1803 
at  Tain's  Hill.  The  shape  of  the  cones  is 
more  or  less  ovate,  but,  as  sta'ted  above, 
this  is  a  variable  character,  forms  of  Pinus 
rigida  being  known  with  almost  orbicular 
cones.  The  cone-scales  are  furnished  each 
with   a   short,    stiff,    recurved    spine.      The  tree 


FlG.    75. — CONE-BEARING  BRANCH    OF    PINUS    RIGIDA. 


ithotogruph  by  E.  J.  Wallis. 


•to  compete  with  it.  During  the  last  two 
seasons  experiments  have  been  carried  on  at 
the  University  College  Farm,  Reading,  to 
•test  the  influence  of  weeds  in  this  respect. 
and  incidentally  to  determine  the  value  of 
hoeing. 

Mangels  were  grown  on  half  an  acre  of 
ground,  which  was  divided  into  live  plots  ar- 
ranged as  indicated  in  the  table  below  :  the 
yields  are  given  for  both  seasons  :  — 


IPIot  1. 


Not  weeutel  after  setting  out  the  plants 
Hoed  once  after  setting  out  the  plants 
Hoed  twice  after  setting  out  the  plants 

Kept  quite  clean  by  hoeing        

Kept  quite  clean  by  hand  weeding 
only,  no  hoeing  being  done  after 
the  plants  were  set  out        


YioJd 

l<-r  acre. 
1907.  1908. 
Tons.  Tons. 
15J  163 
S3*  30J- 
37|  36} 
3D*        38 


40 


3SJ 


the  results  of  these  experiments  that  the  bene- 
fit of  hoeing  is  almost  entirely  due  to  the 
destruction  of  the  weeds  which  otherwise 
would  have  competed  with  the  crop. 

Reviewing  the  returns  on  plots  t  to  4,  we 
see  that : — 

1907.     1903. 

Tons.  Tons. 

Hoeing  once  added 17}        13* 

Hoeing  again  gave  a  further  increase  of         4}         G* 
Several  hoeings  later  only  added        ...  if  1J 

In  the  early  part  of  the  summer  the  seeds 
ot  weeds  were  found  to  germinate  freely,  and 
the  plants  grew  at  a  rapid  rate,  and  very  soon 
almost  smothered  the  young  mangels.  The 
first  hoeing,  however,  in  June  got  rid  of  these 
weeds,  and  the  comparatively  few  which  came 
up  later  were  easily  kept  in  check.  Joint 
Percival. 


retains  its  cones  for  about  10  or  12  years.  It  has 
also  another  peculiarity  common  to  but  few 
species,  i.e.,  the  production  of  adventitious 
shoots  on  the  trunk  and  primary  branches.  So 
numerous  are  these  at  times  that  parts  of  the 
trunk  are  almost  covered  with  short  twigs. 

Pinus  rigida  does  not  form  so  large  a  tree 
as  some  other  Pines.  Sargent  gives  its  maxi- 
mum height  in  a  wild  state  as  80ft,  but  it  is 
more  usually  50  to  60  feet  high.  The  largest 
trees  known  to  me  in  the  British  Isles  are  in 
the  fine  arboretum  at  Alley  Castle,  near  Bewd- 
ley,  where  there  are  three  notable  speci- 
mens, the  tallest  of  which,  according  to  Mr. 
Robt.  Woodward's  Hortus  Arleyensis,  was  79  feet 
high  and  5  feet  11  inches  in  girth  five  years 
ago.  The  other  two  are  both  7  feet  2  inches  in 
girth,  and  respectively  69  feet  and  66  feet  in 
height.     These  trees  were  planted  about  1820  by 


March  20,  1909.] 


THE     GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


179 


Lord  Moimtnorris,  who  was  then  the  proprietor 
of  Arley.  A  larger  specimen  is  recorded  as  hav- 
ing existed  at  Woburn  in  1840  :  it  was  75  feet 
high  and  11  feet  in  girth,  but  it  is  improbable 
that  it  still  survives. 

This  species  is  one  of  the  Pines  known  as 
"  Pitch  Pine."  It  is  not,  however,  the  most  valu- 
able of  that  name,  for  that  distinction  belongs 
to  the  more  southern  and  tender  P.  palustris. 
The  timber  contains  large  quantities  of  resin, 
but  is  little  used  now  except  for  fuel  and 
charcoal-making.  Some  years  ago  large  num- 
bers of  this  tree  were  planted  in  Germany  on 
the  supposition  that  it  was  the  tree  which  pro- 
duces the  real  "Pitch  Pine"  timber.  But 
neither  in  that  country  nor  in  our  own  is  it 
likely  to  rival  our  native  P.  sylvestris  as  a 
forest  tree,  whatever  the  soil  or  position  may 
be.     W.  J.  Bean. 


PLANT    NOTES. 


SCHIZANTHUS. 

To  have  a  good  batch  of  Schizanthus  in  bloom 
during  May,  the  seeds  should  be  sown  about 
the  latter  end  of  August.  The  soil  used  should 
be  a  light-textured  compost,  and  the  seed- 
boxes  should  be  placed  in  a  cold  frame 
during  the  germination  of  the  seed.  The 
seedlings  should  be  transplanted  when  large 
enough  to  handle,  placing  four  in  a  3-inch 
pot.  Stand  the  pots  on  a  shelf  in  a  green- 
house in  which  a  temperature  of  from  50°  to 
55°  is  maintained.  They  will  also  succeed  in 
a  cold  frame  if  kept  well  up  to  the  glass,  other- 
wise they  will  become  drawn.  As  soon  as  they 
are  well  rooted  they  should  be  potted  into  6-inch 
pots,  using  a  compost  consisting  of  two  parts 
loam  and  one  part  leaf-soil,  with  the  addition 
of  a  little  silver  sand  and  crushed  charcoal. 
When  growth  is  well  established  pinch  out  the 
points  o:  the  principal  shoots  to  induce  a  bushy 
habit. 

The  Schizanthus  requires  plenty  of  fresh  air, 
which  promotes  a  sturdy,  vigorous  growth. 
Guard  against  mildew,  and,  should  it  appear, 
dust  the  plants  lightly  with  flowers  of  sulphur. 
By  the  middle  of  January  the  plants  will  be 
ready  for  their  final  potting,  which  should  be 
in  10-inch  pots,  using  the  compost  recom- 
mended above,  to  which  may  be  added  some 
concentrated  plant  manure.  Do  not  make  the 
soil  too  firm  in  potting,  as  this  will  impede  the 
free  growth  of  the  roots.  Care  in  watering  is 
very  necessary  when  the  plants  are  newly 
potted  ;  it  is  advisable  to  keep  them  on  the  dry 
side  until  they  are  well  rooted.  At  this  stage 
it  will  be  necessary  to  stake  the  plants,  using 
tall  bamboo  canes  for  the  purpose.  Fasten  the 
growths  neatly  to  the  stakes  with  green  raffia, 
taking  care  not  to   tie  them  too  tightly. 

It  is  beneficial  to  syringe  the  spaces  between 
the  pots  on  bright  days,  and  a  light  spray  over- 
head is  desirable  in  the  afternoon.  When  the 
pots  are  filled  with  roots,  the  plants  are 
benefited  by  a  small  quantity  of  an  approved 
fertiliser.  Soot-water  and  farmyard  liquid 
manure  are  also  suitable  fertilisers  for  the 
Schizanthus. 

Schizanthus  retusus  is  very  useful  for  fur- 
nishing blooms  for  cutting,  the  flower-stems 
being  stiff.  It  forms  an  elegant  basket  plant. 
/.    Gardner,   Eaton   Hall   Gardens,   Chester. 

TRITELEIA     UNIFLORA. 

This  plant  is  valuable  for  the  embellishment 
of  the  greenhouse  at  this  season  of  the  year.  It 
has  star-shaped  flowers  that  vary  from  white  to 
porcelain-blue.  The  period  of  flowering  lasts 
about  three  months. 

The  cultivation  of  Triteleia  unifl^-i  is  simple. 
The  best  receptacles  a'.'e  pots  C  hanging 
baskets,  and  it  thrives  best  in  a  compost  of 
loam,  leaf-mould  and  sand.  When  baskets  are 
ised  the  pendulous  habit  of  the  flowers  are  seen 


to  advantage.  The  bulbs  should  be  started  into 
growth  before  being  placed  in  the  receptacles  in 
which  thej'  are  to  flower.  Place  them  in  damp 
moss  or  partially-decayed  leaf-soil  about  the 
middle  of  September  in  a  cool,  shady  position, 
and  in  three  or  four  weeks  the  new  growths  will 
be  sufficiently  developed  for  the  plants  to  be 
potted.  If  pots  are  used,  seven  or  eight  bulbs 
should  be  planted  in  a  6-inch  pot.  After  potting, 
they  should  be  placed  in  a  cold  frame  and 
watered  as  required;  frost  must  not  be 
allowed  to  reach  the  plants,  and  at  the  end  of 
November  they  should,  be  afforded  an  atmo- 
spheric temperature  of  about  55u,  when  they 
will  commence  to  throw  up  their  dainty  little 
flowers. 

After  the  season  of  flowering  is  over, 
the  root-stocks  may  be  planted  out  permanently 
in  a  warm,  sheltered  aspect  on  a  rockery,  or 
they  may  be  dried  off,  have  the  old  soil  shaken 
from  their  roots,  and  be  stored  until  the  follow- 
ing season.  /.  0.  Edwards,  Fids  Isdf,  near 
Ruthin. 

DAPHNE  COLLI X A. 

Although  a  native  of  the  south  of  Italy  and 
introduced  to  British  gardens  so  long  ago  as 
1752,  this  plant  is  but  rarely  met  with  in  culti- 
vation. It  is  an  erect,  evergreen  shrub  from 
2  to  3  feet  high,  with  obovate,  deep-green 
leaves,  glabrous  and  shiny  above  and  some- 
what hairy  beneath.  The  deep  pink  flowers 
are  produced  in  terminal  heads  and  are  deli- 
riously fragTant.  The  period  of  flowering 
is  from  January  to  March.  Here,  in  the 
north  of  London,  a  plant  has  been  in  flower 
during  the  past  month,  and  in  spite  of  the 
vagaries  of  the  weather,  it  has  produced  its 
flowers  abundantly,  without  any  prot< 
beyond  that  afforded  by  a  small  quantity  of 
straw  shaken  between  its  branches.  I  find  it  is 
by  no  means  fastidious  in  regard  to  soil,  as  any 
good  garden  mould  suffices  for  its  needs.  This 
fact,  coupled  with  its  complete  hardiness  and 
free-flowering  qualities,  should  commend  it  as  a 
desirable  subject  for  planting  in  gardens,  especi- 
ally as  the  blooms  are  produced  at  a  season  when 
flowers  are  most  appreciated. 

ADONIS  AMURENSIS. 
This  is  an  extremely  useful  plant  at  this  season 
of  the  year,  and  noteworthy  on  account  of  its 
complete  hardiness  and  early-flowering  charac- 
ter. Its  tufts  of  graceful  Fern-like  foliage  and 
glistening  golden-yellow  flowers  are  produced 
toward  the  latter  part  of  January  and  through- 
out February.  The  flowers  are  about  2 
inches  across,  and,  when  well  established, 
are  greatly  appreciated  by  everyone.  This 
winter-blooming  plant  delights  in  a  ruh 
soil,  and  should  on  no  account  be  disturbed  when 
once  planted.  It  is  a  native  of  Manchuria  and 
Siberia.  Adonis  Kiknasaki  is  quite  distinct 
from  A.  amurensis,  although  it  may  probably 
prove  to  be  a  geographical  form  of  the  older 
species.  It  is  a  native  of  Japan,  and  is  dis- 
tinguished by  its  extreme  earliness.  The  lemon- 
yellow-coloured  flowers  are  more  cup-shaped 
than  those  of  A.  amurensis,  and  the  foliage  is 
much  more  finely  divided.  Here,  on  a  London 
clay  soil,  this  plant  has  been  in  flower  during 
the  last  few  weeks  in  the  open  border,  though 
not  protected  in  any  way.     E.  /.  S.,  Finchley. 


THE  ALPINE   GARDEN. 


GERANIUM  TRAVERSII. 
There  are  many  truly  exquisite  things  among 
the  dwarfer  Geraniums,  or  Cranesbills,  and  pro- 
bably none  is  more  appreciated  by  rock  gar- 
deners than  G.  argenteum,  with  its  silvery 
leaves  and  delicate  flowers.  Yet  it  is  excelled 
by  its  allied  flower  from  the  Antipodes,  for 
Geranium  Traversii,  from  New  Zealand,  is  even 
more  beautiful.  The  silvery  leaves,  resembling 
to  some  extent,  those  of  G.  argenteum,  are  not 


so  finely  shaped,  yet  they  are  prettier,  the  sil- 
very colouring  being  more  satin-like  in  its  ap- 
pearance, and  the  delicate  carving  of  the  mar- 
gins as  fine.  The  foliage  is  larger,  and  the 
plant  as  a  whole  is  taller,  although  equally  suit- 
able for  the  rock-garden.  The  flowers,  also,  are 
larger,  and  those  of  the  type  are  of  a  very  beau- 
tiful colour,  best  described  as  very  light  purple, 
streaked  with  carmine.  There  is,  however,  a- 
rarer,  white-flowered  variety,  called  elegans, 
which,  in  the  front  of  a  border,  is  very  beautiful. 

EPIG/EA     REPENS. 

One  of  the  most  exquisite  trailing  shrubs  of 
moderate  growth  is  Epigasa  repens,  variously 
known  as  the  Mayflower  and  Trailing  Arbutus. 
It  is  far  from  common,  and  there  are  many  who 
find  it  difficult  to  cultivate.     In  its  native  land, 

irth  America,  where  it  extends  from  New- 
foundland for  a  considerable  distance  into  what 
was  long  known  as  the  North-West  Territory, 
and  southward  into  Michigan,  Kentucky,  and 
Florida,  it  loves  sandy  and  rocky  woods,  and 
delights  particularly  in  the  shade  of  evergreen 
trees.  In  practice,  we  find  that,  in  some  parts  of 
Britain  and  Ireland,  it  requires  special 
care. 

Our  winters  and  the  late  frosts  which  too  fre- 
quently follow  them  do  not  appear  to  be  favour, 
able  to  the  Epigaea,  and  frequently  it  is  killed 
by  a  severe  frost  following  a  mild  and  open  win- 
ter. I  am  anxious  to  impress  this  upon  those 
who  seek  to  cultivate  this  shrub  successfully,  as 
it  will  be  found  that  it  is  generally  necessary  to 
afford  it  some  protection  against  the  inclemen- 
cies of  late  spring.  It  also  needs  a  sandy  or 
stony  soil,  and  the  shade  of  evergreen  trees. 
The  shade  should  not  be  too  great ;  low  ever- 
shrubs  are  sometimes  too  dwarf  to  give  the 
Epigsea  the  necessary  amount  of  light  as  well  as 
the  <Ie=ired  shade.  Protection  is  best  afforded 
by  means  of  a  handlight,  which  is  kept  over  the 
Kpigaea  at  nights,  and,  when  severe  frosts  occur, 
during  the  day.  The  light  should  be  opened  at 
other  times,  by  setting  the  top  angle-ways 
across  the  lower  part.  If  the  plants  are  in  the 
open,  it  is  better  to  have  this  top  shaded  with 
whiting,  or  some  of  the  shading  material  sold 
!  ir  the  purpose.  L'nder  such  conditions,  water- 
|  i    ,  and,  consequently,  there  should 

be  free  drainage. 

-asa  repens  is  a  creeping  or  trailing  plant, 
v  ith  rather  rounded,  evergreen  leaves,  pointed 
at  the  top,  often  somewhat  heart-shaped  at  the 
dark  green,  usually  smooth  above,  but 
li  liry  beneath.  They  are  rather  leathery  to  the 
',  and  are  arranged  alternately  on  the 
creeping  branches.  The  flowers  naturally  con- 
stitute the  greatest  attractions  of  the  plant. 
The  dry,  rather  hard,  imbricated  sepals  sur- 
round a  tube-like  flower,  spreading  out  into  an 
open  corolla,  generally  composed  of  five  lobes, 
and  of  pink  colour.  Wax-like  in  its  appearance, 
the  i:ower  is  of  great  beauty,  and  the  associa- 
tion of  the  flowers  in  clusters  at  the  end  of  the 
branch  adds  to  their  charm.  The  branches  are- 
from  6  to  15  inches  long,  but  with  us  they 
seldom  attain  the  latter  length.  The  pro- 
pagation of  Epigaea  is  best  effected  by  layer- 
ing after  flowering,  which  is  generally  from 
March  to  May. 

ERODIUM     CHRYSANTHUM. 

A  rare  and  pretty  Heron's  Bill  is  that  called 
Erodium  chrysanthum,  and,  although  it  first 
came  under  my  observation  some  years  ago,  it 
never  seems  to  become  more  plentiful  in  gar- 
dens. The  cultivation  presents  some  difficulties, 
and  it  is  not  surprising  to  find  the  plant  quoted 
in  a  recent  catalogue  at  the  high  price  (for  one 
which  has  been  in  cultivation  for  a  fair  length 
of  time)  of  5s.  per  plant.  E.  chrysanthum  is, 
indeed,  more  expensive  than  when  first  put  into 
commerce,  and  this  is  a  bad  sign  in  itself  of 
the  character  of  a  reputedly  hardy  plant. 

Erodium  chrysanthum  has  one  powerful 
enemy  in  the  slug.     This  is,  I  believe,  the  worst. 


180 


THE     GARDENERS     CHRONICLE. 


[March  20,  1909. 


enemy  of  the  Erodium,  and  every  ingenuity 
is  required  to  b;iffle  its  attentions  by  means  of 
zinc  rings,  notched  if  we  please ;  brass  gauze 
rings  (which  are  better  than  those  of  zinc)  ; 
rings  of  ;oot  and  lime,  and  so  forth.  With  due 
care  these  devices  may  serve  in  gardens  where 
slugs  abound  ;  but  there  must  be  no  stray  leaves 
either  of  the  Erodium  or  adjacent  plants 
hanging  over  the  circlet,  or  the  slug  will 
find  its  way  over  the  barrier.  The  circlet  must 
be  deep  enough  in  the  ground  to  prevent  the 
slug  from  getting  underneath. 

Years  ago  my  attention  was  drawn  to  this 
Heron's  Bill  in  a  somewhat  noted  nursery. 
"  Here,''  said  the  nurseryman,  himself  a  lover 
of  Alpines,  "here  is  Erodium  chrysanthum. 
This  rare  plant  will  only  do  in  the  shade." 
Naturally,   I  followed   this   suggestion,   but   the 


KILLARNEY  HOUSE,  GO.  KERRY. 

Situated  in  the  romantic  district  of  Kil- 
larney,  the  beauty  spot  of  Ireland,  is 
Killarney  House,  the  seat  of  the  Earl  and 
Countess  Kenmare.  It  was  my  pleasure  to  visit 
the  gardens  and  grounds  of  this  domain  during 
August  of  last  year,  and  never  shall  I  forget 
the  magnificent  scenery  which  a  view  from  the 
terrace  in  front  of  the  mansion  affords.  The 
landscape  is  of  impressive  grandeur,  and  Nature 
is  assisted  in  the  scene  of  magnificence  by  the  art 
of  the  landscape  gardener,  who  has  formed  ter- 
races that  are  the  sites  of  much  floral  beauty. 
With  great  skill  these  terraces  are  connected 
with  the  receding  slopes  of  the  wilder  plea- 
sure grounds  and  still  further  distant  park, 
wherein   are   flowering   shrubs   in   great   variety 


in  cloud  or  mist.  The  highest  (3,410  feet)  is 
Carrantuohill,  the  highest  mountain  in  Ireland. 

The  mansion  is  a  comparatively  modern  struc- 
ture, the  outside  walls  of  which  are  furnished 
with  climbers,  including  Magnolia,  Jasmine, 
Fassiflora,  Genista,  Ceanothus,  and  Carpenteria 
californica. 

A  portion  of  the  grounds  known  as  her  lady- 
ship's garden  is  laid  out  in  the  Italian  style. 
The  flower-beds  are  enclosed  with  dwarf  hedges 
of  clipped  Box  and  Yew.  Some  are  worked  to 
designs,  one  representing  the  Prince  of  Wales's 
feathers,  another  the  Kenmare  coat  of  arms, 
&c.  The  flower-beds  and  borders  have  been 
planted  on  an  elaborate  colour  scheme,  in  which 
the  newer  varieties  of  Antirrhinums,  with  flowers 
of  various  shades,  are  largely  utilised,  combined 
with  Marguerites,  Violas,  and  Begonias.     A  part 


FlG.    76. — KILLARNEY    HOUSE,   THE    RESIDENCE   OF    EARL    KENMARE, 


plant  died.  Recently,  however,  I  have  seen  this 
dictum  in  favour  of  shade  entirely  controverted. 
In  an  Irish  garden  I  saw  it  last  year,  quite  happy 
in  the  sun,  with  its  pretty  yellow  flowers  above 
the  graceful  Fern-like  foliage.  I  believe  that  it 
requires  protection  from  slugs,  a  dry  soil,  and 
a  sunny  situation.  With  these  it  should  survive 
our  winters,  save  in  the  far  north  and  the  wet 
west,  in  a  satisfactory  way.  However,  it  is  diffi- 
cult to  say  what  is  certain  to  suit  this  flower, 
and  this  note  is  penned  with  the  diffidence 
taught  by  experience  in  dealing  with  "  miffy  " 
subjects,  however  beautiful  they  are.  Erodium 
chrysanthum,  with  its  lemon-yellow  flowers,  its 
silvery  foliage,  and  tufted  growth,  is  lovely 
enough  to  deserve  all  the  care  we  can  give  it. 
S.  Arnutt. 


together  with  many  Conifers,  Bamboos,  Ferns, 
and  Heaths.  There  are  long  vistas  of  trees 
that  stretch  for  more  than  a  mile,  only  end- 
ing at  the  water's  edge  of  the  largest  of  the  lakes 
of  Killarney.  This  is  a  large  sheet  of  crystal 
water,  some  seven  or  eight  miles  long  and  four  or 
five  wide,  containing  islands  whereon  are  ruins 
of  historical  abbeys,  castles,  and  towers.  These 
islands  are  covered  with  a  profuse  vegetation, 
the  water  scene  being  in  harmony  with  its  sur- 
roundings and  conveying  a  sense  of  quiet  and 
repose.  Looking  beyond  this  great  lake,  are 
seen  immense  tracts  of  wild  Heather  and 
bracken  Fern,  leading  up  to  huge,  almost  purple, 
ranges  of  rugged,  rocky  mountains  which  rise, 
nearly  perpendicular  in  places,  many  hundreds 
of  feet.  Innumerable  peaks  stretch  as  far  as  the 
eye  can  penetrate,  but  these  are  frequently  lost 


known  as  the  Upper  Fan  garden  has  a  totally 
different  style  of  bedding,  the  bright  colours 
of  Calceolaria  amplexicaulis,  Salvia  patens, 
and  a  pretty  variety  of  pink  Phlox  gave 
a  pleasing  effect.  On  descending  a  flight 
of  steps  the  Lower  Fan  garden  is  reached, 
wherein  are  large  numbers  of  Lavender  and 
other  old-fashioned  herbs  and  flowers.  Single 
Dahlias,  in  front  of  a  background  formed  by  a 
hedge  of  English  Yew,  afforded  a  bright  display 
of  colouring.  On  returning  to  the  upper  ter- 
race the  middle  terrace  was  seen.  This  has  de- 
signs worked  out  in  Viburnum  Tinus  in  the 
Grass,  whilst  others  are  outlined  in  Berberis 
Darwinii  and  Pernettya.  The  enclosures  were 
filled  with  Lobelia  cardinalis,  Verbena  venosa, 
Scarlet  Queen  Salvia,  and  other  bright  flowers. 
The  border  shrubs  are  kept  closely  trimmed,  but 


March  20,  1909.] 


THE     GARDENERS'      CHRONICLE. 


181 


-these  scrolls  appeared  to  be  too  harshly  clipped 
and  mutilated.  A  Yew  hedge,  with  turrets 
clipped  in  the  top,  divides  each  of  these  terraces. 
At  one  end  is  a  pergola  formed  of  Yew,  and  this 
adjoins  the  western  garden,  wherein  are  numbers 
of  flower-beds  designed  in  Box.  The  beds  in 
summer-time  are  filled  with  Marguerites,  Pinks, 
Perrtstemons,  Salvia  patens,  Maiguerite  Carna- 
tions, and  other  showy  flowers.  Some  large  tubs 
were  filled  with  pink-flowered  Ivy-leaved  Pelar- 
goniums ;  they  were  most  effectively  arranged 
on  the  upper  terrace.  The  borders  close  to  the 
windows  of  the  mansion  were  filled  with 
an  assortment  of  sweet-smelling  flowers.  Leav- 
ing the  terrace  gardens  by  a  fine  ornamental 
wrought-iron  gate,  the  hardy  flower  garden  is 
reached.     This    contains    a    fine    collection    of 


Lardizabala  biternata,  Trachelospermum  jas- 
minoides,  and  Solanum  jasminoides.  The 
flower-beds  were  filled  with  pink  and  white- 
flowered  Phloxes,  Pentstemon  Salmon  Queen, 
Clarkia,  the  double  rose-flowered  Godetia,  an 
excellent  bed  of  Lavatera  trimestris  rosea,  and 
others. 

Near  to  the  pergola  are  a  tea-house  and  a 
dairy,  the  buildings  being  surrounded  by  Roses, 
with  beds  of  annuals  and  other  flowers.  There 
were  also  borders  planted  with  Violas  in  large 
masses  of  one  colour.  The  Camellia  grows 
finely  in  the  open  in  this>Irish  garden. 

The  path  leads  to  an  avenue,  where  the 
choicest  and  rarest  of  flowering  shrubs  are 
planted,  including  many  not  regarded  as  hardy. 
The  plants  are  in  robust  health  and  grow  luxu- 


KEW      NOTES. 


ARDISIA    CRENATA. 

Ardisia  CRENATA  is  also  known  in  nurseries 
as  A.  crenulata  and  A.  crispa.  For  some  weeks 
past,  a  batch  of  plants  of  this  species  has  been 
a  conspicuous  object  in  the  greenhouse.  It  forms 
a  small,  erect  shrub,  with  dark  green,  leathery 
foliage.  The  inconspicuous,  white  flowers  are 
produced  in  panicles,  and  are  succeeded  by 
bright  red  berries  about  the  size  of  Holly  berries. 
The  berries  hang  for  a  long  time  so  that  the 
plants  bear  often  crops  of  two  seasons  at  the 
same  time. 

Ardisia  crenata  is  readily  increased  from  either 
seeds   or  cuttings,   but  the  best   plants   are  ob- 


FlG.    77. — THE    LAKES    AS    SEEN    FROM    KILLARNEY    HOUSE    GARDENS. 


•choice  plants  arranged  in  groups  of  various  sizes 
and  in  harmony  of  colour.  It  was  new  to  me 
to  see  Agapanthus  umbellatus,  both  the  white 
and  the  blue  varieties  quite  acclimatised  and  re- 
maining out-of-doors  all  the  winter  ;  the  plants 
are  sheltered  by  one  of  the  finest  hedges  of 
'Cupressus  macrocarpa  in  the  United  Kingdom. 
There  is  an  enclosed  tennis-court  at  the  top  end 
of  these  borders.  At  one  side  of  the  court  is  an 
arched  pergola,  which  is  much  the  best  example 
I  know  of  this  kind  of  work.  Through  an  open- 
ing in  this  hedge  is  a  garden  devoted  to  Lilies. 
Near  this  is  a  part  known  as  the  Daisy  terrace. 
It  is  encircled  by  a  pergola  furnished  with  a 
wealth  of  climbers  all  growing  in  the  greatest 
luxuriance;  many  were  of  species  not  hardv  in 
the  midlands  of  England.  The  plants  included 
Carpenteria  californica,  Berberidopsis  corallina, 


riantly.  Amongst  them  I  noticed  Escallonia 
montevidensis,  E.  Philippiana,  E.  langleyensis, 
Berberidopsis  corallina,  Desfontainia  spinosa, 
Pittosporum  in  variety,  Olemas,  Xanthoceras, 
and  Solanum  jasminoides.  A  splendid  specimen 
of  Daphniphyllum  glaucescens,  the  Azorean 
Laurel,  Quercus  glabra,  Eupatorium  Wein- 
mannianum,  immense  clumps  of  both  the  green 
and  variegated  varieties  of  Phormium,  the  Now 
Zealand  Flax  ;  also  Bamboos  in  variety,  one  of 
which,  Arundinaria  nobilis,  was  flowering  in 
different  parts  of  the  garden. 

This  account  of  Killarney  House  is  very  im- 
perfect, but  it  may  convey  some  idea  of  the 
beauty  of  Earl  Kenmare's  home  in  this 
picturesque  spot.  Mr.  A.  J.  Elgar  is  the 
capable  and  enthusiastic  head  gardener.  W . 
Crump,   V.M.H. 


tained  from  seeds.  They  should  be  sown  in 
pots,  filled  with  sandy  soil,  in  spring.  The  re- 
ceptacles should  be  plunged  to  the  rim  in  a 
propagating  frame  till  germination  commences. 
I  he  young  plants  should  be  potted  singly  into 
small  pots  and  stood  on  a  damp  surface  in  the 
propagating  house.  During  the  summer  months 
hot-house  treatment  should  be  afforded,  but  care 
must  be  taken  not  to  allow  the  roots  to  become 
dry  or  the  plants  will  shed  their  leaves.  When 
well  rooted  in  the  small  pots,  they  should  be 
transferred  to  others  4  inches  in  diameter,  in 
which  they  should  be  wintered.  A  suitable  pot- 
ting soil  consists  of  equal  parts  peat,  fibrous 
loam,  and  leaf-mould,  to  which  is  added  plenty  of 
coarse  sand.  The  following  spring  the  largest 
plants  should  be  potted  into  6-inch  pots,  and  the 
remainder  into  pots  a  size  smaller.     The  plants 


182 


THE    GARDENERS    CHRONICLE. 


[March  20,  1909. 


•should  be  given  a  light  position  in  an  inter- 
mediate house,  where,  during  the  summer,  they 
•will  flower.  An  increased  amount  of  ventilation 
at  this  stage  will  assist  fertilisation  and  help  to 
harden  the  plants.  There  is  a  white-berried  form 
named  alba.  As  young  plants  produce  the  best 
results,  a  few  seedlings  should  be  raised  each 
year  and  grown  on  without  stopping  the  lead- 
ing shoots.     A.  0. 


The  Week's  Work. 


PLANTS    UNDER  GLASS. 

By  A.  C.  Bartlett,  Gardener  to  Mrs.  Ford,  Pencarrow, 
Cornwall. 

Chrysanthemums. — The  earlier  batches  should 
.now  be  transferred  into  6-inch  pots,  using  a 
heavier  compost  than  that  employed  for  the  first 
potting,  and  making  the  soil  rather  firmer  than 
on  the  previous  occasion.  For  a  few  days  alter 
the  plants  are  repotted  keep  them  in  a  somewhat 
close  atmosphere  and  lightly  9yringe  them  when 
the  weather  is  fine  in  order  to  prevent  the  foli- 
age from  flagging.  Afterwards  gradually  inure 
them  to  fresh  air,  and  do  not  employ  fire  heat 
except  in  circumstances  when  frost  cannot  be 
excluded   by  means  of  the  outside  coverings. 

Flowering  shrubs. — These  plants  require  but 
gentle  forcing  to  bring  them  into  flower  at  this 
season.  As  soon  as  the  flowers  show  colour  re- 
move the  plants  to  the  show  house.  Hydrangeas 
in  growth  require  more  manure  water  than  the 
generality  of  forced  shrubs,  and  it  is  only  by 
liberal  feeding  that  larger  flower-heads  can  be 
obtained. 

Valloia  purpurea. — These  beautiful  bulbous 
plants  which  frequently  thrive  luxuriantly  and 
flower  abundantly  in  cottage  windows  are,  curi- 
ously enough,  often  the  despair  of  the  gar- 
dener. Healthy  plants,  not  too  pot-bound, 
should  be  given  merely  a  top-dressing.  Repot 
the  others  in  a  mixture  of  fibrous  loam,  leaf- 
mould  and  sand.  Use  comparatively  small-sized 
pots,  and  do  not  press  the  soil  too  firmly.  All 
the  plants  should  be  placed  to  make  their  growth 
in  a  light  position  on  a  moist  base  in  an  inter- 
mediate house.  Plenty  of  moisture,  both  in  the 
atmosphere  and  at  the  roots,  will  now  be  bene- 
ficial. When  the  plants  have  completed  their 
growth,  remove  them  to  a  cooler  house  or  frame. 

Clivia  (Imantophyllum)  miniata. — If  the 
plants  in  flower  are  removed  to  the  coolest  part 
of  the  house,  their  flowering  season  will  be 
greatly  prolonged.  Copious  waterings  and  fre- 
quent applications  of  manure  are  essential  dur- 
ing the  period  of  growth.  Clivias  growing  in 
large  pots  do  not  often  require  repotting, 
although  they  must  not  be  permitted  to  become 
excessively  pot-bound,  or  the  quantity  and 
quality  of  the  blooms  will  deteriorate.  Large 
plants  requiring  attention  may  be  divided,  and 
thus  furnish  a  quantity  of  useful  plants  of 
smaller  size.  Plants  potted  firmly  in  good  soil 
in  5  and  6-inch  pots  flower  freely,  and  are  most 
serviceable  for  house  decoration.  After  divid- 
ing and  potting,  place  the  plants  in  a  warmer 
house  until  they  have  completed  their  growth. 
Besides  Clivia  miniata  and  its  varieties,  the 
more  uncommon  species,  C.  Gardenii,  and  the 
reputed  hybrid,  C.  cyrtanthiflora,  are  both  de- 
serving of  more  extended  culture. 


THE  HARDY  FRUIT  GARDEN. 

By  J.  G.  Weston,  Gardener  to  H.  J.  King,  Esq.,  Eastwell 
Park,  Kent. 

Filberts  and  Cobnuts. — The  pruning  of  these 
trees  should  be  left  till  late  in  the  season, 
allowing  the  young  growths  to  remain  until  there 
is  a  plentiful  supply  of  catkins  to  polli- 
nate the  female  blooms.  The  female  blooms 
usually  open  in  March  or  April,  but  they  may  be 
somewhat  later  this  year.  The  stem  of  the  tree 
should  be  kept  clear  of  all  suckers,  unless  the 
latter  are  required  for  purposes  of  propagation. 
Young  trees  are  generally  planted  with  a  short 
leg,  but,  in  any  case,  it  is  advisable  to  keep  the 
stem  clear  of  branches  for  at  least  2  feet  up  from 
the  ground.  The  method  of  pruning  generally 
practised  in  this  country  is  to  prune  the  trees  to 
the  shape  of  a  goblet  or  basin,  this  having  been 
proved  the  most  remunerative  form  of  culture  by 
■market  growers.  Young  trees  should  on  no  ac- 
.count   be   planted    in   rirh   or   recently-manured 


ground.  Cobs  and  Filberts  do  exceedingly  well 
in  poor,  stony  soil,  or  on  sloping  banks  where  it 
is  often  difficult  to  cultivate  other  fruit  trees  ; 
but  owing  to  Nut  trees  being  so  accommodating 
in  the  matter  of  soil  and  situation,  it  frequently 
happens  that  they  are  much  neglected.  These 
Nuts  are  a  very  profitable  crop,  and  well  repay 
a  reasonable  amount  of  care  and  attention. 
When  the  pruning  is  completed,  fork  the  ground 
over  and  dig  in  all  leaves  and  rubbish,  at  the 
same  time  working  in  a  little  lime.  Young  trees 
are  best  transplanted  in  the  autumn  ;  but  if  it 
should  be  found  necessary  to  plant  them  now, 
this  can  be  safely  done  provided  reasonable  care 
is  taken.  Some  suitable  varieties  are  Kentish 
Cob,  Early  Prolific  Filbert,  Cosford  Cob,  and 
Merveille  de  Bollwyller.  There  is  also  a  purple- 
leaved  variety  which,  apart  from  its  fruit,  is 
well  worthy  of  a  place  in  the  shrubbery  for  its 
ornamental  foliage. 

Bush  fruits. — It  is  usual  in  gardens  where 
birds  are  very  destructive  to  the  fruit-buds  of 
Gooseberries  and  Red  Currants  to  defer  pruning 
till  the  trees  have  started  into  growth  ;  but  these 
trees  must  not  now  be  delayed  any  longer,  as, 
owing  to  the  sun's  increasing  power,  the 
buds  will  advance  rapidly.  It  is  better  to 
prune  at  the  proper  time,  -and  either  net  the 
fruit  bushes  or  dress  them  with  one  of  the  many 
compositions  on  the  market  for  warding  off 
birds.  A  second  application  should  be  given  if 
repeated  heavy  rains  render  the  first  ineffectual. 


THE    ORCHID    HOUSES. 

By  Wi  H.  White,  Orchid  Grower  to  Sir  Trevor  Lawrence, 
Bart.,  Burford,  Surrey. 

Thunias. — Thunia  Marshallii,  T.  Bensoniae, 
T.  alba,  T.  candidissima,  T.  pulchra,  T.  Bry- 
meriana  and  T.  Veitchii  are  now  commencing  to 
develop  new  growths  from  the  old  stems,  and 
it  is  therefore  time  to  repot  them.  Turn  the 
plants  out  of  their  pots,  shake  away  all  the 
old  soil,  shorten  the  dead  roots  to  about  1  inch 
and  clean  them  thoroughly  of  all  scale  insects. 
The  usual  mode,  and  a  convenient  one,  of  culti- 
vating Thunias  is  in  clumps  of  six  or  eight 
stems,  as  the  effect,  when  each  stem  produces 
its  drooping  raceme  of  flowers,  is  much  better 
than  when  the  plants  are  cultivated  singly  in 
small  pots.  The  flower  pots  should  be  of 
various  dimensions  according  to  the  size  of 
the  stems.  My  practice  is  to  place  about 
eight  of  the  strongest  stems  in  pots  of 
7  or  8  inches  in  diameter.  These  should 
be  half-filled  with  clean  crocks,  using  good- 
sized  pieces,  and  placing  them  in  an  upright 
position  so  that  the  water  can  readily  pass 
away.  Over  the  drainage  place  a  thin  turf  of 
fibrous  loam  with  the  grass-side  downwards. 
The  new  roots  will  penetrate  this  before  the 
appearance  of  the  flower-spikes,  and  the  plants 
will  derive  gieat  benefit.  For  the  compost,  use 
one-half  good  fibrous  yellow  loam,  one-quarter 
peat,  and  for  the  remainder  chopped  Sphagnum- 
moss  and  small  crocks.  Plant  the  stems  about 
2  or  3  inches  apart,  and  use  neat  sticks  for 
holding  them  firmly  in  their  places.  Keep  the 
surface  of  the  compost  about  half-an-inch  below 
the  rim  of  the  pot  to  facilitate  watering.  When 
repotted,  place  the  plants  in  the  lightest  posi- 
tion in  the  East  Indian  house,  or  the  warm 
plant  stove,  and  elevate  them  so  that  the  tips 
of  the  old  stems  will  almost  touch  the  roof 
glass.  When  these  are  extra  long,  bend  them 
over  and  tie  them  down,  so  that  the  young 
shoots  may  be  brought  nearer  to  the  light.  For 
the  first  few  weeks  after  the  potting  afford  water 
sparingly,  but  as  soon  as  the  roots  are  seen  to 
be  pushing  freely  through  the  compost  and  the 
new  shoots  are  progressing  satisfactorily,  the 
quantity  of  water  may  be  increased,  and  when 
fully  established,  an  occasional  application  of 
weak  liquid  cow  manure  will  be  beneficial. 
Thunias  produce  their  flower-spikes  at  the  apex 
of  the  new  growths,  and  as  these  spikes  gener- 
ally appear  about  the  middle  ol  May,  it  is  ad- 
visable to  grow  the  plants  on  as  rapidly  as 
possible. 

Chysis. — In  the  Cattleya  house,  plants  of 
Chysis  bractescens,  C.  aurea,  C.  Sedenii,  C. 
Chelsonii  and  C.  Eimminghii  produce  their 
flower-buds  in  conjunction  with  the  young 
growths.  These  plants  are  now  commencing  to 
grow,  but  only  sufficient  water  to  keep  the  roots 
moist  should  be  applied,  for  if  kept  too  wet 
they  may  fail  to  bloom.  Suspend  them  near  the 
roof    glass,    where    they    will    obtain    plenty    of 


light,  heat  and  air.     The  plants  should  not  be 
repotted   till   after   the   flowers   have   faded. 

Lcelia  anceps. — The  present  is  a  good  time 
to  repot  this  species  and  its  varieties.  Unless 
the  compost  is  worn  out,  there  is  no  need  to 
disturb  well-rooted  plants  which  have  sufficient 
space  for  growing.  When  repotting  established 
plants,  the  old  roots  may  be  left  untouched,  and 
if  the  old  compost  is  firm  and  in  good  condition, 
place  the  whole  mass  into  a  larger  pot.  Make 
the  drainage  perfect,  and  add  fresh  material 
consisting  of  Osmunda  fibre  and  Polypodium  in 
equal  parts.  A  little  chopped  Sphagnum-moss 
should  be  given  in  addition,  and  plenty  of  small 
crocks.  Mix  these  materials  well  together  and 
pot  rather  firmly.  In  dividing  up  worn-out 
specimens,  cut  away  the  dead  roots  and  useless 
pseudo-bulbs,  leaving  about  two  bulbs  to  each 
leading  growth.  After  repotting,  some  judgment 
is  needed  in  affording  water  to  the  plants  so  as 
to  prevent  decay  and  the  loss  of  old  roots.  It 
is  a  good  plan  to  give  only  a  slight  watering 
around  the  edge  of  the  pot  till  the  plants  are 
re-established.  After  this  stage  the  amount  oi 
water,  heat,  atmospheric  moisture  and  ventila- 
tion may  be  gradually  increased. 


THE  FLOWER  GARDEN. 

By  W.  A.  Cook,  Gardener  to  Sir  Edmund  G.  Loder,  Bart., 
Leonardslee,  Sussex. 

Chrysanthemums. — Young  plants  that  are  to  be 
bedded  out,  being  well  rooted,  should  be  potted 
up  singly  and  placed  again  in  the  frames.  When 
a  week  has  elapsed  pinch  the  points  from  the 
shoots.  The  plants  will  be  fit  to  put  out  into 
their  permanent  positions  in  the  first  week  in 
May,  according  to  the  locality. 

Dahlia. — Remove  some  of  the  sturdy  shoots 
that  are  now  growing  from  the  started  tubers, 
and  insert  them  in  small  pots  containing  sandy 
soil,  placing  them  in  a  warm  propagating  frame. 
When  the  cuttings  have  become  nicely  rooted 
they  should  be  shifted  into  pots  one  size  larger, 
and,  as  soon  as  they  have  recommenced  to  grow, 
they   may   be   removed   to   cooler  quarters. 

Gladiolus. — The  ground  intended  for  Gladioli 
having  been  deeply  dug  in  the  autumn  should 
now  be  forked  over.  The  soil  may  then  be  ex- 
pected to  be  in  good  condition  at  the  end  of  the 
present  month,  when  the  corms  should  be 
planted.  Gladioli  succeed  best  in  moderately 
light  soil.  In  districts  where  the  natural  soil  is 
heavy  it  is  necessary  to  add  a  liberal  quantity  of 
leaf-mould  and  sand,  mixing  these  materials 
with  the  staple. 

Nicotiana. — Seeds  should  now  be  sown  in 
boxes  containing  fine  soil.  As  soon  as  the  seed- 
lings are  large  enough  to  be  handled,  prick  them 
out  into  small  pots.  N.  Sanders,  being  richly 
coloured,  contrasts  well  with  the  white  flowers 
of  N.  afftnis.  N.  sylvestris  is  a  fine  plant  for 
larger  borders.  Under  good  cultivation  it 
grows  6  to  8  feet  in  height,  and  produces  huge 
inflorescences  of  white  flowers.  Plants  of  N. 
Sanderae  now  flowering  in  the  conservatory,  if 
taken  good  care  of,  may  be  planted  out  early 
in  June ;  they  will  produce  a  good  effect  earlier 
than  plants  raised  this  season. 

Salpiglossis. — Seeds  should  be  sown  thinly  in 
shallow  boxes.  Prick  out  the  seedlings  as  soon 
as  they  are  large  enough  into  other  boxes,  keep- 
ing them  near  to  the  roof  glass. 

Mignonette. — Sow  a  pinch  of  seed  on  a  warm 
border  after  the  surface  of  the  ground  has  been 
raked  very  fine,  selecting  Machet,  Golden  Queen, 
or  any  of  the  large-growing  varieties.  Mignon- 
ette, being  pretty  hardy,  often  succeeds  well 
from  an  early  sowing,  provided  such  thinning 
is  done  as  is  necessary  to  provide  each  plant 
with   sufficient   space. 

Herbaceous  plants. — In  the  event  of  fine 
weather,  a  commencement  should  be  made  to 
fork  over  the  surface  of  the  ground  in  the  bor- 
ders. It  is  assumed  that  all  the  spots  where 
bulbs  are  growing  are  sufficiently  indicated  by 
means  of  labels.  If  it  were  otherwise,  forking 
could  scarcely  be  done  without  causing  serious 
injury.  If  it  is  thought  desirable,  some  cow 
manure  or  bonemeal  may  be  added  as  the  wou 
proceeds,  also  some  soot  and  lime  around  the 
bulbs  and  tender  plants"  now  pushing  through 
the  soil.  On  frosty  mornings  manure  may  be 
wheeled  on  to  the  ground  for  pro'dding  a  mulch 
for  the  shrubs  at  the  back  of  the  borders.  Be 
careful  to  renew  any  labels  that  are  likely  to 
fail  during  the  season.    Zinc  labels  are  the  best 


March  20,  1909.] 


THE    GARDENERS'      CHRONICLE. 


1S3 


for  this  purpose.  Let  them  be  all  written  in 
one  styls,  and  placed  in  the  ground  at  the  same 
angle. 

Narcissus  and  Polyanthus. — Clean  the  sites 
where  Narcissus  will  presently  flower  in  the 
Grass,  and  apply  a  dressing  of  soot  and  bone- 
meal.  Polyanthus  and  Primroses  should  be 
cleaned  and  the  surface  of  the  soil  around  them 
pricked  over  and  given  a  dressing  of  manure, 
such  as  decomposed  cow  manure  or  a  mixture 
of  soot  and  bonemeal. 


FRUITS  UNDER  GLASS. 

By  E.  Harriss,  Fruit  Foreman,  Royal  Gardens,  Frogmore. 

Early  Peaches  and  Nectarines  in  pots. — It  will 
be  necessary  to  pay  more  attention  to  cultural 
details  directly  the  fruits  have  passed  their 
stoning  stage.  During  bright  sunny  weather  the 
pots  must  be  examined  two  or  three  times  a  day, 
so  that  water  may  be  applied  to  the  roots  before 
the  soil  becomes  too  dry.  Manure  water  may  be 
given  at  shorter  intervals  than  hitherto.  As  soon 
as  it  is  seen  that  the  fruits  have  commenced  to 
swell  for  the  second  time,  apply  a  surface-dress- 
ing of  rich  compost.  It  is  advisable  to  plunge 
the  pots  in  litter,  or  some  other  suitable 
material,  to  prevent  the  soil  becoming  dry 
quickly,  and  provide  an  equable  medium  for  the 
roots.  The  final  thinning  of  the  fruits  may  now 
be  carried  out.  Let  each  tree  cairy  such  a  crop 
as  will  be  proportionate  to  its  size  and  strength  ; 
on  no  account  allow  any  trees  to  be  overtaxed, 
otherwise  the  quality  of  the  fruit  will  be  poor. 
From  12  to  18  fruits  may  be  considered  a  fair 
crop  for  most  trees.  Stop  the  leading  shoots 
when  they  have  made  three  or  four  leaves,  and 
cut  back  any  fruitless  wood  to  the  growth  nearest 
the  base.  The  temperature  may  now  be  safely 
increased,  if  it  is  necessary  to  hurry  the  crop; 
but  it  will  be  better  to  take  advantage  of  sunny 
weather  by  closing  early  in  the  afternoon  than 
to  use  much  fire  heat. 

Early  Peach  trees  in  borders. — Before  commenc- 
ing to  tie  in  the  young  growths,  remove  those 
shoots  not  required  for  fruiting  next  year,  leav- 
ing only  one  shoot  at  the  base,  and  another  at 
the  point,  of  the  current  bearing  wood,  unless 
it  is  intended  to  remove  some  of  the  old  branches 
at  next  season's  pruning.  Now  is  the  time  to 
note  those  branches  it  is  intended  to  cut  out,  so 
that  sufficient  young  wood  may  be  laid  in  to  re- 
place them.  The  young  growths  should  be 
brought  to  the  under-side  of  the  trellis,  for  if 
this  is  left  till  pruning  time  there  is  danger  of 
their  being  damaged.  As  soon  as  the  fruits  have 
"stoned,"  they  may  be  safely  thinned  to  the 
number  necessary  to  furnish  the  crop.  Rennve 
•first  those  less  exposed  to  the  sun.  then  thin 
out  the  others,  leaving  them  evenly  distri- 
buted over  the  trees.  About  one  fruit  to 
each  square  foot  of  space  is  generally  sufficient, 
but  young  trees  which  show  signs  of  making 
gross  wood  will  be  the  better  for  bearing  a  larger 
crop.  Syringe  the  trees  with  rain-water  in  the 
morning  and  at  closing  time,  and  should  red 
spider  appear  on  the  leaves,  syringe  them  with 
a  solution  of  soft  soap  and  sulphur.  An  occa- 
sional light  fumigating  with  a  nicotine  com- 
pound will  keep  aphis  in  check. 

Mid-season  trees. — Do  not  neglect  disbudding, 
but  carry  out  the  operation  at  intervals.  Where 
fruits  have  set  very  thickly,  it  is  advisable  to 
pull  off  all  those  on  the  under-side  of  the  trellis 
at  once.  Apply  root  waterings  when  necessary, 
and  stimulants  to  established  trees  carrying 
full  crops  of  fruit.  Syringe  the  trees  twice  daily, 
and  frequently  damp  all  the  surfaces  in  the 
house. 

Late  trees. — Trees  which  are  being  retarded  for 
the  latest  supply  must  not  be  subjected  to  cold 
draughts,  these  being  injurious. 


THE    KITCHEN    GARDEN. 

By  E.  Beckett,  Gardener  to  the  Hon.  Vicary  Gibbs, 
Aldenham  House,  Elstree,  Hertfordshire. 

Tomatos. — Although  the  winter-fruiting  plants 
are  now  more  or  less  exhausted,  any  that  are 
still  healthy  and  appear  to  be  capable  of  pro- 
ducing fruit  for  six  weeks  or  two  months  longer 
should  be  encouraged  to  do  so.  Remove  all  sur- 
plus growths,  and  apply  a  good  top-dressing  of 
rich  material,  also  manuie  water  when  water  is 
needed.  The  pollination  of  the  flowers  should  be 
attended  to  daily.  Winter  Beauty  and  Sunrise 
iiave     again     proved     invaluable    varieties     for 


winter-fruiting.  It  is  assumed  that  successional 
plants  have  now  filled  their  final  pots  with 
roots  ;  therefore,  place  them  in  the  position  in 
which  it  is  intended  they  should  ripen  their 
fruits,  choosing  the  lightest  place  possible. 
These  are  best  trained  up  the  roof  of  a  warm 
house,  keeping  the  growths  at  a  distance  of  about 
8  inches  from  the  glass.  No  manure  water 
should  be  given  the  plants  until  a  good  set  of 
fruit  is  obtained.  Maintain  the  atmosphere  dry 
and  buoyant,  especially  during  dull  weather  and 
when  the  plants  are  commencing  to  flower.  Ad- 
mit air  daily,  if  only  sufficient  to  cause  a  slight 
circulation,  for  stagnant  conditions  favour 
disease.  Another  sowing  of  seeds  should  be 
made. 

Vegetable  Marrows. — The  seedlings  raised  at 
the  time  previously  advised  should  now  be  suffi- 
ciently advanced  to  be  put  under  frames  on  mild 
hot-beds.  Care  should  be  taken  to  select  a  warm 
day  for  transferring  the  plants.  Two  plants 
may  be  put  under  an  ordinary  light.  Plant  them 
on  ridges,  but  do  not  cover  up  the  whole  of  the 
fermenting  material  with  soil  until  the  plants 
have  made  a  good  start.  Maintain  a  tempera- 
ture of  from  50°  to  5u°,  allowing  this  to  rise  with 
sun  heat.  Syringe  the  plants  on  fine  days,  and 
close  the  frames  early  in  the  afternoon.  Add 
fresh  linings  to  the  frames  when  necessary,  and 
thoroughly  cover  the  glass  with  protective  ma- 
terial every  night.  Spare  plants  may  be  potted 
into  larger  pots  or  boxes,  and,  if  placed  in  avail- 
able spaces  in  fruit  or  intermediate  houses,  they 
will  be  useful.     Sow  more  seeds  in  2{-inch  pots. 

Sorrel. — By  careful  tieatment  a  small  bed  of 
Sorrel  will  produce  abundant  supplies.  Care 
should  be  taken  to  select  only  the  best  varieties 
for  cultivation.  Sow  seed  thinly  during  the  pre- 
sent month  in  shallow  drills  about  9  inches 
apart,  and  thin  the  seedlings  when  large  enough 
to  handle  until  th?y  are  3  or  4  inc'-e;  a  art.  They 
may  be  transplanted  either  the  following  autumn 
or  spring.  Old  plants  can  also  be  transplanted 
satisfactorily,  and,  if  given  a  thorough  top-dress- 
ing of  well-decayed  manure  every  year,  a  bed 
will  continue  in  good  condition  for  a  long  time. 
Sorrel  succeeds  well  in  a  western  aspect. 


PUBLIC   PARKS   AND   GARDENS. 

By  J.  W.  Moorman,  Superintendent  of  Victoria  Hark, 
London. 

Animals  and  birds  in  public  parks. — In  many 
public  parks  birds  and  even  animals  are  kept  in 
a  state  of  domestication.  In  the  parks  belonging 
to  the  London  County  Council  there  are  large 
aviaries,  also  enclosures  for  animals.  They  have 
proved  of  interest  to  large  numbers  of  visitors. 
At  every  enclosed  park  containing  a  stream  or 
sheet  of  water  there  are  collections  of  waterfowl. 
These  include  both  white  and  black  swans, 
many  varieties  of  geese,  and  a  large  quantity 
and  variety  of  both  fancy  and  common  ducks. 
Some  of  the  aviaries  are  constructed  to  hold 
small  birds  of  the  type  of  finches,  redpoles,  and 
yellow  hammers ;  others  are  made  for  larger 
birds,  such  as  ravens,  owls,  jackdaws,  jays,  and 
magpies.  The  golden,  silver,  and  common 
pheasants  all  have  attractive  and  striking 
plumage  that  is  comparable  in  beauty  with  that 
of  the  peacock  or  turkey,  which  may  be  seen  in 
the  enclosures  in  company  with  deer  and  goats. 
The  pouter,  tumbler,  and  other  fancy  types  of 
pigeons  are  also  to  be  seen  in  many  parks,  in 
company  with  the  common  wood  pigeon,  which 
has  become  plentiful,  and  is  increasing  in  num- 
bers in  our  town  pleasure  grounds.  Squirrels 
have  been  introduced,  but  these  have  not  proved 
a  great  success.  Guinea  pigs  are  housed  and 
fed  at  several  parks,  where  they  find  plenty  cf 
admirers,  particularly  amongst  juveniles,  whose 
love  of  Nature  is  now  stimulated  largely  in  the 
schools.  It  would  astonish  many  if  thev  could 
see  on  a  fine  Sunday  morning,  principally  in  the 
East  of  London,  the  numbers  of  persons  who 
frequent  the  parks  carrying  cages  wrapped  in  a 
dark  cloth  kerchief.  Each  of  these  cages  con- 
tains a  bird,  which  is  brought  to  the  park  for 
the  purpose  of  teaching  it  the  notes  from  other 
songsters.  Formerly  these  men  were  mistaken 
for  bird  trappers.  I  have  counted,  soon  after 
6  a.m.,  fully  50  men  lingering  about  the  small 
bird  aviaries  for  this  purpose.  These  leave 
their  homes  in  the  congested  streets  thus  early 
from  their  desire  to  obtain  the  best  songster. 
Prizes,  I  am  informed,  are  offered  at  competi- 
tions for  the  best  songsters  thus  trained. 


Special  attendants. — The  birds  and  animals 
are,  in  most  of  the  London  parks,  cared  for  by 
a  special  officer,  who  is  appointed  to  feed  and 
to  attend  to  their  requirements,  including  the 
bleeding  and  rearing  of  the  young. 

Wild  birds. — The  restful  nature  of  public 
parks,  the  protection  afforded  birds  and  their 
eggs  by  the  Wild  Hirds'  Protection  Act,  and 
the  provision  for  their  further  guarding  in  tie 
parks'  by-laws  encourage  wild  birds  to  remain 
and  increase.  Though  I  have  no  actual  record 
of  all  the  birds  to  be  met  with,  I  may  enumerate 
some  of  them.  The  house  sparrow  is  a] 
plentiful,  and  is  constantly  fed  by  visitors.  This 
bird  becomes  so  tame  as  to  almost  take  food  from 
the  hand.  Stailings  are  at  times  numerous; 
the  robin  can  always  be  found,  while  the  black- 
bird and  song  thrush  are  plentiful  even  in  Vic- 
toria Park.  The  carrion  crow  will,  at  times, 
build  its  nest  in  lofty  trees ;  but  these  are 
destroyed,  because  this  crow  is  an  enemy  of 
the  duck,  destroying  its  eggs  as  well  as  the 
young  birds.  Chaffinches  and  greenfinches  are 
to  be  met  with,  also  the  white  throat,  wren,  tit, 
and  wagtail.  A  few  years  ago  I  saw  two  king- 
fishers in  a  wooded  portion  of  the  middle  lake 
in  Victoria  Park.  The  moorhen  is  always  with 
us,  it  breeds  plentifully.  There  may  be 
several  other  birds  of  a  migratory  nature, 
including  the  seagull,  which  visit  the  parks  in 
London  in  winter.  During  winter  and  very  cold 
weather,  small  birds  are  supplied  with  pieces  of 
fat  and  other  food,  these  being  suspended  in 
some  of  the  shrubberies. 

The  aviaries  can  be  made  any  size,  and  they 
are  best  partitioned  into  divisions.  The  height 
should  permit  of  the  attendant  being  able  to 
cleanse  them  regularly  and  easily.  They  can  be 
made  either  square,  octagonal,  or  circular  in 
shape,  and  in  an  artistic  and  ornamental  design. 
Temporary  glass  sides  to  shelter  the  inmates 
from  cold  winds  are  an  advantage.  Small  birds 
are  most  interesting  ;  they  will  live  in  captivity 
a  long  time,  but  they  rarely  breed. 


THE   APIARY. 

Bv  Chloris. 


The  weather  until  nearly  Christmas  was  very 
warm  for  the  season  of  the  year,  and  thus  the 
bees,  being  active,  made  severe  inroads  into 
their  stock  of  sealed  stores.  As  soon  as  wanner 
weather  is  again  experienced,  any  hives  that  had 
not  a  good  stock  of  food  when  last  examined  in 
autumn  should  be  inspected.  If  the  store  be 
low,  a  cake  of  candv  should  be  placed  over  the 
cluster.  Disturb  the  bees  as  little  as  possible 
when  examining  the  hives.  One  of  the  best 
foods  will  consist  of  a  little  warmed  honey  well 
mixed  with  very  fine,  powdery  loaf  sugar  until  it 
is  of  the  consistency  of  soft  putty.  When  the 
weather  becomes  still  warmer  and  more  settled, 
then  liquid  food  may  be  given  with  advantage. 
There  is  no  doubt  that  success  in  apiculture 
depends  upon  having  a  strong  stock  of  bees  when 
the  honey  flow  commences,  and  this  time  varies 
according  to  the  locality  and  source  of  honey.  In 
some  districts  fruit  trees  are  the  main  source  from 
which  the  nectar  is  gathered  ;  in  others,  Clover  ; 
and  yet  again  the  apiary  may  be  situated  in  a 
seed-producing  district.  It  wall  be  necessary  to 
commence  feeding  the  bees  about  six  weeks  before 
the  expected  honey  flow  commences,  to  enable  the 
colonies  to  be  ready  to  store  in  the  supers  at  the 
right  time.  After  bees  have  commenced  carry- 
ing honey  and  pollen  in  spring  the  queen  com- 
mences egg-laying.  Often  the  supply  of  one  or 
both  is  interrupted  by  a  spell  of  bad  weather, 
but  the  brood  requires  feeding,  or  it  will  perish 
if  the  supply  in  the  hive  has  been  consumed. 
One  may  frequently  see  in  the  spring  the  signs 
of  starvation  in  the  hives,  without  opening  a 
single  brood  chamber.  Whenever  larvae,  which 
look  like  white  grubs,  are  discovered  upon  the 
alighting  boards,  the  inmates  of  the  hive 
are  not  in  a  flourishing  state.  There  have 
been  too  many  mouths  to  feed,  and  the 
"  workers  "  have  dragged  some  of  them  out  of 
the  comb  ;  under  these  circumstances  a  bottle  t 
syrup  should  be  given.  In  instances  where  Hie 
hives  have  a  good  supply  of  sealed  stores,  take 
a  knife  and  remove  the  cappings  over  the  honey, 
or  it  may  suffice  if  the  cappings  are  bruised.  A 
comb  bruised  about  every  nine  or  ten  days  will 
be  ample,   beginning   with  the  centre  comb. 


184 


THE    GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


[March  20,  1909. 


EDITORIAL    NOTICE. 


ADVERTISEMENTS    should    be   sent   to    the    PUB- 
LISHER, 41,   Wellington  Street,  Covent  Garden, 

W.C. 
Letters  for  Publication,  as  well  as  specimens  of  plants 
for  naming,  should  be  addressed  to  the  EDITOR, 
41,  Wellington  Street,  Covent  Garden,  London. 
Communications  should  be  written  on  one  side  only  of 
the  paper,  sent  as  early  in  the  week  as  possible  and  duly 
signed  by  the  writer.  If  desired,  the  signature  will  not  be 
Printed,  but  kept  as  a  guarantee  of  good  faith. 


APPOINTMENTS  FOR  THE  ENSUING  WEEK. 


TUESDAY,  MARCH  23- 

Roy.  Hort.  Soc.   Corns,  meet.    (Lecture  at  3  p.m.  by 
Mr.  K.  Lloyd- Praeger,  on  "Rock  Gardens"). 

WEDNESDAY,  MARCH  24— 

Perpetual-flowering  Carnation   Soc.  Sh.  at  Hort.  Hall, 
Westminster.    Annual  dinner  in  the  evening. 

THURSDAY,  MARCH  25-Torquay  Spring  Fl.  Sh. 


Average    Mean    Temperature    for    the    ensuing    week, 
deduced  from  observations  during  the  last  Fifty  Years 
at  Greenwich— 42-3°. 
Actual  Temperatures: — 

London.— Wednesday,  March  17  (6  p.m.):  Max.  44°; 
Min.  26". 
Gardeners'  Chronicle  Office.  41,  Wellington  Street, 
Covent  Garden,  London  — Thursday,  March  18 
(10  a.m.):  Bar.  292;  Temp.  47°;  Weather— 
Sunshine. 
Provinces.—  W ednesday,  March  17  (6  p.m.):  Max.  45° 
Ireland,  S.E. ;  Min.  37°  Durham. 


SALES    FOR    THE    ENSUING    WEEK. 

MONDAY  and  FRIDAY— 

Hardy  Border  Plants,  Bulbs  and  Tubers,  Azaleas,  Ferns, 
4c,  at  12 ;  Roses  and  Fruit  Trees  at  1.30,  at  67  &  68, 
Cheapside,  E.C.,  by  Protheroe  &  Morris. 

TUESDAY,  WEDNESDAY,  and  THURSDAY— 

Unreserved  clearance  sale  of  the  Orchids,  Stove 
and  Greenhouse  Plants,  at  the  Deepdene  Gardens, 
Dorking,  by  order  of  the  exors.  of  Lily,  Duchess  of 
Marlborough,  by  Protheroe  &  Morris,  at  12.30. 

WEDNESDAY— 

Herbaceous  Plants,  Lilies,  and  other  Bulbs  and  Tubers, 
at  12;  Miscellaneous  Plants  and  Bulbs,  Japanese 
Liliums,  &c,  at  1;  Roses  and  Fruit  Trees,  at  1.30; 
Azaleas,  Rhododendrons,  Palms  and  Plants,  at  6,  at 
67  &  68,  Cheapside,  EX.,  by  Protheroe  &  Morris. 

FRIDAY— 

Duplicates  from  the  "  Rosslyn  "  collection  of  Orchids, 
also  imported  Odontoglossum  crispum,  at  67  &  68, 
Cheapside,  E.C.,  by  Protheroe  &  Morris,  at  1. 


The  issue  of  this  work  is  an  im- 
*The  portant  event  in  the  history  of 
Stud- Book  tne  hybridisation  of  Orchids. 
Orchid  hybrids — specific,  generic 
And  multigeneric — have  increased  in  numbers 
during  recent  years  at  so  great  a  rate  that  an 
authoritative  catalogue  such  as  is  here  pro- 
vided has  become  a  pressing  need.  The  art 
of  the  hybridist  has  so  outstripped  that  of  the 
systematist  that,  as  Buffon  said  of  botany  in 
general  we  may  say  of  Orchid  hybrids  in 
particular,  "  it  is  easier  to  learn  the  subject 
than  its  nomenclature."  Therefore  any  con- 
sidered contribution  to  the  problem  of  naming 
Orchid  hybrids  is  to  be  welcomed. 

Though  not  all  experts  will  agree  with  cer- 
tain of  the  proposals  put  forward  by  Messrs. 
Rolfe  and  Hurst,  none  will  dispute  the  high 
qualifications  which  they  bring  to  their  task 
nor  deny  them  a  tribute  of  admiration  for  the 
determination  and  industry  with  which  they 
have  grappled  with  the  difficulties  that  had  to 
be  faced.  Some  idea  of  the  magnitude  of 
these  difficulties  may  be  gathered  from  the 
fact  that  the  supplements,  which  contain 
additions  only  up  to  the  end  of  1907,  occupy 
73  pages,  or  almost  one-third  of  the  entire 
work  !  The  authors  propose  to  issue  from 
time  to  time  further  supplements  in  the 
Orchid  Review,  and  therefore  invite  raisers 
to  send  particulars  of  hybrids  flowering  for 
the  first  time  to  the  Editor  of  that  journal. 

The  scope  of  the  book  is  outlined  in  the 

»  The  Orchid  Stud-Boot,  by  Robert  Allen  Rolfe  and  Charles 
Chamberlain  Hurst.  (Kew  :  Frank  Leslie  &  Co.,  12,  Lawn 
Crescent.) 


preface,  which  is  followed  by  a  brief  but 
valuable  history  of  Orchid-hybridisation. 
The  historical  account  opens  with  an  extract 
from  our  pages  in  which  the  late  Dr. 
Lindley  described  in  1858  Calanthe  Dominii, 
the  first  hybrid  Orchid  raised  in  Europe.  It 
was  in  connection  with  the  introduction  of 
this  hybrid  that  Dr.  Lindley  remarked  to  Mr. 
James  Veitch,  "Why,  you  will  drive  botanists 
mad!"  It  would  be  interesting  to  know 
whether,  when  using  these  words,  there 
flashed  before  Dr.  Lindley's  mind  the  recog- 
nition of  the  fact  that  the  production  of 
Orchid  hybrids  would  overthrow  the  then 
current  view  of  the  sterility  of  species  and 
their  hybrids,  inter  se,  or  whether  he  saw 
with  prophetic  insight  the  bewildering  diffi- 
culties of  classification  and  nomenclature 
which  the  advent  of  such  hybrids  was  to 
cause. 

In  any  case,  Messrs.  Veitch  cheerfully  took 
the  risks  and  continued  to  raise  hybrids. 
Dqminy,  their  expert,  achieving  one  success 
after  another,  made  for  himself  a  name 
which  will  last  as  long  as  Orchids  continue  to 
fascinate.  Following  Dominy's  example,  an 
ever-increasing  number  of  hybridists  turned 
their  attention  to  Orchids,  crossing  species 
with  species,  genus  with  genus,  introducing 
fresh  "  blood,"  either  specific  or  generic  or 
both,  into  hybrids  already  formed  till  it  has 
become  impossible  for  any  but  a  specialist  to 
trace  the  derivation  of  the  more  complex  of 
these  extraordinary  cross-breeds. 

The  next  part  of  the  Stud-book  gives 
a  useful  account  of  the  methods  of 
hybridising  Orchids  and  of  raising  seed- 
lings. 

Then  follow  the  two  essential  parts  of  the 
book,  each  of  which  contains  an  enumeration 
of  Orchid  hybrids.  The  first  of  the  two  lists 
(Part  I.)  consists  of  an  enumeration  of  the 
species  and  hybrids  which  have  served  as 
parents  in  the  production  of  hybrids.  '1  he 
names  of  the  parent  plants  are  arranged 
alphabetically,  and  after  each  pair  of  parents 
is  given  the  name  of  the  resulting  hybrid. 
Part.  II.  includes  an  alphabetical  list  of 
existing  hybrids,  each  accompanied  by 
parental  names,  references  to  descriptions 
and  figures,  name  of  the  raiser  or  exhibitor, 
date  of  first  flowering,  synonym  and  notes. 
References  to  original  records  are  given 
wherever  possible.  The  references  to  hybrids 
exhibited  at  the  meetings  of  the  Royal 
Horticultural  Society  are  taken  from  the 
Gardeners'  Chronicle,  which  has  published 
unbroken  records  since  the  time  of  the  epoch- 
making  Calanthe  Dominii.  Among  other 
sources  of  information  to  which  recourse  is 
made  are  the  Journal  de  la  Socie'te'  National? 
d'Horlicullitre  de  France  and  the  Orchid 
Review.  The  work  concludes  with  an  in- 
dex of  synonyms. 

There  can  be  no  doubt  that  it  will  not 
be  always  easy  to  look  up  references — 
and  the  work  of  course  is  a  work  of  reference, 
but  this  defect  is  due  to  the  intricacy 
of  the  subject  rather  than  to  any  short- 
comings on  the  part  of  the  authors.  Lack  of 
system  of  nomenclature  has  led  to  this  con- 
fusion :  one  raiser  adopts  a  Latinised  specific 
name,  another  prefers  a  name  in  the  vernacu- 
lar, often  the  Christian  and  surname  of  an 
individual.  The  attempt  of  the  authors  to 
introduce  order  where  disorder  reigns  has  led 
them  to  propose  many  new  names  in  place  of 


old  names ;  but  whether  the  new  will  replace 
the  old  in  general  usage  remains  to  be  seen. 

In  framing  their  system  the  authors  have 
adopted  the  following  rules  :— 

The  sign  of  hybridity  x  between  generic 
and  specific  name  serves  to  distinguish  a 
hybrid  from  a  natural  species. 

Hybrids  between  species  receive  specific 
names.  Such  specific  names  are  Latin, 
Greek,  or  Graeco-Latin,  and  consist  of  one 
word  or  of  two  short  words  connected  by  a 
hyphen.  Words  of  more  than  six  syllables 
are  excluded.  Reciprocal  specific  hybrids 
bear  the  same  name,  but  when  sufficiently 
distinct  receive  an  additional  varietal  name. 
Hybrids  between  forms  belonging  to  different 
genera  receive  generic  names  t. impounded  of 
those  of  the  parent  genera  or  of  convenient 
parts  of  such  generic  names.  Secondary 
hybrids — hybrids  of  hybrids — are  dealt  with  in 
a  similar  manner. 

For  our  part  we  are  inclined  to  think  that 
this  method  will  be  found  impracticable.  The 
end  of  inter-crossing  genera  is  not  yet  in 
sight,  and  a  reform  adopted  now  ought  to 
have  regard  once  and  for  all  to  future  con- 
tingencies. If  this  view  is  accepted  we  are 
of  opinion  that  one  of  the  yet  more  arbitrary, 
but  in  the  long  run  more  logical  proposals 
now  before  the  Scientific  and  Orchid  Com- 
mittees of  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society 
will  have  to  be  adopted. 

But  to  return  to  the  Stud-book;  existing 
names  not  in  conformity  with  the  rules  laid 
down  have  been  modified.  Thus  the  hybrid 
between  Cattleya  Dowiana  and  C.  Eldorado 
appears  in  the  book  as  C.  X  Ingramiai 
and  not  under  its  usual  appellation  of  C.  X 
Lady  Ingram.  C.  X  Suzannae,  a  name  given 
five  years  later  to  the  result  of  the  same 
cross,  and  which  is  in  accord  with  the  rules, 
is  left  as  a  synonym.  Brasso-Cattleya  x 
Veitchii  is  preferred  to  the  earlier  Brasso- 
Cattleya  x  Digbyano-Mossiae  on  the  ground 
that  the  latter  prior  name  has  seven  syllables. 
For  the  same  reason  Brasso-Cattleya  Maroniae 
replaces  Brasso-Cattleya  x  Madame  Charles 
Maron,  because  the  latter  consists  of  three 
distinct  words.  Brasso-Laelia  Digbyano- 
purpurata  appears  as  Brasso-Laelia  Veitchii. 
Names  formed  by  joining  the  specific  appella- 
tions of  the  two  parents  without  abbreviation 
have  generally  been  avoided  as  too  long, 
though  this  is  not  always  the  case.  Odonto- 
glossum X  crispum  Hallii,  and  O.  X  Hallio- 
crispum,  the  latter  being  the  reversed  cross, 
are  both  included  under  O.  X  Cooksonii.  In 
a  similar  way  O.  X  spectabile  includes  both 
O.  X  crispo-Harryanum,  and  O.  X  Harry- 
ano-crispum.  It  appears  to  us  that  such 
alterations  will  cause  no  small  amount  of  un- 
necessary confusion.  Who,  for  instance, 
would  recognise  the  well-known  Cypripedium 
Baron  Schroder  under  the  name  given  in 
this  list,  viz.,  Paphiopedilum  X  Schroderi? 
This  hybrid  from  Cypripedium  Fairrieanum 
and  C.  ornanthum  has  always  been  known  in 
gardens  under  the  former  name.  C.  Ger- 
maine  Opoix  and  C.  Gaston  Bultell  are  given 
merely  as  synonyms  of  this  hybrid,  yet  all 
three  plants  are  totally  distinct. 

It  is  a  matter  for  discussion  whether  it 
would  not  be  better  to  treat  the  secondary 
hybrids  as  florists'  flowers  and  to  name  them 
always  in  the  vernacular.  A  better  case  could 
certainly  be  made  out  for  treating  first 
hybrids  as  the  authors  have  done  in  this  work 


March  20,  1909.] 


THE     GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


185 


than  for  applying  the  Latin  system  in  respect 
to  merely  cross-bred  varieties  that  have  little 
more  specific  value  than  a  collection  of  Pelar- 
goniums or  Roses.  Faphiopedilum  Schroderi, 
if  the  sign  of  hybriditv  is  omitted,  might 
to  all  appearance  be  a  true  series,  and, 
if  the  sign  of  hybridity  is  always  to  be 
used  in  literature,  the  frequent  repetition  will 
become  exceedingly  troublesome.  It  has  to 
be  remembered  also  that  there  is  another 
serious  objection  to  the  changing  of  existing 
names.  When  old  plants  are  given  new 
names  the  amateur  is  in  danger  of  purchas- 
ing plants  he  already  possesses  in  the  belief 
that  he  is  acquiring  novelties.  The  authors' 
rules  indeed  are  opposed  to  the  spirit  of  one 
of  the  Vienna  recommendations,  viz., 
Article  50,  which  states  that  :  "  No  one  is 
authorised  to  reject,  change  or  modify  a 
name  because  it  is  badly  chosen,  or  disagree- 
able, or  because  another  is  preferable  or  better 
known,  or  because  of  the  existence  of  an 
larlier  homonym,  which  is  universally  re- 
garded as  non-valid,  or  for  any  other  motive 
<  kher  contestable  or  of  little  import !  " 

We    fear    that    the    insistence  on  original 
records  will  also  lead  to  mistakes.     Take  for 
an  example  Laelio-Cattleya  Berthe  Fournier. 
'I  his  hybrid  was  originally  raised  on  the  Con- 
tinent, and  it  was  recorded  as  a  cross  between 
L.-C.  elegans  and  Cattleya  Dowiana,  but  it 
afterwards  turned  out  that  one  of  the  parents 
was   Lalio-Cattleva   Schilleriana,   which,   al- 
though a  totally  different  plant,  is  known  in 
some   gardens   as  L.-C.    elegans.     More   re- 
cently    Mr.     Alexander     raised     for 
Colonel    Holford   a   hybrid   between 
the  true  L.-C.  elegans  and  Cattleya 
Dowiana.     Following    the    first    re- 
cord   it    was    named    L.-C.    Berthe 
Fournier,    although    there    was   not 
the  slightest  resemblance  between  it 
and    the   original    Berthe    Fournier, 
which,  as  we  have  shown,  was  ob- 
tained from  a  different  parentage. 

In  conclusion  we  would  add  that  though 
our  criticisms,  if  well  founded,  indicate  that 
Messrs.  Rolfe  and  Hurst  have  not  effected  a 
final  solution  of  a  most  intricate  set  of  pro- 
blems, we  have,  as  we  stated  at  the  outset,  a 
very  deep  feeling  of  gratitude  for  their 
work.  This  feeling  we  are  convinced 
will  be  shared  by  all  who  are  aware  of  the 
n<  table  contributions  made  by  the  authors, 
both  in  the  present  Stud-book  and  in  their 
former  works.  No  system  of  classification 
and  nomenclature  of  Orchids  can,  by  the 
nature  of  the  case,  be  perfect.  The  Stud- 
book  makes  a  definite  step  toward  the  evolu- 
tion of  order  out  of  chaos. 


Royal  Horticultural  Society. — The  next 
meeting  of  the  Society's  Committees  will  take 
place  on  March  23.  In  the  afternoon  a  lecture  on 
"  Natural  and  Artificial  Rock  Gardens  "  will  be 
delivered  by  Mr.  R.  Lloyd  Peaeger. 

The  Surveyors'  Institution. — The  next 
ordinary  general  meeting  will  be  held  on  Mon- 
day, March  22,  at  8  o'clock,  when  a  discussion 
will  take  place  on  the  paper  read  at  the  last 
meeting  by  Mr.  George  Head  on  "  Giant  Lon- 
don." The  Council  have  accepted  an  invitation 
from  the  South  Wales  and  Monmouthshire  Com- 
mittee of  the  Institution  to  hold  the  next  coun- 
try meeting  at  Cardiff  on  May  20  and  21. 

The  Perpetual  -  flowering  Carnation 
Society  will  hold  its  sixth  show  on  Wtdnesd  ly 
next,  24th  inst.,  at  the  Royal  Horticultural  Hall, 
Vincent  Square,  Westminster.  The  exhibition 
arrangements  will  be  undertaken  hf  Mr.  E.  F. 


the  Holland  House  show  will  be  held  on 
July  6  and  9,  and  Wolverhampton  show  on  July 
13,  14,  and  15.  A  silver  vase,  value  £50  (or  its 
equivalent  in  cash),  is  offered  for  the  most  meri- 
torious and  effective  display  in  the  show,  the 
competition  being  open  to  all  exhibitors.  A  1  st 
prize  of  £40  is  offered  for  a  display  of  miscel- 
laneous plants,  in  or  out  of  bloom,  arranged 
with  cut  flowers  and  foliage  for  effect,  with 
£30,  £20,  and  £10  as  2nd,  3rd,  and  4th  prizes 
respectively.  For  a  group  of  ornamental  foliage 
plants  arranged  for  effect,  £25,  £20,  and  £12  10s. 
are  offered  as  prizes.  There  are  numerous 
classes  for  Sweet  Peas.  In  a  class  for  72  Roses 
of  distinct  varieties,  prizes  of  £20,  £12,  £7,  and 
£3  are  offered.  There  are  numerous  classes  for 
fruit  and  vegetables. 

M.  Ernest  Calvat.— This  well  known  French 
Chrysanthemum  raiser  has  received  further  re- 
cognition of  his  services  in  connection  with  hor- 


CAfsc-M**^:  — , 


FtG.    7S. — FRITILLARIA    ASKABADENSIS  :    FLOWERS    YELLOW,    TINGED    WITH    GREEN. 
(See  also  Supplementary  Illustration.) 


Our  Supplementary  Illustration  portrays 
a  plant  of  Fritillaria  askabadensis  flowering  in 
the  Royal  Gardens,  Kew.  The  species  is  com- 
paratively new  to  cultivation.  It  was  first  ex- 
hibited in  this  country  by  Miss  Willmott, 
V.M.H.,  who  received  an  Award  of  Merit  from 
the  Royal  Horticultural  Society  for  a  specimen 
shown  on  March  25,  1907.  The  species  was  origi- 
nally discovered  by  Sintensis.  near  the  village  of 
Kasakala,  close  to  the  town  of  Askhabad,  grow- 
ing  in  chalky  soil,  at  an  elevation  of  1,000  metres 
above  sea-level.  These  places  are  in  the  Trans- 
Caspian  province  of  Russia.  The  plant  resem- 
bles in  stature  the  well-known  Crown  Imperial, 
F.  imperialis,  but  the  flowers  are  smaller  and 
pale  yellow  tinged  with  green.  A  description  of 
the  plant  by  Mr.  J.  G.  Baker  is  given  in  our 
issue  for  April  12,  1902,  p.  238. 


Hawes,  Royal  Botanic  Gardens,  Regent's  Park. 
The  secretary  is  Mr.  Hayward  Mathias, 
Lucerne,  Stubbington,  Fareham,  Hants.  The 
honorary  treasurer,  Mr.  Laurence  J.  Cook, 
writes  us  as  follows. — "  I  would  remind  readers 
of  the  Gardeners'1  Chronicle  that  the  exhibition 
will  probably  be  the  finest  show  of  Carna- 
tions ever  seen  in  Europe,  and,  from  an  artis- 
tic point  of  view,  perhaps,  in  the  world.  There 
are  two  fine  cups  and  gold  and  silver  medals 
and  many  prizes  for  competition." 

The  Coming  of  Age  of  the  Wolver- 
hampton Fete. — The  committee  of  this  flourish- 
ing fete  is  this  year  celebrating  the  21st  exhibi- 
tion. At  the  annual  show,  on  July  13,  14  and  15, 
substantial  prizes  are  to  be  offered  in  most 
of  the  classes,  and  those  interested  should  write 
to  the  secretary,  Mr.  W.  E.  Barnett,  Snow  Hill, 
Wolverhampton,  for  a  copy  of  the  schedule.  Both 
the  Holland  House  and  Wolverhampton  shows 
have,  unfortunately,  of  late  years  been  held  on 
the  same  date  as  this  floral  fete.     This  year, 


ticulture.  The  French  Government  has  ap- 
pointed him  Ofncier  d'Academie.  The  "  palmes 
academiques"  are  usually  bestowed  upon  pro- 
fessors, journalists,  and  literary  workers  in 
France  who  contribute  to  the  public  instruction. 
M.  Calvat  has  certainly  done  much  to  popu- 
larise the  culture  of  Chrysanthemums  in  a 
special  way. 

Berlin  Horticultural  Show.— This  inter- 
national horticultural  show,  which  will  be 
held  from  April  2  to  13  next,  will  probably 
attract  many  visitors  from  all  parts  of  Europe. 
An  excursion  is  being  organised  by  the  National 
Horticultural  Society  of  France,  which  offers  to 
its  members  an  eleven  days'  trip  for  £16.  Besides 
visiting  the  Berlin  show,  the  party  will  be  pro- 
vided with  hotel  and  travelling  expenses  to 
Cologne,  Hamburg,  Dresden,  Leipsic,  and 
Frankfort.  The  members  of  the  jury  will  com- 
mence their  sittings  on  April  1  Several  English 
horticulturists  have  accepted  invitations  to  offi- 
ciate as  members  of  this  body. 


180 


THE    GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


[Makch  20,  1P09. 


A  French  National  Carnation  Society.— 

A  new  special  society  has  iecently  been  formed 
at  Antibes  (Alpes-Maritimes)  having  for  its 
special  care  the  culture  of  the  Carnation.  Its 
title  is  La  Societe  Nationale  des  CEillettistes. 
The  officers  include  Dr.  Poirault,  president ; 
and  several  vice-presidents.  The  general  secre- 
tary is  M.  Jules  Gkec,  of  Antibes. 

The  National  Sweet  Pea  Society's 
Provincial  Show. — This  takes  place  on  July 
13,  at  Saltaire,  a  village  which  derives  its  name 
from  Sir  Titus  Salt  and  the  river  Aire,  which 
runs  close  by.  The  village  was  built  in  the 
'sixties  to  accommodate  the  workpeople  em- 
ployed in  the  Saltaire  Mills,  then  newly  erected, 
and  it  was  considered  a  model  village,  with  a 
beautifully-situated  and  well-designed  park. 
The  show  will  be  held  in  the  park,  as  have  been 
the  exhibitions  of  the  Saltaire,  Shipley  and  Dis- 
trict Rose  Society  since  it  was  formed  in  1903. 
The  association  has  been  remarkably  successful ; 
the  amount  of  money  taken  at  the  gate  at  the 
first  show  in  1902  was  only  £18,  but  last  year  it 
amounted  to  £214.  With  the  exception  of  a 
band,  no  attractions  are  offered  but  those  of  the 
floral  displays.  In  1907  the  National  Rose 
Society  held  its  provincial  show  at  Saltaire. 

Paris  Spring  Show.— Our  readers  may  be 
reminded  that  the  spring  exhibition  of  the 
National  Horticultural  Society  of  France  will 
be  open  from  May  17  to  23. 

Mr.  J.  Coutts,  who  was  recently  appointed 
a  departmental  foreman  at  Kew,  has  been  head 
gardener  at  Killerton  Park,  Exeter,  for  several 
years,  where  he  has  carried  out  many  improve- 
ments. 

Naartjes.— At  some  of  the  Colonial  fruit 
shows  of  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society  during 
the  last  few  years,  visitors  have  come  across  the 
word  Naartje  applied  to  certain  kinds  of 
South  African  Oranges.  It  appeared  as  if  Naartje 
was  merely  a  South  African  name  for  all  varie- 
ties of  Oranges.  Further  inquiry  showed  that 
this  was  not  the  case :  for  example,  at  the  Natal 
exhibit  of  some  two  years  ago  at  Vincent  Square, 
"Oranges"  and  "Naartjes"  were  shown  side 
by  side.  The  former  term  included  St.  Michael 
and  Navel  Oranges,  the  latter  various  varieties 
which  might  all  be  classed  as  Mandarins  or  Tan- 
gerines. Mr.  R.  A.  Davis,  Government  Horti- 
culturist to  the  Transvaal,  has  published  a  paper 
on  the  subject  in  the  Transvaal  Agricultural 
Journal  for  January  of  this  year.  The  term 
Naartje,  he  says,  "  stands,  in  South  Africa  at 
least,  for  all  possible  sorts  of  Mandarins  and 
Tangerines."  Mr.  Davis  suggests  that  some 
agreement  should  be  come  to  amongst  the  South 
African  colonies,  either  to  drop  the  name 
Naartje,  and  ship  fruits  as  either  Mandarins  or 
Tangerines  (a  matter  of  difficulty  when  the  dif- 
ference between  some  classes  is  almost  imper- 
ceptible), or  to  class  all  as  Naartjes,  and  quote 
the  particular  variety  to  which  the  fruit  may 
belong. 

Publications  Received.—  The  Journal  of 
the   Board  of  Agriculture   of  British   Guiana. 

(January).  (Demerara :  The  Argosy  Co.,  Ltd., 
Georgetown);  Price  Id.— Government  of  the 
Gold  Coast's  Report  upon  the  Botanical  and 
Agricultural  Department  for  the  year  1907. 

(Gold  Coast:  Government  Printer).—  U.S.  De- 
partment of  Agriculture.  Farmers'  Bulletin  343  : 
The  Cultivation  of  Tobacco  in  Kentucky  and 
Tennessee,  by  W.  H.  Scherffius,  Collaborator, 
and  H.  Woosley  and  C.  A.  Mahan,  Special  Agents, 
Tobacco  Investigations,  Bureau  of  Plant  Industry. 
(Washington  :  Government  Printing  Office).—  The 
Agricultural  Gazette  of  New  South  Wales. 
(January).    (Sydney:   Government  Printer).    Price 


6d.  —  77ie      Philippine     Agricultural     Review. 

(November,  1908).  (Manila:  Bureau  of  Printing). 
—  Claremont  Pomological  Club.  Bulletin  No.  1 : 
"Mealy  Bug  and  Fumigation."  (California: 
Claremont,  Los  Angeles  County).  —  Beautiful 
Flowers  and  How  to  Grow  Them,  edited  by 
Horace  J.  and  Walter  P.  Wright.  Part  X. 
(London:  T.  C  and  E.  C.  Jack).  Price  Is.  net. — 
Lawes  Agricultural  Trust.  Rothamsted  Experi- 
mental Station,  Harpenden.  Annual  Report  for 
1908,  with  the  supplement  to  the  "Guide  to  the 
Experimental  Plots,"  containing  the  yields  per 
acre,  &c. —  Two  Essays  on  Sweet  Peas  and  How 
to  Grow  Them,  (a)  For  Amateurs  and  Exhibi- 
tion, by  Walter  A.  Voss,  F.C.A. ;  (b)  For  Marktt 
Growers,  by  W.  F.  Emptage,  A.A.E.B.  (London  : 
W.  Speaight  &  Sons,  98  and  99,  Fetter  Lane,  E.C.) 
Price  Id. — Annual  Report  of  the  Board  of 
Regents  of  the  Smithsonian  Institution.  Show- 
ing the  operations,  expenditures  and  condition  of 
the  institution  for  the  year  ending  June  30,  1907. 
(Washington  :  Government  Printing  Office). — Kew 
Bulletin  of  Miscellaneous  Information  (No.  2), 
containing  Diagnoses  Afiicanae;  XXVII.  New 
Orchids  ;  33  Varieties  of  the  Oil  Palm  in  West 
Africa ;  the  Section  Microcos  of  Grewia  in  Africa, 
&c.  (London  :  Wyman  &  Sons,  Ltd.,  Fetter 
Lane,  E.C.)     Price  4d. 


THE  FERTILISING  VALUE  OF  SNOW. 

So  far  as  we  are  aware,  Professor  Frank  T. 
Shutt,  M.A.,  F.I.C.,  chemist,  Dominion  Experi- 
mental Farms,  Ottawa,  has  furnished  us  with 
the  first  complete  analysis  of  snow. 

The  author  thought  that  a  chemical  examina- 
tion of  snow  might  furnish  results  that  would 
prove  interesting,  especially  from  the  agricul- 
tural standpoint,  since  the  greater  part  of  such 
nitrogen  compounds  as  the  snow  contains  must 
eventually  serve  to  fertilise'  the  soil.  The  col- 
lection of  the  snow  samples  examined  was  made 
in  the  arboretum  of  the  Central  Experimental 
Farm,  an  area  of  65  acres  devoted  to  the  growth 
of  trees  and  shrubs. 

The  atmosphere  of  this  locality,  while  natur- 
ally not  free  from  smoke,  is  stated  to  be  fairly 
pure — for  Ottawa  is  not  a  city  characterised  by 
tall  chimneys,  and,  besides  the  few  residences 
on  the  farm,  there  is  only  a  single  line  of  a 
little-used  railroad  in  rhe  immediate  vicinity. 

Snow  has  lain  since  November,  but  the  ex- 
amination did  not  commence  till  nearly  the  end 
of  February.  With  the  exception  of  the  first 
collection,  which  represents  the  surface  1J 
inches  of  the  accumulated  snow,  the  samples 
submitted  to  analysis  were  all  freshly-fallen 
snow,  care  being  exercised  to  collect  either  dur- 
ing the  snowfall  or  within  a  few  hours  of  its 
cessation. 

Not  one  of  the  samples  appeared  in  the 
slightest  degree  dirty  or  soiled,  but  were  of  the 
purest  whiteness ;  nevertheless,  on  melting, 
there  was  on  the  surface  of  the  resulting  water 
or  clinging  to  the  sides  of  the  vessel  a  certain 
amount  of  sooty  material,  and  frequently  also 
there  was  a  slight  deposit. 

The  tabulated  data  are  as  follow:  — 


Date  of  Collection. 

Nitrogen,  parts  per 

million. 

1307. 

As 

As 

Ti  tal 

Ammonia. 

Nitrates. 

Nitrogen. 

February  21     

•288 

•136 

•424 

25 

•354 

•300 

•654 

March  4 

■203 

■170 

•375 

,,       4  (12hoi.rsafter 

preceding) 

•218 

■170 

•388 

„     15             

•457 

•390 

•847 

„     20             

•312 

■128 

•470 

„    25            

•144 

•111 

•255 

April    8             

•198 

024 

•222 

,,      10 

■313 

•107 

•420 

„      17            

•655 

•317 

•972 

„      25 

•401 

•033 

•434 

May  4 

•115 

•065 

•180 

Average     ... 

308 

•163 

■471 

the  snow-flakes  and  the  temperature  of  the  atmo- 
sphere during  the  fall  exert  an  influence  on  the 
filtering  and  solvent  powers  of  the  snow. 

The  author  thought  it  quite  probable  that 
when  the  period  since  the  preceding  snowfall 
had  been  a  brief  one,  say  a  day,  there  would  be 
a  smaller  nitrogen  content  than  when  a  longer 
period,  several  days  or  a  week,  ensued,  but  the 
data  do  not  show  that  this  was  always  the  case. 
Nor  were  there  found  any  marked  differences  in 
purity  between  samples  collected  at  the  begin- 
ning and  towards  the  close  of  the  same  snow- 
storm, though  in  this  matter  data  from  one  fall 
only,  viz.,  that  of  March  4,  is  presented. 

From  the  above  data  it  is  estimated  that  one 
pound  of  nitrogen  per  acre  is  furnished  to  the 
soil  from  an  average  winter's  snow  at  Ottawa. 

It  is  not  supposed  that  the  whole  of  the  fer- 
tilising, or,  to  speak  more  correctly,  the  agricul- 
tural value  of  snow,  lies  in  the  nitrogen  it  pos- 
sesses ;  nevertheless,  we  have  in  these  data 
some  support  for  the  widely-accepted  belief  that 
snow  is  a  direct  fertiliser.  It  is  very  evident, 
however,  that  the  value  of  snow  in  this  respect 
has  been  greatly  over-estimated  by  agriculturists. 

From  the  Rothamsted  investigations  we  find 
that  69  samples  of  rain  gave  an  average  of  0.70 
parts  of  nitrogen  in  one  million  of  rain  ;  while 
in  seven  samples  of  dew  and  hoar-frost  were 
found  2.79  of  nitrogen  in  parts  per  million.  That 
is  to  say,  the  Rothamsted  rainfall  is  It  times  as 
rich  in  nitrogen,  and  the  dew  and  hoar-frost  is 
5J  times  as  rich  as  the  Ottawa  snow.  /.  /. 
Willis,   Harpenden. 


From  the  wide  fluctuations  noticeable  in  the 
nitrogen  content  of  these  samples,  it  is  evident 
that  the  condition  of  the  atmosphere  of  a  locality 
may  change  both  frequently  and  considerably, 
though  it  may  also  be  supposed  that  the  size  of 


NOTES  FROM  A  "FRENCH"  GARDEN. 

It  has  been  necessary  to  water  some  of  the 
hot-beds  to  stimulate  the  growth  of  the  Carrots 
and  to  force  the  Lettuces  to  form  hearts.  Two 
circumstances  have  tended  to  cause  this  dry- 
ness: (1)  our  beds  were  made  up  of  long  and 
strawy  material ;  (2)  they  were  built  on  the  level 
ground,  and  this  method  allows  of  the  moisture 
draining  away.  But  the  same  circumstances  pre- 
vented a  lot  of  damping  off  which  would  other- 
wise have  taken  place  amongst  the  plants  during 
bad  weather,  and,  therefore,  the  advantages  of 
this  method  deserve  to  be  widely  known. 

Manure  is  now  being  prepared  by  passing  it 
through  a  fine  sieve  for  spreading  among  the 
Carrots  after  all  the  Lettuces  have  been  taken 
away.  This  manure  will  be  made  to  thoroughly 
cover  the  roots  of  the  Carrots,  thus  preserving 
their  fine  colour.  Watering  will  be  necessary  to 
level  the  soil  and  clean  the  leaves. 

The  Cauliflowers  of  the  variety  Driancourt, 
raised  in  the  autumn  in  the  open  ground,  have 
been  given  abundant  ventilation  in  order  to  get 
them  sufficiently  hard  to  transplant  them  at  the 
end  of  the  present  month.  The  ground  having 
been  heavily  manured,  is  now  ready  for  their  re- 
ception. They  will  be  planted  2  feet  apart  each 
way,  and  Spina:h  "Monstrous  of  Viroflay " 
and  Lettuce  All  the  Year  Round,  which  were 
raised  early  in  January,  will  form  the  intercrop. 
The  Ox  Heart  Cabbages  planted  last  November, 
being  somewhat  backward,  have  not  suffered 
much  from  inclement  weather.  Late  frosts  in 
April  are  more  prejudicial  to  this  crop.  The 
ground  about  them  is  now  being  hoed  deeply, 
and  the  drills  in  which  they  were^planted  are 
being  levelled,  in  order  that  the  soil  may  be 
brought  around  the  stems  of  the  plants.  The 
only  further  attention  they  will  need  will  be 
ample  watering. 

The  Passion  Lettuces  planted  late  in  January 
were  somewhat  loosened  in  the  ground  by  the 
thawing  of  the  snow.  We  have  had  to  tread  the 
beds  in  order  to  make  the  ground  firm  again. 
This  may  have  damaged  the  intercrop  of 
Radishes.  We  are  now  planting  another  batch 
of  this  variety,  which  was  saved  in  case  the  first 
plantation  failed.  Passion  Lettuces  under  lights 
must  be  well  ventilated  day  and  night,  as  it  will 
be  necessary  soon  to  remove  the  frames  and 
lights,  and  place  them  over  the  Melons. 


March  20,  1909.] 


THE    GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


187 


A  batch  of  Globe  Artichokes  (Cynara  Scoly- 
mus|  are  now  being  planted  in  the  open  at  dis- 
tances of  2i  feet.  The  ground  has  been  deeply 
dug  and  heavily  manured.  These  plants  were 
wintered  in  frames  in  pots.  A  batch  of  young 
shoots  is  being  inserted  in  2|-inch  pots.  The 
shoots  were  taken  from  the  old  stools.  The  cut- 
tings will  be  placed  on  a  hot-bed.  It  was  for- 
merly our  custom  to  insert  them  directly  into 
their  permanent  quarters,  but  the  young  plants, 
being  later,  failed  to  pioduce  any  flower-heads 
in  the  summer  and  were  too  tender  to  pass 
through  the  winter. 

Seeds  of  Cardoon  de  Tours  are  being  sown. 
Though  this  variety  is  very  thorny,  it  is  by  far 
the  best,  on  account  of  its  eating — and  keeping 
qualities.  Three  seeds  are  inserted  in  a  2J-inch 
pot,  and  the  pots  are  placed  on  a  hot-bed.  The 
seedlings  are  thinned  out  to  one  in  each  pot, 
and  the  single  plants  retained  are  gradually 
hardened  for  planting  out  at  the  end  of  the  day. 

The  manure  around  young  Me'ons  is  changed 


Cost  of  Planting  Forest  Trees.— In  the 

Cardiff  papers  for  March  6  mention  was  made 
of  a  proposal  by  the  City  Corporation  to  plant 
some  40  acres  of  land  near  their  reservoirs  in 
Breconshire  with  forest  trees.  Scotch  Fir  was 
suggested,  and  the  waterworks  engineer  is  re- 
ported to  have  stated  that  about  £8  per  acre 
would  be  the  cost  of  planting.  I  am  aware  that 
this  price  can  be  supported  by  the  figures  at 
which  nurserymen  undertake  forest  planting ; 
but  such  ''  contract-planting  "  is  unsatisfactory, 
because  the  price  paid  is  inadequate,  second- 
rate  trees  are  often  used, .and  the  work  is  hur- 
riedly and  badly  done  by  men  who  are  paid 
piecework  at  a  rate  so  low  that  they  must  needs 
cover  the  maximum  of  ground  in  the  minimum 
of  time.  There  are  two  very  strong  reasons  why 
all  forest-planting  in  this  country  should  be 
well  done  at  the  present  time,  firstly,  because  the 
industry  is  in  an  experimental  staje,  and  we  are 
only  feeling  our  way,  and,  secondly,  because  the 
public  are  sympathetically  watching  the  indus- 
try, and  it  will  be  unfortunate  if  their  ardour  is 
damped  by  failure  due  to  bad  work  and  mis- 
management.   The  Cardiff  City  Corporation  will 


show  ;  therefore  D.  need  not  be  surprised  at  this 
variety  taking  a  high  position.  As  to  Baumann's 
Red  Reinette,  its  flavour  is  so  poor  that  I  con- 
sider land  wasted  that  is  devoted  to  this  variety. 
The  flesh  is  much  too  hard  and  dry.  King  of  the 
Tippins  I  place  in  the  same  category,  or  nearly 
so.  Stunner  Pippin  is  a  dry  and  tasteless 
thing.  King  of  Tompkins  County  is  a  good- 
flavoured  Apple  in  April  when  properly  stored. 
Any  Apple  kr.own  to  an  experienced  judge  can 
easily  be  awarded  its  proper  prize  without  cut- 
ting.    E.  M. 

Lignum  Nephriticum. — A  reference  to  Lig- 
num nephriticum  in  the  issue  for  February  6, 
p.  96,  induces  me  to  add  a  few  words  to  the 
answer  there  given  as  to  the  botanical  source 
of  this  wood,  which,  I  was  under  the  impression, 
had  never  been  satisfactorily  determined.  So 
far  back  as  1839,  a  list  of  products,  about  which 
information  was  wanted  as  to  their  botanical 
origin,  was  drawn  up  by  Sir  William  Hooker, 
assisted  by  the  great  pharmacologist,  Daniel 
Hanbury,  and  printed  in  the  3rd  edition  of  the 
Admiralty  Manual  of  Scientific  Inquiry,  under 


Fig.  79.— view  from  the  terrace  at  killarney  house,  showing  the  lakes  and  the  mountains  in  the  background. 

(See  page  180.) 


every  week,  in  order  to  maintain  the  necessary 
heat.  The  Melons  raised  in  the  middle  of  Febru- 
ary are  having  their  shoots  stopped  at  the  second 
leaf.    P.  Aquatias. 


HOME   CORRESPONDENCE. 


(The  Editor  does  not  hold  himself  responsible  for  the 
opinions  expressed  by  his  correspondents.) 

Woods  Grape  Bottle. — When  this  bottle 
was  submitted  to  the  Fruit  and  Vegetable  Com- 
mittee of  the  R.H.S.  on  the  9th  inst.,  the  criti- 
cism passed  upon  it  generally  was  with  respect 
to  the  form  of  the  r.cck.  As  was  shown  in 
■fig.  74,  p.  175,  the  neck  is  curved.  As  a  result, 
it  was  found  that  only  6  inches  of  the  stem 
below  the  bunch  could  be  inserted  into  the 
bottle.  That  was  held  to  be  an  objection.  It 
was  suggested  the  neck  should  be  slanting  and 
rather  longer  in  order  that  as  much  as  10  inches 
of  the  wood  may  be  inserted.     D. 


be  well  advised  if  they  assure  themselves  that 
their  work  is  well  done,  even  if  the  increase  in 
cost  compels  them  to  curtail  the  acreage  that 
they  plant.     S.    W. 

Cattleya    Trian>e     Courtauldiana.  —  In 

response  to  the  enquiry  which  I  notice  in  your 
issue  of  the  13th  inst.,'  p.  163,  I  may  state  that 
C.  Trianae  Courtauldiana  flowered  in  my  col- 
lection a  few  years  since.  Its  feature  was  a  very 
dark  lip,  but  there  was  nothing  in  the  flower  of 
extraordinary  beauty.  Jeremiah  Colman,  Gatton 
Park,  Surrey. 


Late  Dessert  Apples. — I  agree  with  the 
judges  awarding  prizes  to  Cox's  Orange  Pippin 
even  in  March,  if  the  fruits  are  preserved  in 
proper  condition,  for  none  can  equal  this 
favourite  variety  when  not  in  the  least  shrivelled. 
Such  fruits  do  not  need  tasting,  for  it  is  known 
that  Cox's  Orange  Pippin  retains  its  high  flavour 
so  long  as  it  remains  plump.  A  judge  knowing  this 
Apple  would  not  think  of  cutting  the  fruits  at  a 


the  title  of  "  Botanical  and  Pharmacological  In- 
quiries and  Desiderata."  In  this  list  the  follow- 
ing paragraph  occurs: — ''Lignum  nephriticum. 
— This  rare  wood  was  sent  to  the  Paris  Exhibi- 
tion of  1855  from  Mexico.  To  what  tree  is  it  to 
be  referred?"  Again,  in  another  edition  of  the 
Admiralty  Manual,  published  in  1871,  Professor 
Daniel  Oliver  was  associated  with  Hanbury  in 
drawing  up  a  new  list,  entitled,  "  Inquiries  Re- 
lating to  Pharmacology  and  Economic  Botany," 
and,  in  this,  information  is  again  asked  for  in  the 
following  words  :  "  This  rare  wood,  noticed  by 
some  of  the  earliest  explorers  of  America,  is  a 
production  of  Mexico.  To  what  tree  k  it  to  be 
referred?  Its  infusion  is  remarkable  for  hav- 
ing the  blue  tint  seen  in  a  solution  of  quinine." 
The  fact  of  its  being  a  native  of  Mexico  would 
put  it  out  of  the  running  as  being  the  produce 
of  Moringa  pterygosperma,  which  is  a  soft- 
wooded  tree  of  India,  where  it  is  known  as  the 
Horseradish  tree.  Perhaps  this  note  may  be  the 
means  of  bringing  out  some  further  information 
on  this  interesting  wood,  which  is  sometimes 
known  as  Bois  de  nephritique.    John  R.  Jackson. 


188 


THE     GARDENERS     CHRONICLE. 


[March  20,  1909. 


Tall    Conifers    at    Ktjepp    Castle. —  At 

Knepp  Castle,  Sussex,  the  seat  of  Sir  Merrick 
Burrell,  Bart.,  there  is  a  specimen  of  Taxodium 
sempervirens  97  feet  in  height  and  18  feet 
6  inches  in  girth  at  the  base.  It  would  be  in- 
teresting to  know  the  height  of  the  tallest  tree 
of  the  species  in  Britain.  In  the  Royal  Hor- 
ticultural Society's  Journal,  October,  1892,  on 
the  occasion  of  the  Conifer  Conference,  the 
heights  are  given  of  some  of  the  best-known 
Conifers  in  Great  Britain.  The  tallest  Taxodium 
was  75  feet.  How  much  has  that  tree  grown  in 
the  17  years  that  have  since  elapsed?  There  is 
also  a  very  fine  specimen  of  Ficea  cephalonica  at 
Knepp  :  it  is  79  feet  high  and  has  a  girth  of  13 
feet  3  inches.  In  the  report  of  the  Conifer  Con- 
ference there  are  only  five  trees  mentioned  that 
were  more  than  100  feet  high.  These  were  Abies 
Douglasii,  120  feet ;  Abies  excelsa,  103  feet  ; 
Abies  Menziesii,  110  feet;  Abies  pectinata,  111 
feet ;  and  Larix  europaea,  100  feet.  W.  A.  Cook, 
Leonard:lcc  Gardens,  Sussex. 

Apple  Scab.—  A.  D.  (pp.  123  and  157)  opens 
up  a  subject  of  great  importance  to  fruit 
growers,  viz.,  the  placing  of  clean  samples  of 
Apples  upon  the  market.  I  have  about  half  an  acre 
of  land  planted  for  about  15  years  with  Duchess 
of  Oldenburg  Apple.  These  trees  gave  splendid 
crops  of  fruit,  both  in  size  and  colour  for  the 
first  eight  or  ten  vears.  Since  then  the  crops 
have  hardly  paid  for  the  gathering,  owing  to  so 
much  of  the  fruit  being  affected  by  stab.  The 
trees  are  half  standards,  on  the  free  stock,  with 
clean,  healthy  bark  and  plenty  of  fruit  spurs. 
They  were  planted  rather  closely  together,  but 
owing  tojheir  upright  habit  of  growth,  assisted 
by  careful  pruning,  they  do  not  shade  each  other 
to  any  great  extent.  Little  spraying  has  so  far 
been  done,  hut  we  are  thinning  the  trees  and 
shall  then  spray  them  with  a  solution  of  copper 
sulphate.  We  had  four  long  rcws  of  Apple 
trees,  two  of  Ribston  Pippin  and  two  of  Cox's 
Orange  Pippin.  The  trees  of  Ribston  Pippin 
were  badly  cankered  and  were  cut  down.  On 
pruning  the  trees  of  Cox's  Orange  Pippin  re- 
cently, I  was  surprised  to  find  endless  signs  of 
canker  on  them,  and  especially  on  the  row 
nearest  the  Ribston  Pippins.  This  indicated  that 
the  spores  of  the  fungus  are  dangerous  to  healthy 
trees,  as  we  have  other  trees  of  Cox's  Orange 
Pippin  in  another  orchard  and  on  similar  soil 
which  are  quite  free  of  canker.    H.  C. 

Some    varieties    of   Apples    are    more 

subject  to  scab  than  others.  \\  hy  should  not 
these  varieties  be  double-grafted  upon  poorer 
kinds  which  produce  healthy  shoots  and  are 
free  from  scab?  One  source  of  encouragement 
to  the  fungus  is  deep  planting.  Trees  should 
not  be  planted  deeper  than  the  ground  line  mark 
appearing  on  their  stems  when  received  from  the 
nurseries.  Apple  grafts  require  to  be  kept  as 
high  and  as  dry  as  possible,  but  dressing  and 
spraying  the  trees  are  the  best,  and,  indeed,  the 
only"  means  of  getting  rid  of  this  fungal  pest. 
John  Smith,  Horticultural  Instructor,  St.  Helen, 
Ipswich. 

1    have    sprayed    the    trees    annually 

now  for  nearly  20  years  with  at  first  my  own 
mixture  of  caustic  soda  (Greenbank's  98%)  and 
pearl  ash,  but  more  recently  with  an  alkali 
mixture  which  entails  less  trouble  in  prepa- 
ration, but  I  regret  to  say  we  get  much  more 
scab  than  is  pleasant  to  look  upon.  I  have 
come  to  the  conclusion  that  there  are  other 
causes  answerable  for  the  yearly  attack  of  this 
pest,  worse  in  some  seasons  than  others,  than 
the  want  of  spraying,  which,  according  to  some 
writers,  is  a  safe  and  sure  remedy.  Combined 
with  a  cold  subsoil  of  heavy  and  retentive  ma- 
terial, which  is  too  common  here,  we  get,  I 
might  almost  say  annually,  a  spell  of  cold, 
sunless  weather,  lasting  often  a  fortnight,  just 
after  the  fruit  is  set.  That  is  the  period  when 
the  foundation  for  "scab"  is  laid;  the  leaves, 
too,  are  affected  with  a  fungal  growth, 
which  is  against  proper  progress.  Some  varie- 
ties feel  the  effect  of  this  disagreeable  weather 
more  than  others,  notably  Warner's  King : 
this  is  partly  owing  to  the  various  times  at 
which  varieties  open  their  blossoms.  Some 
writers  would  say,  spray  again  with  other 
antidotes,  such  as  Paris  Green,  &c.  That 
is  all  right  when  the  result  of  such  treat- 
ment turns  out  as  one  could  wish,  but, 
having  been  once  seriously  deceived  by  results 
of  such  spraying,  I  am  decidedly  cautious  of 
attempting  these  summer  sprayi  igs.    Some  years 


ago  the  greatest  so-called  expert  in  spraying 
advised  me  to  use  Paris  Green,  and  gave 
me  full  instructions  as  to  quantity.  I  used 
the  wash  at  half  the  strength  recommended, 
with  the  result  that  the  trees  were  singed  in 
their  leaves,  many  losing  them.  Stirling 
Castle,  Lane's  Prince  Albert,  and  Cox's  Orange 
Tippin  were  affected  most.  Never  shall  I  forget 
the  sight  of  some  hundreds  of  trees  in  this  state 
of  defoliation.  The  worst  of  it  was  that  the 
damage  did  not  end  with  that  year.  Where 
the  subsoil  is  heavy  and  retentive  of  mois- 
ture it  is  naturally  more  cold  and  ill- 
adapted  for  the  growth  of  fruit  than  that  of  a 
more  porous  nature  like  a  pure  loam.  Extra 
deep  trenching  is  much  the  best  remedy  under 
such  circumstances,  but  not  the  bringing  of  the 
bottom  soil  to  the  top.    E.  Molyneux. 

POLYSTICHUM  ACULEATUM  GRACILLIMUM 
Drueryi. — With  reference  to  Tyro's  remarks 
(see  page  157)  under  the  above  heading,  I  may 
say  that,  in  other  quarters,  I  was  complimented 
by  those  who  saw  the  plant  on  the  appropriate- 
ness of  the  name.  Two  out  of  the  four  names,  or, 
rather,  parts  of  the  one  name,  are  specific  ones  ; 
the  next  in  order  is  descriptive,  and  distinguishes 
the  Fern  clearly  from  the  one  of  the  same  sec- 
tion previously  certificated;  while  the  last,  as 
indicating  the  raiser,  who  is  the  same  in  both 
cases,  cannot  lead  to  any  confusion.  I  may, 
however,  say  that  I  intended  that  my  name 
should  appear  in  this  case  in  parenthesis 
(Druery),  as  indicating  the  authority  for  the 
name,  but  by  some  slip  it  was  entered  and 
certificated  as  per  heading,  and  I  have  not 
considered  it  worth  while  to  alter  it.  As  regards 
Tyro's  reference  to  the  Vienna  Congress,  I 
think  the  K.1I.S.  would  experience  difficulty  if  it 
attempted  to  enforce  these  regulations  upon  the 
varieties  of  plants  submitted  to  its  committees 
for  awards.  I  have  myself  studied  the 
voluminous  Vienna  reports,  and  confess  myself 
utterly  baffled  in  my  attempts  to  comprehend  its 
rules  and  regulations,  and  the  recommendations, 
exceptions,  reservations,  and  so  on  which  qualify 
nearly  every  one  of  them,  owing  to  the  im- 
possibility of  abolishing  the  basis  of  established 
nomenclature  on  other  and  less  systematic  lines. 
It  is  imperative  to  give  fancy  names  to  the  in- 
numerable varieties  of  florists'  flowers,  &c, 
which  present  comparatively  slight  differences 
of  form  and  colour  ;  but  it  is  a  different  thing 
altogether  when  we  deal  with  what  may  be 
termed  pedigree  plants,  like  most  of  our  Fern 
varieties,  where  it  is  possible  to  divide  them 
into  sections  and  give  them  descriptive  names 
by  which  their  special  character  is  indicated, 
without  the  need  of  referring  in  every  case  to  a 
descriptive  catalogue.  Inside  Fern  circles  the 
names  are  no  trouble  at  all ;  it  is  only  outsiders 
who  make  a  "  bogey "  of  them.  My  own 
plumose  Lady  Fern,  for  instance,  Athyrium 
felix-fcemina  plumosum  Drueryi,  becomes  simply 
P.D.,  and  Polvstii  hum  angulare  divisilobum 
plumosum  densum  is  simply  Jones's  densum  to 
those  who  are  in  the  cult,  and  I  say  again  that  it 
is  they  who  are  chiefly  concerned,  while  those 
outside  the  cult  who  desire  to  take  up  the  study, 
can,  by  the  aid  of  these  names  in  print  in  recog- 
nised standard  books,  see  how  useful  they  are 
when  properly  arranged  and  classified.  As  re- 
gards Tyro's  reference  to  the  reverted  seedlings, 
it  is  not  stated  that  they  reverted  to  another 
allied  species,  but  that  they  had  a  strong  resem- 
blance to  it,  which,  considering  the  great  simi- 
larity between  the  two  species  concerned,  is  not 
very  wonderful.  All  three  British  species  of  Poly- 
stichum  are  very  close  allies.  P.  lonchitis,  the 
Holly  Fern,  for  instance,  is  only  distinguished 
fiom  P.  aculeatum  by  its  being  pinnate  instead 
of  bipinnate,  and  if  it  sported  in  that  direction, 
could  not  be  discriminated  from  the  latter.  In 
point  of  fact,  it  has  occurred  several  times  that 
P.  aculeatum  has  appeared  mysteriously  among 
P.  lonchitis  seedlings,  very  probably  as  merely 
bipinnate  sports  of  P.  lonchitis  itself.    C.  T.  D. 


SOCIETIE 


SCHEDULES     RECEIVED. 


Brighton  and  Sussex  Horticultural  Society's  eighteenth 
annual  Rose  and  Sweet  Pea  exhibition,  to  be  held  in  the 
Dome  and  Corn  Exchange,  Royal  Pavilion,  Brighton,  on 
June  29  and  30;  also  Chrysanthemum  show,  to  be  held  in 
the  same  buildings  on  November  2  and  3.  Secretary,  Mr. 
J.  Thorpe,  53,  Ship  Street,  Brighton. 

Penarth  Rose  Society's  show,  to  be  held  in  the  Penrirth 
Cricket  and  Football  Field,  on  Wednesday,  July  7.  Hon. 
secretary,  Mr.  H.  A.  Gerhold,  Windsor  Road,  Penarth. 


ROYAL    HORTICULTURAL. 

Scientific  Committee. 

March  9. — Present:  Mr.  E.  A.  Bowles,  M.A., 
F.L.S.,  F.E.S.  (in  the  Chair)  ;  Rev.  W.  Wilks, 
Dr.  F.  Kceble,  Messrs.  C.  T.  Druery,  A.  \Yor~- 
ley,  W.  Hales,  J.  Arkwright,  de  B.  Crawshay,  J. 
Douglas,  H.  J.  Chapman,  G.  Massee,  A.  W. 
Hill,  H.  T.  Giissow,  G.  S.  Saunders,  A.  W. 
Sutton,  E.  M.  Holmes,  J.  T.  Bennett-Poe,  J. 
Fraser,  R.  Hooper  Pearson,  H.  J.  Veitch,  and 
F.   J.    Chittenden    (hon.    secretary). 

Beetle  in  stem  of  Var.da  teres. — Mr.  G.  S. 
Saunders  reported  that  he  had  examined  the 
stem  of  Vanda  teres  sent  to  a  recent  meeting  of 
the  committee,  and  found  that  the  beetle  boring 
into  it  was  a  species  of  Xyleborus,  not  a  native, 
nor,  so  far  as  could  be  ascertained,  recorded  as 
occurring  in  Europe  up  to  this  time.  The  plants 
attacked  were  sent  by  Mr.  Rogers  from  a  green- 
house at  Bury,  Lanes. 

Spots  on  leaves  of  Lapageria. — Mr.  Massee 
reported  that  he  had  examined  the  leaves  of 
Lapageria  shown  at  the  last  meeting  and  found 
that  the  roundish  brown  spots  upon  them  had 
been  caused,   not  by  a   fungus,   but  by   drip. 

Orchid  hybrids. — Mr.  H.  J.  Chapman  showed 
Odontioda  Bradshawiae  Oakwood  var.,  raised 
by  crossing  Odontoglossum  crispum  var.  Graire- 
anum  (white)  with  Cochlioda  Noezliana.  The 
flowers  showed  no  trace  of  blotching,  but  were 
almost  of  one  shade  of  colour  throughout.  An- 
other form,  Odontioda  Bradshawiae  Cookson's 
var.,  raised  from  Odontoglossum  crispum  X 
Cochlioda  Noezliana,  had  a  deep  mauve  mar- 
gin to  the  brick-red  segments,  and  showed  dis- 
tinctly the  deeper  coloured  blotches  upon  the 
lighter  ground  colour.  The  difference  in  colour 
and  markings  in  these  two  varieties  forms  an 
interesting  problem  in  heredity. 

"  Vegetable  "  asbestos. — Mr.  Holmes  reported 
that  he  had  examined  this  material,  sent  to  the 
last  meeting,  and  could  find  no  trace  of  vege- 
table structure  in  it.  The  substance  was  creamy 
white  in  colour,  and  was  lamellated,  fairly  soft 
to  the  touch,  and  resisted  fire.  Chemical 
analysis  showed  it  to  contain  alumina  in  large 
quantities,  magnesium,  calcium,  and  smaller 
quantities  of  sodium  and  silica.  Mr.  Holmes 
considered  that  the  analysis  pointed  to  this  be- 
ing of  mineral  origin,  and  not  of  having  been 
derived  from  "a  Cactus  from  China,"  as  the 
sender  had  suggested.  It  appeared  to  be  nearly 
allied  to  the  substance  known  as  "  mountain 
leather." 

Bulb  on  inflorescence. — Mr.  Worsley  showed 
an  inflorescence  of  Lachenalia  tricolor  having  a 
small  bulb  occupying  the  position  of  a  terminal 
bud  on  the  inflorescence. 

Aberrant  Orchid —Worn  Mr.  G.  W.  Miller, 
of  Wisbech,  came  a  specimen  of  Cypripedium 
Pitcherianum  Williams'  var.,  with  a  well-formed 
double  lip. 

Fasciation  in  Euonymus  japonicus. — Mr.  J. 
Fraser  showed  fasciated  branches  of  Euonymus 
japonicus.  The  fasciation  had  followed  after 
severe  cutting  back  ot  the  stem.  Numerous  buds 
had  started  in  growth  from  near  where  the  cut 
had  been  made,  and  among  them  some  had  pro- 
duced fasciated  shoots. 

Malformation  tn  Tulip. — Rev.  J.  Jacob  sent  a 
flower  of  Tulip  having  on  the  mid-rib  of  one  of 
the  perianth  pieces  on  the  outer  side  two  small 
horn-like  growths.  The  structure  was  similar  in 
character  to  those  seen  in  crested  flowers,  and 
was  apparently  the  commencement  of  a  crested 
growth. 


LINNEAN   SOCIETY. 

March  4. — A  meeting  was  held  on  this  date, 
Dr.  D.  H.  Scott,  F.R.S.,  president,  in  the 
chair.  Miss  L.  S.  Gibbs  read  a  paper  entitled 
"  A  Contribution  to  the  Montane  Flora  of  Fiji, 
including  Cryptogams,  with  Ecological  Notes." 
The  Fiji  group  consists  of  200  islands,  only  80 
of  which  are  inhabited  ;  Viti  Levu  is  about  4,100 
square  miles  in  area,  with  forest-clad  mountain 
ranges,  the  highest  point  being  Mount  Victoria, 
4,000   feet  in  height.     The  botanical   history  of 


March  20,  1909.] 


THE     GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


189 


the  group  begins  with  the  visit  of  H.M.S.  "  Sul- 
phur "  in  1840,  and  in  the  same  year  the  Wilkes 
Expedition  touched  at  the  islands.  The 
"  Herald "  called  in  1856,  and  Dr.  Seemann 
visited  the  group  in  1860-61,  and  embodied  his 
results  in  his  Flora  Vitiensis.  Mr.  Home,  Direc- 
tor of  the  Botanic  Gardens  at  Mauritius,  spent  a 
year  collecting,  in  the  late  '70's. 

Thanks  to  these  investigators,  the  flora  of  the 
lower  parts  of  the  chief  islands  are.  fairly  well 
known.  The  author,  therefore,  decided  to  con- 
fine her  investigations  to  the  region  lying  2,900 
feet  or  more  above  sea-level,  and  the  three 
spring  months  of  August,  September,  and  Octo- 
ber were  spent  at  Nadarivatu,  the  highest  in- 
habited point. 

from  the  collections,  the  flora  may  be  de- 
scribed as  Indo-Malayan.  They  contain  about 
40  new  species  and  many  new  records.  Thus, 
of  the  eight  species  of  Piper,  Mr.  C.  de  Candolle 


siding.  The  balance-sheet  showed  that  the  an- 
nual income  of  the  society  during  the  past  year 
had  amounted  to  £191  13s.  6d.  The  surplus  in 
hand  from  the  show  was  £8  6s.  4d.,  and  it  was 
stated  that  the  society  was  in  a  very  fair  finan- 
cial position.  Lady  Bathurst  was  elected  presi- 
dent of  the  society  for  the  coming  year.  It  was 
resolved  that  the  name  of  the  society  be  the 
Gloucestershire  Rose  and  Sweet  Pea  Society,  and 
that  steps  should  be  taken  to  become  affiliated 
with  the  National  Sweet  Pea  Society.  Mr.  M. 
LI.  Baker  was  re-elected  chairman  of  the  society, 
Mr.  J.  Manners  treasurer,  and  Mr.  S.  Gibbons 
hon.  secretary.  The  committee  was  re-elected, 
with  the  addition  of  Major  Organ,  and  Mr. 
Conway  Jones  was  reappointed  chairman  of  the 
committee.  The  rules  were  revised  to  meet  the 
inclusion  of  Sweet  Peas  in  the  society's  schedule, 
and  the  schedule  committee  was  re-elected  as 
last  year. 


known  to  be  unfavourable  to  inoculation.  Light 
pilots  were  treated  with  nitrogenous  manures, 
and  four  with  superphosphate.  Was  it  fair  to 
sum  up  the  total  yields  of  crops  grown  under 
both  unfavourable  and  favourable  conditions 
and  draw  a  general  conclusion  therefrom?  By 
so  doing  Mr.  Chittenden  showed  a  decrease  of 
65  lbs.  or  14  per  cent,  (since  corrected  to  20  lbs. 
or  4  per  cent.)  from  inoculated  seed.  If  the 
comparison  were  made  of  the  totals  grown  un- 
der conditions  favourable  to  inoculation,  there 
was  a  decrease  of  7  per  cent,  on  the  cultivated 
land,  but  the  large  increase  of  18  per  cent,  on 
the  fallowed  land. 

No  comparison  was  made  in  the  report  of 
the  yield  from  inoculated  seed  alone  with  the 
yield  from  the  other  manures  alone.  On  the 
cultivated  land  inoculated  seed  gave  the  lowest 
yield,  but  dung  also  gave  a  lower  yield  than  the 
yield  from  the  untreated  (control)  plot.     On  the 


Fig.  So. — scholl  bedding  in  the  gardens  of  killarney  house. 

(See  p.  181.) 


found  five  to  be  new,  and  of  Peperomia,  all 
seven  proved  novelties.  The  introduction  con- 
cludes with  some  observations  as  to  the  origin 
of  the  flora,  and  is  followed  by  a  systematic 
enumeration  of  the  whole  collection. 

An  animated  discussion  followed,  in  which  the 
following  engaged: — Dr.  A.  B.  Rendle,  Mr.  R. 
A.  Rolfe,  Prof.  P.  Groom,  Dr.  O.  Stapf,  Mr.  J. 
Hopkinson,  Mr.  A.  P.  Young,  Mr.  T.  A.  Sprague, 
Mr.  A.  Groves,  and  Mr.  Clement  Reid.  The 
author  replied  to  the  various  questions  put,  and 
concluded  by  a  display  of  lantern-slides  from 
her  own  photographs. 


GLOUCESTERSHIRE  ROSE  AND  SWEET 
PEA. 

March  5. — The  annual  meeting  of  the  mem- 
bers of  this  society  was  held  at  the  Guildhall, 
Gloucester,  on  this  date,  Mr.  Conway  Jones  pre- 


HORTICULTURAL    CLUB. 

March  9. — At  a  meeting  of  the  members  of 
this  club  on  the  above  date,  Professor  Bottomley 
spoke  on  soil-inoculation,  and  replied  to  criti- 
cisms >vhich  Mr.  Chittenden  had  published  in 
the  Royal  Horticultural  Society's  Journal. 

Professor  Bottomley  prefaced  his  remarks  by 
complimenting  Mr.  Chittenden  on  the  care  and 
thoroughness  of  his  experiments,  which  were  the 
most  comprehensive  of  any  yet  made  on  Peas  in 
this  country.  The  results,  however,  did  not  ap- 
pear to  justify  the  conclusion  arrived  at  by  Mr. 
Chittenden.  It  was  stated  that  "  the  experiment 
was  planned  to  ascertain  whether  any  benefit 
was  to  be  derived  from  the  inoculation  of  legu- 
minous crops  under  any  conditions  in  such  a 
naturally  poor  soil  as  that  of  the  Wisley  gar- 
den." Twelve  out  of  the  24  plots  were  treated 
so  as  to  produce  conditions  which  are  already- 


fallowed  ground  inoculated  seed  gave  the  highest 
yield,  an  increase  over  the  control  plot  of  17  per 
cent.,  if  the  report  figures  are  taken,  or  10  per 
cent.,  if  correction  is  made  for  the  variation  in 
number  of  plants  in  the  two  plots.  Table  J. 
was  unfair;  because  in  two  plots  (15  and  16) 
there  is  a  difference  in  number  of  plants  of 
Maincrop.  The  yield  of  Maincrop,  which  gives  the 
largest  increase  on  plots  13  and  14,  is  omitted, 
although  there  is  no  mention  made  of  any  varia- 
tion in  the  number  of  plants.  The  scientific 
method  would  have  been  to  make  a  correction 
for  this  fact.  This  would  have  given  an  in- 
crease of  1  per  cent  ,  10  per  cent.,  and  1">  per 
cent,  for  soil  inoculation,  seed  inoculation,  and 
soil  and   seed   inoculation  respectively. 

Again,  there  was  a  difference  in  the  action  of 
lime  alone  and  the  action  of  a  mixture  of  lime 
superphosphate  and  potash  on  the  nitrogen  fixing 
organisms.     The  U.S.A.  Department  of  Agricul- 


190 


THE     GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


[March  20,  1909. 


ture  had  shown  the  beneficial  effect  of  lime  on 
inoculation.  At  Wisley,  on  the  limed  plots, 
inoculated  seed  gave  an  increased  vield  of  weight 
of  Peas  on  both  cultivated  and  fallowed  land — 
an  increase  of  4  per  cent,  and  29  per  cent,  re- 
spectively. The  mixture  of  lime,  superphosphate 
and  potash  gave  a  decreased  yield  in  both  cases 
— a  decrease  of  16  per  cent,  and  27  per  cent,  re- 
spectively. On  the  fallowed  land  Mr.  Chit- 
tenden ignored  the  beneficial  effect  of  lime  alone, 
because  lime  was  added  to  the  super  and 
potash  mixture  which  gave  a  decrease.  As  the 
American  instructions  for  using  inoculating  ma- 
terial state  that  concentrated  fertilisers  should 
be  spread  and  mixed  with  the  soil  previous  to 
sowing  the  inoculated  seed,  it  would  be  inter- 
esting t<\  know  the  date  when  Mr.  Chittenden 
appliea  ihe  superphosphate  mixture. 

Mr.  Chittenden's  Reply. 

The  following  is  a  summary  of  Mr.  Chitten- 
den's reply :  An  attempt  was  made  in  the  Wis- 
ley experiments  with  nitro-bacterme  to  compare 
the  yield  of  12  pairs  of  similarly-treated  plots, 
assuming  that  if  equal  weights  of  seed  were 
sown  on  each  of  the  plots,  other  conditions  be- 
ing equal,  the  crop  from  the  two  plots  would  be 
the  same.  But,  on  the  fallowed  land, 
for  instance,  there  was  sometimes  great  varia- 
tion in  the  number  of  plants  of  one  or  two 
varieties  on  the  two  plots  to  be  compared,  owing 
to  factors  which  were  not  commensurable.  In 
such  cases  the  yield  from  the*  variety  most  vari- 
able in  this  respect  was  entirely  ignored,  or  (and 
ill  any  case)  from  these  plots  no  general  con- 
clusions were  drawn. 


was  drawn),  as  was  stated  in  the  report,  was 
3.61  per  cent.  Yet  Prof.  Bottomley  inferred  that 
the  reason  of  the  failure  of  inoculation  to  pro- 
duce any  benefit  on  this  soil  was  that  it  was 
so  rich  in  organic  matter  that  the  nodule-form- 
ing organisms  were  unable  to  do  their  normal 
work.  As  Prof.  Bottomley  was  aware,  ordinary 
field  soils  usually  contain  at  least  5  per  cent,  of 
organic  matter,  and  garden  soils  contain  as  a 
rule  very  much  more,  10  per  cent,  being  not  un- 
usual. If  his  strictures  were  accurate,  then 
practically  no  cultivated  soil  in  the  country  was 
likely  to  benefit  by  inoculation,  because  it  con- 
tained too  much  organic   matter. 

What  evidence  had  Prof.  Bottomley  that  the 
soil  was  too  rich  in  organic  matter  for  the  bac- 
teria to  do  their  work?  On  every  plot,  as  stated 
in  the  report,  the  Pea  roots  were  well  supplied 
ivith  r.odulcs.  The  trial  was  really  a  contest 
between  the  bacteria  already  in  the  soil  and 
those  added  in  the  nitro-bacterine,  and  the 
former  showed  to  the  better  advantage.  It  re- 
mained for  Prof.  Bottomley  to  show  why  this 
was  the  case. 

It  had  been  assumed  that  the  bacteria  in  four 
of  the  plots  were  killed  or  injured  by  the  appli- 
cation of  potassic  and  phosphatic  manures. 
These  manures  were  applied  and  mixed  with  the 
soil  (which  had  been  limed)  long  before  the 
seed  was  sown.  The  lime  was  present  in  suffi- 
cient quantity  to  prevent  any  acidity  in  the  soil. 
That  the  manures  had  no  injurious  effect  was 
evident  from  the  presence  of  nodules  on  all  the 
roots.  Professor  Bottomley  also  assumed  that 
the  manures  had  been  sown  in  such  a  way  as  to 
injure  the  bacteria  of  the  seeds,  i.e.,  bacteria 
sown  with  the  seeds.     This  was  not  the  case. 


MANCHESTER   AND    NORTH    OF 
ENGLAND    ORCHID. 

March  4. — Committee  present :  Messrs.  E.  Ash- 
worth  (Chairman!,  Thorp,  Cowan,  Ward, 
Keeling,  Warburton,  Holmes,  Upjohn,  Ashton, 
Parker,  Low,  and  P.  Weathers  (hon.  sec). 

Z.  A.  Ward,  Xorthenden  (gr.  Mr.  Weatherley),. 
was  voted  a  Silver-gilt  Medal  for  a  showy  group 
of  plants,  mainly  of  Odontoglossums,  one  of 
which,  O.  X  Beaute  Celeste,  or  O.  X  eximium 
"  Ward's  variety,"  received  an  Award  of  Merit. 

Mr.  J.  RODSON,  Altrincham,  was  voted  an 
Award  of  Merit  for  Odontoglossum  crispum 
"  Supreme,''  and  a  similar  Award  for  Cypripe- 
dium   X   Actaeus  "  Robson's  variety." 

Messrs.  A.  J.  Keeling  &  Sons,  Westgate  Hill, 
Bradford,  were  awarded  a  Bronze  Medal  for  a 
small  miscellaneous  group. 

Messrs.  Moore  &  Co.,  Lqf  ds,  staged  a  group 
for  which  a  Silver-gilt  Medal  was  awarded. 
Odontoglossum  x  Lawrenceanum  var.  "  Dis- 
tinction "  received  an  Award  of  Merit. 

J.  McCartney,  Esq.,  Bolton  (gr.  Mr.  Holmes), 
was  awarded  a  Silver  Medal  for  a  group  of 
C'attleyas  and  Laslias.  Cattleya  Trianaa  var. 
Lowiae  was  given  an  Award  of  Merit. 

A.  Warburton,  Esq.,  Haslingden  (gr.  Mr. 
Dalgleishl,  staged  a  group  of  Odontoglossums 
(Bronze  Medal),  another  of  Cypripediums  (Sil- 
ver Medal),  also  a  miscellaneous  group  (Silver 
Medal).  Cypripedium  x  Euryades  var.  King 
Edward  VII.  was  voted  a  First-class  Certificate. 

R.  Ashworth,  Esq.,  Newchurch  (gr.  Mr. 
Fletcher),  obtained  two  Silver  Medals,  one  for 


Fig.  8i. — view  of  messks.  sutton  and  sons'  "French"  garden  exhibit  staged  at  the  royal  horticultural 

society's  meeting  on  the  o/th  inst. 

(See    report    published    in    last    week's    issue,    p.    174.) 


Professor  Bottomley  had  drawn  up  tables 
showing  what  ho  considered  the  figures  ought  to 
have  been  if  the  number  of  plants  on  the  two 
plots  had  been  the  same.  This  he  had  done  by 
an  unscientific  method  of  calculation,  for  (1) 
there  was  no  evidence  that  the  plants  on  the 
respective  plots  were  of  the  same  strength  to 
start  with  ;  (2)  the  plants  were  not  growing 
(since  the  space  was  the  same  on  each  of  the 
plots  and  the  number  of  plants  varied)  under 
equal  conditions  of  space  ;  and  (3)  the  number 
of  plants  (owing  to  an  accident  already  ex- 
plained) of  two  varieties  is  unknown.  Prof. 
Bottomley  had  attempted  to  rectify  the  tables, 
knowing,  as  a  rule,  the  number  of  plants  of 
only  one  of  the  four  varieties,  and  sometimes 
not  even  that.  No  one  could  say  from  the  data 
available  what  the  total  yields  would  have  been 
if  the  number  of  plants  had  been  equal  in  the 
pair  of  plots. 

Prof.  Bottomley  made  a  comparison  between 
the  yields  obtained  from  half  an  area  which  re- 
ceived a  light  dressing  of  dung,  with  a  like  por- 
tion that  was  not  manured,  apparently  to  show 
that  the  soil  of  the  Wisley  garde.i  was  so  rich 
in  organic  matter  that  it  would  not  respond  to 
an  extra  amount  of  manure.  Why  did  he  not 
compare  the  yields  from  ike  whole  of  the  areas 
which  received  these  different  treatments  respec- 
tively ?  This  would  have  shown  that  even  such 
a  light  dressing  of  dung  had  the  effect  of  in- 
Teasing  the  yield  of  Peas. 
•  What    were    the    facts    with    regard    to    the 

amount  of  organic  matter  in  the  soil?  The 
loss,  on  ignition,  of  the  cultivated  soil  (from 
■which  the  only  general  conclusion  in  the  report 


He  also  failed  to  give  weight  to  the  evidence 
adducible  from  the  report  regarding  the  need 
for  lime  in  this  experiment  ;  if  he  had  carefully 
considered  it  he  would  have  found  that  lime 
made  no  difference  whatever  to  the  results  of 
the  trial. 

In  conclusion,  Mr.  Chittenden  considered  that 
more  investigation  was  necessary  before  any 
hope  could  be  entertained  of  getting  much,  if 
any,  benefit  from  inoculation  of  leguminous 
plants  on  cultivated  soil,  since  it  was  first  neces- 
sary to  prove  that  the  bacteria  were  not  only 
alive  tut  were  of  greater  virulence  than  those 
already  in  the  soil. 

In  the  discussion  which  followed,  the  follow- 
ing gentlemen  took  part: — Dr.  Keeble,  Messrs. 
J.  Walker,  C.  E.  Pearson,  Arthur  W.  Sutton, 
and  W.  A.  Voss.  Mr.  Arthur  Sutton  suggested 
that  Mr.  Harry  J.  Veitch,  the  chair- 
man, should  put  an  acre  or  so  of  land 
at  the  disposal  of  Prof.  Bottomley  for 
the  purpose  of  further  experimenting  with  nitro- 
bacterine.  Mr.  Veitch,  in  closing  the  discus- 
sion, expressed  himself  as  willing  to  adopt  Mr. 
Sutton's  suggestion  so  far  as  his  own  nur- 
series were  concerned,  but  advanced  the  opinion 
that  it  would  be  more  satisfactory  if  the  Council 
of  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society  were  to  set 
apart  a  piece  of  ground  at  Wisley  for  use  by 
Prof.  Bottomley.  In  acknowledging  a  vote  of 
thanks,  Prof.  Bottomley  accepted  the  proposal, 
with  the  proviso  that  Mr.  Chittenden  should  help 
him  in  the  recording  of  the  experiments,  since 
Mr.  Chittenden  would  be  on  the  spot,  and 
Wisley  is  not  too  accessible  for  a  busy  man 
whose  work  is  in  London. 


Odontoglossums  and  the  other  for  a  general  dis- 
play. 

Mr.  J.  Stott,  Radcliffe,  was  awarded  a  Bronze 
Medal  for  a  small  group  of  Cypripediums. 

Mr.  W.  Shackleton,  Gt.  Horton,  near  Brad- 
ford, was  also  awarded  a  Bronze  Medal  for  a 
group,  principally  of  Cypripediums. 


February  18. — There  was  a  good  display  of 
plants  at  the  meeting  held  on  this  date. 

Z.  A.  Ward,  Esq.,  Northenden,  showed  a 
group  of  Odontoglossums,  including  many  choice 
hybrids.     (Silver-gilt  Medal.) 

R.  Ashworth,  Esq.,  Newchurch,  exhibited  a 
group  of  Odontoglossums  in  competition  for  the 
"Ward"  Cup.     (Silver-gilt  Medal.) 

J.  McCartney,  Esq.,  Bolton,  was  granted  a 
similar  award  for  a  general  display,  chiefly  of 
Cattleyas  and   Cypripediums. 

G.  Siiorland  Ball,  Esq.,  Burton,  Westmore- 
land, was  awarded  a  Silver-gilt  Medal  for  a  beau- 
tiful display  of  miscellaneous  Orchids,  in  which- 
were  two  fine  specimens  of  Dendrobium  gluma- 
ceum  and  several  choice  forms  of  Lycaste. 

H.  J.  Bromilow,  Esq.,  Rainhill,  Liverpool, 
exhibited  Cypripediums.     (Silver-gilt  Medal.) 

Messrs.  A.  J.  Keeling  &  Sons,  Westgate  Hill, 
Bradford,  showed  a  miscellaneous  exhibit,  in- 
which  were  numerous  plants  of  great  interest. 
(Silver-gilt  Medal.) 

Silver  Medals  were  awarded  A.  Warburton, 
Esq.,  Haslingden,  for  Odontoglossums,  and 
another  for  Cypripediums  ;  Messrs.  Jas.  Cypher 
&  Sons,  Cheltenham,  for  a  general  display  of 
Orchids ;  Messrs.  Hugh  Low  &  Co.,  Enfield, 
for  Cattleyas ;  Messrs.  Heath  &  Sons,  Chelten- 


March  20,  1S09.] 


THE     GARDENERS'      CHRONICLE 


191 


ham,  for  a  miscellaneous  exhibit  ;  and  J. 
McCartney,  Esq.,  Bolton,  fur  Cattleyas  and 
Latlias. 

First-class  Certificates  were  awarded  to  the 
following  plants: — Cypripedium  x  Lady  Ur- 
sula, a  fine  hybrid  between  C.  X  Mrs.  Tantz 
X  C.  insigne  Harefield  Hall  variety,  shown  by 
S.  Gratrix,  Esq.,  Whalley  Range  ;  Cymbidium 
X  Holfordianum,  shown  by  R.  ASHWORTH,  Esq. 

Awards  of  Merit  were  granted  to  Odontoglos- 
sum  x  Lambeauianum  Ashworth's  variety, 
shown  by  R.  Ashworth,  Esq.  ;  Cypripedium 
villosum  Keeling's  variety,  Spathoglottis  x 
aureo-Viellardii,  and  Sophronitis  grandiflora  var. 
maxima  ;  these  three  were  shown  by  Messrs.  A. 
J.  Keeling  &  Sons;  Cypripedium  x  Prospero 
Oakdene  variety,  C.  aureum  var.  vertumne,  and 
Odontoglossum  x  "  W.  C.  Price,"  these  three 
exhibited  by  E.  Rogerson,  Esq.  ;  Cattleya 
Trianae  var.  "Sir  Lees  Knowles,"  shown  by  J. 
McCartney,  Esq.;  Cypripedium  X  Iris  var. 
magnificum,  shown  by  Mr.  W.  Bolton  ;  Odon- 
toglossum x  crispo-Harryanum  Ward's  variety, 
O.  X  amabile  var.  Georgius,  O.  X  amabile  var. 
AVi'.lie,  and  O.  x  loochristiense  Ward's  variety, 
these  shown  by  Z.  A.  Ward,  Esq.  ;  Cypripedium 
X  Euryades  var.  Rossendalensis.  Odontoglos- 
sum x  venustulus,  and  O.  x  Primus,  these 
three  shown  by  A.  Warburton,  Esq.     P.  W. 


THE     WEATHER. 


BRITISH    GARDENERS'    ASSOCIATION. 

(LONDON  BRANCH). 
March  6. — The  first  social  evening  held  by 
this  branch  took  place  at  Carr's  Restaurant,  264, 
Strand,  on  the  above  date.  The  meeting  was  in 
aid  of  the  Branch  funds.  Mr.  E.  F.  Hawes  pre- 
sided. Notwithstanding  the  inclement  weather, 
more  than  70  members  anH  friends  assembled. 
During  an  interval  in  the  proceedings,  the 
Chairman,  in  a  brief  speech,  set  forth  the  objects 
of  the  association,  and  invited  any  gardeners  who 
were  not  members  to  join  the  association. 


DEBATING    SOCIETIES. 

BATH      AND      DISTRICT     GARDENERS'.  —  A 

largely-attended  meeting  of  this  society  was  held  on 
Monday,  March  8.  Mr.  T.  Parrott  presided.  A  paper 
on  "  Pelargoniums "  was  read  by  Mr.  Edwards.  He 
said  that  about  700  varieties  were  awarded  certificates  by 
the  Royal  Horticultural  Society  in  the  period  between  1860 
and  1890,  and  of  the  170  species  of  Pelargonium  which 
were  known  nearly  all  were  natives  of  South  Africa. 
The  four  sections  of  Pelargoniums  were  all  distinct  from 
each  other,  and  except  in  one  instance  they  had  refused  to 
be  interbred.  The  instance  was  that  of  a  Zonal  and  Ivy- 
leaf,  of  which  an  accidental  cross  between  the  two  had  been 
secured  by  M.  Lemoine  about  30  years  ago.  Pelargoniums 
were  readily  raised  from  seed,  while  they  could  also  be 
increased  by  cuttings  and  pieces  of  the  root.  The  best 
tim*  to  sow  the  seed  was  in  March  or  April,  in  a  temperature 
of6(K 

BICKLEYANO  DISTRICT  HORTICULTURAL. 

— A  meeting  of  the  above  societv  was  held  on  March  4, 
under  the  chairmanship  of  Mr.  J.  Hunter.  A  paper  was 
read  by  Mr.  Legg,  of  Hamilton  Lodge  Gardens,  Bickley, 
on  "The  Cineraria  and  its  Culture."  The  paper  gave  full 
details  for  the  culture  of   this  popular  greenhouse  flower. 

BRISTOL  AND  DISTRICT  GARDENERS'. 
At  the  meeting  held  on  Thursday,  March  11,  Mr.  Scott, 
of  Downside  Gardens,  gave  a  paper  on  '•  Border  Carna- 
tions." The  lecturer  said  July  is  the  best  month  for  layer- 
ing, and  autumn  the  best  time  for  planting.  Wood  ashes 
mixed  with  the  soil  proved  very  beneficial  for  Carnations, 
which  should  be  planted  firmly. 

PCRTISHEADi— Under  the  auspices  of  the  Somerset 
County  Council,  the  second  lecture  on  "Gardening"  was 
given  on  March  9  in  the  Parish  Room,  Portishead,  by  Mr. 
J.  Ettle.  The  lecturer  speke  on  vegetable  culture,  giving 
practical  hints  on  thinning  crops,  hoeing,  weeding,  watering, 
and  feeding  the  different  sections  of  vegetables,  namely, 
those  grown  for  their  roots,  leaves,  fruits,  seeds,  and  pods. 

READING     AND     DISTRICT     GARDENERS'. 

A  lecture  was  given  in  connection  with  the  above  society  on 
Monday,  March  8,  in  the  Abbey  Hall,  Reading,  by  Mr. 
W.  F.  Giles,  of  Messrs.  Sutton  &  Sons,  the  subject  being 
"Vegetables,  Old  and  New."  The  lecture  was  illustrated 
by  a  collection  of  about  100  lantern  slides.  Mr.  A.  F.  Bailey 
(chairman)  presided,  and  there  was  a  large  attendance  of 
members.  Mr.  Giles  opened  bis  remarks  by  tracing  the 
history  of  some  of  the  common  vegetables.  Mr.  Giles 
showed  pictures  taken  from  Gerarde's  Herbal,  published  in 
1597,  showing  the  type  of  vegetables  of  that  time,  and  also, 
by  way  of  contrast,  varieties  of  the  present  day.  Thomas 
Andrew  Knight,  afterwards  President  of  the  Royal  Horti- 
cultural Society,  made  the  first  recorded  cross  with  culinary 
Peas  in  1787. 

TORQUAY  GARDENERS'.  —  At  the  fortnightly 
meeting  of  this  association,  held  on  Friday,  March  6,  Mr. 
G.  Wilson  read  a  paper  entitled  "Some  Notes  on  Vine 
Culture."  Mr.  W.  A.  Masterman,  vice-president,  presided. 
Mr.  Wilson  gave  a  detailed  account  of  vine  culture  under 
glass  dealing  with  the  raising  of  the  vines,  making  of 
bon'ers,  planting  and  general  treatment,  pruning  (summer 
and  winter),  thinning,  ripening,  and  the  general  manage- 
ment of  the  vinery. 


The  Following  Summary  Record  of  the 
weather  throughout  the  British  Islands,  for  the 
week  ending  March  13,  is  furnished  from  the 
Meteorological  Office: — 

GENERAL     OBSERVATIONS. 

The  weather. — The  general  condition  continued  wintry 
and  unsettled.  The  sky  was  mostly  very  cloudy  or  quite 
overcast,  and  falls  of  sleet  or  snow  occurred  in  nearly  all 
parts  of  Great  Britain,  while  rain,  sleet,  or  bail  was  ex- 
perienced in  Ireland.  Precipitation  was  less  frequent  in 
the  north-west  of  England  and  west  of  Scotland  than  else- 
where.    Thunder  was  heard  at  Gordon  Castle  on  the  10th. 

The  temperature  was  again  below  the  average,  the  great- 
est divergence  being  about  i5°  in  the  Midland  Counties 
and  England  S.W.,  and  the  least  1-7°  in  Scotland  N.  The 
highest  of  the  maxima  occurred  on  the  7th  or  8th  in 
most  parts  of  England,  and  on  the  12th  or  13th  elsewhere. 
They  ranged  from  53°  in  Ireland  S.  to  47°  in  Scotland  E. 
and  England  N.E.  The  lowest  of  the  minima,  which  were 
registered  on  the  7th  or  8th  over  the  greater  part  of  the 
kingdom,  but  on  the  12th  in  several  Scottish  localities, 
ranged  from  8°  in  Scotland  E.  (at  Nairn  on  the  7th),  20" 
in  Scotland  N.,  and  22°  in  England  N.E.  and  Ireland  N., 
to  31°  in  England  E.,  and  to  35°  in  the  English  Channel. 
The  lowest  grass  readings  reported  were  16°  at  Buxton  and 
Markree  Castle,  17°  at  Llangammarch  Wells,  18°  at  Bal- 
moral, Huddersfield,  Sheffield,  and  Newton  Riyg,  and  19" 
at  Cockle  Park  (Morpeth)  and  Dublin. 

The  rain/all  exceeded  the  average  in  the  north-east  of 
Great  Britain  and  also  in  the  English  Channel,  just  about 
equalled  it  in  England  E.,  S.E.,  and  S.W  ,  .ml  was  less 
in  Ireland,  Scotland  N.  and  W.,  England  N.W.  and  the 
Midland  Counties.  At  Crathes  and  Balmoral  the  quantity 
of  melted  snow  measured  on  the  morning  of  the  7th 
yielded  1'49  inch,  and  I  1)6  inch  in  the  two  respective 
gauges. 

The  bright  sunshine  was  less  than  the  average  in  all  dis- 
tricts. The  percentage  of  the  possible  duration  ranged 
from  29  in  the  English  I  h  ami  el,  25  in  Ireland  S..  and  23 
in  England  S.E.  to  1:1  in  Scotland  W.,  11  in  Ln^laiid  N.E., 
and  s  m  Scotland  E. 

THE  WEATHER    IN    WEST    HERTS. 

Week  cu./pig  March  17. 

The  sixth  week  in  succession  of  cold  u. ■ait her.—  The  present 
cold  period  has  now  lasted  nearly  six  weeks,  duriug  which 
time  there  have  occurred  only  four  unseasonably  warm  days, 
and  only  one  warm  night.  Throughout  the  past  week  the 
days  have  been,  as  a  rule,  much  more  unseasonably  cold 
than  the  nights,  the  highest  reading  in  the  thermometer 
screen  on  four  days  ranging  only  between  95  and  38°,  or 
from  18°  to  10°  below  the  average  for  the  middle  of  March. 
On  the  two  coldest  nights,  however,  the  exp  sed  thermo- 
meter indicated  18c  of  frost.  The  ground  is  now  4W  colder 
at  2  feet  deep,  and  6-  colder  at  1  foot  deep,  than  is 
seasonable.  Some  snow  or  hail  fell  on  five  days,  but 
the  total  measurement  amounted  to  less  than  half-an-inch. 
On  one  day  the  ground  was  covered  with  snow  to  the 
average  depth  of  2  inches.  About  one  and  a  half  gallons  of 
rain-water  has  passed  through  both  percolation  gauges 
during  the  week.  The  sun  shone  on  an  average  for  one  and 
three-quarter  hours  a  day,  which  is  less  than  half  the  usual 
duration  for  this  period  of  the  year.  Two  days  proved 
altogether  sunless,  while  on  two  other  davs  the  record  of 
bright  sunshine  amounted  to  less  than  half-an-hour.  The 
mean  amount  of  moisture  in  the  air  at  3  p.m.  exceeded  a 
seasonable  quantity  for  that  hour  by  7  per  cent.  E.  M., 
Berkhamsted,  March  17,  1909. 


(Dbftuarjj. 

Caleb  Fenner.-  We  regret  to  record  the  death, 
on  the  8th  inst.,  at  Reading,  of  this  well-known 
cultivator  of  Roses  and  Dahlias.  Deceased  was 
manager  in  the  late  Charles  Noble's  nurseries  at 
Bagshot  for  16  years,  and  for  23  years  he  was 
gardener  to  the  late  T.  W.  Girdlestone  at  Sun- 
ningdale,  Berks.  During  the  time  he  was  with 
Mr.  Girdlestone  he  raised  many  single  Dahlias, 
including  the  Tom  Thumb  varieties.  He  was 
also  successful  in  winning  many  of  the  princi- 
pal prizes  for  Roses  throughout  the  country.  De- 
ceased was  in  his  81st  year.  He  leaves  a  widow, 
eight  sons  and  four  daughters.  The  remains 
were  interred  in  Reading  Cemetery  on  the  15th 
inst. 


ENQUIRIES   AND    REPLIES. 

The  Burning  of  Ci  ay  Soil  (see  p.  176). — The 

most  important  item  in  the  burning  of  clay  soil 
is  to  secure  a  strong,  body  of  heat  before  apply- 
ing too  much  clay  to  the  heap.  The  fact  that 
L.  F.  had  much  slack  coal  left  unburnt  is  proof 
that  the  body  of  fire  was  at  the  start  insuffi- 
cient. In  starting  the  fire  or  laying  its  foundation 
some  root  stumps  grubbed  a  }'ear  previously 
should  form  a  centre  around  which  to  build.  If 
the  burning  is  a  large  one,  several  stumps  should 
be  employed  and  freely  interspersed  with  logs  of 
wood  and  lumpy  coal,  or  coke  and  coal,  the 
whole  being  moderately  saturated  with  tar  or 
some  old  tar  barrels  used  in  the  burning.  A 
plentiful  supply  of  cleft  Cak,  Pine,  or  Apple 
logs  should  then  be  built  up,  freely  mixing  lump 


coal  with  the  first  few  layers,  after  which  a  thin 
layer  of  clay  with  small  coal  should  be  applied, 
gradually  adding  more  clay  till  the  heap  is  well 
covered  in.  Success  in  such  matters  depends 
upon  securing  a  great  heat  at  the  start  and  main- 
taining such  a  heat  for  some  time.  Air  passages 
are  not  essential,  though  such  might  prove  help- 
ful in  certain  instances,  but  the  fire  could  easily 
be  smothered  in  its  early  stages  by  the  applica- 
tion of  too  much  clay.  The  subsequent  feeding 
of  the  fire  should,  therefo.e,  be  gradual.    E.  J. 

— ; Two     great     difficulties     attend     the 

burning  of  stiff  soils,  the  one  arising  from  the 
heat  engendered  being  so  great  as  to  bake  in- 
stead of  to  disintegrate  the  materials  composing 
them,  the  other,  that  the  heat  may  not  be  raised 
sufficiently  high  to  alter  the  inorganic  constitu- 
ents contained  therein  from  a  passive  to  an 
active  or  available  form.  The  first  difficulty 
arises  from  permitting  too  great  a  draught  of 
air,  and,  consequently,  causing  a  rapid  and  often 
through  draught,  a  partial  but  excessive  com- 
bustion. The  second  difficulty  arises  from  either 
the  heap  being  made  up  too  closely  or  too  open. 
In  the  former  case,  the  too  free  access  of  air 
occasions  the  fires  to  burn  languid,  and  conse- 
quently deficient  heat  through  absence  of  suffi- 
cient draught  ;  whilst  if  the  clay  or  sod  is  packed 
too  closely,  the  absence  of  air  retards  combus- 
tion, and  thus  necessarily  the  amount  of  heat 
required  for  the  due  perfection  of  the  process, 
and  combustion  will  not  infrequently  be 
stopped  altogether  by  the  interstices  becoming 
filled  with  ashes,  and  by  that  means  almost 
wholly  excluding  the  atmosphere.  As  soils  van- 
so  much  with  respect  to  their  capacity  for  burn- 
ing for  manure,  no  hard  and  fast  rule  can  be 
laid  down  to  suit  every  case.  On  soils  which  are 
tiff  and  that  do  not  contain  much  vegetable 
matter,  great  care  is  required  in  order  to  form 
clamps  that  will  burn  thoroughly,  without  too 
great  a  degree  of  heat  or  too  little.  One  of  the 
principal  rules  to  be  observed  is  to  commence 
by  having  a  rough  log  of  wood,  and  build  up 
around  this  a  few  upright  pieces  of  tree  loppings 
or  the  like,  then  surround  these  by  some  root- 
chunks,  upon  which  to  erect  the  sods  on  end 
(never  commence  by  building  the  sods  on  the 
groundi.  Only  the  three  or  four  first  sods  which 
are  placed  in  the  middle  should  have  their  grassy 
sides  presented  to  each  other,  each  succeeding 
row  being  placed  with  the  grassy  side  next  to 
the  earthy  side  of  the  preceding  row,  the  whole 
to  be  set  up  as  compactly  as  possible.  When  the 
heap  is  thus  erected  of  a  dome  shape  fire  should 
be  applied  at  the  bottom,  in  the  flues  left  for 
draught.  Any  clay  with  a  moderate  degree  of 
sward  will  thus,  if  carefully  attended  to,  pro- 
duce a  quantity  of  ashes  suitable  to  the  wants  of 
the  gardener.  It  may  be  mentioned  that,  in 
calm  weather,  heaps  should  be  made  as  open  as 
is  consistent  with  arrangements  necessary  for  a 
due  draught  by  means  of  flues  left  at  intervals  ; 
in  windy  weather  the  heaps  should  be  formed  as 
close  and  as  large  as  possible,  labourers  being 
continually  employed  to  stop  up  every  crevice, 
particularly  those  on  the  leeward  side,  for  which 
purpose  the  whole  of  the  sods  should  not  be 
heaped  up  at  first,  but  a  few  left  scattered  about 
in  order  to  apply  in  the  manner  named.  Soils 
burned  in  this  way  which  contain  only  a  small 
amount  of  vegetable  matter  will  frequently  re- 
quire the  aid  of  Furze,  underwood,  hedge  clip- 
pings, small  coal,  or  other  inflammable  materials 
to  assist  the  operation.  All  inexperienced  hands 
use  too  much  fuel,  get  their  fires  too  fierce,  lay 
their  stuff  too  hollow,  make  a  great  deal  of 
smoke — whereas  the  less  they  make  the  better — 
get  their  heaps  to  a  red  heat,  and  burn  through 
in  a  .  week  or  ten  days.  The  consequence  is  . 
that,  when  these  heaps  are  opened,  instead  of 
ashes,  or  lumps  that  will  turn  to  ashes  by  ex- 
posure to  the  air,  out  roll  knobs  as  hard  and  as 
useless  as  brick-ends.     /.  /.    Willis. 


ANSWERS  TO  CORRESPONDENTS. 


Alberta  magna  :  Franciscus.  The  plant  forms 
a  shrub  or  small  tree,  and  is  a  native  of  Natal, : 
at  elevations  of  3--5,000  feet  above  the-  sea- 
level.  In  this  country  it  should  be  treated  as 
a  greenhouse  plant.  The  soil  best  suited  for 
it  is  a  compost  of  loam  and  peat.  It  forms  a 
fairly  large  Laurel-like  plant,  and  is  best 
cultivated  in  a  border.  The  species  has 
flowered  in  the  Temperate  House  at  Kew. 


192 


THE    GARDENERS'    CHRONICLE. 


[March  20,  1909. 


Asparagus  :  Head  Gardener.  There  are  several 
varieties  or  selections  of  Asparagus.  If  you 
are  desirous  of  cultivating  the  largest,  nothing 
can  surpass  that  known  as  the  Giant  French, 
but  as  an  all-round  variety,  few,  if  any,  are 
superior  to  a  true  type  of  Connover's  Colossal, 
l'erfection  is  also  an  admirable  variety.  It 
produces  heads  of  the  highest  quality.  Pal- 
metto, an  American  variety,  may  also  be  re- 
commended. Where  large  quantities  are  grown 
these  might  all  be  included  in  the  col- 
lection. Asparagus  generally  does  verv 
well  on  the  fiat,  providing  the  land  is 
well  drained,  especially  so  on  light  soil, 
but.  generally  speaking,  in  cold,  wet  dis- 
tricts and  where  the  land  is  very  heavy,  the 
crop  does  better  when  the  beds  are  slightly 
elevated  above  the  ordinary  level.  The  roots 
are  then  naturally  drier  owing  to  the  alleys 
between  the  beds  acting  as  drains.  There  are 
many  excellent  patent  manures  specially  pre- 
pared for  this  crop.  In  addition  to  these  fer- 
tilisers, common  salt  may  be  applied  once  a 
year.  The  lighter  the  soil  the  more  salt  is 
necessary. 

BEECH-coccrs  :  W.  A.  An  account  of  this  pest, 
with  measures  to  adopt  for  its  eradication,  was 
given  in  the  issue  for  October  10,  1908,  p.  257. 

Book  of  Carpet  Bedding  Designs  •  M.  H.  D. 
We  know  of  no  work  on  this  subject  other 
than   those    that   are    out    of    print. 

Boronta  megastigma:  A.  H.  If  you  take  cut- 
tings now  and  insert  them  in  pots  and  place 
them  on  a  greenhouse  shelf,  covering  them  with 
a  bell-glass,  some  will  be  likely  to  make  roots. 
In  order  to  make  success  more  certain  place 
an  old  plant  in  a  warmer  hou.-e  than  that  in 
which  it  has  been  growing,  and,  after  two  or 
three  weeks  take  cuttings  from  this  plant  and 
insert  them  in  pots  filled  with  sandy  peat. 
Place  these  in  a  propagating  case  or  under  a 
liand-light.  The  pots  to  receive  the  cuttings 
should  be  made  up  some  days  before  using. 
If  the  soil  is  thoroughly  watered  when  the  pots 
are  made  up,  no  water  will  be  required  again 
for  a  week  or  10  days  after  the  cuttings  are 
put  in. 

•Chicory  :  /.  R.  B.  This  vegetable  may  very 
well  be  forced  in  such  a  cellar  as  you  describe. 
It  is  easily  grown  and  forced,  and  the  produce 
commands  a  fair  price.  Seed  should  be  sown 
thinly  in  April  in  drills  2  inches  deep  and  15 
inches  apart,  and  the  seedlings  thinned  out  to 
about  9  inches  in  the  row.  We  assume  your 
cellar  is  quite  dark  now,  as  shown  by  the  dia- 
gram. The  proposed  admission  of  light 
through  thick  ground  glass  fixed  in  a 
portion  of  the  domed  roof,  as  shown 
i:i  the  second  diagram,  would  be  an  ad- 
vantage to  the  crops  in  some  stages  of  growth. 
When  the  subdued  light  is  not  required, 
the  glass  could  be  covered  with  mats  or 
other  light-obstructing  material.  We  would 
not  recommend  you  to  try  Asparagus,  as  the 
produce  obtained  in  the  conditions  afforded  by 
your  cellar  would  probably  lack  sufficient  size 
and  quality.  My  Gardener  will  furnish  you 
with  useful  information  regarding  the  subjects 
you  mention  This  book  can  be  obtained  from 
our  publishing  department. 

Daffodil  with  Three  Flowers:  E.  A.  H. 
The  abnormality  is  not  uncommon.  It  is  the 
result  of  fasciation  or  fusion  of  growth. 

Daffodils  Failixg  to  Flower  :  W.  G.  &*  Co. 
This  may  be  usually  attributed  to  one  of  two 
causes.  The  bulbs  may  have  been  unduly 
forced  into  growth  soon  after  they  were 
potted,  or  they  were  imperfectly  ripened  in  the 
previous  autumn. 

DorRLE-SPATHED  Richardia  :  G.  C.  W.  This 
abnormal  development  is  not  uncommon.  The 
second  spathe  is  merely  a  leaf  which  has  as- 
sumed the  character  of  the  floral  bract.  There 
are  no  extra  organs  of  reproduction  present, 
nor  even  a  rudimentary  spadix. 

Fungus  in  Soil  :  E.  P.  P.  The  soil  is  infested 
with  a  slime  fungus,  probably  Fuligo  varians. 
Water  the  ground  with  a  weak  solution  of  per- 
manganate of  potash. 

Land  for  a  Market  Nursery  :  S.  S.  There  are 
so  many  circumstances  to  be  taken  into  ac- 
count, it  is  essential  that  the  site  should  be 
visited  by  an  expert.  It  is  an  advantage  for 
the  land  to  slope  from  south  to  north,  pro- 
vided the  slope  is  moderate.  The  land  ap- 
pears    too     light     for     fruit     culture.     With 


regard  to  the  water  supply,  if  the  pond 
does  not  furnish  a  sufficient  quantity,  a 
well  could  be  sunk,  and  a  small  motor  pump 
utilised  to  convey  the  water  to  a  tank  at  the 
highest  level.  We  repeat,  however,  that  a  satis, 
factory  report  can  only  be  made  after  inspec- 
tion. You  do  not  even  state  how  the  pond  is 
to  be  kept  filled  with  water. 

Lilac  :  /.  R.  B.  You  could  force  Lilac  during 
the  winter  and  early  spring  months.  The 
plants  cou'd  be  grown  out-of-doors  for  forcing 
purposes.  They  only  require  simple  cultural 
treatment  to  induce  them  to  form  bushy- 
plants,  well  furnished  with  flower-buds,  and 
capable  of  being  taken  up  (at  intervals  of  a 
fortnight  or  so)  with  balls  of  soil  adhering 
to  the  roots.  Stand  the  plants  closely  together 
on  the  floor  of  the  cellar  on  a  little  garden 
soil,  and  cover  the  roots  with  similar  mould. 
Afterwards  water  through  a  rose  to  settle  the 
soil  about  the  roots.  The  atmosphere  of  the 
cellar  should  be  maintained  in  a  moist  rather 
than  a  dry  state.  Lilac  trees  for  forcing  may 
be  obtained  at  a  very  moderate  price  per  dozen 
or  per  hundred  from  any  nurseryman  doing  a 
wholesal  and  retail  trade  in  shrubs.  It  might 
be  worth  your  while  to  buy  a  few  dozen  Lilacs 
now,  purple  and  white  varieties,  although  the 
purple  variety  will  yield  white  flowers  when 
forced  in  the  dark.  For  "  Etherisation  of 
Lilacs "  see  Gardeners'  Chronicle,  March  9, 
1904,   p.    187,  and   April   2,   1904,   p.   228. 

Names  of  Flowers,  Fruits  and  Plants. — We 
are  anxious  to  oblige  correspondents  as  far  as 
we  consistently  can,  but  they  must  bear  in 
mind  that  it  is  no  part  of  our  duty  to  our 
subscribers  to  name  either  flowers  or  fruits. 
Such  work  entails  considerable  outlay,  both  ot 
time  and  money,  and  cannot  be  allowed  to  dis- 
organise the  preparations  for  the  weekly  issue,  or  to 
encroach  upon  time  required  for  the  conduct  of  the 
paper.  Correspondents  should  never  send  more 
than  six  plants  or  fruits  at  one  time  :  they  should  be 
very  careful  to  pack  and  label  them  properly,  togive 
every  information  as  to  the  county  the  fruits  are 
grown  in,  and  to  send  ripe,  or  nearly  ripe,  specimens 
which  show  the  character  of  the  variety.  By 
neglecting  these  precautions  correspondents  add 
greatly  to  our  labour,  and  run  the  risk  of 
delay  and  incorrect  determinations.  Correspondents 
not  answered  in  one  issue  are  requested  to 
be  so  good  as  to  consult  the  following  numbers. 
Plants:  A.  IF.  G.  Daphne  Laureola  (Spurge 
Laurel). — R.  L.  1,  Cupressus  species  (cone 
required  for  more  comple'e  identification)  ; 
2,  Cupressus  Lawsoniana  aurea  :  3,  Abies  mag- 
nifica  ;  4,  Cedrus  Libani  ;  5,  Thuya  dolabrata  ; 
6,  Cupressus  Lawsoniana  filiformis.—  A  Reader. 

1,  Asplenium  nidus  (Bird's  Nest  Fern);  2,  A. 
bulbiferum ;  3,  Gymnogramme  ochracea ;  4, 
Begonia  metallica;  5,  B.  semperfloreus  rosea; 
6,  13.  manicata ;  7,  Cotyledon  intermedium; 
8,  Eurya  latifolia  variegata .  —  A.  H.  1,  Cyrto- 
mium  falcatum  ;  2,  Blechnum  brasiliense ;  3, 
Adiantum  hispidulum ;  4,  A.  formosum ;  5, 
Abutilon  megapotamicum  variegatum,  syn.  A. 
vexillarium  variegatum  ;  6,  Sedum  Sieboldii. — 
J.  Clark.  The  Orchids  are  Cattleya  Trianae  and 
Ccelogyne  graminifolia — T.  B  Clerodendron 
Thomsoniae,  the  correct  name  of  the  plant  known 
in  gardens  under  the  name  of  C.  Balfouri. — 
F.G.  1,  Epidendrtim  glumaceum  ;  2,  Oncidium 
cheirophorum  ;  3,  O.  pubes  ;  4,  Eria  bicolor. — 
H.H.  1,  Phaius  grandifolius  ;  2,  Masdevallia 
Simula  ;  3,  Spiranthes  colorata— /.  IV.  C. 
Ardisia  crenulata. — F.  H.  1,  Selaginella  viticu- 
losa ;  2,  S.  Wildenovii ;  3,  Pteris  tremula. — 
Hibernica.       1,     Cordyline    (Dracaena)    Regina ; 

2,  D.  fragrans  ;  3,  D.  ornata  ;  4,  D.  amabilis  ; 
5,  Codiaeum  (Croton)  volutum  ;  C.  Evansia- 
num. — R  S.,  Surrey.  Magnolia  fuscata,  native 
of  China  ;  first  bloomed  in  England  in  1S02. 
It  is  very  fragrant  in  the  afternoon. — C.  E.  F. 
Bryophyllum  calycinum. 

Pansies  and  "French"  Gardening:  An  Old 
Reader  There  are  plenty  of  ways  of  disposing 
of  stocks  of  Pansies  and  Violas.  That  there  is 
a  good  market  for  early  vegetables  and  salads 
can  be  determined  by  making  enquiries  in 
almost  any  provincial  town  at  the  present  time, 
for  it  will  probably  be  found  such  produce  is 
unobtainable  there.  We  cannot,  however,  de- 
scribe your  plan  as  "wise"  or  "silly,"  because 
we  have  no  knowledge  of  your  experience  and 
business  ability.  There  is  a  demand  for  such 
things,  and  you  must  determine  for  yourself 
whether  or  not  you  can  produce  them  and  sell 
them  at  a  profit  at  the  prices  they  are  likely 
to  realise. 


Rhubarb  :  J.R.  B  Rhubarb  may  be  forced  suc- 
cessfully in  your  cellar.  Plants  may  be  raised 
from  seed  sown  in  the  manner  recommended 
in  last  week's  issue  (p.  176)  for  Seakale  ;  but 
it  would  take  some  time  to  obtain  by  this 
method  plants  fit  for  forcing.  The  better  way 
would  be  to  obtain  a  sufficient  number  of  old 
stools  of  Rhubarb.  These  may  be  divided 
into  pieces,  each  having  one  or  more  buds. 
The  divisions  should  be  planted  in  ground 
which  has  been  trenched  from  2  to  3  feet  deep, 
and  two  or  three  good  layers  of  manure  incor- 
porated with  the  soil  in  the  process  of  trench- 
ing. A  space  of  2  to  2^  feet  should  be  allowed 
between  the  rows,  and  the  same  distance  from 
plant  to  plant  in  the  rows.  Rhubarb  is  a 
gross-feeding  plant,  and  therefore  requires 
generous  treatment.  Royal  Albert,  Dancer's 
Early  Scarlet,  and  Myatt's  Victoria  are  excel- 
lent varieties.  The  last-mentioned  variety  is 
not  so  early  as  the  others,  but,  if  liberal  sup- 
plies of  manure  are  worked  into  the  soil,  it 
produces  stalks  of  great  length  and  thickness, 
and  of  first-rate  quality.  In  planting,  keep  the 
crowns  of  the  individual  plants  level  with  the 
surface  of  the  soil,  and  make  the  latter  firm 
about  the  roots.  Afterwards  apply  a  surface- 
dressing  of  half-rotted  manure  to  the  depth  of 
3  inches.  No  Rhubarb  should  be  taken  from 
the  plants  the  same  year  that  they  are  plaited, 
but  the  lower  stalks  should  be  removed  from 
the  plants  as  soon  as  they  appear.  The  plants 
will  be  ready  for  forcing  in  two  or  three  years. 

Soil  and  Manure  for  Analysis:  S.  C.  A.  If 
you  are  a  Fellow  of  the  R.H.S.,  you  can 
have  soils  and  manures  analysed  for  a  small 
fee  by  the  Society's  Consulting  Chemist,  Dr. 
A.  J.' Voelcker  M.A.,  22,  Tudor  Street,  E.C. 
If  you  suspect  eelworm  to  be  present  in  the- 
manure,  on  no  account  use  it  for  Cucumber 
culture. 

Stachys  tuberifera  :  R.  B.  The  tubers  may 
be  purchased  of  the  nurserymen  and  seeds- 
men. They  should  be  planted  at  the  end  of 
the  present  month  or  in  April,  and  in  succes- 
sional  batches  till  the  buds  can  no  longer  be 
kept  in  a  dormant  state.  Choose  a  warm, 
open  site  for  the  beds  or  rows,  and  a 
fairly  good,  not  over-rich  soil.  If  it  be 
clayey,  mix  leaf-soil  and  sand  with  it  to 
the  depth  of  8  inches,  incorporating  these 
materials  with  the  staple.  The  soil  should 
then  be  consolidated  by  trampling  it  all 
over,  and  made  roughly  level.  With  a 
small  draw-hoe  make  drills  2  to  3  inches  deep 
and  8  to  10  inches  apart,  and  in  these  lay  the 
tubers  lengthwise,  cover  them,  tread  over  the 
lines  lightly,  and  make  the  surface  level.  In- 
stead of  planting  in  drills,  the  tubers  may  be 
dropped  into  holes  made  with  a  dibber.  Weak 
manure  water  may  be  afforded  when  the  plants 
are  in  active  growth,  and  plain  water  in  very 
hot  weather.  The  stems  may  be  allowed  to 
lay  on  the  soil,  or  they  may  be  supported  with 
Pea-stick  spray.  The  crop  may  be  lifted  and 
stored  in  sand  in  a  cellar,  or  left  in  the  ground 
with  a  covering  of  Fern  or  litter,  so  that  they 
may  be  get-at-able  in  frosty  weather.  We 
think  that  this  is  the  better  way.  the  plant  being 
quite  hardy  in  this  country.  The  common 
names  of  the  plant  are  Crosnes  (French)  and 
Chinese  Artichoke.  Prepare  and  cook  the 
tubers  like  Potatos  or  Jerusalem  Artichokes. 

Violi:  is  Diseased  :  T.  B.  The  plants  num- 
bered (2)  are  affected  with  a  fungal  disease. 
Spray  them  with  a -weak  solution  of  the  Bor- 
deaux mixture,  or,  better,  burn  the  stock  and 
start  with  fresh  plants  in  another  quarter  of 
the  garden.  The  other  leaves  are  infested 
with  spider.  Spray  the  foliage  with  tobacco 
water,  Quassia  extract,  or  one  of  the  other 
common  insecticides. 

Wood  Ashes:  W .  A.  If  the  quantity  of  wood 
burned  in  the  house  is  considerable,  the  ashes 
should  be  saved  for  garden  purposes.  They 
form  a  useful  source  of  potash  manure  and  are 
useful  for  top-dressing  lawns  and  vegetable 
crops,  mixing  with  potting  mould,  dressing 
Rose-beds,  lightening  heavy  land,  and  other 
purposes. 

Communications  Received. — G.  K.  (Australia)  -  W.  G.  S. — 
].  O'B.— W.  J.  B.-G.  Monro— P.  A.-F.  M.  —  B.  D.  J.- 
C.  T.  D.-T.  H.— W.  W.  P.— I.  Watkins-W.  B.— 
X.  Y.  Z.— H.  N.— G.  R— T.  W.  C— W.  C— W.  S.— 
E.  C.  P.— F.  W.  P.,  California— E.  B  —Anxious— S.  & 
Sons— A.  I.  B.-W.  A.  C.-J.  G.  W.— A.  D.  H.-YV. 
Anton— J.  D.  G.— R.  P.  B.— E.  H.  J.— H.  W.  YV.— YV.  R. 
-1.  R.  P.-T.  D.— L.  R.  R.-YV.  D.-H.  G.— E.  L.— 
II.  A.  R.— J.  Mc  H.-C.  D.-YV.  H.-H.  T.  H. 


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March  27,  1009.] 


THE     GARDENERS'      CHRONICLE. 


193 


THE 


CVarbcncrs'CbronicIc 

AT0.   7,757.— SATURDAY.  March  27,   7909. 


CONTENTS. 


Acanthus  montanu?      ...     200 

Asparagus,  the  forcing 
of  208 

Berlin  Internationa]  Ex- 
hibition, English  visi- 
tors to ...     201 

Books,  notices  of — 
American    Apple    Or- 
chard      19fi 

Artificial   Manures    ...     197 
Les  Fleurs  de  Pleine 

Terre  2)1 

Publications  received     202 

Chrysanthemum  buds, 
"taking"  208 

Cucumbers,  the  culture 
of...        193 

Euphorbia   pulcherrima    204 

Fern  nomenclature      ...    203 

Florists'  flowers — 
Sweet    Peas,     Henry 

Eckford,  and  others    202 
Sweet    Peas   in    tubs    202 

Forestry — 
Declining     woodland 
industries    195 

Finn  competitions,  the 
R.H.S 203 

Fruit  trees  on  walls,  the 
training  of        ...  ...     203 

Grape  bottle,  Wood's 
new        ...    204 

Kniphofia  multiflora    ...    196 

Market-gardening  in 
France 201 

Narcissi  for  forcing     ...     203 


&  Co., 


Nursery  notes- 
James  Carter 
Forest  Hill  ... 
Obituary — 

Fidler,  John    ... 

Stocking,  C 

Orchid  notes  and  glean- 
ings— 

Bulbophyllum       Day- 
anum 

Odontioda  Goodsonias 

Yanda  coerulea 
Respiring    plants,    tem- 
perature of      

School     gardening     in 

Surrey 

Societies — 

Perpetual  -  flowering 
Carnation     

Royal  Horticultural ... 
Trees  and  shrubs — 

Cupressus  macrocarpa   190 

Griselinia  littoralis  ..      196 
Trenching  ...        201,203 

Turf-cutting  machine,  a    202 
ibles — 

Broccoli  and  frost    ... 

Chicory 

Week's  work,  the  — 

Flower  garden,  the  ... 

Fruits  under  glass    ... 

Hardy  fruit  garden 

Kitchen  garden,  the.. 

Orchid  houses,  the    ... 

Plants  under  glass    ... 

Public  parks  and  gar 

dens  ... 

Wonderberrv,  the 


197 


208 
208 


I'M 
194 
194 

200 

200 


200 
204 


L95 

l'.il 

198 
199 
199 
199 

198 

His 


L99 

204 


ILLUSTRATIONS. 

Acanthus  montanus       ..         

Bulbophyllum  Dayanum         

Kniphi  ifia  uuiltiflora      

Odontioda  ooodsonias 

Primula  Princess  May 

Turf-cutting  machine,  a  


201 

m 

I9fi 

195 
l'.iT 
202 


CULTURE    OF   CUCUMBERS. 

BEFORE  the  Cucumber  disease  (Cercospora 
melonis)  became  so  prevalent,  it  was  pos- 
sible to  maintain  a  continuous  supply  of 
fresh  Cucumbers  from  May  to  September 
inclusive;  in  fact,  I  have  cut,  from  plants  raised 
in  April,  superb  young  fruits  in  October,  the 
plants  at  that  date  being  as  fresh  and  green 
as  one  could  expect. 

Unfortunately,  this  cannot  be  done  to-day, 
and  in  those  instances  where  the  plants  early 
fall  a  prey  to  the  leaf-spot,  they  may 
cease  to  be  profitable  in  less  than  half  the 
time  I  have  instanced.  In  some  cases, 
indeed,  the  young  plants  are  attacked  be- 
fore they  are  2  feet  high.  In  two  instances 
known  to  the  writer,  and  where  new  glass- 
houses were  erected  on  a  fresh  site,  the  first- 
planted  crop  was  completely  destroyed  by 
disease  before  bearing  at  all.  A  second  batch 
of  plants  was  so  badly  attacked  that  it  was 
cleared  out,  but  a  third  planting  gave  a  fairly 
good,  though,  of  course,  late,  and,  therefore, 
much  less  profitable,   ciop. 

During  the  last  two  seasons  there  have  been 
fewer  complaints  concerning  early  outbreaks 
of  the  disease,  and  in  the  majority  of  instances 
the  first  fruits  have  been  cut  before  any  very 
serious  loss  of  foliage  has  resulted.  The 
disease  spreads  rapidly  :  a  spot  or  two  may  ap- 
pear to-day,  and  a  week  hence  probably  not  a 
sound  or   unaffected   leaf  can   be   found   in   the 


house.  It  is  difficult  to  find  an  effective  remedy. 
Carbolic  acid  diluted  with  water  and  applied  to 
the  floors  of  the  houses  has  been  found  very 
destructive  of  leafage,  and  in  some  instances 
the  "  cure  "  was  as  bad  as  the  disease.  Greater 
dryness,  too,  has  been  tried  within  the  house, 
also  in  the  hottest  weather  the  top  ventilators 
have  been  left  open  at  night-time,  with  the  re- 
sult that  the  former  practice  has  promoted  a 
rapid  increase  of  red  spider,  while  the  latter 
plan  has  hindered  the  development  of  the  fruits. 
It  is  to  be  regretted  that  heat  and  mois- 
ture, the  conditions  essential  to  success  in  the 
case  of  a  tropical  subject  like  the  Cucumber, 
are  the  conditions  also  best  suited  to  the  rapid 
increase  and  spread  of  the  disease.  The  only 
remedy  or  safeguard  against  the  disease  would 
appear  to  be  that  of  cultivating  two  crops  of 
plants  where  one  sufficed  before.  But  in  con- 
junction with  this  there  must  be  a  complete 
clearance  of  the  houses,  sulphuring  the  structure 
two  or  three  times,  a  bountiful  application  of 
whitewash  to  all  possible  parts  of  the  house, 
and  a  general  wash  down  before  making  a  fresh 
start,  the  young  plants  being  prepared  else- 
where. 

But,  disastrous  as  the  results  of  this  fungal 
disease  are,  cultural  errors  are  responsible  for 
a  loss  equal,  if  not,  indeed,  greater,  than  that 
caused  by  the  fungus,  and  this  is  all  the  more 
to  be  regretted  because  it  is  preventable.  It  is 
by  no  means  clear  why  so  many  (  alendar 
writers  recommend  the  almost  identical  practice 
either  of  "  stopping  the  plants  at  3  feet  high,"  or 
when  they  have  reached  "  the  second  or  third 
wire,"  the  latter  recommendation  implying  that 
all  Cucumber  houses  are  built  on  the  same  plan. 
The  practice  of  stopping  is  said  to  promote  early 
fruiting,    but    I    have      never    experienced    this. 

■ver,  I  consider  it  to  be  wi  in 
principle,  as  well  as  in  practice,  to  take  the 
ig  shoot  out  of  a  climber  or  twiner  such 
as  the  Cucumber  while  the  plant  is  really  in 
its  infancy.  Whilst  doing  this  does  not  appre- 
ciably hasten  the  production  of  laterals,  it  does, 
by  enforcing  an  early  fruiting  of  the  lower  parts 
of  an  immature  plant,  diminish  and  hinder  the 
fruit-bearing  character  of  the  plant  as  a  whole. 
For  special  purposes  it  may  be  desirable  to  .  1  i  . 
a  limit  to  fruit  production,  or  to  promote  the 
earliest  possible  fruiting,  so  that  the  croj 
be  cleared  to  give  place  to  a  second  one.  It  is 
another  matter  altogether  when  the  plant  is 
expected  to  produce  a  profitable  market  crop, 
and  which  it  can  only  be  made  to  do  by  per- 
mitting it  to  cover  its  allotted  space  with  laterals 
in  the  shortest  possible  time.  To  effect  this  the 
main  stem  should  be  permitted  to  grow  un- 
checked until  it  has  reached  to  within  1  foot 
of  the  ridge  in  a  house  10  feet  or  11  feet 
wide  and  7  feet  or  8  feet  to  the  ridge.  In  a 
house  20  feet  wide,  with  rafters,  say,  12  feet  in 
length,  the  stopping  may  be  done  at  about  6  feet 
up  the  roof,  by  which  time  the  plants  will 
have  attained  to  a  certain  stability  and  be 
showing  abundantly  for  the  first  crop  of 
fruits.  During  this  growth  of  the  main 
stem,  a  large  number  of  laterals  will  have 
formed  lower  down,  and  will  be  already 
set  with  fruits — usually  one  at  each  joint,  or 
two,  and  even  more  fruits  in  certain  varieties. 
The  Cucumber  plant  is  capable  of  producing  a 
limited  number  of  fine  fruits  on  the  main  stem. 
Indeed,  the  handsomest  and  best-proportioned 
fruits  are  mostly  produced  thereon.  It  is  not 
prudent,  however,  to  permit  an  early  fruiting 
on  the  main  vine,  as  by  so  doing  the  bearing 
capabilities  of  the  first  laterals  are  impaired. 
All  laterals  developed  within  1  foot  of  the  soil 
are  best  removed,  as  the  fruits  must  not  touch 
the  soil.  Above  this  height  all  fruit-bearing 
laterals  should  be  stopped  at  the  second  fruit- 
ing joint,  the  subsequently-formed  sub-laterals, 


which  appear  very  quickly,  being  stopped  at 
the  first  joint.  A  new  "break"  is  usually 
trained  in  from  the  first  joint  on  the  lateral.  In 
this  manner  the  fruiting  is  continued  up  the 
plant.  In  the  worst  instances  of  Cucumber 
training  I  have  seen,  the  main  stem  had  grown  to 
a  height  of  4  feet  or  5  feet,  as  is  done  with  the 
Tomato,  and  with  the  whole  of  the  laterals  sup- 
pressed from  the  start.  The  roots  were  deeply 
buried  in  rich  soils,  with  the  result  that  the 
leaves  were  nearly  of  the  size  of  Rhubarb  leaves, 
but  not  a  fruit  was  to  be  seen.  As  a  matter  of 
fact,  all  the  fruiting  laterals  had  been  cut  away. 
Incredible  as  this  may  appear,  I  have  seen  at 
least  two  instances  of  the  kind,  and  in  each  case 
promptly  advised  the  grower  to  pull  up  the 
plants  and  burn  them. 

In  the  raising  of  the  Cucumber  plant  from 
seeds  a  single  seed  should  be  placed  in  a  3-mch 
pot  filled  with  light,  rich  soil.  An  endeavour 
should  be  made  to  promote  a  quick  growth, 
so  that  the  stem  below  the  cotyledon  is  not 
more  than  6  or  6  ir.ches  in  length,  as  the  ground 
level  of  the  plant  at  that  time  is  practically 
its  level  to  the  end.  I  never  earth  up  the 
cotyledonous  stem  at  all,  the  plant  being  sup- 
ported by  its  first-formed  or  main  roots  and  the 
innumerable  fibres  that  develop  thereon.  In 
not  a  few  instances  known  to  me  this  portion 
of  the  stem  has  been  buried  deeply,  the  result 
being  undue  grossness  of  growth  and  a  la 
fruitfulness. 

A  point  of  importance  is  that  the  house  should 
be  ready  for  the  plant,  and  that  the  latter  has 
not  to  wait  for  the  former.      V  cl  at  this  stage 

will   result   in   the    lmver   laterals    proving 

With  a  bottom  heat  of  75°  F.  the 
seedlings  appear  in  a  couple  of  days,  and  four 
or  six  days  later  the  young  plants  should  be 
rai.-ed  a  few  inches  and  finally  removed  from 
the  seed-frame.  'When  the  second  or  third 
rough  leaf  has  been  made  the  seedlings  mav  be 
planted  out,  the  house  and  soil  being  warmed 
in  readiness.  The  planting-out  will  depend  on 
the  season  of  the  year  and  the  way  the  young 
plants  are  produced,  though,  as  a  rule, 
from  14  to  21  days  must  elap  after  the  appear- 
ance of  the  seedling  before  it  is  ready  for  trans- 
e  to  its  permanent  quarters.  In  certain 
instances  the  plants  may  require  a  week  longer 
than  this*. 

question  of  bottom  heat  for  Cucui 
has  been  debated  many  times,  and  while  it  is 
I  :al  to  the  production  of  good  winter 
fruits,  it  is  by  no  means  necessary,  or  even 
desirable,  for  the  summer  crop.  It  is  best 
that  the  rooting  area  should  be  of  a  restricted 
character,  so  that  the  roots  may  be  under 
the  direct  control  of  the  cultivator.  The 
mounds  cf  earth  in  which  the  plants  are 
placed  should  be  only  moderately  firm — not  so 
firm  as  to  be  practically  impervious  to  the  sup- 
plies of  moisture  afforded,  nor  yet  so  loose  as  to 
permit  the  water  to  pass  away  without  benefit- 
ing the  plant.  The  subsequent  treatment  re- 
solves itself  into  thinning,  tying,  watering  and 
top-dressing.  The  Cucumber  delights  in  mois- 
ture and  very  rich  soils.  Formerly  the  plants 
were  grown  on  freshly-made  beds  of  dung  with- 
in the  house,  but  beds  or  mounds  cf  soil  pro- 
duce far  better  results.  Much  moisture  is 
needed  when  the  fruits  are  developing,  »md,  if 
the  weather  is  hot,  watering  cannot  easily  be 
overdone.  Unless  heavy  supplies  of  root  mois- 
ture are  applied  when  a  full  crop  of  fruits  is 
hanging,  there  will  be  a  big  percentage  of  long- 
pointed  and  undeveloped  fruits. 

Atmospheric  moisture  is  of  importance  at  all 
times  ;  though  when  the  plants  are  in  flower  the 
afternoon  syringing  or  damping  should  be  dis- 
pensed with  for  a  day  or  two.  An  excess  of  mois. 
ture  settling  on  the  blossoms  at  that  time  causes 
decay  in  the  young  fruits.     In  connection  with 


194 


THE     GARDENERS'    CHRONICLE. 


[March  27,  1909. 


the  fruiting  of  these  plants  the  much-debated 
point  of  pollinating  the  flowers  arises :  this, 
whilst  absolutely  essential  when  seeds  are  re- 
quired, is  neither  necessary  nor  desirable  in  the 
production  of  Cucumbers  for  the  table  ;  more- 
over, it  destroys  some  of  the  symmetry  of  the 
fruits.     E.  H.  Jenkins. 


VEGETABLES. 


ORCHID    NOTES    AND    GLEANINGS. 

BULBOPHYLLUM  DAYANUM. 
The  genus  Bulbophyllum,  including  Cirrho- 
petalum,  is  very  remarkable,  the  different  species 
displaying  the  greatest  diversity  of  structure. 
Many  of  them  have  the  labellum,  petals,  and 
sepals  decorated  with  hair-like  appendages, 
which,  in  some  cases,  as,  for  example,  in  Bulbo- 
phyllum barbigerum,  seem  to  be  almost  con- 
stantly moving.  Bulbophyllum  Dayanum,  illus- 
trated in  fig.  82,  is  a  native  of  Burma,  and  was 
originally  described  in  the  Gardeners'  Chronicle, 
1865,  p.  434,  from  a  plant  which  flowered  with 
the  late  Mr.  John  Day,  at  Tottenham.  For  a 
long  time  afterwards  the  species  seems  to  have 
been  lost,  but  in  late  years  it  has  appeared  occa- 
sionally, the  specimen  now  illustrated  being  sup- 
plied by  Mr.  James  O'Brien,  of  Harrow-on-the- 

Hill. 

The  plant  is  of  compact  growth.  The  pseudo- 
bulbs  are  of  a  dark  shade  of  chocolate-purple, 
and  the  under-sides  of  the  leaves  are  suffused 
with  the  same  colour.  The  flowers  are  borne 
close  to  the  pseudo-bulb,  and  rest  on  the 
surface  of  the  Sphagnum-moss  around  the  plant. 
The  sepals  are  of  a  greenish  Citron  yellow, 
speckled  with  claret-purple  spots,  and  furnished 
at  the  margin  with  orange-yellow  coloured  hairs. 
The  petals  are  claret  coloured,  with  a  narrow, 
white  border  ;  they  are  fringed  like  the  sepals. 
The  labellum  is  yellowish,  tinged  with  rose,  and 
marked  with  projecting,  deep  crimson  spots ;  it 
is  four-ridged.  The  column  is  yellowish  and 
speckled  with  crimson  below. 

ODONTIODA   GOODSONI.E. 

This  beautiful  hybrid  (see  fig.  83)  was  ex- 
hibited by  H.  S.  Goodson,  Esq.,  Fairlawn, 
West  Hill,  Putney  (gr.  Mr.  G.  E.  Day), 
at  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society's  meet- 
ing on  March  9.  It  was  flowering  for  the  first 
time  on  a  very  small  plant,  but,  owing  to  the 
deep  ruby-red  colour  of  the  flowers,  and  the 
attractive  cream-white  markings  on  the  seg- 
ments, it  was  considered  one  of  the  most  beauti- 
ful and  remarkable  of  the  Odontiodas.  The 
parentage  of  the  plant  is  not  definitely  known, 
but  it  was  suggested  that  the  parents  were 
Cochlioda  Noezliana  and  a  white  or  sparsely- 
spotted  form  of  Odontoglossum  ardentissimum. 
The  crest  of  the  lip  is  yellow,  with  red  markings. 

VANDA  CCERULEA. 
This  lovely  Vanda  is  seldom  seen  at  its  best 
condition  when  under  cultivation.  It  is  found 
on  the  dry,  grassy  slopes  of  the  Khasia  Moun- 
tains in  Eastern  India  in  the  neighbourhood  of 
the  Brahmapootra,  at  an  elevation  of  4,000  feet 
above  sea  level.  The  plants  are  found  in  great 
numbers  on  Oak  trees,  which  are  small,  gnarled, 
and  sparingly  leafy,  so  that  the  Vandas  are  fully 
exposed  to  the  sun,  air,  and  wind.  The  atmo- 
sphere is  humid,  especially  during  the  rainy 
season,  but  at  no  time  is  it  fully  saturated  with 
moisture.  The  plants  cling,  by  their  roots, 
tenaciously  to  the  rough,  dry  bark,  and  often 
completely  cover  the  boughs.  In  the  flowering 
season  the  temperature  averages  70°,  and  the  at- 
mosphere during  the  daytime  is  dry ;  but  in 
July  and  August,  when  rains  are  frequent,  the 
temperature  is  a  little  higher,  whilst  in  winter  it 
falls  much  lower.  Under  these  conditions  of 
summer  heat,  autumn  drought,  and  dry,  cool 
air  of  winter,  the  most  beautiful  of  Indian 
Orchids  flourish,  such  as  Dendrobium  Devoni- 
anum,  D.  Dalhousianum,  D.  Farmeri,  also 
species  of  Coelogyne,  Bulbophyllum,  Cymbidium, 
and  a  few  species  of  Cypripedium.     F.  Newman. 


CHICORY. 
I  was  pleased  to  read  A.  D.'s  note  (p.  116)  on 
"  Chicory  as  a  Forced  Vegetable."  Good  and 
regular  supplies  of  Chicory  (barbe  de  capucin) 
during  the  winter  and  spring  months  are  a 
sine   qua  non   where   French   cooks   are   in   care 


The  sailj  having  been  dressed  previously  with 
well-decomposed  manure,  and  afterwards  deeply 
dug,  should  be  trodden  over  and  raked  level 
preparatory  to  drawing  drills  between  1  and  2 
inches  deep  and  from  12  to  15  inches  apart. 
The  rows  should  run  north  and  south,  and 
into  the  drills  should  be  sown  the  seed  of 
the    Witloof    or    white-leafed    Chicory    at    any 


FlG.  82. — BULBOPHYLLUM  DAYANUM,  WITH  STRUCTURAL  DETAILS  OF  FLOWER. 


of  the  kitchen.  I  have  cultivated  Chicory  ex- 
tensively in  years  gone  by,  not  only  as  a  salad 
ingredient,  but  more  especially  as  a  vege- 
table. The  heads  resulting  from  well-grown 
roots  resemble  Seakale,  and  when  stewed  and 
served  with  melted  butter  form  a  choice  second- 
course  vegetable.  A  deep,  light  and  moderately 
rich  soil  is  suitable  to  the  growth  of  Chicory. 


time  from  the  middle  to  the  end  of  April' 
for  producing  large,  well-developed  roots 
for  forcing  during  November  and  the  five 
following  months.  Draw  the  soil  over  the 
seed  in  the  ordinary  way,  tread  the  surface, 
and  rake  it  well.  The  roots  will,  if  well  grown, 
attain  the  size  of  moderately  large  Parsnips. 
When  the  seedings  have  attained  to  a  height  of! 


March  27 ,  1909.] 


THE    GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


195 


about  1  inch  thin  them  out  to  9  inches  from 
plant  to  plant  in  the  row.  The  only  after- 
treatment  necessary  between  thinning  the  crop 
and  the  covering  of  the  roots  for  forcing 
is  a  vigorous  weeding  and  stirring  of  the 
soil  between  the  rows  three  or  four  times  during 
the  months  of  June,  July,  August  and  Septem- 
ber. When  the  large  leaves  of  the  plants  have 
decayed  and  have  been  removed  towards  the  end 
of  October  or  eaily  in  November,  according  to 
the  season  or  locality,  place  a  little  sifted  wood 
or  coal  ashes  around  the  crowns  of  the  indi- 
vidual plants  preparatory  to  covering  those  re- 
quired for  forcing  with  wooden  troughs.  These 
are  made  of  two  boards  9  inches  deep  and  ends 
of  the  same  width,  the  trough  being  8  feet  long. 
The  ends  are  made  1  inch  higher  than 
the  sides  to  keep  the  lids  in  position 
when  placed  thereon.  Cover  the  troughs 
when  they  are  in  position  over  the  Chicory 
with  fermenting  tree  leaves  to  the  thickness  of 
between  2  and  3  feet.  The  heat  thus  imparted 
to  the  interior  of  the  troughs  and  the  ground 
in  which  the  Chicory  roots  are  growing  will 
result  in  the  production  of  good,  solid,  well- 
blanched  heads.  Fresh  troughs  should  be 
brought  into  use  at  intervals  of  a  week  or  10 
days,  in  order  to  maintain  a  succession.     Three 


BROCCOLI  AND  FROST. 
Snow's  Winter  White  and  Christmas  varie- 
ties were  planted  in  this  garden  for  the  purpose 
of  furnishing  a  supply  of  Broccoli  throughout 
January.  We  had  a  good  supply  from  those 
plants  that  had  formed  heads  and  had  been 
lifted  and  planted  in  a  cold  Peach-house  before 
the  frost  set  in  ;  but  many  were  left  in  the  gar- 
den, as  they  were  not  ready  for  lifting,  with  the 
result  that  all  these  have  been  destroyed  by  the 
frost,  Purple  Sprouting  Broccoli  has  also  been 
ruined  by  the  cold  weather.  The  result  is  dis- 
appointing, as  if  the  kinds  mentioned  had  been 
hardy,  like  the  later  sorts,  we  could  have  main- 
tained a  supply  of  this  vegetable  in  winter. 
Among  the  later  kinds  grown  here  are  Standwell, 
Late  Queen,  Safeguard,  and  Eastertide,  all  of 
which  have  escaped  injury  by  frost.  The  variety 
last  mentioned  appears  most  damaged.  If  they 
had  been  planted  on  rich  soil,  I  do  not  suppose 
they  would  have  done  so  well.  I  certainly  do 
not  agree  with  those  who  recommend  plenty  of 
manure  for  Broccoli,  but  deeply-dug  ground  is 
essential  and  also  a  very  firm  soil  when  planting. 
There  are  many  who  plant  Broccoli  after  Peas 
or  Potatos  without  even  stirring  the  soil.  On 
rich,  loose  ground  Broccoli  make  luxuriant 
growth,  and  produce  very  fine  heads  if  no  frost 


Fig.  83. — odontioda  goodsoni.e:  flower  ruby-red 

WITH    WHITE    MARKINGS.         (See  p.  194.) 


or  four  dozen  troughs  will  be  necessary.  When 
the  produce  has  been  cleared  from  the  first 
batch  of  troughs,  place  the  latter  over  the  rows 
of  roots  in  continuation  of  the  third  and  fourth 
lot  of  troughs.  As  the  season  advances  from 
winter  to  spring,  only  sufficient  covering  of 
leaves  to  exclude  light  and  air  will  be  neces- 
sary. Where  very  early  supplies  of  Chicory  are 
required,  roots  may  be  taken  up  and  placed  in  a 
warm  house  in  deep  boxes,  with  the  crowns 
about  half  an  inch  above  the  surface  of  the 
soil,  in  which  they  are  placed  perpendicularly. 
Other  boxes  of  similar  dimensions  are  placed 
over  them  to  exclude  the  air  and  light.  After 
the  first  cutting  is  made,  the  same  roots,  if 
allowed  to  remain  in  the  boxes,  will  produce 
a-  second,  though  less  abundant,  crop  of 
blanched  leaves.  The  finest  example?  of 
Chicory  are  obtained  by  forcing  undisturbed 
roots.  Moreover,  a  saving  of  labour  is  also 
effected.  I  have  forced  Seakale  in  the  same 
manner  with  most  satisfactory  results.  The 
troughs,  if  stored  in  a  dry  place  when  not  in 
use,  will  last  sound  for  several  Year?.  H.  II". 
Ward. 


appears,  but  on  firm  ground  the  plants  grow 
very  sturdy,  and  can,  therefore,  better  with- 
stand severe  weather.  High  moulding  of  the  soil 
about  the  plants  is  also  to  be  recommended. 
I  find  the  first  week,  or  thereabouts,  in  April 
a  suitable  time  for  sowing  early  Broccoli,  the 
third  week  best  for  the  main  crop,  while  the  first 
week  in  May  is  suitable  for  very  late  kinds. 
A.  J.  Long,  Wyfold  Court  Gardens,  near 
Heading. 

FORESTRY. 


DECLIXING  WOODLAND  INDUSTRIES. 
Whether  owing  to  preferential  carriage  rates, 
foreign  importation,  or  cheaper  Continental 
labour,  many  time-honoured  woodland  indus- 
tries have  either  become  crippled  or  almost  ex- 
tinguished in  this  country.  As  instances,  I  may 
quote  the  stripping  and  harvesting  of  Oak  bark, 
the  cultivation  of  Osiers  for  basket-making,  the 
manufacture  of  charcoal,  faggot-making,  lath- 
rending,  and  the  once  highly-remunerative 
growth  of  coppice  wood  for  Hop  poles.     Even 


plant-stakes  and  labels  are  now  sent  us  from 
abroad  ;  while  the  little  bundles  of  split  wood 
that  we  see  exhibited  for  sale  at  many  shop 
doors  are  slowly  but  surely  ousting  our  Kentish 
"  pimp  "  from  the  market.  Three-quarters  of  a 
century  ago  Oak  bark  sold  in  the  London  mar- 
ket at  14  guineas  per  ton ;  while  that  of  the 
Sweet  or  Spanish  Chestnut  brought  11  guineas, 
and  Birch  and  Larch  7  guineas  per  ton. 
To-day,  however,  matters  are  different  and 
lucky  indeed  does  the  wood-manager  consider 
himself  who  can  sell  his  carefully-stripped 
and  well-harvested  Oak  bark  at  one-fifth 
of  the  above-named  price ;  while,  incident- 
ally, it  may  be  mentioned  that  the  cost  of 
labour  is  now  about  one-fourth  higher  than 
formerly.  At  no  very  remote  date,  throughout 
the  length  and  breadth  of  the  land  bark-strip- 
ping or  "  flawing  "  was  an  event  of  the  year  in 
Oak  woodlands,  and  was  considered  as  an  in- 
dustry of  purely  British  origin.  Now,  however, 
except  in  a  few  isolated  instances,  the  pic- 
turesque hut  of  the  bark-stripper,  the  suppressed 
thud  of  the  wooden  mallet,  and  the  far-reaching 
trestles  of  creamy  white  bark  (the  latter  the  pride 
of  the  woodman,  as  indicating  first  quality), 
are  things  of  the  past.  Foreign  competition 
and  the  substitution  of  chemicals  and  foreign 
barks  for  tanning  leather  have  dealt  a  deathblow 
to  this  industry. 

But  this  is  not  all,  for,  apart  from  the  great 
fall  in  price  of  the  bark,  the  loss  in  the  way  of 
labour  to  both  young  and  old  is  very  consider- 
able. Thus  it  has  been  estimated  that  no  less 
than  1,200  persons  used  to  find  employment  dur- 
ing the  "  barking "  season  for,  at  least,  two 
months  of  each  year.  Whether  the  industry  will 
ever  be  revived  is  very  doubtful,  though  it  is 
generally  admitted  that  the  results  obtained  by 
substituting  chemicals  for  the  Oak  bark  in 
tanning  leather  are  anything  but  satisfactory. 

Charcoal-making  has  proved  no  more  enduring 
than  bark-stripping  and  is  now  rarely  engaged  in. 
Yet  not  a  century  ago  the  hut  of  the  charcoal 
burner  was  a  prominent  feature  of  our  woodlands, 
and  the  finest  charcoal  was  considered  to  be  that 
produced  in  some  of  the  old  forest-remains  of 
southern  and  eastern  England.  The  Kentish 
forests  at  one  time  supported  many  of  the  fami- 
liar charcoal  burners,  and  very  brawny  and 
thrifty  were  these  denizens  of  the  woodland, 
with  their  rustic-wooden  huts  and  piles  of  rifted 
firewood.  But  times  are  changed.  Foreign  im- 
ports have  hushed  for  ever  the  ring  of  the 
axe  and  the  merry  laugh  of  the  quaintly-clad 
charcoal  burner. 

Not  so  very  long  ago  the  cultivation  of  Osiers 
for  basket-making  formed  an  important  occupa- 
tion in  many  parts  of  England  and  Ireland  ;  but 
here  again  preferential  carriage  rates,  combined 
with  greatly  increased  labour  expenses,  over 
which  we  have  little  or  no  control,  have  caused 
this  highly-remunerative  industry  of  our  fore- 
fathers to  become  almost  a  thing  of  the  past  in 
many  parts  of  the  country.  The  result  is  that  the 
Osier  beds  of  the  Thames  and  Ouse  valleys  have 
almost  ceased  to  exist.  French  and  other  Con- 
tinental Willows  have  all  but  ousted  the  British 
trade  from  the  market,  and,  strange  as  it  may 
seem,  it  is  nevertheless  a  fact  that  two  brothers 
engaged  in  Willow  culture,  one  in  the  Channel 
Islands  and  the  other  only  a  short  distance 
from  the  metropolis,  are,  by  the  action  of  the 
railway  companies,  placed  on  almost  the  same 
footing  as  regards  delivery  of  their  produce  to 
the  London  market.  I  know  of  many  instances 
where  Osier  beds,  once  well-kept  and  highly- 
remunerative,  are  at  the  present  time  mere 
jungles  of  almost  useless  underwood. 

Faggot-making,  too,  is  no  longer  a  paying  in- 
dustry in  this  country,  for  the  little  bundles  of 
cleft  wood  and  "fire-lighters"  of  foreign  im- 
portation have,  as  already  stated,  all  but  re- 
placed our  "  pimps."  The  reason  for  the  fast- 
dying-out  of  this  industry  is  not  far  t:>  seek  when 
it  is  explained  that,  in  order  to  compete  with 
latter-day  substitutes,  the  fire-lighting  faggot  has 
to   be   delivered   in   the   London   market    at   the 


196 


THE     GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


[March  27,  1909. 


ruinously  low  figure  of  from  2s.  3d.  to  2s.  6d.  per 
100.  But  this  is  not  all,  for,  with  the  decline  of 
the  small  faggot,  the  larger  or  oven  faggot, 
from  which  the  others  were  made,  has  sadly 
decreased  in  value,  and  faggots  which,  even  in 
our  own  days,  brought  from  18s.  to  fully  20s. 
per  100,  are  now  almost  a  drug  on  the  market. 

With  the  decline  of  Hop-growing,  a  blow 
has  been  given  to  the  cultivation  of  Hop- 
poles  which,  up  to  late  years,  were  greatly  in 
demand  at  almost  extravagant  prices.  Now 
many  of  the  coppice  woods  which  produced 
these  poles  have  v>ith  the  Hop-gardens  been 
grubbed    out. 

Plant-stakes  and  labels,  which  once  were 
made  from  oit  home-grown  wood,  are  now  sent 
in  neat  bundles  from  abroad,  and  at  such  low 


with  a  bold  front  the  changes  which  time  has 
brought  about  in  the  way  of  preferential  carriage 
rates,  keen  foreign  competition,  or  cheaper  Con- 
tinental labour.     A.  D.   Webster. 


TREES  AND  SHRUBS. 


CUPRESSUS  MACROCARPA. 
I  receive  so  many  inquiries  from  all  parts  of 
Britain  from  enthusiasts  respecting  this  tree, 
that  a  few  remarks  in  respect  to  its  adaptability 
as  a  hedge-forming  plant  may  be  of  interest  to 
readers  of  the  Gardeners'  Chronicle.  I  am  sure, 
also,  that  it  would  be  very  helpful  if  others  in 
different  parts  of  England  would  give  their  ex- 
perience of  this  tree  as  a  subject  for  forming  a 


Fig. 


-KNIPKOFIA    MULTIFLORA    AS    IT   FLOWERED    IS    NOVEMBER    LAST 
IN    MR.    SMITH'S    NURSERY    AT    NEWRY. 


rates  as  to  defy  competition  in  this  country. 
Lath-rending,  too,  which  in  Bedfordshire, 
Buckinghamshire,  Hertfordshire,  and  many 
other  English  counties  was,  a  few  years 
ago,  a  thriving  and  paying  home-work,  is 
now  almost  unknown,  owing  to  the  com- 
paratively small  cost  at  which  the  foreign  ma- 
terial is  placed  on  our  market.  This,  too,  has 
decreased  the  sale  and  consumption  of  Scotch 
Fir  timber,  from  which  the  best  class  of  builders' 
laths  were  made.  These,  however,  are  only  a 
few  of  the  many  industries  of  British  woodlands 
which  have  been  crippled  or  quite  lost  sight  of 
from  one  or  several  causes  over  which  we  have 
little  or  no  control  ;  but  it   behoves  us  to  meet 


hedge.  My  own  experience  goes  to  show  that 
there  is  no  other  shrub  to  compare  with  it,  for 
at  all  seasons  it  is  of  a  delightfully  refreshing 
green  colour,  very  close-growing  and  neat.  It 
has,  I  believe,  an  unfortunate  habit  of  dying  off 
after  a  certain  number  of  years  (perhaps  someone 
can  state  the  cause),  but  if  a  plant  dies  the  gap 
can  be  easily  filled  up  by  planting  a  small  tree 
and  at  the  same  time  tying  down  some 
branches  of  the  adjoining  trees.  The  magnifi- 
cent hedges  in  these  gardens  have  been  planted 
about  26  years,  and  in  that  time  only  two  or 
three  plants  have  died.  I  have  not  noticed  any 
ill  effects  from  the  extraordinary  wind  storms 
which   are  often   experienced   here.      Cupressus 


macrocarpa  would  probably  suffer  from  drought 
if  planted  in  light  soil. 

There  is  a  variety  named  Lambertiana  very 
like  macrocarpa,  but  somewhat  darker  in  colour 
and  not  nearly  so  close-growing.  It  is  classed 
as  synonymous  with  C.  macrocarpus,  but  I 
think  there  is  considerable  difference  between 
them.  A.  J.  El  gar,  Killarney  House  Gardens, 
Co.  Kerry. 

GRISELINIA     LITTORALIS. 

To  many  gardeners  this  hardy  evergreen  shrub- 
may  be  unknown.  Yet  it  is  very  handsome.  Pro- 
pagation with  cuttings  of  mature  wood  can  be 
carried  out  in  the  month  of  August  or,  with. 
better  results,  in  December.  G.  macrophylla  is 
a  fine  species,  with  larger  and  more  shining 
leaves.  As  this  species  cannot  be  rooted  from 
cuttings,  it  should  be  grafted  on  G.  littoralis. 
F.  M. 


KNIPHOFIA    MULTIFLORA. 

This  species  has  several  points  of  interest ;  it 
blooms  very  late  in  the  season,  and  it  is  one  of 
the  few  species  of  Kniphofia  in  which  the  indi- 
vidual flowers  are  elect.  It  was  discovered  by 
Mr.  J.  M.  W.  March,  growing  on  the  mountains 
of  Natal,  at  an  elevation  of  5,000  to  6,000  feet 
above  the  sea-level.  A  plant  flowered  in  the 
Royal  Gardens,  Kew,  in  the  Cape  House,  in 
November,  1900,  and  this  is  the  same  month  as 
the  plants  shown  in  fig.  84  flowered  in  Mr.  T. 
Smith's  nursery  at  Daisy  Hill,  Newry,  in  the 
open.  Kniphofia  multiflora  is  still  rare  in  culti- 
vation. At  the  time  the  plant  flowered  at  Kew 
we  also  received  a  specimen  from  Mr.  W.  E. 
Gumbleton,  which  had  flowered  in  his  garden  at 
Belgrove,  Co.  Cork.  The  plant  is  figured  in  the 
Botanical  Magazine,  tab.  7832. 


NOTICES    OF     BOOKS. 


•The  American  Apple  Orchard. 

This  highly-instructive  handbook  is  intended 
primarily  for  the  American  cultivator  of  Apples 
for  home  and  export  purposes.  The  Apple  is 
the  most  widely-known  and  prized  tree  fruit  of 
the  temperate  zone.  The  extreme  northern  and 
southern  agricultural  regions  are  practically  out- 
side the  Apple-growing  sections ;  and  even 
within  the  Apple-growing  country  there  are 
great  differences  in  distiibution.  The  leading 
States,  as  shown  by  the  number  of  Apple  trees 
reported  in  1900,  were  as  follow: — Missouri, 
20,040,399;  New  York,  15,054,832;  Illinois, 
13,430,006;  Ohio,  12,952,625;  Kansas, 
11,848,070;  Pennsylvania,  11,774,211;  Michigan, 
10,927,899;  Kentucky,  8,757,238;  Indiana, 
8,624,593;  Virginia,  8,190,025.  Some  of  these 
States  rank  above  others  because  of  their  size. 
There  are  several  well-recognised  Apple-grow- 
ing sections — the  Lake  Ontario,  the  Mississippi 
Valley,  the  Allegheny,  the  Nova  Scotia,  and  the 
Pacific   coast   sections. 

The  author  insists  on  porosity  in  the  soil  so 
as  to  enable  the  roots  to  extend  downwards  to  a 
considerable  depth,  and,  unless  this  condition 
be  natural,  or  it  can  be  brought  about  by  the 
cultivator,  the  trees  suffer  from  the  exigencies  of 
the  weather,  or  are  liable  to  be  uprooted  by 
the  wind.  Moreover,  a  hard  pan  at  a  short  depth 
below  the  surface  prevents  the  escape  of  mois- 
ture, and  Apple  trees  are  impatient  of  a  water, 
logged  state  of  the  land,  becoming  unhealthy  and 
dying  out  early.  As  a  preventive  measure,  no- 
thing is  better  than  deep  drainage.  Hence  a 
gravelly  subsoil  is  better  suited  to  the  Apple  than 
a  clayey,  impervious  soil,  if  rich  plant  food  be 

»  The  American  Apple  Orchard,  by  F.  A.  Waugh.  Pub- 
lished by  Orange  Judd  Company,  New  York.  Crown  8yo. 
A  sketch  of  the  Practice  of  Apple  Growing  in  North  America 
at  the  beginning  of  the  20th  Century.  Illustrated.  Kegam 
Paul,  Trench,  Trubner  &  Co.,  Ltd.,  London.    5s.  net. 


March  27,  1909.] 


THE     GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


197 


provided.  In  these  matters  the  author  is  in 
agreement  with  orchardists  in  our  own  country. 

On  the  eastern  slope  of  the  Allegheny  Moun- 
tains, a  soil  known  as  Peter's  black  loam  is  well 
adapted  for  Apple  culture.  In  Western  New 
York,  the  Miami  strong  loam  is  another  suitable 
soil.  It  is  found  in  great  abundance  in  Wayne 
county,  N.Y.,  one  of  the  best  Apple-growing 
counties.  The  Miami  silt  loam  is  the  chief 
basis  of  the  Apple-growing  district  in  Clinton 
county  ;  whilst,  in  the  famous  Clay  county,  the 
Marion  silt  loam  is  the  principal  soil  developed  ; 
and  Norfolk  loam  and  Norfolk  silt  loam  on  the 
Delaware  peninsula  form  the  chief  soils  of  the 
Apple-growing  land.  In  this  district  Apple  cul- 
ture is  coming  to  be  a  big  and  profitable  in- 
dustry. The  same  kind  of  soil  is  good  for 
growing  Potatos. 

Windbreaks  are  much  needed  in  the  United 
States  for  protection  from  cold  winds,  and  in 
summer  for  the  protection  of  the  maturing  fruits. 
But,  although  it  is  doubtful  if  windbreaks  miti- 
gate low  temperatures  directly,  they  offer  re- 
sistance to  the  wind,  and,  in  that  way, 
reduce  the  evaporation  from  the  twigs,  which  is 
the  chief  cause  of  injury  in  winter.  The  wind- 
break does  good  by  holding  the  snow  on  the 
ground,  also  fallen  leaves  and  litter  of  all  sorts, 
and  it  thus  prevents  severe  freezing  of  the  soil. 
In  some  parts  the  windbreaks  are  of  greater  use- 
fulness in  the  summer  than  in  the  winter,  as 
wind  waving  and  unsymmetrical  growth  of  the 
crown  are  averted  by  their  use. 

Some  persons  object  to  them  on  the  score  of 
their  taking  up  space  which  might  otherwise  be 
utilised  for  fruit  trees  and  such  windbreaks  are 
apt  to  harbour  insects,  predatory  birds,  and 
weeds.  The  author  considers  that  the  only  situ- 
ations where  they  are  useful  are  bare  sides  of 
hills,  where  the  land  is  not  protected  from  the 
quarter  whence  the  wind  mostly  comes.  A 
windbreak  may  consist  of  coniferous  trees  or  de- 
ciduous trees  which  are  more  rapid  in  growth, 
and  easier  to  establish.  Advice  is  given  on  many 
subjects,  including  the  starting  of  an  orchard, 
the  raising  of  a  stock  of  trees,  interplanting, 
and  evils  of  wide  planting.  Annual  plants  afford 
the  soil  protection  against  the  summer  heat.  For 
these  crops,  Broad  Beans,  Vetches,  Cow  Peas, 
and  Clover  are  in  common  use,  and  they  are 
sometimes  ploughed  in  to  serve  as  green  manure. 

*  Artificial  Manures. 

There  are  still  some  gardeners  who  are  apt 
to  look  askance  at  artificial  or  mineral  manures. 
When  enquiry  is  made  of  them  why  they  avoid 
the  use  of  such  fertilisers,  it  is  usually  found 
that  they  have  given  them  a  trial  and  that  the 
trial  has  proved  the  reverse  of  satisfactory.  If 
the  enquiry  is  pushed  still  further,  it  is  dis- 
covered that  the  trial  has  been  made  Without  the 
adequate  knowledge  of  the  properties  of  the  sub- 
stances used  or  of  the  dangers  attaching  to  the 
use  of  improper  quantities. 

Since,  however,  there  is  no  room  for  doubt  as 
to  the  value  of  "  artificials  "  when  properly  em- 
ployed, either  alone  or  in  conjunction  with 
natural  manures,  it  is  to  be  hoped  that  this 
little  book  may  fall  into  the  hands  of  cultivators 
who  desire  guidance  on  the  subject  of  the  use 
of  artificials. 

It  is  written  in  an  extremely  simple  and  direct 
manner,  under  such  headings  as  Artificial 
Manures  and  How  to  Use  Them — The  Kinds  of 
Artificial  Manures  :  What  They  Do  and  When 
to  Apply  Them — Artificial  Manures  for  Garden 
Vegetables,  for  Fruit  Trees  and  Bushes,  and 
for  Flowers.  With  this  useful  guide,  the  gar- 
dener, if  he  will  follow  carefully  the  advice 
given,  will  discover,  as,  of  course,  most  of  his 
colleagues  have  already  discovered,  that  artifi- 
cial manures  are  indispensable  to  successful 
cultivation. 

*  Artificial  Manures  and  How  to  Use  Them  in  the  Garden, 
Orchard  and  Allotment,  by  Professor  John  Percival,  Director 
of  the  Department  of  Agriculture  and  Horticulture,  Univer- 
sity College,  Reading.  Is.  Published  by  tha  Author, 
Northcourt  Avenue,  Reading. 


NURSERY     NOTES. 


JAMES   CARTER   &  CO.,   FOREST   HILL. 

Many  who  visit  this  nursery  during  the  winter 
months  might  imagine  that  it  was  wholly  de- 
voted to  the  cultivation  of  Primula  sinensis.  At 
this  time  of  the  year  the  majority  of  the  glass, 
houses  are  occupied  by  this  greenhouse  plant, 
and,  for  the  time  being,  at  any  rate,  Primulas 
are  the  chief  concern  of  the  establishment. 
This  year  the  stock  embraces  some  16-17,000 
plants  grown  almost  wholly  for  seed  pro- 
duction. 

We  cannot  estimate  the  number  of  varieties 
this  large  collection  represents,  but  it  embraces 
almost  all  the  best  kinds  in  commerce,  including 
many  fine  productions  raised  at  Forest  Hill. 
The  chief  thing  that  impresses  us  when  inspect- 
ing such  a  varied  collection  is  the  great  and 
rapid  improvement  thai  !u-  t   ken   place  in  this 


tion  of  "  bouquet."  The  bouquet  Primula  origi- 
nated in  these  nurseries  about  10  years  ago.  It 
is  probably  the  result  of  extraordinary  vigour. 
The  main  axis  is  short,  but  the  leaf  and  flower- 
stalks  are  stout  and  the  foliage  dense  and 
robust.  Then  there  are  those  known  as  the 
"  Giant "  type,  with  flowers  of  relatively 
enormous  size.  They  are  distinct  in  ap- 
pearance from  any  of  the  others,  but  are 
nearest  to  those  known  as  the  ordinary 
single  Primulas,  amongst  which  many  of  the 
gems  of  the  race  are  found.  Amidst  so  much 
variety  in  single  plants  it  is  not  surprising  that 
there  are  some  with  double  flowers,  and  these, 
especially  in  the  stellata  breed,  are  extremely 
pleasing.  In  all  the  semi-double  flowers  we 
examined,  complete  anthers  were  present  and 
i  was  plentiful.  We  were  informed  that 
it  was  not  difficult  to  obtain  seeds  from  any  of 
these  double  kinds,  and  it  is  perhaps  remarkable 
that  the  varieties  breed  so  true  to  type,  although 


Fig.  85. — PRIMUL\   "!■::,  tss    may"   from   MESSRS.  carter's  collection. 


Primula.  It  is,  indeed,  a  triumph  for  the 
florist.  As  a  wildling,  Primula  sinensis  is  a 
plant  of  no  remarkable  beauty,  but  it  is  little 
short  of  marvellous  what  our  cultivators  have 
done  with  it  since  the  time  of  its  introduction, 
early  in  the  nineteenth  century.  Many  florists' 
flowers  have  been  in  cultivation  for  so  long  that 
their  origin  is  lost  in  obscurity,  but  with  the 
greenhouse  Primula  we  can  traee  its  progress 
step  by  step,  and  almost  foresee  in  what  direc- 
tion further  advance  is  trending.  There  seems 
to  be  no  finality  in  the  plant's  capability  for 
change,  and  even  in  the  leaves  great  diversity 
exists.  But  it  is  in  the  inflorescence  that  the 
most  marked  differences  occur  ;  in  one  instance 
we  meet  with  a  lax  flower-spike,  bearing  its  blos- 
soms in  tiers,  graceful  and  plume-like,  whilst 
another  type  buries  its  flower-spike  so  low 
amongst  the  foliage  as  to  warrant  the  appella- 


one  house  may  contain  many  kinds.  Nc 
inter-crossing  appears  to  obtain  in  these  plants 
under  cultivation,  except  by  the  set  purpose  of 
the  hvbridiser.  Each  flower  is  artificially  pol- 
linated by  means  of  a  little  brush,  and  this  work 
is  one  of  great  importance  in  a  nursery  where 
plants  are  especially  cultivated  for  seed  produc- 
tion. It  is  well  known  that  pollen  is  more 
readily  disseminated  when  the  weather  is  fine 
and  dry,  and,  although  early  plants  are  the 
finest,  those  that  open  their  flowers  later  always 
give  the  largest  amount  of  seed.  The  first  batch 
is  sown  about  the  end  of  June,  but  others  raised 
a  month  later,  although  they  make  smaller 
plants,  give  much  the  best  results  in  seed  pro- 
duction. Flowers  that  are  opening  now  find 
brighter  and  drier  conditions  than  those  that 
are  in  bloom,  say,  about  Christmas  time. 

It  is  curious  in  this  matter  of  seed  production 


]V.S 


THE     GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


[March  27,  1909. 


how  the  varieties  differ.  The  beautiful  Princess 
May  variety  (see  fig.  85),  with  its  enormous 
blooms  of  exquisite  pink  shade,  is  an  example  of 
a  poor  seeder.  Very  large  batches  of  this  plant 
are  needed  to  ensure  even  a  moderate  supply  of 
seeds,  and  so  we  find  large  quantities  of  this 
choice  Primula  at  Forest  Hill.  From  half  the 
number  of  plants  of  such  a  variety  as  Holborn 
Queen,  a  choice  white  kind,  a  larger  quantity 
of  seed  can  be  gathered.  The  capsules  remain 
on  the  plants  until  June,  when  they  are  gathered, 
placed  in  boxes,  and  thoroughly  dried  in  a  warm 
greenhouse.  It  is  afterwards  a  simple  matter  to 
break  the  seed  vessels,  and,  after  separating  the 
larger  portions  of  the  husk  by  means  of  a  fine 
sieve,  to  secure  the  well-ripened  seeds.  Seed- 
formation  has  been  termed  the  highest  effort  of 
a  plant,  by  which  is  meant  that  all  the  energi  s 
of  the  organism  are  directed  in  this  end.  It 
certainly  has  a  great  effect  upon  the  colour  of 
the  flowers,  for,  as  the  capsules  begin  to  swell, 
the  tones  become  much  paler,  and  it  is  only  in 
the  very  youngest  blooms  that  the  true  colour 
is  seen.  The  plant  generally  becomes  affected 
by  the  strain,  and  loses  a  great  deal  of  its  vigoui 
in  consequence.  But  this  notwithstanding,  the 
Forest  Hill  plants  exhibit  first-class  cultivation, 
and  although  they  were  all  more  or  less  in  seed- 
bearing,  they  made  a  fine  display,  and  showed 
the  skill  of  those  responsible  for  their  cul- 
ture. It  is  interesting,  in  view  of  recent 
knowledge  in  plant-breeding  to  know  that  by 
simply  selecting  and  inbreeding,  a  variety  can  be 
"  fixed  "  in  a  comparatively  short  time.  In  some 
cases  the  progeny  comes  true  from  seed  after 
four  or  fewer  generations,  but  in  others  it  takes 
longer.  We  saw  this  process  of  selection  in  one 
case,  where  three  plants  of  a  certain  batch  that 
showed  advance  were  placed  by  themselves. 
They  were  to  be,  or  had  been,  pollinated,  and  it 
is  expected  that  finer  offspring  will  be  obtained 
from  them. 

We  may  enumerate  a  few  of  the  best 
varieties.  Holborn  Crested  is  a  flower  of  a 
beautiful  pink  colour,  having  fimbriated  petals 
and  deeply  crested  foliage.  It  belongs  to  the 
'•  giant  "  race,  the  beautiful  blossoms,  notwith- 
standing the  fimbriation,  being  of  perfect  form. 
King  Edward  is  a  charming  white  variety,  with 
very  great  substance  of  petal,  and  producing  its 
flowers  in  large  trusses  that  are  set  off  by  hand- 
some foliage.  The  variety  named  after  ti-e 
Princess  of  Wales  has  its  flowers  flaked  with 
carmine.  They  are  small,  but  of  extremely  deli- 
cate appearance.  Elaine  is  still  one  of  the  best 
of  the  white  kinds  ;  it  is  very  robust  in  habit, 
and  bears  large,  stout  trusses  of  bloom.  There 
are  two  types,  one  bearing  leaves  of  the  Fern 
character,  whilst  the  other  has  the  ordinary 
Palm-shaped  foliage.  Both  stocks  breed  true 
from  seeds. 

Orange  King  shows  its  colour  in  the  un- 
opened flowers.  The  orange  shade  becomes  less 
marked  as  the  blossoms  expand,  but  even 
then  the  tone  is  pleasing.  The  flowers  are  small, 
but  efforts  are  being  made  to  improve  it  in  this 
direction,  and  if  this  is  successful,  the  variety 
will  demand  much  attention.  Vivid  is  a  double- 
flowered  variety  of  a  magenta  tone,  very  free  in 
blooming,  and  with  tall  inflorescences. 

There  is  a  set  named  after  the  colours  of  the 
separate  varieties,  including  Holborn  Scarlet, 
Holborn  Rose,  Holborn  Crimson,  Holborn  Pink, 
Holborn  White,  and  Holborn  Magenta.  They 
are  all  useful  kinds  and  amongst  the  most  desir- 
able colours.  One  of  the  newest  is  Ho. born 
Coral.  Among  the  late-flowering  varieties,  we 
may  instance  Late  White,  scarcely  one  of  the 
plants  being  in  bloom  so  late  as  April  15. 

The  skill  and  care  which  Messrs.  Carter  have 
expended  in  the  work  of  crossing  and  selecting 
are  amply  repaid  by  the  excellent  results  which 
have  been  obtained.  A  collection  of  Primula 
sinensis  is  among  the  most  interesting  of  objects, 
both  from  a  botanical  and  a  horticultural  point 
of  view,  for  it  provides  the  most  striking  illus- 
tration imaginable  of  the  variability  of  a  pure 
species. 


The  Week's  Work. 

PLANTS    UNDER  GLASS. 

By  A.  C,  Bartlett,  Gardener  to  Mrs.  Ford,  Pencarrow, 
Cornwall. 

Succulent  plants. — All  the  species  of  Cacti 
which,  during  the  winter  have  been  kept  dry  at 
the  root,  are  now  showing  signs  of  renewed 
activity,  and  this  is  the  best  time  for  carrying 
out  any  necessary  repotting.  As  these  plants 
thrive  and  flower  best  when  grown  in  compara- 
tively small  pots,  it  is  not  necessary  to  repot 
healthy  specimens  every  year.  When  it  is  neces- 
sary to  repot  a  plant,  shake  the  greater  part  of 
the  old  soil  from  the  roots,  examine  them  care- 
fully, and  cut  away  any  diseased  portions.  As 
Cacti  are  not  greatly  affected  by  such  pruning, 
it  is  advisable  to  cut  well  into  the  healthy  part. 
Good  fibrous  loam  and  sand,  with  plenty  of 
broken  brick  rubble  or  limestone,  is  the  most 
satisfactory  compost  for  most  succulent  plants. 
Epiphyllums  and  Rhipsalis,  however,  require  a 
little  peat  or  leaf-soil  added.  Crock  the  pots 
well,  and  pot  firmly.  Tall  plants,  and  those 
with  weak  stems,  will  require  the  support  of 
stakes,  which  should  be  placed  in  position  as 
the  potting  proceeds  Any  plants  which  have 
decayed  at  their  base  should  have  the  live  por- 
tions removed  and  be  treated  as  cuttings.  If  the 
diseased  part  is  cut  away  and  the  remainder 
exposed  to  the  air  for  a  couple  of  days  before 
being  inserted  in  dry,  sandy  soil,  the  plant  will 
readily  form  roots.  For  the  next  four  months 
these  plants  should  be  watered  freely,  and 
syringed  twice,  or  even  more  frequently,  on 
bright  sunny  days,  to  induce  them  to  complete 
their  growth  by  the  beginning  of  August,  thus 
allowing  sufficient  time  for  them  to  become 
thoroughly  matured  before  winter.  If  a  light, 
well-ventilated,  and  heated  house  can  be  de- 
voted to  them,  their  culture  will  be  compara- 
tively simple.  A  small  collection  grown  with 
mixed  plants  should  be  given  the  sunniest  part 
ot  the  house — greenhouse  or  tropical,  according 
to  the  needs  of  the  different  kinds.  Stout  leather 
gloves  should  be  worn  when  handling  the 
prickly  species,  especially  in  the  case  of  Opun- 
tias,  which  are  not  so  inoffensive  as  they  appear 
to  be. 

( 'amellias. — These  plants  now  require  a 
slightly  higher  temperature  and  a  moist  at- 
mosphere. The  plants  should  be  syringed  twice 
daily  to  cleanse  the  leaves.  When  they  have 
finished  growing,  remove  the  plants  in  pots  to 
the  open  air.  Also  freely  ventilate  the  house  for 
those  planted  in  beds  and  borders. 

Violets  in  frames. — As  the  sun  gains  power 
the  plants  should  be  shaded  during  the  hottest 
part  of  the  day  to  preserve  the  colour  of  the 
flowers.  This  may  be  done  by  lightly  white- 
washing the  glass  of  the  lights,  which,  during 
bright  sunshine,  should  be  drawn  up  and  tilted 
to  their  utmost  capacity.  The  frames  should  be 
ventilated  whenever  conditions  permit.  Keep 
the  surface  soil  well  stirred,  and  remove  all 
runners  that  appear  on  the  plants.  Apply  occa- 
sional waterings  with  liquid  cow  manure,  and 
immediately  afterwards  a  light  watering  with 
clear  water. 

Stove  plants. — To  compensate  for  the  in- 
creased evaporation  due  to  ventilation,  the 
plants  should  now  be  syringed  more  heavily, 
and  the  damping  down  should  be  done  more 
frequently. 

THE  FLOWER  GARDEN. 

By  W.  A.  Cook,  Gardener  to  Sir  Edmund  G.  Loder,  Bart., 
Leonardslee,  Sussex. 
Carnations. — Make  preparation  for  planting 
out  Carnations  that  have  been  wintered  in 
frames  or  under  the  protection  of  a  south  wall. 
The  best  soil  for  Carnations  is  a  good  loam  rest- 
ing on  a  well-drained  subsoil.  It  is  advisable 
to  give  them  a  fresh  site  every  season,  or,  if  this 
is  not  practicable,  to  apply  a  considerable  quan- 
tity of  fresh  loam,  and  fork  this  into  the  staple. 
It  is  assumed  that  the  ground  was  well  trenched 
last  autumn,  and  some  decayed  cow  manure 
placed  in  the  trenches  ;  but  if  this  preparation 
was  not  made,  it  had  better  be  carried  out  forth- 
with. Carnations  should  be  planted  in  the  posi- 
tions where  they  are  to  flower  at  about  the  end 
of  March.  They  should  be  set  at  distances  of 
about  1  foot  each  way.  If  the  plants  are  very 
pot-bound,  it  may  be  necessary  to  loosen  the 
roots  a  little  by  the  use  of  a  fine-pointed  stick. 
Every  plant  should  haye  its  roots  in  a  moist  con- 


dition before  it  is  removed  from  the  pot.  In 
planting,  let  each  be  inserted  about  halt  an  inch 
deeper  than  it  was  in  the  pot.  Press  the  soil 
moderately  firm,  and  scatter  a  little  soot  over 
the  soil  as  a  deterrent  to  slugs.  In  order  to 
trap  wireworms,  slice  some  Carrots,  and  place 
these  slices  at  different  positions  in  the  soil,  ex- 
amining them  from  time  to  time  in  order  to 
destroy  the  pests.  If  sparrows  should  prove 
troublesome,  either  stretch  some  black  cotton 
round  about  tke  growths  of  the  plants,  or  pro- 
tect the  whole  of  them  by  means  of  netting.  It 
is  necessary  for  us  to  net  all  our  Carnations  at 
this  season  ;  but  later,  when  there  is  more  vege- 
tation, the  birds  are  less  troublesome. 

Giant  Ten-week  Stocks  and  Chinese  Asters. — 
Sow  seeds  of  the  best  varieties  of  Stocks  and 
Asters  thinly  in  shallow  boxes  filled  with  moder- 
ately light  soil.  Prick  out  the  seedlings  as  soon 
as  they  are  large  enough  to  handle  into  other 
boxes.  Such  Asters  as  Ray,  Crushed  Straw- 
berry, Azure  Blue,  Ostrich  Plume,  and  varieties 
of  the  Comet  type  are  invaluable. 

Nemesia. — Sowings  should  now  be  made  thinly 
in  boxes.  The  seedlings  whilst  still  small  are 
very  liable  to  damp  off,  and  they  must  be  shaded 
from  strong  sunshine. 

Salvia  "  Bluebeard." — Sow  seeds  of  this  Sal- 
via, and  also  of  S.  "  Fireball,"  these  being  very 
valuable  for  bedding  purposes. 

Lawns  and  garden  paths. — Grass  used  for 
tennis  lawns,  croquet,  and  bowling  greens,  or 
other  portions  that  are  subjected  to  a  great  deal 
of  traffic,  should  now  be  given  a  liberal  dress- 
ing of  the  preparation  which  was  recommended 
in  the  Gardeners"  Chronicle  for  January  30,  or  a 
sprinkling  may  be  made  of  one  of  the  lawn  fer- 
tilisers obtainable  from  the  trade.  In  either 
case,  the  dressing  should  be  well  brushed  in, 
and,  after  rains,  the  Grass  should  be  frequently 
rolled.  Sow  fresh  seeds  wherever  the  Grass  ap- 
pears to  be  failing,  taking  care  to  sow  the  proper 
Grasses  for  the  particular  purpose  the  lawn  is 
intended  to  serve.  Garden  paths  should  be  given 
attention  as  soon  as  possible,  regravelling  them 
or  forking  them  over,  rolling  them,  and  attend- 
ing to  the  drainage.  A  garden  path  should  be 
both  useful  and  of  smart  appearance ;  nothing 
detracts  more  from  the  appearance  of  the 
garden   than  untidy  paths. 


THE    ORCHID    HOUSES. 

By  W.  H.  White,  Orchid  Grower  to  Sir  Trevor  Lawrence, 
Bart.,  Burford,  Surrey. 

Deciduous  Calanthes. — Take  these  plants  out  of 
their  pots,  cover  the  old  drainage  material  with 
a  layer  of  rough  Sphagnum-moss,  and  after 
shaking  the  soil  away  from  the  pseudo-bulbs, 
lay  them  in  an  upright  position  on  the  moss. 
In  a  week  or  two  hence  new  roots  will  be  seen 
pushing  out  from  the  base  of  the  young  growths, 
when  the  plants  should  be  repotted.  In  the 
meantime,  select  a  sufficient  quantity  of  good 
turfy  loam  (free  from  wireworm),  and  lay  it  m  a 
convenient  place  in  order  that  it  may  become 
moderately  warm  before  using.  Loam  is  the 
principal  soil  needed  for  Calanthes,  and  some 
cow-dung  should  be  mixed  with  it.  The  dung 
should  be  collected,  spread  on  a  mat  or 
boards,  and  exposed  to  the  sun  until  dry.  It 
should  afterwards  be  sifted  through  sieves  of 
various  sizes,  finally  using  one  with  a  very  fine 
mesh.  Keep  the  prepared  manure  dry  until 
required.  Previous  to  laying  the  pseudo- 
bulbs  on  the  moss,  cut  off  the  dead  roots  to 
about  an  inch  in  length.  The  stumps  thus  left 
will  be  found  useful  to  keep  the  bulbs  steady  in 
the  fresh  soil  till  the  plants  become  established 
Examine  the  base  of  each  bulb  for  scale  in- 
sects, and  thoroughly  cleanse  them  of  these 
pests  by  using  a  stiff  brush  and  suds  made  of 
soft  soap.  When  the  plants  are  leady  to  be  re- 
potted, select  clean  pots  of  sizes  varying  accord- 
ing to  the  requirements  of  the  cultivator,  as  the 
plants  can  be  grown  singly  in  small  pots,  or 
several  bulbs  may  he  placed  in  larger  ones.  Half 
fill  the  pots  with  clean  crocks,  and  cover  these 
with  Sphagnum-moss,  or  a  thin  turf  of  loam,  as 
advised  for  Thunias  last  week.  The  soil  should 
consist  of  one-half  loam,  one-fourth  cow-dung 
or  well-decayed  leaf-soil,  and  one-fourth  finely- 
chopped  Sphagnum-moss,  adding  some  small 
crocks  and  coarse  silver  sand.  In  potting  the 
plants,  shake  the  soil  down  till  it  is  moderately 
firm,  filling  to  within  1^  inches  of  the  rim. 
Place  the  pseudo-bulbs  on  the  surface,  add  more 
soil,    press    this    firmly    on    to'    the    old    roots, 


March  27,  1S09.] 


THE     GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE 


199 


burying  the  base  of  the  bulb  about  half  an  inch, 
and  make  the  surface  level.  This  will  leave 
space  for  watering,  and  will  also  allow  for 
a  top-dressing  of  loam  when  the  plants  are 
about  half-way  through  the  growing  season. 
These  plants  must  be  given  the  best  and  lightest 
positions  if  placed  in  the  East  Indian  house  ; 
but  Calanthes  may  be  grown  to  perfection  in 
the  plant  stove,  Pine  pit,  or  Cucumber  houses. 
Do  not  water  the  plants  at  the  roots  for  two  or 
three  weeks  after  the  potting,  but  damp  between 
the  pots  twice  daily.  The  soil  may  after- 
wards receive  an  occasional  light  sprinkling 
from  a  fine-rosed  can,  but  much  discretion  must 
be  exercised,  for  a  wet  soil  at  that  stage  will 
cause  the  tips  of  the  roots  and  leaves  to  turn 
black  and  decay.  When  the  roots  have  a  firm 
hold  on  the  sides  of  the  pot,  and  the  plants  are 
in  vigorous  health,  abundance  of  water  should 
be  alternated  with  weak  liquid  cow-manure. 
Strong,  direct  sunshine  should  only  be  permitted 
to  reach  the  plants  when  the  new  pseudo-bulbs 
begin  to  form.  Deciduous  Calanthes  may  be 
rapidly  increased  by  removing  the  old  back 
pseudo-bulbs  and  inserting  them  thickly  in 
flower-pots  filled  with  Sphagnum-moss.  The 
best  position  for  them  is  on  a  dry  shelf  near  the 
glass,  and  the  moss  should  be  sprinkled  when- 
ever it  appears  dry.  They  will  soon  commence 
to  grow,  and  may  afterwards  be  repotted. 

Calanthe  Segnieri. — Late-flowering  varieties  of 
this  species  will  now  be  in  bloom.  These  will 
also  require  repotting  after  the  spikes  are  cut 
and  growth  has  recommenced.  This  section  of 
i  alanthes  is  far  more  serviceable  to  those  who 
live  in  the  neighbourhood  of  large  towns  and 
smoky  districts,  as  the  flowers  escape  the  fogs 
which  are  so  prevalent  at  the  time  when  the 
earlier  varieties  bloom. 


THE    KITCHEN    GARDEN. 

By  E.  Beckett,  Gardener  to  the  Hon.  Vicary  Gibbs, 
Aldenham  House,  Elstree,  Hertfordshire. 

Carrots. — If  the  varieties  sown  early  in  the 
New  Year  were  quick-maturing  sorts,  and  the 
plants  were  partially  thinned  while  still  small, 
they  should  now  be  sufficiently  developed  for 
use.  The  rows  should  be  carefully  examined 
as  the  vegetables  are  required,  thinning  the  roots 
at  intervals.  Successional  sowings  will  need  to 
be  partially  thinned,  as  previously  advised,  as 
soon  as  the  second  leaf  is  made.  Carrots  under 
glass  should  be  syringed  twice  on  bright  days, 
and  the  lights  must  be  closed  early  in  the  after- 
noon. Occasionally,  before  watering,  apply  a 
dressing  of  soot  and  specially-prepared  vege- 
table manures.  Frequently  stir  the  soil  between 
the  rows.  Sowings  may  now  be  made  out-of- 
aoors,  but  before  doing  this  give  the  soil  a 
thorough  surface  dressing  of  wood  ashes  and 
soot.  Should  extra  fine  roots  be  required,  it 
will  be  necessary  in  most  cases  to  make  deep 
holes,  by  means  of  an  iron  bar.  Fill  the  holes 
firmly  with  very  fine  specially-prepared  soil,  pre- 
ferably old  potting  soil  which  has  done  service 
for  pot  plants,  taking  care  to  add  plenty  of  soot 
and  wood  ashes.  New  Intermediate  belo 
to  the  St.  Valery  type  is  probably  one  of  the 
finest  all-round  Intermediate  Carrots,  and  as  a 
short-rooted  variety  Model  is  not  only  an  excel- 
lent sort,  but  it  is  well  adapted  for  shallow  and 
hot   soils. 

Beetroot. — Beetroots  raised  early  in  frames 
should  be  thinned  out  as  soon  as  they  are  large 
enough.  It  is  a  capital  plan  to  apply  a  top- 
dressing  of  either  finely-sifted  leaf-mould  or 
manure  from  a  spent  Mushroom-bed.  Beetroot 
should  never  be  overcrowded,  and  least  of  all 
when  grown  under  glass.  Another  sowing  of 
a  Turnip-rooted  variety  may  be  made  in  an 
unheated  frame  or  on  a  warm  border  in  the  gar- 
den. Old  roots  which  have  been  clamped  to- 
gether for  the  winter,  or  stored  in  the  root-shed, 
should  now  be  taken  out.  Any  growths  they 
have  made  should  be  rubbed  off,  and  the  roots 
stored  thinly  in  sand  or  ashes  under  a  north 
wall,  where  they  will  keep  sound  for  many 
weeks. 

Seakale  Beet. — Seeds  of  this  vegetable,  some- 
times known  as  Spinach  Beet,  may  be  either 
sown  under  glass  and  pricked  out  on  well- 
prepared  ground  exposed  to  sunshine,  or  sown 
in  drills,  18  inches  apart,  in  the  allotted 
position.  The  end  of  March  is  a  good  time 
for  sowing  the  seed  thinly  in  boxes,  in  gentle 
heat.  Plant  out  the  seedlings  after  they  have  made 
the  second  leaf  and  the  plants  are  well  hardened. 


It  is  also  advisable  in  large  establishments  to 
devote  a  cold  frame  to  forwarding  a  few  plants, 
allowing  the  same  distance  as  advised  for  sow- 
ing outside,  and  planting  them  in  about  18  inches 
of  rich  soil,  which  should  be  made  very  firm. 
Cabbages. — These  vegetables  in  many  instances 
have  been  seriously  injured,  and  no  time  must 
be  lost  in  making  them  good  as  far  as  pos- 
sible. Plants  which  were  put  out  as  reserves 
and  slightly  protected  will  now  prove  invalu- 
able. Frequent  hoeings  wall  do  much  to  stimu- 
late new  growth.  Make  a  slight  application  of 
manure.  » 

FRUITS  UNDER  GLASS. 

By  E.  Harriss,  Fruit  Foreman,  Royal  Gardens,  Frogmore. 

Fig  trees  in  pots. — The  fruits  on  the  earliest 
trees  which  were  started  into  growth  in  Decem- 
ber will  soon  be  showing  signs  of  ripening. 
Make  frequent  applications  of  manure  water, 
and,  to  further  assist  the  trees,  apply  a  liberal 
top-dressing  of  well-decomposed  cow  and  horse 
manure.  If  it  is  necessary  to  hurry  the  ripening, 
it  will  now  be  safe  to  have  an  atmospheric  tem- 
perature of  65°  at  night ;  but  the  temperature 
should  be  allowed  to  fall  several  degrees  if  the 
night  is  unusually  cold.  Spray  the  trees  with 
rainwater  early  on  fine  mornings,  and  again  at 
closing  time  in  the  afternoon.  Frequently  damp 
the  floor  spaces  in  the  house.  Stop  and  regulate 
the  growths  so  that  all  the  shoots  and  leaves  will 
I  jsed  to  the  light  and  air.  As  soon  as  the 
fruits  have  actually  commenced  to  ripen,  it 
will  be  necessary  to  omit  the  use  of  manure 
water.  At  that  stage  the  atmosphere  should  be 
kept  rather  drier  than  hitherto,  discontinuing 
the  syringing,  but  being  careful  to  keep  the 
roots  thoroughly  well  supplied  with  water. 

Fig  trees  in  borders. — Established  trees  which 
are  growing  in  shallow  and  restricted  borders 
need  very  frequent  root  waterings,  and  if  these 
are  not  afforded  with  unremitting  regularity . 
there  will  sure  to  be  some  fruits  fall  from  the 
trees.  Trees  that  are  bearing  a  full  crop  need 
liquid  manure  given  them  at  every  alternate 
watering,  and  it  will  be  useful  to  apply  a  liberal 
mulching  of  decomposed  horse  manure.  Give 
timely  attention  to  stopping  the  shoots,  and  thus 
prevent  overcrowding.  Cut  out  any  weak,  un- 
fruitful wood  which  can  be  spared.  Red  spider 
must  be  prevented  or  eradicated.  The  best 
remedy  is  to  sponge  the  leaves  with  a  weak  solu- 
tion of  soft  soap  and  sulphur.  Ventilate  the 
house  freely  during  bright,  genial  weather, 
opening  those  ventilators  at  the  top  of  the  house. 
Close  them  early  in  the  afternoon,  after  spray- 
ing the  trees. 

season. — The  present  season  has  been  one 
of  the  worst  I  have  known  for  forcing  fruits. 
The  cold  weather,  with  little  sunshine,  has  had 
a  retarding  influence,  and  the  crops  generally 
are  a  few  days  later  than  usual.  But  nothing 
will  be  gained  by  the  use  of  an  excessive  amount 
of  fire  heat,  for  growth  made  under  such  condi- 
tions is  of  a  most  unsatisfactory  nature.  It  will 
be  useful  to  cover  the  roof  glass  with  garden 
mats  or  tiffany  during  very  cold  nights,  and  re- 
tain heat  in  this  way.  Such  crops  as  Melons, 
Cucumbers,  Pineapples,  and  Tomatos,  being 
usually  cultivated  in  low  houses  or  pits,  may  be 
easily  protected  in  this  manner.  Discretion 
in  ventilating  the  houses  during  the  early 
part  of  the  day,  coupled  with  an  endeavour  to 
obtain  as  much  value  as  possible  from  sunshine 
by  closing  them  again  early  in  the  afternoon, 
are  the  chief  means  the  cultivator  has  for  for- 
warding his  crops. 

THE  HARDY  FRUIT  GARDEN. 

By  J.  G.  Weston,  Gardener  to  H.  J.  King,  Esq.,  Eastwell 
Park,  Kent. 

Propagation  of  fruit  bushes. — Cuttings  in- 
serted in  the  ground  earlier  in  the  season  have 
probably  been  loosened  by  the  action  of  frost. 
It  will  be  necessary  to  examine  them  and  make 
the  soil  quite  firm  again  about  each  one. 

Newly-planted  trees.- — If  stakes  were  not  placed 
to  trees  at  the  time  of  planting,  the  latter  will  le 
sure  to  have  become  somewhat  loosened.  There- 
fore, examine  every  specimen,  and  fix  stakes  at 
once  in  cases  where  they  are  required.  Any 
newly-planted  trees  that  were  not  pruned 
immediately  after  planting  must  be  given 
attention  at  once.  Do  not  prune  them 
severely,  as  they  are  not  likely  to  make 
much  growth  during  the  first  season.  Some  cul- 
tivators would  not  prune  them  at  all  this  year  ; 


but  when  this  is  not  done,  it  is  usually  neces- 
sary to  prune  them  severely  in  the  second  season 
in  order  to   obtain  the  required   shape. 

Apricots. — Do  not  use  nets  or  any  other  cover- 
ing for  the  protection  of  the  flowers  against 
frost  except  when  circumstances  make  it  im- 
perative. By  overshading,  the  object  in  view 
may  easily  be  defeated,  for  its  effect  upon  the 
flowers  is  to  increase  their  tenderness  and  ren- 
der them  more  susceptible  to  harm  from  cold 
winds  or  frosts. 

Figs. — Although  the  season  is  so  far  advanced, 
it  has  not  been  safe  in  all  localities  to  unitie  the 
bundles  of  Fig  growths  that  were  tied  in  the 
autumn  as  a  means  of  protection.  In  the  earls- 
part  of  March  as  much  as  25°  of  frost  have  been 
registered.  But  the  protective  material  must  not 
be  allowed  to  remain  any  longer.  Its  use  at  any 
season  has  a  disadvantage,  for  it  renders  the 
shoots  more  lible  to  injury  from  late  frosts.  If 
the  growth  upon  established  trees  are  kept  well 
thinned  out  by  frequent  pinching,  it  is  possible 
to  get  the  wood  so  thoroughly  hardened  by 
autumn  that  it  will  withstand  the  frosts  of  an 
average  winter.  I  would  only  protect  Fig  trees 
as  a  last  resource,  or  in  localities  where  experi- 
ence has  proved  that  such  protection  is  abso- 
lutely necessary.  Trees  that  have  been  bundled 
and  matted  must  still  be  given  some  protection 
on  frosty  nights. 

Preparations  for  grafting. — Make  everything 
necessary  for  this  operation,  for,  in  the  event  of 
warmer  weather,  the  sap  will  rise  readily  in  the 
stocks.  Most  growers  have  their  own  special 
mixture  of  grafting  clay,  but  in  cases  where  it  is 
inconvenient  to  prepare  such  clay  at  home,  the 
French  cold-grafting  wax  sold  as  "  Mastic 
l'Homme  Lefort "  may  be  recommended  as  a 
substitute. 

PUBLIC    PARKS   AND   GARDENS. 

By  J.  YV.  Moorman,  Superintendent  of  Victoria  Park, 
London. 

Boating. — This  is  one  of  the  most  popular  pas- 
times in  the  London  parks  during  the  spring  and 
summer  months.  The  privilege  of  letting  the 
boats  was  formerly  granted  to  contractors,  but 
the  L.C.C.  now  has  its  own  boats,  and  lets  them 
direct  to  the  public.  They  are,  therefore,  ob- 
tainable much  cheaper  than  formerly,  and  they 
are  better  supervised.  The  hire  of  a  sculling  or 
pair-oared  boat  is  6d.  per  hour,  and  the  same 
charge  is  made  for  a  canoe.  Each  boat  is  only 
permitted  to  carry  a  certain  number  of  persons, 
varying  from  one  to  four.  No  boat  can  be  re- 
tained for  a  longer  period  than  one  hour.  Both 
at  Battersea  and  Victoria  Parks  there  are  motor 
launches,  each  capable  of  carrying  from  40  to  50 
persons  at  a  time,  who  are  conducted 
around  the  ornamental  water  at  Id.  per 
head.  The  demand  for  boats  is  greatest 
from  April  to  October,  but  boats  can  be  hired 
at  any  time  of  the  year,  unless  there  is  ice  on  the 
water.  In  a  busy  season,  the  motor  launch  at 
Victoria  Park  will  carry  as  many  as  56,000  per- 
sons, and,  dLring  the  same  period,  the  small  boats, 
are  hired  by  40,000  persons,  the  charge  for  these 
latter  being  6d.  per  hour.  Very  often  damage  is 
done  to  the  boats,  not  necessarily  wilfully,  but 
mainly  because  of  inexperience  in  handling 
them,  and  a  boatbuilder  is  constantly  employed 
carrying   out  necessary  repairs. 

The  boats. — The  best  boats  are  built  of  Mahog- 
any, but  some  are  made  of  white  or  Spruce 
wood.  A  double  or  pair-oared  skiff,  measuring 
21  feet  by  3  feet,  is  a  very  useful  craft  for  this 
kind  of  work,  and  it  will  carry  four  persons. 
Outrigger  skiffs,  to  carry  two  persons,  are 
18  feet  long  and  3  feet  wide;  whilst  the  gigs, 
that  carry  only  one  person,  are  of  the  same 
length,  but  a  few  inches  narrower,  being  only 
2  feet  6  inches  in  width.  Canoes  are  made  of 
several  sizes  ;  that  known  as  the  "  Rob  Roy  "  is 
generally  made  from  15  feet  to  17  feet  long. 

Maintenance  of  the  boats. — The  boats,  when 
new,  are  very  highly  varnished.  They  are  coated 
with  what  is  known  as  boat  varnish — a  different 
material  to  ordinary  wood  varnish.  Even  if  the 
boats  do  not  require  much  in  the  way  of  repair 
at  the  end  of  the  season,  they  should  be 
thoroughly  cleansed  and  revarnished.  If  they 
are  in  a  very  old  condition,  it  is  better  to  paint, 
grain,  and  varnish  them.  The  sculls  or  oars 
need  the  leathers  on  the  handles  greasing  occa- 
sionally ;  and  as  the  blades  show  wear,  they 
should  be  protected  with  slips  of  .sheet  tin,  zinc, 
or  copper. 


200 


THE     GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


[March  27,  1909. 


EDITORIAL    NOTICE. 


ADVERTISEMENTS  should  be  sent  to  the  PUB- 
USHER,  41,  Wellington  Street,  Covent  Garden, 
W.C. 

Letters  for  Publication,  as  well  as  specimens  o;  plants 
for  naming,  should  be  addressed  to  the  EDITOR, 
41,  Wellington  Street,  Covent  Garden,  London. 
Commtmicaftons  should  be  writthn  on  onk  side  only  of 
the  paper,  sent  as  early  in  the  week  as  possible  and  duly 
signed  by  the  writer.  If desired,  the  signature  will  not  be 
;  tinted,  but  kept  as  a  guarantee  of  good  Jaith. 

Special  Notice  to  Correspondents.— The  Editor  does  not 
undertake  to  pay  for  any  contributions  or  illustrations,  or 
to  return  unused  communications  or  illustrations,  unless  by 
special  arrangement.  The  Editor  does  not  hold  himself 
responsible  for  any  opinions  expressed  by  his  correspondents. 

Illustrations.-  The  Editor  will  be  glad  to  receive  and  to  select 
photographs  or  drawings,  suitable  for  reproduction,  of 
guldens,  or  of  remarkable  plants,  (lowers,  trees,  &c,  but  he 
cannot  be  responsible  for  loss  or  injury. 


APPOINTMENTS  FOR  THE  ENSUING  WEEK. 

TUESDAY,  MARCH  30- 

Cornwall  Daffodil  and  Spring  Fl.  Soc.  Exh.  at  Market 

1 1. ill,    Truro    (2   days).    Bournemouth   Spring   Fl.  Sh. 

(2  days). 
APRIL  2-13— 

International  Horticultural  Exhibition  at  Berlin. 


Average    Mean    Temperature    for    the    ensuing    week, 
deduced  from  observations  during  the  last  Fifty  Years 
at  Greenwich— 44-5°. 
Actual  Temperatures: — 

London.— Wednesday,  March  24  (6  P.M.):  Mas.  51°; 
Min.  43". 
Gardeners'  Chronicle  Office,  41,  Wellington  Street, 
Covent  Garden.  London  —Thursday,  March  25 
(10  a.m.):  Bar.  291;  Temp.  62°;  Weather— 
Overcast. 
Provinces.— Wednesday,  March  24  (6  p.m.):  Max.  50° 
Bury  St.  Edmunds,  S.E. ;  Min.  48°  Durham. 


SALES    FOR    THE    ENSUING    WEEK. 

MONDAY  AND  FRIDAY  - 

Hardy  Border  Plants;.  Bulbs,  and  Tubers,  at  12 ;  Roses 
and  Fruit  Trees,  at  1.30;  at  67  &  68,  Cheapside,  E.C., 
by  Protlieroe  &  Morris. 

WEDNESDAY— 

Herbaceous  Plants,  Lilies  and  other  Bulbs.at  12  ;  Roses, 
ai  1.30;  Azaleas,  Rhododendrons,  Palms,  and  Plants, 
at  5;  at  67  &  68,  Cheapside,  E.C.,  by  Protheroe  & 
Morris. 

FRIDAY— 

The  collection  of  established  Orchids  formed  by  the 
late  Lord  Burton,  500  Cattleya  labiata,  and  an  importa- 
tion of  Dendrobium  Jamesianum ;  at  67  &  68,  Cheap- 
side,  E.C.,  by  Protheroe  &  Morris,  at  12.45. 


The    fact    that    living    organ- 

Tem™reature  isms'    both    Plant    and   animal> 
of  respire  is  well   known.      It   is 

Plants?  also  well  known  that  the  pro- 
cess of  respiration,  which  may 
be  described  roughly  as  one  of  oxidation, 
results  not  only  in  the  release  of  energy 
wh  reby  the  organism  does  the  work  of  liv- 
ing, but  also  in  the  production  of  energy 
in  the  form  of  heat. 

The  usual  method  of  demonstrating  this 
production  of  heat  consists  of  inserting  a 
thermometer  into  the  midst  of  each  of  two 
>  of  soaked  Feas  or  similar  objects,  the 
one  heap  consisting  of  dead,  the  other  of 
living  material.  When  careful  precautions 
are  taken  against  loss  of  heat  by  radiation, 
it  is  possible  to  observe  that  the  ther- 
mometer in  the  heap  of  living,  respiring 
si  i  '  >  records  one  or  two  degrees  of  tempera- 
ture more  than  that  recorded  in  the  control 
heap  of  dead,  and,  therefore,  non-respiring 
seeds.  Such  a  small  difference  in  tempera- 
ture is  not  impressive,  and,  indued,  is  mis- 
leading. Professor  Peirce,  of  Stanford 
University,  California,  has  introduced  a  new 
m  thod  by  the  aid  of  which  it  is  possible  to 
den  instrate  that  the  amount  of  heat  liberated 
by  germinating  seeds,  opening  flower-buds, 
or  other  living  objects,  is  much  more  con- 
sid  rable  than  is  indicated  by  the  results  ob- 
tained by  the  old  methods  of  experiment. 

The  essential  of  the  new  method  consists 
an   the  use  of   the   well-known    Dewar   flask 


as  the  vessel  in  which  the  respiring  object, 
seed,  flower,  or  other  is  placed.  The  Dewar 
flask,  known  popularly  as  the  thermo  flask, 
was  invented  by  the  distinguished  chemist 
after  whom  it  is  named  for  the  purpose  of 
experimentation  with  liquid  air.  It  consists 
of  two  glass  flasks,  silvered  or  unsilvered, 
fused  together  at  the  neck,  but  otherwise 
separated  from  one  another  by  a  space  from 
which  the  air.is  exhausted.  Such  an  apparatus 
makes  an  admirable  non-conductor,  and  it 
is,  of  course,  on  this  property  of  non-conduc- 
tion that  the  general  use  of  the  thermo  flask 
depends.  Hot  liquids  placed  in  it  retain  their 
heat  for  many  hours ;  conversely,  and  for  the 
same  reason,  cold  liquids  remain  cold. 

Using  such  flasks,  Professor  Peirce  found 
that,  when  filled  with  germinating  Peas,  a 
thermometer  plunged  through  a  plug  of  cot- 
ton wool  in  the  neck  of  the  flask,  and  so 
brought  into  contact  with  the  Peas,  regis- 
tered at  the  beginning  of  the  experiment 
lf°  C.  On  the  following  day  the  temperature 
registered  was  19°  C.  in  the  morning  and  230 
C.  in  the  evening.  During  subsequent  days 
it  rose  steadily  and  reached  a  maximum  of 
560  C.  (=  1320  F.),  or  many  degrees  above 
fever-heat,  on  the  eighth  day.  In  the  con- 
trol-experiment, which  consisted  in  placing 
dead  Peas  in  a  similar  flask  under  like  condi- 
tions, the  temperature  showed  no  rise  at  all 
during  the  eight  days. 

Another  series  of  experiments  made  inde- 
pendently by  Profi  ssor  Molisch  confirm  these 
remarkable  results.  Professor  Molisch  used 
large  quantities — from  6  to  10  lbs. — of  living 
leaves,  and,  taking  precautions  to  prevent 
loss  of  heat  by  radiation,  found  that  the  tem- 
perature within  the  mass  of  leaves  rose  very 
rapidly  and  extraordinarily.  In  the  course 
of  12  to  15  hours  the  temperature  of  a  mass 
of  Pyrus  mains  leaves  rose  to  5o'J  C.  (13S0 
F.);  Hornbeam  to  51. 50  C,  Lime  to  50. 8°  C, 
and  so  on.  The  leaves  of  other  plants,  e.g., 
evergreens  such  as  Ivy  and  Conifers  like 
Abies  excelsa  gave  less  striking  results. 
As  in  Professor  Pence's  experiments,  so  here 
there  is  no  question  of  Ihe  heal  having  been 
produced  bv  fermentation  set  up  by  micro- 
organisms. Indeed,  Professor  Molisch  found 
that  if  the  experiment  was  stopped  before  the 
highest  temperatures  were  reached,  the  leaves 
were  alive  and  fresh.  When  the  experi- 
ment was  continued  after  the  highest  tempe- 
ratures had  been  attained,  the  thermometers 
recorded  at  first  a  gradual  fall  of  tempera- 
ture and  a  subsequent  and  second  rise  due 
to  the  respiratory  activity  of  fungi  and  other 
micro-organisms. 

He  interprets  the  fall  of  temperature  which 
takes  place  after  about  15  hours  as  being  due 
to  the  death  of  the  leaves,  and  concludes  that 
the  leaves  of  such  plants  as  Apple  and  Horn- 
beam actually  kill  themselves  by  the  high  tem- 
perature set  up  by  their  respiratory  activity. 
In  the  overcrowded  and  insulated  situations 
in  which  the  leaves  find  themselves  they  die 
of  fever. 

Professor  Molisch  himself  points  out  that 
these  high  temperatures  set  up  by  masses  of 
cut  leaves  are  not  altogether  normal,  and  are, 
in  fact,  to  be  ascribed  in  part  to  "  wound- 
fever."  As  has  been  shown  by  various  ob- 
serv  rs,  wounded  plants,  for  example,  cut 
Potato  tubers,  devi  i  ip,  as  a  response  to  the 
stimulus  of  wounding,  a  "  wound-fever." 
Shortly  af:er  the  operation  a  cut  Potato,   re- 


spiring more  actively,  develops  more  heat 
than  it  would  have  developed  had  it  remained 
intact.  Just  as  in  animals  and  man  himself 
wounding  may  be  followed  by  fever,  so  it 
may  be  in  plants. 

Nevertheless,  these  high  temperatures  set 
up  in  masses  of  leaves  are  by  no  means  due 
altogether  to  "wound-fever,"  for  cut-off 
branches  with  intact  leaves  show  a  similar 
though  smaller  rise  of  temperature.  It  will 
be  recognised  that  no  such  temperatures  a', 
those  here  recorded  would  be  developed  in  a 
plant  under  normal  conditions,  for  the  heat 
would  be  dissipated  both  by  radiation  and  con- 
duction. Nevertheless,  these  facts  are  of 
great  practical  and  theoretical  interest  :  of 
practical  interest  in  showing  that  large 
masses  of  grain,  tubers,  roots,  &c,  closely 
packed,  may  readily  suffer  from  overheat- 
ing ;  of  theoretical  interest  in  indicating 
that  high,  local  temperatures  may  be  de- 
veloped in  the  plant.  Now,  many  of  the  nor- 
mal chemical  operations  which  the  plant 
carries  out  are  operations  which  proceed  more 
swiftly  at  a  higher  than  at  a  lower  tempera- 
ture. These  experiments  of  Molisch  and 
Peirce  indicate  that  a  transitory,  local  heat- 
ing up  of  the  plant  may  take  place  as  the 
result  of  its  increased  respiration,  and  that, 
in  consequence  of  the  higher  temperature, 
the  rate  of  many  vital  processes  may  be  ac- 
celerated. 


Acanthus  montanus.— This  tropical  species 
of  Acanthus  is  not  often  seen  in  gardens 
in  this  country,  vet  its  decorative  valve 
entitles  it  to  a  place  in  the  stove.  The  plant  has 
a  double  attraction,  for  not  only  is  the  inflores- 
cence stately,  but  the  foliage  is  also  of  a 
highly  decorative  character.  The  bracteoles  are 
veined  with  light  purple,  causing  the 
flowers  to  appear  of  that  colour,  although 
the  species  is  sometimes  described  as  rose- 
coloured.  The  three-lobed  lip  of  the  corolla 
is  perfectly  white.  In  our  sketch  (fig.  86)  by  Mr. 
Worthington  Smith,  ths  leaf  is  given  in  outline 
only,  and  does  not  show  the  beautiful  marbling 
of  yellow  and  green  on  the  lamina.  The  leaves 
arise  close  together,  and  spread  themselves 
quite  horizontally,  giving  a  somewhat  stiff  ap- 
pearance, which  is  further  accentuated  by  tht 
spinescent  character  of  the  plar. ..  The  in- 
florescence is  drawn  in  our  sketch  to  a  natural 
size  from  a  plant  exhibited  by  Messrs.  James 
Veitch  &  Sons,  at  the  meeting  of  the  Royal  Hor- 
ticultural Society,  December  22  last,  when  the 
Floral  Committee  conferred  on  the  plant  a  First- 
class  Certificate.  The  whole  character  of  the 
plant,  in  common  with  other  Acanthaceous 
species,  is  spiny. 

Surrey  Education  Committee. — Mr.  A.  E. 

Burgess,  for  several  years  lecturer  in  gardening 
to  the  Hertfordshire  County  Council,  has  be;n 
appointed  inspector  of  school  gardens  under  the 
Surrey  Education  Committee.  The  post  became 
vacant  by  the  resignation  of  Mr.  John  Wright, 
V.M.H.,  who  felt  himself  unable  to  continue  the 
duties.  During  the  past  three  years  Mr. 
Horace  J.  Wright  has  carried  out  the  work  on 
behalf  of  his  father,  and  the  Education  Com- 
mittee recently  offered  him  the  permanent  in- 
spectorship, but  other  engagements  prevented 
him  from  giving  his  whole  time  to  the  post. 
Prior  to  his  appointment  in  Hertfordshire,  Mr. 
Burgess  was  head  gardener  and  assistant  in- 
structor under  the  Essex  County  Council,  and 
also  conducted  classes  in  nature  study  and  in 
horticulture  for  teachers.  There  will  be  this 
year  in  Surrey  some  106  blocks  of  school  gardens 
and  2,000  lads  receiving  garden  instruction. 


March  27,  1909.] 


THE     GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


201 


Linnean  Society. — A  meeting  of  Fellows  will 
be  held  on  Thursday,  April  1,  at  8  p.m.,  when 
the  following  paper,  amongst  others,  will  be 
read: — "Results  of  Breeding  Experiments  with 
Peas,  showing  Mendelian  Phenomena,"  by  Mr. 
A.   D.  Darbishire. 

English  Visitors  to  the  Berlin  Show. — 

The  following  gentlemen  have  accepted  invi- 
tations to  act  as  jurymen  at  the  International 
horticultural  exhibition  at  Berlin: — Messrs. 
Stuart  II.  Low,  George  Paul,  Harry 
J.  Veitch,  S.  T.  Wright,  Louis  Sander, 
and  R.  Hooper  Pearson.  The  Council  of 
the  Royal  Horticultural  Society  on  Tuesday 
last  deputed  Sir  Daniel  Morris,  K.C.M.G., 
V.M.H.,  D.Sc,  and  Mr.  Harry  J.  Veitch, 
V.M.H.,  to  represent  the  Society  on  the  invi- 
tation of  the  organising  body  to  send  two 
delegates.  The  members  of  the  jury  will  meet 
on  Thursday,  April  1,  at  nine  o'clock  a.m.,  and 
the  show  will  be  open  to  the  public  from 
April  2  to  April  13. 

*A  Book  on  Hardy  Flowers.  — M.  Philippe 
de  VtLMORlN  has  recently  edited  a  new  edition 
of  T.cs  Fleurs  de  Phine  Tcrre.  It  is  a  com- 
prehensive and  instructive  volume,  containing 
nearly  1,400  pages,  and  illustrated  with  1,800 
small  woodcuts,  beside  several  full-paged 
plates  in  colour.  The  French  landscape  gar- 
dener, M.  Ed.  Andre,  supplies  several  garden 
plans  in  colour.  We  note  that  at  the 
outset  some  attention  is  paid  to  the 
raising  of  seeds  and  to  the  various  methods 
of  raising  flowering  plants  for  outdoor  cul- 
ture. Every  flower  named  is  enumerated  in 
alphabetical  order,  and  the  author  under  each 
separate  heading  deals  with  the  etymology,  the 
habitat,  synonyms,  culture,  &c,  of  the  plant 
in  question.  Throughout  this  portion  there  are 
many  cross  references  that  will  help  the  reader 
in  any  research  he  may  be  engaged  upon.  The 
second  part  of  the  volume  contains  many  tabu- 
lated and  selected  lists  for  various  purposes. 
There  are  comprehensive  lists  of  plants  classed 
according  to  their  nature  and  use.  The  rock- 
garden  receives  attention,  and  there  are  several 
views  in  M.  VlLMORIN'S  own  lock-garden  at 
Verrieres.  A  glossary  of  botanical  and  horti- 
cultural terms  is  given,  and  the  names  of  flowers 
in  several  of  the  European  languages  find  a 
place  in  the  closing  pages  of  the  book.  In  the 
calendar  of  seed-raising  and  planting  the  period 
of  flowering  of  each  plant  is  added,  and  in 
another  calendar  the  flowers  are  arranged 
in  lists  month  by  month,  according  to  the 
flowering  season  of  each.  The  classification  of 
flowers  according  to  colo-ir  is  useful,  as  is  also 
the  examples  of  planting  beds  and  borders  for 
obtaining  a  succession  of  bloom  from  June  to 
autumn. 

Deep  Tillage  in  the  Kitchen  Garden. 
The  discussion  upon  this  subject  which  has 
taken  place  recently  in  these  pages,  and  which 
we  propose  to  bring  to  a  close  in  the  present 
issue,  has  arisen  from  differences  in  respect  to 
methods  rather  than  to  any  lack  of  apprecia- 
tion of  the  advantages  to  be  obtained  by  trench- 
ing. These  advantages  have  been  described 
again  and  again  in  these  columns,  and  no  ex- 
perienced gardener  would  think  of  questioning 
them  for  one  moment.  Mr.  Beckett  aims 
at  efficiency  and,  having  considerable  re- 
sources at  his  command,  he  regards  labour 
and  expense  of  quite  secondary  importance.  He 
knows  perfectly  well  that  the  roots  of  most 
vegetables,  the  tap-rooted  ones  especially,  are 
capable  of  growing  very  deeply  into  the  soil  ; 
therefore,  he  knows  that  the  sooner  the  bulk 
of  soil  can  be  brought  into  an  equal  condition 

«  Les  fleurs  de  plrine  tcrre,  by  Vilmorin,  Andrieux  et  Cie., 
Pans. 


of  fertility,  we  will  say  2  or  even  3  feet  deep, 
the  sooner  he  will  have  a  perfect  root  medium 
for  his  crops.  In  this  he  is  right,  and 
most  of  our  readers  who  have  joined  in  the 
discussion   are  well   aware   that  the  results   of 


the  deep  tilling  practised  in  the  Aldenham 
House  gardens  are  unexcelled.  How  long  the 
process  of  converting  the  deeper  soil  to  a  fer- 
tile condition  is  to  last  in  a  particular  garden 
must    depend    upon    circumstances.     If    a    poor 


FlG.   86. — ACANTHUS    MONTANUS,    A    STOVE    FLOWERING    PLANT.      (See  p.  200.,i 


202 


THE    GARDENERS'      CHRONICLE. 


[March  27,  1909. 


subsoil  can  be  broub.it  to  the  surface  and  made 
fertile  by  the  action  of  the  weather  and  by  the 
adding  of  suitable  materials  in  one  year,  so 
much  the  better,  but  if  circumstances  are  not 
favourable  the  process  must  be  continued  for 
several  years.  In  cases,  for  instance,  where 
the  area  of  ground  available  for  cultivation  is 
very  limited,  or  where  labour  is  scarce,  it  may 
be  necessary  to  proceed  slowly,  but  it  has  not 
been  shown  that  in  the  interval  it  is  possible  to 
cultivate  vegetables  of  the  same  quality  as  those 
Mr.  Beckett  habitually  exhibits. 

The  "Wood"  Fond  (seep.  171).— Mr.  George 
Monro  sends  us  the  following  list  of  additional 
contributions  on  behalf  of  Mr.  W.  Wood,  Dart- 
ford  Heath,  who  recently  sustained  great  loss 
to  his  plant  houses  owing  to  a  heavy  fall  of 
snow: — The  total  amount  published  on  p.  171 
was  £56  2s.  The  following  amounts  have 
been  given  or  promised  since : — Sams,  W., 
£1  Is.;  Wright,  F.,  £2  2s.;  Rochford, 
E.,  £5;  Gray,  H.  P.,  £1  Is.;  Rochford, 
John,  £5  5s.  ;  Ryder,  E.,  £1  Is.  ;  Humphrey,  W. 
E.,  10s.  6d.  ;  Monro,  Geo.,  Junr.,  £1  Is. ;  Wills, 
E.,  10s.  6d.  ;  Kingsmill,  Andrew,  10s.  ;  Cypher, 
James,  &  Sons,  £1  Is.  ;  Veitch,  James,  &  Son, 
£5  5s.  ;  Mott,  E.  C.,  £2  2s.  ;  Aquatias,  Paul, 
2s.  ;  Howard,  Henry,  2s.  6d.  ;  Clark,  G.  &  A., 
10s.  6d.  ;  Watkins,  A.,  £1 ;  Barter,  J.  F.,  £1  Is.  ; 
total  £85  8s.  We  are  glad  to  record  the 
generous  way  in  which  Mr.  Monro's  appeal  on 
behalf  of  Mr.  W.  Wood  is  being  met,  and  hope 
that  those  sympathisers  who  have  not  yet  sent 
subscriptions  will  do  so  without  delay. 

Publications  Received. —  The  Agricultural 
Journal  of  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope.    (February.) 
(Cape  Town  :  Cape  Times,  Ltd.    Price  6d.) — Clay's 
Successful   Gardening.      (Fourth    edition).      By 
Professional,     Amateur,    and    Market     Growers. 
'T-ondon  :  Clay  &  Son,  Stratford).     Price  9d.  net. 
liock,  Wall,  and  Water  Gardens.  (Colchester  : 
K.    Wallace    &    Co.,    Kilnfield    Gardens).— New 
Zealand  Department    of  Agriculture.      (Dairy 
Division.)     Bulletin  No.  11 :  Review  of  the  work 
of  the  1907-8  season,  by  W.  M.  Singleton,  Acting 
Dairy  Commissioner.  (Wellington  :  John  MacKay, 
Government    Printer). — New    Zealand  Depart- 
ment of  Agriculture.    (Dairy  Division.)    Bulletin 
No.    12 :    New    Zealand    dairy   produce   on    the 
British  market :  with  notes  on  dairying  in  Great 
Britain,    Denmark,  and    Canada,  by  D.   Cuddie, 
Dairy    Commissioner.     (Wellington  :    John   Mac- 
Kay,  Government  Printer). — New  Zealand  De- 
partment of  Agriculture.    (Veterinary  Division.) 
Bulletin  No.  13  :  Bovine  Contagious  Mammitis,  by 
J.  A.  Gilruth.  (Wellington  :  John  MacKay,  Govern- 
ment   Printer). — New    Zealand   Department    of 
Agriculture's  Annual  Report  for  1908.     (Wel- 
lington :    John  MacKay,  Government  Printer.) — 
The    Journal    of    the    Board    of    Agriculture. 
(March).      Containing   information  on   Narcissus 
cultivation,    planting   of   fruit   trees,   varieties   of 
Pears,  notes  on  insect,  fungus,  and  other  pests, 
etc.        (London :      Board     of    Agriculture     and 
Fisheries).     Price  id. —  Trees  and  Shrubs  of  the 
British    Isles,    Native    and    Acclimatised.      By 
C.  S.  Cooper,  and  W.   Percival  Westell,  F.L  S. 
Part  II.     (London  :    J.  M.  Dent  &  Co.,  29  &  30, 
Bedford  Street,  W.C.).     Price  Is.  net— Board  of 
Agriculture  and  Fisheries.     (Agricultural  Statis- 
tics   1908).      Vol.  XLIII.,   Part  II.       Returns  of 
Produce  of  Crops  in  Great  Britain,  with  summaries 
for  the  United  Kingdom.      (London:    Wyman  & 
Sons,    Ltd..    Fetter   Lane,    E.C.).      Price  4}d.— 
The  Royal  Gardeners'  Orphan  Fund  Twenty- 
first  Annual  Report  and  List    of  Subscribers, 
1909.    (London:  Milton  House,  35,  Surrey  Street, 
Strand,     W.C.).— The     Book    of    the    Cottage 
Garden.     By  Charles  Thonger.     (London  :  John 
Lane,  The   Bodley  Head).      Price  2s.  6d.  net. — 
Imperial  Department    of   Agriculture    for    the 
West     Indies.        Report     on     the     Experiment 
Station,     Tortola,     Virgin     Islands.     (Barbados : 
The   Imperial    Commissioner   of   Agriculture   for 
the  West  Indies).    Price  3d. — List  of  Herbaceous 
Perennials  Tested  in  the  Arboretum  and  Botanic 
Garden  Central  Experimental  Farm,  Ottawa, 
Canada.      With  descriptions  of  flowers  and  other 
notes.      By   W.    T.    Macoun.      Bulletin    No.    5 : 
Second  Series.      (Ottawa:    Government   Printing 


Bureau).  —  Purdue  University  Agricultural  Ex- 
periment Station.  Bulletin  No.  131 :  Vol.  XIV. 
Concentrated  commercial  feeding  stuffs.  (U.S.A. : 
Lafayette,  Indiana).  —  "Lloyd's  "  Gardening 
Book.  Edited  by  William  Earley.  (London: 
Edward  Lloyd,  Ltd.,  12,  Salisbury  Square,  E.C.) 
Price  3d.  net. 


FLORISTS'    FLOWERS. 


SWEET  PEA  "HENRY  ECKFORD." 
As  the  Rev.  D.  R.  Williamson  said  on  p.  177, 
this  flower  has  great  beauty,  but  it  requires 
shading  from  hot  sunshine  in  order  to  colour 
perfectly.  Its  colour  is  a  rich  salmon,  exqui- 
site in  texture  and  finish.  There  is  a  Spencer 
(waved)  counterpart  of  "  Henry  Eckford  "  in  ex- 
istence, although  it  has  not  yet  been  put  on  the 
market  for  sale.  It  has  two  names,  "  Nancy 
Perkins,"  under  which  it  received  the  Award  of 
Merit  of  the  National  Sweet  Pea  Society,  and 
"  Earl  Spencer,"  the  name  under  which  it  has 
been  well  shown  by  Mr.  Cole,  gardener  to  Earl 
Spencer.  Among  Sweet  Pea  enthusiasts  this 
Spencer  form  of  "  Henry  Eckford "  is  much 
talked  about.  It  is  expected  to  be  purchase- 
able  in  the  autumn  of  this  year,  but  few  growers 
have  any  large  quantity  of  it,  and  the  demand 
is  expected  to  exceed  the  supply.     A  nice  point 


is  available,  it  is  best  to  sow  the  seeds  in  boxes 
or  pots,  and  transplant  them  early  in  April. 
If  there  is  no  frame,  the  seeds  may  be  sown 
in  deep  boxes  about  half  filled  with  soil,  using 
a  sheet  of  glass  over  the  top  and  taking  care 
to  admit  plenty  of  air  during  the  day.  By  this 
method  the  plants  are  preserved  from  birds  and 
slugs  whilst  very  young. 

If  lard  buckets  are  used,  one  or  two  plants 
are  enough  in  each.  After  planting  care  must 
be  fallen  never  to  allow  them  to  become  dry. 
An  occasional  dressing  of  artificial  manure  will 
be  of  great  benefit,  for  the  tubs  soon  become 
filled  with  roots.  The  manure  can  be  used  in  a 
dry  state,  and  sprinkled  on  the  soil,  or  it  may  be 
well  stirred  into  water.  Some  varieties  are 
more  adapted  than  others  for  tub  culture. 
Among  the  best  for  this  purpose  are  Etta  Dyke 
(white),  Yellow  Hammer  (primrose),  Queen 
Alexandra  (scarlet),  Geo.  Herbert  (rose),  Frank 
Dolby  (lavender),  Chrissie  Unwin  (cerise),  and 
Countess  of  Northbrook  !pale  pink).  Never  let 
a  seed  pod  form,  or  the  plants  will  soon  cease 
to  bloom,  but  if  the  flowers  are  cut  before 
going  to  seed  it  is  possible  to  keep  the  plants 
in  flower  from  June  until  October. 

Should  the  plants  get  too  high,  take  the  tops 
out.  This  will  cause  the  side  shoots  to  flower 
more  freely.  The  best  stakes  are  formed  of 
dark  bamboo  canes,   which   can  be  bought   of 


FlG.    87. — A   TUKF-CUTT1NG    MACHINE. 


arises — Are  "  Nancy  Perkins "  and  "  Earl 
Spencer"  the  same?  For  all  practical  purposes 
the}'  are,  and  no  doubt  they  will  be  bracketed 
by  the  National  Sweet  Pea  Society  as  like 
varieties.  The  reduction  of  the  list  of  names 
is  a  consummation  much  to  be  desired. 
Will  the  National  Sweet  Pea  Society  ever  take 
its  courage  in  both  hands  and  decide  to  recog- 
nise only  one  name  for  synonymous  varieties, 
or,  as  it  prefers  to  term  them,  "  too  much 
alike  varieties "  ?  Only  when  it  does  this 
will  the  list  be  reduced.     Correspondent. 

SWEET  PEAS  IN  TUBS. 
In  some  town  gardens  it  may  be  necessary  to 
grow  Sweet  Peas  in  tubs.  Oil  barrels  cut  in 
half  and  painted  green  will  last  for  years.  If 
these  are  too  large,  a  lard  bucket,  painted,  will 
answer  the  purpose  well  enough.  Holes  should 
be  drilled  in  the  bottom,  and  a  good  layer  of 
crocks  or  rough  cinders  should  be  put  at  the 
base  for  drainage.  On  this  put  a  layer  of  rotted 
manure,  then  nearly  fill  the  tub  with  some 
good  soil,  bonemeal  and  manure.  The  soil 
should  be  made  moderately  firm  by  ramming. 
If  oil  barrels  are  used,  put  in  each  barrel 
10  or  a  dozen  seeds,  but  thin  the  plants  out 
to  five  when  all  danger  of  losing  them  is  past. 
Five  plants  will  give  better  results  and  more 
blossoms  than  if  12  were  left.     If  a  cool  frame 


horticultural  sundriesmen.  Place  one  or  two 
stakes  to  each  plant,  then  twine  some  green 
twine  from  one  to  the  other.  The  tendrils  will 
cling  to  this,  and,  with  just  an  occasional  tie, 
the  plants  will  always  look  neat  and  tidy. 
Sweet  Peas  in  tubs  can  also  be  used  for 
covering  a  trellis  or  wall,  provided  something 
is  put  for  them  to  cling  to.  For  a  small 
garden  I  do  not  think  there  is  a  better  way  to 
grow   Sweet  Peas  than  this.      Geo.  Herbert. 


A  TURF-GUTTING  MACHINE. 

The  turf-cutting  machine  shown  in  fig.  87  has 
been  in  use  for  some  years  past  in  Messrs. 
Stannig's  garden  and  grounds  near  Preston. 
In  Cuerden  Hall  Gardens  we  have  stripped  1J 
acres  of  turf  in  30  hours.  There  was  barely  a 
yard  of  sward  without  a  clump  of  rushes,  but 
that  made  no  difference  to  the  working  of  the 
machine.  But  it  is  of  little  use  if  the  ground 
contains  many  stones ;  on  one  occasion  the 
blade  came  in  contact  with  a  large  stone,  and 
the  man  guiding  the  handles  was  lifted  nearly 
two  feet  off  the  ground.  Fortunately  this  only 
happened  a  few  times. 

Two  horses  are  required  to  draw  the  machine, 
also  a  man  to  guide  the  handles  and  another  to 
lead   the   horses.      The  pace  is   about   equal   to 


March  27,  1909] 


THE     GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


203 


that  of  slow  ploughing.  There  are  circular 
knives,  one  on  either  side  of  the  back  roller, 
and  they  are  12  inches  apart.  These  determine 
the  width  of  the  turves.  They  can  be  regulated 
to  cut  to  any  depth,  and  the  knife  or  plate  under- 
neath cuts  the  sward  far  more  evenly  than  does 
an  ordinary  hand-worked  turf-cutter.  The  turves 
may  be  left  in  their  places  on  the  ground  until 
required  for  removal.  We  have  another  useful 
implement  to  cut  the  turves  the  desired  length. 
Guided  by  a  line,  the  operator  pushes  the  cutter 
before  him  at  a  moderate  speed.  The  blade  can 
also  be  regulated  to  the  desired  depth.  In  this  dis- 
trict turves  are  cut  to  a  width  of  1  foot,  but  only 
about  16  inches  in  length,  which  allows  them  tu 
be  placed  in  their  new  position  with  forks.  The 
objection  to  this  smaller  size  is  that  there  are 
many  apertures  requiring  to  be  filled  with  fine 
soil.  Wm.  P.  Roberts,  Cuerdin  Hall  Gardens, 
Preston. 


HOME   CORRESPONDENCE. 


(The  Editor  does  not  hold  himself  responsible /or  the 
opinions  expressed  by  his  correspondents.) 

The  Fruit  Classes  at  the  R.H.S. 
Meetings.— When  I  s^w  the  Booh  of  Arrange- 
ments for  1909,  I  thought  that  one  reason  for 
discontinuing  the  autumn  fruit  show  was  in 
order  to  have  classes  at  the  usual  fortnightly 
meetings  that  would  serve  to  bring  before  the 
public  such  varieties  of  fruit  as  could  scarcely 
be  shown  at  their  best  in  September  or  October. 
But,  like  your  correspondent  D.,  in  your  issue  of 
March  13,  I  am  greatly  disappointed  that  prizes 
were  awarded  to  varieties  like  Cox's  Orange 
Pippin  and  King  of  the  Pippins  when  exhibited 
in  February.  Although  such  varieties  can  be 
kept  in  good  condition  till  late  spring  (I  have 
had  Cox's  Orange  Pippin  good  in  May),  it  does 
not  follow  that,  with  the  great  majority  of 
growers,  this  would  be  the  case.  The  rule 
that  an  exhibitor  may  not  exhibit  in  two 
classes,  differing  only  in  the  number  of 
dishes,  prevents  him  from  showing  in  both  the 
collections  and  single-dish  classes,  and,  there- 
fore, the  classes  are  not  so  well  filled  as  they 
might  be.     Pomona. 

D.,    p.    163,    appears    to    be    a    little 

hurt  because  the  exhibits  of  late  Apples 
at  the  R.H.S.  meeting  on  February  23 
and  the  judgment  on  them  were  not  in  ac- 
cordance with  his  own  views.  The  class,  as 
scheduled,  made  no  reference  to  varieties,  but 
left  the  choice  entirely  with  the  exhibitors.  If  the 
class  had  been  one  for  Grapes,  instead  of 
Apples,  are  we  to  assume  that  well-preserved 
bunches  of  Muscat  of  Alexandria,  Madresfield 
Court,  &c,  would  have  been  inadmissible?  D. 
gives  the  varieties  exhibited  by  the  trade  firms, 
and  says  that  rot  one  of  these  sombre-looking 
fruits  were  to  be  seen  in  the  amateurs'  prize  col- 
lections. I  agree  with  D.  that  February  is  early 
for  an  exhibition  of  late  Apples,  and,  as  D.  savs, 
April  would  be  more  suitable,  when  the  qualities 
could  then  be  better  judged.  The  Fruit  and 
Vegetable  Committee  sits  fortnightly,  and  if  D. 
or  any  other  person  cares  to  exhibit  at  these 
meetings  in  April  good  dishes  of  any  of  the  late 
varieties  of  Apples,  they  will  not  be  overlooked, 
but  awarded  recognition  according  to  their 
worth.     Double  D. 

Narcissi  for  Forcing. — At  the  meeting  of 
the  Royal  Horticultural  Society  held  on  March  9 
the  Narcissus  Committee  awarded  Certificates  of 
Commendation  to  two  Narcissi  for  their  value 
as  forcing  varieties.  A  Narcissus  that  will  re- 
spond to  early  forcing  is  very  valuable, 
but  there  is  such  a  wide  difference  be- 
tween the  variety  that  is  destined  chieflv 
for  a  "  show "  flower  and  one  that  ranks 
as  a  market  flower.  In  view  of  the  fact  that  the 
Daffodil  had  for  two  months  prior  to  March  9 
been  a  leading  feature  in  the  flower  markets, 
whilst  the  large  number  of  varieties  exhibited  at 
this  exhibition  were  also  forced,  that  date  does 
not  appear  to  be  a  particularly  suitable  one  on 
which  to  decide  the  forcing  value  of  any  variety. 
Adaptability  to  forcing,  and  in  particular  "early 
forcing,"  is  a  splendid  quality  in  a  Narcissus, 
particularly  if  the  flower  is  of  a  desirable  tone. 
E.    V.  Jenkins. 


Trenching  (see  also  p.  201).  — The  discussion 
on  this  question  is,  from  my  point  of 
view,  interesting.  I  can  hardly  hope  or 
expect  to  convince  those  who  are  known 
to  be  strongly  opposed  to  the  system  I  have 
recommended.  Mr.  A.  Shakleton  enquires  how 
the  first  crops  fared  after  the  work  had  been  ac- 
complished. My  answer  is,  quite  satisfactorily. 
In  following  my  system,  a  certain  amount  of 
trouble  is  necessary  during  the  first  season  or 
two  after  trenching,  but,  having  once  accom- 
plished this,  the  difficulty  is  overcome.  Many 
can  bear  witness  as  to  the  crops  obtained 
here  during  the  first  year  after  the  work 
has  been  carried  out.  I  am  glad  Mr. 
Shakelton  and  I  are  at  one  as  to  the  value 
of  a  deep  tillage  of  the  soil ;  the  great  differ- 
ence seems  to  be  as  to  the  method  in  producing 
it.  My  contention  is  that  the  sooner  this  can  be 
achieved  the  better,  but  few  gardeners  are  in  a 
position,  even  if  they  wished,  to  deep-trench  the 
whole  of  their  kitchen  garden  in  one  season. 
Mr.  G.  H.  Jenkins  is  not  far  wrong  when  he 
states  that  some  persons  appear  to  have  a  dislike 
bordering  on  dread  when  they  see  clay  soil  on  the 
surface,  forgetting  how  soon  this  may  be  br  mght 
to  good  use,  and  that  what  is  so  frequently 
termed  inert  soil  is  too  often  left  below  to  remain 
as  such.  In  answer  to  /.  S.,  I  have  had  a  great 
many  kinds  of  soil  to  deal  with,  but  never  one 
such  as  he  describes,  where  the  subsoil  is  so  bad 
that  even  weeds  cannot  exist  in  it.  My  advice 
is,  take  extreme  measures  and  trench  the  whole 
of  it  to  the  depth  I  recommend,  and  do  the  best 
to  alter  the  character  of  such  soil  as  quickly  as 
possible.  If  Mr.  E.  Simms  is  under  the  impres- 
sion that  I  recommend  bringing  unkindly  subsoil 
to  the  surface  only  to  those  who  have  excep- 
tional facilities  for  carrying  out  the  work  he 
is  mistaken.  I  am  of  opinion  that  the  more  in- 
ferior the  subsoil  the  greater  need  is  there  for 
deep  trenching  and  taking  drastic  measures  for 
bringing  this  to  the  surface,  where  it  can  be  more 
conveniently  dealt  with  both  by  the  aid  of  the 
weather  and  by  adding  suitable  ingredients.  I 
can  assure  Mr.  Simms  that  he  has  not  misunder- 
stood me  and  that  my  advice  was  not  given  sub- 
ject to  reservation.     E.  Becketl. 

; 1   agree   with    Mr.    Beckett's   mode   of 

trenching  when  cultivation  has  been  long  pur- 
sued and  when  the  subsoil  has  become  disinte- 
grated and  decomposed  by  the  roofs  of  plants, 
&c.  ;  but  I  do  not  believe  in  burying  the  top- 
spit  and  replacing  it  by  a  crude  subsoil,  as 
this  system  would  result  in  the  loss  of  years  of 
profitable  cropping.  In  our  garden  the  subsoil 
is  impregnated  with  salts  of  iron,  which,  when 
brought  to  the  surface,  are  detrimental  to  the 
growth  of  vegetation.  Bastard-trenching  may 
be  recommended  with  advantage  on  such  land, 
and  in  another  year,  when  the  subsoil  has  had 
plenty  of  manure,  &c,  incorporated  with  it,  the 
ground  may  be  trenched.  I  am  inclined  to  think 
that  a  person  who  advocates  bringing  subsoil 
to  the  surface,  no  matter  what  its  condition,  has 
not  had  much  practice  in  breaking  up  land.  It 
is  one  thing  to  break  up  new  land  and 
quite  another  to  trench  a  garden  that  has  been 
cultivated  for  a  century  and  a  half.  Few  gar- 
deners have  the  spare  labour  to  trench  to  a 
depth  of  3  feet,  but  good  crops  can  be  grown 
on  land  that  has  been  manured  and  bastard- 
trenched.     G.   II.   TI.    W.,  North  Hants. 

1  am  pleased  to  read  the  testimony  of 

Mr.  Beckett  (p.  7(jj  as  to  the  value  of  bring- 
ing to  the  surface  the  bottom  layer  of  soil 
when  land  is  trenched.  On  taking  charge  of  these 
gardens,  10  years  ago,  I  found  the  surface  soil 
was  only  9  inches  in  depth,  the  subsoil  being  a 
very  stiff  clay.  In  my  first  year  the  land  was 
well  dug,  receiving  at  the  same  time  a  good 
diessing  of  London  manure,  but  with  very  poor 
results.  I  therefore  resolved  to  adopt  Mr. 
Beckett's  advice  on  trenching.  I  selected  two 
plots  to  start  with.  I  had  them  dug  three  spits 
deep,  and  the  bottom  layer  was  brought  to  the 
top.  Having  plenty  of  manure  at  my  disposal, 
the  trenches  were  filled  with  dung  that  had  been 
exposed  to  the  influence  of  the  weather  through- 
out the  winter.  In  the  spring  the  land  re- 
ceived a  liberal  top-dressing  of  wood  ashes,  with 
soot  and  lime  added,  and  these  materials  were 
lightly  forked  in.  The  crops  planted  on  this 
land  were  Peas,  Scarlet  Runners,  Broad  Beans, 
and  Winter  Greens.  The  results  were  excel- 
lent in  the  first  year.  I  made  drills  for  the  Pe;>s 
and  Beans  with  a  spade  and  covered  the  seeds 


with  old  potting  soil.  The  Peas  grew  2  fe<  t 
above  the  average  height  and  yielded  splendi  1 
crops.  The  other  crops  were  equally  successful. 
I  have  now  completed  the  trenching  of  the  whole 
of  the  garden,  with  the  best  results.  It  ap- 
pears to  me  that  Mr.  Beckett's  critics  are  in- 
fluenced by  theory  and  not  by  practice.  Tlws. 
Pateman,  Node  Gardens,  Welwyn.  [This  corre- 
spondence must  now   cease. — Eds.] 

The  Training  of  Fruit  Trees  on  Walls. 

— The  remarks  by  B.,  p.  149,  relative  to  the  old- 
time  method  of  training  fruit  trees  on  walls  are 
interesting.  The  note  by  E.  M.  on  the  subject, 
p.  172,  is  of  too  sweeping  a  character,  if  not 
wholly  inaccurate,  as  applied  to  professional 
gardeners.  During  a  long  experience  in  repre- 
sentative gardens  in  England,  Ireland,  and  Scot- 
land, I  have  never  once  come  across  such  ex- 
amples of  training  fruit  trees  on  walls  as  de- 
scribed by  E.  M.  in  gardens  presided  over  by 
duly-qualified  gardeners.  The  shoots  of  the 
Peach  and  Morello  Cherry  should  be  trained  at 
4  inches  apart  on  the  prescribed  wall  space 
allowed  to  each  tree,  and  should  radiate  at  the 
same  angle  from  the  centre  on  either  side.  The 
Peach,  Nectarine,  and  Morello  Cherry  need  the 
same  methods  of  pruning  and  training.  They 
onlv  require  the  shoots  to  be  thinned  out  a 
little  and  shortened,  those  of  the  Peach  and 
Nectarine  to  a  wood-bud.  Strong,  leading 
shoots  should  be  cut  out  where  they  can  be  dis- 
pensed with  in  order  to  ensure  an  equal  distri- 
bution of  the  shoots  over  the  space  allotted  to 
each  tree  on  the  wall.  These  trees  require  more 
time  and  skill  to  train  them  properly  than  any 
other  kind  of  fruit  tree,  including  Apricot,  Pear, 
and  Plum.  The  pruning  and  training  of  the 
Morello  Cherry  should  be  proceeded  with  as 
soon  as  the  leaves  drop  ;  but  January  is  quite 
soon  enough  to  prune  and  trim  Peaches  and  Nec- 
tarines. I  always  cut  out  as  many  of  the  old 
branches  of  Fig  trees  in  May  as  there  are  shoots 
of  the  previous  year's  growth  to  take  their  place. 
By  so  deferring  the  pruning  of  these  trees 
the  wounds  bleed  very  little,  if  at  all,  be- 
cause the  sap  is  drawn  to  the  leaves.  The 
writer  has  had  charge  of  gardens  for  over  a 
quarter  of  a  century,  in  which  there  is  nearly  a 
mile  of  walls  devoted  to  fruit  trees.  Nearly  30fj 
yards  of  these  walls,  from  9  to  12  feet  high,  are 
devoted  to  Peach  and  Nectarine  trees,  more 
than  150  yards  to  Morello  Cherries,  and  nearly 
as  much  space  to  Fig  trees.  Four  men  were  en- 
gaged in  nailing  and  training  fruit  trees  from 
November  to  February,  at  which  date  the  head 
nailer  (after  the  Figs  were  attended  to)  took 
charge  of  the  trees  for  the  remainder  of  the  sum- 
mer and  early  autumn  months.     //.   W.   IV. 

Polvstichum  aculeatum  gracillimum 
Drueryi. — From  Mr.  Druery's  courteous  re- 
joinder (see  p.  188)  to  my  note,  two  facts  become 
evident.  First,  that  his  notions  of  nomenclature 
are  somewhat  hazy,  as  he  states  that  two  out  of 
the  four  names  are  specific,  whereas  the  first  is, 
of  course,  generic,  and  the  second  only  specific. 
The  next  in  order  (third,  which  is  really  varie- 
tal) he  states  "  is  descriptive,  and  distinguishes 
the  Fern  clearly  from  the  one  of  the  same  sec- 
tion previously  certificated."  But  how  can 
such  vague  terms  as  "  pulcherrimum "  and 
"  gracillimum "  be  considered  descriptive  and 
distinctive?  On  Mr.  Druery's  own  showing  (p. 
981,  the  true  distinction  of  P.  a.  pulcherrimum  is 
in  "  the  terminal  pinnules  of  the  frond,"  being 
"  deeply  serrate,  forming  a  sort  of  fringe."  A 
truly  descriptive  and  distinctive  name,  there- 
fore, would  have  been  "  serratissimum "  or 
"  fimbriatum."  It  is  interesting  to  learn  that  the 
fourth  was  originally  intended  to  indicate  the 
authority  for  the  name,  but  was  included 
through  an  accident,  and  it  was  not  thought 
worth  while  to  correct  the  error.  (Shades  of 
Linne  and  his  binomial  system  !)  Second,  that 
Mr.  Druery's  statements  are  not  intended  to  be 
taken  too  literally,  for,  although  he  avers  that 
"  it  is  not  stated  that  they  (the  seedlings)  re- 
verted to  another  allied  species,  but  that  they 
had  a  strong  resemblance  to  it,"  a  reference  to 
p.  98  will  make  it  clear  that  he  did  state  "  but 
several  reverted  to  an  extremely  near  approach 
to  .  .  .  P.  angnlare,  a  closely-allied  species." 
As  to  the  R.H.S.  finding  difficulty  in  enforcing 
the  regulations  of  the  Vienna  (  ode  of  Botanical 
Nomenclature  upon  the  varieties  of  plants  sub- 
mitted for  awards,  there  is  no  need  for  attempting 


204 


THE     GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


[March  27,  1909. 


this  in  the  case  of  "fancy  names''  ;  but  where 
scientific  names  are  concerned,  it  should  not  be 
beyond  the  wits  of  the  R.H.S.  Committees  to 
follow  these  regulations,  seeing  that  the  whole 
of  them  (English  edition)  are  contained  in  23 
pages  8vo.,  and  it  should,  moreover,  be  borne  in 
mind  before  anything  that  names,  once  pub- 
lished, are  not  the  exclusive  property  of  those 
"  in  the  cult,"  but  belong  to  the  far  wider, 
general,  scientific  public.     Tyro. 

Market  Gardening  in  France. — At  a  time 
when  the  French  system  of  intensive  culture  is 
being  much  talked  of  in  this  country,  the  fol- 
lowing extracts  from  an  article  in  a  recent  issue 
of  La  Triium  Horticoh  maybe  of  interest:—"  In 
the  majority  of  the  'regions  maraicheres,' 
especially  in  the  environments  of  Namur,  the 
forcing  of  vegetables  on  hot-beds  is  not  profit- 
able, and  the  growers  are  unanimous  in  acknow- 
ledging it.  The  culture  of  vegetables  on  hot-beds 
entails  considerable  labour,  and  is  costly;  the 
grower  cannot  always  procure  as  much  manure 
as  is  necessary,  and  often  he  has  to  pay  a  very 
high  price  for  it.  Fermentation  is  not  always 
uniform,  and  cannot  be  regulated  ;  it  is  never 
durable  enough  for  subjects  of  slow  growth 
For  these  it  is  necessary  to  remake  the  beds,  and 
even  then  growth  is  often  checked  for  several 
weeks.  Further,  the  fermentation  of  the  manure 
creates  excessive  moisture,  which  does  not 
easily  evapoiate,  seeing  that  one  cannot  venti- 
late regularly  during  dull  weather ;  the  result  is 
an  abnormal  vegetation,  with  tissues  gorged  with 
water.  Early  vegetables  can  be  produced  more 
easily  and  more  economically  from  structures 
heated  by  hot  water  than  by  culture  on  hot-beds." 
W.  Anion,  Brougham  Gardens,  Penrith. 

The     Wonderberry.  —  Another     American 
creation,  this  time  a  cousin  to  the  Potato  and  the 
Tomato,    but    more    remarkable    than    either; 
more    even   than    the    Pomato   from   the    same 
source!     Two  Solanums,  namely,   S.  guineense 
and  S.  villosum,  were  taken,  juggled  with,  and 
out   came   a  miracle,   the    "Wonderberry."      It 
will  grow  anywhere  in  any  soil,  except  rich;  it 
will  fruit  as  no  other  plant  can  ;   and  its  fruits 
are   just   the   thing   for   tarts   and   jam.     A  few 
seeds  in  a  small  packet,  bearing  on  one  side  a 
portrait   of   this  marvel,   and   on   the  other  the 
cultural    instructions— "  Sow   early   under   glass 
like   Tomatos,  and   transplant  to  garden  at  the 
proper  time."     Nothing  simpler.     An  enthusias- 
tic friend  sent  me  a  packet,  and  told  me  not  to 
worry  over  Black  Currant  mite  or  Gooseberry- 
mildew  any  more,  but  to  grow  Wonderberry  and 
make  my  family  happy.     The  seeds  looked  ordin- 
ary  and   the   given  origin   excited   curiosity,   so 
I  proceeded  to  look  up  the  history  of  the  two  re- 
puted parents.    They  proved  to  be  nothing  other 
than  forms  of  S.  nigrum,  a  weed  in  every  coun- 
try* ;   therefore,  the  Wonderberry  is  S.  nigrum 
also.  The  seeds,  on  careful  comparison,  proved  it 
beyond  doubt.    Then  I  remembered  that  this  same 
story  had  been  round  in  another  form  about  two 
years  ago,  but  the  name  given  then  was  Huckle- 
berry, instead  of  Wonderberry,  and  it  came  from 
a   Toronto    nurseryman — "  Easily   grown,    quite 
hardy,  matured  from  seeds  in  five  months,  black 
fruits,  no  stones,  nothing  to  equal   it  for  pies, 
jams,    sauces,    and   canning,    insect-proof,     and 
frost   improved   the   flavour."      We    grew   some 
plants  of  it  from  seeds  obtained  from  Toronto, 
and  they  turned  out  to  be  simply  Nightshade — S. 
nigrum.     What  does  it  all  mean?     Every  intel- 
ligent  child   shuns   the   fruits  of   this   weed   of 
waste   land   and   manure  heaps,   the   poisonous 
properties  of  which   are  undoubted.      Children 
who  have  eaten  the  fruit  have  died  soon  after 
from   its   effects,    which    are    very    distressing — 
vomiting,    colic,   convulsions,    &c.       Mr.    X.    E. 
Brown  informs  me,  however,  that  in  some  coun- 
tries the  fruits  of  Solanurn  nigrum  are  not  only 
innocuous,  but  they  are  actually  eaten,  and  on 
consulting    various    books    I    found    several   re- 
cords to  that  effect.     A  Russian  chemist  who  had 
investigated  the  question  as  to  the  berries  being 
poisonous   in   some    countries   and   harmless   in 
others  concluded  that  the  difference  was  not  due 
to   any   difference   in   the   plants,   but   to   varia- 
tions   in    the   climatic    conditions    under    which 
the   fruits   were   grown,    the   narcotic   principle 
being   either   undeveloped   or    finally    dispelled 

•In  the  Index  Ktwensis  these  two  names  stand  for  dis- 
tinct species,  but  herbarium  specimens  show  them  to  be 
merely  forms  of  S.  nigrum. 


under  the  influence  of  certain  conditions,  of 
which  heat  and  light  were  prc-bably  the 
most  important.  It  is,  therefore,  quite  possible 
that  the  Nightshade  is  poisonous  in  Great 
Britain  and  harmless  in  America.  After  all,  are 
we  so  hard  up  for  fruit  as  to  be  forced  to  turn 
to  one  of  our  most  pestiferous  weeds,  which  is 
also  known  to  be  a  deadly  poison,  because  we 
are  advised  to  do  this  by  some  seedsmen  in 
America?     W.    W. 

Euphorbia  pulcherrima  (see  p.  156).— We 
have  cultivated  plants  in  these  gardens  that 
have  measured  18  inches  across  the  bracts 
and  well  formed  in  every  respect.  The 
usual  size,  as  E.  H.  J.  remarks,  is  10  to  12 
inches.  The  cuttings  from  which  these  plants 
were  propagated  were  taken  the  third  week  in 
May  from  rested  plants  in  pots  of  the  previous 
year's  flowering.  They  were  made  with  a  heel 
of  the  old  wood  and  inserted  in  thumb-pots  in 
a  propagating  frame.  When  rooted,  they  were 
potted  several  times,  the  last  shift  being  to 
7-inch  pots.  The  plants  were  placed  in  a  cool 
house  during  the  summer  months,  but  when 
the  weather  became  colder  they  were  shifted  to 
an  intermediate  house.  When  the  bracts  ap- 
peared they  were  put  into  a  still  warmer  house, 
where  the  temperature  was  70 ',  but  they  were 
returned  to  the  intermediate  house  when  the 
bracts  had  fully  developed.  Care  in  watering  is 
one  of  the  chief  items  in  tie  successful  cultiva- 
tion of  these  plants ;  when  dry  at  the  roots 
they  soon  lose  their  bottom  leaves.  Some  culti- 
vators keep  their  plants  in  a  heated  structure  all 
through  the  growing  season,  but  this  is  a  mis- 
take. Moschosma  riparium  is  an  excellent  com- 
panion plant  for  E.  pulcherrima  in  decorative 
work.  The  white  blooms  of  the  * 
form  an  excellent  background  to 
bracts  of  the  Euphorbia.  T.  A. 
Park,   Edgware. 


Moschosma 
the  scarlet 
C,    Canons 


The  New  Grape  Bottle  (see  p.  175).— 
As  the  idea  for  this  bottle  was  conceived  by 
myself  I  may,  perhaps,  be  allowed  to  reply  to 
the  criticism  passed  upon  it  by  members  of  the 
Fruit  and  Vegetable  Committee  as  stated  by  D. 
in  last  week's  issue  of  the  Gardeners'  Chronicle? 
Absorption  takes  place  only  from  the  end  of  the 
stem  inserted  in  the  water  ;  therefore,  there  is 
no  advantage  in  having  a  greater  length  of  stem 
in  the  bottle  than  is  provided  for.  If  the  end 
of  the  stem  were  to  rest  on  the  bottom  of  the 
bottle  this  would  hinder  absorption.  Although 
a  small  length  of  stem  only  is  provided  for  by 
the  curved  neck  of  bottle,  the  bunch  may  be 
cut  with  the  same  length  of  stem  attached  as 
formerly.  This  will  allow  for  pieces  being  cut 
off  periodically  in  the  case  of  long-keeping 
Grapes,  but  with  this  advantage — instead  of 
being  inserted  in  the  bottle  right  up  to  the 
bunch,  the  Grapes  will  stand  well  clear 
of  the  neck,  and  thereby  prevent  all  risk 
of  the  berries  being  rubbed  or  bruised  by 
contact.  But  care  will  be  necessary  to  prevent 
the  bottle  overbalancing.  The  advantages  I 
claim  for  this  bottle  are:— (1)  The  bottle  can 
be  filled  with  water  either  before  or  after  the 
bunch  of  Grapes  is  placed  in  it  without 
the  slightest  fear  of  spilling  any  water  among 
the  berries.  (2)  Either  a  short-stemmed  or 
long-stemmed  bunch  can  be  preserved  with 
equal  success.  (3)  Any  ordinary  flat  shelf  or 
stand  can  be  utibsed  for  the  purpose  of  sup- 
1  nil  ting  the  bottle.  W.  Bullock,  Copped  Hall 
Gardens,  Epping. 


SOCIETIES. 


ROYAL    HORTICULTURAL. 

Makch  23. — Another  successful  meeting  was 
held  in  the  Society's  Hall,  Vincent  Square,  on 
Tuesday  last.  It  was  very  similar  to  the  pre- 
ceding exhibition,  there  being  a  splendid  array 
of  bulbous  and  other  hardy  flowering  plants, 
forced  shrubs,  Carnations,  Orchids,  Azaleas, 
Ferns,  Cyclamen,  Cinerarias,  and  other  green- 
house plants.  The  Floral  Committee  granted 
one  First-class  Certificate  and  five  Awards  of 
Merit;  the  Orchid  Committee  conferred  three 
Awards  of  Merit.  The  Fruit  and  Vegetable 
Committee  had  little  brought  to  its  notice,  and 
made    no    award    to    a    novelty.     At    the    three 


o'clock  meeting  a  lecture  on  "  Rock-gardens : 
Natural  and  Artificial"  was  delivered  by  Mr. 
R.   Lloyd  Praeger. 

floral  Committee. 

Present:  W.  Marshall,  Esq.  (Chairman),  and 
Messrs.  George  Paul,  W.  J.  James,  E.  H.  Jen- 
kins, W.  Cuthbertson,  Chas.  E.  Shea,  C.  E. 
Pearson,  Charles  Dixon,  Arthur  Turner,  W. 
Bain,  C.  Blick,  H.  J.  Cutbush,  W.  Howe,  J.  F. 
McLeod,  C.  R.  Fielder,  R.  Hooper  Pearson,  W. 
J.  Bean,  R.  C.  Notcutt,  J.  R.  Green,  and  R.  C. 
Reginald  Nevill. 

Messrs.  Wji.  Cutbush  &  Son,  Highgat;,  Lon- 
don, N.,  exhibited  large  collections  of  forced 
trees  and  shrubs,  Alpine  and  rock-gar- 
den plants  and  perpetual-blooming  Carna- 
tions. Prunus  triloba,  Laburnum,  Azaleas, 
Camellias,  Viburnum  Opulus,  Magnolias,  and 
similar  subjects  made  an  effective  display  of 
blooms.  The  rock-garden  exhibit  was  presented 
in  a  pleasing  style,  and  planted  with  a  wealth 
of  spring  bulbous  and  other  plants.  Sanguin- 
aria  canadensis  and  Ranunculus  amplexicaulis 
are  both  interesting.  In  the  former  the  flower 
is  held,  as  with  a  stake,  by  the  leaf  which  clasps 
its  lamina  around  the  peduncle.  (Silver  Flora 
Medal.) 

Scented-leaved  Pelargoniums  in  variety  were 
shown  by  Messrs.  Heath  &  Son,  Cheltenham. 
P.  multibracteatum  is  a  valuable  greenhouse 
climber.  The  same  firm  showed  a  Carnation 
raised  from  Souvenir  de  la  Malmaison,  crossed 
with  a  tree  variety  ;  it  is  named  after  the  Hon. 
Lady   Audley   Neeld. 

Messrs.  Paul  &  Son,  the  Old  Nurseries,  Ches. 
hunt,  contributed  a  group  of  considerable  size 
of  varieties  of  Lilacs  propagated  and  cultivated  ' 
in  this  country,  in  no  point  showing  inferiority 
to  those  from  the  Continent.  We  observed 
among  the  varieties  Souvenir  de  L.  Thihaut 
(massive  in  spike  and  large  in  regard  to  the  in- 
dividual blooms),  Comtesse  de  Choiseul,  Leon 
Simon,  Souvenir  de  Louis  Spath  (of  a  dark  lilac 
tint),  and  Marechal  de  Bassompierre  (a  variety 
having  a  very  large  and  massive  spike).  Messrs. 
Paul  also  showed  standard  plants  of  Calceo- 
laria Burbidgei,  a  shrubby  hardwooded  species, 
bearing  its  large  yellow  blooms  in  lax  clusters. 
(Silver-gilt  Banksian  Medal.) 

Mr.  L.  R.  Russell,  Richmond  Nurseries, 
Richmond,  Surrey,  showed  a  large  floor  group 
of  hardy  Azalea  Anthony  Koster  (a  well-known 
variety),  Lilacs  in  pots,  and  Weigela  Eva 
Rathke,  the  group  having  a  row  of  tall  Palms 
at  the  back.  He  also  showed  on  an  adjacent 
table  some  handsome  Bertolonias  with  finely- 
developed  leaves,  and  Cordylines  (Dracaenas) 
having  well-col  juied  foliage.  (Silver  Flora 
Medal.) 

An  assortment  of  greenhouse  flowers  was  ex- 
hibited by  Messrs.  James  Veitch  &  Sons,  Ltd., 
King's  Road,  Chelsea.  A  bold  display  of  colour 
was^  furnished  by  numerous  plants  of  Indian 
Azaleas  that  were  literally  smothered  with 
flowers ;  there  were  also  various  species  of 
Citrus  in  bloom,  a  batch  of  brilliant  Anthu- 
riums,  blue-flowered  Hydrangeas  intermixed 
with  Camellia  reticulata  (a  pleasing  combina- 
tion), Boronias,  Streptosolen  Jamesonii,  &c.  As 
a  separate  group,  Messrs.  Veitch  exhibited 
plants  of  hardy  Rhododendrons,  including  Ascot 
Brilliant  (having  abundant  trusses  of  bloom  of 
a  rosy-scarlet  colour),  the  beautiful  Pink  Pearl 
(splendidly  flowered),  and  R.  mirabile  (a  variety 
with  rosy-crimson  flowers  developed  in  large 
trusses).     (Silver-gilt  Flora  Medal. | 

Messrs.  R.  &  G.  Cuthbert,  Southgate  Nur- 
series, Southgate,  London,  exhibited  well- 
bloomed  specimens  of  Azalea  'inensis.  The 
plants  were  excellent  little  specimens,  well  fur- 
nished with  flowers  in  a  variety  of  colours. 
(Silver  Banksian  Medal.) 

Messrs.  H.  Cannei.i.  &  Sons,  Swanley,  Kent, 
made  a  fine  show  with  Begonia  Saturne,  for 
which  an  Award  of  Merit  was  granted,  a  row  of 
B.  nitida  alba  odorata  being  arranged  at  the 
back.     (Silver  Banksian  Medal). 

Messrs.  Sutton  &  Sons,  Reading,  filled  a  large 
table  with  Cinerarias  of  the  Cactus-flowering 
type.  The  plants  were  admirable  specimens, 
compact,  dwarf,  and  each  with  a  large,  broad 
inflorescence.  The  assortment  of  colours  was 
wide.     (Silver-gilt  Banksian  Medal.) 

Messrs.  H.  B.  May  &  SONS,  The  Nurseries, 
Edmonton,  showed  a  miscellaneous  group,  in- 
cluding Cinsrarias,  scented-leived  Pelargoniums, 


March  27,  1909.] 


THE     GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


205 


dwarf  Roses,  Azaleas,  and  an  assortment  of 
choice  Ferns,  including  many  crested,  plumose, 
and  other  forms  of  hardy  species.  (Siher  Flora 
Medal.) 

Mr.  W.  P.  Horton,  Seaford,  Sussex,  made  a 
show  of  ordinary  greenhouse  plants. 

The  St.  George's  Nursery  Co.,  Harlington, 
Middlesex,  contnbuted  a  striking  display  of  Cy- 
clamens. Especially  fine  were  the  varieties 
Princess  of  Wales  and  Princess  May.  The 
variety  Brilliant  is  one  of  the  darkest  crimson- 
coloured  Cyclamens.  (Silver-gilt  Banksian 
Medal.) 

Messrs.  Jarman  &  Co.,  Chard,  Somersetshire, 
showed  Cinerarias  of  the  Stellata-Cactus  strain, 
tall  and  of  straggling  habit. 

In  view  of  the  exhibition  held  by  the  Perpetual- 
Flowering  Carnation  Society  on  the  following 
day,  several  specialists  in  this  flower  made  at- 
tractive exhibits.  Messrs.  Hugh  Low  iV.  Co., 
Bush  Hill  Park,  Enfield,  put  up  a  similar  dis- 
play to  the  one  they  arranged  last  year,  having 
a  round,  open  kiosk  arranged  very  prettily 
with  Carnations  in  vases  and  relieved  with 
greenery.  Baskets  were  suspended  from  the 
roof  portions,  and  at  intervals  arose  pillars 
crowned  and  entwined  with  blooms.  The  same 
firm  also  showed  species  of  Acacia,  Genista  ele- 
gans,  Grevillea  alpina,  Boronias,  Chorizema 
ilicifolium,  and  other  greenhouse  plants.  (Silver- 
gilt  Flora  Medal.) 

Mr.  F.  Burnett,  Guernsey,  made  a  very  beau- 
tiful exhibit  with  Carnations,  having  very  large 
and  excellently-coloured  blooms  of  all  the  best 
kinds.  Particularly  good  were  Enchantress, 
Mrs.  H.  Burnett  (pink),  Britannia  (scarlet), 
White  Perfection,  and  Aurora  (buff  yellow  flaked 
with  red).     (Silver-gilt  Banksian  Medal.) 

Carnations  were  shown  in  large  numbers  by 
Mr.  YV.  H.  Page,  Tangley  Nurseries,  Hampton, 
in  his  customary  manner,  along  with  Lilies. 
(Silver-gilt  Banksian  Medal.) 

Mr.  Lancashire,  Guernsey,  made  a  striking 
feature  with  the  variety  Rose  Dore,  a  bloom 
of  regular  form,  3  inches  in  diameter,  with  the 
edges  of  the  florets  deeply  dentate.  (Silver 
Banksian  Medal.) 

Messrs.  C.  B.  Brooks  >y.  Co.,  Worting,  Bas- 
ingstoke, shi  iwed  flowers  of  varieties  of  Primula 
sinensis,  amongst  which  were  many  very  fine 
kinds.  We  were  especially  impressed  with  the 
large,  white  Queen  Alexandra,  Brilliant  King  (a 
fine  shade  of  crimsonl,  and  Orange  King 
varieties. 

Messrs.  Robert  Sydenham,  Ltd.,  Tenby 
Street,  Birmingham,  again  showed  the  value  of 
fibre  for  cultivating  bulbous  plants  in  vases 
without  drainage  material. 

Messrs.  Carter,  Page  iV:  Co.,  52,  London 
Wall,  E.C.,  showed  rut  blooms  of  Violas  in 
great  variety  under   names. 

Mr.  Geo.  Reuthe,  Keston,  Kent,  again 
showed  varieties  of  rare  and  interesting  shrubs, 
including  species  of  Rhododendron,  together 
■with  hardy  flowers  and  spring  bulbs,  of  which 
Irises  and  Crocuses  were  a  feature.  (Bronze 
Flora  Medal.) 

Messrs.  Barr  &  Sons,  King  Street,  Covent 
Garden,  London,  W.C.,  also  showed  spring 
flowers,  including  Anemones,  Hepaticas,  Irises, 
Helleborus  orientalis,  of  which  were  seen  some 
with  spotted  flowers ;  Fritillaria  citrina,  Saxi- 
fraga  burseriana,  Crocuses  Harlequin  and  Blue 
Celeste,  two  excellent  varieties  ;  Iris  Krelagii, 
with  claret-purple  flowers,  and  Rosmarinus  offi- 
cinalis prostrata. 

Several  trade  firms  displayed  rock-gardens  ar- 
ranged with  seasonable  flowers.  A  very  large 
exhibit  of  this  type  was  shown  by  Messrs.  Jos. 
Cheat.  &  SONS,  Crawley,  Sussex.  (Silver 
Banksian  Medal.) 

Messrs.  Baker's,  Wolverhampton,  also 
showed  an  exhibit  of  this  kind  in  which  were 
seen  Sarracenia  purpurea  in  flower,  the  interest- 
ing Sanguinaria  canadensis,  and  some  well- 
bloomed  Primulas,  P.  denticulata  being  pro- 
minent. 

Messrs.  T.  S.  Ware,  Ltd.,  Feltham,  Middle- 
sex, set  up  a  rock-garden,  and  planted  it  with 
dwarf  Conifers,  Alpine  plants,  Crocus,  Chiono- 
doxa,  Thymus  of  species,  &c,  and  showed  like- 
wise new  and  old  varieties  of  Primula  obconica. 
(Silver  Flora  Medal.) 

Miss  Alice  Smith,  The  Bungalow,  Barnham, 
Bognor,  showed  hardy  flowering  plants  in  trays 
filled  with  soil  and  masked  with  real  bark.     We 


noted  a  rich,  crimson-coloured,  double-flowered 
Primrose   named   Mme.    Pompadour. 

Messrs.  G.  &  A.  Clark,  Nurserymen,  Dover, 
illustrated  on  the  floor  how  an  amateur  could 
produce  effects  by  a  combination  of  flower  beds 
and  borders  with  rockwork  and  cocoanut  fibre 
refuse. 

Messrs.  J.  Peed  &  Son,  The  Nurseries,  West 
Norwood,  London,  S.E.,  showed  succulents  in 
variety  growing  in  small  pots,  Primulas  of 
various  hardy  species,  Lachenalias,  &c.  This 
firm  likewise  exhibited  a  collection  of  cut 
blooms  of  perpetual-flowering  Carnations. 
(Bronze  Flora  Medal.) 

Lord  Clarendon,  Watford  (gr.  Mr.  C. 
Harris)  showed  blooms  of  Violet  La  France  of 
large  size  and  great  length  of  flower  stalk. 

The  Misses  Hopkins,  Mere  Gardens,  Shep- 
perton-on-Thames,  arranged  Alpine  flowers  in 
a  temporised  rock-garden,  a  feature  being 
coloured  Primroses.     (Bronze  Banksian  Medal.) 

Varieties  of  Clivia  miniata  were  shown 
by  Messrs.  John  Laing  &  Sons,  Forest 
Hill,  London,  intermixed  with  fine-leaved 
Aralias,  Chlorophytum,  Ficus  radicans  varie- 
gata,  Cocos  Palms  and  Ferns.  The  best  of  the 
Clivias  was  the  variety  Charming,  rather  larger 
and  better  coloured  than  the  type. 

Messrs.  Wm.  Bull  &  Sons,  King's  Road,  Chel- 
sea, showed  a  few  Hippeastrums  set  off  by 
Dracaenas,  Aralia  triloba,  A.  Veitchii,  Eugenia 
myriophyllum,  Codiaeums,  and  other  stove  foli- 
age plants. 

AWARDS. 

Begonia  Saturnc.  —  A  very  dwarf-grown, 
fibrous-rooted  Begonia,  with  bright-green 
leaves,  tall,  stout  flower-stalks  and  pale-pink 
flowers.  The  plants  are  exceedingly  free 
bloomers.  "  Saturne  "  is  probably  a  variety  of 
B.  hydrocotylifolia,  a  well-known  Mexican 
species.  Shown  by  Messrs.  Cannell  &  Sons. 
(Award  of  Merit.) 

Carnation  Rose  Dore. — A  very  large 
coloured  tree  Carnation,  with  fringed  florets. 
The  blooms  are  not  sweet-scented,  but  they  have 
the  advantage  that  they  do  not  split  the  calyx. 
Shown  by  Mr.  W.  H.  Lancashire,  Guernsey. 
(Award  of  Merit.) 

Cineraria  stellata. — Messrs.  Sutton  &  SONS 
exhibited  a  group  of  dwarf  plants  of  the  stellate 
type  of  Cineraria.  The  plants  were  of  dwarf 
habit,  and  they  had  magnificent  heads  of  large 
flowers,  in  which  the  segments  were  rolled,  giv- 
ing them  an  appearance  that  is  termed  Cactus- 
like. An  Award  of  Merit  was  deservedly 
awarded  the  strain. 

.  us  Sieberi  versicolor. — A  very  brightly- 
coloured  variety  of  this  species.  The  three 
outer  segments  are  feathered  with  purple 
on  white,  almost  as  occurs  in  Tulips. 
The  three  inner  segments  are  white,  but  the  in- 
terior base  of  the  flowers  is  yellow  and  the  stig. 
mata  deep  orange.  Shown  by  Mr.  G.  Reuthe. 
(Award   of   Merit.) 

Pteris  aauilina  congesta. — A  plumose  variety  of 
the  common  Bracken,  growing  about  1  foot  or 
14  inches  high.  The  pinnules  are  more  than 
usually  developed,  and  the  fronds  therefore  have 
a  congested  appearance.  Shown  by  Messrs.  H. 
B.  May  &  Sons.     (First-class  Certificate.) 

Rose  Rhea  Reid. — This  is  a  hybrid  Tea  Rose 
of  soft  rose  colour  with  a  slight  purple  tint  in 
it.  The  blooms  have  plenty  of  substance,  but, 
as  forced,  they  have  no  perfume.  The  variety 
has  a  free-growing  habit,  and  blooms  freely. 
Shown  by  Mr.  G.  W.  Piper,  Uckfield  Nurseries. 
Sussex.     (Award  of  Merit. i 

Narcissus  Committee. 

Present:  H.  B.  May,  Esq.  (Chairman),  and 
Messrs.  A.  R.  Goodwin,  G.  H.  Engleheart,  W. 
T.  Ware,  E.  M.  Crosfield,  Charles  T.  Digby, 
J.  T.  Bennett-Poe,  F.  Herbert  Chapman,  Joseph 
Jacob,  Wm.  Poupart,  R.  Sydenham,  W.  Gold- 
ring,  P.  R.  Barr,  G.  Reuthe,  A.  Kingsmill,  R. 
W.  Wallace,  Christopher  Bourne,  G.  W.  Leak, 
James  Walker,  and  Charles  H.  Curtis  (hon. 
secretary). 

Messrs.  Cartwright  &  Goodwin,  Kiddermin- 
ster, staged  a  collection  of  Narcissus.  The 
group  was  arranged  in  the  shape  of  a  crescent, 
the  flowers  being  excellent  examples.  Among 
the  more  notable  varieties  were  Evangeline,  a 
chaste   and   beautiful  creamy-white   flower  with 


lemon-coloured  cup ;  Seagull ;  Blood  Orange, 
with  a  fiery-coloured  crown ;  Fairy  Queen,  a 
variety  of  Leedsii  group  ;  the  bold  and  beautiful 
Weardale  Perfection,  Victoria,  Gloire  de  Leiden, 
Mrs.  H.  J.  Veitch  (a  fine  yellow  Ajax),  Sala- 
mander, of  the  Engleheartii  set,  with  fine, 
spreading  crowns,  and  Queen  Sophia  that  re- 
sembles a  pale  form  of  the  well-known  variety 
Will  Scarlett.  The  peerless  Mme.  de  Graaff  anil 
the  drooping  Johnstonii  Queen  of  Spain  were 
also  shown  in  excellent  condition.  (Silver-gilt 
Banksian    Medal.) 

Messrs.  R.  H.  Bath,  Ltd.,  Wisbech,  dis- 
played a  large  collection  of  Narcissus  and 
Tulips  grown  in  ornamental  bowls  in  moss- 
fibre  and  shell.  This  was  one  of  the  finest 
exhibits  of  the  kind  we  have  seen.  Some  of  the 
larger  bowls  were  furnished  with  two  or  three 
dozen  handsome  flowers.  Notable  kinds  were 
Sir  Watkin  and  Emperor.  Neither  the  stature 
of  the  plants  nor  the  size  of  the  flowers  had  in 
the  least  suffered  by  this  system  of  culture, 
and,  indeed,  this  remark  applies  to  the  entire 
collection.  The  Daffodils  included  Weardale 
Perfection,  Gloire  de  Leiden,  Gloria  Mundi, 
and  Victoria,  together  with  varieties  of  the 
Poeticus  type.  Of  Tulips  we  noted  Brutus, 
Joost  van  Vandel,  Vermilion  Brilliant,  Duchesse 
de  Parma  and  Prince  of  Austria.  (Silver  I 
Medal.) 

Messrs.  Robert  Sydenham,  Ltd.,  Birming- 
ham, also  displayed  a  variety  of  bulbous  plants 
grown  in  moss-fibre.  They  included  Narcissi 
Glitter,  Victoria,  Queen  of  Spain,  Mrs.  Thomp- 
son, Odorus  rugulosus  obvallaris,  C.  J.  Back- 
house and  others. 

Messrs.  Barr  &  Sons,  Covent  Garden,  W.C., 
displayed  a  group  in  which  we  noticed  Mis. 
Moorland  Crosfield  (a  very  fine  bi-color), 
Admiral  Togo,  Admiral  Makaroff,  Janet  Image, 
Hamlet,  a  fine  yellow  Ajax,  Barri  conspicua, 
Duke  of  Bedford,  and  Firebrand.  The  last- 
named  variety  has  a  brilliantly-coloured  cup. 
Messrs.  Barr  also  staged  a  very  excellent  col- 
li  i  of  Darwin  Tulips  in  many  of  the  leading 

varieties.     (Silver  Banksian  Medal.) 

Orchid  Committee. 

Present:  J.  Gurney  Fowler,  Esq.  (in  the 
Chair),  and  Messrs.  Jas.  O'Brien  (hon.  secre- 
tary), Harry  J.  Veitch,  de  B.  Crawshav,  11. 
Little,  YV.  Boxall,  F.  J.  Hanbury,  J.  Forster 
Alcock,  Stuart  Low,  F.  Sander,  J.  Charleswcrth, 
VY.  II.  Hatcher,  J.  Cypher,  A.  Dye,  H.  G. 
Alexander,  W.  P.  Bound,  H.  A.  Tracv,  G 
Wilson,  J.  Wilson  Potter,  \\7.  Bolto'n,  F.  M. 
Ogilvie,  R.  G.  Thwaites,  and  A.  A.   McBean. 

Colonel  G.  L.  Holford,  CLE.,  C.V.O.,\Yes- 
tonbirt,  Tetbury  (gr.  Mr.  H.  G.  Alexander), 
showed  remarkable  examples  of  fine  cultivation 
in  a  grand  specimen  of  Cymbidium  Lowio- 
eburneum  "  YY'estonbirt  variety, "  with  19  flower- 
spikes  bearing  altogether  91  flowers,  and  a  still 
larger  plant  ■  of  C.  eburneo-Lowianum  with  32 
spikes  of  155  flowers,  the  largest  spike  having 
seven  blooms.  A  Cultural  Commendation  was 
given  to  the  gardener,  Mr.  II.  G.  Alexander. 
iSiher  Flora  Medal.)  Colonel  FIolfori 
showed  Laelio-Cattleya  Tarquinius  (L.-C.  calli-- 
toglossa  X  C.  Schilleriana),  a  very  brightly- 
coloured  hybrid  ;  Cattleya  Triana?  Empress  of 
India,  a  clear  white  flower  with  bluish-mauve 
front  to  the  lip;  Lslio-Cattleya  Tigris  (L. 
Cowanii  X  L.-C.  Dominiana),  and  other  fine 
hybrids. 

Messrs.  J.  &  A.  A.  McBean,  Cooksbridge,  were 
awarded  a  Silver-gilt  Flora  Medal  for  a  group 
rich  in  Odontoglossums,  which  they  cultivate  so 
well.  The  numerous  forms  of  O.  crispum  were 
of  the  finest  type,  and  included  some  magni- 
ficent white  varieties  ;  also  a  selection  of  hand- 
somely-spotted forms.  One  seedling  out  of  O.  c. 
Franz  Masereel  was  exceptionally  beautiful,  and 
showed  well  the  markings  of  that  deep  violet- 
purple  tint  for  which  the  parent  is  noted. 
Another  variety  was  an  improvement  on  the 
handsome  O.  c.  Lady  Jane,  and  with  similar  red 
lines  on  the  sepals  and  petals.  O.  Ruckerianum 
Pitt's  variety,  O.  Pescatorei,  O.  Hallii,  and 
other  Odontoglossums  were  also  included  in  the 
display,  the  effect  of  the  tall  spikes  of  violet- 
coloured  O.  Edwardii  being  very  striking.  Vari- 
ous Dendrobiums  gave  further  variety  of  col- 
ouring. 

H.  S.  Goodson,  Esq.,  Fairlawn,  YY'est  Hill, 
Putney   (gr.    Mr.    G.    E.    Day),    was   awarded   a 


206 


THE    GARDENERS'    CHRONICLE. 


[March  27,  1909. 


Silver  Flora  Medal  for  an  attractive  group  of 
Odontoglossums,  Cattleyas,  Dendrobiums,  &c. 
With  them  were  Laslia  Jongheana  "Nellie 
Blanche.''  a  fine,  clear,  white  flower  having 
orange-coloured  ridges  on  the  lip.  We  also 
noticed  a  variety  of  Odontioda  Goodsoniae  hav- 
ing a  uniformly  red  flower ;  Odontoglossum 
crispum  Mrs.  Humphrey,  O.  c.  Ernest  Henry, 
white  blotched  with  violet-purple ;  Cattleya 
Schroderas  The  Prince,  &c. 

Messrs.  Chaklesworth  &  Co.,  Haywards 
Heath,  staged  a  group  containing  Phalaenopsis 
Lady  Rothschild  (intermedia  X  Sanderi- 
ana),  a  pretty  white  flower  delicately  tinged 
and  marked  with  rose;  four  fine  speci- 
mens of  the  fragrant  white  Angraecum  modes- 
turn,  with  long,  drooping  racemes;  Ccelo- 
gyne  Sanderae,  a  pretty  and  rare  species ; 
Brasso  -  Cattleya  Digbyano  -  Schroderae  Brad- 
shavvise,  with  clear,  white  flowers;  a  plant  of 
Selenipedium  caudatum  Lindenii,  bearing  six  of 
the  curious,  pouchless  flowers ;  Maxillaria 
praestans,  Laelio-Cattleya  Hypatia,  and  other 
Laelio-Cattleyas ;  Odontoglossum  Thompsoma- 
num  Charlesworth's  variety  (crispum  X 
Edwardii),  by  far  the  best  yet  shown  of  this 
cross;  the  finely-formed,  claret-purple  flowers 
are  tipped  with  blush- white.  (Silver  Flora 
Medal.) 

Messrs.  MOORE,  Ltd.,  Rawdon,  Leeds,  were 
awarded  a  Silver  Flora  Medal  for  an  attractive 
group,  in  which  were  some  pretty  hybrid  Den- 
drobiums. Very  choice  was  D.  Austin,  a  large 
and  richlv-coloured  flower,  and  an  advance  on 
the  true  D.  nobile  nobilius.  D.  Donnesiae  re- 
sembles a  verv  dwarf  and  stout  form  of  D. 
Jamesianum,  but  with  pure  white  flowers  as 
large  as  D.  formosum. 

Messrs.  J.  Cypher  &  Sons,  Cheltenham,  se- 
cured a  Silver  Flora  Medal  for  an  effective 
and  well-arranged  group  of  well-flowered  Den- 
drobiums, having  in  the  centre  of  the  display 
fine  forms  of  Cattleya  Schrodera?,  C.  Tnanae, 
and  one  plant  of  C.  Mendelii,  together  with 
Brasso-Cattleyas  and  Odontoglossums.  There 
were  also  examples  of  Cymbidium  insigne, 
Sophronitis,  Epiphronitis  Veitchii,  the  singular 
feather-lipped  Bulbophyllum  tremulum,  and 
the  rare  Notylia  bipartita. 

Messrs.  Sander  &  SONS,  St.  Albans,  were 
awarded  a  Silver  Banksian  Medal  for  a  group  in 
which  were  many  plants  of  botanical  interest, 
including  Erica  monostachya,  Aerides-like  _ in 
growth,  and  with  an  upright  spike  of  whitish 
flowers';  also  Eria  densiflora  with  drooping 
racemes  of  white  flowers.  We  also  noticed  the 
yellow-flowered  fragrant  Polystachya  pubescens, 
Hexadesmia  fasciculata  withbunchesof  greenish 
blooms,  and  Selenipedium  caudatum  Lindenii 
|TTropedium  Lindenii).  The  showier  examples 
included  Dendrcbium  crassinode  and  its  rare 
variety  album,  and  Cymbidium  Schroderianum. 
Messrs.  Hugh  Low  &  Co.  secured  a  Silver 
Banksian  Medal  for  a  group  in  which  were 
noted  Cymbidium  Holfordianum,  C.  insigne, 
some  showy  scarlet  Sophronitis,  the  dark  violet 
Bollea  ccekstis,  Odontoglossum  cordatum  Low's 
variety,  and  a  selection  of  Cypripediums  and 
Dendrobiums.  The  rare  Bulbophyllum  minia- 
tuin,  with  an  erect  spike  of  dark  flowers  with 
white  feather-like  lip,  was  interesting. 

Mr.  A.  W.  Jensen,  Lindfield,  Haywards 
Heath,  was  awarded  a  Silver  Banksian  Medal 
for  a  select  group  containing  his  fine  type  of 
Odontoglossum  crispum  and  Cattleya  Schroderae. 
Monsieur  Mektens,  Mont  St.  Amand,  Ghent, 
secured  a  Silver  Banksian  Medal  for  a  group  of 
hybrid  Odontoglossums.  This  exhibitor  dis- 
played two  plants  of  the  clear  white  Cattleya 
Suzanne  Hye  de  Crom. 

Mrs.  Haywood,  Woodhatch,  Reigate  (gr.  Mr. 
H.  G.  Bassett),  showed  two  hybrid  Den- 
drobiums 

Mrs.  Temple,  Leyswood,  Groombridge  (gr. 
Mr.  Bristow),  exhibited  two  light-coloured  varie. 
ties  of  Lycaste  Skinneri. 

J.  Forster  Alcock,  Esq.,  Northchurch,  sent 
a  distinct  hybrid  Cypripedium  (?  bellatulum  X 
javanicum)  with  greenish  ground  colour  spotted 
with  dark  purple. 

De  B.  Crawshay,  Esq.,  Rosefield,  Sevenoaks, 
(gr.  Mr.  Stables),  sent  a  handsome  form  of 
Odontoglossum  Lambeauianum. 

Messrs.  A.  J.  Keeling  &  Sons,  Bradford,  sent 
a  good  Odontoglossum  nebulosum  and  samples 
of  glass  tubes  for  storing  Orchid  pollen. 


AWARDS. 

Awards  of  Merit. 

Brasso-Catlleya  Digbyano  Mendelii  perfecta, 
from  Colonel  G.  L.  Holford,  CLE.,  C.V.O. 
(gr.  Mr.  H.  G.  Alexander). — A  superb  flower, 
with  all  the  segments  well  displayed,  and  espe- 
cially the  broad,  fringed  lip.  The  ground  colour 
is  silver-white  with  a  delicate  blush-pink  tint ; 
the  disc  of  the  lip  is  Cowslip  yellow. 

Dendrobium  Schneiderianum  Westonbirt  variety 
(aareum  X  Findiayanum),  from  Colonel  G.  L. 
Holford. — This  beautiful  and  fragrant  hybrid 
has  the  fine  form  and  size  of  D.  Findlayanum, 
whereas  the  greater  number  of  those  previously 
shown  have  had  the  narrower  segments  of  D. 
aureum.  The  flowers  are  white,  with  rose  tips 
to  all  the  segments,  the  disc  of  the  labellum 
being  deep  orange  colour. 

Sophro-Lalio-Cattleya  Olive  (S.-L.  Psyche  X 
C.  Enid),  from  ].  Gurney  Fowler,  Esq.,  Glebe- 
lands,  South  Woodford  (gr.  Mr.  J.  Davis). — A 
desirable  acquisition,  with  flowers  of  good  size 
and  of  a  deep  reddish-mauve  colour  with  gold 
markings  on  the  lip.  The  erect  inflorescence 
bore  three  flowers.  Mr.  Fowler  showed  for 
comparison  the  bright-red  Sophro-Laelia  Psyche 
(L.  cinnabarina  x  S.  gTandiflora),  which,  with 
Cattleya  Enid  (Warscewiczii  x  Mossiae),  pro- 
duced S.-L.-C.  Olive. 

Fruit  and  Vegetable  Committee. 

Present:  George  Bunyard,  Esq.  (Chairman), 
and  Messrs.  Geo.  Woodward,  Alex.  Dean,  Ch. 
O.  Walter,  H.  Parr,  E.  Beckett,  A.  R.  Allan, 
J.  Davis,  Geo.  Reynolds,  J.  Jacques,  C.  Foster, 
H.  Somers  Rivers,  and  C.   G.  A.  Nix. 

Mr.  John  Garland,  Broadclyst,  Exeter, 
showed  a  large,,  well-coloured  fruit  of  Uve- 
dale's  St.  Germain  Pear  and  fruits  of  Apple  Star 
of  Devon. 

Miss  C.  M.  Dixon,  who  carries  on,  in  con- 
junction with  other  ladies,  a  market-garden  at 
Elmcroft,  Chichester,  showed  14  pots  of  Straw- 
berry Royal  Sovereign,  with  ripe  and  ripening 
fruits.     (Bronze  Banksian   Medal.) 

Mr.  John  Poupart,  Rainham,  Essex,  showed 
fine  samples  of  Rhubarbs  Linnaeus,  Champagne 
and  Victoria ;  selected  Seakale  and  Mortlake 
Giant  Asparagus.  The  vegetables  were  of  good 
quality  and  such  as  would  command  the 
highest  prices  in  the  market.  (Silver  Knightian 
Medal.) 

Forced  Vegetables 

The  competition  for  forced  vegetables  was 
only  represented  by  one  exhibit,  although  prizes 
were  offered  in  three  classes.  In  the  class  for  six 
kinds,  open  to  amateur  exhibitors,  the  1st  prize 
was  awarded  to  the  Hon.  Vicary  Gibbs,  Alden- 
ham  House,  Elstree,  Herts,  (gr.  Mr.  Ed.  Beckett). 
The  varieties  were  the  Sutton  Rhubarb  with 
stalks  3  feet  in  length,  of  a  rosy-red  colour  ; 
Christmas  Salad  Chicory,  compact,  strong  plants 
fully  blanched  ;  Twentieth  Century  Mushrooms  ; 
Selected  Canadian  Wonder  French  Beans,  the 
pods  measuring  6-7  inches  in  length  ;  Perfection 
Asparagus ;  and  well-blanched  heads  of  a  pink- 
tipped  Seakale. 


THE  LECTURE. 

A  meeting  of  the  Fellows  took  place-  in  the 
lecture-room  at  three  o'clock,  when  Mr.  R.  Lloyd 
Praeger  delivered  an  address  on  "  Rock-gardens  : 
Natural  and  Artificial."  The  lecture  was  illus- 
trated by  many  lantern  slides.  These  showed 
well-known  rock  plants  in  their  native  habitats, 
the  mind  of  the  audience  being  taken  from 
the  Alps  to  the  Pyrenees,  and  thence  to  the 
arctic  regions.  Numerous  illustrations  were 
given  of  natural  rockeries,  especially  some  on 
the  west  coast  of  Ireland.  Two  or  three  pic- 
tures evidenced  the  astonishing  force  exercised 
by  the  wind  on  trees  and  hedges  in  that  wild 
and  exposed  district.  The  most  beautiful  pic- 
tures, however,  were  those  of  some  cultivated 
rockeries,  and  specially  that  in  the  Royal 
Botanic  Gardens,  Glasnevin.  The  lecturer,  in 
his  concluding  remarks,  dealt  with  the  formation 
of  rockeries,  and  some  outline  sketches  on 
the  sheet  enabled  the  audience  to  follow 
him  readily.  Mr.  Praeger  pointed  out  how 
essential  it  is  that  the  rains  should  penetrate 
deep  into  the  crevices  between  the  rocks. 


PERPETUAL-FLOWERING 
CARNATION. 

March  24. — This  increasingly  popular  Society 
held  its  sixth  show  at  the  Royal  Horticultural 
Society's  Hall,  Vincent  Square,  Westminster,  on 
the  above  date.  The  larger  proportion  of  the 
exhibits  was  contributed  by  amateurs,  but  trade 
firms  furnished  some  groups.  The  exhibits  on 
this  occasion  were  decidedly  of  higher  quality 
than  at  previous  shows.  The  blooms  seem  to 
have  gained  in  size,  form,  and  shades  of  colour. 
For  exhibiting  the  blooms  very  tall  glasses  were 
almost  universally  requisitioned. 

An  important  class  was  that  for  a  group  of 
not  fewer  than  12  varieties  arranged  on  a  table 
10  feet  by  3  feet.  The  use  of  any  kind  of  foliage 
for  decorative  purposes  was  allowed.  There  was 
only  one  exhibit,  this  being  staged  by  Mr. 
Hayward  Mathias,  Medstead,  Hants.,  who 
showed  Mrs.  Lawson,  White  Perfection,  Mrs.  H. 
Burnett,  Britannia  (one  of  the  best  and  freshest 
in  the  show),  Gladwys  (a  smooth-petalled  bloom 
of  perfect  form,  dark  crimson  in  tone,  and  hav- 
ing petals  not  too  much  crowded),  Winsor  (in 
fine  form),  Enchantress,  Rose  Enchantress, 
White  Lawson  and  Robert  Craig.     (Gold  Medal.) 

A  challenge  cup  was  offered  by  the  American 
Carnation  Society  for  three  vases  containing 
novelties  in  Carnations  sent  out  by  American 
firms  during  1906,  1907  and  1908.  There  was  a 
good  competition.  The  cup  was  awarded  to 
Messrs.  Bell  &  Sheldon,  Guernsey,  for  the 
varieties  Winsor,  Afterglow  and  Aristocrat,  the 
last-mentioned  being  especially  good  ;  2nd,  Mr. 
A.  F.  Dutton,  The  Nurseries,  Iver,  Bucks., 
who  had  the  varieties  Victory  (of  bright  scarlet 
colour  and  deeply  dentated  edges  to  the  petals), 
Afterglow  and  Winsor  ;  3rd,  Mr.  C.  Engelmann, 
Saffron  Walden,  Essex, -who  exhibited  White 
Enchantress  in  good  form. 

Colour  Classes. 

These  formed  the  most  important  part  of  the 
exhibition.  Classes  were  provided  for  varieties 
of  ceitain  colours,  and  in  each  case  there  was  a 
class  for  36  blooms  and  another  for  18  blooms. 

White. — The  best  exhibit  of  36  blooms  was 
shown  by  Mr.  W.  H.  Lancashire,  Victoria 
Vineries,  Guernsey ;  2nd,  The  Newport  Car- 
nation Nurseries,  Newport,  Essex.  In  the 
smaller  class  for  18  blooms  Messrs.  Bell  & 
Sheldon  won  the  1st  prize  with  Lady  Bounti- 
ful ;  2nd,  Mr.  C  Engelmann  with  White  Per- 
fection. 

Blush. — Mr.  W.  H.  Lancashire,  Guernsey, 
won  the  1st  prize  in  the  larger  class  with  grand 
blooms  of  the  variety  Enchantress. 

For  18  blooms  of  any  blush  variety  Mr.  C. 
Engelmann  was  placed  1st  with  Enchantress. 

Light  fink,  rose  or  salmon. — Messrs.  Bell  & 
Sheldon,  Guernsey,  were  awarded  the  1st 
prize  in  the  class  for  36  blooms  having  very 
bright  and  fresh-looking  blooms  of  Winsor  ;  2nd, 
Mr.  W.  H.  Lancashire  with  Mrs.  W.  It. 
Burnett. 

The  best  18  blooms  of  these  colours  were 
shown  by  Mr.  A.  F.  Dutton,  Iver,  his  variety 
being  Rose  Pink  Enchantress ;  2nd,  Mr.  C. 
Engelmann  with  Welcome,  a  flower  of  a  pleas- 
ing tint. 

Deep  pink  or  cerise. — For  36  blooms  Mr.  W. 
H.  Lancashire  was  placed  1st  for  large  and  full 
blooms  of  Mrs.  T.  W.   Lawson. 

The  best  18  blooms  were  exhibited  by  Messrs. 
Bell  &  Sheldon,  who  showed  Afterglow. 

Crimson  (36  blooms). — 1st,  Mr.  C.  Engelmann, 
with  the  new  variety  Carola,  of  a  deep  tint,  fair 
substance,  and  with  serrated  petals  ;  2nd,  Mr.  W. 
H.  Lancashire,  with  President,  the  flowers 
being  smaller  and  less  full  than  some  others. 

For  18  blooms  of  a  crimson  variety,  Messrs. 
Bell  &  Sheldon  were  awarded  the  1st  prize. 
They  showed  fine  blooms  of  President. 

Scarlet. — The  1st  prize  in  the  larger  class  was 
won  by  The  Newport  Carnation  Nurseries. 
Newport,  Essex,  with  Victory,  the  blooms 
being  not  large  but  britht  and  of  fresh  appear- 
ance. 2nd,  Mr.  W.  H.  Lancashire,  with  fine, 
perfect  blooms  of  Robert  Craig. 

For  18  blooms  of  a  scarlet  variety,  Messrs. 
Bell  &  Sheldon  won  the  premier  prize  with 
Britannia ;  2nd,  Mr.  D.  M.  Collins,  Swanley, 
with  the  same  variety. 

Any  other  colour A  class  was  provided   for 

36  blooms  of  any  other  colour  or  "  fancy  "  than 


March  27,  1909.] 


THE    GARDENERS'      CHRONICLE. 


207 


those  named.  1st,  Mr.  C.  Engelmann,  with 
Jessica,  a  scarlet  flaked  flower  of  large  size. 

For  18  blooms  of  any  other  colour  or  "  fancy,"' 
The  Newport  Carnation  Nurseries,  Essex, 
were  placed  1st  with  Jessica;  2nd,  Mr.  A.  F. 
Di   i  rONj  with  Imperial,  a  scarlet  flaked  flower. 

For  12  blooms  of  any  variety  not  in  commerce, 
1-t,    Mr.    C.    Engblmann,    with    Carola. 

Lord  Howard  de  Walden  won  the  1st 
prize  in  the  class  for  three  blooms  of  a  white 
variety  with  White  Enchantress.  2nd,  Sir 
Randolph  Baker,  with  the  variety  Sarah  Hill. 

For  three  blooms,  light  pink,  rose,  or  salmon, 
again  Lord  Howard  de  Walden  was  1st,  with 
fine  blooms  of  Mrs.  Burnett;  2nd,  H.  J.  King, 
Esq.,  Eastwell  Park,  Kent,  with  the  same.  The 
last-named  exhibitor,  whose  gardener  is  Mr.  J. 
G.  Weston,  was  1st  for  three  blooms  of  a  deep 
pink  or  cerise  variety. 

Decorative  Classes. 

One  vase  of  a  decorative  variety. — 1st,  Messrs. 
Bell  &  Sheldon,  with  a  pink  variety,  set  off  by 
Asparagus  sprays;  2nd,  Mr.  D.  M.  Collins, 
Swanley,  who  used  a  "  Malmaison  "  variety. 

A  basket  of  market  Carnations. — 1st,  E.  J. 
Johnstone,  Esq.  (gr.  Mr.  Paskett),  Groom- 
bridge,  a  simple  neglige  arrangement  of  grand 
modern  varieties  in  scarlet,  white,  crimson 
and  pink  set  off  by  Asparagus  growths. 

A  bouquet  of  Carnations. — 1st,  Messrs.  R.  F. 
Felton  &  Son,  Hanover  Square,  with  a  com- 
position of  mauve-coloured  ribbon,  pink  Carna- 
tions, and  Asparagus.  It  was  a  bouquet  to  be 
observed  from  one  side  only;  2nd,  Messrs. 
Bell  &' Sheldon,  with  blooms  of  Mrs.  Burnett, 
Asparagus  trails,  and  blue  ribbon. 

Three  ladies'  sprays. — 1st,  Sir  Randolf 
B  \ker,  Bart.  (gr.  Mr.  'Usher),  Blandford,  with 
pale  pink,  blush,  and  white  Carnations  and 
Asparagus. 

There  was  considerable  competition  for  six 
Carnation  buttonholes,  and  the  1st  prize  fell 
to  Sir  Randolf  Baker,  Bart. 

Groups  and  Plants. 

The  most  important  class  was  for  a  group  of 
plants  arranged  on  a  semi-circular  space  mea- 
•iii  in-  25  square  feet.  Small  Ferns  or  other 
plants  were  allowed  as  groundwork.  The  1st 
prize  was  a  challenge  cup  offered  by  Lord 
Howard  de  Walden.  The  trophy  is  to  be  held 
by  the  winner  until  again  competed  for,  and 
a  replica  of  the  cud  becomes  the  winner's  pro- 
perty. The  en  y  competitor  was  C.  F.  Raphael, 
Esq.  (gr.  Mr.  A.  Grubb),  Shenley,  Herts.  The 
plants  were  shown  in  excellent  condition,  and 
staged  in  first-class  manner.  The  group  was 
awarded  the  1st  prize.  We  noticed  a  fine  seed- 
ling ''Malmaison"  of  a  cerise  tint.  Others  of 
extra  merit  were  Mrs.  Burnett,  Enchantress,  and 
Britannia. 

Lord  Howard  de  Walden,  Saffron  Walden 
(gr.  Mr.  J.  Vert),  was  the  only  exhibitor  in  the 
classes  for  six  plants  in  six  varieties,  and  three 
plants  in  three  varieties  respectively.  In  each 
case  he  was  awarded  the  1st  prize. 

Trade  Exhibits. 
A  group  of  Carnations  was  staged  by  Mr.  H. 
Burnett,  Guernsey.  The  group  contained 
blooms  of  the  best  varieties,  all  admirably  grown 
and  well  displayed.  (Gold  Medal).  Messrs.  W. 
(ii  hush  &  Son,  Highgate  and  Barnet,  ex. 
hibited  Carnations  extensively,  and  received 
the  award  of  a  Silver  Medal.  Messrs. 
11.  Low  &  Co.,  Bush  Hill  Park  Nur- 
series, Enfield,  made  a  capital  display  of  cut 
blooms  of  Carnations  in  tall  glasses,  jars  of 
earthenware,  and  metal  bowls,  in  great  variety, 
and  showing  good  cultivation.  The  plants  and 
cut  blooms  were  arranged  in  a  kind  of  circular 
temple.  We  observed  a  new  Carnation,  named 
Black  Chief — a  very  free-flowering  variety,  and 
the  colour  that  of  the  Old  Clove.  (Silver-gilt 
Medal.)  Mr.  C.  Engelmann,  The  Nurseries, 
Saffron  Walden,  made  a  very  large  display  with 
cut  blooms  of  Carnations.  (Gold  Medal.) 
Messrs.  Heath  &  Son,  Nurserymen,  Chelten- 
ham, showed  a  perpetual-flowering  variety 
named  Hon.  Lady  Audley  Neeld,  a  cross  from  a 
variety  of  Souvenir  de  la  Malmaison  with  an 
ordinary  perpetual-flowering  variety.  Mr.  W. 
H.  Page  showed  Carnations  and  other  plants. 
(Silver-gilt  Medal.)  Messrs  J.  Teed  &  Son, 
West  Norwood,  made  a  small  exhibit  of  Carna- 
tions.     (Silver  Medal.) 


M  ARKETS. 


CCVENT  GARDEN,  March  24. 

[We  cannot  accept  any  responsibility  for  the  subjoined 
repous.  They  are  furnished  to  us  regularly  every 
Wednesday,  by  the  kindness  of  several  of  the  principal 
salesmen,  who  are  responsible  for  the  quotations.  It 
must  be  remembered  that  these  quotations  do  not  repre- 
sent the  prices  on  any  particular  day,  but  only  the 
general  averages  for  the  week  preceding  the  date  of  our 
report.  The  prices  depend  upon  the  quality  of  the 
samples,  the  way  in  which  they  are  packed,  the  supply 
in  the  market,  and  the  demand,  and  they  may  fluctuate, 
not  only  from  day  to  day,  but  occasionally  several  times 
in  one  day. — Ed.] 


Cut  Flowers.  &c. 


Acacia  (Mini'  isa), 
p.doz.  bunches 

Anemone  fulgens, 
p.  dz.  bunches 

—  double  pink,  p. 
dozen  bunches 

Azalea,  per    dozen 

bunches 
Bouvardia,  per  dz. 

bunches 
Calla  aethiopica,  p. 

dozen  

Camellias,   per 

dozen  

Carnations,      per 

dozen  blooms, 

best  American 

various 

—  second  size    ... 

—  smaller,       per 
doz.     bunches 

Cattleyas,  per  doz. 

blooms  ...  12 

Cypripediums,  per 

dozen  blooms..  1 
Daffodils,  per  doz. 

bunches  ...  4 
Dendrobium  nobile, 

per  dozen  ...  2 
Eucnans      graudi- 

fiora,  per  doz. 

blooms 2 

Freesias  (white),  p. 

doz.  bunches...  2 
Gardenias,  per  doz. 

blooms 3 

Hyacinths  (Roman) 

per  doz.  bchs.    9 

—  Dutch 6 

Lilac     (English), 

white,  p.  bunch    2 

—  mauve 8 

—  (French),  mauve  4 
Lilium      auratum, 

per  bunch      ...    2 

—  longiflorum    ...     4 

—  lane  i  f  ol  iuin, 
rubrum  ...    2 

—  album 2 

Lily  of  the  Valley, 

p.  dz.  bunches    9 

—  extra  quality  .. 


s.d.  s.d. 
9  0-12  0 
16-26 


0-5  0 
0-8  0 


16-20 


:  Average  Wholesale  Prices. 

s.d.  s.d. 
Marguerites,  p.  dz. 

bunches  white 

and  yellow  ...  3  0-40 
Mignonette,      p  er 

dozen  bunches  4  0-60 
Myosotis,  per  doz. 

bunches  ...     3  0-40 

Narcissus,   Paper- 

wlnte,  per   dz. 

bunches         ...    16-20 

—  Gloriosa         ...    1  6-  2  0 

—  ornatus  ...     2  6-36 
il  d'Or    ...    2  0-26 

O  don  to  glossum 

crispum,      per 

dozen  blooms  2  0-26 
Pelargonium  s, 

show,  per  doz. 

bunches         ...    6  0-80 

—  Zonal,    double 
scarlet 6  0-90 

Ranunculus, per  dz. 

bunches  ...     8  0-10  0 

Roses,   12  blooms, 

Niphetos        ...     2  6-36 

—  Bridesmaid    ...     2  6-40 

—  C.  Testout     ...    3  0-60 

—  K  a  i  s  e  r  i  n  A. 
Victoria  ...     2  0-40 

—  C.Mermet      ...     2  0-40 

—  Liberty  ...     4  0-60 

—  Mme.Chatenay    5  0-90 

—  Richmond      ...    5  0-90 

—  The  bride      ...     3  0-40 

—  UlrichBi miner    6  0-80 
Snowdrops,  per  dz. 

buuehes  ...  16-20 
Spiraea,  per  dozen 

bunches  5  0-80 

Stocks,      double 

white,  per  doz. 

bunches  ...  2  6-36 
Tuberoses,  per  dz. 

blooms  ...     0  3-04 

per 


9  0-12  0 
0-15  0 
6-2  6 
0-7  0 
6-3  0 


6-3  6 
6-30 


0-12  0 
0-10  0 

6-3  6 

0-4  0 
0-5  0 


12 


0-3  0 

0-5  0 


0-3  0 
6-3  0 


0-10  0 
0-15  0 


—  on   stems, 
bunch  ... 

Tulips,   per   dozen 
bunches,  single 

—  best     double 
varieties 

Violets,  per  dozen 
bunches 


0  9-13 
6  0-10  0 
12  0  21  0 
16-30 


Parmas.p.bch.    3  0-40 


Gut  Foliage,  &c:  Average  Wholesale  Prices. 


Adiantum  cunea- 
lum,  dz.  bchs. 

Agrostis,  per  doz. 
bunches 

Asparagus  plu- 
niosus,  long 
trails,  DM  di  i/. 

—  — medm.,bcli. 

—  Sprengeri 
Berberis,  per  doz. 

bunches 
Croton  leaves,  per 

bunch  

Cycas  leaves,  each 
Daffodil  foliage,  p. 

doz.  bunches... 
Ferns,    per    dozen 

bchs.  (English) 

—  (French) 

Plants  in  Pots 

Ampelopsis  Veit- 
chii,  per  dozen 

Aralia  Sieboldii,  p. 
dozen  

—  larger  speci- 
mens     

—  Moseri 

Araucaria   excelsa, 

per  dozen 

—  large  plants, 
each      

Aspidistras,  p.  dz., 
green 

—  variegated 
Asparagus,  plumo- 

sus  nanus,  per 
dozen  

—  Sprengeri 

—  t  en  u  issimus 
Azaleas  (Indian),  p. 

dozen  

Begonia  Gloire  de 
Lorraine.p.dz. 
Bor  o  n  i  a  mega- 
stigma,  per  doz. 
Cinerarias,  per  dz. 
Cleoiatis,  per  doz. 


s.d.  s.d. 
6  0-90 
16-20 


S  0-12  0 
10-20 
0  9-16 


10-13 

16-20 


s.d. 
2  0- 


1  0- 

2  0- 


2  0- 
0  0- 


Galax  leaves,  per 
dozen  bunches 

Hardy  foliage 
(various),  per 
dozen  bunches 

Honesty  (Lunaria) 
per  bunch 

Ivy-leaves,   bronze 

—  long  trails  per 
bundle 

—  short  green, 
perdz. bunches 

Moss,  per  gross  ... 

Myrtle,  dz.  bchs., 
(English  ) 
small-leaved ... 

—  French 
Ruscus  racemosus, 

fi.  dz.  bunches  18  0 
ax,  p.dz.  trails    4  0- 


s.d. 
2  6 


1  6 

2  6 


0  9-16 


1  6- 
5  0- 


4  0- 
l  0- 


26 
60 


6  i) 
1  6 


6  0 


,  &c.     Average  Wholesale  Prices. 

s.d.  s.d, 
Cocos    Weddelli- 

ana,  per  dozen...  18  0-30  0 
Crotons,  per  dozen  18  0-30  0 
Cyclamen,  pr.  doz.  9  0-15  0 
Cy  per  us    alterni- 

,  folius,  dozen  ...    4  0-50 

—  laxus,  per  doz.  4  0-50 
Daffodils,  per  doz.  5  0-80 
Dracaenas,  perdoz.  9  0-24  0 
Erica  melanthera... 

per  dozen      ..    12  0-18  0 

—  persolata  alba,  12  0-24  0 

—  Wilmoreana  ...  12  0  18  0 
Euonymus.per  dz., 

in  pots 4  0-90 

—  f[  oin  the  ground  3  0-60 
Ferns,  in   thumbs, 

per  100 8  0-12  0 

—  in     small     and 
large  60's       ...  12  0-20  0 

—  in  48's,  perdz.     4  0-10  0 

—  in  32's,  perdz.  10  0-18  0 
Ficus  elastica,  per 

dozen  


s.d.  s.d. 

6  0-80 

4  0-60 

9  0-12  0 
4  0-60 

12  0-30  0 

3  6-50 

15  0-24  0 
30  0-42  0 

12  0-18  0 
9  0-12  0 
9  0-12  0 

24  0-36  0 

12  0-18  0 

24  0-30  0 

8  0-12  0 

8  0-90 

8  0-10  0 
6  0-80 


Plants  in  Pots,  fie. 

Hardy  flower  roots, 

per  dozen 
Hyacinths,  dz.  pots 
Hydrangea     Thos. 

Hogg,  per  dz. 
Isolepis,  per  dozen 
Kentia       Belmore- 

ana,  per  dozen 

—  Fosteriana,  dz. 
Latania  borbonica, 

per  dozen 
Lilium    lo  ngi- 
floruni,  per  dz. 

—  lancifolium,  p. 
dozen- 


Average  Wholesale  Prices  (Contd,). 

s.d.  s.d.  s.d.  s.d. 
Lily  of  the  Valley, 

per  dozen       ...  18  0-30  0 
Marguerites,  white, 

per  dozen      ...  6  0-10  0 

Mignonette,  perdz.  8  0-90 

Primulas,  per  doz.  5  0-80 

Selaginella,  p.  doz.  4  0-00 

Solanums,  per  doz.  8  0-10  0 
Spiraea  japonica,  p. 

dozen 8  0-12  0 

Stocks    (intermed- 
iate),white,  p.  dz.  8  0-10  0 
Tulips    in    boxes, 

per  doz.  bulbs  0  6-09 

—  in  pots,  per  dz.  9  0-12  0 


10-20 
8  0-10  u 


18  0-24  0 
4  0-60 


15  0-24  0 
18  0-30  0 


12  0-18  0 
18  0-24  0 


12  0-24  0 


Fruit:  Average  Wholesale  Prices, 
s.d.  s.d. 


Apples       Foreign 

—  California 
Newtown  Pip- 
pin, per  case,  4 
tiers      

—  4i  tiers 

—  (American),  per 
barrel : 

—  Baldwin 

—  Greening 

—  Newtown  Pip- 
pin        

—  Oregon  New 
town  Pippin 
per  case  (150).. 

—  Do.      (126)...  14  6 

(96)1 

—  Do.       (88) 

(80)) 

—  (NovaScotian), 
per  barrel : 

—  Russet 

—  Baldwin 

—  Ben  Davis 

—  Fallawater 

—  trench  Russet, 
per  case 

Bananas,  bunch: 

—  Doubles         .„ 

—  No.  1        „    ... 

—  Extra        „     ... 

—  Giant        ,,     ... 

—  (Claret)     „     ... 

—  Jamaica    ,,     ... 

—  Loose,  per  dz. 
Cape  fruit,  per  box 

—  Grapes,  black.. 

—  white    ... 

—  red        

per  case : 

—  Peaches 

—  Plums 

—  Nectarines     ... 

—  Pears 

Cranberries,     per 

case      16  0 


8  0-10  0 
7  6-90 


19  0-24  0 
24  0-26  0 


25  0-27  0 


13  0 


13  6 


17  6-20  0 
19  0-22  0 
17  0    — 
21  0  24  0 

86-90 

9  0-10  0 
6  6-8  0 
8  0-90 
10  0-12  0 
5  0-76 

5  0-56 
0  6-10 

50-60 

6  0-76 
8  0-10  0 

6  0-10  0 
3  0-90 
10  0-18  0 
3  0-36 


Custard  Apples    ... 

Dates  (Tunis),  per 
dozen  boxes  ... 

Grape   Fruit,  case 

Grapes,  Gros  Col- 
mar      

—  (Guernsey)     ... 

—  (Almeria),  per 
barrel  ... 

Lemons,  box 

—  Messina,  300  .. 

—  Do.        360... 

—  (Naples),  per 
case 

Limes,  per  case  ... 
Lychees,  per  box... 
Mandarines    (25's), 
per  box 

—  (96's),  per  box 

—  (Jamaica),  case 
Nuts,  Almonds,  per 

bag       

—  Brazils,  new, 
per  cwt. 

—  Barcelona,  bag 

—  Cocoa  nuts,  100 
Oranges  (Denia) ... 

—  Cal  i  f  ornian 
seedless,  per 
case     

—  (Valencia)  per 
case  (420) 

—  per  case  (714)... 

—  Jaffas 

—  Palermo  Blood 

—  „        Bitter 

—  Murcia  Blood, 
per  case  (200)... 

Pineapples,  each ... 

—  (Natal),  perdz. 
Tangerines     (Cali- 

fornian),      per 
case  (180-200)... 

—  (Florida),  per 
case  (120-200)... 


s.d.  s.d. 

3  0-12  0 

4  3-46 
9  0-11  0 

12-30 
0  10-  1  2 

...  14  0-16  0 

11  0-14  0 

10  0-14  0 

20  0-25  0 

5  0- 
10-15 

0  9-16 
4  0-56 

11  0-12  0 

45  0    — 

50  0-55  0 
32  0-36  U 
11  0-14  0 
10  0-21  0 


11  6-13  6 

8  6-18  0 

8  0-14  0 

9  0-11  0 
7  0-10  0 
4  0-50 

7  6-86 
2  0-36 
4  0-60 


10  0-12  0 
18  0-20  0 


Vegetables  :  Average  Wholesale  Prices. 


s.d.  s.d. 
Artichokes  (Globe), 

per  dozen       ...  2  0-26 

—  white,  p. bushel  2  0-26 

—  per  cwt.  ...  3  6  — 
Asparagus,    per 

bundle: 

—  Sprue 0  7-08 

—  Paris  Green  ...  3  3-40 
Beans,  per  lb.       ..  10-13 

—  (French),  p.  lb.  0  10-  1  2 

—  (Guernsey), 

per  lb 10-12 

—  (Madeira),  per 
basket 3  6    — 

—  Niggers  ..  3  6-70 
Beetroot, perbushel  10-16 
Brussel  Sprouts,  £ 

bushel 3  0-40 

—  bags     5  6    — 

Cabbages,  per  tally  5  6-70 

..  4  0-46 


per  mat 

—  Greens,       per 
bushel 

Cardoon   (French), 

per  dozen 
Carrots    (English), 

dozen  bunches 

—  washed,  bag  ... 

—  unwashed 

—  (French),  p.  pad    2  6-36 
Cauliflower,        St. 

Malo,  per  doz.    3  0-33 

—  Italian    Heads, 

per  basket     ...    2  6-30 
Celery,  p.  dz.  rolls  12  0-15  0 
Celeriac,  per  doz,    16-26 
Chicory,  per  lb.    ... 
Cucumbers,  per  dz, 
Endive,  per  dozen 
Horseradish,     for- 
eign, per  doz. 
bundles  ...  15  0-20  0 

Kale,  per  pad       ...    6  0    — 
Leeks,  12  bundles    3  0-50 

Remarks.— There  has  been 
during    the    past   week,    and 


4  0-46 

8  0-10  0 

3  6-40 
3  6-46 

2  0-26 


0  3J-  0  4 
3  3-39 
10-16 


s.d.  s.d. 
Lettuce    (French), 

per  crate  ...  3  6-46 
Mint,     per     dozen 

bunches  ...  5  0-60 
Mushrooms, per  lb.  0    9 

—  broilers  ...  0    8    — 

—  buttons,  per  lb.  0  10-  1  0 
Mustard  and  Cress, 

per  dozen  pun.     10    — 
Onions,  per  bag  ...  15  0-16  0 

—  (Valencia).case  14  0-16  0 

—  Dutch,  pr.  bag  12  0-13  6 

—  pickling,     per 
bushel 6  0    — 

Parsley, 12bunches    5  0    — 

—  £  sieve 2  6    — 

Parsnips,  per  bag...    5  0-56 
Peas  (French),  pkt.    0  6-07 

—  (French),  p. pad    4  6-56 
Potatos,  per  lb.   ...    0  2    — 

—  (Algerian).p.lb.    03    - 

—  per  cwt.  ...  11  6-13  0 

—  (French),  p.  lb.    0  3-0  3$ 
Radishes  (French), 

per  doz.  bunches    16-26 
Rhubarb  (English), 

forced,  per  dz. 

bundles 
Salsafy,  per  dozen 

bundles 
Savoys,  per  tally...  10  0-18  0 
Seaka  e,  per  dozen 

punnets  ...   12  0-14  0 

Spinach,  per  crate    5  0-60 
Stachys    tuberosa, 

per  lb.... 
Turnips,  per  dozen 

bunches 

—  washed,  p.  bag 
Tomatos     (Tener- 

iffe),  per  bun- 
dle of  4  boxes  10  0-18  0 

—  p.  12  lb.  basket    4  6-50 
Watercress, perdz.     0  6-08 

a    good    trade  for   Oranges 
their    prices    remain    firm  ; 


10-13 

4  0-46 


0  5 


2  9-36 

3  6-40 


—  repens,  per  az. 
Genista     fragrans, 

per  doz.         ...    7  0-90 
Grevilleas,  per  dz.    4  0-60 


Mandarines  "are  dearer.  Apples  are  arriving  in  fewer 
quantities,  and  the  demand  for  them  is  somewhat  smaller. 
Rhubarb  has  been  scarce  during  the  past  week  owing  to  very 
small  consignments  from  the  Leeds  district;  supplies  from 
Essex  and  Middlesex  have  also  been  very  small.  Horse- 
radish has  risen  in  value.  Good  Savoys  have  sold  for  as 
much  as  20s.  per  tally.  Consignments  of  Egyptian  Onions 
are  expected  next  week.  Foreign  Tomatos  are  received  in 
an  excellent  condition.  Mushrooms  are  cheaper.  Trade 
generally  is  fair.  E.  H.  i?.,  Covent  Garden,  Wednesday^ 
March  24,  19j9. 


208 


THE    GARDENERS'      CHRONICLE. 


[March  27,  K09. 


Kents— 

Snowdrop    

Sharpe's  Express  ... 

Up-to-Date 

Lincolns  — 
Royal  Kidney 
British  Queen 

Up-to-Date 

Matncrop     

Sharpe's  Express  ... 
Remarks.— Tra  le 
increased  dec 
ward  tendenc  \ .      E 
St.  Patterns,  March  . 


Potatos. 
,d.  s.d.    Lincolns— 


4  0-  4  a 

3  6-  ;j  9 
0  3-  3  6 


Evergood 
King  Edward 


S.d.  S.'.l. 

,26-30 
3  0-33 


2  3-26 


<E)bttuarp. 


2  3-29    Blacklands... 

3  0-33    Dunbars— 

a  ;i-  a  6  Langworthy,red  soil  4  9-50 
3  0-39  Up-to-Date,  red  soil  39-40 
0-3  3  „  „  grey  soil  2  9-33 
remains  steady.  Best  tubers  have  an 
id  the  prices  all  round  have  a  slight  up- 
Iwanl  J.  Newborn,  Covent  Garden  and 
24.  1909. 


COVENT     GARDEN     FLOWER     MARKET. 

The  milder  weather  has  caused  all  flowers  to  develop 
rapidly,  and  the  market  is  now  overloaded  with  them. 
Trade,  however,  is  not  good. 

Cut  Flowers. 
Roses  of  the  best  quality  are  over-abundant.  Splendid 
blooms  of  Catharine  Mermet  were  on  sale  on  Tuesday  last, 
but  no  one  appeared  anxious  to  buy  them,  even  though 
offered  at  considerably  reduced  prices.  Souid  of  the  best 
blooms  of  Bridesmaid  are  worth  4s.  per  dozen.  Richmond, 
Kaiserin  A.  Victoria,  and  General  Jacqueminot  are  favourite 
kinds.  There  are  some  fairly  good  flowers  of  the  old 
Marechal  Niel,  but  Perle  des  jardins  is  now  a  popular 
market  yellow  Rose.  Carnations  are  of  improved  quality, 
but  it  cannot  be  recorded  that  their  prices  advance.  A  few 
special  blooms  realise  3s.  per  dozen,  but  2s.  is  about  the 
average  price  for  good  quality  flowers.  It  is  rarely  one  sees 
the  variety  Mrs.  Burnett  for  sale  late  in  the  m 
White  Perfection  takes  the  lead  as  a  white  kind.  ("  Daffodi  s 
there  are  large  quantities  from  the  Scilly  Islands  and  other 
warm  climates.  Best  English  grown  flowers  are  not  so  plenti- 
ful, and  during  the  past  week  their  prices  have  advanced. 
Emperor  -till  remains  one  of  the  most  popular  kinds.  Most 
growers  have  finished  with  the  indoor  crops  of  G  »lden  Spur. 
Sir  Watkm  is  good;  and  Horsfieldii  is  the  be  t  bi-color. 
Narcissus  ornatus  has  been  selling  for  higher  prices, 
bm  this  morning  supplies  are  larger  again.  Lilac  is  ^ood 
from  English  and  from  French  growers.  Gardenias 
aru  more  plentiful  and  Eucharis  is  procurable  at  lower 
prices.  Liliums  have  been  making  advanced  prices,  but  it  is 
doubtful  if  they  will  be  sustained  for  supplies  are  increasing. 
Lily  of  the  Valley  varies  greatly  in  value  ;  small  spikes  can 
be  had  at  6s.  per  dozen  bunches,  while  the  best  make  15s. 
Tulips  now  include  some  fine  Darwin  varieties. 

Pot  Plants. 
Trade  has  improved  a  little,  country  orders  for  the  Easter 
trade  making  a  larger  demand  for  foliage  plants.  There  has 
also  been  a  rather  better  clearance  of  flowering  plants. 
Azaleas  are  the  most  prominent  subjects  and  are  remarkably 
good  this  season.  Ericas  include  E.Cavendishii,  E.  persoluta 
alba,  E.  Wilmoreana  and  E.  W.  alba.  Boronia  megastigma 
is  also  seen.  Marguerites,  although  not  plentiful,  are  very 
good.  Better  Mignonette  is  seen.  White  intermediate 
Stocks,  Cinerarias,  Cyclamen,  Tulips,  and  Hyacinths  are  all 
plentiful.  A  fresh  start  has  been  made  with  the  sale  of 
hard)  flower  roots.  Pansiesin  flower  are  already  seen,  also 
Double  Daisies,  Primroses,  Aubrietias,  &c,  and  almost  any 
flower  roots  may  be  procured,  and  Bedding  plants  in  store 
boxes.  Hardy  climbers,  fruit  trees,  Conifers,  and  other 
evergreens  are  selling  better,  also  Roses  for  planting. 
A.  H.,  Lovent  Garden,   Wednesday,  March  21,  1909. 


THE     WEATHER. 

THE  WEATHER    IN    WEST    HERTS. 

Week  ending  March  24. 
A  change  to  warmer  weather.— The  recent  long  spell  of 
cold  weather  lasted  from  the  7th  of  February  to  the  18th 
inst.,  or  for  40  days.  During  that  period  there  occurred 
only  four  days  which  were  in  any  way  unseasonably  warm, 
and  not  a  single  unseasonably  warm  night.  During  the  past 
week  there  have  been  only  two  warm  days,  and  those  only 
moderately  above  the  average  in  temperature,  but  six  warm 
nights.  The  ground  is  now  at  about  a  seasonable  tempera- 
ture, both  at  1  and  2  feet  deep.  Rain  fell  on  four  days, 
but  only  to  the  total  depth  of  less  than  half-an-inch.  There 
has  been  some  percolation  on  each  day  through  both 
of  the  percolation  gauges,  but  in  gradually  decreasing 
quantities.  The  sun  shone  on  an  average  for  only  1  hour 
52  minutes  a  day,  which  is  2  hours  a  day  short  of  the  average 
duration  of  bright  sunshine  at  this  period  of  March.  On  one 
day  the  sun  shone  for  5  hours,  whereas  on  two  other  days 
no  sunshine  at  all  was  recorded.  Light  airs  have  mostly 
prevailed  during  the  week.  The  mean  amount  of  moisture 
in  the  air  at  3  p.m.  exceeded  a  seasonable  quantity  for  that 
hour  by  as  much  as  22  per  cent.  A  selected  patch  of  yellow 
Crocuses  in  my  garden  first  showed  an  open  flower  on  the 
18th,  which  is  exactly  three  weeks  later  than  its  average 
date  in  the  previous  21  years,  and  later  than  in  any  of  those 
years.  A  selected  bush  of  the  wild  Hazel  first  showed  a 
female  flower  on  the  19th,  which  is  29  days  later  than  its 
average  date  for  the  previous  18  years,  and  also  later  than  in 
any  of  those  years.     E.  M.,  Berkhamsted,  March  24t  1909. 


GARDENING     APPOINTMENTS. 


Mr.  Thos.  Thompson,  for  the  past  5  years  Gardener  to 
Mrs.  G.  T.  Newton,  at  Potterspury  Lodge,  Stony 
Stratford,  as  Gardener  to  B.  C.  Foster,  Esq.,  Duncote 
Hall,  Towcester,  Northants. 

Mr.  John  Clarkson,  of  Gunnersbury  Park  Gardens,  pre- 
viously at  Welford  Park,  Newbury,  and  Bedale  Hall, 
Yorks,  as  Gardener  to  Herbert  Harris,  Esq.,  Bowden 
Hill  Gardens,  Chippenham,  Wiltshire.  (Thanks  for  2s. 
sent  for  R.G.O.F.  box.) 

Mr.  Max  Bauer,  previously  Gardener  to  the  Rev.  A.  H. 
Griffith,  Lockington,  Yorks,  as  Gardener  to  Cant. 
Partridge,  Battledene,  Newbury,  Berks.  (Thanks  for 
2s.  6d.  sent  for  R.G.O.F.  box.) 

Mr.  F,  A.  Chase,  for  the  past  4  years  Foreman  at  Holly- 
combe  Gardens,  Liphook,  Hants,  as  Gardener  to  Major 
Orman,  Forest  Mere.  Liphook,  Hants. 


John  Fidler.— We  regret  to  record  the  r'eath 
of  Mr.  John  Fidler,  of  Cambridge  Lodge,  Croy- 
don Road,  S.E.  The  deceased  gentleman,  who 
was  66  years  of  age,  cultivated  Cacti  and  other 
succulents,  of  which  plants  he  possessed  a  fine 
collection. 

C.  Stocking. — We  regret  to  record  the  death 
of  this  gardener,  which  occurred  on  March  20, 
after  a  fortnight's  illness.  The  late  Mr.  Stocking 
was,  at  the  time  of  his  death,  gardener  at 
Southgate  House,  Old  Southgate.  He  received 
his  first  training  under  his  father  at  Didlington 
Hall,  Norfolk.  Afterwards  he  was  engaged  at 
Floors  Castle,  and  later  at  Tort  worth,  and 
other  places.  He  was  appointed  gardener  and 
bailiff  at  Southgate  House  about  10  years  since. 
Deceased  leaves  a  widow  and  four  children. 

OTFcMiordmU 


*  ,  *  The  Editor  will  be  glad  to  receive,  for  considei  a- 

tion,  lare,e  photographs  of  horticultural  subjects,  suitable 
for  forming  Supplementary  Illustrations  to  this  Join  mil. 

Editor  and  Publisher.  —  Our  Correspondents  would 
obviate  delay  in  obtaining  answers  to  their  communica- 
tions, and  save  us  much  time  and  trouble,  if  they  would 
kindly  observe  the  notice  printed  weekly  to  the  effect 
that  all  letters  relating  to  linancial  matters  and  to 
advertisements  should  be  addressed  to  the  Publisher; 
and  that  all  communications  intended  for  publication,  or 
referring  to  the  Literary  department,  and  all  plants  to  be 
named,  should  be  directed  to  the  Editor.  The  two 
departments,  Publishing  and  Editorial,  are  quite  distinct, 
and  much  unnecessary  delay  and  confusion  arise  when 
letters  are  misdirected. 

Asparagus:  Anxioiis.  Asparagus  may  be 
forced  very  well  under  the  stage  of  a  heated 
house,  provided  a  little  daylight  can  reach 
it  and  the  roots  are  not  allowed  to  become  too 
dry.  It  succeeds  best  in  a  temperature  of  from 
55°  to  65u  Fahr.  The  roots  should  be  taken 
up  and  planted  immediately  on  about  6  inches 
of  good  ordinary  soil,  covering  the  crowns 
from  3  to  4  inches  in  depth.  Apply  a  thorough 
watering,  and  syringe  twice  daily  with  tepid 
water.  Probably  the  best  way  of  forcing 
Asparagus  at  this  season  of  the  year  is  to  do 
so  in  portable  frames  on  very  mild  hot-beds 
composed  chiefly  of  Oak,  Beech,  or  Spanish 
Chestnut  leaves.  The  roots  must  be  kept  in 
very  moist  conditions. 

Begonia  Gloire  de  Seaux  :  H.  G.  There  is  no 
disease  present  in  the  plant.  The  unhealthy 
condition  is  due  to  excess  of  moisture  and  the 
need  for  fresh  air.  The  Pelargoniums  have 
also  suffered  from  unsuitable  conditions.  With 
warm,  bright  weather  the  plants  will  soon 
grow  out  of  their  enfeebled  state. 

Botany  :  G.  R.  Get  The  Young  Botanist,  by 
W.  Percival  Weston  and  C.  S.  Cooper.  You 
can  obtain  the  book  from  our  publishing  de- 
partment. We  are  unable  to  advise  you  re- 
specting shorthand,  as  you  have  given  no  par- 
ticulars respecting  the  position  you  fill,  or  ex- 
pect to  fill.  As  a  rule,  gardeners  have  not 
much  use  for  shorthand. 

CORDYLINES  (DRAC.tNAS)  AND  OTHER  PLANTS  : 
A.  E.  The  Cordylines  are  enfeebled  speci- 
mens and  are  not  worth  retaining.  Propagate 
some  healthy  plants  from  the  top  shoots.  The 
roots  are  in  an  extremely  unsatisfactory  con- 
dition. The  Pandanus  and  Codiaeums  appear 
to  have  suffered  from  neglect. 

"French"  Gardening:  W.  S.  Write  to  Mr. 
Paul  Aquatias,  Tudwick,  Tiptree,   Essex. 

Hyacinths  with  Unhealthy  Roots:  W.  D. 
As  the  soil  in  which  the  Cucumbers  and 
Melons  were  grown  last  year  was  badly  in- 
fested with  eelworm,  it  should  not  have  been 
used  for  plant  culture  again  unless  it  were 
well  sterilised. 

Liming  of  Fruit  Trees:  E.  M.  B.  The  stems 
of  orchard  fruit  trees  are  limewashed  in 
autumn  for  the  purpose  of  destroying  insect 
pests  mainly  by  suffocation. 


Names  of  Flowers,  Fruits  and  Plants. — We 
are  anxious  to  oblige  correspondents  as  far  as 
we  consistently  can,  but  they  must  bear  in 
mind  that  it  is  no  part  of  our  duty  to  our 
subscribers  to  name  either  flowers  or  fruits. 
Such  work  entails  considerable  outlay,  both  of 
time  and  money,  and  cannot  be  allowed  to  dis- 
organise the  preparations  for  the  weekly  issue,  or  to 
encroach  upon  time  required  for  the  conduct  of  the 
paper.  Correspondents  should  never  send  more 
than  six  plants  or  fruits  at  one  time  :  they  should  be 
very  careful  to  pack  and  label  them  properly,  to  give 
every  information  as  to  the  county  the  fruits  are 
grown  in,  and  to  send  ripe,  or  nearly  ripe,  specimens 
which  show  the  character  of  the  variety.  By 
neglecting  these  precautions  correspondents  add 
greatly  to  our  labour,  and  run  the  risk  of 
delay  and  incorrect  determinations.  Correspondents 
not  answered  in  one  issue  are  requested  to 
be   so   good  as   to  ^consult   the   following   numbers. 

Plants:  H.  T.  H.  Dendrobium  Ains- 
worthii  and  Trichosma  suavis. —  W,  H.  1, 
Asplenium  bulbifertim;  2,  A.  prajmorsum  ; 
3,  Polystichum  aculeatum  ;  4,  Aspidtum  podo- 
phyllum syn.  Lastrea  Sieboldii.— /  M,I'J.  1, 
Thuyopsis  dolobrata  ;  2.  Hedera  Helix  Roegner- 
iana  ;  3,  Phillyrea  media  ;  4.  Thuya  gigantea. — 
F.  C.  Gerbera  Jamesonii,  Barberton  Daisy. — 
W .  D.  Reineckia  carnea  variegata ;  2.  Heli- 
conia  metallica ;  3,  Dracaena  Goldieaua. — 
A.E.  1,  Streptosolen  Jamjsonii ;  2,  Agapanthus 
umbellatus  varies<atus  — Torbay.  Iris  tuberosa. — 
F.R.  1,  Oncidium  flexuosum;  2,  Pteristremula  ; 
3.  Adiantum  hispidulum. — R.  T.  H.  Dendro- 
bium cariniferum. — Tyke.  1,  Codiaeum  Laingii  ; 
2,  C.  angustifolium  maculatum  ;  3,  C.  variega- 
tum;  4,  C.  inlerruptum  ;  5,  C.  trilobum  ;  6,  C. 
Weissmannii. — M.  A.  Odontoglossum  Ander- 
sonianum  of  gcod  quality,  and  of  the  variety 
known  as  "  hebraicum."  —  IF.  G.  1,  Ccelogyne  , 
flaccida ;  2,  Masdevallia  tovarensis  ;  3, 
Ccelogyne  speciosa ;  4,  Dendrobium  P.erardii. 
— /.  L.  S.  1,  Abies  nobilis  glauca  ,  2,  Acalypha 
Godsemana ;  3,  Hamamelis  virginiana  ;  4, 
Cymbidium  pendulum  ;  5,  Cestrum  fascicula- 
tum,  commonly  called  Habrothamnus  in  gar- 
dens ;  6,  Codiaeum  Queen  Victoria,  or  a  similar 
variety. 

Seakale  Plants  ;  Flowering  Ckowks  /.  R.  B. 
When  the  young  seedling  plants  are  taken  up, 
the  top  of  each,  with  all  the  crown-buds, 
should  be  cut  clean  off  before  being  trans. 
planted,  so  as  to  prevent  the  plants  sending 
up  flower-stalks  during  the  summer.  The  re- 
moval of  the  crown — a  very  thin  shilling-like 
slice — from  each  individual  plant  will  result 
in  the  formation  of  several  buds,  and  the  sub- 
sequent shoots  will  not  have  a  tendency  to 
flower  the  first  year  after  planting.  Shouldany 
flower-stems,  however,  appear  during  the 
summer  months  on  either  your  Seakale  or 
Rhubarb  plants,  rtmove  them  forthwith. 

"Taking"  Buds  of  Chrysanthemums:  II".  B. 
The  most  suitable  dates  for  the  varieties  you 
mention  are  as  follow: — Nellie  1'ockett, 
middle  of  April,  second  crown  buds ;  YY. 
Duckham,  middle  of  April,  second  crown ; 
Mrs.  Barkley,  third  week  in  April,  second 
crown;  F.  S.  Vallis,  second  week  in 
April,  first  crown ;  Lady  Ridgeway  third 
week  in  April,  first  crown  ;  Baron  Hirsch, 
second  week  in  April,  second  crown  ;  Alice 
Byrom,  natural  break,  first  crown  ;  Souvenir 
de  W.  Clibran,  second  week  in  April,  second 
crown  ;  Mrs.  E.  Thirkell,  third  week  in  April, 
second  crown ;  Godfrey's  King,  second  week 
in  April,  second  crown  ;  General  Hutton, 
second  or  third  week  in  March,  second  crown  ; 
Lady  Hanham,  second  week  in  April,  second 
crown  ;  Lady  Conyers,  third  week  in  April, 
first  crown;  Soleil  d'Octobre,  stop  twice  or 
three  times  for  cut  flowers,  or  "  take  "  buds 
in  the  second  week  in  April.  Soleil  d'Octobre 
is  not  suitable  for  an  exhibition  to  be  held 
on  November  11. 

Violets  :  E.  L.  The  plants  show  no  trace  of 
disease.  The  injury  is  due  to  some  external 
cause,  such  as  injurious  fumes. 

Violets  Diseased  :  C.  D.  See  reply  to  T.  B. 
in  last  week's  issue,  p.   192. 

Communications  Received.— F.  G.  B.  (next  weekl.— 
W.  A.  C.-Linnean  Soc— C.  F.— R.  A.  Rolfe— J.  G.  YV.— 
E.  J.  H.— R.  P.  B.— E.  S.—  VV.  J.B.—  YV.  M.-J.  YVhitton— 
W.  YV.  P.-A.  D.  YV.— A.  S.— A.  I.  E.— E.  C.  P.— T.W.C, 
— C.  G.,  Cairo— H.  N.— W.  E.  G.— YV.  W.— L.  R.  R.— 
H.  A.  R.-Bere. 


April  3,  1909.] 


THE     GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


209 


THE 


6art)eners'Cbrontclc 

No.  1,162.— SATURDAY,  April  3,  1909. 


222 

Orchid  Stud-Book,  the 

221 

Potato,  the  "  Burbank  " 

222 

Respiring     plants,    the 

temperature  of 
School-garden,  a  Surrey 

221 

217 

209 

Societies — 

216 

British        Gardeners' 

217 

Association 

223 

221 

Debating          

223 

Linnean 

222 

217 

Manchester  and  N.  of 

England  Orchid    ... 

223 

214 

Perpetual  -  flowering 

Carnation     ... 

223 

214 

Royal  Horticultural ... 

216 

219 

(Scientific  Committee) 
Torquay  District  Gar- 

222 

deners'          

223 

211 

Stackpole  Court,   Pem- 

brokeshire        

218 

219 

Summer  flowers,  a  bor- 

der of    

212 

219 

Swanlev     Horticultural 

220 

College 

Thalictrum    dipterocar- 

216 

221 

pum       

216 

221 

Trap,  the  figure  of    ... 

224 

210 

Trees  and  shrubs — 

Town  planting 

220 

223 

Vegetables — 

223 

Onions  for  market    ... 
Week's  work,  the— 

217 

224 

Flower  garden,  the  ... 

214 

213 

Fruits  under  glass    ... 

215 

Hardy  fruit  garden  ... 

214 

Kitchen  garden,  the... 

214 

Orchid  houses,  the  ... 

215 

210 

Plants  under  glass    ... 
Public  parks  and  gar- 

215 

213 

dens   

215 

213  | 

Wistarias,  the    

218 

CONTENTS. 

Anemone  Traversa 
Book  notices — 

Handy  Book  of  Prun- 
ing,   Grafting    and 

Budding        

The  Life  of  Philibert 

Commerson 
Publications  received 
Carnations,  exhibiting... 
Cedar  wood    for    cigar 

boxes     

Colonial  notes — 
Coffee-leaf  disease  ... 
Water  -  Hyacinth     in 

Ceylon  

Dendrobium  speciosum 
Fernery,  the — 
Spring    treatment    of 

hardy  Ferns 

Forestry — 
Timber  for  home  use 
Timber     planting    in 
Great  Britain 

Fuchsias 

Griselinia  littoralis, 

hardiness  of 

Lignum  neplniticum    ... 
Notes  from  a  "  French  " 

garden  

Obituary — 

Harris,  George 
Roupell,  William 
Odontoglossum,       leaf- 
spotting  in      

Olearia  myrsinoides     ... 
Orchid  notes  and  glean- 
ings— 
The    Glebelands  col- 
lection   

Plant  notes — 
Canarina  campanula 
Nertera  depressa 

ILLUSTRATIONS. 

Dendrobium  speciosum  219 

Odontoglossum  crispum  Fowlerianum,  211 ;  O.  Wyoni- 

anum,211;  O.  Smitbii         212 

Olearia  myrsinoides ...  213 

Stackpole  Court,  Pembrokeshire     ...     _  ...  218 

Thalictrum  dipterocarpum  (Supplementary  Illustration) 

Vegetables,  a  group  of,  from  a  school  garden     210 


A  SURREY  SCHOOL-GARDEN. 

HALE  is  a  village  situated  about  midway 
between  Farnham  and  Aldershot.  It 
lies  on  the  south  side  of  a  long,  barren 
hill,  part  of  which  is  called  Hungry 
I  Till — a  name  very  aptly  describing  its  soil, 
which  consists  almost  entirely  of  layers  of 
sand  and  gravel.  Excavations  for  gravel 
have  honeycombed  almost  the  whole  of  its 
surface,  the  flints  thus  obtained  being  conveyed 
to  various  parts  of  the  country,  chiefly  for  the 
purpose  of  making  and  repairing  roads. 

The  village  has  a  large  population  for  a  rural 
district,  composed  almost  entirely  of  the  work- 
ing class,  employed  either  as  labourers  in  the 
gravel  pits  or  as  artisans  in  the  neighbouring 
towns. 

The  Hale  school  gardens  were  commenced 
nearly  30  years  ago.  At  that  time  there  was  a 
very  large  playground  attached  to  the  school, 
and,  as  my  own  garden  was  small,  the  school 
managers  gave  me  permission  in  1879  to  utilise 
one  end  of  the  playground  as  a  kitchen  gar- 
den. The  interest  that  the  school  children 
took  in  the  cultivation  of  this  strip  of  land, 
which  was  in  no  way  fenced  off  from  the  play- 


ground, suggested  to  my  mind  the  idea  of  pro- 
viding gardens  for  the  elder  scholars  to  man- 
age themselves.  Eventually  the  greater  portion 
of  my  playground  garden  was  divided  into  some 
124  small  plots,  half  of  them  about  two-thirds 
of  a  rod  each  for  12  boys  to  grow  vegetables. 
The  remaining  12  were  of  still  smaller  area,  and 
were  given  to  12  girls  for  the  cultivation  of 
flowers.  The  children  eagerly  took  possession 
of  the  gardens  and  showed  great  enthusiasm  in 
the  work.  With  some  help  from  myself  they 
found  tools,  as  well  as  seeds  and  manure.  To 
sustain  their  interest  it  was  decided  to  hold  a 
show  in  August,  and  offer  prizes  for  vegetables, 
flowers,  and  the  best-cropped  and  neatest  gar- 
dens. Having  proved  successful  the  first 
year,  the  show  has  been  continued  up  to  the 
present  time.  The  simple  display  of  those  early 
days  has  grown  into  an  extensive  exhibi- 
tion of  school  work  generally,  which  fills  our 
large  central  hall  each  August,  and  includes 
vegetables  and  flowers  from  more  than  40  gar- 
den plots,  and  bouquets  of  wild  flowers  from 
some  150  children. 

In  1892  the  Surrey  County  Council,  which 
was  the  pioneer  authority  in  establishing  and 
systematising  a  school-garden  scheme,  ap- 
pointed Mr.  John  Wright,  V.M.H.,  as  the  first 
county  Superintendent  of  Horticulture.  Mr. 
Wright's  expert  knowledge,  energy,  and  enthu- 
siasm soon  began  to  make  itself  felt  at  Hale. 
Under  his  direction  and  advice,  and  with  the 
financial  aid  of  the  County  Council,  the  Hale 
gardens  entered  on  a  new  phase.  The  old  situa- 
tion was  given  up,  a  larger  area  of  the  play- 
ground was  enclosed  and  trenched,  some  hun- 
dreds of  loads  of  flints  removed,  and  the  land 
divided  into  24  small  gardens,  with  borders  for 
seed-beds   and   fruit-plots. 

Unfortunately,  a  few  years  after  the  estab- 
lishment of  our  County  Council  gardens,  a 
portion  of  the  land  was  required  for  the  erec- 
tion of  new  school  buildings,  and  thus  the  num- 
ber of  gardens  was  reduced  to  twelve. 

The  Surrey  County  Council  Scheme,  in  addi- 
tion to  the  trenching  and  laying-out  of  the  land 
into  garden  plots,  also  provides  for  : — 

1.  Lessons  on  horticulture  to  classes  of  boys 
during  the  winter  season. 

2.  1'ractical  gardening  through  the  spring  and 
summer.  (The  County  Council  supplies  tools 
and  tool-shed,  manure  and  seeds,  and  its  super- 
intendent inspects  the  gardens  three  or  four 
times  in  the  season.) 

3.  Prizes  for  good  cultivation,  arrangement 
and  excellence  of  crop,  awarded  to  workers  in 
the  continuation-school  gardens,  according  to 
marks  given  by  the  superintendent  at  his  visits. 
The  lads  are  also  allowed  the  produce  of  their 
own  gardens. 

4.  Visits  (under  the  supervision  of  the  super- 
intendent or  local  instructors)  to  private  and 
nurserymen's  gardens  and  glasshouses  in  the 
neighbourhood  for  practical  illustrations  of  the 
cultivation  and  raising  of  special  classes  of 
plants  and  flowers,  showing  the  use  of  frames, 
and  pointing  out  examples  and  effects  of  fer- 
tilisation, budding  and  grafting. 

5.  Lectures  by  the  superintendent  on  horti- 
culture to  teachers  and  others  during  the  winter 
season. 

6.  Exhibitions  at  Wye  College  to  teachers  for 
two  weeks  during  the  long  holidays,  in  order 
that  they  may  qualify  as  teachers  of  gardening 
at  schools. 

The  oral  lessons  of  the  winter  season  are,  of 
course,  preparatory  to  the  practical  work  in  the 
spring  and  summer.  The  lessons  are  illustrated 
by  blackboard  drawings  and  diagrams  and  by 
experiments  with  actual  objects  ;  the  pupils  are 
required  to  practise  the  operations  of  potting, 
grafting,  layering  and  making  cuttings,  and  each 


scholar  is  supplied   with   a  notebook,  in  which 
his  drawings  and  descriptive  notes  are  entered. 
The  course  includes  lessons  on  : — 

1.  The   soil,    its    formation    and   constituents, 
treatment,  &c. 

2.  The   seed,   its   formation,   constituents,   &c. 

3.  The  plant,  its  life  history,  physiology,  and 
food  requirements. 

4.  Manures,  natural  and  chemical,  and  their 
application. 

5.  Operations  such  as  trenching  soil,  sowing 
seed,  grafting,  pruning,  &c. 

6.  Insect  pests  and  insecticides. 

7.  The  special  cultivation  of  each  kind  of  the 
more   important   vegetables. 

The  Continuation  School. 
The  twelve  plots  in  our  Continuation-school 
gardens  each  measure  rather  more  than  a  square 
rod.  They  stretch  lengthwise  from  E.  to  W., 
so  that  they  can  be  cropped  with  rows  running 
N.  and  S.  A  path  surrounds  each  garden.  Our 
method  of  cropping  has  been  : — At  the  begin- 
ning of  the  season  to  draw  a  plan  of  a  garden- 
plot  on  a  large  scale,  showing  the  order  and 
position  of  the  different  crops,  the  distance  sepa- 
rating them,  time  of  sowing,  &c,  and  to  insist 
that  all  the  gardens  are  planted  according  to  the 
plan.  A  few  of  the  most  experienced  boys  need 
only  such  a  plan  to  guide  them  in  the  cropping 
operations,  but  the  teacher  keeps  an  eye  on  them 
to  see  that  they  do  not  sow  and  plant  too  thickly. 
With  the  rest,  often  the  simplest  and  most  ele- 
mentary operations  have  to  be  shown  before  the 
pupils  can  proceed  with  their  work  at  all.  But 
recently  the  results  of  the  teaching  of  gardening 
in  the  day-school  have  been  quite  appreciable  in 
the  superior  knowledge  and  skill  shown  by  the 
boys  who  have  been  through  the  more  elemen- 
tary course. 

The  actual  superintendence  of  each  operation 
of  almost  every  boy  takes  up  a  great  deal  of  the 
instructor's  time,  especially  if  the  boys  are 
allowed  to  come  any  evening  during  the  week  frr 
personal  instruction.  To  obviate  this  as  much 
as  possible,  all  the  boys  are  required  to  be 
present  on  Mondays  and  Wednesdays  for  the 
special  work  in  hand.  But  as  the  boys  are  at 
various  kinds  of  employment  during  the  day, 
and  ofttimes  work  at  long  distances  from  the 
gardens,  this  is  not  always  possible ;  conse- 
quently, and  especially  during  the  planting  sea. 
son,  almost  every  evening  is  utilised.  Hoeing 
and  weeding  may  be  carried  on  by  the  boys  in- 
dependently of  the  presence  of  the  instructor. 

The  main  object  of  the  garden  work  being 
educational,  as  many  kinds  of  vegetables  and 
flowers  are  grown  as  possible,  generally  in  very 
small  quantities,  the  more  useful  and  common 
kinds  having  two  rows,  the  less  common  one 
row,  and  some  kinds  only  two  or  three  specimen 
plants. 

The  flower  borders  adjoin  the  central  path. 
Each  border  contains  a  standard  Rose  tree,  and 
last  season  there  were  also  cultivated  Lobelias, 
Stocks,  Asters,  Petunias,  Antirrhinums,  Bal- 
sams, Mignonette,  Sweet  Williams,  Pansies,  Ver- 
benas, Nasturtiums,  and  other  hardy  and  half- 
hardy  annuals,  as  well  as  Sweet  Peas,  all  raised 
from  seed,  and  numbers  of  Zonal  Pelargoniums 
from  cuttings. 

During  last  season  we  paid  considerable  at- 
tention to  the  culture  of  Sweet  Peas,  and  the  2nd 
prize  for  12  varieties  of  Sweet  Peas  at  the 
Farnham  Rose  Show,  in  the  open  class,  was 
gained  by  the  Hale  Schools,  against  about  a 
dozen  competitors,  the  1st  prize  being  won  by  a 
professional  grower. 

The  fruit  plot  lies  to  the  south  of  the  vegetable 
and  flower  gardens  ;  it  is  cultivated  in  common 
by  instructor  and  pupils.  Among  the  opera- 
tions carried  on  are: — Pruning  (root  as  well  as 


210 


THE    GARDENERS'    CHRONICLE. 


[April  3,  1909. 


branch),  thinning,  hoeing  and  mulching,  and 
preparing  and  applying  spraying  mixtures  for 
pests.  The  trees  include  Apples  (standard,  bush, 
and  cordon),  Pears,  Plums,  Gooseberries,  Cur- 
rants, and  Raspberry  canes. 

A  small  greenhouse  on  the  premises  and  two 
or  three  cold  frames  afford  practice  in  cultiva- 
tion under  glass,  and  provide  a  supply  of  early 
plants  and  flowers  to  be  transferred  to  the  vari- 
ous gardens  in  the  spring.  The  propagation  of 
these  plants  and  flowers  has  been  almost  entirely 
the  work  of  the  boys  (either  evening  or  day), 
who  are  sufficiently  interested  to  be  always 
ready  and  eager  to  assist  their  teacher  during  the 
dark  evenings  of  early  spring  in  the  watering, 
sowing,  and  pricking-out  required. 

The  patience  and  perseverance  of  our  lads 
were  severely  tried  at  the  commencement  of  the 
gardens  on  the  new  site.  Strive  as  we  would, 
we  could  not  reach  the  top  of  the  county  list, 
the  soil  was  so  poor.  But,  after  some  years  of 
strenuous  endeavour,  we  had  the  satisfaction,  in 
1900,  of  taking  the  lead  in  the  Surrey  County 
Council  gardens,  and  have,  by  continual  appli- 
cation and  more  favourable  circumstances,  been 
successful  in  holding  the  position  ever  since. 

To  show  the  progress  of  steady  improvement 
in  the  workmanship  and  skill  of  the  pupils  in  the 
Surrey  schools  generally,  I  quote  the  following 
from  the  County  Council  reports  :  — 

Year 1894.   '96.  '98.  1900.  '02.  '04.  '06.  '08. 

Average  I  45  56  73  83  96  100  105  106 
County  mark  J 

E.  Ccesar,  Head  Master. 

(To  be  continued.) 


NOTES  FROM  A  "FRENCH"  GARDEN. 

CULTURE     OF     MELONS. 

As  Melons  are  the  chief  crop  in  a  "French" 
garden  during  the  summer,  the  planting  or  sow- 
ing of  spring  crops  is  so  arranged  as  to  provide 
for  the  frames  and  lights  being  at  liberty  for  the 
final  plantation  of  the  Melons.  There  are  two 
batches  of  Melons.  Plants  to  fruit  from  the 
end  of  June  till  the  end  of  July  are  raised  from 
seeds  sown  in  the  middle  of  February.  They 
are  planted  early  in  April.  The  main-crop 
plants  are  raised  from  seeds  sown  from  between 
March  15  and  March  31.  These  later  plants 
are  put  out  in  May,  and  they  ripen  fruits  from 
the  end  of  July  till  the  first  week  in  September. 
The  best  variety  is  "  Prescott  Small  Early 
Frame,"  which  is  a  Cantaloup,  or  Rock  Melon. 
"  Melon  of  Chypre,"  or  "  Kroumir,"  which  is 
grown  by  some  gardeners,  is  very  hardy  and 
suitable  for  late  sowing. 

The  seeds  are  sown  on  a  hot-bed  2  feet  6  inches 
deep  when  trodden.  When  the  heat  of  the  bed 
is  about  70°,  the  seeds  are  set  1  inch  apart,  and 
the  lights  closed  until  the  plants  appear  above 
the  soil.  In  the  case  of  the  heat  inside  the 
frame  diminishing,  the  manure  around  the  out- 
side is  replaced  by  fresh  manure.  A  week  after 
the  plants  have  appeared,  another  bed  is  pre- 
pared in  a  similar  manner. 

Melons  are  potted  in  good  loam,  and  the 
pots  filled  up  to  the  rim  to  prevent  ex- 
cessive dampness  at  the  roots.  When  the 
heat  of  the  bed  is  from  65°  to  70°,  the 
pots  are  plunged  into  the  beds,  putting  90  pots 
under  each  light.  The  lights  are  then  kept 
closed  for  eight  or  10  days  till  growth  com- 
mences, when  a  little  ventilation  is  given.  A 
■week  before  the  final  planting,  the  young 
Melons  are  stopped  at  the  second  leaf.  This  is 
done  by  cutting  through  the  stem  just  below 
where  the  third  leaf  arises.  By  this  method  the 
stem  is  not  so  liable  to  split,  for  splitting  or 
cracking  of  the  stem  is  one  of  the  chief  causes  of 
canker,  as  the  disease  readily  spreads  from  a 
fractured  spot.  The  cotyledons  are  also  re- 
moved, because,  if  they  remain  on  the  plant, 
they  are  liable  to  cause  delay.     The  beds  are 


prepared  for  the  final  planting  as  soon  as  the  two 
young  shoots  growing  from  the  main  stem  are 
1  inch  long.  A  trench  2  feet  6  inches  wide  and 
10  inches  deep  is  dug  out  of  the  top  of  the 
ground  allotted  to  the  culture  of  Melons,  and 
the  soil  is  carted  to  the  end  of  the  ground.  The 
trench  is  filled  again  with  long,  strawy  manure, 
which  is  well  trodden  down,  and  the  centie  left 
3  inches  higher  than  the  level  of  the  ground. 
The  frames  are  then  set  straight  and  level,  and 
filled  with  the  soil  taken  from  the  trench  of  the 
next  row  of  frames.  The  paths  between  the 
frames  are  filled  with  hot  manure.  As  soon  as 
the  beds  have  become  warm,  two  Melons  are 
planted  in  the  centre  of  each  light,  care  being 
taken  not  to  disturb  the  young  roots,  nor  to  set 
the  plants  too  deeply.  The  lights  are  well 
covered  at  night  and  kept  closed.  If  the  sun  is 
too  hot  in  the  middle  of  the  day  before  the 
plants  are  well  established,  they  can  be  shaded 
with  mats.  Afterwards  ventilation  may  be  given, 
and  the  amount  may  be  increased  as  the  weather 
becomes  warmer  and  the  plants  stronger. 
Melons,  especially  those  grown  in  the  first  sea- 
son, require  very  little  water  prior  to  setting 
their  fruits.  As  soon  as  the  young  shoots  have 
reached  the  sides  of  the  frames,  they  are  stopped 


early  in  July  the  lights  may  be  left  open  at 
night.  Towards  the  end  of  July,  or  early  in 
August,  the  frames  may  be  safely  removed  alto- 
gether. The  fruits  are  left  on  the  plants  till 
ripe,  and  this  condition  may  be  determined  by 
the  base  of  the  stalk  turning  white.  They  can 
then  be  picked  and  placed  in  a  cool  cellar  for 
a  few  hours 

The  culture  of  Melons  will  be  found  very 
simple  if  the  following  instructions  are  carried 
out: — (1)  The  maintenance  of  even  tempera- 
tures ;  (2)  the  plants  must  not  suffer  a  check  in 
the  seedling  stage  ;  (3)  a  good  bottom  heat  must 
be  provided  when  planting  the  Melons  in  their 
final  quarters ;  (4)  very  cautious  watering  before 
the  fruits  have  set ;  (5)  ventilation  of  the  frames 
according  to  the  growth  of  the  plants  and  the 
state  of  the  weather.     P.  Aquatias. 


ORCHID    NOTES   AND    GLEANINGS. 


THE   GLEBELANDS   COLLECTION. 
The  fine  collection  of  J.  Gurney  Fowler,  Esq., 
at    Glebelands,    South   Woodford,    contains   the 
most   vigorous    plants    in   the   London    district. 


Fig.  88. — group  of  vegetables  taken  from  the  hale  continuation-school  gardens 

(october,  i908). 


to  the  fourth  or  fifth  leaf.  This  stopping  forces 
the  plants  to  develop  shoots,  which  are  again 
stopped  at  the  second  leaf.  It  is  the  third  stop- 
ping that  provides  the  shoots  which  will  bear 
the  fruits.  The  plants  must  not  be  weakened  by 
severe  pruning,  but  only  the  shoots  or  leaves 
that  are  unnecessary  may  be  removed. 

The  female  flowers  always  appear  later  than 
the  male  flowers,  and  they  are  more  numerous  in 
plants  raised  from  seeds  that  are  three  or  four 
years  old.  The  soil  at  the  period  of  flowering 
must  be  kept  damp,  so  that  there  will  be  no 
necessity  to  water  the  plants  during  the  setting 
of  the  flowers.  These  require  no  artificial  polli- 
nation, especially  when  ventilation  is  given. 
When  the  fruits  are  the  size  of  a  hen's  egg,  care 
is  taken  to  keep  the  best  shaped  as  far  as  pos- 
sible from  the  collar  of  the  plants  ;  but,  in  order 
to  obtain  a  few  early  fruits,  exception  may  be 
made  in  some  of  the  lights,  although  in  these 
cases  the  fruits  cannot  be  expected  to  grow 
to  a  large  size.  One  fruit  per  plant  is  sufficient. 
The  supply  of  water  is  increased  as  the  fruits 
swell,  and  it  is  always  applied  in  the  morning. 
Ventilation   is   given    whenever     possible,   and 


They  prove  that  if  proper  accommodation  is 
given,  and  the  plants  skilfully  treated,  even  the 
London  fogs  cannot  harm  Orchids.  The  large 
Odontoglossum  house  at  Glebelands  is  one  of 
the  best  appointed  in  Europe,  and  the  plants 
leave  nothing  to  be  desired  in  the  matter  of 
health  and  flower-production.  The  season 
of  that  general  favourite,  Odontoglossum 
crispum,  and  its  beautiful  though  high-priced 
blotched  varieties,  has  now  commenced,  and 
henceforth,  for  the  next  few  months,  they  will 
command  a  large  amount  of  the  attention  of 
orchidists.  At  present  there  is  the  beginning 
of  a  very  fine  show  of  them  at  Glebelands,  those 
in  bloom  showing  the  features  of  the  finest  type  ; 
while  the  blotched  forms  have  for  their  best  the 
showy  O.  crispum  Carmania,  and  O  crispum 
Fowlerianum  (fig.  90),  the  latter  being  a  superb 
form,  with  uniform,  deep,  ruby-red  blotching. 
Of  hybrid  Odontoglossums,  none  at  present  in 
bloom  can  compare  with  the  unique  Odontoglos- 
sum Smithii  (Rossii  rubescens  x  crispo-Harry- 
anum)  (fig.  91),  which  is  again  well  in  bloom. 
Another  remarkable  hybrid,  Odontoglossum 
Wyonianum,      of      unrecorded      parentage,      is 


April  3,  1909.] 


THE     GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


211 


blooming  for  the  first  time  (see  fig.  89). 
It  is  a  charming  white  flower,  with  red- 
dish-purple markings  clustered  in  the  inner 
parts     of     the     segments.      The     collection     of 


does.     The  plants  of  D.   Devonianum  are  also 
old  stock. 

A  batch  of   Cattleya   Gaskelliana,   grown   for 
several  years,  has  a  surprising  number  of  very 


rose-pink  blotch  on  the  lip.  A  great  mass  of  the 
white  C.  Warscewiczii  Madame  Melanie  Beyrodt 
promises  to  give  a  grand  show  of  flowers,  and 
a  good  effect  in  colour  is  made  by  Laelio-Cattleya 
luminosa,  with  its  purple  and  gold-bronze 
flowers  ;  the  very  dark  rose  and  claret-coloured 
Lajlia  Iona  nigrescens ;  L.  harpophylla,  with 
orange  blooms  on  plants  grown  here  for  20 
years ;  scarlet  Epiphronitis  Veitchii,  Sophro- 
Laelia  Psyche,  and  other.  In  the  lean-to  house  of 
Dendrobiums,  the  back  wall  is  covered  with 
Epidendrum  O'Brienianum,  with  crimson  and 
scarlet  flowers,  and  E.  Boundii,  orange  and 
red,  both  beginning  a  flowering  which  will  con- 
tinue throughout  the  greater  part  of  the  year. 
B.,   March  15. 


THE    FERNERY. 


FlG.   89. — ODONTOGLOSSUM    WYONIANUM     FROM    MR.    GLRNEY    FOWLER'S 

COLLECTION.      THIS    HYBRID     GAINED    AN     AWARD     OF     MERIT    AT    THE 

ROYAL    HORTICULTURAL    SOCIETY'S    MEETING    ON    MARCH    9,    I9O9. 


Odontiodas,  including  the  original  O.  Charles- 
worthii,  has,  among  others,  the  brightly- 
coloured  O.  heatonensis  in  bloom.  The  Masde- 
vallias  are  beginning  to  make  a  good  show, 
some  very  fine  plants  of  M.  Schroderiana  and 
varieties  of  M.  coccinea  being  in  bloom,  together 
with  some  of  the  smaller  species ;  a  specimen  of 
M.  Chestertonii  is  bearing  several  of  its  pretty 
flowers. 

In  one  of  the  warm  houses  a  fine  specimen  of 
the  now  extremely  rare  Eulophiella  Elisabetha?, 
probably  the  sole  survivor  of  the  original  im- 
portation, is  in  excellent  condition  ;  and  sus- 
pended overhead  is  another  example  of  the  same 
kind  iu  Eulophiella  Peetersiana,  which  not  only 
grows  vigorously  at  Glebelands,  but  is  propa- 
gated. A  still  more  remarkable  instance  is 
to  be  found  in  the  cases  containing  seedlings, 
where  healthy  little  plants  of  Arachnanthe 
Rohaniana,  a  close  ally  of  A.  Lowii,  raised 
from  seeds  from  the  plant  which  flowered  at 
Glebelands  some  time  ago,  are  growing  satis- 
factorily. 

The  Cypripediums  always  present  some 
bloom.  It  is  interesting  to  note  that  the  re- 
markable C.  Leeanum  J.  Gurney  Fowler,  which 
did  not  make  much  progress  after  flowering  at 
the  time  when  it  was  illustrated  in  the  Gar- 
deners' Chronicle,  is  now  robust,  and  one  or  two 
divisions  from  it  have  been  established.  In 
flower  are  C.  Beeckmannii,  varieties  of  C.  Fury, 
ades,  C.  Chapmanii,  C.  triumphans,  C.  Cassan. 
dra,  C.  Tityus  superbum,  C.  Reginald  Brade,  a 
very  good  and  prettily-marked  flower,  and  many 
others.  Among  specially  good  things  in  fine 
condition  are  Cypripedium  Thalia  "  Mrs. 
Francis  Wellesley,"  a  charming  flower,  the 
handsome  C.  F.  K.  Sander,  C.  Earl  of  Tanker- 
ville,  and  C.  ^Eson  giganteum. 

Dendrobium  Wardianum  is  flowering  especially 
well.  Few  succeed  in  growing  this  plant  for 
nine    or   ten    vears   in    the    manner    Mr.    Davis 


stout  growths.  Cattleya  Trianse  and  C.  Schro- 
derae  are  in  bloom,  one  pretty  variety  of  C. 
Trianje  having  pure  white  flowers,  with  a  bright 


SPRING  TREATMENT  OF  HARDY  FERNS. 

SINCE  all  the  species  and  beautiful  varieties  of 
native  Ferns  are  now  beginning  active  root- 
action,  in  preparation  for  the  unrolling  of  their 
fronds,  no  better  time  than  the  present  can  be 
chosen  foi  the  necessary  operations  oi  repotting, 
shifting,  or  division  of  the  crowns  for  increasing 
the  stoc'x.  The  primary  advantage  is  that,  if  these 
operations  are  effected  before  the  fronds  rise, 
there  is  the  less  chance  of  causing  damage  to  the 
latter ;  a  secondary  advantage  is  that,  after  the 
long  rest,  the  root  activity  is  such  that  practi- 
cally no  check  is  experienced,  such  as  would  be 
likely  to  ensue  if  the  fronds  were  well  up  and 
unfolding.  It  must  not,  however,  be  assumed 
that,  because  the  fronds  are  not  in  evidence,  the 
crowns  will  bear  roughly  handling.  In  point 
of  fact,  the  fronds  are  snugly  packed  within  the 
crowns,  and  if  the  crowns  are  crushed,  the  re- 
sult may  be  that  when  the  fronds  unfold  they 
will  be  misshapen.  Another  point  to  be  remem- 
bered is  that  fresh  roots  emerge  from  the  base 
of  the  new  fronds  some  time  before  these  fronds 
begin  to  elongate.  These  should  be  preserved 
from  damage  as  far  as  possible. 

As  regards  repotting,  it  is  not  advisable  to 
shift   a    healthy    Fern   which   has    attained   full 


FlG   90. — ODONTOGLOSSUM    CRISPUM    FOWLERIANUM. 


212 


THE     GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


[April  3,  1909. 


size  and  is  already  in  a  fair-sized  pot. 
Ferns  so  established  succeed  well  for  years 
if  supplied  with  sufficient  water.  Smaller 
specimens,  on  the  contrary,  which  have  not 
attained  full  size,  naturally  require  shifting, 
and,  in  doing  this,  pots  only  one  size  larger 
should  be  used,  and  the  new  soil  carefully 
worked  down,  without  causing  much  disturbance 
to  the  roots.  Dead,  black  roots,  however,  may 
occur  if  the  plant  has  not  done  well,  and  in  such 
cases  it  is  better  to  remove  these  and  any  soured 
soil  associated  with  them,  and  repot  the  plant 
in  the  same  sized  pot,  or  even,  in  bad  cases,  in 
a  smaller  one.  The  pots  should  be  well  drained 
with  crocks,  and  the  soil  used  should  be  a  porous 
■compost  of  half  leaf-  or  peat-mould,  half  good 
loam,  and  a  liberal  dash  of  coarse  silver  sand. 
It  is  not  well  to  stand  the  pots  in  saucers,  as  a 
constantly  sodden  state  of  the  soil  is  apt  to  cause 
sourness,  and,  much  as  Ferns  like  moisture,  in 
nature,  nearly  all  of  them  grow  in  well-drained 
soil.  "Let  well  alone"  is  a  good  motto  for  healthy, 
established  specimens  ;  but  Ferns  of  the  shuttle- 
cock type,  i.e.,  which  have  their  fronds  arranged 
round  a  central  caudex  or  root-stock,  develop 
their  particular  varietal  character  to  much  better 
advantage  if  kept  to  single  crowns  by  removal 
of  the  lateral  offshoots    which  they  are  very  apt 


rambling  root-systems,  whence  the  fronds  spring 
separately,  these  are  best  left  alone,  or,  if  neces- 
sary, shifted  en  masse  into  larger  pans,  pan  and 
not  pot  culture  being  preferable  for  these  shal- 
low rooters.  For  propagative  purposes,  pieces 
of  the  creeping  root-stock,  provided  with  a  frond 
or  two  and  a  growing  point,  can  be  severed,  and 
they  will  soon  establish  themselves,  if  planted 
on  or  close  to  the  surface  of  the  soil.  Out-of- 
doors,  given  shelter  from  hot  sunshine  and  pro- 
tection from  high  winds,  most  of  the  species 
thrive  in  ordinary  garden  soil,  if  not  of  too 
clayey  a  nature.  In  such  a  case,  an  admixture 
of  leaf-  or  peat-mould  is  desirable,  special  sta- 
tions being  made  when  planting  or  replanting. 

Bog-loving  Ferns,  such  as  Osmunda  regalis, 
should  be  planted  low  down  on  rockeries  or 
banks  where  they  can  get  a  large  amount 
of  moisture  at  the  roots.  Lady  Ferns  also  like 
plenty  of  moisture  ;  but  what  may  be  termed 
wall  or  rock  Ferns,  such  as  the  Spleenworts,  do 
better  in  chinks  higher  up,  or,  if  placed  in  pots, 
these  must  be  extra  well  drained.  Blechnum 
spicant  is  fond  of  humid  conditions,  but  most  of 
the  other  species,  such  as  Shield,  Buckler  and 
Hartstongue  Ferns,  do  well  under  ordinary 
garden  conditions,  and  need  no  special  study. 
Chas.   T.  Drurry. 


- — o— 


eryKRTJCH.R^i-t 


Fig.  gi. — odontoglossum  smithii  in  mr.  gurney  fowler's  collection. 


to  produce.  Hence,  if  left  alone,  an  originally 
single  crown,  with  fronds,  perhaps,  3  feet  or 
more  in  length,  forming  a  handsome  circlet  of 
symmetrical  form,  is  apt  to  degenerate  into  a 
bush  of  2-feet  fronds,  intricately  intermingled, 
and  consequently  losing  much  of  their  natural 
grace.  Separation  is  easy  enough.  Each 
crown  has  its  own  bunch  of  roots,  and  as  it  is 
only  attached  to  the  parent  by  a  neck,  it  can  be 
prised  off  with  a  trowel  or  blunt  instrument,  and 
pulled  away  practically  intact.  Some  Ferns, 
especially  the  Lady  Fern,  multiply  into  the 
bush  form  by  a  process  of  division  or  splitting-up 
of  the  main  crown,  rather  than  by  lateral  offsets, 
and  in  this  case  separation  can  only  be  safely 
effected  when  each  crown  has  developed  so  far 
that  there  is  a  well-defined  neck  to  it.  The 
crowns  can  then  be  separated  by  making  a 
shallow  cut  in  the  indentation  between  the  necks, 
and  forcing  them  apart  by  gentle  pressure,  when, 
as  in  the  case  of  offsets,  they  will  be  seen  to 
have  their  independent  root-systems,  and  can 
be  accordingly  separated. 

With  regard   to   such  Ferns   as   Polypodium, 
which  do   not  form  definite  crowns,  but  have 


A  BORDER  OF  SUMMER  FLOWERS. 

I  am  prompted  to  write  about  the  merits  of  a 
few  simple  garden  flowers,  having  in  mind  the 
appearance  presented  by  a  very  artistic  and 
pleasing  border  during  the  summer  of  1908. 
This  particular  border,  during  the  spring 
of  the  previous  year,  was  occupied  by 
a  crop  of  Spring  Cabbages,  followed  by 
another  of  Tomatos,  these  latter  plants 
remaining  until  the  first  frosts  appeared. 
The  border  occupied  a  dry  situation,  and 
was  backed  by  a  wall,  which  made  it  still  drier 
and  warmer.  It  was,  therefore,  well  manured 
with  cow  dung  and  left  rough  for  the  winter. 
The  ground  remained  in  this  condition  until  the 
following  March  and  April,  when  it  was  planted 
with  its  summer  flowering  occupants.  Many 
were  biennials,  and  those  that  were  not  were 
treated  as  such,  including  a  variety  of  Holly- 
hock of  a  soft  rose  shade,  with  semi-double 
flowers.  These  were  fine,  strong  plants  raised 
from  seeds  sown  the  previous  May.  Sweet  Peas 
raised  from  seeds  sown  in  pots  the  previous 
October  and  kept  in  cold  frames  throughout  the 


winter  included  the  following  varieties  : — Nora 
Unwin  (white),  Frank  Dolby  (lavender),  Mrs. 
Collier  (cream),  Constance  Oliver  (cream 
ground,  orange-pink  flush),  Mrs.  C.  W.  Bread- 
more  (cream  or  buff  with  pink  edge),  Elsie 
Herbert  (white  with  pink  edge),  Helen  Lewis 
(orange),  and  Countess  Spencer  (pinkl.  The 
clumps  of  Sweet  Peas  were  placed  12  feet  apart, 
and  the  back  wall  was  clothed  with  tall  Nas- 
turtiums, including  Salmon  Queen,  a  very 
beautiful  variety  having  salmon-pink  coloured 
flowers,  and  Fairy  Queen,  whose  colour  ranges 
from  pale  pink  to  primrose.  A  wire  at 
the  base,  and  another  at  the  top  of  the 
wall,  served  to  attach  vertical  strings  for  the 
support  of  the  growths.  Campanula  pyra- 
midalis  and  pyramidalis  alba  were  also  em- 
ployed. These  were  raised  the  previous  spring 
in  pans  of  fine  soil.  The  seed  was  sown  during 
March,  placed  in  gentle  warmth,  and  the  seed- 
lings pricked  into  small  pots  separately  and 
planted  in  the  open  ground  early  in  June.  They 
were  transferred  to  the  border  in  the  following 
April.  Canterbury  Bells  (Campanula  medium) 
were  used  in  quantity.  Those  with  rose,  mauve 
and  white  flowers  of  both  single  and  "  cup  and 
saucer "  varieties  were  used.  These  were 
raised  in  the  previous  July,  being  sown  in 
the  open  and  pricked  off  in  the  vegetable  quar- 
ters 9  square  inches  apart.  They  remained  in 
that  position  until  the  following  March,  when 
they  were  planted  in  the  border.  These  Cam- 
panulas made  a  glorious  show  during  June  and 
early  in  July.  They  were  planted  in  blocks  of 
separate  colours  sufficiently  far  apart  to  allow 
of  placing  other  plants  between  them,  so  that 
there  should  be  no  serious  break  of  flowers  dur- 
ing the  height  of  the  season.  Scabious  of  the 
variety  Azure-Farie  and  blue  and  gold-coloured 
Salpiglossis,  with  the  newer  giant  forms  of 
Sweet  Sultan  in  mauve,  white  and  yellow  shades, 
were  the  plants  used  to  take  the  place  of  the 
Canterbury  Bells  when  they  were  past  flower- 
ing. The  succession  plants  were  all  raised  in 
gentle  warmth,  and  were  carefully  planted  and 
attended  to  until  re-established.  Sweet  Wil- 
liams in  one  variety  only  were  used,  Pink 
Beauty  being  the  one  selected.  This  flower  was 
sown  and  treated  in  the  same  manner  as 
the  Campanulas.  It  is,  without-  excep- 
tion, the  most  beautiful  Sweet  William,  and, 
apart  from  its  great  beauty,  the  blooms 
are  very  lasting.  All  the  plants  do  not 
produce  flowers  of  the  same  shade  of  salmon- 
pink,  but  they  are  all  admired,  and  when 
in  their  full  beauty  attract  the  notice  of 
visitors.  Long-spurred  hybrid  Aquilegias  were 
freely  employed  towards  the  front  of  the  bor- 
der. The  seeds  were  sown  in  pans  the  previous 
May,  the  seedlings  being  pricked  out  in  the 
open  when  large  enough  and  transferred  to  the 
border  towards  the  end  of  March.  These  long- 
spurred  hybrids  are  very  beautiful  and  graceful. 
The  best  plan  is  to  treat  these  plants  as  an- 
nuals, or,  rather,  to  raise  them  annually  to  ob- 
tain growing  plants  that  will  flower  freely.  They 
should  be  planted  1  foot  apart :  they  are  very 
scanty  leaf  producers,  and  to  prevent  a  bare 
space  when  their  flowering  is  over,  sow,  after 
planting  the  Aquilegias,  either  a  double-flowered 
salmon-coloured  variety  of  Clarkia  or  Godetia 
Schaminii.  The  annuals  will  take  the  place  of 
the  Aquilegias  when  their  flowering  is  over. 
These  flowers  may  be  freely  used  in  other  por- 
tions of  the  border,  for,  provided  that  they  are 
thinned  to  a  proper  distance,  they  are  amongst 
the  most  valuable  annuals.  No  border  is 
complete  without  the  graceful  Gypsophila  pani- 
culata.  This  should  be  sown  the  previous  spring 
in  pots  or  pans,  planted  in  the  open  for  the  sum- 
mer and  winter,  and  transferred  during  March  to 
the  flowering  position,  taking  care  to  preserve 
the  long,  thong-like  roots  from  injury.  The 
plants  quickly  re-establish  themselves  after 
transplantation.  The  inflorescences  are  so  valu- 
able for  decorative  purposes,  this  Gypsophila 
should  be  grown  in  various  positions  to 
provide    a     succession     of    blooms.       Lupinus 


April  3,  1909.] 


THE    GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


213 


polyphyllus  roseus,  L.  p.  Somerset  (a  fine  yel- 
low variety),  and  L.  p.  Mcerheimii  (with  rose 
and  white-coloured  flowers)  make  a  stately  show 
of  flowers  easily  raised.  The  plants  are  from 
seeds  sown  the  previous  Jui.e,  and  transferred 
to  the  border  in  the  following  spring.  Of 
the  dwarfer  plants  used,  the  pretty  Iceland 
Poppy,  P.  nudicaule,  with  orange,  yellow,  scar- 
let and  white  flowers,  was  conspicuous.  The 
plant  is  treated  as  a  biennial.  A  very  pretty 
annual  plant  freely  used  upon  the  extreme  edge  of 
the  border  was  Leptosiphon  hybridus  (Cilia), 
a  most  interesting  plant  to  study.  A  wonderful 
range  of  colouring  is  to  be  had  amongst  these 
flowers.  Pansies  were  freely  used  about  the 
front.  If  an  occasional  plant  is  not  of  an 
altogether  desirable  colour  it,  being  placed 
so  embracingly  near  the  earth,  rarely  clashes 
with  other  and  softer  shades.  There  are 
many  strains  of  Pansies,  and  almost  any  one  of 
them  will  give  a  fine  assortment  of  beautiful 
colours.  Candytuft  in  the  newer,  soft  shades 
was  very  thinly  sown,  also  the  excellent  white 
spiral  variety :  these  annuals  require  much 
more  room  than  is  often  given  them.  They 
are  very  lasting,  and  always  more  showy 
when  allowed  plenty  of  space.  The  small,  ele- 
gant Linarias  are  also  showy  plants.  They  were 
massed  along  the  front  of  the  border  in  white, 
yellow,  mauve  and  other  shades.  Even  when 
mixed  they  are  very  pleasing.  The  Mignonette 
employed  was  raised  in  a  little  warmth  in 
March,  and  pricked  off  into  boxes  and  finally 
planted  in  the  border  in  May.  On  many  occa- 
sions we  have  had  the  finest  results  from  such 
treatment,  and  the  flowering  is  earlier.  The 
variety  Machett  and  the  white,  red  and  yellow 
giant  forms  are  all  showy,  especially  if  each 
plant  is  allowed  from  9  to  12  inches  to  develop. 
The  beautiful  Nigella  "  Miss  Jekyll "  was  also 
judiciously  used.  It  is  one  of  the  most  charm- 
ing of  summer  flowers.  A  few  plants  of  Lark- 
spur (rosy-scarlet)  and  Lavatera  alba  splendens 
and  L.  rosea  splendens  were  also  employed. 
These  were  sown  in  their  flowering  positions 
early  in  April,  and  were  very  effective  in 
late  summer.  The  smaller  Helianthus  of  the 
primrose,  stella,  and  orion  types  are  charming 
in  the  early  autumn,  and  continue  in  bloom 
until  destroyed  by  frost.  A  few  plants  of  the 
Shirley  Poppy  were  also  employed  in  the  bor- 
der :  although  of  short  duration,  they  are  always 
admired  when  in  flower.  There  were  also  in- 
cluded varieties  of  Coreopsis ;  some  of  the 
dwarfer-growing  kinds  of  such  colours  as  crim- 
son, yellow,  brown  and  gold  formed  suitable 
subjects  for  the  foreground.  Such  was  the 
completed  list  of  plants  employed  for  this 
floral  arrangement.  The  greatest  perfection  was 
reached  when  the  Canterbury  Bells,  Sweet  Wil- 
liams and  Aquilegias  were  at  their  best.  The 
border  is  no  longer  a  flower  border,  but  other 
positions  have  been  prepared  in  like  manner 
for  a  similar  display  in  the  coming  summer. 
Charles  Foster. 


OLEARIA  MVRSINOIDES. 

This  elegant  shrub  appears  the  hardiest 
species  of  the  genus.  The  severe  frosts  which 
have  been  experienced  both  in  February  and 
March  have  not  injured  it  in  the  least,  yet  the 
foliage  of  the  O.  Haastii  has  been  severely 
damaged  in  several  situations  in  the  same  gar- 
den. O.  Haastii  is  one  of  the  finest  evergreen 
shrubs,  and  is  especially  valuable  for  town  gar- 
dens, thriving  and  flowering  freely  in  places 
where  many  shrubs  fail.  Whilst  this  plant  is  the 
best  of  the  genus  for  general  purposes,  there  is 
still  room  for  O.  myrsinoides  (see  fig.  92)  as  a 
neat  evergreen  shrub  for  the  front  row  of  the 
shrubbery  border.  It  forms  a  spreading  bush 
about  2  feet  high,  with  rigid,  erect  or  sub-erect 
stems,  densely  clothed  with  hard,  leathery- 
leaves,  which  are  1  to  2  inches  in  length, 
glabrous  above,  densely  tomentose  beneath, 
and  with  prettily  undulate,  serrate  margins.    The 


flowers  are  produced  in  the  month  of  June,  and, 
as  may  be  seen  from  the  illustration,  are  borne 
in  a  dense  mass  along  the  upper  parts  of  the 
stem,  forming  a  leafy,  elliptic,  or  oblong  panicle. 
The  individual  flower-heads  are  about  an  inch 
in  diameter,  the  ligulate  florets  being  pure  white, 
those  of  the  disc  being  yellow,  fading  with  age 
to  brown.  The  stamens  are  large,  with  con- 
spicuous linear,  yellow  anthers. 

This  species  is  extremely  variable  in  habit, 
and  in  the  size  of  its  flowers  and  leaves.  Two 
well-marked  varieties  have  been  described.  The 
variety  erubescens,  which  is  in  cultivation  at 
Kew,  is  a  much  stronger  grower  than  the  type, 
with  leaves  often  3  inches  long,  and  with  a  rigid, 


[Photograph  by  C.  P.  Raffill. 
Fig.  92.— olearia  myrsinoides. 

acute  tip,  the  whole  plant  being  more  densely 
tomentose.  The  flower-heads  are  slightly 
larger,  and  often  tinged  with  light  purple-red  ; 
the  ligulate  florets  are  fewer  in  number, 
often  only  four  or  five  in  each  head,  and  the 
whole  plant  is  less  floriferous  under  cultiva- 
tion than  the  plant  illustrated.  In  the  variety 
serrata,  the  plant  is  dwarfer  and  weaker  in  habit, 
the  leaves  are  sessile,  or  nearly  so,  usually  i  to 
1  inch  long,  the  apex  obtuse,  and  the  margins 
serrate,  while  the  plant,  further,  has  the  habit 
of  sending  up  suckers  at  intervals,  which  are  so 
weak  as  to  require  the  support  of  Grasses  and 
other  neighbouring  plants. 


O.  myrsinoides  is  a  common  plant  in  Tas- 
mania, and  occurs  also  in  Victoria  and  New 
South  Wales,  growing  in  poor,  sandy  soil,  or 
rocky,  barren,  scrubby  places,  where  little  els© 
in  the  way  of  plant  life  can  exist.  The  common 
name  of  "  Daisy  Bush"  is  applied  both  in  Aus- 
tralia and  in  New  Zealand  to  the  members  of 
this  genus,  the  well-known  O.  Haastii  being  also 
known  in  the  latter  country,  of  which  it  is  a 
native,  under  the  name  of  "  Snow-in-Summer.'^ 
C.  P.  R. 


PLANT    NOTES. 


NERTERA  DEPRESSA. 
This  pretty  plant  always  attracts  attention 
when  in  fruit,  and  doubtless  many  would 
grow  it  who  now  abstain  from  doing  so  did 
they  appreciate  the  hardiness  of  the  plant 
and  its  simple  cultural  requirements.  It 
was  at  one  time  freely  used  in  carpet- 
bedding  arrangements,  but  of  late  years  it 
is  not  frequently  seen.  In  the  days  when 
the  plant  was  in  demand,  I  cultivated  it  ex- 
tensively, always  dividing  and  repotting  it  in 
the  early  months  of  the  year  prior  to  its  flower- 
ing. A  cold  frame  was  requisitioned  the  year 
round,  the  pots  being  plunged  in  ashes.  The 
plants  gave  little  or  no  trouble,  their  principal 
requirement  being  waterings  overhead  when 
growth  had  begun.  During  the  flowering  period 
this  watering  was  discontinued,  and  in  sunny 
weather  the  lights  were  removed  altogether. 
Thus  treated,  the  plants  fruited  abundantly. 
Much  of  my  success  I  attributed  to  the  annual 
division  of  the  root-stocks  that  resulted  in  a  free 
lax  growth.  When  placed  in  a  warm  greenhouse, 
the  plant  is  liable  to  become  drawn,  in  which 
condition  it  fruits  less  freely.    E.  J. 

CANARINA  CAMPANULA. 

In  the  words  of  Nicholson's  Dictionary,  this  is 
"  a  greenhouse  herbaceous  perennial  of  consider- 
able beauty.''  In  these  gardens  we  have  had  a 
plant;  three  years  from  seed,  in  continuous 
flower  from  the  beginning  of  October  to  the 
present  time  ;  so  that,  as  this  covers  a  period 
when  greenhouse  flowering  plants  are  compara- 
tively scarce,  it  may  be  termed  a  plant  of  no 
little  value.  The  large  flowers,  which  are 
of  an  uncommon  colour — orange-purple,  with 
red  nerves — are  solitary,  at  the  ends  of 
drooping  branchlets,  which  branch  immedi- 
ately behind  the  flowers  into  a  pair  of  growths, 
each  terminated  in  a  large  bell-flower.  The 
corollas  are  six-lobed  at  the  apex,  and,  being  of 
good  substance,  the  individual  flowers  last  for  a 
very  long  time.  Their  peculiar  colour  is  admir- 
ably set  off  by  the  graceful  Pea  green  sub- 
cordate  leaves.  The  plant  grows  well  in  a  rather 
light  soil,  such  as  fibrous  loam,  with  a  fourth 
part  leaf-soil,  and  a  good  sprinkling  of  sand.  As 
abundant  moisture  is  necessary  during  tbe  sea- 
son of  growth,  care  should  be  taken  to  provide 
good  drainage.  The  principal  shoots  of  a  plant  in 
a  6  or  7-inch  pot  will  be  about  4  feet  long,  and, 
at  this  height,  throw  out  the  secondary  pendu- 
lous branchlets.  Unless  allowed  to  ripen  seed, 
which  sets  freely,  the  plant  quickly  dies  down 
when  its  flowering  is  completed.  At  this  stage, 
water,  which  has  been  given  less  copiously  dur- 
ing the  flowering  season,  should  be  withheld  for 
a  time.  Nicholson  recommends  repotting  the 
tuberous  roots  in  January,  but,  as  the 
flowering  season  is  stated  to  be  "  January  to 
March,"  this  must  be  an  error.  The  best  time  for 
repotting  is  just  as  the  roots  begin  to  grow. 
Cuttings  do  not  root  readily,  but  propagation 
may  be  effected  by  division  of  the  root  or  by 
seeds.  As  the  generic  name  implies,  the  plant  is 
a  native  of  the  Canary  Islands,  from  whence  it 
was  introduced  so  long  ago  as  1696.  The  speci- 
fic name,  Campanula,  fittingly  describes  the 
flowers.  A.  C.  Bartlett,  Pencarrow  Gardens, 
Cornwall. 


214 


THE     GARDENERS'    CHRONICLE. 


[AP3IL  3,  1S09. 


COLONIAL     NOTES. 


WATER    HYACINTH    PROHIBITED    IN 
CEYLON. 

The  Water  Hyacinth  (Eichornia  crassipes)  is 
appreciated  in  this  country  as  a  stove  plant  on 
account  of  its  trusses  of  lilac-coloured  flowers 
standing  erect  from  amongst  the  leaves.  As  is 
well  known,  it  is  an  aquatic  plant,  having  be- 
neath the  surface  of  the  water  a  dense  mass  of 
roots,  whilst  the  bases  of  the  leaf-stalks  are 
swollen  out  into  large  bladder-like  structures, 
which  enable  the  plant  to  float  high  in  the 
water.  The  plant  multiplies  with  great  rapidity 
under  favourable  conditions,  and  since  it  is 
easily  blown  along  by  the  wind,  and  small  de- 
tached portions  readily  grow,  it  is  well  adapted 
for  establishing  itself  and  spreading  when  intro- 
duced to  a  suitable  environment.  That  this  is 
the  case  several  countries  have  already  found  to 
their  cost,  and  the  Water  Hyacinth,  originally 
native  to  South  America,  is  a  serious  pest  in 
some  rivers  and  other  waterways  in  places  as 
far  apart  as  Java,  Australia  and  Florida,  where 
it  has  been  introduced  and  flourishes  to  such 
an  extent  as  to  impede,  if  not  actually  to  pre- 
vent, navigation  in  some  localities.  When  once 
thoroughly  established,  it  is  a  difficult  and 
costly  matter  to  keep  it  under  control,  and  its 
complete  extermination  is,  perhaps,  impossible. 

Attention  was  recently  directed  by  Dr.  J.  C . 
Willis,  Director  of  the  Royal  Botanic  Gardens, 
Ceylon,  to  the  fact  that  the  Water  Hyacinth 
was  to  be  seen  in  a  few  places  in  the  island, 
grown  as  an  ornamental  plant,  and  he  pointed 
out  the  danger  of  allowing  it  to  get  a  foothold 
in  the  colony.  Ceylon  has  already  suffered  much 
from  land  plants  introduced  from  South 
America,  notably  Lantana,  "  Sunflower  "  (Titho- 
nia  sp.),  and  the  sensitive  plant  Mimosa  pudica, 
which,  between  them,  cover  large  areas.  The 
possibility  of  a  similar  invader  choking  her 
waterways  is  not  a  risk  lightly  to  be  run. 
Practical  effect  has,  therefore,  been  given  to 
Dr.  Willis's  warnings  in  a  recent  number 
of  the  Ceylon  Government  Gazette,  wherein  is 
published  a  draft  ordinance  prohibiting,  under 
a  penalty  of  200  rupees  (about  £13),  the  im- 
portation of  the  Water  Hyacinth. 

COFFEE-LEAF   DISEASE   IN   THE  EAST 
AFRICA  PROTECTORATE. 

The  fungus  Hemileia  vastatrix,  closely  allied 
to  the  rust  of  Wheat,  first  came  into  notoriety 
about  1880,  when  it  was  instrumental  in  destroy- 
ing the  then  flourishing  Coffee  industry  of  Cey- 
lon. It  is  usually  known  as  the  "  Coffee-leaf 
disease,"  and  may  be  recognised  by  the  clusters 
of  yellow  spores  which  appear  chiefly  on  the 
under-sides  of  the  leaves  of  the  affected  bushes. 
Some  idea  of  the  material  damage  which  this 
fungus  has  caused  may  be  gained  by  noting  that, 
whereas,  in  1880,  the  Coffee  exports  of  Ceylon 
were  of  the  approximate  value  of  £3,000,000,  they 
are  now  only  about  £25,000.  All  through  the  Cof- 
fee countries  of  the  East  the  pest  has  done  great 
harm.  In  his  "Revision  of  the  Genus  Hemileia" 
(Kew  Bulletin,  igod),  Massee  records  its  geo- 
graphical distribution.  In  the  East  it  occurs  in 
Ceylon,  India,  Java,  Sumatra,  Malacca,  Singa- 
pore, and  the  Philippines.  Samoa,  Fiji,  Mauri- 
tius, and  Madagascar  are  other  places  in  which 
it  is  found.  The  African  mainland  has  not 
escaped,  and  in  Natal,  German  East  Africa,  and 
in  the  neighbourhood  of  Victoria  Nyanza, 
Hemileia  vastatrix  has  been  found  attacking 
Arabian  Coffee. 

The  northern  part  of  the  Transvaal  had,  until 
some  years  ago,  a  small  but  flourishing  Coffee 
industry.  This  has  now  been  destroyed  by  the 
ravages  of  this  pest. 

With  the  development  of  British  East  Africa, 
attention  is  being  given  to  Coffee  amongst  other 
crops,  and  official  action  has  recently  been 
taken  to  guard  against  the  introduction  of  the 
disease,  which  would  soon  make  short  work  of 


any  Coffee  plantations  which  might  be  raised. 
Recent  issues  of  the  Government  Gazette  con- 
tain notices  prohibiting  the  importation  of 
Coffee  plants  or  seeds  from  either  German  East 
Africa  on  the  one  side,  or  Uganda  on  the  other. 
W.  G.  F. 


The  Week's  Work. 


THE  FLOWER  GARDEN. 

By  W.  A.  Cook,  Gardener  to  Sir  Edmund  G.  Lodeb,  Bart., 
Leonardslee,  Sussex. 

Planting  trees  and  shrubs. — Any  arrears  in  this 
work  should  be  finished  as  speedily  as  possible. 
April  is  considered  the  best  month  for  shifting 
Hollies  and  Conifers,  but  I  do  not  think  it  offers 
any  appreciable  advantage  over  October  and 
November. 

The  Rose  garden. — Complete  planting  opera- 
tions as  soon  as  possible.  Pruning  will  now  re- 
quire attention.  The  finest  flowers  are  obtained 
from  plants  that  are  severely  pruned,  but  al- 
though such  pruning  may  be  desirable  in  the 
case  of  blooms  required  for  exhibition  pur- 
poses, it  does  not  give  the  best  result 
from  a  garden  point  of  view.  Small  shoots 
which  are  incapable  of  producing  flowers 
should  be  entirely  removed,  also  dead  and 
decaying  branches.  The  vigorous  shoots  should 
be  cut  back  to  about  four  or  five  buds,  vary- 
ing according  to  the  type  and  variety.  After 
the  pruning  the  plants  should  be  tied  securely 
to  the  stakes,  and  if  pegging  down  the  shoots  is 
practised  this  work  must  be  seen  to.  When  the 
prunings  have  been  burned  and  the  beds  made 
tidy,  apply  a  little  chemical  fertiliser  to  the  beds. 

Ivy  on  walls. — This  should  be  clipped  almost 
to  the  wall,  and  all  rubbish  removed.  The 
young  leaves  will  soon  push  forth  and  clothe  the 
walls   again. 

Ferns. — The  old  fronds  and  rubbish  may  now 
be  cleared  away  from  these  plants.  It  is  a  suit- 
able time  to  afford  top-dressings  to  Ferns,  or  to 
replant  them.  Some  of  the  more  tender  species 
should  have  their  young  growths  protected  as 
soon  as  they  appear  through  the  soil.  This  es- 
pecially applies  to  Adiantum  pedatum  and  A. 
Capillus-veneris.  Among  the  most  suitable  Ferns 
for  the  flower-garden  are  Cyrtomium  falcatum 
and  the  variety  caryotideum  ;  Cystopteris  fragi- 
lis,  C.  alpina  and  C.  montana  ;  Allosorus  crispus 
(Parsley  Fern),  with  species  of  Polystichum, 
Scolopendrium,  Lastrea,  Polypodium,  Asple- 
nium,  Blechnuni  and  Lomaria. 

Bedding  plants  in  fats. — These  should  be 
given  increased  room.  Seedlings  and  cuttings 
should  be  potted  as  soon  as  they  are  suffi- 
ciently rooted.  Sweet  Peas  in  frames  should 
have  the  lights  removed  whenever  the  weather 
permits,  especially  in  the  early  morning,  pro- 
vided there  is  no  frost.  Calceolarias,  Pentste- 
mons  and  similar  plants  should  be  afforded  suffi- 
cient room  for  each  to  properly  develop. 
Tuberous  Begonias  are  best  planted  out  in 
frames,  so  that  they  may  make  a  considerable 
amount  of  growth  before  they  have  to  be  shifted 
out-of-doors. 

Annuals. — Hardy  annuals  should  be  sown  as 
soon  as  the  ground  can  be  got  ready  for  the 
seeds.  It  is  a  good  pl^n  to  cover  the  seeds  with 
some  old  potting  soil.  Among  the  best  annuals 
for  display  are  Godetias,  Nemophila,  Chrysan- 
themum of  species,  Lupinus,  Clarkia,  Gypso- 
phila,  Saponaria,  Calliopsis,  Lavatera,  Esch- 
scholtzia,  Centaurea,  Poppies,  Dimorphotheca, 
Sweet  Sultan  and  Linum. 


THE    KITCHEN    GARDEN. 

By  E.  Beckett,  Gardener  to  the  Hon.  Vicary  Gidbs, 
Aldenham  House,  Elstree,  Hertfordshire. 

Asparagus  beds. — The  wintry  weather  has  de- 
layed the  work  of  tidying  the  permanent  beds, 
but  this  should  now  be  seen  to  at  once.  The 
surface  should  be  neatly  raked,  and  the  coarse 
soil  and  other  material  placed  in  the  bottom  of 
the  alleys.  After  this  work  is  finished,  give  the 
beds  a  good  dressing  with  a  suitable  chemical 
manure.  The  best  time  to  plant  Asparagus  is 
when  the  growth  commences  to  push  forth.  The 
crowns  should  be  planted  immediately  after  they 
are  lifted,  it  being  important  to  prevent  the  roots 


becoming  dry,  as  this  causes  them  incalculable 
harm.  If  the  soil  was  prepared  during  the  win- 
ter months,  all  that  is  needed  now  is  to  break  it 
up  finally,  and  place  the  crowns  at  a  distance  of 
about  15  inches  apart,  spreading  the  roots  out 
evenly.  Three  rows  will  suffice  for  each  bed. 
The  crowns  should  be  covered  carefully  3  to  4 
inches  deep  with  very  fine  soil.  After  the  plant- 
ing is  finished,  the  surface  of  the  bed  should  be 
raked  over  neatly.  Seeds  may  be  sown  early  in 
April  in  rows  placed  at  1  foot  apart.  When  the 
seedlings  are  quite  small,  thin  them  to  12  inches 
apart. 

Forcing  Asparagus. — There  is  still  time  to 
make  one  more  good  planting  of  Asparagus  in  an 
unheated  frame.  Owing  to  the  scarcity  of  vege- 
tables generally  this  season,  this  Asparagus  will 
be  more  than  usually  valuable. 

Peas. — Plants  that  have  been  raised  under 
glass  for  planting  in  the  open  should  be 
thoroughly  hardened  before  they  are  placed  out- 
of-doors,  which  should  be  done  at  the  earliest 
favourable  opportunity.  If  the  work  of  trans- 
planting is  done  expeditiously,  the  plants  will 
scarcely  experience  a  check.  On  the  contrary, 
they  will  succeed  better  than  those  raised  in  the 
open  garden.  Any  Peas  that  are  a  few  inches 
above  the  ground  should  have  stakes  placed  to 
them,  and  they  should  be  netted  at  the  same  time,  ■ 
if  birds  are  troublesome.  A  final  sowing  may  be 
made  under  glass,  and,  at  the  same  time,  a  few 
rows  may  be  sown  in  the  open.  Peas  require  an 
abundance  of  ventilation  when  they  are  grown 
under  glass,  and  when  they  have  developed  a  rea- 
sonable number  of  pods  the  points  of  the  leading 
shoots  should  be  pinched  out  and  all  laterals 
removed. 

Broad  Beans. — Plants  raised  in  boxes  under 
glass  should  now  be  planted  out  in  well-prepared 
giound.  Sowings  should  also  be  made  in  the 
open.  Broad  Beans  in  pots  should  be  placed 
where  they  will  receive  plenty  of  sunlight  in  a 
cool  house.  Afford  an  abundance  of  fresh  air 
whenever  the  weather  is  favourable,  even  at 
night-time.  Each  plant  should  be  supported  by 
a  separate  stick. 

Winter  greens. — Make  the  first  sowing  of  these 
vegetables  on  a  south  border. 


THE  HARDY  FRUIT  GARDEN. 

By  J.  G.  Weston,  Gardener  to  H.  1.  King,  Esq.,  Eastwell 
Park,  Kent. 

Grafting. — About  this  date  the  stocks  are  gen- 
erally in  a  suitable  condition  for  grafting,  and  no 
time  should  be  lost  after  the  sap  commences  to 
rise.  There  are  several  methods  of  grafting, 
but  "crown"  or  "rind"  and  "whip"  or 
"  tongue  "  grafting  are  those  usually  practised. 
In  most  gardens  there  are  some  healthy  trees 
which  either  bear  inferior  fruits  or  crop 
meagrely.  By  grafting  better  varieties  on  such 
specimens,  the/  can  be  converted  into  profitable 
trees,  and  the  scions  will  come  quickly  into 
bearing.  In  the  case  of  trees  of  a  moderate  or 
large  size  "crown"  or  "rind"  grafting  (see 
illustration  in  Gardeners'  Chronicle,  March  28, 
1908)  should  be  adopted.  The  branches,  having 
been  sawn  off  in  the  winter  about  5  or  6  inches 
above  the  part  where  the  graft  will  be  inserted, 
should  now  be  cut  off  with  a  sharp  knife  to  the 
part  itself,  leaving  the  surface  quite  smooth. 
The  scions  having  been  taken  from  the  border 
in  which  they  have  been  "  heeled,"  should  be 
cut  to  about  6  oi  8  inches  in  length,  and  all  the 
buds  except  four  on  the  upper  part  of  the  shoot 
removed.  The  basal  DOrtion  of  the  scion  should 
be  cut  obliquely  and  made  so  as  to  fit  neatly 
in  an  incision  which  must  be  made  in  the  bark 
of  the  stock.  When  the  scion  has  been  nicely 
fitted,  the  bark  must  be  bound  tightly  against 
the  scion  with  matting  and  the  surface  after- 
wards smoothed  over  with  wax  or  grafting  r.lay 
to  keep  out  wet  and  air. 

"Whip "  or  "tongue"  grafting  (see  illustra- 
tion in  Gardeners'  Chronicle,  March  28,  1908).— 
This  method  is  best  for  very  young  stocks  and 
for  cordon  trees.  Cut  the  stock  to  the  required 
length,  making  the  incision  through  a  node,  and 
slit  the  bark  in  a  perpendicular  direction.  The 
base  of  the  scion  should  then  be  prepared  so  that 
it  will  fit  properly  in  the  slit  made  on  the  stock. 
A  slit  is  made  in  the  stock  to  form  a  tongue,  and 


April  3,  1909.] 


THE     GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


215 


a  similar  one  in  the  scion  in  which  the  tongue 
is  inserted.  This  holds  the  scion  and  stock 
securely  together,  and  the  final  work  is  to  tie 
with  matting  and  to  cover  up  the  juncture  either 
with  prepared  grafting  wax  or  clay.  These 
materials  about  the  graft  should  be  examined 
occasionally,  and  if  they  are  found  to  be  crack- 
ing, the  clay  must  be  damped  and  made  air- 
tight. This  is  the  more  necessary  during  dry, 
windy  weather. 


FRUITS  UNDER  GLASS. 

By  E.  Harriss,  Fruit  Foreman,  Royal  Gardens,  Frogmore. 

Strawberries  in  pots. — These  plants  will  re- 
quire great  attention  in  regard  to  watering.  On 
no  account  must  they  be  allowed  to  become  dry 
at  the  roots,  as  this  would  affect  the  flavour  of 
the  fruits.  Red  spider,  too,  spreads  rapidly  on 
plants  which  have  been  allowed  to  flag,  and,  if 
the  Strawberries  are  occupying  shelves  in  fruit 
houses,  this  pest  will  be  liable  to  spread  to 
the  fruit  trees.  Strawberry  plants  should  be 
afforded  liberal  supplies  of  stimulants  while 
their  fruits  are  swelling,  and  the  foliage  should 
be  drenched  with  tepid  rain  water  two  or  three 
times  a  day.  If  the  plants  are  shifted  to  a 
cooler  and  drier  house  when  the  fruits  com- 
mence to  colour,  the  flavour  of  the  berries  will 
be  improved. 

The  orchard  house. — When  the  fruits  of  Peach, 
Nectarine,  Apricot,  and  Plum  have  set,  they 
may  require  thinning.  Remove  first  those  fruits 
which  are  not  in  a  position  to  obtain  the 
full  benefit  of  the  sun's  rays.  In  the  case  of 
Apples  and  Pears  it  will  be  prudent  to  wait  till 
the  fruits  are  swelling  freely  before  thinning 
is  practised,  as  large  numbers  of  these  fruits 
drop  naturally  at  an  early  stage.  At  this  period 
no  severe  foicing  must  be  attempted  with  either 
the  Apple  or  the  Pear,  as  this  would  cause  very 
many  of  the  fruits  to  drop.  The  final  disbud- 
ding of  the  shoots  should  now  be  done,  and 
growths  which  axe  being  retained  may  be 
stopped  when  they  have  made  four  or  five  leaves. 
Any  fruitless  wood  not  required  for  furnishing 
the  tree  should  be  cut  back  to  a  basal  growth. 
Maintain  a  moist  atmosphere  by  damping  the 
paths,  &c,  and  use  the  syringe  freely  on  fine 
days.  An  occasional  syringing  with  an  insecti- 
cide will  help  to  keep  the  trees  clear  of  insect 
pests,  but,  should  aphis  appear  on  the  leaves, 
fumigate  the  plants  with  some  nicotine  com- 
pound. 

Tomatos. — If  ripe  fruits  are  required  very 
early  in  the  season,  some  of  the  more  forward 
plants  of  the  earliest  batch  which  have  set  three 
or  four  trusses  of  fruit  should  be  placed  in  a 
warm  house  and  quite  close  to  the  glass.  Pinch 
out  the  top  of  the  leading  shoot  and  remove 
the  side  growths  as  they  appear.  Give  the  roots 
a  surface  dressing  of  some  rich  material. 
Tomatos  may  now  be  frequently  watered  with 
liquid  manure  or  some  approved  fertiliser.  The 
later  plants  must  be  induced  to  set  their  fruits  by 
lightly  tapping  the  trellis  to  which  they  are 
trained  Keep  the  atmosphere  dry,  and  admit 
plenty  of  fresh  air  when  the  weather  permits. 
Shift  plants  of  later  batches  into  larger  pots 
before  they  become  pot-bound,  and  expose  them 
fully  to  the  light. 


PUBLIC   PARKS   AND   GARDENS. 

By  J.  W.  Moorman,  Superintendent  of  Victoria  Park, 
London. 

Flaying  fields. — The  park  season  for  hockey 
and  football  ended  on  March  31.  During  April 
no  games  of  any  sort  are  permitted  on  the  play- 
ing fields,  and  this  allows  the  turf  to  recover 
somewhat  after  the  hard  wear  caused  by  the 
football  and  hockey  teams.  Opportunity  is 
taken  during  March  to  renovate  any  turf  that 
needs  it,  either  by  returfing  or  the  sowing  of 
grass  seeds.  Hoeing  and  rolling  are  also  per- 
formed frequently,  so  as  to  get  the  sward  in  as 
good  a  condition  as  possible  before  the  summer 
games  commence.  The  summer  games,  com- 
mencing on  May  1,  are  cricket,  tennis,  bowls, 
and  croquet.  Cricket  is  only  permitted  until 
September  30,  but  tennis,  bowls,  and  croquet 
may  be  played  till  the  end  of  October.  Specially- 
prepared  lawns  are  allotted  to  each  of  these 
games. 


Cricket  fitches.— In  thirty  of  the  L.C.C.  parks 
and  open  spaces  special  areas  are  apportioned  to 
cricket,  and  these  number  in  all  nearly  500 
pitches.  In  Victoria  Park  provision  is  made  for 
twenty-eight  matches  to  be  played  at  one  time. 
The  number  of  clubs  who  apply  for  pitches, 
especially  on  Saturday  afternoons,  is  far  more 
numerous  than  we  can  cater  for.  Therefore  a 
system  of  balloting  is  adopted,  and  the  secre- 
taries of  the  successful  clubs  are  sent  tickets, 
which  have  to  be  presented  to  the  person  in 
charge  of  the  ground.  Should  any  club  fail  to 
make  use  of  a  pitch  after  i.t  has  been  allotted  at 
i  p.m.,  the  ground  is  offered  to  another  team, 
and  there  are  always  plenty  ready  to  take  this 
opportunity.  The  wickets  must  not  be  pitched 
nearer  than  40  yards  from  any  public  path  or 
roadway. 

Tennis. — This  is  another  popular  game  in  the 
L.C.C.  parks.  Thirty-two  tennis  courts  are  pro- 
vided in  Victoria  Park.  Persons  can  make  use 
of  these  courts  free  of  charge.  They  are  re- 
quired to  sign  their  names  in  a  book  which  re- 
cords the  number  of  the  court  allotted  them,  and 
they  are  allowed  to  play  for  one  hour,  but  if  no 
other  person  desires  the  court  the  time  is  then 
extended  to  two  hours.  In  nearly  all  cases,  we 
prepare  double  courts,  as  these  are  mostly  in 
demand. 

Bowls — An  excellent  sward  is  required  for 
this  game.  Sweeping,  rolling,  and  watering 
must  be  constantly  practised  to  have  the  turf  in 
a  suitable  condition.  Persons  making  use  of 
either  the  tennis  courts  or  the  bowling  greens 
are  required  to  wear  rubber-soled  boots.  No 
charge  is  made  by  the  L.C.C.  for  any  games  pro- 
vided in  their  public  parks  and  open  spaces. 


PLANTS    UNDER  GLASS. 

By  A.  C,  Bartlett,  Gardener  to  Mrs.  Ford,  Pencarrow, 
Cornwall. 

Euphorbia. — The  stock  plants  of  Euphorbia 
(Poinsettia)  pulcherrima  which  have  been  rest- 
ing, should  now  be  pruned  back  to  firm  wood, 
and  placed  near  to  the  glass,  in  order  that  they 
may  make  sturdy,  short-jointed  growths  to  fur- 
nish good  cuttings.  The  roots  will  not  need 
water  for  some  little  time  afterwards,  but  the 
plants  should  be  syringed  freely.  They  must 
not  be  subjected  to  a  great  heat,  or  they  will 
form  weakly  shoots.  E.  fulgens  (syn.  jac 
quiniaiflora)  requires  a  long  season  of  growth, 
therefore  the  cuttings  should  be  inserted  earlier 
than  those  of  E.  pulcherrima.  The  shoots,  being 
taken  with  a  heel  of  the  old  wood  attached, 
should  be  inserted  in  sandy  soil  in  a  propagat- 
ing case  so  that  a  close  atmosphere  may  be 
maintained.  E.  splendens  flowers  almost  per- 
petually, but  it  requires  the  warmth  of  a  stove. 

Nepenthes. — The  usual  and  best  method  of 
growing  these  plants  is  in  hanging  baskets.  A 
suitable  rooting  medium  is  composed  of  two 
parts  loam  and  one  part  Sphagnum-moss.  Pro- 
pagation is  effected  by  means  of  cuttings  of  one- 
year-old  shoots  which  require  rooting  in  a  con- 
siderable amount  of  bottom  heat.  Much  heat 
and  atmospheric  moisture  are  necessary  for  the 
cultivation  of  Nepenthes,  especially  during 
summer  and  autumn,  and  no  draughts  of  cold 
air  must  be  allowed  to  enter  the  structure.  Any 
plants  which  have  straggly  growths  may  have 
such  growths   shortened. 

Begonia  Gloire  de  Lorraine. — Plants  which  have 
been  rested  during  the  winter  montlis  and  have 
been  trimmed  by  pruning  may  be  placed  in 
warmth  to  encourage  them  to  make  fresh 
growths,  which  may  be  used  as  cuttings.  They 
should  be  shaded  from  bright  sunshine,  and  be 
given  frequent  syringings  with  clear  water. 
Suckers  will  soon  form  from  the  base  of  the 
plants,  and  these  growths  make  admirable  cut- 
tings. The  cuttings  should  be  potted  up  and 
placed  in  a  warm  house,  but  a  close  atmosphere 
is  not  advisable,  although  shade  from  sunshine 
should  be  provided.  The  best  results  are  ob- 
tained from  plants  which  are  grown  without  a 
check. 

Solatium  capsicastrum.- — If  the  berries  have 
commenced  to  shrivel,  the  plants  should  be 
pruned  and  placed  near  the  roof  glass.  When 
growth  lecommences,  turn  the  plants  out  of  the 


pots,  remove  a  portion  of  the  old  soil  and  re-pot 
them  in  receptacles  of  the  same  size  or  slightly 
larger. 

Miscellaneous  seedlings. — These  should  be  care- 
fully transplanted  as  soon  as  they  are  suffi. 
ciently  large.  Shade  them  from  direct  sun- 
shine, but  do  not  place  the  material  so  close  to 
the  pans  as  will  create  a  stagnant  atmosphere, 
this  condition  being  the  cause  of  damping  off. 
Seedlings  of  Begonia,  Gloxinia,  and  Gesnera 
should  be  shifted  from  the  seed  pan  at  the  ear- 
liest opportunity. 


THE    ORCHID    HOUSES. 

By  W.  H.  White,  Orchid  Grower  io  Sir  Trevor  Lawrence, 
Bart.,  Burford,  Surrey. 

Terete  species  of  Vanda. — It  is  now  time  to 
return  the  resting'  plants  of  Vanda  Hookeriana, 
V.  teres,  and  the  hybrid  "Agnes  Joaquim,''  to 
the  lightest  position  in  the  warmest  house. 
Abundance  of  water  should  now  be  given  them, 
as  no  gain  can  be  got  from  further  prolonging 
the  resting  season. 

Dendrobium. — Such  species  as  D.  fiuibriatum, 
and  its  fine  variety  oculatum  ;  D.  moschatum, 
D.  Dalhousianum,  D.  clavatujn,  D.  thrysi. 
florum,  D.  densiflorum,  D.  Schroderi,  D. 
Farmeri,  D.  suavissimum,  and  D.  chryso- 
toxum  will  now  be  showing  their  flower- 
buds.  They  will  need  more  water  at  the 
roots,  and  a  warmer  atmosphere  than  that 
in  their  resting  quarters.  On  bright,  sunny 
days  frequently  spray  the  under-sides  of  the 
leaves  with  tepid  rain-water. 

Pleiones. — The  Indian  Pleiones  as  P.  macu- 
lata,  P.  lagenaria,  P.  Wallichiana,  P.  praecox, 
and  P.  concolor  are  now  growing  and  rooting 
freely.  They  should  occupy  a  light,  airy  posi- 
tion close  to  the  roof  glass  of  the  Cattleya  or 
intermediate  house.  From  the  present  time 
these  plants  will  require  copious  waterings  and 
occasionally  some  weak  liquid  manure.  During 
fine  weather  the  under-side  of  the  foliage  should 
be  syringed  each  day.  The  cooler-growing  varie- 
ties, which  include  P.  huniilis  and  P.  Hookeriana, 
and  which  thrive  well  in  the  Odontoglossum 
house,  have  now  finished  flowering.  These 
plants  should  be  repotted  at  once,  using  a  com- 
post consisting  of  peat,  loam,  and  Sphagnum- 
moss  in  equal  proportions,  with  a  moderate 
quantity  of  small  crocks  and  coarse  silver  sand 
mixed  well  together.  For  a  few  weeks  after- 
wards water  must  be  afforded  sparingly. 

Odontoglossum  crispum. — In  the  cool  house 
there  are  many  Odontoglossums  of  the  O. 
crispum  section  now  showing  their  flower-spikes. 
Strong,  healthy  plants  frequently  produce  two 
spikes  from  one  pseudo-bulb,  but  these  are  too 
much  for  a  plant's  well-being,  therefore  cut  off 
the  one  from  the  side  where  the  leaves  are 
shortest.  Plants  of  O.  citrosmum  now  require 
much  water  at  the  root.  Place  them  in  a  mode- 
rately warm,  moist  atmosphere,  and  see  that 
slugs  and  woodlice  are  not  allowed  to  injure  the 
tender  young  spikes. 

Habenarias. — Such  Habenarias  as  H.  militaris, 
H.  rhodochila,  H.  Susanae,  H.  camea  and  its 
variety  nivosa,  also  the  new  H.  Ugandae,  are 
now  commencing  to  grow,  and  the  tubers  should 
be  carefully  turned  out  of  the  old  soil  and  re- 
potted. When  the  plants  are  strongly  grown, 
some  of  the  tubers  will  be  about  3  inches  in 
length,  and  for  these  long  thumb  pots  are  the 
most  suitable,  on  account  of  their  depth.  The 
tubers  of  H.  Ugandae  are  sometimes  as  long  as 
9  inches,  therefore  correspondingly  larger  pots 
must  be  used.  Place  one  tuber  in  each  pot,  fill- 
ing around  the  tuber  to  half  its  length  with 
crocks,  keeping-  the  point  just  below  the  rim 
of  the  pot  and  above  the  crocks.  The  com- 
post should  be  of  fibrous  loam  and  peat  two 
parts,  and  finely-chopped  Sphagnum-moss, 
crocks,  and  a  little  coarse  silver  sand,  two 
parts.  Pot  with  moderate  firmness,  just 
covering  the  top  of  the  tuber,  then  place 
the  plants  in  a  warm,  moist  atmosphere,  and 
see  that  the  pots  are  kept  close  up  to  the 
roof  glass  in  good  light,  but  without  exposure 
to  strong  sunshine.  When  the  points  of  the 
new  growths  are  seen  pushing  up  through  the 
new  compost,  an  occasional  spraying  from  a  fine 
rose  watering  can  is  necessary,  the  quantity 
being  gradually  increased  as  the  growths 
strengthen.  An  occasional  spray  overhead  when 
in  full  growth  is  beneficial. 


216 


THE    GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


[April  3,  1909. 


EDITORIAL    NOTICE. 


ADVERTISEMENTS  should  be  sent  to  the  PUB- 
LISHER, 41,  Wellington  Street,  Covent  Garden, 
W.C. 

Letters  for  Publication,  as  well  as  specimens  of  plants 
for  naming,  should  be  addressed  to  the  EDITOR, 
41,  Wellington  Street,  Covent  Garden,  London. 
Communications  should  be  written  on  one  side  only  of 
the  paper,  sent  as  early  in  the  week  as  possible  and  duly 
signed  by  the  w titer.  1/ desired,  the  signature  will  not  be 
printed,  but  kept  as  a  guarantee  of  good  faith. 

Local  News. — Correspondents  will  greatly  oblige  by  sending  to 
the  Editor  early  intelligence  of  local  events  likely  to  be  of 
interest  to  our  readers,  or  of  any  matters  which  it  is  desirable 
to  bring  under  the  notice  of  horticulturists. 

Newspapers. — Correspondents  sending  newspapers  should  be 
careful  to  mark  the  paragraphs  they  wish  the  Editor  to  see. 


APPOINTMENTS   FOR  APRIL. 


SATURDAY,  APRIL  3- 

Berlin  International  Exh.  (to  13th  inst.).  Soc.  Franc;. 
d'Hort.  de  Londres  meet. 

TUESDAY,  APRIL  6- 

Roy.  Hort.  Soc.  Corns,  meet.  (Lecture  at  3  p.m.  by  the 
Rev.  Professor  G.  Henslow,  M.A.,  on  the  "  Effects  of 
the  Forces  of  Growth ").  British  Gard.  Assoc.  Ex. 
Council  meet. 

WEDNESDAY,  APRIL  7— 

Roy.  Caledonian  Hort.  Soc.  Spring  Fl.  Sh.at  Edinburgh 
(2  days). 

THURSDAY,  APRIL  8— 

London  Branch  B.G.A.  lecture  on  "  Commercial  and 
Co-operative  Gardening." 

MONDAY,  APRIL  li-Bank  Holiday. 

TUESDAY,  APRIL  20— 

Roy.  Hort.  Soc.  Corns,  meet,  and  Nat.  Auricula  and 
Primula  Soc.  combined  Show  at  Hort.  Hall,  West- 
minster (Prizes  for  Daffodils  and  Carnations.  Lecture 
at  3  p.m.  by  Mr.  Eric  Drabble,  D.Sc,  on  "  Pansies  "). 
Devon  Daffodil  and  Spring  Fl.  Sh.  at  Plymouth  (2  days). 
Shropshire  Hort.  Soc.  Spring  Fl.  Sh. 

WEDNESDAY,  APRIL  21— 

Roy.  Hort.  Soc.  of  Ireland  Spring  Fl.  Sh.  at  Dublin. 
Roy.  Meteorological  Soc.  meet.  Ipswich  Spring  Fl.  Sh. 
Roy.  Hort.  Soc.  Examination  in  General  Horticulture. 

THURSDAY,  APRIL  22— 

Midland  Daffodil  Soc.  Exh.  at  Bot.  Gardens,  Birming- 
ham (2  days). 

TUESDAY.  APRIL  27— 

Huntingdonshire  Daffodil  and  Spring  Fl.  Sh.  in  Corn 
Exchange,  Huntingdon. 

WEDNESDAY,  APRIL  28— 

Nat.  Auricula  Soc.  (Midland  Sec.)  Exh. 

Roy.  Hort.  Soc.  Exam,  of  School  Teachers  in  Cottage 

and  Allot.  Gard. 


Average    Mean    Temperature    for    the    ensuing    week, 
deduced  from  observations  during  the  last  Fifty  Years 
at  Greenwich— 46"1°. 
Actual  Temperatures: — 

London.— Wednesday,  March  31  (6  p.m.):  Max.  52°; 
Min.  43°. 
Gardeners'  Chronicle  Office,  41,  Wellington  Street, 
Covent  Garden,  London — Thursday,  April  1 
(10  a.m.):  Bar.  29  9;  Temp.  45° ;  Weather— 
Overcast. 
Provinces. —  Wednesday,  March  31  (6  p.m.):  Max.  51° 
Essex,  S.E. ;  Min.  42°  Durham. 


SALES  FOR  THE  ENSUING  WEEK. 

MONDAY— 

Hardy  Border  and  Herbaceous  Plants,  Liliums, 
Begonias,  and  other  Bulbs,  Azaleas,  Ferns  &rc,  at  12 ; 
Roses  and  Fruit  Trees  at  1.30;  at  67  &  63,  Cheapside, 
E.C.,  by  Protheroe  &  Morris. 

TUESDAY— 

Gladioli,  Begonias,  and  other  Bulbous  Plants,  55,000 
Tuberoses,  Numerous  Hardy  Bulbs  and  Roots,  150 
cases  Japanese  Liliums,  &c,  at  67  &  68,  Cheapside, 
E.C.,  by  Protheroe  &  Morris,  at  1. 

WEDNESDAY— 

Perennials  and  Border  Plants,  Hardy  Bulbs,  Liliums, 
&c,  at  12  ;  Roses  at  1.30  ;  Palms,  Azaleas,  Bays,  Ferns, 
&c,  at  5;  at  67  &  68,  Cheapside,  E.C.,  by  Protheroe  & 
Morris. 


It  is  a  fact  at  once  significant 
•Commerson.  and  extraordinary  that  in 
•  Carlyle's  anthology  of  Heroes 
the  man  of  science  finds  no  place.  Yet  history 
shows  no  nobler  records  of  heroic  devotion 
than  those  of  men  of  science  who  have  sacri- 
ficed their  lives  in  the  pursuit  of  knowledge. 
In  the  pages  of  some  new  anthology  their 
names  and  deeds  will  be  enshrined.  To  the 
priest  and  poet  and  man  of  letters  Carlvle 
has  paid  a  splendid  tribute;  but  a  like  honour 
still  awaits  the  scientific  explorer  :  the  man 
who  sets  out,  not  oblivious  of  risk  and  diffi- 
culty,'' to  discover    new   lands,    to   chart   un- 

*  The  Life  of  Philibcrt  Commerson,  by  the  late  Captain  S. 
Pasfield  Oliver,  R.A.,  and  edited  by  G.  F.  Scott  Elliot, 
F.L.S.,  F.R.G.S.    (John  Murray.)    10s.  6d. 


known  seas,  to  master  the  secrets  of  the 
ocean's  depth  or  those  of  the  ocean  of  air,  to 
learn,  despite  the  shadow  of  death  which 
falls  across  his  path,  the  causes  of  disease 
and  the  means  of  their  prevention. 

In  the  foremost  rank  of  this  devoted  band 
of  willing  martyrs  to  the  cause  of  science  is 
Commerson.  To  the  general  public  Com- 
merson is  unknown  :  to  the  majority  of 
botanists  and  zoologists  he  is  little  more  than 
a  name;  only  the  specialists  in  systematic 
botanv  and  those  biologists  with  a  feeling  for 
and  knowledge  o<f  the  history  of  the  science 
know  the  magnitude  of  the  debt  which  the 
world  of  learning  owes  to  him.  Yet 
Commerson,  during  his  life,  brought  all 
whom  he  encountered,  and  chiefly  the 
great  men  among  them,  under  the  sway 
of  his  magnetic  personality.  Therefore  we 
welcome  with  the  greatest  satisfaction  the 
appearance  of  The  Life  of  Philibert  Commer- 
son, D.M.,  Naturaliste  du  Roi,  written  by 
Captain  Oliver  and  edited  by  G.  F.  Scott 
Elliot. 

The  book,  like  its  subject,  is  fascinating. 
All  its  pages  testify  to  the  bond  of  sympathy 
existing  between  authors  and  subject.  Him- 
self a  traveller  of  distinction,  Captain  Oliver 
could  appreciate  the  indomitable  courage  and 
splendid  achievement  of  this  pioneer  travelling 
naturalist.  To  the  editor,  as  well  as  to  the 
writer,  all  lovers  of  good  books  owe  thanks, 
for  to  the  judicious  use  of  the  materials 
which  Captain  Oliver,  shortly  before  his  death, 
put  at  Mr.  Scott  Elliot's  disposal  is  due  the 
admirable  picture  which  the  book  presents  of 
Commerson 's  wanderings  and  vicissitudes. 
Philibert  Commerson  was  born  in  the  Pays 
des  Dombes,  near  Lyons,  in  1727.  He  was  a 
born  naturalist.  From  his  earliest  youth  he 
collected  fishes  (preserving  the  smaller  speci- 
mens by  pressing  and  drying  them  between 
sheets  of  blotting-paper),  insects,  and  more 
particularly  plants.  He  was  born  in  a  fortu- 
nate hour,  in  the  sense  that  Linnaeus  had  cast 
his  spell  over  Europe  and  created  such  en- 
thusiasm for  botany  as  has  been  known 
neither  before  nor  since.  Such  was  Commer- 
son's  enthusiasm  as  a  collector  that  he 
spared  himself  no>  pains  nor  fatigue  nor  risks 
to  add  to  his  collections.  Indeed,  his  ardour 
was  to  cost  him  dear,  for,  daring  to  lay  hands 
on  some  specimens  in  the  Botanic  Gardens 
of  Montpellier,  he  incurred  the  petty  but 
potent  wrath  of  his  professor,  Sauvages,  who 
forbade  him  access  to  the  gardens  and 
blighted,  as  it  seemed,  his  career  at  the 
moment  when  it  appeared  all  promising. 

But  Commerson,  though  discredited  by  his 
paltry  professor,  continued  to  work  alone. 
His  fame  grew.  Wherever  he  journeyed  he 
left  behind  converts  to  botany,  who  became 
collectors  like  himself  and  founded  gardens — 
his  botano-maniaes  he  called  those  proselytes 
to  botanical  science  whom  he  was  for  ever 
making. 

In  1766  his  chance  came.  He  was  offered 
and  accepted  the  post  of  naturalist  to  the  ex- 
ploring expedition  under  de  Bougainville 
which  France  was  sending  out  to  circum- 
navigate the  globe  and,  perchance,  to  found 
new  colonies  in  the  place  of  those  recently 
lost. 

During  the  voyage  of  the  "  Boudeuse  " 
and  "  Etoile,"  the  ships  of  the  expedition, 
Commerson  amassed  huge  collections  and 
vast  stores  of  observation.   Much  of  the  latter 


has  passed  unacknowledged  into  the  common 
stock  of  knowledge.  His  collections  also, 
such  as  were  not  lost,  passed  into  other 
hands  :  sometimes  with  due  acknowledg- 
ment, sometimes  to  rot  in  attics. 

When  the  voyage  was  nearly  at  an 
end,  the  "Boudeuse"  and  the  ''Etoile"  having 
reached  Mauritius,  Commerson  took  service 
as  botanist  to  that  colonv.  After  exhaust- 
ing the  resources  of  Mauritius,  he  ex- 
plored Madagascar  and  brought  to  light 
many  of  the  remarkable  plants  and  ani- 
mals of  that  wonderful  island.  From  Mada- 
gascar he  passed  to  Bourbon  and,  with 
plans  of  travel  to  India  and  China,  returned 
to  Mauritius.  Worn  out  by  disease  due  to 
exposure  and  privation,  dispossessed  of  his 
office  by  intrigues  of  colleagues,  but  working 
to  the  last,  he  died  in  1773  at  the  age  of 
forty-six.  Such,  in  meagre  and  cold  outline, 
is  the  Odyssey  of  Commerson.  His  body  lies 
in  Mauritius  in  a  forgotten  grave,  for  the 
plants  which  he  loved  took  him  to  their  em- 
brace. Near  the  place  of  his  burial  a  little 
column,  shaded  by  Eucalyptus  trees,  serves 
as  a  memorial.  But  each  year,  as  the  world 
comes  to  a  saner  view  of  the  meaning  of 
greatness  and  of  what  is  worthy  of  pursuit  by 
man,  his  reputation  must  increase.  Though 
to  the  layman  it  may  not  mean  much  that  he 
collected  some  3,000  new  species  and  60  new 
genera  of  plants  of  which  he  himself  described 
about  1,000,  such  facts  will  appeal  to  the 
expert.  But  in  reading  the  life  of  Commer- 
son, layman  and  expert  alike  can  learn  of  the 
ardour,  enthusiasm,  courage  and  endurance 
out  of  which  Commerson 's  genius  was  com- 
pounded.       

Our  Supplementary  Illustration  portrays 
the  inflorescence  and  foliage  of  Thalictrum 
dipterocarpum,  a  new  species  from  China,  in- 
troduced by  Messrs.  James  Veitch  &  Sons, 
through  their  collector  Wilson,  who  discovered 
it  at  elevations  of  4,000  to  5,000  feet.  This 
Thalictrum  is  perfectly  hardy,  and  forms  a 
useful  addition  to  the  list  of  border  plants. 
The  foliage  is  glaucous-green ;  the  panicles 
rise  some  4  to  5  feet  high,  producing  in  a  lax 
manner  a  number  of  small,  rose-purple  flowers. 
The  plant  succeeds  best  in  a  sunny  position, 
and  enjoys  a  rooting  medium  containing  plenty 
of  gravel.  An  Award  of  Merit  was  given  to  this 
plant  by  the  Floral  Committee  of  the  Royal 
Horticultural  Society,  at  the  meeting  held  on 
August  18,  1908. 

Royal  Horticultural  Society. —The  next 
meeting  of  the  Committees  will  take  place  on 
April  6.  At  3  p.m.  a  lecture  on  "  Illustrations 
of  the  Effects  of  the  Forces  of  Growth "  will 
be  delivered  by  the  Rev.  Prof.  G.  Henslow, 
V.M.H. 

Horticultural  College,  Swanley. — The 

annual  meeting  of  the  Swanley  Horticultural 
College  for  Women  was  held,  by  permission  of 
Miss  Balfour,  at  4,  Carlton  Gardens,  London, 
on  March  24.  The  chairman,  Sir  John 
Cockburn,  in  moving  the  adoption  of  the  report 
and  balance-sheet,  laid  stress  on  the  admirable 
work  done  by  the  College  in  meeting  the  two 
great  requirements  of  the  day,  viz.,  rural  educa- 
tion and  the  higher  education  of  women.  Mr. 
Charles  Bathurst,  in  seconding  the  resolution, 
drew  attention  to  the  great  and  growing  demand 
on  the  part  of  local  educational  authorities  for 
teachers  qualified  to  give  instruction  in  nature 
study  and  school  gardening,  in  both  elementary 
and  secondary  schools. 


April  3,  1909.] 


THE     GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


217 


The  Surveyors'  Institution. — The  next 
ordinary  general  meeting  will  be  held  on  Mon- 
day, April  26,  when  a  paper  will  be  read  by 
Mr.  E.  H.  Blake  (Fellow),  entitled  "  Some 
Notes  on  Warming  and  Ventilation."  The  chair 
will  be  taken  at  8  o'clock. 

Horticulture  at  the  White  City  Exhibi- 
tion, Shepherd  s  Bush. — Mr.  J.  Jaques  has 
again  been  appointed  chief  of  the  horticultural 
department  at  the  White  City  Exhibition.  The 
arrangements  for  the  season  are  not  complete, 
but  it  is  probable  that  there  will  be  some  flower 
shows  on  an  extensive  scale. 

The  "Wood"  Fund. — Since  our  last  issue 
Mr.  Geo.  Monro  has  received  the  following 
sums: — Mr.  W.  H.  Pratt,  Kingston-by-Sea, 
£1  Is.  ;  Mr.  F.  E.  Sparkes,  Worthing,  £1  Is. 
The  total  amount  received  is  £87  10s. 

"Book  of  Pruning,  Grafting  and  Bud- 
ding."•—The  author  of  this  instructive  little  work 
is  well  known  as  a  successful  gardener  and  culti- 
vator of  fruit,  who  has  occupied  the  office  of 
chief  horticultural  instructor  for  the  county  of 
Worcester  for  18  years.  He  was  one  of  the 
pioneers  of  allotment  and  cottage  gardens  in 
that  county  :  his  experience  in  all  branches  of 
practical  gardening  is  exceptional,  and  his 
authority  beyond  question.  We  have  nothing 
but  unstinted  praise  for  his  admirable  book  of 
instructions  on  pruning,  grafting,  and  budding, 
not  only  on  fruit  trees,  but  also  on  Roses  and 
numbers  of  hardy-flowering  shrubs  and  climbing 
plants.  The  author  recognises  how  imperfectly 
pruning  is  understood  and  practised  by  many 
cultivators,  and  how  essential  it  is,  in  order  to 
obtain  complete  success,  to  know  how,  when, 
and  why  certain  operations  must  be  performed. 
We  all  know  how  neglect  of  pruning  and  un- 
skilled pruning  cause  mischief  that  is  irreparable, 
reduce  the  annual  produce  of  orchards  and 
gardens,  and,  in  many  cases,  extinguish  all 
chances  of  profitable  returns.  The  various 
chapters  on  pruning  for  wood,  for  form, 
for  restriction,  and  for  better  and  more 
fruit,  which  are  brief,  but  to  the  point,  are  ren- 
dered intelligible  to  beginners  by  means  of 
simple  diagrams  and  illustrations.  Particulars 
of  the  best  methods  of  pruning  and  training 
standard,  bush,  and  pyramid  trees  are  given,  and 
also  the  formation  of  cordons,  both  single  and 
double,  half-standards,  goblet,  and  espalier 
trees,  from  the  first  year  from  the  bud  or  graft, 
is  explained.  The  pruning  and  seasonable 
treatment  of  the  Plum,  a  very  important 
Worcestershire  fruit,  is  described  in  some 
detail.  Root-pruning  and  top-pruning,  and 
what  they  bring  about,  are  described.  We 
are  told,  on  the  authority  of  Professor 
Bailey,  that,  in  the  fruit-growing  areas  of 
the  U.S.A.,  the  soil,  for  a  depth  of  several  feet, 
is  of  an  equally  good  quality,  that  the  trees  are 
allowed  to  take  their  natural  habit,  and  fruiting 
comes  naturally  with  the  maturity  of  the  tree. 
Unfortunately,  our  soils,  as  well  as  those  of 
most  parts  of  Europe,  are  less  favoured,  hence 
the  need  for  such  books  as  Mr.  Udale's. 

Cedar    Wood    for    Cigar    Boxes. — It    has 

recently  been  stated  in  the  public  Press  that  the 
supply  of  Cedar  wood  is  becoming  scarce  and 
that  all  cigar  boxes  except  those  for  the  most 
expensive  brands  will  in  future  be  made  of 
paper.  This  statement  would  appear  to  refer 
to  Cuba  or  Havana  cigars  only,  and,  if  so, 
would  consequently  refer  only  to  the  wood  of 


*  The  Handy  Book  of  Pruning,  Grafting,  and  Budding, 
by  James  Udale,  horticultural  Instructor  for  Worcester- 
shire since  1891.  Printed  and  published  by  W.  &  H. 
Smith,  Ltd.,  Journal  Press,  Evesham.  London  :  Simpkin. 
Marshall,  Hamilton.  Kent  &  Co.,  Ltd.,  Stationers'  Hall 
Court,  E.C.    Price  Is.  6d.  net.     Second  edition. 


Cedrela  odorata,  which,  though  not  a  true  Cedar, 
is  the  source  of  the  Cuban  and  West  Indian 
Cedar  of  commerce.  Years  ago  many  buyers 
of  Havana  cigars  were  guided  in  their  choice  of 
a  cigar  almost  as  much  by  the  character  of  the 
wood  of  which  the  boxes  were  made  as  by 
the  appearance  of  the  cigar  itself ;  but 
even  when  it  could  be  proved  that  the  boxes 
were  made  of  the  native  Cedar,  it  was  no 
proof  that  the  cigars  were  Cuban  make.  Logs 
of  Cuban  Cedar  were  at  that  time  imported  into 
Hamburg,  where  they  were  cut  up  and  made 
into  cigar  boxes,  ready  to  receive  the  so-called 
real  Havanas,  which  were  also  made  in  Ger- 
many, so  that  the  deception  was  complete.  But 
the  question  as  to  the  use  of  paper  for  cigar 
boxes  is  one  that  might  be  met  by  the  continued 
use  of  one  or  the  other  of  the  numerous  woods 
which  are  known  under  the  common  name  of 
Cedar,  for,  beside  the  species  of  Cedrela  just 
referred  to,  there  are  others  furnishing  woods 
more  or  less  similar,  and  notably  Cedrela 
Toona,  a  large  tree  from  50  to  60  feet  high, 
found  throughout  the  hilly  districts  of  Central 
and  South  India  to  Burma  and  also  in  Java 
and  Australia.  In  India  it  is  known  as  the 
Toon  or  Indian  Mahogany  tree,  also  as  the  Moul- 
mein  Cedar,  under  which  name  the  wood  is 
known  in  England.  It  is  similar  in  general 
appearance  to  West  India  Cedar,  and  is  much 
used  in  India  for  furniture  and  Tea  boxes,  and 
in  Australia,  where  it  is  known  as  Australian 
Cedar  ;  it  is  greatly  valued  for  cabinet  work. 
There  are  some  splendid  examples  of  this  wood 
in  the  Kew  museums.  From  the  close  relation- 
ship that  exists  between  these  so-called  Cedars 
and  the  mahoganies  of  Tropical  America, 
Cuba  and  the  Gambia,  it  might  natur- 
ally be  expected  that  the  woods  should  have 
some  similarity.  This  is  the  case,  though  the 
Cedrelas  are  for  the  most  part  softer  woods 
than  those  either  of  the  genus  Swietenia,  which 
is  the  source  of  Tropical  American  mahogany, 
or  of  Khaya,  from  which  the  Gambia  mahogany 
is  derived.  All  these  species  belong  to  the  order 
Meliaceae,  as  does  Soymida  febrifuga,  a  large 
tree  of  Central  and  Southern  India,  the  wood 
of  which  is  known  as  Red  or  Bastard  Cedar, 
though  the  wood  is  totally  distinct  from  that  of 
species  of  Cedrela  or  even  Swietenia  or  Khaya, 
being  hard,  heavy,  and  of  a  dark  colour.  The 
wood  of  the  true  Cedar,  or  Cedar  of  Lebanon 
(Cedrus  Libani)  differs  considerably  from  that 
of  the  Cedrelas,  as  all  coniferous  woods  do. 
It  is  of  very  little  use  for  r.ny  purpose, 
though  that  of  its  closely-allied  species  the 
Deodar  of  India  (C.  Deodara)  is  very  much 
used  for  many  purposes  of  construction  in 
India,  such  as  sleepers  for  railways,  bridges, 
&c3  as  well  as  for  furniture.  Other  coniferous 
trees  known  as  Cedars  are  Juniperus  virginiana 
and  the  allied  species  J.  bermudiana,  from 
both  of  which  the  soft,  easily-cut  wood  used 
(or  making  lead  pencils,  and  known  as  pencil 
Cedar,  is  obtained.  Amongst  many  other  plants 
to  which  the  name  of  Cedar  is  applied,  we  may 
mention  the  white  Cedar  (Thuya  gigantea),  the 
New  Zealand  Cedar  (Libocedrus  Bidwillii),  and 
the  yellow  Cedar  of  America  and  Canada 
(Chamoecyparis  nutkaensis).  From  amongst  some 
of  these  it  might  be  possible  to  find  a  substi- 
tute for  Cedrela  odorata  without  resorting  to 
paper  pulp  for  cigar  boxes. 

Publications    Received.  —  Journal   de    la 
Societe  Nationale    a" Horticulture    de    France. 

(Paris  :  81,  Rue  de  Grenelle).  —  The  Agricultural 
Gazette  of  New  South  Wales.  (February.) 
(Sydney:  Department  of  Agriculture).  Price  6d. — 
Beautiful  Flowers   and  How  to  Grow  Them. 

Part  XI.  Edited  by  Horace  J.  and  Walter  P. 
Wright.  (London:  T.  C.  &  E.  C.  Jack).  Price 
Is.    net. — Nuovo    Giornale    Botanico    Italiano. 

(Gennaio,  1909.)  Memoire  della  S^cieta  Botanica 
Italiana.    (Firenze:  Via  Jacopo  de  Diarceto,  10). — 


Garden  Design.  With  an  introduction  by  Row- 
land E.  Prothero.  (London  :  John  P.  White,  134, 
New  Bond  Street,  W.).—The  Handy  Book  on 
Pruning,  Grafting,  and  Budding,  by  James 
Udale.  (Evesham  :  W.  &  H.  Smith,  Ltd.)  Price 
Is.  6d.  net  —  The  Balance  of  Nature  and  Modern 
Conditions  of  Cultivation.  A  practical  manual 
of  animal  foes  and  friends  for  the  country  gentle- 
man, the  farmer,  the  forester,  the  gardener,  and 
the  sportsman,  by  George  Abbey.  (London  : 
George  Routledge  &  Sons,  Ltd.)  Price  7s.  6d. 
net. — Board  of  Agriculture  and  Fisheries  Agri- 
cultural Statistics,  1908.  Vol.  XLIIL,  Part  I. 
Acreage  and  live  stock  returns  of  Great  Britain, 
with  summaries  for  the  United  Kingdom.  (London : 
Wyman  &  Sons,  Ltd.,  109,  Fetter  Lane,  Fleet 
Street,  EC.)  Price  (id.—  University  of  Illinois 
Agricultural  Experiment  Station,  Urbana. 
December,  1908.  Circular  No.  126  :  Food  require- 
ments of  growing  and  fattening  swine,  by  Wm. 
Dietrich,  Assistant  Chief  in  Swine  Husbandry. 
January.  1909.  Circular  No.  127  :  Shall  we  use 
natural  rock  phosphate  or  manufactured  acid 
phosphate  for  the  permanent  improvement  of 
Illinois  soils?  by  Cyril  G.  Hopkins,  Chief  in 
Agronomy  and  Chemistry.  January,  1909.  Cir- 
cular No.  128 :  Abstract  of  the  proceedings  of  the 
conference  on  animal  tuberculosis  at  the  University 
of  Illinois,  October  15,  1908—  The  Book  of 
Nature  Study,  edited  by  Bretland  Farmer,  D.Sc, 
F.R.S.  Vol.  III.  (London  :  The  Caxton  Pub- 
lishing Co.,  Clun  House,  Surrey  Street,  W.C.). — 
Catalogue  of  Sweet  Pea  Names.  National 
Sweet  Pea  Society.     Price  6d. 


VEGETABLES. 


ONIONS    FOR    MARKET. 

A  Surrey  farmer  writing  to  me  the  other 
day  mentioned  that,  having  sold  the  pro- 
duce of  half  an  acre  of  Onions  for  £11,  he  was 
so  satisfied  with  his  crop  that  he  proposed  to  sow 
an  acre  of  Onions  this  year.  That  far  more  than 
£22  per  acre  could  be  made  from  Onions  grown 
under  different  conditions  than  are  adopted  in 
ordinary  field  culture,  there  can  be  no  doubt,  and 
as  it  is  evident  that  there  is  a  market  for  Onions, 
it  is  a  matter  for  surprise  that  more  of  those 
bulbs  are  not  grown.  At  the  present  moment,  in 
towns,  at  any  rate,  consumers  are  dependent  on 
Spanish  or  Portuguese  Onions,  which  are  worth 
2d.  per  pound.  In  many  of  the  rural  districts, 
even  so  early  as  the  late  autumn,  Onion  con- 
sumers are  largely  dependent  for  their  supplies 
on  the  Brittany  peasants,  who  hawk  Onions 
from  place  to  place.  The  other  day  Mr.  E. 
Beckett  exhibited  at  the  R.H.S.  meeting  some 
superb  Onions,  weighing  from  28  to  30  ounces 
each. 

If  Onions  are  planted  12  inches  apart  each  way, 
no  fewer  than  270  bulbs  per  rod  are  needed.  This 
quantity  should,  if  the  ground  has  been  deeply 
worked,  well  manured,  and  the  variety  be  Ailsa 
Craig,  give  quite  200  lbs.  weight.  This  yield, 
sold  as  cheaply  as  Is.  per  14  lbs.,  would  yield, 
ioughly,  15s.  per  rod.  But  even  if  the  crop  sold 
for  10s.  per  rod,  the  return  per  acre  would  be 
£80,  and  it  would  be  interesting  to  learn  what 
crop  could  excel  that  in  value  from  the  same 
area  of  land.  To  obtain  this  quantity  of  Onions 
some  2  lbs.  of  seed  would  be  required  to  be  sown 
in  frames  early  in  February.  This  amount  of 
seed  would  furnish  the  43,500  plants  needed. 
The  ground  should  be  trenched,  and  have  mixed 
with  it  20  loads  of  good  farmyard  manure  per 
acre.  The  entire  cost,  including  cultivation  of 
soil,  manure,  seed,  and  planting,  should  not  ex- 
ceed £30  ;  while  the  additional  cost  of  harvesting 
and  marketing  the  crop  would  be  about  £10 
more,  and  this  would  leave  a  profit  cf  £40.  This 
does  not  allow  anything  for  rent,  or  salemen's 
commission,  nor  for  the  frames  ;  but  a  succeeding 
crop  of  early  white  Cabbages  would  be  sufficient 
to  defray  those  charges,  and  admit  of  a  Dart  pay- 
ment of  the  cost  of  the  frames.    .4.  D. 


218 


THE    GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


[April  3,  1909. 


STAGKPOLE  COURT,  PEMBROKESHIRE. 

Owing  to  the  enterprise  of  the  Great  Western 
Railway  Co.  in  opening  their  new  route  to 
Ireland,  via  Fishguard,  Pembrokeshire  has  been 
brought  in  point  of  time  much  nearer  to  the 
Metropolis  and  the  large  inland  centres. 

In  the  southern  part  of  the  county  it  is  strange 
to  find  that,  judged  by  their  language  and  cus- 
toms, the  people  are  neither  Welsh  nor  English. 
The  district  is  sometimes  spoken  of  as  "  Little 
England  beyond  Wales."  This  thrifty,  clean, 
but  reserved  community,  whose  dwellings  are 
mostly  built  of  mud  and  wattle,  are  the  de- 
scendants of  Flemish  settlers,  who  were  allowed 
on  certain  conditions  to  occupy  this  peninsula. 

Some  four  miles  seaward  from  the  town  of 
Pembroke  is  the  extensive  estate  and  mansion  of 
Earl  Cawdor,  whose  family's  connection  with 
the  county  is  by  no  means  modern.  A  castel- 
lated mansion  existed  at  Stackpole  at  a  very 
early  date,  possibly  on  the  site,  or  near  to,  where 
the  great-great-grandfather  of  the  present  Earl 
built  Stackpole  Court.  The  mansion  overhangs 
a  beautiful  artificial  lake,  which  is  spanned  by 
an  elegant  stone  bridge,  and  commands  a 
view  oi  a  most  delightful  landscape,   including 


Bluebells,  fee.,  and  canopied,  but  not  too 
densely,  by  a  variety  of  trees.  A  winding  path 
leads  to  a  tennis  ground  formed  of  concrete  : 
this  was  previously  a  battery  ground,  and  from 
here  the  north  front  of  the  residence  is  entered 
by  a  massive  archway. 

A  pair  of  old  Spanish  guns,  dated  1754  and 
1756,  guard  the  front  entrance.  Escallonias, 
Hydrangeas,  and  Myrtles  are  planted  on  the 
spacious  lawn,  and  there  is  a  fine  specimen  of 
Fraxinus  Ornus,  and  also  a  iarge  Cockspur  Thorn 
(Crataegus  Crus-galli;,  the  branches  of  which 
have  arched  over  and  sweep  the  ground,  form- 
ing a  tent  with  no  entrance.  Fine  Yews,  Copper 
Beeches,  and  a  number  of  large  evergreen  Oaks, 
whose  branches  arch  and  depend  in  such  a 
manner  as  to  suggest  vaulted  chambers,  are  also 
met  with.  On  the  lawns  are  many  large  ever, 
green  Oaks,  magnificent  gnarled  Limes,  huge 
Silver  Firs,  and  big  trees  of  English  Oak  and 
Sycamore.  One  of  these  last-mentioned  has  a 
straight  stem  of  30  feet  to  the  first  branch. 
Other  notable  trees  are  Pinus  Lambertiana  (60 
feet),  a  beautiful  specimen  of  Sequoia  semper- 
virens  (probably  planted  60  years  ago  and  now 
60  feet  high),  Tulip  trees,  Planes,  Abies  Smithi- 
ana,  Cryptomeria  japonica  (50  feet),  Cupressus 
Lawsoniana   (50    feet   in   height   and   35   feet   in 


FlG.   93. — STACKPOLE   COURT,    PEMBROKESHIRE,    THE    RESIDENCE    OF    EARL    CAWDOR. 


woodland,  lake,  and  nark.  A  wide  terrace  on  the 
south  front  runs  the  length  of  the  house,  which  is 
aoout  360  feet,  and  a  flight  of  steps  leads  to  a 
further  terrace  extending  200  or  more  feet.  The 
tender  plants  that  thrive  in  the  pleasure  grounds, 
and  particularly  on  this  terrace,  betoken  the  mild 
character  of  the  climate.  Standing  unprotected 
in  the  grounds  are  such  plants  as  Agapanthus 
umbellatus,  Fuchsia  gracilis,  Escallonia  exoni- 
ensis,  Chimonanthus  fragrans,  Calycanthus  flori- 
dus,  and  Pittosporum  Tobira  (a  plant  of  this  tree 
is  about  15  feet  high  and  18  feet  in  diameter). 
There  is  a  remarkable  plant  of  Magnolia  grandi- 
flora,  having  a  massive  stem,  gnarled  by  age, 
and  filling  a  large  space  on  the  wall  of  the 
residence.  Banksian  Roses,  too,  of  great  size, 
flourish,  with  Garrya  elliptica,  Photinia  serru- 
lata,  Buddleias,  Magnolia  Soulangeana,  Honey- 
suckle, &c.  A  spacious  winter  garden  adjoins 
the  mansion.  Climbers  such  as  Cobea  scandens 
and  Bougainvilleas  lightly  drape  the  roof,  Palms 
anl  other  suitable  plants  furnish  the  floor,  whilst 
carved  figures  and  vases  stand  in  prominent 
positions. 

A  charming  woodland  is  entered  from  the 
terrace.  It  is  planted  with  native  Ferns,  the 
commoner  \arieties  of  Daffodil,  Winter  Aconite, 


diameter).  The  Hartstongue  Fern  (Scolopen- 
drium  vulgare)  grows  plentifully  under  the 
towering  trees,  and  in  the  hedgerows.  Con- 
tinuing  in  this  direction,  a  spot  that  was 
once  a  flower-garden  is  reached.  Such  plants 
as  Phormium  tenax,  Gunnera  scabra,  Gingko 
biloba,  and  Benthamia  fragifera  are  met 
with  in  this  old  flower-garden.  The  Benthamia 
flowers  and  fruits  freely  :  one  specimen  is  35  feet 
high.  Other  plants  of  interest  are  Quercus 
glabra  and  Juniperus  japonica  aurea  ,(a  good 
plant  of  this  golden  Juniper),  Laurus  nobilis, 
Cupressus  Lawsoniana  lutea,  grand  specimens 
of  Oriental  Plane,  and  Tulip  tree.  At  a  short 
distance  is  a  group  of  nine  gigantic  Beech  trees, 
forming  a  circle,  their  heads  a  dome,  and  con- 
stituting a  grand  natural  temple. 

The  glass  structures  at  Stackpole  are  exten- 
sive, and  well  furnished  with  plants  such  as  the 
requirements  of  a  large  establishment  necessi- 
tate. Carnations  and  Chrysanthemums  are 
numerously  and  successfully  grown ;  Roses  in 
pots  are  a  feature. 

Mr.  W.  B.  Fisher,  who  has  had  the  care  of 
these  gardens  for  many  years,  is  a  most  success- 
ful fruit  grower.  The  fruit  trees,  both  out  of 
doors   and  under  glass,  are  excellently  trained, 


and  produce  annually  large  crops  of  Peaches, 
Nectarines,  Plums,  Figs,  &c. 

Grapes  are  also  well  grown  by  Mr.  Fisher  ; 
one  vinery,  90  feet  long,  planted  with  Black 
Alicante  and  Muscat  of  Alexandria  varieties, 
was,  on  the  occasion  of  my  visit,  a  magnificent 
spectacle.  A  vine  of  Black  Alicante,  worked  on 
a  stock  of  Mrs.  Pince,  produces  Grapes  which 
have  an  appreciable  flavour  of  the  Mrs.  Pince 
variety.  Gros  Colmar  flourishes  finely,  in  com- 
pany with  the  Muscat  of  Alexandria.  I  have  also 
seen  Foster's  Seedling  in  fine  form  in  this  garden. 

Of  the  very  large  walled-in  kitchen  garden  and 
its  crops  of  fruits,  flowers,  and  vegetables  much 
might  be  written,  but  I  will  leave  that  aspect 
of  the  garden  ;  suffice  it  to  say  that  everything 
shows  the  same  excellent  order  and  cultivation 
as  is  seen  in  the  parts  I  have  more  fully 
described.     A.  P.  Howler. 


THE   WISTARIAS. 

The  genus  Wistaria  is  small  in  point  of  num- 
bers, containing  only  four  or  five  species. 
The  belt  of  these  is  the  common  Wistaria  ;  but 
the  other  members  of  the  genus  are  worthy  of 
notice,  as  they  flower  at  different  times,  and 
are  distinct  in  habit  and  in  the  colour  of  their 
flowers.  The  genus  was  named  after  Caspar 
Wistar,  an  American  scientist,  who  lived  about 
a  hundred  years  ago.  The  following  are  the 
most  distinct  species  for  garden  purposes:  — 

W.  CHINENSIS. — One  of  the  most  useful  and 
largest-growing  climbers,  the  branches  of  W. 
chinensis  attain  a  spread  of  upwards  of  300  feet 
in  course  of  time,  with  a  stout,  woody  stem, 
6  inches  or  more  in  diameter.  It  can  be  used  in 
a  variety  of  ways ;  as  an  outdoor  climber  for 
covering  walls,  pergolas,  or  old  tree  stems  ;  and 
in  the  conservatory  it  can  be  grown  in  pots  or 
tubs  as  a  small  standard,  or  trained  in  balloon 
shape  on  hoops.  When  used  for  indoor  decora- 
tion, the  plants  should  be  spurred  back  after 
flowering,  and  be  liberally  treated  during  the  fol- 
lowing growing  season.  The  leaves  of  W.  chin- 
ensis are  pinnate,  consisting  of  nine  to  eleven 
pale  green  leaflets,  nearly  glabrous  on  their  upper 
surfaces,  but  having  the  veins  on  the  lower  sides 
covered  with  fine  hairs.  The  Pea-shaped  flowers 
are  borne  in  pendulous  racemes,  a  foot  or  more 
in  length  ;  they  are  comparatively  large,  and  of  a 
pale  purplish-blue  colour,  fading  to  nearly  white 
in  the  centre  of  the  flower.  The  variety  flore 
albo  has  white  flowers,  but  is  a  rather  shy 
bloomer  ;  flore  pleno  has  double  flowers,  which 
last  a  considerable  time  in  bloom  ;  macrobotrys 
has  longer  racemes  of  a  paler  colour  than  the 
type  ;  and  foliis  variegatis  has  leaves  irregularly 
market  with  white,  but  has  no  great  decorative 
value.  W.  chinensis  is  a  native  of  China  and 
Japan,  and  was  first  introduced  from  the  former 
country  in  1816. 

W.  brachybotrys. — This  plant  has  been 
classed  as  a  form  of  W.  chinensis,  but,  for  gar- 
den purposes,  it  is  distinct.  It  is  a  compara- 
tively rare  plant  in  Japan  in  a  wild  state,  but 
is  frequently  met  with  in  cultivation  in  that 
country.  The  leaves  resemble  those  of  W.  chi- 
nensis in  size,  but  they  are  of  a  deeper  green. 
The  rich  purple  flowers  are  borne  in  racemes 
little  more  than  6  inches  in  length,  and  open 
about  the  middle  or  end  of  April.  The  plant  is 
of  dwarfer,  bushier  habit  than  W.  chinensis,  and 
is  well  adapted  for  pot  culture. 

W.  frutescens. — A  native  of  the  United, 
States,  and  a  fairly  strong-growing  climber, 
with  bright  green  pinnate  leaves,  glabrous 
on  the  upper  surfaces,  except  on  the  mid- 
rib, which  is  downy,  as  also  are  the  under- 
sides and  the  young  stems.  The  flowers  are  of  a 
light  purplish-blue,  thickly  clustered  on  short 
racemes,  4  inches  to  6  inches  in  length.  In  the 
variety  alba  the  flowers  are  white,  and  in  the 
variety  magnifica  the  racemes  are  upwards  of  a 
foot  in  length.  It  is  superior  to  the  typical  form 
when    well    grown.        W.     frutescens     and     its 


April  3,  1909.] 


THE     GARDENERS'      CHRONICLE 


219 


varieties  bloom  some  three  weeks  later  than  W. 
chinensis. 

\V.  JAPONICA. — This  species  is  a  strong-grow- 
ing climber  from  Japan,  but  is  comparatively 
rare  in  this  country,  and  can  be  best  described  as 
one  of  the  least  ornamental  of  the  genus.  The 
white  flowers  are  individually  small,  borne  in 
short  racemes,  and  sometimes  do  not  open 
properly. 

W.  MULTIJUGA  (W.  GRANDIFLORA). — Though 
W.  multijuga  has  been  ranked  as  a  form  of  \V. 
chinensis,  it  is,  for  garden  purposes,  distinct.  The 
leaflets  are  more  numerous  than  those  of  the 
latter  species,  and  are  individually  smaller.  They 
are  bright  green,  and  glabrous  on  both  surfaces. 
The  flowers,  nearly  blue  with  touches  of  white, 
are  disposed  laxly  in  racemes  2  feet  to  3  feet 
in  length.  It  forms  a  good  successor  to  W. 
chinensis,  blooming  some  two  or  three  weeks 
later.  The  variety  alba  resembles  the  type,  ex- 
cept that  the  flowers  are  pure  white. 

All  the  Wistarias  thrive  in  any  deep,  well- 
drained  garden  soil,  provided  it  is  not  too  dry. 
A  dressing  of  well-rotted  manure  and  old  mortar 
rubbish  may  be  worked  into  the  soil  at  the  time 
of  planting,  but  it  should  not  be  placed  directly 
about  the  roots,  and  an  occasional  soaking  of 
water  can  be  given  with  advantage  the  first 
season  after  planting.  Like  most  leguminous 
plants,  Wistarias  make  long,  wiry,  deeply-de- 
scending roots,  which,  while  enabling  them  to 
withstand  prolonged  drought  when  once  estab- 
lished, also  render  them  difficult  to  transplant, 
for  which  reason  they  are  nearly  always  grown 
in  pots.  Propagation  is  effected  by  layering,  the 
young  plants,  as  a  rule,  taking  two  years  to  root. 
They  can  also  be  increased  by  seeds,  which 
must  be  procured  from  abroad,  as  the  plant 
rarely  ripen  seeds  properly  in  this  country. 
/.   Clark,   Bagshot,  Surrey. 


DENDROBIUM  SPECIOSUM. 

This  evergreen  Orchid  is  a  native  of  Eastern 
Australia,  whence  it  was  introduced  to  this 
country  in  1824.  It  is  a  well-known  garden 
plant,  and  forms  one  of  the  most  showy  of  cool 
greenhouse  Orchids.  The  culture  of  the  plant  is 
simple,  its  principal  requirements  being  a  period 
of  rest,  without  undue  shrivelling  of  the  pseudo- 
bulbs,  after  the  growths  have  been  formed.  The 
photograph  from  which  our  illustration  at  fig. 
94  was  prepared  was  kindly  sent  us  by  Mrs. 
Dukinfield  H.  Scott,  East  Oakley  House,  Oakley, 
Hants.,  who  photographed  the  plant  on  Janu- 
ary 2.  Mrs.  Scott  states  that  the  plant  was 
brought  from  New  Zealand  about  10  years  ago, 
and,  although  it  was  afforded  every  care,  for 
many  years  it  failed  to  flower.  In  consequence 
of  this,  it  was  (in  1908)  neglected,  and  placed  in 
an  out-of-the-way  position  on  a  dry  shelf,  where 
it  received  little  attention.  But,  under  these  con- 
ditions, the  plant  developed  several  fine  flower- 
spikes,  and  has  done  so  again  this  year.  It  is 
well  known  that  a  plant  possessing  a  rich  root- 
ing medium  and  plenty  of  moisture  will  often  de- 
velop vegetative  at  the  expense  of  floral  organs  ; 
whilst  in  a  starved  condition,  the  same  plant  will 
often  hasten  to  produce  a  crop  of  flowers. 


FORESTRY. 


TIMBER  PLANTING  IN  GREAT  BRITAIN. 
At  the  meeting  of  the  Royal  Society  of  Arts, 
on  March  24,  a  paper  on  "  Afforestation  and 
Timber  Planting  in  Great  Britain  and  Ireland  " 
was  read  by  Dr.  J.  Nisbet.  The  chairman,  Sir 
Charles  Dilke,  in  introducing  the  reader  of  the 
paper,  expressed  himself  in  favour  of  the  sys- 
tematic planting  in  this  country  of  Oak  and 
Ash,  and,  perhaps,  of  other  hard-wooded  trees. 
He  considered  that  the  experiment  of  growing 
Douglas  Fir  in  Scotland  is  promising ;  but 
htld  that  it  had  not  yet  been  proved  that  the 


planting  of  coniferous  trees  in  this  country 
would  be  profitable 

Dr.  J.  Nisbet,  in  the  course  of  his  introduc- 
tory remarks,  referred  to  the  fact  that,  during 
the  last  25  years,  no  fewer  than  four  committees 
and  commissions  have  been  appointed  by 
Government  to  deal  with  the  question  of  forestry 
in  the  United  Kingdom.  Dealing  with  the 
report  of  the  last  of  these  bodies — the  Royal 
Commission  on  Coast  Erosion  (see  Gardeners' 
Chronicle  (pp.  56  and  60,  Jan  23),  he  expressed 
the  opinion  that  the  view  taken  by  this  commis- 
sion that  afforestation  would  provide  a  con- 
siderable amount  of  work  for  the  unemployed  is 
somewhat  too  sanguine,  and  preferred  the  more 
moderate  statements  of  the  Irish  Forestry  Com- 
mittee. This  committee  reports  that,  in  its 
opinion,  forestry  cannot  be  considered  as  a 
specific  for  curing  the  evil  of  unemployment ; 
but  that,  with  the  growth  of  forestry,  employ- 
ment would  be  provided  for  the  agricultural 
population  in  the  vicinity  of  the  forests. 

Like  the  chairman,  Dr.  Nisbet  criticised  ad- 
versely the  financial  calculations  published  in 
the  report  of  the  recent  commission,  and,  whilst 
declaring  himself  strongly  in  favour  of  timber 
planting  in  these  islands  to  the  utmost  extent 
possible,  pointed  out  that  a  great  national 
scheme  of  afforestation  should  rest  on  broader 


Fig.  94. — dendrobidm  specioscm. 

and  surer  economic  bases  than  those  indicated 
in  the  report.  Nevertheless,  he  claimed  that 
afforestation  ought  to  prove  a  sound  and  re- 
munerative investment  if  made  prudently  and 
on  a  large  scale. 

Unlike  the  chairman,  who  pinned  his  faith 
to  the  planting  of  hard-wooded  trees  on 
suitable  ground,  Dr.  Nisbet  looked  rather  to 
satisfactory  results  from  the  planting  of  coni- 
ferous and  soft-wooded  timber  on  waste  lands 
and  poor  pastures.  In  support  of  the  need  for 
home-grown  supplies  of  such  timber,  he  cited 
figures  giving  the  rate  of  increase  of  the  imports 
of  coniferous  wood  for  such  purposes  as  pit- 
props  and  pulp-making.  Dr.  Nisbet  took  a 
gloomy  view  of  the  possibility  of  finding  the 
money  for  financing  a  big  scheme,  but  sug- 
gested that,  by  selling  some  of  its  estates,  which 
bring  in  an  income  of  over  £500,000  per  annum, 
the  Commissioners  of  Woods,  Forests  and  Land 
Revenues  might,  with  the  consent  of  the 
Treasury,  provide  the  necessary  capital. 

As  to  available  and  suitable  land,  Dr.  Nisbet 
considered  that  the  estimate  of  the  recent  com- 
mission of  6,000,000  acres  for  Scotland  was  alto- 
gether too  high,  and  dissented  from  the  sugges- 
tions of  the  commission  as  to  the  mode  whereby 
the  State  should  acquire  land  for  the  purpose 
of  timber  planting.  "> 

In  concluding  his  paper,  Dr.  Nisbet  re- 
assured  those   who    fear   that    extensive   forests 


will  increase  the  rainfall,  impair  the  climate, 
or  affect  the  national  character. 

In  the  discussion  which  followed,  Sir  Herbert 
Maxwell  insisted  on  the  importance  of  an  ample 
and  reasonably  cheap  supply  of  timlier,  stated 
that  he  did  not  take  so  pessimistic  a  view  of  the 
economic  aspect  of  the  question  as  that  ex- 
pressed by  Dr.  Nisbet,  and  insisted  on  afforesta. 
tion  as  a  means  of  keeping  the  rural  population 
on    the   land. 

Mr.  H.  J.  Elwes,  F.R.S.,  concurred  in  Dr. 
Nisbet's  criticisms  of  the  report  of  the  Royal 
Commission,  and  Professor  J.  B.  Farmer 
pointed  to  the  need  of  proper  practical  educa- 
tion in  forestry. 

The  chairman,  in  concluding  the  discussion, 
pointed  out  the  need  for  further  information 
with  respect  to  the  possibility  of  growing  profit- 
ably the  Douglas  Fir.  He  drew  attention  to  the 
fact  that,  along  the  shores  of  the  Mediterranean, 
the  poorer  sorts  of  coniferous  timber  grow 
in  abundance,  and  referred  to  the  excellent  pro- 
gress   made    by    the    Dean    Forest    School    of 

1  orestry. 

TIMBER   FOR   HOME   USE. 

Much  is  written  from  time  to  time  in  the 
Gardeners'1  Chronicle  as  to  the  advantage  of  plant- 
ing trees  for  profit.  After  30  years'  experience  on 
this  estate  I  have  come  to  the  conclusion  that 
little  money  can  be  made  in  a  lifetime  by  the 
aid  of  forestry.  At  Swanmore  the  soil  is  of  a 
vaiying  character — some  being  nearly  pure  clay. 
On  uther  parts  of  the  estate,  even  in  the  same 
field  as  the  clay,  chalk  occurs  within  8  inches  of 
the  surface.  The  bulk  of  the  land  is  high  and 
generally  dry :  the  average  rainfall  is  30  inches, 
and  the  altitude  is  400  feet  above  sea-level.  A 
stranger  would  say  Swanmore  is  just  the  place 
to  grow  timber  for  profit  when  looking  at  the 
foliage  on  the  Elm  trees,  and  the  growth  annu- 
ally   made   by    the    Larches,    which   grow   from 

2  feet  to  4  feet  in  a  season  up  to  15  years  old. 
Corsican  Pines  grow  from  18  inches  to  double 
that  in  one  season. 

The  natural  tree  here  is  Beech.  Oak  and 
Ash  grow  slowly,  but  produce  timber  of  excel- 
lent lasting  quality.  The  undergrowth  in  the 
woods  is  mainly  Hazel,  which  is  used  for  sheep 
hurdles,  hoops  for  casks,  &c.  The  local  custom 
with  the  underwood  is  to  cut  it  in  breadths  at  10 
years  old.  Its  value  ranges  from  10  shillings 
to  £3  per  acre.  A  few  years  since  the  same 
wood  could  be  sold  for  £5  per  acre.  Now  that 
hoops  imported  from  France  can  be  bought 
cheaper  at  Bristol  than  they  can  be  sent  from 
here  to  Bristol,  the  industry  is  destroyed.  It 
will  be  seen  from  the  above  that  in  the 
natural  wood  crop  there  is  but  little  re- 
muneration after  10  years  waiting.  A  planta- 
tion of  Larch  growing  here  up  to  15  years 
would  delight  a  stranger,  as  the  trees  grow 
luxuriantly  and  without  a  speck  or  blemish  upon 
them.  After  that  time  the  dreaded  Larch  disease 
affects  them :  a  blotch  here  and  there  allows  of 
the  oozing  out  of  the  sap,  leaving  a  big  scar, 
which,  as  all  foresters  know,  is  detrimental  to 
a  timber  tree. 

Various  reasons  have  been  advanced  to  ac- 
count for  this  disease — spring  frost,  situation, 
insects,  and  want  of  other  forest  trees  amongst 
the  Larch.  My  opinion,  based  upon  the  experi- 
ence gained  here,  is  that  it  is  due  to  a  lack  of 
preparation  of  the  soil  at  the  time  of  plant- 
ing. Generally  our  subsoil  is  a  hard  pan  of 
an  exceedingly  inert  character,  which,  in  its 
natural  state,  does  not  admit  of  a  quick  per- 
colation of  water.  Thus  the  soil  is  cold  during 
winter  and  spring,  causing  a  check  to  growth. 
But  while  the  roots  of  the  trees  are  in  the  upper 
layer  of  soil,  they  are  not  greatly  influenced  by 
the  wet  and  cold  subsoil.  That  this  theory 
is  reasonable  is  proved  by  Larch  trees  growing 
well  upon  deeply-trenched  soil  after  having  been 
planted  30  years,  and  with  no  trace  of  disease. 

Because  of  this  disease  the  planting  of  Larch 
is  no  longer  practised  here.    Fortunately,  other 


220 


THE    GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


[April  3,   1909. 


Conifers  beside  Larch  have  been  planted,  com- 
mencing in  1878  with  Spruce  and  Austrian  Pines. 
Two  years  later  a  plantation  of  Corsican  Pine 
(Pinus  Laricio),  Austrian  Pines  (Pinus  L.  var. 
nigricans),  Scotch  Fir  (Pinus  Sylvestris)  and 
Spruce  (Pioea  excelsa)  was  made,  the  different 
species  being  in  separate  blocks  to  test  the  suita- 
bility of  each.  From  this  plantation  we  are 
now  cutting  valuable  material  for  estate  use, 
particularly  for  repairs  and  building  purposes. 

The  Spruce  furnishes  trees  30  feet  long  and  12 
inches  in  diameter  at  the  base,  which,  by  the 
aid  of  a  circular  saw,  are  cut  into  useful  boards. 
From  the  Corsican  Pines  we  cut  rafters  8  inches 
by  2  inches,  and  also  boards,  which  are  easily 
worked.  As  this  timber  is  planed  very  easily, 
and  gives  a  smooth  surface,  the  boards  are 
valuable  for  use  indoors.  From  the  Austrian 
Pine  and  Scotch  Fir  we  obtain  similar  material, 
not  so  free  from  knots,  as  these  trees  do 
not  grow  with  the  same  luxuriance  as  does 
the  Corsican  Pin;.  My  regret  is  that  we  did  not 
plant  more  trees  of  Pinus  Laricio  and  Spruce 
instead  of  so  many  Larch.  In  all  500,000 
Conifers  have  been  planted  here  during  the 
last  30  years.  In  the  autumn  of  1885,  2,000 
plants  of  Thuja  Lobbii  (syn.  gigantea)  were  put 
in  alternately  with  Larch  as  an  experiment  to 
test  the  relative  growth  of  each  kind  of  tree. 
The  soil  is  stiff  and  moist.  Growth  was  rapid 
from  the  start ;  here  and  there  a  Larch  headed 
the  Thujas,  but  on  the  whole  the  latter  kept 
ahead,  until  now  all  the  Larch  have  been  cut, 
leaving  the  Thujas  which  are  25  feet  high. 
They  form  a  very  fine  plantation,  judged  by 
external  appearances,  but  I  am  in  doubt  as  to 
whether  the  timber  will  be  of  much  value. 
Some  specimens  cut  on  this  estate  furnished 
wood  which  was  very  light  and  soft,  although 
the  trees  were  30  years  planted. 

If  this  age  were  trebled,  T.  Lobbii  might 
furnish  desirable  timber.  My  conclusion  is 
that  the  best  trees  to  plant  for  profit  during 
the  lifetime  of  an  owner  are  the  Corsican 
Pine,  Spruce,  Scotch  Fir,  Austrian  Pine, 
and  Larch.  Although  I  have  said  little 
in  favour  of  Larch,  I  find  the  trees  use- 
ful for  supplying  Hop  poles  and  materials  for 
pergolas,  pillars  (for  training  Roses),  and 
fences,  &c.  Larch  is  a  useful  tree  on  an  estate, 
but  when  we  are  told  how  valuable  it  is  for 
timber  without  discrimination  as  to  site  and 
conditions  of  soil,  climate,  &c,  I  do  not 
hesitate  to  say  such  teaching  is  against  all  prac- 
tical experience.  "E.  Molyneux,  Swanmorc  Park, 
Bishop' 's  Waltham. 


TREES  AND  SHRUBS. 


TOWN  PLANTING. 
Probably  no  work  connected  with  horticulture 
requires  more  judgment  and  good  management 
than  the  planting  of  trees  and  shrubs  in  urban 
districts.  The  materials  and  soil  of  which  streets 
and  town  gardens  are  usually  formed  are  ill 
fitted  for  sustaining  a  healthy  condition  in  trees 
and  shrubs  for  any  length  of  time.  This  fact, 
coupled  with  the  impurities  of  the  atmosphere 
in  densely-populated  centres,  has  to  be  con- 
stantly borne  in  mind.  In  more  favourable  dis- 
tricts all  that  is  necessary  is  to  open  a  pit  of 
sufficient  size  to  contain  the  roots  of  the  tree  or 
shrub  to  be  planted,  but  in  towns  the  soil,  often 
hard  as  iron  and  composed  mainly  of  refuse 
building  materials,  contains  but  little  plant 
food.  For  many  years  past  careful  observations 
have  been  made,  not  only  in  London,  but  in 
Glasgow,  Liverpool,  Manchester,  and  Warring- 
ton as  to  which  trees  and  shrubs  succeed  best 
in  the  most  smoky  localities  of  each  town,  and  it 
is  mainly  by  tabulating  these  different  experi- 
ences that  satisfactory  information  on  the  sub- 
ject has  been  obtained.  Coal  smoke  from  the 
chimneys  in  the  larger  and  more  crowded 
centres  of  industry  is  no  doubt  bad  enough, 
but  when  we  have  to  contend  with  an  atmosphere 


that  is  largely  impregnated  with  the  outcome 
from  chemical,  gas  or  iron  works  the  difficulties 
to  be  encountered  are  correspondingly  increased. 
When  compared  with  Continental  cities — Paris, 
Brussels  or  Berlin — where  tree-culture  is  carried 
out  most  successfully,  the  atmosphere  of  British 
towns  is  impregnated  to  a  far  greater  extent  with 
noxious  fumes.  Dry  and  confined  areas,  particu- 
larly where  excessive  heat  and  atmospheric  im- 
purities are  present,  are  decidedly  the  worst, 
while  open  and  high-lying  districts,  though  in 
the  centre  of  a  town,  offer  fewer  difficulties. 

That  certain  trees  and  shrubs  succeed  best  in 
particular  towns  is  a  well-known  fact,  and  the 
smoke-proof  London  Plane  is  by  no  means  the 
best  tree  for  some  of  the  colliery  districts  ;  in 
Sheffield,  for  instance,  its  place  is  largely  taken 
by  the  Canadian  Poplar.  In  Manchester  the 
Lime  would  appear  to  thrive  best,  after  which 
the  Elder,  Thorn,  and  Plane  succeed  in  the  order 
named.  The  variegated-leaved  Sycamore  and 
the  Horse  Chestnut  are  favourites  where  the 
smoke  from  colleries  is  most  offensive.  But 
many  such  cases  could  be  pointed  out,  and  even 
in  the  case  of  bedding  plants  certain  species 
succeed  best  in  particular  localities.  In  the  gar- 
dens about  the  Royal  Mint,  and  where  exposed  to 
the  deleterious  fumes  from  gold-refining  works, 
Fuchsias  do  remarkably  well ;  indeed,  the  dwarf 
edging  variety,  Golden  Treasure,  thrives  so  well 
that  advantage  has  been  taken  of  the  fact  to 
propagate  the  stock  annually  required  for  some 
of  the  parks  from  cuttings  taken  at  the 
Mint-  In  the  East  End  of  London  the  Creep- 
ing Jenny  (I.ysimachia)  thrives  well  as  a  win- 
dow plant,  while  in  the  chemically  impure  atmo- 
sphere of  Lambeth  oiie  of  the  Veronicas  is  the 
favourite  plant  for  indoor  culture.  The  St. 
John's  Worts  (Hypericums)  do  not  as  a  rule 
thiive  well  in  London,  yet  around  the  Tate  Gal- 
lery, which  is  only  divided  by  the  river  from  the 
Lambeth  pottery  district — the  worst  in  the 
metropolis  for  atmospheric  impurities — one 
species  at  least  flourishes  amazingly,  and  has 
produced  flowers  in  abundance  for  many  years 
past.  In  Chancery  Lane,  at  the  Record  Office, 
the  common  Ivy,  Bladder  Senna  and  Yucca 
do  best.  In  other  parts  of  London  the  pretty 
white  and  blue  varieties  of  Campanula  iso- 
phylla  are  largely  grown.  It  is  a  somewhat 
strange  fact,  too,  that  some  varieties  of 
trees  and  shrubs  succeed  better  than  the  type 
species  in  smoky  localities,  as  witness  the  London 
Plane  (a  variety  of  Platanus  orientalis),  varie- 
gated-leaved Sycamore,  fastigiate  Poplar,  two 
varieties  of  Pyrus,  Weeping  Elm,  Weeping  Ash, 
and  several  varieties  of  Acacia,  notably  Robinia 
pseud-acacia  inermis  and  R.  pseud-acacia  Bes- 
soniana. 

Amongst  shrubs  we  have  the  dwarf  Holly, 
golden  Euonymus,  Privet,  Ribes,  double-flow- 
ered Gorse,  Euonymus  radicans  variegata, 
and  others.  With  Grasses,  too,  some  curious 
experiences  might  be  related.  At  the  British 
Museum,  the  Yarrow  has  completely  ousted 
the  Grasses  from  the  plots  in  front  of  that 
building,  and  in  the  moat  of  the  Tower  of  Lon- 
don several  Grasses  that  succeed  in  less  smoky 
parts  of  the  metropolis  quickly  die  out.  Near  the 
main  entrance  to  the  Tower  of  London,  and 
close  to  Billingsgate  Fish  Market,  considerable 
difficulty  was  experienced  in  getting  the  Plane 
trees  established,  though  in  the  matter  of  soil 
and  choice  of  strong,  sturdy  specimens  every- 
thing that  could  be  thought  of  was  accomplished. 
At  last  it  was  found  that  the  drip  from  the  fish 
carts  was  the  cause  of  the  evil,  and  a  remedy 
was  quickly  found.  In  another  garden,  where 
dust,  smoke  and  soot  are  plentiful,  a  species  of 
Lychnis,  the  common  Marigold,  and  Rye  Grass 
seem  to  positively  revel.  In  situations  almost 
constantly  subjected  to  the  sulphurous  fumes  of 
the  railway  engines  near  -Camden  Town,  and  in 
the  poorest  of  soils,  the  Poa  annua  would  ap- 
pear to  be  quite  at  home.  The  chemical  fumes 
from  the  pottery  works  at  Lambeth  are  well 
known   to   act   injuriously  on   vegetation  gener- 


ally, but  the  Mulberry,  Sycamore,  Turkey  and 
Evergreen  Oaks  thrive  as  well  there  as  they  do 
in  any  other  part  of  the  metropolis.  With  the 
largely  increased  use  of  coal  gas  for  cook- 
ing purposes  the  atmosphere  of  certain  districts 
of  London  has,  however,  become  much  less 
smoky  than  was  the  case  a  few  years  ago,  and 
in  consequence  vegetation  generally  succeeds 
better.  This  is  especially  the  case  in  some  of 
the  low-lying  districts  adjoining  the  Thames, 
where  the  "  slot  "  system  of  providing  gas  for 
cooking  purposes  has  caused  a  great  decrease 
in  the  consumption  of  coke  and  coal,  with  a 
corresponding  reduction  of  the  attending  evils 
of  smoke  and  soot.  In  one  of  the  poorest 
parishes  many  of  the  inhabitants  have  taken 
advantage  of  the  facilities  offered  by  the 
gas  company  in  the  matter  of  cooking  by 
means  of  gas  provided  by  the  "  slot  "  system, 
which,  in  comparison  with  coal,  has  been  found 
not  only  cheaper,  but  cleaner  and  handier  to 
use.  According  to  a  competent  authority,  the 
smoke  nuisance  has,  in  consequence,  become 
greatly  abated,  and  with  the  purer  air  the  culti- 
vation of  window  and  other  plants,  as  well  as 
trees  and  shrubs,  has  been  to  some  extent  sim- 
plified. The  electrification  of  the  Underground 
Railway  has  also  had  a  beneficial  effect  on  vege- 
tation.    A.  D.   Webster. 


FUCHSIAS. 

A  vast  number  of  varieties  of  Fuchsia  have 
been  distributed  within  the  last  20  years,  yet 
many  of  the  older  kinds  still  hold  their  own, 
while  comparatively  few  of  the  newcomers  have 
passed  into  general  cultivation.  New  varieties, 
therefore,  do  not  usually  excite  much  interest, 
but  there  are  exceptional  cases.  This  was  well 
illustrated  last  year  at  the  Holland  Park  Show, 
where  Messrs.  Cannell  &  Sons  put  up  a  group  of 
distinct  varieties,  which  were  a  source  of  great 
interest.  These  particular  varieties  of  Ger- 
man origin  suggested,  in  their  general  appear- 
ance, that  three  species  had  played  a  part  in 
their  production,  namely,  F.  corymbiflora,  F. 
fulgens,  and  F.  triphylla.  At  all  events,  the 
varieties  formed  a  distinct  group,  and  I  am  in- 
formed that  there  is  now  considerable  demand 
for  them. 

This  success  should  encourage  raisers  to  ex- 
periment with  some  of  the  other  species  of 
Fuchsia,  for  there  are  many  beautiful  kinds  that 
do  not  appear  to  have  been  yet  employed  by  the 
hybridist.  This  is  particularly  noticeable 
among  the  vigorous-growing  species,  such  as  are 
seen  to  great  advantage  when  treated  as  roof 
plants.  It  might  be  urged  that  the  progeny  of 
these  would  be  of  too  straggling  a  growth  to  be- 
come popular  ;  but,  in  crossing  with  a  compact- 
growing  kind,  this  difficulty  might  be  obviated. 
A  good  illustration  of  this  is  to  be  found  in  the 
hybrids  between  F.  corymbiflora  and  F.  tri- 
phylla, which  inherit  a  good  deal  of  the  compact 
habit  of  the  last-named  parent. 

One  of  the  first  hybrids  that  stand  to  the  credit 
of  the  late  John  Dominy  was  a  Fuchsia,  namely, 
F.  Dominiana,  obtained  by  the  crossing  of  F. 
serratifolia  and  F.  splendens.  This  hybrid, 
which,  40  years  ago,  was  very  popular,  appears 
to  have  almost,  if  not  quite,  dropped  out  of 
cultivation.  The  plant  produces  its  long-tubed, 
rosy-scarlet  flowers  during  the  greater  part  of 
the  year. 

The  two  species  that  contributed  to  its 
raising  are  now  very  uncommon,  perhaps  the 
more  generally  met  with  being  the  Mexican  F. 
splendens,  with  curious,  yet  showy,  scarlet  and 
green  flowers.  It  is  also  questionable  whether 
further  use  might  not  be  made  of  F.  corymbi- 
flora, certainly  one  of  the  most  showy  of  %\\ 
Fuchsias,  and  its  striking  variety  alba,  in 
which  the  tube  of  the  flower  is  white.  This  was 
raised  about  50  years  ago  at  the  Versailles  Nur- 
sery, Hammersmith,  from  which,  at  that  time, 
many  of  the   Continental  novelties   found   their 


April  3,  1S09.] 


THE     GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


221 


way  into  this  country.  Though  somewhat  less 
vigorous  than  the  typical  form,  this  white, 
flowered  variety  of  F.  corymbiflora  forms  a  de- 
sirable companion  to  it. 

A  strong,  rambling-growing  species  has  been 
long  grown  at  Kew  under  the  specific  name  of 
dependens  ;  it  is  very  handsome  when  trained 
up  the  roof  of  a  greenhouse.  The  flowers 
are  borne  in  long  perdulous  clusters  ;  they  are 
tubular  in  shape  and  nearly  3  inches  long.  The 
tube  is  of  a  deep,  rosy  red,  but  the  petals  are  of 
a  scarlet  tint.  Some  of  the  tiny-flowered  species 
are  well  worth  growing  for  their  intrinsic 
merit,  while  they  might  prove  valuable  for  hy- 
bridising. Such  are  F.  bacillaris,  F.  micro- 
phylla,  and  F.  thymifolia. 

Of  curious  kinds,  especial  mention  may  be 
made  of  the  New  Zealand  F.  excorticata,  of 
which  a  large  specimen,  almost  a  tree  in  stature, 
formed  one  of  the  earlier  occupants,  now  many 
years  ago,  of  the  Temperate  House  at  Kew.  The 
flowers,  borne  often  on  the  old  wood,  are  of  a 
dull,  reddish  colour,  with  purple  petals,  while 
the  anthers  are  bright  blue,  and  the  stigma  yel- 
low— a  strange  combination.  Another  curious 
feature  is  the  manner  in  which  the  old  bark 
peels  off,  hence  the  specific  name  of  excorticata. 

A  second  New  Zealand  species,  F.  procum- 
bens,  is  totally  unlike  any  other  member  of  the 
Fuchsia  family  in  general  cultivation.  Its  habit 
is  well  expressed  by  the  specific  name,  as  its 
slender  stems  are  long  and  creeping.  They  are 
clothed  with  roundish  leaves,  half  an  inch  or  so 
in  diameter,  while  the  flowers  are  erect,  bell 
shaped,  and  in  colour  green,  red,  and„  yellow. 
The  large,  reddish-purple  berries  of  this  Fuchsia 
form  a  very  notable  feature.  When  grown  in  a 
suspended  basket,  F.  procumbens  is  seen  to  con. 
siderable  advantage. 

Lastly  come  the  hardy  Fuchsias,  to  which 
much  attention  has  been  directed  in  late  years. 
There  are  now  many  different  forms  of  this  sec- 
tion, a  goodly  number  having  been  raised  by 
M.  Lemoine,  of  Nancy.  Nearly  all  these  hardy 
Fuchsias  are  now  regarded  as  forms  of  F.  macro- 
stemma,  whereas,  at  one  time,  many  of  them 
were  assigned  specific  rank.     W .  T . 


HOME   CORRESPONDENCE. 


(The  Editor  does  not  hold  himself  responsible  /or  the 
opinions  expressed  by  his  correspondents.) 

Exhibiting  Carnations.  —  At  the  recent 
exhibition  of  the  Perpetual-Flowering  Carna- 
tion Society,  the  displaying  of  unsupported 
flowers  on  yard-long  stems  did  not  produce  the 
best  effect.  Flower-stems  of  the  variety  En- 
chantress were  describing  a  complete  arc,  and, 
with  bowed  heads,  the  full  beauty  of  the 
flowers  was  hidden  from  view.  Those  of  White 
Perfection  were  in  a  worse  condition,  for  many 
of  the  rigid  stems  had  snapped  off  at  the  level 
of  the  vase.  The  flowers  of  both  these  varieties 
as  shown  were  of  the  largest  size,  and  ap- 
parently too  weighty  for  the  stalks  to  hold  them 
erect.  The  schedule  required  the  flowers  to  be 
shown  as  grown ;  but,  whether  pot  or  bench 
grown,  the  flowers  were,  in  culture,  undoubtedly 
supported  by  wires,  strings,  hoops,  or  sticks. 
That  the  Society  recognises  supports  to  flowers 
in  some  circumstances  was  evidenced  in  the  non- 
competitive groups,  some  of  which  received  high 
awards.  The  schedule  might  be  framed  to  make 
the  use  of  wire  supports  optional ;  but,  by  allow- 
ing points  in  favour  of  its  non-use,  the  Society 
could  continue  to  encourage  the  development  of 
the  self-supporting  stem.     E.  H.  Jenkins. 

Lig/jum  Nephriticum. — This  is  mentioned  in 
Petro  van  Musschenbrock's  Elementa  Physics, 
second  edition,  published  at  Leyden  in  1741. 
He  there  refers  to  a  curious  optical  property  of 
an  infusion  of  the  wood,  that  of  showing  dif- 
ferent colours  with  change  of  position  of  the 
illumination  or  of  the  eye  :  "  id  quoque  con- 
spicium  est  in  infuso  Ligni  Nephritici,  quod  pro 
diverso  tarn  oculi,  quam  lucis  situ,  alio  colore 
apparet."  This  at  once  suggested  fluorescence 
to    me,    and    Mr.    Jackson's    note    on    p.    187 


confirms  my  conjecture :  quinine  solutions 
are  standard  examples  of  fluorescent  sub- 
stances. The  suggetions  in  a  previous  letter 
that  the  wood  is  that  of  Moringa  is  clearly  ruled 
out  if,  as  slated,  this  tree  was  only  introduced 
in  1759,  18  years  after  van  Musschenbrock's 
book.  John  H.  Shaxby,  Wynnstow,  Llanishen, 
Glamorganshire. 

A  specimen  of  this  wood  exists  in  the 

Museum  of  the  Pharmaceutical  Society  of  Great 
Britain,  in  Bloomsbury  Square,  in  a  collection 
of  drugs  that  dates  back  to  the  middle  of  the 
18th  century.  The  wood  appears  to  have  been 
well  known,  and  used  duriag  the  17th  and  18th 
centuries.  It  was  official  in  the  Edinburgh 
Pharmacopoeias  during  the  greater  part  of  the 
17th  century,  but  so  far  as  I  can  learn  its 
botanical  source  has  not  yet  been  determined. 
According  to  Pomet  (1748)  it  was  brought  from 
New  Spain,  chiefly  from  the  kingdom  of  Mexico, 
where  it  is  called  "  Coatli "  or  r'  Tlapalcy- 
patli,"  and  is  described  as  having  the  mode  of 
growth  of  our  Pear  tree,  with  leaves  like  Chick 
Peas,  but  much  smaller.  The  wood  is  described 
as  having  a  bitter  taste  and  giving  a  blue  colour 
to  water  in  which  it  is  infused.  Lemery,  erro- 
neously, r  think,  refers  it  to  the  tree  which 
j  ields  oil  of  Ben  (Moringa  aptera).  Lunan,  in 
Ilorlus  Jamaicensis,  refers  the  Nephritic  tree  to 
Unguis-Cati  (Pithecolobium  Unguis-Cati.Benth.), 
but  as  he  states  that  the  bark  is  used  in  kidney 
disease,  it  is  probably  not  identical  with  the 
Mexican  wood.  Lewis,  in  his  Materia  Medica 
(1768),  gives  a  definite  account  of  its  appearance 
and  properties.  He  describes  it  as  an  American 
wood  "  brought  to  us  in  large,  compact,  pon- 
derous pieces  without  knots  ;  the  outer  part  of  a 
whitish  or  pale-yellowish  colour,  and  the  medul- 
lary substance  of  a  dark  brownish  or  reddish 
colour.  When  macerated  in  water  for  half-an- 
hour  or  an  hour  it  imparts  a  deep  tincture,  ap- 
pearing when  placed  between  the  eye  and  the 
light  of  a  golden  colour,  in  other  situations  of  a 
fine  blue,  a  property  in  which  it  agrees  with  the 
Ash  tree  and  differs  from  all  other  known 
woods.  The  wood  has  a  bitterish,  somewhat 
pungent  taste,  and  when  rasped  emits  a  faint 
aromatic  odour.  The  blue,  aqueous  infusion  was 
used  as  a  common  drink  in  kidney  and  urinary 
diseases,  and  was  said  to  possess  the  advantage 
over  other  remedies  of  not  causing  irritation." 
John  Hill,  in  his  Materia  Medica  (17511,  enters 
into  more  detail  concerning  the  plant  that  yields 
it.  He  says,  "  The  tree  which  affords  it  is  the 
Coatli  of  Hernandez,  and  grows  to  the  height  of 
our  Pear  tree.  The  leaves  are  small  and  oblong, 
not  exceeding  half-inch  in  length  or  a  third  of  an 
inch  in  breadth ;  they  are  not  notched 
at  the  edges,  and  are  green  above,  with  a  few 
hairs  scattered  over  them,  but  of  a  silvery-grey 
underneath  The  flowers  are  small  and  of  a 
pale  yellow  and  oblong  shape,  and  they  stand 
in  spikes.  The  cup  they  stand  in  is  divided 
into  five  segments,  and  is  covered  with  reddish 
down."  This  is  the  best  description  of  the  tree 
that  can  be  collected  from  what  has  hitherto 
been  written  of  it.  Hernandez  (1651),  under 
Coatli,  remarks,  on  p.  119,  "  E.  genere  legu- 
minum  esse  colligitur,  non  tantum  ex  folius 
ciceris  sed  ex  eo  quod  apud  nos  Genistae  vim 
habeant  ad  calculum  pellendum,  et  reliqua  fere 
omnium  leguminum  genera."  He  was,  therefore, 
obviously  of  opinion  that  it  is  the  wood  of  a 
leguminous  tree.  Perhaps  this  description  may 
enable  some  Mexican  botanist  who  reads  this 
note  to  recognise  the  plant  that  yields  the 
Nephritic  wood,  and  thus  solve  another  of  the 
many  problems  in  ancient  Materia  Medica  that 
still  await  investigation.    E.  M.  Holmes. 

Griselinia  littoralis. — I  agree  with  the 
remarks  of  F.  M.,  p.  196,  upon  this  shrub.  As 
its  name  implies,  littoralis  means  a  plant  which 
pertains  to  the  seashore.  I  advise  its  inclusion 
amongst  collections  of  shrubs.  When  planted 
by  itself  it  forms  a  beautiful  specimen  shrub, 
and  is  as  handsome  as  any  other  known  to  me. 
Its  beauty  is  in  the  pale  yellowish-green  stems 
and  leaves  ;  its  flowers  are  of  no  great  merit, 
they  are  small  and  of  the  same  colour  as  the 
foliage.  As  a  hedge  plant,  I  am  more  than  con. 
vinced  that  it  has  no  equal  amongst  all  the 
hedge  plants  in  existence.  Where  Ligustrum 
ovalifolium  fails  to  keep  evergreen,  the  Grise- 
linia succeeds.  Here,  in  the  extreme  end  of 
North  Lancashire,  against  the  Irish  Sea  coast, 
I   find  this   shrub   most  hardv.     I   am   planting 


more  than  1,000  young  plants  of  my  own  raising 
in  our  new  public  park,  and  I  am  also  propa- 
gating it  in  thousands  for  future  uses.  Griselinia 
littoralis  stands  clipping  as  well  as  either 
Thorn  or  Privet,  and,  by  planting  either 
in  double  or  treble  rows,  it  forms  an  impene- 
trable fence  very  quickly.  I  agree  with  Mr. 
Elgar  in  his  remarks  on  Cupressus  macrocarpa 
as  a  hedge  plant ;  but  I  would  advise  him  to  try 
the  Griselinia  also  for  this  purpose.  Victor  H. 
Lucas,  Gardener  to  Borough  Council,  Barrow-in- 
Furness. 

The  Temperature  of  Respiring  Plants. 

— In  your  interesting  leader  on  this  subject 
(Gardeners'  Chronicle,  March  27),  there  seems  to 
be  a  slight  omission,  inasmuch  as  no  mention 
is  made  about  the  relationship  of  temperatures 
to  the  absorption  of  oxygen,  with  increase  of 
carbonic  acid  gas  expired.  It  is  said  that  "the 
leaves  of  such  plants  as  Apple  and  Hornbeam 
actually  kill  themselves  by  the  high  tempera- 
tures," which  may  in  part  "be  ascribed  to 
wound-fever."  But  will  not  the  actual  cause 
of  death  in  closed  vessels  be  rather  suffocation? 
Unless  oxygen  be  artificially  supplied,  respira- 
tion must  sooner  or  later  cease  when  the  vessel 
will  be  full  of  C02.  It  has  long  ago  been  shown 
by  MM.  Bonnier  and  Magnin  (Ann.  des  Set.  Nat., 
xix.,  p.  253,  1884),  experimenting  on  respiration 
in  darkness,  that,  when  no  photosynthesis  can 
take  place,  the  increment  of  CO,  expired  goes 
on  pari  passu  with  the  increase  of  heat ;  so  that 
the  curve  of  the  volumes  of  CO,  expired  is  a 
parabola.  This  means  that  there  are  no  maxima 
and  minima,  but  that  the  plant  will  increase  its 
respiration  till  it  dies.  It  would  seem  to  be 
rightly  suggested  by  the  writer  that  cut  ends  of 
shoots  bearing  leaves  could  hardly  cause 
wound-fever  in  the  latter ;  at  least,  it  does  not 
seem  that  such  has  been  proved.  But,  as  the 
heat  due  to  respiration  was  confined,  it  would 
naturally  go  on  accumulating,  like  that  in  a 
greenhouse  exposed  to  the  sun,  and  this  increase 
of  temperature  would  react,  increasing  the 
respiration,  till  death  ensued.  If  the  flasks  were 
exposed  to  light,  a  certain  amount  of  photosyn- 
thesis would  take  place  ;  but  the  abnormal  con- 
ditions would  seem  to  so  increase  the  respira- 
tion to  an  abnormal  extent  as  to  outweigh  any 
slight  and  contrary  effects  the  process  of  assimi- 
lation might  produce.  If  the  preceding  has  any 
practical  value,  it  means  that,  in  a  closed  glass- 
house, with  insufficient  ventilation  and  a  super- 
abundance of  plants,  there  may  be  an  accumula- 
tion of  heat  from  the  sun,  or  artificial  over- 
heating, together  with  the  respiration,  which 
would  still  further  enhance  the  respiration  ab- 
normally, and  so,  perhaps,  injuriously.  George 
Hen  slow. 

"The  Orchid  Stud-Book."- One  or  two 
remarks  upon  this  work  (see  p.  184)  call  for  a 
reply.  It  is  said  "  The  authors'  rules,  indeed, 
are  opposed  to  the  snirit  of  one  of  the  Vienna 
recommendations,  viz.,  Art.  50,  &c,"  but  the 
name  that  may  not  be  changed  or  modified  is  a 
name  given  in  accordance  with  the  rules  of 
binomial  nomenclature  (though  of  faulty  con- 
struction). It  had  already  been  provided  (Art. 
26 1  that  the  said  name  must  be  binomial,  and, 
as  De  Candolle  originally  remarked,  "  Names  or 
forms  of  nomenclature  which  are  contrary  to  a 
rule  cannot  in  practice  he  maintained."  How 
can  an  author  evolve  order  out  of  chaos,  to  use 
your  appropriate  phrase,  if  he  is  to  be  bound 
hand  and  foot  by  half-a-dozen  conflicting  sys- 
tems of  nomenclature?  The  reference  to  the 
"  yet  more  arbitrary  but  in  the  long  run  more 
logical  proposals  now  before  the  Scientific  and 
Orchid  Committees  of  the  R.H.S."  is  quite  be- 
side the  point,  for  that  sub-committee  was  ap- 
pointed to  deal  with  multigeneric  hybrids  (none 
of  which  have  yet  flowered),  and  it  has  en- 
dorsed the  system  of  naming  generic  hybrids 
followed  (not  originated)  in  the  Stud-Book, 
which  is  that  of  its  earlier  Nomenclature  Com- 
mittee, printed  in  the  Society's  own  Plants,  &-c., 
Certificated  by  the  Society  (p.  210),  under  the 
heading,  "  The  Naming  of  Orchids  for  Garden 
Purposes."  The  authors  are  members  of  that 
sub-committee,  and  it  is  no  secret  that  they  both 
strongly  supported  the  proposal  now  put  forward 
by  it  as  the  provisional  recommendation  for 
adoption  in  the  naming  of  multigeneric  hybrids. 
With  one  exception,  the  rules  objected  to  are 
not  ours.  That  exception  is  the  one  stating 
that  secondary  hybrids  should  as  far  as  possible 


222 


THE     GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


[April  3,  1809. 


be  dealt  with  uniformly  with  primary  ones,  i.e., 
that  seedlings  from  the  same  capsule,  or  of  the 
same  parentage,  should  be  treated  as  forms  of 
one.  It  was  drawn  up  at  a  time  when  the  diffi- 
culty of  dealing  with  secondary  hybrids  was  im- 
perfectly realised,  and  is  still  the  system  largely 
in  use.  But  the  authors  are  fully  aware  of  the 
difficulties  entailed,  as  is  shown  by  the  para- 
graph entitled  "  Secondary  and  More  Complex 
Hybrids,"  on  pp.  v.,  vi.  of  the  Preface.  The 
original  idea  was  to  deal  with  primary  hybrids 
only,  but  it  was  felt  that  this  plan  would  greatly 
curtail  the  utility  of  the  work,  and  with  the 
decision  to  include  them  came  the  conviction 
that  the  advantages  of  a  uniform  system  alto- 
gether overbalanced  its  disadvantages.  The  de- 
scription of  our  rule  respecting  specific  names, 
that  such  names  are  "  Latin,  Greek  or  Graeco- 
Latin  "  is  erroneous.  It  reads  "  Latin  or  classi- 
cal, consisting  of  a  single  word — the  use,  how- 
ever, of  two  short  words  being  permissible  where 
they  can  be  connected  with  a  hyphen."  And 
many  names  are  adopted  which  are  not  even 
classical.  The  objection  to  the  modification  of 
Cattleya  X  Lady  Ingram  into  C.  X  Ingramias 
need  not  have  been  written,  if  the  Orchid  Com- 
mittee had  carried  out  the  Society's  own  rules. 
At  p.  210  (aforementioned)  we  read :  "  The 
Orchid  Committee  should  decline  to  recognise 
any  unauthorised  name,  or  any  name  that  is 
deemed  unsuitable,  or  one  which  is  not  applied 
in  uniformity  with  the  preceding  rules."  We 
have  only  carried  out  the  rule  that  the  Orchid 
Committee  neglected  to  apply  when  they  gave 
the  plant  an  Award  of  Merit.  It  may  be  that 
the  hybrids  included  under  Laelio-Cattleya  X 
Fournieri  will  Have  to  be  re-examined,  and  had 
we  discovered  that  the  one  called  Berthe  Fourniei 
was  only  a  synonym  of  the  earlier  L.-C.  X 
Lucila,  we  should  not  have  hesitated  to  refer 
to  it  as  a  synonym,  as  has  been  done  in 
numerous  cases.  We  cannot  hope  to  have  de- 
tected every  error,  and  in  the  attempt  to  remedy 
some  of  them  may  have  fallen  into  others  of  our 
own,  which  will  have  to  be  corrected  later  on, 
but  to  have  made  "  a  definite  step  towards  the 
evolution  of  order  out  of  chaos "  is  to  have 
achieved  something.     R.  A.  Rolfe. 

The  "  Burbank  ■■  Potato. — From  time  to 
time  we  hear  of  what  our  American  cousins 
term  the  Burbank  "  creations,"  but  it  is  rare 
that  full  details  rea.ch  us  such  as  are  vouchsafed 
in  an  article  before  us  published  in  the  Weekly 
Examiner  from  San  Francisco.  The  article 
deals  mainly  with  the  financing  of  Mr.  Luther 
Burbank  on  a  colossal  scale  to  enable  a  group 
of  American  millionaires  to  supply  the  world 
in  a  wholesale  way  with  the  fruits  of  Burbank's 
creation  ;  such,  for  example,  as  the  spineless 
Cactus,  destined  to  supply  the  starving  millions 
of  India  with  succulent  food,  and,  by  virtue  of 
selective  cultivation,  to  replace  both  Beet  and 
Sugar-cane  in  the  production  of  sugar  and 
alcohol.  The  Burbank  Potato,  however,  seems 
to  rank  first  "as  the  advance  agent  of  a  chal- 
lenging army  of  marvellous  productions  of  plant 
life."  This  Potato  "  has  conquered  the  earth, 
and  is  practically  the  only  one  grown  on  the 
American  continent  from  Alaska  to  Mexico." 
Since  its  introduction,  "  Burbank  has  estimated 
that  enough  Burbank  Potatos  have  been  grown 
to  pave  a  street  200  feet  wide  entirely  round  the 
world  at  the  equator."  "  Last  year  alone 
14,000,000  bushels  were  produced  with  the  Bur- 
bank label."  That  "  Burbank  has  given  to  the 
world  a  new  botany,"  and  that  "  Burbank  has 
gone  beyond  nature "  are  examples  of  the  en- 
comiums launched  upon  the  "  plant  wizard  "  of 
Santa  Rosa  ;  but  the  most  curious  and  remark- 
able feature  of  the  whole  report  is  that  in 
another  part,  preceding  these  wonderful 
statistics,  it  claims  to  be  "  the  first  announce- 
ment of  the  discovery  of  this  Potato,  the  secret 
of  which  has  been  kept  so  closely  that,  although 
it  has  been  for  years  '  a  household  word  all  over 
the  West,'  even  the  people  of  Santa  Rosa  know 
nothing  about  it."  It  is  obviously  as  difficult  to 
reconcile  these  two  statements  as  it  is  to  compre- 
hend the  fact  that  our  horticultural  and  agricul- 
tural experts  are  ignorant  of  the  multitude  of 
other  Burbank  creations,  which  are  constantly 
cropping  up  in  print,  but  never  in  our  gardens 
or  orchards.  It  is  to  be  hoped,  however,  that 
the  millionaire  combination  will  see  to  it  that, 
while  supplying  the  "  world,"  the  expectant 
British  Empire  may  not  be  so  entirely  ignored 
in  the  future  as  in  the  past.     C.  T.  D. 


Anemone  Traversii.— Mr.  Gumbleton  has 
drawn  my  attention  to  an  error  in  my  reference 
to  this  plant  on  p.  179.  I  have  transposed  the 
colours  ;  it  is  the  type  plant  which  is  white,  and 
the  variety  elegans  rose.  My  error  is  inexcus- 
able, as  it  was  through  the  kindness  of  Mr. 
Gumbleton  that  I  became  possessed  of  the 
variety  elegans,  which  has  bloomed  beautifully 
in  my  garden.    S.  Arnott,  Sunnymead,  Dumfries. 


SOCIETIES. 


ROYAL    HORTICULTURAL. 

Scientific  Committee. 

March  23.— Present :  Mr.  E.  A.  Bowles,  M.A., 
F.L.S.,  F.E.S.  (in  the  Chair) ;  Sir  Daniel  Mor- 
ris,  K.C.M.G.,  Dr.  Rendle,  Messrs.  R.  H.  Cur- 
tis, G.  Massee,  J.  Douglas,  H.  T.  Giissow,  J.  T. 
Bennett-Poe,  W.  Fawcett,  A.  Worsley,  F.  J. 
Baker,  G.  Saunders,  and  F.  J.  Chittenden  (hon. 
secretary).  Visitors  :  Messrs.  F.  W.  Smith  and 
G.    Wilson,   F.L.S. 

Roots  of  Sweet  Peas  dying. — Mr.  Massee  re- 
ported that  he  had  examined  the  roots  of  the 
Sweet  Peas  sent  to  the  last  meeting  and  had  found 
that  the  cortical  cells  and  root  hairs  were  all 
killed  and  browned.  He  thought  they  were  per- 
fectly free  from  any  disease  due  to  insects  or 
fungi,  but  had  probably  been  injured  by  some 
injurious  substance  in  the  soil,  or  by  some  fer- 
tiliser. Possibly  peaty  soil  with  Sphagnum  had 
been  used,  and  humic  acid  had  caused  the 
damage. 

Parsnips  from  wild  stock. — Mr.  F.  J.  Baker 
showed  some  roots  of  Parsnips  of  the  sixth 
generation  from  the  wild  plants.  The  roots  were 
of  good  size,  although  grown  on  poor  land,  and 
had  lost  the  greater  part  of  the  tough  woody 
fibre  of  the  original  stock.  In  form  they  showed 
a  near  approach  to  the  well-known  "  Hollow- 
crown  "  type  of  Parsnip.  Mr.  Baker  said  there 
was  just  a  possibility  that  the  plants  had  in  one 
generation  been  crossed  with  pollen  from  culti- 
vated plants.  He  found  the  roots  far  less  liable 
to  rust  than  the  ordinary  plants,  though  they 
were  not  entirely  free  from  it. 

Orchid  malformations.- — Mr.  Gurney  Wilson 
showed  malformed  flowers  of  Odontoglossum 
Harryano-crispum  on  behalf  of  Mr.  W.  Bolton, 
of  Warrington.  There  appeared  to  be  symmetry 
about  the  multiplication  of  parts  in  these  flowers, 
and  Mr.  Wilson  remarked  that,  as  in  the  prestnt 
case,  when  a  portion  is  removed  from  an  estab- 
lished plant,  in  the  next  season  it  is  not  very 
unusual  for  the  older  poition  to  bear  malformed 
flowers,  while  the  portions  removed  bear  normal 
flowers.  Pie  also  showed  a  flower  of  Seleni- 
pedium  caudatum  var  Lindeni,  from  Messrs. 
Charlesworth.  In  this  variety  the  labellum  is 
not  slipper-shaped  as  in  the  type,  but  is  replaced 
by  a  very  long  and  tapering  petal  entirely  similar 
to  the  two  lateral  petals  ;  there  are  also  three 
fertile  stamens.  The  variety  was  figured  by 
Reichenbach  (Lindl.  Orchid.  Linden,  28,  1846), 
under  the  name  of  Uropedium  Lindeni.  The 
form  occurs  wild. 

Gummosis  in  Lemon. — Mr.  Worsley  showed  a 
branch  of  a  Lemon  with  leaves  beginning  to 
shrivel,  attacked  in  its  lower  portion  by  gum- 
mosis, a  considerable  mass  of  gum  exuding  from 
the  stem,  and  the  bark  being  browned  all  round 
for  a  considerable  distance.  It  was  remarked 
that  in  some  cases  gumming  of  trees  had  been 
found  to  be  associated  with  the  presence  of  a 
fungus,  and  often  appeared  to  start  at  a  wound, 
but  in  the  present  case  no  wound  could  be  dis- 
cerned. Sir  Daniel  Morris  said  that  in  Florida 
the  gumming  usually  occurred  in  the  trees  where 
they  had  been  budded,  and  Mr.  Fawcett  said 
he  had  seen  trees  affected  in  a  manner  similar 
lo  that  shown  by  Mr.  Worsley's  example  in  the 
West  Indies,  where  the  disease  was  thought  to 
be  associated  with  too  liberal  manuring  with 
nitrogenous  manures,  or  with  heaping  earth 
around  the  stems.  The  disease  was  treated  by 
cutting  out  the  affected  portion  and  dressing  the 
wound  with  tar. 

Eucrosia  oicolor. — Mr.  J.  T.  Bennett-Poe 
showed  flowers  of  this  peculiar  plant  from  Miss 
Wtllmott's  garden.  The  plant  was  figured  in 
1817  in  the  Botanical  Register,  t.  207. 


Grease  bands. — Mr.  Walter  Voss  reported  that 
no  winter  moths  of  any  kind  had  been  caught 
on  the  grease  bands  placed  on  the  fruit  trees 
at   Enfield  since  the  end  of  November. 

Diseased  plants. — Mr.  Massee  showed  a  piece 
of  a  Rose  stock  attacked  by  the  fungus  Lepto- 
sphaeria.  diplodia,  a  well-known  fungus  on  the 
stems  of  the  Dog  Rose  and  rarely  attacking  the 
cultivated  varieties.  In  this  case  15,000  bushtj 
had  been  affected.  Mr.  Massee  aiso  showed 
shoots  of  Apple  affected  by  the  winter  stage  of 
the  Apple  scab,  Fusicladium  dendriticium.  Mr. 
Massee  also  showed  a  branch  of  Pear  which  had 
been  damaged  by  hailstones  in  the  summer.  The 
wounds  had  healed,  and  were  now  free  from 
danger  of  attack  from  fungi,  but  the  circular 
places  which  had  been  damaged  by  the  stones 
had  dried,  and  were  sunken  and  black. 


LINNEAN    SOCIETY. 

March  18. — Miss  Sibyl  Longman  gave  the 
substance  of  a  paper,  communicated  bv 
Prof.  Keeble,  Sc.D.,  entitled  "The  'Dry- 
Rot  '  of  Potatos,"  illustrating  her  account  by 
diagrams.  She  pointed  out,  as  the  result  of  her 
researches,  that  the  disease  of  the  Potato  tuber, 
known  as  "dry-rot" — due  to  the  fungus  Fusa- 
rium  Solani,  is  not  necessarily  preceded  by 
"  wet-rot,"  but  may  be  set  up  in  sound  tubers 
by  inoculation  with  spores  or  mycelium  of  Fusa- 
rium  Solani,  which  species  is  not  a  parasite  of 
the  resting  tuber  only  :  it  may  also  attack  and  kill 
the  shoots  of  Potato  plants.  The  fungus,  which 
probably  exists  as  a  widely-distributed  sapro- 
phyte in  the  soil,  infects  the  growing  Potato 
plant  through  the  root ;  it  also  spreads  from 
tuber  to  tuber  during  the  storage  and  diseased 
tubers  may  produce  diseased  plants.  Heat  steri- 
lisation of  the  resting  Potato  tuber,  with  respect 
to  Fusarium  Solani,  is  impracticable,  for  the 
death-temperature  of  the  fungus  is  higher  than 
that  of  the  Potato.  A  pyenidial  stage  occurs  in 
the  iife-history  of  Fusarium  Solani,  which 
should  therefore  be  placed  in  the  highest  group 
of  the  Fungi  Imperfecti,  the  Sphasropsidaceae 
and  not,  as  is  the  case  at  piesent,  in  the 
Hyphomycetes. 

An  animated  discussion  followed,  in  which 
Mr.  (',.  Massee  stated  that  various  forms  were 
usually  found  in  conjunction  with  the  fungus 
described,  and  alluded  to  Bernard's  theory  of 
tuberation  being  always  dependent  upon  some 
species  of  Fusarium.  The  debate  was  continued 
by  Mr.  A.  D.  Cotton,  by  Prof.  Keeble,  who 
mentioned  that  Miss  Longman's  cultures  had 
been  derived  from  a  single  spore,  from  a  hang- 
ing drop,  and  upon  material  sterilised  accord- 
ing to  modern  bacteriological  methods,  and  by 
Mr.  Arthur  W.  Sutton,  who  invited  Prof.  Keeble 
and  the  author  of  the  paper  to  determine  speci- 
ally healthy  Potato  plants  in  the  Reading  trial 
grounds,  so  that  their  tubers  might  give  rise 
to  an  immune  race.  To  these  remarks  the  author 
briefly  replied. 

The  second  paper,  by  Mr.  A.  S.  Home,  B.Sc, 
F.G.S.,  "  On  the  Structure  and  Affinities  of 
Davidia  involucrata,  Baill.,"  communicated  by 
Prof.  J.  B.  Farmer,  F.R.S.,  was,  in  the  absence 
of  the  author,  explained  by  Dr.  Otto  Stapf, 
F.R.S. 

The  paper  dealt  with  the  structure  and  affini- 
ties of  a  genus  referred  by  various  authorities  to 
the  natural  orders  Combretacea?,  Cornaceas,  and 
Hamamelidaceae.  The  investigation,  carried  out 
under  the  direction  of  Professor  J.  B.  Farmer, 
was  made  upon  material  brought  by  Mr. 
E.  H.  Wilson  from  Szechuen  in  1904.  Evi- 
dence was  advanced  in  favour  of  interpreting 
the  inflorescence  as  consisting  of  a  number  of 
congenitally-fused,  apetalous,  multi-staminate, 
male  flowers,  or  of  male  and,  in  addition,  a 
single,  obliquely-situated,  apetalous,  hermaphro- 
dite flower  with  epigynous  stamens  arranged  in 
series.  From  a  detailed  study  of  the  flower, 
ovary,  ovule  and  seed,  the  author  is  inclined  to 
believe  that  Davidia  is  distantly  related  to  Alan- 
gium  and  Nyssa,  and  still  more  distantly  re- 
lated to  the  Araliaceas,  and  that  the  genus  occu- 
pies a  somewhat  isolated  position  owing  to 
having  pursued  an  independent  course  of  de- 
velopment from  the  plexus  of  primitive  groups 
which  included  the  ancestral  forms  of  the 
Araliaceae,  Nysseas  and  Alangieae. 

In  the  discussion  which  followed  Prof.  F.  W. 
Oliver,  F.R.S.,  the  general  secretary,  Mr.  R. 
Morton  Middleton,  and  the  President  took  part. 


April  3,  1909.] 


THE     GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


223 


MANCHESTER   AND   NORTH    OF 
ENGLAND    ORCHID. 

March  18. — Committee  present:  Messrs.  E. 
Ashworth  (chairman),  Thorp,  Cowan,  Ward, 
Warburton,  Sander,  Upjohn,  Shill,  Keeling, 
Holmes,  Ashton,  Cypher,  Parker,  and  P. 
Weathers  (hon.  sec). 

A.  Warburton,  Esq.,  Haslingden  (gr.  Mr. 
Da'gleish),  was  awarded  a  Silver-gilt  Medal  for 
a  gioup  of  Odontoglossums.  First-class  Certi- 
ficates were  awarded  to  O.  crispum  Luci-Marie, 
O.  crispum  variety  Hofer  ;  O.  X  ardentissimum 
variety  Vanguard ;  Cattleya  Schroderae  variety 
Ulixes  (an  intensely  dark-coloured  flower  with 
a  rich  velvety  lip),  and  C.  Percivaliana  var. 
Little  Gem.  Odontoglossum  crispum  var.  Brutus 
was  voted  an  Award  of  Merit. 

The  Rev.  J.  Crombi  eholme,  Clayton-le- 
Moors  (gr.  Mr.  Marshall),  received  an  Award  of 
Merit  for  Cypripedium  x  apiculatum  var.  atra- 
tum. 

J.  McCartney,  Esq.,  Bolton  (gr.  Mr.  Holmes), 
was  awarded  a.  Silver  Medal  for  a  group  of 
Cattleyas  ;ind  Laelias*.  Cattleya  Trianae  var. 
Lucifer  and  C  T.  var.  Fascinator  received 
Awards  of  Merit. 

K.  Ashworth,  Esq.,  Newchurch  (gr.  Mr. 
Fletcher),  obtained  Awards  of  Merit  for  Odon- 
toglossum x  Lambeauianum  var.  Fletcheri  and 
O.  X  L.  var  Ashlandense.  Another  fine  plant 
in  this  exhibitor's  group  was  O.  X  ardentissi- 
mum var.  album. 

J.  T.  Clifton,  Esq.,  Lytham  (gr.  Mr.  Float), 
was  awarded  a  Silver  Medal  for  a  group  con- 
sisting principally  of  Dendrobiums. 

Sir  Jeremiah  Colman,  Bart.,  Gatton  Park, 
Reigate  (gr.  Mr.  Collier),  made  a  handsome  dis- 
play with  Dendrobiums. 

O.  O.  Weigley,  Esq.,  Bury  (gr.  Mr.  Rogers), 
displayed  Lycastes  in  variety  and  some  well- 
grown  plants  of  Laelia  Jongheana. 

H.  J.  Bromilow,  Esq.,  Rainhill  (gr.  Mr.  Mor- 
gan), was  awarded  a  Silver  Medal  for  a  group  of 
Cypripediums.  C.  X  Alcibiades  var.  Illustrious 
was  awarded  a  First-class  Certificate. 

Z.  A.  Ward,  Esq.,  Northenden  (gr.  Mr. 
Weatherby),  staged  a  group  of  Odontoglossums 
in  variety.  O.  crispum  var.  Meteor  received  an 
Award  of  Merit. 

Messrs.  J.  Cypher  &  Sons,  Cheltenham,  were 
awarded  a  Silver  Medal  for  a  group,  amongst 
which  were  several  good  hybrid  Cypripediums. 

Messrs.  Hugh  Low  &  Co.,  Enfield,  were 
awarded  a  Silver  Medal  for  a  miscellaneous 
group-  

BRITISH     GARDENERS'    ASSOCIATION. 

At  the  last  meeting  of  the  association,  Mr. 
E.  F.  Hawes  in  the  chair,  41  new  members  were 
elected,  bringing  the  total  membership  to  1,473. 

It  was  decided  that  the  annual  general  meet- 
ing of  the  association  should  be  held  at  the 
Essex  Hall,  Essex  Street,  Strand.  W.C.,  on  Wed- 
nesday, May  26,  at  7  p.m.,  the  second  day  of 
the  Temple   Show. 

(LONDON  BRANCH.) 

The  next  general  meeting  takes  place  on 
Thursday,  April  8,  at  8  p.m.,  when  Mr.  R.  Lewis 
Castle  will  give  a  lecture  on  "  Commercial  and 
Co-operative  Gardening." 

The  first  annual  meeting  of  the  branch  will  be 
held  on  Wednesday,  April  14,  at  8  p.m.  Mem- 
bers of  the  association  only  will  be  admitted  at 
this   meeting. 

PERPETUAL  -  FLOWERING 
CARNATION. 

March  24. — The  annual  dinner  of  this 
society  was  held  at  the  Hotel  Windsor  on  the 
evening  following  the  show  ;  Mr.  J.  S.  Brunton 
presided  over  a  company  of  about  30  members 
and  friends.  A  letter  from  the  president,  Lord 
Howard  de  Walden,  was  read  regretting  his 
inability  to  be  present  at  the  dinner,  and  a 
similar  communication  was  received  from  C.  F. 
Raphael,  Esq.,  a  vice-president. 

The  President's  Challenge  Cup  and  the  Silver 
Cup  given  bV  the  American  Carnation  Society 
were  handed  to  the  winners. 

After  the  usual  toasts  had  been  submitted,  a 
discussion  on  "  The  Value  of  the  Carnation  as 
an  Amateur's  Flower  "  was  opened  by  Rev.  J. 


Jacob.  The  speaker  emphasised  the  value  of 
scent  in  flowers,  but  of  this  attribute  the  present 
varieties  of  perpetual-flowering  Carnation  were 
lacking.  He  urged  the  society  to  withhold  their 
First-class  Certificates  from  new  varieties  that 
were  scentless.  Mr.  R.  F.  Felton  thought  a 
much  more  effective  display  could  be  obtained 
in  the  various  classes  if  the  schedule  permitted 
the  use  of  supports  for  the  flowers,  as  in  many 
cases  the  stems  were  too  weak  to  hold  them- 
selves erect.  The  general  opinion  of  the  meet- 
ing was  that  the  use  of  wire  for  supporting  the 
flowers  was  not  desirable. 


DEBATING    SOCIETIES. 


TORQUAY   DISTRICT   GARDENERS'. 

March  25. — The  society  held  a  highly  suc- 
cessful spring  show  in  the  Bath  Saloons,  Tor- 
quay, on  this  date.  The  entries  were  nearly 
double  those  of  last  year,  and,  considering  the 
lateness  of  the  season,  the  exhibits  reached  a 
high  standard  of  perfection.  The  show  was 
favoured  with  fine  weather,  and  the  attendance 
of  visitors  was  exceptionally  large.  One  of  the 
features  of  the  exhibition  was  a  display  of 
Orchids  by  Sir  John  Edwards-Moss,  Roby 
Hall,  Watcombe.  Much  of  the  success  of  the 
show  was  due  to  the  nurserymen's  exhibits, 
many  trade  firms  staging  collections  of  spring 
flowers.  Messrs.  Barr  &  Sons,  King  Street, 
t'ovent  Garden,  London,  showed  a  collection  of 
Daffodils,  including  Peter  Barr,  Firebrand, 
Ariadne,  Isolde,  Cherry  Ripe,  Salmonetta, 
Mountain  Maid,  Strongbow,  Cygnet,  White 
Queen,  and  White  Lady.  The  Devon  I<< 
Torquay,  had  a  very  attractive  stand,  contain- 
ing cut  Roses,  Azaleas,  Freesias,  Tree  Carna- 
tions, Spirasas,  Anthuriums,  Acacias,  Boronias, 
Crotons,  and  Palms.  Messrs.  R.  Veitch  &  Son, 
Exeter,  staged  Phcenix  Rcebelinii,  Dracaenas, 
Erica  Veitchii,  Thyrsacanthus  rutilans,  Primula 
Kewensis,  Rehmannia  angulata,  Magnolias, 
and  a  collection  of  rock  plants.  Messrs. 
W.  H.  Smale  &  Son,  Torquay,  showed 
Cinerarias,  Pelargoniums,  Hyacinths,  Calceo- 
larias, Clivia  miniata,  Nicotiana  Sanderae,  and 
Cycas  revoluta.  Mr.  J.  Heath,  Kingskerswell, 
showed  a  collection  of  Violets,  comprising 
several  new  seedlings,  including  one  named 
Devonia,  a  variety  having  large,  deep-purple 
flowers. 


€>bttuarjj. 

George  Harris.— We  regret  to  record  the 
death  of  Mr.  G.  Harris,  late  gardener  to 
Mrs.  Rowley- Conwy,  Bodrhyddan,  North  Wales, 
after  a  brief  illness,  at  the  age  of  65  years. 
After  serving  for  a  period  of  seven  years  in  Kew 
Gardens,  Mr.  Harris,  in  1866,  took  charge  of 
Bodrhyddan  Gardens.  Here  he  remade  the 
flower  gardens  and  did  much  to  improve  and 
beautify  the  place  generally.  The  funeral  took 
place  at  Dysarth  on  March  19,  amidst  many  mani. 
testations  of  sorrow.  Deceased  was  the  oldest 
member  in  the  North  Wales  district  of  the 
National  Fire  Brigade's  Union.  Firemen  at- 
tended from  many  towns  and  lined  the  route  to 
the  churchyard. 

William  Roupell.— The  late  Mr.  William 
Roupell,  whose  death  at  Streatham  was  recorded 
on  March  25,  was  a  well-known  visitor  at  t.ie 
meetings  of  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society. 
He  took  an  active  interest  in  gardening  matters, 
and  was  a  successful  fruit  cultivator,  especially 
of  Grapes.  He  often  exhibited  produce  from 
his  orchard  at  Harvey  Lodge,  Streatham,  before 
the  Fruit  and  Vegetable  Committee.  Mr. 
Roupell  was  a  strong  supporter  of  the  gardening 
charities  and  gave  much  of  his  time  to  advocat- 
ing their  claims.  He  was  the  president  of  the 
Streatham,  Brixton,  and  Clapham  Horticultural 
Society,  many  of  whose  members  attended  the 
funeral,  which  took  place  on  Monday,  March  29. 
The  first  portion  of  the  service  was  held  in  the 
church  with  which  Mr.  Roupell  had  been  con- 
nected for  many  years,  and  the  interment  took 
place   afterwards  at   Norwood   Cemetery. 


DEVON    AND    EXETER    GARDENERS.'— At  the 

last  meeting  of  this  association,  held  at  the  Guildhall,  Exeter, 
a  paper  by  Mr.  G,  Camp,  Culver  House  Gardens,  Exeter, 
was  read  by  the  chairman,  Mr.  Andrew  Hope,  the  subject 
being  "  Arches,  Pergolas,  and  Pillars."  Roses  and  Clematis 
were  recommended  as  suitable  subjects  for  clothing  such 
structures,  which  are  best  made  of  Oak  or  Pine  in  preference 
to  iron.  A  list  of  suitable  climbing  Roses  and  Clematis  was 
given.  After  the  reading  of  the  paper  the  chairman  referred 
with  regret  to  the  impending  departure  from  the  district  of 
Mr.  T.  Slade,  Poltimore  Park,  and  Mr.  J.  Coutts,  Killerton, 
both  of  whom  had  been  of  great  service  to  the  association. 
A.H. 

WARGRAVE    AND    DISTRICT    GARDENERS'. 

— A  paper  on  "  The  Culture  of  Violets  "  was  read  at  a  recent 
meeting  by  Mr.  James  Knight,  of  Thistledown  Gardens, 
Sbiplake.  Mr.  Knight  makes  a  speciality  of  these  plants, 
and  he  therefore  gave  his  personal  experiences.  He  ex- 
plained the  methods  of  cultivation  he  employs  from  the 
preparation  of  the  ground  to  the  time  the  plants  are  in 
flower.  A  good  discussion  followed.  Mr.  Knight  showed 
some  excellent  clumps  of  violets  in  full  bloom,  as  well  as  a 
number  of  bunches  of  flowers  as  prepared  for  market. 

BOURNEMOUTH  &  DISTRICT  GARDENERS'. 

A  meeting  of  the  above  association  was  held  at  the  Avenue 
Restaurant,  on  March  16,  with  Mr.  Reeves,  hon.  treasurer, 
in  the  chair.    A  paper  on  "  British  Orchids"  was  read. 

CROYDON  &  DISTRICT  HORTICULTURAL.— 

At  the  meeting  of  this  association  held  on  Tuesday,  March 
16,  at  the  Sunflower  Temperance  Hotel,  Mr.  P.  F.  Bunyard, 
F.Z.S.,  gave  a  lecture  on  a  trip  to  North  Uist.  The  lecturer 
showed  a  picture  of  the  double  white  Pheasant's  Eye  Nar- 
cissus growing  in  large  quantities.  Some  very  good  views 
of  birds,  birds'  nests,  and  eggs  were  also  shown. 

CARDIFF  GARDENERS'.— The  fortnightly  meeting 
of  the  above  society  was  held  at  St.  John's  Schools  on 
March  16,  when  Mr.  Mountney,  vice-chairman,  presided. 
A  lecture  was  given  by  Mr.  Cobb,  the  Pyffryn  Gardens, 
Cardiff,  on  **  Summer  Bedding."  The  various  methods  of 
summer  bedding  were  explained  and  much  useful  informa- 
tion was  given. 

REDHILL,    REIGATE    AND    DISTRICT    GAR- 

DENERS'.-A  meeting  of  this  association  was  held  on 
Monday,  March  22.  Mr.  Bound  presided  over  an  assembly 
of  about  50  members.  Mr.  Duncan,  Merstham  House 
Gardens,  read  a  paper  on  "The  Culture  of  Vines."  The 
lecturer  described  the  best  kinds  of  vineries,  the  proper 
soil  to  use  in  forming  the  borders,  the  making  of  the  border, 
the  watering,  top  dressing,  the  pruning  of  the  vines,  and 
the  painting  of  the  rods  in  winter. 

READING     AND     DISTRICT     GARDENERS'. 

A  large  number  of  the  members  of  this  society  met  in  the 
Abbey  Hall,  Reading,  on  Monday,  March  22,  when  Mr, 
T.  J.  Powell,  of  The  Gardens,  Park  Place,  Henley-on- 
Thames,  gave  a  lecture  entitled  "The  Value  of  System  in 
the  Cultivation  of  Fruit."  The  president,  Mr.  Alderman 
Parfitt,  occupied  the  chair.  One  of  the  best  discussions  that 
has  ever  taken  place  in  the  Abbey  Hall  followed  the 
lecture.  As  an  object-lesson  in  good  storing  Mr.  Powell 
staged  42  dishes  of  Apples  in  excellent  condition. 

BATH      AND      DISTRICT     GARDENERS'.  -  A 

meeting  of  this  society  was  held  on  March  22,  when 
Mr.  W.  T.  Rich  read  a  paper  on  "  Hardy  Herbaceous 
Plants."  The  lecturer  described  the  simplest  and  best 
methods  of  preparing  a  border  for  perennial  plants,  and 
enumerated  suitable  varieties  for  planting.  He  also  de- 
scribed the  methods  of  planting,  watering,  and  the  summer 
work  generally  for  these  plants. 

KINGSTOWN  GARDENERS'. -At  the  concluding 
meeting  for  the  session  of  this  society,  a  lecture  on 
"  Manures,"  illustrated  by  lantern  slides,  was  delivered 
by  Mr.  L.  J.  Humphrey,  of  the  Department  of  Agricul- 
ture. After  pointing  out  the  objects  sought  to  be  attained 
by  the  use  of  manures,  the  lecturer  spoke  of  the  various 
chemical  manures  available,  and  pointed  out  that  the  re- 
sults of  experiments  had  shown  that  garden  methods  of 
manuring  might  frequently  be  modified  with  advantage. 
/.  M'D. 

BRISTOL     AND     DISTRICT    GARDENERS'.— 

A  meeting  of  this  association  was  held  on  March  25.  Mr. 
VV.  E.  Budget!  occupied  the  chair.  Mr.  Bailey,  a  representa- 
tive of  the  Reading  Association,  gave  a  lecture  upon  "  Propa- 
gation by  Layering,"  with  a  practical  demonstration.  Mr. 
Bailey  said  layering  could  be  practised  with  Ampelopsis, 
Aristolochia,  Clematis,  Begonia,  Honeysuckle,  Wistaria, 
Aucuba,  Ceanothus,  Weigelia,  Cotoneaster,  Garrya,  Ivy, 
Ilex,  Heaths,  Magnolia,  Rhododendron,  and  Azaleas, 


GARDENING     APPOINTMENTS. 


[Correspondents  are  requested  to  write  the  names  of  person  t 
and  places  as  legibly  as  possible.  No  chaige  ts 
made  for  these  announcements,  but  if  a  small  contribution 
is  sent,  to  be  placed  in  our  collecting  Box  Jor  the  Garde  nets' 
Orphan  Fund,  it  will  be  thankfully  received t  and  an 
acknowledgment  made  in   these  columns.] 

Mr.  J.  G.  Pearce,  late  of  Boycott  Manor  Gardens,  Bucking- 
ham, as  Gardener  to  Lord  Huntingfield,  Heveningham 
Hall,  Yoxford,  Suffolk. 

Mr.  Robt.  Wellwood,  for  2£  years  Gardener  to  G.  H. 
Leather,  Esq.,  at  Wyther  House,  Kirkstall,  Leeds,  as 
Gardener  at  Fylde  Farm  School,  Poulton-le-Fylde, 
Lancashire. 

Mr.  H.  E.  Gribble,  for  many  years  Gardener  at  Wynyard 
Park  Gardens,  as  Gardener  at  Seaham  Hall  Gardens, 
which  he  will  supervise  in  addition  to  the  gardens  at 
Wynyard  Park. 

Mr.  W.  Sutton,  for  the  past  4  years  and  8  months  Fore- 
man at  Latimer  Gardens,  Chesham,  as  Gardener  to 
the  Hon.  Mrs.  Douglas  Pennant,  Lillingstone  Dayrell, 
Buckingham. 


224 


THE    GARDENERS'      CHRONICLE. 


[April  3,  1909. 


THE     WEATHER. 


The  Following  Summary  Record  of  the 
weather  throughout  the  British  Islands,  for  the 
week  ending  March  27,  is  furnished  from  the 
Meteorological  Office: — 

GENERAL     OBSERVATIONS. 

The  weather  was  generally  very  unsettled,  with  much 
cloud  and  frequent  falls  of  rain,  but  certain  parts  of  Scotland 
were  less  rainy  than  other  districts.  A  good  deal  of  fog  or 
mist  prevailed  on  the  coast  and  at  some  places  inland  early 
in  the  week.  Thunder  was  heard  at  Dublin  on  Saturday 
afternoon. 

The  temperature  was  above  the  average  except  in  Scotland 
E.,  but  the  divergence  from  the  normal  was  not  large.  The 
highest  of  the  maxima  were  recorded  on  rather  variable 
dates  and  ranged  from  59g  in  England  N.W.  to  50°  in  Scot- 
land E.  The  lowest  of  the  minima,  which  were  registered 
at  most  stations  either  on  the  21st  or  27th,  varied  from  25° 
in  England  S.E.  and  Scotland  E.  and  W.  to  30°  in  England 
E.  and  N.E.,  and  to  33°  in  the  English  Channel.  The  lowest 
grass  readings  reported  were  13°  at  Llangammarch  Wells, 
20"  at  Buxton,  Newton  Rigg,  and  Dublin,  and  21°  in  several 
other  isolated  localities. 

The  mean  temperature  oftlie  sea.— Except  on  the  south-west 
coast  of  England  and  Ireland  the  water  was  colder  than 
during  the  corresponding  week  of  last  year.  The  actual 
values  for  the  week  ranged  from  48'5°  at  Seifield  and  47'7Q 
at  Plymouth  to  about  41°  along  the  east  and  north-east  coasts 
of  Great  Britain  generally,  and  to  39-2°  at  the  Shipwash 
Lightship. 

The  rain/all  was  much  less  than  the  normal  in  Scotland 
N.,  and  rather  less  in  Scotland  W.,  but  above  it  in  all 
other  districts,  the  excess  being  large  in  several  parts  of 
England  and  the  south  of  Ireland. 

The  bright  sunshine  was  less  than  the  average  over  the 
whole  kingdom,  except  in  Ireland  N.  The  percentage  of 
the  possible  duration  rauged  from  31  in  England  N.W., 
and  30  in  Ireland  N.  and  the  English  Channel,  to  22  in  the 
Midland  Counties,  17  in  Scotland  N.,  and  13  in  Scotland  E. 

THE  WEATHER    IN    WEST    HERTS. 

Week  ending  March  31. 
Another  moderately  warm  and  wet  week. — The  day  tem- 
peratures, as  in  the  previous  week,  were  as  a  rule  onjy 
about  seasonable,  whereas  the  night  readings  were  vjith  one 
exception  high  for  the  time  of  year.  On  the  warmest  day 
the  temperature  in  the  thermometer  screen  rose  to  57°, 
which,  although  only  6°  above  the  average  maximum  for  the 
end  of  March,  is  nevertheless  the  highest  reading  as  yet 
recorded  here  this  year.  The  ground  temperatures  have 
been  slowly  rising  during  the  week,  and  are  now  about 
average  at  2  feet  deep,  and  one  degree  warmer  at  1  foot  deep, 
than  is  seasonable.  Rain  fell  on  all  but  one  day,  and 
to  the  total  depth  of  1J  inches.  That  the  ground  is  now 
thoroughly  saturated  is  shown  by  the  fact  that  of  that  amount 
5  gallons  of  rain-water  have  already  come  through  the  bare 
soil  gauge,  and  4J  gallons  through  that  on  which  short 
grass  is  growing.  The  sun  shone  on  an  average  for  2£ 
hours  a  day,  which  is  1$  hours  a  day  short  of  the  average 
duration  for  this  period  of  the  year.  On  three  days  no 
sunshine  at  all  was  recorded.  At  the  beginning  of  the  week 
the  wind  continued  high,  and  in  the  windiest  hour  the  mean 
velocity  reached  19  miles— direction  W.S.W.  The  average 
amount  of  moisture  in  the  air  at  3  o'clock  in  the  afternoon 
exceeded  a  seasonable  quantity  for  that  hour  by  as  much  as 
10  per  cent.  A  selected  patch  of  Chionodoxa  Luciliae  grow- 
ing in  my  garden  came  first  into  flower  on  the  19th,  which 
is  11  days  later  than  its  average  date  for  the  previous  22 
years,  and  later  than  in  any  year  for  14  years.  An  Early 
Rivers  Peach,  growing  on  a  south  wall,  came  first  into 
blossom  on  the  31st,  or  eight  days  later  than  its  average  date 
for  the  previous  23  years,  and  the  latest  date,  with  one  ex- 
ception, since  1895.    E.  A/.,  Berkhamsted,  March  31,  1909. 


SCHEDULES     RECEIVED. 


Croydon  Chrysanthemum  show,  to  be  held  on  Wednes- 
day and  Thursday,  October  27  and  28,  at  the  Adult  School, 
Park  Lane,  Croydon.  Secretary,  Mr.  W.  B.  Beckett, 
Woodcote,  Smitham  Downs  Road,  Purley. 

Women's  Agricultural  and  Horticultural  Inter- 
national Union's  show,  to  be  held  in  the  Royal  Botanic 
Gardens,  Regent's  Park,  on  Wednesday,  July  21.  Secre- 
tary's address,  64,  Lower  Sloane  Street,  S.W. 

Kent  County  Chrysanthemum  Society's  annual  ex- 
hibition at  the  Rink,  Blackheath,  S.E.,  to  be  held  on  Octo- 
ber 27  and  28.  Secretary,  Mr.  Fox,  The  Gardens,  The 
Cedars,  Lee,  S.E. 

Southend-on-Sea  and  District  Horticultural  Society's 
summer  show  to  be  held  on  Tuesday  and  Wednesday, 
July  6  and  7:  and  Chrysanthemum  show  to  be  held  on 
Tuesday  and  Wednesday,  November  2  and  3.  Both  ex- 
hibitions will  be  held  in  the  Palace  Hotel,  Southend-on- 
Sea.  Hon.  secretary,  Mr.  C.  W.  Limmer,  177,  Cambridge 
Road,  Southend-on-Sea. 

Bolton  Horticultural  and  Chrysanthemum  Society's 
twenty-third  exhibition  to  be  held  on  Friday  and  Saturday, 
November  19  and  20,  in  the  Albert  Hall,  Bolton.  Secretary, 
Mr.  George  Corbett,  Heaton  Grange  Gardens,  Bolton. 

Sutton  Rose  Society's  twenty-eighth  annual  exhibition, 
to  be  held  on  Saturday,  July  3rd,  in  Manor  Park  House 
grounds.  Hon.  secretaries,  Mr.  E.  L.  Dixon,  Silverley 
Sackville  Road,  Sutton,  and  Mr.  F.  J.  Borland,  Stalheim' 
Brunswick  Road,  Sutton. 

Bradford  and  District  Chrysanthemum  Society's 
twenty-third  exhibition  to  be  held  on  November  12  and  13 
in  St.  George's  Hall,  Bradford.  Secretary,  Mr.  H.  Spencer' 
Horton,  Park,  Bradford. 

National  Dahlia  Society's  exhibitions,  to  be  held  on 
Thursday  and  Friday.  September  2  and  3,  at  the  Crystal 
Palace,  Sydenham,  S.E.  ;  and  on  Tuesday  and  Wednesday 
September  21  and  22,  at  the  Royal  Botanic  Gardens,  Regent's 
Park,  N.W.  Show  superintendent,  Mr.  E.  F.  Hawes 
Royal  Botanic  Gardens,  Regent's  Park,  London,  N.W. 

Societe  Royale  d'HortlcuIture  et  de  Botanique  de 
Gand,  17th  exhibition,  to  be  held  on  October  30  and  31,  and 
November  1. 


*  .  *  The  Editor  will  be  glad  to  receive,  for  consi  lera- 
tion,  large  photographs  of  hortic  dtural  subjects,  suitable 
for  forming  Supplementary  Illustrations  to  this  Journal. 

Editor  and  Publisher.  — Our  Correspondents  would 
obviate  delay  in  obtaining  answers  to  their  communica- 
tions, and  save  us  much  time  and  trouble,  if  they  would 
Kindly  observe  the  notice  printed  weekly  to  the  effect 
that  all  letters  relating  to  financial  matters  and  to 
advertisements  should  be  addressed  to  the  Publisher  ■ 
and  that  all  communications  intended  for  publication,  or 
referring  to  the  Literary  department,  and  all  plants  to  be 
named,  should  be  directed  to  the  Editor.  The  two 
departments,  Publishing  and  Editorial,  are  distinct 
and  much  unnecessary  delay  and  confusion  arise  when 
letters  are  misdirected. 

Abutilon  vitifolium  Failing  to  Flower  : 
H.  .V.  Give  the  plants  less  water  at  their 
roots,  maintain  a  dry  atmosphere  and  raise 
the  temperature  of  the  house  in  which  they 
are  planted 

Beetle  Eating  Oncidium  concolor  :  W.  T 
The  insect  is  one  of  the  common  weevils. 
These  creatures  feed  at  night-time  and  hide 
during  the  day.  Hunt  them  with  a  light  or 
trap  them  with  slices  of  some  vegetables  such 
as  Carrot,  Potato,  &c. 

Crickets  in  a  Greenhouse  :  W.  H.  R.  Place 
jars  or  bottles  partly  filled  with  beer  or  some 
sweet  spirit  about  the  house.  A  more  effec- 
tual method  of  destroying  these  pests  is  by 
the  use  of  poisons.  "  Phosphor  paste,"  borax 
powder,  or  arsenic  mixed  with  some  food,  such 
as  Potatos,  &-c,  will  kill  them. 

Double  Daffodil  :  A.  H.  The  abnormal  con- 
dition, resulting  in  twin  flowers,  is  termed 
fasciation,  and  is  due  to  a  fusion  of  growth. 
We  frequently  receive  examples  showing  fasci- 
ation. In  the  issue  for  March  20,  p.  1912,  there 
is  a  notice  of  a  spike  with  three  blooms. 

Figure  of  4  Trap:  F.  G.  B.  This  is  a  very 
simple  trap  (see  fig.  95)  for  the  destruction  of 
small  animals  such  as  mice.  It  is  made  with 
three  pieces  of  wood,  and  either  a  brick,  slate, 
or  slab  of  stone,  as  the  "  fall."  It  is  necessary 
that  the  pieces  of  wood  used  be  thin  so  as  not 
to  impede  the  brick  or  slate  when  it  falls. 
Pieces  of  ordinary  plasterers'  laths  are  suit- 
able for  the  purpose.  The  upright  (B)  is 
pointed  at  one  end  like  a  chisel,  and  this  fits 
into  a  groove  in  another  piece  (E), 
which  in  its  turn  fits  into  a  groove 
in     the    trigger     or     bait     stick     (F).       The 


Fig.  95. — figure  of  4  trap. 

sticks  are  arranged  in  equilibrium  sup- 
porting the  brick  or  slate  (A),  and  as  soon  as 
the  animal  or  bird  destroys  the  balance  by 
nibbling  at  the  bah  (C)  the  whole  collapses. 
A  slab  of  stone  or  thick  slate  (B)  is  sometimes 
placed  beneath  the  trap  when  the  ground  is 
soft.  For  mice,  a  bait  of  cheese  or  bread  may 
be  used.  In  plantations  where  game  is  pre- 
sent, pheasants  are  liable  to  be  caught  by 
these  traps  and  killed. 

Mice  Damaging  Shrubs  :  W.  C.  The  creature 
which  is  damaging  your  shrubs  is  no  doubt 
the  common  wood  mouse  (Mus  sylvaticus), 
which  often  nibbles  the  bark  from  trees  in  the 
orchard  and  kitchen  garden.  Mice  may  be 
killed  by  placing  in  their  holes  some 
moistened  bran  or  meal,  to  which  some  white 
arsenic  has  been  added.  If  poultry  is  pre- 
sent, a  temporary  enclosure  of  wire  netting 
should  be  put  up  where  there  are  most  mice, 
and  where  it  is  practicable  to  feed  them  for 
a  short  period.     This  will  draw  large  quanti- 


ties to  the  feeding-place,  and  they  can  be 
killed  in  this  manner.  The  surplus  poison 
can  be  dug  in  the  ground,  and  the  netting,  if 
necessary,  removed  to  a  different  part  of  the 
garden  and  used  again  in  the  same  way. 

Names  of  Friuts  :  L.R.Russell.  1,  King  of  Tomp- 
kins County  ;  2,  Northern  Spy  ;  3,  Minchull 
Crab.— H.  A.  R.  1,  Lady  Lennox  ;  2,  Norfolk 
Stone  Apple  ;  3,  Gooseberry  Pippin. — Bere. 
Beauty  of  Kent.— W.  K.  1,  Byford  Wonder; 
2,  Tower  of  Glamis ;  3,  Dredge's  Fame;  4, 
Baldwin. 

Names  of  Plants  ;  R.  L.  1,  Picea  excelsa  Clan- 
brassiliana  ;  2,  P.  e.  variety  laxa ;  3,  Cupressus 
obtusa  tetragona  aurea  ;  4,  C.  o.  aurea. — F.  H. 
Odontoglossum  Adrianae,  a  natural  hybrid 
between  O.  crispum  and  O.  Hunnewellianum. 
Your  flower  approaches  the  O.  crispum  more 
than  ordinarily— IK.  B.  1,  Brunfelsia  (Fran- 
cicea)  calycina ;  2,  Spiraea  Van  Houttei  ;  3, 
Abutilon  Fire  Fly  ;  4,  Jasminum  pubescens  ;  5, 
Prunus  sinensis  flore  albo  pleno  ;  6.  Pieris  flori- 
bunda.— A.  R.  1,  Ccelogyne  flavida ;  2,  C. 
corrugata;  3,  Oncidium  pubes  ;  5,  Pleurothallis 
rubens;  5,  Ornithidium  ochraceum. — H.  H.  B. 
1,  Adiantum  formosum  ;  2,  Asplenium  lucidum  ; 
3,  Adiantum  cuneatum  gracillimum  ;  4,  Pteris 
hastata. — E.  F.  Rhododendron  Countess  of 
Haddington,  a  hybrid  of  the  K.  fragrantissimum 
section.  —  F.  S.  &■  S.     Smilax  aspera. 

Odontoglossum  Leaf  Spotted  :  F.  H. 
Damaged  leaves  such  as  you  send  do  not 
always  indicate  disease.  Insect  pests  are  often 
the  cause  of  the  injury,  or  it  may  be  due  to 
some  accident  during  fumigation  or  spraying. 
But  the  most  frequent  cause  of  this  leaf-spot- 
ting is  the  retaining  of  the  foliage  on  the  plants 
for  a  much  longer  period  than  would  be  the 
case  were  they  growing  in  their  native  habitat. 
It  is  chiefly  a  matter  of  climatic  influence. 
You  will  find  that  it  is  the  older  leaves  which 
are  invariably  affected.  These  would  fall  from 
the  plant  in  its  native  habitat,  and  cultivators, 
who  are  aware  of  this,  assist  nature  by  remov- 
ing such  foliage  about  half  an  inch  above  the 
pseudo-bulb  as  soon  as  signs  of  decay  appear. 
In  a  collection  of  Masdevallias  at  least  double 
the  number  of  old  leaves  that  are  required  are 
usually  allowed  to  remain  on  the  plants.  The 
same  applies  relatively  to  many  ether  Orchids 
of  the  more  or  less  evergreen  class.  Remove 
all  unsightly  leaves  at  once. 

Sewage  Farms  :  Cairo.  Mr.  W.  D.  Scott  Mon- 
crieff,  The  Red  Plouse,  Laleham,  Staines,  re- 
cently gave  an  address  on  this  matter  before 
the  members  of  the  Royal  Horticultural  So- 
ciety. No  doubt  he  will  be  willing  to  give  you 
information  on  the  subject. 

Sterilising  Soil:  Wessex.  Many  experiments 
of  sterilising  soil  are  being  conducted  at  the 
present  time,  and  in  some  cases  a  marked  in- 
crease of  the  yield  of  a  crop  has  been  obtained 
as  a  result.  But  before  the  method  of  steri- 
lising soil  can  be  advocated  in  practice,  further 
and  more  extensive  trials  are  required,  especi- 
ally in  determining,  in  the  case  of  heat  steri- 
lisation, the  proper  temperature  to  which  the 
soil  should  be  subjected.  Certain  bacteria  are 
killed  at  a  much  lower  temperature  than 
others  ;  for  example,  the  nodule  organism  is 
destroyed  at  the  comparatively  low  tempera- 
ture of  703  C.  It  has  yet  to  be  shown  whether 
methods  of  partial  sterilisation  are  always 
productive  of  good  results.  The  whole  ques- 
tion opens  up  a  very  interesting  field  for  ex- 
periment. Much  information  on  sterilisation, 
and  also  the  use  of  antiseptics  for  the  purpose, 
may  be  obtained  in  the  Abstracts  of  the 
Journal  of  the  Chemical  Society  for  1907-8. 

Woolly  Insect  on  Fern  Roots  :  W.  C.  The 
roots  are  infested  with  Ripersia  terrestris,  a 
pest  allied  to  the  mealy  bug.  Make  holes  in 
the  soil  of  the  pots  with  a  piece  of  stiff  wire 
and  pour  in  each  a  small  quantity  of  bisul- 
phide of  carbon.  Vaporite  would  also  be 
effectual  in  ridding  the  plant  of  this  pest. 

Communications  Received.— A.  J.  P.— Wessex— B.  D.  J.— 
X.  Y.  Z.-J.  S.  H.-W.  II.— Old  Reader-F.  H. -Anxious 
—A.  S.— W.  J.  B.— H.  M.-A.  &  B.,  Ltd.-E.  M.-A.  D._ 
F.    M.-J.  D.    G.— W.    E.    B.— H.    L.    &    Co.-J.    R.    J.— 

D.  R.  W.— S.  &  G.— G.  H.— S.  A.— C.  F.-F.  W.  C— 
J.  G.  W.— W.  B.— R.  P.  B.— E.  C— W.  M.— G.  H.— W.— 

E.  H.  J.— F.  B.— W.  E.  G— D.  Freres-W.  B.  H— Canon 
C.-D.  G.  SCo.— W.  B.— W.  S.— T.  H.— A.  C— T.  S.— 
A.  Bros.,  Ltd.— D.  R.— A.  S,— S.  F.  &  Co.,  Ltd.-G.  P.— 
A.  R.— T.   D.  W.-F.    C.    E.— Scot— A.    B.-W.    W.— 

F.  Son  &  S. 


Supplement  to  the  "Gardeners'  Chronicle. 


^T~ 


THA.LICTRUM    DIPTEROCA.RPUM  J     A    NEW    CHINESE    SPECIES. 

Colour   of   flowers,    pale    purple. 


Printed  by  Temple  Press  Ltd.,  London,  EC. 


April  10,  1909.] 


THE     GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


225 


THE 


^iiirbcncis'CbrmticIe 

No.  1,163.— SATURDAY,  April  10,  1909. 


CONTENTS. 


Berlin     International 
Exhibition       ...        232, 235 

Books,  notices  of — 
Botanical  Magazine... 
Pronunciation  of 

Plant  Names 
The  Book  of  the  Cot- 
tage Garden 

Cucumbers,  the  culture 
of  

Deforestation    in    New 
Zealand 

Griselinia  littoralis 

Hardy  flower  border— 
Eucomis  punctata     ... 

Laelio-Cattleya    Pizarro 

Liquid  manure, the  value 
of 

Notes  from  a  "  French  " 
garden 227 

Notonia  Grantii  ...     227 

Obituary  — 

Simonite,      Benjamin    240 

Onions  for  market       ...     234 

Plants    for    spaces    be- 
tween stepping  stones    240 

Rosary,  the         234 

Ruskin    Park,   Camber- 
well       233 


233 


228 
234 


240 


St.    Helena,    flora   and 

fauna  of 
School-garden,  a  Surrey 
Shrubs,  cut  branches  of, 

for  flowering 

Societies — 

British  Gardeners'  As- 
sociation        

Metropolitan      Public 
Gardens 

Prussian        Horticul- 
tural    

Royal  Horticultural... 
Trees  and  shrubs— 

The  Bayfordbury 

pinetum        

Week's  work,  the  — 

Apiary,  the       

Flower  garden,  the  ... 

Fruits  under  glass    ... 

Hardy  fruit  garden  ... 

Kitchen  garden,  the... 

Orchid  houses,  the    ... 

Plants  under  glass 

Public  parks  and  gar- 
dens     

Woodland       industries, 

declining  


■2: 13 
236 


235 
237 


228 

231 

230 
230 
230 
231 
231 
230 


234 


ILLUSTRATIONS. 

Berlin  International  Exhibition,  views  at ...  235,  236,  237 

Cedars  at  Bayfordbury,  Hertfordshire       229 

Laelio-Cattleya  Pizarro  (Supplementary  Illustration 

Notonia  Grantii  ..         227 

School-garden,  boys  at  work  in  a 226 


DEFORESTATION   IN    NEW 
ZEALAND. 

IN  the  Gardeners'  Chronicle  for  November 
I  described  the  conditions  existing  in 
the  North  Island.  The  following  re- 
marks therefore  relate  exclusively  to  the 
South  Island.  The  soil  is  not  so  rich  as  that 
in  the  North  Island,  but  the  climate  is  drier, 
colder  and  more  bracing.  There  is  less  rain- 
fall, that  on  the  east  coast  being  compara- 
tively light,  whereas  on  the  west  coast  the 
heavy  fall  is  limited  to  the  small  strip  of  coun- 
try between  the  watershed  and  the  Pacific 
Ocean.  We  find,  in  fact,  the  same  conditions 
as  in  Fiji.  The  range  of  mountains  which 
runs  down  the  west  coast  condenses  all  the 
moisture-laden  clouds  of  the  Pacific  and  dry 
winds  sweep  the  eastern  portion  of  the  Island. 
The  mixed  forest,  therefore,  of  still  further 
reduced  Polynesian  affinities,  is  limited  to  the 
north-western,  rainy  slopes  of  this  chain, 
and  the  Nothofagus  forest  of  South  American 
affinity  clothes  the  shady  sides  of  the 
endless  spurs  and  outliers  of  the  main 
range  up  to  a  height  of  4,500  feet.  This  is 
the  winter  snow  level  on  the  lower  ranges, 
but  in  the  Mount  Cook  district,  where  the 
mountains  range  from  9,000  to  12,300,  5,000 
feet  is  the  /evel  of  perpetual  snow.  The 
plants  of  this  montane  region  of  winter  snow 
show  mostlv   South   American  and  Antarctic 


affinities  with  adaptation  to  wind-swept,  dry 
conditions  and  constantly  shifting  foothold 
from  rapid  disintegration  of  the  shaly  rock  of 
which  these  mountains  are  composed. 

The  mixed  forest  of  the  west  coast  is  too 
soaked  with  moisture  to  burn  easily,  and  is 
therefore  comparatively  safe  from  bush  fires  ; 
but  all  the  best  trees  are  being  rapidly  cut  out 
by  saw  mills  wherever  a  railway  is  accessible, 
as  is  the  case  on  the  line  from  Grcymouth  to 
Otira,  where  every  station  represents  a  saw 
mill.  Rimu,  I  believe,  is  the  principal  tim- 
ber that  is  in  demand.  The  chief  industries 
along  the  west  coast,  where  sea  transport  is 
generally  available,  are  saw-milling,  coal 
and  gold  mining.  The  natural  forest  growth, 
if  worked  on  scientific  principles,  would  form 
a  magnificent  asset  to  the  resources  of  any 
country.  As  it  is,  in  such  mixed  forest,  each 
kind  of  tree  is  limited  in  numbers,  and  when 
cut  without  regard  to  age,  only  the  old  and 
aborted  specimens  are  left  standing,  and  the 
forest  is,  in  consequence,  unable  to  regener- 
ate itself.  The  resulting  thinning  alters  the 
prevailing  conditions  as  to  light,  moisture, 
and  wind,  and  allows  of  the  ingress  of  rabbits, 
which  devour  all  young  vegetation,  and  so 
prepare  the  way  for  an  army  of  alien  herba- 
ceous plants  and  shrubs,  including  Black- 
berries, Sweetbriar,  Gorse  and  Broom,  which 
luxuriate  in  the  virgin  soil.  Fungal  diseases 
attack  the  weakened,  indigenous  trees,  which 
will  have  no  further  chance  to  re-establish 
themselves,  so  that  all  commercial  value  in 
wood,  which  forms  one  of  New  Zealand's  ex- 
ports and  its  chief  scenic  charm,  goes  into  the 
pocket  of  the  first  man  who  comes  to  enjoy 
the  unrestricted  exploitation  of  the  virgin 
forest. 

The  Nothofagus  forest  begins  on  Cook 
Straits  from  Picton  to  Nelson,  a  country  of 
narrow  valleys  and  ridges,  running  up  in  a  few 
cases  to  6,000  feet,  the  tree  level  being;  about 
4,500  feet.  Nothofagus  fusca  and  N.  Menziesii 
clothe  the  lower  slopes,  with  N.  Solandri,  the 
handsome  N.  Cliffortioides,  and  sometimes  N. 
Menziesii  running  up  to  the  winter  snow  line, 
where  they  dwindle  to  dwarfed  and  windswept 
examples.  These  Beeches  are  all  evergreen, 
of  typical  Beech  habit,  showing  the  horizontal 
branching  and  dorsiventral  leaf  adjustment, 
with  the  mottled  smooth  stems  of  our  Euro- 
pean Fagus,  also  the  glinting  light,  and 
mossy  undergrowth,  so  characteristic  of 
Beech  woods.  Nothofagus  fusca  has  herbace- 
ous leaves  and  would  probably  be  deciduous 
in  Europe.  N.  Menziesii  has  small,  serrated, 
dark-green,  coriaceous  leaves  which,  when 
young,  are  of  a  tender,  delicate  green,  con- 
trasting- delightfully  with  the  older  foliages. 
N.  Solahderi  has  also  very  small,  coriaceous 
leaves  and  is  very  near  to  N.  Cliffortioides,  of 
which  a  male  tree  in  flower  almost  equals  in 
charm  the  much-praised  Rata  (Metrosideros 
robusta).  The  small,  leathery  leaves  are  dark 
green  on  their  upper  and  pure  white  on  their 
lower  surfaces,  which  are  seen  a  good  deal,  so 
that  with  each  branch  bearing  its  terminal 
bunches  of  red  stamens  which  form  the  male 
flowers,  the  effect  is  most  fascinating.  On  the 
slopes  of  the  Dun  Mountain,  near  Nelson,  in 
December,  this  Beech  was  flowering  pro- 
fusely. The  fruits  of  all  these  Beeches  are 
very  small,  about  half  an  inch  across,  and, 
nestling;  amongst  the  leaves  towards  the  end 
of  the  branches,  add  to  the  charm  of  the  trees 
in  the  autumn.     Thanks  to  the  kindness  of 


Mr.  F.  C.  Gibbs,  of  Nelson,  a  most  enthu- 
siastic botanist,  I  was  enabled  to  appreciate 
the  salient  features  of  the  barren  Dun  Moun- 
tain, and  to  ascend  Ben  Nevis,  a  peculiarly 
interesting  expedition,  as  the  top  of  that 
mountain  (about  6,000  fett)  is  above  the  tree 
level,  and  therefore  shows  the  bare  cap  of  the 
winter  snow  line,  which  characterises  the 
higher  peaks.  The  view  extends  over  a  vast 
expanse  of  wooded  mountains  and  valleys. 
Mr.  Gibbs'  knowledge  of  this  district  is  un- 
rivalled, and  his  excellent  work  on  these 
ranges  has  not  only  added  many  new  and  in- 
teresting species  to  the  New  Zealand  flora, 
but  has  led  to  interesting  and  otherwise  un- 
attainable observations  on  prevailing  edaphic 
and  ecologic  conditions,  his  interests  not  be- 
ing limited  to  botany,  but  including  geology 
as  well. 

An  unexplained  feature  of  the  Dun  Moun- 
tain range  is  the  so-called  "  Mineral  Belt," 
which  winds  like  a  red  thread  through  the 
mountains,  and  can  not  only  be  followed  dis- 
tinctly from  a  commanding  height,  but  is 
recognisable  by  its  colour  and  characteristic 
plants  when  it  is  struck  unexpectedly  on  the 
slopes.  It  forms  a  definite  break  in  the  forest, 
as  trees  do  not  grow  on  it.  Dwarfed  shrubs, 
like  Hymenanthera  crassifolia,  Pittosporum 
rigidum,  Aristotelia  fruticosa,  and  Gnidia,  all 
show  the  spreading  habit,  with  tortuous, 
interlaced,  and  almost  leafless  stems  of  their 
ultra  xerophytic  form.  The  santalaceous  Exo- 
carpus  Bidwillii,  with  Phyllocladus  alpinus, 
were  also  flowering  in  December,  as 
well  as  certain  herbaceous  plants,  like  the 
fine  Euphrasia  Munroi,  Notothlaspi  australe, 
Colobanthus  quitensis,  Muehlenbeckia  axil- 
laris, Claytonia  australasica,  all  plants  of 
open  mountain  regions,  with  Pimelea  Suteri, 
which  is  only  known  on  the  Dun  Mountain. 

Disafforesting  is  proceeding  as  vigorously 
in  this  district  as  elsewhere.  Along  the  Maitai 
Valley  there  originally  existed  an  interesting 
mixed  forest,  the  last  remaining  patch  of 
which  Mr.  Gibbs  was  making  strenuous 
efforts  to  have  reserved.  Here  again  clearing 
exposes  the  shaly  soil,  which  nothing  but 
trees  can  bind  together.  There  is  very  little 
surface  soil  even  in  the  forest,  undergrowth 
being  limited  to  Ferns  and  Mosses,  the  ever- 
green foliage  forming  but  little  humus.  The 
results  of  wholesale  clearing  in  such  country 
are  seen  in  the  arid  sheep  runs  of  Central 
Otago.  Not  only  the  rainfall,  but  the 'stor- 
age of  water  in  the  soil  must  be  ultimately 
affected  by  this  reckless  tree-felling. 

From  Nelson  the  journey  south  is  down  the 
Buller  river,  which  runs  north  to  south  and 
forms  a  convenient  highway  to  the  central 
portion  of  the  island.  It  is  a  tedious  two  days' 
coach  drive  following  the  river  banks, 
through  Beech  forests,  which,  however,  are 
being  cleared  rapidly,  as  good  alluvial  soil 
exists  by  the  river  bed. 

The  upper  portion  of  this  valley  is  charac- 
terised by  enormous  numbers  of  water-worn 
boulders.  The  very  hills  are  formed  of  them, 
and  in  clearings  resulting  from  old  mining 
operations  they  lie  like  huge  cannon  balls,  one 
on  the  top  of  the  other.  Forces  sufficient  to 
cause  such  denudation  must  have  been  terrific. 
Nature  has  since  been  busy  covering  up  the 
traces  with  luxuriant  forest  growth,  the 
destruction  of  which  will  simply  re-create  the; 
original  barrenness.  In  many  sections  along 
the  road  the  thin  covering,  about  a  foot  thick, 


2'26 


THE     GARDENERS'    CHRONICLE. 


[April  10,  1909. 


formed  by  the  roots  of  the  trees  and  under- 
growth, resting  on  the  rounded  boulders,  was 
very  evident. 

In  early  December  Loranthus  tetrapetalus  was 
wonderfully  effective,  the  profuse  and  brilliant 
red  blossoms  showing  up  even  on  the  slopes  of 
distant  hills.  It  forms  regular  bushes  on  the 
Beech  trees,  some  being  quite  8  feet  high, 
and  broad  in  proportion. 

About  Longwood  the  river  bed  widens  into 
the  flat,  shingly  bottom  so  typical  of  the  rivers 
of  the  South  Island,  where  the  beds  shift  from 
season  to  season,  or  even  after  each  "Fresh." 
Under  natural  conditions  the  forest  trees  bind 
the  shingles  together  ;  in  the  case  Kahikateas,  as 
can  be  seen  by  the  wretched  remains  of  the  few 
survivors.  Now  Blackberries  have  taken  posses- 
sion of  acres  of  this  river  bed. 

The  Otira  Gorge  running  east  forms  part  of 
the  great  highway  between  the  east  and  west 
coasts,  at  about  the  centre  of  the  South  Island. 
Once  through  the  Gorge  we  enter  the  country 
of  dry,  rainless  winds  and  tussock  plains  be- 


Canterbury  Plain,  the  district  which,  together 
with  the  Hawkes  Bay  and  Gisburne  districts  in 
the  North  Island,  comprises  the  best  agricul- 
tural land  in  New  Zealand.  These  plains  stretch 
in  unbroken  monotony  down  the  East  Coast, 
running  up  to  the  dividing  range,  having  been 
formed,  in  fact,  from  the  denudation  of  that 
range.  The  detritus  has  been  carried  down  by 
the  rivers,  which  are  still  active  in  this  respect, 
their  beds  shingling  out  to  an  immense  breajth, 
with  ever-shifting  channels. 

Hoav  far  the  comparison  holds  I  cannot  say, 
but  Darwin's  descriptions  of  Southern  Patagonia 
seem  very  suggestive  of  this  country,  which  was 
originally  wooded  and  intersected,  I  believe,  by 
large  swamp  areas.  It  is  now  cut  up  by  long, 
straight  roads  running  at  right  angles  to  each 
other,  and  enclosing  rectangular  paddocks  bor- 
dered by  Gorse  hedges,  with  a  possible  variation 
of  an  equally  symmetrical  plantation  of  Eucalyp- 
tus, Pinus  insignis,  or  even  Larch.  Each  plan- 
tation is  enclosed  by  two  hedges,  which  ring  the 
changes  on  Cupressus  macrocarpus,  Pinus  pin- 


FlG.   96. — BOYS    AT    WORK    IN    A   SURREY    SCHOOL-GARDEN. 


tween  bare  tussock  hills,  yellow  even  in  the  be- 
ginning of  December  ;  all  sheep  runs,  the  grass 
burnt  off  every  year,  and  rabbits  ubiquitous. 
Here  one  shrub,  Discaria  Toumatou,  or  "  Wild 
Irishman,"  holds  its  own.  It  is  a  veritable 
mass  of  thorns  (arrested  branches),  with  incon- 
spicuous, green  leaves  and  white  flowers.  It 
grows  singly  in  the  wide,  river  beds,  on  shel- 
tered mountain  slopes  and  in  the  plains.  Other- 
wise not  a  tree  is  visible ;  that  would  mean  fewer 
sheep  to  the  acre,  and  the  unfortunate  animals 
in  the  blaze  of  the  sun  find  such  shelter  as  they 
may  under  the  Discaria. 

It  is  a  familiar  sight  to  see  them  crowding 
under  what  can  be  only  shade  in  their  imagina- 
tion, and  it  makes  one  question  whether  it  is 
really  advantageous,  or  is  merely  an  atavistic 
idea  inherited  from  ancestors  accustomed  to 
more  luxuriant  conditions.  These  places  must 
all  have  been  wooded  at  some  time  not  far 
distant.  Nothing  else  could  account  for  the  ex- 
traordinary paucity  of  herbaceous  plants,  of 
which  Craspedia  uniflora  is  one  of  the  few  which 
occurs  in  any  quantity  on  the  plains. 

By  Broken  River  the  hills  run  out,  and  here 
the  Temains  of  Beech  forest  are  evident.  Once 
past   the   river   we    sweep   out  on   the  so-called 


aster   and   Eucalyptus   species   as  wind  screens, 
and  finally  one  of  Gorse. 

Fortunately,   the   railway   runs   all  down   this 
East   Coast,   and   also   up  the  principal  valleys 
for  a  certain  distance.     L.  S.  Gibbs. 
(To  be  continued.) 


A  SURREY  SCHOOL-GARDEN. 

(Concluded,  from  page  210.) 

Day-school  Gardens. 

The  Board  of  Education  first  recognised  prac- 
tical gardening  as  a  special  subject  entitled  to 
receive  monetary  grants  in  elementary  day- 
schools  in  1895,  but  the  subject  does  not 
appear  to  have  been  taken  up  with  any  en- 
thusiasm in  the  country  till  quite  recently.  In 
Surrey  very  little  was  done  previous  to 
1903,  when  the  County  Council  took  control 
of  elementary  education  ;  but  since  then,  through 
the  liberal  scheme  adopted  by  the  Surrey  Educa- 
tion Committee,  and  the  encouragement  given  by 
H.M.  Inspectors,  progress  has  been  rapid.  In 
1901  and  1902  the  number  of  day-schools  in  the 
county  giving  instruction  in  this  subject  was 
only  seven,  including  those  of  the  three  boroughs 


of  Guildford,  Kingston,  and  Wimbledon ; 
whereas  now  there  are  88  day-schools  at  which 
instruction  in  practical  horticulture  is  given,  the 
approximate  number  of  scholars  receiving  such 
teaching  being  1,500,  not  counting  those  in  the 
three  boroughs  mentioned.  The  Board  of  Edu- 
cation, recognising  the  importance  of  this 
subject  in  the  elemental  school  curriculum,  has 
recently  appointed  a  special  inspector  to  superin- 
tend and  control  the  instruction  throughout  the 
country. 

Our  day-school  gardens  are  arranged  on  a 
plan  very  similar  to  that  of  the  continuation- 
school  group,  with  the  exception  of  the  cottage 
garden  plot,  which  is  simply  divided  into  two 
by  a  central  path.  The  28  plots  are  smaller 
than  the  plots  worked  by  the  older  boys,  the  ma- 
jority of  them  being  only  24  feet  by  8  feet.  The 
aspect,  like  that  of  the  aforementioned  group,  is 
good,  but  the  soil  is  still  very  poor,  although  it  is 
improving.  The  general  outlines  of  the  method 
of  instruction  vary  little  from  those  of  the  even- 
ing class.  Two  hours  or  more  a  week  are  set 
apart  in  the  school  time-table  for  the  subject. 

The  indoor  study  of  this  subject  lends  itself 
freely  to  co-ordination  with  other  school  lessons. 
With  us,  it  net  only  forms  the  basis  of  drawing 
and  composition  exercises,  but  the  teaching  of 
arithmetic,  mensuration,  and  the  drawings  of 
plans  to  scale  is  connected  more  or  less  with  it. 

Our  method  in  teaching  the  junior  boys,  i.e., 
those  cultivating  the  28  small  gardens,  is  to 
gather  a  group  round  a  certain  plot,  and  then 
show  them  practically  how  to  perform  the  par-' 
ticular  operation  in  hand,  each  pupil  subse- 
quently putting  the  instruction  into  practice  in 
his  own  garden.  All  the  "  whys  "  and  "  where- 
fores "  that  every  teacher  would,  of  course,  re- 
quire are  deduced  during  the  brief  lesson. 
A  garden  line  is  stretched  directly  across  the 
whole  set  of  plots  for  the  guidance  of  the  pupils, 
and  the  special  crop  is  then  sown,  or  planted  in 
line,  so  that  continuous  rows  of  the  same  vege- 
table, broken  only  by  the  paths,  are  carried 
across  the  section  from  north  to  south.  This 
gives  a  regular  and  orderly  appearance  to  the 
group,  and  is  helpful  in  assessing  and  comparing 
the  value  of  the  crops  and  workmanship. 

The  cottage-garden  plot  is,  I  believe,  a  new 
departure  in  school  horticulture  in  this  part  of 
the  country.  Nearly  20  square  rods  of  land  are 
cultivated  in  common  by  the  senior  group  of  14 
boys,  on  a  scheme  suitable  for  a  cottage  garden. 
During  the  season  numerous  consultations  by 
teacher  and  scholars  are  held  as  to  the  most  use- 
ful crops  for  a  cottager  to  grow,  the  general 
arrangement  and  rotation  to  be  followed,  the 
special  treatment  required,  and  the  area  to  be 
devoted  to  each  crop. 

For  purposes  of  reference,  all  the  day-garden 
boys  keep  notebooks,  in  which  are  recorded  brief 
accounts  of  each  day's  work,  specially — 

(1)  Date  of  sowing  or  planting  of  each  crop. 

(2)  Particulars  as  to  cultivation  and  depth  of 
sowing. 

(3)  Date  of  harvesting  the  crops,  with  a  record 
of  the  time  each  has  occupied  the  ground. 

(4)  Quality  and  quantity  of  produce,  &c. 

The  above  is  additional  to  the  labelling  of  each 
kind  of  vegetable  with  the  date  of  sowing  or 
planting. 

In  connection  with  this  course  of  instruction, 
the  boys  keep  a  daily  register  of  (1)  outdoor  tem- 
perature (maximum  and  minimum),  (2)  rainfall, 
(3)  direction  of  wind,  (4)  general  condition  of 
weather,  and  (5)  the  reading  of  the  barometer. 
Summaries  also  are  worked  out  for  the  month 
and  year.  By  the  girls,  in  the  same  register  are 
also  entered  during  spring  and  summer  Nature 
notes  and  observations,  chiefly  on  wild  flowers. 
P'ourteen  of  our  elder  girls  have  also  a  small 
flower-garden  each. 

In  conclusion,  I  may  say,  that,  as  far  as  my 
experience  extends,  the  influence  of  the  gardens 
is  distinctly  for  good.  It  helps  to  make  school 
life,  and  afterwards  adult  life,  healthier  and 
happier.     E.  Ca?sar,  Head  Master. 


April  10,  1909.' 


THE     GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


227 


NOTONIA  GRANTII. 

This  handsome  succulent  received  the  above 
name  from  a  very  imperfect  specimen  collected 
on  Spelie  and  Grant's  expedition  to  discover 
the  sources  of  the  Nile.  It  was  discovered  in 
ithe   Mozambique  district  in   6°  50'   S.   latitude, 


plant  has  very  handsome  orange-scarlat  heads. 
The  species  has  been  identified  with  Cacalia 
semperviva,  Forsk.,  from  tropical  Arabia,  and 
applying  the  rules  of  priority  for  specific  names, 
Ascherson  has  named  it  Notonia  semperviva, 
under  which  designation  it  is  likely  to  remain  in 
some    Continental    botanic    gardens.       Senecio 


Fig,  97. — notonia  grantii:  flowers  orange-scarlet. 

(From  specimens  exhibited  by  Messrs.  James  Veitch  &  Sons,  Ltd.) 


and  is  the  Kleinia  sp.  of  Speke's  Nile  Journal , 
p.  638.  In  a  note  attached  to  the  original  speci- 
men in  the  Kew  Herbarium,  Colonel  Grant  de- 
scribes the  flowers  as  blood -red  or  port-wine 
coloured.     The    colour    varies ;    the    cultivated 


(Kleinia)  longipes,  Baker,  in  Kew  Bulletin,  1895, 
p.  217,  is  reduced  to  Notonia  Grantii  in  the 
Botanical  Magazine,  wherein  the  plant  is 
figured,  tab.  7691.  A  very  similar  plant  was 
subsequently  described  by   Mr.   J.    G.   Baker   in 


the  Kew  Bulletin  for  1897,  under  the  name 
Senecio  (Kleinia)  nyikensis,  where  the  author 
has: — "ad  S.  longipedem,  Baker,  somaliensem 
magis  accedit."  Whether  this  is  really  speci- 
fically different,  and  also  in  cultivation,  it  is 
difficult  to  say,  but  I  believe  the  name  has  been 
given  to  a  cultivated  plant.  There  are  several 
dried  specimens  at  Kew  bearing  the  name  of  this 
Notonia,  all  of  which  are  more  robust  than  ordi- 
nary N.  Grantii,  as  introduced  by  Miss  Edith 
Cole  from  Somaliland,  and  first  raised  from 
seeds  by  Mr.  Lynch,  Curator  of  the  Cambridge 
Botanic  Garden. 

It  may  be  asked  what  is  the  difference  between 
Kleinia  and  Notonia,  as  genera,  and  the  answer 
is  that  it  is  limited  to  the  latter  having  the 
branches  of  the  style  terminating  each  in  an 
ovate  appendage.  It  seems,  therefore,  that  if 
one  is  reduced  to  Senecio  the  other  should  fol- 
low. 

Notonia  Grantii  is  a  free-growing  and  free- 
flowering  subject.     W.  B.  H. 


NOTES  FROM  A  "FRENCH"  GARDEN. 

We  are  now  preparing  beds  for  the  planting 
of  Endive.  The  ground  is  well  manured  and 
levelled  previous  to  the  placing  of  the  frames  or 
the  cloches  in  position.  Thirty-six  Endives  are 
planted  under  each  light,  and  the  same  number 
under  four  cloches. 

The  voung  plants  will  not  be  ready  for  the 
final  planting  before  the  middle  of  April,  as  the 
cold  weather  has  somewhat  retarded  their 
growth.  Great  care  must  be  taken  with  this 
crop,  as  the  plants  are  liable  to  run  to  seed 
when  they  have  been  checked  in  their  early 
stages. 

Part  of  this  batch  of  plants  may  be  reserved 
for  planting  outside  at  the  end  of  April. 

We  are  now  planting  Cos  Lettuce  Hardy 
White  in  the  open,  allowing  a  distance  of  18 
inches  between  the  rows  and  14  inches  from 
plant  to  plant.  Where  plenty  of  space  is  avail- 
able, one  row  of  Cos  Lettuce  and  one  row  of 
Cauliflower  may  be  planted,  as  this  system  ad- 
mits of  the  ground  being  cropped  for  a  longer 
period. 

The  Lettuces  in  the  hot-beds  must  now  be 
cleared  off  to  make  room  for  the  young  Carrots 
which  require  to  be  thinned  and  weeded.  When 
the  weather  permits,  ventilation  may  be  given, 
especially  if  the  Cauliflowers  are  growing  freely. 

The  Cauliflowers  are  now  planted  among  the 
Lettuces  Passion  and  Little  Black  Gott  in  the 
cold  frames,  and  also  in  the  open,  2  feet  apart 
each  way.  This  planting  has  been  delayed  on 
account  of  the  ground  beinj  in  an  unfavourable 
condition. 

The  Cos  Lettuces  planted  under  the  cloches 
are  growing  well ;  they  will  require  careful  at- 
tention as  the  weather  gets  warmer.  Mats  are 
spread  over  the  lights  when  the  sun  is  shining 
brightly  to  prevent  the  "heart"  from  becoming 
soft.  These  mats  are  also  used  at  night  time 
whenever  the  thermometer  falls  to  freezing  point. 

The  Celery  sown  in  the  middle  of  March  is 
just  breaking  through  the  soil.  Fresh  air  is 
given  whenever  possible  to  prevent  "damping 
off,"  which  is  so  prevalent  at  this  stage  of  a 
plant's  development. 

We  are  pricking  off  the  seedling  Tomatos  in- 
tended for  planting  later  as  an  intercrop  between 
early  Potatos.  They  will  be  planted  at  the  end 
of  May.  One  hundred  and  sixty  of  these  seed- 
lings are  planted  per  light ;  early  next  month  we 
shall  transplant  them  a  second  time,  allowing 
only  100  per  light. 

Turnip  seed  sown  in  the  middle  of  March  is 
pushing  through  the  seed  bed.  Ventilation  will 
be  freely  afforded  whenever  the  weather  permits 
in  order  to  prevent  the  Turnip  roots  becoming 
spindle-shaped.     P.  Aauatias. 


228 


THE    GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


[April  10,  1909. 


HARDY    FLOWER    BORDER. 

EUCOMIS  PUNCTATA. 
Of  the  ten  or  more  specie*  of  Eucomis  the 
above  is  almost  the  sole  representative  in  or- 
dinary gardens.  In  many  parts  of  the  country  it 
is  hardy,  and  when  given  good  treatment,  the 
bulbs  throw  up  such  strong  spikes  as  to  astonish 
those  who  know  it  only  as  a  plant  growing  in 
6  or  7-inch  pots  in  a  greenhouse.  To  be 
seen  at  its  best,  Eucomis  punctata  should 
be  grouped.  When  thus  disposed  the  flower- 
spikes  gain  in  dignity  and  impressiveness 
what  they  lack  in  floral  beauty.  As  an  outdoor 
plant,  it  is  well  adapted  for  use  in  such  narrow 
borders  as  those  in  front  of  glasshouses,  or  at 
the  foot  of  a  wall.  It  thrives  best  in  a  light, 
rich,  deeply-worked  soil,  and  the  bulbs  should 
he  planted' at  a  depth  of  4  to  5  inches,  where 
they  will  be  safe  from  most  frosts.  For  pot 
culture,  it  is  best  to  use  a  rich  soil,  and  grow  the 
plants  at  the  cooler  end  of  the  greenhouse ; 
they  would  do  well  in  an  unhealed  house. 
Abundance  of  water  is  necessary  until  the  flower- 
spikes  reach  full  size,  and  when  the  pots  are  full 
of  roots,  liquid  manure  may  be  given  freely. 
The  greeny-brown  flowers  open  during  June  and 
last  for  a  long  time.  Whilst  the  tuft  of  leaves 
which  the  spike  surmounts  would  look  incon- 
gruous if  associated  with  brightly-coloured 
flowers,  it  seems  singularly  in  keeping  with 
Eucomis,  and  gives  the  plant  a  distinct  char- 
acter.    A.  C.  Bartlett. 


NOTICES    OF     BOOKS. 

*  Pronunciation  of  Plant  Names. 

As  stated  on  the  title  page,  this  handy  little 
volume  has  been  reprinted  from  its  original  is- 
sue in  the  closing  months  of  1908,  and  forms  an 
admirably  well-adapted  volume  for  a  young  gar- 
dener  or  a  plant  lover  to  slip  into  his  pocket  for 
reference  at  odd  moments.  The  work  has  too 
recently  appeared  in  this  journal  to  need  much 
description,  for  its  plan  and  performance  must 
be  familiar  to  all  our  readers.  Prepared  in  the 
first  place  by  the  Rev.  Charles  Butler,  M.A., 
we  have  the  assurance  that  each  instance  of 
pronunciation  has  been  carefully  considered, 
and  if  we  venture  to  criticise,  it  must  be  owned 
that  the  Editor  has  disarmed  criticism  in  ad- 
vance by  stating  the  lack  of  definite  rules  which 
would  be  admitted  as  valid  by  all,  and  that  or- 
dinary usage  has  been  allowed  full  weight,  even 
when  it  contradicts  etymological   principles. 

It  may  be  conceded  at  once  that  the  largest 
collection  of  generic  and  specific  names,  ac- 
cented and  marked  for  pronunciation  is  that  pro- 
duced by  the  late  Rev.  Percy  Myles,  and  in- 
cluded in  the  fourth  volume  of  Nicholson's 
Dictionary  of  Gardening.  But  in  this  storehouse 
of  facts  usage  has  been  set  aside,  and  correct- 
ness alone  followed ;  it  is  therefore  too  hard  for 
the  practical  man  to  follow  without  incurring 
the  charge  of  being  pedantic.  On  the  other  hand, 
in  the  latest  edition  of  Johnson's  Gardeners' 
Dictionary,  1894,  which  might  be  held  to  em- 
body the  general  usage,  the  plan  of  marking  the 
accent  fails  to  show  whether  the  stressed  vowel 
is  short  or  long.  The  little  work  under  review 
is  therefore  an  improvement,  and  is  more  con- 
venient in  many  important  respects  than  its  pre- 
decessors. 

There  are  some  misprints,  but  they  are  few, 
compared  with  the  total  number  of  names  given. 
Our  eye  has  fallen  upon  certain  names  which 
are  not  familiar,  such  ^"  Agate  (Agati?),  Mohoe, 
Nola  and  Person;;*  (aot  Persoonia,  which  is 
also  given).  Such  slips  as  Fadgenia  for  Fad- 
yenia  and  Leplaleum  for  Leptaleum  are  due  to 
the  printer  misreading  copy,  and  would  prob- 
ably not  mislead  the  reader. 

We  would,  however,  protest  against  the  value 
of  one  J  being  given  to  such  words  as  Leucojum, 

*  Reprinted  from  the  Gardeners'  Chronicle.  (London  :  The 
Gardeners'  Chronicle,  Ltd.)    1908.    (vi.  +  94).    15cm. 


Najas,  Serjania  ;  these  should,  strictly  speaking, 
be  printed  Leucoium,  Naias,  Seriania,  but  the 
mediaeval  confusion  of  I  with  J  and  U  with  V 
has  peisisted  in  some  Continental  printing 
offices   to   the   present   day. 

There  is  still  another  point  on  which  we  could 
write  much,  but  must  confine  our  remarks  to  a 
very  succinct  statement.  Many  generic  names  are 
derived  from  personal  names — how  should  these 
be  pronounced?  Theoretically,  we  suppose, 
they  should  conform  as  nearly  as  may  be  to  the 
name  of  the  eponymous  hero.  Sometimes  that 
is  practicable ;  in  this  volume  we  have 
"  Ko-hu'-ni-a  "  for  Colquhounia,  and  Stokes-i-a 
for  Stokesia,  but  not  Reeves-i-a  ;  why  not  ?  We 
should  prefer  Don'-i-a  to  Do'-ni-a,  because  the 
genus  was  named  after  Don ;  Neel'-ya  for 
Neillia,  named  after  Patrick  Neill,  of  Edinburgh  ; 
Nip-hof'-i-a  after  Kniphof,  Ra-o-mur-i-a  alter 
Reaumur — the  accent  is  often  forgotten.  For- 
skahlia  is  badly  represented  by  "  fors-kahl'-i-a," 
for  Linnaeus  emphasised  the  sound  of  the  second 
syllable  by  publishing  the  genus  as  Forskolea. 

The  retort  may  be  made  that  it  is  impossible 
for  the  ordinary  reader  to  be  prepared  to  give 
proper  expression  to  names  drawn  from  various 
languages.  Whilst  that  is  true  to  a  large  extent, 
we  venture  to  think  that  when  the  proper  pro- 
nunciation is  well  known,  we  should  endeavour 
to  give  effect  to  it,  a  statement  to  which  most 
will  agree,  the  difficulty  being  as  to  how  far  we 
can  give  currency  to  local  pronunciation.  B. 
Daydon  Jackson. 

*  The  Book  of  the  Cottage  Garden. 

The  author  is  a  gardening  enthusiast,  and  he 
is  in  rebellion  against  the  prevailing  taste  in  lay- 
ing out  and  planting  a  garden,  whether  it  be 
that  of  the  wealthy  or  the  comparatively  poor. 
He  asks  if  "  the  growing  of  produce  for  the 
table,  the  culture  of  flowers,  so  that  their  blos- 
soms may  be  gathered  to  brighten  dingy  rooms, 
the  providing  of  lawns  for  tennis  and  croquet, 
the  laying-out  of  ornamental  grounds  that  we 
may  live  amid  trim,  orderly  surroundings — are 
the  considerations  that  from  time  imme- 
morial have  quickened  in  the  minds  of  men 
and  women  of  refined  instincts  the  love  and 
need  of  a  garden?"  "If  so,  it  means  that  our 
gardens  are  not  gardens  at  all,  but  merely  pieces 
of  cultivated  land,  which  combine  the  material 
possibilities  of  market  establishments  with  the 
facilities  of  recreation  grounds."  But  suppos- 
ing, after  all,  that  these  things  are  not  so  ;  that 
the  cottage  garden  is  not  garden  craft  in  its 
crudest  and  most  elementary  aspect,  and  far 
from  being  an  attempt  to  ape  the  splendours  of 
more  pretentious  gardens,  is  in  reality  our  near- 
est approach  to  the  ideal.  And  that  this  pre- 
sumption is  not  false  but  true  is  exactly  what 
the  author  hopes  to  prove,  so  far  as  the  limit 
of  this  book  will  allow,  at  the  same  time  showing 
the  possibilities  which  the  small  country  garden 
offers  in  the  way  of  achieving  real  and  lasting 
beauty  by  the  simplest  and  most  natural  means. 

Tended  with  the  utmost  care,  or,  as  is  some- 
times the  case,  left  to  work  out  unaided  Nature's 
scheme  of  floral  design,  these  little  gardens  are 
often  models  worthy  of  much  consideration. 
Their  simplicity  disarms  criticism,  the  homely 
flowers  are  like  old  friends,  their  fragrance  stirs 
us  with  memories  which  are  not  awakened  by  the 
same  flowers  grown  in  the  gardens  of  the  rich. 

The  cottage-garden  paths  are  moss-grown, 
have  no  spotless  gravel  spread  over  them,  and 
creepers  of  many  kinds  drape  porch  and  eaves 
in  a  natural  way.  "  Bedding  out  "  is  not  prac- 
tised, but  borders  are  filled  with  a  goodly  com- 
pany of  hardy  plants,  which  greet  the  seasons  as 
Nature  intended.  No  one  troubles  to  remove 
the  fallen  leaves  and  petals  ;  they  drop  to  earth 
to  nourish  the  plants  that  gave  them  life. 
"  Many  such  a  garden  might  teach  lessons  that 
great   gardeners    should   learn,    and    are    pretty 

*  By  Charles  Thonger,  author  of  The  Bork  of  Garden 
Design,  The  Book  of  Rock  and  Water  Gardens,  &c.  Crown 
Hvo.,  pp.  90.  London  :  John  Lane,  The  Bodley  Head.  New 
York  :  John  Lane  Co.). 


from  Snowdrop  time  till  the  Fuchsia  bushes 
bloom  nearly  into  winter;"  as  W.  Robinson 
wrote  in  the  English  Flower  Garden  40  years  ago. 

The  author  is  a  great  believer  in  thorough  pre- 
paration of  the  land  before  laying  turf  or  sowing 
Grass  seeds,  and  he  inclines  to  the  latter  method, 
although  a  lawn  may  be  longer  in  becoming  per- 
fect in  smoothness  and  finish.  Full  instructions 
are  given  on  lawn  making,  and  these  are  to  the 
point. 

The  cottage  garden  is,  first  and  foremost,  a 
home  for  flowers,  and  we  want  them  in  profu- 
sion, in  variety  at  all  seasons,  excepting  mid- 
winter. The  summer  display  must  be  the  bright- 
est, because,  in  this  grey  climate  of  ours,  we 
long  for  colour  and  warmth.  The  hardy  flower 
border  is  the  best  for  the  cottager. 

Information  in  regard  to  planting  and  the 
species  to  plant  is  given  in  detail.  The  work  is 
liberally  illustrated,  and  the  chapter  on  Roses 
will  help  the  reader  to  clear  away  the  mystery 
surrounding  much  that  is  written  about  them. 
No  plants  are  easier  to  cultivate  than  Roses  ;  but 
there  are  some  sections  which  the  small  grower 
would  do  well  to  avoid. 


TREES  AND  SHRUBS. 


THE  BAYFORDBURY  PINETUM. 

Bayfordbury,  the  seat  of  Mr.  H.  Clinton 
Baker,  is  situated  two  or  three  miles  south  of 
the  town  of  Hertford.  It  is  notable  among  the 
country  houses  of  the  south  of  England  in  con- 
taining the  famous  series  of  portraits  of  mem-' 
bers  of  the  Kit-cat  Club.  This  club,  it  will  be 
remembered,  was  founded  in  1688,  by  the  lead- 
ing Whigs  of  the  time. 

To  gardeners,  however,  the  interest  of  Bay- 
fordbury is  of  another  kind,  for  in  its  demesne  is 
contained  one  of  the  finest  private  collections  of 
Conifers  in  England.  Net  only  does  the  fine 
development  of  the  individual  specimens  make 
it  attractive  to  those  who  love  trees  for  them- 
selves alone,  but  the  richness  of  the  collection  in 
species  and  varieties  renders  it  particularly  in- 
teresting also  to  the  botanical  student  and  con- 
noisseur. This  pinetum  was  well  known  to  the 
late  Dr.  Masters,  in  his  day  the  leading  authority 
on  Conifers  in  Great  Britain,  and  frequent  re- 
ferences to  it  may  be  found  scattered  through 
his  published  papers. 

The  Bayfordbury  pinetum  appears  to  have  had 
its  beginning  in  1765,  when  10  Cedars  of  Leba- 
non were  planted  to  commemorate  the  building 
of  the  house.  It  is  on  record  that  the  young 
trees,  then  9  inches  high,  had  been  raised  from 
seeds  produced  by  the  famous  Uvedale  Cedar 
at  Enfield.  These  trees  (see  fig.  98)  are  now 
probably  the  noblest  of  their  kind  in  Hertford- 
shire, a  county  by  no  means  deficient  in  fine 
Cedars.  They  stand  on  the  lawn  not  far  from 
the  house,  and  the  largest  of  them  has  a  girth  of 
127  feet  6  inches  at  1  foot  from  the  ground.  This 
particular  tree  branches  low  down,  but  a  second, 
with  a  better  defined  trunk,  is  20  feet  6  inches 
round  at  5  feet  from  the  ground,  whilst  a  third 
is  but  a  few  inches  less. 

Seventy  years  later,  when  the  travels  of 
Douglas  in  Western  North  America  had 
attracted  attention  to  some  of  the  most 
marvellous  tree  growth  in  the  world  and  had 
created  a  great  interest  in  Conifers  in  England, 
the  fine  development  of  these  Cedars  (the 
largest  of  which  was  already  17,V  feet  in  girth) 
appears  to  have  suggested  to  the  late  Mr.  W.  R. 
Baker  the  idea  of  forming  a  comprehensive 
pinetum  at  Bayfordbury.  A  situation- '"within  easy 
distance  of  the  house,  but  separated  from  it  by 
a  picturesque  valley,  was  selected  in  1837,  ana 
about  10  acres  of  this  was  planted  the  follow- 
ing year.  J.  C.  Loudon,  then  at  the  height  of 
his  fame  as  a  landscape  gardener  and  writer  on 
arboriculture,  assisted  in  an  advisory  capacity. 
The  collection  was  made  as  complete .  as  was 
possible  at   that   period,   but   during   the   severe 


April  10.  1909.] 


THE     GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


229 


winter  of-JS44,  when  37  degrees  of  frost  were 
recorded,  many  of  the  more  tender  species  from 
Mexico  and  elsewhere  perished.  A  similar  mis- 
fortune happened  in  1860.  All  this'  time,  how- 
ever,  the  genuinely  hardy  species — and  these  are 
the  only  forms  that  really  matter — were  thriving 
admirably  in  the  fine  soil  and  air  of  Bayford- 
bury.  The  founder  of  the  pinetum  lived  to 
watch  and  tend  his  trees  for  nearly  60  years. 
He  died  in  November,  1896,  at  87  years  of  age. 
It  is  a  happy  instance  of  heredity  in  tastes 
that  his  grandson,  the  present  owner,  should  be 
an  enthusiastic  student  and  cultivator  of  this 
family  of  trees.  Through  his  efforts,  the  col- 
lection has  been  very  much  augmented  in  recent 
years,  so  that  at  the  present  time  it  is  practically 
complete  in   species  hardy  enough  to  thrive  in 


species  dealt  with  is  to  be  given,  so  that  a  collec- 
tion of  plant  portraits  will  be  available  practi- 
cally complete  so  far  as  arborescent  species  of 
Conifers  hardy  in  the  British  Isles  are  concerned. 
The  following  are  brief  notes  on  the  more  re- 
markable specimens.  The  Lebanon  Cedars, 
from  their  size  and  history,  stand  first  in  in- 
terest, but,  following  them  closely  are  several 
examples  of  the  Redwood — Sequoia  semper- 
virens — one  of  which  is  75  feet  high  and  10  feet 
3  inches  in  girth.  This  and  other  slightly 
smaller  trees  of  this  species  are  noteworthy  for 
the  finely-buttressed  base  of  the  trunk  ;  they 
were  planted  in  1850.  The  companion  species, 
S.  gigantea  or  YVellingtonia,  is  94  feet  high.  A 
singularly  impressive  tree  is  one  of  Pinus  pon- 
i,  just  over  100  feet  high,  erect  and  si 


Scrub  Pines  of  North  America,  P.  inops,  planted 
in  1842,  is  48  feet  high  ;  P.  mitis,  34  feet ;  £.nd 
P.  pungens,  33  feet.  The  Sugar  Pine  (P.  Lam- 
bertiana)  is  64  feet  high,  and  has  twice  pro- 
duced its  remarkable  cones. 

The*e  is  no  more  interesting  tree  in  the  col- 
lection than  Pinus  tuberculata.  This  species  is 
one  of  those  that  produce  an  enormous  crop  of 
cones  and  retain  them  on  the  branches  for 
several  years.  Few  specimens  in  the  British 
Isles  show  this  characteristic  so  strikingly  as 
that  at  Bayfordbury.  On  a  portion  of  a  branch 
3  feet  long  I  have  counted  more  than  40  cones  ; 
they  are  rather  narrow  and  tapering,  4  inches  or 
so  long,  and  produced  in  whorls  of  three  to  six. 

It  will  thus  be  seen,  even  from  this  small  selec- 
tion, that  the  exotic  Pines  make  a  verv  remark- 


FlG.  9S. CEDARS  AT  BAYFORDBURY,  HERTFORDSHIRE. 


the  climate  of  Hertfordshire.  Such,  in  brief, 
is  the  history  of  the  Bayfordbury  pinetum.  A 
fortunate  circumstance  in  connection  with  it  is 
the  existence  of  records,  made  by  successive 
owners,  of  the  planting,  development,  and  vari- 
ous events  connected  with  individual  trees. 

An  important  work  is  in  course  of  prepara- 
tion by  Mr.  Clinton  Baker,  assisted  by  Mr.  A.  B. 
Jackson.  It  is  to  consist  of  two  quarto  volumes 
containing  a  description  and  illustration  of 
every  species  of  Conifer  in  the  Bayfordbury  col- 
lection, with  historical  notes  on  the  specimens. 
These  volumes  promise  to  be  more  complete  on 
Hi.  pictorial  side  than  any  other  work  on  the 
subject  yet  published.  An  illustration,  natural 
size,  of  the  foliage  and  cone  (or  fruit)  of  every 


its  straight,  tapering  trunk  measuring  9  feet 
4  inches  in  circumference  at  the  base.  Theie  is 
also  at  Bayfordburv  the  curious  and  now  un- 
common form  of  this  Pine,  with  yellowish 
shoots  and  foliage,  once  known  as  Pinus 
Parryana.  A  Corsican  Pine  is  98  feet  high, 
and  there  is  a  fine  group  of  its  variety  Palla- 
siana  with  the  characteristic  erect  side  branches. 
A  specimen  of  Pinus  Coulteri,  which  grew  not 
far  from  the  house  until  its  death  a  few  years 
ago,  must  have  been  one  of  the  very  finest  in 
Great  Britain  ;  from  its  trunk  planks  L!  feet  9 
inches  wide  weie  cut  (see  Gardeners'  Chronicle, 
March  28,  1885).  The  uncommon  Pinus  resinosa 
is  represented  by  two  notable  specimens  54  feet 
and  50   feet  high  respectively.     Of  the  curious 


able  assemblage.  Yet  no  nobler  tree  exists  at 
Bayfordbury  than  a  Scots  Pine,  growing  some 
distance  from  the  pinetum  proper,  in  a  wood  of 
Oak  and  Ash.  The  tree  is  now  95  feet  high, 
with  a  beautiful,  clean,  smooth  trunk,  9  feet 
7  inches  in  girth  at  breast  high,  and  clear  of 
branches  for  50  feet  from  the  ground. 

Among  the  Firs,  a  notable  example  is  Abies 
cephalonica,  planted  in  1847,  and  now  70  feet 
high  and  7  feet  in  girth.  A.  Lowiana,  often 
erroneously  called  lasiocarpa,  is  about  the  same 
size ;  the  true  A.  lasiocarpa,  a  rare  species,  is 
represented  by  a  tree  13  feet  high.  A.  magnifica, 
planted  in  1850,  is  55  feet  high,  with  the  perfectly 
erect,  tapering  trunk,  and  having  the  narrow, 
pyramidal    form   characteristic   of    the    species 


230 


THE     GARDENERS     CHRONICLE. 


[Apeil  10,  1909. 


wherever  it  thrives  well.  Of  the  true  Abies 
Mariesii,  one  of  the  rarest  of  all  Firs,  there  are 
several  young  specimens.  The  ordinary  Doug, 
las  Firs  are  not  of  unusually  fine  development, 
but  the  collection  possesses  a  very  striking  pen- 
dulous variety,  over  60  feet  high.  Among 
Larches,  the  most  notable  tree  is  a  specimen  of 
L.  dahurica,  61  feet  high,  that  produces  cones 
abundantly. 

The  fame  and  interest  of  the  pinetum  tend, 
perhaps,  to  make  one  overlook  the  attractions  of 
the  "hardwoods"  at  Bayfordbury.  But  there 
are  many  that  claim  admiration.  The  com- 
mon Oaks,  Field  Maples,  and  Yews  would  in 
themselves  give  distinction  to  any  demesne.  The 
American  Oaks,  too,  are  good,  especially  Quer- 
cus  rubra,  Q.  Phellos,  and  Q.  palustris,  as  are 
several  trees  also  of  the  hybrid  Q.  Turneri,  of 
semi-fastigiate  habit.  Another  interesting  tree, 
similar  in  form  to  the  last  mentioned,  is  the  fas- 
tigiate  variety  of  the  curious  Whitebeam  tree, 
Pyrus  pinnatifida,  forming  a  crowd  of  erect, 
slender  branches,  and  35  feet  high.  Two  fine 
old  trees  of  Crataegus  tanacetifolia,  one  of  the 
most  attractive  of  all  Thorns  in  flower  beauty, 
and  producing  large  yellow  haws,  having  a 
rather  Apple-like  flavour,  probably  date  back 
to  the  time  of  Loudon,  who  was  a  great  ad- 
mirer of  Thorns,  and  planted  them  largely. 
Another  fine  flowering  tree  is  Arbutus  Menziesii, 
the  "Madrono"  of  the  Californian  forests,  25  feet 
high,  which  bears  annually,  not  only  flowers,  but 
fruits.  Ulmus  campestris  viminalis,  that  curious 
Elm,  with  small  leaves  and  very  slender  twigs,  is 
represented  by  a  variegated  form  30  feet  high — 
one  of  the  most  effective  of  garden  trees  that 
have  no  beauty  of  flower. 

Mr.  H.  Clinton  Baker  was  one  of  the  first  to 
appreciate  the  present  shortage  in  the  supply  of 
suitable  Willow  timber  for  the  making  of  cricket 
bats.  On  the  banks  of  the  River  Lea  he  has  a 
prosperous  plantation  of  Willows  well  on  the 
way  to  a  marketable  size.     W.  J.  B. 


The  Week's  Work. 

THE  HARDY  FRUIT  GARDEN. 

By  T.  G.  Weston,  Gardener  lo  H.  J.  King,  Esq.,  Eastwell 
Park,  Kent. 

Perpetual- fruiting  Strawberries. — There  are 
about  half-a-dozen  varieties  of  this  type  of  Straw, 
berry  in  general  cultivation.  The  first  that  at- 
tracted attention  was  the  one  known  as  St. 
Joseph.  This  was  afterwards  crossed  with  Royal 
Sovereign,  one  of  the  progeny  being  the  well- 
known  St.  Antoine  de  Padoue  variety,  which 
has  fruits  larger  and  of  better  flavour  than  those 
of  St.  Joseph.  A  variety  of  later  introduction 
is  Laxton's  Perpetual,  which,  with  the  other 
two  described,  constitute  the  best  varieties  for 
planting.  Another  which  is  sometimes  in- 
cluded in  this  class  is  Louis  Gauthier.  This 
bears  large,  white,  or  blush-white  fruits. 
The  plant  is  a  vigorous  grower  and  a  prolific 
fruiter.  As  the  name  perpetual-fruiting  indi- 
cates, these  Strawberries  will  fruit  over  a  very 
extended  period  ;  but  it  is  best  to  pluck  off  the 
flower  scapes  during  the  time  the  ordinary 
Strawberries  are  in  fruit,  so  that  the  energies  of 
the  plants  may  be  conserved  until  August  and 
September.  They  will  then  give  a  succession  of 
good  fruits,  and,  if  a  little  protection  is  afforded 
them  during  unfavourable  weather,  the  supply 
will  be  maintained  late  in  the  season.  I  adopt 
the  following  treatment  for  these  Strawberries. 
They  are  planted  in  a  sunny  position  on  ground 
trenched  and  heavily  manured  the  previous  win- 
ter. In  the  early  spring  the  ground  is  afforded  a 
good  dusting  of  wood  ashes,  lime  and  soot,  well 
mixed  with  the  upper  soil.  Strong  runners  are 
planted  2  feet  apart  either  way.  This  amount 
of  space  is  necessary  in  order  that  the  air  may 
circulate  freely  about  the  plants  during  the  dull 
days  of  autumn.  Should  the  weather  be  dry 
after  planting,  water  is  afforded  until  the  roots 
are  established.  The  plants  grow  strongly,  and 
before  the  hot  weather  sets  in  they  are  afforded 
a  mulching  of  decayed  manure.  It  is  essential 
that  copious  waterings  should  be  given  when- 
ever the  ground  is  dry.  By  the  end  of  May  or 
June,    the    plants    commence    to   develop    their 


flowers  ;  but,  as  stated,  these,  together  with  any 
runners,  are  picked  off  as  soon  as  they  are  de- 
tected. This  stopping  is  practised  till  the  end  of 
July,  after  which  date  the  trusses  of  bloom  are 
allowed  to  develop.  At  that  stage  the  bed  re- 
ceives a  soaking  of  manure  water,  or  a  dressing 
of  artificial  manure,  which  is  washed  into  the 
soil  by  copious  waterings.  After  these  manu- 
rial  stimulants  have  been  applied,  clean  straw  is 
placed  around  the  plants.  If  extra  fine  berries 
are  desired,  the  trusses  are  thinned  of  most  of 
their  flowers.  The  fruits  are  supported  on  twigs 
or  wire  supports  that  are  sold  for  the  purpose 
by  the  sundriesmen.  Slugs  are  fond  of  these 
fruits,  and  must  be  guarded  against. 


FRUITS  UNDER  GLASS. 

By  E.  Harriss,  Fruit  Foreman,  Royal  Gardens,  Frogmore. 

Early  pot  vines. — As  soon  as  the  Grapes  on 
pot  vines,  which  were  started  into  growth  in  the 
autumn,  commence  to  colour,  less  moisture  will 
be  needed  in  the  atmosphere.  Discontinue  the 
afternoon  damping,  and,  as  the  Grapes  ap- 
proach to  ripeness,  keep  the  house  quite  dry. 
This,  however,  does  not  apply  to  the  roots, 
which  must  be  liberally  supplied  with  moisture, 
but  manurial  stimulants  must  be  gradually  with- 
held as  the  fruits  become  ripe.  Admit  plenty  of 
fresh  air  in  the  vinery  during  fine  weather,  both 
through  the  top  and  bottom  ventilators.  The 
top  ventilators  may  be  allowed  to  remain  open 
a  little  during  the  night-time.  The  lateral  shoots 
may  now  be  allowed  to  grow  unchecked. 

Early  permanent  vines. — Examine  the  bunches 
for  any  further  thinning  which  should  be  done 
before  the  berries  become  too  crowded.  In  the 
case  of  Black  Hamburgh  variety,  nothing  much 
is  needed  beyond  the  removal  of  a  few  of  the 
seedless  berries.  If  the  foliage  has  covered  the 
whole  of  the  trellis-work,  the  lateral  growths 
must  be  kept  in  check  by  pinching.  Guard 
against  mealy  bug,  and  should  mildew  appear 
dust  the  affected  parts  with  flowers  of  sulphur. 
A  little  of  this  substance  should  also  be  placed 
on  the  hot-water  pipes. 

Mid-season  vines. — The  stopping  and  regulat- 
ing of  the  shoots  will  need  attention.  Should 
the  vines  be  very  close  to  the  glass,  extra  cere 
will  be  needed  in  tying  the  laterals.  This  work 
is  best  done  either  at  the  end  of  the  day  or  dur- 
ing dull  weather,  as  at  such  times  there  is  less 
danger  of  the  shoots  being  damaged.  As  soon 
as  the  fruits  have  set  and  it  can  be  determined 
which  are  the  best  bunches,  remove  any  that  are 
not  required.  The  thinning  of  the  berries  must 
not  be  delayed,  as  they  swell  quickly  at  this 
season  of  the  year ;  when  they  are  crowded, 
the  thinning  cannot  be  accomplished  so  evenly 
or  well.  After  the  vines  have  passed  their  flower- 
ing stage  they  will  probably  need  watering  ;  this 
is  a  suitable  time  to  give  them  a  good  soaking 
with  liquid  manure. 

Cherries  in  pots. — Established  trees  which  are 
carrying  a  good  crop  of  fruits  must  be  top- 
dressed  with  some  rich  compost.  They  should 
also  be  watered  two  or  three  times  a  week  with 
liquid  manure,  or  be  given  chemical  manures. 
The  syringe  must  be  used  freely  during  fine 
weather,  and  the  paths,  &c,  damped  frequently 
in  order  to  maintain  a  moist  atmosphere.  An 
occasional  syringing  with  soft  soapy  water 
assists  to  keep  the  Cherry-fly  in  check.  Guard 
against  a  small  grub  which  will  be  found  inside 
curled  leaves.  These  pests  will  later  attack  the 
fruits  and  cause  much  damage  to  the  crop.  If 
it  is  desired  to  hasten  the  ripening  of  the  fruits 
this  may  be  done  by  closing  the  house  earlier  in 
the  afternoon,  but  on  no  account  afford  excessive 
fire  heat  at  night-time.  When  the  fruits  are 
ripening  the  syringing  must  be  discontinued,  and 
a  free  circulation  of  air  permitted  to  prevent  the 
fruits  from  cracking. 


PLANTS    UNDER   GLASS. 

By  A.  C.  Bartlett,  Gardener  to  Mrs.  Ford,  Pencarrow, 
Cornwall. 
Climbers. — The  shoots  of  climbing  plants  in 
greenhouses  require  to  be  frequently  thinned,  in 
order  to  produce  the  best  results  in  flowering. 
Weakly  snoots  should  be  at  once  removed,  and 
the  others  regulated  so  that  th;re  is  no  over- 
crowding. Seedlings  of  such  subjects  as  Momor- 
dica,  Lagenaria,  Luffa,  Trichosanthes,  Cucumis 
sativus  and  other  tropical  gourds  can  be 
potted  into  large  pots  or  may  be  planted  out 
in   mounds   of   soil   placed  on   the   stages.     The 


soil  can  be  hidden  by  dwarf  trailing  plants  such 
as  Selaginellas,  Panicum  variegatum,  and  Epis- 
cia  fulgens.  Ornamental  gourds  grown  under 
glass  require  a  similar  treatment  to  that  afforded 
Cucumbers. 

The  Rose  house. — Established  trees  are  growing 
freely  and  will  be  benefited  by  occasional  appli- 
cations of  tepid  manure  water.  When  the 
weather  permits,  the  foliage  should  be  syringed 
twice  daily  with  clear  water  until  the  flower- 
buds  are  showing  colour.  Spraying  in  the  after, 
noon  must  be  practised  on  fine  days  only,  and 
under  such  conditions  that  the  foliage  becomes 
quite  dry  before  dusk.  Avoid  a  high  tempera- 
ture in  the  house  at  night-time.  Fumigate  the 
house  once  a  week  to  keep  green  fly  in  check. 
Pot  Roses  in  flower  should  be  removed  to  a 
house  with  a  dry  atmosphere.  Place  fresh 
batches  of  pot  Roses  in  the  forcing  house  for 
successional  blooming. 

Tree  Carnations. — The  young  plants  must  not 
be  allowed  to  suffer  a  check  through  having  their 
roots  potbound  ;  they  must  therefore  be  transfer- 
red to  larger  receptacles  as  soon  as  they  have 
filled  the  smaller  pots  with  roots.  The  stopping 
of  the  shoots  is  a  much-debated  question.  Many 
persons  recommend  the  first  pinching  of  the 
shoots  whilst  the  plants  are  in  the  small  pots. 
Other  growers  claim  that  plants  which  are  not 
stopped  until  they  are  established  in  5-inch  pots 
and  about  8  or  9  inches  high  produce  a  greater 
number  of  strong-flowering  shoots  than  those 
that  are  stopped  earlier.  At  whatever  stage  the 
pinching  of  the  shoots  is  done  it  must  be  after 
the  plants  have  recovered  from  the  disturbance 
of  repotting. 

Jacobinias. — Cuttings  of  these  plants  should  be 
inserted  in  light  sandy  soil.  As  soon  as  the  cut- 
tings  are  rooted  they  should  be  potted  singly 
into  small  pots,  and  shifted  subsequently  to 
larger  receptacles  as  required.  The  best  inflo- 
rescences are  obtained  from  plants  which  have 
not  stopped.  Large  specimens  may  be  obtained 
by  placing  into  one  large  receptacle  all  the  cut- 
tings rooted  in  a  single  pot. 

Campanulas. — Campanula  isophylla  and  its 
varieties  may  be  divided,  or,  if  large  specimens 
are  required,  potted  on  into  larger  pots.  These 
plants  should  be  grown  under  a  cool  treatment. 
Seeds  of  C.  pyramidalis  should  be  sown  now  to 
provide  plants  for  flowering  next  year.  The 
strongest  plants  of  last  year's  raising  will  soon 
require  repotting.  Good  results  are  obtained 
when  this  Campanula  is  wintered  on  an  outside 
border  and  potted  up  just  before  the  flower- 
spikes  appear. 


THE  FLOWER  GARDEN. 

By  W.  A.  Cook,  Gardener  to  Sir  Edmund  G.  Loder,  Bart., 
Leonardslee,  Sussex. 

Hollies. — These  should  be  pruned,  lightly 
forked  at  the  roots  and  given  a  top-dressing  of 
rich  soil  and  manure.  Specimen  plants  on  lawns 
or  terraces  will  require  to  be  trimmed  very  care- 
fully in  order  to  preserve  their  shape.  They  are 
best  cut  with  a  knife  of  a  pair  of  secateurs  ; 
when  a  pair  of  shears  is  used,  many  of  the  leaves 
are  cut  in  halves.  For  trimming  large  hedges 
of  Holly  shears  should  be  used.  There  is  a 
large  number  of  varieties  of  this  evergreen  shrub 
and  nearly  all  of  them  are  worthy  of  places  in 
the  garden. 

Ornamental  Maples  may  now  be  planted.  The 
dwarf-growing  varieties  form  excellent  ground- 
work to  tall-growing  Liliums,  which  'should  be 
planted  as  pot  specimens. 

The.  herbaceous  border. — Complete  any  planting 
that  has  been  delayed  by  the  unfavourable  wea- 
ther. Ostrowskia  magnifica  is  a  very  handsome 
and  distinct  border  plant.  It  is  impatient  of  dis- 
turbance at  the  roots  and  should,  if  possible,  be 
planted  from  a  pot.  Monarda  didyma  forms  a 
fine  subject  for  the  mixed  flower  border.  The 
Inulas  provide  a  very  effective  display  during 
the  late  summer  and  autumn  months.  They 
prefer  a  somewhat  moist  situation.  Rudbeckias, 
Thalictrums,  Epimediums,  and  the  newer 
varieties  of  Michaelmas  Daisies  are  all  attrac- 
tive when  in  flower  at  the  end  of  the  summer. 

Mistletoe. — This  plant  may  be  made  to  grow 
irnon  the  Apple,  Poplar,  Thorn  and  Lime,  by 
making  a  crack  or  crevice  in  the  bark  and  in- 
serting the  seeds,  afterwards  plugging  the  cavity 
with  a  piece  of  cotton-wool.  This  precaution  is 
necessary  or  birds  and  mice  may  carry  off  the 
seeds. 


April  10,  1909.] 


THE     GARDENERS7     CHRONICLE. 


231 


Annual  climbers. — Hardy  varieties  may  be 
sown  in  small  pots.  These  include  Tropaeolums, 
Maurandya  Barclayana,  Convulvulus,  Ipomoea, 
and  Eccrernocarpus.  Gourds  may  also  be  raised 
for  training  over  poles,  arches,  or  old  walls. 
Another  excellent  plant  for  this  purpose  is  Man- 
devilla  suaveolens.  If  it  is  desired  to  shift 
Tropasolum  speciosum,  a  deep  hole  should  be 
made  about  the  roots,  which  descend  very  deeply 
in  the  ground.  This  Nasturtium  may  be  planted 
on  the  north  side  of  a  wall  or  tree,  in  which 
situation  it  succeeds  very  well. 

General  work. — Remove  any  protecting 
material  placed  about  tender  plants,  and  top- 
dress  their  roots  with  fresh,  rich  soil.  Camellias 
and  Palms  are  benefited  by  bonemeal  and  soot, 
which  should  be  lightly  forked  in  about  their 
roots.  Make  trim  the  shrubberies,  beds,  and 
borders,  pruning  and  staking  the  plants  and  then 
forking  the  soil.  Place  a  fresh  stake  to  any 
plants  that  require  it.  The  stakes  will  last 
much  longer  if  the  parts  that  enter  the  soil  are 
either  dipped  in  pitch  or  charred  ;  the  ends  may 
also  be  treated  with  sulphate  of  iron,  and  when 
dry   immersed   in   strong  lime  water. 

The  Alpine  garden. — Many  Primulas  are  easily 
raised  from  seeds,  including  P.  capitata  and  P. 
pulverulenta.  Afford  a  little  top-dressing  of 
loam,  leaf-soil,  bonemeal  and  soot  to  P.  rosea, 
P.  japonica  and  others  of  a  similar  type. 


THE    ORCHID    HOUSES. 

By  W.  H.  White,  Orchid  Grower  to  Sir  Trevor  Lawrence, 
Bart.,  Burford,  Surrey, 

Caiasetum,  Cycnoches  and  Mor  modes  are  nut 
only  curious  and  interesting  plants,  but  many  of 
the  species,  when  well  cultivated,  produce  hand- 
some spikes  of  flowers  that  have  a  decorati\e 
value ;  some  of  their  blossoms  are  fragrant.  The 
following  are  amongst  the  best  plants  of  these 
genera  from  a  garden  point  of  view: — Catase- 
tum  Russellianum,  C.  splendens,  C.  s.  imperiale, 
C.  s.  punctatissimum,  C.  s.  leucanthum, 
C.  O'Brienanum,  C.  tabulare,  C.  Darwini- 
anurn,  C.  Bungerothii  (pileatum),  C.  B.  Lindenii, 
C.  B.  aurantiacum,  and  C.  B.  Randii  (all  of  these 
have  received  either  a  First-class  Certificate  or 
anAward  of  Merit  from  the  Royal  Horticultural 
Society).  Among  the  Cycnoches  may  be  enumer- 
ated C.  pentadactylon,  C.  maculatum,  C.  peruvi- 
anum,  C.  Egertonianum,  C.  chlorochilon,  and  C. 
versicolor.  The  best  of  the  Morraodes  include 
such  beautiful  species  as  M.  luxata,  M.  1.  ebur- 
na,  M.  Rolfeana,  M.  pardina,  M.  buccinator, 
M.  Wendlandii,  M.  badia,  and  M.  Lawrenceana. 
These  plants  enjoy  a  long  rest  during  the 
winter  months,  but  they  are  now  commenc- 
ing to  grow,  and  will  require  immediate 
attention.  As  soon  as  the  young  growths  are 
seen  pushing  from  the  base  of  the  pseudo-bulbs, 
the  plants  should  be  turned  out  of  the  old  com- 
post, especially  if  it  consists  of  ordinary  peat 
and  moss.  Cut  away  the  dead  roots  to  within 
2  inches  of  the  pseudo-bulbs  ;  the  portions  of 
roots  which  remain  will  be  found  useful  when 
fixing  the  pseudo-bulbs  in  the  new  soil.  Last 
year  our  plants  were  potted  in  the  following  com- 
post, in  which  they  grew  exceedingly  well,  and 
produced  strong  spikes  of  bloom: — Osmunda 
fibre  and  Polypodium  fibre  in  equal  parts  cut  up 
moderately  fine  and  mixed  well  together,  with 
the  addition  of  small  broken  crocks.  No 
Sphagnum-moss  was  used.  Owing  to  the  lasting 
qualities  of  the  compost,  very  few  of  the  plants 
will  need  repotting  this  season. 

Repotting. — We  use  ordinary  flower-pots,  with 
three  holes  drilled  at  equal  distances  just  under 
the  rim,  to  which  suitable  copper  wire  handles 
are  attached.  These  handles  are  about  12  or  18 
inches  in  length,  according  to  the  size  of  the 
pseudo-bulbs.  The  pots  are  filled  with  material 
for  drainage  purposes  to  about  a  quarter  of  their 
depth,  clean,  broken  crocks  being  employed. 
The  plants  are  potted  firmly,  with  the  base  of 
each  young  growth  a  trifle  above  the  rim  of  the 
pot,  to  guard  against  damping.  All  long,  heavy 
pseudo-bulbs  should  be  securely  tied  to  the 
wires  to  keep  them  in  position.  For  several 
weeks  after  repotting,  water  must  be  afforded 
sparingly,  as  very  little  moisture  is  necessary 
until  the  growths  are  well  advanced  ;  but  as  soon 
as  the  roots  have  obtained  a  firm  hold  of  the 
compost,  they  will  need  copious  waterings.  The 
plants  should  be  suspended  well  up  to  the  roof 
glass  of  the  East  Indian  house.  One  of  the 
main  conditions  of  success  is  a  quick  develop- 
ment of  the  growths. 


Temperatures  in  the  various  houses. — East  In- 
dian house,  65°  to  75° ;  Cattleya  house,  60°  to 
70°  ;  the  intermediate  house  a  trifle  lower  ;  and 
the  cool  or  Odontoglossum  house,  50°  to  60°. 
The  lower  temperatures  given  are  for  night- 
time, and  the  higher  for  mid-day.  The  Mexican 
house  should  be  about  55°  at  night,  and  rise 
during  the  day,  by  sun's  heat,  to  80°  or  85°, 
at  the  same  time  plenty  of  ventilation  should  be 
afforded.  The  Odontoglossum  house  should 
have  plenty  of  fresh  air  admitted  when  the  wea- 
ther is  mild;  the  othert houses  will  require  a 
moderate  amount  of  ventilation  throughout  the 
day.  In  all  the  houses  we  leave  the  bottom 
ventilators  open  a  trifle  at  night-time  whenever 
the  weather  is  favourable.  All  the  houses  must 
now  be  damped  down  at  least  once  in  the  morn- 
ing and  again  during  the  afternoon. 


THE    KITCHEN    GARDEN. 

By  E.  Beckett,  Gardener  to  the  Hon.  Vicary  Gibbs 
Aldenham  House,  Elstree,  Hertfordshire.  ' 

Spinach.— This  has  proved  a  most  valuable 
green  vegetable  this  winter,  as  the  plants  have 
almost  entirely  escaped  injury  from  frosts.  A 
little  chemical  manure  and  a  dusting  of  soot 
about  the  roots,  with  frequent  hoeings  of  the 
soil,  will  do  much  to  assist  the  growth  and  im- 
prove the  edible  qualities.  Sowings  of  Spinach 
should  be  made  frequently  on  borders  facing 
south  or  west. 

Chinese  Artichokes  (Stachys  tuberifera). — This 
Artichoke,  when  properly  cooked,  forms  a  valu- 
able addition  to  our  list  of  autumn  and  winter 
vegetables.  To  produce  the  best  tubers,  it  needs 
careful  cultivation.  The  plant  dues  best  in  a 
light,  sandy  loam,  which  should  be  enriched 
with  well-decayed  manure  and  leaf-mould.  If 
the  tubers  are  not  already  planted,  this  should 
be  done  at  once,  placing  'them  in  rows  12  to  18 
inches  apart,  allowing  9  to  12  inches  between  the 
plants  in  the  rows.  Planting  may  be  done  with 
a  dibber,  or  the  tubers  may  be  placed  in  deep 
drills  made  with  a  hoe.  On  heavy  land,  it  is 
advisable  to  place  about  the  tubers  a  quantity  of 
old  hot-bed  manure  or  some  well-decayed  leaves. 

Globe  Artichokes. — Remove  the  material  that 
has  been  placed  about  the  plants  for  protection, 
and  apply  a  quantity  of  cinders  or  ashes  about 
the  roots.  This,  with  plenty  of  farmyard 
manure,  should  be  forked  into  the  ground  be- 
tween the  rows.  Suckers  which  were  potted  up 
in  autumn  and  have  wintered  in  pots  should  be 
planted  on  well-prepared  ground  at  a  distance  of 
•1  feet  from  row  to  row,  and  3  feet  between  the 
plants. 

Chicory. — This  is  a  valuable  salad  plant,  as 
well  as  an  extremely  useful  vegetable  for  cook- 
ing. Ground  intended  for  growing  Chicory 
should  be  deeply  trenched  and  well  manured 
during  the  winter  months.  Two  sowings  should 
be  made,  one  during  the  present  month  and 
another  in  May.  Sow  in  drills  drawn  1  foot 
apart. 

Ciibbages. — The  ground  about  the  plants  should 
be  deeply  and  constantly  hoed.  Draw  the  soil 
up  to  the  stems  to  prevent  the  wind  from  blow- 
ing them  about.  Cabbages  are  benefited  in 
spring  by  occasional  applications  of  quick-acting 
manures. 

Cauliflowers. — Autumn-raised  plants  should 
now  be  planted  in  their  permanent  quarters. 
These  give  much  the  finest  heads,  although 
many  persons  depend  on  plants  raised  from 
seeds  sown  in  the  spring.  Two  reliable  varieties 
are  Walcheren  and  Magnum  Bonum.  To  ensure, 
a  succession,  plant  in  different  aspects  and  at 
intervals. 

THE    APIARY. 

By  Chloris. 

Robbing. — When  the  supply  of  nectar  is  short, 
bees  resort  to  robbing  their  weaker  neighbours. 
As  the  weather  of  late  has  been  cold  and  wet, 
there  will  probably  be  much  robbing  this  season. 

How  to  detect  robbing. — The  scene  of  the 
trouble  is  on  the  alighting  board  near  the 
entrance.  When  all  is  well  within  the  hives, 
bees  alight  and  pass  in  with  their  load,  and  no- 
thing like  strife  is  seen  But  when  robbing  is 
being  carried  on  there  is  a  great  commotion.  The 
bees  are  seen  struggling  together  in  twos  and 
threes,  or  even  more,  and  rolling  to  the  ground 
tightly  embraced,  and  there  will  be  found  many 
dead  bees  on  the  ground  near  the  hive. 


How  to  cure  it. — The  first  step  is  to  ascertain 
the  cause.  Perhaps  it  is  due  to  the  carelessness 
of  the  beekeeper,  who  has  spilled  some  of  the 
syrup  whilst  feeding  ;  it  may  be  a  general  short- 
ness of  food  ;  or  it  may  be  that  a  hive  is  queen- 
less.  A  colony  without  a  queen  does  not  offer  a 
very  determined  stand  against  marauders.  Hav- 
ing found  the  cause  and  remedied  it,  the  next 
thing  is  to  guard  against  further  trouble.  If  rob- 
bing be  discovered  in  its  early  stages,  it  may  be 
easily  checked  by  closing  the  entrances,  so  that 
only  one  bee  can  pass  in  or  out.  Some  time  ago 
I  heard  of  an  excellent  device.  A  beekeeper  had 
been  much  troubled  with  robbing,  and  nothing 
he  did  had  any  effect.  He  eventually  placed  a 
square  of  glass  before  the  entrance,  which  made 
it  possible  for  bees  to  pass  in  and  out  at  the 
sides,  but  the  rcbbers  flew  against  the  glass 
and  failed  to  find  the  entrance. 

Painting  hives.— Those  who  failed  to  paint 
their  hives  last  autumn  should  do  so  now  as 
speedily  as  possible.  First  rub  the  hives  with 
glasspaper  to  ensure  a  smooth  surface.  Mix  the 
paint  as  follows:— 1  lb.  of  white  lead  mixed 
m  unboiled  linseed  oil  and  a  little  turpentine 
(boiled  linseed  oil  causes  paint  to  blister). 
Strain  the  paint  through  a  piece  of  muslin,  or 
an  old  stocking,  working  it  through  with  the 
brush.  If  a  colour  be  desired  (white  reflects  the 
heat  best)  a  little  sienna  will  give  a  stone  colour  ; 
the  addition  of  red  lead  will  produce  a  pink 
tone,  and  a  slate  tint  is  produced  by  adding  lamp 
black.  Remember  in  applying  the  paint  that 
the  object  is  not  to  put  on  as  much  as  possible, 
but  to  apply  a  thin,  even  coat.  This  will  take 
time,  but  it  will  be  time  well  spent.  Give  two 
coats,  and  after  the  first  is  applied  stop  any  holes- 
or  crevices  with  putty. 


PUBLIC   PARKS   AND   GARDENS. 

By  J,  W.  Moorman,  Superintendent  of  Victoria  Park, 
London. 

Seats. — A  plentiful  supply  of  seats  is  neces- 
sary in  every  public  garden.  They  should  be 
placed  in  positions  where  good  views  are  ob- 
tained, or  in  shady  spots,  such  as  beneath  trees, 
or  against  a  shrubbery.  The  type  of  seat  that 
is  principally  used  in  the  London  parks  consists 
of  three  iron  castings,  one  at  either  end  and 
the  other  in  the  centre,  to  which  wooden  seat- 
rails  are  secured  by  means  of  small  galvanised 
bolts.  The  largest  of  these  seats  is  formed  with 
13  wooden  rails,  each  of  which  is  about  2|  inches 
wide  and  1  inch  in  thickness.  A  smaller  seat  is 
sometimes  used,  which  only  takes  four  laths — 
two  for  the  back  and  two  for  the  bottom.  Another 
type  of  seat  is  made  from  old  Oak  timber,  such 
as  may  be  had  from  the  ship-breaking  yards, 
the  wood  being  bolted  to  a  galvanised  iron 
frame.  This  timber  is  very  durable  and  re- 
quires no  painting,  an  occasional  coating  of 
boiled  oil  being  all  that  is  necessary.  Rustic 
seats,  formed  of  branches  of  trees,  are,  when 
properly  constructed,  strong,  and  harmonise 
with  their  surroundings.  One  of  the  best  places 
for  a  rustic  seat  is  around  the  bole  of  a  large  tree 
near  to  the  pathway.  Such  seats  are  best  made 
in  a  circular  or  octagonal  shape,  with  dividing 
arms,  so  as  not  to  allow  a  person  to  recline  at 
full  length,  this  being  prohibited  in  the  L.C.C. 
parks.  All  the  seats  are  free  to  the  public,  ex- 
cept in  a  few  places  where  folding  chairs  are 
specially  provided  at  a  small  charge. 

Fences. — In  addition  to  the  proper  safeguard- 
ing of  the  shrubberies,  fences  are  necessary  for 
such  temporary  purposes  as  enclosing  a  piece  of 
worn  turf,  preventing  a  beaten  track  being  made 
across  the  grass,  and  protecting  the  verges, 
&c.  To  stop  people  treading  on  the  grass 
edge,  iron  posts,  about  15  inches  high,  are 
fixed  alongside  the  pathway  at  intervals  from  6 
to  9  feet,  and  through  these  are  strained  a 
flexible  wire.  Another  form  of  dwarf  fence  is 
sometimes  used,  with  standards  2  feet  in  height, 
set  in  concrete,  and  bearing  two  strands  of  wire 
about  14  inches  apart.  A  strong  post  with  a  cog- 
wheel arrangement  for  straining  the  wire  is  pro- 
vided at  intervals.  The  common  five-bar  hurdle 
is  used  largely  in  the  case  of  shrubberies  ;  un- 
climbable  fences  are  placed  in  spots  which  re- 
quire careful  protection.  This  latter  kind  of 
fencing  is  made  in  6  feet  lengths,  and  can  be  had 
from  3  feet  6  inches  to  5  feet  in  height. 
Although  termed  unclimbable,  small  boys  often 
surmount  it. 


232 


THE    GARDENERS'      CHRONICLE. 


[Apsii.  10,  lHog. 


EDITORIAL   NOTICE. 


ADVERTISEMENTS  should  be  sent  to  the  PUB- 
LISHER, 41,  Wellington  Street,  Covent  Garden, 
W.C. 

Letters  for  Publication,  as  well  as  specimens  of  plants 
for  naming,  should  be  addressed  to  the  EDITOR, 
41,  Wellington  Street,  Covent  Garden,  London. 
Communications  should  be  written  on  one  side  only  of 
the  paper,  sent  as  early  in  the  week  as  possible  and  duly 
signed  by  the  writer .  If  desired,  the  signature  will  not  be 
printed,  but  kept  as  a  guarantee  of  good  faith. 

Newspapers. — Correspondents  sending  newspapers  should  be 
carefulto  mark  the  paragraphs  they  wish  the  Editor  to  see. 

Special  Notice  to  Correspondents. — The  Editor  does  not 
undertake  to  pay  for  any  contributions  or  illustrations,  or 
to  return  unused  communications  or  illustrations,  unless  by 
special  arrangement.  The  Editor  does  not  hold  himself 
1 1  sponsible  for  any  opinions  expressed  by  his  correspondents. 

Illustrations.  -  The  Editor  ivill  be  glad  to  receive  andto  select 
photographs  or  drawings,  suitable  for  reproduction,  of 
gardens,  or  of  remarkable  plants,  flowers,  trees,  &c,  but  he 
cannot  be  responsible  for  loss  or  injury. 

Local  News. — Correspondents  will  greatly  oblige  by  sendingto 
the  Editor  early  intelligence  of  local  events  likely  to  be  of 
interest  to  our  readers,  or  of  any  matters  which  it  is  desirable 
to  bring  under  the  notice  of  horticulturists. 


SALES  FOR  THE  ENSUING  WEEK. 

WEDNESDAY— 

Herbaceous  and  Border  Plants,  Liliums,  &c,  at  12; 
Roses  at  1.30  ;  Palms,  Azaleas,  &.C.,  at  5  ;  at  67  &  68, 
Cheapside,  E.C.,  by  Protheroe  &  Morris. 

FRIDAY— 

Choice  Established  and  Imported  Orchids  in  large 
variety.  Orchids  in  flower  and  bud.  At  67  &.  68, 
Cheapside,  E.C.,  by  Protheroe  &  Morris,  at  12.45. 


Average    Mean    Temperature    for    the    ensuing    week, 
deduced  from  observations  during  the  last  Fifty  Years 
at  Greenwich — 4S'7°. 
Actual  Temperatures: — 

London. — Tuesday,  April  6  (6  p.m.):  Max.  52°; 
Min.  43". 
Gardeners'  Chronicle  Office,  41,  Wellington  Street, 
Covent  Garden,  London — Wednesday,  April  7 
(10  a.m.)  :  Bar.  38  2 ;  Temp.  55°  ;  Weather- 
Sunshine. 
Provinces. — Tuesday,  April  6  (6  p.m.):  Max.  52° 
Cambridge  ;  Min.  43c  Scotland,  E. 


The  great  International  show  of 
Berlin.       the   present   year   is   now   being 

held  in  Berlin,  in  the  presence 
of  a  considerable  number  of  foreign  visitors. 
Every  effort  has  been  made  to  get  together 
such  an  exhibition  as  cannot  fail  to  have  an 
influence  on  the  development  of  German 
horticulture,  and  in  this  endeavour  the 
Prussian  Horticultural  Society  has  been  suc- 
cessful. A  prodigious  amount  of  work  is 
connected  with  an  event  of  this  kind,  and  the 
most  skilful  organisation  is  necessary,  there- 
fore those  societies  which  have  already  held 
similar  exhibitions  have  most  valuable  experi- 
ence to  work  upon.  Except  for  occasional 
events  which  have  taken  place  in  France, 
most  of  the  International  horticultural  dis- 
plays for  years  past  have  been  made  in  Bel- 
gium by  the  Ghent  Botanical  and  Horticul- 
tural Society.  The  interval  of  five  years  be- 
tween the  successive  shows  gives  time  for 
the  perfecting  of  the  organisation  and  leads 
to  unqualified  success.  Here,  in  Germany, 
there  has  been  no  serious  attempt  at  any 
great  show  during  the  past  twenty  years, 
though  it  will  be  remembered  that  as  re- 
cently as  four  years  ago  a  smaller  show  was 
held  at  Diisseldorf.  In  these  circumstances 
the  Prussian  Horticultural  Society  is  entitled 
to  our  congratulations,  for  it  is  certain  that 
the  gathering  together  of  the  exhibits  from 
other  nations  has  a  first-rate  educational 
effect  upon  the  home  cultivators  in  any 
country,  however  skilful  they  themselves 
may  be  in  horticultural  practice. 

The  present  show  is  divided  into  31  sec- 
tion--, each  of  which  was  judged  bv  a 
separate  group  of  jurors.  There  were  150 
jurors,        including       representatives       from 


France,  Belgium,  Holland,  Sweden,  Russia, 
Denmark,  Italy,  and  England.  Such  an  ex- 
hibition needed  a  very  large  covered  area, 
and  the  Society  was  fortunate  in  obtaining 
the  two  magnificent  buildings  at  the  Zoo- 
logical Gardens.  These  have  only  been 
erected  during  the  past  two  years,  and 
were  designed  for  this  and  similar  purposes. 
They  are  lofty,  and,  in  addition  to  the  floor 
space  of  the  main  buildings,  there  are 
spacious  galleries,  separate  rooms  and  an- 
nexes, all  of  which  are  utilised  for  the  display 
of  the  exhibits.  The  area  covered  is  12,000 
square  metres,  or  about  2J  acres.  The  rent 
that  has  to  be  paid  for  the  buildings  during 
the  fortnight  the  exhibition  will  remain  open 
is  50,000  marks,  or  about  ,£2,500.  Beside 
providing  this  sum  the  Society  offered  prizes 
amounting  to  the  value  of  70,000  marks,  or 
£3,600.  The  wall  at  one  end  of  the  first 
building  is  decorated  with  a  painting  repre- 
senting' the  Kaiser's  residence  at  Corfu,  and 
the  effect  has  been  enhanced  by  reproducing 
in  front  of  the  painting  some  of  the  external 
features  of  that  island  (see  fig.  100).  The 
Kaiser,  who,  with  the  Kaiserin,  visited  the 
exhibition  on  Wednesday,  appeared  to  be 
keenly  interested  in  this  representation  of  the 
famous  Achilleion.  The  Imperial  partv 
was  escorted  through  the  exhibition  by 
Mr.  Otto  Beyrodt,  one  of  the  vice-presidents. 
The  same  building  contains  most  of  the 
Indian  Rhododendrons,  stove  plants  and 
similar  exhibits,  the  other  building  being 
used  principally  for  the  hardier  plants. 

Of  the  exhibits  themselves  it  may  be  said 
that  they  more  than  equal  expectation  ; 
but,  at  the  same  time,  there  is  little,  if  any- 
thing, superior  to  what  is  usually  seen  in 
England.  Probably  about  two-thirds  of  the 
exhibits  have  been  contributed  by  German 
exhibitors,  and  one-third  by  those  of  other 
nationalities.  Altogether  there  are  420  ex- 
hibitors. Belgium  contributes  most  of  the  fine 
foliage  plants,  including  the  excellent  group 
from  the  Van  Houtte  Nurseries  at  Ghent.  The 
Dutch  Bulb-Growers'  Society  have  produced 
a  striking  colour  effect  with  their  Hyacinths 
and  Tulips,  and  Holland  also  exhibits  a  con- 
siderable quantity  of  vegetables  and  salads, 
which  are  in  every  respect  creditable.  From 
France  there  are  choice  Orchids  from  Mons. 
Lambeau,  hybrid  Gerberas  from  Mons. 
Adnet,  Cinerarias  from  Messrs.  Vilmorin, 
Andrieux  and  Co.,  and  various  growers 
have  sent  cut  Carnations,  collections  of  fruit, 
vegetables  and  salads,  which  latter  exhibits 
are  amongst  the  best  in  the  show.  Particu- 
lars of  most  of  these  classes  will  be  found  in 
the  report  on  another  page,  but  we  may  draw 
special  attention  to  the  hybrid  Gerberas. 
Flowers  of  some  of  the  earlier  hybrids  have 
been  seen  at  the  Temple  shows  in  Lon- 
don, but  we  have  never  seen  such  a  present- 
ment of  their  infinite  variety  and  beauty  as 
that  now  shown  by  Mons.  Adnet.  The  de- 
velopment of  this  plant  must  be  highly 
gratifying  to  Mr.  Lynch,  who,  we  believe, 
raised  the  first  hybrids  at  the  Cambridge 
Botanic  Gardens. 

England  is  represented  by  but  few 
exhibits  of  which  the  chief  are  Orchids  from 
Messrs.  Charlesworth  and  Co.,  Carnations 
from  Mr.  C.  Engelmann  and  Mr.  G.  Lange, 
and  Pelargoniums  from  Messrs.  H.  Cannell 
and   Sons.      For   various  reasons,    the   horti- 


cultural trade  between  Germany  and  this 
country  is  not  equal,  for  instance,  to  that  be- 
tween ourselves  and  Belgium,  and  even  in 
respect  to  the  actual  trade  it  may  be  said  that 
we  are  usually  the  purchasers  rather  than 
the  sellers.  This  fact  may  explain  in  some 
measure  the  comparative  indifference  on  the 
part  of  British  growers  on  the  present  occa- 
sion, but  we  believe  that,  in  the  event  of  the 
Berlin  authorities  holding  a  similar  show 
again,  our  own  people,  amateur  as  well  as 
trade  cultivators,  will  be  found  to  be  more 
willing  to  send  exhibits. 

One  of  the  surprises  which  the  exhibition 
offers  is  the  extraordinary  number  of  hardy 
fruits  that  are  staged,  mainly  by  German 
cultivators.  No  such  extensive  display  has 
been  seen  at  an  exhibition  in  England 
so  late  in  the  season  as  April,  though 
smaller  collections  of  no  less  excellent 
preservation  and  quality  have  been  ex- 
hibited even  at  the  Temple  shows.  These 
exhibits  at  Berlin  may  be  taken  to  show- 
that  fruit  preservation  is  well  understood 
generally  by  cultivators,  and  that  this  ques- 
tion of  preservation  is  an  important  matter  to 
be  studied  if  the  culture  of  hardy  fruits  is  to 
be  made  profitable.  It  was  appropriate, 
therefore,  that  the  Crown  Prince  and  Prin- 
cess should  offer  a  special  prize  for  the  best 
collection. 

Indian  Azaleas  were  well  shown  bv  Mr. 
T.  J.  Seidel,  of  Dresden,  who  was  the  prin- 
cipal exhibitor  of  these  plants.  The  uncon- 
genial weather  of  the  present  spring',  how- 
ever, has  been  much  against  these  and  other 
plants  that  in  more  favourable  circum- 
stances woidd  have  appeared  to  better 
advantage.  Englishmen  were  impressed 
with  the  excellence  both  of  the  Cyclamens 
and  of  Primula  obconica.  We  have  never 
seen  such  fine  displays  of  Primula  obconica 
as  those  at  Berlin.  The  development  of  this 
plant  has  been  of  an  extraordinary  character; 
in  the  varieties  exhibited  the  colours  ranged 
from  white  through  mauve,  pink  and  red  to 
the  deepest  crimson,  whilst  in  some  varieties 
the  flowers  measured  as  much  as  two  inches 
across.  Cyclamen  cultivation  is  evidently 
well  understood  in  Germany,  the  groups  of 
these  plants  in  the  exhibition  being  remark- 
able for  their  unusually  large  and  finely- 
coloured  flowers  produced  in  the  greatest 
profusion. 

Like  most  of  the  Continental  shows,  the 
Berlin  Show  is  remarkable  for  the  good  taste 
evinced  in  the  arrangement  of  the  exhibits. 
In  this  respect,  though  not  in  the  excellence 
of  the  individual  classes,  the  Berlin  Show  is 
superior  to  the  exhibitions  to  which  we  are 
accustomed  in  this  co'untry.  In  Berlin  each 
several  exhibit  contributes  to  the  general 
harmony.  There  is  but  little  need  for 
stages,  since  most  of  the  plants  are 
bedded  out  in  natural  groups.  The  pots 
for  the  most  part  are  hidden,  there  are 
no  obstructive  labels,  and  any  architectural 
features  in  the  building  that  were  considered 
inelegant  are  either  draped  with  pleasing 
colours  or  covered  with  branches  of  Spruce. 

Contributions  to  the  scientific  side  of  the 
exhibition  are  made  by  the  State  schools  at 
Geisenheim  and  Dahlem. 

Nothing  could  exceed  the  hospitality  ex. 
tended  by  the  Prussian  Horticultural  Society 
to    the    foreign    guests.       On    April    1st    the 


April  10,  1909.] 


THE     GARDENERS'      CHRONICLE. 


judges  assembled  at  8.30  a.m.,  and  were  ad- 
dressed by  the  Presidents  of  the  Society  and 
jury.  After  the  adjudication  of  the  prizes  the 
jurors  were  entertained  at  luncheon.  On  the 
following  morning  at  ten  o'clock  the  exhibi- 
tion was  formally  opened  by  the  Crown 
Prince  and  Princess.  In  the  evening  the 
foreign  guests  and  others  attended  a  perform- 
ance at  the  Royal  Opera.  On  Saturday  even- 
ing they,  to  the  number  of  about  300,  were 
entertained  at  a  banquet  in  the  build- 
ings of  the  Zoological  Gardens.  The 
President  and  others  welcomed  the  guests  in 
appropriate  speeches,  and  responses  were 
made  by  representatives  of  each  country.  Sir 
Daniel  Morris,  K.C.M.G.,  who  represented 
•the  Council  of  the  Royal  Horticultural 
Society,  replied  on  behalf  of  England  and 
expressed  regret  that  English  exhibitors- 
were  not  better  represented.  He  related  a 
few  facts  concerning  the  Royal  Horticultural 
Society,  and  said  that  English  horticulturists 
desired  to  have  friendly  relations  with  those 
in  Germany  and  all  other  countries.  On  Sun- 
day and  Monday  there  were  organised  excur- 
sions to  the  Imperial  Gardens  at  Potsdam 
and  the  Imperial  Botanic  Gardens  at 
Dahlem. 

The  hope  was  expressed  at  Berlin  that,  in 
the  near  future,  England  would  take  steps 
•to  organise  an  International  exhibition.  We 
commend  the  proposal  to  the  consideration  of 
the  Council  of  the  Royal  Horticultural 
Society.  Many  in  this  eountry  would  wel- 
come an  opportunity  to  show  their  apprecia- 
tion of  the  generous  hospitality  extended  to 
Englishmen  on  many  occasions. 


Our  Supplementary  Illustration  repre- 
sents a  flower  of  the  fine  hybrid  between 
Laelia  Jongheana  and  Cattleya  Dowiana  aurea, 
raised  by  Mr.  H.  G.  Alexander,  Orchid 
grower  to  Colonel  G.  L.  Holford,  C.I.E., 
C.V.O.  This  hybrid  gained  a  First-class 
Certificate  at  the  Royal  Horticultural  So- 
ciety's meeting  on  February  23  this  year. 
Although,  in  point  of  form,  the  features  of  L. 
Jongheana  can  he  traced  in  the  flower,  it  is 
evident  that  the  influence  of  the  more  ample  C. 
Dowiana  aurea  has  predominated.  In  the  mat- 
ter of  colour,  however,  the  yellow  of  the  Cattleya 
has  been  suppressed  by  the  rose  tint  of  Laelia 
Jongheana  in  the  manner  often  seen  where  yel- 
low and  rose  have  been  crossed  with  each  other. 
The  flowers  of  L.-C.  Pizarro  are  of  very  fine 
substance,  of  a  bright  purplish-rose  colour, 
darkest  at  the  hase,  whence  a  series  of  gold- 
coloured  lines  extend  to  the  front. 

National  Auricula  and  Primula  Society 
(Southern  Section). — The  annual  exhibition 
of  this  Society  will  take  place  at  the  Horticul- 
tural Hall,  Vincent  Square,  Westminster,  on 
Tuesday,  April  20,  in  conjunction  with  the  fort- 
nightly meeting  of  the  Royal  Horticultural 
Society. 

How  the  American  Gooseberry-mildew 
Spreads. -An  outbreak  of  this  disease  having 
occurred  at  Eaton,  in  Norfolk,  Mr.  Garnsey,  the 
chief  inspector  of  the  Board  of  Agriculture, 
made  several  visits  to  the  district,  and,  in  con- 
sultation with  Mr.  J.  Ward,  the  local  inspector, 
traced  one  case  to  its  source.  A  workman  em- 
ployed in  the  garden  of  a  private  owner  took 
some  cuttings,  which  he  reared  in  his  own  gar- 
den. These  developed  mildew.  On  inquiry  of 
the  owner  of  the  bushes,  it  was  found  that  he 
had  obtained  them  from  a  firm  in  Essex. 


British    Gardeners-    Association.  —  We 

learn  from  The  Journal  of  this  association  that 
the  sub-committee  appointed  by  the  council  to 
consider  the  question  of  a  garden  to  which  un- 
employed members  might  be  drafted,  has  met  on 
several  occasions,  and  discussed  the  matter  from 
all  points  of  view.  Whilst  desirous  of  doing 
everything  possible  to  assist  members  who  are 
out  of  employment,  the  sub-committee  is  unable 
to  recommend  any  definite  scheme  to  the 
executive  council,  owing  to  the  great  financial 
responsibility  that  would  be  involved.  The  sub- 
committee is  of  opinion,  however,  that  such  a 
scheme  could  be  carried  on  with  greater  advan- 
tage if  conducted  either  as  a  limited  liability 
company,  or  privately,  the  association  having  a 
number  of  places  at  its  disposal  for  members 
during  their  period  of  unemployment.  If  a  con- 
veniently-situated piece  of  freehold  land  could 
be  purchased  at  a  reasonable  price,  a  gentleman 
would  be  willing  to  buy  the  land,  and  to  let  it 
to  the  association  on  such  annual  terms  as 
would  ultimately  render  it  the  property  of  the 
association. 

The  "  Botanical  Magazine." — In  the  issue 
of  this  work  for  the  current  month,  the  follow- 
ing plants  are  illustrated  and  described  :  — 

Impatiens  Hawkeri,  tab.  8247. — This  plant 
was  at  one  time  rather  extensively  cultivated  in 
gardens,  but  it  suffered  so  frequently  from  the 
attacks  of  the  Begonia  mite  (Tarsonymus),  that 
it  is  now  rarely  met  with.  It  was  introduced  by 
Messrs.  Bull,  of  Chelsea,  in  1886,  and  in  the 
same  year  a  full-page  illustration  of  the  plant 
was  given  in  the  Gardeners'  Chronicle,  p.  760, 
June  12.  The  plant  requires  a  warm  tempera- 
ture, with  plenty  of  atmospheric  moisture. 

Microloma  tenuifolium,  tab.  8248. — This  is 
the  Coral  Climber  of  South  Africa,  a  pretty 
Asclepiad,  having  waxy,  Hoya-like  blossoms, 
produced  in  axillary  bunches.  A  note  on  the 
plant  by  Mr.  W.  E.  Gumbleton  is  given  in  the 
Gardeners'  Chronicle,  February  1,  1908,  p.  79. 
This  gentleman  received  three  plants  from  Port 
Elizabeth,  and  furnished  the  material  from 
which  the  Botanical  Magazine  plate  was  pre- 
pared. The  flowers  produced  on  specimens  cul. 
tivated  in  greenhouses  in  this  country  are  not 
comparable  with  those  developed  in  the  plant's 
natural  habitat. 

Arbutus  Menziesii,  tab.  8249. — This  is  one  of 
David  Douglas's  introductions,  and,  although 
he  first  sent  plants  home  in  1825,  the  tree  has 
never  become  common  in  gardens.  There  are, 
however,  a  few  fine  trees  in  this  country  ;  one  at 
Bassett  Wood,  near  Southampton,  is  nearly 
50  feet  high.  One  of  the  most  interesting  fea- 
tures of  the  tree  is  its  smooth,  cinnamon- 
coloured  stems  and  branches.  In  common  with 
most  Ericaceous  plants,  this  Arbutus  succeeds 
best  in  a  rooting  medium  of  peat,  and,  failing 
that,   a   sandy   loam. 

Strophanthus  Preussii.  —  This  tropical 
climber  is  a  native  of  the  regions  of  the  Gold 
Coast  and  the  Congo.  The  inflorescences  form 
terminal  cymes,  the  individual  flowers  having 
long  tails  to  the  corolla  lobes,  as  much  as 
12  inches  long.  The  flowers  are  pale  orange,  the 
filiform  appendages  being  red.  The  anthers 
also  are  red.  The  specimen  figured  was  raised 
from  seeds  forwarded  to  Kew  in  1902  by  Mr.  W. 
H.  Johnson,  from  the  Botanic  Station  at  Aburi, 
Gold  Coast. 

Anthurium  trinerve,  tab.  8251. — This  species 
is  nearly  allied  to  A.  violaceum.  It  is  one  of 
the  few  Anthuriums  which  are  attractive  on  ac- 
count of  the  bright  colour  of  their  fruits.  In 
this  instance  the  berries  are  lilac-coloured.  The 
plant  is  not  the  same  as  A.  trinervium  of  Kunth, 
a  plant  which  has  much  larger  cordate  leaves 
than  those  of  A.   trinerve. 


Metropolitan  Public  Gardens  Associa- 
tion.— In  the  twenty-sixth  annual  report  are  given 
detailed  lists  of  the  work  which  the  Association 
has  carried  through  during  the  past  year,  and  of 
the  various  projects  which  it  has  on  hand,  to- 
gether with  an  account  of  several  new  parks,  re- 
creation grounds  and  extensions  to  existing 
spaces  in  the  acquisition  of  which  it  has  assisted. 
Amongst  these  may  be  mentioned  the  Barking 
Road  recreation  ground  at  East  Ham — which  was 
opened  on  July  15  by  H.R.H.  Princess  Louise, 
Duchess  of  Argyll— and  an  addition  of  12  acres 
to  Ruskin  Park.  Trees  have  been  planted  in 
many  thoroughfares,  including  several  miles  of 
streets  in  East  Ham  and  Walthamstow ;  seats 
have  been  placed  in  existing  gardens,  open 
spaces,  and  public  pathways  ;  and  prizes  have 
been  given  in  connection  with  window-gardening 
competitions  in  various  parts  of  London. 

Ruskin  Park,  Camberwell.— Twelve  acres 
of  adjoining  land  have  been  added  to  this  recently- 
acquired  park,  largely  through  the  instrumen- 
tality of  the  Bishop  of  Southwark,  a  vice-chair- 
man of  the  Metropolitan  Public  Gardens  Associ- 
ation, and  Mr.  F.  Trier.  The  Association  con- 
tributed £400  to  the  purchase  fund.  The  total 
cost  of  the  land  was  £24,000,  of  which  one-half 
was  contributed  by  the  London  County  Council, 
£1,000,  £2,000,  and  £750  by  the  Camberwell, 
Lambeth,  and  Southwark  Borough  Councils  re- 
spectively, and  £500  by  the  City  Corporation, 
the  remainder  being  obtained  from  voluntary 
sources.  The  purchase  has  still  to  be  com- 
pleted. The  ground  will  be  laid  out  and  main- 
tained by  the  London  County  Council,  and  is 
intended  especially  for  the  playing  of  games. 

The    Island   of   St.    Helena.— In  a  paper 
read  before  the  members  of  the  Royal  Society  of 
Arts,  Mr.  John  C.  Mellis,  M.Inst. C.E.,  F_.(  ;.S  , 
stated  that  St.  Helena  presents  some  extremely 
interesting  problems  in  natural  history,  which, 
up  to  the  present  time,  have  completely  puzzled 
the  most  able  scientists.  The  indigenous  flora  of 
St.  Helena  comprises  77  different  kinds  of  plants, 
locally  known  as  "  Cabbage-trees,"  "  gumwood," 
"red  wood,"  "dog  wood,"  "  scrubwood  "  ;   and 
also    26     kinds     of    tree    and     smaller    Ferns. 
Some    50   of   these    plants    are    peculiar    to    the 
island,  and  cannot  be  regarded  as  specific  allies 
of  any   other   plants.      A   peculiar   feature  con- 
nected with  them  is  that,  with  scarcely  an  ex- 
ception,  all  the   flowering   plants  produce   pure 
white  blossoms.    There  are  some  20  varieties  of 
marine  fish  which  are  peculiar  to  the  locality. 
Some  20  species  of  land  shells  are  indigenous, 
and  have  not  been  met  with  elsewhere.    Thirteen 
of  the  20  have  already  become  extinct,  and  are 
now  found  only  in  -a.  dead  state  on  the  surface  of 
the  ground,  where  the  native  vegetation  has  dis- 
appeared.     Out   of   a   total   of   203   species    of 
beetles  found  on  the  island,  some  129  are  true 
aborigines,   and  have  been  found  nowhere  else 
on  the  globe.     How  did  these  plants  and  insects 
originate?     How  did  they  get  to  this  remote  and 
isolated   spot,   and  why  are  they  gradually  be- 
coming extinct?     The  gradual  dying  out  of  the 
native  plants  has  been   attributed  to  the  intro- 
duction of  exotic  plants  and  goats,  which,  in  the 
one  case,  have  overgrown  and  killed  the  native 
vegetation,  and,  in  the  other,  have  destroyed  the 
young  plants  ;   but  anyone  who  has  studied  the 
subject  on  the  spot  cannot  fail  to  arrive  at  the 
conclusion  that  these  reasons  are  wholly  insuffi- 
cient to  account  for  the  facts.   Change  of  climate 
may  possibly  be  a  contributory  cause  of  the  pass- 
ing  away    of   this   wonderfully    interesting,    in- 
digenous flora  and  fauna.     That  such  a  change 
has  occurred   is  very  probable,   seeing  that  the 
island  was,  at  some  remote  period,  much  larger 
and  more  elevated  than  it  is  at  present. 


234 


THE     GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


[April  10,  1809. 


THE    ROSARY. 


CULTURAL    NOTES    FOR    APRIL. 

The  severe  weather  of  February  and  early 
March  killed  many  Roses  in  all  parts  of  the 
country ;  whilst  many  which  were  not  killed 
outright  have  been  badly  injured.  All  damaged 
shoots  must  be  cut  back  to  sound  wood,  prun- 
ing to  a  prominent  outside  bud.  Although  this 
severe  pruning  may  appear  a  great  sacrifice  of 
growth  now,  it  will  result  in  the  formation  of 
strong  shoots  that  will  do  much  to  place  the 
bushes  once  again  in  a  good  condition.  In  late 
districts,  the  second  and  third  week  in  April 
will  be  soon  enough  to  start  pruning  dwarf 
Roses  that  will  furnish  a  supply  of  early 
blooms.  The  damage  caused  this  winter  has 
shown  the  value  of  thinning  out  all  weakly  and 
unripened  shoots  during  the  summer  and  autumn 
months,  thus  enabling  those  which  remain  to 
become  well  ripened  and  hard  enough  to  escape 
damage  by  cold  Long,  well-ripened  shoots  of 
dwarf  Roses  may  be  bent  carefully  down  to 
within  6  inches  of  the  soil  and  secured  by  pegs. 

All  materials  placed  about  the  bushes  for 
protection  and  soil  that  has  been  earthed  up 
about  the  stems  should  now  be  removed.  There 
will  be  many  vacancies  to  be  made  good  amongst 
the  plants,  and  these  will  be  better  supplied  by 
pot  plants  that  have  been  wintered  in  cold 
frames.  All  newly-planted  Roses,  as  well  as 
those  which  are  established,  should  have  fresh 
mulchings  of  fermented  manure  placed  over 
their  roots,  and  the  manure  should  be  lightly 
covered  with  soil.  Mulching  should  also  be  ap- 
plied to  cuttings,  and  if  the  soil  about  these  has 
been  loosened  by  the  frost,  it  must  be  made  firm 
again  by  treading. 

Any  plants  that  have  lost  their  bottom 
branches  should  be  cut  hard  back.  This  will 
cause  the  dormant  buds  at  the  base  of  the 
stem  to  break,  and  thus  furnish  a  number  of  new 
growths.  This  remark  applies  especially  to  pil- 
lar and  climbing  varieties.  These  new  growths 
will  be  stimulated  if  a  top-dressing  of  some  rich 
soil  and  manure  is  given  the  plant. 

Roses  Indoors. 

The  last  batch  of  dwarf  Roses  intended  for 
forcing  should  now  be  placed  under  glass.  If 
submitted  to  gentle  forcing,  they  will  be  in 
bloom  just  prior  to  the  Roses  in  the  open. 
It  will  suffice  if  artificial  warmth  is  afforded 
during  the  night-time  only,  allowing  the  ther- 
mometer to  reach  65°  or  70°  During  the  day- 
time, ventilation  can  be  freely  afforded,  and 
plenty  of  moisture  sprinkled  about  the  house. 
The  ventilators  should  be  closed  early  during  the 
day,  so  as  to  avoid  the  necessity  for  too  much 
fire  heat  during  the  night-time.  Directly  aphis  is 
detected  on  the  foliage,  fumigate  with  some  nico- 
tine compound.  This  pest  may  be  kept  in  check 
by  syringings  of  clear  water  ;  but  do  not  moisten 
the  foliage  when  the  sun's  rays  are  shining 
directly  on  them.  Red  spider  is  another  pest  of 
Roses  indoors ;  but  this  may  be  kept  down 
by  damping  and  syringing  with  clear  water. 
The  repotting  of  plants  grafted  last  autumn  and 
winter  should  now  be  completed.  They  will 
not  need  much  attention,  except  staking  and 
fumigating.  When  the  temperature  in  the  house 
reaches  60°,  the  top  ventilators  may  be  opened. 
A  considerable  number  of  the  cuttings  will  now 
be  well  rooted,  and  should  be  potted  into  4  or 
4J-inch  pots.  They  should  be  plunged  in  a  new 
hot-bed,  prepared  in  advance,  which  will  also 
serve  for  the  rooting  of  other  cuttings.  The  old 
hot-beds  should  have  linings  of  fresh  manure 
placed  around  them  in  order  that  the  heat  may 
be  maintained.  These  cuttings  must  be  care- 
fully shaded  and  watered.  It  will  be  advisable 
to  cover  the  frames  at  night-time  with  mats,  to 
assist  in  maintaining  the  requisite  degree  of 
warmth.  The  plants  that  have  furnished  these 
cuttings  should  be  hardened  off  gradually,  so 
that  they  may  be  placed  outside,  where  they  will 


remain  throughout  the  summer  to  mature  their 
new  shoots.  Afford  them  a  warm,  sunny  posi- 
tion, and  they  will  form  excellent  subjects  for 
early  forcing  next  winter.  Pot  Roses  used  for 
forcing  should  be  discarded  after  the  third  or 
fourth  year,  as,  after  that  period,  they  produce 
inferior  blooms.  Where  Roses  are  required  in 
quantity  early  in  the  season,  it  is  desirable  to 
have  the  plants  potted  up  in  the  late  spring — the 
present  being  the  proper  time — so  that  the  plants 
may  be  well  established  by  the  autumn. 

Roses  planted  in  borders  under  glass  should 
be  given  an  abundance  of  fresh  air  during  the 
daytime,  and  the  ventilators  may  remain  open 
a  little  during  the  night.  After  the  end  of  April, 
artificial  heat  may  be  dispensed  with  ;  but  it  is 
advisable  to  maintain  sufficient  warmth  in  the 
houses  at  night-time  to  keep  the  air  in  circula- 
tion. If  the  air  becomes  stagnant,  the  plants 
are  liable  to  mildew,  especially  if  the  at- 
mosphere is  kept  very  humid.  Do  not  neglect 
to  fumigate  the  plants  whenever  aphis  is  de- 
tected. A  mulching  of  manure  spread  over  the 
roots  will  assist  the  plants  with  their  last  crop 
of  flowers,  which  will  be  ready  for  cutting  dur- 
ing May.  After  that  month  the  houses  may  be 
thrown  wide  open,  and,  if  the  lights  are  remov- 
able, they  may  be  taken  off  entirely.     /.  D.  C. 


HOME   CORRESPONDENCE. 

(The  Editor  does  not  hold  himself  responsible  Jor  the 
opinions  expressed  by  his  correspondents.) 

Culture  of  Cucumbers.— Mr.  E.  H.  Jenkins 
states  (p.  193)  that  "  before  the  Cucumber  disease 
(Cercospora  melonis)  became  prevalent,  it  was 
possible  to  maintain  a  continuous  supply  of 
fresh  Cucumbers  from  May  to  September  inclu- 
sive," adding  that  "  he  had  cut,  from  plants 
raised  in  April,  superb  young  fruits  in  October," 
remarking  that  "  unfortunately  this  cannot  be 
done  to-day,  owing  to  plants  becoming  a  prey 
to  the  leaf-spot."  Before  and  since  the  appear- 
ance of  Cercospora  melonis  a  continuous  supply 
of  fresh  Cucumbers  has  been  maintained  annu- 
ally in  many  private  and  market-garden  estab- 
lishments not  only  from  May  to  September  in- 
clusive, but  from  the  end  of  February  to  the  end 
of  the  following  January,  and  this,  too,  in 
market-garden  Cucumber  houses,  and  without  the 
aid  of  bottom  heat,  the  plants  being  simply  set 
out  on  small  ridges,  consisting  of  light,  loamy 
soil  and  half-rotted  stable  manure  in  equal  parts 
formed  on  the  floor  of  the  house.  In  the  case 
of  Cucumbers  grown  for  market  three  plant- 
ings are  made  during  the  year,  in  order  to  have 
a  continuous  supply  of  fruits.  I  have  cut  excel- 
lent Cucumbers  from  the  same  plants  for  a 
period  extending  over  15  months,  the  plants 
being  grown  in  boxes  2  feet  long,  1  foot  deep, 
9  inches  wide  at  the  bottom,  and  12  inches  wide 
on  the  top.  They  were  placed  over  and  within 
a  few  inches  of  a  flue  in  the  back  wall  of  a 
three-quarter  span  Pine  stove  and  within  2  feet 
of  the  roof  glass.  The  plants  were  fed  liberally 
with  top-dressings  and  artificial  manure,  &c. 
Moisture  was  applied  to  the  roots  three  or 
four  times  a  day  during  hot  weather,  includ- 
ing frequent  waterings  of  liquid  manure.  The 
growths  were  kept  well  thinned  out  and  stopped, 
the  old  wood  being  cut  out  from  time  to  time 
to  make  room  for  young  growths.  Since 
the  disease-resisting  Cucumber  has  been  in- 
troduced into  market  nurseries,  the  "  spot " 
disease  has  practically  become  a  thing  of  the 
past.  In  the  fourth  paragraph  of  Mr.  Jenkins's 
article,  he  says  "  that,  disastrous  as  the  results 
of  this  fungal  disease  are,  cultural  errors  are 
responsible  for  a  loss  equal,  if  not,  indeed, 
greater,  than  that  caused  by  the  fungus,"  add- 
ing "this  is  all  the  more  to  be  regretted,  because 
it  is  preventable."  The  cultural  errors  referred 
to  by  Mr.  Jenkins  are  the  "  uniform  advice  of 
Calendar  writers  to  stop  the  leading  shoots  of 
the  young  plants  at  3  feet  or  when  they  have 
reached  the  third  wire."  I  fail  to  see  anything 
wrong  in  this  advice,  seeing  that  Cucumber 
houses  erected  for  market  purposes  are,  as  a 
rule,  the  same  width  and  height.  Mr.  Jenkins 
avers  "  that  young  Cucumber  plants  should  be 
allowed  to  grow  unchecked  until  the}'  have 
reached  to  within  1  foot  of  the  ridge  in  a  house 


10  or  11  feet  wide  and  7  or  8  feet  to  the  ridge." 
He  considers  stopping  of  the  young  plants 
to  be  "  wrong  in  principle  and  in  prac- 
tice." Long  experience  convinces  me  that  this 
principle  is  right,  and  that  Mr.  Jenkins  is  wrong. 
All  engaged  in  growing  Cucumbers  for  market 
stop  the  young  plants  at  the  third  or  fourth  wire 
of  the  trellis,  to  induce  the  plants  to  send  out 
fruit-bearing  laterals  and  to  bear  fruit  fit  for 
marketing  weeks  earlier  than  would  otherwise 
be  the  case,  thereby  obtaining  higher  prices  for 
the  earlier  fruits.  After  an  interval  of  a  few 
days  a  fresh  leader  pushes  from  each  plant,  and 
this  is  stopped  when  it  has  attained  to  a  length 
of  about  2  feet.  Fruit-bearing  laterals  follow 
this  stopping  in  due  course,  and  a  few  more 
wires  of  the  trellis  are  clothed  with  healthy 
growths.  In  due  time  the  young  leading  shoots 
are  stopped  once  more  midway  between  the  top 
wire  of  the  trellis,  and  within  a  short  time  the 
latter  will  become  furnished  throughout  with 
healthy  foliage  and  a  profusion  of  young  fruits 
in  various  stages.     H.  W.  W. 

Onions  for  Market  (see  p.  217). — I  am 
surprised  that  the  cultivation  of  such  a  profitable 
vegetable  as  the  Onion  is  not  carried  out  on  a 
much  larger  scale  than  it  is  in  this  country. 
A.  D.  advises  sowing  the  seeds  in  frames  early 
in  February,  and  afterwards  transplanting  the 
seedlings  in  their  permanent  quarters,  12  inches 
apart.  Is  this  a  better  system  than  sowing  the 
seeds  in  the  open,  10  inches  between  the  rows, 
and  afterwards  thinning  to  the  same  distance 
from  plant  to  plant?  Would  the  small  Onions 
removed  in  thinning  and  sold  as  spring  Onions 
for  salads,  &c,  compensate  for  the  extra  labour  . 
and  seeds.  A.  D.  mentions  the  variety  Ailsa 
Craig,  and  if  that  variety  only  were  grown,  his 
practice  would  be  the  best,  for  this  Onion  does 
best  raised  under  glass  and  transplanted.  But 
are  there  not  other  good  varieties  which,  if  culti- 
vated as  I  suggest,  would  yield  a  crop  quite 
equal  in  weight  to  that  of  Ailsa  I  'raig  grown  as 
A.  D.  suggests?  The  expense  of  the  frames  is 
considerable.  S.  J.  Martin,  Craig  Wen  Gardens, 
Menai  Bridge,  Anglesey. 

The  system   of  culture   advocated  by 

A.  D.,  on  p.  217,  for  the  raising  of  large  Onions 
for  market,  I  carried  into  effect  a  few  years  ago. 
Ten  tons  of  Onions  were  grown  as  described  last 
week,  the  variety  being  Cranston's  Excelsior.  I 
found,  however,  that  the  only  large  demand  for 
English  Onions  is  in  the  case  of  those  of  the 
white  Spanish  type,  such  as  Rowsham  Park- 
Hero,  the  best  of  that  class  perhaps.  Instead  of 
making  £60  per  acre,  we  realised  no  more  than 
was  sufficient  to  pay  the  expenses  of  planting- 
out,  cultivating,  harvesting,  and  burning  those 
unsold.  The  Dutch  growers  flooded  the  market 
with  Onions  at  £2  10s.  per  ton.  In  any  case, 
white  Spanish  is  the  only  type  that  should  be 
sown  in  the  open.  Thomas  Kitley,  Old  field  Nur- 
series, Bath. 

The  Decline  of  Woodland  Industries. — 

It  is  correct,  as  Mr.  Webster  points  out  on  p.  195, 
that  rural  industries  are  vanishing  rapidly.  In 
the  case  of  underwood,  this  was  formerly 
worth  £6  per  acre,  but  now  30s.  is  the 
top  price.  To  spend  time  and  labour  in  mak- 
ing the  material  into  faggots  is  now  useless,, 
as  there  is  little  demand  for  them.  Coal  has 
superseded  wood  for  brick  burning  and  steam 
for  bread  baking.  Hurdle-making  is  also  a  de- 
clining industry.  The  only  remedy  I  can  see  is 
to  clear  the  woods  and  grow  more  agricultural 
produce.  Hop  poles  were  in  much  demand  a 
few  years  since,  but  many  of  the  hop  plantations- 
have  been  grubbed  up,  whilst  wire  and  cocoanut 
fibre  string  have  largely  superseded  the  use  of 
poles  as  supports.  Those  who  wish  to  grow 
timber  for  use  on  estates  or  for  selling  should 
plant  Corsican  Pines  and  Spruce  Fir  in  batches 
by  themselves  in  rows  5  feet  by  4  feet.  Keep- 
the  trees  free  from  rank  undergrowth  and 
vermin.  Remove  the  lower  boughs  as  they  die, 
and  in  30  years'  time  much  valuable  material 
will  be  available  for  home  use.     E.  Molyncux. 

Griselinia  littoralis  (see  pp.  196  and  221). 
■ — Recently  in  a  South  Coast  nursery  I  saw  rows- 
of  well-grown  plants  of  Griselinia  littoralis  4  feet 
high  planted  in  a  light  soil  killed  by  the  recent 
frosts.  The  nurseryman  was  greatly  regretting 
this  mishap,  as  he  had  on  his  books  numerous- 
orders  for  this  plant.     E.  HI. 


April  10,  190!).] 


THE     GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


235 


BERLIN    INTERNATIONAL    SHOW, 

(See  also  page  232.) 


April  2-13. — The  great  international  horti- 
cultural exhibition  organised  by  the  Prus- 
sian Horticultural  Society  was  opened  by 
their  Imperial  Highnesses  the  Crown  Prince 
and  Princess  of  Germany  on  Friday,  April  2. 
Their  Imperial  Majesties  the  Kaiser  and 
Kaiserin  had  visited  the  exhibition  two  days 
earlier  and  before  the  exhibits  were  perfectly 
arranged.  In  the  following  report  we  deal  only 
with  the  exhibits  in  a  general  manner,  indicat- 
ing the  most  important  features.  No  attempt 
is  made  to  study  each  individual  class  or  to 
enumerate  all  the  prize-winners. 

Another  exhibition  will  be  opened  on  April  7, 
composed  of  florists'  exhibits,  and  it  is  expected 
that  the  Kaiser  and  Kaiserin  will  again  visit 
the  show  on  that  day. 

The  three  principal  special  prizes,  namely, 
that  offered  by  the  Emperor,  that  by  the  Crown 
Prince,  and  the  large  exhibition  Gold  Medal 
offered  by  the  Prussian  Horticultural  Society 
were  awarded  by  ballot  of  all  the  jurors. 
The  result  of  the  hallot  was  as  follows : 
The  Emperor's  prize  for  the  best  exhibit  of  cul- 
ture in  the  show  was  given  to  Mr.  Donner,  Tutt. 
lingen,  for  an  exhibit  of  Carnations  ;  the  Crown 
Prince's  prize  for  the  best  group  in  the  show  to 
Mr.  Adolf  Koschel,  Charlottenburg ;  and  the 
Society's  large  Gold  Medal  for  the  most  decora- 
tive exhibit  to  the  Dutch  Bulb  Growers'  Asso. 
ciation  for  their  parterre  of   Hyacinths. 

Orchids. 

For  an  international  exhibition,  the  display  of 
Orchids  was  disappointing.  Germany  was  re- 
presented chiefly  by  Mr.  Otto  Beyrodt,  Berlin, 
whose  speciality  is  the  production  of  Orchid 
blooms  for  market.  His  group  contained  a  col- 
lection of  Odontoglossums,  among  which  we 
noted  some  good  forms  of  O.  excellens,  O.  for- 
mosum,  and  O.  harvengtense,  some  of  the  most 
useful  of  Cattleyas,  and  a  number  of  well- 
flowered  Oncidium  concolor. 

The  chief  collections  came  from  Belgium, 
France,  and  England,  that  from  F.  Lambeau, 
Brussels,  being  by  far  the  largest,  and  it  con- 
tained a  considerable  number  of  the  choicest 
kinds.  Among  his  Odontoglossums  were  fine 
forms  of  O.  excellens,  O.  altum,  O.  crispum  J. 
N.  Whiteley,  O.  Lambeauianum,  bearing  a  spike 
of  nine  perfect  flowers,  O.  crispum  Von  Armin 
Czicwen,  and  O.  crispum  Kronprinz  Wilhelm,  in 
which  the  whole  flower  is  coloured  deep  choco- 
late brown,  the  sepals,  petals  and  lip  all  having 
a  narrow  margin  of  white.  Some  first-rate 
varieties  of  Cattleya  Schroderae,  Miltonia  Bleu- 
ana,  Brasso-Cattleyas,  Laslio-Cattleya  Digbyana 
crosses,  L.-C.  Dominiana  Kaiserin  Augusta  Vic- 
toria, bearing  a  huge  flower  coloured  rich  rose 
purple,  with  an  enormous  crimson  maroon  lip  ; 
Cymbidium  insigne,   and   Cattleya  nivea. 

From  Mr.  Charles  Marox,  Brunvy,  came  a 
large  collection  of  choice  Orchids,  among  which 
were  many  of  his  own  hybrids,  chiefly  Cattleyas 
and  Laelio-Cattleyas,  and  two  large  beautifully- 
flowered  plants  of  Cattleya  intermedia  alba. 

Messrs.  Charlesworth  &  Co.  sent  a  small 
collection  of  their  best,  among  which  we  noted 
two  good  varieties  of  Odontoglossum  Ossulstoni, 
one  bearing  a  spike  with  about  40  flowers,  O. 
Pescatorei  Duchess  of  Westminster,  O.  arden- 
■tissimum  virginale,  four  Odontiodas,  Cattleya 
Empress  Frederic,  and  various  Cypripediums 
and  Brasso-Cattleyas. 

Palms,  Ferns,  and  Other  Foliage  Plants. 

There  were  no  very  large  collections  of  Palms, 
■Cycads,  &c,  such  as  are  seen  at  the  great  Bel- 
gian exhibitions,  nor  were  there  many  excep- 
tional specimens.  The  plants  generally 
consisted  of  marketable  specimens  of  con- 
venient size  for  use  in  ordinary  room 
decoration,  and  good  in  quality.  The 
best  collection  of  big  specimens  was  exhi- 
bited by  the  Societe  Anonyme  Horticole, 
Ghent  (Louis  van  Houtte  Pere).  It  contained 
many  ^rst-rate  examples  of  Aroids,  Cycads, 
Dracaenas,  Palms,  and  Bromeliads,  as  well  as 
flowering  plants  such  as  Orchids  and  Hippeas- 
trums,  and,    arranged    across   the   end    of   the 


great  hall,  the  group  was  particularly  strik- 
ing. A  collection  of  50  Palms  from  Flandria, 
Bruges,  contained  beautiful  examples  of  Phcenix 
Roebelinii,  Cocos,  Rhapis,  and  the  yellow 
Latania.  We  have  never  seen  better  plants  of 
Cocos  Weddelliana  than  those  shown  by  "  Le 
Lion,"  Ghent  ;  they  were  from  3  to  6  feet  high, 
and  in  perfect  condition.  There  were  very  few 
collections  from  amateurs,  the  best  being  a 
large  display  of  Dracaenas  shown  by  Frau 
Geheimrat  Spindler,  Spindlersfeld,  who  also 
showed  a  collection  of  Crotons,  which  were 
well  grown,  but  poor  in  colour.  Nepenthes 
were  poorly  represented,  and  the  Ferns  con- 
sisted chiefly  of  Adiantums,  several  groups  of 
A.  tenerum  Farleyense  being  good  in  quality. 
Other  Ferns  were  entirely  of  the  easily-grown, 
popular  market  kinds.  There  were  collections 
of  Rex  Begonias  and  Caladiums,  but  the  plants 
were  small  and  unfinished.  There  were  groups 
of  Palms,  Aspidistras,  and  other  foliage  plants, 
which  l»d  been  supplied  by  the  Berlin  florists 
and  arranged  as  much  for  the  purpose  of  embel- 
lishing the  exhibition  building  as  to  show  the 
kind  of  plants  employed  and  the  method  of  ar- 


Bornemann,  Blankenburg,  also  showed  a  fine 
group  of  Clivias.  There  were  good  collections 
of  Bromeliads,  but  they  were  not  fully  in  flower. 
The  best  groups  were  shown  by  Mr.  Firmin  de 
Smet,  Ghent.  We  were  under  the  impression 
that  these  plants  were  specially  favoured  by 
German  gardeners,  and  were  therefore  disap- 
pointed to  find  them  so  poorly  shown  by  Ger- 
man exhibitors.  The  handsomest  specimen  Bro- 
meliad  was  a  magnificent  example  of  Tillandsia 
zebrina,  shown  by  Mr.  Firmin  de  Smet. 
Begonia  Gloire  de  Lorraine  was  shown  in  the 
very  pink  of  condition,  perfect  little  specimens 
about  18  inches  high  and  wide,  and  simply 
spheres  of  bloom.  These  came  from  Messrs. 
Strahl  &  Falcke,  Berlin.  Another  group  of 
equal  merit  came  from  Dr.  Baardse,  Aalsmer, 
Holland  ;  the  plants,  although  only  about  a  foot 
high,  were  perfect  examples  of  good  cultiva- 
tion, and  consisted  of  the  four  best  varie- 
ties, viz.,  Caledonia,  Lionel  Rothschild,  Turn- 
ford   Hall,  and  the  type. 

Anthuriums  were  exhibited  by  L.  van 
Houtte  Pere,  Ghent,  whose  group  of  forms 
of    A.     Scherzerianum     contained     a     selection 


'Wis  ^ 


Fig.  99. — DUTCH   bulb-growers'  exhibit  AT  THE  BERLIN  SHOW. 


rangement  practised  by  the  German  decorators, 
among  whom  Messrs.  J.  C.  Schmidt  and  Adolf 
Koschel  are  leaders.  Of  this  character  was  an 
annexe  of  the  building,  which  had  been  fitted  up 
to  appear  like  a  conservatory  and  tastefully 
furnished  with  Palms,  Azaleas,  Ferns,  Lily  of 
the  Valley,  &c.  An  ornamental  fountain,  with 
coloured  lights  playing  on  the  water,  served  to 
heighten  the  effect,  which  was  decidedly 
German. 

Stove  Flowering  Plants. 

Hippeastrums  have  become  popular  garden 
plants  in  Germany,  and  there  were  some 
large  groups  shown.  Most  of  the  seedlings 
were  not  of  extra  merit,  falling  short  of  the 
standard  set  by  Col.  Holford,  Messrs.  Ker  & 
Son,  Messrs.  Veitch,  and  other  home  breeders 
and  growers.  The  best  collection  came  from 
"  Labelliflos,"  Voorschoten,  The  Hague,  whose 
group  of  100  seedlings  contained  many  that 
would  hold  their  own  among  the  best  of  those 
raised  in  England.  L.  Van  Houtte  Pere  also 
sent  a  collection  of  Hippeastrums  of  good 
average  merit.  Clivias  were  well  shown,  the 
quality  of  the  flowers  and  size  of  the  heads 
being  first-class,  but  the  plants  were  in  every 
case  limited  to  a  single  growth  with  one  head  of 
flowers.  The  best  collection  was  from  Messrs. 
Strahl  &  Falcke,  Berlin,  some  of  their  seed- 
lings being  remarkable  for  colour  and  fullness  of 
flower  and  for  exceptional  width  of  leaf.    Mr.  G. 


of  well-grown  examples  of  the  best  varieties  ; 
from  the  same  exhibitor  came  a  group  of  hybrid 
Anthuriums  of  fair  merit. 

"  Dutch"  Bulbs. 

The  chief  display  of  "  Dutch"  bulbs,  by  which 
term  we  mean  such  plants  as  Hyacinths  and 
Tulips,  was  made  in  the  second  of  the  large 
halls. 

As  in  the  Casino  building  at  Ghent,  a  bridge, 
from  which  views  could  be  obtained  of  the 
whole  exhibition,  connects  the  two  buildings. 
The  bridge  was  covered  with  Spruce  branches, 
somewhat  too  heavily  to  get  the  best 
effect,  but,  nevertheless,  providing  a  good  back- 
ground for  the  exhibits  as  seen  from  the  extreme 
ends.  In  front  of  the  bridge  in  the  second 
building  was  the  chief  display  of  bulbs.  The 
collective  exhibit  of  Hyacinths  from  the  Dutch 
Bulb  Growers'  Association,  and  the  exhibit  of 
Tulips  from  Mr.  E.  H.  Krelage,  Haar- 
lem, were  arranged  and  planted  in  a  design 
by  Mr.  F.  J.  Goemans,  a  Dutch  landscape  gar- 
dener and  an  old  Kewite.  The  entire  exhibit  re- 
presented a  terrace  flower  garden  such  as  might 
be  planted  in  front  of  a  dwelling-house.  The 
area  thus  covered  was  360  square  metres,  and 
about  20,000  bulbs  were  employed  in  the  deco- 
ration. The  beds  were  planted  with  red,  blue 
and  pink  Hyacinths  of  different  shades,  and  the 
Tulips  (Mr.  E.  H.  Krelage)  in  round  beds  near 


236 


THE    GARDENERS'    CHRONICLE. 


[April  10,  1909. 


the  margin  of  the  greensward,  which  was  some- 
what inadequately  represented  by  moss.  The  de- 
sign also  included  two  large  oval  beds  of  pink 
Astilbes  (Spiraeas),  such  as  Queen  Alexandra  and 
others,  contributed  by  Messrs.  Geekt  van 
Waweeen  &  KeuyfFj  Sassenheim.  The  general 
effect  was  exceedingly  good,  and  gained  for 
this  firm  the  special  prize  offered  for  the  most 
decorative  exhibit  in  the  entire  exhibition. 

The  German  exhibits  of  the  same  type  were 
not  displayed  so  well,  and  compared  unfavour- 
ably with  those  from   Holland. 

Roses. 
The  principal  exhibits  of  Roses  were  made  by 
Mr.  Adolf  Koschel,  Charlottenburg.  He  had 
a  large  number  of  plants,  disposed  as  if  planted 
in  a  rosery,  and  representing  standard  plants 
and  other  forms  of  training,  whilst  the  varie- 
ties included  the  most  popular  kinds  for  the 
purpose.  Still,  the  cultivation  was  not  equal 
to  that  which  we  see  at  home  from  such  expert 
growers  as  Mr.  Mount,  of  Canterbury.  Mr. 
Koschel  was  awarded  most  of  the  important 
prizes  in  this  section,  including  a  special  prize 
for  the  best  exhibit. 

Lily  of  the  Valley. 
An  exhibition  in  Berlin  in  April  would  cer- 
tainly be  incomplete  if  it  failed  to  represent  the 
industry  in  Berlin  crowns  of  Lily  of  the  Valley. 
This  popular  flowfc^  was  not  only  well  repre- 
sented, but  it  could  be  seen  in  one  form  or  another 


Geebera  Hybrids. 

Mr.  R.  Adnet,  Cap  d'Antibes,  France,  ex- 
hibited a  most  elegant  and  wonderful  collec- 
tion of  varieties  of  Gerbera.  In  a  recess-in  the 
gallery  containing  the  more  important  of  the 
French  exhibits  was  a  triangular  bed,  the 
floor  of  which  was  covered  entirely  with 
growths  of  Asparagus  Sprengeri  pegged  down 
on  the  bed  level.  Thickly  dotted  over  this  green 
carpet  were  green  tubes,  each  containing  blooms 
of  Gerbera  and  a  spray  or  two  of  Asparagus. 
In  the  centre  of  the  bed  was  placed  a 
bamboo  stand  6  feet  in  height,  with  re- 
ceptacles from  base  to  top  furnished  with 
flowers  and  greenery.  The  effect  was  de- 
lightful. But  the  chief  interest  lay  in  the  large 
number  of  varieties  displayed.  From  pure  white 
there  were  shades  all  through  yellow  and 
orange-rose,  red  and  rich  crimson.  A  large  por- 
tion of  the  space  was  devoted  to  one  charming 
variety  of  a  shade  of  rose  or  red  and  quite  new 
to  us  as  a  tint  in  Gerbera  hybrids.  The  first 
hybrids  were  raised  by  Mr.  Lynch  in  the  Cam- 
bridge Botanic  Garden,  and  Mr.  Adnet  ob- 
tained his   first   plants   from   Cambridge. 

Mr.  Henry  A.  Dreer,  714,  Chestnut  Street, 
Philadelphia,  U.S.A.,  exhibited  two  plants  of  a 
new  variety  of  Nephrolepis  exaltata,  known 
as  "  Schoelzelii."  The  pinnules  were  very 
plumose,  but  scarcely  so  congested  as  i«  N.  e. 
Todeaoides  and  some  other  earlier  raised  sorts. 

Mr.  Firmin  de  Smet,  Vinderhoute,  near 
Ghent,  Belgium,  exhibited  several  fine  varieties 


Fig.  ioo. — representation  of  the  achilleion. 

The  Kaiser's  residence  in  Corfu. 


in  almost  all  parts  of  the  exhibition.  Pass- 
ing for  the  moment  the  smaller  exhibits  in  the 
collections  of  miscellaneous  plants,  a  word  is  de- 
served by  the  display  of  flowers  made  in  a  room 
in  one  of  the  galleries.  Imagine  a  room  measur- 
ing 40  feet  by  70  feet  filled  with  Lily  of  the 
Valley  !  The  flowers  were  contributed  by  vari- 
ous growers,  and  for  the  greater  part  were 
forced  in  boxes  in  a  similar  manner  to  that  prac- 
tised by  the  market  growers,  and  the  boxes, 
packed  closely  together  in  the  centre  of  the 
room  represented  a  huge  bed  of  flowers.  At 
the  sides  of  the  room  were  pillars,  globes  and 
other  fanciful  shapes  covered  with  the  white, 
fragrant  blossoms.  This  was  effected  by  cover- 
ing the  shapes  with  moss  held  in  place  by  wire 
netting  and  inserting  the  Lily  crowns  in  the 
moss  before  forcing. 

SOME     NOVELTIES. 

Impatiens  Holstii  nana  Liegnitzia. — A 
group  of  plants  exhibited  under  this  name  by  Mr. 
Oskar  Otto,  Leignitz,  appeared  quite  distinct 
from  the  form  of  this  species  known  as  "  nana  " 
in  this  country.  Each  plant  was  in  a  4-inch  pot, 
and  was  not  more  than  6  inches  above  the  top  of 
the  pot,  yet  in  some  cases  there  were  20  shoots, 
and  each  little  specimen  was  perfectly  covered 
with  the  fiery-red  flowers.  I.  Holstii  has  been 
considered  to  have  too  coarse  a  habit,  but  in  this 
variety    it    is   entirely    changed. 


of  Vriesia,  one  known  as  V.  Mdlle.  Suzanne 
de  Smet,  obtained  from  a  cross  between 
V.  mirabilis  and  V.  van  Geertii,  was  remark- 
able for  the  richly  coloured  bracts  ;  the  flower 
had  not  expanded,  but  this  hybrid  and  others 
will  be  valuable. 

Cordyline  (Drac.ena)  Bruantii  variegata 
is  a  plant  we  saw  at  the  Ghent  Show  last  year. 
Mr.  Emil  Ve-rcauteren,  Melle-lez-Gand,  Bel- 
gium, showed  two  dozen  plants,  which  varied 
in  size  from  6  inches  high  in  3-inch  pots 
to  3  feet  in  7-inch  pots.  The  variety  is  one 
of  very  great  merit,  most  of  the  leaves  are  green 
with  liberal  variegation  of  yellow,  and  the  brown 
tint  of  C.  Bruantii  is  seen  in  the  youngest 
leaves.  It  is  a  perfect  plant  for  vase  ornamenta- 
tion, but  we  are  informed  that  the  variety, 
which  originated  as  a  sport,  is  very  apt  to  revert 
to  the  type.  Probably,  the  beautiful  plants  now 
exhibited  were  selected  f'om  a  very  large  batch. 

Rhododendrons. 
The  best  exhibits  in  this  section  were  from 
the  Dutch  growers,  and  Pink  Pearl  was  a  long 
way  ahead  of  everything  else,  the  plants  being 
large  and  well  grown  and  beautifully  flowered. 
What  is  known  as  White  Pearl  was  shown  in 
lovely  condition  by  Messrs.  C.  B.  van  Nes  & 
Son,  Boskoop,  Holland.  This  proves  to  be  a 
much  better  Rhododendron  than  had  hitherto 
been  supposed,  the  trusses  being  quite  as  large 


and  full  as  those  of  Pink  Pearl  and  the  indi- 
vidual flowers  of  similar  form  and  size,  their 
charm  being  enhanced  by  the  colour  of  the 
buds,  a  rich  red,  which  sets  off  the  blush  and 
pure  white  of  the  fully  expanded  flowers.  Being 
hardy  in  England,  this  variety  is  certain  to  take 
a  front  place  among  Rhododendrons,  whilst  for 
forcing  in  pots  it  has  every  good  quality.  The 
same  exhibitor  sent  a  collection  of  hybrids  from 
R.  Aucklandii,  one  of  which  is  exactly  like  Pink 
Pearl,  with  the  margins  of  the  petals  elegantly 
crisped  and  waved.  This  unnamed  seedling  was 
labelled  as  having  been  "  sold  to  Royal  Gardens, 
Kew,"  so  we  may  hope  to  see  it  later.  There 
were  numerous  groups  of  the  ordinary  Rhodo- 
dendrons from  German,  Dutch  and  Belgian 
raisers,  but  we  saw  nothing  among  them  that 
may  not  be  seen  in  the  collections  of  English 
growers,  and  the  plants,  in  size  and  finish,  were 
inferior  to  many  seen  at  a  Temple  Show.  The 
principal  exhibitors  in  addition  to  Messrs.  C.  B. 
van  Nes  &  Son,  were  T.  J.  Seidel,  Dresden  ; 
Messrs.  Koster  &  Son,  Boskoop ;  Richard 
Gunther,  Berlin,  and  D.  &  J.  Kessen,  Aalsmer, 
Holland. 

Azaleas. 

The  whole  of  the  central  area  of  the  principal 
exhibition  hall  was  filled  with  large  groups  of 
Rhododendron  indicum  (Azalea  indica),  the  effect 
of  which  was  magnificent.  The  principal  ex- 
hibitor was  Mr.  T.  J.  Seidel,  Dresden,  the 
leading  grower  of  Azaleas  in  Germany.  His- 
group  of  big  standards  contained  many  splen- 
did examples,  and  as  he  grafts  his  Azaleas  on 
Rhododendron  Cunninghamii,  they  are  charac- 
terised by  vigour  and,  at  the  same  time, 
looseness  of  growth,  the  heads  being  less- 
table-like  than  those  of  the  big  plants 
grown  by  the  Belgians.  Other  exhibitors  . 
were  Messrs.  Otto  Platz,  Charlotten- 
burg ;  Strahl  &  Falcke,  Berlin ;  Henrich 
Kruger,  Rohrbeck ;  Adolf  Koschel,  Berlin  ; 
and  Louis  van  Houtte  Pere,  Ghent.  The 
last-named  exhibitor  sent  a  collection  of  200' 
sorts,  which  fully  maintained  the  reputation  of 
the  Belgian  growers  of  Azaleas.  In  another 
part  of  the  hall  there  were  collections  of  smaller 
plants  of  Azaleas,  such  as  the  florists  in  Ger- 
many turn  to  account  in  making  up  baskets,. 
&c,  for  room  decoration. 

Among  new  Indian  Azaleas  shown  by  Mr. 
T.  J.  Seidel  was  one  labelled  "  Herme." 
This  plant  has  semi-double  or  double  flowers  of 
clear  pink  colour,  the  petals  being  marginedi 
with  white.  It  is  a  very  attractive  variety,  and 
it  is  likely  to  become  popular.  The  exhibit  was 
purchased   by  an  American  grower. 

Cactaceous  Plants. 

Most  of  the  cactaceous  plants  were  shown  in 
a  room,  on  the  walls  of  which  were  scenes  re- 
presenting characteristic  habitats  of  this  type 
of  plant.  The  specimens  were  not  shown  on  a 
stage  as  pot  plants,  but  the  pots  were  plunged 
in  moss  litter  or  similar  material,  and,  for  the 
most  part,  were  planted  and  grouped  in  the  man- 
ner in  which  they  occur  in  nature.  But  the  most 
quaint  were  certainly  the  least  natural  examples, 
consisting  of  certain  species  with  others  grafted 
upon  them.  Amongst  the  chief  exhibitors  were 
Mr.  Joh.  Weise,  Somerfeld,  Frankfurt ;  Mr. 
Richard  Tuchtenhagen,  Waidmannslust  ; 
Richard  Gunther,  Friedrichsfelde,  Berlin  ;  and' 
Albert  Wagner,  Leipsic. 

Carnations. 

The  winter-flowering  Carnations,  for  which 
valuable  prizes  were  offered,  were  represented 
by  large  collections,  including  two  from  Eng- 
land, viz.,  those  sent  by  G.  Lange,  Hampton, 
and  C.  Engelmann,  Saffron  Walden.  They  were 
in  fine  condition,  and,  indeed,  constituted  one 
of  the  chief  attractions  of  the  exhibition.  Souve- 
nir de  la  Malmaison  Carnations  in  pots  were 
shown  by  Graf  Manfred  von  Matuschka, 
Silesia.  Though  they  were  small  plants,  each 
bearing  but  one  flower,  they  were,  nevertheless, 
greatly  admired,  and  received  the  Emperor's 
prize  for  the  best  exhibit  in  the  show. 

Lilacs. 

Among  the  plants  that  are  forced  for  their 
flowers,  the  Lilac  occupies  a  very  impor- 
tant place  in  Germany.  There  were  numerous 
large  groups  of  plants  from  3  to  5  feet  high,  well 


April  10,  1909.] 


THE     GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


237 


furnished  with  foliage  and  sturdy  racemes  of 
flowers  in  perfect  condition,  the  whites  being 
quite  equal  to  the  coloured  forms.  The  Dutch 
growers  had  also  sent  quantities  of  Lilac,  both 
plants  and  cut  flowers.  The  art  of  forcing  Lilac 
so  that  the  flowers  do  not  lose  in  substance  and 
are  all  open  at  the  same  time  does  not  appear  to 
be  known  in  England,  at  any  rate,  we  have  not 
seen  such  examples  of  forced  Lilacs  are  are  to  be 
met  with  in   Berlin. 

Miscellaneous  Groups. 

Mr.  Otto  Beyrodt,  Berlin,  made  an  elabo- 
rate display  with  Japanese  dwarf  trees  backed 
by  Rhapis  and  other  Palms,  and  arranged  more 
or  less  on  the  plan  of  the  Japanese  garden,  with 
stone  lanterns,  bronze  cranes,  and  other  figures 
disposed  among  the  Conifers,  Acers,  &c. 

Mr.  L.  Spath,  Berlin,  arranged  a  collec- 
tion of  hardy  Conifers,  Rhododendrons,  and 
other  evergreens  to  enhance  the  effect  of  the 
painted  scene  which  occupied  the  whole  of  the 
stage  back  and  represented  the  house  and  garden 
of  the  Emperor  at  Corfu. 

A  novelty  at  horticultural  exhibitions  consisted 
of  a  collection  of  tropical  economic  plants  sent 
by  Mr.  Louis  van  Houtte  Pere,  Ghent,  who 
has  for  many  years  cultivated  most  of  the  plants 
which  are  grown  in  tropical  countries  for  their 
fruits,  medicines,  fibres,  and  other  properties. 

Mr.  E.  Neubert,  Wandsbek,  near  Hamburg, 
showed  a  large  ground  exhibit  containing  Palms, 
Azaleas,   and    forced    Lily   of   the   Valley.      1  he 


crowns  and  roots  of  various  ages,  as  well  as 
fruits  and  cleaned  seeds  of  Asparagus,  Lettuces, 
Cauliflowers,  indeed,  most  kinds  of  vegetables 
and  salads.  There  were  good  examples  of  forced 
Lilac,  flowering  plants  of  Tree  Carnations,  &c. 

MM.  Vilmorin,  Andrieux  et  Cie.,  Paris, 
had  a  bed  planted  with  a  good  strain  of  Cinera- 
ria, but  not  better  than  may  be  seen  in  England. 
Mr.  B.  Carriat,  Antibes,  showed  the  best  Car- 
nations, and  Mr.  L.  Ferard,  Paris,  had  a  group 
of  plants  of  double-flowered  Daisies  (Bellis 
perennis),  some  of  whose  blooms  had  a  diameter 
of  -\  inches,  but  were  of  a  heavy,  somewhat  un- 
attractive appearance. 

Mr.  G.  Debrie,  Paris,  exhibited  some  impos- 
ing decorations  with  Liliurh  speciosum. 

Exhibits  and  Visitors  from  England. 

It  has  been  stated  already  that  Messrs. 
ChaRLESWORTH  lV  Co.,  Bradford,  sent  a 
fine  exhibit  from  England.  Mr.  C.  Engelmann, 
Horneybrook  Nursery,  Saffron  Walden,  con- 
tributed a  grand  lot  of  Carnation  blooms,  ex- 
hibiting these  in  several  classes  and  gaining 
prizes. 

Another  exhibit  of  Carnations  was  sent  by 
Mr.  G.  Lange,  Hampton,  Middlesex,  who  also 
gained  prizes. 

Messrs.  H.  Cannell  &  Sons,  Swanley,  Kent, 
had  an  exhibit  of  flowers  of  their  choice  Zonal 
Pelargoniums,  including  the  following  varieties  : 
Berlin  and  Vesta  (scarlet),  Snowdrop  (white), 
Sydney    (pink),    Mauretania    (white,    with    pink 


Fig.  ioi. — the  great  hall,  Berlin  exhibition. 


word   Neubert   is   formed    across   a  groundwork 
of  Nephrolepis  Whitmannii. 

Mr.  F.  IIenkel,  Nurseryman,  Darmstadt,  the 
only  exhibitor  of  aquatic  plants,  had  a  very  in- 
teresting collection,  most  of  the  species  being 
shown  in  great  glass  jars. 

Mr.  William  Pfitzer,  Stuttgart,  showed  varie- 
ties of  Begonia  semperflorens,  including  Pfitzeri, 
Triumph  and  others  varying  in  their  colours,  but 
apparently  of  good  habit  for  bedding  purposes. 
His  Myosotis  "  Ruth  Fischer  "  and  Zonal  Pelar. 
gonium  "  Wilhelm  Pfitzer"  are  also  novelties. 

Mr.  Heinrich  Kruger,  Berlin,  exhibited  Poly- 
antha  Roses  and  standard  plants  of  Genista 
fragans. 

Some  of  the  French  Exhibits. 

We  have  already  referred  to  some  of  the 
French  exhibits,  including  Orchids  from  M. 
Maron,  and  the  Gerberas  from  M.  Adnet. 
Another  important  contribution  from  France 
consisted  of  fruits,  vegetables  and  salads  ex- 
hibited by  various  growers.  The  fruits  in- 
cluded excellent  samples  of  Black  Alicante,  Gros 
Colmar  and  other  varieties  of  Grapes,  including 
many  of  the  vineyard  sorts  in  addition  to  the 
choice  dessert  kinds.  In  addition  to  Grapes, 
there  were  ripe  Cherries  of  extra  good  quality, 
ripe  Pineapples,  Figs  and  Plums — ripe,  although 
staged  on  March  31.  Considerable  quanti- 
ties of  forced  Asparagus  of  various  kinds,  also 


marking),  Naples  and  Sir  F.  Hanbury  (crim- 
son), Paris  Shell  (white,  with  picotee  edgei,  and 
Cactus  Prince  (a  single,  red  variety,  with  nar- 
row petals).  The  only  other  exhibit  from  Eng- 
land was  a  collection  of  plant  illustrations  from 
the  Gardeners'  Chronicle,  Ltd. 

The  following  gentlemen  officiated  as  judges  : 
William  Watson,  Stuart  H.  Low,  Louis  Sander, 
S.  T.  Wright,  and  R.  Hooper  Pearson. 

Sir  Daniel  Morris,  K.C.M.G.,  attended  as  a 
member  of  the  deputation  from  the  Royal  Horti- 
cultural Society,  but  Mr.  Harry  J.  Veitch,  who 
was  also  appointed  in  the  same  capacity,  was  un- 
able to  travel  to  Germany  owing  to  indisposition. 

Cyclamens. 

We  have  never  seen  Cyclamens  better  ex- 
hibited than  at  Berlin.  There  were  numerous 
exhibits  of  big  groups,  and  but  little  to 
distinguish  one  collection  from  another 
so  far  as  quality  is  concerned.  First  prizes 
have  been  won  by  the  following  exhibi- 
tors:— Mr.  F.  Schneider,  Potsdam,  J.  C. 
Schmidt,  Erfurt  (four  1st  prizes),  H.  KlAUSCH, 
Berlin,  and  Otto  Platz,  Charlottenburg. 
Most  of  these  collections  and  others  that 
gained  2nd  and  even  3rd  prizes  represented  ex- 
cellent strains  of  this  popular  greenhouse 
flowering  plant. 

Mr.  J.  C.  Schmidt,  Erfurt,  showed  a  strain  of 
fringed    Cyclamens,    known    as    the    "  Rokako." 


Some  of  the  plants,  including  several  shown  in 
a  glass-covered  case,  are  the  most  developed  of 
any  of  this  type  we  have  seen.  The  flowers  are 
circular  in  outline,  and  4  inches  across.  The 
petals  are  duplicated,  and  the  colour  of  a  par- 
ticularly fine  variety  is  pink,  with  deep  crimson 
"eye." 

Mr.  H.  Kiausch,  Nurseryman,  Zehlendorf, 
Berlin,  showed  a  large  number  of  Cyclamens  as 
part  of  a  varied  exhibit.  The  Cyclamens  were 
in  groups,  with  the  effect  that  they  appeared  to 
be  planted  in  scroll-like  beds,  around  which 
many  small  plants  of  Adiantum  cuneatum  repre- 
sented a  greensward.  A  variety  of  Cyclamen, 
similar  in  tint  to  what  is  known  in  this  country 
as  "  Salmon  Queen,"  has  larger  flowers  than 
this  type,  and  is  a  distinctly  good  variety. 

Primula  obcomca. 

This  plant  was  shown,  like  the  Cyclamens,  in 
great  groups,  and  in  excellent  quality.  The 
strains  were  among  the  most  developed  we  have 
seen,  the  flowers  surpassing  in  size  and  colour 
anything  yet  exhibited  in  London.  Some  of  the 
flowers  have  a  colour  similar  to  that  of  Crimson 
King  in  Primula  sinensis,  and  the  variation  is 
becoming  as  great  as  in  the  Chinese  species. 
Some  of  the  best  collections  were  contributed 
by  the  following  exhibitors: — Mr.  Benjamin 
Niemetz,  Rixdorf,  Berlin,  Mr.  Georg  Arends, 
Ronsdorf,  L.  Ferard,  Paris,  Messrs.  Strahl  & 
Falcke,  Berlin,  and  Mr.  J.  Mensing,  Aalsmer, 
Holland. 

Fruits  and  Vegetables. 

Hardy  fruits  constituted  one  of  the  surprising 
features  of  the  exhibition.  Although  the  season 
was  so  late,  table  after  table  contained  hun- 
dreds of  dishes  of  Apples,  Pears,  and  Quinces. 
At  no  time  have  we  seen  such  a  large  display  in 
England  at  a  similar  season  of  the  year.  Refer- 
ence has  already  been  made  to  fruits  and  vege- 
tables contributed  by  the  French  growers,  and 
emphasis  should  also  be  laid  upon  the  exceed- 
ingly creditable  nature  of  the  exhibit  of  hardy 
fruits  made  by  the  city  authorities  of  Berlin. 
The  Pears  and  Apples  were  uncommonly  good, 
and  the  high  quality  was  maintained  throughout 
a  very  extensive  exhibit.  The  fruits  of  Ribston 
and  Cox's  Orange  Pippins,  for  instance,  were 
sufficiently  good  to  exhibit  at  any  place  in  the 
world. 

A  collection  of  Apples  and  Pears  from  Hol- 
land contained  some  fruits  which  had  probably 
been  kept  in  cold  storage.  It  would  be  difficult 
otherwise  to  account  for  the  excellent  specimens 
of  Beurre  Diel  Pears  still  in  perfectly  sound 
condition.  Of  Apples,  we  noticed  fruits  of 
Cox's  Pomona  and  Bismarck  equal  to  any  seen 
in  England.  The  Dutch  growers  also  con- 
tributed a  large  exhibit  of  vegetables,  including 
many  varieties  of  Cabbage,  Leeks,  Carrots, 
Kale,  Beet,  Brussels  Sprouts,  Radishes,  Endive, 
and  Turnips.  Lettuces  were  very  fine,  and  they 
were  staged  as  growing.  Cucumbers  were  re- 
markably good,  and  included  specimens  of  the 
white-fruited  variety. 

In  numerous  competitive  classes  there  were, 
in  addition  to  those  we  have  noticed,  a  very 
large  number  of  fruits  of  most  excellent 
quality  

ROYAL    HORTICULTURAL. 

April  6. — At  the  fortnightly  meeting  held  on 
Tuesday  last,  practically  the  whole  of  the  avail- 
able space  in  the  Hall  was  fully  occupied  by 
varied,  bright  and  beautiful  groups.  Forced 
spring-flowering  shnibs  constituted  one  of  the 
finest  features  and  were  staged  magnificently 
by  several  growers.  Exhibits  of  Roses  and  Car- 
nations were  not  numerous,  but  the  quality  was 
especially  fine.  Orchids  were  handsome  and 
varied  in  character.  A  magnificent  display  of 
these  plants  by  Messrs.  Armstrong  &  Brown 
received  a  Gold  Medal. 

The  Floral  Committee  granted  three 
Awards  of  Merit  to  novelties ;  the  Orchid 
Committee  gave  four  First-class  Certificates 
and  five  Awards  of  Merit;  whilst  the  Fruit 
and  Vegetable  Committee  granted  an  Award 
of  Merit  to  a  variety  of  Rhubarb. 

At  the  3  o'clock  meeting  in  the  lecture-room 
the  Rev.  Geo.  Henslow  lectured  on  the  "  Effects 
of  the  Forces  of  Growth." 

Floral  Committee. 
Present:    Mr.    W.    Marshall   (Chairman),    and 
Messrs.    C   T.    Druery,   J.    GreeD,  G.   Gordon, 


238 


THE     GARDENERS     CHRONICLE. 


[April  10,  1909. 


J.  Douglas,  J.  F.  McLeod,  J.  Jennings,  W. 
Howe,  H.  J.  Cutbush,  C.  Dixon,  A.  Turner, 
(  E.       Pearson,       W.       P.       Thomson,      E. 

H.  Jenkins,  W.  J.  James,  J.  Hudson,  G. 
Paul,  C.  R.  Fielder,  W.  J.  Bean,  J.  W.  Barr, 
and  R.   C.   Notcutt. 

Messrs.  J.  Veitch  &  Sons,  Ltd.,  Chelsea, 
arranged  an  attractive  group  of  shrubs,  in  which 
l'vrus  floribunda  atrosanguinea,  P.  Malus 
Scheidekeri,  Prunus  triloba,  Forsythia  suspensa, 
Wistaria  sinensis,  Laburnum  vulgare,  and 
Cytisus  praecox,  with  Rhododendrons  eaucasi- 
cum  album,  Blanche  Superbe,  and  Mons.  Thiers 
were  conspicuous.  Plants  of  Azalea  indica  sent 
from  the  Chelsea  nursery  were  magnificently 
flowered  and  made  a  blaze  of  colour.  Clivias, 
Anthuriums,  Boronias,  Gerberas,  Hippeastrums, 
and  the  blue  Hydrangea  Hortensia  were  also  well 
shown  by  Messrs.  Veitch  &  Sons.  (Silver-gilt 
Flora  Medal.) 

Mr.  F.  Anderson  (gr.  to  Mrs.  C.  Bischoffs- 
heim,  Warren  House,  Stanmore)  contributed  a 
number  of  well-grown  and  flowered  plants  of 
I.achenalia  tricolor.     (Bronze  Banksian  Medal.) 

Handsome-leaved  Caladiums  were  the  feature 
of  a  group  sent  by  Messrs.  J.  Peed  &  Son, 
West  Norwood.  Many  of  the  leading  varieties 
were  represented,  and  the  foliage  was  beauti- 
fully coloured.  This  firm  showed  also  groups 
of  Alpines  in  pots,  and  a  few  Cacti.  (Silver 
Banksian  Medal.) 

Messrs.  R.  Wallace  &  Co.,  Colchester,  ex- 
hibited one  of  the  miniature  rockeries  which 
have  become  so  popular  at  exhibitions.  Fritil- 
larias,  Anemone  Pulsatilla,  Daphne  Cneorum 
majus,  Iris  reticulata,  Primula  rosea,  Viola 
gracilis,  and  various  Crocuses  helped  to  make 
a  bright  and  interesting  display.  (Silver  Flora 
Medal.) 

The  flowering  shrubs  arranged  by  Messrs. 
Wm.  Paul  &  Sons,  Waltham  Cross,  were 
wreathed  in  blossoms.  Pyrus  angustifolia  fl.  pi., 
P.  Scheidekeri,  Ceanothus  Veitchianus,  and 
Pyrus  Malus  floribunda,  were  especially  fine.  A 
few  Camellias  added  interest  to  the  group. 
(Silver   Flora   Medal.) 

One  of  the  handsomest  exhibits  in  the  Hall 
was  a  group  of  forced  shrubs  arranged  by 
Messrs.  R.  &  G.  Cuthbert,  Southgate.  The 
plants  were  varied,  splendidly  grown  and 
grandly  flowered.  There  were  Wistarias,  Lilacs, 
Azaleas,  Pyrus,  Magnolias,  Laburnums,  and  sev- 
eral other  kinds.     (Silver-gilt  Flora  Medal.) 

Mr.  L.  R.  Russell,  Richmond,  arranged  a 
group  of  much  interest,  for  it  was  practically 
restricted  to  single  and  double  Lilacs.  All  the 
best  varieties  were  shown  in  splendid  condition, 
and  the  plants  varied  considerably  in  shape. 
(Silver  Banksian  Medal.) 

Messrs.  H.  B.  May  &  Sons,  Upper  Edmonton, 
showed  a  small  but  interesting  group  of  Ferns. 
Polypodium  Knightise.  P.  Mayi,  P.  hastaefolium, 
with  several  Davallias,  Lomarias  and  Adian- 
tums  were  noticeable.  Miniature  Roses  in  pots 
came  from  the  same  firm,  and  included  Phyllis, 
Mdme.  Lavavasseur,  Princess  Ena,  Baby 
Dorothy,  and  White  Pet.  Messrs.  May  also 
showed  a  few  Clematises,  and  the  scented-leaved 
Pelargonium  Clorinda.  The  fragrance  is  sweet 
and  the  flowers  fine.     (Silver  Flora  Medal.) 

Mr.  H.  C.  Pulham,  Elsenham,  Essex,  arranged 
a  ^mall  rockery,  in  which  were  seen  a  few  plants 
of  interest.  Mr.  J.  T.  Tubbs  (gr.  to  Miss  Alex- 
ander, Oakbank,  Seal,  Sevenoaks)  sent  cut 
Roses,  Mignonette,  and  Violas,  all  well  grown 
and  delightfully  fragrant.  (Silver  Banksian 
Medal.) 

Mr.  W.  H.  Page,  Tangley  Nursery,  Hampton, 
arranged  a  most  artistic  group  of  Carnations, 
Roses,  and  Liliums.  There  were  splendid  Car- 
nations including  Red  Lawson,  White  Lawson, 
Britannia,  My  Maryland,  Enchantress,  Mrs.  T. 
W.  Lawson,  and  Winsor.  The  Roses  included 
Mrs.  W.  J.  Grant,  Frau  Karl  Druschki,  and 
Captain  Hayward.     (Silver  Flora  Medal.) 

The  Misses  Hopkins,  Mere  Gardens,  Shepper- 
ton,  arranged  a  bright  miniature  rockery  of 
Alpines.  Flowers  of  Primulas,  Fritillarias, 
Hepaticas,  Anemones,  Primroses,  and  Daisies 
were    charming.     (Silver    Banksian    Medal.) 

Single  Cinerarias,  arranged  in  blocks  of  dis- 
tinct colours,  were  contributed  by  Messrs. 
Sutton  &  Sons,  Reading.  The  plants  were 
clean  and  healthy,  and  carried  splendid  flowers. 
This  firm  sent  also  three  hybrid  Freesias  that 
wore  distinct  and  fragrant.  (Silver  Banksian 
Medal.) 


The  rock  plants  shown  by  Messrs.  G.  Jackson 
&  Son,  Woking,  were  not  numerous,  but  these 
were  excellently  grown  and  flowered.  The  blue 
Primrose  was  very  fine,  as  were  Primula  denti- 
culata,  Scilla  sibirica,  Arabis  alpina  with  varie- 
gated foliage,  and  single  white  and  blue-flowered 
Hepaticas.     (Silver  Banksian  Medal.) 

The  plants  shown  by  Messrs.  Paul  &  Son, 
The  Old  Nurseries,  Cheshunt,  were  few  in  num- 
bers, but  of  interest.  Fine  features  were  Roses 
Lady  Godiva  and  Snowstorm,  Deutzia  gracilis 
carnea,  Cytisus  Daisy  Bell  and  C.  Firefly,  with 
Daphne  Mezereum  atro-rubrum  and  D.  M. 
Paul's  Snow  White. 

Messrs.  R.  Gill  &  Sons,  Falmouth,  sent  a 
wonderful  collection  of  trusses  of  Rhododen- 
drons, all  from  the  open.  The  varieties  were 
numerous  and  the  quality  very  fine. 

A  bright  feature  of  the  varied  group  arranged 
by  Mr.  G.  Reuthe,  Keston,  was  a  central  mass 
of  fine  Rhododendrons.  Hepaticas,  hardy  Pri- 
mulas, and  Saxifragas  were  also  interesting,  and 
all  the  plants  were  well  grown.  (Silver  Bank- 
sian Medal.) 

A  considerable  number  of  grandly-flowered 
plants  of  Primula  verticillata  were  shown  by  Sir 
Everard  Hambro,  Hayes  Place,  Hayes  (gr.  Mr. 
Grandfield). 

Mr.  Robert  Sydenham,  Tenby  Street,  Bir- 
mingham, contributed  a  charming  group  of  Nar- 
cissi, Freesias,  Hyacinths,  and  Lily  of  the  Valley 
grown  in  moss  fibre. 

Messrs.  Carter,  Page  &  Co.,  London  Wall, 
arranged  a  bright  exhibit  of  Pansies  and  Violas. 
The  varieties  w-ere  numerous  and  the  colours 
rich. 

Winter-flowering  Carnations  in  grand  form 
were  staged  "by  Messrs.  Hugh  Low  &  Co., 
Bush  Hill  Park.  Some  of  the  finest  varieties 
were  White  Perfection,  Helen  Gould,  Britannia, 
Winsor,  Harlowarden,  Jessica,  Beacon,  Black 
Chief,  Enchantress  and  Mikado.  The  same  firm 
sent  also 'splendidly-grown  Erica  persoluta  alba, 
Boronia  megastigma,  Acacia  Drummondii,  and 
A.  armata,  with  other  plants  and  Roses.  (Silver 
Flora  Medal. 

Pyrus  malus  floribunda,  Wistaria  sinensis 
alba,  Prunus  triloba,  Azaleas  in  variety,  Cerasus 
Watered,  Lilacs  in  variety,  and  Magnolia  Hal- 
leana  were  conspicuous  in  one  section  of  the 
group  arranged  by  Messrs.  W.  Cutbush  &  Son, 
Highgate.  The  second  section  was  devoted  to 
hardy  plants,  including  Primulas,  Hepaticas, 
and  many  others.  A  third  group  from  this  firm 
was  composed  of  winter-flowering  Carnations  in 
variety.  Some  of  the  best  were  The  President, 
Enchantress,  Marmion,  Victory,  Britannia, 
White  Perfection  and  Robert  Craig.  (Silver-gilt 
Banksian   Medal.) 

The  Guildford  Hardy  Plant  Nursery, 
Milmead,  Guildford,  displayed  Ericas,  Helle- 
bores and  other  hardy  plants  in  variety. 

Mr.  George  Prince,  Longworth,  Berks.,  had 
some  beautiful  Roses,  including  Prince  de  Bul- 
garie,  Mrs.  Sophia  Neate,  Marechal  Niel,  An- 
toine  Rivoire,  Climbing  Mrs.  Grant,  Catherine 
Mermet,  Richmond  and  Lady  Roberts.  (Silver 
F'lora  Medal.) 

Messrs.  H.  Cannell  &  Sons,  Swanley,  con- 
tributed a  collection  of  Begonias,  among  which 
were  B.  manicata  aureo  maculata,  B.  nitida,  B. 
gigantea  rosea  and  B.  Erfordia.  The  same  firm 
displayed  Star  Cinerarias,  Grey  Friar,  and  Gem 
of  the  Stars.     (Silver  Banksian   Medal.) 

Messrs.  T.  S.  Ware,  Ltd.,  Feltham,  arranged 
a  rockery  containing  Spiraea  confusa,  Anemone 
fulgens  Suttonii,  Saxifraga  Elizabethae,  Fritil- 
laria  aurea,  Chionodoxa  sardensis,  Primula  den- 
ticulata  alba,  Hepaticas  and  many  others.  (Sil- 
ver   Banksian    Medal.) 

Rambling  Roses  from  Messrs.  Frank  Cant  & 
Co.,  Braiswick  Nurseries,  Colchester,  made  a 
very  attractive  group.  Some  of  the  brightest 
were  Mrs.  F.  W.  Flight,  Leuchtstern,  Aglaia, 
Trier,  Joseph  Billard  and  Debutante.  (Silver 
Banksian   Medal.) 

Major  Lister,  Haywards  Heath  (gr.  Mr.  F. 
Baker),  sent  a  small  but  magnificent  group  of 
Hippeastrums.      (Siver   Banksian    Medal.) 

Messrs.  G.  &  A.  Clark,  Ltd.,  Dover,  had  a 
rockery  in  which  were  growing  hardy  plants  of 
dwarf  stature  with  a  few  taller-growing  subjects 
of  interest. 

Messrs.  Whitelegge  &  Page,  Chislehurst, 
contributed  a  bright  collection  of  splendidly- 
grown  Cyclamen  latifolium. 


Mr.  H.  Burnett,  Forest  Road,  Guernsey, 
sent  some  superb  Carnations,  including  Enchan- 
tress, Fortuna,  Britannia,  White  Perfection, 
Mikado   and    Marmion.      (Silver    Flora    Medal.) 

Messrs.  Bakers,  Wolverhampton,  had  a  minia. 
ture  rockery  containing  several  bright  and  in- 
teresting Alpine  plants.     (Bronze  Flora  Medal.) 

Group   of   Carnations. 

Competition  was  invited  for  a  group  of  win- 
ter-flowering Carnations  to  cover  an  area  of  not 
less  than  100  square  feet.  The  class  was  open 
to  amateurs  only.  The  only  exhibit  was  ar- 
ranged by  Mr.  A.  T.  Paskett  (gr.  to  E.  H.  John- 
stone, Esq.,  Burr's  Wood,  Groombridgej. 
This  group  received  the  premier  award,  which 
included  the  Veitch  Memorial  Medal,  the  R.H.S. 
further  honouring  it  with  a  Silver  Banksian 
Medal.  Some  of  the  best  varieties  were  Enchan- 
tress, Rose-pink  Enchantress,  Sarah  Hill,  After- 
glow, Beacon,  White  Perfection,  Britannia,  and 
Mrs.  T.  W.  Lawson. 

AWARDS. 

Hi ppeastrum  Marcus  (].  Veitch  &  Sons,  Ltd.). 
— A  deep  crimson  variety  of  perfect  form. 
(Award  of  Merit.) 

Hippeastrum  magnificent  (R.  Ker  &  Son). — 
Rich  crimson  centre,  with  cream-coloured,  re- 
flexed  tips  to  the  segments.    (Award  of  Merit.) 

Saxifraga  apiculata  alba  (Guildford  Hardy 
Plant  Nursery). — A  pure  white  form  of  a  well- 
known   plant.     (Award   of  Merit.) 

Narcissus  Committee. 

Present :  Mr.  II.  B.  May  (Chairman),  and 
Messrs.  W.  Poupart,  J.  Walker,  J.  Jacob,  W 
A.  Milner,  G.  W.  Leak,  G.  Reuthe,  C.  Daw 
son,  A.  M.  Wilson,  R.  Sydenham,  H.  A.  Deni 
son,  F.  H.  Chapman,  P.  D.  Williams,  E.  M 
Crosfield,  W.  W.  Fowler,  A.  R.  Goodwin,  C 
T.  Digby,  E.  A.  Bowles,  R.  W.  Wallace,  P 
R.  Barri  H.  Backhouse,  J.  de  Graaff,  J.  D 
Pearson,  A.  Kingsmill,  W.  Goldring,  and  C.  H 
Curtis.  f 

Miss  V.  W.  Currey,  Lismore,  Co.  Waterford, 
staged  a  beautiful  collection  of  Narcissi,  includ- 
ing representatives  from  practically  all  sections. 
An  incomparabilis  flower  named  Tita  was  most 
attractive,  owing  to  the  brilliance  of  the  colour- 
ing in  the  crown. 

Messrs.  Jas.  Carter  &  Co.,  High  Holborn, 
constructed  a  rock-garden,  in  which  the  occu- 
pants were  practically  all  bulbous  plants.  By 
far  the  finest  feature  was  the  splendid  central 
group  of  Daffodil  King  Alfred. 

The  lateness  of  the  season  was  exemplified  in 
the  groups  of  Daffodils.  These  were  compara- 
tively few  in  numbers,  but  Messrs.  Barr  &  Sons, 
Covent  Garden,  made  an  excellent  display  with 
many  of  the  most  popular  varieties  and  a  few 
novelties.  The  same  firm  sent  a  small  group 
of  Hellebores  and  boxes  of  Alpine  plants  in 
bloom.     (Silver  Banksian  Medal.) 

A  very  charming  group  of  Narcissi  was  ar- 
ranged by  Messrs.  Cartwright  &  Goodwin, 
Blakebrook,  Kidderminster.  Very  fine  were 
Brigadier,  Castele,  Orangeman,  Evangeline, 
Weardale  Perfection,  Beacon,  King  Alfred,  Cit- 
ron, Cresset,  and  Crown  Prince.  (Silver  Flora 
Medal.) 

Messrs.  Lilley's,  Guernsey,  arranged  a 
group  of  Narcissi  in  considerable  variety,  with 
beautiful  crown  Anemones. 

Mr.  Charles  Dawson,  Rosemorran,  Gulval, 
Penzance,  sent  a  considerable  number  of  seed- 
ling Narcissi,  several  of  which  were  of  decided 
promise,  and  also  some  named  varieties.  (Sil- 
ver Banksian  Medal.) 

Tulips  constituted  the  outstanding  feature  of 
the  group  from  Messis.  R.  H.  Bath,  Ltd., 
Wisbech.  Chionodoxas  in  variety  were  also 
splendidly  shown  from  the  same  source. 

Orchid  Committee. 

Present :  J.  Gurney  Fowler,  Esq.  (in  the  chair), 
and  Messrs.  Jas.  O'Brien  (hon.  sec),  de  B. 
Crawshay,  H.  Little,  W.  Boxall,  J.  Forster 
Alcock,  F.  1.  Hanburv,  W.  Waters  Butler,  H.  J. 
Chapman,  W.  P.  Bound,  F.  M.  Ogilvie,  R.  G. 
Thwaites,  W.  H.  Hatcher,  J.  Cypher,  J.  Charles- 
worth,  H.  G.  Alexander,  H.  A.  Tracy,  H. 
Ballantine,  A.  Dye,  Gurney  Wilson,  J.  Wilson 
Potter,  and  W.  Cobb. 


App.il  10,   1909  ] 


THE    GARDENERS'      CHRONICLE. 


239 


The  most  notable  exhibit  in  the  Hall  was  a 
group  of  Orchids  staged  by  Messrs.  Armstrong 
&  Brown,  Tunbridge  Wells.  The  exhibit  ex- 
tended the  entire  width  of  the  Hall,  and  it  was 
awarded  a  Gold  Medal.  The  centre  of  the 
group  was  composed  of  fine  plants  of  Cymbidium 
Woodhamsianum,  Odontoglossum  Ossulstonii, 
O.  amabile,  O.  ardentissimum,  and  fine  forms 
of  O.  crispum,  among  which  were  several  good 
blotched  forms.  On  either  side  of  these  were 
selections  of  good  hybrid  Dendrobiums  and 
varieties  of  D.  nobile.  There  were  also  about 
200  finely-flowered  plants  of  the  pure  white  D. 
nobile  virginale. 

Col.  G.  L.  Holford,  C.I.E.,  C.V.O  (gr.  Mr. 
H.  G.  Alexander),  exhibited  Dendrobium 
Magda  magnifica  (Melanodiscus  Rainbow  X 
nobile  nobilius),  Cattleya  Robert  de  Wavrin 
(Schilleriana  X  Schroderae),  and  others.  (See 
Awards.) 

Messrs.  Charlesworth  &  Co.,  Haywards 
Heath,  were  awarded  a  Silver  Flora  Medal  for  a 
select  group  in  which  was  a  magnificent  plant  of 
Ccelogyne  pandurata ;  also  several  varieties  of 
Odontioda  Lutetia,  a  very  dark  form  of  Laelio- 
Cattleya  Dominiana,  L.-C.  Marathon,  Odonto- 
glossum Lambeauianum,  and  other  Odontoglos- 
sums,  Brasso-Cattleyas,  Phaius  Norman,  Tri- 
chopilia  suavis,  and  the  white  T.  Backhousi- 
ana,  &c. 

H.  S.  Goodso.n,  Esq.,  Fairlawn,  Putney  (gr. 
Mr.  G.  E.  Day),  was  voted  a  Silver  Flora  Medal 
for  a  group  in  which  the  best  plants  were  Odon- 
toglossum Lambeauianum  Goodson's  variety — a 
very  dark  form,  and  a  new  Odontioda.  (See 
Awards.)  The  rest  of  the  group  was  comprised 
of  good  Odontoglossums,  Cattleyas,  Odontioda 
Bradshawiae,  &c. 

Messrs.  J.  &  A.  A.  McBean,  Cooksbrid^e,  se- 
cured a  Silver  Flora  Medal  for  a  group  of  fine 
Odontoglossums.  In  the  centre  was  a  plant  of 
the  richly-blotched  Odontoglossum  crispum 
Ashworthianum,  appearing  in  better  form  than 
ever  before  seen.  Other  good  blotched  forms  of 
O.  crispum  and  a  superbly-flowered  specimen  of 
O.  fascinator  were  also  noticed  in  this  group. 

Messrs.  Sander  &  Sons,  St.  Albans,  were 
awarded  a  Silver  Flora  Medal  for  a  group  in 
which  were  Odontoglossum  Rolfeas  album,  a  very 
remarkable  white  form  of  this  favourite  hybrid  ; 
Cattleya  Schroderae  Princess  Mary  of  Wales, 
and  C.  S.  Magali  Sander,  both  handsome  novel, 
ties,  Angraecum  sesquipedale,  some  good  Odon- 
toglossums, Laelio-Cattleyas,  &c. 

Messrs.  Jas.  Veitch  &  Sons,  Chelsea,  showed 
a  group  in  which  fine  forms  of  Cattleya  Schro- 
derae were  prominent.  With  these  was  a  grand 
variety  of  Brasso-Laelio-Cattleya  Veitchii ;  also 
the  fine  Cypripedium  Countess  of  Carnarvon. 
(Silver  Flora  Medal.) 

Mr.  A.  W.  Jensen,  Lindfield,  Haywards 
Heath,  was  awarded  a  Silver  Banksian  Medal 
for  a  selection  of  his  fine  type  of  Cattleya 
Schroderae  and  some  blotched  forms  of  Odonto- 
glossum crispum. 

Messrs.  Hugh  Low  &  Co.,  Enfield,  were 
awarded  a  Silver  Banksian  Medal  for  a  group 
containing  Dendrobium  crassinode,  D.  primu- 
linum,  D.  Jamesianum,  Cattleya  Schroderae,  one 
named  "Ayesha"  having  a  violet-purple  zone 
on  the  lip. 

Monsieur  Mektens,  Mont  St.  Amand,  Ghent, 
was  awarded  a  Silver  Banksian  Medal  for  a 
group  of  showy  hybrid  Odontoglossums,  includ- 
ing varieties  of  O.  percultum,  O.  amabile,  O. 
laudatum,  O.  Lambeauianum,  O.  Lawrencea- 
num.  This  exhibitor  also  displayed  a  plant  of 
the  white  Cattleya  Suzanne  Hye  de  Crom. 

R.  G.  Thwaites,  Esq.,  Chessington,  Streat- 
ham  (gr.  Mr.  Black),  showed  a  fine  selection  of 
varieties  of  Dendrobium  Thwaitesiae,  D.  Ches- 
singtonense,  and  other  yellow  hybrid  Dendro- 
biums. 

De  B.  Crawshay,  Esq.,  Rosefield,  Sevenoaks 
(gr.  Mr.  Stables),  again  showed  the  superb 
Odontoglossum  triumphans  Lionel  Crawshay ; 
also  a  selection  of  his  pretty  hybrid  Odontoglos- 
sums. 

Sir  Trevor  Lawrence,  Bart.,  K.C.V.O.,  Bur- 
ford  (gr.  Mr.  W.  H.  White),  showed  two 
plants  of  the  fine  white  Ccelogyne  Sanderae,  each 
with  three  flower-spikes ;  Lycaste  Smeeana, 
Maxillaria  variabilis,  and  the  very  singular 
Megaclinium  Bufo.  (See  Awards.) 
i  Messrs.  J.  Cypher  &  Sons,  Cheltenham,  ., 
staged  a  group  of  showy  Dendrobiums  and  other 
Orchids. 


Major  Lister,  Warninglid  Grange,  Hay- 
wards Heath,  showed  a  good  variety  of  Cymbi- 
dium insigne. 

J.  S.  Moss,  Esq.,  Wintershill,  Bishop's 
Waltham,  sent  Odontoglossum  Kenchii  (O. 
Kegeljani  X  O.  Denisomae  Mossiae),  an  attrac- 
tive cream-white  flower  speckled  with  chestnut- 
brown. 

J.  Forster  Alcock;  Esq.,  Exhims,  North- 
church,  sent  Cypripedium  Chapmanii  nigrescens 
and  C.  Wm.  Lloyd  superbum,  both  darker  in 
colour  than  other  forms. 

Francis  Wellesley,  Esq.,  Westfield,  Woking 
(gr.  Mr.  Hopkins),  showed  Cattleya  Trianae 
Marie  Fedorovna,  a  very  charming  silver-white 
flower,  slightly  tinged  with  lavender  colour,  and 
with  violet  front  to  the  lip.  It  is  a  very  distinct 
and  beautiful  flower  of  fine  shape. 

J.  Gurney  Fowi.er,  Esq.,  Glebelands,  South 
Woodford  (gr.  Mr.  J.  Davis),  showed  Odonto- 
glossum Arnoldii,  a  beautiful  hybrid  of  unre- 
corded parentage,  and  allied  to  that  previously 
shown  as  O.  caloglossum.  The  sepals  and 
petals  are  of  a  deep  claret-brown  colour,  with 
silver  margin ;  the  lip  marbled  with  purple. 
Also  O.  crispum  Winnie,  a  good  blotched 
variety. 

J.  S.  Bergheim,  Esq.,  Belsize  Court,  London, 
showed  Megaclinium  falcatum. 

W.  Thompson,  Esq.,  Walton  Grange,  Stone 
(gr.  Mr.  Stevens),  exhibited  Odontoglossum 
crispum  Harryanum  Regina  and  O.  Ossulstonii 
nigrum,  both  very  finely  flowered. 

AWARDS. 
First-class  Certificates. 
Cattleya  Schrodera  The  Baron,  from  Col.  G.  L 
Holford,  CLE.,  C.V.O.  (gr.  Mr.  H.  G.  Alex- 
ander).— An     unique    variety,    which    had    pre- 
viously   secured    a    First-class    Certificate,    but 
which  was  withdrawn  on  account  of  a  flower  not 
being    available    for    sketching.     The    plant    is 
illustrated   in  the  Gardeners'   Chronicle,  June   3, 
1905.     The  peculiar   salmon-orange  disc  of   the 
lip  contrasts  finely  with  the  Peach-blossom  tint 
of  the  flower. 

Odontoglossum  percultum  Cookson's  variety, 
from  Norman  C.  Cookson,  Esq.,  Oakwood, 
Wylam  (gr.  Mr.  II.  J.  Chapman!.— A  model 
flower  with  broad  segments  that  are  heavily 
blotched  with  claret-purple  colour. 

Cattleya  Schrbderce  Irene,  from  Mr.  A.  W. 
Jensen,  Lindfield. — A  noble  flower,  delicately 
tinged  with  lilac,  the  very  large,  fringed  lip  hav- 
ing a  deep  yellow  disc. 

Odontioda  Ernest  Henry  (0.  Queen  Alexandra 
X  O.  Noezliana ),  from  H.  S.  GoODSON,  Ksq. — A 
fine  novelty  nearest  to  O.  Charlesworthii,  but 
having  deep  mahogany-red  flowers  with  orange 
crest. 

Awards  of  Merit. 

Odontoglossum  Dreadnought  (Prince  Albert  X 
Sceptrum),  from  Messrs.  Sander  &  Sons. — 
Flowers  large,  yellow,  heavily  marked  with  red- 
dish-brown, the  crimped  yellowish  labellum  hav- 
ing a  large  chestnut  brown  blotch. 

Odontoglossum  Sylvia  Westonbirt  variety  (cirr- 
hosum  x  PolfeeeJ,  from  Colonel  G.  L.  Hol- 
ford (gr.  Mr.  H.  G.  Alexander). — A  pretty 
hybrid  of  the  O.  elegans  form  with  yellowish 
flowers  blotched  with  chocolate-purple. 

Odontoglossum  crispum  Angela,  from  Norman 
C.  Cookson,  Esq.  (gr.  Mr.  H.  J.  Chapman). — A 
large  flower,  heavily  blotched  with  purple. 

Cattleya  Schrbdcrs  Alexandra  James,  from  W. 
James,  Esq.,  West  Dean  Park,  Chichester. — 
Flowers  large,  blush  white,  with  orange  disc  to 
the  lip. 

Lcelio-Cattlcya  Frederick  Boyle  var.  Kerchova. 
— Flowers  uniformly  blush  white.  From  Sir 
Trevor  Lawrence,  Bart. 

Botanical  Certificate. 

Megaclinium  Bufo. — A  very  remarkable, 
large  species,  with  a  stout,  upright  inflores- 
cence, the  upper  part  of  which  is  a  blade-like 
rachis,  densely  spotted  with  purple  and  bearing 
up  the  mid-ribs  a  single  row  of  curious 
brownish  flowers   on  either   side. 

Polystachya  rhodoptera. — A  slender  species, 
bearing  on  the  upper  part  short  spikes  of  yellow- 
ish flowers  tinged  with  rose.  Both  shown  by 
Sir  Trevor  Lawrence,  Bart.,  K. C.V.O.  (gr. 
Mr.  W.  II.  White). 


Fruit  and  Vegetable  Committee. 

Present:  Mr.  George  Bunyard  (Chairman); 
and  Messrs.  A.  H.  Pearson,  C.  G.  A.  Nix, 
H.  S.  Rivers,  J.  Harrison,  A.  Dean,  E.  Beckett, 
F.  Perkins,  A.  R.  Allan,  J.  Davis,  J.  Lyne,  G. 
Hobday,  G.  Keif,  J.  Jacques,  O.  Thomas,  J. 
Mclndoe,  G.  Wythes,  J.  Vert,  W.  H.  Divers, 
and   P.   D.   Tuckett. 

Messrs.  J.  Veitch  &  Sons,  Chelsea,  exhibited 
several  splendid  specimens  of  Lettuce  Veitch's 
Golden  Queen,  also  French  Frame  Black 
Crepe,  a  particularly  fine  Cabbage  variety.  Tlus 
firm  also  included  in  its  group  Radishes  Extra 
Early  Forcing  Turnip,  Early  Gem  and  French 
Breakfast  as  well  as  Cucumber  Veitch's  Sensa- 
tion.    (Silver  Banksian  Medal.) 

A  splendid  collection  of  Oranges  was  ex- 
hibited by  Messrs.  Thos.  Rivers  &  Son,  Saw- 
bridgeworth.  There  were  plants  in  flower  and 
fruit,  as  well  as  gathered  fruit  of  many  varie- 
ties, including  Egg,  Brown's,  St.  Michael's, 
Navel,  White,  Seville,  Achilles,  Sustain  and 
Excelsior.  There  were  also  Citrons  in  grand 
condition.     (Silver-gilt  Knightian  Medal.) 

Mr.  T.  E.  Dawes,  Syderstone,  King's  Lynn, 
showed  Rhubarb  Challenge— a  variety  of  im- 
mense   length   of   petiole   and    rich    colour. 

Mr.  F.  Harvey  (gr.  to  the  Rt.  Hon.  Lord 
Monson,  Burton  Hall,  Lincoln)  exhibited  some 
choice  Apples,  including  Beauty  of  Kent, 
Cox's  Orange  Pippin,  Bramley's  Seedling', 
Lane's  Prince  Albert,  King  of  the  Pippins,  and 
several  others.     (Silver  Banksian  Medal.) 

Messrs.  Sutton  &  Sons,  Reading,  staged  a 
collection  of  Lettuces,  including  Golden  Ball, 
French  Tom  Thumb,  Nonesuch,  Improved  Tom 
Thumb,  Early  Paris,  Commodore  Nutt  and  Little 
Gem.  The  same  firm  also  showed  seeds  of 
garden   Peas.      (Silver   Banksian   Medal.) 

AWARDS. 
Rhubarb     Challenge    (T.     E.     Dawes).— A 
grand    variety   for   early   use.      The    stalks   are. 
long,    thick   and    exceptionally    rich    in    colour. 
(Award  of  Merit.) 

Collection  of  Salads. 
There  was  a  competitive  class  for  a  collection 
of  three  .salads,  two  varieties  of  a  kind  being 
permissible.  Mr.  E.  Beckett  (gr.  to  the  Hon. 
Vicary  Gibbs,  Aldenham  House,  Elstree, 
Herts.)  was  the  only  exhibitor,  and  received 
the  premier  prize.  There  were  Lettuces  Sutton's 
Forcing,  and  Sutton's  Golden  Ball,  Radish  Sut- 
ton's  Forcing,  French  Breakfast,  Cucumber  Sut- 
ton's Peerless,  Onion,  Mustard,  Cress  and 
Chicory. 


©bituarjj. 

Benjamin  Simonite. — We  regret  to  record 
the  death  of  this  well-known  florist  at  38,  Der- 
went  Street,  Park,  Sheffield,  on  March  29.  Mr. 
Simonite  was  a  most  successful  cultivator  of 
Auriculas,  Carnations,  Picotees,  and  Tulips. 
Brought  up  to  follow  his  father's  craft — that  of 
a  table-blade  forger — he  worked  with  Messrs. 
Joseph  Rodgers  &  Sons,  Sheffield.  His  delight, 
however,  was  to  be  amongst  flowers,  and  he  re- 
tired from  table-blade  forging  some  28  years 
ago,  and  gave  his  entire  attention  to  his  favourite 
occupation.  His  success  in  the  raising  and  cul- 
tivating of  Auriculas  was  phenomenal.  "  The 
workman  florist,"  as  he  was  occasionally  called, 
raised  his  flowers  under  difficult  conditions,  his 
garden  being  in  one  of  the  most  smoke-ridden 
districts  of  Sheffield.  Amongst  the  many  excel- 
lent Auriculas  which  he  raised  was  the  beautiful 
green-edged  Rev.  F.  D.  Horner.  Talisman  was 
also  raised  by  him,  and,  later  still,  James  Han- 
naford,  which  at  its  best  may  be  regarded  as  a 
green  George  Lightbody.  F"rank,  often  called 
Frank  Simonite,  grey  edge,  Heather  Bell,  white 
edge,  Mrs.  Douglas,  a  charming  blue  self, 
and  Ruby,  a  fine  red  self,  are  other  noted  Auri- 
culas raised  at  Rough  Bank.  Mr.  Simonite  pur- 
sued his  occupation  up  till  about  three  weeks  ago, 
when  he  was  taken  ill  and  gradually  sank,  death 
taking  place  early  on  Monday,  March  29.  He  was 
74  years  of  age,  and  is  survived  by  a  son  and 
daughter. 


240 


THE    GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


[ApRfL  10,  1909. 


THE     WEATHER- 

THE  WEATHER  IN  WEST  HERTS. 

Week  ending  April  6. 

A  cold  and  dry  week.— The  last  two  days  have  been 
moderately  warm  for  the  time  of  year,  but  previous  to  this 
the  day  temperatures  were  rather  low.  The  nights  were  all 
cold,  and  on  each  of  them  the  lowest  temperature  indicated 
by  the  exposed  thermometer  was  below  the  freezing-point. 
On  the  coldest  night  13°  of  frost  were  registered.  The 
ground  is  at  the  present  time  1°  colder  than  is  seasonable, 
both  at  1  and  2  feet  deep.  No  rain  has  as  yet  fallen  this 
month.  The  ground,  however,  still  remains  moist  below 
the  surface,  as  small  amounts  of  rain  water  still  continue  to 
come  each  day  through  both  percolation  gauges.  The  sun 
has  shone  on  an  average  during  the  last  6  days  for  nearly  7 
hours  a  day,  or  for  2i  hours  a  day  longer  than  is  usual  at 
this  period  of  April.  On  the  sunniest  day  the  record 
amounted  to  nearly  llj  hours.  Light  airs  have,  as  a  rule, 
prevailed,  the  direction  being  principally  some  point 
between  north  and  east.  The  mean  amount  of  moisture  in 
the  air  at  3  p.m.  fell  short  of  a  seasonable  quantity  for  that 
hour  by  as  much  as  14  per  cent. 

March. 

Very  „-old  and  extremely  wet  and  sunless.  —This  was  the 
coldest  March  since  1901,  or  for  eight  years.  The  days 
proved,  as  a  rule,  much  more  unseasonably  cold  than  the 
nights.  Again,  the  first  half  of  the  month  was  very  cold, 
whereas  during  the  last  twelve  days  the  temperature, 
particularly  at  night,  was  above  the  average  for  the  time  of 
year.  On  the  warmest  day  the  temperature  in  the  ther- 
mometer screen  rose  to  57tf,  which  is  a  very  low  extreme 
maximum  for  March.  On  the  other  hand,  on  the  coldest 
night  the  exposed  thermometer  indicated  19°  of  frost,  which 
is  the  lowest  extreme  minimum  temperature  in  March  for  12 
years.  Rain,  snow,  or  hail  fell  on  as  many  as  23  days,  and 
to  the  aggregate  depth  of  3£  inches— which  is  1A  inches  in 
excess  of  the  average  for  the  month.  In  the  last  54  years 
there  have  been  only  four  other  Marches  with  as  heavy  a 
rainfall.  The  sun  shone  on  an  average  for  only  2  hours 
18"  minutes  a  day,  which  is  1  hour  24  minutes  a  day  below 
the  March  average,  and  the  smallest  record  for  that  month 
during  the  last  "23  years.  This  was  on  the  whole  a 
calm  month.  In  fact,  on  the  one  very  windy  day  the  mean 
velocity  for  the  windiest  hour  only  reached  19  miles- 
direction  W.S.W.  The  average  amount  of  moisture  in  the 
air  at  3  o'clock  in  the  afternoon  exceeded  a  seasonable 
quantity  for  that  hour  by  9  per  cent. 

Our  Underground  Water  Supply. 

With  March,  came  to  an  end  the  winter  half  of  the 
present  drainage  year.  The  total  rainfall  for  those  six 
months  fell  short  of  the  average  quantity  by  nearly  5  inches, 
which  is  equivalent  to  a  loss  of  111,070  gallons  on  each 
acre  in  this  district.  At  the  same  time  last  year  there 
was  an  excess  of  54,970  gallons  per  acre.  E.  M.t  Berk- 
hamsted,  April  6,  1909. 


ANSWERS  TO  CORRESPONDENTS. 


Ants:  //.  K.     Ants  may  be  destroyed  by  pour- 
ing boiling  water  in  their  burrows.    The  fumes 
of  bisulphide  of  carbon  or  vaporite  will  also 
destroy  them.   An   arsenical   poison   prepared 
by   Messrs.   Alex.    Cross   and  Son,    Glasgow, 
known  as  the  Ballikinrain  Ant  Destroyer  is  to 
be  recommended. 
Apple-growing  in  England  foe  Profit  :  A.  S., 
Cincinnati,  U.S.A.     The  conditions  of  Apple- 
growing  in  this   country   and  in  America  are 
totally   different.      We  do   not   advise  you  to 
come  back  from  America  in  the  hopes  of  mak- 
ing a  successful  venture  of  Apple  cultivation. 
In  the  first   place,   the  cost  of  production  in 
this  country   is   very   much    greater    than    in 
America,   chiefly  because  of  rent,   rates,   and 
taxes.     Although  it  may  appear  that  the  car- 
riage would  account  for  a  great  loss  of  profit 
in  shipping  from  America  to  England,  this  is 
not  so,  as  fruit  is  brought  thousands  of  miles 
by  sea  almost  as  cheaply  as  we  can   send   it 
to   various   parts   of    our   own   country.      The 
reason   why   American   Apples   are   so   largely 
imported  into  this  country  is  that  they  arrive 
at  a  season  when  the  home  crop  is  finished, 
and,  as  Apples  have  always  a  demand  here, 
they  meet  with  a  good  market. 
Branches     of     Shrubs     for     Flowering     in 
Water  :    D.  Mason.     Branches  of  the  follow- 
ing shrubs,  if  cut  in  winter  and   placed  in  a 
warm  greenhouse,  with   their  ends   in  water, 
will  furnish  a  display  of  blossoms: — Flower- 
ing Almonds,  Peaches,   Cherries,   and  Plums, 
notably   Prunus   cerasifera   var.   atropurpurea 
(syn.    Pissardii),   P.    triloba   flore   pleno,    and 
Pyrus  floribunda.     The  common  Apple,  Pear, 
Peach,  Cherry,  and  Plum  may  also  be  treated 
in   the   same   manner.     Other   plants   suitable 
are    Daphne    Mezereum,    Staphylea    colchica, 
Magnolias,  Spiraeas,  Cornus  Mas,  Deutzia  gra- 
cilis, and  Lilacs.     Keep  the  shoots  in  a  warm, 
dark  place,  with  their  ends  in  warm  water,  till 
the    'Sower-buds    are    prominent,    when    they 
should  be  brought  into  the  light.     Change  the 
water   at   intervals.      In   addition   to    splitting 
the  stems,  the  outer  bark  near  the  base  of  the 
shoot  should   be  removed  in  order  to   expose 
some  of  the  xylem  or  water-carrying  tissue. 


Evergreen-  Ampelopsis  (Vitis)  :  Warsash. 
There  are  no  hardy,  evergreen  species  of  Am- 
pelopsis, but  there  are  several  tender,  ever- 
green species  of  Vitis,  one  of  which  may  be  the 
one  to  which  you  refer.  Botanically,  Ampe- 
lopsis is  a  synonym  of  Vitis.  The  following 
species  are  evergreen,  but  they  all  require  the 
protection  of  a  plant  house: — V.  antarctica, 
V.  capreolata,  V.  hypoglauca. 

Flower  Shows  in  1909:  Australian.  You  will 
find  the  dates  of  all  the  important  London  and 
provincial  flower  shows  given  in  our  Almanac 
published  with  the  issue  for  January  2.  The 
most  important  exhibitions  in  London  are  held 
by  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society.  Other  ex- 
hibitions are  held  in  the  Royal  Botanic  Gar- 
dens, Regent's  Park.  Important  provincial 
shows  include  those  at  Shrewsbury,  Birming- 
ham, York,  Wolverhampton,  Hanley,  and 
Saltaire. 

Foreigners  and  the  R.H.S.  :  G.  B.,  Clermont- 
Ferrand.  Fellowship  of  the  Royal  Horticul- 
tural Society  is  open  to  persons  of  all 
nationalities.  A  foreigner  may  exhibit  plants 
at  the  Society's  meetings.  They  should  be 
sent  to  the  secretary,  carriage  paid,  and  be 
despatched  so  as  to  reach  the  officials  a  day 
before  the  show.  Only  in  very  exceptional  cir- 
cumstances does  the  Society  undertake  to  re- 
turn plants  sent  from  abroad,  per  the  secre- 
tary, for  exhibition. 

Grubs  in  Soil:  A.  Richmond.  The  grubs  are 
young  "  leather  jackets,"  or  the  larva?  of  the 
common  cranefly.  If  they  are  attacking  root 
crops  or  herbaceous  plants,  we  would  recom- 
mend the  application  of  Paris  Green  (poison)  at 
the  rate  of  3  ounces  to  20  gallons  of  water.  The 
roots  around  the  crown  of  the  plant  should  be 
thoroughly  soaked,  and  the  mixture  kept  well 
stirred.  Try  the  effect  on  a  few  plants  first, 
and,  if  found  successful,  apply  the  mixture  to 
the  whole  crop.  The  usual  method  of  trapping 
with  squares  of  turf  placed  in  the  ground  near 
infested  plants  has  met  with  a  certain  amount 
of  success,  as  also  has  the  application  of 
Kainit. 

Irish  Yew  from  Seeds  :  /.  S.  H.  The  Irish 
Yew  is  generally  increased  by  means  of  cut- 
tings or  by  grafts,  but  it  can  be  raised  from 
seeds.  A  percentage  of  the  seedlings  develop 
the  fastigiate  form,  the  remainder  reverting  to 
the  common  Yew.  As  a  rule,  the  seeds  ger- 
minate freely,  but  they  sometimes  require  12 
months  to  do  so.  You  should  experience  no 
difficulty  in  growing  a  common  Thistle  in  a 
pot.  Obtain  an  ordinary  flower-pot,  fill  it  with 
moderately  heavy  soil,  and  sow  the  seeds. 

Liquid  Manure:  A.  B.  Weight  for  weight,  ani- 
mal urine  is  twice  or  three  times  as  rich  in 
plant-food  as  are  the  solid  excrements.  For 
example,  the  urine  of  the  horse  contains,  per 
ton,  42  lbs.  of  nitrogen,  33  lbs.  of  potash,  and 
17  lbs.  of  lime.  The  urine  of  the  cow  contains 
11  lbs.  of  nitrogen,  31  lbs.  of  potash,  and  3  lbs. 
of  lime.  The  urine  of  the  pig  is  the  weakest 
of  the  animal  manures,  and  contains,  per  ton, 
but  8  lbs.  of  nitrogen,  4  lbs.  of  potash,  1  lb.  of 
lime,  and  29  lbs.  of  phosphoric  acid.  On  com- 
paring these  figures,  it  will  be  seen  that 
neither  the  urine  of  the  horse  nor  cow  contains 
any  phosphoric  acid,  while  that  of  the  pig 
contains  a  large  quantity.  In  common  prac- 
tice, therefore,  it  is  advisable  to  mix  4  ozs. 
of  superphosphate  to  each  gallon  of  urine, 
then  to  dilute  the  whole  with  three  times  the 
quantity  of  rain-water.  Liquid  manure  has  a 
powerful  influence  upon  all  vegetable  life,  and 
should,  therefore,  be  applied  to  garden  vege- 
tables just  after  a  rainfall.  There  can  be  no 
question  that  the  time  of  active  growth  in 
both  roots  and  branches  is  the  proper  time  for 
using  liquid  manure,  and  for  fruit-bearing 
plants  when  the  fruits  are  beginning  to  swell, 
that  is,  soon  after  they  are  set.  Another  point 
of  importance  is  that,  as  a  rule,  the  slower 
growth  a  plant  naturally  makes  the  less  able 
is  it  to  utilise  strong  liquid  manure.  A  good 
dose  of  weak  liquid  manure  applied  once  a 
week  in  the  active  growing  season  is  much 
better  than  strong  manure  applied  at  longer 
intervals. 
Moss  :  D.  R.  The  moss  is  a  very  common  and 
abundant  species,  Brachythecium  purum  (syn. 
Hypnum  purum}.  The  synonym  is  the  older 
and  better-known  name.  It  is  useful  for  placing 
over  crocks  in  seed  boxes  before  rilling  them 


with  soil,  as  it  assists  the  free  formation  of 
roots  in  the  seedlings.  This  moss  does  not 
absorb  water  so  readily  as  Sphagnum,  and  is 
not  to  be  recommended  as  a  substitute  for 
Sphagnum  in  Orchid  culture. 
Names  of  Plants  :  A.  B.  1,  Lonicera  Standishii  ; 
2,  Prunus  Laurocerasus  var.  colchica ;  3, 
Tsuga  canadensis  ;  4,  Picea  orientalis ;  5, 
Libocedrus  decurrens ;  6,  Cupressus  semper- 
virens  var. — A.  C.  Scented-leaved  Pelargo- 
niums: 1,  tomentosum ;  2,  radula;  3  and  4, 
crispum  major ;  5,  crispum  minor ;  6,  ardens 
minor  ;  7,  Mrs.  Kingsbury  ;  8,  Pheasant's  foot ; 
9,  Purple  Unique;  10,  Scarlet  Unique;  ll.querci- 
folium  var. ;  12,  Prince  of  Orange.  You  send 
more  than  six.  A  small  donation  to  the  R.G.O.F. 
would  be  appropriate. — R.  B.,  Cork.  1,  Gold- 
fussia  isophylla  ;  2,  send  in  flower  ;  3,  Bryophyl- 
lumcalycinum  ;  4,  Platylomaflexuosa;  5,  Pepero- 
mia  argyreia  ;  6,  Abutilon  Savitzii ;  7,  Asparagus 
virgatus. — J.  G.  1,  Cupressus  Lawsoniana 
erecta  viridis  ;  2,  Andromeda  floribunda ;  3, 
Elaeagnus  pungens  medio-aurea;  4,  Berberis 
stenophylla  ;  5,  Diplopappus  chrysophyllus ; 
6,  Cornus  Mas. — J.  W .  Diplopappus  chryso- 
phyllus.—/. M.  Cornus  Mas.—  H.  J.  W .  1, 
Ccelogyne  flaccida ;  2,  Dendrobium  nobile  ;  3, 
next  week  ;  4,  Sparaxis  grandiflora  ;  5,  Cupressus 
funebris. — India.  1,  CirrhopetalumRoxburghii  ; 
2,  Aerides  odoratum  ;  3,  Oberonia  species  (send 
again  when  in  flowert;  4,  Aerides  multiflorum 
(roseum)  ;  5,  Rhynchostylis  (Saccolabium) 
retusa ;  6,  The  bulb  resembles  Hsemanthus, 
send  when  in  flower. — N.  E.  B.  Franciscea 
Hopeana. — R.  H.  1,  Oncidium  flexuosum  ;  2, 
O.  barbatum;  3,  Masdevallia  triangularis;  4, 
Pleurothallis  rubens  ;  5,  Polystachya  pubescens  ; 
6,  Adaaurantiaca—  Foreman.  1,  Odontoglossum 
triumphans;  2,  Oncidium  candidum  ;  3,  Pteris 
tremula. 

Number  of  Plants  Known  to  Science  : 
X.  Y.  Z.  It  is  probable  that  upwards  of 
200,000  species  of  plants  are  known,  and  of 
this  number  it  is  estimated  that  136,000  are 
flowering  plants. 

Plants  for  Placing  between  Stepping 
Stones;  A.  H.  T.  The  following  is  a  list  of 
plants  suitable  for  growing  between  stepping 
stones: — Arenaria  balearica,  Alyssum  mon- 
tanum,  Antennaria  dioica,  Arabis  procurrens, 
Armeria  alpina,  Aubrietia  deltoidea  var. 
Campbellii,  Aubrietia  deltoidea  var.  taurica, 
Bellium  bellidioides,  Campanula  pulla,  Cam- 
panula Portenschlagiana,  Cotula  squalida, 
Draba  aizoides,  Draba  bruniaefolia,  Erinus 
alpinus,  Gentiana  acaulis,  Geum  montanum, 
Hypericum  reptans,  Linaria  alpina,  Lysima- 
chia  nummularia,  Mazus  pumilio,  Meseni- 
bryanthemum  pomeridianum,  Mesembryanthe- 
mum  pyropeum  Noccaea  alpina,  Papaver  al- 
pinum,  Paronychia  argentea,  Phlox  subulata 
vars.,  Polygonum  capitatum,  Pratia  angulata, 
Saxifraga  hypnoides,  Sedum  album  or  S.  an- 
glicum  or  S.  dasyphyllum,  Veronica  Teucrium 
var.  dubia,  and  Waldsteinia  trifolia. 

Seakale  for  a  Permanent  Bed  :  Anxious.  Sea- 
kale  plants  which  have  been  forced  may  be 
used  for  making  a  permanent  bed  ;  but  these 
will  not  be  nearly  so  satisfactory  as  young 
crowns.  If  you  decide  to  plant  the  old  stools, 
the  roots  should  be  cut  off  level  at  the  crown, 
and,  as  the  shoots  develop,  all  but  the 
strongest  should  be  removed.  Cerastmm 
tomentosum  is  the  one  usually  employed  for 
carpet  bedding. 

Violas  and  Calceolarias:  Anxious.  Violas 
and  Calceolarias  should  be  planted  where  they 
are  intended  to  flower  by  the  end  of  April. 
For  both  plants  it  is  best  to  select  a  position 
where  they  will  be  shaded  from  the  sun  for  a 
couple  of  hours  during  the  middle  of  the  day. 

Weed  in  Lawn  :  T.  S.  The  plant  is  one  of  the 
Cerastiums,  probably  C.  alpinum.  Apply 
nitrogenous  manures  to  the  lawn.  These  will 
favour  the  growth  of  the  Grasses,  and  they  will 
in  time  crowd  out  the  weeds. 

Communications  Received.— T.  H.— R.  B.— W.  W.-S.  E. 
L.— A.  McC.-R.  B— T.  W.  W.— J.  M.— T.  H.-S.  A.— 
G.  H.  A.— S.  F.  &  Co.— Wessex— F.  E.  S.  &  Co.—  G.  P.— 
A.  S.— J.  D.  W.— A.  E.  S.— A.  D.— Mrs.  S.  E.— W.  W.— 
W.  E.  G.— A.  O.— W.  D.— I.   D.   G.— D.   R.  W.— E.   M.— 

Chloris— W.  B.  H.— J.  B.— F.  M.— A.  S W.  E.— F.  H.— 

Col.  H.— T.  H.  C—  T.  W.  C  — A.  W.  S.-J.  V, 
&  Sons  -W.  H.  W.— W.—  J.  J.  W— H.  W.  W.— W.  E.  B. 
—A.  D.  W.— F.  B.— E.  H.  J.— R.  P.  B.  -F.  M.— W.  M.— 
C.  F.— J.  H.— S.  &  G.— S.  A.— H.  Y.— A  Southern  Grower 
-  A.  C.  Co.-J.  G.  W.  -E.  S.— W.  R.  P. 


April  17,  1909.] 


THE    GARDENERS'      CHRONICLE. 


241 


THE 


No.  1.164.— SATURDAY,  April  17,   1909. 


Araucaria  imbricata     ... 

Be  r  !  in    Exhibition, 
florists'  art   at 

Books,  notices  of — 
Chrysanthemums  for 
Garden  and  Green- 
house...          

Publications  received 

Carnations,     perpeti.al- 
flowering         

Colonial  notes— 
A  letter  from  Kelowna    242 

Cucumbers,  the  cultiva- 
tion of 

Deforestation    in     New 
Zealand 

Eucalyptus    and    boiler 
incrustation      

Fencing  in  parks,  por- 
table       

Fernery,  the       

Law  note — 
The  sale  of  poisonous 
compounds 

Lilacs,  stock  for 

Market      fruit-grower's 
year,  a 

Melbourne  Botanic  Gar- 
den          

Obituary — 

William  Burton         ...     254 

Onions  for  market        ..     252 

Orchid  notes  and  glean- 
ings— 
Cattleya  Trianee  Marie 

Feodorovna 241 

Coelogyne  prolifera  ...     241 

Petrea  volubilis 251 


CONTENTS. 

244 


249 


251 
251 


24] 


253 

243 


249 


244 
219 


Plant  invaders    ... 

Plant  notes — 
Calceolaria  Burbidgei    242 
Hippeastrum      pardi- 
num 

Raffia  and  raffia  wax    ... 

Ribes  Menziesii 

Rock  garden,  the — 
Wahlenbergias,  the  ... 

School  gardens  in  Sur- 
rey          

Benjamin, 


248 


242 
249 
242 

243 

252 


Simonite, 

the  late  ... 
Societies — 

Debating 

Nursery     and      Seed 
Trade 

Royal       Caledonian 
Hort 

Royal  Horticultural  ... 

(Scientific  Committee) 

Scottish  Horticultural 

United    Hort.   Benefit 
and  Provident 
Timber   for   aeroplanes    251 
Trees  and  shrubs  — 

Cupressus  macrocarpa   245 
Vegetables,  hardy  green    245 
Vine,     a     hardy     ever- 
green      

Week's  work,  the — 

Apiary,  the        

Flower  garden,  the  ... 

Fruits  under  glass    ... 

Hardy  fruit  garden  ... 

Kitchen  garden,  the... 

Orchid  houses,  the   ... 

Plants  under  glass    ... 


250 
255 
254 

254 

249 
253 
254 

254 


253 

247 
247 
246 
247 
247 
246 
247 


ILLUSTRATIONS. 

Araucaria  imbricata  in  the  grounds  of  Ben  Rhydding 

Hydropathic  establishment  244,  245 

Burton,  William,  the  late     254 

Melbourne  Botanic  Garden,  lake  scene   in    the  (Sup- 
plementary Illustration) 

Petrea  volubilis 252 

Ribes  Menziesii .  ...         242 

View  in  the   Melbourne  Botanic  Garden  250 

Wahlenbergia   serpyllifolia,  243;    W.  s.  var.  dinarica    243 


PERPETUAL  -  FLOWERING 
CARNATIONS. 

CONTRARY  opinions  are  sometimes  ex- 
pressed as  to  the  behaviour  of  certain 
varieties  of  tree  or  perpetual-flowering 
Carnations ;  the  two  English-raised  sorts, 
Mrs.  H.  Burnett  and  Britannia,  in  particular 
have  been  much  discussed.  Many  growers 
complain  that  these  varieties  being  so  subject 
to  disease  (Helminthosporium  echinulatum), 
it  is  better  to  discard  them  altogether  in  favour 
of  others  having  stronger  constitutions.  I 
am  bound  to  admit  that  these  sorts  are  par- 
ticularly liable  to  this  fungus  disease,  but  it 
may  at  least  be  useful  to  relate  my  own  ex- 
perience with  them,  and  I  do  so  in  the  hope 
that  it  may  prevent  others  from  ceasing  to 
cultivate  them,  for  they  are  admittedly  very 
charming  varieties.  The  best  way  to  pre- 
serve these  sorts  from  disease  is  to  keep  the 
plants  under  glass  at  all  times,  or,  failing 
this,  thev  should  be  placed  in  such  a  position 
out-of-doors  that  they  can  be  easily  protected 
from  rains  and  ungenial  weather.  Exposure 
to  rains  is  the  most  frequent  cause  of  failure. 
The  usual  practice,  especially  with  plants  re- 
quired to  flower  during  winter,  is  to  place 
them  out-of-doors  as  soon  as  they  have  be- 
come established  in  their  flowering  pots. 
This    practice    I    have   followed   myself,    but 


have  always  housed  them  again  before 
the.  advent  of  autumnal  rains.  Last  year 
we  housed  our  plants  in  the  middle  of 
August,  and  they  were  thus  preserved  from 
the  torrential  rains  experienced  in  the  latter 
part  of  that  month  and  in  September.  The 
plants  have  succeeded  so  well  since  that 
time,  I  feel  certain  it  is  due  mainly  to  this 
one  point  in  their  culture.  But  I  have  fur- 
ther reason  for  believing  that  indoor  culture 
is  essential  in  the  case  of>  the  two  varieties 
already  mentioned.  We  have  plants  here 
that  were  placed  out-of-doors  during  the 
summer  of  1907.  These  were  not  taken  in- 
doors until  nearly  the  end  of  September,  and 
they  quickly  showed  signs  of  disease.  I 
have  no  faith  in  the  many  advertised  remedies 
and  therefore  every  infested  leaf  was  picked 
off  the  plants  and  destroyed  by  burning.  This 
treatment  caused  the  plants  to  appear  very 
shabby  for  that  season,  but  it  was  persevered 
with,  and  in  the  following  season  (1908)  the 
plants  being  continuously  in  bloom,  they  were 
kept  under  glass.  At  the  present  time  there 
is  no  disease  noticeable  on  these  old  plants. 
Some  younger  plants  that  were  placed  out- 
of-doors  as  usual,  have  again  suffered  to  a 
much  greater  extent  than  other  varieties. 
These  young  plants  in  their  turn  will  be  kept 
inside  during  the  coming  season,  and  I  feel 
sure  thev  will  rapidly  improve  in  condition. 
Out-of-door  treatment  in  this  country  is  not 
likely  to  be  so  successful  as  it  has  proved  in 
the  United  States.  Whether  the  more  humid 
condition  of  the  atmosphere  in  these  Isles 
has  something  to  do  with  it  or  not,  the  fact  is 
impressed  on  me  by  the  study  of  the  collection 
under  my  own  charge.  Not  only  does  this 
and  that  variety  succeed  better,  but  all  the 
plants  improve  in  the  second  season  if  they 
remain  under  glass.  The  bio  ms  I  send  the 
Editor  along  with  this  note  were  obtained 
from  old  plants  that  have  been  continuously 
under  glass  for  the  last  18  months.  [These 
were  excellent  examples. — Eds.] 

Another  mistake  thai  inexperienced  culti- 
vators make'  is  that  of  over-manuring  their 
plants.  Carnations  do  not  require  anything 
like  the  amount  of  manure  sometimes  given 
them  in  the  early  stages  of  growth,  but  it  is 
admitted  that  when  the  pots  are  full  of  roots, 
and  the  plants  in  robust  health,  artificial 
manure  may  be  given  in  small  quantities, 
and  the  results  will  justify  the  treatment. 
After  several  years'  experience  with  them, 
I  find  that  some  of  the  earliest  varieties  are 
still  the  best.  Lady  Bountiful  (pure  white), 
though  not  so  solid  and  heavy  as  White  Per- 
fection, is  an  exquisitely-formed  flower,  and  is 
very  free;  I  do  not  find  White  Perfection  so 
good  in  these  respects.  Harlowarden,  crim- 
son, is  still  the  best  of  its  colour,  and  its 
general  behaviour  here  is  very  satisfactory. 

Hannah  Hobart,  not  often  seen  on  the 
showboards,  is  a  very  good  grower,  and  it 
produces  blooms  of  exquisite  form,  with 
rounded  edges.  It  is  deeper  in  shade  than 
Mrs.  T.  W.  Lawson  and  is  more  effective 
when  seen  in  artificial  light  than  in  daylight. 
Jessica,  one  of  the  best  of  the  flaked  varieties, 
is  a  splendid  grower,  as  are  also  Aurora  and 
Oriflamrne,  of  the  same  class. 

Longer  experience  with  Nelson  Fisher  cor  • 
firms  my  earlier  experience  that  this  variety 
is  not  a  good  doer,  though  I  am  aware  it 
succeeds  well  with  some  cultivators.  Flori- 
ana,    though   small,    has  a  good  habit,   and 


produces  excellentlv-formed  flowers,  but  it 
is  not  so  suitable  for  blooming  in  winter  as 
some  varieties.  Plants  of  Lord  Rosebery 
make  straggling  growth,  but  this  variety  has 
good  crimson  blooms.  Neither  Aristocrat  nor 
Elliott's  Queen  have  succeeded  here  as  we  ex- 
pected them.  Winsor  is  a  beautiful  variety, 
but  dwarfer  in  habit  than  most  others.  Fair 
Maid  has  a  very  floriferous  habit,  and  the 
colour  of  the  flower  is  a  beautiful  shade  of 
pink  ;  it  is  not  suitable  for  exhibition.  En- 
chantress and  its  various  sports  are  always 
favourites.  Neither  White  Lawson  nor  Re- 
liance are  particularly  good  in  this  collection. 
Mikado,  being  a  deep  shade  of  heliotrope,  is 
a  favourite  colour  with  many.  Robert  Craig 
makes  satisfactory  growth,  and  the  flowers 
are  bright  scarlet.  Flamingo  and  Crusader 
are  also  good  scarlet  varieties.  Concerning 
some  of  the  newer  varieties  complaints 
are  made  that  the  blooms  are  thin,  but 
many  of  these  varieties  will  be  likely 
to  improve  under  cultivation.  Any  plants 
of  these  winter  or  perpetual-flowering 
Carnations  that  become  leggy  may  be  cut 
back  to  the  old  wood.  If  the  roots  are  kept 
rather  dry  the  old  stems  will  produce  an 
abundance  of  young  shoots  in  the  course  of 
a  few  weeks,  and  they  can  be  grown  into 
large  plants  for  another  season.  Such  treat- 
ment may  be  desirable  in  cases  of  rare  or 
valuable  varieties.     /.  G.   Weston. 


ORCHID    NOTES   AND    GLEANINGS. 

CCELOGYNE    PROLIFERA. 

Although  not  a  showy  species,  this  rare 
Coelogyne  has  interesting  features.  The  pseudo- 
bulbs,  which  are  nearly  as  large  as  those  of  C. 
cristata,  are  distantly  placed  on  a  stout,  scaly 
rhizome,  and  bear  one  or  two  petiolate,  lanceo- 
late leaves.  The  inflorescence  rising  from  the, 
apex  of  the  mature  pseudo-bulb  is  about  9  inches 
in  height  and  clothed  with  closely-fitting  bracts 
on  the  upper  part,  from  which  the  flowers  pro-, 
ceed,  after  which  the  bracts  are  shed,  leaving 
those  not  furnished  with  flowers  still  in  position. 
The  flowers,  which  are  1  inch  across,  have  rather 
broadly-lanceolate,  light  sepia-brown  sepals,  and 
narrow,  linear,  abruptly-recurved  petals.  The. 
base  of  the  lip  and  column  are  white,  with  the 
same  greenish-yellow  tint  which  suffuses  the 
whole  flower ;  the  front  is  sepia  brown,  with  a 
narrow  yellow  margin,  two  elevated  lines  run- 
ning from  the  base.  It  flowered  with  Mr.  James 
O'Brien. 

CATTLEYA  TRIAN.E  "MARIE 
FEODOROVNA." 
Cattleya  Trian.e  varies  more  than  any  of 
the  large-flowered  Cattleyas  in  the  colour  of  its 
flowers,  and  if  any  importation  is  of  the  best 
type,  all  are  worth  growing.  But  the  proportion 
of  distinct  forms  worthy  of  varietal  names  is 
small,  and  hence  the  great  value  of  good  ones. 
Under  the  above  name,  one  of  the  most  charming 
forms  is  blooming  in  the  gardens  of  Francis 
Wellesley,  Esq.,  Westfield,  Woking  (gr.  Mr. 
Hopkins).  It  is  an  ideal  florists'  flower,  all  the 
segments  being  broad  and  regularly  arranged. 
The  sepals  are  white  ;  the  petals,  which,  when 
expanded,  are  7  inches  from  tip  to  tip  and  nearly 
3  inches  wide,  are  silvery  white,  without  any 
trace  of  colour  when  placed  in  the  shade,  but 
showing  a  faint  lavender  tint  when  looked  at  in 
a  bright  light.  The  base  of  the  lip  is  white  and 
the  front  violet,  with  a  slight  rose  shad:-  ;  the 
disc  is  orange-coloured,  with  thin  white  lines. 
It  is  very  interesting,  but  expensive,  to  make  a 
collection  of  these  fine  varieties  of  Cattleya. 
O'B. 


242 


THE    GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


[Apsii.  17,  1909. 


RIBES  MENZIESII. 

This  elegant  little  species  of  Ribes  is  a  true 
Gooseberry  with  an  armature  much  more  for- 
midable than  that  of  a  Red  Rough  variety.  The 
flowers  are  not  showy,  but  they  persist  until 
the  crimson  berries  have  nearly  attained  their 
full  size.  It  is  a  native  of  North-west  America, 
growing  4  to  6  feet  high,  and  quite  hardy  in 
this  country.  The  generic  name  Ribes  has  been 
displaced  by  Grossularia  by  some  American 
botanists. 

"Ribes  Menziesii  is  recorded  as  having  been 
introduced  into  Great  Britain  in  1830,  and  there 
is  a  figure  of  a  flowering  branch  in  the  Botanical 
Register,  1847,  vol.  xxxiii.,  plate  56,  bearing  this 
name ;  but  Mr.  Coville,  author  of  a  recent 
monograph  of  the  genus,  cites  it  for  this  species 
with  a  doubt.  The  small  crimson  flowers  are 
represented  as  borne  in  twos  and  threes. 
W.    B.   H. 


COLONIAL     NOTES. 


AN  ENGLISH  GARDENER  IN  KELOWNA. 
We  have  received  the  following  communica- 
tion from  Mr.  Charles  E.  Stiff,  late  gardener  to 
Sir  Daniel  F.  Goddard,  Oakhill,  Ipswich:  — 
"  My  wife,  family,  and  myself  have  spent  nearly 
a  year  in  this  lovely  orchard  city  of  the  Far 
West.  Kelowna  is  comparatively  a  new  city  ; 
its  name  means  'Grizzly  Bear.'  About  60 
years  ago  there  was  a  French  Roman  Catholic 
mission  in  the  district.  The  members  subdued 
the  Indians,  intermarried  with  them,  and  turned 
these  hunting  grounds  of  the  Rocky  Mountains 
into  a  cattle  ranch.  We  are  situated  1,100  feet 
about  sea  level,  on  a  flat  tableland  of  35  square 
miles,  sheltered  by  surrounding  Rocky  peaks  and 
Selkirk  ranges.  English  settlers  started  a  fruit- 
growing industry.  The  trees  were  brought  on 
the  backs  of  mules,  and  this  district  finally  de- 
veloped into  one  of  the  noted  fruit  lands  of 
British  Columbia.  Much  of  the  35  square  miles 
of  this  rich  fruit  land  is  already  under  cultiva- 
tion, and  the  cultivation  is  of  the  highest  order. 
The  spraying,  cleansing,  training,  and  pruning 
of  the  trees  are  extraordinarily  well  done.  The 
amount  of  sunshine  is  very  great,  and  the  moun- 
tain air  is  bracing.  The  natural  irrigation  by 
seepage  of  mountain  spring  water,  which  per- 
colates through  tablelands  to  the  Okanagan 
Lake,  causes  the  trees  to  grow  splendidly. 
Plum  and  Apple  trees  make  branches  aver- 
aging some  10  feet ;  whilst  the  leaves  are 
large,  clean,  and  of  a  rich,  dark  green, 
reminding  one  of  highly-fed  Chrysanthe- 
mums. Fruit  is  produced  in  such  abun- 
dance as  I  have  never  before  witnessed.  A 
severe  thinning  of  the  fruits  of  all  trees  is  car- 
ried out,  the  result  being  handsomely-coloured 
fruits  of  great  size  and  colour.  I  feel  some 
pride  because  trees  I  pruned  produced  the  two 
boxes  of  Apples  (Grimes'  Golden)  which  won  the 
1st  prize  at  Spokane,  U.S.A.,  and  were  sold  in 
the  show  for  $25  each.  The  boxes  contained 
40  lbs.  weight  each.  We  grow  Apples,  Pears, 
Plums,  Prunes,  Grapes,  Peaches,  Apricots,  Nec- 
tarines, Quinces,  Strawberries,  Tomatos,  Melons, 
Cucumbers  and  all  ordinary  vegetables,  and 
Indian  Corn,  which  is  eaten  largely  whilst 
green.  The  Japanese  Plums  and  Prunes  in  some 
15  varieties  have  afforded  me  this  last  season  an 
interesting  study.  I  have  inspected  various 
orchards,  and  find  that  the  trees  have  not  suf- 
fered from  cold,  notwithstanding  the  tempera- 
ture has  been  as  low  as  14  degrees  below  zero. 
The  very  dry  climate,  the  incessant  sunshine, 
and  constant  care  of  the  trees  in  disbudding  and 
thinning,  secures  hard,  ripened  wood  that  frost 
fails  to  harm.  Kelowna  is  a  city  corporate, 
with  mayor,  town  council,  aldermen,  and 
about  1,500  people.  We  have  our  cargo 
and  passenger  boats  on  the  lake.  The  city  is 
lighted  by  electricity ;  there  are  waterworks,  a 
fire    brigade,    brickfields,    cement   works,    saw- 


mills, cigar  factories,  two  newspapers,  four 
churches,  hospital,  &c.  The  lake  covers  an 
area  of  four  miles  by  two  miles,  and  is  really 
a  bay  of  the  much  larger  Okanagan  Lake.  As 
regards  the  labour  market,  there  are  no  oppor- 
tunities for  emigrants,  excepting  a  few  first-class 
mechanics."  Charles  E.  Stiff,  Kelowna,  Okana. 
gan  Valley,  British  Columbia. 


PLANT    NOTES. 


HIPPEASTRUM  PARDINUM. 
Although  there  exists  many  excellent  garden 
hybrids  of  Hippeastrum,  some  of  the  true  species 
are  well  worth)'  of  inclusion  in  a  collection. 
Hippeastrum  pardinum  is  an  exceedingly  pretty 
and  most  distinct  member  of  the  family.  It  is 
one  of  the  Veitchian  introductions,  having  been 
sent  home  by  their  collector,  Richard  Pearce, 
white  travejling  in  South  America  in  the  autumn 


which  the  different  forms  of  Hippeastrum  are 
still  known  in  many  gardens.  In  the  same 
year  that  it  first  flowered,  namely,  1867,  H. 
pardinum  was  distributed  by  Messrs.  Veitch 
at  a  price  of  two  and  three  guineas  each. 
It  is  interesting  to  note  that  another  new 
plant  of  that  year  was  Oplismenus  Bur- 
mannii,  a  popular  variegated  Grass,  sent  out 
as  Panicum  variegatum,  which  is  the  name  still 
generally  applied  to  it.  Hippeastrum  pardinum 
was  soon  employed  by  the  hybridist  in  the  pro- 
duction of  new  varieties,  but  it  was  never  exten- 
sively used  for  that  purpose.  The  Supplemen- 
tary Illustration  to  the  Gardeners'  Chronicle, 
April  27,  1907,  portrays  the  variety  Queen  of 
Spots,  raised  by  the  late  Dr.  Bonavia,  of 
Worthing.  This  was  the  result  of  a  cross  be- 
tween H.  pardinum  and  a  garden  variety.  The 
influence  of  the  first-named  parent  can  be  plainly 
seen  in  the  progeny. 

The  cultural  requirements  of  H.  pardinum  are 
much  the  same  as  those  of  the  ordinary  forms. 


«5n 


' 


i.^cHROt- 


Fig. 


102. — RIDES  menziesii:  flowers  and  fruits  crimson. 
From  specimens  supplied  by  Mr.  Smith,  Newry. 


of  J865.  This  Hippeastrum  first  flowered  at 
Chelsea  in  the  spring  of  1867,  and  was  dis- 
tributed into  commerce  in  the  same  year.  At  the 
time  of  its  blooming,  it  was  thus  described  in 
the  Gardeners'  Chronicle,  March  30,  1867  :— "It  is 
perfectly  distinct  from  all  known  kinds  of 
Amaryllis,  and  is  remarkable  for  its  form,  which 
is  spreading,  with  scarcely  any  tube,  so  that  the 
whole  inner  surface  is  displayed,  and  for  its 
colour,  which  reminds  one  of  the  spotted  varie- 
ties of  Calceolaria  or  Tydaea,  so  closely  is  it 
covered  with  small  dots,  more  or  less  confluent, 
of  crimson  red  on  a  cream  colour  ground." 

Although  this  was  written  42  years  ago,  it  is 
just  as  applicable  now  as  it  was  then,  and  very 
little  can  be  added  thereto.  The  markings  of  the 
flower  show  a  considerable  amount  of  variation, 
some  flowers  having  the  red  portion  disposed  in 
small  blotches  rather  than  dots.  To  this  form 
the  varietal  name  of  superbum  has  been  ap- 
plied. It  will  be  noted  that  the  plant  was  at 
first   referred   to   as    an    Amaryllis — a   name   by 


CALCEOLARIA  BURBIDGEI. 
Well-flowered  standards  of  this  plant  were 
exhibited  at  the  meeting  of  the  Royal  Horticul- 
tural Society  on  March  23,  which  demonstrated 
how  valuable  the  plant  is  for  grouping  purposes 
in  a  greenhouse.  Calceolaria  Burbidgei,  as  is 
generally  known,  was  raised  by  the  late  Mr.  F. 
W.  Burbidge,  at  Trinity  College  Gardens,  Dub- 
lin. Its  parentage  is  rather  a  puzzle,  for  Mr. 
Burbidge,  with  whom  I  have  discussed  the  mat- 
ter many  times,  always  regarded  it  as  a  hybrid 
between  C.  deflexa  (C.  fuchsia^folia  of  gardens) 
and  the  strong-growing  C.  Pavonii.  I  pointed 
out  the  resemblance  between  the  hybrid  and  the 
well-known  C.  amplexicaulis,  and  stated  that, 
judging  by  appearances,  I  should  select  this 
species  and  C.  Pavonii  as  the  parents.  Mr.  Bur- 
bidge said  this  could  not  be  the  case,  as  C.  de- 
flexa was  the  seed-bearer.  The  Kew  Hand  List 
agrees  with  my  theory,  as  it  is  thus  recorded : 
"  Calceolaria  Burbidgei,  garden  hybrid,  amplexi. 
caulis  X   Pavonii."     W. 


April  17,  1909.] 


THE     GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


243 


THE    ROCK    GARDEN. 

THE    WAHLENBERGIAS. 

This  genus  of  Campanulaceaa  was  named  in 
honour  of  George  Wahlenberg,  of  Upsala,  the 
author  of  Flora  Lapponica.  Our  native  species, 
Wahlenbergia  hederacea,  was  formerly  known  as 
Campanula  hederacea.  It  is  a  pretty,  creeping 
plant,  preferring  a  cool,  lightly-shaded  position, 
its  natural  habitat  being  a  damp  position 
amongst  short  grass  and  other  herbage. 

Most  species  of  Wahlenbergia  succeed  well  in 
gardens,  and  are  free  in  flowering.  Any  difficul- 
ties experienced  in  their  culture  can  generally 
be  traced  to  unfavourable  positions  and  faulty 
planting.  They  require  the  protection  of  a  stone 
or  rock,  placed  so  as  to  direct  the  water  to  their 
roots,  and  yet  to  protect  the  foliage  from 
actual  contact  with  the  damp  soil.  The  root- 
ing-medium  should  be  rich  in  plant  food 
and  of  a  good  depth,  liberally  mixed  with  stone 
chips  and  some  crushed  chalk.  Into  this  staple 
the  roots  readily  enter,  for  they  will  always 
find  it  moist  during  periods  of  drought.  Ample 
drainage  must  be  provided  when  preparing 
the  site.  In  spring  a  light  top-dressing  is  bene- 
ficial, whilst  in  autumn  a  quantity  of  crushed 
stone  placed  around  the  collar  of  the  root-stock 
lessens  the  danger  of  decay  from  damping. 
Provided  that  these  conditions  are  obtained,  then 
a  hot,  sunny  position  is  best.  Do  not  allow  any 
coarse  plant  to  encroach  upon  them.  Their 
habit  is  very  dwarf,  therefore  plant  them  so  that 
they  will  be  seen  to  the  best  advantage  when  in 
flower.  The  following  species  are  some  of  the 
most  suitable  for  garden  purposes:  — 

Wahlenbergia  serpyllifolia  (syn.  Cam- 
panula serpyllifolia)  (see  fig.  103). — The 
growths  of  this  species  form  a  miniature  carpet, 
and  develop  small  Thyme-like  leaves.  Each 
prostrate  shoot  terminates  in  a  solitary,  purple- 
violet,  bell-shaped  blossom,  upturned  to  the  sky. 
It  is  a  charming  plant,  especially  when  in  flower 
in  June. 

Wahlenbergia  pumilio  is  a  silvery-leaved 
plant,  requiring  full  exposure  to  sunshine. 
It  forms  a  tufted  mat  of  close-set  stems,  having 
narrow,  pointed,  silver  leaves.  From  the  shoots 
arise  the  big,  upturned,  pale  purple  flowers,  the 
inflorescences  being  solitary.  The  plant  is 
beautiful  either  in  or  out  of  flower,  as  the  foliage 
is  conspicuous  by  reason  of  its  silvery-grey  ap- 
pearance. 

Wahlenbergia  serpyllifolia  var.  dinarica 
(syn.  pumiliorum)  (see  fig.  104). — This  is  a  larger 
and  less  neat-habited  plant  than  either  of  the 
foregoing.  The  plant  flowers  with  great  free- 
dom, producing  numbers  of  its  solitary  inflo- 
rescences from  the  middle  till  the  end  of  June. 
The  foliage  is  long,  narrow,  and  less  silvery  than 
that  of  W.  pumilio,  and  forms  a  loose  mat  of 
grey  leafage. 

Wahienbergia  dalmatica. — A  species  having 
purple-violet  flowers,  formed  in  terminal, 
crowded  heads.  The  foliage  is  long,  narrow,  and 
pointed,  the  leaves  from  the  root-stock  forming 
small  rosettes. 

Wahlenbergia  graminifolia. — This  species 
resembles  W.  dalmatica  in  the  clustered  flower- 
heads,  which,  in  this  instance,  are  purple.  The 
leaves  are  narrow  and  grass-like. 

Wahlenbergia  tenuifolia.  —  A  distinct 
species,  though  generally  confounded  with  W. 
dalmatica. 

Wahlenbergia  Kitaibelii  is  the  only  other 
species  common  in  gardens.  Both  W.  tenuifolia 
and  W.  Kitaibelii  belong  to  the  group  having  ter- 
minal clustered  flower-heads,  and  in  either  plant 
the  colour  of  the  flowers  is  a  shade  of  purple. 

All  the  species  and  varieties  are  extremely 
sensitive  to  the  effects  of  damp  in  winter.  Slugs 
are  exceedingly  partial  to  the  crowns  and 
young  leaves  in  springtime.  Thomas  Smith, 
Walmsgate   Gardens,  Louth. 


DEFORESTATION  IN  NEW  ZEALAND. 

(Concluded  from  page  226.) 

When  once  we  leave  the  coast-line  the  soil 
is  poorer,  the  surface  soil  decreases  as  the  water- 
shed is  reached,  and  there  are  the  bare,  brown 
sheep  runs  again  over  the  plains  and  the  outlying 
ranges,  which  run  up  from  4,000  to  5,000  feet. 

Not  a  tree  is  to  be  seen,  except  small  groups 
of  Poplars  and  Willows,  which  mark  distant 
stations,  and  the  inspiring  Discaria,  associated 
with  Olearia  virgata  of  les"s  pronounced  habit, 
but  with  pleasing,  sweet-scented  flowers. 


Fig.  103. — wahlendergia  serpyllifolia: 
flowers  purple-violet. 

As  we  ascend  higher,  say,  to  1,500  or  2,000 
feet,  Aciphylla  Colensoi  becomes  an  important 
constituent  of  the  "herbage,"  and  occurs  in  asso- 
ciation with  Epilobium  tenuipes,  Vittadinia 
australis,  Tillaea  purpurata. 

Very  striking  is  the  total  absence  of  her- 
baceous leguminous  plants  from  the  native 
flora.  Carmichaelia  Petriei,  a  wiry  shrub 
whose  branches  were  chewed  down  to  white, 
fibrous  tufts  by  grazing  animals,  occurred 
sparsely,  but  the  Clovers  of  European  herbage 
would  not  grow  in  such  conditions,  where  alien 
plants  are  limited  to  what  we  should  call  weeds 
of  dry  places,  and  are  transported  by  sheep. 

These  plains,  thanks  to  the  agency  of  man, 
run  up  to  the  foot  of  Mount  Cook,  and,  as  far 


Fig.  104. — wahlenbergia  serpyllifolia 
var.  dinarica  :  flowers  pale  lavender 

PURPLE. 

as  I  could  make  out,  they  constitute  the  sub- 
alpine  meadows  of  New  Zealand  ecologists. 
Older  settlers  assured  me  that  many  finer  varie- 
ties of  grass  have  been  burnt  out,  which  is  not 
surprising,  owing  to  annual  fires,  together  with 
the  constant  grazing  by  sheep  and  rabbits. 

All  the  way  from  Lake  Pukaki  to  Lindis  Pass 
the  soil  had  become  so  acid  that  in  many  places 
it  only  grew  Rumex  acetosella  and  Raoulia  aus- 


tralis, the  latter  an  invaluable  plant,  but  one 
that  was  pointed  out  to  me  with  contempt  as 
disdained  by  sheep,  and  even  by  rabbits. 

It  forms  a  flat  carpet  of  Axminster  texture, 
often  two  or  three  yards  in  circumference,  grey 
green  in  colour,  studded  by  its  yellow,  rayless, 
composite  flowers.  The  root  system  is  extraordin. 
ary,  ever}'  branchlet  produces  roots,  and  every 
node  sends  down  long  anchor  roots,  besides  the 
primary  one.  There  could  be  no  better  agent 
for  binding  shifting  shingle  or  forming  a  humus 
layer  on  old  river  beds  and  terraces.  The  mass 
of  black  soil  about  its  often-charred  remains 
testifies  well  to  the  plant's  pertinacity,  as  well 
as  to  the  settler's  scorn. 

From  Omarama,  where  the  desert-like  Acaena 
Buchananii  abounds,  many  beautiful  streams  are 
passed,  but  their  banks  are  as  devoid  of  vegeta- 
tion as  their  waters  are  teeming  with  trout. 

It  is  a  three  days'  drive  from  Mount  Cook  to 
Lake  Wanaka,  and  for  the  whole  way  there  is 
no  native  tree  to  be  seen.  I  was  told  there  was 
"bush"  in  the  "back  country,"  so  that  it  must 
once  have  existed  in  the  front,  but  this  country 
of  huge  sheep  runs,  where  every  station,  has  to 
keep  a  gang  of  rabbiters,  tells  its  own  tale. 
Deer  have  also  been  introduced,  and  are  increas- 
ing to  a  large  extent,  much  to  the  disgust  of  the 
run  holders,  whose  property  is  all  leasehold ; 
for  where  there  is  little  enough  for  the  sheep 
and  rabbits,  the  deer  are  naturally  not  welcome 
guests.  Round  about  Lake  Hawea  and  on  the 
Clutha  river,  where  farming  is  carried  on,  ex- 
pensive deer-fencing  is  not  an  acceptable  charge 
to  the  occupiers.  In  the  Cromwell  plain  Hyperi- 
cum gramineum  and  Gentiana  antipoda  were  the 
only  striking  native  plants  ;  both  species  afford 
evidence  of  poor  soil,  and  there  was  nothing  to 
suggest  a  richer  spring  flora. 

At  Lake  Wanaka,  one  of  the  most  charming 
of  the  large  lakes  of  the  South  Island  drainage 
system,  there  was  the  same  baneful  deforesta- 
tion, sheep-run  bareness  and  poverty  of  soil. 
The  mountains  in  the  background  show  up  green, 
for  the  runs  have  not  got  so  far  back  yet,  the 
country  being  practically  unexplored.  Hyperi- 
cum gramineum  and  Pimelea  sericeovillosa,  a 
cushion  of  hairiness,  as  the  name  implies,  were 
very  general.  Around  Pembroke  introduced 
trees  were  growing   freely. 

Again,  from  Wanaka  to  Queenstown,  up  the 
tedious  Cardrona  valley  and  over  the  Crown 
range  at  an  altitude  of  4,000  feet,  nothing  but 
Tussock  and  Aciphylla  Colensoi  is  seen  as  the 
level  rises.  Dropping  over  the  range,  the  general 
deforestation  reveals  the  interesting  glacial  ter- 
minal moraines  of  Lake  Wakatipu,  and  some 
farms  show  up  green  on  the  apparently  unpro- 
mising slopes  of  the  Remarkables. 

The  mountains  surrounding,.  Lake  Wakatipu, 
the  deepest  and  largest  of  the  'Southern  Lakes, 
are  all  bare  and  recall  the  Alpes  Maritimes  of 
the  even  nearer  mountains  of  Savoy  and  Dau- 
phine. 

In  deeper  gulleys  the  bush  has  survived,  the 
green  lines  forming  a  grateful  contrast  to  Euro- 
pean eyes,  but  all  round  the  lake  a  greener  fringe 
shows  the  Bracken  area,  which  marks  what  was 
formerly  forest.  Some  woods  which  still 
clothed  the  slopes  at  the  head  of  the  lake  were 
burnt  down  during  my  stay  there  through  the 
carelessness  of  trippers.  It  is  now  neces- 
sary to  go  11  miles  up  the  Dart  Valley  to  Para- 
dise before  reaching  virgin  forest.  Here  tree- 
clad  valleys  radiate  out,  making  a  beautiful  con- 
trast with  the  snow-capped  summits,  but  tourists 
are  plentiful  there  every  year,  and  the  sheep 
farmers  are  gradually  encroaching. 

South  of  Lake  Wakatipu  are  Lakes  Te  Ano 
and  Manipouri  which  form  part  of  the  great 
Government  reserve,  and  their  welcome  forest 
growth  is  consequently  protected.  It  is,  however, 
the  steepest  of  granite  country,  and  an  excessive 


244 


THE     GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


[April  1y,   ia09. 


rainfall,  by  encouraging  a  perfect  covering  of 
luxuriant  moss  alone,  permits  the  growth  of  trees 
in  the  crevices  and  fissures. 

Down  the  Clinton  and  Arthur  Valleys  this 
covering,  with  the  trees  and  ferns  it  holds  to- 
gether, can  be  seen  washed  off  in  sheets  during 
heavy  rains,  and  the  granite  walls  which  line 
these  narrow  valleys  are  one  series  of  cascades, 
providing  a  magnificent  sight.  Avalanches  also 
sweep  the  slopes  in  winter,  continually  necessi- 
tating the  alteration  of  the  track  to  Milford 
Sound.  Such  country  could  not  pasture  a  goat, 
much  less  a  sheep,  and  no  economic  factors 
have  been  sacrificed  by  its  reservation,  as  it 
would  be  impossible  to  treat  it  even  as  a  forest 
reserve,  though  as  a  sanctuary  for  the  undis- 
turbed perpetuation  of  the  flora  and  fauna  of 
the  country,  it  is  admirably  adapted. 


Forest  Officers,  who  replant  as  necessity  arises. 
But  India  is  in  the  happy  position  of  being 
able  to  treat  questions  of  national  importance 
from  a  scientific  rather  than  a  party  stand- 
point. In  New  Zealand  the  Government  alone 
can  act  in  the  matter,  as  for  economic  reasons 
the  private  owner  is  helpless  and  the  mere  occu- 
pier different.  Labour  costs  10s.  a  day,  and  is 
difficult  to  obtain  at  that,  therefore  private  en- 
terprise is  discouraged.     L.  S.   Gibbs. 


ARAUCARIA  IMBRIGATA. 

Amongst  the  whole  of  the  Coniferae  there  is 
no  more  stately  or  ornamental  tree  than  a  well- 
grown  specimen  of  the  Chili  Pine,  Araucaria 
imbricata.  Unfortunately,  it  only  succeeds  in  this 


FlG.    IO5. — FINE   SPECIMEN    OF   ARAUCARIA    IMBRICATA. 


Isolated  reserves  here  and  there  are  of  no 
use  from  a  physiographical,  economic  or  rain- 
fall point  of  view.  In  a  naturally-wooded  coun- 
try like  New  Zealand  the  question  should  be 
treated  as  a  whole  on  some  recognised  plan 
drawn  up  by  competent  forest  officials  who  have 
been  trained  not  only  in  the  great  schools  of 
Nancy,  Munich,  and  the  magnificent  economic 
forests  of  France  and  Germany,  but  also  in  the 
management  of  virgin  forest,  which  under 
scientific  guidance  has  achieved  such  a  success 
in  India. 

There,  above  5,000  feet,  the  forest  is  secure, 
for  no  clearing  is  allowed. 

In  the  Teak  forests  of  Burma,  in  order  to  pre- 
vent risk  of  fire,  no  felling  is  allowed  in  the  dry 
season.    Every  tree  to  be  felled  is  marked  by  the 


country  in  exceptional  soils  and  situations,  and 
specimens  such  as  is  shown  in  fig.  106,  with  the 
lower  branches  decayed,  and  a  ragged  head,  are 
as  common  as  a  well-furnished  tree  such  as  is 
presented  in  fig.  105.  The  tree  appears  to 
flourish  well  for  a  time,  until  its  roots  reach 
some  unsuitable  medium,  and  then  decay  of  the 
lower  branches  sets  in.  There  may  be  other 
causes  for  this  failure  of  the  lower  branches.  A 
correspondent  who  sends  the  photographs  now 
reproduced,  suggests  that  there  are  two  types  of 
the  tree,  one  with  stiff  side  growths,  and  the  other 
having  branches  that  sweep  downwards.  He 
writes  :  — 

"  It  appears  to  me  that  when  one  of  these 
types  with  upturned  branches,  for  instance,  fails, 
the   other,    with   drooping  branches,   may   suc- 


ceed."" He  further  states  :  "  The  finest  Araucaria 
I  have  ever  seen  in  England  or  elsewhere  is  in 
the  gardens  of  Ben  Rhydding  Hydropathic 
Establishment,  on  the  Yorkshire  hills.  Of  this 
I  enclose  a  photograph  " — (reproduced  at  fig. 
105).  "  Its  green  branches  touch  the  ground,  and 
it  is  perfect  in  its  symmetrical  form.  This  is  of 
the  drooping  kind.  Only  a  few  yards  away  is 
one  with  upturned  branches,  which  is  practic- 
ally a  skeleton.  In  all  parts  of  the  garden  the 
one  variety  seems  to  thrive,  and  the  other  has 
this  tendency  to  cast  its  branches.  Presumably, 
soil  that  suits  one  variety  does  not  suit  the 
other." 

The  only  two  types  of  this  tree  generally 
known  are  those  differing  in  sex.  With  rare 
exceptions  the  trees  are  unisexual,  only  a 
few  instances  being  known  (as  at  Bicton 
and  Pencarrow)  of  male  and  female  cones 
appearing  on  the  same  tree.  It  was  thought 
that  male  and  female  trees  differed  in  habit, 
the  female  being  the  handsomer  and  larger 
tree.  But  this  theory  has  not  stood  the 
test  of  experience,  and  the  habit  of  an  Araucaria 
imbricata  cannot  be  said  to  give  any  indication 
of  its  sex.  Soils  sometimes  vary  greatly  in  small 
areas,  and  it  is  not  unlikely  that  the  root 
medium  in  the  case  of  one  tree  is  quite  different 
to  the  other,  even  in  such  a  short  distance  as  de- 
scribed by  our  correspondent. 


A  MARKET  FRUIT-GROWER'S  YEAR. 

Rain  or  melted  snow  was  measured  at  my 
station  on  19  days  in  March,  amounting  to 
nearly  4  inches,  as  compared  with  three  and 
less  than  a  quarter  of  an  inch  in  February. 
The  month  of  March,  one  of  the  most  important 
periods  of  the  year  for  farming  and  gardening, 
has  been  practically  lost  this  season.  Severe 
frost  and  snow  in  the  first  and  third  weeks  of 
the  month,  and  rain  nearly  every  day  in  the  rest 
of  the  period  rendered  the  land  unworkable,  and 
it  was  only  in  stolen  opportunities  that  some 
early  Potatos  and  Peas  were  planted  in  a  free- 
working  soil.  As  a  period  of  wasted  time  for 
workmen  employed  on  the  land,  March  was  one 
of  the  worst  months  in  my  experience. 
The  unfortunate  circumstances  prevented  the 
finishing  of  digging  (forking)  in  the  fruit  plan- 
tations, although  some  of  it  was  done  when  the 
land  was  far  too  wet,  for  the  sake  of  finding  a 
job   for  the   workmen. 

Although  vegetation  made  up  a  little  for  lost 
time  in  the  last  fortnight  of  March,  so  that  it 
was  not  as  extremely  backward  at  the  end  of  the 
month  as  it  was  in  the  middle,  it  is  still  much 
behindhand.  Records  have  been  taken  with  re- 
spect to  certain  trees,  shrubs,  and  flowers  in  16 
seasons.  For  the  last  10  years  they  have  been 
made  in  the  same  place  near  the  south  coast, 
and  previously  for  six  years  at  a  point  about 
50  miles  to  the  north.  The  only  season  in 
the  last  10  in  which  vegetation  was  as  backward 
at  the  end  of  March  as  it  has  been  this  year  was 
in  1901.  A  few  examples  may  be  given.  Yellow 
Crocuses  were  in  full  bloom  on  March  21, 
whereas  they  were  in  flower  on  March  6,  1894, 
and  some  were  in  blossom  as  early  as  January 
31,  1898.  Double  yellow  Daffodils,  of  which 
only  a  few  were  blooming  at  the  end  of  last 
month,  were  as  forward  on  February  28,  1903, 
and  were  in  full  beauty  on  March  15,  1906,  while 
in  most  other  years  of  the  16  they  were  well  out 
by  the  end  of  the  latter  month.  Wallflowers, 
not  at  all  in  bloom  at  present,  began  to  flower 
on  the  first  day  of  March  1903,  and  a  few  were 
gathered  as  early  as  January  31,  1908.  The 
Almond  had  no  flower-buds  burst  at  the  end  of 
last  month,  showing  backwardness  approached 
in  only  four  seasons  out  of  the  last  16.  It  was 
in  full  blossom  on  February  22,  1898,  and  on 
March  1,  1903. 

Turning  now  to  fruit  trees  and  bushes,  Goose- 
berry leaf-buds  were  only  just  generally  bursting 
on  March  31,  while  at  the  corresponding  date  in 
1903  and  1905  the  bushes  were  fully  in  blossom, 


April  17,  1909.] 


THE     GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


245 


and  in  several  other  seasons  they  have  been  half 
out  in  leaf  by  the  middle  of  March.  In  1895  and 
1896  they  were  in  nearly  full  foliage  by  Feb- 
ruary 8.  The  buds  of  Black  Currants  were  as 
generally  bursting  at  the  beginning  of  March  in 
1903,  1904,  and  1906  as  they  were  this  season  at 
the  end  of  that  month.  For  Red  Currants, 
which  are  a  little  later  developing  than  Black,  a 
similar  comparison  holds  good.  Peach  trees  in 
the  open  were  in  full  bloom  on  March  20, 
1894,  March  21,  1896,  March  25,  1903,  and 
March  31,  1899  and  1902.  No  variety  of 
Plum  has  shown  blossoms  up  to  the  time  of 
writing,  whereas  there  were  a  few  out  at  the 
end  of  March,  1905,  and  the  trees  were  in  full 
bloom  at  the  corresponding  period  of  1903.  In 
1899  early  Pear  buds  were  open,  showing  clus- 
ters of  flower-buds,  as  early  as  February  20, 
which  was  quite  exceptional ;  but  in  1897,  1898, 
and  1902  they  were  in  the  same  stage  on  March 
24,  while  the  trees  were  in  full  blossom  on 
March  31,  1903.  This  year  not  a  bud  had  burst 
by  the  end  of  last  month.  In  only  three  out  of 
the  16  seasons  have  Apple  buds  burst  by  March 
31  or  a  few  days  earlier,  and  this  season  they 
are  less  behind  the  normal  stage  of  develop- 
ment than  most  other  kinds  of  fruit.  Out 
of  nine  years  in  which  notes  on  the  develop- 
ment of  the  Cherry  have  been  made,  a  few 
blossoms  were  seen  by  the  end  of  March  in 
1903  alone.  This  year  there  was  no  close  ap- 
proach to  blooming  at  that  date. 

Benefit  of  Late  Flowering  in  Fruit  Trees. 

This  lateness  of  flower  development  in  fruit 
trees  is  a  great  safeguard,  and,  so  far  as  my 
observation  is  a  guide,  it  seems  probable  that 
there  will  be  a  productive  season  for  most  kinds 
of  fruit,  if  late  frosts  do  not  cause  injury.  It  is 
too  early  to  judge  as  to  bush  fruits  or  Straw- 
berries, but  Apples,  Pears,  Plums,  and  Cherries 
are  well  studded  with  fruit-buds.  For  the  first 
time  in  the  ninth  season  from  planting,  my 
Rivers's  Early  Prolific  Plums  promise  a  great 
profusion  of  blossom.  Other  varieties  were 
much  quicker  in  coming  into  full  bearing.  The 
outlook  for  Cobnuts  and  Filberts  is  doubtful,  as 
the  great  majority  of  the  catkins  appear  to  have 
been  killed  by  frost.  On  some  trees  nearly  all 
are  quite  brown,  and  no  pollen  can  be  shaken 
from  them.  The  female  blossoms  are  only  just 
fully  out,  and  the  question  is  whether  there  are 
enough  male  blossoms  to  provide  pollen  to  fer- 
tilise the  ovules. 

One  important  operation  of  the  past  month 
was  that  of  looking  carefully  at  all  Black  Cur- 
rant bushes,  picking  off  the  big  buds,  or  cutting 
off  shoots  containing  many,  and  uprooting  badly 
infested  bushes.  In  a  plantation  containing 
Lee's  Prolific,  now  in  the  ninth  season  from 
planting,  many  big  buds  were  found ;  but  in 
nine  acres  of  Boskoop  Giant,  planted  partly  in 
the  autumn  of  1905  and  partly  in  1906,  less  than 
a  pint  of  big  buds  was  found.  Yet  more  than 
half  of  these  bushes  were  raised  from  cuttings 
on  a  piece  of  land  less  than  100  yards  from  the 
plantation  that  contained  the  infested  bushes 
of  Lee's  Prolific.  This  seems  to  indicate 
either  that  the  mites  do  not  migrate  any 
considerable  distance,  or  that  Boskoop  Giant 
is  more  nearly  immune  from  attack  than 
is  commonly  supposed.  It  is  true  that  the 
infested  plantation  was  looked  over  twice  in 
each  season  to  remove  bad  bushes  and  to  pick 
off  isolated  big  buds,  but  this  did  not  entirely 
prevent  the  spreading  of  the  attack  in  the  plan- 
tation itself.  The  planting  of  cuttings  so  near 
to  the  infested  bushes  was  a  piece  of  thoughtless- 
ness, and  it  is  fortunate  that  the  results  were  less 
disastrous  than  might  have  been  expected.  It 
is  further  to  be  observed  that  nearly  all  the  big 
buds  found  in  the  young  plantation  were  on  200 
bushes  which  were  purchased  to  supply  a  defi- 
ciency in  the  number  raised  at  home,  although 
they  showed  no  signs  of  mite  when  received. 

The  pruning  of  Plums  last  month  disclosed 
more  fully  than  passing  observation  had  done 
the      remains      of      injury      among      trees      of 


Victoria  caused  by  the  immense  crop  of 
1907.  This  variety  is  naturally  prone  to 
develop  shoots  that  curve  over  towards 
the  ground,  and  a  great  weight  of  fruit  upon 
the  branches  increases  the  tendency.  Pruning 
to  upright  buds  has  been  persistently  pursued, 
but  the  heavy  cropping  of  1907  and  the  moderate 
yield  of  1908  have  done  much  to  counteract 
the  result  of  such  cutting.  The  Victoria  Plum 
can  hardly  be  pruned  too  severely  in  the 
early  years  of  growth.  In  Pond's  Seedling 
there  is  a  converse  habit  of  growth  even  more 
difficult  to  correct.  The  branches  have  an  ex- 
asperating tendency  to  grow  towards  the  centre 
of  the  tree,  in  spite  of  pruning  back  to  buds 
which  point  outwards.  Attacks  of  aphis,  how- 
ever,   are     partly     accountable    for     unshapely 


Fig.  io6. — poor  specimen  of  araucaria 
growing    close    to    the    tree    illus- 
trated at  fig.  105. 

growth  in  my  trees  of  this  variety.  In  a  younger 
and  more  exposed  plantation,  not  affected  at 
present  by  aphis,  and  on  stronger  soil,  the  trees 
of  this  Plum  are  more  vigorous  and  shapely. 

The  grafting  of  Apple  stocks,  usually  done  in 
the  latter  part  of  March,  was  postponed  till 
April,  as  the  lateness  of  vegetation  led  to  the 
supposition  that  the  sap  would  not  be  running 
freely  enough  to  render  the  work  thoroughly 
successful. 

Just  when  the  Gooseberry  buds  were  begin- 
ning to  open,  the  bushes  were  sprayed  profusely 
with  a  solution  of  lime  and  sulphur,  20  lbs.  of 
each  to  100  gallons  of  water,  mainly  in  the  hope 
that   it   will   check  the  attack  of   Botrytis   men- 


tioned last  month,  and  partly  as  a  preventive  to- 
a  possible  attack  by  birds.  As  to  this  latter 
trouble,  this  season  appears  to  be  one  of  rare  im- 
munity from  bud  injury  by  birds.  Whether  this 
immunity  is  due  to  the  presence  of  other  food 
than  buds,  or  to  the  scarcity  of  bullfinches  is  un- 
certain. The  former  explanation  seems  improb- 
able, considering  the  severity  of  the  weather  111 
parts  of  February  and  March  and  the  occasional 
f  overing  of  the  land  with  snow.  Most  of  the  few 
bullfinches  noticed  were  shot,  but  these  are  not 
the  only  budeaters,  and  why  other  kinds  of 
birds  hardly  touched  the  buds  of  Gooseberries 
or  Plums  is  a  mystery.  The  only  considerable 
trouble  from  birds  experienced  this  season, 
was  in  connection  with  a  few  Gooseberry 
bushes  at  the  top  of  a  small  plantation 
close  to  the  homestead,  where  sparrows  abound. 
These  invariably  destroy  most  of  the  buds,  in 
spite  of  applications  of  distasteful  washes.  In 
my  home  orchard  birds  began  to  eat  the  buds 
on  some  choice  Plum  trees,  notwithstanding  the 
double  washing  with  lime,  sulphur,  and  caustic 
potash  referred  to  last  month  ;  but  the  mischief 
was  stopped  by  the  killing  of  four  bull- 
finches, by  tying  sheets  of  newspaper  to  many 
of  the  branches,  so  that  they  would  blow  a'.uut 
and  make  a  rustling  noise,  and  by  setting  up  a 
couple  of  guys  in  the  orchard.  A  Southern 
Grower. 


TREES  AND  SHRUBS. 


CUPRESSUS  MACROCARPA. 

Although  this  Cupressus  is  a  fast-growing 
tree,  I  doubt  if  it  is  so  suited  for  a  hedge  plant 
as  Thuya  Lobbii  (gigantea).  This  latter  tree 
has  none  of  the  defects  pointed  out  by  Mr.  Elgar 
on  p.  196,  such  as  dying  off  suddenly  and  suffer- 
ing from  drought  in  a  light  soil.  This  winter 
has  proved  that  Cupressus  macrocarpa  is  not 
so  hardy  as  was  believed.  One  large  tree- 
at  Swanmore  has  many  injured  limbs,  and  a 
nurseryman  on  the  south  coast  informs  me  that 
many  plants  of  this  Cupressus  in  his  district 
have  been  killed  to  within  6  inches  of  the  ground. 

Thuya  Lobbii  grows  fully  2  feet  or  even 
3  feet  annually  when  in  a  vigorous  condition. 
It  is  not  injured  by  pruning  or  clipping,  and 
plants  with  large  side  boughs  will  break  back 
into  fresh  growth  close  to  the  main  stem  after 
pruning.  The  foliage  assumes  a  pleasing  bronzy 
hue  in  the  autumn.     E.  .V. 


VEGETABLES. 


EFFECTS    OF    COLD   WEATHER. 

Hardy  Sprouting  Kale. — Last  year  I  spoke 
in  high  terms  of  this  Kale  as  being  one  of  the 
most  productive  varieties  amongst  several  other 
well-known  and  extensively-cultivated  kinds. 
This  year  it  has  not  only  maintained  that  repu- 
tation, but  has  proved  by  far  the  hardiest  Kale. 
The  severe  frosts  experienced  during  the  past 
winter  have  in  many  instances  killed  several 
plants  of  some  of  the  well-known  kinds,  while 
scarcely  a  plant  of  the  hardy  sprouting  variety 
has  been  injured.  Without  this  variety  we  should 
have  been  short  of  a  supply  of  green  vegetables. 

Dwarf  Gem  Brussels  Sprout. — I  am  more 
than  pleased  with  my  plants  of  this  variety. 
The  Sprouts  are  medium  in  size,  very  solid,  and 
abundant.  We  also  cultivate  a  quantity  of  the 
Wroxton  variety,  which  generally  furnishes  a 
large  supply  of  solid  Sprouts. 

Broccoli. — No  matter  whether  early  or  late 
varieties,  or  whether  they  were  planted  on  firm, 
or  very  firm,  land,  the  greater  number  of  this 
vegetable  have  been  killed.  Those  remaining  will 


246 


THE     GARDENERS'    CHRONICLE. 


[April  17,  1909. 


tie  very  small  in  size.  The  warm  weather  of 
autumn  favoured  a  late  growth,  and  the  stems 
were  too  tender  and  sappy  to  withstand  severe 
irost.  Our  best  plants  are  those  that  were  heeled 
over,  and  these  are  only  moderate  in  quality. 

Young  Cabbage  plants  have  not  been  injured 
in  the  least,  but  older  plants,  which  usually 
produce  nice  sprouts  at  this  season,  have  fared 
badly.     H.  Markham. 


THE    FERNERY. 


THE  LIFE  CYCLE  OF  A  FERN. 
Every  living  organism,  plant  or  animal,  in 
the  course  of  its  existence,  passes  through 
more  or  less  complex  changes,  and  it 
is  these  changes  which  form  what  is 
termed  its  life  cycle.  Thus,  the  butterfly 
or  moth,  commencing  with  the  egg,  proceeds 
as  a  caterpillar  to  become  a  chrysalis,  and  within 
this  a  wonderful  metamorphosis  takes  place,  so 
that  eventually  the  form  of  moth  or  butter- 
fly which  laid  the  egg  is  reproduced  and 
the  cycle  is  completed.  There  are  far 
more  complicated  life  cycles  than  this ; 
even  man  himself,  simple  as  his  life  cycle  may 
appear  to  be,  passes  through  a  wonderful  series 
of  prenatal  stages  of  development.  In  the  plant 
world  the  life  cycles  are  comparatively  simple  ; 
there  are  no  such  transformations  as  those  de- 
scribed. Flowering  plants  produce,  in  con- 
junction with  their  flowers,  embryo  seeds, 
which,  being  fertilised  by  the  pollen,  become 
capable  of  reproducing  the  parental  plant  direct, 
so  that  the  cycle  is  simply  seed,  plant,  and  seed 
again,  without  any  intermediate  changes.  Non- 
flowering  plants,  such  as  Ferns,  Mosses, 
Horsetails,  Fungi,  and  other  genera  termed 
cryptograms,  because  their  modes  of  fertili- 
sation are  concealed,  have  a  longer  chain  of 
phases.  Taking  the  Ferns  as  exemplifying  the 
.  general  principle,  the  non-production  of  flowers 
prevents  the  production  of  seeds  in  the  same 
way  as  flowering  plants,  but  the  equivalents 
of  flowers  and  seeds  are  produced  before  a  new 
generation  of  Ferns  arises,  and  this  involves  a 
lengthening  of  the  life  cycle  in  the  following 
way.  Instead  of  seeds,  there  are  minute  repro- 
ductive bodies  termed  spores.  These  are  pro- 
duced in  immense  numbers  in  little  capsules  on 
the  fronds,  and  when  ripe  the  capsules  burst  and 
scatter  their  contents  far  and  wide.  The  spore 
then,  under  congenial  conditions,  swells,  bursts 
its  tiny  shell,  protrudes  a  rootlet  from  a 
contained  green  cell,  which  multiplies  itself 
by  fission,  and  in  time  forms  a  small,  green, 
heart-shaped  scale  attached  to  the  soil  by  a  mul- 
titude of  hair-like  rootlets.  It  is  underneath  this 
scale  that  two  sets  of  organs  are  formed,  one 
consisting  of  spherical  bodies  attached  by  a 
short  neck  and  the  other  of  larger,  bluntly- 
conical  hollow  projections,  at  the  base  of  each 
of  which  is  what  is  practically  an  embryo  seed 
embedded  in  a  thickened  part  of  the  scale.  The 
spherical  bodies  then  burst  and  send  forth  into 
the  dewlike  moisture  present  under  proper  con- 
ditions on  the  underside  of  the  scale,  a  number 
of  extremely  minute  tadpole-like  organisms, 
which  swim  actively  about  and  make  their  way 
eventually  to  the  embedded  seeds  and  fertilise 
them.  This  done,  the  seed  grows  and  perfects 
itself,  finally  budding  forth  into  a  frond-bearing 
Fern  like  the  original  parents  which  bore  the 
spore.  The  normal  life  cycle  of  the  Fern  is 
thus  :  spore,  scale  (prothallus),  sexual  apparatus, 
seed,  and  Fern.  It  has,  however,  been  discov- 
ered that  this  sequence  of  phases  is  varied  in 
every  conceivable  way  in  the  varietal  Fern  form. 
Thus,  in  some  Ferns  the  cycle  is  spore,  scale, 
and  non-sexual  bulbil,  which  produces  the  Fern 
by  a  short  cut  (apogamy).  In  other  Ferns 
the  spore  is  dispensed  with  and  the  scale  is 
produced      direct     either      ou     the     back     of 


the  frond,  where  the  spore  should  be,  or 
by  simple  extension  of  growth  of  the  frond 
points  (apospory).  When  this  occurs,  in  most 
cases  the  cycle  is  Fern,  scale,  sexual  apparatus, 
seed,  and  Fern  again,  but  in  one  case  it  is 
shortened  to  Fern,  scale,  Fern,  the  Fern  being 
produced  by  a  non-sexual  bud  (apogamy  and 
apospory  combined).  Even  this  short  cut,  how- 
ever, is  equalled  by  one  recorded  case  where 
the  scale  bore  spores  without  fronds  being  pro- 
duced, the  cycle  then  being  spore,  scale,  spore, 
and  the  Fern,  as  we  know  it,  was  entirely  left 
out.  These  are  all  variations  of  the  cycle,  which 
includes  some  phase  of  the  scale  stage,  which 
represents  only  the  two  so-called  alternatives  of 
generation  peculiar  to  Ferns  and  their  allies, 
but  there  is  in  addition  the  capacity  of  reproduc. 
tion  by  direct  bulbil  growth  on  the  fronds, 
which  bear  the  Fern  without  any  intermediate 
stages  at  all.  It  is  to  be  noted  in  this  con- 
nection that  there  do  not  appear  to  exist  in 
Ferns  any  arrangements  for  securing  cross- 
fertilisation  such  as  are  so  prevalent  in  flower- 
ing plants  proper.  Flooding  at  the  critical 
period  certainly  tends  to  distribute  the  fertilis- 
ing bodies  beyond  the  area  of  the  scale  which 
bore  them,  and  cross-fertilisation  has  been 
effected  purposely  and  accidentally  in  that 
way ;  under  normal  conditions,  however,  self- 
fertilisation  is  almost  certain  to  occur,  and 
as  cross-fertilisation  is  undoubtedly  a  potent 
factor  in  evolution  of  new  types,  we  may  see  in 
this  disability  the  reason  why  the  Ferns  of  the 
present  day  so  closely  resemble  those  of  the  far- 
distant  Coal  Age  in  all  essential  points,  while 
flowering  plants  have  become  so  much  more 
diversified.  Ferns,  however,  as  we  have  seen, 
have  apparently  done  their  best  to  vary  the 
monotony  of  normal  reproduction  to  the  utmost, 
and  have  reproduced  themselves  by  every  con- 
ceivable variance  of  the  life  cycle.  Chas.  T. 
Druery,  V.M.N. 


The  Week's  Work. 


FRUITS  UNDER  GLASS. 

By  E.  Harriss,  Fruit  Foreman,  Royal  Gardens,  Frogmore. 
Late  Muscat  vines. — These  vines  are  now  ap- 
proaching the  flowering  stage.  Examine  the 
borders,  and  if  the  soil  is  approaching  dryness 
apply  a  good  watering  with  tepid  water.  Attend 
to  the  necessary  stopping  of  laterals  before 
flowering  commences,  but  unless  the  shoots 
are  touching  the  glass  they  need  not  be 
tied  down  to  the  trellis  until  the  fruits 
have  set.  The  atmosphere  must  be  kept 
dry  during  the  time  the  vines  are  flower- 
ing ;  therefore,  if  there  are  any  pot  plants  in  the 
house  they  had  better  be  removed.  If  the 
bunches  in  former  years  have  failed  to  set  their 
berries  properly  it  will  be  advisable  to  dust 
the  flowers  with  pollen  obtained  from  some  free, 
setting  variety,  such  as  Black  Hamburgh.  The 
pollen  may  be  collected  on  sheets  of  paper 
and  applied  to  the  flowers  by  means  of  a 
camel's  hair  brush  or  a  rabbit's  tail.  When  the 
berries  have  set  and  have  commenced  to  swell, 
the  borders  should  be  thoroughly  soaked  with 
diluted  liquid  manure  that  has  been  made  tepid. 
Do  not  be  in  a  hurry  to  cut  off  fhe  surplus 
bunches  until  it  can  be  determined  which  are 
the  best  to  allow  to  ripen.  A  medium-sized 
bunch  of  compact  build  is  to  be  preferred  to 
one  that  is  larger  but  straggling  Thinning 
must  be  attended  to  as  soon  as  the  berries  are 
large  enough,  and  some  of  the  bunches  will 
require  the  shoulders  looped  up  neatly  with  a 
piece  of  raffia.  Bunches  with  large  shoulders 
must  not  be  severely  thinned,  especially  towards 
the  top.  During  the  operation  of  thinning 
keep  the  scissors  clean,  as  neglect  of  this  often 
disfigures  the  berries.  When  thinning  is 
finished,  some  artificial  fertiliser  should  be 
sprinkled  over  the  borders  and  lightly  forked 
in.  Afterwards  apply  a  good  dressing  of  farm- 
yard manure,  and  directly  after  this  a  good 
watering  with  tepid  water.  The  atmospheric  tem- 
perature of  the  vinery  at  night-time  should 
range  from  65°  to  70°.  During  genial  weather 
fresh  air  should  be  admitted  early  each  morn- 


ing, and  in  the  day-time  the  heat  may  be 
allowed  to  rise  gradually  to  85u  or  90°. 
Sudden  fluctuations  of  temperature  may  be  pre- 
vented by  giving  proper  attention  to  the  ventila- 
tion. Muscat  of  Alexandria  Grape  is  very 
liable  to  attacks  of  red  spider.  As  a  preven- 
tive the  hot-water  pipes  may  be  dusted  with 
flowers  of  sulphur  when  they  are  very 
hot.  At  other  times  the  atmosphere  must 
be  kept  moist  by  frequently  damping  the 
floor.  If  the  pest  '  does  appear,  sponge 
the  leaves  with  a  weak  mixture  of  soft  soap 
and  sulphur  in  water.  Should  it  be  necessary 
to  shade  the  foliage  to  prevent  scorching  by  the 
sun's  rays,  mix  a  little  slaked  lime  in  water  and 
syringe  this  on  to  the  glass. 


THE    ORCHID    HOUSES. 

ByW.  H.White,  Orchid  Grower  to  Sir  Trevor  Lawrence, 
Bart.,  Burford,  Surrey. 

Dendrobiums. — The  numerous  species  and  hy- 
brids of  these  plants  have  for  several  months 
past  provided  a  pleasing  display  of  flowers  in 
the  warmer  plant  houses.  Those  plants  which 
bloomed  early  will  require  attention  in  the  mat- 
ter of  repotting,  an  operation  that  should  be  car- 
ried out  when  the  young  growths  are  but  a  few 
inches  high.  At  this  stage  the  plants  produce 
fresh  roots,  and  these  delight  in  a  sweet,  fresh 
compost.  Such  erect,  strong-growing  kinds  as 
D.  nobile,  D.  Juno,  D.  Ainsworthii,  D.  Wiganiae 
and  D.  Dominii  thrive  well  in  pots,  provided 
the  compost  is  so  light  and  open  that  moisture 
passes  quickly  away.  The  more  slender  and 
pendulous-habited  varieties,  including  D.  Pier- 
ardii,  D.  lituiflorum,  D.  primulinum,  D.  creta- 
ceum  and  D.  crepidatum,  should  be  planted  in 
pans  or  pots  that  can  be  suspended  from  the 
roof.  When  repotting,  very  great  care  must  be 
taken  to  prevent  the  roots  being  injured.  Over- 
potting  is  detrimental  to  healthy  growth.  The 
Dendrobiums  at  Burford  last  season  did  ex- 
ceedingly well  in  the  following  compost : — Os- 
munda  and  Polypodium  fibre  in  equal  parts, 
with  a  moderate  quantity  of  Sphagnum-moss, 
chopped  up  finely  and  well  mixed  together,  with 
sufficient  small  crocks  to  keep  the  mixture 
porous.  The  moss  should  be  cut  up  much 
smaller  than  the  Fern  material.  Seedling  Den- 
drobiums grow  freely  and  blossom  well  when 
potted  in  this  compost.  In  their  case,  the  pots 
or  pans  should  be  half  filled  with  potsherds  for 
drainage  purposes,  and  the  plants  should  be 
potted  firmly.  Directly  potting  is  finished,  a 
few  stakes  should  be  inserted,  and  a  number  of 
pseudo-bulbs  tied  to  them  to  keep  the  plant 
secure  in  the  pot.  If  this  is  deferred  until  later, 
there  is  a  risk  of  injuring  the  young  roots. 

Treatment  of  old  plants. — Any  large  specimens 
that  have  deteriorated  should  be  turned  out  of 
the  pots,  trimmed,  and  repotted  into  as  small 
pots  as  can  be  conveniently  used.  For 
the  first  few  weeks  after  repotting  the  soil 
should  be  kept  on  the  dry  side,  and  it 
is  better  to  apply  the  water  around  the 
rim  of  the  pot  than  in  the  centre.  Later, 
when  the  young  growths  have  made  roots, 
increased  moisture  may  be  given,  both 
in  the  soil  and  in  the  atmosphere.  When 
thoroughly  established  and  growing  freely, 
an  abundance  of  water  may  be  given,  and  the 
foliage  sprayed  with  tepid  rainwater  at  closing 
time  on  warm,  sunny  afternoons.  The  majority 
of  Dendrobiums  should  be  accommodated  in  the 
warm  East  Indian  house,  but  if  such  a  structure 
is  not  available,  an  ordinary  plant  stove  will 
suit  them.  Some  species,  including  D.  sulcatum, 
D.  subclausum,  D.  glomeratum,  D.  Jerdoni- 
anum,  D.  Falconeri,  and  its  variety  giganteum, 
thrive  best  in  a  somewhat  lower  temperature 
than  that  maintained  in  the  East  Indian  house, 
a  suitable  place  for  them  being  the  Cattleya  or 
intermediate  house.  Others  that  do  better  in  a 
still  cooler  temperature  are  D.  rhodostoma,  D. 
sanguinolentum  and  D.  speciosum  (these  may 
be  placed  in  the  Mexican  house)  ;  D. 
Jamesianum,  D.  Wattianum,  D.  infundibulum 
and  D.  longicornu.  The  blue-flowered  D. 
caeleste  (Victoria  Regina)  grows  well  when  sus- 
pended in  a  light  position  in  the  Odontoglossum 
house.  Plants  of  D.  nobile  type  can  be  easily 
propagated  by  laying  the  pseudo-bulbs  which 
have  not  flowered  on  Sphagnum-moss  in  a  hot 
propagating  case,  or  they  may  be  laid  on  the 
surface  moss  of  pots  containing  such  plants  as 
Aerides  and  Vandas. 


Apbil  17,  1909.] 


THE     GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


247 


THE  HARDY  FRUIT  GARDEN. 

By  J.  G.  Weston,  Gardener  lo  H.  J.  King,  Esq.,  Eastwell 
Park,  Kent. 

Fruit  prospects. — The  recent  severe  weather 
has  had  the  beneficial  effect  of  retarding  the  de- 
velopment of  the  fruit-buds,  and,  should  no 
late  frosts  occur  when  the  blossoms  are  ex- 
panded, we  may  expect  a  bountiful  crop  of  all 
fruits.  The  worst  results  happen  when,  Febru- 
ary and  March  having  been  mild  and  genial, 
wintry  conditions  prevail  just  after  the  trees 
have  started  into  growth.  Fruit  trees  and 
bushes  appear  extremely  promising.  Apple  trees 
are  bristling  with  plump  flower-buds,  whilst 
Cherry,  Plum  and  Pear  trees  are  all  satisfactory. 
Strawberries  have  withstood  the  severe  weather 
well ;  very  few  of  the  plants  have  been  killed, 
and  in  the  case  of  both  young  and  old  planta- 
tions the  crowns  are  starting  rapidly  into  growth. 

General  work. — The  work  of  transplanting, 
pruning  and  spraying  is  finished.  Disbudding 
and  pinching  the  shoots  and  thinning  the 
fruits  will  next  claim  attention.  The  first 
tree  that  will  need  attention  in  this  re- 
spect is  the  Apricot.  The  flowers  have  just 
commenced  to  open,  and,  with  a  continuation  of 
bright,  sunny  weather,  the  blooming  period  will 
soon  be  over.  After  this  the  growths  will  soon 
advance  sufficiently  to  allow  of  disbudding  and 
pinching.  The  trees  should  be  examined  at  in- 
tervals of  a  few  days,  for  the  work  must  be  done 
regularly,  it  being  a  mistake  to  remove  a  large 
number  of  the  shoots  and  buds  at  one  time. 
Shoots  that  are  in  unsuitable  positions  for  train- 
ing may  be  removed  entirely,  or  pinched  back  to 
form  spurs,  according  as  is  required.  Extra 
care  must  be  taken  when  regulating  the  shoots  of 
young  fruit  trees:  do  not  commit  the  common 
error  of  overcrowding  the  tree  with  growths. 


THE  FLOWER  GARDEN. 

By  W.  A.  Cook,  Gardener  to  Sir  Edmund  G.  Loder,  Bart., 
Leonardslee,  Sussex. 

The  rock-garden. — Seedlings  of  the  various 
plants  which  are  raised  annually  may  now  be 
planted  on  the  rockery.  Of  Saxifraga  there  is 
an  endless  variety.  Some  of  the  best  for  gardens 
are  S.  Rhei,  S.  R.  superba,  S.  aizoides,  S.  Fer- 
gusonii,  S.  X  Guildford  Seedling,  S.  muscoides, 
S  oppositifolia,  S.  Wallacei,  S.  Boydii,  S.  Bur- 
seriana,  S.  aretioides,  S.  longifolia,  S.  Macnabi- 
ana,  S.  marginata,  S.  valdensis,  S.  Kotschyi,  S. 
marginata  and  S.  Rocheliana.  Amongst  the 
Androsaces  may  be  mentioned  A.  coronopifolia, 
A.  lanuginosa,  A.  sarmentosa,  A.  villosa,  A. 
sempervivoides  and  A.  Chumbyi.  These  make 
a  charming  show  when  good  clumps  are  formed. 
In  order  that  they  may  appear  to  the  best  ad- 
vantage, they  should  be  planted  in  irregular 
batches.  The  rare  Scoliopus  Bigelovii  is 
finely  in  flower  at  Leonardslee.  It  requires  to 
be  planted  in  a  moist  and  shady  position. 
Many  Alpines  need  a  deep  rooting  medium,  de- 
lighting to  ramble  for  a  considerable  distance 
amongst  the  fissures  of  the  rocks.  Slugs  are  apt 
to  do  much  damage  to  bulbous  plants  in  showery 
weather,  and  they  must  be  sought  for  and  de- 
stroyed. The  Erythroniums  are  now  making  a 
fine  display,  as  are  also  the  Narcissi,  especially 
N.  minimus,  N.  cyclamineus  and  N.  obvallaris. 
See  that  all  shrubs  growing  on  the  rockery  are 
pruned  so  as  to  keep  them  a  suitable  size. 

Bog  plants. — These  should  now  be  cleaned, 
and  any  that  need  top-dressing  or  dividing  may 
be  attended  to  forthwith.  Any  planting  should  be 
done  at  once.  Among  the  more  important  sub- 
jects are  Inulas,  Spiraeas,  Funkias,  Gunneras, 
Kniphofias,  Osmundas,  Petasites  and  Eulalias. 

Aquatic  plants. — These  will  now  require  atten. 
tion,  and  any  protective  covering  should  be 
loosened.  The  beautiful  Caltha  polypetala  may 
now  be  planted  in  the  water.  C.  palustris  and  C. 
monstrosa  picta,  are  effective  when  planted  in 
masses.  Acorus  calamus,  Aponogeton  dis- 
tachyon,  Butomus  umbellatus,  Cyperus  longus, 
Eriophorum,  Hippuris  vulgaris,  Lythrum  roseum 
superbum,  Menyanthes  trifoliata,  Orontinum, 
Peltandra,  Ranunculus,  Rumex,  Sagittaria, 
Scirpus,  Zizania,  and  many  similar  plants  do 
well  in  ponds  and  lakes.  The  best  method  of 
planting  aquatics  is  to  bind  their  roots  in  some 
good  fibrous  loam  and  drop  them  into  the  water. 
The  weight  of  the  soil  will  keep  the  plant  steady 


till    root    action    commences.      Callas    may    be 
planted  in  the  same  manner. 

Lawns  and  tennis  grounds  should  be  well 
swept  and  rolled  previous  to  mowing.  The 
verges  should  be  trimmed.  Box  edgings  should 
be  clipped,  and  all  made  tidy. 

General  work. — Beds  and  borders  containing 
spring  flowering  plants  and  bulbs  must  be  kept 
clear  of  weeds  and  decaying  foliage.  Fork 
the  soil  lightly  to  give  a  tidy  appearance.  Prick 
off  annuals  as  they  become  ready,  and  gradually 
harden  those  that  were  raised  earlier.  All  bed- 
ding plants  that  are  forward  enough  should  be 
grown  under  as  cool  conditions  as  possible. 
Lobelia  and  plants  of  that  class  may  still  be 
boxed  up  and  grown  on  in  heat.  Keep  all  the 
flowers  picked  off  these  plants.  Place  slender 
Hazel  or  Bamboo  stakes  to  support  the  flowers 
of  the  taller-growing  Narcissi  of  the  King  Alfred 
type,  or  they  may  break  with  their  own  weight. 


THE    KITCHEN    GARDEN. 

By  E.  Beckett,  Gardener  to  the  Hon.  Vicary  Gibbs, 
Aldenham  House,  Elstree,  Hertfordshire. 

Planting. — The  soil  is  now  in  a  splendid  con- 
dition for  working,  therefore  every  opportunity 
should  be  taken  to  make  up  arrears  in  planting. 

Potatos. — Proceed  with  the  planting  of  early, 
mid-season  and  late  varieties,  exercising  great 
care  in  the  preparation  of  the  sets  as  well  as  in 
placing  them  in  the  ground.  Each  Potato  should 
be  planted  with  a  good,  sturdy  shoot,  about 
1  inch  in  length,  in  well-prepared  trenches  or 
deep  drills.  Do  not  use  a  dibble  for  planting 
Potatos.  See  that  sufficient  space,  according  to 
the  variety,  is  allowed  both  between  the  tubers 
and  the  rows,  so  that,  when  in  full  growth,  they 
will  obtain  the  benefit  of  sun  and  air.  Succes- 
sional  varieties  in  pits  and  frames  must  be 
earthed  up  when  the  growths  are  from  3  to  4 
inches  in  height. 

Cardoons. — These  plants  require  a  long  season 
of  growth.  They  should  be  planted  in  a  rich 
soil,  and,  during  their  growing  season,  be  given 
an  abundance  of  water  at  their  roots.  Prepare 
trenches,  as  for  Celery,  2  feet  deep  and  2  feet 
wide,  and,  after  breaking  up  the  bottom  soil, 
nearly  fill  the  trench  with  well-decayed  farm- 
yard manure.  Do  not  sow  the  seeds  until  the 
end  of  April  or  the  beginning  of  May,  otherwise 
a  large  percentage  of  the  plants  will  flower 
prematurely.  It  will  be  necessary  to  allow  a 
distance  of  about  20  inches  between  the  plants. 
Sow  three  seeds  together,  and  when  it  can  be 
determined  which  is  the  strongest  of  the  three 
plants,  the  other  two  can  be  removed. 

Celery. — Harden  off  the  earliest  plants  that 
have  been  pricked  out  into  boxes,  so  as  to  pre- 
pare them  for  planting  out.  Prick  out  seedlings 
from  late  sowings,  putting  them  on  a  warm  bed. 

Winter  Greens. — Sow  the  main  batch  of  these 
thinly  broadcast  in  beds  on  an  open  site,  which 
should  be  netted  to  prevent  birds  stealing  the 
seeds.  Make  another  sowing  at  the  end  of  this 
month  or  the  beginning  of  May,  especially  of 
Broccoli  and  Savoys. 

Onions  raised  under  glass  and  thoroughly 
hardened  must  be  planted  out  on  well-prepared 
ground,  at  a  distance  of  from  12  to  15  inches 
between  the  plants,  and  from  15  to  18  inches  be- 
tween the  rows.  Surplus  plants  which  have  not 
been  pricked  off,  if  planted  out  somewhat 
thickly,  will  be  found  to  do  well  and  ripen  early. 

Turnips. — Sow  small  quantities  of  early  varie- 
ties of  this  vegetable  once  a  fortnight. 


PLANTS    UNDER  GLASS. 

By  A.  C.  Bartlett,  Gardener  to  Mrs.  Ford,  Pencarrow, 
Cornwall. 
Bouvardias. — Robust  plants  may  be  quickly 
cultivated  if  1-inch  portions  of  stout  roots 
are  laid  in  pans  of  sandy  soil,  covered  with 
glass,  and  placed  over  a  mild  bottom  heat. 
Stem-cuttings  root  readily,  but  give  more 
trouble,  and  seldom  prove  so  satisfactory  as 
plants  raised  from  root  cuttings.  Old  plants 
that  are  to  be  retained  for  another  year  should 
be  pruned  and  repotted  after  they  break  into 
growth.  Shake  away  the  greater  portion  of 
the   old   soil,   and   prune   the   roots   so  that  the 

plants    may    be    kept    in    comparatively    small 


pots.  A  suitable  potting  medium  consists  of  a 
mixture  of  fibrous  loam,  leaf-mould,  dried  cow 
dung  and  silver  sand.  After  potting,  which 
must  be  done  firmly,  place  the  plants  in  a  house 
having  a  warm,   moist  atmosphere. 

Strobilanthcs  Dyerianus. — This  plant  should 
be  potted  in  a  light  soil  and  grown  in  a  brisk 
heat  and  plenty  of  atmospheric  moisture.  To 
obtain  well-coloured  examples,  care  must  be 
taken  that  the  plants  receive  no  check  whilst 
growing.     Cuttings  may  be  rooted  readily. 

Hibiscus  rosa-sinensis  and  its  varieties  are 
useful  either  as  bush  plants  or  for  training 
along  the  roof  of  an  intermediate  house.  Under 
stove  culture,  they  are  apt  to  grow  too  freely 
to  flower  well.  Although  the  individual  flowers 
are  evanescent,  they  are  produced  very  freely, 
and  plants  of  a  goodly  size  continue  in  flower 
for  a  long  period.  It  will  be  found  more  s  it- 
able  to  grow  the  double  and  semi-double 
flowered  kinds  under  the  rafters,  as  the  weight 
of  their  flowers  will  cause  them  to  hang  down- 
wards. Cuttings  of  this  shrub  root  freely  in 
heat,  and  quickly  form  flowering  plants. 

Cyclamens. — As  it  is  not  customary  to  culti- 
vate the  plants  a  second  year,  except,  perhaps, 
in  the  case  of  anv  that  it  is  especially  de- 
sirable to  keep,  the  old  plants  should  be  thrown 
away  as  soon  as  they  cease  to  be  ornamental. 
Seedlings  intended  for  furnishing  next  season's 
flowering  plants  will  now  require  larger  pots. 
See  that  they  are  not  over-potted  at  this  stage, 
and  keep  the  corms  well  above  the  surface  il, 
which  should  be  similar  to  that  used  for  the  last 
potting. 

Clerodendron  fallax. — This  plant  must  not  be 
allowed  to  become  pot-bound  until  it  is  in    its 
flowering   pot.      Seedling   plants   of  this    I 
dendron  are  usually  the  most  satisfactory. 

Zonal  Pelargoniums. — Cuttings  should  now  be 
inserted  to  supply  plants  for  autumn  and  winter 
flowering.  Select  good  firm  cuttings  and  insert 
them  thinly  around  the  sides  of  5-inch  pots. 
Place  them  in  an  intermediate  hots:  > 
they  will  soon  form  roots,  and  as  soon  as  this 
takes  place,  pot  them  singly  into  small  pots. 
After  this  is  done,  place  the  plants  in  a  frame 
where  they  will  receive  plenty  of  light  and  air. 
For  the  first  few  days  the  frame  must  be  kept 
closed,  but  afterwards,  whenever  the  weather 
permits,  ventilation  may  be  afforded  freely. 
All  flower-buds  must  be  removed  until  the  latter 
part  of  August. 


THE   APIARY. 

By  On 

Dysentery  in  bees. — Damp  conditions  and  bad 
ventilation  are  the  principal  causes  of  this 
disease,  which  is  not  uncommon  among  bees 
during  a  wet  spring.  It  may  also  be  caused  by 
giving  the  bees  unsuitable  food.  When  ch  sen- 
tery  is  present  in  a  colony  of  bees,  it 
may  be  known  by  (1)  the  bees  voiding  their  ex- 
crement, which  is  of  a  muddy  colour,  on  the 
comb  and  the  alighting  board.  Bees  in  a 
healthy  condition  discharge  their  excrement 
when  on  the  wing.  (2)  The  bees  appear  weak 
and  display  a  general  loss  of  energy.  (3)  On 
opening  the  hives  and  raising  the  quilts  a  dis- 
agreeable odour  is  noticeable.  The  remedy  con- 
sists in  removing  the  colony  to  a  dry,  warm  and 
well- ventilated  hive.  Provide  the  bees  with 
some  sealed  honey  as  food,  or,  failing  this,  a 
syrup  made  with  good  candy,  and  allow  the 
bees  to  remain  undisturbed. 

The  wax  moth. — The  wax  moth  is  like~y  to 
make  its  appearance  in  apiaries  where  the  bee- 
keeper leaves  little  pieces  of  comb  and  wax 
lying  about  and  empty  combs  in  unused  hives. 
The  moths  soon  find  these,  and  deposit  their 
eggs,  which  hatch  and  thus  infest  the  colony, 
the  wax  providing  the  larva?  with  food. 
The  presence  of  the  wax  moth  may  be  detected 
by  the  presence  of  excreta,  which  resembles 
gunpowder.  This  may  be  observed  on  the  tops 
of  the  frame.  If  the  colonies  are  strong  and  the 
bee-keeper  is  vigilant,  the  pest  may  soon  be  ex- 
terminated. 

Earwigs. — Earwigs  and  ants  may  be  pre- 
vented by  placing  the  legs  of  the  hive  in  saucers 
containing  paraffin. 

Wasps. — Keep  a  sharp  look-out  for  these 
pests  and  destroy  any  that  are  found. 


248 


THE    GARDENERS'      CHRONICLE. 


[Apxil  17,   1£09. 


EDITORIAL    NOTICE. 


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LISHER, 41,  Wellington  Street,  Covent  Garden, 
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Letters  for  Publication,  as  well  as  specimens  of  plants 
for  naming,  should  be  addressed  to  the  EDITOR, 
41,   Wellington  Street,   Covent  Garden,    London. 

Communications  should  be  written  on  one  side  only  of 
the  paper,  sent  as  early  in  the  week  as  possible  and  duly 
signed  by  the  writer.  If  desired,  the  signature  will  not  be 
printed,  but  kept  as  a  guarantee  0/  good  faith. 

Newspapers. — Correspondents  sending  newspapers  should  be 
caiejulto  mark  tlie  paragraphs  they  wish  the  Editor  to  see. 

Special  Notice  to  Correspondents. — The  Editor  does  not 
undertake  to  pay  for  any  contributions  or  illustrations,  or 
to  return  unused  communications  or  illustrations,  unless  by 
special  arrangement.  The  Editor  does  not  hold  himself 
responsible  for  any  opinions  expressed  by  his  correspondents. 

Illustrations.-  The  Editor  will  be  glad  to  receive  and  to  select 
photographs  or  drawings,  suitable  for  reproduction,  of 
gardens  or  of  remarkable  plants,  flowers,  trees,  &c,  but  he 
cannot  be  responsible  for  lossor  injury. 

Local  News. — Correspondents  will  greatly  oblige  by  sending  to 
the  Editor  early  intelligence  of  local  events  likely  to  be  of 
interest  to  our  readers,  or  of  any  matters  which  it  is  desirable 
to  bring  under  the  notice  of  horticulturists. 


APPOINTMENTS  FOR  THE  ENSUING  WEEK. 


TUESDAY,  APRIL  20- 

Roy.  Hort.  Soc.  Corns,  meet,  and  Nat.  Auricula  and 
Primula  Soc.  combined  Show  at  Hort.  Hall,  West- 
minster (Prizes  for  Daffodils  and  Carnations.  Lecture 
at  3  p.m.  by  Mr.  Eric  Drabble,  D.Sc,  on  "  Pansies  "). 
Devon  Daffodil  and  Spring  Fl.  Sh.  at  Plymouth  (2  days). 
Shropshire  Hort.  Soc.  Spring  Fl.  Sh. 

WEDNESDAY,  APRIL  21— 

Roy.  Hort.  Soc.  of  Ireland  Spring  Fl.  Sh.  at  Dublin. 
Roy.  Meteorological  Soc.  meet.  Ipswich  Spring  Fl.  Sh. 
Roy.  Hort.  Soc.  Examination  in  General  Horticulture. 

THURSDAY,  APRIL  22- 

Midland  Daffodil  Soc.  Exh.  at  Bot.  Gardens,  Birming- 
ham (2  days). 

Average    Mean    Temperature    for    the    ensuing    week, 
deduced  from  observations  during  the  last  Fifty  Years 
at  Greenwich— 48"5°. 
Actual  Temperatures: — 

London.— Wednesday.,  April  14  (6  P.M.):  Max.  60°; 
Min.  47". 
Gardeners'  Chronicle  Office,  41,  Wellington  Street, 
Covent  Garden  London  —Thursday,  April  15 
(10  a.m.):  Bar.  292;  Temp.  58°;  Weather— 
Sunshine. 
Provinces.—  Wednesday,  April  14  (6  p.m.):  Max.  66" 
Cambridge:  Min  43c  Scotland,  E. 


SALES    FOR    THE    ENSUING    WEEK. 

MONDAY  and  FRIDAY— 

Herbaceous  and  Border  Plants,  Lilies,  and  Hardy  Bulbs, 
Ferns,  Greenhouse  Plants,  &c. ;  at  67  &  68,  Cheapside, 
E.C.,  by  Protheroe  &  Morris,  at  12. 

WEDNESDAY— 

Perennials  and  Herbaceous  Plants,  Lilies,  Gladiolus, 
and  other  Hardy  Bulbs,  at  12  ;  Palms  and  Plants,  Ferns, 
&c,  Seeds,  100  dwarf  trees,  &c,  at  4  ;  at  67  &  68,  Cheap- 
side,  E.C.,  by  Protheroe  &  Morris. 

THURSDAY— 

Specimen  Gold,  Silver,  Green,  and  other  Hollies, 
Conifers,  Rhododendrons,  and  other  stock,  at  The 
Nurseries,  High  Beech,  Essex,  by  order  of  Messrs. 
Paul  &  Son,  by  Protheroe  &  Morris,  at  18. 

FRIDAY— 

Choice  Imported  and  Established  Orchids  in  variety, 
Orchids  in  Flower  and  Bud;  at  67  &  68,  Cheapside, 
E.C.,  by  Protheroe  &  Morris,  at  12.45. 

The  British  Flora  is  from  time 

Plant        to  time  increased  by  the  addition 

Invaders,     of  new  plant  species  which  find 

their   way   into   this   country  by 

other  than  natural  means. 

The  majority  of  these  intruders,  many  of 
them  weeds  of  cultivated  ground,  appear 
only  at  intervals,  and  have  no  permanent 
effect  upon  the  flora ;  a  few,  finding  the  con-' 
ditions  congenial,  become  established,  and 
may  even  compete  successfully  with  native 
plants  on  their  own  ground. 

This  has  been  the  case,  for  instance,  with 
the  American  Pondweed,  or  Water  Thyme 
(Elodea  canadensis),  which  was  introduced 
into  Ireland  about  1836,  appeared  in  England 
about  184 1,  and  has  increased  so  rapidly 
that  it  often  proves  a  source  of  trouble  by 
blocking  streams  and  ditches.  It  is  now 
ubiquitous  in  rivers,  streams,  and  waterways 
all  over  the  country,  competing  successfully 
with  most  British  aquatic  species.  The  plants 
do  not  fruit  in  this  country,  but  they  succeed 
in    spreading,     owing     to     their     extremely 


vigorous  vegetative  growth,  branches  being 
constantly  detached  and  carried  by  the  cur- 
rent, or  other  means,  to  give  rise  to  fresh 
colonies.  The  success  of  such  plant  invaders 
depends  on  their  adaptability  to  climatic  con- 
ditions, and  their  capacity  for  spreading  is 
regulated  by  their  means  of  dispersal. 

Local  floras  abound  in  records  of  plants 
which  are  either  certainly  aliens  or  are 
strongly  suspected  of  alien  origin ;  but  it 
is  comparatively  seldom  that  anything  defi- 
nite is  known  as  to  their  first  appearance. 
It  is,  therefore,  of  some  interest  to  record 
the  appearance,  or  reappearance,  of  a  little 
plant  which  is  of  greater  botanical  interest 
than  the  majority  of  intruders. 

Azolla  caroliniana  is  a  small  aquatic  Fern, 
a  member  of  the  group  of  Ferns  known  as 
Hydropterids,  owing  to  the  water-habitat  of 
the  four  genera  included  in  it,  only  one  of 
which,  Pilularia  globulifera,  is  a  member  of 
the  British  flora.  Two  of  the  genera,  Azolla 
and  Salvinia,  are  small,  floating  aquatics, 
commonly  grown  in  botanic  gardens,  and 
more  rarely  in  greenhouses  in  private 
gardens. 

The  species  A.  caroliniana  is  a  native  of 
the  United  States,  and  has  already  been  re- 
corded from  streams  near  London  as  an 
escape  from  gardens.  It  has  recently  ap- 
peared in  Berkshire,  in  a  small  tributary  of 
the  Thames,  where  it  is  apparently  compet- 
ing successfully  with  its  neighbours. 

Along  the  banks,  where  the  current  is 
slowest,  Azolla  has  established  itself  in 
abundance,  and  in  places  appears  to  be  oust- 
ing the  Duckweed  (Lemna  minor),  which, 
presumably,  preceded  it,  and  which  flourishes 
elsewhere  in  similar  positions.  During  the 
past  summer  the  colonies  of  Azolla  increased 
rapidly,  and  the  plant  now  extends  up  the 
smaller  ditches  and  rivulets  for  some 
distance.  Despite  the  severe  winter,  it  still 
appears  vigorous  and  uninjured  by  the  cold, 
although  the  plants  show  a  tendency  to  frag- 
ment into  small  pieces,  and  the  foliage  has 
become  reddish-brown  instead  of  green.  It 
will  be  a  matter  of  some  interest  to  see  if  it 
resumes  growth  in  the  spring,  and  if  so,  it 
would  appear  to  be  only  a  matter  of  time  for 
it  to  spread  down  to  the  Thames  and  thence 
to  other  localities. 

The  little  plants  multiply  freely  by  vegeta- 
tive means,  new  branches  being  constantly 
formed  and  detached  from  the  parent,  and 
even  if  the  winter  should  prove  to  have  been 
too  severe  for  the  leafy  parts,  there  is  the 
possibility  that  sporocarps  were  formed  and 
these  may  survive. 

The  appearance  of  such  plant  visitors,  even 
when  introduced  by  undoubtedly  artificial 
means,  as  in  the  case  of  Azolla,  leads  to  a 
consideration  of  the  many  interesting  features 
in  the  constitution  of  the  British  flora,  and 
ultimately  to  an  examination  of  the  factors 
which  determine  geographical  distribution  in 
general. 

In  his  Origin  of  the  British  Flora,  Mr. 
Clement  Reid  concludes  that  the  present 
flora  of  Britain  is  entirely  composed  of  plants 
which  reached  this  country  after  the  passing 
away  of  the  more  or  less  Arctic  conditions 
which  prevailed  during  the  Glacial  Period, 
and  since  the  final  separation  of  England 
from  the  continent  of  Europe  is  believed  by 
geologists  to  have  also  taken  place  about  that 
time,    the   plant   species   which    found   their 


way  across  the  Channel  from  Western  Europe 
were  those  which  possessed  the  most  effec- 
tive means  of  dispersal  by  various  natural 
means. 

It  is  still  held  by  a  few  observers  that  cer- 
tain isolated  members  of  the  flora,  for  in- 
stance, the  so-called  Lusitanian  flora  of 
South  Cornwall  and  South-west  Ireland, 
which  includes  several  species  of  Heath 
which  do  not  now  occur  wild  nearer  than 
Portugal,  represent  survivors  from  the  sub- 
tropical flora  which  is  known  to  have  existed 
in  Britain  in  pre-G!acial  times;  but  sime  in- 
dications of  Arctic  conditions  have  been  found 
as  far  south  as  Bovey  Tracey,  in  Devonshire, 
the  evidence,  on  the  whole,  seems  to  favour 
the  truth  of  the  general  statement  made 
above,  that  the  British  flora  consists  essen- 
tially of  a  selection  of  the  species  occurring 
also  in  North-western  and  Western  Europe, 
which  are  best  equipped  in  various  ways  for 
distribution  by  natural  means. 

It  is  customary  to  designate  as  alien  plants 
such  species  as  have  been  introduced  through 
the  agency  of  man,  although  their  appear- 
ance may  now  be  general  throughout  a 
large  area.  Such  aliens  may  occur  as  escapes 
from  gardens,  as  Azolla  no  doubt  has  done, 
and,  in  these  cases,  their  origin  is  rarely  in 
dispute. 

Among  many  examples  of  this  kind  may  be 
noted  the  red-spurred  Valerian  (Centranthus 
ruber),  naturalised  on  walls  and  cliffs  in 
many  places  in  the  south  of  England,  but 
almost  always  in  the  vicinity  of  houses.  It 
is  a  native  of  Southern  Europe,  and  is  rarely 
found  in  this  country  north  of  Birmingham. 

The  Lesser  Periwinkle  (Vinca  minor)  is 
regarded  as  a  true  native  in  the  south  of 
England,  but  occurs  elsewhere  as  an  escape 
from  gardens,  as  does  the  allied  species 
Vinca  major. 

Geranium  phaeumi,  a  native  in  Belgium,  but 
not  occurring  in  Northern  France  and  Ger- 
many, is  found  in  many  places  in  England, 
and  there  seems  to  be  no  geographical  reason 
why  it  should  not  be  regarded  as  indigenous; 
but  it  is  almost  invariably  confined  to  the 
neighbourhood  of  villages,  and  in  all  recorded 
stations  in  England  it  is  probably  of  garden 
origin. 

Many  other  plants  might  be  cited  which 
have  had  a  similar  origin,  and  to  these  may 
be  added  others  which  appear  as  the  result 
of  seed  impurities  in  imported  agricultural 
seeds.  Many  of  the  latter  establish  them- 
selves as  common  cornfield  weeds,  and  some 
of  our  most  familiar  field  and  hedgerow 
plants  belong  to  this  class.  A  few  alien 
species  appear  on  the  coast,  near  seaports  or 
docks,  brought  as  seeds  in  ballast  or  cargo. 

The  facts  are  often  difficult  to  trace  in  the 
case  of  old-established  weeds,  the  test  that  is 
usually  applied  being  the  nature  of  the  sur- 
roundings in  each  case.  If  a  plant  occurs  in- 
variably associated  with  artificial  conditions, 
such  as  are  induced  by  cultivation,  and  is 
never  recorded  from  a  perfectly  natural 
habitat,  the  case  is  strong  against  it  being  a 
native,  since  it  would  be  necessary  to  assume 
that  it  had  disappeared  from  the  intervening 
areas  in  natural  surroundings,  and  such  cases 
of  extinction  are  rare. 

In  all,  over  900  species  of  such  plant  in- 
vaders have  been  recorded,  of  which  about 
330  are  believed  to  be  due  to  arboriculture  and 
horticulture. 


Apr:i.  17,  1S03.] 


THE     GARDENERS'      CHRONICLE 


249 


Our  Supplementary  Illustration  gives  a 

view  of  the  lake  in  the  Melbourne  Botanic  Gar- 
den. This  botanic  station  is  situated  on  the 
banks  of  the  River  Yarra,  about  a  mile  from  the 
city  of  Melbourne.  It  adjoins  the  grounds  of 
Government  House  and  the  Public  Domain,  of 
which  it  forms  a  part.  The  older  portions  of 
the  garden  contain  numerous  fine  specimens  of 
Palm,  Conifer,  especially  Araucaria,  various 
Oaks,  Elms,  and  other  deciduous  trees,  Grevil- 
leas,  of  which  G.  robusta  forms  a  splendid  pic- 
ture when  in  flower,  and  numerous  native 
trees  and  shrubs.  An  extensive  "  Fern  gully  " 
has  been  formed,  and  this  is  a  feature  of  much 
interest.  In  the  lower  portion  of  the  grounds, 
near  the  river,  is  the  beautiful  lake,  occupying 
about  14  acres,  spanned  in  places  by  rustic 
bridges,  and  dotted  with  charming  islands 
which,  being  planted  with  ornamental  trees  and 
shrubs,  afford  a  very  picturesque  effect.  A 
portion  of  the  native  vegetation  has  been 
allowed  to  remain,  and  this  adds  much  to  the 
interest  of  the  garden.  It  will  be  seen  from  the 
illustration  that  Cyperus  Papyrus  grows  freely 
around  the  water's  edge.  In  fig.  107  is  repro- 
duced a  photograph  of  a  bed  of  succulent  plants 
also  growing  in  the  Melbourne  garden,  which  is 
under  the  care  of  Mr.   W.   R.   Guilfoyle. 

The  Flowering  of  the  Almond. — The 

lateness  of  the  present  season  has  been  strik- 
ingly illustrated  by  the  flowering  of  the  Almond 
trees  in  the  London  district.  The  first  flowers 
on  a  tree  situated  in  a  favourable  position  in 
Wandsworth,  five  miles  south-west  of  London, 
expanded  fully  on  Thursday,  April  1,  as  against 
March  23  last  year,  March  20,  1907,  February 
28,  1906,  March  7,   1905,  and  March  21,  1904. 

Royal     Horticultural     Society.  —  The 

Council  of  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society  have 
accepted  the  offer  of  the  following  prizes,  to 
be  competed  for  in  March,  1910,  from  the  Royal 
(General  Dutch  Bulb  Growers'  Society  at  Haar- 
lem : — Division  I.  (for  amateurs  and  gentle- 
men's gardeners). — Class  3  (18  Hyacinths,  dis- 
tinct) :  1st  prize,  £6  6s.  ;  2nd,  £5  5s.,  with  four 
other  prizes.  Class  4  (12  Hyacinths,  distinct) : 
1st  prize,  £5  5s.  ;  2nd,  £4  4s.,  with  three  other 
prizes.  Class  5  (six  Hyacinths,  distinct)  :  1st 
prize,  £2  2s.  ;  2nd,  £1  10s.,  with  two  other  prizes. 
Class  6  (four  pans  containing  Hyacinths, 
10  roots  of  one  variety  in  each  pan, 
the  blooms  of  the  bulbs  in  each  pan  to 
be  of  distinctly  different  colour  to  those 
of  the  other  three  pans)  ;,  1st  prize, 
£4  4s.  ;  2nd,  £3  3s.,  and  two  other  prizes. 
Division  II.  (for  trade  growers). — Class  7  (col- 
lection of  200  Hyacinths  in  at  least  36  varie- 
ties, grown  in  pots  or  glasses)  :  Prize,  the  Gold 
Medal  of  the  General  Bulb  Growers'  Society  at 
Haarlem.  Class  8  (collection  of  200  Hyacinths 
in  20  varieties  in  pans,  10  roots  of  one  variety  in 
each  pan)  :  Prize,  the  Gold  Medal  of  the  General 
Bulb  Growers'  Society  at  Haarlem.  For  Classes 
3,  4  and  5  each  bulb  must  be  in  a  separate  pot, 
size  optional.  Classes  3,  4,  5  and  6  must  all 
be  single  spikes ;  no  spikes  may  be  tied  to- 
gether. Exhibitors  may  only  compete  in  one  of 
the  classes  numbered  3,  4  and  5.  All  bulbs 
must  have  been  forced  entirely  in  Great  Britain 
or  Ireland.  The  bulbs  used  in  Classes  6  and 
8  should  be  of  varieties  most  suitable  for  out- 
door bedding  purposes. 

Floral  Art  at  the  Berlin  Exhibition. — 

The  display  of  floral  designs  in  connection  with 
the  International  Horticultural  Exhibition  held 
in  Berlin,  was  one  of  more  than  ordinary  in- 
terest. Judged  from  a  purely  artistic  standpoint, 
the  arrangements  set  up  by  M.  Lauchaume, 
Paris,  stood  far  in  front  of  everything  else.  The 
Parisians  appear  to  be  peculiarly  gifted  in  the 


art  of  producing  pleasing  effects  by  means  of 
flowers  and  foliage,  whether  it  be  for  the 
ornamentation  of  tables,  halls  or  rooms,  or  for 
personal  adornment  with  sprays,  bouquets, 
or  garlands.  In  his  colour  effects,  M. 
Lauchaume  was  often  daring,  but  never  at 
fault.  Nothing  could  be  richer  or  more  elegant 
than  a  tall,  loose  stand  fully  7  feet  high  built 
up  with  big  leaves  of  red  and  yellow  Croton, 
orange-coloured  Clivias,  salmon-red  Cattleyas, 
large  spikes  of  Cymbidium,  and  long,  well- 
flowered  pseudo-bulbs  of  Dendrobium  Wardia- 
num,  the  whole  held  together  with  fronds  of 
Adiantum  tenerum  Farleyense  and  Asparagus 
plumosus.  Another  elegant  floral  trophy  was 
composed  of  Yellow  Arums,  Iris  Susiana,  pink 
Roses,  long  spikes  of  Odontoglossum  and  Phalae. 
nopsis,  with  sprays  of  light-green  Japanese 
Acers  and  Fern  fronds.  It  is  difficult  to  ade- 
quately describe  these  arrangements,  they  need 
to  be  seen  to  be  properly  appreciated.  The  Ger- 
mans appear  to  employ  flowers  and  foliage 
rather  as  emblems  or  symbols  of  plant 
lore  than  for  their  mere  decorative  effect. 
They  express  by  means  of  certain  flowers  or 
leaves  some  emotion,  as  Ophelia  did  when  she 
gave  Rue  and  Rosemary :  "  There's  Rosemary, 
that's  for  remembrance ;  pray  you,  love,  remem- 
ber." To  some  extent  we  make  a  like  use  of 
flowers,  the  wreath  of  Orange  blossom  at  wed- 
dings, the  Mistleto  at  Christmas  feasts,  and  the 
Primroses  on  Good  Friday  being  of  this  cha- 
racter. Flower  lore  is,  however,  rapidly  disap- 
pearing with  us,  and  in  most  of  our  uses  of 
flowers  and  foliage  we  are  merely  decorative, 
sentiment  being  unconsidered  by  either  florist  or 
employer.  In  Germany  many  of  the  floral  de- 
signs have  a  sentimental  meaning.  Perhaps  the 
prettiest  is  the  spray  of  Myrtle  worn  on  the 
head  of  the  bride.  According  to  mythology 
the  plant  received  its  name  from  Mvr- 
sine,  a  favourite  of  Minerva  ;  and  when  she 
was  changed  into  this  shrub  it  was  consecrated 
to  Venus.  Among  the  Berlin  exhibits  there  were 
many  dainty  arrangements  of  Myrtle  leaves  and 
flowers.  The  catkin-laden  branches  of  the  Goat 
Willow  are  largely  employed  in  wreath  making. 
The  significance  of  Willow  is  for  slighted  or 
forsaken  lovers.  "  In  love  the  sad  forsaken 
wight  the  Willow  garland  weareth."  It  is  pro- 
bable that  the  use  of  Pine  branchlets  for  gar- 
lands, crowns,  wreaths,  &c,  has  been  copied 
from  the  Greeks,  who  wore  them  in  their  Olym- 
pian games.  The  use  of  Poppy  heads,  which 
occurred  frequently  in  wreaths  and  big  crosses, 
is  difficult  to  understand,  unless  they  signify 
eternal  sleep.  Juniper,  Ivy,  Bay,  Douglas  Fir, 
Erica  carnea,  Daphne  Mezereum,  Grey  Lichen, 
Cypress,  Lilac,  and  Alder  all  entered  largely  into 
the  compositions  of  wreaths,  crosses,  columns, 
and  shields.  Lily  of  the  Valley,  Violets,  Roses 
and  Forget-me-Xots  were  much  used  in  the 
general  floral  designs.  There  were  excellent 
effects  with  Orchids,  Lilies,  Arums,  Azaleas, 
Primulas,  Lilac,  and  other  favourite  florists' 
flowers,  but  generally  German  art  in  this  direc 
tion  was  not  really  first-class.  A  design  in  which 
variegated  Kale  leaves  were  used  in  combination 
with  Cattleya  flowers  was  somewhat  grotesque. 
Both  Viburnum  Opulus  (Snowball)  and  Hydran- 
gea were  largely  used  for  wreaths  and  crosses  as 
well  as  in  table  decorations,  but  invariably  the 
flowers  were  only  half-developed  and  of  a  soft 
green  colour,  a  condition  in  which  they  appear 
to  be  preferred.  Primula  obconica  was  much  in 
evidence.  Stocks  also  were  used  for  wreaths. 
Perhaps  the  plant  most  generally  employed  in  all 
the  compositions,  whether  of  foliage  or  flowers, 
was  Selaginella  Watsonii ;  the  variegation 
appears  to  please  the  German  taste.  This  plant 
was  also  used  to  form  the  groundwork  in 
the  groups  of.  plants  arranged  in  the  big  exhibi- 
tion halls.     The  principal  German  exhibitors  of 


floral  designs  were  Messrs.  Steahl  &  Falcke, 
Berlin.  Mr.  Max  Brust,  Berlin,  Mr.  Heinrich 
Kruger,  Berlin,  and  J.  C.  Schmidt,  Berlin. 
This  florists'  show  was  opened  on  the  7th  inst., 
after  our  report  of  the  main  exhibtion  had  been 
despatched. 

Horticultural  Club. — The  next  house 
dinner  of  the  Club  will  take  place  on  Tuesday, 
the  20th  inst.,  at  6  p.m.,  at  the  Hotel  Windsor. 
Mr.  E.  A.  Bukyard  will  give  an  address  on 
"  The  Colours  of  Plants." 

Royal     Meteorological      Society.  —  A 

meeting  of  this  society  will  be  held  at  the  Insti- 
tution of  Civil  Engineers,  Great  George  Street, 
Westminster,  S.W.,  on  the  21st  inst.,  at  7.30  p.m. 
The  following  papers  will  be  read  : — (1)  "  Per- 
colation, Evaporation  and  Condensation,"  by  Mr. 
Baldwin  Latham  ;  (2)  "  The  Meteorological  Con- 
ditions  in  the  Philippines,  1908,"  by  the  Rev. 
Jose  Algu£. 

A  New  Use  for    Eucalyptus   Trees.— In 

recommending  that  Eucalyptus  trees  be  more 
extensively  planted  on  Sugar  estates  in  the  West 
Indies,  the  Journal  of  the  Jamaica  Agricultural 
Society  mentions  that  the  leaves  possess  a  pro- 
perty which  makes  them  useful  for  cleaning 
purposes.  If  the  leaves  are  boiled,  the  result- 
ing decoction  will  soften  any  incrustation  of 
lime  that  may  have  formed,  so  that  it  can  easily 
be  removed. 

Raffia  and  Raffia  Wax.— When  Raffia,  or 
Roffia,  as  it  was  first  called,  displaced  the 
old  "Cuba  bast" — the  inner  bark  of  the  West 
Indian  Mahoe  tree  (Hibiscus  elatus) — as  a  tying 
material  for  garden  purposes,  little  or  nothing 
was  known  of  its  origin.  After  a  while,  however, 
it  was  discovered  to  be  the  produce  of  the  Mada- 
gascar Palm  Raphia  Ruffia,  imported  from  the 
Mauritius.  Raffia  consists  of  the  thin  cuticle  or 
skin  of  the  leaf,  and,  notwithstanding  its 
thinness,  is  very  strong.  The  natives  of 
Madagascar  tear  it  into  fine  thread-like  strips, 
and  when  dyed  (chiefly  in  red,  yellow,  or  black | 
use  it  for  making  mats.  In  England,  Raffia  has 
been  used,  and  probably  is  used  still,  for  making 
ladies'  hats.  In  more  recent  time  Madagascar 
Raffia  has  had  competitors  in  some  of  the  West 
Tropical  African  species  of  Raphia,  the  cuticle 
of  the  leaves  of  which  is  similar  to  that  of  the 
Madagascar  species,  both  in  strength  and  ap- 
pearance. Twisted  into  cord,  the  natives  use 
it  for  the  making  of  hammocks.  Judging  from  a 
recent  consular  report  from  Madagascar,  tht 
Raphia  Palm  seems  to  have  been  attracting  some 
attention  as  a  wax-producing  species.  It  appears 
that,  when  collecting  the  leaves  for  preparing 
the  Raffia  fibre,  the  natives  bring  them  into 
camps,  where,  after  the  fibre  is  extracted,  they 
are  left  lying  about,  often  in  considerable  quan- 
tities. So  far  back  as  1905,  a  colonist,  while  ex. 
amining  these  abandoned  leaves,  discovere'd  that, 
when  shaken,  they  yielded  a  white  substance, 
which,  upon  being  boiled,  yielded  wax.  The 
natives  were,  at  the  time  of  its  discovery, 
induced  to  prepare  about  100  lbs.  of  this 
wax,  which  was  offered  for  sale  in  the  market, 
and  sold  in  lots  at  Is.  per  lb.  The  prepara- 
tion of  the  wax  has  never  been  repeated,  nor  any 
shipment  made,  as  it  has  been  considered  that 
the  resultant  wax  is  too  small  in  quantity,  and 
the  cost  too  high  for  it  to  become  a  com- 
mercial article,  a  very  large  number  of  leaves 
being  required  to  produce  even  one  "ound  of 
wax.  The  facts  prove,  however,  that  -wax  is 
present,  though  it  may  be  only  in  small  quanti- 
ties, in  other  species  of  Palms  besides  the  two 
well-known  sources  Ceroxylon  andicolum  and 
Copernicia  cerifera. 


250 


THE     GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


[April  17,  1909. 


The   Grafting  or   Budding  of  Lilac— It 

may  not  be  generally  known,  writes  a  cor- 
respondent, that  Lilac  worked  on  Privet 
stocks  is  not  to  be  recommended  for  plants 
intended  for  forcing.  The  common  Lilac, 
Syringa  vulgaris,  is  much  better  as  a  stock, 
resulting,  in  three  to  four  years,  in  fine 
bushes  or  standards  fit  for  forcing.  Besides 
this  advantage,  Lilacs  on  the  common 
form  live  longer  than  those  grafted  on  the 
Privet. 


ing  varieties  tit  the  show  Auricula,  Carnation, 
and  white  ground  Picotces.  In  1876  at  Manches- 
ter Simonite  exhibited  in  a  competitive  class 
for  24  Carnation  blooms,  and  he  won  the  1st 
prize,  twenty-three  out  of  the  twenty-four  varie- 
ties being  his  own  seedlings.  He  also  exhibited 
Picotees  at  the  same  show,  and  secured  eleven 
First-class  Certificates  for  these  flowers.  At 
that  time  he  was  a  working  cutler,  making  table 
knives  at  his  own  house  for  the  large  Sheffield 
firms.     His  garden  was  a  small  strip  of  ground 


green-edged  Auricula  placed  into  commerce  by 
this  raiser  is  Shirley  Hibberd.  Others  are 
Henry  Wilson  and  the  Rev.  F.  D.  Horner. 
There  is  no  grey-edged  flower  to  his  credit,  but 
he  has  raised  many  good  white-edged  varieties, 
of  which  Heather  Bell  is  the  best.  Frank  is  dis- 
tinct and  good:  both  flowers  have  a  violet- 
coloured  ground.  Venus  is  a  good  \vhi;e-edged 
flower,  but  it  is  little  known.  Among  self- 
coloured  Auriculas  of  Mr.  Sivonite's  raising 
still    in    cultivation    are    Ruby,    a    red    self ;. 


FlG.    107. — SUCCULENT   PLANTS    ON    A    ROCKERY    IN    THE    MELBOURNE    BOTANIC    GARDEN. 

(See  page  249.) 


The  late  Ben.  Simonite  (see  p.  239).— Writ- 
ing on  the  Auriculain  1876,  the  Rev.  F.  D.  Horner 
penned  these  words: — "Where  our  florist 
fathers  rested  in  the  evening  of  their  day  is  the 
point  we  start  from  in  the  morning  of  our  own, 
and  we  should  ever  have  this  purpose  tefore  us 
in  our  floral  pursuits  to  leave  something  added, 
something  better  than  we  found."  Mr.  Horner 
took  up  the  work  left  by  his  father,  Dr.  Horner, 
of  Hull,  and  Mi.  Simonite  took  up  that  left  by 
his  father,  John  Simonite.  As  early  as  1873  the 
younger  Simonite  had  done  good  work  in  rais- 


on  a  bleak  hillside,  but  he  was  indefatigable, 
working  early  and  late.  The  soil  was  of  poor 
quality,  and  Mr.  Simonite  fetched  fresh  mould 
from  a  distance  of  two  miles,  carrying  it  in  a 
sack  on  his  back.  Owing  to  the  deleterious  at- 
mosphere  around  Sheffield,  many  fine  varieties 
of  his  raising  never  found  their  way  into  general 
cultivation.  The  green-edged  flower  Dr.  Hardy 
failed  with  Mr.  Simonite,  but  another  grower 
raised  24  plants,  and  the  variety  was  distributed. 
Mr.  Simonite's  last  appearance  in  London  was 
at  the  Auricula  exhibition    in    1908.      The   best 


Raven,  a  dark  self  of  very  good  quality;  and1 
Mrs.    Douglas,   of   violet   colour. 

National  Auricula  and  Primula  Society 

(Midland  Section). — We  are  asked  to  draw  at- 
tention to  the  alteration  of  the  dates  of  the  show 
of  this  society  from  April  28,  1909,  to  May  5- 
and  6.  This  has  been  found  necessary  on  ac- 
count of  the  extreme  lateness  of  the  plants  this 
season.  The  hon.  show  secretary  is  Mr.  Tom 
J.  Stevens,  74,  Harbury  Road,  Cannon  Hill, 
Birmingham. 


April  17,  1803.] 


THE     GARDENERS      CHRONICLE. 


251 


Timber  for  Aeroplanes. — The  best  wood 
■for  making  aeroplanes  has  been  found  to  be 
that  of  the  black  Spruce,  Picea  nigra.  Regard- 
ing the  value  of  British-grown  timber  of  this 
tree,  it  may  be  of  interest  to  refer  to  an  article 
written  by  Mr.  A.  D.  Webster,  which  appeared 
in  the  Gardeners'  Chronicle,  February  2  and 
March  2,  1895,  under  the  heading  of  "  Quality  of 
British-grown  Coniferous  Timber."  "  Picea 
nigra  ;  ages  (when  cut)  varying  from  30  years  to 
50  years  ;  timber  nearly  white,  sometimes  yel- 
lowish-white, soft,  long  of  grain,  very  light,  and 
readily  indented.  Lasts  well  when  kept  dry  and 
in  an  equable  temperature,  but  it  is  of  little  or 
no  value,  comparatively  speaking,  for  out-of-door 
work."  The  timber  referred  to  was  grown  at 
Penrhyn  Castle,  in  Wales. 

"  Chrysanthemums  for  Garden  and 
Greenhouse."  *  — Great  advances  have  been 
made  during  the  last  few  years  in  the  cultiva- 
tion of  the  early-blooming  and  decorative 
sections  of  the  Chrysanthemum.  It  is  not  every 
flower  lover  who  has  the  necessary  skill 
and  time  to  devote  to  the  cultivation  of 
the  large  show  varieties.  Mr.  Crane's  purpose 
in  writing  this  book  has  been  to  show  that  beau- 
tiful displays  of  Chrysanthemums  may  be 
obtained  without  much  trouble  or  expense. 
He  has  revised  the  long  lists  of  varie- 
ties, •  and  the  descriptive  notes  accompany- 
ing each  variety  make  his  list  valuable. 
The  book  is  comprehensive,  and  begins  by  de- 
scribing various  methods  of  propagation. 
Then  follow  accounts  of  outdoor  culture, 
greenhouse  culture,  market  culture,  varie- 
ties and  selections,  and  miscellaneous  mat- 
ters, such  as  insect  pests  and  diseases, 
hints  on  exhibiting,  window  culture,  &c. 
The  market  men  are  told  that  they  have 
of  late  years  made  a  great  mistake  in  confining 
their  attention  to  a  few  varieties,  and  those 
of  Japanese  origin.  Mr.  Crane  might,  however, 
with  advantage,  have  reduced  greatly  the  num- 
ber in  his  portentous  list. 

Publications  Received.  —  Familiar  Wild 
Flower-,  by  F.  Edmund  Hulme,  F.L.S.,  F.S.A. 
New  edition,  with  SUO  coloured  illustrations.  (Part 
I.)  To  be  completed  in  43  fortnightly  parts.  (Lon- 
don :  Cassell  &  Co.,  Ltd)  Price  6d. — Trees 
and  their  Life  Histories,  In  Percy  Groom,  D.Sc, 
&c.  (Part  I.)  To  be  complet-d  in  13  fortnightly 
parts.  (London  :  Cassell  &  Co.,  Ltd.)  Price  Is. 
—  The  Country  Home.  (April.)  (London: 
Archibald  Constable  &  Co.,  Ltd.)  Price  6d.— 
Twenty-S  xth  Annual  Report  of  the  Metro- 
politan Public  Gardens  Association  for  the  year 
1908.  Price  6d—  Kew  Bulletin  of  Miscel- 
laneous Information,  Appenaix  If.  (1909.) 
Containing  Catalogue  of  the  Library.  Additions 
received  during  1 90S.  (London:  Wyman  &  Sons, 
Ltd.,  Fe:ter  Lane,  E.C)  Price  4d. — Ontario 
Department  of  Agriculture.  Bulletin  169  : 
Legume  Bacteria.  Further  Studies  of  the  Nitrogen 
Accumulation  in  the  Leguminous:,  by  S.  F. 
Edwards,  M.S  ,  Professor  of  Bacteriology,  and 
B.  Barlow,  B.S.,  Demonstrator  in  Bacteriology. 
Bulletin  170  :  Mitchell-Walker  Test  Bottle.  A 
new  form  of  Babcock  Test  Bottle,  by  J.  W. 
Mitchell,  B.A.,  and  W.  O.  Walker,  M.A. 
(Ontario:  L.  K.  Cameron  )  —  U.S.  Department 
of  Agriculture.  Miscellaneous  Papers  :  The 
Orange  Thrips,  by  Dudley  Moulton.  Papers  on 
Deciduous  Fruit  Insects  and  Insecticides.  The 
Peach-Tree  Barkbeetle,  by  H.  F.  Wilson 
Farmers'  Bulletin  347 :  The  Repair  ot  Farm 
Equipment,  by  W.  R.  Beattie.  Circular  No.  108  : 
House  Fleas,  by  L.  O.  Howard.  (Washington  : 
■Government  Printing  Office.)  —  Cottage  Gardens: 
Practical  Hints  on  Cultivation  and  Manage- 
ment. (Second  edition.)  By  Colonel  the  Hon. 
R.  Stapleton-Cotton.  (Birmingham  :  Cornish 
Bros.,  Ltd)  Price  4d. — Quarterly  Journal  of 
Forestry.  (April.)  (London  :  Simpkin,  Marshall, 
Hamilton,  Kent  &  Co,  Ltd.)  Price  2s— 77>» 
Journal  of  the    Riyal    Horticultural    Society. 

*  By  D.  B.  Crane.     Edited  by  T.  W.  Sanders.    Second 
edition.    Price  2s.  6d. 


(March.) — Botany,  by  Elizabeth  Healey.  (Lon- 
don: Macmillan  &  Co.,  Ltd.)  Price  Is.  Cd. — 
Estate  Magazine.  (April.)  Price  6d. — Journal 
of  the  Kew  Guild  (1908.)  — The  County 
Council  for  the  County  Palatine  of  Lancaster. 
Education  Committee,  Agricultural  Depart- 
ment. (Farmers'  Bulletin  No.  13.)  Summary 
of  Experiments  of  the  Manuring  of  Potatos  in 
Lancashire,  by  Edward  Porter,  B.Sc,  F.A.C., 
(Glas  ),  and  R.  C.  Gaut,  B.Sc,  N.D.A.,  Lecturer 
on  Agriculture. — Beautiful  Gardens  and  how  to 
Maintain  them,  by  Walter  P.  Wright.  Enlarged 
edition.  (London  :  Cassell  &  Co.,  Ltd  ,  La  Bcdle 
Sauvage,  EC)  Price  6s.— -Lawns  and  Greens, 
by  T.  W.  Sanders,  F.L.S.  (London:  Amateur 
Gardening  Office,  118-9,  Aldersgate  Street,  E.C.) 
Price  Is. 


LAW    NOTES. 


SALE  OF  POISONOUS  SUBSTANCES  FOR 
AGRICULTURAL  AND  HORTICUL- 
TURAL   PURPOSES. 
The  following  are  the  regulations  under  the 
Poisons  and  Pharmacy  Act,  1908,  issued  at  the 
Court  at  St.  James's  the  2nd  day  of  April,  1909,+ 
affecting  the  sale  of  poisonous  compounds  used 
in  horticulture  and  agriculture:  — 

1.  A  licence  shall  not  be  granted  to  any  person 
unless  the  local  authority  are  satisfied  that  he  is 
fit  to  be  entrusted  with  the  sale  of  the  poisonous 
substances. 

2.  In  granting  licences  for  the  sale  of  poison- 
ous substances  for  use  exclusively  in  horticul- 
ture, preference  shall  be  given  to  nurserymen, 
florists,  seedsmen  and  other  persons  whose  busi- 
ness is  specially  connected  with  horticulture. 

3.  Applications  for  licences  shall  be  in  the 
form  set  forth  in  Schedule  A.  to  these  regula- 
tions. 

4.  Before  sending  an  application  for  a  licenet 
to  the  local  authority  the  applicant  shall  publish 
notice  of  his  intention  to  apply  in  two  news- 
papers circulating  in  the  district  of  the  local 
authority,  and  shall  also  send  notice  by  regis- 
tered post  to  the  Chief  Officer  of  Police  of  the 
Police  area  within  which  his  premises  are  situ- 
ate. 

5.  A  licence  shall  not  be  granted  until  after 
the  expiration  of  at  least  14  days  from  the  re- 
ceipt of  the  application  by  the  local  authority, 
and  the  local  authority,  before  granting  a  licence 
shall  take  into  consideration  whether  in  the 
neighbourhood  where  the  applicant  for  the 
H<  ire  carries  on  or  intends  to  carry  on  business 
the  reasonable  requirements  of  the  public  with 
respect  to  the  purchase  of  poisonous  sub-i 

are  satisfied,  and  also  any  objections  they  may 
have  received  from  the  Chief  Officer  of  Police  or 
ftom  any  existing  vendors  of  the  substances  to 
which  the  application  relates. 

6.  A  licence  shall  be  in  the  form  set  forth  in 
Schedule  B.  to  these  regulations. 

7.  A  licence  shall  expire  on  such  day  in  the 
year  as  the  local  authority  fix,  but  may  on  appli- 
cation being  made  in  the  form  set  forth  in 
Schedule  C.  to  these  regulations,  be  renewed 
from  time  to  time  for  one  year  at  a  time,  subject 
to  the  same  provisions  as  in  the  case  of  the  grant 
ot  a  licence,  except  that  it  shall  not  be  necessary 
to  publish  or  give  to  the  Chief  Officer  of  Police 
notice  of  the  application.  The  renewal  of  a 
licence  shall  be  in  the  form  set  forth  in  Schedule 
D.  to  these  regulations. 

8.  A  licence  may  be  revoked  or  suspended  for 
such  term  as  the  local  authority  think  fit,  if  the 
local  authority  are  satisfied  that  the  licensee  has 
failed  to  comply  with  the  requirements  of  these 
regulations  or  of  the  Poisons  Acts,  or  that  the 
licensee  is  not  a  fit  person  to  be  entrusted  with 
the  sale  of  poisons. 

9.  A  licensee  shall,  on  being  required  to  do  so 
by  any  officer  of  the  local  authority  or  any  police 
officer,  produce  his  licence,  and  any  renewal 
thereof. 

10.  The  fees  charged  in  respect  of  the  grant 
and  renewal  of  a  licence  shall  be  such  as  the 
local  authority  may  determine,  not  exceeding  in 
the  case  of  the  grant  of  a  licence,  10s.  6d.,  and  in 
the  case  of  a  renewal  of  a  licence,  Is.  6d. 

t  Order  in  Council  making  Regulations  under  Section  2  of 
tlie  Poisons  and  Pharmacy  Act,  190S  (8  Erlw.  7  c.  56],  as  to 
the  Sale  of  certain  Poisonous  Substances  for  Agricultural 
and  Horticultural  Purposes, 


11.  A  licence  shall  not  authorise  the  licensee 
to  sell  or  keep  open  shop  for  the  sale  of  poison- 
ous substances  except  from  or  on  premises  (to 
be  specified  in  the  licence)  within  the  area  of  the 
local  authority  which  granted  it,  and  for  the 
purpose  of  these  regulations,  a  municipal 
borough  the  council  of  which  is  a  local  au- 
thority for  those  purposes,  and  in  Scotland  a 
police  burgh,  shall  not  be  treated  as  forming 
part  of  any  county. 

12.  Every  local  authority  shall  keep  a  register 
of  the  licences  granted  by  them  for  the  time 
being  in  force,  and  any  person  shall,  at  all  rea- 
sonable times,  upon  payment  of  such  reasonable 
fees  as  may  be  fixed  by  the  local  authority,  be 
entitled  to  inspect  and  to  make  copies  of,  or  take 
extracts  from,  the  register. 

13.  All  poisonous  substances  shall  be  kept  in 
a  separate  drawer  or  closed  receptacle  apart 
ftom  any  other  goods,  and  poisonous  substances 
shall  not  be  sold  upon  the  same  premises  as 
articles  of  food  for  human  consumption  unless 
the  Local  Authority  are  satisfied  that  convenient 
arrangements  for  their  sale  cannot  otherwise  be 
made,  and  in  that  case  they  must  be  sold  at  a 
separate  counter.  For  the  purpose  of  this  regu- 
lation a  part  of  a  counter  which  is  shown  to  the 
satisfaction  of  the  Local  Authority  to  be  ade- 
quately separated  from  the  rest  of  the  counter 
shall  be  treated  as  a  separate  counter. 

14.  A  poisonous  substance  shall  not  be  sold 
except  in  an  enclosed  vessel  or  receptacle  as  re- 
ceived from  the  manufacturer,  distinctly  labelled 
with  the  name  of  the  substance  and  the  word 
"Poison,"  and  with  the  name  and  address  of 
the  seller,  and  with  a  notice  of  the  special  pur- 
pose for  which  it  has  been  prepared. 

15.  Liquid  preparations  shall  be  sold  only  in 
bottles,  tins,  drums,  or  casks  of  sufficient 
strength  to  bear  the  ordinary  risk  of  transit  with- 
out leakage.  Each  bottle,  tin,  drum,  or  cask 
shall  have  the  word  "  Poisonous "  indelibly 
printed,  marked,  or  branded  in  easily  legible 
characters  in  a  conspicuous  position  apart  from 
the  label,  and  the  label  must  bear  the  word 
"Poison."  When  sold  in  bottles,  the  bottles 
shall  be  of  a  distinctive  character  so  as  to  be 
easily  distinguishable  by  touch  from  ordinary 
bottles. 

16.  Solid  preparations  shall  be  securely 
packed  in  such  a  manner  as  to  avoid,  so  far  as 
possible,  the  risk  of  breaking  or  leakage  from 
transport,  and  the  package  shall  have  indelibly 
printed,  marked,  or  branded  in  easily  legible 
characters  in  a  conspicuous  position  notice  that 
it  must  not  be  used  for  any  other  purpose. 

17.  All  premises  from  or  on  which  a  licensee 
is  authorised  to  sell  or  keep  open  shop  for  the 
sale  of  poisonous  substances  shall  at  all  reason- 
able times  be  open  to  inspection  by  officers  ap- 
pointed by  a  local  authority. 

18.  For  the  purposes  of  these  regulations  the 
expression  "  poisonous  substances "  means  the 
poisonous  substances  to  which  section  2  of  the 
Poisons  and  Pharmacy  Act,  1908,  applies  for 
the  time  being,  and  the  expressions  "  chief  offi- 
cer of  police"  and  "police  area"  have  in  Eng- 
land and  Scotland  the  same  meanings  as  in  the 
Police  Act,  1890,  and  the  Police  (Scotland)  Act, 
1890,  respectively. 


PETREA  VOLUBILIS. 

This  member  of  the  Verbenaceae  is  a  native  of 
tropical  America,  and  is  usually  cultivated  as 
a  stove  plant  in  botanical  gardens  in  this 
country.  Our  issue  for  January  13,  1900,  con- 
tained a  Supplementary  Illustration  showing  a 
splendid  inflorescence  which  occurred  on  a 
plant  in  Sir  Trevor  Lawrence's  garden  at  Bur- 
ford.  In  the  same  issue  appeared  a  reproduc- 
tion of  a  photograph  received  from  Sir  Daniel 
Morris,  which  represented  a  white-flowered 
variety  in  the  Newcastle  Plantation,  Barbados, 
where  it  is  known  as  the  "  White  Wreath."  Our 
present  illustration  (fig.  108)  depicts  a  fine  plant 
of  the  type  in  full  bloom  in  the  Royal  Botanic 
Garden,  Peradeniya,  Ceylon,  where  in  succeeds 
admirably  in  the  open  ground.  The  purple 
flowers  of  this  twining  shrub  are  very  beautiful, 
and  the  species  might  well  be  more  generally 
cultivated  in  stoves  as  a  climber.  The  plant 
being  very  subject  to  mealy  bug,  this  pest  must 
be  kept  in  check, 


252 


THE     GARDENERS     CHRONICLE. 


[April  17,  1909. 


NOTES  FROM  A  "FRENCH''  GARDEN. 

The  fine  weather  of  the  past  week  has  been 
of  great  benefit.  Watering  has  occupied  a  con- 
siderable portion  of  each  morning,  as  the  plants 
require  much  moisture  in  sunny  weather,  es- 
pecially the  Carrots.  The  lights  are  allowed  to 
remain  open  throughout  the  day,  and  we  shall 
soon  leave  them  open  a  little  at  night-time  for 
the  purpose  of  hardening  both  the  Carrots  and 
the  Cauliflowers.  We  shall  remove  the  frames 
and  lights  altogether  next  month,  when  they  will 
y-"  required  for  the  Melon  crop.  The  Cauli- 
flowers raised  from  seeds  sown  in  February  may 
be  planted  out-of-doors  as  soon  as  the  ground 
is  available  for  the  purpose.     The  watering  of 


second  planting  are  thriving  well,  and  the  more 
forward  will  soon  have  their  shoots  stopped. 
Those  raised  from  the  sowing  made  at  the  end 
of  March  require  potting  into  3-inch  pots  and 
placing  in  a  new  hot-bed.  It  will  be  noticed 
that  the  leaves  of  the  young  Melon  plants  placed 
in  frames  that  have  been  freshly  tarred  have 
curled.  This  is  due  to  the  fumes  from  the  tar  ; 
the  remedy  is  ventilation  and  the  removal  of 
the  plants  from  too  close  proximity  to  the 
boards. 

Turnips  are  growing  well,  and  when  the  nights 
are  warm  ventilation  can  be  afforded  them.  The 
applications  of  water  should  be  moderate  but 
frequent,  for  the  purpose  of  inducing  a  quick, 
soft   growth,   for  when  growth   is   slow   and  the 


{Photograph  by  H.  F.  Macmillan. 

Fig.  io8. — petrea  volubilis  growing  in  the  royal  botanic  garden, 
peradeniya,  ceylon. 

(See  p.  251 ) 


at  about  the  middle  of  May.  The  principal 
work  in  progress  is  that  of  attending  to  the  ven- 
tilation and  the  watering  of  the  different  crops. 
Mats  are  still  required  at  night-time,  especially 
for  the  protection  of  Melon  plants,  and  for 
seedlings  of  other  crops.    P.  Aqualias,  April  12. 


this  crop  must  be  done  very  carefully.  We  have 
sown  another  batch  of  Cauliflowers  of  the 
variety  Lenormand.  They  will  be  ready  to  plant 
on  the  ground  in  the  open  upon  which  the  Cos 
Lettuces  were  planted  last  week.  The  Melon 
plants  are  well  established  in  their  fruiting  quar- 
ters. They  will  require  to  be  shaded  during  the 
middle  hours  of  the  day  for  a  few  days, 
after  which  time  they  will  be  given  a  little  ven- 
tilation for  a  few  hours  daily.  As  soon  as  fresh 
growth  is  observable,  the  plants  will  be  afforded 
a  good  watering,  which  is  generally  sufficient 
for  two  or  three  weeks,  especially  during  dull 
weather.     The  young   plants    intended    for    the 


tissues  hard,  the  plants  frequently  run  to  seed. 
We  have  sown  a  batch  of  Turnip  "  Marteau  " 
in  well-prepared  ground  out-of-doors.  This 
crop  will  require  frequent  waterings.  We  are 
cutting  the  Cabbage  Lettuces  that  were  grown 
with  the  Cos  Lettuces  under  the  cloches.  They 
should  have  been  ready  by  the  end  of  March, 
but  owing  to  the  cold  weather  they  are  very 
late.  The  Passion  Lettuces  grown  in  the  open 
are  succeeding  well ;  they  will  soon  require 
watering.  We  are  pricking  off  seedlings  of 
Celery  "  Chemin  "  for  the  earliest  batch.  Each 
light  contains  140  plants.  The  main  batch  from 
the  same  sowing  will  be  transplanted  in  the  open 


HOME   CORRESPONDENCE. 


( The  Editor  does  not  hold  himself  responsible  Jor  the 
opinions  expressed  by  his  correspondents.) 

Surrey  School  Gardens.  — Since  Mr.  Caesar 
wrote  (see  pp.  209  and  226)  his  interesting  de- 
scription of  the  development  of  school  gardening 
at  Hale,  Surrey,  10  new  centres  have  been 
added,  and  some  200  plots  formed ;  therefore 
200  additional  lads  w  ill  receive  garden  instruction 
this  season.  The  number  of  school  gardening 
centres  is  now  100  at  least.  They  are  found  only 
in  what  is  termed  the  administrative  county, 
which  excludes  boroughs  like  Kingston,  Rich- 
mond, Wimbledon,  Croydon,  Reigate  and  Guild- 
ford. Of  these  I  can  speak  for  Kingston  only, 
which  has  established  four  garden  centres,  each 
having  28  plots  making  a  total  of  112.  These 
figures  go  to  show  that  elementary  school  garden, 
ing  is  progressing.     A.  D. 

Profitable    Onion    Culture   (see  pp.  217 
and  234). — There  are  few    crops    that    can    be 
grown  so  successfully  on  a  large  scale,  on  such 
a  variety  of   soils,   and   under  such  varied  cli- 
matic conditions,  as  that  of  Onions.    One  reason 
why    Onions    have    not    been    more    generally 
grown     is      the     mistaken      idea      that      it     is 
impossible    to     grow     them     without     the     ap- 
plication   of    vast    quantities    of    farmyard    or 
stable  manure;  but  we  have  been  taught  by  Dr. 
Bernard    Dyer    and    his    assistant,    Mr.    F.    W. 
E.    Shrivell,   that  certainly   at  'lonbridge  larger 
and  more  economical  market-garden  crops,   in- 
cluding Onions,  have  been  grown  by  the  aid  of 
chemical  fertilisers  than  could  be  produced  by 
farmyard  dung  alone.     At  the  same  time,  their 
experience,  now  extending  over  several  years,  in- 
dicates that  it   is  very   unwise  to  grow   Onions 
without    dung,    however    liberal    the    supply    of 
chemical   fertilisers.     Market   gardeners   seldom 
use  a  dressing  of  less  than  20  tons  of  dung  per 
acre,   costing   in  round  figures  £10  per  acre — a 
quantity    quite    insufficient    to    grow    the    best 
crops.      They    often    use    as   much   as   50    tons, 
costing  £20  per  acre  in  one  dressing.     Dr.  Dyer 
says  it  had  long  been  his  conviction  that  such 
heavy  dressings  must  be  wasteful,  and  that  mar- 
ket-gardeners   should    use    smaller   dressings    of 
purchased    dung   and    spend    a    portion    of    the 
money   thus   saved    on    concentrated    fertilisers, 
keeping  the  balance  in  their  pockets.     This  con- 
viction did  not  involve  any  blindness  to  the  par- 
ticular   virtues    of   dung.      Farmyard    dunj,    in- 
creases the  store  of  humus  or  organic  matter  in 
the  soil,  and  thus  corrects  the  inherent  physical 
shortcomings    peculiar    in    the    one   extreme    to 
sandy  soils  and  in  the  other  to  heavy  clays.     It 
is   probable  that   the   beneficial  effects  of  dung 
are  in  a  considerable  degree  due  to  its  influence 
on  the  mechanical  condition  of  the  soil,  render, 
ing  it  more  porous  and  easilv  permeable  to  the 
surface  roots  upon  the  development  of  which  the 
success   of   the    Onion   crop   so   much   depends. 
Something  may  be  due  to  moisture  and  to   an 
increased  temperature  of  the  surface  soil  engen- 
dered by  the  development  of  so  large  an  amount 
of  organic  matter  within  it,  whilst  the  carbonic 
acid  evolved  in  the  decomposition  of  the  dung, 
with   the  aid   of   moisture,   serve  to   render  the 
mineral  resources  of  the  soil  more  soluble.     In 
selecting    land    for    Onions,    it    is   advisable    to 
choose  soil  that  is  not  likely  to  be  affected  much 
in  the  event  of  a  prolonged  drought,  therefore  it 
should   contain   a   large  amount   of  humus.      It 
is  next  to  an  impossibility  to  raise  a  profitable 
crop   of   Onions    unless   there   is   a   fairly   good 
supply      of      moisture      when      the      plant      is 
making     its     strongest     growth  ;      therefore,     it 
is     important     that     the     gardener     treats     his 
soil     from     the     start     with     that     object     in 
view,  viz.,   to   conserve   an   adequate   supply  of 
moisture  for  the  plant  to  draw  upon  during  the 
season  of  dry  weather.     For  this  purpose  it  is 
well  to  observe  an  old  adage,  that  the  watering 
of  the  Onion  crop  should  be  done  in  the  winter. 


April  17,  1909.] 


THE     GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


o c  •? 


That  is  to  say,  the  dung,  whether  a  large  or  a 
small  quantity,  should  be  applied  and  dug  into 
the  soil  during  the  winter  season,  so  as  to  be 
well  incorporated  with  the  land  by  sowing  time. 
The  artificial  manures  may  be  applied  just  pre- 
vious to  sowing  the  seed  ;  this  will  encourage 
the  young  plants  to  send  down  their  roots  into 
the  decomposing  organic  matter  of  the  dung,  and 
will  tend  to  prevent  any  ill-effects  of  drought. 
The  following  table  shows  the  relative  economy 
of  different  systems  of  manuring  in  the  growth 
of  spring  Onions  at  Tonbridge  in  1900  and 
1901:  — 


Annual 

Weight  of  Onions 
per  acre. 

Annual  manuring  per 

cost  of 
manure 

per  acre. 

1900. 

1901. 

£    s. 

d. 

tons 

cwt. 

tons 

cwt. 

25  tens  London  dung 

10    0 

(i 

8 

11 

10 

7 

i'2\  tons  London  dung     ... 

5    0 

11 

V 

0 

11 

11 

12A  tons  dung,  superphos- 

phate  (no    potash)    and 

'?  cwt.  nitrate  of  soda  ... 

6  15 

11 

7 

7 

9 

12 

128  tons  dung,  superphos- 

phate (with  potash)  and 

2  cwt.  nitrate  of  soda  ... 

7    5 

0 

8 

16 

11 

16 

12£  tons  dung,  superphos- 

phate (n)  potash)  and  4 

cwt.  nitrate  of  soda 

7  15 

0 

8 

18 

u 

15 

12*  tons  dung,  superphos- 

phate (with  potashl  and 

4  cwt.  nitrate  of  soda  ... 

8    5 

0 

9 

10 

8 

14 

124  tons  oung,  superphos- 

phate (no  potash)  and  6 

cwt.  nitrate  of  soda 

8  15 

0 

10 

2 

10 

12 

J24  tons  dung,  superphos- 

phate (with  potash)  and 

6  cwt.  nitrate  of  soda  ... 

9    5 

0 

10 

0 

11 

8 

No  dung,  superphosphate 

(no   potash)  and  8  cwt 

nitrate  of  soda 

4  15 

0 

1 

6 

5 

2 

No  dung,  superphosphate 

[with  potash)  and  8  cwt. 

nitrate  of  soda 

5    5 

0 

6 

1 

8 

0 

It  will  be  seen  that  chemical  fertilisers,  used  in 
addition  to  a  moderate  quantity  of  dung,  pro- 
duced in  1900  a  highly  valuable  return,  and  that 
it  proved  advantageous  in  that  season  to  use  as 
much  as  6  cwt.  of  nitrate  of  soda  per  acre. 
Even  2  cwt.  of  nitrate  per  acre,  in  conjunction 
with  superphosphate,  potash  salts,  and  a  light 
dressing  of  dung,  gave  a  better  yield  than  the 
heavy  dressing  of  stable  manure,  showing  the 
danger  of  relying  exclusively  upon  this  manure. 
Chemical  fertilisers  alone,  without  the  aid  of 
dung,  gave  much  less  satisfactory  results  than 
when  a  moderate  quantity  was  used  in  conjunc- 
tion with  them.  The  great  dependence  of 
Onions  not  only  upon  phosphates  and  nitrogen. 
but  also  upon  potash  salts,  is  strongly  shown  in 
both  years  on  the  plot  which  has  been  through- 
out the  experiments  kept  without  dung.  /.  /. 
Willis,   Harfenden. 

Having  grown  Onions  in  many  parts 

widely  separated  in  England,  I  can  speak  de- 
finitely of  this  bulb  as  furnishing  a  profitable 
garden  and  field  crop,  even  at  the  low  price  of 
2s.  6d.  per  bushel.  In  a  Hampshire  garden,  over- 
lying the  green-sand  formation,  I  have  grown 
with  fair  thinning  of  the  plants,  three  bushels  to 
the  rod,  which  is  equivalent  to  £60  per  acre. 
Of  course,  this  is  less  in  weight  than  that  given 
by  A.  D.,  who  wrote  of  transplanted  bulbs,  but 
the  cost  of  raising  his  200  lbs.  of  bulbs  takes  a 
little  off  the  total  returns  for  the  crop.  I  often 
wonder  why  the  Englishman  has  need  to  pur- 
chase from  Spain,  Egypt,  Bosnia,  France,  and 
other  distant  places  Onions  that  he  could  grow 
easily  at  home.  This  is  exactly  a  crop  for  the 
small  holder  and  peasant  cultivator  ;  and  there 
are  similar  ones  if  we  would  but  look  around. 
F.  M. 

1   read   with   interest   the   articles   on 

cultivating  Onions  for  market  in  the  last  two 
issues  of  the  Gardeners'  Chronicle.  Apparently, 
from  A.  D's  article  (p.  217),  in  few  ways,  except- 
ing the  French  system  of  vegetable  culture,  can 
fortunes  be  made  so  easily  as  by  growing  Onions. 
I  can  see  only  one  difficulty,  and  that  is  in  ob- 
taining customers  to  buy  them.  Mr.  Martin  (p. 
234)  may  be  assured  that  the  system  of  cultiva- 
tion recommended  by  A.  D.  is  to  be  preferred 
for  many  reasons,  the  cost  of  the  frames  being 
the  only  drawback.  It  results  in  a  great  saving  of 
seeds,  whilst  sowing  in  frames  is  not  dependent 
on  the  weather.  The  transplanted  crop  grows 
faster  and  therefore  has  a  lonper  season  for 
ripening,  and  the  ground  is  left  fallow  for  a 
longer  time  after  trenching.  This  enables  it  to 
be     more     thoroughly     worked,     whilst     vacant 


ground  can  be  easily  kept,  clean  of  weeds. 
Transplanting  takes  longer  than  seed  sowing,  but 
it  can  be  undertaken  when  seed  sowing  could 
not  be  performed.  Also,  there  is  no  thinning 
to  be  done.  This  is  an  operation  that  is  some- 
times unavoidably  delayed,  to  the  detriment  of 
the  crop,  and  green  Onions  have  no  great  value. 
F'or  several  years  I  have  seen  various  varieties 
of  Onions  transplanted  from  frames  and  the 
same  varieties  sown  direct  on  the  bed.  The 
ground  in  both  cases  has  been  treated  precisely 
the  same,  but  the  difference  has  in  every  case 
been  most  marked,  the  crop  from  the  trans- 
planted plants  being  nearly  double  that  of  the 
other,  owing  to  the  increased  size  of  the  bulbs. 
F.  A.  Edwards,  Arlington  Court  Gardens,  Barn- 
staple. 

Such     communications     as    those    of 

Mr.  Kitley  on  this  subject  (see  p.  234)  consti- 
tute the  despair  of  earnest  people.  They  are  the 
wet  blankets  of  commerce  and  progress.  Even 
if  at  one  time  good  bulbs  of  English-grown 
Onions  were  not  productive  of  high  prices,  may 
not  the  market  methods  adopted  have  been  re- 
sponsible for  the  unsatisfactory  results.  At  the 
present  time,  judging  by  the  market  returns  pub- 
lished in  the  Gardeners'  Chronicle,  there  are  no 
English  Onions  in  the  market,  except  bulbs  for 
pickling.  Spanish  and  Dutch  bulbs  are  quoted 
at  from  15s.  to  23s.  6d.  per  case  or  bag.  No 
wonder  that,  with  no  other  Onions  iri  shops  or 
stores,  I  cannot  purchase  imported  bulbs  at 
less  than  from  2d.  to  2Jd.  per  lb.  These 
are  deep,  globular  bulbs,  and  not  flat  ones. 
If  French  peasants  can  sell  these  Onions  at  a 
profit  here  prettily  roped,  so  also  can  home 
growers.  It  is  our  imperfect  methods  of  mar- 
keting which  are  to  be  blamed.    A.  D. 

Forced  Strawberries  at  Pit  House 
Gardens,  Chudleigh. — I  am  sending  a  photo- 
graph (not  reproduced)  of  Strawberries  in  pots, 
as  cultivated  in  these  gardens.  The  plants  were 
layered  the  first  week  in  September,  1908,  and 
the  photograph  was  taken  on  March  27,  1909. 
liach  plant  is  carrying  from  six  to  nine  good 
fruits,  the  individual  berries  weighing  from 
4  oz.  to  \\  oz.  I  am  sending  by  the  same  post 
samples  of  the  fruits.  W .  Worth,  Pitt  House 
Gardens,  Chudleigh,  S.  Devon.  [Some  excep- 
tionally fine  berries  were  sent  by  Mr.  Worth. — 
Eds.]  " 

Evergreen  Hardy  Vine  (see  p.  240) — Vitis 
striata  is  a  fairly  well  known  evergreen  vine. 
One  of  its  garden  names  is  Ampelopsis  semper- 
virens.  This  member  of  the  vine  family  is  a 
native  of  Uruguay,  from  whence  it  was  intro- 
duced in  1881.  The  leaves  are  small,  digitate, 
thick  in  texture,  and  of  a  very  deep  green  tint. 
The  plant  is  not  quite  hardy,  even  in  the  neigh- 
bourhood of  London,  but  it  is  much  the  hardiest 
of  any  of  the  evergreen  vines.     W. 

Fencing  in  Public  Parks. — The  wooden  rod 
hurdles  used  in  the  L.C.C.  parks  and  open 
spaces  must  prove  very  expensive,  considering 
how  badly  they  are  treated  by  the  public.  In 
some  parks  they  are  being  replaced  by  a  st\- 
bar  wooden  hurdle,  which  offer  good  practice 
for  vaulting  by  children.  The  uncjimbable  iron 
fencing  made  in  6  feet  lengths  would  be  much 
cheaper  in  the  end  and  better  for  protecting 
newly-sown  seeds,  &C;  When  bolted  together 
they  are  firm  and  not  easily  knocked  down.  John 
i  'arvile. 

Culture  of  Cucumbers. — Let  me  assure 
H.  W.  W.  that  he  is  in  error  in  assuming  that 
"  all  engaged  in  growing  Cucumbers  for  market 
stop  the  young  plants  at  the  third  or  fourth 
wire  of  the  trellis."  I  do  not  stop  the  plants  in 
the  manner  //.  W.  W.  describes,  although  a 
market  grower  of  Cucumbers  for  many  years 
past  and  one  who  has  tried  both  the  methods. 
Having  experience  of  both  ways,  and  a 
decided  preference  to  the  more  natural 
method  of  culture,  I  ask  H.  W .  W.  if  he  has 
rea"lly  tried  the  method  which  in  my  case  he 
condemns.  The  plants  that  I  referred  to  as 
giving  a  continuous  supply  of  fruits  into  Octo- 
ber might  have  been  cropped  much  longer. 
Most  persons  who  cultivate  Cucumbers  on  a 
large  scale  complain  that  the  plants  do 
not  give  more  than  one  good  "  throw  "  of  fruits 
in  consequence  of  the  weakening  effects  of  the 
disease.     In  fact,  instead  of  the  plants  bearing 


continuously  for  months  together,  it  is  now  a 
question  of  weeks.  Your  correspondent  has  re- 
corded the  interesting  fact  that  plants  have  con- 
tinued in  fruit  for  15  months,  but  it  would  ha 
equally  interesting  to  have  details  of  the  fuel 
bill  and  the  value  of  the  crop  for  the  same 
period.  The  chief  cultural  error  to  which  I  re- 
ferred was  that  of  allowing  the  main  stem  to 
grow  for  several  feet  unchecked  and  suppressing 
the  whole  of  the  laterals.     E.  II.  Jtni 


SOCIETIES. 


ROYAL    HORTICULTURAL. 

Scientific  Committee. 

April  6. — Present:  E.  A.  Bowles,  Esq.,  M.A. 
F.L.S.  (in  the  chair)  ;  Prof.  G.  S.  Boulger, 
Messrs.  A.  W.  Sutton,  J.  T.  Arkwright,  E.  M. 
Holmes,  W.  Hales,  J.  W.  Odell,  C.  E.  Shea, 
W.  Fawcett,  G.  Massee,  J.  Douglas,  F.  J.  Baker, 
H.  T.  Giissow,  A.  Worsley,  J.  Frazer,  G.  S. 
Saunders,  and  F.  J.  Chittenden  (hon.  secre- 
tary). Visitors:  Messrs.  E.  Laxton  and  J.  II. 
Drummond,  F.L.S. 

Gummosis  in  Lemon. — Mr.  H.  T.  GCssow  re- 
ported that  the  specimens  of  Lemon  shown 
by  Mr.  Worsley  at  the  last  meeting  had  been 
examined  microscopically.  After  dissolving  the 
gum  in  warm  water  at  each  of  the  places  where 
the  gum  exuded,  a  wound  was  noticeable  ex- 
tending some  way  into  the  wood.  The  injured 
portions  had  no  connection  with  each  other,  but 
were  well  defined  nearly  all  round  the  stem. 
The  distance  between  the  two  places  where  gum 
was  seen  oozing  out  was  about  4  inches.  The 
bark  was  peeled  off  and  some  of  the  gum  was 
transferred  with  a  sterilised  needle  to  a  cover 
glass,  and  was  diluted  with  distilled  water.  After 
drying  and  finding  this  preparation  it  was 
stained  for  bacteria,  and  in  every  preparation  a 
large  number  of  them  were  revealed.  The  pre- 
sence of  the  bacteria  does  not  certainly  prove 
that  the  gumming  was  caused  by  them,  but  the 
examination  plainly  showed  that  the  injury 
could  not  have  been  due  to  some  cause  or  other 
within  the  range  of  the  root.  Mr.  Worsley 
kindly  sent  me  the  root  and  stem  of  the^  dis- 
eased Lemon,  and  the  roots  were  found  to  be 
perfectly  healthy,  with  a  good  many  fibres 
and  small  rootlets  ;  the  stem  just  above  the  root 
showed  next  to  a  thorn  an  injury  which  ac- 
cording to  additional  information  from  Mr. 
Worsley,  had  first  exhibited  the  gumming. 
The  specimen  examined  was  a  seedling.  It  is 
frequently  the  case  that  bacteria  gain  entrance 
in  the  place  of  grafting,  and  cause  profuse  out- 
flow of  gum  in  all  kinds  of  stone  fruits.  A  fine 
culture  of  the  organisms  has  been  made,  and  it 
will  be  used  in  infecting  a  young  Cherry  tree. 
The  bacteria  isolated  from  Cherries,  Plums, 
and  Peaches,  which  showed  gumming  bore  great 
resemblance  to  those  isolated  from  the  Lemon. 
The  withering  and  flagging,  and  the  silvery  ap- 
pearance of  the  shoots  and  leaves  above  the 
place  of  injury  are  certainly  the  natural  results 
of  the  sap-conducting  vessels  being  clogged  by 
the  gum 

Inheritance  of  characters  in  Pea  seeds. — Mr.  A. 
\Y.  Sutton  exhibited  a  long  series  of  prepara- 
tions showing  the  seeds  of  plants  raised  by 
crossing  a  Pea  which  he  found  growing  wild  in 
Palestine  (?  Pisum  arvense),  with  forms  of  the 
cultivated  garden  Pea  (Pisum  sativum),  and 
with  bicolor-flowered  Peas  (Pisum  arvense  I,  &c. 
Twentv-two  crosses  were  made  in  1907,  and  of 
these  four  were  immature  in  the  seed  in  Fi  and 
failed  to  germinate  ;  four  died  off  before  flower- 
ing in  Fr;  seven  flowered  but  produced  no 
seeds ;  seven  only  produced  any  seeds  in  F2 
(these  latter  were  shown  on  cards  1  to  7i.  In 
most  cases  it  would  appear  that  the  plants  were 
almost  or  quite  sterile.  Cards  8,  9  and  10  were 
the  results  of  crosses  made  between  the  Pales- 
tine Pea  and  Pisum  sativum  by  Mr.  Darisishire, 
and  grown  at  Reading.  They  practically  confirm 
Mr.  Sutton's  experiments.  Mr.  Sutton  also  ex- 
hibited a  growing  plant  of  the  wild  Pea  from 
Palestine,  and  a  plant  of  Pisum  quadratum  (  ?) 
grown  from  seeds  received  from  Kew.  This 
plant  much  resembles  the  Palestine  Pea  in  all 
respects  except  the  foliage.  He  also  exhibited 
a  collection  of  the  various  forms  of  seeds  of  the 
garden    Pea    (Pisum    sativum),    and     of    bicolor 


254 


THE     GARDENERS'    CHRONICLE. 


April    17,  1909. 


blooming  types  (Pisum  arvense),  &c.  Among  the 
remaining  cards,  some  which  showed  that  when 
Improved  William  1st,  with  semi-wrinkled  seeds, 
is  crossed  with  a  wrinkled  Pea,  the  resulting 
types  of  seed  do  not  follow  the  Mendelian  ratio 
of  3  : 1,  were  particularly  interesting.  This  Pea 
contains  starch  grains  of  similar  form  to  those 
which  are  common  to  those  found  in  round 
seeds,  and  not  of  the  form  found  in  wrinkled 
seeds,  so  that  unless  the  wrinkled  character  of 
the  seed  were  unconnected  with  the  form  of  the 
starch  grains  the  usual  Mendelian  ratio  could 
scarcely  be  expected.  Mr.  J.  H.  Drummond 
contributed  a  series  of  specimens  from  his  own 
herbarium  and  from  the  herbarium  of  the  Royal 
Botanic  Gardens,  by  the  courtesy  of  the  direc- 
tor, showing  that  the  plant  Mr.  Sutton  had  col- 
lected in  Palestine  was  in  all  probability  Pisum 
humile  of  Bossier,  and  not  Pisum  sativum  or 
P.  arvense. 

Wild  species  of  Asparagus  and  Rhubarb. — Mr. 
Sutton  also  exhibited  plants  of  Asparagus  (pro- 
bably Asparagus  nlicinus)  and  Rhubarb  (appa- 
rently Rheum  Moorcroftianum)  sent  him  from 
the  Punjab  by  a  correspondent.  The  roots  of 
the  Asparagus  were  tuberous,  and  were  no 
doubt  organs  in  which  water  was  stored.  The 
young  leaves  of  the  Rheum  were  cup  shaped,  the 
leaf-stalk  springing  from  the  base  of  the  cup. 

Hippeastrum  hybrid. — Mr.  Worslev  showed 
a  flower  of  a  deep  dragon's  blood  red,  a  first 
cross  between  the  two  species  Hippeastrum  auli- 
cum  and  H.  vittatum.  The  flower  is  of  very 
good  form  and  splendid  colour. 

Polystichum  sp. — Mr.  J.  Fraser  showed  speci- 
mens demonstrating  the  resemblance  between 
Polystichum  lobatum,  Presl.,  and  P.  Lonchitis, 
Roth.  If  the  pinnae  of  the  latter  were  lobed  or 
lobulate  instead  of  being  merely  serrated,  the 
two  forms  would  be  closely  similar,  judging 
from  the  size  and  form  of  the  pinnae  in  the 
two  cases.  The  comparison  between  Poly- 
stichum lobatum,  Presl.,  and  P.  aculeatum, 
Sw.,  was  less  obvious. 

Seed  from  S.  Africa. — Mr.  E.  M.  Holmes  re- 
ported that  the  seed  exhibited  by  Mr.  Veitch  at 
a  recent  meeting  was  Voandzeia  subterranea, 
often  called  Bambarra  ground  nut,  and  used  in 
tropical  and  South  Africa  as  food. 

Malformed  Orchids,  &c. — Mr.  J.  W.  Odell 
showed  some  malformed  Orchids,  and  some 
flowers  of  Auricula  wherein  the  filaments  of  the 
stamens  were  becoming  transformed  into  petals, 
thus  showing  the  beginning  of  a  double  flower. 

Dendrobium  hybrids. — R.  G.  Thwaites,  Esq., 
Streatham,  sent  flowers  of  Dendrobium 
Thwaitesias  X  D.  Wiganiae  xanthochilum  and 
D.  Wiganiae  X  D.  Wiganiae  xanthochilum,  both 
being  white  with  a  zone  of  purple  on  the  disc 
of  the  lip.  He  wrote  :  "  Of  the  first  cross  three 
have  flowered  like  those  sent,  and  of  the  second 
six  plants  have  flowered.  You  will  notice  the 
pollen  caps  and  stems  are  also  white.  I  feel  sure 
it  would  be  quite  useless  to  use  those  flowers 
for  obtaining  white  hybrids,  and  it  may  be  that 
the  unsuccessful  attempts  to  obtain  white  flowers 
(hybrids  from  apparently  white  parents)  is  due 
to  coloured  parentage  somewhere  behind  the 
flowers  used.  These  and  other  results,  though 
apparently  confusing,  may  later  on  assist  in 
throwing  light  upon  the  question  of  albinism, 
as  notwithstanding  the  contradictions  which 
are  appearing,  I  feel  sure  there  is  some 
logical  law  relating  to  it."  D.  Wiganiae  is  a 
hybrid  between  D.  nobile  and  D.  signatum,  D. 
Wiganiae  xanthochilum  being  a  seedling  out  of 
the  same  pod,  while  D.  Thwaitesiae  represents 
the  result  of  further  crossing  D.  Wiganiae  and 
D.  Ainsworthii  (nobile  X  aureum).  The  original 
parents  are  therefore  either  purple  or  yellow 
flowers,  and  the  cause  of  the  peculiarity  is  not 
apparent. 


UNITED    HORTICULTUEAL    BENEFIT 

AND    PROVIDENT. 

April  5. — The  monthly  committee  meeting 
■was  held  at  the  Horticultural  Hall,  Vincent 
Square,  S.W.,  on  this  date.  Mr.  Thomas 
Winter  occupied  the  chair.  Nine  new  members 
were  elected.  The  usual  quarterly  payments 
were  granted.  Any  member  not  having  re- 
ceived the  annual  report  and  balance  sheet  is 
requested  to  write  to  the  secretary  for  a  copy. 


NURSERY    AND    SEED    TRADE 
ASSOCIATION. 

April  5. — The  annual  general  meeting  of  this 
association  was  held  at  the  offices  of  the  asso- 
ciation, 32,  Gresham  Street,  London,  E.C.,  on 
this  date.  The  members  present  included  Mr. 
George  Bunyard  (Chairman),  Mr.  J.  B.  Slade 
(Messrs.  Protheroe  &  Morris),  Mr.  H.  W.  W. 
Nutting  (Messrs.  Nutting  &  Sons),  Mr.  John 
Green  (Hobbies,  Ltd.),  Mr.  H.  E.  Silberrad 
(Messrs.  Silberrad  &  Sons),  Mr.  B.  B.  Mailer 
(Messrs.  B.  Mailer  &  Sons),  Mr.  G.  H.  Barr 
(Messrs.  Barr  &  Sons),  and  Mr.  H.  Simpson 
(Messrs.   Cooper,  Tabor  &   Co.,  Ltd.). 

The  annual  report  and  balance-sheet  were  sub- 
mitted to  the  meeting  and  accepted.  The  asso- 
ciation's financial  position  showed  still  further 
improvement   during  the   past  year. 

Mr.  N.  N.  Sherwood,  of  Messrs.  Hurst  & 
Son,  was  re-elected  president,  Mr.  W.  J.  Nutting 
treasurer,  and  Messrs.  H.  Simpson  and  G.  H. 
Barr  trustees. 

SCOTTISH    HORTICULTURAL. 

April  6. — The  monthly  meeting  of  this  asso- 
ciation was  held  at  5,  St.  Andrew  Square,  Edin- 
burgh, on  this  date.  The  President,  Mr.  Why- 
tock,  occupied  the  chair.  There  was  a  moderate 
attendance  of  the  members.  A  paper  was  read 
by  Mr.  L.  B.  Stewart,  Royal  Botanic  Garden, 
Edinburgh,  on  "  Insectivorous  Plants." 

Messrs.  Dobbie  &  Co.,  Rothesay,  exhibited  a 
collection  of  Violas.  These  were  raised  from 
cuttings  rooted  in  August  and  placed  in  a  cool 
house  in  September.  The  varieties  Bethea,  Bul- 
lion, Kitty  Bell  and  Snowflake  flowered  10  to  12 
days  earlier   than   others   of  the   collection. 

Mr.  P.  Keir,  Edinburgh,  exhibited  Narcissus 
Emperor  in  pots.  The  bulbs  were  planted  at 
different  depths,  but  were  all  in  bloom. 

Five  new  members  were  elected. 

A  paper  will  be  given  at  the  meeting  to  be 
held  on  May  4  by  Dr.  W.  G.  Smith,  Edinburgh, 
on  "  Economic  Botany  and  its  Application  to 
Horticulture.'' 

ROYAL    CALEDONIAN 
HORTICULTURAL. 

April  7,  8. — The  spring  show  of  this  society 
was  held  in  the  Waverley  Market,  Edinburgh, 
on  these  dates.  The  exhibition  generally  was 
equal  to  those  of  previous  years,  and  this  not- 
withstanding the  very  inclement  weather  of  the 
previous  month.  As  is  usual  at  this  spring 
show  the  nurserymen's  exhibits  made  a  good 
display.  Messrs.  Dickson  &  Co.,  Edinburgh, 
had  a  large  exhibit,  in  which  plants  of  Rhodo- 
dendron "  Pink  Pearl "  formed  the  principal 
feature ;  this  firm  also  showed  some  very  fine 
seedling  Hippeastrums.  (Gold  Medal.)  Amongst 
other  local  firms  who  set  up  large  exhibits  were 
Messrs.  R.  B.  Land  &  Sons,  Ltd.  (Silver-gilt 
Medal),  and  Mr.  John  Downie  (Silver-gilt 
Medal).  Messrs.  Cutbush  &  Son,  Highgate, 
displayed  an  interesting  exhibit  of  flowering 
shrubs  and  herbaceous  plants  (Silver-gilt 
Medal)  ;  Messrs.  Barr  &  Sons,  London,  showed 
Narcissi  (Silver-gilt  Medal)  ;  Mr.  R.  E.  Gill, 
Falmouth,  exhibited  cut  blooms  of  Rhododen- 
dron (Silver  Medal)  ;  Mr.  Roche  (gr.  to  Lady 
Annaly,  Gowrain  Castle,  Kilkenny)  showed  St. 
Brigid  Anemones  (Silver  Medall  ;  The  Scottish 
Mushroom  Co.,  Ltd.,  Edinburgh,  displayed 
Mushrooms  (Silver  Medal)  ;  Mr.  F.  Lilley, 
Guernsey,  showed  a  collection  of  Narcissi  (Silver 
Medal)  ;  Mr.  Forbes,  Hawick,  staged  Alpine  and 
hardy  border  plants  (Bronze  Medal)  ;  Messrs. 
Storrie  &  Storrie,  Glencarse,  staged  Primulas 
(Bronze  Medal)  ;  Messrs.  Keeling  &  Sons, 
Bradford,  showed  Orchids  (Bronze  Medal) ; 
and  Messrs.   Dobbie  &   Co.,  Rothesay,  Violas. 

A  Certificate  of  Merit  was  awarded  to  a  new 
variety  of  Narcissus  named  "  The  Sirdar,"  ex- 
hibited by  Messrs.  Barr  &  Sons. 


SCHEDULES     RECEIVED. 


Horticultural  Exhibition,  to  be  held  in  connection  with 
the  Lincolnshire  Agricultural  Show  at  Louth  on  July  14, 
15,  and  16.  Secretary,  Mr.  A.  Bellamy,  High  Holme  Road, 
Louth. 

National  Carnation  and  Picotee  Society's  exhibition, 
to  be  held  at  the  Royal  Horticultural  Hall,  Vincent  Square, 
Westminster,  S.W.,  on  Wednesday.  July  21.  Secretary, 
Mr.  T.  E.  Henwood,  16,  Hamilton  Road,  Reading. 


HARDY   FLOWER    BORDER. 

HYACINTHUS  AZUREUS. 
This  species  is  the  old  Muscaria  praecox  of 
gardens,  a  plant  of  miniature  growth,  and  a 
habit  that  ever  delights  the  eye.  The  small 
pyramids  of  turquoise-blue  flowers  usually  ap- 
pear in  February,  and,  despite  the  frost  and  the 
snow,  the  plant  this  year  has  not  been  much 
behind  its  proper  season  of  flowering.  The 
blooms  are  welcome  both  in  the  rock-garden  and 
the  Alpine  house,  where,  if  the  plants  are  grown 
in  pans,  they  are  most  effective. 

NARCISSUS  MINIMUS. 
Narcissus  minimus  is  a  little  gem  too  small 
for  the  open  border,  where  its  beauty  would  not 
be  seen.  It  is  better  suited  for  growing  in  pans 
in  a  cold  house.  The  small  trumpet  flowers  are 
of  a  rich,  deep  yellow  colour,  and  perfect  in 
form.  The  species  is  unique  among  the  early 
flowers  of  the  year. 

NARCISSUS  PALLIDUS  PR/ECOX. 

Not  merely  is  this  plant  one  of  the  most 
fascinating  of  all  Daffodils  by  reason  of  the 
rich  colour  and  great  variety  of  form  and  size 
of  its  flowers,  but  it  is  one  of  the  best  for  early 
blooming,  and  it  is  absolutely  hardy.  The  buds 
can  endure  fresh  and  heavy  snows  for  a  fort- 
night, and  later  continue  to  expand  as  though 
nothing  had  happened,  although  in  the  meantime 
growth  was  perfectly  arrested.  This  Pyrenean 
species  appears  more  at  home  in  the  woodland 
than  in  the  garden.     E.  J . 


©bttuavjj. 

William  Burton. — We  regret  to  record  the 
death  of  this  gardener  at  37,  Whitehall  Park, 
Hornsey  Lane,  on  Saturday,  April  3.  Mr.  Bur- 
ton began   his  gardening    career  in   1848  in  the 


THE    LATE    WILLIAM    BURTON. 

nurseries  of  Messrs.  R.  Veitch  and  Son,  Exeter. 
Later  he  was  engaged  for  two  years  at  Ashley 
Court,  Tiverton,  and  afterwards  at  Messrs.  E.  G. 
Henderson  &  Son's  Wellington  Road  Nurseries, 
St.  John's  Wood,  where  he  remained  for  10  years. 
In  1862,  when  Messrs.  Parker  and  Williams 
dissolved  partnership,  Mr.  Burton  entered  the 
service  of  the  late  B.  S.  Williams  as  manager  of 
the  Victoria  and  Paradise  Nurseries,  Upper  Hol- 
loway.  In  1888  he  left  the  service  of  Messrs. 
B.  S.  Williams  and  Son,  and  engaged  with  Mr. 
John  Russell,  of  Haverstock  Hill.  He  afterwards 
retired  from  business.  His  remains  were  laid 
to  rest  in  Islington  Cemetery,  Finchley,  on  Wed- 
nesday, April  7,  in  the  presence  of  members  of 
his  family  and  a  large  number  of  friends. 


CATALOGUES     RECEIVED. 


MISCELLANEOUS. 

A.   W.   Gamage,    Ltd.,    Holborn,    London,    E.C. — Seeds, 
plants,  sundries,  &c. 

COLONIAL. 

C.  A.  Nobf.lius.  Gembrook  Nurseries,  Emerald,  Victoria, 
Australia — Fruit  trees,  &c. 

FOREIGN. 

Howard    &    Smith,    Post    Office    Box   484,   Los    Angcies, 

California — Plants  and  seeds. 
V.  Lemoine  et  Fils.  Rue  du   Montet,  134,  Nancy — Plants 

and  seeds. 


April  17,   1909.] 


THE     GARDENERS     CHRONICLE. 


255 


MARKETS. 


CCVENT  GARDEN,  April  14. 
[We  cannot  accept  any  responsibility  for  the  subjoined 
reports.  They  are  furnished  to  us  regularly  every 
Wednesday,  by  the  kindness  of  several  of  the  principal 
salesmen,  who  are  responsible  for  the  quotations.  It 
must  be  remembered  that  these  quotations  do  not  repre- 
sent the  prices  on  any  particular  day,  but  only  the 
general  averages  for  the  week  preceding  the  date  of  our 
report.  The  prices  depend  upon  the  quality  of  the 
samples,  the  way  in  which  they  are  packed,  the  supply 
in  the  market,  and  the  demand,  and  they  may  fluctuate, 
not  only  from  day  to  day,  but  occasionally  several  times 
in  one  day. — Ed.] 

Cut  Flowers.  &c. :  Average  Wholesale  Prices. 


s.d.  s.d. 

I 

s.d.  s.d. 

Acacia     (Mimosa), 

Myosotis,  per  doz. 

p.doz.  bunches 

9  0-12  0 

bunches 

3  0-40 

Anemone    fulgens, 

Narcissus,        Glo- 

p.  dz.  bunches 

16-26 

riosa,    per  dz. 

—  double  pink,  p. 

bunches 

10-16 

dozen  bunches 

16-26 

—  ornatus 

2  6-36 

Azalea,  per   dozen 

O  don  to  glossum 

bunches 

4  0-50 

crispum,      per 

Calla  aethiopica,  p. 

dozen    blooms 

2  0-26 

dozen  

3  0-40 

Pelargoniums, 

Carnations,  p.  doz. 

show,  per  doz. 

blooms,      best 

bunches 

6  0-80 

American  (var.J 

2  6-36 

—  Zonal,    double 

—  second  size    ... 

10-20 

scarlet 

6  0-90 

—  smaller,       per 

Ranunculus, per  dz. 

doz.      bunches 

9  0-12  0 

bunches 

4  0-60 

Catileyas,  per  doz. 

Uoses,   12  blooms, 

blooms 

12  0-15  0 

Niphetos 

16-26 

Cypiipediums,  per 

—  Bridesmaid    ... 

2  6-  4  0 

dozen  blooms.. 

16-20 

—  C.  Testout     ... 

2  0-30 

Daffodils,  per  doz. 

—  Kaiseriu  A. 

bunches 

16-30 

Victoria 

2  0-40 

Dendrobium  nobile 

—  C.Mermet     ... 

2  0-40 

per  dozen 

2  6-30 

—  Liberty 

3  0-50 

E  nc  nans  grandi  flora, 

—  Mme.Chatenay 

4  0-60 

per  dz.  blooms 

2  6-36 

—  Mrs.   J.    Laing 

2  0-40 

Freesias  (white),  p. 

—  Richmond 

3  0-60 

doz.  bunches... 

2  0-26 

—  The  Bride 

3  0-40 

Gardenias,  per  doz. 

—  Ulrich  Brunner 

2  0-40 

blooms 

16-26 

Snowdrops,  per  dz. 

Hyacinths,   Dutch, 

bunches 

16-20 

p.  dz.  bunches 

4  0-60 

Spirasa,  per  dozen 

Iris  (Spanish),  per 

bunches 

5  0-80 

bunch  

16-20 

Stocks,     double 

Lilac     (English), 

white,  per  doz. 

white,  p.  bunch 

16-26 

bunches 

2  0-26 

—  mauve 

2  0-30 

Sweet  Peas,  per  dz. 

Lilium      auratum, 

bunches 

2  0-00 

per  bunch 

—  longiflorum   ... 

—  lane  i  f  ol  ium, 

2  0-30 

3  0-40 

Tuberoses,  per  dz. 
blooms 

0  3-04 

rubruni 
—  album  ... 

16-26 

2  u-  '1  6 

—  on   stems,   per 
bunch  

0  9-13 

Lily  of  the  Valley, 

Tulips   per   dozen 

p.  dz.  bunches 

9  0-10  0 

bunches,  single 

6  0-10  0 

—  extra  quality ... 

12  0-15  0 

—  best     double 

Marguerites,  p.  dz. 

varieties 

12  0-24  0 

bunclies  white 

Violets,  per  dozen 

and  yellow     ... 

2  0-30 

bunches 

16-30 

Mignonette,      per 

—  Parmas,       per 

dozen  bunches 

4  0-60 

bunch  

16-26 

Cut  Foliage, 

&c:  Avei 

age  Wholesale  Prices. 

s.d.  s.d. 

s.d.  s.d. 

Adiantum      cunea- 

Galax    leaves,   per 

liim,  dz.  bchs. 

6  0-90 

dozen  bunches 

2  0-26 

Agrostis,  per  doz. 

Hardy    foliage 

bunches 

16-20 

(various),    per 

Asparagus  plu- 

dozen  bunclies 

3  0-90 

mosus,        long 

Honesty    (Lunaria) 

trails,  per  do/. 

3  0-12  0 

per  bunch 

10-16 

—    — medm.,bch. 

10-20 

Ivy-leaves,   bronze 

2  0-26 

—  Sprengeri 

0  9-16 

—  long  trails  per 

Berberis,  per   doz. 

bundle 

0  9-16 

bunches 

2  6-30 

—  short    green, 

Croton  leaves,  per 
bunch  

perdz.  bunches 

16-26 

10-13 

Moss,  per  gross  ... 

5  0-60 

Cycas  leaves,  each 

16-20 

Myrtle,  dz.   bchs., 
(English) 

Daffodil  foliage,  p. 

small-leaved... 

4  0-60 

doz.  bunches... 

2  0-26 

—  French 

10-16 

Ferns,    per    dozen 

Ruscus  racemosus, 

bchs.  (English) 

2  0-30 

p.  dz.  bunches 

18  0     — 

--  (French) 

0  6-09 

Smilax.p.dz.  trails 

4  0-60 

Plants  in  Pots 

,  &c.     Ave 

rage  Wholesale  Prices. 

s.d.  s.d. 

s.d.  s.d. 

Acacias,  per  dozen 

12  0-18  0 

Cyclamen,  pr.  doz. 

9  0-15  0 

Ampelopsis     Veit- 

Cy  peru  s    alterni- 

chii,  per  dozen 

6  0-80 

folius,  dozen  ... 

4  0-50 

Aralia  Sieboldii,  p. 

—  laxus,  per  doz. 

4  0-50 

dozen  

4  0-60 

Daffodils,  per  doz. 

5  0-80 

—  larger   speci- 

Dracaenas, per  doz. 

9  0-24  0 

mens    

9  0-12  0 

Erica     persoluta 

—  Moseri 

4  0-60 

alba,    per  doz. 

12  0-24  0 

Araucaria  excelsa, 

—  Wilmoreana  ... 

12  0-18  0 

per  dozen 
—  large    plants, 

12  0-30  0 

Euonymus.per  dz., 

in  pots 

4  0-90 

each     

3  6-50 

—  from  the  ground  3  0-60 

Aspidistras,  p.  dz., 

Ferns,  in   thumbs, 

green 

15  0-24  0 

per  100 

8  0-12  0 

—  variegated     ... 

31.  J-42  0 

—  in     small     and 

Asparagus,  plumo- 

large  60's 

12  0-20  0 

sus  nanus,  per 

—  in  48's,  per  dz. 

4  0-10  0 

dozen 

12  0-18  0 

—  in  32's,  per  dz. 

10  0-18  0 

—  Sprengeri 

9  0-12  0 

Ficus  elastica,  per 

—  ten  uis  simus 

9  0-12  0 

dozen  

8  0-10  0 

Azaleas  (Indian),  p. 

—  repens,  per  dz. 

6  0-80 

dozen  

24  0-36  0 

Genista     fragrans, 

Boronia     mega- 

per  doz. 

7  0-90 

stigma,  per  doz. 

24  0-30  0 

Grevilleas,  per  dz. 

4  0-60 

—  heterophylla... 

12  0-18  0 

Hardy  flower  roots, 

Cinerarias,  per  dz. 

6  0-90 

per  dozen 

10-20 

Clematis,  per  doz. 

8  0-90 

Hyacinths,  dz.  pots 

8  0-10  U 

—  in  flower 

12  0-18  0'1 

Hydrangea     Thos. 

Cocos    Weddelli- 

Hogg,   per  dz. 

15  0-18  0 

ana,  per  dozen... 

18  0-30  0  1 

—  hortensis 

12  0-24  0 

Crotons,  per  dozen 

18  0-30  0  , 

Isolepis,  per  dozen 

4  0-60 

6  0- 
4  0- 


8  0 
6  0 


Plants  in  Pots,  Sc:  Average  Wholesale  Prices  (Contd.). 
s.d.  s.d.  s.d.  s.d. 

Kentia      Belmore- 

ana,  per  dozen  15  0-24  0 

—  Fosteriana,  dz.  18  0-30  0 
Latania  borbouica, 

per  dozen  ...  12  0-18  0 
L  i  1  i  u  in     Ion  g  i- 

florum,  perdz.  18  0-24  0 

—  laucifolium,  p. 
dozen 12  0-24  0 

Lily  of  the  Valley, 

per  dozen  ...  18  0-30  0 
Marguerites,  while, 

per  dozen  ...  6  0-80 
Mignonette,  perdz.  6  0-80 
Pelargoniums, 

show  varieties, 

per  dozen      ...  18  0-21  0 


Pelargoniums, 

Zonals 

Primulas,  per  doz. 
Rhodode  ndrons, 

each     

Roses,  H.P.'s,  per 

dozen  ...         ...  12  0-18  0 

—  Polyantha     va- 
rieties   

—  Ramblers,  each 
Selaginella,  per  dz. 
Spiraea  japonica,  p. 

dozen  ... 

Stocks  (intermed- 
iate), white,  p. 
*  dozen 

Tulips  in  pots,  doz. 


2  0-50 


12  0-18  0 

5  (i-io  <; 

4  0-60 
8  0-12  0 


7  0-80 
9  0-12  0 


Fruit:  Average  Wholesale  Prices. 
s.d.  s.d. 


Apples(Australian), 
per  case : 

—  Dunn's  Seed- 
ling         11  0-13  0 

—  Cleopatra       ...  11  0-12  6 

—  Jonathan        ...  10  0-13  0 

—  Ribston  Pippin  12  0-14  0 

—  California 
Newtown  Pip- 
pin,  per  case, 

4  tiers...         ...     8  0-10  0 

—  4*  tiers  ...    7  6-86 

—  (American), per 
barrel : 

—  Baldwin  ...  21  0-25  0 

—  Nonpareils     ...  18  0-21  0 

—  Oregon     New- 

towns,  per  case  11  0-14  6 
Bananas,  bunch: 

—  Doubles         ...    9  0-10  0 

—  No.  1         „     ...     0  6-80 

—  Extra        „     ...     8  0-90 

—  Giant        „     ...  10  0-12  0 

—  (Claret)     „     ...     5  0-76 

—  Jamaica    „    ...    5  0-56 

—  Loose,  pei  dz,    0  6-10 
Cape  fruit,  per  box  : 

—  (.rapes,  black..     5  0-14  0 

—  white 5  0-10  0 

—  red         8  0-15  0 

per  case : 

—  Plums 4  0-80 

—  Pears 3  6-10  0 

Cranberries,     per 

case      16  0    — 

Custard  Apples    ...     3  0-12  0 


S.d-  s.d. 
Grape  Fruit,  case  10  0-14  0 
Grapes  (Guernsey), 

Gros    Colmars  0  10-  2  6 

—  ,,         New    4  0    — 

—  (Almeria),    per 

barrel  14  0-16  0 

Guernsey  Figs,  dz.     4  0-12  0 
Lemons,  box  : 

—  Messina,  300...     9  0-12  0 

—  Do.        360...     8  0-10  0 

—  (Naples),    per 

case     18  0-24  0 

Limes,  per  case  ...  5  0  — 
Lychees,  per  box...  10-13 
Melons,  each  ...  2  0-40 
Nuts,  Almonds, per 

bag        45  0     — 

—  Brazils,     new, 
perevvt.  ...  50  0  60  0 
ona,  1  a,:  32  0-36  0 

—  Cocoa  nuts.  100  11  0-14  0 


Oranges  (Der.ia) 

—  Californian 
seedless,  per 
case     

—  (Valencia)    per 
case  (4-20) 

—  per  case  (714)..- 

—  Jaffas 

—  Palermo  Blood 

—  ,,  Bitter 

—  Muicia  Blood, 
perca^i    ''.'hi.  .. 

Pineapple  *,  each ... 

—  (Natal),  perdz. 
Strawberries,  lb.... 


9  0-18  0 


11  0-13  0 

10  0-18  0 
8  0-14  0 

10  0-11  0 
7  0-90 
4  0-50 

6  6-80 
2  0-  3  6 
4  0-00 
2  0-60 


Vegetables  :  Average  Wholesale  Prices, 
s.d.  s.d 


Artichokes(Globe), 
per  dozen 

—  white,  p  ■ 

—  per  cwt. 
Asparagus,     per 

bundle: 

—  Sprue 

—  Paris  Green  ... 
Beans,  per  lb. 

—  (French!,  p.  ll>. 

—  (Guernsey), 
per  lb 

Beetroot, perbushel    10-16 
Brussel   Sprouts,  £ 
bushel 

—  bags     

Cabbages,  per  tally 

—  per  mat 

—  Greens,       per 
bushel 

Cardoon   (French), 

per  dozen 
Carrots    (English), 

dozen  bunches 

—  washed,  bag  ... 

—  unwashed 

—  (French),  p. pad 
Cauliflower,        St. 

Malo,  per  doz.  2  3-26 
Celery,  p.  dz.  rolls  12  0-15  0 
Celeriac,  per  doz,  16-26 
Chicory,  per  lb.  ...  0  3£-  0  4 
Cucumbers,  per  dz.  3  0-40 
Endive,  per  dozen  10-16 
Horseradish,  for- 
eign, per  doz. 
bundles 
Kale,  per  pad 
Leeks,  12  bundles 
Lettuce     (French), 

per  crate 
Mint,     per     dozen 
bunches 


2  0-23 

•J  0-  2  6 
36    — 


0  6-08 
3  0-36 
10-11 
0  9-0  10 

10-11 


2  0-26 

2  6-36 
5  0-70 
4  0-46 

1  6    — 
8  0-10  0 

3  0    — 

3  6-40 

2  6-36 
2  6-30 


17  0-24  0 
6  0  — 
2  6-30 

2  6-40 


6  0-80 


0  8-09 
n  6  0  8 
0  8-09 


Mushrooms, per  lb 

—  broilers 

—  buttons,  perlb, 
Mn  tardand Cress. 

per  dozen  pun.     10- 
Onions,  per  bag  ...  10  0-H  0 

—  (Valencia), case  10  0-12  0 

—  Dutch,  pr.  bag    U  0-10  6 

—  pickling,     per 
bushel 6  0    — 

Parslev,12bunches    3  0    — 

—  i  sieve 2  6    — 

Parsnips,  per  bag...     3  6    — 
Peas  ibrencM,  pkt.     0  5-  0  6 

—  (French),  p.pad    3  6-50 

—  (English),  dried, 
per  dz.  packets    2  6 


Potatos,  per  lb. 

—  (Algerian),  per 
cwt. 

—  (French),  p.  lb. 
Radishes  (French), 

per  doz.  bunches    16-26 
Rhubarb  (English), 

forced,  per  dz. 

bundles 
Salsafy,  per  dozen 

bundles 
Seakale,  per  dozen 

punnets 
Spinach,  per  crate 
Stachys    tuberosa, 

per  lb 

Turnips,  per  dozen 

bunches 

—  washed,  p.  bag    2  6-30 
Turnip  Tops,  bag       2  0    — 
Tomatos      (Tener- 

iffe),  per  bun- 
dle of  4  boxes  10  0-18  0 

—  p.  12  lb.  basket    4  6-50 
Watercress,     per 

dozen 0  4-06 


02    — 

11  0-12  0 
0  2i-0  3 


10-13 

4  0-46 


12  il  is  (i 
4  0-50 


0  5 
2  6 


Remarks. — Oranges  from  Valencia  and  Denia  are  arriving 
in  a  bad  condition;  best  samples  are  much  dearer.  French 
Apples  continue  to  sell  freely  but  at  lower  prices.  Australian 
Apples  are  arriving  in  slightly  increased  quantities,  and 
are  generally  cheaper.  Forced  Rhubarb  from  the  Leeds 
district  is  now  practically  finished,  as  also  are  Gros  Colmar 
Grapes.  Mushrooms  are  plentiful.  Vegetables  generally 
are    cheaper.     E.    H.     R.,    Covent    Garden,     Wednesday^ 


April  14,  1909. 


Potatos. 


s.d.  s.d.    Lincolns—  s.d.  s.d. 

3  6-43    King  Edward         ...  33-39 

3  6-43    Blacklands 29-33 

Dunbars— 

3  0-36  Langworthy.redsoil  53-56 
3  0-36  Up-to-Date,  red  soil  43-46 
3  9-43  „  „  grey  soil  30-39 
3  9-43    Yorks- 

3  0-36    Up-to-Date 39-43 

Remarks. — Potatos  are  much  dearer  and  supplies  are 
shorter.  Prices  have  a  tendency  to  advance  still  further. 
Stocks  in  London  are  very  low.  Edward  J.  Newborn, 
Covent  Garden  and  St.  Pancras,  April  14.   1909. 


Kents— 

Scottish  Triumphs. 

Up-to-Date 

Lincolns— 
Royal  Kidney 
British  Queen 

Up-to-Date 

Maincrop     

Evergood     


COVENT  GARDEN  FLOWER  MARKET. 

The  warm  sunny  days  preceding  Easter  developed  flowrers 
rapidly,  and  supplies  last  week  were  abundant.  Better 
prices  were  made  on  Good  Friday  than  on  Saturday. 
There  were  large  consignments  of  cut  flowers  from  the 
south  of  France,  the  Channel  and  Scilly  Islands.  Early 
on  Saturday,  10th  inst.,  there  was  a  fair  trade;  later  in 
the  day  larger  quantities  of  flowers  arrived  and  prices  fell 
considerably.  Good  Roses  on  long  stems  were  sold  at  6s. 
per  dozen  bunches,  whilst  Daffodils  realised  no  more  than 
6d.  per  dozen  bunches.  This  morning  (Wednesday)  the 
Foreign  Market  was  glutted  with  flowers. 

Pot  Plants. 

Flowering  plants  have  sold  at  fairly  good  prices. 
Azaleas  are  still  remarkably  good  ;  there  are,  in  addition  to 
plants  in  5-inch  pots,  larger  specimens  which  make  from 
7s.  6d.  to  10s.  6d.  each ;  varieties  of  Azalea  mollis  do 
not  sell  freely.  Rhododendrons  in  well-flowered  plants 
are  seen.  Lilacs,  although  well  flowered,  have  no  great  de- 
mand. Amongst  Roses,  there  are  some  excellent  plants  of 
Dorothy  Perkins  variety.  Dwarf  Polyantha  varieties  are 
well  flowered.  Marguerites  are  again  plentiful  ;  some  of 
these  plants  have  sold  for  15s.  per  dozen.  Other  plants  seen 
in  quantity  include  Cinerarias,  Spiraeas,  Hydrangeas, 
Mignonette,  Stocks,  and  Genistas. 

Hardy  Flower  Roots  and  Bedding  Plants. 

There  are  large  supplies  of  Pansies  with  expanded 
flowers.  At  the  present  time  there  is  nothing  that  sells 
more  readily  than  these  pretty  border  flowers.  Violas  also 
sell  well.  Primroses,  Polyanthuses,  and  double  varieties  of 
Daisies  are  also  in  demand.  Large  quantities  of  hardy 
border  plants  are  seen,  also  summer  bedding  plants  such  as 
Zonal  Pelargoniums,  Calceolarias,  and  Marguerites ;  a 
variety  of  tender  plants  in  store  boxes,  and  annuals  in  pots, 
including  Sweet  Peas,  Tropa>olum  canariense  and  Dwarf 
Nasturtiums  sell  readily  for  suburban  planting. 

Cut  Flowers. 
Carnations  are  plentiful  again.  Roses  have  developed 
rapidly,  and  their  prices  have  fallen  considerably.  Blooms 
of  I. ilium  longiflorum  are  abundant.  I  noticed  fine  flowers 
of  the  variety  grandiflorum  this  morning  (Wednesday). 
Blooms  of  L.  lancifolium  rubrum  are  good.  Of  Lilac  the 
ordinary  mauve  variety  is  ir.uch  cheaper.  Tulips  are  over- 
abundant, but  supplies  of  this  flower  will  soon  fall  off. 
The  Darwin  varieties  are  very  fine,  and  will  be  available 
until  the  end  of  May.  Parma  Violets  are  still  very  cheap. 
Flowers  of  Spanish  Irises  in  several  colours  are  seen. 
Callis  are  over-abundant.  In  fact,  supplies  of  all  season- 
al.It  Sowers  are  plentiful.  A .  H.,  Covad  Garden,  Wednes- 
day, April  11,  l\>  {>. 


GARDENING     APPOINTMENTS. 


[Cor>e$pnudetds  ate  requested  to  write  the  names  of  person* 
and  places  as  legibly   as   nossihle.     No  charge    n 

made  for  these  announcements,  but  \j  a  small  contribution 
is  sent,  to  be  placed  in  out  ,  ollectiiiR  />'<>  \  <■  >  the  t.ardeners' 
Orphan  Fund,  it  ;.  ill  be  thank  fully  received,  and  an 
acknowledgment  made  in  these  coiuuins.~\ 

Mr.  A.  Beavan,  for  the  pasl  J  years  Foreman  at  High. 
wood  Gardens,  Roehampl  »n,  S.W.,  as  Gardener  to 
T.  A.  Harrison,  Esq.,  H  nd  House,  Shere,  Surrey. 
tThanks  for  vour  contribution  of  2s.  to  the  R.G.O.F. 
box.) 

Mr.  A.  T.  Smith,  previously  Foreman  at  Wyastone  Leys, 
Monmouth,  as  Gardener  to  H.  P.  Cross,  Esq.,  Cot- 
terbrooke  Grange,  Northampton. 

Mr.  G.  A.  Holmes,  late  Gardener  to  R.  Hodgson,  Junr., 
I  |..  Molescroft,  Beverley,  as  Gardener  to  F.  Cos- 
tello,  Esq.,  Everley  House,  Hessle,  near  Hull. 

Mr.  J.  Wren,  for  the  past  3  years  at  Chesterford  Park 
Gardens,  Saffron  Walden,  as  Gardener  to  Charles  E. 
LMmsoale,  Esq.,  Musden  Manor,  Buntingford,  Herts. 

Mr.  J.  Lovatt,  Gardener  to  Captain  Hlnlake,  Winger- 
worth  Hall,  Chesterfield,  Derbyshire,  as  Gardener  to 
tin  same  gentleman,  Bucknell  Manor,  Bicester,  Oxford- 
shire.   (Thanks  for  contribution  to  R.G.O.F.  Box.) 


DEBATING    SOCIETIES. 


BRITISH  GARDENERS'  (London  Branch).— The 
monthly  meeting  of  this  branch  of  the  B.G.A.  took  place 
on  Thursday,  April  8.  A  debate  on  "  Commercial  and 
Co-operative  Gardening  "  formed  the  principal  business  of 
the  evening.  Mr.  J.  Weathers,  the  general  secretary,  gave 
some  interesting  advice  upon  the  business  side  of  horticul- 
ture.    A.J.H. 

BRISTOL  AND  DISTRICT  GARDENERS'. 
The  last  of  this  association's  meetings  for  the  session  was 
held  on  April  8.  Mr.  C.  H.  Cave  gave  a  lecture  upon 
"  Daffodils."*  Mr.  Cave  said  that  lifting  should  be  done  in 
July,  and  all  replanting  finished  by  the  end  of  August  ; 
he  gave  a  comprehensive  list  of  varieties  suitable  for 
various  purposes.    H.  W. 

WARGRAVE    AND    DISTRICT    GARDENERS'. 

— At  a  recent  meeting  of  this  association,  Mr.  W.  Pope,  of 
'*  The  Willows  "  Gardens,  Wargrave,  read  a  paper  on  "  The 
Culture  of  the  Amaryllis."  He  gave  cultural  directions 
with  regard  to  resting  the  bulbs,  their  propagation,  soils  and 
general   management . 

At  the  last  meeting  of  the  association  an  address 
on  "  French  Gardening "  was  given  by  the  hon.  sec, 
Mr.  H.  Coleby.  The  chief  points  referred  to  by  the 
lecturer  were  the  system  of  peasant  proprietors  in  France, 
the  amount  paid  by  English  consumers  for  early  produce 
from  France,  the  various  French  gardens  established  in 
England,  methods  of  working,  the  different  crops  raised 
and  the  best  varieties  of  each,  and  lastly,  "packing"  for 
market. 

READING  GARDENERS'.— A  meeting  of  the  Asso- 
ciation took  place  in  the  Abbey  Hall  on  Monday,  April  5. 
The  chairman,  Mr.  A.  F.  Bailey,  presided  over  a  good 
attendance  of  the  members.  The  lecturer  for  the  evening 
was  Mr.  H.  C.  Loader  (vice-chairman),  who  read  a  paper 
entitled  "  Our  Association— Some  of  its  Advantages."  Mr. 
Loader  spoke  of  the  association  as  a  partnership  for  the 
promotion  of  horticulture. 


256 


THE    GARDENERS'      CHRONICLE. 


[April  17,  1909. 


THE     WEATHER. 

The  Following  Summary  Record  of  the 
weather  throughout  the  British  Islands,  for  the 
week  ending  April  10,  is  furnished  from  the 
Meteorological  Office : — 

GENERAL     OBSERVATIONS. 

The  weather,— During  the  greater  part  of  the  week  the  sky 
was  almost  cloudless,  but  some  rain  fell  in  Ireland  and  the 
west  and  north  of  Scotland  on  Sunday,  and  on  Saturday  a 
considerable  amount  of  cloud  was  experienced  in  Ireland 
and  Scotland,  with  a  little  rain  in  places. 

The  temperature  was  above  the  average  in  all  districts,  the 
greatest  divergence  being  3-6^  in  Scotland  N.,  and  the 
smallest  0-8°  in  England  E.  The  highest  of  the  maxima 
were  recorded  generally  on  the  9th  or  10th,  and  ranged  from 
74°  in  England  S.W.,  73°  in  the  Midland  Counties,  and 
about  70°  in  several  other  districts  to  63w  in  Scotland  N. 
The  maxima  were  generally  low  on  the  east  coast  of 
England,  on  some  days  below  50°.  The  lowest  of  the 
minima,  which  were  mostly  registered  early  in  the  week, 
varied  from  18°  in  Scotland  E.  (at  Balmoral  on  the  6th),  22* 
in  England  S.W.  (at  Llangammarch  Wells  on  the  10th) 
and  24°  in  the  Midland  Counties  to  29w  in  Ireland,  and  to 
39°  in  the  Channel  Islands.  The  range  of  temperature 
during  the  week  was  unusually  large;  at  many  inland 
stations  it  exceeded  40°,  at  Bawtry  it  amounted  to  46*, 
Raunds  and  Marlborough  47°,  and  at  Llangammarch  Wells 
48°.  The  lowest  grass  readings  reported  were  9°  at  Llan- 
gammarch Wells,  15°  at  Balmoral,  16°  at  Birmingham,  and 
below  20°  in  some  other  localities. 

The  mean  temperature  of  the  sea.— At  nearly  all  stations 
except  those  on  the  east  and  south-east  coasts  of  England 
the  water  was  rather  warmer  than  during  the  corresponding 
week  of  last  year,  the  actual  figures  ranging  from  nearly  50° 
at  Seafield  and  about  48u  at  Plymouth  and  Salcombe  to  below 
44°  on  the  north-east  and  north  coasts  of  Great  Britain  and 
to  40-7*  at  Burnmouth, 

The  rainfall.— Over  the  kingdom  as  a  whole  the  week 
was  without  rain,  and  the  few  falls  which  occurred  in  the 
north  and  west  were  very  slight. 

The  bright  sunshine.— Over  the  kingdom  generally  the 
week  was  among  the  brightest  ever  recorded,  the  percentage 
of  the  possible  duration  ranging  from  89  in  England  E.,  87 
in  England  S.E.,  82  in  the  English  Channel,  and  above  70 
in  the" other  English  districts  to  51  and  48  respectively  in 
Scotland  W.  and  N.  The  highest  percentage  of  the  possible 
amount  reported  from  individual  stations  was  93  at 
Lowestoft,  Yarmouth,  Felixstowe,  Tunbridge  Wells,  and 
Worthing. 

THE  WEATHER    IN    WEST    HERTS. 

Week  ending  April  14, 

A  remarkably  good  record  of  sunshine. — In  the  early  part 
of  the  week  the  days  were  warm,  while  the  night  tempera- 
tures were  below  average.  Since  then  the  days  have  been 
of  about  a  seasonable  temperature,  and  the  nights  warm. 
On  the  warmest  day  the  highest  reading  in  the  thermometer 
screen  was  72°— which  is  a  remarkably  high  temperature  for 
so  early  in  April.  On  the  other  hand,  on  the  coldest  night  the 
exposed  thermometer  registered  10°  of  frost.  At  2  feet 
deep  the  ground  is  now  1°  warmer,  and  at  1  foot  deep  2° 
warmer,  than  is  seasonable.  Rain  fell  on  two  days,  but  to 
the  total  depth  of  less  than  a  quarter  of  an  inch.  There 
has  been  scarcely^any  percolation  through  either  of  the  soil 
gauges  during  the  week.  The  sun  shone  on  an  average 
for  8^  hours  a  day,  or  for  more  than  three  hours  a  day 
longer  than  is  usual  at  this  period  of  April.  The  average 
record  for  the  first  three  days  was  11$  hours  a  day; 
on  the  sunniest  of  those  days  the  sun  was  shining  brightly 
for  exactly  12  hours.  The  first  few  days  of  the  week  were 
calm,  but  since  then  the  wind  has  been  as  a  rule  moderately 
high-  The  mean  amount  of  moisture  in  the  air  at  3  p.m. 
fell  short  of  a  seasonable  quantity  for  that  hour  by  as  much 
as  10  per  cent.  On  the  first  (Jour  days  of  the  week  the 
atmosphere  was  singularly  dry  In  fact,  early  in  the  after- 
noon on  those  four  days  the  differences  between  the  readings 
of  an  ordinary  thermometer  and  one  with  its  bulb  kept 
constantly  moist  were  respectively  16°,  18°,  19°,  and  15°. 
E.  M.,  Bcrkhamsted,  April  J4,  1909. 


ClmWm 
LorruhordtnU 


*  .  *  The  Editor  will  be  glad  to  receive,  for  considera- 
tion, large  photographs  of  horticultural  subjects,  suitable 
for  forming  Supplementary  Illustrations  to  this  Journal. 

Azalea  Leaves  Diseased  :  T.  D.  W.  The  leaf- 
galls  are  formed  by  the  fungus  Exobasidium 
rhododendri.  Hand-picking  and  burning  the 
infested  portions  is  the  only  remedy. 

"Big  Bud"  on  Black  Currant  Bushes:  S.  F. 
&°  Co.  The  buds  are  infested  with  the  Cur- 
rant bud  mite,  Eriophyes  ribis.  At  this  season 
of  the  year  the  mites  are  migrating,  and  it  is 
during  this  time  that  they  may  be  combated. 
The  following  remedial  measures  are  recom- 
mended by  the  Board  of  Agriculture  in  a 
leaflet  on  this  «"  abject: — (1)  The  grower 
should  cultivate  from  clean  stock  only,  re- 
jecting bushes  that  show  swollen  buds.  Cut- 
tings from  infested  plants  should  not  be  used. 

(2)  Where   the    disease    is    limited    to    a    few 
bushes  these  should  be  uprooted  and  burned. 

(3)  Handpicking  the  swollen  buds  may,  in  an 


isolated  area,  keep  the  pest  in  check.  (4)  Hard 
pruning  followed  by  the  removal  by  hand  of 
suspiciously  large  buds  has  often  been  tried, 
sometimes  with  fair  results,  sometimes  with- 
out manifest  improvement.  (5)  Fumigation 
with  hydrocyanic  acid  gas  has  been  experi- 
mented with,  but  the  results  are  not  such  as 
to  justify  a  recommendation  of  this  treatment, 
especially  in  view  of  the  difficulties  attending 
fumigation  over  a  wide  area  in  the  open.  (6) 
Dusting  or  spraying  with  a  mixture  of  lime 
and  sulphur.  Very  encouraging  results — 
amounting  in  some  cases  to  a  cure — have  at- 
tended the  experiments  of  Collinge  with  the 
lime  and  sulphur  treatment.  The  spray  fluid 
used  consisted  of  a  mixture  of  1  lb.  of  lime, 
1  lb.  of  sulphur,  and  20  gallons  of  water.  This 
treatment  to  be  successful  must  be  thorough 
and  repeated.  More  successful  even  than  this 
was  the  dusting  with  lime  and  sulphur.  One 
part  of  unslaked  lime  and  two  parts  of  flowers 
of  sulphur  should  be  mixed  together  and 
dusted  three  times  on  the  bushes  when  they 
are  wet,  at  the  end  of  March  or  the  beginning 
of  April,  again  in  the  middle  of  April,  and 
again  in  the  first  week  of  May. 

Cyclamen  :  A.  W .  P.  Place  the  plants  in  a  light 
position  and  keep  them  growing  for  a  time 
after  flowering  to  form  stout  corms.  After- 
wards dry  them  off  very  gradually,  but  not 
severely.  In  August  shake  away  the  old  soil 
and  pot  them  into  a  suitable  compost.  Place 
them  in  frames  until  it  is  time  to  bring  them 
into  the  plant  house  to  develop  their  flowers. 
Cyclamens  are  not  usually  grown  after  the 
second  year  of  flowering.  See  also  a  note  in  the 
"  Plants  Under  Glass  "  Calendar  on  p.  247. 

Hyacinth  Bulbs  Failing  to  Root  :  A.  S.  The 
bulbs  are  badly  infested  with  the  bulb  mite, 
which  has  destroyed  the  roots  as  they  ap- 
peared. 

Names  of  Flowers,  Fruits  and  Plants.— We 
are  anxious  to  oblige  correspondents  as  far  as 
we  consistently  can,  but  they  must  bear  in 
mind  that  it  is  no  part  of  our  duty  to  our 
subscribers  to  name  either  flowers  or  fruits. 
Such  work  entails  considerable  outlay,  both  ol 
time  and  money,  and  cannot  be  allowed  to  dis- 
organise the  preparations  for  the  weekly  issue,  or  to 
encroach  upon  time  required  for  the  conduct  of  the 
paper.  Correspondents  should  never  send  more 
than  six  plants  or  fruits  at  one  time  :  they  should  be 
very  careful  to  pack  and  label  them  properly,  to  give 
every  information  as  to  the  county  the  fruits  are 
grown  in,  and  to  send  ripe,  or  nearly  ripe,  specimens 
which  show  the  character  of  the  variety.  By 
neglecting  these  precautions  correspondents  add 
greatly  to  our  labour,  and  run  the  risk  of 
delay  and  incorrect  determinations.  Correspondents 
not  answered  in  one  issue  are  requested  to 
be    so   good  as   to   consult   the    following   numbers. 

Fruits  :  F.  C.  E.  Dredge's  Fame. 
Plants:  T.  H.  1,  Aerides  virens  ;  2,  Den- 
drobium crystallinum  ;  3,  D.  Pierardii. — li.  B. 
Erica  vagans.—  J  H.  C.  Ansellia  congoensis, 
native  of  tropical  Africa. — Scot.  1,  Cbionantbus 
virginica  ;  2,  probably  Exochorda  Albertii  ;  3, 
Psoralea  pinnata. — H.  J.  W.  3,  Calceolaria 
violacea. — T.  H.  Butea  frondosa. — C.  N.  Co. 
Picea  excelsa  var.  stricta. — R.  T.  1,  Ccelogyne 
fuliginosa  ;  2,  Eria  convallarioides  ;  3,  Den- 
drobium transparens  ;  4,  Polystachya  Otto- 
niana.—  Cornish.  1,  Stachys  lanata  ;  2,  Centran- 
thus  ruber;  3,  Sempervivum  tectorum  ;  4, 
Sedum  Sieboldii  variegatum;  5,  Mesembryan- 
themum  spectabile  ;  6,  Sedum  carneum  variega- 
tum.— S.  F.  Adonis  aestivalis. — H.  H.  1,  Poly- 
podium  Dryopteris ;  2,  Lastrea  rigida ;  3, 
Adiantum  pedatum  ;  4,  Asplenium  trichomanes. 
— B.  Dendrobium  heterocarpum  (aureum),  and 
a  light  form  of  Cypripedium  Leeanum. — F.  G. 
Dendrobium  luteolum. 

Peach  Buds  Dropping  :  A'.  Y.  Z.  The  trouble 
has  been  caused  by  some  check.  It  is  gener- 
ally the  result  of  allowing  the  borders  to 
become  too  dry  during  the  winter. 

Pelargonium  Leaf  Spotted  :  F.  E.  S.  &•  Co. 
The  plants  are  attacked  by  Botrytis  cinerea. 
Spray  them  with  a  rose-coloured  solution  of 
permanganate  of  potash.  Admit  more  fresh 
air  into  the  structure  in  which  they  are  culti- 
vated. 

Pineapple  Nectarine  :  /.  D.  The  tree  is 
affected  with  "  silver-leaf  "  disease.  Not  much 
is  known  about  this  complaint,  but  it  has  been 
attributed  to  a  fungus,  Sterium  purpureum, 
which  is  said  to  enter  through  the  roots  and 


grow  upwards  into  the  stem.  It  has  been 
asserted  that  deleterious  substances  given  off 
by  the  fungus  are  carried  up  in  the  sap  to  the 
leaves,  and  there  act  in  a  disintegrating  man- 
ner upon  the  cells  of  the  leaf,  so  that  they 
become  widely  separated,  and  with  large  air 
spaces  between  them.  These  air  spaces  give 
the  pale  colour  to  the  foliage,  whence  the 
name  "  silver-leaf."  No  cure  for  the  disease 
is    known. 

Plants  for  Competition  :  Col.  R.  H  We  are 
unable  to  assist  you  in  this  matter. 

Potato  Scab  :  Wessex.  Both  sawdust  and  sea- 
weed are  to  be  recommended  for  preventing 
scab  in  Potatos.  The  main  cause  of  this  com- 
plaint is  the  placing  of  farmyard  manure  in 
the  rows  when  planting. 

Rose  Fortune's  Yellow:  A.  E.  S.  This  Rose, 
when  cultivated  under  glass,  may  be  termed 
evergreen,  and  when  close  pruning  is  not 
practised  after  flowering,  the  older  leaves  drop 
freely.  If  the  plant  is  allowed  to  become  dry 
at  the  roots,  or  a  too  dry  atmosphere  is  main- 
tained in  the  house,  the  leaves  on  the  current 
season's  flowering  shoots  will  drop.  The  plant 
should  be  well  watered  and  fed  with  manurial 
stimulants  during  the  season  of  active  growth 
and  flowering.  Cut  the  shoots  hard  back 
when  flowering  is  finished. 

Strawberries  :  W .  W.  There  is  no  disease  in 
the  plant,  although  it  has  failed  to  develop 
many  leaves  or  flowers.  The  trouble  must  be 
due  to  some  cultural  error,  which  only  a  per- 
son on  the  spot  could  determine. 

Tomatos  Diseased  :  G.  P.  The  plants  are 
affected  with  sleepy  disease  (Fusarium  lyco- 
persici).  The  fungus  which  causes  the  disease' 
flourishes  in  the  soil  and  enters  the  plant  by 
the  root.  During  its  development  it  passes 
through  three  stages,  the  first  of  which  usually 
lasts  about  a  week,  the  stem  at  the  end  of  that 
time  being  much  decayed  and  covered  with  a 
gelatinous  mass.  During  the  last  stage  the 
spores  are  resting  and  preparing  to  attack  the 
young  plants  another  year,  or  whenever  a  suit- 
able opportunity  presents  itself.  The  plant 
can  only  be  attacked  by  the  fungus  in  the  last 
stage  of  its  existence.  Diseased  plants  never 
recover,  and  therefore  no  attempt  to  save  the 
plant  is  successful.  As  the  disease  grows  in- 
side the  plant  it  is  useless  to  spray  with  a 
fungicide.  All  diseased  plants  should  be  up- 
rooted immediately  the  disease  is  noticed  and 
burned.  If  it  is  not  practicable  to  remove  the 
soil  in  which  the  plants  have  been  grown,  it 
should  receive  a  liberal  dressing  of  gas-lime. 
This  should  be  allowed  to  lie  on  the  surface 
for  10  days,  and  should  afterwards  be 
thoroughly  incorporated  with  the  soil.  After 
this  the  soil  should  remain  for  at  least  10 
weeks  before  anything  is  planted  in  it.  It 
should  be  soaked  with  water  once  a  week. 
Lime  should  be  mixed  with  the  soil  in  which 
Tomatos  are  grown. 

Tulips  Failing  to  Flower  :  /.  Be/is.  As  other 
varieties  have  succeeded  under  exactly  the 
same  conditions,  and  the  variety  you  mention 
failed  for  two  season's,  it  is  obvious  it  is  not 
suitable  for   forcing. 

Wild  Garlic  :  Macedcm.  Mow  the  Grass  very 
closely.  This  will  prevent  the  leaves  of  the 
Garlic  developing  and  thus  cause  a  check  to 
the  bulbs.  At  the  same  time  dress  the  land 
with  nitrogenous  manures,  which  will  favour 
the  development  of  the  Grasses,  so  that  in 
time  they  will  crowd  out  the  intruder. 

VVireworms  in  Soil:  /.  S.  The  larvae  may  be 
trapped  with  Potato  or  Beetroot  placed  in 
holes  and  covered  with  soil.  Mark  the 
position  of  the  traps  with  a  stick.  Superphos- 
phate applied  as  a  dressing  to  the  land  is  use- 
ful for  destroying  wireworm.  In  small  areas 
a  quarter  of  an  ounce  of  bisulphide  of  carbon 
applied  to  each  square  yard  of  soil  is  effec- 
tual in  combating  this  pest.  Vaporite  will 
also  destroy  wireworm  in  certain  condition's. 

Communications  Rf.ciiived.-S.  F.  W. — de  T4.r. — A.  D. — 
Louis    G.,   Brussels— H.   R.    W.,   Stuttgart-H.   M.   V.— • 
R.  I.  L.-T.  W.  C— W.  E.  G.— B.  L.— G.  W.  K.— G.  B.  L. 
W.  T.— Th.  H.  L.— E.  M.— W.  T.,  Carlisle  (next  week)  — 

T.  W.  C.  (next  week)-R.  Diimmer-W.  J.  B S.  W.  F.  , 

— T.  W.  B.— D.  R.  D— J.  R.  P.  &  S._ A.  C.  (Thanks  for 
Is.  sent  for  R.  G.  O.  F.l-H.  S.— W.  B.  H.— A.  C.  B.— 
W.  J.  W.  -W.  A.  C.-G.  W.-E.  C— J.  G.,  Eaton— F.  A. 

—J.  C G.  M.— D.  &  Co  — E.  W E.  R.— A.  S.— Mrs.  E. 

—A.  D.  W.— W.  D.— F.  M. 


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THE    GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


257 


THE 


NOt  1,165.— SATURDAY,  April  24,   1909, 


CONTENTS. 


Acetylene  gas  refuse  as 
a  manure         264 

Alpine  garden,  the — 
Red-flowering      Saxi- 
frages with  crusted 
foliage  258 

Ampelopsis,    an     ever- 
green      267 

Benevolent  Institution, 
Gardeners'  Royal      ...     265 

Books,  notices  of — 
Journal   of    the    Kew 

Guild 265 

Publications  received,    265 

Botanical     garden     in 
Java,  a 265 

Bulb  show  at  Hillegom    265 

Caraations,    perpetual- 
flowering  267 

Colonial  notes— 
An  experimental  sta- 
tion in  Montreal...     258 
li  e  neh  "garden,  notes 
from  a 2G6 

Garden  pictures,  an  ex- 
hibition of      265 

G  r  iselinia   littoralis, 
hardiness  of 267 

Iiilac,  grafting  the      ..      267 

N  uraery  notes- 
James  Veitch  &  Sons, 
Chelsea        266 

Obituary- 
Laird,  Samuel  ...    272 
Miller,  Willium        ...    271 


Orchid  notes  and  glean- 
ings- 

Odontoglossum  cris- 
pum  xant notes 
Mrs.  F.  M.  Ogilvie 

Pinus  muricata 

Poisonous    compounds, 

the  sale  of       

Rhododendrons  at  Tre- 

mough,  Cornwall     ... 
Rosary,  the— 

Fragrant  Roses 
Societies — 

Cornwall  Daffodil  and 
Spring  Flower 

Devon  Daffodil  and 
Spring  Flower 

Royal  Horticultural... 
Spring  flowers    in    the 

Maritime  Alps 
Tap    union,  an    adjust- 
able       ...         

Tmvn  planting 

Vacant  lands  as  gardens 
Vanda  ccerulea,  a  fine 

specimen  of    

Week's  work,  the  — 

Flower  garden,  the  ... 

Fruits  under  glass  ... 

Hardy  fruit  garden  ... 

Kitchen  garden,  the  . 

Orchid  houses,  the 

Plants  under  glass    ... 

Public  parks  and  gar. 
dens 


257 

260 

265 
267 
259 


■271 
267 


265 
262 

267 


263 
262 

263 

■.(;■.! 
■  B  I 
26S 


271 
269 
258 


WHE> 


ILLUSTRATIONS. 

Miller,  William,  the  late         

Odontoglossum  x  Theodora 

Odontoglossum  xanthotes  Mrs.  F.  M.  Ogilvie 

Pinus  muricata  in  the  Royal  Gardens,  Kew,  259  ;  foliage 
and  male  inflorescence  of,  260  ;  branch  with  cones 

Vanda  ccerulea,  a  fine  plant  of  (Supplementary  Illus- 
tration). 


SPRING    IN    THE    MARITIME 
ALPS. 

rHEN  Mons.  Eraile  Burnat  undertook 
lie  compilation  of  that  great  work, 
the  Flore  dps  Alpes  Maritim.es, 
which  will  be  one  of  the  very  finest  and  most 
reliable  European  Floras,  he  wisely  included 
not  only  the  range  of  mountains,  partly  in 
Italy  and  partly  in  France,  commonly  called 
the  Maritime  Alps,  but  also  the  adjoining 
French  Department  of  Alpes  Maritimes. 

Napoleon  fixed  the  limit  between  the  Mari- 
time and  the  Ligurian  Alps  at  the  Col 
d'Altaire,  under  which  passes  the  railway 
from  Turin  to  Savona ;  and  this  opinion  was 
endorsed  by  the  Italian  Geographical  Con- 
gress of  1892,  because  the  pass  forms  the 
most  clearly-defined  depression  in  the  ranges 
round  the  Gulf  of  Gei.oa,  and,  as  remarked 
by  the  great  botanist  and  mountaineer,  John 
Ball,  in  his  celebrated  Alpine  Guide,  there 
are  geological  reasons  which  favour  this 
arrangement. 

The  truly  Alpine  district  west  of  this  pass 
is  separated  from  the  lower  Ligurian  moun- 


tains, which  are  more  Apennine  in  character, 
by  the  famous  Col  di  Tenda,  over  which  the 
great  road  runs  from  Nice  to  Cuneo  and 
Turin.  This  Alpine  region  may  be  called  the 
Argentera  district,  after  the  Punta  dell'  Ar- 
gentera  (10,883  feet),  the  highest  point  of  the 
whole  range ;  but  there  are  many  peaks  which 
rise  to  9,000  and  10,000  feet. 

The  Chestnut  zone  in  the  Maritime  Alps 
has  the  most  varied  flora,  because  many  plants 
of  the  distinct  Mediterranean  group  are  found 
growing  side  by  side  with  those  which  have 
descended  from  the  mountains,  in  addition  to 
many  which  are  only  found  in  this  particular 
zone. 

The  Maritime  Alps  have  the  advantage  of 
being  accessible  perhaps  a  month  earlier  in 
summer  and  later  in  autumn  than  the  Swiss 
Alps.  Visitors  to  the  French  or  Italian 
Riviera  in  spring,  which  is  at  its  best  in  April 
and  May,  especially  from  the  point  of  view  of 
vegetation,  could  not  do  better  than  return 
via  the  Col  di  Tenda  to  Turin,  and  spend  a 
week  at  that  charming  spot,  San  Dalmazzo 
di  Tenda,  on  the  way. 

From  the  Italian  side  of  the  frontier,  say, 
from  San  Remo  or  Bordighera,  or  nearer 
Genoa,  one  might  spend  an  intermediate  week 
both  pleasantly  and  profitably,  as  far  as 
plants  are  concerned,  at  one  of  the  picturesque 
hill  villages  of  Liguria,  such  as  Pigna  or 
Bajardo.  Pigna  is  prettily  situated  l,(M)')feet 
above  Bordighera,  among  Olives  and  Sweet 
Chestnuts.  The  Chestnuts  begin  to  appear 
about  400  feet  above  the  sea,  and  extend  to 
3,000  feet  on  Monte  Toraggio.  At  this  alti- 
tude their  place  is  taken  by  Pines,  which,  in 
their  turn,  give  way  to  Larches,  which  mount 
the  summits  of  the  mountains.  The  top  limit 
of  Olive  trees  is  about  1,800  feet  in  this  dis- 
trict. Visitors  should  take  with  them  Air. 
Bicknell's  excellent  little  Flora  of  Sun  Remo 
and  Bordighera  (1896). 

Pteris  cretica  is  well  established  on  the 
banks  of  a  stream  near  Pigna.  Though  this 
Fern  is  found  in  Asia.  Abyssinia  and  America, 
in  Europe  it  is  chiefly  confined  to  Italy,  Sar- 
dinia. Sicily  and  Crete.  C'heilanthes  odora  is 
another  Mediterranean  Fern  frequently  seen 
in  the  district.  The  three  handsome  Lilies. 
L.  croceum,  L.  pomponium  and  L.  Martagon, 
occasionally  adorn  some  of  the  grassy  slopes 
in  this  neighbourhood,  L.  pomponium  growing 
even  at  a  height  of  0,000  feet  on  some  of  the 
mountains. 

Monte  Toraggio,  though  not  more  than 
6,400  feet,  is  a  fine  rugged  mass,  beautifully 
proportioned,  and  it  lends  itself  to  exquisite 
effects  of  colour.  The  lower  slopes  are 
covered  with  dense  thickets  of  Oak  and  brush- 
wood. Some  of  the  wooded  valleys  remind 
one  of  the  combes  of  Exmoor  or  the  Quantock 
Hills;  but  they  are  deeper  and  more  exten- 
sive. At  5,000  feet  are  the  highest  "  alps  " — 
an  alp  is  a  mountain  pasture  used  in  summer. 
Early  in  June,  before  these  alps  are  mown, 
they  are  bedecked  with  Gentians,  Anemones, 
Cerinthe  minor,  Orchis  globosa,  O.  ustulata, 
and  O.  sambucina,  Narcissus  poeticus,  Pedi- 
cularis  comosa  and  P.  gyroflexa,  and  a  host 
of  other  brilliant  flowers.  On  the  highest 
slopes  grow  great  patches  of  Pasony  (P.  pere- 
grina  Mill.)  and  the  mauve  flowers  of  Aster 
alpinus.  On  the  rocks  above  grow  various 
Saxifrages,  including  the  endemic  Saxifraga 
cochlearis  and  the  still  more  beautiful  S.  lin- 
gulata. 


But  the  Tenda  district  is  of  most  interest 
to  botanists.  San  Dalmazzo,  beautifully  situ- 
ated at  the  junction  of  two  lateral  valleys 
with  the  main  valley,  is  the  place  to  stay  at. 
It  can  be  reached  on  the  south  from  either 
Nice  or  the  frontier  town  of  Ventimiglia, 
whence  the  drive  up  the  long  Roya  valley  is 
shorter,  and  the  main  Tenda  road  is  joined  at 
Breil.  If  economy  be  an  object,  a  somewhat 
primitive  diligence  may  be  taken  the  whole 
distance  for  three  francs.  The  drive  from  Ven- 
timiglia occupies  six  hours,  but  the  route  is 
very  interesting,  especially  to  the  artist, 
botanist,  and  geologist.  The  fact  that  the 
Franco-Italian  frontier  is  very  irregular,  so 
that  one  must  pass  from  Italy  into  France  and 
vice  versa  several  times,  adds  to  the  interest. 
The  narrow  Gorge  of  Saorge,  which  the  river 
has  cut  out  of  the  limestone,  is  a  prominent 
feature  in  the  landscape.  In  June  some  of 
the  rocks  are  festooned  with  the  wax-like 
blossoms  of  Saxifraga  cochlearis ;  while  Alys- 
sum  halimifolium  is  abundant  by  the  roadside. 

The  hotel  at  San  Dalmazzo  is  new,  and  the 
rooms  are  good  and  clean.  A  step  across  the 
road  leads  into  the  shade  of  an  ancient  Chest- 
nut grove,  with  brilliant  flowers  on  all  sides. 
These  comprise  various  Campanulas,  Astrari- 
tia  major,  Thalictrum  minus,  Epipaetis  atro- 
rubens,  and  Cephalanthera  rubra  2  feet  high, 
bpipactis  atrorubens  seems  to  hybridise  freely 
here  with  E.  latifolia.  The  rocks  by  the  road- 
side above  the  hotel  are  the  home  df  Pinks  and 
Helianthemums  of  different  species,  l.ilium 
croceum  and  the  white-rayed  Orlaya  grandi- 
flora.  Below  the  hotel  across  the  river  are 
screes  and  limestone  cliffs,  where  many 
rare  plants  are  found,  including  Micromeria 
Piperella,  Asperula  hexaphylla,  Tin  m. •lea 
dioica,  Potentilla  saxifraga,  and  Mcehringia. 
Among  the  thickets  and  rocks  above  the  road 
to  Briga  the  handsome  spikes  of  Delphinium 
fissum  rear  their  heads,  but,  fortunately,  are 
not  easily  found.  Telephium  Imperati,  that 
puzzler  to  systematic  botanists,  grows  on  the 
roadside  wall  and  among  the  broken  lime- 
stone. It  has  for  companions  the  handsome 
Inula  montana,  the  woolly  Micropus  erectus, 
Trigonella  monspeliaea,  T.  gladiata,  whose 
strong  scent  in  the  herbarium  is  so  powerful, 
Frvum  nigricans,  the  elegant  Vicia  onobry- 
chioides,  and  manv  other  sun-loving  plants 
H.  S.  r. 

(To  be  continued.!. 


ORCHID    NOTES   AND    GLEANINGS. 


ODONTOGLOSSUM  CRISPUM 
XANTHOTES  MRS.  F.   M.   OGILVIE. 

A  small,  undeveloped  plant  of  Odontoglos- 
sum crispum  xanthotes  in  Mrs.  Ogilvie's  garden 
has  proved  to  be  one  of  the  most  gorgeous  varie- 
ties of  xanthotes  that  has  yet  been  seen.  It  has 
been  named  after  Mrs.  F.  M.  Ogilvie.  Imagine 
a  snow-white  bloom  with  finely-formed  over- 
lapping petals,  and  place  upon  the  sepals  three 
twin  coalescent  blotches  of  the  most  brilliant 
orange-yellow  with  a  large  oblong  ovate  lip 
carrying  a  large  similar  blotch  and  some  spots, 
and  you  have  a  mind's  picture  of  this  lovely 
variety.  In  addition,  the  channel  and  column 
are  similarly  marked. 

The  title  "  Bonnyanum  xanthotes  "  would  ex- 
actly fit  the  plant.  The  illustration  in  fig.  110 
affords  a  good  idea  of  the  flower.  de  B. 
Crawshay. 


258 


THE    GARDENERS'      CHRONICLE. 


[April  24,  1909. 


COLONIAL     NOTES. 


♦AN    EXPERIMENTAL   STATION   IN 
MONTREAL. 

In  Montreal  and  vicinity  there  are  about  one- 
lialf  million  square  feet  under  glass  devoted  to 
commercial  floriculture  and  vegetable  forcing. 
It  is  not  necessary  for  me  to  state  that  a 
number  of  problems  of  great  interest  to 
florists  could  be  worked  out  at  considerable 
saving  to  the  trade  at  some  suitable  place 
erected  for  the  purpose.  So  far  as  I  know,  no  aid 
has  been  sought  for  such  work  in  this  province. 
Yet  you  have  at  your  service,  without  any  cost 
and  without  any  effort  on  your  part,  a  range  of 
greenhouses  thoroughly  up-to-date  in  every  par- 
ticular, given  by  Sir  Wm.  C.  Macdonald,  of 
your  city,  and  situated  at  Macdonald  College, 
P.Q.,  where  experiments  in  your  interests  are 
conducted.  This  is  a  gift  of  which  florists  and 
gardeners  should  be  proud,  for  we  shall  now  be 
able  to  keep  pace  with  those  engaged  in  similar 
work  in  parts  of  America,  and  who  receive  more 
or  less  State,  or  provincial  aid. 

Our  houses  are  well  known  to  most  of  you. 
They  "comprise  four  100-feet  houses  built 
in  block,  with  glass  partitions 
dividing  each  span  of  21§  feet, 
and  these  houses  are  again 
divided,  giving  eight  divisions, 
each  under  thermostatic  con- 
trol. What  was  in  mind  when 
developing  the  plan  was  to 
assist  those  who  intend  to 
make  a  living  by  cultivating 
plants  under  glass,  so  that  they 
will  be  able  to  get  the  largest 
possible  crop  at  the  least  pos- 
sible expense,  and  thus  supply 
plants  at  the  lowest  rate.  In 
order  to  conduct  effective  ex- 
periments, crops  must  be 
grown  on  a  commercial  scale, 
and  marketed  in  a  commercial 
manner.  A  considerable  quan- 
tity of  each  crop  must  b&  pro- 
duced and  placed  upon  the 
market.  This  process  must  be 
continued  for  a  number  of 
years,  in  order  that  reliable  in- 
formation may  be  obtained. 
In  our  experiments  the  busi- 
ness end  is  kept  always  in 
view,  not  by  assuming  what 
we  might  have  got,  but  by  ac- 
tually placing  our  produce  on 
the  market  and  competing 
with  growers  in  general.  It 
always  seemed  to  me  that 
many  of  the  provincial  and 
State-aided  experiment  sta- 
tions cut  off  their  work  at  the 
business  end,  simply  because 
some  grower  feels  that  to  place 
such  goods  on  the  market  would  infringe  on  his 
business.  The  idea  is  entirely  wrong  from  every 
standpoint.  It  is  possible  to  abuse  the  practice, 
but  if  honestly  carried  out  no  one  suffers. 

The  only  fault  I  can  find  with  the  greenhouses 
is  that  they  are  only  about  half  large  enough  to 
carry  on  efficient  work.  As  an  educational  in- 
stitution we  have  to  devote  considerable  space  to 
demonstration  and  for  the  practice  of  students. 

Our  intention  at  the  start  was  to  erect  several 
styles  of  construction,  but  on  close  investigation 
it  was  decided  that  the  difference  in  form  of  up- 
to-date  construction,  so  far  as  utility  goes,  is 
slight,  and  that  a  whole  range  of  uniform  con- 
struction, such  as  the  average  grower  might  put 
up,  would  be  more  valuable. 

Possibly,  our  experiments  to  determine  some 
of  the  best  styles  of  bench  are  the  first  of  the 
kind.  We  have  the  solid  side  benches,  2^  feet 
high,  in  some  cases  filled  with  earth  up  to  the 
cultivated  soil,  in  other  cases  with  rough  excava- 

*  Extracts  from  an  address  by  Prof.  W.  S.  Blair 
(Macdonald  College,  P.Q.).  before  the  Montreal  Gardeners' 
■anil  Florists'  Club. 


tion  stone,  and  in  others  with  cinders.  Some  of 
the  benches  have  2g  feet  sides,  with  openings  into 
2^-ineh  tiles,  laid  closely  together  below  the 
bench  soil,  and  below  these  again  there  is  simply 
soil,  excavation  stone  or  cinders.  In  other 
benches  with  2^  feet  sides  there  are  4-inch  open- 
ings in  line  4  inches  apart,  and  18  inches  below 
the  top  of  the  bench,  leading  into  the  excavation 
rock  or  cinder,  which  fills  the  centre  of  the  bed. 
There  are  low  benches,  with  simply  8-inch  cop- 
ing,  and  also  elevated  benches.  These  benches 
are  arranged  differently  in  various  houses.  The 
object  is  to  determine  the  most  suitable  style  of 
bench  for  different  crops,  and  the  best  arrange- 
ment of  these  benches  in  the  house. 

In  the  construction  of  the  benches,  we  aimed 
to  take  up  as  little  space  as  possible  with  the 
thickness  of  the  bench  sides.  The  benches  are 
all  made  of  cinder  concrete,  reinforced  with  wire. 
The  bench  sides,  except  of  the  elevated  benches, 
were  made  of  cement  slabs,  3  inches  thick  at  the 
bottom,  and  2  inches  at  the  top  ;  they  are  2  feet 
8  inches  wide,  and  5|  feet  long.  These  were 
made  on  the  flat,  and  electric  weld  wire  placed  in 
the  middle  of  the  slab,  allowing  4  inches  to  pro- 
ject at  each  end  of  the  slab.     After  they  were 


tions.  Experiments  for  the  purpose  of  getting 
more  definite  information  as  to  the  physical  pro- 
perty of  soils  best  suited  to  greenhouse  crops  will 
be  commenced  as  soon  as  possible. 

The  best  time  for  benching  up  different  crops 
has  not  been  determined  in  our  northern  dis- 
tricts, therefore  we  intend  to  devote  some  time 
to  the  subject.  The  selection  of  cuttings  from 
the  most  productive  plants  in  order  to  increase 
the  yield  will  be  studied  from  a  commercial  basis. 
If  florists  are  shown  by  concrete  experiments  an 
increase  in  bloom  equal  to  25  cents  a  plant  they 
will  surely  pay  some  attention  to  this  important 
matter.  Then  we  have  the  problem  of  getting 
pure  fresh  air  into  our  houses  during  the  cold 
winter  months,  when  no  ventilators  can  be 
opened.  The  question  of  the  amount  of  moisture 
in  the  air  during  the  winter  months  is  also 
worthy  of  study. 

Experiments  to  determine  the  temperature  at 
which  we  can  develop  different  crops  most 
economically  during  winter  is  one  on  whrh 
several  thousand  dollars  could  profitably  be  ex- 
pended. 

There  are  countless  experiments  that  may  be 
expected  to  throw  light  on  problems  connected 
with  commercial  horticulture.  But  limited  space, 
the  need  for  continuing  each  experiment  over  a 
number  of  years,  and  the  fact  that  several  dif- 
ferent experiments  cannot  be  conducted  at  one 
time  in  the  same  house,  will  operate  to  make 
progress  in  such  matters  less  quick  than  we  could 
desire. 


FlG.  1 10. — ODONTOGLOSSUM  XANTHOTES  VAR.  MRS.  F.  M.  OGILVIE. 
(See  page  257.) 


well  set,  they  were  lifted  and  taken  to  the  house, 
set  in  place,  and  the  wire  at  the  ends  hooked  to- 
gether. Thin  concrete  was  then  run  in  between 
the  joints  by  putting  up  boards  to  hold  it,  and 
the  whole  braced  on  the  inside  by  an  occasional 
cement    beam   to   prevent   spreading. 

We  have  not  been  long  enough  at  the  work  to 
give  any  information  on  the  relative  merit  of 
these  benches,  but  hope  to  do  so  in  course  of  time. 

The  question  of  the  best  soil  for  greenhouses 
will  receive  our  attention.  An  experiment  that 
we  propose  to  take  up  is  the  growing  of  a  crop 
on  the  benches,  principally  in  the  summer,  for 
the  purpose  of  leaving  fibrous  roots  in  the  soil, 
and  by  having  a  rotation  of  crops,  save  renewing 
the  bench  soil  so  often.  This  is  impracticable 
with  some  crops,  but  it  seems  possible  that 
quick-growing,  heat-loving  plants  may  be  so 
treated. 

The  physical  condition  of  the  soil  for  various 
crops  has  not  received  the  attention  the  subject 
deserves ;  in  this  connection  we  intend  to  make 
experiments  in  which  the  soil  has  been  incor- 
porated with  chopped  alfalfa  in  varying  propor- 


THE  ALPINE   GARDEN. 


WITH 


RED-FLOWERING      SAXIFRAGAS 
CRUSTED    FOLIAGE. 

From  the  European  Alps  and  Pyrenees  there 
have  been  obtained  a  few  interesting  members  of 
the  genus  Saxifraga,  which  form  a  distinct  sec- 
tion, having  crusted  leaves  and  red  flowers.  Red 
flowers  are  not  uncommon  in  this  genus ;  they 
are  to  be  found  in  the  oppositifolia  group,  as  well 
as  in  those  species  belonging  to  the  Megasea  sec- 
tion. These  few  species,  however,  combine 
crusted  foliage,  red  flowers  and  partly  red  stems, 
and  are  placed  by  Engler  in  the  section 
"  Kabschia,"  which  includes  such  well-known 
garden  plants  as  S.  Burseriana  and  S.  apiculata. 
They  are  all  somewhat  similar  in  habit,  and  in 
the  form  of  their  flowers,  the  principal  dif- 
ferences between  the  species  being  found  in  the 
foliage  and  inflorescences.  They  might  well  be 
considered  widely-divergent  geographical  forms 
of  one  variable  species ;  but,  for  garden  pur- 
poses, they  are  distinct.  Given  a  well-drained, 
sunny  position,  in  stony  soil,  they  are  quite 
hardy  on  the  rockery ;  but,  like  many  early- 
flowering  Saxifragas,  may  be  seen  to  better  ad- 
vantage when  grown  in  pans  and  given  the  shel- 
ter of  a  cold  house  when  in  flower. 

The  five  species  comprising  the  group  may  be 
divided  naturally  into  two  sections,  three  having 
a  spicate  or  subspicate  inflorescence,  while  the 
other  two  have  branching  ones : — 


Spicate  or  Subspicate 
Inflorescence. 


S.  porophylla 

S.  Frederici-Augusti  (thessalica) 

8.  Grisebachii 


Branching 
Inflorescence. 


S.  media  (calyciflora) 
S.  Stribnryi 


It  seems  strange  that  the  two  with  branching 
inflorescences  should  form  the  two  geographical 
extremities  of  the  group,  S.  media  being  found 
in  the  Pyrenees,  while  S.  Stribnryi  comes  from 
Bulgaria. 

S.  porophylla. — This  species  is  a  native  of 
the  Italian  Alps,  where  it  is  found  growing  on 
calcareous  rocks.  The  plant  forms  rosettes  of 
mostly    spathulate    leaves,     one-half    to     three- 


April  24,  1909.] 


THE    GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


259 


quarters  of  an  inch  in  diameter,  and  produces 
flower-stems  2  to  3  inches  high.  These  are 
densely  villous  and  glandular.  They  are  coloured 
red  toward  the  top,  like  the  flowers,  which  are 
sometimes  shortly  pedicillate,  and  somewhat 
bell-shaped,  with  a  contracted  mouth,  while  the 
calyx  is  large  and  almost  encloses  the  corolla. 

S.  Frederici-Augusti  (S.  thessalica). — This 
species  is  evidently  the  more  eastern  form  of  S. 
porophylla,  of  which  it  is  sometimes  quoted  as 
a  synonym.  It  is  found  in  Greece  and  Mace- 
donia. This  species  differs  from  S.  porophylla 
in  having  narrow,  acute,  strap-shaped  leaves,  in 
dense  rosettes,  one-half  to  three-quarters  of  an 
inch  in  diameter;  they  have  chalk  pits  on  their 
margins.  The  flower-stems  in  both  species  are 
about  the  same  in  height,  but  in  S.  Frederici- 
Augusti  the  flowers  are  almost  sessile.  The 
plant  flowers  towards  the  end  of  April.  The 
name     Frederici-Augusti     was    one    of     several 


is  figured  in  the  Gardeners'  Chronicle,  February 
21,  1903,  p.  123.  There  is  a  variety  in  cultiva- 
tion with  flowers  having  longer  pedicels  than  the 
type. 

S.  media  (S.  calyciflora). — A  native  of  the 
Pyrenees,  where  it  grows  on  high,  calcareous 
rocks.  The  leaves  are  slightly  spathulate  and 
acute.  The  flower-stems  are  about  3  inches  high, 
and  bear  a  corymbosely-branched  inflorescence, 
having  flowers  on  relatively  long  pedicels.  The 
stems,  branches  and  sepals  are  covered  with 
glandular  hairs,  and  in  this  species  also  the 
calyx  is  larger  than  the  corolla.  S.  media  is 
figured  in  the  Botanical  Magazine,  t.  7315. 

S.  Stribnrvi. — This  is  a  recent  introduction, 
having  been  received  from  the  Belgrade  Botanic 
Gardens  by  Mr.  Farrar.  At  Kew  it  came  up 
amongst  seeds  of  S.  Grisebachii,  which  seems  to 
show  that  the  two  plants  grow  together. 
Although  only  lately  introduced  to  cultivation,  it 


S.  Bertolonii. — This  plant  was  distributed 
by  Mr.  F.  Sundermann,  of  Linden,  as  a  hybrid 
between  S.  Frederici-Augusti  and  S.  porophylla, 
but  it  has  more  the  appearance  of  a  cross  be- 
tween Frederici-Augusti  and  S.  Grisebachii.  It 
is  identical  with  the  variety  with  longer  pedicels 
which  appeared  amongst  seedlings  of  S.  Grise- 
bachii. The  stem  is  red,  with  green-tipped 
bracts,  and  the  inflorescence  is  nodding.     W.  I. 


THE    ROSARY. 


FRAGRANT    ROSES. 

I  have  always  regarded  the  want  of  fragrance 
in  a  Rose,  however  beautiful  it  may  be  in  colour 
and  form,  as  a  serious  defect.  Such  Roses,  for 
example,  as  Baroness  Rothschild,   Spenser,  and 


Fig.  hi. — pinus  muricata,  with  spreading  habit,  in  royal  gardens,  kew. 

(See  page  260.) 


[Photograph  by  E.  J.  Wallis, 


formerly  wrongly  applied  to  the  yellow-flowered 
S.  apiculata. 

S.  Grisebachii  (S.  media  var.  montenegrina). 
— This  Macedonian  species  is  undoubtedly  the 
finest  plant  in  the  group,  and  is  a  valuable  gar- 
den plant,  flowering  in  March  or  sometimes 
earlier.  The  silvery  leaves  are  produced  in 
handsome  rosettes  2  to  2i  inches  in  diameter, 
while  the  stems  reach  a  height  of  9  inches  or  even 
more.  At  the  top  is  the  nodding  inflorescence 
of  purplish-crimson  flowers,  having  yellow  sta- 
mens. The  coloured  stems  are  furnished  with 
green-tipped,  bract-like  leaves,  and  are  covered 
vith  white  hairs.  The  flowers  remain  attractive 
for  a  long  time  before  they  gradually  lose 
their  brilliant  colouring.  This  plant  was  given 
an  Award  of  Merit  at  a  meeting  of  the  Royal 
Horticultural  Society  in  the  spring  of  1903,  and 


was  found  by  Stribnrv,  after  whom  it  is  named, 
on  the  rocky  mountains  of  Backovo,  in  Bulgaria, 
in  1893.  The  rosettes  of  leaves  are  similar  to 
those  of  S.  Grisebachii,  while  the  inflorescence 
resembles  that  of  S.  media,  but  it  is  more 
branched.  The  whole  stem,  branches  and 
flowers  are  covered  with  glandular  hairs,  and 
more  or  less  tinged  with  red. 

There  are  several  recorded  hybrids  of  these 
species,  three  occurring  in  the  Pyrenees  between 
S.  media  X   S.  aretioides,  viz.  :  — 

S.  ambigua. — Nearest  to  S.  media,  with  sepals 
and  petals  red. 

S.  Lapeyrousei. — Nearest  to  S.  aretioides, 
with  green  sepals  and  yellow  petals. 

S.  luteo-purpurea. — Intermediate  between 
the  parents.     It  has  red  sepals  and  3Tellow  petals. 


Her  Majesty,  however  attractive  in  other 
respects,  lose  a  great  deal  in  the  estimation  of 
many  persons  by  their  lack  of  this  attribute. 
To  my  mind  perfume  in  a  flower  is  almost  as- 
valuable  as  colour.  There  are  many  cultivators 
who  hold  the  opinion  that  Roses  which  have  not, 
in  some  degree,  the  essential  element  of  fragrance- 
are  not  worth  cultivating.  It  is  much  to  be 
regretted  that  some  of  our  finest  dark  crimson 
varieties,  such,  for  example,  as  Duke  of  Edin- 
burgh and  its  numerous  variations,  have  so  little 
attractiveness  in  this  special  direction.  The 
extinction  of  such  scentless  pale  pink  Roses  as 
those  which  I  have  indicated  need  not  be 
regretted  so  long  as  we  possess  more  decided' 
pink  varieties  of  a  widely  different  description, 
such  as  Mrs.  Sharman  Crawford,  Mrs.  John- 
Lping,  and  Mme.  Gabriel  Luizet. 


2oQ 


THE     GARDENERS     CHRONICLE. 


[April  24,  1909. 


Most  of  the  hybrid  perpetual  Roses  have 
fragrance,  many  of  them,  however,  only  to  a 
limited  extent.  Among  the  sweetest  of  these  are 
Marie  Banmann,  Beauty  of  Waltham,  Crown 
Prince,  and  Captain  Hayward.  The  last-named 
variety  was  raised  by  Henry  Bennet,  and  is, 
perhaps,  the  most  richly  fragrant  of  them  all. 
.Mr.  Cranston's  Crimson  Bedder,  which  I  culti- 
vate in  my  garden,  is  a  beautiful,  luxuriant,  and 
fragrant  Rose.  Most  of  the  China,  Moss,  and 
Provence  varieties  possess  a  delicate  aroma. 
Among  these  may  be  mentioned  Mme.  Laurette 

Messimy,    i en     Mali,    and     Duke     of     York; 

Cramoisie  Superieure,  Anne  Marie  de  Montravel 
(sweetest  in  my  estimation  of  the  dwarf  Poly- 
;  ill  lias,  and  possessing  an  odour  peculiarly  its 
own).  White  Bath  and  Blanche  Moreau,  the 
queens  of  the  Moss  section;  and  the  eminently 
beautiful  Crested  Moss.  Very  fragrant  alike  in 
flower  and  foliage  are  the  Austrian,  Persian,  and 
Penzance  Briars.  The  Penzance  Briars  are  fas- 
cinating long  after  they  have  ceased  to  bloom. 

Nearly  all  the  finest  Noisettes  and  Teas  have  a 
fragrance  which  is  at  once  delicate  and  refined. 
Of  the  former  may  be  instanced  LTdeal, 
Lamarque,  and  the  superb  Marechal  Niel.  Of 
luhrid  Noisettes,  by  far  the  sweetest  (and  most 
profuse  in  flowering)  is  Mme.  Alfred  Carriere. 
The  perfume  of  Gloire  de  Dijon  is  very  pleasing  ; 
so  also  is  that  of  Bouquet  d'Or  and  Belle  Lyon- 
naise  Of  Tea  Roses,  perhaps  the  most  attrac- 
tively fragrant  are  Souvenir  d'un  Ami,  and  Sou- 
venir de  S.  A.  Prince.  Niphetos  and  Mme.  Bravy 
have  exquisite  perfume,  while  Catherine  Mermet. 
Bridesmaid,  the  Bride,  and  Muriel  Grahame  have 
a  fragrance  of  a  very  peculiar  character, 
resembling  that  of  a  ripe  Peach.  The  most 
odorous  of  the  Bourbon  Roses  are  Mrs.  Paul, 
Acidale,  and  Mme.  Isaac  Pereire.  The  variety 
Mrs.  Paul  was  raised  at  Cheshunt  in  1891.  It  is 
very  vigorous  ;  the  flowers  are  unique  in  colour, 
and  have  a  perfume  resembling  that  of  the 
variety  named  after  "Viscountess  Folkestone. 

The  most  fragrant  of  all  Roses  are  the  hybrid 
Teas.  The  most  fascinating  are  La  France, 
Caroline  Testout,  Cheshunt  Hybrid,  Duchess 
of  Albany,  Camoens,  Viscountess  Folkestone, 
Lady  Mary  Fitzwilliam,  White  Lady,  Bessie 
Brown,  and  Reine  Marie  Henriette.  David  B. 
Williamson. 


a  stout  spine.  The  most  interesting  fea- 
ture about  the  cones  is  the  length  of 
time  they  remain  on  the  branches.  Some 
of  the  trees  at  Kew  bear  cones  which  must 
have  developed  more  than  a  quarter  of  a  century 
ago.       Other    Pines    have    the    same    character, 


that  frequently  ravage  the  forest  regions  of  the 
Far  West.  The  cones  have  undoubtedly  the 
power  to  preserve  the  seeds  alive  during  a  con- 
flagration of  this  kind,  and  then,  by  releasing 
them,  to  enable  a  new  generation  to  rise  on  the 
ashes  of  the  old  trees.     But  it  requires  a  larger 


PINUS  MURICATA. 

There  are  few  more  interesting  hardy  Conifers 
than  Pinus  muricata,  and  this  in  spite  of  the 
fact  that  as  a  tree  to  grow  for  ornament  it  is  not, 
perhaps,  in  the  very  first  rank,  nor  in  stateliness 
of  growth  does  it  equal  such  species  as  P.  Laricio 
or  P.  Coulteri.  It  will  thrive  in  positions  where 
most  members  of  its  tribe  would  die,  even  in 
exposed  places  in  the  Channel  Islands,  where  it 
has  to  withstand  the  effects  of  salt  laden  winds. 
In  inland  situations  it  forms  a  dense  and  rather 
bushy  tree  with  a  thick,  rugged  trunk.  In  its 
native  habitat  in  the  coast  regions  of  California 
it  grows,  according  to  Sargent,  usually  40  to  50 
feet  high,  and  occasionally  it  rises  to  twice  that 
height.  Its  power  of  withstanding  sea  winds, 
under  cultivation  in  the  British  Isles,  is  an  in- 
herited one,  for,  according  to  the  same  authority, 
it  often  occupies  positions  "  on  steep  bluffs  and 
bold  headlands  in  full  sweep  of  the  ocean  spray." 
Pinus  muricata  was  first  introduced  to  Europe  by 
Hartweg,  in  1846,  although  it  had  been  dis- 
covered by  Coulter  15  years  previously. 

The  leaves  are  produced  in  pairs,  each  pair 
being  clasped  at  the  base  by  a  persistent  sheath 
^  inch  long;  the  leaves  are  from  4  to  7  inches 
long.  The  cones  measure  from  2^  to  3J,  inches  in 
length  ;  they  are  ovoid  in  the  main,  but  often 
oblique  through  the  restricted  development  of 
the  less  exposed  side;  the  scales  are  armed  with 


Fig.  ii2. — pinus  muricata:   foliage  and  male  inflorescence  nat. 

STAMEN    AND    POLLEN    GRAIN    MAGNIFIED. 


notably  P.  insignia  and  P.  tuberculata,  but  nono 
perhaps  so  strikingly  as  P.  muricata.  The  theory 
has  been  advanced  that  this  character  has  tctJi 
evolved  to  enable  the  species  to  survive  the  fires 


that 


faith  than  some  of  us  possess  to  accept  all 
is  implied  in  the  theory. 

The  illustration  (in  fig.   Ill)  of  a  single  speci- 
men   growing    at    Kew    in    the    vicinity    of    the 


April  24,  1909  ] 


THE     GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


2G1 


Pagoda  shows  this  Pine  in  an  unusual  and,  1 
think,  attractive  form.  It  has  assumed  a  low- 
spreading  shape,  and  although  the  tree  is  of  con- 
siderable age  it  is  at  its  tallest  only  10  feet  high. 
The  branches  spread  over  the  ground  30  feet  or 
more  and  form  an  irregular  mass  of  rich,  ever- 
green foliage  of  a  pleasing  and  uncommon  aspect, 
although  quite  the  opposite  of  a  typical  well-grown 


tree.  It  is  in  perfect  health,  and  its  curious  mode 
of  growth  is  no  doubt  due  to  the  attacks  (at  an 
early  stage  of  its  career)  of  a  boring  larva  which 
kills  many  of  the  winter  buds  and  thus  prevents 
the  formation  of  a  leading  growth  and  induces  an 
excessive  branching.  The  process  is  analogous 
to  the  well-known  practice  of  cultivators,  who 
"  pinch  "    the    growths    of    many    plants    when 


young,  to  make  them  assume  a  bushy  habit. 
During  a  visit  to  the  Edinburgh  Botanic  Garden  I 
was  shown  a  similar  instance  in  the  case  of 
Deodar.  A  group  of  Deodars,  planted  many 
years  ago,  now  form  a  spreading  mass  only  a  few 
feet  high  and  make  a  very  pleasing  effect.  lit 
this  case,  I  believe,  the  leading  growths  were 
originally  destroyed  by  rabbits.     IF.  J .  Sea  n . 


Fig.  113.— branch  of  pinus  muricata  bearing  cones  which  remain  attached  for  many  years. 


262 


THE     GARDENERS'    CHRONICLE. 


[April  24,  1909. 


TOWN    PLANTING. 

(Continued  from  page  220.) 
Trees  intended  for  planting  in  towns,  and 
especially  alongside  streets  and  footpaths,  should 
be  specially  prepared  in  the  matter  of  trans- 
planting and  pruning.  As  tree  guards  are 
a  necessity  in  protecting  trees  by  the 
sides  of  streets,  the  trees  must  have  their 
stems  free  of  branches,  therefore  the  buds 
and  branches  on  the  stems,  for  a  distance  of  6  or 
7  feet,  need  to  be  removed,  whilst  surplus  lead- 
ing shoots  and  ungainly  branches  should  at  the 
same  time  receive  attention  in  pruning.  The  tree 
also  needs  to  be  frequently  transplanted  in  order 
that  an  abundance  of  fibrous  roots  may  be  pro- 
duced, and  every  effort  made  to  produce  healthy, 
vigorous  specimens  suitable  for  the  ungenial 
surroundings  of  their  permanent  quarters.  In 
street  planting  it  is  advisable  to  plant  trees  that 
are  from  12-14  feet  in  height,  and  if  these,  for 
some  years  previous  to  their  final  shift,  have 
been  specially  prepared  in  the  way  of  frequent 
transplanting  and  careful  pruning,  little  fear  for 
their  future  welfare  need  be  entertained.  Autumn 
or  early  spring  planting  is  to  be  recommended, 
the  former  time  being  in  most  cases  preferable. 
As  little  time  as  possible  should  be  allowed  to 
elapse  between  the  time  the  tree  is  lifted  in  the 
nursery  and  its  plantation  in  the  new  posi- 
tion. Spread  the  roots  out  to  their  full  extent 
around  the  stem  and  avoid  planting  too  deeply  ; 
the  nursery  line  on  the  stem  serves  as  the  best 
guide  for  the  depth  at  which  to  plant.  Planting 
too  deeply  under  the  mistaken  idea  that  it  will 
secure  the  tree  in  the  ground  is  a  fruitful  source 
of  decay  and  ultimate  death  of  many  street 
trees  planted  in  the  Metropolis,  and  it  is 
not  uncommon  to  see  whole  avenues  of  trees 
that  have  made  little  or  no  progress  for 
many  years  owing  to  this  cause.  After  a 
tree  has  been  placed  in  an  upright  position 
on  the  prepared  site  and  the  roots  properly  dis- 
posed, the  soil  should  be  filled  in  and  trampled 
firmly  both  amongst  and  over  the  roots.  It  may 
be  well  to  warn  planters  against  the  pernicious 
practice  of  allowing  leaves,  packing  materials,  or 
grassy  turf  to  come  in  contact  with  the  roots  of 
newly-planted  trees.  In  dry  situations  a  saucer- 
shaped  hollow  may  be  left  around  the  stem  of  the 
newly-planted  tree,  while  mulching  applied 
during  dry  and  warm  summers  is  to  be  recom- 
mended. The  planting  of  shrubs  should  be  car- 
ried out  with  as  much  care  as  in  the  case  of 
trees.  It  is  preferable  to  trench  land  in  which 
shrubs  are  to  be  planted  rather  than  to  make  a 
separate  pit  for  each  shrub. 

Fencing  and  staking. — In  order  to  prevent 
damage,  newly-planted  trees  should  be  fenced 
and  "staked  at  once.  Of  fences  or  guards 
there  are  many  kinds;  they  are  made  of  wood, 
wire,  or  iron.  The  iron  tree  guard  has  many 
advantages  over  those  of  wood  or  expanded  metal, 
and  being  made  in  two  sections  it  can  be  readily 
placed  in  position  after  the  tree  has  been 
planted.  For  trees  from  12  to  14  feet  high  the 
guards  need  not  exceed,  say,  7  feet  in  height, 
ami  preference  should  be  given  to  those  in 
which  the  uprights  are  bent  outwards  at  the 
top,  for  this  not  only  lessens  the  risk  of  inter- 
ference with  the  branches,  but  is  pleasing  in 
appearance.  Sometimes  it  may  not  be  con- 
sidered necessary  to  protect  town  trees,  par- 
ticularly such  as  are  growing  in  side  streets  or 
squares,  but  in  every  case  firm  staking  is  neces- 
sary in   order  to  prevent  damage  from   wind. 

Wooden  tree  guards  consist  of  about  half-a- 
dozen  poles  or  uprights,  about  7  feet  long,  joined 
together  around  the  tree  trunk  by  means  of  wire. 
When  compared  with  those  of  iron  they  have, 
however,  several  disadvantages,  for  they  may  be 
climbed  with  ease  and  they  do  not  last  long. 
Where  it  is  found  sufficient  to  stake  the  trees 
without  having  recourse  to  guards,  Ash  poles  from 
2  to  3  inches  in  diameter  and  10  feet  high  should 
be  driven  firmly  into  the  ground  as  close  to  the 
stem  as  possible.  The  tree  should  be  tied  with 
specially  prepared  tar  rope,  which  should  be 
crossed  between  the  stem  and  stake  to  prevent 
damage  by "  lhafing.  From  time  to  time  it  will 
be  necessary  to  see  that  the  band  of  string  does 
not  become  too  tight.  On  rare  occasions  only  is 
it  necessary  to  stake  shrubs,  but  this  is  some- 
times needed  in  exposed  positions  or  in  the  i 
of  shrubs  of  unusually  large  size.  .1.  I).   Web  d  r. 


The  Week's  Work. 


FRUITS  UNDER   GLASS, 

By  E,  Harriss,  Fruit  Foreman,  Royal  Gardens,  Frogmore. 

Melons. — As  soon  as  the  fruits  on  the  earliest 
batch  of  plants  show  signs  of  ripening,  the  atmo- 
sphere must  be  kept  drier  and  more  air  admitted, 
the  amount  of  ventilation  being  determined  by 
the  prevailing  weather.  Do  not  allow  the  root- 
ing medium  to  become  dry  too  quickly,  or  the. 
flavour  of  the  fruits  will  be  impaired.  The  ap- 
pearance and  flavour  are  both  improved  by 
gathering  the  fruits  a  few  days  before 
they  are  required  for  dessert,  storing  them 
in  a  cool  room.  Raise  a  fresh  batch  of  plants  so 
as  to  have  them  ready  to  replace  the  older  ones 
when  they  have  ripened  their  fruits.  Before 
planting  afresh,  the  house  should  receive  a 
thorough  cleansing.  If  woodiice  have  been  trou- 
blesome, it  will  be  better  to  clear  out  all  the  old 
soil  and  manure  and  then  to  thoroughly  saturate 
everything  with  boiling  water.  Woodiice  often 
cause  canker  in  Melons  by  injuring  the  stem  of 
the  young  plant.  After  the  glass  and  woodwork 
have  been  washed  and  the  walls  coated  with  lime- 
wash,  the  house  will  be  ready  for  planting. 
This  season  of  the  year  good  crops  of  Melons 
may  be  grown  in  unheated  pits.  Hero  of 
Lockinge  is  a  suitable  variety  for  this  purpose. 
Make  up  a  hot-bed  of  stable-litter  and  half- 
decayed  leaves,  and  tread  these  materials  firmly. 
Towards  the  head  of  the  pit  place  mounds  of  soil 
on  the  hot-bed,  using  loam,  mixed  with  a  little 
old  mortar  rubble,  and  crushed  bones  if  the 
soil  is  poor.  Close  the  pit  early  in  the  afternoon, 
after  spraying  the  plants  with  lukewarm  rain- 
water. Stop  the  points  of  the  leading  shoots 
when  they  have  reached  to  a  foot  or  thereabouts 
of  the  limits  of  the  pit,  and  when  three  or  four 
female  flowers  are  open  on  each  plant  these  should 
be  artificially  pollinated  about  midday.  During 
this  stage,  keep  the  atmosphere  dry.  Cover  the 
lights  with  mats  at  night-time,  and  add  fresh 
litter  around  the  outside  of  the  pits  occasionally 
to  maintain  the  atmospheric  temperature  at  70°. 
Ventilate  the  structure  early  in  the  morning  to 
allow  the  products  of  fermentation  to  escape. 

Strawberries  in  pots. — Plants  which  have  not, 
yet  been  brought  into  the  forcing  house  will  be 
benefited  by  receiving  diluted  manure  water  at 
intervals.  Remove  any  dead  leaves  or  weeds  that 
appear  in  the  pots,  but  do  not  take  them  out  of 
the  plunging  material  until  they  are  to  be 
brought  indoors. 

Late,  vines. — Attend  to  the  disbudding  of  late 
vines  before  the  shoots  become  large.  It  must  be 
remembered  in  the  case  of  late  vines  that,  in 
order  to  have  the  grapes  in  a  good  condition  over 
as  long  a  period  as  possible,  an  abundance  of 
healthy  foliage  is  necessary,  but  nevertheless 
overcrowding  cannot  be  permitted.  Give  the 
borders  a  soaking  with  diluted  liquid  manure 
before  the  vines  open  their  flowers.  Do  not  leave 
Strawberries  to  ripen  in  late  vineries  if  it  can  be 
avoided,  as  red  spider  is  almost  certain  to  be  pre- 
sent on  the  Strawberries,  and  this  pest  would 
infect  the  vines. 


THE    KITCHEN    GARDEN. 

By  E.  Beckett,  Gardener  to  the  Hon.  Vicary  Gibbs, 
Aldenham  House,  Elstree,  Hertfordshire. 

Mushrooms. — It  is  now  time  to  make  the  beds 
that  are  to  furnish  the  summer  crop.  They 
should  be  formed  in  the  coolest  place  available, 
none  being  more  suitable  than  a  thatched  shed 
on  the  north  side  of  a  wall  or  building.  The  beds 
are  best  made  on  the  floor,  and  if  the  house  is 
sufficiently  wide  there  should  be  a  central  path. 
In  forming  Mushroom  beds  at  this  season  of  the 
year,  the  manure  cannot  be  made  too  firm,  and 
it  is  best  not  to  remove  very  much  of  the  short 
litter.  In  the  case  of  Mushroom  beds  now  in 
bearing,  the  structure  containing  them  should  not 
be  kept  at  a  higher  temperature  than  50°  or 
55°.  Beds  which  have  been  in  bearing  for 
some  time  should  be  given  copious  waterings  with 
diluted  liquid  manure  made  from  farmyard  dung. 
The  paths  may  be  damped  with  this  liquid 
manure,  and  the  walls,  roof,  and  other  bare 
spaces  should  be  syringed  with  clear  water  of  the 
same  temperature  as  the  atmosphere  of  the  house 
two  or  three  times  each  day.  s 

French     Beans. — Plants    which    are    cropping 
Mri      will  now  succeed  best   it  afforded  merely 


the  temperature  of  an  ordinary  greenhouse. 
Thoroughly  syringe  the  foliage  twice  daily,  and. 
apply  manure  water  at  every  other  watering. 
Plants  raised  in  small  pots  may  be  safely  planted 
out  in  cool  frames,  provided  the  frames  are  closed 
early  in  the  day  and  the  lights  are  covered  with 
protective  material  at  night-time.  To  ensure  a 
continuous  supply  until  the  outside  crop  is  in 
bearing,  one  more  sowing  may  be  made  under 
glass.  Sow  the  seeds  in  the  frame  in  which  they 
are  to  be  cultivated.  At  the  same  time  make  a 
sowing  in  small  pots  and  transplant  the  seedlings 
later  into  a  sheltered  border  in  the  open. 

Lettuce. — Continue  to  plant  out  in  various 
parts  of  the  garden  plants  which  have  been  for- 
warded under  glass,  protecting  them  from  slugs, 
and  birds.  Fine  cinder  ashes  should  be  freely 
used  as  a  preventive  of  slugs,  and  black  cotton, 
if  stretched  fairly  tight  about  2  inches  above  the 
young  plants,  will  provide  a  defence  against, 
birds.  Make  further  sowings  of  both  Cabbage 
and  Cos  varieties  about  once  every  10  days  or  a 
fortnight.  A  suitable  position  will  be  found  on 
the  centre  of  the  ridges  between  the  rows  of 
Leeks  and  Celery. 

Parsley. — Plant  out  on  well-prepared  ground 
those  plants  which  have  been  raised  in  heat.  To 
ensure  the  best  results,  allow  plenty  of  room — 
not  less  than  from  10  to  12  inches — between  the 
rows  and  plants.  Make  the  ground  very  firm, 
and  apply  a  thorough  dusting  with  fresh  soot. 

Leeks. — The  earliest  plants  should  now  be  suffi- 
ciently advanced  to  be  planted  out  in  the 
trenches.  When  this  has  been  done  means 
should  be  taken  to  draw  up  the  plants  so  that  a. 
long  length  of  blanched  stem  will  be  obtained. 
This  is  best  done  with  brown  paper  collars, 
which  can  either  be  purchased  or  made  at  home. 
Late  sowings  will  need  to  be  pricked  off,  prior 
to  planting,  on  a  finely-prepared  open  piece  of 
ground. 

II ocing. — The  soil  around  all  crops  should  be- 
frequently  hoed,  not  only  to  check  the  growth  of 
weeds,  but  to  break  the  surface,  which  is  now 
encrusted. 


PUBLIC    PARKS    AND    GARDENS. 

By  J.  W.  Moorman,  Superintendent  of  Victoria  Park, 
London. 

Holiday-time  in  the  parks. — During  the  past- 
fortnight,  the  playing  fields  and  grounds  have 
been  much  occupied  by  the  public,  principally 
school  children.  On  Good  Friday  and  sub- 
sequent days  it  appeared  in  Victoria  Park 
as  if  every  child  for  many  miles  around 
had  made  its  way  there.  It  was  a 
matter  of  wonder  how  such  a  crowd  could 
play  together  without  injuring  themselves  in  their 
gambols.  Such  times  as  these  impose  a  great  deal 
of  work  on  the  working  staff.  Each  morning  a 
general  clearing  up  has  had  to  be  done.®  It  is 
better  for  this  work  to  be  undertaken  by  fair- 
sized  gangs  of  men  rather  than  allow  the  men 
to  work  one  or  two  together.  The  best  tool  for 
gathering  the  larger  pieces  of  paper  is  a  sharp- 
pointed  piece  of  iron  or  steel,  fixed  to  a  wooden 
handle.  With  this  a  large  field  can  be  quickly 
cleared  of  litter,  but  for  the  smaller  rubbish 
and  for  clearing  paths,  &c,  the  birch  broom 
must  be  utilised. 

Refreshment  rooms. — The  catering  is  done  by 
contractors,  who  are  required  to  adopt  a  tariff 
of  prices  fixed  by  the  Council,  and  no  beers, 
wines,  or  other  alcoholic  drinks  are  permitted  to 
be  sold.  Most  of  the  larger  L.C.C.  parks  have 
also  first-class  refreshment  rooms,  in  which  the 
prices  charged  are  rather  higher  than  in  the 
ordinary   rooms. 

Public  meetings  in  parks. — In  some  25  parks 
and  open  spaces  under  the  control  of  the  L.C.C, 
and  in  those  under  the  control  of  the  Office  of 
Works  Department,  including  Hyde  Park  and 
Regent's  Park,  speakers  are  allowed  to  address 
the  public  in  certain  places.  In  the  L.C.C. 
parks  meetings  can  be  held  without  obtain- 
ing permission,  but  sanction  must  be  ob- 
tained before  literature  can  be  sold,  whilst 
before  a  collection  can  be  taken,  it  must  be 
shown  that  it  is  not  for  the  profit  or  gain  of  an 
individual,  but  for  the  benefit  of  a  society.  In 
some  cases,  music  is  allowed  to  be  used  at  these 
meetings,  whilst  in  other  cases  it  is  forbidden. 
Those  who  wish  to  have  music  must  go  to  the 
sitef  that  are  reserved  for  the  purpose,  and  thus 
they  do  nut  annoy  other  persons. 


April  24,  1909.] 


THE     GARDENERS'      CHRONICLE. 


THE  HARDY  FRUIT  GARDEN. 

By  J.  G.  Weston,  Gardener  to  H.  J.  King,  Esq.,  Eastwell 
Park,  Kent. 

Strawberries. — Employ  the  Dutch  hoe  freely 
between  the  rows  on  tine  days  to  destroy  seedling 
weeds,  which  at  this  season  germinate  in  great 
numbers.  When  the  soil  is  perfectly  clear  of 
weeds,  apply  a  dressing  of  soot  and  lime  about 
the  plants  to  ward  off  slugs.  After  the  ground 
has  been  made  tidy  place  some  clean  straw  about 
the  plants,  but  do  this  before  the  flower-spikes 
are  far  advanced.  The  straw,  besides  preventing 
the  fruits  from  becoming  gritty,  acts  as  _  a 
mulching,  and  in  hot,  dry  weather  is  of  especial 
value  in  preventing  the  evaporation  of  moisture 
from  the  soil.  Very  early  plants  in  warm  corners 
or  sunny  borders  will  need  to  have  the  flowers 
protected  from  frost ;  if  glass  lights  can  be 
spared  they  are  very  suitable  for  the  pur- 
pose, and  will  have  the  effect  of  hastening  the 
development  of  the  fruits.  They  can  be  tem- 
porarily arranged  on  wooden  supports,  or  even 
on  large  flower-pots.  They  will  need  to  be  re- 
moved during  warm  rains  or,  failing  this,  arti- 
ficial watering  must  be  practised.  Get  the  nets 
and  the  necessary  supports  in  readiness  as  work 
in  the  fruit  garden  is  not  so  pressing  now  as 
it  will  be  when  the  Strawberries  are  expected 
to  ripen.  It  is  more  economical  to  purchase 
good  nets  than  to  buy  those  of  inferior  quality 
merely  because  they  are  cheap.  In  these  gar- 
dens we  erect  wooden  supports  or  poles  about  4 
or  5  feet  high,  and  fix  a  piece  of  wire  netting 
3  feet  deep  all  around  the  ground  to  be  enclosed. 
On  the  top  we  place  ordinary  fish  netting,  the 
lower  part  of  the  net  meeting  the  wire  netting. 
This  prevents  the  nets  from  lying  on  the  ground, 
and  from  getting  torn. 

Raspberries. — The  soil  in  the  rows  between  the 
Raspberries  should  be  hoed  the  same  as  advised 
for  Strawberries.  The  Raspberry  is  a  gross- 
feeding  plant,  therefore  a  heavy  dressing  of 
farmyard  manure  should  be  placed  about  the 
stools  if  this  has  not  already  been  applied.  As 
the  young  shoots  develop,  they  should  be 
thinned,  leaving  sufficient  only  to  furnish  fruit- 
ing canes  for  next  season,  unless  new  stools  are 
required  for  planting.  Even  in  this  case  do  not 
leave  very  many,  or  the  permanent  canes  will  be 
weak  and  unfruitful. 


THE    ORCHID    HOUSES. 

By  W.  H.  White,  Orchid  Grower  to  Sir  Trevor  Lawrence, 
Bart.,  Burford,  Surrey. 

Miltonia  vexillaria. — Plants  of  this  well- 
known  Orchid  are  fast  pushing  up  their  flower- 
spikes,  and  the  young  pseudo-bulbs  should  be 
making  roots  from  their  base.  Woodlice  are 
very  fond  of  these  roots,  and  if  not  diligently 
sought  after  and  killed,  they  will  destroy  every 
root  immediately  it  becomes  visible.  These  pests 
may  be  trapped  by  laying  some  pieces  of  vege- 
table, such  as  Potato,  Turnip,  or  Carrot  on  the 
surface  of  the  compost.  Numbers  may  also  be 
caught  after  the  plants  have  been  watered,  when 
they  frequently  appear  on  the  top  of  the  soil. 
Now  that  the  plants  are  growing  quickly,  some 
•of  the  leaves  will  be  seen  to  adhere  to  each  other 
so  firmly  as  to  check  growth.  When  this  is  ob- 
served, the  leaves  should  be  liberated  with  a 
smooth  piece  of  thin  wood,  or  the  handle 
of  an  ordinary  budding  knife,  taking  care  at  the 
same  time  to  see  that  none  of  the  tender  young 
spikes  is  in  any  way  checked  in  the  axils  of  the 
leaves.  M.  vexillaria  thrives  well  in  a  cool,  light 
position  in  the  intermediate  house.  Where  no 
such  convenience  exists,  some  growers  cultivate 
the  plants  in  the  Cattleya  house.  As  soon  as  the 
temperature  of  the  Odontoglossum  house  rises  to 
55°  by  night  without  the  aid  of  fire  heat,  the 
plants  should  be  removed  from  the  warmer  house, 
and  if  one  end  of  the  Odontoglossum  house  is 
warmer  than  the  other,  let  them  be  placed  in  that 
position.  From  the  present  time  until  the 
flowers  open,  plants  of  this  Milton ia  will  require 
much  moisture,  both  at  the  root  and  in  the 
atmosphere. 

Maxittaria. — In  the  cool  intermediate  house 
■such  plants  as  Maxillaria  grandiflora,  M.  venusta, 
M.  fractiflexa,  M.  picta,  M.  callichroma,  M.  tenui- 
folia,  M.  prsestans,  M.  ochroleuca,  M.  Amesiana, 
M.  lepidota,  M.  striata,  M.  phcenicanthera,  M. 
scurrilis,  M.  Turneri,  and  M.  nigrescens  should 
be  examined  as  to  their  need  for  more  pot  room 
or  potting  material.  Such  species  as  M.  San- 
deriana,  M.  fuscata.  M.  Hubschii,  M.  leucaimata. 


M.  luteo-alba,  and  others  that  are  now 
showing  for  bloom  should  not  be  disturbed 
until  they  have  flowered.  Maxillarias  may 
be  cultivated  in  pots  or  shallow  pans, 
but  such  species  as  M.  Sanderiana  and  M. 
Lindenii,  which  sometimes  push  their  flowers  in 
a  downward  direction,  like  Stanhopeas  and 
Acinetas,  should  be  grown  in  teakwood  baskets. 
No  crocks  should  be  used  for  drainage,  as  they 
would  prevent  the  spikes  from  coming  through 
the  bottom  of  the  basket.  All  species  of  .Maxillaria 
grow  well  in  a  mixture  of  Osmunda  and  Poly- 
podium  fibre  in  equal  t  parts.  The  materials 
should  be  cut  up  moderately  fine  and  mixed  well 
together.  We  use  no  Sphagnum-moss,  but  mix 
plenty  of  very  small  crocks  with  the  compost. 
The  pots  are  about  half-filled  with  crocks  for 
drainage,  and  the  plants  potted  firmly.  Re- 
potted plants  must  be  afforded  extra  shade  from 
strong  sunshine.  For  several  weeks,  until  the 
plants  are  well  rooted,  merely  water  around  the 
edges  of  the  pots. 

Shading  cool  Orchids. — The  inmates  of  the 
cool  houses  will  require  to  be  shaded  whenever 
the  sun  shines  on  the  root,  this  being 
especially  necessary  where  canvas  blinds  only  are 
used.  As  regards  lattice-wood  blinds,  these  do 
not  afford  sufficient  protection  for  the  Odonto- 
glossums  of  the  0.  crispum  type,  as  the 
light  admitted  through  the  laths  causes  the 
foliage  to  become  far  more  of  a  bronzy-red  than 
is  desirable.  To  counteract  this,  a  good  plan  is 
to  lightly  "  stipple  "  the  roof  glass  with  a  mix- 
ture of  flour  and  water.  The  preparation  should 
be  painted  on  when  the  sun  is  shining  lull  on  the 
glass,  that  the  mixture  may  dry  quickly;  it  is 
important  that  the  glass  should  be  quite  clean 
and  free  from  dust.  This  mixture  will  keep  the 
glass  perfectly  cool  even  during  the  hottest  day 
in  summer.  Should  rain  fall  before  the  stippling 
is  well  dried  on  the  glass,  stop  up  the  stack  pipes 
which  lead  from  the  gutters  of  the  roof  into  the 
soft-water  tanks,  or  much  valuable  water  will 
be  spoiled.      

PLANTS    UNDER   GLASS. 

By  A.  C.  Bartlett,  Gardener  to  Mrs.  Ford,  Pencarrow, 
Cornwall. 

Fibrous-moled  IJriji'iiia ■■'. — The  old  plants. of 
Begonia  Gloire  de  Sceaux,  B.  Mrs.  Heal,  and 
similar  kinds  which  have  been  rested  and  pruned, 
have  made  sufficient  growth  for  the  supply  of 
cuttings.  If  such  cuttings  are  inserted  during  the 
next  few  weeks  they  will  furnish  plants  to  flower 
next  winter  and  spring. 

Violets. — Plants  should  now  be  propagated  to 
obtain  young  stock  for  planting  in  the  frames 
next  October.  Some  cultivators  prefer  to  employ 
cuttings,  whilst  others  raise  their  plants  from 
runners.  The  former  method  has  the  advantage 
that  plants  so  raised  do  not  produce  many  run- 
ners during  their  cultivation  in  the  frames. 
Whichever  method  of  propagation  is  adopted  the 
procedure  is  very  similar.  Cuttings  or  runners 
are  firmly  planted  out-of-doors  in  a  well-prepared 
plot  of  ground,  placing  the  double-flowering 
varieties  at  distances  of  10  or  12  inches  apart. 
Single-flowered  varieties  are  nearly  always  pro- 
pagated from  runners,  and  they  should  not  be 
planted  at  closer  distances  than  15  inches.  The 
soil  should  be  kept  moist  and  the  leaves  may  be 
sprinkled  occasionally  with  water  until  root 
action  has  commenced.  Following  this  stage,  the 
surface  of  the  ground  should  be  loosened  with 
the  hoe  at  frequent  intervals,  and  the  plants 
should  be  sprayed  frequently  towards  the  close 
of  each  afternoon,  this  latter  practice  being  a 
useful  preventive  of  red  spider.  It  will  be  as 
well  to  select  a  site  for  the  plants  which  is 
slightly  shaded  from  the  mid-day  sun,  but  in  no 
case  is  excessive  shade  advisable,  its  effects  being 
to  induce  the  plants  to  make  fleshy  leaves,  and 
thus  the  ripening  of  the  crowns  is  hindered. 

Gerbera  Jameson  ii. — It  is  only  in  the  most 
favoured  localities  that  the  beautiful  "  Transvaal 
Daisy  "  can  be  expected  to  thrive  out-of-doors, 
but  in  all  districts  it  is  an  admirable  plant  for 
pot  culture  in  the  greenhouse,  or  it  may  be 
planted  in  frames  extending  by  the  side  of  glass- 
houses. Seeds  may  now  be  sown  in  moderate 
heat,  and  a  good  proportion  of  the  seedlings  may 
be  expected  to  flower  in  their  second  year.  Pot 
plants  now  flowering  should  be  removed  to  a  cool 
frame  when  the  flowering  stage  has  passed.  After 
they  have  been  there  for  a  short  time,  they  may 
be  placed  out-of-doors  on  a  base  composed  of 
ashes,   where   they   may  remain   during   summer 


and  autumn.  Gerbera  flowers,  when  cut.  are 
very  elegant  for  vase  decoration,  possessing  un- 
commonly attractive  tints,  and  having  a  capacity 
for  lasting  fresh  for  a  considerable  time. 

Balsam. — Seeds  may  be  sown  thinly  in  well- 
drained  pans  of  light,  porous  soil,  which  should 
be  placed  in  a  warm  house.  Prick  off  the  seed- 
lings into  small  pots  as  soon  as  they  are  large 
enough  to  be  handled.  Do  not  allow  the  plants 
to  become  pot-bound  until  after  the  final  potting. 
In  the  process  of  potting,  it  is  advisable  to  keep 
the  stem  rather  lower  in  the  soil  than  is  usual  in 
the  case  of  most  plants.  Do  not  pinch  the  lead- 
ing growth.  Let  the  surroundings  be  kept 
always  moist. 

AcJiimene. — These  plants  should  now  be  moved 
into  a  cooler  house,  exposing  them  to  a  greater 
degree  of  light  and  air,  which  will  tend  to 
strengthen  the  growths.  Some  means  of  support 
is  needed  for  plants  in  pots,  and  slender  birch 
twigs,  if  placed  just  inside  the  rim  of  the  pot,  will 
answer  the  purpose  very  well. 


THE  FLOWER  GARDEN. 

By  W.  A.  Cook,  Gardener  to  Sir  Edmund  G.  Loder,  Bart., 
Leonardslee,  Sussex. 

Summer  bedding  plants. — These  should  be  re- 
moved to  cool  frames  in  order  to  harden  them 
gradually.  On  sunny  days  the  lights  should  be 
entirely  removed,  placing  them  in  position  again 
at  about  5  p.m.  If  the  ground  intended  for 
planting  Calceolarias  is  vacant,  these  plants  may 
now  be  planted.  Place  them  rather  closely  to- 
gether, unless  it  is  intended  to  mix  other  plants 
with  them  at  a  later  date. 

Violets. — Cuttings  that  were  rooted  two 
months  ago  are  sufficiently  developed  to  be  placed 
in  the  open.  Select  a  rich  piece  of  land  and  mix 
plenty  of  soot  and  bonemeal  with  the  surface  soil. 
The  planting  should  be  done  with  a  trowel,  plac- 
ing the  plants  in  lines  drawn  at  about  18  inches 
apart.  A  space  of  15  inches  may  be  allowed  be- 
tween each  plant  in  the  rows,  excepting  in  the 
case  of  such  single-flowered  varieties  as  the  Prin- 
cess of  Wales  type ;  these  require  to  be  placed  18 
inches  apart.  Plant  firmly,  and  should  the 
weather  at  the  time  of  planting  be  dry,  sprinkle 
the  foliage  occasionally,  with  water.  After  mak- 
ing the  ground  tidy,  place  a  label  against  each 
variety.  Among  the  more  useful  varieties  for 
all  purposes  are  Princess  of  Wales  (rich  violi  t), 
La  France,  Admiral  Avellan.  Wellsiana,  Comte 
de  Brazza,  Marie  Louise,  Neapolitan,  and  Lady 
Hume  Campbell. 

Amaryllis  Belladonna- — Fork  the  ground 
lightly  around  the  bulbs  of  these  plants  and 
apply*  a  sprinkling  of  soot  and  bonemeal.  If  the 
ground  is  in  a  warm,  dry  situation,  afford  copious 
waterings  at  intervals. 

Agapanthus  umbellatus. — The  present  is  a 
suitable  time  to  overhaul  these  plants.  Clear 
away  any  dead  or  decaying  foliage,  and  remove 
the  old  soil  down  to  the  roots,  replacing  it  with 
some  fresh  loam.  Ram  the  soil  as  tightly  as  pos- 
sible. The  Agapanthus,  when  planted  in  green 
tubs,  are  excellent  subjects  for  placing  on  terrace 
walks  or  around  the  edges  of  ornamental  water. 

Lobelia  cardinalis. — The  plants  should  be 
placed  in  their  summer  quarters,  and  any  which 
have  remained  out-of-doors  all  the  winter  should 
be  given  a  little  fresh  soil,  containing  some  fine 
leaf -mould. 

Lilium. — The  various  species  of  Lilium  will  be 
starting  into  growth,  especially  those  growing  on 
sunny  borders.  A  dusting  with  soot  will  help  to 
keep  slugs  from  the  plants.  Slugs  may  also  be 
trapped  with  cabbage  leaves  and  similar  bait. 

General  work. — Bulbous  plants  that  have 
finished  flowering  may  be  planted  in  the  wild 
garden,  or  amongst  shrubs.  Plants  of  Cerasus, 
Lilac  and  species  of  Prunus  that  have  been  forced 
should  be  pruned  rather  severely  and  planted 
out-of-doors  in  moderately  rich  soil.  They  will 
make  useful  plants  for  forcing  again  in  two 
years.  It  is  time  to  graft  Rhododendrons,  and 
to  sow  seeds  of  these  plants  and  Azaleas.  Trans- 
plant Mignonette  from  boxes  for  flowering  early 
out-of-doors.  Where  Sarracenias  are  cultivated 
in  the  open  the  plants  should  be  afforded  some 
Sphagnum-moss.  Pinguicula,  Darlingtonia  and 
Drosera  are  insectivorous  plants  requiring  simi- 
lar treatment.  They  associate  well  with  the 
cotton    grass,   Eriophorum   angustifolium. 


264 


THE    GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


[April  24,  1909. 


EDITORIAL    NOTICE. 


ADVERTISEMENTS  should  be  sent  to  the  PUB- 
LISHER, 41,  Wellington  Street,  Covent  Garden, 
W.C. 

Letters  for  Publication,  as  well  as  specimens  of  plants 
for  naming^  should  be  addressed  to  the  EDITOR, 
41,  Wellington  Street,  Covent  Garden,  London, 
Communications  should  be  written  on  one  side  only  of 
thk  papkr,  sent  as  early  in  the  week  as  possible  and  duly 
signed  by  the  writer.  If  desired,  the  signature  will  not  be 
printed,  but  kept  as  a  guarantee  of  good  faith. 

Newspapers.— Correspondents  sending  neivspapers  should  be 
carefulto  mark  the  paragraphs  they  wish  the  Editor  to  see. 

Special  Notice  to  Correspondents. — The  Editor  does  not 
Undertake  to  pay  for  any  contributions  or  illustrations,  or 
to  return  unused  communications  or  illustrations,  unless  by 
special  arrangement.  The  Editor  does  not  hold  himself 
responsible  for  any  opinions  expressed  by  his  correspondents. 

Illustrations.-  The  Editor  will  be  glad  to  receive  and  to  select 
photographs  or  drawings,  suitable  for  reproduction,  of 
gardens  or  of  remarkable  plants,  flowers,  trees,  &c,  but  he 
cannot  be  responsible  for  loss  or  injury. 

Local  News. — Correspondents  will  greatly  oblige  by  sendittgto 
the  Editor  early  intelligence  of  local  events  likely  to  be  of 
interest  to  our  readers,  or  of  any  matters  which  it  is  desirable 
to  bring  under  the  notice  of  horticulturists. 


APPOINTMENTS  FOR  THE  ENSUING  WEEK. 


TUESDAY,  APRIL  27— 

Huntingdonshire   Daffodil  and  Spring  Fl.  Sh.  in  Corn 

Exchange,  Huntingdon. 
WEDNESDAY,  APRIL  28— 

Nat.  Auricula  Soc.  (Midland  Sec.)  Exh. 

Roy.  Hort.  Soc.  Exam,  of  School  Teachers  in  Cottage 

and  Allot.  Gard. 

Average    Mean    Temperature    for    the    ensuing    week, 
deduced  from  observations  during  the  last  Fifty  Years 
at  Greenwich — 48'9°. 
Actual  Temperatures: — 

London. — Wednesday,  April  21  (6  p.m.):  Max.  58°; 
Min.  39". 
Gardeners''  Chronicle  Office,  41,  Wellington  Street, 
Covent  Garden  London — Thursday,  April  22 
(10  a.m.)  :  Bar.  297 ;  Temp.  5y  ;  Weather- 
Sunshine. 
Provinces. —  Wednesday,  Apiil  21  (6  p.m.):  Max.  55° 
Ireland  N.W.;  Min  42°  Durham. 


SALES  FOR  THE  ENSUING  WEEK. 

MONDAY— 

Perennials,  Border  Plants,  Liliums,  and  other  Bulbs, 
Ferns,  &c,  by  Protheroe  &  Mocris,  at  67  S:  6S,  Cheapside, 
E.C.,  at  12. 

WEDNESDAY— 

Herbaceous  and  Border  Plants,  Liliums  and  other 
plants  and  bulbs,  at  12  ;  Palms,  Plants,  Ferns,  &c,  at  4  ; 
at  67  &  68,  Cheapside,  E.C.,  by  Protheroe  &  Morris. 

FRIDAY— 

Imported  and  Established  Orchids,  Orchids  in  flower 
and  bud,  at  67  &  68,  Cheapside,  E.C.,  by  Protheroe  & 
Mums,  at  12.45. 


In  recent  years  the  use  of  aeety- 
Acetylene  lene  gas  for  lighting  purposes  in 
Gas  Refuse  comltry   houses   has   greatly   in- 

Manure.  creased.  The  generator  is  usually 
situated  in  the  garden,  and 
therefore  the  gardener  is  required  to  look 
after  it.  Acetylene  generators  yield  a  large 
quantity  of  refuse,  and,  judging  from  the 
enquiries  which  from  time  to  time  are  ad- 
dressed to  us  as  to  the  manurial  value  of  this 
waste  material,  there  seems  to  be  considerable 
doubt  as  to  its  composition.  The  fact  that  it 
is  composed  almost  entirely  of  slaked  lime  has 
led  to  its  being  regarded  as  of  equal  value  to 
lime  for  use  as  a  manure.  That  it  is  not 
quite  the  same  as  lime  is  obvious  to  the 
senses  both  of  the  eyes  and  nose.  These 
differences  are  due  to  the  presence  of  small 
quantities  of  impurities  in  the  original 
calcium  carbide  used  in  the  preparation  of 
the  gas.  The  impurities  may  greatly  reduce 
the  value  of  the  refuse  for  manure,  and  even 
make  it  positively  injurious  to  plant  life. 
The  following  experiments,  carried  out  at  the 
Wye  Experimental  College,  seem  to  indicate 
that  this  is  the  case.  In  the  first  place  an 
experiment  was  conducted  as  follows : — 

Twelve  5-inch  pots  were  filled  with  soil 
containing  a  large  proportion  of  leaf-mould. 
The  pots  were  divided  up  into  six  lots,  each 
lot  containing  two  pots.  To  the  soil  of  one 
of  the  lots  1  per  cent,  by  weight  of  the  dry, 


powdered  refuse  was  added,  and  thoroughly 
mixed  with  the  soil.  Four  more  of  the  lots 
treated  received  10  per  cent.,  20  per  cent., 
30  per  cent.,  and  50  per  cent,  of  the'  refuse 
respectively.  The  sixth  lot  received  none,  and 
therefore  it  acted  as  a  check  or  control. 

In  each  pot  eight  Mustard  seeds  were 
sown,  the  pots  being  stood  in  a  cool  house. 

After  14  days  the  pots  presented  the  follow- 
ing appearance : — 

In  the  pot  in  which  no  refuse  was  used, 
and  also  in  that  which  contained  1  per 
cent.,  all  the  seeds  had  germinated,  and  16 
well-developed  seedlings  were  showing. 

In  that  to  which  10  per  cent,  was  added 
only  two  seedlings  had  appeared.  They  were 
both  small.  In  the  other  three  lots  no  seeds 
had  germinated. 

After  15  days  one  plant  had  died  in  the 
pots  containing  1  per  cent.,  one  more  seed- 
ling had  appeared  in  the  pots  with  10  per 
cent.,  and  one  in  those  containing  20  per 
cent. 

The  plants  were  now  distributed  as  fol- 
lows : — The  control  pots  had  16  seedlings. 
The   pots   containing   1   per   cent,   of   refuse, 

15  seedlings,  slightly  smaller  than  those  in 
the  control  pots.  In  the  pots  containing 
10  per  cent,  there  were  three  seedlings,  in 
those  containing  20  per  cent,  one  seedling, 
and  in  those  with  30  per  cent,  and  50  per  cent, 
there  were  no  seedlings. 

On  the  17th  day  the  condition  of  affairs 
had  altered  as  follows : — In  the  control  pots 

16  plants  showed  the  rough  leaf,  in  the  pots 
containing  1  per  cent,  of  refuse  there  were 
13  plants  showing  rough  leaf  and  one  weakly 
seedling ;  in  those  containing  10  per  cent, 
there  were  three  seedlings,  whilst  there  were 
none  at  all  in  the  other  pots. 

On  the  21st  day  the  experiment  was 
stopped,  as  it  was  thought  that  no  further 
germination  would  take  place.  At  this  stage 
only  lots  known  as  0  per  cent.,  1  per  cent., 
and  10  per  cent,  contained  plants.  There  were 
16  plants  in  lot  0  per  cent,  and  13  in  lot  1  per 
cent.  The  plants  were  equal  in  size  and 
appeared  equally  healthy.  In  lot  10  per  cent, 
there  were  only  three  seedlings  of  small  size, 
none  of  them  showing  rough  leaf. 

These  experiments  are  not  extensive  enough 
to  base  any  conclusion  upon,  but  they  indi- 
cate that  carbide  refuse  has  a  marked  effect 
on  germination.  This  process  is  almost  entirely 
stopped  where  20  per  cent,  is  present  in  the 
soil,  greatly  lessened  and  retarded  with  10  per 
cent.,  and  slightly  so  even  with  only  1  per 
cent. 

The  seedlings  which  died  showed  a 
shrivelling  of  the  hypocotyl  close  to  the  Boil, 
closely  resembling  damping  off,  but  the 
fungus  which  causes  this  disease  was  not 
present. 

It  was  now  desired  to  see  if  the  refuse 
had  a  bad  effect  on  older  plants.  For  this 
purpose  Mustard  plants  showing  two  rough 
leaves  were  used.  The  same  pots  were  used 
as  in  the  experiment  already  described. 

All  the  plants  were  removed  from  the  pots 
except  that  three  plants  were  left  in  one 
each  of  the  pots  of  lots  0  per  cent.,  1  per 
cent.,  and  two  in  one  of  the  10  per  cent. 

In  one  each  of  the  vacant  pots  of  all  the 
lots,  three  of  the  Mustard  plants  were 
planted.  The  arrangement  was  now  as  fol- 
lows : — 


Lot  0  per  cent,  contained  one  pot  with  three 
transplanted  plants  and  one  pot  with  three  of 
the  original  plants.  Lot  1  per  cent,  was  the 
same  as  0  per  cent.  Lot  10  per  cent,  was  the 
same,  except  that  there  were  only  two  origi- 
nal plants.  Lots  20  per  cent.,  30  per  cent., 
and  50  per  cent,  each  contained  one  pot  with 
three  transplanted  plants.  On  the  third  day 
the  condition  of  the  plants  was  as  follows : — 
Those  in  lots  20  per  cent.,  30  per  cent.,  and 
50  per  cent,  had  all  shrivelled  at  the  base  of 
the  stem,  fallen  over  and  died.  In  the  other 
lots  all  the  plants  were  growing. 

On  the  15th  day  the  plants  in  lot  0  per 
cent,  were  all  healthy.  The  average  height  in 
both  pots  was  about  7  inches.  Lot  1  per  cent, 
was  similar,  except  that  the  average  height 
of  the  plants  was  only  about  5  inches. 
Lot  10  per  cent,  by  this  time  was 
showing  the  effect  of  the  refuse.  In  the  trans- 
planted pot  there  were  three  plants  about 
2  inches  high.  Unlike  the  plants  in  the  pre- 
ceding lots,  their  cotyledons  had  entirely 
withered.  In  the  original  pot  the  two  plants 
still  survived.  They  were  about  H  inches 
high  and  carried  very  dark  green  leaves. 

The  final  observations  were  made  on  the 
35th  day : — In  lot  0  per  cent,  the  plants  we»e 
in  full  flavour.  The  average  height  was  22 
inches,  the  transplanted  plants  being  a  little 
the  smaller.  Those  in  lot  1  per  cent,  were 
similar  to  the  0  per  cent,  plants,  but  were 
smaller,  the  transplanted  plants  having  an 
average  height  of  20  inches,  whilst  the 
original  ones  measured  17  inches. 

The  plants  of  lot  10  per  cent,  were  not  in 
flower,  and  were  considerably  smaller.  The 
three  transplanted  plants  ranged  in  height  be- 
tween 10  and  5  inches,  whilst  in  the  original 
pot  the  two  plants  were  only  6  inches  and 
2  inches  high  respectively. 

From  this  experiment  it  is  seen  that  the 
amount  of  growth  was  inversely  proportional 
to  the  amount  of  carbide  refuse  present. 
Even  1  per  cent,  had  a  bad  effect,  whilst 
20  per  cent,  completely  prohibited  growth. 

From  this  it  appears  that  care  should  be 
exercised  in  the  use  of  the  material  as  a 
manure.  We  do  not  know  if  any  definite 
cultural  experiments  have  been  made  in  the 
garden,  but  the  refuse  has  been  applied  to 
various  garden  crops  during  the  last  live 
years  and  no  marked  improvement  of  the  crop 
has  been  noticed,  although  the  soil  was  one 
which  should  respond  to  lime — being  sandy 
and  heavily  dunged.  In  some  oases  bad 
results  have  followed  its  use.  On  two  occa- 
sions .Strawberries  have  failed  badly  after 
treatment  with  the  refuse. 

Until  further  experiments  have  been 
carried  out  cultivators  are  recommended  to 
use  great  caution. 


Our  Supplementary  Illustration  repre- 
sents a  specially  well-cultivated  specimen  of 
Vanda  ccerulea  in  the  gardens  of  Brougham  Hall, 
Penrith.  Mr.  W.  Anton,  the  gardener,  informs 
us  that  the  photograph  was  taken  on  December 
18  last.  The  plant  had  12  racemes,  which  bore 
an  aggregate  of  109  flowers,  all  perfectly  de- 
veloped. The  sepals  and  petals  were  pure  white 
on  opening,  but  a  tinge  of  blue  developed  with 
age,  the  lip  being  deep  blue.  The  specimen  be- 
ing  cultivated  in  the  cooler  end  of  one  of  the 
hottest  houses,  the  atmospheric  temperature  is 
about  equal  to  that  which  Orchidists  term  an 
intermediate   house. 


Apkii.  24,  1S03.] 


THE     GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


265 


Royal  Horticultural  Society.— In  respect 
to  the  Orchids  at  the  coming  Temple  Show,  we 
are  requested  to  state  that  attention  has  been 
drawn  to  the  possibility  of  misunderstanding 
arising  from  the  use  of  the  word  "  unre- 
stricted "  in  Classes  1,  A  and  B.  It  must,  there- 
fore, be  clearly  understood  that  the  word  is  gov- 
erned by  Rule  4,  which  gives  200  square  feet 
as  the  maximum.  In  other  words,  Classes  1,  A 
and  B,  are  unrestricted  in  size  only,  so  long  as 
they  do  not  exceed  the  200  square  feet  per- 
mitted by  the  rule. 

Journal  of  the  Kew  Guild.— Somewhat 
belated,  but  none  the  less  interesting,  this  little 
brochure  relating  the  doings  of  Kew  men  past 
and  present  appears  for  the  sixteenth  time.  Much 
of  its  contents  is  necessarily  of  most  interest  to 
members  of  the  Guild,  such  as  the  record  of  the 
social  gatherings,  the  report  of  the  sports  club 
and  the  information  concerning  the  alleged 
grievances  of  the  present  staff.  But  the  doings 
of  those  members  now  working  in  remote  parts 
of  the  world  are  of  quite  a  different  character. 
Letters  from  these  men  give  the  reader  an 
idea  of  the  gardening  in  such  places  as  the 
White  Nile,  in  Honolulu,  Lucknow,  and  Rho- 
desia. One  member  writes  from  a  point  220 
miles  south  of  Khartoum.  He  is  the  only  white 
man  in  the  district,  "  looking  to  break  the 
monotony,  in  the  advent  of  tourists."  The 
frontispiece  is  an  excellent  portrait  of  Mr. 
George  Massee,  Chief  of  the  Cryptogamic 
Section  in  the  Herbarium  at  Kew.  The  accom- 
panying text  is  from  Mr.  MasSEe's  pen  and  re- 
cords, in  characteristic  style,  the  chief  events  in 
his  career.  Another  illustration  is  a  group  of 
the  permanent  staff  taken  in  December,  1906. 
The  same  picture  was  reproduced  in  the 
Gardeners'  Chronicle,  January  6,  1906.  No 
fewer  than  six  of  the  group,  namely,  Sir  W.  T. 
T.  Dyer,  Mr.  W.  B.  Hemsley,  Dr.  D.  H.  Scott, 
Mr.  J.  F.  Duthie,  Mr.  W.  Hackett,  and  Mr.  J. 
Stocks  have  since  retired  from  Kew.  We  learn 
that  the  journeyman  gardeners  now  have  half 
their  wages  withheld  during  sickness,  but  it  may 
be  assumed  that  on  some  occasions  such  sick- 
ness may  be  caused  by  working  in  high  tempera- 
tures such  as  that  which  is  maintained  in  the 
Palm  House.  The  number  of  visitors  to  the 
garden  in  1908  was  2,710,220.  The  obituary  list 
includes  Mr.  George  Nicholson,  who  was  cura- 
tor of  the  -aniens  from  1886  to  1901,  and  Mrs. 
R.  Warh,  who,  as  Miss  Jessie  Newsham, 
worked  as  a  student  at  Kew  for  16  months. 

Exhibition  of  Garden  Pictures. — At  tne 
New  Dudley  Gallery  ill  Piccadilly  an  exhibition 
of  garden  pictures  will  be  on  view  from  the  20th 
until  the  29th  inst.  The  exhibition  will  contain 
landscapes  in  water-colour  by  Miss  Alswen* 
Montgomerie,  water-colour  drawings  of  the  Isles 
of  Scilly  by  the  Misses  Dorrien-Smith,  and 
sketches  at  home  and  abroad  by  Lady  Mabel 
Sowerby.  The  drawings  by  the  Misses  Doriuen- 
Smith  are  specially  interesting  to  gardeners  and 
others  who  have  visited  the  famous  gardens  at 
Tresco  Abbey. 

Seedsmen    and   the    Sale    of    Poisons. — 

According  to  the  Glasgow  Herald,  considerable 
•  correspondence  has  passed  between  the  secretary 
of  the  North  British  Branch  of  the  Pharmaceuti- 
cal Society  and  the  Dalkeith  Town  Council  con- 
cerning the  new  Poisons  and  Pharmacy  Act.  All 
the  registered  chemists  in  Dalkeith  had  inti- 
mated to  the  secretary  that  they  were  prepared 
to  sell  the  poisonous  substances  referred  to  in 
the  Act,  and,  therefore,  he  held,  the  occasion  for 
granting  licenses  to  any  other  persons  did  not 
arise.  He  submitted  that  the  Town  Council  had 
acted  somewhat  prematurely  in  disposing  of  any 
■application  for   a  license   under  the   Provisional 


Order,  which  had  not  been  formulated,  and  he 
suggested  that  the  matter  should  be  reconsidered. 
The  clerk  made  a  statement  at  a  meeting  of  the 
Town  Council  on  the  12th  inst.  in  connection 
with  the  granting  of  applications  of  Dalkeith 
seedsmen,  and  it  was  agreed  that  these  mer- 
chants should  have  their  licenses  confirmed  on 
fulfilling  the  conditions  now  made  known  in  the 
schedule,  as  it  was  felt  by  the  councillors  that 
these  firms  who  had  been  trading  in  the  articles 
in  question  for  a  long  period  could  not  now  be 
reasonably  prevented  from  supplying  the  de- 
mands of  their  customers. 

Gardeners  Royal  Benevolent  Institu- 
tion.—In  aid  of  this  Institution  Mr.  Edward 
Sherwood  will  give  a  new  musical  play  on  May 
12  neat  entitled  "  In  Cyderland."  The  play  has 
been  written  by  Mr.  R.  Cary  Tucker,  and  the 
music  is  by  Mr.  Edward  Sherwood.  The  per- 
formance will  take  place  at  the  Cripplegate 
Theatre,  Golden  Lane,  London,  E.G.  A  full  or- 
chestra, by  the  courtesy  of  "  The  Hurst  &  Son  " 
Musical  Society  will  be  present,  under  the  direc- 
tion of  the  composer.  Tickets  may  be  obtained 
from  3s.  to  10s.  6d.  each  from  Mr.  N.  N.  Sher- 
wood, Dunedin,  Streatham  Hill;  Mr.  G.  J. 
Ingram,  175,  Victoria  Street,  Westminster;  or 
Mr.  Edward  Sherwood,  152,  Houndsditch.  Re- 
membering that  the  funds  of  the  Royal  Gar- 
deners' Benevolent  Institution  are  greatly  in 
need  of  help,  we  hope  as  many  of  our  readers  as 
can  will  help  Mr.  X.  X.  Sherwood  to  make  this 
event  successful. 

Shipwrights  Patent  Adjustable  Tap 
Union.  -  Our  attention  is  directed  by  a  correspon- 
dent to  this  patent  tap  union.  It  has  been  de- 
signed  to  obviate  the  tendency  of  the  ordinary 
hose  union  to  blow  off  the  tap.  The  union  con- 
sists of  upper  and  lower  plates  drawn  t' 
by  two  small  thumb-screws,  one  on  each  side  of 
the  union;  between  the  plates  a  moulded  band  of 
rubber  is  fitted,  and  being  enclosed  on  the  upper, 
lower,  and  outsides,  it  expands  when  the  plates 
are  drawn  together  on  the  inner  side  against  the 
surface  of  the  tap.  forming  a  joint  which  is  per- 
fectly watertight  and  one  that  will  stand  any 
pressure  without  allowing  the  union  to  be  blown 
off  the  tap.  Perhaps  some  of  our  readers  have 
i    tins    new    union   i.   trial? 

Jamaican  Plants  for  Glasgow.  —  The 
Glasgow  Parks  Committee  have  accepted  an  offer 
by  Professor  F.  O.  Bower,  of  Glasgow  Univer- 
sity, to  send  to  the  corporation  a  collection  of 
rare  plants  from  the  island  of  Jamaica,  which  he 
intends  visiting  in  July  to  study  the  Fern  flora. 

The  Bulb  Show  at  Hillegom. — The  30th 
anniversary  of  the  Hillegom  section  of  the  Gen- 
eral Society  of  Dutch  Bulbgrowers  is  now  being 
celebrated  by  a  flower  show  in  the  open  ground 
in  the  Hof  Gardens,  at  Hillegom.  The  show 
was  opened  on  Thursday,  April  8,  by  the 
Mayor  of  Hillegom.  On  account  of  the  late 
season,  but  few  flowers  were  then  fully  deve- 
loped, but  the  arrangement  of  the  beds  and  bor- 
ders showed  that  the  exhibition  will  be  interest- 
ing when  the  flowers  are  at  their  best.  The 
show  will  remain  upon  until  May  8.  Hyacinths, 
Tulips,  and  Narcissus  are  expected  to  be  in  full 
bloom  before  that  time. 

A  Botanical  Garden  in  East  Java. — In  an 

interesting  note,  dated  January  18,  written  by 
Mr.  Buysman,  from  Hortus  Tenggerensis, 
Lawang,  Java,  the  writer  states : — We  are  now 
experiencing  the  rainy  season,  and  almost  every 
day  the  water  pours  down,  not  continuously, 
but  mostly  in  showers  A  dry  day,  however, 
is  a  rare  thing  now ;  nevertheless,  the  tem- 
perature has  not  been  lower  than  16°  C,  and  the 
lowest   daily   maximum   observed    was   18^°    C ; 


the  mean  for  December  was  19.05°  C.  Ve 
tkms  grows  rapidly.  Among  European  plants, 
the  common  Dandelion  (Taraxacum  officinale) 
grows  as  luxuriantly  here  as  in  Europe;  the 
same  is  the  case  with  Bellis  perennis,  except  m 
the  rainy  season,  when  the  Daisy  does  not 
fl  iwer.  Ceratonia  Siliqua  (the  Carob  tree)  ci  a  ies 
to  grow  in  the  rainy  season,  but  starts  again 
in  the  dry  season.  Many  European  plants  grow 
very  slowly  when  sown  in  the  open,  but  do  well 
when  cultivated  in  pots  and  protected  from  rain. 
Of  Lilies,  L.  longiflorum  and  L.  tigrinum  do 
best.  Spesies  of  Iris  rarely  flower.  Melilotus 
species  grow  well,  but  only  M.  italica  has 
flowered  up  to  the  present.  Tropaeolum  majus, 
Mirabilis  Jalapa,  and  Thunbergia  alata  are 
weeds  of  the  roadside;  as  also  are  Oxalis  sensi- 
tiva  and  Isoloma  longiflorum.  These  plants  must 
be  escapes  from  cultivation.  The  same  is  the 
case  with  Cyphomandra  betacea,  known  here  as 
terong  blanda  (Dutch  Solanum).  This  latter 
plant  is  largely  cultivated  in  Java.  Furcrjea 
gigantea  is  beginning  to  escape  from  gardens,  as 
is  Moiitbretia  crocosmoeflora.  Verbena  hybrids, 
Dahlia  variabilis  and  Tritoma  Uvaria  flower  the 
whole  year  round.  Escaped  Roses  are  seen 
everywhere.  Begonia  ricinifolia  is  always  flower- 
ing, with  stems  of  1  to  1^  metres  m  height;  Gar- 
denia florida  flowers  the  greater  part  of  the  year. 
Cannas  are  common  in  gardens  everywhere; 
Wheal.  Barley,  Oats,  and  Rye  all  do  well,  even 
in  the  rainy  season.  They  produce  an  abundance 
of  seeds,  but  thej  are  not  cultivated,  because 
Sugar,  Coffee,  and  Rice  at  present  pay  better.  I 
presume,  however,  that  these  grains  will  be  culti- 
ere  long,  as  trials  have  been  made  here  on 
at'elatively  large  scale,  with  good  results.  Euro- 
pean Grasses  flourish  and  produce  abundance  of 
ripe  seeds.  Narcissi,  Hyacinths,  and  Tulip 
species  do  not  flower,  but  they  produce  luxuri- 
ant foliage.  N.  Pseudo  narcissus,  howi 
flowered  this  year  in  the  drj  season,  and,  see- 
ii.  that  the  flowers  were  normal,  it  is  curious 
that  it  blooms  so  seldom.  Papaver  Rhceas,  Esch- 
scholt/.ia  californica,  and  hundreds  of  othi 
nuals  flourish.  The  must  interesting  feature, 
however,  is  the  growing  and  flowering  of  suc- 
c  ulents  in  this  most  humid  climate. 


Publications  Received.  Arnold  Arbore* 
turn.  Harvard  University.  A  map  showing  bow 
the  trees  are  grouped  in  this  famous  arboretum. — 
The  Academy  of  Natural  Sc  ences  of  Phila- 
delphia Annual  Reports,  1908.  Uganda  Pro- 
tectorate Annual  Report  on  the  Botanical, 
Forestry,  and  Scientific  Department  for  the 
year  ending  March  31,  1908,  by  M:  T.  Have 
(Uganda  :  Government  Press,  Entebbe)  — Trans- 
vaal Department  of  Agriculture  Annual  Report, 
1907-8.  (Pretoria:  Government  Printing  and 
Stationery  Office).  —  Twenty-First  Annual  Re- 
port of  the  Agricultural  Experiment  Stations 
of  the  Louisiana  State  University  and 
Agricultural  and  Mechanical  College  for 
1908,  by  W.  R.  Dodson,  Director.  (Baton 
Rouge  :  The  New  Advocate,  Official  Journal  of 
the  State  of  Louisiana). —  The  Western  New 
York  Horticultural  Society  Proceedings  of 
the  Fifty-Fourth  Annual  Meeting,  held  at 
Rochester,  NY.,  Wednesday  and  Thursday,  Jan- 
uary 27  and  23,  1909.  (Rochester,  NY.  :  Demo- 
crat and  Chronicle  Press). — The  Queensland 
Agricultural  Journal.  (March.)  (Brisbane  : 
Department  of  Agriculture  and  Stock).  —  Thirty- 
Ninth  Annual  Report  of  the  Entomological 
Society  of  Ontario,  1908.  (Toronto:  Ontario 
Department  of  Agriculture).  —  Imperial  Depart- 
ment of  Agriculture  for  the  West  Indies  Re- 
ports en  the  Botanic  Station,  Agricultural 
Instruction,  and  Experiment  Plots,  Grenada, 
1907-8.  (Barbados:  Imperial  Commissioner  of 
Agriculture  for  the  West  Indies).  Price  3d. — 
Bird  Notes  and  News.  (London:  3,  Hanover 
Square,  W  ).  —  The  Agricultural  Gazette  of  New 
South  Wales.  (Sydney;  Government  Printer), 
Price  6d.—  77ie  Cultivation  and  Preparation  of 
Para  Rubber,  by  W.  H.  Johnson.  (London  : 
Crosby,  Lockwood  &  Son).     Price  7s.  6d.  net. — 


26G 


THE     GARDENERS     CHRONICLE. 


[April  24,  1909. 


— Report  on  the  Meteorological  Observa- 
tions made  at  Victoria  Park,  Swansea, 
daring  the  year  1908,  by  Daniel  Bliss, 
Superintendent  of  Parks,  Swansea. — The  Forest 
Flora  of  New  South  Wales,  by  J.  H.  Maiden. 
Vol.  IV.,  Part  3.  (Sydney  :  Government  Printer). 
Price  Is.— Journal  of  the  Royal  Society  of 
Arts.  (April.)  (London:  George  Bell  &  Sons). 
— The  Agricultural  Journal.  (March.)  (Cape 
Town  :  Cape  Times.)  Price  6d  —Proceedings 
of  the  Agri-  Horticultural  Society  of 
Madras,  July  to  September,  1908.  (Madras: 
Higginbotham  &  Co.).— New  York  Agricultural 
Experiment  Station,  Geneva,  N.Y.  Bulletin 
No.  307 :  Potato  Spraying  Experiments  in  1907, 
by  P.  0.  Stewart,  G.  T.  French,  and  P.  A.  Sirrine. 
Bulletin  No.  308  :  Methods  of  Paying  for  Milk  at 
Cheese-Factories,  by  L.  L.  Van  Slyke.  Bulletin 
No.  309  :  Variety  Test  of  Strawberries  and  Cul- 
tural Directions,  by  0.  M.  Taylor.  Bulletin  No. 
310  :  Directors'  Report  for  1908,  by  W.  H.  Jordan. 
Bulletin  No.  311 :  Potato  Spraying  Experiments 
in  1908,  by  F.  C.  Stewart,  G.  T.  French,  and 
F.  A.  Sirrine.  Bulletin  No.  312:  The  Tussock 
Moth  in  Orchards,  by  W.  J.  Schoene.  Bulletin 
No.  313 :  Inoculation  and  Lime  as  Factors  in 
Growing  Alfalfa,  by  H.  A.  Harding  and  J.  K. 
Wilson.  Published  by  the  Station.— Fifth  Re- 
port of  the  Board  of  Commissioners  of  Agri- 
culture and  Forestry  of  the  Territory  of  Hawaii 
for  the  year  ending  December  31,  1908. 
(Honolulu:  The  Hawaiian  Gazette  Co.,  .Ltd.). — 
Conservation  of  Hawaii's  Natural  Resources 
before  the  Legislature  Session  of  1909.  ( Hono- 
lulu :  The  Hawaiian  Gazette  Co.,  Ltd.). — Fiel .' 
Experiments  at  the  Harper-Adams  Agricul- 
tural College,  Newport,  Salop,  and  in  Stafford- 
shire. Joint  report  for  season  1908.  (Newport, 
Shropshire:  Bennion  Home,  Smallman  &  Co., 
Ltd.,  Printers,  &c.l. — Proceedings  of  the  Aca- 
demy of  Natural  Sciences  of  Philadelphia. 
Vol.  LX.,  Part  III.  July  to  December,  1908. 
(Philadelphia  :  The  Academy  of  Natural  Sciences). 


NURSERY     NOTES. 


white  band  extending  down  the  centre.  Oving- 
ton  is  a  scarlet  flower,  of  fair  size ;  Nysa  is  a 
good,  dark-crimson  flower  of  capital  form ; 
Marcus  is  also  crimson,  and  unexcelled  in  the 
form  of  the  flower ;  this  variety  has  obtained  an 
Award  of  Merit  from  the  Royal  Horticultural 
Society,  and  is  shown  in  fig.  114.  Neila  is  scar- 
let, with  a  white  band  on  two  of  its  segments ; 
Julian  is  a  very  large  crimson  variety,  having  an 
orange-coloured  tint,  with  white  rays  and  cen- 
tral band  on  each  of  the  segments.  Gamos  is 
of  an  orange-scarlet  tint,  with  a  yellowish-green 
tinge  at  the  base  of  the  segments ;  Idothea  is  a 
finely-formed  crimson  self ;  Queen  Alexandra  has 
a  white  flower  flamed  with  bright  scarlet.  Seed- 
ling No.  9  is  one  of  many  derived  from  one 
seed-pod.  It  has  a  light-red  flower  with 
greenish  rays  and  a  decided  orange  tint.  Hfra 
is  a  very  large  crimson  variety  with  a  yellow- 
tinge  in  the  middle  of  the  segments ;  Optima  is 
a  scarlet  self,  with  a  band  of  white  on  all  the 
segments  excepting  the  lowermost.  Ravenna  is 
of  royal  scarlet  colour;  Lodore  is  a  flower  of  a 


HIPPEASTRUMS  AT  CHELSEA. 
On  a  recent  visit  to  the  Royal  Exotic  Nursery 
in  the  King's  Road,  Chelsea,  the  chief  establish- 
ment of  Messrs.  J.  Veitch  &  Sons,  Ltd.,  I  was 
especially  interested  in  the  Hippeastrums,  which 
were  opening  nicely  into  bloom.  These  plants 
are  accommodated  in  a  light,  span-roofed  house 
60  feet  in  length  and  22  feet  in  width.  In  the 
middle  is  a  central  bed  7  feet  in  width,  with  a 
narrow  gangway  for  the  convenience  of  the  gar- 
dener in  applying  water,  and  inspecting  the 
plants.  There  are  likewise  other  beds  of  3^  feet 
in  width,  for  the  plunging  of  younger  bulbs. 
Beneath  the  beds  are  hot-water  pipes  to  heat 
the  plunging  materials.  The  plants  that  were  in 
bloom  were  chiefly  those  of  crimson,  scarlet,  or 
pink  colours,  and  many  of  the.  lighter-coloured 
varieties  were  showing  colour  in  the  bud  and 
would  soon  be  expanding.  These  handsomely- 
formed  cross-bred  Hippeastrums  are  the  de- 
scendants of  the  Brazilian  species  H.  Leopoldii, 
which  gave  the  fine  form  to  the  race.  The 
species  has  creamy-white  flowers  with  a  crimson 
centre,  the  tips  of  the  segments  being  white. 
H.  Leopoldii  was  crossed  with  H.  X  Empress 
of  India,  a  hybrid  raised  in  Holland,  and  from 
this  cross  the  present  race  has  descended.  The 
efforts  of  the  firm  are  now  largely  directed  to 
the  production  of  a  good  yellow-coloured  variety, 
and  indications  of  that  colour  are  to  be  noticed 
in  some  of  the  newest  varieties,  but  only 
in  a  minor  degree.  Among  fully-expanded 
flowers  the  following  varieties  were  conspicuous  : 
— Sybil  is  a  large  flower  with  a  white  ground 
netted  with  crimson  and  furnished  with  a  white 
lower  segment ;  Cerebus,  flowering  for  the  first 
time,  is  a  handsome  crimson  flower,  but  is  not 
of  a  first-class  shape,  the  segments  being  narrow, 
and  the  points  too  pronounced.  Lavacea  is  a 
pure  crimson  self,  without  the  least  trace 
of  other  colour,  and  it  is  cf  perfect  form. 
The  variety  Acme  develops  an  immense 
scarlet    flower,    the    wide    segments    having    a 


mens  for  sitting-room  and  dinner-table  adorn- 
ment. Fine  specimens  of  D.  Goldiana  stood  at 
the  back  of  the  bed,  and  smaller  ones  of  D.  San- 
deriana  were   dotted  about. 

The  main  stock  of  Orchids  is  cultivated  at  the 
Langley  nursery.  In  the  Orchid  house  at  Chelsea 
there  were  some  plants  in  bloom,  including  Odon- 
toglossum  crispum,  Cymbidium  Lowianum,  sev- 
eral Dendrobiums ;  Pleione  pogonioides,  a  low- 
growing  Chinese  species,  bearing  light-purple 
flowers ;  Maxillaria  luteola,  and  a  great  number 
of  forms  of  Cattleya  Schroderae. 

The  Rockery  house  was  delightfully  furnished 
with  Adiantums  in  great  variety,  Asparagus 
plumosus,  ornamental-leaved  Begonias,  &c. 
Anthuriums  formed  an  interesting  display. 
Many  of  the  plants  were  furnished  with  their 
showy  spathes,  especially  the  species  A.  Sclier- 
zerianum  and  its  varieties.  Others  in  bloom  in- 
cluded Duvivierianum,  Madame  Dalliere,  Roth- 
schildianum,  and  Wardii,  also  varieties  of  A. 
Andreanum.  The  show  house  was  gay  with 
many     of     the     finest     varieties     of     Camellia, 


FlG.    II4. — HIPPEASTRUMS    AT   CHELSEA. 

At  back,  Enid,  white  with  a  little  red  colour  in  centre;   at  front,  Omar,  red  with  white  stripes; 
to  the  left-hand,  Romola,  orange-scarlet ;  and  at  right,  Marcus,  crimson. 


deep  crimson  tint,  having  a  tinge  of  purple  in 
it.  Tamos  has  a  white  flower  rayed  with  scarlet 
— a  very  fine  variety  ;  Adia  is  white,  with  some 
faint  red  lines  on  the  segments ;  Vidette  is  a 
dark  crimson-coloured  variety,  with  segments 
greatly  reflexing  ;  Quirites  has  prettily-tesselated 
segments  of  a  crimson  colour.  Titan  is  a  large- 
flowered  variety  ;  the  upper  segments  are  white, 
striped  with  crimson,  the  lower  segments  white 
with  the  points  well  reflexed.  There  are  three 
other  varieties,  in  addition  to  Marcus,  shown  in 
our  illustration,  namely,  Enid,  a  white  flower 
with  slightly  coloured  centre ;  Romola,  a  self- 
coloured  flower  of  orange-scarlet  tint ;  and  Omar, 
a  red  flower  with  white  stripes. 

The  plants  are  in  splendid  condition,  with 
strong  vigorous  foliage.  They  are  well  rooted, 
most  of  the  bulbs  being  seedlings  2£  years  old 
and  flowering  for  the  first  time. 

The  best  varieties  and  species  of  Dracaenas, 
perfect  plants  in  most  instances,  filled  one  of  the 
small  houses.  I  noted  the  narrow-leaved  varie- 
ties The  Queen,  Duchess  of  York,  Doucettii, 
Ernestii,  and  marginata  rosea  in  excellent  speci- 


Rhododendron  indicum,  and  N.  sinense  Staphy- 
lea  colchica,  finely-grown  and  flowered  Lilacs, 
Viburnum  Opulus,  Streptosolen  Jamesonii  (ad- 
mirably flowered  for  the  time  of  year),  Prunus 
in  variety,  Narcissus,  Tulips,  Lily  of  the  Valley, 
and  Mignonette.     F. 


NOTES  FROM  A  "FRENCH''  GARDEN. 

The  Carrots  in  the  frames  have  been  cleaned 
and  thinned.  The  frames  are  now  ventilated  day 
and  night.  If  the  Cauliflowers  are  growing  very 
fast  among  the  Carrots  the  lights  car.  be  raised 
by  placing  them  on  5-inch  pots  or  bricks.  In  this 
case  a  good  watering  must  be  given  before  the 
lights  are  tilted,  as  it  is  very  difficult  to  apply 
water  after  the  lights  have  been  arianged  that 
way.  This  method  is  only  practised  in  small  gar- 
dens ;  in  larger  ones  cultivators  prefer  to  lift  the 
frames  and  lights  a  few  inches  from  the  ground. 

We  are  now  planting  one  Cauliflower  under 
each  cloche. 


April  24,  1909.] 


THE     GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


267 


The  Cos  Lettuces  under  the  cloches  require 
careful  shading  in  the  middle  of  the  day,  but 
this  must  not  be  excessive  or  it  will  cause  the 
Lettuces  growing  between  the  cloches  to  become 
drawn.  The  space  under  the  rim  of  the  cloche 
must  be  kept  well  opened  for  ventilation. 

We  are  just  finishing  our  planting  of  Cos  Let- 
tuces in  the  open  ground.  These  plants  were 
raised  on  hot-beds  early  in  January,  and  are  as 
forward  as  those  raised  in  December,  which  are 
late,  owing  to  the  bad  weather  which  prevailed 
in  February  and  March. 

Endive  "La  Rouennaise"  is  now  being  planted 
in  beds  measuring  12  feet  wide  and  70  feet  long. 
The  ground  has  been  well  prepared  and  manured. 
The  plants  are  set  10  inches  apart  each  way. 
Care  is  taken  not  to  set  the  plants  too  deeply. 

The  first  batch  of  Melons  is  now  well  estab- 
lished, and  they  are  given  ventilation  in  the 
middle  of  the  day.  We  have  lined  the  frames 
with  hot  manure  to  maintain  a  good  heat  in  the 
beds. 

Melon  plants  intended  for  the  main  batch  are 
doing  well.  We  stop  them  at  different  times  in 
order  that  the  fruits  may  not  ripen  all  at  once. 
We  have  received  the  manure  for  the  making  of 
the  hot-beds,  as  we  expect  to  start  the  final  plant- 
ing early  next  week.  This  operation  will  be  the 
chief  work  next  month,  and  must  be  carried  out 
as  quickly  as  possible. 

The  Passion  Lettuces  which  were  planted  in 
the  unheated  frames  are  now  hearting,  and  will 
therefore  require  plenty  of  water. 

The  Turnips  growing  in  frames  must  be  given 
ample  ventilation  during  the  day  and  night  as 
the  frames  and  lights  will  soon  be  removed  for 
the  Melons.    The  soil  must  always  be  kept  moist. 

We  are  now  pricking  off  for  the  second  time 
our  strongest  Tomato  plants,  putting  100  plants 
in  each  light.  The  soil  is  made  very  firm  at  the 
roots,  and  the  plants  are  set  deeply  to  induce 
new  roots  to  grow  from  the  stem.  The  lights  are 
kept  closed  and  shaded  for  two  or  three  days 
after  the  planting  is  done.     /'.  Aquatias. 


HOME   CORRESPONDENCE. 


(The  Editor  does  not  hold  himself  responsible  for  the 
opinions  expressed  by  his  correspondents.) 

Perpetual  -  flowering  Carnations. — In 
his  excellent  article  on  Perpetual-flowering  Car- 
nations (see  p.  241),  Mr.  Weston  mentions  the 
variety  Harlowarden  as  being  the  best  of  its 
colour.  Another  crimson  variety  of  compara- 
tively recent  introduction  is  Gwladys.  This 
plant  flowers  very  freely,  and  the  blooms  are 
perfect  in  form,  being  even  larger  than  those  of 
Harlowarden.  The  variety  has  long,  strong 
stems,  smooth-edged  petals,  and  rich  Clove 
scent.     J.  Johnson. 

Griselinia  littoralis. — I  notice  that  several 
writers  in  the  Gardeners'  Chronicle  have  re- 
cently referred  to  this  plant.  E.  M.  states  on 
p.  234  that  he  has  seen  many  plants  of  this 
species  killed  by  frost.  My  experience  here 
is  that  even  small  seedlings  are  perfectly  hardy. 
I  have  twice  planted  G.  lucida  var.  macrophylla 
in  the  open,  and  each  time  it  has  been  killed  by 
frost,  (r.  J.  P.  Mayor,  Lanullen,  St.  Tudy, 
Cornwall. 

Grafting  or  Budding  the  Lilac. — In  the 
Gardeners'  Chronicle  for  April  17  is  a  valuable 
caution  from  a  correspondent  against  using 
Lilacs  worked  on  Privet  stocks  for  forcing  pur- 
poses. Apart  from  other  considerations,  my  ex- 
perience of  the  Lilac  when  grafted  on  the  Privet 
stock  is  that  the  plants  are  apt  to  die  suddenly 
without  any  apparent  cause,  whether  employed 
for  forcing  or  for  planting  out-of-doors.  Nearly  all 
the  dwarf,  bushy  plants  sent  to  this  country  from 
abroad,  which  are  intended  for  flowering  in  pots, 
are  grafted  or  budded  on  the  common  Lilac, 
and  they  usually  make  effective  specimens.  It 
is,  however,  necessary  to  keep  a  sharp  look-out 
for  the  removal  of  suckers,  and  doubly  so  if  the 
plants   are   afterwards   placed    in   the   shrubbery 


border  where  suckers  quickly  detract  from  the 
vigour  of  the  specimen.  Such  being  the  case,  I 
much  prefer  Lilacs  on  their  own  roots,  though 
they  are  sometimes  difficult  to  obtain  in  this 
form.  Continental  nurserymen  are  notoriously 
fond  of  grafting,  whether  this  is  necessary  or  not, 
but  in  the  catalogue  of  Mons.  Lemoine  et  Fils 
occur  the  following  words: — "Our  Lilacs  are 
not  grafted."  As  this  firm  raised  nearly  all  the 
double-flowered  forms  and  some  of  the  single 
ones,  the  fact  that  they  have  discontinued  graft- 
ing is  strongly  in  favour  of  plants  on  their  own 
roots.      II'. 

The  Vacant  Land  Cultivation  Society. 

■ — The  work  of  this  society  during  its  first  sea- 
son has  been  so  successful  in  actual,  tangible  re- 
sults, that  it  confidently  appeals  to  the  public  for 
help.  From  landowners  or  their  agents,  we  solicit 
the  loan  of  unused  and  vacant  plots  of  land,  no 
matter  where,  in  the  metropolis  or  country.  We 
agree  to  deliver  up  such  lands  within  seven  days, 
whenever  called  upon  to  do  so  by  the  owners  or 
their  agents.  From  seedsmen,  growers  and  mer- 
chants we  solicit  seeds  and  plants,  hoes,  shovels, 
spades  and  rakes  for  the  use  of  our  cultivators. 
From  bait-stable  proprietors  we  ask  contributions 
of  manure  and  street-sweepings.  From  those 
able  and  willing  to  subscribe  money  in  large  or 
small  amounts  we  solicit  donations,  on  the  assur- 
ance that  none  will  go  in  the  usual  form  of 
charity,  but  to  provide  opportunity  for  the  heads 
of  poor  families  to  grow  their  own  food  by  their 
own  work,  without  any  stigma  attaching  to  them 
of  receiving  alms.  The  society  requires  £2,000  for 
the  present  season's  work.  Joseph  /■'■/-,  Hon. 
Sec. 

Himalayan  Rhododendrons  at  Tremough, 
Penryn. — There  is  now  a  magnificent  display 
of  Himalayan  Rhododendrons  at  Tremough. 
Penryn,  Cornwall,  where  Mr.  R.  Gill  has 
specialised  in  these  beautiful  plants  for  a  great 
many  years.  One  of  the  early  owners  of  Tre- 
mough was  the  late  .Mr.  Shilson,  who  formed 
the  lovely  garden  at  Trevarrick,  St.  Austell,  now 
in  the  occupation  of  Mr.  Martin  P.  Hiuhins,  of 
Sweet  Pea  fame.  Mr.  Shilson  was  a  great  lover 
of  Rhododendrons,  and  his  name  is  commemo- 
rated  in  the  splendid  hybrid  Rhododendron  Shil- 
sonii,  which  was  obtained  from  a  cross  between 
11.  barbatum  and  R.  Thomsonii.  Among  many 
beautiful  Rhododendrons  which  I  noted  at  Tre- 
mough during  my  visit  at  mid-April  were 
tin'  following:  —  An  unnamed  cross  between  R. 
Griffithiauum  and  R.  Johnsonii,  a  large  flower 
of  charming  colouring,  blush  with  bright 
rose  edge,  Triumph  (Aucklandii  x  Thom- 
sonii), a  noble  hybrid  with  immense  carmine 
flowers:  R.  barbatum,  a  grand  scarlet  flower; 
Duchess  of  Corn  .vail,  carmine-rose,  fine  pyramidal 
truss ;  a  form  of  R.  Thomsonii  with  a  red  calyx, 
the  flower  bearing  a  strong  resemblance  to  Lapa- 
geria  rosea  :  Nuttallii,  having  huge  white  flowers 
with  faint  lemon  suffusion  ;  <  lountess  of  Hadding- 
ton, blush-coloured  with  long  tube  ;  several  forms 
of  Shilsonii,  with  very  rich,  decided  colours,  and 
the  small  but  charming  blush-coloured  ciliatum. 
Mr.  Gill  has  a  good  stock  of  young  plants  of  such 
interesting  Rhododendrons  as  Wightii  argenteum, 
glaucum  and  racemosum  ;  likewise  of  that  splen- 
did plant  Embothrium  coccineum.  He  imports 
seed  of  Rhododendrons  from  the  Himalayas.  The 
Tremough  Rhododendrons  ought  to  be  good  until 
nearly  the  end  of  May  this  year,  as  the  season  is 
late.  The  place  is  within  three  miles  of  Fal- 
mouth,    w.  J',  ir. 

Common  Musk. — Is  there  such  a  thing  now  as 
a  Common  Musk  with  the  old  Musk  perfume? 
Many  friends  of  mine  contend  that  there  is  not, 
and  I  myself  am  sceptical.   T.  Smith,  Newry. 

Evergreen  Ampelopsis. — I  enclose  a  frag- 
ment of  a  plant  which  I  believe  is  an  evergreen 
species  of  Ampelopsis.  The  plant  has  grown  for 
some  20  years  here  against  an  east  wall,  the  soil 
being  very  poor.  It  has  never  received  protection 
during  cold  weather.  G.  J.  P.  Mayor,  Lamel- 
hit.  St.  Tudy,  Cornwall.  [The  specimen  sent  is 
Yitis  striata.  This  species  was  not  included  on 
p.  240  in  the  list  of  tender  evergreen  species,  for 
although  in  a  few  favoured  places  in  the  south- 
west counties  it  can  be  grown  successfully  on  a 
wall,  it  is  not  generally  hardy,  and  will  not  suc- 
ceed out-of-doors  in  the  neighbourhood  of  Lon- 
don. It  is  a  native  of  the  most  southern  part  of 
Brazil,  on  the  borders  of  Uruguay,  and  forms  a 


neat  growing  plant  with  small  compound  leaves. 
In  a  few  gardens  in  Cornwall  fine  examples  exist, 
notably  at  Tregothnan,  near  Falmouth.  A  few 
years  ago,  in  September,  a  specimen  in  that  gar- 
den was  heavily  laden  with  small  black  fruits 
of  handsome  appearance.  The  species  has  several 
synonyms  and  has  been  called  Cissus  striata  and 
Ampelopsis  sempervirens.  It  is  probable  that 
the  evergreen  species  mentioned  on  p.  240  will 
thrive  in  any  garden  where  V.  striata  is  known 
to  succeed. — Eds.] 

Onions  for  Market. — I  regret  A.  D.  should 
think  me  a  wet  blanket.  I  only  wrote  as  I  did 
because  his  ideas  so  completely  coincided  with 
my  own  enthusiastic  mistake.  Many  seedsmen 
inform  the  public  in  their  catalogues  that  the 
best  White  Spanish  type  is  the  only  good  sort 
for  a  general  market  crop.  I  did  not  believe 
them,  to  my  sorrow.  Some  of  my  regular  custo- 
mers would  not  even  look  at  a  sample.  I  sent 
them  to  Birmingham,  and  took  London  advice. 
The  Bristol  men  told  me  they  had  not  touched  an 
English  Onion  all  the  season.  They  said  they 
had  "  plenty  of  Dutch."  It  would  be  calami- 
tous if  we  grew  an  immense  English  supply  of 
the  wrong  sort  of  Onion.  I  thought  myself  of 
capturing  the  market.  My  bulbs  were  fine 
samples;  but  I  was  unsuccessful.     F.   Kitley. 


SOCIETIES. 


ROYAL    HORTICULTURAL. 

April  20. — An  excellent  display  of  flowers  was 
seen  at  the  meeting  held  on  Tuesday  last  in  the 
Society's  Hall,  Vincent  Square,  the  building 
being  filled  even  to  the  annexes  with  ex- 
hibits. Flowering  bulbs  were  numerous,  also 
Roses,  forced  shrubs,  Carnations,  Orchids,  Cine- 
rarias, Rhododendrons,  and  hardy  spring  flowers 
ally. 

The  Floral  Committee  granted  two  First- 
class  Certificates  and  eight  Awards  of  Merit. 
The  Orchid  Committee  conferred  one  First-class 
Certificate  and  five  Awards  of  Merit.  The 
Narcissus  Committee  granted  a  First-class  Cer- 
tificate to  Narcissus  "  Queen  of  the  West." 

The  annual  exhibition  of  the  National  Auri- 
cula and  Primula  Society  was  held  on  the  same 
day  ;  a  report  of  this  show  is  given  on  p.  270. 

At  the  three  o'clock  meeting  in  the  lecture- 
room  a  paper  on  "  Pansies  "  v.  as  given  by  Mr. 
Eric  Drabble,  D.Sc. 

Floral  Committee. 

Present:  W.  Marshall,  Esq.  (Chairman),  and 
M<  is.  C.  T.  Druery,  Jno.  Green,  R.  Hooper 
Pearson,  C.  R.  Fielder,  George  Gordon,  J.  H. 
Barr,  J.  F.  McLeod,  W.  Howe.  W.  Bain,  Chas. 
Dixon.  Chas.  E.  Pearson,  Ed.  Mawlev,  Chas.  E. 
Shea,  J.  T.  Bennett-Poe,  W.  Cuthbertson,  W.  P. 
Thomson.  Jas.  Douglas,  E.  H.  Jenkins,  George 
Paul,  E.  T.  Cook,  and  R.  C.  Reginald  Nevill. 

Several  exhibits  of  forced  Roses  were  shown. 
Mr.  Geo.  Mount,  Canterbury,  staged  in  his 
usual  excellent  style,  a  collection  of  popular 
varieties,  having  such  beautiful  kinds  as 
Dean  Hole,  Mrs.  John  Laing,  Richmond, 
Ulrich  Brunner,  Mrs.  R.  G.  Sharman  Crawford, 
Fran  Lilla  Rautenstrauch,  a  German  variety 
with  pale,  conical  blooms  lightly  tipped  with 
rose,  and  Liberty,  in  first-class  condition.  (Sil- 
ver Flora  Medal.) 

Messrs.  Wm.  Paul  &  Son,  Waltham  Cross, 
exhibited  pot  Roses,  several  being  tall  pillar 
varieties.  These  latter  included  the  beautiful 
Waltham  Bride  variety  and  Yeilchenblau,  the 
so-called  blue-flowered  Rambler,  a  vigorous 
grower  with  blooms  a  poor  shade  of  violet.  We 
also  noticed  a  batch  of  the  beautiful  Aennchen 
Miiller,  which  formed  the  subject  of  our  Supple- 
mentary Illustration  in  the  issue  for  June  1, 
1907.  There  were  also  seen  Lyon  Rose,  with 
plump  buds  of  a  coppery-rose  tone,  and  Mar- 
guerite.    (Silver  Flora  Medal.) 

Messrs.  B.  R.  Cant  &  Sons.  Colchester,  staged 
cut  blooms  of  many-  varieties  of  Roses,  an 
epergne  filled  with  the  beautiful  Fortune's  Yel- 
low variety  being  noticeable. 

Some  excellent  blooms  of  this  delicate  Rose 
were  also  shown  by  Lady  Cowpei!,  Panshanger, 
Herts,  (gr.  Mr.  Staward),  who  also  exhibited  a 
collection  of  Violets. 


268 


THE     GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


[April  24,  1S09. 


Messrs.  Frank  Cant  &  Co.,  Colchester,  showed 
an  assortment  of  Rambler  Roses  trained  up  tall 
stakes.  All  the  plants  were  freely  flowered,  the 
selection  of  varieties  including  Lady  Gay,  Hia- 
watha, Mrs.  F.  W.  Flight,  Minnehaha,  and 
Crimson  Rambler. 

Messrs.  Geo.  Paul  &  Son,  The  Old  Nurseries, 
Cheshunt,  showed  a  number  of  small  plants  of  a 
dwarf,  perpetual-flowering  Wichuraiana  variety 
named  Agate,  also  others  of  a  single  variety 
named  Sea  Shell,  one  of  the  parents  of  this  latter 
variety  being  a  Tea  variety.  The  group  con- 
tained prettily-flowered  Cystissus,  one  labelled 
Firefly  being  very  fine.  Another  interesting 
plant  was  Osteomeles  anthyllidifolia,  with  pin- 
nate leaves  and  Olearia-like  inflorescences. 

Mr.  G.  Prince,  Oxford,  exhibited  Roses,  some 
as  pot  plants.  Blooms  of  Mrs.  Ed.  Mawley,  Mrs. 
Longworth.  a  new  H.T.  variety,  Florence  Pem- 
berton.  and  other  varieties  were  shown  in  excel- 
lent condition.     (Silver  Flora  Medal.) 

Messrs.  Hugh  Low  &  Co.,  Bush  Hill  Park, 
Enfield,  had  many  Roses  in  an  exhibit  of  mis- 
cellaneous flowers.  A  white  sport  from  the  beau- 
tiful Killarney  variety  attracted  attention.  Car- 
nations shown  by  this  firm  were  of  the  high 
quality  usually  seen  in  their  exhibits  of  this 
popular  flower.  They  also  made  a  feature  of 
Acacias  in  assortment,  and  large  plants  in  bloom 
of  Meterosideros  floribunda,  Chorizema  cordata, 
Ericas,  and  Grevilleas.     (Silver  Flora  Medal.) 

Mr.  W.  H.  Page,  Hampton,  had  one  of  his 
usual  magnificent  exhibits  of  Carnations  asso- 
ciated with  Lilium  longiflorum  and  red  Roses. 
It  was  a  grand  display,  all  the  flowers  alike 
showing  excellent  culture.  (Silver  Flora  Medal.) 
Messrs.  Wm.  Cutbush  &  Son,  Highgate,  Lon- 
don, N.,  also  presented  a  fine  assortment  of  these 
flowers,  the  blooms  being  staged  with  taste 
and  the  varieties  representative  of  the  best  in 
commerce.  Adjoining  the  Carnations,  the  same 
firm  showed  forced  shrubs  in  assortment,  the 
\vli.>k-  providing  a  wealth  of  blossom.  (Silver 
Flora  Medal.) 

Many  interesting  flowers  were  shown  from  the 
garden  of  Sir  Edmund  Loder,  Bart.,  Leonards- 
lee,  Horsham,  Sussex  (gr.  Mr.  W.  A.  Cook). 
Amongst  several  species  of  Magnolias  was  a 
flower  of  the  rare  M.  Campbellii ;  Camellias  were 
equal  to  those  grown  under  glass,  the  old  C. 
Donckelaarii  being  especially  fine  ;  blooms  of  C. 
reticulata  were  8  inches  across.  Rhododendrons 
included  R.  Fosterianum,  one  of  the  most  fra- 
grant of  the  family ;  also  R.  Gibsonii,  R. 
Aucklandii,  R.  multiflorum,  and  R.  ciliatum. 
The  beautiful  Narcissus  King  Alfred  was  repre- 
sented by  exceptionally  large  blooms,  and  equally 
good  was  N.  maxiimis.  There  were  also  plants 
of  Primula  rosea,  P.  denticulata,  P.  cashmeriana, 
and  many  other  spring  flowers.  (Silver  Bank- 
sian  Medal.) 

A  large  table  was  filled  by  Messrs.  Sutton  & 
Sons,  Reading,  with  Italian  Hyacinths  in  blue 
and  white-flowered  varieties.  These  are  excel- 
lent for  furnishing  cut  flowers.  At  intervals 
were  arranged  vases  of  Freesia  Leichtlinii,  which, 
with  small  Ferns  and  Palms,  afforded  relief  to 
the  Hyacinths.  In  the  centre  was  an  unnamed 
species  of  Cineraria.     (Bronze  Flora  Medal.) 

A  Bronze  Flora  Medal  was  also  awarded  to 
Messrs.  H.  Cannell  &  Sons,  Swanley,  for  an 
exhibit  of  Zonal  Pelargoniums. 

Messrs.  James  Carter  &  Co.,  High  Holborn, 
London,  adopted  a  pleasing  style  in  exhibiting 
their  plants  of  Schizanthus.  Instead  of  the  or- 
thodox table  arrangement,  they  furnished  a  cir- 
cular kiosk  with  hanging  baskets  of  these  flowers, 
and  grouped  them  on  the  floor  and  about  the 
sides.  The  standards  were  entwined  with 
Smilax.  The  whole  formed  a  bower  of  flowers. 
(Silver  Flora  Medal.) 

Messrs.  James  Veitch  &  Sons,  King's  Road, 
Chelsea,  showed  Cinerarias  of  much  beauty ; 
some  were  of  beautiful  shades  of  blue,  others 
had  rose,  mauve,  white,  and  pink  blossoms. 
They  were  compact  specimens,  with  healthy 
foliage  and  huge  flower-trusses.  The  variety 
Fantasy  has  revolute  florets  of  deep,  rosy,  mauve 
colour.  Most  interesting  was  Cineraria  fiaves- 
cens,  raised  from  Cineraria  Feltham  Beauty  x 
Senecio  aurirulatissimus ;  the  buds  are  quite 
yellow  and  the  expanded  blooms  are  a  shade  of 
lemon,  almost  cream.  Messrs.  Veitch  also 
showed  hybrid  Gerberas,  varieties  of  Hippeas- 
trum,  the  floriferous  Malvastrum  hvpomodarum 
(see  Gardeners'  Chronicle,  June  20,  1908,  fig. 
176),  and  a  batch  of  Clerodendron  myrmeco- 
philum.     (Silver   Flora   Medal.) 


Messrs.  H.  B.  May  &  Son,  The  Nurseries, 
Edmonton,  showed  baskets  of  Pansies,  Ver- 
bena Miss  Willmott,  Statice  profusa,  the 
dwarf-habited  Roses  Phyllis  and  lime.  N. 
Levavasseur,  and  large-flowered  Clematis  of  the 
Marcel  Moser  and  Miss  Bateman  varieties. 
Arranged  amongst  the  flowering  plants  were 
decorative  Ferns.  Another  exhibit  shown  by 
this  firm  consisted  of  hardy  Ferns.  Amongst 
these  were  crested  forms  of  exceptional  merit  of 
the  common  Scolopendrium.  (Silver  Flora 
Medal.) 

Colonel  Holford,  Westonbirt,  Gloucestershire 
(gr.  Mr.  Chapman),  showed  varieties  of  Hippeas- 
trum,  one  receiving  an  Award  of  Merit  (see 
Awards)  Harvest  Moon  is  of  beautiful  form, 
white  flushed  with  rose ;  Mirabel  is  a  rosy  cerise 
shade  and  Phoebus  brilliant  scarlet. 

Hardy  flowers  were  plentiful,  several  exhi- 
bitors arranging  their  plants  in  temporised 
rock-gardens.  Messrs.  R.  Wallace  &  Co.,  Col- 
chester, staged  a  rockery,  somewhat  similar  to 
their  exhibit  at  the  previous  meeting,  and 
planted  it  with  choice  species  of  Iris,  Saxifraga, 
Anemone,  Primula.  &c.     (Silver  Banksian  Medal.) 

Messrs.  T.  S.  Ware,  Ltd.,  Feltham,  also 
showed  an  exhibit  of  this  kind,  having  many 
subjects  of  interest  to  cultivators  of  hardy  plants, 
including  a  fine  batch  of  plants  of  Primula  pul- 
verulenta.     (Bronze  Banksian  Medal.) 

Similar  exhibits  were  arranged  by  Mr.  H.  G. 
Pulham,  Elsenham,  Essex;  Mesrs.  John  Peed 
&  Son,  Forest  Hill,  Norwood;  Messrs.  G.  &  A. 
Clark,  Dover;  Messrs.  Geo.  Jackman  &  Son, 
Woking,  Surrey  (double-flowered  Primroses  and 
Primulas  cashmeriana  and  denticulata  were  ex- 
cellent in  this  exhibit) ;  Misses  Hopkins,  Mere 
Gardens,  Shepperton-on-Thames  ;  and  Miss  Alice 
Smith,  Barnham,  Bognor,  Sussex. 

Other  exhibitors  of  hardy  garden  and  Alpine 
plants  were  Messrs.  G.  Bunyard  &  Co.,  Maid- 
stone, whose  double-flowered  Primroses  were 
noteworthy ;  Messrs.  Joseph  Cheal  &  Sons, 
Crawley,  Sussex;  Mr.  G.  Reuthe,  Keston,  Kent 
(this  exhibitor  showed  a  fine  dark  form  of  Pri- 
mula rosea,  the  pretty  Calypso  borealis,  Shortia 
uniflora,  &c.) ;  The  Guildford  Hardy  Plant 
Nursery,  whose  Aubrietias,  Primula  nivalis, 
Doronicum  Clusii  Cassandra  calyculata,  and 
Orobus  azurus  were  all  well  cultivated  (Bronze 
Banksian  Medal) ;  Messrs.  Phillips  &  Taylor, 
Bracknell,  Berks,  (this  group  included  a  good 
strain  of  Auriculas) ;  and  Messrs.  Baker's, 
Wolverhampton.  This  last-named  firm  showed 
a  fine  Aubrietia  labelled  J.  S.  Baker,  also  Poly- 
anthuses, a  batch  of  Trilliums,  and  the  red- 
flowered   Primula   Cockburniana. 

Messrs.  Barr  &  Sons,  King  Street,  Covent 
Garden,  exhibited  Tritonia  Prince  of  Orange. 
The  blooms  are  of  regular  form  and  not  unlike 
a  pale-coloured  Nasturtium. 

Named  varieties  of  Polyanthus  were  shown 
by  Messrs.  Storrie  &  Storrie,  Glencarse,  Perth- 
shire. 

Pansies  and  Violas  in  variety  were  shown  by 
Messrs.  Dobbie  &  Co.,  Rothesay  (Bronze  Bank- 
sian Medal),  and  Messrs.  Carter,  Page  &  Co., 
52,  53,  London  Wall,  London. 

AWARDS. 

First-class  Certificates. 

Bougainvillea  Rosa  Catelina. — As  shown,  this 
plant  appears  to  be  a  variety  of  B.  glabra,  and 
may,  therefore,  be  expected  to  possess  the  good 
habit  of  that  species.  The  purple  colour  of  the 
type  is  next  to  eliminated  from  the  bracts,  which 
are  a  shade  of  rose.  A  large  flowering  branch 
was  shown  by  Colonel  Petre,  Westwick  House, 
Norwich  (gr.  Mr.  G.  D.  Davison),  who  stated 
that  the  variety  was  obtained  from  Las  Palmas, 
Grand   Canary. 

Primula  Forrestii. — This  is  an  interesting  new 
species  from  the  high  alps  of  Yunnan,  China 
(9,000  to  11,000  feet 'altitude).  The  species  pos- 
sesses many  points  of  uncommon  interest.  The 
root-stocks  are  described  by  Mr.  Forrest, 
who  collected  this  species  and  others  for 
Mr.  A.  K.  Bully,  as  growing  in  the  cre- 
vices of  dry,  shady  limestone  cliffs,  where  they 
become  2  to  3  feet  in  length.  Only  a  few  inches 
of  the  tapered  root-stalk  are  generally  enclosed 
in  the  crevices  of  the  rock,  the  remaining  part 
of  the  plant  being  pendulous  for  almost  its  full 
length,  a  few  inches  of  the  growing  apex  only 
being  turned  out  and  upwards.  It  is  estimated 
that  some  of  the  native  plants  are  from  50  to  100 


years  old.  The  plants  shown  by  Messrs.  Bees, 
Ltd.,  were  about  2  inches  high,  and  bore  simple, 
ovate-elliptical  leaves  with  crenate  margins.  The 
flowers  were  borne  on  erect  scapes,  and  were  deep 
yellow  with  orange-coloured  eye.  Both  flowers 
and  foliage  were  fragrant.  The  older  leaves  were 
mealy  on  the  under  surface.  The  species  is  de- 
scribed as  perfectly  hardy  in  Cheshire. 

Awards  of  Merit. 

Auricula  (Alpine)  Ad  mi  rat  ion. — A  grey- 
edged  flower  with  sulphur-coloured  centre. 

Auricula  (Alpine)  Claud  Halcro. — This 
flower  has  a  yellow  centre  and  crimson  petals 
falling  to  bronzy-red  at  the  margin. 

Auricula  (Alpine)  Robert  Bruce. — A  grey- 
edged  flower  with  sulphur-coloured  centre. 

Auricula  (Alpine)  Ulleswater. — A  very  large 
purple-edged   flower   with   whitish   centre. 

Carnation  "  Lad:/  I  'oventry." — This  is  a  mag- 
nificent variety  of  the  Souvenir  de  la  Malmaison 
type,  the  flowers  being  of  extra  large  size,  and 
carmine-lake  in  colour.  One  plant,  which  was 
cultivated  in  a  3-inch  pot,  was  2  feet  in 
height  and  bore  a  flower  of  immense  size.  The 
blooms  are  very  fragrant.  Shown  by  Messrs.  W. 
Cutbush  &  Sons. 

Hippeastrum  Gracchus. — This  is  a  deep  crim- 
son flower  without  any  sign  of  another  colour. 
It  is  the  richest  and  deepest  in  tint  of  this  type 
yet  exhibited.  Shown  by  Messrs.  Jas.  Veitch  & 
Sons,  Ltd. 

Hippeastrum  Pinkie. — This  flower  has  excel- 
lent form  and  good  substance  in  the  imbricated 
petals.  These  are  of  glistening  white,  but 
marked  with  rose-coloured  veins,  the  colour  occa- 
sionally suffusing  between  the  veins.  The  centre  ' 
of  the  flower  is  pale  green.  Shown  by  Col. 
Holford,  CLE.,  C.V.O.,  Westonbirt,  Tetbury 
(gr.  Mr.  A.  Chapman). 

Saxifraga  decipiens  hybrida  gra ndi flora. — ■ 
Those  who  know  the  moss-like  Saxifragas  and 
can  recall  a  plant  having  somewhat  of  the  habit 
of  S.  caespitosa,  may  form  a  good  idea  of  the 
habit  of  growth  of  this  novelty.  In  other  re- 
spects it  may  be  compared  to  a  large,  free-flower- 
ing plant  in  the  way  of  S.  "  Guildford  Seedling," 
except  that  the  plant  promises  to  flower  more 
freely.  The  plants  exhibited  were  but  4  inches 
or  5  inches  in  height,  the  richly-coloured  flower 
stems  harmonising  with  the  blood-crimson  of 
the  flowers.  This  variety  represents  an  advance 
on  all  crimson-flowered  Saxifrages  hitherto 
known.     From  Mr.  Kitley,  Bath. 

Narcissus  Committee. 

Present :  H.  B.  May,  Esq.  (Chairman) ;  Miss  E. 
Willmott,  and  Messrs.  W.  Poupart,  W.  A. 
Milner,  Henry  Backhouse,  P.  D.  H.  Williams, 
P.  R.  Barr,  F.  H.  Chapman,  Arthur  R.  Goodwin, 
Christopher  Bourne,  G.  W.  Leak,  J.  D.  Pearson, 
W.  F.  M.  Copeland,  J.  T.  Bennett-Poe,  Robert 
Svdenham,  W.  W.  Fowler,  James  Walker,  H.  A. 
D"enison,  C.  T.  Digby,  R.  W.  Wallace,  Walter 
T.  Ware,  John  Pope,  and  Chas.  H.  Curtis. 

There  were  many  good  collections  of  Narcissus. 
One  of  the  largest  and  most  comprehensive 
groups  was  staged  by  Miss  F.  W.  Curry, 
Lismore,  Ireland.  Notwithstanding  their  long 
journey  by  sea  and  land,  the  blooms  appeared 
fresh  and  good.  Among  the  many  excellent 
varieties,  we  noticed  Maggie  May,  Queen  of 
Spain,  Horace,  Dante,  and  Lycidas  of  the  Poeti- 
cus  section  ;  Lord  Kitchener,  a  handsome  variety 
of  the  Leedsii  group  ;  King  Alfred,  The  Geral- 
dine,  Lady  of  the  Snows  (a  white  Ajax  kind), 
Lady  Margaret  Boscawen,  and  Apricot.  (Silver- 
gilt  Banksian  Medal.) 

Messrs.  Barr  &  Sons,  King  Street,  Covent 
Garden,  London,  showed,  in  addition  to  a  re- 
markably good  collection  of  unnamed  seedlings, 
the  giant  white  Leedsii  Lord  Kitchener  and  the 
unrivalled  Peter  Barr,  also  Loveliness,  Mascotte, 
and  Torchlight,  while  the  bicolored  Seraphim  was 
in  every  respect  excellent.  A  superb  variety  of 
the  Engleheartii  type  was  seen  in  Red  Emperor ; 
Czarina  is  a  giant  flower  of  the  Leedsii  class. 
(Silver  Flora  Medal.) 

Messrs.  Pope  &  Son,  King's  Norton,  displayed 
many  good  kinds  of  Narcissi  such  as  OlympuS  (a 
choice  yellow  Ajax  variety).  White  Lady,  Ber- 
nardine  (with  a  rich  orange  crown).  Will  Scar- 
lett,   J.    B.    M.    Camm,    Ben    Simonite    (a    fine- 


April  24,  1909.] 


THE     GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


269 


bicolor),  Sebastian  (of  the  Leedsii  section),  Boat- 
swain (a  flower  with  soft  yellow  trumpet),  Judge 
Bird  (a  bicolor  flower  of  large  size),  Torch, 
Gonzola,  Weardale  Perfection,  and  a  large  num- 
ber of  promising  seedlings.  (Silver  Flora 
Medal.) 

Messrs.  Hogg  &  Robertson,  Dublin,  also  ex- 
hibited a  choice  assortment  of  these  flowers, 
their  extensive  display  being  composed  of  stan- 
dard varieties  and  novelties.  King  Alfred  was 
especially  good.     (Silver  Flora  Medal.) 

Messrs.  R.  H.  Bath,  Ltd.,  Wisbech,  staged  a 
collection  of  well-grown  Narcissi,  the  varieties 
including  King  Alfred,  Silver  Strand,  Wear- 
dale  Perfection,  Primrose  Queen,  Lucifer  (with 
a  fine  orange-coloured  cup),  King's  Norton 
(a  big  yellow  self),  Harmony  (white),  Fireflame, 
and  Crystal  Queen.     (Silver  Banksian  Medal.) 

Mr.  G.  Churches,,  Alverstoke,  and  Mr.  W. 
Watts,  St.  Asaph,  also  displayed  exhibits  of 
these  flowers,  a  Silver  Banksian  Medal  being 
awarded  in  each  case. 

First-class  Certificate. 

Narcissus  Queen  of  the  West. — A  yellow 
Ajax  Daffodil  of  fine  proportions  and  of  that 
rich  yellow  colour  so  desirable  for  a  market 
variety.  It  may  be  likened  to  a  glorified  flower 
of  Golden  Spur  in  regard  both  to  its  colour  and 
form.  The  handsome  crown  is  more  widely  ex 
panded  than  in  the  older  variety.  An  Award  of 
Merit  has  been  previously  granted  the  variety, 
and  on  this  occasion  the  Committee  gave  the 
higher  award  of  a  First-class  Certificate.  Shown 
by  Messrs.  Walter  T.  Ware,  Ltd.,  Bath. 

Orchid  Committee. 

Present:  J.  Gurney  Fowler,  Esq.,  (in  the 
Chair),  and  Messrs.  Jas.  O'Brien  (hon.  sec.),  de 
B.  Crawshay,  H.  Little,  W.  Boxall,  J.  Forster 
Alcock,  Stuart  Low,  F.  Sander,  R.  G.  Thwaites, 
W.  Cobb,  J.  Cypher,  W.  H.  Hatcher,  J.  Charles- 
worth,  H.  G.  Alexander,  W.  H.  White,  A.  Dye, 
H.  Ballantine,  Gurnev  Wilson,  J.  Wilson  Potter, 
W.  Bolton,  H.  A.  Tracy,  W.  Waters  Butler,  and 
F.  J.  Hanbury. 

Colonel  G.  L.  Hoi.ford,  CLE.,  C.V.O., 
Westonbirt,  Tetbury,  Glos.  (gr.  Mr.  H.  G. 
Alexander),  staged  a  selection  of  fine 
hybrids  raised  at  Westonbirt,  including  Odonto- 
glossum  Phoebe  "  Westonbirt  variety,"  a  fine 
white  flower  evenly  blotched  with  deep  ruby- 
red  ;  Lrclio-Cattleya  x  Dorothy  var.  fulgens,  a 
pretty  salmon-tinted  flower  having  an  orange 
ground  ;    and    L.-C.    Dorothy    splendens. 

Sir  Trevor  Lawrence,  Bart.,  K.C.V.O.,  Bur- 
ford,  Dorking  (gr.  Mr.  W.  H.  White),  showed  a 
selection  of  rare  Masdevallias,  including  M. 
deorsa.  M.  pachyantha,  varieties  of  M.  ignea,  \I. 
Shuttleworthii,  M.  Shuttryana,  M.  leontoglossa, 
M.  Chamberlainiana,  and  M.  Fraseri.  (See  also 
Awards.) 

H.  T.  Pitt,  Esq.,  Rosslyn.  Stamford  Hill  (gr. 
Mr.  Thurgood),  was  awarded  a  Silver  Flora 
Medal  for  an  effective  group,  in  which  were 
several  varieties  of  Odontoglossum  crispum  with 
finely-blotched  flowers,  and  a  selection  of  good 
hybrids.  Among  species  noted  were  Cyrtopo- 
dium  punctatum,  Odontoglossum  Edwardii,  two 
good  specimens  of  Epidendrum  Wallisii,  On- 
cidium  Marshallianum,  0.  leucochilum,  O.  con- 
color,  white  forms  of  Cattleya  intermedia,  and 
a  plant  of  C.  citrina  with  six  flowers. 

Messrs.  Charles  worth  &  Co.,  Hay  wards 
Heath,  were  awarded  a  Silver  Flora  Medal  for  a 
select  group  consisting  chiefly  of  fine  hybrids,  and 
all  splendidly  grown.  Amongst  the  best  plants 
were  Odontioda  Bradshawia?  with  flowers  of  a 
light  shade  of  scarlet ;  the  fine  pure  white  flowered 
Brasso-Cattleya  "  Queen  Alexandra  "  ;  Odonto- 
glossum ardentissimum  xanthotes,  snow-white 
with  some  orange  spots  on  the  lip ;  the  rare 
white-flowered  Trichopilia  Backhousiana  ;  a  very 
beautiful  home-raised,  heavily-blotched  form  of 
Odontoglossum  crispum  ;  the  dark  scarlet  Renan- 
thera  Imschootiana ;  Diacrium  bicornutum  ; 
Cattleya  Trianse  Edgar  Knight,  a  variety  of  the 
Imperator  class  with  a  deep  violet-purple  lip 
showing  but  little  yellow  in  the  throat ;  Aerides 
Fieldingii  and  other  species. 

Messrs.  Sander  &  Sons,  St.  Albans,  were 
awarded  a  Silver  Flora  Medal  for  a  group  which 
included  another  specimen  of  their  new  Odonto- 
glossum Dreadnought.     The  central  plant  was  a 


grand  specimen  of  Miltonia  Bleuana  Sander's 
variety  with  six  flower-spikes.  Amongst  others 
noted  were  Laelio-Cattleya  Dominiana  magnifica; 
Lselia  Cholletiana  with  four  flower-spikes;  Odon- 
toglossum crispum  Thompsonii,  bearing  large 
white  flowers  finely  blotched  with  purple.  We 
also  noticed  a  remarkable  white  form  of  0.  cris- 
pum with  very  firm  substance  in  the  petals ; 
Vanda  coerulescens,  Polystachya  bracteosa,  Scuti- 
caria  Steelii,  and  other  uncommon  species. 

Messrs.  Jas.  Cypher  &  Sons,  secured  a  Silver 
Flora  Medal  for  a  group  rich  in  Dendrobiums. 
D.  infundibulum  was  finely  flowered ;  other 
species  were  D.  atroviolaceum,  D.  nobile  virgin- 
ale,  D.  Apollo  grandiflorum,  D.  Devonianum, 
and  D.  Dalhou-nobile.  We  also  noted  the  white 
Chysis  bractescens,  Miltonia  Warscewiczii, 
Cattleya  intermedia  alba,  and  various  Brasso- 
Cattleyas. 

Messrs.  Hugh  Low  &  Co.,  Bush  Hill  Park, 
Enfield,  were  awarded  a  Silver  Flora  Medal  for 
a  group  in  which  were  several  distinct  forms  of 
Cattleya  Schroderae  of  the  coloured  type  ;  also  a 
clear  white  variety  of  this  plant.  The  Dendro- 
biums comprised  good  examples  of  D.  barbatu- 
lum,  D.  Devonianum,  D.  Jamesianum,  and  D. 
Wardianum  of  a  specially  fine  type,  one  specimen 
bearing  125  flowers.  Others  noted  were  Cym- 
bidium    Lowianum    concolor,    C.    Lowgrinum,    a 


Schroderae  Silvia  James,  a  fine  flower  of  a  pale 
lilac  tint. 

J.  T.  Bennett-Poe,  Esq.,  Holmewood,  Ches- 
hunt  (gr.  Mr.  Downes),  exhibited  cut  spikes  of 
Cymbidium  Colmanse  Holmewood  variety. 

H.  S.  Goodson,  Esq.,  Putney  (gr.  Mr.  Day), 
showed  Cattleya  Mendelii  Goodson's  variety  and 
Odontoglossum  Rolfea?  Ernestii. 

Norman  C.  Cookson,  Esq.,  Oakwood,  Wylam 
(gr.  Mr.  H.  J.  Chapman),  showed  Odontoglossum 
crispum  Millicent,  a  beautifully-blotched  home- 
raised  variety;  also  a  fine  form  of  0.  percultum. 

De  B.  r';tAWSHAY,  Esq.,  Rosefield,  Sevenoaks 
(gr.  Mr.  ..  .ables),  showed  his  very  beautiful  new 
hybrid  Odontoglossum  Theodora  (see  fig.  115),  a 
very  fine  dark  blood-red  Odontioda  Charles- 
worthii,  and  Odontoglossum  Vulpex  (Pescatorei 
X   Vuylstekei). 

AWARDS. 
First-class  Certificate. 

Odontoglossum  Theodora  (Sossii  ruhescens  X 
trium  jihans),  from  De  B.  Crawshay,  Esq., 
Rosefield,  Sevenoaks  (gr.  Mr.  Stables). — One  of 
the  most  remarkable  of  Odontoglossums,  and 
comparable  to  the  handsome  0.  Smithii  in  its 
compact  habit  and  size  of  flower.  The  sepals 
and  petals  are  of  a  clear  canary-yellow  ground 
colour,  the  sepals  showing  little  yellow  except  on 


Fig.  115. — odontoglossum   x  Theodora. 

Awarded    R.H.S.    First-Class    Certificate    on    Tuesday    last.) 


large  specimen  of  Masdevallia  Pourbaixii.  pretty 
plants  of  Ionopsis  paniculata,  and  Cirrhopetalum 
Amesianum. 

Monsieur  Mertens,  Ghent,  secured  a  Silver 
Flora  Medal  for  a  group  of  select  hybrid  Odonto- 
glossums,  including  0.  Lawrenceanum,  0.  Wiga- 
nianum,  0.  amabile,  0.  illustre,  and  0.  percul- 
tum. 

Mr.  A.  W.  Jensen,  Lindfield,  Haywards 
Heath,  was  awarded  a  Silver  Banksian  Medal  for 
a  group  consisting  of  good  forms  of  Cattleya 
Mendelii.  Two  of  the  plants  carried  21  and  23 
flowers  respectively.  With  the  Cattleyas  were 
several  good  plants  of  Odontoglossum  crispum, 
one  having  rose-tinted  flowers  bearing  many  small 
brownish  spots,  similar  to  the  punctatissimum 
class. 

The  Duke  of  Marlborough,  Blenheim  Palace 
(gr.  Mr.  Hunter),  showed  Odontoglossum  crispum 
virginale   Blenheim  variety. 

Mrs.  Temple,  Leyswood,  Groombridge  (gr.  Mr. 
Bristow),  sent  Lselio-Cattleva  Mrs.  Temple  (L.-C. 
Hy.  Greenwood   X   C.  Mossia>). 

Henry  Little,  Esq.,  Baronshalt,  Twickenham 
(gr.  Mr.  Howard),  showed  Cattleya  Mendelii 
Baronshalt  variety,  a  good  flower  of  peculiar 
colour  with  a  purplish-crimson  lip,  showing  but 
little  of  the  usual  yellow  disc. 

W.  James,  Esq.,  Chichester,  showed  Cattleya 


the  tips  and  as  shading  between  the  closely-ar- 
ranged bars  of  reddish-claret  colour.  The  petals 
have  a  wide  margin  and  are  tipped  with  canary- 
yellow,  the  central  two-thirds  bearing  bars  of 
confluent  reddish-claret  blotches.  The  lip  has  a 
broadly  ovate  fimbriate  blade,  white  with  a 
slight  tinge  of  lavender,  the  base  having  a  yellow 
crest,  in  front  of  which  is  a  horseshoe-shaped 
reddish-brown  blotch. 

Awards  of  Merit. 

Lalio-Catt/eya  Goldcrest  (C.  SeJiroderce  x  L. 
C'owanii),  from  Col.  G.  L.  Holford,  CLE., 
C.V.O.  (gr.  Mr.  H.  G.  Alexander).— A  beautiful 
hybrid  bearing  an  erect  inflorescence  of  many 
pretty  flowers  of  a  clear  chrome-yellow  colour, 
with  darker  veining  on  the  lip. 

Cattleya  Robert  de  Wavrin  (Schroderce  X 
SrliiUeriana),  from  Col.  G.  L.  Holford. — A 
large  flower  of  fine  substance,  the  sepals  and 
petals  being  white,  tinged  with  pale  rose ;  the 
broad  labellum  is  deep  rose,  with  a  yellow  disc 
from  which  light  crimson  veining,  derived  from 
C.  Schilleriana,  extends  to  the  front. 

OdontogJossum  loochristiense  aureo-fulvum , 
from  Sir  Trevor  Lawrence.  Bart.,  K.C.V.O., 
Burford  (gr.  Mr.  W.  II.  White).— A  finely- 
formed  flower  with  bright  yellow  sepals  and 
petals  distinctly  barred  and  blotched,  with  dark- 


270 


THE    GARDENERS'      CHRONICLE. 


[April  24,  1909. 


reddish  chocolate.  The  lip  is  white  with  a  yellow 
crest  around  which  are  some  brown  spots. 

Miltonia  Bleuana  Sander's  variety,  from 
Messrs.  Sander  &  Sons,  St.  Albans. — A  grand 
form  with  large,  almost  circular,  white  flowers, 
the  petals  having  their  bases  tinged  with  violet ; 
the  lip  a  distinct  mask  of  reddish  lines.  The 
plant  bore  six  spikes. 

Epi-Laelia  Lionetii  (L.  purpurata  X  E.  atro- 
purpureum),  from  Messrs.  Charlesworth  & 
Co.,  Haywards  Heath.— A  singular  hybrid,  pro- 
ducing an  erect  inflorescence,  after  the  manner 
of  E.  atropurpureum  (macrochilum),  bearing 
flowers  greatly  resembling  in  shape  those  of  that 
species,  and  of  a  bright  rose  colour. 

Botanical  Certificate. 

Pleurothaliis  Birchenallii,  from  Messrs. 
Charlesworth  &  Co. — A  singular  species,  bear- 
ing spikes  of  long  reddish-purple  flowers  with 
narrow,  white  petals  resembling  P.  Scapha. 

Oneidium  barbalum,  from  Gurnet  Wilson, 
Esq.,  Glenthorne,  Haywards  Heath. 

Cultural  Commendation. 

To  Mr.  H.  G.  Alexander,  Orchid  grower  to  Col. 
G.  L.  Holford.  for  a  notable  specimen  of  Catt- 
leya  Enid  "  Westonbirt  variety,"  with  seven 
flowers  on  a  spike.  The  same  award  was  given 
for  a  fine  plant  of  Odontoglossum  Pescatorei, 
with  153  flowers  on  three  spikes,  shown  by  this 
exhibitor. 

Mr.  W.  H.  White,  Orchid  grower  to  Sir 
Trevor  Lawrence,  Bart.,  showed  three  finely- 
flowered  plants  of  Dendrobium  crepidatum,  and 
was  granted  a  Cultural  Commendation. 

Fruit  and  Vegetable  Committee. 

Present:  A.  H.  Pearson,  Esq.  (in  the  Chair), 
and  Messrs.  P.  D.  Tuckett,  J.  Vert,  H.  Parr, 
A.  Dean,  0.  Thomas,  J.  Lyne,  W.  Bates,  G. 
Wythes,  F.  Perkins,  J.  Davis,  J.  Mclndoe,  W. 
Crump.  C.  Foster,  G.  Hobday,  W.  Fyfe,  A.  R. 
Allan,  J.  Harrison,  and  W.  Poupart. 

A  collection  of  Pineapples,  including  very 
small  fruits  of  the  Queen  variety  and  larger 
examples  of  smooth  Cayenne  were  displayed  by 
The  South  Africa  Constantia  Fruit  Co. 

Messrs.  Sutton  &  Sons,  Reading,  set  up  an 
interesting  and  meritorious  group  of  "  April  " 
Cabbage  some  150  in  number.  These  were  from 
a -sowing  made  early  last  August,  and  were  speci- 
ally planted  9  inches  apart  in  the  open  to  fur- 
nish early  heads.  All  were  small,  very  conical, 
and  quite  firm.     (Silver  Banksian  Medal.) 

Ladv  Cowper,  Panshanger,  Herts,  (gr.  Mr. 
Staward),  staged  a  collection  of  seven  dishes, 
distinct,  of  frame-grown  Potatos.  They  were 
good  samples,  but  much  the  finest  wes  Mid- 
lothian Early  Kidney.  Other  varieties  were 
Sharpe's  Express,  Duke  of  York,  Sharpe's 
Victor,  Britannia,  Tweedale,  and  Early  Balfour. 
The  same  exhibitor  showed  excellent  Canadian 
Wonder  Dwarf  Beans  and  Dainty  Scarlet  Turnip- 
rooted  Radishes.     (Silver  Banksian  Medal.) 

Sir  Edmund  Loder,  Bart.,  Leonardslee,  Hor- 
sham, Sussex  (gr.  Mr.  W.  A.  Cook),  showed 
heads  of  late  Broccoli. 

Competitive  Classes. 

Mr.  J.  Poupart,  Brentwood,  staged  five  large 
flat  bundles  of  Asparagus.  Two  of  these  were 
in  competition  in  a  trade  class,  and  secured  a 
Silver  Knightian  Medal. 

Mr.  E.  Beckett,  Aldenham  House  Gardens, 
was  the  only  exhibitor  of  two  dishes  of  Dwarf 
French  Beans,  having  the  varieties  Canadian 
Wonder  and  Ne  Plus  Ultra,  both  in  excellent 
pods.  The  exhibit  secured  the  first  prize.  There 
was  no  other  competitor. 


NATIONAL  AURICULA  &  PRIMULA. 
(SOUTHERN  SECTION.) 
April  20. — The  annual  exhibition  of  this 
Society  was  held  at  the  Horticultural  Hall,  Vin- 
cent Square.  Westminster,  in  conjunction  with 
the  fortnightly  exhibition  of  the  Royal  Horticul- 
tural Society.  Owing  to  the  cold  weather,  the 
season  for  these  flowers  is  late,  and  few  growers 
of  the  Auricula  had  their  plants  in  bloom.  The 
number  of  entries  was  much  fewer  than  on 
former  occasions,  and  very  poor  competition  re- 
sulted. The  Society  has  lost  by  death  several 
prominent  members,  whose  exhibits  were  missed 
on  this  occasion,  notablv  Mr.  Martin  Smith,  Mr. 


Charles  Turner,  and  Mr.  Ben  Simonite.  In  the 
larger  classes  for  Auriculas  Mr.  James  Douglas 
easily  surpassed  his  competitors,  his  flowers  being 
much  superior  to  any  of  the  others. 

Show  Auriculas. 

Twec.il/-four  Auriculas  in  not  fewer  than 
twelve  dissimilar  varieties. — There  were  three 
competitors  in  this  class,  viz.,  Mr.  James 
Douglas,  Great  Bookham,  Surrey ;  Mr.  W.  M. 
Shipman,  Altrincham ;  and  Mr.  J.  H.  Wilson, 
Handsworth,  Sheffield,  the  prizes  being  awarded 
in  the  order  of  their  names.  Mr.  Douglas  had 
by  far  the  finest  flowers.  He  staged  Mrs.  Phil- 
lips, Prince  Charming  (a  very  commendable  ex- 
ample), Henry  Wilson,  Marmion,  Seedling  Grey 
Edge,  Queen  of  Sheba  (one  of  the  best  in  the 
collection),  Sultan,  Rev.  F.  D.  Horner,  Ouida, 
Dinham,  Lovebird,  Favourite  (2)  (this  variety 
was  in  good  form),  Harrison  Weir  (2)  (also  shown 
well),  Queen  of  Spain,  Geo.  Lightbody,  Shirley 
Hibberd  (good),  Abraham  Barker,  Eucharis  (2), 
Abbe  Liszt,  and  Colonel  Champneys.  In  the  2nd 
prize  exhibit  were  good  examples  of  Mikado, 
Acme,  Shirley  Hibberd,  and  Dinham.  Mr. 
Wilson's  best  examples  were  Heroine,  Cleo- 
patra, and  Ruby. 

Twelve  show  Auriculas  of  dissimilar  varieties. 
— Mr.  James  Douglas  and  Mr.  W.  Smith, 
Bishops  Stortford,  contested  in  this  class,  the 
former  winning,  but  not  so  easily  as  in  the  larger 
class.  Mr.  Douglas  had  Dido,  Abbe  Liszt, 
Favourite,  Beauty,  Harrison  Weir,  Westhumbla, 
Lovebird,  Mrs.  Phillips,  Marmion,  Conservative, 
Prince  Charming,  and  George  Lightbody.  The 
2nd  prize  group  contained  good  specimens  of 
Abbe  Liszt,  Harrison  Weir,  Dr.  Hardy,  and 
Snowdon. 

Six  show  Auriculas,  dissimilar. — Mr.  J.  T. 
Bennett-Poe,  Ashley  Place,  London,  S.W.,  was 
the  only  exhibitor,  and  he  was  awarded  the  1st 
prize.  His  varieties  were  Richard  Headly,  Mrs. 
Henwood,  J.  Hanniford,  Mrs.  Phillips,  Rev.  F. 
D.  Horner,  and  Vesta. 

Four  show  Auriculas,  dissimilar. — There 
were  two  exhibits,  staged  by  Mr.  Bennett-Poe 
and  Mr.  F.  W.  Price,  Beckenham,  who  were 
awarded  1st  and  2nd  prizes  respectively.  The 
premier  four  were  Prince  Charming,  Rachel,  Mrs. 
Phillips,  and  Mrs.   Henwood. 

The  best  single  specimen  of  a  green-edged 
variety  was  Abbe  Liszt,  shown  by  Mr.  Douglas  ; 
the  best  grey-edged  •  variety  Stately,  shown  by 
Mr.  W.  Smith  ;  the  best  white-edged  variety 
Acme,  shown  by  Mr.  F.  W.  Price  ;  and  the  best 
coloured  flower,  Favourite,  shown  by  Mr. 
Douglas. 

For  seedling  varieties  never  before  exhibited, 
the  1st  prizes  were  awarded  as  follow  : — Green- 
edged,  Harbinger ;  grey-edged,  Grey  Friar  ;  and 
fancy,  Majestic ;  all  shown  by  Mr.  W.   Smith. 

The  premier  show  Auricula  was  Queen  of 
Spain,  a  maroon  "  self  "  variety,  shown  by  Mr. 
Douglas. 

Alpine  Auriculas. 

Twenty-four  Alpine  Auriculas  in  not  fewer 
than  twelve  varieties. — There  were  two  competi- 
tors, vi2.,  Mr.  James  Douglas  and  Messrs. 
Phillips  &  Taylor,  Bracknell.  Mr.  Douglas 
won  the  1st  prize  easily  with  Admiration,  Dazzle, 
Rosy  Morn,  Mrs.  James  Douglas,  Janet,  Sweet- 
ness (new),  Brightness,  Argus,  Phyllis,  Purple 
Glory,  Robert  Bruce  (very  finely  shown),  Janet, 
Firefly,  Ettrick,  and  Mrs.   Markham. 

Twelve  Alpine  Auriculas,  dissimilar. — The 
same  two  competitors  as  in  the  last-named  class, 
with  Mr.  W.  M.  Shipman,  contested  this  class. 
Mr.  Douglas  again  won  the  1st  prize,  followed 
by  Messrs.  Phillips  &  Taylor.  In  Mr. 
Douglas's  collection  was  Phyllis,  the  premier 
Alpine  Auricula  in  the  show. 

Six  Alpine  Auriculas,  dissimilar. — There 
were  four  competitors  in  this  class,  Lady 
Cowper,  Panshanger,  Herts,  (gr.  Mr.  Staward), 
was  awarded  the  1st  prize,  for  very  fair  speci- 
mens of  Seedling  Maggie,  Blue  Bell,  Argus,  Rosy 
Morn,  Teviotdale,  and  Flora  Mclvor ;  2nd,  Mr. 
F.  W.  Price,  Beckenham. 

Polyanthuses. 

These  flow7ers  also  were  not  up  to  the  usual 
exhibition  standard,  owing  to  their  backward- 
ness. 

In  the  class  for  12  varieties  Mr.  Watts,  St. 
Asaph,  was  awarded  the  1st  prize,  and  Messrs. 


Titt  &  Son,  Windsor,  the  2nd  prize,  these  two 
being  the   only   exhibitors. 

Messrs.  Titt  &  Son  took  the  1st  prize  in  a 
class  for  12  Primroses,  of  dissimilar  varieties, 
having  some  excellent  plants. 

Mr.  Watts  showed  the  best  specimen  Prim- 
rose in  a  pale  yellow  variety  with  a  deep  orange- 
coloured   "  eye." 

The  best  group  of  Primrose  and  Polyanthus 
plants  arranged  for  effect  and  occupying  an  area 
of  4  feet  by  3  feet,  was  shown  by  Mr.  Mortimer, 
Rowledge,  Farnham,  Surrey.  All  were  seed- 
lings of  an  exceptionally  fine  strain.  2nd, 
Messrs.  Storrie  &  Storrie,  Glencarse,  Perth- 
shire, with  named  varieties. 

Awards. 

The  Certificate  of  the  Society  was  awarded  to 
each  of  the  following  Auriculas  : — 

Sweetness. — An  Alpine  variety  of  fine  form, 
the  colour  being  purple  shading  to  lilac. 

Queen  of  Spain. — A  self  show  variety,  colour 
maroon.  Both  these  were  shown  by  Mr.  J. 
Douglas. 

Harbinger. — A  green-edged  show  variety,  ex- 
hibited by  Mr.  W.  Smith." 

Bracknell. — An  Alpine  variety  with  a  large 
yellow  eye,  shown  by  Messrs.  Phillips  &  Tay- 
lor. 

Alexander  Dean. — An  Alpine  variety  of  deep 
maroon  colour,  with  a  yellow  centre.  Shown  by 
Mr.  F.  W.  Price. 

A  non-competitive  exhibit  of  Polyanthus  was 
shown  by  Mr.  John  Crook,  The  Avenue,  Cam- 
berley,  Surrey. 

CORNWALL   DAFFODIL  AND  SPRING 
FLOWER. 

April  15. — On  account  of  the  backwardness  of 
the  season,  it  was  found  necessary  to  postpone 
the  date  of  the  show  from  March  30  to  April  15. 
This  alteration  suited  exhibitors,  for  the  entries 
exceeded  those  of  any  previous  show,  and  the 
exhibition  was  certainly  the  best  that  has  ever 
been  held.  The  displays  of  Daffodils  were  quite 
equal  to  those  of  previous  seasons ;  the  exhibits 
of  hard-wooded  flowering  shrubs  were  superb, 
Violets  were  exceptionally  fine,  and  the  collec- 
tions of  spring  flowers  generally  were  varied  and 
interesting.  The  show  was  held  in  the  great 
Market  Hall,  Truro.  The  weather  was  fine  and 
the  exhibition  was  attended  by  a  large  number 
of  visitors.  The  Hon.  John  Boscawen  has  occu- 
pied the  post  of  hon.  secretary  since  the  incep- 
tion of  the  society  13  years  ago. 

In  the  class  for  30  varieties  of  Daffodils,  the 
1st  prize  was  won  by  Mr.  E.  J.  Williams. 
Among  the  best  specimens  shown  by  this  ex- 
hibitor were  White  Queen,  Horace,  Incognita, 
Lucifer,  Lady  Margaret  Boscawen,  King  Alfred, 
and  Homespun.  2nd,  the  Rev.  A.  T.  Boscawen, 
whose  exhibit  was  held  by  many  to  surpass  that 
which  received  the  1st  prize. 

For  30  varieties  of  Daffodils,  not  necessarily  in 
commerce,  the  1st  prize  was  awarded  to  Mr.  J. 
C.  Williams.  This  stand  was  one  of  the  most 
remarkable  features  of  the  exhibition.  It  in- 
cluded a  collection  of  seedling  varieties,  num- 
bered but  not  named.  Amongst  them  were  some 
beautiful  bicolor  trumpets,  a  fine  golden  trum- 
pet, an  improved  White  Queen,  and  several  very 
fine  flat-crowned  flowers  with  pale,  dark  yellow, 
and  glowing  orange-crimson  centres. 

Miss  Clarice  Vivian  won  the  1st  prize  for  six 
Magni-coronati  varieties,  and  for  the  same  num- 
ber of  Medio-coronati  flowers.  This  lady  also 
showed  the  best  collection  of  three  varieties  of 
the  Leedsii  section,  the  best  six  Parvi-coronati 
flowers,  and  won  the  1st  prizes  in  several  other 
classes.  Other  successful  exhibitors  of  Narcissi 
included  Miss  Mabel  Williams,  Col.  Noel- 
Usticke,  Mr.  P.  D.  Williams,  Mr.  E.  H.  Wil- 
liams, and  Mr.  C.  Dawson. 

In  the  class  for  20  hard-wooded  flowering 
shrubs  or  creepers,  equal  1st  prizes  were  awarded 
to  Mr.  T.  B.  Bolitho  and  Mr.  C.  Hext.  Mr. 
Bolitho's  collection  contained  by  far  the  rarer 
varieties  and  included  Buddleia  madagascarensis, 
Acacia  cordata,  Chorozema  Lowii,  Cerasus  Wat- 
tereri,  Acacia  verticillata,  Magnolia  stellata, 
Boronia  heterophylla,  Hardenbergia  monophylla, 
Calceolaria  Burbidgei,  Spirsea  arguta,  Andro- 
meda formosa,  Sutherlandia  frutescens,  Grevillea 
Preisei,  Skimmia  Fortunei,  Lotus  peliorhynchns, 
Camellia  reticulata,  Prunus  pendula,  Jasminum 
primulinum,  Embothrium  coccineum  and  Boronia 
megastigma. 


April  24,  1903.] 


THE     GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE 


271 


Nurserymen's   Exhibits. 

The  nurserymen  provided  a  very  bright  dis- 
play with  their  exhibits.  Messrs.  R.  Veitch  & 
Son,  Exeter,  received  an  Award  of  Merit  for 
Rhododendron  Dr.  Stocker.  They  also  staged 
Azalea  obtusa  alba,  A.  Marie  Louise,  Prunus 
spinosa  flore  pleno,  Grevillea  sulphurea,  G.  orni- 
thopoda,  Brachysema  Drummondii,  Kennedya 
rubicunda,  as  well  as  rock  plants  and  Hippeas- 
trums. 

The  Devon  Rosery,  Torquay,  showed  a  fine 
collection  of  pot  Roses,  including  the  varieties 
Mollie  Sharman  Crawford,  John  Cuff,  Dorothy 
Page  Roberts,  and  Elizabeth  Barnes. 

Mr.  G.  Reuthe,  Keston,  Kent,  exhibited  an 
interesting  assortment  of  Alpines  and  received 
an  Award  of  Merit  and  Cultural  Commendation 
for  Calypso  borealis. 

Messrs.  Barr  &  Sons,  King  Street,  Covent 
Garden,  London,  provided  a  superb  show  of 
Daffodils,  including  the  varieties  Mrs.  G.  H. 
Barr,  Peter  Barr,  Fair  Maiden,  Horace,  The 
Bride,  Weardale  Perfection,  Mountain  Maid, 
Katharine  Spurrell,  Monarch,  Albatross,  Reso- 
lute, Buccaneer,  and  Admiral  Togo. 

Messrs.  Cartwright  &  Goodwin  also  showed 
a  very  fine  selection  of  Daffodils,  amongst  which 
were  noticed  Goldseeker,  Yellowhammer,  Home- 
spun, Outpost,  and  Alice  Knights. 

Messrs.  Cutbush  &  Son  staged  Adonis  amu- 
rensis  flore  pleno,  Tulipa  pulchella,  Anemone 
vernalis,  Ranunculus  amplexicaulis,  and  main 
other  spring  flowers. 

Messrs.  Heath  &  Sons,  Cheltenham,  exhibited 
Saxifrages,  Glaucium  flavum  tricolor  and  Lathy 
rus  cyaneus. 

A  Cultural  Commendation  was  given  to  Mr. 
T.  H.  Archer  Hind  for  varieties  of  Helleborus. 

Mr.  J.  H.  Watson  showed  a  collection  of 
Acacias  grown  in  the  open;  they  included  A. 
hastulata,  A.  Drummondii,  A.  acinacea,  A. 
ovata,  A.  armata,  A.  arinata  angustifolia,  A. 
diffusa,  A.  floribunda,  A.  melanoxylon,  A 
leprosa,  A.  hsematophylla,  A.  longifolia  mucro 
nata,  A  longifolia  magnifica,  A.  ulicina,  A.  ver- 
ticillata,  A.  Riceana,  and  A.  juniperina. 


(EMHtttavi). 


DEVON  DAFFODIL  AND  SPRING 
FLOWER. 

April  20. — A  very  successful  show,  under  the 
auspices  of  the  above  society,  was  held  in  the 
Guildhall,  Plymouth,  on  this  date.  The  entries, 
both  in  the  open  classes  and  those  restricted  to 
growers  in  Devonshire,  were  numerous,  and  the 
exhibits  generally  were  of  a  high  order  of  merit. 
In  judging  the  Daffodils  the  new  classification 
was  adopted. 

The  following  exhibitors  were  prominent  prize 
winners  in  the  classes  for  Narcissi: — Mrs. 
Tyacke,  Miss  Clarice  Vivian,  Messrs.  Pope  & 
Son,  and  Mrs.  Christy. 

In  the  class  for  12  hardy  spring  flowers,  the 
1st  prize  was  won  by  Mr.  H.  W.  Grigg  with  a 
fine  stand,  which  contained  Leucojum  testivum, 
Fritillaria  imperialis,  F.  verticillata,  F.  obliqua, 
F.  meleagris  alba,  Triteleia  uniflora,  Iris  bucha- 
rica,  Scilla  italica,  Muscari  conicum  album,  Ane- 
mone Robinsoniana,  Erythronium  giganteum, 
and  Tulipa  florentina  major. 

The  best  six  bunches  of  Anemones  were  shown 
by  Mr.  Soltatj-Symons,  and  the  best  six  bunches 
of  Anemone  fulgens  by  Mrs.  Coryton. 

In  the  classes  reserved  for  residents  in  Devon- 
shire the  following  exhibitors  were  successful  in 
obtaining  1st  prizes  : — Mr.  Soltatj-Symons,  Mrs. 
Gage-Hodge,  Mrs.  Pahlby,  Miss  Hinchcliff, 
Miss  G.  Hawker,  Hon.  Mrs.  Colborne,  Mr.  T. 
Batson,  Mr.  H.  G.  Hawker,  Mrs.  Duke 
Yonge,  Mrs.  J.  J.  Mallock,  Mr.  R.  Watts, 
Mrs.  Batnbridge,  and  Mrs.  A.  Froude. 

Messrs.  Robert  Veitch  &  Son,  Exeter, 
showed  a  fine  collection  of  plants,  among  which 
were  Lotus  peliorhynchus,  Eriostemoh  neriifolius, 
Correa  cardinalis,  Exoehorda  Albertii  macrantha. 
Acacia  Drummondii,  A.  arinata,  Gerbera  Jame- 
sonii,  Prunus  triloba,  Pimelea  spectabilis,  Mag- 
nolia stellata,  Hibbertia  dentata,  and  numerous 
rock  plants.  The  Devon  Rosery,  Torquay,  staged 
a  splendid  selection  of  pot  Roses  in  full  bloom, 
embracing  many  of  the  newer  varieties. 

Messrs.  Barr  &  Sons,  King  Street,  Covent 
Garden,  London,  arranged  a  display  of  Daffo- 
dils, amongst  which  were  many  new  varieties. 
Messrs.  John  Webber  &  Sons  exhibited  a  col- 
lection of  miscellaneous  plants. 


William  Miller. — The  death  of  William 
Miller,  who  for  upwards  of  40  years  was  gar- 
dener to  the  Earls  of  Craven,  at  Combe  Abbey, 
Warwickshire,  occurred  on  the  16th  inst.  at 
Berkswell.  Miller  belonged  to  an  old  school 
of  Scotch  gardeners  who  received  their  early 
tuition  under  Fleming,  at  Trentham,  in 
Staffordshire.  He  was  born  at  Knockdow, 
in  the  parish  of  Indeijchoalin,  Argyleshire, 
on  November  29,  1828.  His  father  was  then 
gardener  to  James  Lamont,  of  Knockdow, 
having  commenced  service  in  this  family  as 
a  gardener  in  1821.  He  served  three  genera- 
tions, extending  over  a  period  of  52  years,  and 
died  on  August  3,  1873,  in  his  85th  year.  In  an 
autobiographical  note,  which  William  Miller 
contributed  to  these  pages  in  the  year  1875,  he 
states  that  he  was  educated  at  the  parish  school, 
Toward,  until  he  was  14  years  of  age,  when  he 
was  sent  to  teach  two  orphan  granehildren  be- 
longing to  a  wealthy  sheep  farmer  in  the  neigh- 
bourhood. At  the  end  of  this  service  he  was  put 
to  work  under  his  father,  who  was  then  manager 
en      the      Lamont      estate,      already      mentioned. 


THE    LATE   WILLIAM    MILLER. 


Plantations  of  Larch,  Scotch  Fir,  Spruce  and 
Oak  were  being  plentifully  made  at  that  time  on 
this  and  other  estates  on  the  west  coast,  for  pur- 
poses of  shelter  and  timber.  Although  still  a 
lad,  Miller  could  measure  land.  When  a  piece  of 
land  was  set  out  for  planting,  he  was  frequently 
sent  to  survey  it,  and  to  work  out  the  number 
of  plants  that  would  be  required.  Subsequently 
Miller  was  appointed  foreman  in  the  Lamont 
gardens  in  succession  to  his  elder  brother  John. 
After  serving  for  a  time  in  this  capacity,  he  en- 
tered the  gardens  at  Erskine  House,  on  the  Clyde, 
the  seat  of  Lord  Blantyre.  The  gardener  at  that 
time  was  George  Shiels.  He  had  the  best  walled 
garden  in  the  West  of  Scotland.  The  bothy 
at  Erskine  was  a  good  one  for  those  days, 
and  in  the  evening  the  young  men  read  assi- 
duously. It  was  here  that  Miller  commenced 
horticultural  drawing,  which  he  pursued  ever 
afterwards.  How  he  succeeded  may  be  seen  in 
the  flower  garden  which  he  designed  at  Combe 
Abbey,  and  in  various  designs  for  flower  gardens 
which  he  has  contributed  to  this  journal,  and  to 
the  Paris  Exhibition  of  1900.  He  only  remained 
at  Erskine  for  one  year,  and  then,  having  no 
situation  to  go  to  of  a  suitable  character,  he 
entered  for  the  winter  the  Andersonian  Univer- 


sity at  Glasgow.  In  the  following  spring  he  went 
as  journeyman  to  Dysart  House,  where  Mr.  John 
Laing,  the  founder  of  the  nursery  of  John  Laing 
and  Sons,  Forest  Hill,  was  then  gardener.  Dur- 
ing the  time  Miller  was  at  Erskine,  John  Laing 
succeeded  in  flowering  Rhododendron  Dalhousia; 
for  the  first  time  in  this  country.  It  was  John 
Laing  who  sent  Miller  to  Trentham.  At 
the  end  of  two  years  he  left  Trentham  for 
Gowran  Castle,  Ireland,  to  become  head 
gardener  to  Viscount  Clifden,  where  he  re- 
mained four  years.  In  1859,  Fleming,  of 
Trentham,  sent  for  Miller  to  take  up  the  bailiff- 
ship  on  the  Trentham  home  farm.  Miller 
wrote  afterwards  that  he  often  repented  most 
bitterly  that  ever  he  left  the  service  of  such  a 
kind  and  indulgent  family.  The  post  at 
Trentham  proved  to  be  hedged  with  difficulties 
of  a  personal  rather  than  professional  character. 
Leaving  Trentham  again  in  the  spring  of  1861, 
he  worked  under  Mr.  Eyles  in  the  new  gardens 
of  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society  at  South  Ken- 
sington for  three  months,  and  then,  with  the- 
help  of  several  friends,  including  Fleming,  of 
Trentham,  he  obtained  an  appointment  as  head 
gardener  at  Combe  Abbey.  The  late  Earl  of 
Craven  was  a  man  of  great  taste,  fond  of  horti- 
culture and  of  improving  his  estate  ;  he  possessed 
a  good  knowledge  of  trees.  Miller's 
first  duty  at  Combe  was  to  erect  new 
forcing-houses.  He  afterwards  com- 
menced a  series  of  improvements  in  tin 
pleasure  grounds,  and  this  work  was 
continued  for  many  years.  Large  trees 
were  transplanted,  and  many  Conifers 
and  other  new  trees  and  shrubs  were 
planted.  Extensive  green  drives  were 
formed  and  trees  and  hedgerows  were 
cleared  away  in  order  to  open  up 
views  and  increase  the  interest  of  the 
pleasure  grounds  and  park.  In  the 
'sixties  Miller  was  a  frequent  exhibi- 
tor at  the  competitive  horticultural  ex- 
hibitions. Some  of  the  best  shows  in 
this  country  were  then  held  at  the 
Royal  Botanic  Societv's  Gardens,  Re- 
gent's Park.  In  1867.  1868,  and  1869 
Miller  won  successively  the  gold 
medals  offered  by  this  Society  for  the 
best    collections  of   fruit. 

During  a  week-end  visit  the  writer 
spent  with  Miller  about  ten  years  ago 
;it  Combe,  he  related  a  great  many 
interesting  details  connected  with  his 
service  there.  He  could  look  up  to 
Poplars  60  feet  in  height  which  he  had 
planted.  He  could  point  to  the  most 
interesting  flower  garden  and  say  that 
it  had  been  formed  not  only  by  him 
self,  but  from  plans  which  he  had 
designed.  The  flower  garden  por- 
trayed an  idealistic  tree  growing  from 
an  ornamental  vase,  nearest  the 
house,  and  spreading  in  fanci.al 
curves  over  the  space  the  garden 
covers,  some  of  the  branches  terminat- 
ing in  little  beds,  similar  in  form  to 
the  Shamrock  leaf ;  and  others  resem- 
ble the  flower-head  of  a  Thistle.  The 
vase  and  its  ornamentation  was 
planted  in  semi-carpet-bedding  style, 
and  the  branches  of  the  trees  were  like 
so  much  tracery,  the  beds  being  only  from 
three-quarters  of  a  foot  to  about  1^  feet  in 
width.  The  planting  of  such  beds  can  only 
suitably  be  done  with  neat-habited  plants, 
and  Pelargoniums  and  other  showy  species  were 
most  effective.  By  the  sides  of  this  tracery  there 
were  two  long  beds  in  which  a  very  bright  dis- 
play was  made  by  hardy  perennial  and  summer- 
bedding  plants,  dispo'sed  in  a  mixed  pin- 
cushion system,  thus  affording  a  feature  in  the 
same  view  of  entirely  different  style. 

In  every  direction  the  features  at  Combe  had 
been  formed  or  developed  by  Miller.  He  was  not 
only  a  practical  gardener  but  a  student  as  well. 
Whenever  he  could  obtain  leisure  he  might  be 
found  in  his  room  studying  works  upon  horticul- 
ture or  botany,  or  drawing  new  plans;  ! 
studied  British  botany  closely,  and  in  tnis  re- 
spect the  flora  around  the  large  and  magnificent 
lake  at  Combe  offered  considerable  facilities.  _ 

A  few  years  ago  Miller  resigned  his  position 
at  Combe*  Being  well  over  70  years  of  age  at 
the  time,  he  might  reasonably  have  claimed 
some  rest  after  an  exceedingly  energetic  and  bus;, 
life,  but  instead  he  preferred  to  commence  a 
business  and  nursery  at  Berkswell,  near  Coventry, 


272 


THE    GARDENERS'    CHRONICLE. 


[April  24,  1909. 


where  he  has  since  practised  as  a  land- 
scape gardener.  For  40  years  past  Miller  has 
been  a  frequent  and  valued  correspondent  to  this 
journal.  His  brother  John,  who  will  be  remem- 
bered as  gardener  at  Worksop  Manor,  Notting- 
hamshire, and  Ruxley  Lodge,  Surrey,  died  in 
1902  at  the  age  of  80  years.  John  had  four  sons, 
who  adopted  gardening  as  a  profession.  William 
leaves  several  sons,  but  all  have  selected  other 
occupations.  One  of  them,  Mr.  Hugh  Miller,  a 
civil  engineer,  contributed  several  articles  on 
the  use  of  motors  in  horticulture  to  this  journal 
in  the  spring  of  last  year. 

Samuel  Laird.— The  death  of  this  gardener 
occurred  at  Arbroath.  For  nearly  two  years 
deceased  had  been  in  indifferent  health,  but  it 
was  onlv  within  the  past  month  or  two  that  his 
illness  took  a  serious  turn.  Mr.  Laird  was  for 
23  years  head  gardener  to  the  late  Earl  of  South- 
esk  at  Kinnaird  Castle,  and  he  had  held  a  simi- 
lar position  at  Dunninald  Castle.  Nine  years  ago 
he  commenced  business  as  a  seedsman  and 
fruiterer  in  Arbroath.  Mr.  Laird,  who  was  68 
years  of  age,  was  a  native  of  Newcastle,  Co. 
Down,  Ireland.     He  leaves  a  widow  and  family. 


*  ,  *  The  Editor  will  be  glad  to  receive,  for  considera- 
tion, large  photographs  of  horticultural  subjects,  suitable 
for  firming  Supplementary  Illustrations  to  this  Journal. 

Editor  and  Publisher.  — Our  Correspondents  would 
obviate  delay  in  obtaining  answers  to  their  communica- 
tions, and  save  us  much  time  and  trouble,  if  they  would 
kindly  observe  the  notice  printed  weekly  to  the  effect 
that  all  letters  relating  to  financial  matters  and  to 
advertisements  should  be  addressed  to  the  Publisher; 
and  that  all  communications  intended  for  publication,  or 
referring  to  the  Literary  department,  and  all  plants  to  be 
named,  should  be  directed  to  the  Editor.  The  two 
departments.  Publishing  and  Editorial,  are  distinct, 
and  much  unnecessary  delay  and  confusion  arise  when 
letters  are  misdirected. 

Alleged  Misrepresentation:  Sussex.  You 
will  have  to  prove  misrepresentation  as  to  the 
character  of  the  place  and  that  you  were 
thereby  induced  to  take  the  situation.  Subject 
to  this,  you  should  succeed  in  obtaining 
damages  at  least  sufficient  to  cover  the  expenses 
of  your  removal  both  going  and  coming,  assum- 
ing that  you  decide  not  to  stay.  A  jury 
might  give  you  even  more  than  this.  You 
should  get  a'  local  solicitor  to  draw  the  claim 
and  work  up  the  evidence. 

A-RAUCARIA :  C.  J.  L.  It  has  not  been  deter- 
mined if  the  plants  were  grown  in  pots,  and 
the  roots,  therefore,  injured  by  the  severe  re- 
striction. This  is  scarcely  a  likely  explanation 
of  the  failure  of  the  poor  specimens. 

Black  Currant  Bud-mite  :  W.  P.  It.  Mr.  A. 
H.  Pearson's  remedy,  which  he  described  in 
communications  published  in  this  journal  on 
May  21,  1904.  p.  298,  and  May  13.  1905,  is 
as  follows  : — Spray  the  bushes  at  intervals  of 
10  days  during  May  and  June  with  a  mixture 
of  soft  soap.  Quassia,  and  water,  at  the 
strength  of  2  ounces  of  soft  soap  and  4  ounces 
of  Quassia  to  each  gallon  of  water,  applied  by 
means  of  the  Knapsack  sprayer  (Vermorel's). 
Bushes  that  were  slightly  affected  before  the 
spraying  will  probably  be  found  to  be  quite 
free' from  the  pest  at  the  end  of  the  season, 
but  if  they  are  not,  Mr.  Pearson  stated  they 
will  certainly  be  clean  after  such  treatment 
in  two  seasons.  In  the  autumn,  when  the 
leaves  have  fallen,  the  bushes  should  be  very 
carefully  inspected,  and.  if  any  big  buds  are 
found,  remove  them  to  the  fire. 

Blue  Flower  :  B.  L.  The  Muscari  would  be 
the  better  plant  both  as  regards  its  perma- 
nent character,  and  the  class  of  soil  you  men- 
tion. The  plant  is  by  no  means  fastidious, 
but  owing  to  its  free  increase  by  means  of 
offsets  should  be  planted  thinly  if  desired  to 
form  a  permanent  group.  We  are  assuming 
that  you  require  the  plant  to  grow  alone  and 
not  in  actual  association  with  the  Chionodoxa. 
It  would  not  be  suited  for  such  an  association. 
Should  you  require  a  third  subject  you  might 
with  advantage  select  Hyacinthus  azureus,  a 
pretty  plant  with  turquoise-blue  flowers  that 
appear   in   February   or  early   in   March. 


Blue  Primroses  :  IF.  H.  H.  There  appears  to 
be  nothing  remarkable  in  the  flowers  received, 
but  they  were  so  withered  on  arrival  that  it  is 
impossible  to  see  exactly  what  they  have  been. 

Camellia  Leaves  Spotted  :  J .  D.  C.  There 
is  no  disease  present  in  the  foliage;  the  injury 
is  due  to  some  external  cause,  probably  scorch- 
ing. It  is  not  advisable  to  plant  Camellias 
against  a  wall ;  the  radiation  of  heat  from  the 
bricks  dries  up  the  young  shoots,  and  in  time 
kills  them. 

Compensation  for  Improvements:  Northern. 
(1)  The  amount  of  compensation  to  be  awarded 
under  the  Agricultural  Holdings  Act,  1908,  is 
"  such  a  sum  as  fairly  represents  the  value  of 
the  improvement  to  an  incoming  tenant,"  and 
such  sum  would  be  fixed  by  arbitration  under 
the  Act  quite  independently  of  whether  there  is 
a  new  tenant  forthcoming  or  not.  (2)  The 
tenant,  on  leaving  can  claim  compensation  for 
"  repairs  to  buildings  necessary  for  the  proper 
cultivation  or  working  of  the  holding  other 
than  repairs  which  he  is  himself  under  an  obli- 
gation to  execute,  provided  that  the  tenant, 
before  beginning  to  execute  any  such  repairs, 
shall  give  to  the  landlord  notice  in  writing  of 
his  intention,  together  with  particulars  of 
such  repairs,  and  shall  not  execute  the  repairs 
unless  the  landlord  fails  to  execute  them  within 
a  reasonable  time  after  receiving  such  notice." 
We  certainly  do  not  consider  that  the  tenant 
could  recover  the  cost  of  glass  broken  during 
his  tenancy.  (3  )Ask  a  local  solicitor  to  ar- 
range a  mortgage  for  you. 

Correction. — Messrs.  R.  B.  Laird  &  Sons,  Ltd., 
inform  us  that  our  reporter  was  in  error  in 
stating  that  a  Silver-gilt  Medal  was  awarded 
for  their  exhibit  at  the  Edinburgh  show.  The 
exhibit  was  entered  on  the  understanding  that 
no  award  would  be  made. 

Crocus  :  Mrs.  S.  E.  One  of  the  most  effectual 
means  of  keeping  sparrows  from  destroying 
Crocus  flowers  is  to  stretch  black  cotton  across 
small  sticks  driven  into  the  ground  at  various 
intervals  about  the  Crocuses.  The  cotton 
should  be  4  to  6  inches  above  the  flowers,  and 
form  an  almost  invisible  network  above  them. 
The  birds  coming  in  contact  with  the  cotton, 
are  thus  frightened  and  fly  away.  Poison  is 
the  other  alternative.  It  is  well  known  that 
the  Dutch  yellow  Crocus  is  sterile,  but  its  de- 
finite history  is  unknown.  It  is  supposed  to  be 
derived  from  C-  aureus,  a  native  of  South- 
eastern Europe.  C.  aureus  is  a  smaller  and 
more  refined  flower  than  the  common  yellow 
Crocus,   and   it  produces  seeds. 

Cucumbers:  C.  V.  !>.,  Holland.  The  variety 
referred  to  on  p.  234  is  known  in  tins  coun- 
try as   Butcher's  Disease-resisting  Cucumber. 

Cyclamen:  .-1.  S.  Cyclamen  persicum  is  stated 
to  have  been  first  cultivated  in'  Europe  at 
Lille  in  1731,  having  been  introduced  from 
Persia.  There  is,  however,  doubt  as  to  its 
origin,  because  the  plant  is  not  found  w'id  m 
Persia;  it  probably  came  originally  from  Syria. 
Tin-  fiorisl  s  Cyclamen  is  a  cultivated  form  of 
C.  latifolium,  a  native  of  Syria.  The  first 
authority  for  the  name  C.  persicum  is  Miller, 
in  his  Gardeners'  Dictionary,  1768. 

Euonymus  Shoots  Killed  :  E.  W .  The  damage 
has  been  caused  by  frost ;  the  injury  is  com- 
mon in  most  parts  of  the  country  this  season, 
even  in  suburban  gardens  around  London. 

Forestry  Periodical:  T.  IF.  C.  There  is  no 
such  publication  as  you  require.  The  book  you 
mention  will  be  of  service.  Tree  and  Shrub 
Culture,  by  William  Dallimore,  is  a  cheap  but 
valuable  w-ork  on  the  subject.  It  may  be  ob- 
tained from  our  publishing  department. 

Marguerite  Leaf-miner:  Constant  Reader. 
The  foliage  you  send  is  attacked  by  the  Mar- 
guerite leaf-miner.  The  female  punctures  the 
leaves  and  deposits  her  eggs  in  the  interior. 
Directly  the  young  caterpillars  are  hatched, 
they  commence  to  feed  upon  the  leaves,  and 
tunnel  about  between  the  two  surfaces  in  their 
quest.  Subsequently  the  caterpillar  becomes  a 
chrysalis,  thus  completing  the  cycle.  Preven- 
tive measures  would  include  the  spraying  of 
the  plants  with  quassia  extract  or  other  dis- 
tasteful liquid,  in  order  to  prevent  the  females 
from  depositing  their  eggs  upon  the  leaves. 
When  plants  have  been  so  sprayed  at  intervals, 
it  has  been  found  to  be  very  effective.  Re- 
move badly-affected  leaves  and  burn  them. 


Market  Measures:  Correspondent.  A  bundle 
of  Asparagus  contains,  approximately,  150 
shoots;  a  bag  of  green  vegetables  weighs 
40  lbs.  Carrots  are  not  packed  in  pads,  but 
are  sold  in  bundles,  containing  12  roots. 
A  tally  of  Cabbages  is  60  heads.  Horse-radish 
is  sold  in  bunches  of  12  sticks.  Turnips  are 
bunched,  12  to  15  roots  forming  a  bunch. 
The  sieve  varies ;  it  is  practically  equivalent 
to  one  bushel.  In  weight  it  may  be  esti- 
mated at  40  to  50  lbs.,  according  to  the  pro- 
duce. 

Names  of  Flowers,  Fruits  and  Plants. — We 
are  anxious  to  oblige  correspondents  as  far  as 
we  consistently  can,  but  they  must  bear  in 
mind  that  it  is  no  part  of  our  duty  to  our 
subscribers  to  name  either  flowers  or  fruits. 
Such  work  entails  considerable  outlay,  both  of 
time  and  money,  and  cannot  be  allowed  to  dis- 
organise the  preparations  for  the  weekly  issue,  or  to 
encroach  upon  time  required  for  the  conduct  of  the 
paper.  Correspondents  should  never  send  more 
than  six  plants  or  fruits  at  one  time  :  they  should  be 
very  careful  to  pack  and  label  them  properly,  to  give 
every  information  as  to  the  county  the  fruits  are 
grown  in,  and  to  send  ripe,  or  nearly  ripe,  specimens 
which  show  the  character  of  the  variety.  By 
neglecting  these  precautions  correspondents  add 
greatly  to  our  labour,  and  run  the  risk  of 
delay  and  incorrect  determinations.  Correspondents 
not  answered  in  one  issue  are  requested  to 
be  so  good  as  to  consult  the  following  numbers. 
Plants:  Foreman.  Bifrenaria  Harrisonise, 
often  known  in  gardens  as  Ly  caste  Har- 
risonise. — F.  F.  A  good  type  of  On- 
cidium  Marshallianum. — T .  II.  0.  1,  Brassia 
brachiata ;  2,  Catasetum  maculatum ;  3.  <>n- 
cidium  flexuosum  ;  4,  O.  sphacelatum. — T .  T . 
1,  Pulmonaria  officinalis;  2,  Valeriana  Phu 
aurea;  3,  Nephrolepis  Todeaoides ;  4,  Adian- 
tum  decorum;  5,  Selaginella  Wildenovii ;  6, 
Asplenium  bulbiferum. — Anxious.  1,  Daphne 
Mezereum ;  2,  probably  Acacia  Farnesiana  ;  3, 
Dracaena  Sanderiana  ;  4,  Begonia  subpeltata  ; 
5,  B.  metallica. — A.  G.  Dendrobium  hetero- 
carpum  (aureum). — A'.  /•;.  L.  1,  Mesembryan- 
themum  blandum;  2,  M.  inclaudens :  4,  M. 
Brownei ;  5,  Teucrium  fruticans. — Header.  1, 
Leedsii  type  ;  2,  Bicolor  Empress ;  3,  Emperor  ; 

4,  Incomparabilis  Queen  Bess ;  5,  apparently 
one  of  the  discarded  varieties  of  the  incom- 
parabilis type:  6,  probably  a  poor  bloom  of 
the  variety  Sir  Watkin. 

*  Perennial  Buckwheat:  T.  IF.  C.  The  only 
perennial  species  of  the  Buckwheat  family  in 
cultivation  is  Fagopyrum  cymosum  (Beech- 
wheat).  It  is  a  strong  growing  plant,  reaching 
to  a  height  of  from  5  to  6  feet,  and  is  a  rial  ive 
of  the  Himalayas.  Both  the  other  species,  F. 
esculentum  and  F.  tataricum,  are  annuals  or 
biennials. 

To  Prevent  Bees  Swarming  :  Tt.  0.  F.  The 
following  methods  will  discourage  swarming. 
but  we  do  not  know  of  any  certain  means 
of  prevention : — (1)  By  the  caging  of  the 
queen  in  a  "  pipe  cover  "  cage,  afterwards 
examining  the  hive  and  cutting  out  all  queen 
cells.  This  latter  operation  needs  care,  for 
often  one  cell  is  missed  and  all  one's  calcu- 
lations are  upset.  After  about  eight  days  ex- 
amine the  hive  for  queen  cells  and  release 
tin-  queen.  (2)  Some  give  increased  space  by 
extracting  from  the  brood  combs,  and  if  the 
machine  be  not  worked  too  swiftly,  the  brood 
will  not  be  injured.  (3)  The  removal  of 
frames  containing  honey  and  replacing  frames 
fitted  with  full  sheets  of  foundation.  This  is 
a  valuable  device,  for  the  queen  requires  more 
breeding  space,  and  this  provides  the  requi- 
site room.  (4)  Tiering  up  too  rapidly  will 
cause  swarming,  but  oftener  than  not  more 
space  is  not  allowed  in  time,  and  the  bees, 
feeling  cramped,  are  induced  to  swarm.  Where 
very  large  apiaries  exist,  beekeepers  often 
omit  the  use  of  the  queen  excluder,  so  the 
queen  roams  at  will  over  the  whole  hive,  if  so 
disposed,  and  the  number  of  swarms  does  not 
exceed   two   or   three   per   cent. 

Communications  Received.— Captain  D.  S.— W.  E.  G.-R.  I.  L. 
— R.  L.  C— T.  H.— A.  C.  B,— Bot.  Soc.  of  Edinburgh— 

5.  A.— W.  A.  C— Croydon  Hort.  Soc— D.  &  Co.— F.  T.— 
G.  M.— J.  E.-J.  G.  W.— T.  L.-H.  L.  &  Co.- J.  V.  & 
Sons— E.  R.— Nat.  Rose  Soc— A.  O.  W.— Roy.  Meteoro- 
logical Soc— H.  F.,  Port  Elizabeth-  S.  Pickering— A.  G. 
— F.  VV.  C— H.  W.  W.— J.  M.— C.  T.  D.— J.  D.  G.- 
G.  V.  W.— E.  G.-Ed.  A.,  Paris. 


For  Market  Reports  sec  page  si' 


May  1,  1909.] 


THE     GARDENERS'      CHRONICLE. 


273 


THE 


(tSiirtrtncrs'Cbioniclc 

No.  1,166.— SATURDAY,  May  1,  1909. 


CONTENTS. 


Acetylene  gas  refuse  as 

a  manure         232 

Appointments  at  Kew...    281 
Books,  notices  of — 
Familiar      Wild 

Flowers        282 

Grape  Culture  up  to 

Date  .- 280 

Publications  received    282 
Brussels    International 

Exhibition       282 

Carnations,    perpetual- 
flowering,  good  crim- 
son varieties  of         ...    284 
Croquet  ground,  dimen- 
sions of  a         288 

Cucumbers,  the  culture 

of 284 

Currant  bushes,  the  im- 
portation of 280 

Florists'  flowers — 
Some  of  Mr.  Haydon's 

Narcissi        277 

Flowers  in  season        ...    281 
Gerberas,  hybrid  ...    273 

Hardy  flower  border— 
Anemone    blanda 

sythiniea      278 

Hyacinths,  methods  of 

propagating    283 

Lawn     Tennis     court, 

plan  of  a         288 

Orchid  show  in  America    282 
Park,  new,  for  Bishop's 

Stortfora         281 

Pictures    at    the    Kew 

Dudley  Gallery         ...    281 
Plants,    new    or    note- 
worthy— 
Epicattleya    Wolteri- 

ana     274 

Primula  Forrestii    ...    274 


Rose   White    Killarney 
Season,    the,    in    Mid- 
Wales    ...        

Selborne  Society 
Societies — 
Colchester  Rose  and 

Horticultural 
Horticultural  Club  ... 

Huntingdon      Spring 
Flower         

Ipswich  Horticultural 

Manchester  and  N.  of 
England  Orchid    ... 

Midland  Daffodil      ... 

Royal      Horticultural 

(ScienliticCommittee) 
Soil, partially  sterilised, 

and     its    effects     on 

plant  growth 

Spring  in  the  Maritime 

Alps       

Thuja  Lobbii  as  a  hedge 

plant      

Tradescant's  tomb 
Trees  and  shrubs  — 

Magnolia  stellata 

Prunus  tomentosa   ... 
Vegetables — 

Early  Cabbage 
Water  gardening 
Women's      garden     or 

park,  a  proposed     ... 
Week's  work,  the — 

Apiary,  the     

Flower  garden,  the  ... 

Fruits  under  glass  ... 

Hardy  fruit  garden     - 

Kitchen  garden,  the... 

Orchid  houses,  the   ... 

Plants  under  glass   ... 


283 

281 


2*5 
285 

287 
285 

285 
286 
280 
284 


275 

277 

284 
281 

27.-) 
27U 

275 
276 

282 

279 
279 
278 
278 
278 
279 
279 


ILLUSTRATIONS. 

Hyacinth  propagation  by   notching  the  base  of  the 
old  bulbs  (Supplementary  Illustration) 

Narcissus  "Queen  of  the  West" 

Nymphom  James  Brydon       

Primula  Forrestii,  a  plant  of,  274  ;  in  its  native  home    275 


2S3 
277 


Rose  White  Killarney.. 

Water-garden  scene  in,Messrs.  Wallace's  nursery  . 


282 
276 


HYBRID    GERBERAS. 

UNDER  the  title  "  Hybrids  of  Gerbera 
Jamesonii,"  an  important  account 
of  Hybrid  Gerberas  is  given  by 
Philippe  de  Vilmorin  in  a  recent  issue  for 
March  of  the  Eevuc  Horticole.  He  first  dis- 
cusses the  genus  Gerbera,  then  the  .species 
G.  Jamesonii,  giving  descriptions  of  its 
varieties,  and  deals  afterwards  with  the 
hybrids,  presenting  conclusions  of  a  scien- 
tific and  practical  character.  Mons.  P. 
de  Vilmorin  has  set  forth  the  origin  of  a 
novelty  which  already  has  assumed  consider- 
able importance  and  is  likely  to  become  a 
feature  among  special  cultures  in  some  parts 
at  least  of  the  Riviera.  He  points  out  the 
duty  of  recording  the  history  and  origin  of 
novelties  when  making  them  known,  and  de- 
sires to  be  the  chronicler  of  these  new  plants 
so  enthusiastically  remarked  upon  at  a  re- 
cent exhibition  of  the  Soeiete  d'Horticulture 
de  France.  This,  he  says,  is  not  difficult,  be- 
cause he  has  received  sufficient  information 
from  Mr.  Irwin  Lynch  and  M.  Adnet  to 
throw  light  on  the  birth  and  development 
of  these  plants.  For  the  most  part  he  allows 
the  originators  of  the  Hybrid  Gerbera  to  speak 
for  themselves. 

Tlie  genus  Gerbera  is  dedicated  to  the 
German  botanist,  Gerber  (Gronov.,  in  Linn. 
Gen.  ed.  2,  p.  16,  1737).  It  belongs  to  the 
Composite,  Durand  placing  it  in  the  tribe 
Mutisiacea?.  The  species  are  distributed  in 
Africa    from    Abyssinia    and    Madagascar    to 


the  Cape,  being  especially  abundant  in  South 
Africa.     They     are     found     also     in     South 
America  (in  Chili,  the  Argentine,  and  especi- 
ally in  Brazil),  in  the  Himalaya,  Japan  and 
China.     In  the  last-mentioned  country  Fran- 
chet  describes  four  species.     The  In&ea.  Kew- 
ensis  mentions  37  species,  and  the  supplements 
add     15.     Apart     from     G.     Jamesonii,     the 
greater    number    of    the    species    by    them- 
selves   possess    but    little    horticultural     in- 
terest.    G.   Anandria.   Schult.   Bip.  of  Japan 
resembles     a     small     Daisy     of     bluish-white 
colour,    and   is   rather  dull.     G.   asplenifolia, 
Spreng.   of  South  Africa,    has  violet   flowers 
carried  on  long,  woolly  peduncles,  with  short 
leaves  resembling  those  of  a  Fern.     With  re- 
gard to  G.  viridifolia,  Schult.  Bip.,  which  is 
one  of  the  parents  of  the  magnificent  hybrids, 
M.  de  Vilmorin  remarks  that  there  is  some 
doubt    as    to    the    description,     because    the 
plant  has  been  lost.     Mr.  Lynch  describes  it 
as  having  flower-heads  about  2  inches  across, 
white  inside,  with  pale  yellow  exterior  tinted 
with  lilac  towards  the  tips  of  the  rays.     In 
the   Prodomus  this  plant    occurs     under    the 
name  of  Lasiopus  viridifolius,  D.C.,  described 
as    having   yellow    ray     florets     slightly     red 
below.     Three  varieties  are  given  :   hirsutus, 
medius  and  oblongifolius.    Gerbera  aurantiaca 
must  also  be  cited.     It  was  introduced  by  Mr. 
Max  Leichtlin,  is  allied  to  G.  Jamesonii,  has 
red  flowers,  the  ray  florets  being  yellow  be- 
neath.    It  flowered  at  Kew  for  the  first  time 
in  1905.     The  importance  of  these  species.  ..1 
those  cited  by  Mr.  Lynch  (Flora  <<«'/  Sylva, 
L905,  p.  208,  cum  tab.),  and  of  those  that   we 
know  by  herbarium  specimens,  is  rendered  evi- 
dent by  the  success  obtained  in  crossing  Ger- 
bera Jamesorii  with  Gerbera  viridifolia,  one 
of  the  most  insignificant  species  in  appearance. 
G.  Jamesonii  was  introduced  into  England 
in  1887,  and  flowered  first  with  Mr.  Tillet  at 
Norwich,   then   at  Kew,     and     other     places. 
Under  the  head  of  varieties  it  is  stated  that 
the  wild  plant,  according  to  Mr.  Lynch,  varies 
from  intense  red  to  coral-pink,  and  also  yel- 
low, as  in  the  form  named  Sir  Michael.    This 
important  fact  must  be  noted  in  view  of  the 
variations  produced  by  hybridisation.     Under 
the  head  of  forms    obtained     in     cultivation 
must    be    placed    Gerbera    Jamesonii    "  Bril- 
liant,''   raised   by   Lynch  by  crossing  typical 
Jamesonii  and  Sir  Michael.     In  this  cross  the 
red  of  Jamesonii  is  rendered  clearer  and  more 
brilliant  by  the  yellow  of  Sir  Michael.      M. 
Sprenger,  of  Naples,  who  was  one  of  the  first 
to  be  interested  in  Gerbera,  has  obtained,  by 
variation  of  the  type,  G.  Jamesonii  atrosan- 
guinea,  with  blood-red  flowers.     To  him  also 
we  owe  the  form  named  illustris,  with  flowers 
larger  and  more  brilliant  than  those  of  the 
type.     G.    Jamesonii    transvaalensis    is    given 
without  description  by   Mr.    Lynch  as  of  Bel- 
gian origin.     M.   .Sprenger  has  informed   the 
author  that  he  has  attempted  cross-fertilisa- 
tion between   Gerbera  and   Gazania   without 
success.     M.    Adnet,    before   commencing    his 
work  upon  the  hybrids,  had  already  obtained 
from   typical  Jamesonii   very   distinct   varia- 
tions of  pale  red,   salmon     and     light     fawn 
(chamois).     These    evidently,    from    a    phyto- 
genetic  point  of  view,  are  in  accordance  with 
the  variations  indicated  by  Mr.  Lynch. 

The   Hybrids. 

But  to  obtain  an  absolute  break  from  the 
tvpe  it  v  as  necessary  to  have  recourse  to 
hybridisation.  This  was  done  by  Mr.  Lynch, 
who,  in  a  letter  recently  received  by  Mons.  P. 


de  Vilmorin,  owned  himself  entirely  respon- 
sible for  that  work.  It  is  a  responsibility,  the 
author  says,  that  many  would  have  been  very 
happy  to  assume.  The  first  attempt  was  be- 
tween G.  viridifolia  and  G.  Jamesonii,  the 
resulting  plants  having  flowers  that  varied 
from  white  to  deep  pink  ;  another  cross  before- 
tnontioned  between  Gerbera  Jamesonii  Sir 
Michael  and  G.  Jamesonii  having  given  the 
plant  named  "  Brilliant."  Afterwards  G.  Sir 
Michael  and  the  first  hybrids  were  inter- 
crossed, and  all  the  new  forms  between  them. 
From  that  moment  it  might  be  said  that 
almost  the  complete  scale  of  colours  was  ob- 
tained, as  was  proved  by  the  plate  published 
in  Flora  and  Sylva  in  1905.  In  the  article 
which  accompanied  this  plate  Mr.  Lynch  gave 
details,  corroborated,  moreover,  by  informa- 
tion which  M.  Adnet  has  given  to  M.  de  Vil- 
morin, demonstrating  the  facility  and  almost 
the  necessity  for  crossing.  "  I  knew,"  says 
Mr.  Lynch,  "  that  many  of  the  Composites 
are  sterile  with  their  own  individual  pollen. 
It  is  the  case  with  Gerbera.  At  all  events, 
the  female  organs  first  mature  and  are  recep- 
tive before  the  pollen  is  ready.'' 

But  to  return  to  the  history  of  the  hybrids. 
Mr.  Lynch's  collection,  already  very  rich  and 
getting  too  considerable  for  the  means  of  a 
botanic  garden,  being  of  considerable  horti- 
cultural interest  and  having  obtained  one  of 
the  highest  awards  at  the  Temple  Show  in 
1904,  was  disposed  of  to  an  English  horticul- 
tural establishment.  Unhappily,  from  cir- 
cumstances which  have  nothing  to  do  with 
our  present  subject,  the  collection  was  dis- 
persed, and  all  the  work  might  have  been  lost, 
especially  as  we  have  seen  that  ('•.  viridifolia 
had  disappeared,  and  from  that  time  has  not 
been  re-introduced.*  But  some  plants  had 
been  preserved  in  the  Botanic  Garden  at 
Cambridge,  which,  crossed  and  multiplied 
afresh,  have  reproduced  the  greater  part  of 
the  forms  and  colours  of  the  first  hybrids  and 
crosses. 

The  other  important  point  is  that  M.  Adust, 
who  for  several  years  had  devoted  himself  in 
iiis  establishment  of  "  La  Roseraie,"  at  the 
Cap  d'Antibes,  to  the  culture  of  Gerbera 
Jamesonii,  was  deeply  interested  in  the  new 
hybrids.  Of  Mr.  Lynch's  dispersed  collection 
he  could  obtain  only  four  plants — at  first 
three  with  pink  flowers,  viz.,  a  light  pink,  a 
deep  pink,  and  one  intermediate  between 
these  two  ;  later  he  procured  one  of  a  dull 
yellow,  rather  insignificant  in  itself.  In  1906 
Mr.  Lynch  sent  to  M.  Adnet  three  plants 
with  pink  flowers  and  some  seeds  of  crosses 
between  pink  and  white  and  yellow  and  white. 
Such  is  the  origin  of  M.  Adnet's  large  collec- 
tion, and  of  which  the  specimens  he  exhi- 
bited last  autumn  have  given  him  such  a  just 
renown.  Up  to  the  present  M.  Adnet  has 
made  2,700  crosses,  all  with  a  registered  num- 
ber giving  the  colour  of  both  parents,  and  he 
possesses  nearly  25,000  hybrid  plants  repre- 
senting the  fourth  generation  of  his  seed- 
lings. It  is  interesting  to  note  that  on 
account,  no  doubt,  of  the  disturbed  hybrid 
character  of  the  forms  employed  by  him,  and 
because  also  of  the  variability  of  G. 
Jamesonii,  he  has  obtained  wonderful  re- 
sults :  thus,  a  light  pink  crossed  by  a  deep 
pink  has  given  him,  even  in  the  first  year, 
both  white  and  yellow  flowers.  L. 
(To  be  continued.) 

*  It  may  here  be  remarked  that  a  plant,  no  doubt  to 
be  regarded  as  conspecific,  has  been  recently  introduced 
to  Kew.  It  is,  however,  quite  different,  having  broader 
leaves  and  ray-florets  distinctly  coloured  purple  below. 
The  Cambridge  plant  had  an  advantage,  perhaps,  in  being- 
practically  colourless,  though  dirty  and  very  poor  indeed 
for  a  white. 


274 


THE    GARDENERS"    CHRONICLE. 


(May  1,  1909. 


NEW  OR  NOTEWORTHY 
PLANTS. 


PRIMULA  FORRESTII,   BALF.    FIL. 

(See  figs.  117  and  118.) 

This  is  a  handsome  new  species  which  was 
discovered  by  Mr.  George  Forrest  on  the  eastern 
(lank  of  the  Lichiang  range  in  N.W.  Yunnan  at 
an  altitude  of  9,000  to  11,000  feet.  It  has  been 
raised  by  Bees,  Ltd.,  from  seed  sent  home  by 
Mr.  Forrest.  Writing  of  it  in  Notes  from  the 
Royal  Botanic  Garden,  Edinburgh,  for  April, 
1908,  where  the  species  was  described  and 
figured,  Mr.  Forrest  says  that  it  "  is  a  curious 
as  well  as  a  beautiful  species,  and  a  lover  of  dry, 
stony  situations.  The  flowers  are  large  and 
numerous,  of  a  rich  deep  shade  of  orange,  and 
fragrant.  The  foliage  is  densely  coated  with 
glandular  hairs,  and,  in  the  fresh  state,  has  a 
peculiar,  but  not  unpleasant,  aromatic  odour. 
The  plant  is  specially  adapted  to  the  situation 
in  which  it  is  commonly  found,  i.e.,  the  crevices 
of  dry,  shady  limestone  cliffs,  in  having  a  long, 
extremely  tough,  woody  rootstock  of  2  to  3  feet 
in  length.  The  base  of  the  rootstock  is  very 
tapered,  generally  only  a  few  inches  being 
enclosed  in  the  crevices  of  the  rocks. 
From  this  point  the  plant  is  pendulous 
for  almost  the  full  length  of  the  remain- 
der of  the  rootstock,  a  few  inches  of  the 
growing  apex  being  turned  out  and  upwards. 
The  rootstock,  for  two-thirds  of  its  length,  is 
covered  with  the  induvise  of  previous  year's  foli- 
age, which,  at  the  apex,  form  a  dense  matted 
mass,  with  the  fresh  foliage  and  flowers  arising 
from  the  centre.  Judging  from  the  length  of  the 
rootstocks  of  specimens  seen  growing,  allowing 
two  whorls  of  leaves  for  one  year's  growth — a 
liberal  estimate — some  plants  must  reach  the  age 
of  50  to  100  years.  Another  feature  which  pointed 
to  great  age  in  the  species  was  that  the  cliffs 
behind  some  of  the  larger  specimens  were  scored 
and  worn  to  the  depth  of  fully  an  inch  by  the 
motion  of  the  plants  in  the  wind."  To  this  ac- 
count of  it  may  be  added  that  the  golden  farinose, 
under  surface  of  the  young  leaves  increases  the 
effectiveness  of  the  plant.  Of  its  cultivation,  Mr. 
Forrest  writes  :  "  There  is  not  the  slightest  doubt 
in  my  mind  as  to  the  hardiness  of  the  species, 
but  it  will  not  do  with  damp.  The  most  sunny 
and  dry  situations  are  what  you  should  try,  and 
do  not  forget  to  give  it  plenty  of  lime.  The 
situations  in  which  I  found  the  species  in  greatest 
luxuriance  were  the  crevices  and  ledges  of  dry 
limestone  cliffs." 

The  plant  belongs  to  the  small  section  Bullatae 
of  the  genus  Primula — a  section  restricted,  as  we 
know  it,  to  the  mountain  ranges  of  Eastern 
Tibet  and  North-west  Yunnan,  and  of  which  no 
species  is  yet  in  our  gardens.  Its  nearest  allies 
are  P.  bullata.  Franch.,  and  P.  bracteata, 
Franch.  From  the  latter  its  farinose  leaves  and 
long  scape  separate  it,  and  from  the  former  it  is 
distinguished  by  the  densely  pubescent  scape, 
pedicels,  and  calyx. 

The  plant  is  an  acquisition  to  horticulture. 
It  whets  the  appetite  for  more  of  the  novelties 
which  the  enterprise  of  Mr.  Bulley  and  the  skil- 
ful exploration  of  Mr.  Forrest  have  brought  to 
this  country,  and  which  we  long  to  see  in  general 
cultivation.  It  was  exhibited  by  Bees,  Ltd.,  at 
the  Royal  Horticultural  Society's  meeting  on 
April  20,  when  it  received  a  First-class  Certifi- 
cate.   /.    B.  B. 

EPICATTLEYA     WOLTERIANA.     Kranzl. 
(Epidendrum    aurantiacum     i      x    Cattleya 

SCHRODER^E     ?  ).        ' 

This  hybrid  is  a  medium-sized  plant  of  no 
striking  peculiarities  in  habit.  The  pseudo-bulbs 
are  about  a  span  high  (15-17  cm.),  one-leaved  ; 
the  leaves  oblong,  blunt,  of  the  same  length,  and 
3-3.5  cm.  wide.  The  spikes  in  the  two  speci- 
mens I  have  seen  are  two-flowered ;  the  pedicels 
are  6  cm.  (about  2^  inch)  long,  pale  green, 
with  or  without  a  darker  somewhat  purplish 
hue.     The   flowers   are   7-7.5  cm.    (3  inches)    in 


Fig.  117. — primula  forrestii,  a  new  species  from  china:   flowers  yellow. 

(Awarded  F.C.C.  at  R.H.S.  meeting  on  the  20th  ult.) 


May  1,  1909.] 


THE    GARDENERS'      CHRONICLE. 


275 


diameter,  and  in  the  two  flowering  specimens 
I  examined,  two  varieties  differing  somewhat 
in  size  and  colour  were  to  be  observed.  The 
sepals  are  lanceolate,  acute ;  the  petals  are 
oblong  or  rhombic,  thrice  as  wide  as  the  sepals 
and  a  little  shorter.  The  lip  is  entire  without 
any  trace  of  division  and  funnel-shaped.  The 
colour  of  the  bigger  flowers  is  exactly  what  we 
call  salmon  colour,  the  smaller  have  the 
same  ground  colour,  but  there  is  a  purplish 
hue  upon  the  whole  flower,  especially  on  the 
sepals  and  the  border  of  the  lip.  In  the  purely 
salmon-coloured  form  the  lip  has  two  mauve- 
purple  stripes  on  its  base,  and  the  column 
has  also  two  stripes  of  the  same  colour  and  a 
corresponding  mauve-purple  sign  at  its  base, 
whilst  the  other  form  (the  smaller  with  the 
purplish  hue)  has  no  trace  either  upon  the  lip  or 
column,  the  latter  being  pure  white. 

It  is  a  question  whether  such  a  hybrid  should 
be  described  as  bigeneric.  Epidendrum  auran- 
tiacum  is  one  of  the  species  so  near  Cattleya 
that  Reichenbach,  in  the  sixth  volume  of 
Walper's  Annals,  placed  the  plant  among  the 
true  species  of  this  genus,  for  evidently  no  bet- 
ter species  he  could  find  for  connecting  together 
Cattleya  and  Epidendrum.  Nevertheless,  it  is 
better  to  follow  precedent,  especially  in  ques- 
tions of  no  systematical  but  merely  horticultural 
interest,  and  therefore  I  keep  Cattleya  distinct 
from  Epidendrum.  For  this  reason  I  have 
adopted  the  generic  name  Epicattleya.  The 
plant  was  raised  by  Mr.  Paul  Wolter,  Magde- 
burg, Wilhelmstadt,  from  the  parents  I  have 
named,  and  flowered  there  for  the  first  time.  It 
may  be  assumed  that  adult  and  vigorous  plants 
will  produce  more  and  L  .haps  still  bigger 
flowers  than  those  which  have  yet  appeared. 
The  seeds  were  sown  in  1903,  and  the  two  plants 
flowered  after  five  years  and  some  months. 
Fr.   K  ranz/in,  Berlin. 


THE  CHEMISTRY  OF  HEATED  AND  OF 
PARTIALLY  STERILISED  SOILS. 

Some  communications  appeared  in  the  Gar- 
deners' Chronicle,  Aug.  10  and  Aug.  31,  1907,  on 
work  which  was  in  progress  on  the  question  of 
the  influence  of  bacteria  on  the  germination  of 
seeds,  and  on  the  root- formation  of  trees.  The 
subject  has  since  been  pursued,  and  most  of  the 
results  will  be  found  in  the  Journal  of  Agri- 
cultural Science.  The  view  originally  taken, 
that  bacteria  affected  the  germination  of  seeds, 
has  been  definitely  disproved,  and  it  has  been 
shown  that  the  inhibitory  action  of  heated  soils 
is  due  to  the  heating  having  resulted  in  the  for- 
mation of  a  toxic  substance,  which  is  a  soluble 
organic,  and,  probably,  nitrogenous  compound. 
The  amount  formed  increases  with  the  tempera- 
ture of  heating  from  60°  to  2C0°  C,  and  it  appears 
to  be  present  to  a  certain  extent  even  in  soils 
which  have  not  been  heated  above  ordinary 
atmospheric  temperatures.  The  inhibitory  action 
on  the  germination  of  seeds  is  roughly  propor- 
tional to  the  amount  of  this  toxic  substance  pre- 
sent. The  treatment  of  soils  with  antiseptics 
results  in  a  chemical  change,  independent  of  any 
bacterial  change,  similar  to  that  produced  when 
the  soil  is  heated  to  60°-70°. 

The  heating  of  a  soil,  and,  in  a  lesser  degree, 
the  treatment  of  it  with  an  antiseptic,  results  in 
a  considerable  increase  in  the  soluble  organic  and 
nitrogenous  matter  present  in  it,  and  such  soils, 
therefore,  are  more  favourable  than  ordinary  soils 
for  the  growth  of  plants,  and  for  an  increased 
nitrogen  assimilation  by  them.  This  is,  ap- 
parently, a  sufficient  explanation  of  the  results 
hitherto  published  of  the  behaviour  of  plants  in 
such  soils.  It  appears,  however,  that  the  sub- 
stance which  is  toxic  towards  germination,  and 
which  is  formed  by  the  heating  or  treatment  of 
soils,  is  really  toxic  also  towards  plant  growth, 
and,  if  the  heated  soils  are  used  for  growing 
plants     before     that    toxic    substance    has    been 


eliminated,  then  the  plants  grow  less  vigorously, 
instead  of  more  vigorously,  in  the  heated  soils. 
It  has  been  found  that  the  toxic  substance 
becomes  destroyed  by  oxidation  under  those 
circumstances  usually  prevailing  in  cultivation, 
but,  when  destroyed,  there  is  still  left  in  the 
heated  soil  much  of  the  extra  organic  matter 
which  had  been  rendered  soluble  by  the  heating. 
Heated  soils,  therefore,  may  behave  in  diametri- 
cally opposite  ways  towards  plant  growth, 
according  to  the  conditions  to  which  the  soil  has 
been  subjected  after  the  heating.  There  is  no 
evidence  at  present  to  show  that  the  phenomena 
observed  with  these  heated  ■or  treated  soils  are 
due  to  bacterial  operations,  and  not  simply  to 
ordinary  chemical  changes.     Spencer  Pickering. 


TREES  AND  SHRUBS. 


VEGETABLES. 

EARLY     CABBAGE. 
Early  Cabbages  are  always  appreciated  ;  but 
in  seasons  when  green  vegetables  are  scarce,  they 


MAGNOLIA  STELLATA. 
Tins  Magnolia  was  awarded  a  First-class  Certi- 
ficate by  the  R.H.S.  on  March  19,  1878,  and  it  is 
probable  that  that  was  the  first  occasion  on 
which  plants  of  this  species  were  publicly 
exhibited  in  England.  It  was  exhibited 
by  Messrs.  James  Veitch  &  Sons  under 
the  name  of  M.  Halleana,  a  name  given  in 
honour  of  Dr.  G.  R.  Hall.  Mr.  S.  D.  Parsons, 
a  nurseryman  of  Flushing,  U.S.A.,  describes  its 
introduction  in  a  letter  to  The  Garden  (June 
15,  1878).  He  says  that  "  he  had  long  been 
trying  to  find  a  suitable  man  to  send  to  Japan, 
but  owing  to  difficulties  attending  the  entry  of 
foreigners  into  Japan  he  had  been  unable  to 
securo  the  right  person."  One  day  in  1862,  how- 
ever, Dr.  Hall  entered  his  office  and  offered  his 
collection  of  Japanese  plants,  which  he  had 
brought  with  him  in  Wardian  cases.  Many 
choice  shrubs  appear  to  have  been  contained  in 


Fig.  ii8. — primula  forrf.stii  growing  in  yunnan,  china,    alt.  9,000  to  11,000  ft. 

(See  g.  274  ) 


are  doubly  welcome.  \Ye  commenced  cutting  nice 
heads  of  "  Flower  of  Spring  "  on  April  1,  at 
which  time  also  the  variety  "  April  "  was  ready. 
These  two  varieties,  with  "  Favourite,"  have 
withstood  the  severe  weather  of  the  past  winter 
excellent,  and  they  are  three  fine  Cabbages  in 
other  respects,  being  of  excellent  table  quality. 

The  seeds  were  sown  on  August  20,  and  the 
seedlings  pricked  out  into  plots  on  October  15 
and  15.  Other  good  Cabbages  are  Early  Heart- 
well  (sown  now,  this  furnishes  fine  heads  for 
summer  use)  and  Carter's  Model.  I  would  re- 
commend Mammoth  Beefheart.  By  judicious  se- 
lection and  careful  management,  a  supply  of 
young  Cabbages  may  be  had  all  the  year  round. 
They  should  be  planted  thickly  on  a  warm  bor- 
der in  the  autumn,  and,  after  the  Cabbages  are 
cut,  the  borders  can  be  planted  with  early  crops 
of  Peas,  Carrots,  Potatos  and  Turnips.  If  the 
ground  has  been  well  prepared  and  manured  for 
the  Cabbages  little  more  will  be  necessary  for 
these  other  crops  beyond  digging.     W.  A.  C. 


these  cases,  including  Thuya  dolobrata,  Japanese 
Maples,  the  double-flowered  Deutzia  crenata, 
Hydrangea  paniculata,  Cupressus  obtusa,  Picea 
polita,  and  two  Magnolias,  one  of  which  was  M. 
stellata  (syn.  Halleana).  An  interesting  mention, 
with  regard  to  this  collection,  is  made  of  Lilium 
auratum,  a  few  bulbs  of  which  were  sold  to  a 
firm  in  Europe  for  $80  a  bulb. 

Although  Magnolia  stellata  has  been  known  in 
this  country  for  upwards  of  30  years,  very  little 
was  done  to  popularise  it  until  half  that  period 
had  passed,  and  it  is  only  in  late  years  that  it 
has  become  fairly  well  known  in  gardens.  The 
flowering  period  is  April,  and,  in  the  absence  of 
frost,  the  pure  white,  star-like  blossoms,  3  inches 
across,  have  a  charming  effect.  The  blossoms 
are  borne  with  such  freedom  as  to  hide  the 
branches.  At  Abbotsbury  Castle,  in  Dorsetshire, 
is  one  of  the  oldest  and  finest  specimens  in  the 
country.  When  selecting  a  position  for  planting, 
it  is  advisable  to  choose  a  spot  sheltered  from 
the  east,  so  that  when  the  flowers  are  frosted  the 


276 


THE    GARDENERS'      CHRONICLE. 


[May  1,  1909. 


sun  will  not  shine  on  them  until  they  have 
thawed.  The  plant  is  well  adapted  for  forcing 
into  bloom.  In  addition  to  the  type  there-  is  a 
variety  with  pink  flowers.      II-.  D. 

PRUNUS  TOMENTOSA. 
Although  this  is  by  no  means  a  new 
shrub,  it  is  only  within  the  last  five  years 
that  its  value  as  an  ornamental  plant  has 
been  appreciated.  The  plant  is  a  native  of 
Northern  and  Western  China,  and  was  first 
brought  to  notice  by  Bretschneider.  It  was 
introduced  to  European  gardens  from  Japan, 
where  it  is  cultivated.  Prunus  tomentosa  has  a 
wide  distribution,  for  it  has  been  found  by 
various  travellers  in  the  mountainous  districts  of 
places  so  widely  separated  as  Manchuria, 
Szechuen,  and  Kashmir.  Under  cultivation  it 
forms  a  well-developed  bush,  5  to  6  feet  high  and 
as  much  through,  a  considerable  amount  of 
growth  being  formed    annually.     The    bark    is 


NATURAL  DESIGN  IN  WATER  GARDENS. 

Notwithstanding  the  attraction  a  mere  ex- 
panse of  water  has  for  most  people,  there  is 
a  greater  pleasure  in  the  cultivation  of  aquatic 
plants  on  the  margins  of  a  brook,  pond,  or  lake  if 
these  are  grown  with  an  artistic  sense  of  the  fit- 
ness of  their  surroundings.  There  is  no  class  of 
vegetation  that  suffers  more  if  deprived  of  the 
background  of  its  natural  surroundings,  than 
aquatic  plants.  Nymphseas  are  beautiful  under 
any  circumstances,  but  when  grown  artificially  in 
tubs  or  square  cement  tanks  they  lose  much  of 
their  attractiveness.  Compare,  for  example,  a 
Water  Lily  grown  under  such  conditions  and  a 
similar  plant  revelling  in  a  sunny  spot  in  a  well- 
designed  pool  or  lake  with  rustling  sedges  and 
rushes  in  the  background  and  glowing  tints  of 
Spirseas,  Water  Iris,  and  other  plants  of  a  similar 
nature   pushing   their   vigorous   growth   into  the 


Mimulas,  Myosotis  and  Polygonums.  In  th* 
shallow  water  may  be  cultivated  Sagittarias, 
Acorus,  Ranunculus,  Typhas,  and  in  the  deeper 
portions  floating  plants  such  as  Nymphseas, 
Villarsia  and  Nuphars.  If  these  and  similar 
plants  are  disposed  in  proper  positions  the  effect 
will  be  not  only  one  of  the  most  beautiful  in 
the  garden,  but  it  will  be  reflected  in  the  water 
below. 

Although  a  perfectly  natural  design  is  best  for 
the  water  garden,  it  is  not  necessary  to  under- 
value the  introduction  of  such  aquatics  as 
Nymphaeas  into  the  water  portions  of  a  scheme 
where  the  design  is  necessarily  formal.  The 
stately  formality  of  certain  styles  of  landscape 
gardening  has  its  uses,  and  where  an  expanse  of 
water  is  edged  with  a  geometrical  design  in  stone 
the  addition  of  some  Water  Lilies  is  a  decidedly 
attractive  embellishment.  Nevertheless,  such  an 
arrangement   remains  merely   an   embellishment, 


FlG.    lit). — A    WATER    GARDEN    IN    MESSRS.    WALLACE'S    NURSERY  AT   COLCHESTER. 


brown  in  colour  and  tomentose.  The  leaves  are  ■ 
more  or  less  elliptic  and  rather  sharply  acumi- 
nate. The  flowers  are  borne  in  April,  appearing 
about  the  time  that  the  leaf-buds  burst.  They 
are  usually  produced  singly  from  both  sides  of 
each  bud  on  shoots  of  the  previous  season,  and 
are  white,  slightly  flushed  with  pink,  especially 
in  the  bud  stage.  The  fruit  is  of  a  shade  of 
orange-scarlet  and  in  shape  resemble  an  Apricot, 
but  is  only  about  the  size  of  a  small  Cherry.  So 
far  fruits  have  not  been  produced  in  any 
great  quantity  in  this  country,  but  in  China 
and  Japan  the  plant  is  stated  to  be  cultivated 
exclusively  for  its  fruits.  When  in  full  bloom 
the  species  forms  an  exceedingly  ornamental 
shrub.  The  petals  are  very  delicate  and  liable 
to  be  damaged  by  storms ;  during  unsettled 
weather  the  flowers  are  very  fugitive.  The  stock 
may  be  increased  by  means  of  cuttings  or  layers. 
W.  D. 


\.  water !  It  is  not  that  the  plant  itself  is  less 
beautiful,  but  there  is  a  sense  of  the  unfitness  of 
things  in  the  former  case  that  detracts  from  its 
charm. 

Were  these  points  so  well  understood  generally 
as  they  ought  to  be  there  would  be  much  less  of 
the  incongruous  in  modern  gardening.  Streams 
of  water  now  running  to  waste  might  be  utilised 
for  producing  effects  of  the  most  charming  de- 
scription. By  damming  the  streams  at  suitable 
points  and  by  effecting  some  slight  excavation, 
it  is  possible  to  provide  breadths  of  water  that  in 
themselves  possess  some  attraction.  But  the 
banks  and  margins  may  be  clothed  with  Japanese 
Iris,  groups  of  Astilbes  and  Spiraeas,  American 
Bog  Lilies,  such  as  Liliums  canadense,  parda- 
linum  and  others ;  Trollius,  such  species  of 
Primula  as  love  moisture,  including  P.  japonica, 
P.  denticulata,  and  others ;  Calthas,  Rodgersias, 


and  the  effect  can  never  be  equal  to  that  afforded 
by  a  more  natural  garden. 

The  illustrations  at  figs.  119  and  120  represent 
views  taken  in  the  nurseries  of  Messrs.  R. 
Wallace  and  Co.,  Colchester.  Their  water  gar- 
den shows  what  combinations  and  effects  may  be 
obtained  by  making  the  most  of  favourable  cir- 
cumstances. Everything  that  is  possible  under 
circumstances  necessitating  the  production  of 
plants  for  commercial  purposes  has  been  done  to 
effect  an  arrangement  rich  in  beautiful  grouping. 

In  fig.  119  may  be  seen  the  vigorous  growth  of 
Rumex  hydrolopathum,  Astilbe,  and  Iris  Kaemp- 
feri,  all  in  the  background,  whilst  the  foliage  of 
Iris  cuprea  in  the  foreground  are  some  of 
Mons.  Marliac's  Nymphaeas.  In  fig.  120  a  fine 
specimen  of  Nymphaea  "James  Brydon"  planted 
three  years  ago  has  for  its  background  a  clump  of 
Acorus  and  Iris  foliage.     O- 


May  1,  1909.] 


THE     GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


277 


FLORISTS'    FLOWERS. 


SOME   OF   MR.    HAYDON'S   NARCISSI. 

Among  the  names  of  the  pioneers  in  the  im- 
provement of  the  Daffodil,  that  of  Rev.  G.  P. 
Haydon  will  always  stand  high,  especially  for 
the  many  Trumpet  varieties  which  he  has  pro- 
duced since  1895.  Among  the  chief  of  these 
may  be  mentioned  The  Pearl  of  Kent,  C. 
H.  Curtis,  his  own  namesake  G.  P.  Haydon, 
Lord  Medway,  The  President,  and  Benenden. 
Exceptional  interest,  therefore,  attaches  to  the 
records  of  the  parentage  of  his  seedlings,  which 
are,  with  Mr.  Haydon's  sanction,  given  here- 
with. 

Seedlings  from  Seed  Saved  in  1895. 

M.  Cross.— Mme.  de  Graaff  s  X  Monarch 
a  . — Beatrice  Barlow,  Bella,  Bugler,  C.  H. 
Curtis,  Drummer  Boy,  Dr.  Kumura,  Duke  of 
Kent,  Duchess  of  Kent,  Fanny  Haydon,  Gwen- 
dolen, Hatfield  Beauty,  Heliodora,  Kuroki,  Mme. 
Kuroda,  Marchioness  Oyama,  Miss  Sato,  Okapi, 
Our  Nellie,  Pearl  of  Kent,  Philippe  de  Vil- 
morin,  Pyramus,  Stourmouth,  Wearmouth. 

N.  Cross.— Monarch  $  X  Mme.  de  Graaff 
<J  .—Cygnet,  Castaway,  C.  W.  Nunn,  E.  Arnold, 


Mme.  de  Graaff  $  x  Glory  of  Leiden  t . — 
Lily,  White  Horse  of  Kent  (1901),  Rectitude 
(1902). 

Weardale  Perfection  ?  X  Mme.  Plemp  $ 
(1903).— Milner,  Euphonium. 

King  Alfred  ?  X  Duke  of  Bedford  S 
(1903).— Benenden. 

In  the  following  varieties  (all  seed  of  year 
1902),  referring  to  the  "  M.  Seedling"  used  as 
pollen  parent,  Mr.  Haydon  says  :  "  These  are  of 
the  1895  M.  cross ;  I  can't  say  which  of  them,  as 
they  were  all  in  one  bed  with  numbers,  and  I 
could  not  say  which  I  took,  the  pollen  from  ;  but 
all  were  of  the  same  cross." 

Monarch  ?  x  fit.  Seedling  s  . — Hereward, 
Cuckoo,  Goodwin  Sands,  Earl  Goodwin.  The 
parentage  of  these  is,  therefore,  three-fourths 
Monarch  and  one-fourth  Mme.  de  Graaff. 

Weardale  Perfection  ?  x  M.  Seedling  t . 
— April  Fool,  Chart.  The  parentage  of  these 
is,  therefore,  one-half  Weardale  Perfection,  one- 
fourth  Monarch,  and  one-fourth  Mme.  de  Graaff. 

King  Alfred  ?  X  M.  Seedling  <t  . — The 
President,  Sea  Horse,  Stockwell.  The  parent- 
age of  these  is,  therefore,  one  half  King  Alfred, 


Fig.  120. — nympHjEA  "james  brydon"  in  a  nursery  water-garden. 

(See  p.  276.) 


F.dith,  E.  T.  Cook,  Dropmore,  G.  Honeysett, 
Henri  Vilmorin,  Knight  Errant,  Pharaoh. 

O.  Cross. — Weardale  Perfection  ?  X  Mme. 
de  Graaff  J  . — Blanche  Hill,  Crawford  Bar- 
low,  Houth  Beauty,   Isolde,   Lady  Warren. 

R.  Cross. — Glory  of  Leiden  ?  x  Monarch 
<?  . — Bull  Pup,  Chinaware,  Euphrosyne,  Guinea 
Gold,  G.  P.  Haydon,  Jack,  Lacquerware,  Leiden 
Jar,  Sunshine. 

Ten  other  crosses,  made  in  1895,  including  N. 
Emperor  X  N.  bulbocodium.  which  gave 
"  monstrosities,"  were  mostly  failures,  except, 
perhaps  for  Maydew,  a  seedling  from  N.  bi- 
florus   x   Pyrenean  Poeticus. 

The  following  varieties  were  from  seed  saved 
in  the  years  1899  to  1903,  as  noted  after  them  :  — 

Mme.  de  Graaff  s  x  Pyrenean  Poeticus  <t  . 
—Our  Bessie  (1899). 

Mme.  de  Graaff  $  N.  triandrus  Cala- 
thinus  S  (1900). — Our  Joe,  Preference,  Pre- 
mier, and  Policy. 

Monarch  2  X  Mme.  de  Graaff  s  . — Lord 
Medway,  Gorse,  Broom  (1900),  The  Secretary 
(1901),  Pantiles  (1903). 

Weardale  Perfection  9  X  Mme.  de 
Graaff  j  —The  Grey  Mare  (1900),  The  Golden 
Dustman   (1901). 


one-fourth  Monarch,  and  one-fourth  Mme.  de 
Graaff. 

Many  of  the  1895  seedlings  are  now  well 
known,  as  they  have  been  before  the  public  for 
several  years.  Most  of  the  later  ones  have  been 
shown  at  the  annual  shows  of  the  Kent  and 
Sussex  Daffodil  Society,  at  Tunbridge  Wells, 
during   the  last  three   years. 

The  parentage  given  in  the  above  lists  is 
always  that  of  the  actual  crosses  made,  and,  in 
most  cases,  it  can  be  traced  more  or  less  clearly 
in  the  seedlings.  The  possibility  of  self-  or 
cross-fertilisation  by  wind  or  insects  was  not 
entirely  excluded,  but,  as  those  who  have  experi- 
ence in  the  hybridising  of  Daffodils  are  aware, 
this  seldom  occurs,  or,  at  any  rate,  much  less 
often  than  might  be  supposed  when  the  work  is 
carefully  done  and  the  pollen  applied  early. 

There  is  one  seedling — The  Golden  Dustman 
(Weardale  Perfection  X  Mme.  de  Graaff, 
1901)— that  at  first  sight  appears  to  show 
an  unexpected  result.  Its  colour  (uniform 
bright  yellow)  and  form  suggest  fertilisa- 
tion by  a  chance  grain  of  pollen  of 
Monarch.  But,  of  the  25  seedlings  of  this  cross, 
Mr.  Haydon  tells  me  that  they  were  "  all  of 
them  dark  yellow."     Some  doubt  might  also  be 


felt  about  the  cross  of  Mme.  de  Graaff  x  Glory 
of  Leiden,  for  Mme.  de  Graaff  is  a  free-seeder, 
while  the  pollen  of  Glory  of  Leiden  is  notori- 
ously infertile,  and  Mr.  Haydon  says,  with  re- 
gard to  one  of  the  two  1901  seedlings  :  "  I  should 
say  White  Horse  of  Kent  was  self-fertilised." 
On  the  other  hand,  he  is  of  the  opinion  that 
"  Lily  decidedly  shows  Glory  of  Leiden  cross." 
There  is  no  doubt  that  the  high  quality  of 
these  seedlings  is  due  mainly  to  the  choice  of 
parents  of  refined  form,  for  Monarch  and  Mme. 
de  Graaff,  even  when  compared  with  the  latest 
varieties,  are  of  the  highest  class  in  form, 
though  neither  are  exceptional  in  size  or  quite 
pure  in  colour.  This  is  a  point  which  most,  if 
not  all,  breeders  agree  is  of  the  greatest  impor- 
tance. Size  and  colour  matter  less,  and  colour 
seems  to  be  quite  beyond  any  forecasting  in 
Daffodils  at  present,  self-yellows,  bicolors,  and 
whites  coming,  apparently,  at  random  from  such 
crosses  as  Monarch  x  Mme.  de  Graaff,  and  even 
from  Weardale  Perfection  x  Mme.  de  Graaff. 
But,  perhaps,  something  also  depends  on  the 
conditions  under  which  a  cross  is  made,  for  the 
same  varieties  have  been  used  by  many  others, 
and  not  always  with  such  successful  results. 
Mr.  Haydon  himself  says  :  "  I  find  that  seasons 
have  much  to  do  with  the  satisfactory  crossing 
of  Narcissus."  In  1895  he  obtained  the  wonder- 
fully high  proportion  of  49  first-class  seedlings 
out  of  74  seeds  sown,  or  66  per  cent.  ;  while  in 
1899  he  only  obtained  one  seedling  worth 
naming.     A.  J.  Bliss. 


SPRING  IN  THE  MARITIME  ALPS. 

(Concluded  from  page  257.) 
The  favourite  walk  from  S.  Dalmazzo  is  up 
the  beautiful  Val  Miniera  to  the  west,  and  lead- 
ing to  Val  Casterino,  where  Mr.  Clarence  Bick- 
nell  has  a  summer  cottage.  There  is  not  a  yard 
of  the  way  which  is  not  interesting.  In  the 
mossy  banks  by  the  pathway  Listera  cordata 
and  Herminium  Monorchis  are  happily  over- 
looked by  the  casual  passer-by.  The  large  blue 
flowers  of  Aquilegia  Reuteri,  the  rose  blossoms 
of  a  species  of  Geranium,  and  the  yellow  Digi- 
talis media  few  could  fail  to  notice.  The  flora 
becomes  more  and  more  Alpine  in  character  as 
we  ascend  the  gentle  slope.  Higher  up,  Aqui- 
legia alpina  takes  the  place  of  Reuteri,  which  it 
so  closely  resembles,  and  near  the  head  of  the 
valley  the  nearly  black  A.  atrata  is  found.  Car- 
damine  asarifolia  is  frequent  near  the  water, 
and  Lamium  longiflorum  among  the  stones. 
Above  the  fork  of  the  valley,  where  the  mines 
are  to  be  found  which  give  their  name  to  it, 
many  of  the  ordinary  Alpine  plants  luxuriate. 
Primula  viscosa,  Orchis  sambucina,  Atragene 
alpina,  Pulsatilla  alpina,  Anemone  narcissiflora 
and  A.  Hepatica,  Gentiana  verna  and  G.  excisa, 
Dryas,  Viola  calcarata,  and  Saxifraga  exarata 
are  but  a  few.  Yet  there  are  still  traces  of  Medi- 
terranean influence  in  this  valley,  as  shown  by 
such  plants  as  Astragalus  monspessulanus  and 
others.  In  this  district  the  flowers  of  Nigritella 
nigra  are  almost  invariably  of  a  beautiful  rose 
colour. 

Primula  marginata,  P.  latifolia,  P.  intricata, 
P.  suaveolens  (the  southern  form  of  Cowslip), 
Orchis  speciosa  and  O.  sambucina,  both  yellow 
and  purple,  adorn  the  ground  in  many  places, 
the  two  yellow  Primulas  appearing  where  the 
snow  has  only  just  melted,  and,  consequently, 
where  the  ground  is  still  brown.  In  fact,  they 
keep  company  with  the  Crocus  and  the  Sol- 
danella. 

Still  higher,  words  fail  to  convey  an  impres- 
sion  of  the  wealth  of  floral  beauty  which  the  eye 
meets  in  the  glorious  sunshine  of  a  morning 
in  June.  Among  the  moss  under  the  topmost 
Pines  the  golden-starred  Gagea  I.iotardii  seemed 
to  strive  for  more  light.  The  first  surprise 
was  Adoxa  Moschatellina  at  this  altitude  (about 
6,500  feet).  It  is  not  found  at  all  on  the 
Mediterranean.     On  gaining  a  ridge,  acres  of  the 


278 


THE     GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


[May  1,  19G9. 


.ground  were  white  with  Ranunculus  pyrenaeus, 
large  numbers  of  the  flowers  being  so  double  that 
they  contained  five  or  six  whorls  of  petals.  Close 
■n    hand,  and  interspersed   with  blue  and   white 

iCrocuses,  v,-ere  masses  of  handsome  dwarf  Tulips 
(T.  australis  var.  alpestris),  their  finely-moulded 
yellow  petals  being  deeply  tinged  with  red  on 
the  exterior.  They  reminded  me  of  the  taller 
but  similarly-coloured  Tulip  (T.  gallica)  I  had 
seen  in  the   foothills   of  the   Var  a  few   weeks 

In  lore. 

Among  the  rocks  not  far  off  the  large  blue 
blossoms  of  Linum  montanum  and  the  milk- 
white  flowers  of  an  Iberis  gave  a  change  of  form 
and  colour  for  a  while.  But  the  Tulips  were 
everywhere.  Only  less  abundant  were  the 
spotted  purple-brown  blossoms  of  Fritillaria 
Burnatiij  one  of  the  many  great  rarities  of  the 
Maritime  Alps.  It  was  puzzling  not  to  find 
the  other  Fritillaria  (F.  Moggridgei),  with  its 
yellow  flowers,  which,  I  knew,  grew  somewhere 
there,  so  I  cut  diagonally  down  and  across  the 
shoulder  of  the  mountain,  and  soon  came  across 
thousands  of  the  large  nodding  blossoms  of 
this  most  handsome  plant.  Here  and  there  a 
few  of  the  purple  variety  appeared  with  the 
yellow   one. 

On  the  swampy  sides  of  the  streams  above 
Val  Casterino,  Gentiana  Rostani  is  found. 
It  is,  perhaps,  only  a  variety  of  G.  bavarica,  and 
in  habit  much  resembles  the  beautiful  violet  G. 
pyrenaica,  which  is  never  found  in  the  Alps, 
though  it  appears  in  Hungary  and  again  in 
Western  Asia.  In  other  directions  such  rarities 
as  the  glandular  Saxifraga  pedemontana,  S. 
retusa,  S.  diapensioides,  and  Galium  Tenda?  were 
found ;  and  later  in  the  summer  appear  Silene 
campanula,  Potenlilla  Valderia,  Saxifraga  floru- 
lenta,  and  Phyteuma  Balbisii,  to  mention  four 
more  species  endemic  in  the  Maritime  Alps. 

A  very  rare  hybrid,  Gymnadenia  conopsea  X 
Orchis  latifolia  =  Orchi-gymnadenia  Lebrunii 
from  Val  Casterino  di  Tenda,  is  now  in  the 
Herbarium  at  Kew. 

It  is  remarkable  to  find  on  the  cliffs  above 
Fontan  and  by  the  river,  only  a  few  kilometres 
below  San  Dalmazzo,  which  is  2,284  feet  above 
the  sea,  masses  of  the  handsome  Cineraria  mari- 
tima,  which,  except  in  gardens,  is  rarely  seen 
save  in  warm  nooks  on  the  shores  of  the  Mediter- 
ranean. The  curious  Ballota  spinosa  is  one  of 
the  endemic  plants  abundant  at  the  foot  of  the 
limestone  cliffs  at  Fontan  and  Saorge,  but  it  is 
not  a  plant  worthy  of  cultivation  in  gardens. 

Space  does  not  permit  me  to  refer  to  any  of  the 
interesting  plants  about  the  little  town  of  Tenda, 
or  below  the  bold  pinnacles  of  limestone  which 
overlook  the  town.  Nor  can  I  mention  any  of 
the  other  treasures  to  be.  found  higher  up 
the  Col  di  Tenda  or  on  the  northern  side  of  the 
long  tunnel  towards  Limone. 

Tenda  itself  is  most  romantically  situated,  and 
a  fragment  of  the  old  castle  stilt  hangs  over  the 
town.  Although  Tenda  is  higher  than  S.  Dal- 
mazzo, it  is  not  so  inviting  a  place  to  stay  at, 
particularly  because  trees  are  but  few  there. 
H.  S.  T. 


HARDY   FLOWER    BORDER. 

ANEMONE  BLANDA  SCYTHINICA. 
The  flowering  of  this  pretty  plant  affords  a 
picture  of  rare  beauty  and  interest  in  the  garden 
at  the  present  time.  A  colony  with  hundreds  of 
its  blossoms  expanded  in  the  warm  sunshine  is  a 
sight  not  easily  forgotten.  Like  all  the  forms  of 
A.  blanda,  the  plant  has  tuberous  roots,  starts 
early  into  growth,  and  the  flower-buds  appear 
with  the  leaves.  At  first  the  buds  are  coloured 
a  deep  shade  of  indigo  blue,  which  presently 
changes  to  deep  violet,  a  shade  which  contrasts 
well  with  the  pure  white  of  the  expanded  blos- 
soms. The  flowers  at  their  best  are  larger  than 
a,  half-crown  piece,  and  in  a  large  group  the 
shades  of  colour  are  seen  as  the  flowers 
expand  and  close,  while  at  mid-day  and  for  some 
hours  a  carpet  of  white  yellow-centred  blossoms 
meet  the  eye.  The  plant  is  not  more  than 
6  inches  high,  and  the  finely-cut  leafage  which 
covers  the  soil  preserves  the  blossoms  for  a  long 
time.  The  plant  is  easily  grown  in  sandy  loam, 
and  if  the  root-run  is  of  a  cool  nature  so  much 
the  better.     E.  J . 


The  Week's  Work. 

FRUITS  UNDER  GLASS. 

By  E.  Harriss,  Fruit  Foreman,  Royal  Gardens,  Frogmore. 

Pineapples. — Plants  of  The  Queen  variety, 
which  are  now  swelling  their  fruits,  need  copious 
waterings,  for  their  roots  are  very  active,  and 
a  check  at  this  stage  would  interfere  with 
the  development  of  the  fruits.  Manurial  stimu- 
lants may  be  given  more  frequently  and  in 
slightly  increased  doses  than  hitherto.  Drain- 
ings  from  the  farmyard,  and  guano  water  are 
excellent  manures  for  Pineapples.  Keep  the 
atmosphere  of  the  house  mpist  by  frequently 
damping  all  the  paths  and  other  spaces.  Should 
the  crowns  show  a  tendency  to  become  dispro- 
portionately large,  the  centres  may  be  stopped, 
but  this  must  be  done  carefully,  otherwise 
growth  will  again  commence  and  the  fruit  be 
disfigured.  Excessive  overhead  syringing  is  a 
frequent  cause  of  the  crowns  growing  too  fast. 
Close  the  house  early  in  the  afternoon  after 
syringing,  and  do  not  allow  the  temperature  at 
night-time  to  fall  below  70°. 

Successional  Pines. — Plants  which  were  potted 
early  in  the  year  must  be  encouraged  to  grow 
freely.  Admit  a  little  fresh  air  at  the  top  of  the 
pit  early  in  the  morning  when  the  weather  is 
fine,  increasing  the  ventilation  as  the  sun  gains 
power.  It  is  important  that  the  structure  should 
be  closed  early  in  the  afternoon,  when  the  plants 
are  syringed.  If  the  atmosphere  is  well  charged 
with  moisture  the  temperature  may  be  allowed 
to  rise  from  95°  to  100°.  After  the  plants  have 
made  plenty  of  roots,  weak  manurial  stimulants 
may  be  afforded,  increasing  the  strength  as  the 
plants  make  further  progress.  Occasional  water- 
ings with  weak  soot  water  are  beneficial.  At- 
tend to  any  plants  which  need  repotting  before 
they  become  pot-bound. 

Shading. — Harm  may  be  done  to  Pineapples 
by  the  excessive  use  of  shading.  The  plant  loves 
sunshine  and,  therefore,  no  shade  should  be  ap- 
plied except  to  plants  which  have  been  recently 
repotted  or  planted  out.  Even  in  such  cases,  the 
shading  should  be  dispensed  with  as  soon  as 
the  roots  are  again  active.  The  excluding  of 
sunshine  from  the  plants,  even  during  the  hottest 
part  of  the  day,  has  an  injurious  effect  upon  its 
growth,  and  is  often  the  cause  of  the  plants 
failing  to  develop  their  fruits  at  the  proper 
time. 

Bananas. — Musas  should,  if  possible,  be 
planted  out  in  a  bed  in  a  very  warm  house,  where 
there  is  plenty  of  room  for  the  plants  to  develop 
their  large  leaves.  Strong  suckers  should  be 
potted  in  readiness  to  replace  the  old  plants 
after  they  have  fruited.  A  suitable  rooting 
medium  for  the  Banana  is  rich  loam  mixed  with 
well-rotted  manure  and  crushed  bones.  When 
the  plants  have  become  established  they  should 
be  watered  frequently  and  occasional  applica- 
tions of  liquid  manure  will  be  useful,  more  espe- 
cially if  they  are  applied  when  the  fruits  are 
in  course  of  development.  During  their  season 
of  growth  Bananas  require  a  very  hot  and  moist 
atmosphere.  One  of  the  best  Bananas  for  fruit- 
ing in  hothouses  is  Mnsa  Cavendishii. 


THE    KITCHEN    GARDEN. 

By  E.  Bkckett,  Gardener  to  the  Hon.  Vicary  Gibbs, 
Aldenham  House,  Elstree,  Hertfordshire. 

Runner  Beans. — These  plants  should  be  raised 
under  glass,  not  only  because  they  will  fruit 
much  in  advance  of  those  raised  out-of-doors, 
but  also  because  they  suffer  less  from  the  attacks 
of  slugs  and  other  pests,  and  from  inclement 
weather.  The  very  best  varieties  only  should 
be  cultivated,  and  there  is  now  a  wide  selection 
available,  the  best  kinds  being  of  the  Ne  Plus 
Ultra  type.  Sow  the  seeds  either  in  boxes,  or 
singly  in  small  pots  in  a  cool  house  or  frame. 
As  soon  as  germination  takes  place,  admit  an 
abundance  of  fresh  air  so  as  to  thoroughly 
harden  the  plants  before  they  are  put  out  into 
the  open  ground  towards  the  end  of  the  present 
month.  Runner  Beans  are  best  grown  in 
trenches,  and  if  these  are  not  already  prepared, 
the   work   should   be   undertaken   without  delay. 

Peas. — Plants  in  bearing  under  glass  should 
be  given  an  abundance  of  fresh  air  both  night 
and  day  whenever  the  weather  permits.  Manure 
water  should  be  given  freely.  Successional 
plants  growing  in  pots  or  boxes  may  now  be 
placed  out-of-doors  in  a  sheltered'  position. 
Whenever  frost  is  likely  to  occur,  some  protec- 


tion must  be  afforded  them.  Transplant  Peas 
raised  in  boxes  for  successional  fruiting.  Make 
regular  sowings  of  main  crop  varieties  for 
succession  during  the  next  six  weeks  according 
to  the  demand. 

Cauliflowers. — Make  another  small  sowing  of 
the  Autumn  Giant  variety,  sowing  the  seeds 
thinly  in  the  open.  The  plants  from  this  sowing, 
although  very  late,  will  be  excellent  for  lifting 
and  planting  in  cold  frames  or  other  suitable 
structures  late  in  the  autumn.  Continue  to 
plant  out  Cauliflowers  raised  from  sowings  made 
under  glass  as  they  become  ready.  Select  rich 
ground  for  their  planting  and  make  the  soil  about 
them  very  firm.  Early  Cauliflowers  still  growing 
in  pots,  or  which  have  been  planted  out  in  the 
orchard  house  or  m  pits,  should  be  heavily 
mulched  and  otherwise  liberally  fed.  Tie  the 
leaves  together  immediately  after  the  heads  have 
formed. 

Beetroot. — The  principal  sowing  of  this  vege- 
table should  be  made  within  the  next  ten  days 
or  fortnight.  The  larger  the  variety  the  later 
should  it  be  sown.  On  many  kinds  of  soil  it 
will  be  necessary  to  bore  deep  holes  and  fill  up 
the  spaces  with  soil  as  previously  advised  for 
Carrots.  Seedlings  under  glass  must  be  given 
an  abundance  of  fresh  air,  and  care  must  be 
taken  that  they  are  not  overcrowded  in  the 
seed-pans. 

Capsicums  and  Chillies  are  alike  useful  for 
decorative  and  culinary  purposes.  They  form 
pleasing  subjects  in  an  intermediate  house  during 
the  latter  part  of  the  summer  and  early  autumn. 
The  young  plants  should  now  be  ready  for 
potting  into  their  fruiting  pots.  Use  pots  5  or 
6  inches  in  diameter,  and  place  the  plants  in  a 
brisk  heat.  Guard  against.aphis.  These  plants 
seldom  ripen  their  fruits  satisfactorily  in  the 
open,  but  if  large  plants  are  placed  on  a  warm 
border  about  the  first  week  in  May  they  will 
give  satisfactory  results  if  the  summer  is  favour- 
able. 


THE  HARDY  FRUIT  GARDEN. 

By  J.  G.  Weston,  Gardener  to  H.  J.  King,  Esq.,  Eastwell 
Park,  Kent. 
Peaches  and  Nectarines. — The  weather  having 
been  genial  during  the  time  the  trees  were  in 
bloom,  the  fruits  are  already  set  in  most  locali- 
ties. When  this  is  the  case  disbudding  should 
be  no  longer  delayed.  It  may  be  practised  over 
a  period  of  two  or  three  weeks.  Should  the 
weather  again  become  cold  enough  to  retard 
growth,  it  will  be  advisable  to  postpone  further 
disbudding  for  a  few  days,  remembering  that 
the  young  shoots  serve  to  protect  the  fruits.  In 
disbudding,  remove  first  those  shoots  which  are 
known  as  fore-right  shoots ;  these  grow  at  right 
angles  to  the  wall.  Afterwards  remove  any  that 
are  very  close  to  the  wall,  or  that  in  other  re- 
spects may  be  regarded  as  misplaced ;  and  then 
giving  a  moderate  thinning  to  the  shoots  all  over 
the  tree.  After  an  interval  of  a  week  or  ten  days 
the  final  thinning  should  be  done,  leaving  suffi- 
cient shoots  to  furnish  any  portions  of  bare  wall 
and  to  provide  fruiting  wood  for  next  year. 
Should  any  leaves  develop  leaf-curl  or  blister 
(Exoascus  deformans)  cut  off  the  points  of  in- 
fested shoots  and  burn  them.  If  blistered  leaves 
and  shoots  are  removed  early  in  the  season  and 
the  tree  is  otherwise  in  a  good  condition,  the 
disease  may  be  expected  to  disappear  as  the 
weather  improves.  When  all  the  blooms  have 
set,  spray  the  plants  with  a  suitable  insecticide 
for  destroying  aphis  or  green  fly.  This  pest 
must  not  be  allowed  to  spread,  or  much  damage 
will  result. 

Gooseberries. — The  promise  for  a  fine  crop  of 
Gooseberries  is  exceptionally  good,  but  a  severe 
frost  when  the  plants  are  in  flower  might  still 
ruin  the  crop.  If  the  caterpillars  of  the  Goose- 
berry saw  fly  are  detected  they  must  be  picked 
off  by  hand  and  destroyed.  Dusting  the  bushes 
with  Hellebore  powder  is  a  favourite  preven- 
tive, but  owing  to  the  poisonous  nature  of 
this  powder  it  must  not  be  applied  for  some 
time  before  fruits  are  gathered  for  consumption. 
The  American  Gooseberry-mildew  appears  to  be 
spreading  rapidly  in  this  country,  and  it  will 
be  wise  to  be  on  the  watch  for  its  appearance. 
According  to  a  leaflet  issued  by  the  Board  of 
Agriculture  and  Fisheries,  it  attacks  both  the 
fruits  and  the  foliage,  first  appearing  in  the  form 
of  delicate  white  patches  which  gradually  be- 
become  thick  and  felt-like,  but  later  change  to 
a  dingy-brown  colour. 


May  1,  19C9.] 


THE     GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


THE    ORCHID    HOUSES. 

By  \V,  H.  White,  Orchid  Grower  to  Sir  Trevor  Lawrence, 
Bart.,  Burford,  Surrey. 

Stippling  the  roof  glass. — Continuing  my  re- 
marks respecting  the  stippling  of  the  roof  glass 
of  the  houses,  I  may  mention  that  the  flour  and 
water  mixture  recommended  last  week  keeps  the 
glass  much  cooler  than  a  mixture  composed  of 
mineral  matter — a  very  important  factor  in  hot 
weather  for  inmates  of  the  cool  house.  It  is 
liable,  however,  to  be  washed  off  by  rain,  if  not 
thoroughly  dried  by  the  sun  immediately  after 
application,  for  the  warmer  houses,  such  as  the 
East  Indian.  Cattleya  and  .Mexican  divisions,  in 
addition  to  lattice  wood  blinds,  we  use  a  stippling 
composed  of  white  lead  and  whiting,  which,  once 
it  adheres  to  the  glass,  remains  till  towards  the 
end  of  the  summer,  though  it  gradually  be- 
comes worn,  and  consequently  much  thinner,  thus 
enabling  more  light  to  reach  the  plants.  At  that 
time  of  the  year  Dendrobiums,  Cattleyas,  Ladias, 
Catasetums  and  Calanthes  are  the  better  for 
this  gradual  decrease  in  shading.  To  about 
half  a  pound  of  white  lead  add  one  pound  of 
whiting,  with  sufficient  paraffin  oil  to  make  it 
into  a  thin  paint.  Stipple  this  on  very  thinly, 
choosing  a  bright  day,  with  the  sun  shining 
full  on  the  glass,  so  that  the  mixture  will  dry 
quickly.  On  span-roofed  houses  which  run 
north  and  south  we  stipple  the  east  side  in  the 
morning  and  the  west  after  mid-day.  By  'adopt- 
ing this  method  of  shading  we  need  not  use 
the  blinds  quite  so  frequently,  it  being  unneces- 
sary to  work  them  up  and  down  for  every  trifling 
change  in  the  weather.  Another  advantage  is 
that  the  blinds  need  not  be  let  down  nearly  so 
early  in  the  morning,  or  kept  down  so  long  in 
the  afternoon.  The  plants  thus  receive  far 
more  natural  sun  heat ;  therefore  a  better  atmo- 
sphere can  be  preserved  inside  than  if  blinds 
were  used  exclusively. 

Dendrobium  Phalcenopsis. — To  some  growers 
the  young  shoots  of  this  species  appear  to  be 
very  thin  and  weak,  but,  under  proper  treat- 
ment, they  soon  gain  strength  and  swell  rapidly. 
When  the  new  shoots  are  a  few  inches  high,  a 
number  of  roots  will  appear  at  their  base, 
and  just  before  these  are  visible,  the  plants 
should  be  repotted,  or,  if  not  in  need  of  repotting, 
the  old  worn-out  material  may  be  carefully 
picked  out  from  between  the  roots  and  fresh 
compost  afforded.  The  plants  will  thrive  in  pots, 
shallow  pans,  or  baskets ;  but  whichever  re- 
ceptacle is  preferred,  it  should  be  small  in  pro- 
portion to  the  size  of  the  plants  ;  it  is  equally 
important  that  these  receptacles  should  lie  clean 
and  well  drained.  Many  growers,  including  my- 
self, have  found  considerable  difficulty  in  cul- 
tivating plants  of  this  species  thoroughly  well 
for  five  or  six  consecutive  seasons.  Generally, 
the  contrast  between  imported  and  home- 
grown pseudo-bulbs  is  obvious.  For  a 
number  of  years  our  plants  were  steadily  de- 
teriorating. Last  year  the  plants  were  placed 
in  ordinary  flower-pots,  with  suitable  copper  wire 
handles  attached,  and  suspended  in  a  fairly  shady 
position  in  the  warm,  moist  plant-stove,  where 
they  improved  considerably.  They  are  now  root- 
ing and  growing  with  increased  vigour.  The 
plants  were  potted  in  Osmunda  and  Polypodium 
fibres,  with  plenty  of  small  crocks  intermixed, 
but  no  Sphagnum  moss  was  used.  Having 
been  potted  with  extra  firmness,  the  material 
is  still  quite  good,  and  the  plants  need  not  be 
disturbed  this  season.  Carefully  water  plants 
that  have  been  repotted,  but  when  roots  be- 
come numerous  and  growth  is  advancing  satis- 
factorily afford  them  water  more  freely,  both  at 
the  roots  and  in  the  atmosphere.  Keep  the 
roots  and  young  growths  free  from  the  ravages 
of  insect  pests.  D.  superbiens,  D.  bigibbum. 
D.  Statterianum.  D.  undulatum,  and  others  of 
like  growth  should   receive  similar  treatment. 


PLANTS    UNDER  GLASS. 

By  A.  C.  Bartlett,  Gardener  to  Mrs.  Ford,  Pencarrow, 
Cornwall. 

Rhododendron  indicum  (Azalea  indica). — As 
these  plants  cease  to  flower  they  should  be  en- 
couraged to  make  growth.  Remove  the  faded 
flowers  and  seed  vessels,  and  place  the  plants  in 
a  warm,  moist  atmosphere.  Syringe  the  foliage 
at  least  twice  daily  (directing  the  water  well  un- 
derneath the  leaves)  to  prevent  thrips  getting  a 
lodgment.  If  the  pest  is  already  present  on  the 
plants,  fumigate  them  with  the  XL-All  vaporis- 


ing compound,  or  syringe  them  with  some  good 
insecticide.  Copious  waterings  and  occasional 
applications  of  manure  water  are  necessary  dur- 
ing the  season  of  growth.  Repotting  is  best  done 
early  in  autumn. 

Primulas  and  Cinerarias. — The  plants  ob- 
tained from  the  earlier  sowings  of  seed  require  to 
be  potted  singly  Lnto3-inch  pots.    For  a  few  days 

following  this  operation,  place  the  plants  in  a 
moist  and  shady  position  in  a  frame  or  low-roof,, I 
house:  afterwards  expose  them  to  more  light. 
When  a  few  works  have  elapsed,  tiny  may  well 
be  grown  in  an  unhealed  frame.  Seed  sown  as 
[ate  as  the  present  date  will  yield  useful  plants. 

Manure. — Now  that  most  pot  plants  are  grow- 
ing freely,  they  require  some  manurial  assistance. 
Liquid  manure  should  never  be  given  to  plants 
when  the  soil  is  very  dry.  Whatever  the  nature 
of  the  stimulant  may  be,  it  is  necessary  to  be 
cautious  in  its  use.  ami  to  err  rather  on  the  side 
of  applying  it  in  a  much-diluted  condition.  Many 
gross-feeding  plants,  however,  may  be  safely 
watered  with  liquid  manure  of  a  strength  which 
would  be  fatal  to  most  hard-wooded  plants.  For 
general  use,  liquid  manure  obtained  from  soaking 
sheep-droppings  may  be  recommended  ;  but  it  is 
advisable  to  apply  organic  and  chemical  manures 
in  their  various  forms  as  changes  of  food  to  the 
plants.  Take  care  to  water  the  plants  several 
times  with  clear  water  between  each  change. 
Strong-smelling  stimulants  should  not  be  used  in 
the  show  houses. 

Sanchezia  nobilis. — The  Codiseums  have  long 
since  driven  this  ornamental-foliaged  plant  from 
popular  favour,  but  whilst  well  grown  specimens 
are  as  beautiful  as  many  Codoeums,  they  cer- 
tainly do  not  require  such  great  heat.  Cuttings 
of  the  young  wood  root  readily  in  a  close,  warm 
atmosphere.  The  plants  thrive  in  rather  a  light 
soil,  such  as  one  consisting  of  fibrous  loam,  with 
a  third  part  leaf-soil,  and  plenty  of  sand.  Make 
the  soil  firm,  and  use  pots  of  comparatively  small 
size.  The  two  varieties,  glaucophylla  and 
vaiugata,  differ  from  the  species  in  their  leaf 
markings. 

THE  FLOWER   GARDEN. 

By  YV.  A.  Cook,  Gardener  to  Sir  Edmund  G.  Loder,  Bart., 
Leonardslee,  Sussex. 

Gunnera. — The  stock  of  any  particular  Gun- 
nera  may  be  increased  by  division,  which  should 
be  carried  out  at  the  present  time.  If  additional 
plants  are  not  required,  the  crowns  should  still 
be  thinned  in  order  that  the  shoots  retained  will 
have  sufficient  room  for  their  proper  develop- 
ment. When  the  leaves  are  crowded  they  are 
small,  and  much  of  the  beauty  of  the  plant  is 
lost.  Any  material  that  has  been  placed. about 
the  plants  for  protecting  purposes  should  now  be 
removed.  It  may.  however,  lie  advisable  to  place 
a  little  dried  Bracken  over  the  crowns  to  save 
them  from  late  frosts,  for  if  the  leaves  are  in- 
jured when  young  they  continue  to  show  the  dis- 
figuremeni  throughout  the  season.  The  flower- 
spikes  of  these  plants  appear  about  this  time, 
and  must  be  removed.  When  planting  Gun- 
neras,  choose  a  position  near  the  water's  edge 
or  some  other  place  where  the  ground  is  always 
moist.  The  plants  will  be  benefited  by  an  occa- 
sional dressing  of  farmyard  manure  and  a 
sprinkling   of  nitrate  of  soda. 

Helleborus. — The  present  is  a  suitable  time  to 
remove  these  plants.  If  they  are  not  succeeding 
in  their  present  positions  they  should  be  lifted, 
have  all  the  soil  about  the  roots  carefully  re- 
moved, and  be  replanted  in  fresh  leaf-soil  and 
.  loam.  It  will  be  necessary  to  shade  the  plants 
until  they  have  become  established  in  the  new 
soil.  Apply  copious  waterings,  especially  in  dry 
weather. 

Rhododendrons. — As  soon  as  the  early-bloom- 
ing varieties  have  finished  flowering,  pick  off  the 
seed  vessels  and,  if  necessary,  afford  the  plants 
a  watering  and  a  top-dressing  of  cow  dung. 
Newly-planted  Rhododendrons  should  not  be  al- 
lowed to  develop  many  inflorescences,  and  if  the 
plants  are  weak  all  the  flower-spikes  should  be 
removed.  See  that  the  shrubs  are  firm  in  the 
ground,  and  that  the  roots  are  not  suffering 
from  lack  of  moisture. 

Staking  Trees  and  Shrubs. — Examine  all 
trees  and  shrubs  that  are  supported  by  stakes  and 
see  that  the  string  is  neither  so  tight  that  it  will 
cut   the  bark,   nor  so  loose  as  to  cause  chafing. 


Replace  any  faulty  stakes.  If  any  of  the  plants 
have  become  loose  in  the  soil  tread  the  ground 
firmly. 

Annuals. — Seeds  of  these  plants,  including 
many  that  are  half-hardy,  may  now  be  sown  in 
the  open.  Portulacas  should  be  sown  in  a  warm 
situation,  such  as  a  dry  bank,  or  in  some  por- 
tions of  the  rock-garden.  The  newer  Centaureas 
or  Sweet  Sultans  have  flowers  twice  the  size  of 
the  older  forms,  and  they  are  developed  on  long 
stalks.  The  Centaurea  is  one  of  the  finest  annual- 
flowering  plants.  Marguerite  Carnations  should 
now  be  planted  where  the  plants  are  required  to 
bloom.  They  require  a  rich  soil  wdiich  contains 
plenty  of  soot,  and  in  these  conditions  generally 
provide  a  good  display  of  flowers  in  the  late 
summer  months:  to  ensure  very  large  blooms, 
the  flower-spikes  should  be  disbudded  A  liberal 
sowing  of  the  various  kinds  of  Poppies  and  of 
annual  Chrysanthemums  should  be  made.  All 
annuals  should  be  thinned  sufficiently  to  allow 
every  plant  to  develop  to  its  maximum  sue. 

Chrysanthemums.  —  Summer  and  autumn- 
flowering  varieties  should  now  be  planted  in 
their  flowering  quarters.  Allow  a  distance  of 
15  inches  between  each  plant;  the  spaces  be- 
tween them  can  be  planted  with  Mignonette, 
which  will  flower  before  the  Chrysanthemums 
require  the  room. 

Carnations. — Place  stakes  to  early-flowering 
varieties  and  dress  the  plants  with  a  suitable  fer- 
tiliser, stirring  the  soil  occasionally  with  the 
Dutch  hoe. 


THE   APIARY. 


Bv  Chloris. 

When  to  place  on  shallow  frames  and  sections. 
— Generally  speaking,  supers  should  be  placed  in 
position  as  soon  as  the  upper  cells  in  the  brood 
chamber  are  tipped  with  new,  white  wax. 
Many  beekeepers  delay  this  operation,  con- 
sequently the  bees  store  surplus  honey  in 
the  brood  chamber.  This  robs  the  queen 
of  cells  intended  for  accommodating  eggs, 
with  the  result  that  queens  are  reared  and  swarm- 
ing takes  place.  Even  if  the  bees  do  not  swarm, 
it  will  be  found  at  the  end  of  the  season  that  no 
honey  is  stored  in  the  supers,  although  there  is 
a  superabundance  of  it  below,  and  the  colony 
is  extremely  weak,  consisting  mainly  of  old  bees. 
As  a  result,  the  stock  is  exceedingly  weak 
the  following  spring.  In  the  case  of  an 
established  hive  ready  for  supers  to  be 
attached,  it  is  often  best  to  place  a  super  o£ 
shallow  frames  containing  drawn-out  drone  comb. 
The  bees  generally  take  readily  to  these,  and  when 
the  comb  is  about  two-thirds  filled  with  honey,  a 
super  of  sections  may  be  placed  beneath,  taking 
great  care  to  keep  the  hive  warm.  It  is  impossible 
to  make  the  bees  too  comfortable  at  this  time  of 
the  year.  A  non-conductive  material  will  not  only 
keep  the  heat  in  the  hive,  but  also  keep  it  out, 
when  the  heat  from  the  sun  at  noon  is  intense.  In 
the  case  of  swarms  recently  hived,  if  starters  are' 
placed  below  and  drawn  shallow  frames  above, 
then  the  bees,  having  plenty  of  storing  room, 
will  proceed  to  build  worker  comb.  If  this  is. 
not  attended  to,  they  will  build  drone  comb  for 
the  storage  of  honey  in  the  brood  chamber. 
When  honey  is  plentiful  and  the  weather  fine,  the 
bees  may  require  an  additional  super  in  from- 
seven  to  ten  days.  This  will  allow  the  combs  in 
the  brood  chamber  to  remain  free  for  the  use  of 
the  queen,  and  thus  swarming  is  kept  some- 
what in  check.  The  work  of  adding  a  fresh  super 
is  best  carried  out  at  noon,  when  the  bees  are 
occupied  in  the  fields.  It  will  be  neces. 
sary  to  puff  smoke  at  the  entrance,  carefully 
raise  the  supers  with  an  iron  chisel  or 
screwdriver,  if  they  are  firmly  fixed  with 
propolis,  give  another  puff  of  smoke  above  the 
brood  chamber,  and  place  the  new  super  below 
the  old  one. 

Removing  supers.— As  the  frames  in  the  supers 
are  filled  with  honey  they  should  be  removed.  If 
a  super  clearer  is  used  for  the  purpose,  this  will 
be  easily  accomplished.  All  that  is  necessary  is 
to  place  the  "  clearer  "  at  night-time  below  the 
super  to  be  removed,  and  next  morning  it  will  be 
ready  for  removal,  because  it  will  then  be  free  of 
bees.  If  the  super  contains  shallow  frames  the 
sooner  they  are  placed  in  the  "extractor"  the, 
better  andeasier  the  work  will  be  accomplished. 
The  empty  super  may  be  replaced  at  once  it  the 
bees  are  storing  honey  fast. 


280 


THE     GARDENERS    CHRONICLE. 


[May  1,  1909. 


EDITORIAL    NOTICE. 


ADVERTISEMENTS  should  be  sent  to  the  PUB- 
LISHER, 41,  Wellington  Street,  Covent  Garden, 
W.C. 

Letters  for  Publication,  as  well  as  specimens  of  plants 
for  naming,  should  be  addressed  to  the  EDITOR, 
41,  Wellington  Street,  Covent  Garden,  London. 
Communications  should  be  written  on  one  side  only  of 
the  paper,  sent  as  early  in  the  week  as  possible  and  duly 
signed  by  the  writer.  If  desired,  the  signature  will  not  be 
printed,  but  kept  as  a  guarantee  of  good  faith. 

Newspapers.— Correspondents  sending  newspapers  should  be 
carejulto  mark  the  paragraphs  they  wish  the  Editor  to  see. 

Special  Notice  to  Correspondents.  —  The  Editor  does  not 
undertake  to  pay  for  any  contributions  or  illustrations,  or 
to  return  unused  communications  or  illustrations,  unless  by 
special  arrangement.  The  Editor  does  not  hold  himself 
responsible  for  any  opinions  expressed  by  his  correspondents. 

Illustrations.-  The  Editor  will  be  glad  to  receive  and  to  select 
photographs  or  drawings,  suitable  for  reproduction,  of 
gardens,  or  of  remarkable  plants,  /lowers,  trees,  &c,  but  he 
cannot  be  responsible  for  lossor  injury. 

Local  News. — Correspondents  will  greatly  oblige  by  sending  to 
the  Editor  early  intelligence  of  local  events  likely  to  be  of 
interest  to  our  readers,  or  of  any  matters  whichit  is  desirable 
to  bring  under  the  notice  of  horticulturists. 


APPOINTMENTS    FOR    MAY. 


SATURDAY,  MAY  1— 

Soc.  Fran?.  d'Hort.  de  Londres  meet. 

MONDAY,  MAY  3-Royal  Academy  opens. 

TUESDAY,  MAY  4- 

Roy.  Hort.  Soc.  Corns,  meet.  (Lecture  at  3  p.m.  by 
Mr.  C.  C.  Hurst,  on  "  Mendel's  Law  and  its  Application 
to  Horticulture  ").   Brit.  Gard.  Assoc.  Ex.  Council  meet. 

THURSDAY,  MAY  6- 

Roy.  Gardeners'  Orphan  Fund  Festival  Dinner  at  Hotel 
Cecil,  Strand.  Croydon  Spring  Fl.  Sh.  Linnean  Soc. 
meet. 

MONDAY,  MAY  10— 

United  Hort.  Ben.  &  Prov.  Soc.  Com.  meet. 

THURSDAY,  MAY  13- 

London  Branch  B.G.A.  lecture  by  Prof.  Bottomley  on 
"  Nitrogen  Fixation." 

TUESDAY,  MAY  18— 

Roy.  Hort.  Soc.  Corns,  meet  and  Nat.  Tulip  Soc.  Com- 
bined Show  at  Hort.  Hall,  Westminster  (Lecture  at 
3  p.m.  by  Mr.  A.  Clutton  Brock,  on  "  Alpines  in  their 
Native  Homes  ".) 

MONDAY,  MAY  24— Anniversary  meet,  of  Linnean  Soc. 

TUESDAY,  MAY  25— 

Roy.  Hort.  Soc.  Sh.  in  Temple  Gardens,  Thames 
Embankment  (3  days).  Ann.  meet,  and  dinner  of  the 
Kew  Guild  at  the  Holborn  Restaurant. 

WEDNESDAY,  MAY  26— 

Bath  and  We=t  and  Southern  Counties  Sh.  at  Exeter 
(6  days). 

MONDAY,  MAY  31— 

Whit  Monday.    Chesterfield  Spring  Fl.  Sh. 


Average    Mean    Temperature    for    the    ensuing    week, 
deduced  from  observations  during  the  last  Fifty  Years 
at  Greenwich— 50-2°. 
Actual  Temperatures: — 

London.—  Wednesday,  April  28  (6  p.m.):  Max.  60°; 
Min.  43°. 
Gardeners'  Chronicle  Office,  41,  Wellington  Street, 
Covent  Garden,  London. — Thursday,  April  29 
(10  a.m.)  : '  Bar.  298  ;  Temp.  55°  ;  Weather— 
Sunshine. 
Provinces. —  Wednesday,  April  28  (6  p.m.):  Max.  56° 
Bedford  ;  Min.  43°  Ireland  N. 


SALES    FOR    THE    ENSUING    WEEK. 

TUESDAY— 

The  whole  of  the  Greenhouse  Plants,  Frames, 
Utensils,  &c,  at  the  Nurseries,  Chelmsford,  by 
Protheroe  &  Morris,  at  12.30. 

WEDNESDAY— 

Herbaceous  and  Border  Plants,  Bulbs  and  Tubers,  at 
12;  Azaleas,  Palms,  Ferns,  &c,  at  4;  at  67  &  68, 
Cheapside,  E.C.,  by  Protheroe  &  Morris. 

FRIDAY— 

Imported  and  Established  Orchids  in  variety,  at 
67  &  68,  Cheapside,  E.C.,  by  Protheroe  &  Morris,  at 
12.45. 


The  prohibition  of  the  impor- 

Importation  tation  of  Currant  bushes  has 

of  Currant    been  rescinded,  and,   provided 

Bushes.        that  a  licenge  of  the  Board  of 

Agriculture  and  Fisheries  is 
produced  at  the  point  of  landing,  such  bushes 
may  now  be  introduced  into  this  country. 
The  conditions  attaching  to  the  granting  of 
licenses  are  numerous.  The  exporter  must 
cleanse  the  plants  of  all  earth,  the  bushes 
must  be  packed  so  that  they  cannot  come  in 
contact  with  others  on  the  journey,  and  yet 
the  package  must  be  such  that  one  end  must 
be  capable  of  being  opened  for  inspection. 

The  importer  must  obtain  a  guarantee  that 
the   bushes    are   free   from   American   Goose- 


berry-mildew, Black  Currant  mite,  and  other 
disease,  together  with  statements  of  the  kinds 
of  bushes,  number,  proposed  date  of  landing, 
port,  name  and  address  of  exporter,  place 
where  the  bushes  are  to  be  planted  and  where 
to  be  permanently  grown,  together  with  an- 
swers to  many  other  questions. 

We  are  inclined  to  think  that  only  those 
who  are  very  anxious  to  possess  imported  Cur- 
rant bushes  will  have  the  patience  to  furnish 
the  information  required,  and  would  ask : 
What  living  person  who  knows  anything  about 
the  subject  would  be  willing  to  give  a  guaran- 
tee that  a  given  plant  is  free  from  "  all  other 
disease  "  ?  In  this  kind  of  legislation,  the 
redundancy  of  language  dear  to  the  legal 
mind  should  be  abandoned  in  favour  of  simple 
common-sense  statements  of  the  law.  If 
these  restrictions  are  really  necessary,  it 
would  be  simpler  and  wiser  to  continue  the 
prohibition ;  if  they  are  not  necessary,  the 
restrictions  should  be  abandoned. 

It  might  be  simpler  to  start  a  system  of 
isolation  and  to  require  of  the  port  authorities 
that  they  should  set  up  Currant-bush  quaran- 
tines. 


Probably    no    horticultural    sub- 

Vine         ■     ^    j         more    attractions    for 
Culture.      J 

gardeners  generally  than  the  cul- 
tivation of  the  Grape  vine.  The  varied  ex- 
periences of  growers  in  different  parts  of  the 
country  are  always  read  eagerly,  and  contro- 
versies that  arise  from  time  to  time  concerning 
methods  and  results  are  engaged  in  with  spirit 
and  enthusiasm.  This  is  remarkable  in  some 
respects,  because,  in  a  natural  state,  the  vine 
is  one  of  the  most  easily  grown  plants,  and 
thousands  of  examples  of  the  fact  can  be  seen 
in  cottage  gardens  throughout  England.  But  it 
is  also  an  interesting  illustration  of  the  varia- 
bility and  difficulties  which  are  introduced  by 
any  kind  of  artificial  treatment.  The  condi- 
tions under  which  the  same  variety  of  Grape 
is  grown  in  glasshouses  necessarily  vary 
greatly  in  different  gardens,  hence  the 
diversity  of  results  from  similar  procedure ; 
from  this,  too,  arises  the  interest  with  which 
growers  compare  notes,  criticise,  and  disagree. 
It  is,  therefore,  with  peculiar  pleasure  that  we 
welcome  a  work  on  the  subject,*  by  Mr. 
Alexander  Kirk,  of  Norwood  Gardens,  Alloa, 
N.B.,  for  he  is  a  veteran  grower  of  long  ex- 
perience. In  the  vineries  under  his  charge 
during  the  past  thirty  years  or  more,  and  at 
many  exhibitions  in  that  period,  he  has  so 
consistently  proved  his  skill  as  a  producer  of 
fine  Grapes  that  he  is  amply  entitled  to  take 
a  high  rank  amongst  British  horticultural 
specialists. 

Mr.  Kirk  has  given  to  his  readers  exactly 
what  might  be  expected  from  a  practical  gar- 
dener of  such  experience,  namely,  a  plain 
recital  of  the  essential  details  in  Grape  grow- 
ing, pointing  out  the  difficulties  and  mistakes, 
and  relating  the  simplest  means  by  which 
these  can  be  prevented  or  overcome.  No 
attempt  has  been  made  to  produce  an 
elaborate  or  polished  treatise. 

Thirty-three  chapters  are  included  in  the 
book,  but  many  of  these  are  very  short,  some 
less  than  half  a  page,  and  the  remarks  are 
condensed  as  much  as  possible,  while  there  is 
very  little  of  the  repetition  which  is  frequent 

*  Grape  Culture  Up  to  Date,  by  Alexander  Kirk.  Pawson 
and  Brailsford,  Sheffield.    Price  7s.  6d. 


in  horticultural  works,  and  occasionally  un- 
avoidable. Starting  with  the  construction  of 
vineries,  the  author  proceeds  to  relate  the 
details  of  drainage  and  border-making  and 
other  matters  that  need  attention  up  to 
the  time  of  planting  the  vines.  Following 
this  comes  pruning,  disbudding,  stopping, 
thinning  bunches  and  berries,  watering, 
mulching,  and  ventilation,  temperatures  being 
indicated  under  each  section  as  the  work 
proceeds.  Renovating  borders,  root-pruning 
of  old  and  young  vines,  diseases  and  insect 
pests,  propagation  and  storing,  receive  due 
attention,  and  the  chapters  contain  many 
useful  hints  which  should  illuminate  difficult 
points  for  beginners. 

Probably  the  majority  of  readers  will  turn 
with  special  interest  to  that  part  of  the  book 
which  deals  with  exhibiting,  where  they  will 
find  full  descriptions  of  boards,  boxes,  and 
methods  of  packing,  with  valuable  instruc- 
tions in  regard  to  staging  bunches  at  shows. 
Mr.  Kirk  relates  that  his  first  experience  was- 
in  1874,  when  he  took  Grapes  from  Kirkcud- 
brightshire to  the  Crystal  Palace,  a  distance 
of  300  miles.  He  had  two  and  four  bunches 
on  boards,  but  the  Grapes  travelled  so  badly 
that  ever  since  he  has  used  boards  for  single 
bunches  only.  Subsequently  he  again  ex- 
hibited a  collection  at  the  Crystal  Palace— 
this  time  travelling  350  miles — on  the  im- 
proved system;  the  Grapes  not  only  arrived 
in  excellent  order,  but  easily  secured  the  first 
prize.  We  had  the  pleasure  of  seeing  the 
exhibits  on  both  occasions,  and  though  the 
single  boards  are  certainly  more  convenient, 
in  this  particular  case  we  think  Mr.  Kirk's 
ability  as  a  Grape  grower  had  considerably 
advanced  since  he  exhibited  the  earlier 
bunches. 

In  his  concluding  chapter  Mr.  Kirk  advo- 
cates separating  the  roots  of  all  vines  in  the 
borders  by  means  of  single-brick  walls  both 
inside  and  out.  These  are  recommended  to  be 
2J  feet  high  and  3h  feet  apart,  and  the  author 
adds :  "  My  experience  of  35  years  has  con- 
vinced me  that  this  system  of  allotted  space 
for  each  vine  is  the  right  one."  There  is 
something  to  be  said  for  this  when  many 
different  varieties  are  grown  in  one  house,  and 
the  subject  is  therefore  worth  discussion. 


Royal  Horticultural  Society. — A  meet- 
ing of  the  Committees  will  take  place  on  Tuesday, 
May  4,  in  Vincent,  Square  Hall,  Westminster.  In 
the  afternoon  a  lecture  on  "  Mendel's  Law  and  its 
Application  to  Horticulture  "  will  be  delivered 
by  Mr.  C.  C.  Hurst. 

Horticultural  Exhibition  in  Holland. — 

According  to  the  Jumna!  of  the  Board  of 
Agriculture,  the  Horticultural  Exhibition,  which 
is  to  be  held  at  Zeist,  Holland,  from  August  25 
to  September  16  of  the  present  year,  will  be  on 
a  large  scale,  and  will  include  foreign  as  well  as 
native  exhibits.  The  central  committee  of  the 
exhibition  invites  the  participation  of  foreign 
countries  with  a  view  to  extending  commercial 
relations. 

Royal    Gardeners1    Orphan     Fund.  —  We 

desire  to  remind  our  readers  that  the  annual 
Festival  dinner  in  aid  of  this  fund  will  take  place 
on  Thursday  next,  May  6.  at  the  Hotel  Cecil, 
Strand,  at  6.30  for  7  o'clock.  His  Grace  the 
Duke  of  Rutland  will  preside.  All  interested 
in. the  gardening  charities  are  asked  to  support 
the  Orphan  Fund  on  this  occasion.  The  secretary, 


May  1.  1909.] 


THE     GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


281 


Mr.  Brian  Wynne,  will  be  pleased  to  hear 
from  anyone  desiring  to  be  present.  His  address 
is  35,  Surrey  Street,  Strand. 

Spring  Flower  Gardening. — Mr.  Divees 
informs  us  that  the  spring  flowers  at  Belvoir 
Castle  are  now  at  their  best.  Himalayan  and 
other  early  Rhododendrons  are  flowering  more 
freely  than  usual  this  season.  They  have  not 
suffered  from  frost.  The  Duchess  Garden  is 
open  to  the  public  on  every  weekday. 

Appointments  at  Kew. — We  learn  from  the 
Kew  Bulletin  that  the  designation  of  the  post  of 
Principal  Assistant  in  the  Royal  Botanic  Gar- 
dens has  been  changed  by  authority  of  the 
Treasury  to  Assistant  Keeper.  Mr.  G.  Massee, 
F.L.S.,  hitherto  a  Principal  Assistant  in  the 
Herbarium,  and  Mr.  C.  H.  Wright,  whose  ap- 
pointment as  successor  to  Dr.  Staff  was  notified 
in  Kew  Bulletin,  1909,  p.  24,  will  rank  as 
Assistant  Keepers.  The  President  of  the  Board 
of  Agriculture  and  Fisheries  has  been  pleased 
to  appoint  Mr.  N.  E.  Brown,  A.L.S.,  hitherto 
an  Assistant  in  the  Herbarium,  and  Mr.  L.  A. 
Boodle,  F.L.S..  hitherto  an  Assistant  in  the 
Jodrell  Laboratory,  Assistant  Keepers. 

The  Selborne  Society  s  Soiree.— Lord 
Avebury  will  take  the  chair  at  the  annual  con- 
versazione of  the  Selborne  Society,  which  will  be 
held  on  May  7  at  the  offices  of  the  Civil  Service 
Commission  (Old  London  University).  Two 
lectures  will  be  given,  the  first  on  "  How  Birds 
Fly,"  by  Mr.  F.  W,  Headley,  F.Z.S.,  and  tin- 
second  on  "  How  Men  Fly,"  by  Mr.  T.  W.  K. 
Clarke,  B.A.,  A.M.I.C.E.  Mr.  James  Hitk 
land,  the  original  promoter  of  the  Plumage  Bill, 
will  exhibit  a  number  of  lantern  slides  illustrating 
the  birds  that  are  in  danger  of  extermination  in 
various  parts  of  the  world.  There  will  also  be  a 
display  of  microscopes  and  natural  history  ex- 
hibits. Messrs.  Watson  &  Sons  will  demonstrate 
the  processes  of  making  microscope  lenses. 
Messrs.  J.  J.  Marshall  &  Co.  will  show  a  paper- 
making  machine.  The  Caravan  Club  will  send 
an  exhibit  illustrating  the  application  of  caravan 
ning  to  the  study  of  natural  history.  Tickets  can 
only  be  obtained  through  members  of  the  society. 
All  communications  should  be  addressed  to  Mr. 
Wilfred  Mark  Webb,  honorary  general  secre- 
tary, at  20,  Hanover  Square,  W. 

Nurseryman  as  Chairman  of  District 
Council. — Mr.  S.  G.  Randall,  a  nurseryman 
and  fruit  grower,  has  just  been  elected  Chairman 
of  the  Skegness  District  Council.  Mr.  Randall 
was  also  chairman  of  the  same  council  in  1897. 

Flowers  in  Season.— From  Messrs.  Dobbie 
&  Co.,  Rothesay,  we  have  received  an  as- 
sortment of  Pansy  and  Viola  blooms.  The 
wide  range  of  colouring,  combined  with  large 
flowers  of  exceptionally  good  form  seen  in  such 
a  collection  as  is  sent  us  by  Messrs.  Dobbie, 
shows  the  great  advance  that  has  been  made  in 
these  popular  flowers.  Of  the  50  varieties  sent 
us,  the  following  are  a  few  of  the  more  note- 
worthy : — Pansies :  Mrs.  Campbell,  a  yellow 
coloured  variety,  with  large  blotches  of  claret 
colour  and  most  perfect  outline  of  petal ;  Mrs. 
R.  P.  Butler,  dark  violet,  with  creamy-white 
edges  mottled  with  purple-crimson,  the  upper 
petals  are  marked  with  crimson ;  Mrs.  Harry 
Stuart,  the  lower  segments  are  deep  crimson, 
bordered  with  yellow,  the  upper  petals  being 
very  faint  yellow,  shaded  with  rose.  Of  Violas, 
very  fine  are  Jenny  M'Gregor,  a  shade  of  violet 
striped  with  mauve ;  Lizzie  Storer,  the  lower 
petals  are  dark  and  tipped  with  lavender,  the 
upper  petals  being  wholly  of  this  latter  colour ; 
Mrs.  J.  H.  Rowland,  a  beautifully-formed  flower 
shaded  with  rose  colour ;  Robert  Menzies,  a 
shade  of  purple,  with  markings  of  lavender  on 
the   upper    petal ;    Mary    Burnie,    not   new,    but 


still  one  of  the  most  lovely  of  all  violets,  the 
pale  primrose  blossoms  being  margined  with 
dark  heliotrope ;  and  Hugh  Reid,  a  mag- 
nificent flower  of  the  best  form  suffused  with 
rosy-purple,  slightly  fainter  on  the  upper  petal. 

Some    exceptionally     fine    inflorescences 

of  Clivia  are  sent  us  by  Mr.  E.  Rogers  (gr.  to 
Mr.  Wrigley.  Bridge  Hall,  Bury).  They  are 
amongst  the  largest  we  remember  to  have  seen, 
and  of  excellent  shades  of  orange-scarlet  Mr. 
Rogers  states  they  were  raised  by  Mr.  Wrigley 
at  Bridge  Hall,  and  are  the  result  of  more  than 

20   years   selecting   and   breeding.      We 

have  received  several  interesting  plants  from 
Mr.  W.  A.  Cook,  gardener  to  Sir  Edmund 
Loder,  Bart.,  at  Leonardslee,  Sussex.  The  Skunk 
Cabbage  of  the  United  States,  Symplocar- 
pus  fcetidus  (syn.  Spathyema  fcetida)  is 
an  evil-smelling  Aroid.  The  inflorescence  appears 
before  the  foliage,  as  in  many  of  its  congeners. 
It  is  an  interesting  plant  for  the  bog  garden. 
Scoliopus  Bigelowii  is  a  dwarf-habited  Liliaceous 
plant  having  greenish  flowers  striped  with 
purple.  A  figure  of  this  plant  was  given  in  the 
issue  for  March  3,  1894,  p.  267.  A  fasciated 
Sower-spike  of  Narcissus  cyclaminius  had  five 
fully  developed  blooms.  Mr.  Cook  also  sent 
flower     trusses     of      Rhododendron      barbatum. 

Messrs.      William      Bull      &      Sons, 

King's  Road,  Chelsea,  send  blooms  of  their 
strain  of  Cinerarias.     They  represent  a  desirable 

type  of  this  useful  greenhouse  plant.     

Flowers  of  Primula  obconica  received  from  Mr. 
Tin  is.  Denny,  Down  House  Gardens,  Bland- 
ford,  show  a  great  advance  on  those  of  the 
type,  the  blooms  being  large  and  of  excellent 
colour. 

The  late  G.  H.  Sage. — Some  weeks  ago 
reference  was  made  in  these  pages  to  efforts  that 
were  being  made  by  Mr.  W.  A.  Cook  and  others 
to  raise  a  sum  of  money  for  the  widow  of  the 
late  Mr.  G.  H.  Sage.  Mr.  Cook  now  informs 
us  that  he  has  been  able  to  hand  over  to  the 
widow  the  sum  of  £27,  and  he  has  reason  to 
believe  that  there  will  be  further  donations. 

The  George  Monro  Concert  Committee. 

— We  are  informed  that  as  a  result  of  the 
13th  annual  concert,  held  at  the  Queen's 
Hall  on  February  25  last,  the  following  dona- 
tions have  been  made : — Gardeners'  Royal 
Benevolent  Institution,  £15  15s.  ;  Wholesale  Fruit 
and  Potato  Trades'  Benevolent  Society,  £10  10s.  ; 
Surgical  Aid  Society,  £6  6s.  ;  Charing  Crops 
Hospital,  £5  5s.  ;  Royal  Ophthalmic  HospiW, 
£2  2s.;  Covent  Garden  Lifeboat  Fund,  £3  7j. ; 
Geo.  Monro,  Ltd.,  Pension  Fund,  £4  4s.;  Oeo. 
Monro,  Ltd.,  Outing  Fund,  £3  3s. 

Spring  Flowers  at  Croydon. — The  ninth 
annual  exhibition  of  spring  flowers,  under 
the  auspices  of  the  Croydon  and  District  Horti- 
cultural Society,  will  take  place  on  Thursday 
next  in  the  Homiman  Hall,  North  End,  Croy- 
don. These  exhibitions  have  proved  the  possi- 
bility of  holding  successful  flower  shows  without 
charging  fees  for  entry  or  offering  prizes.  The 
secretary  is  Mr.  H.  Boshier,  62,  High  Street, 
Croydon. 

Water-colour  Drawings  at  the  New 
Dudley  Gallery. — We  referred  in  the  last  issue 
to  an  exhibition  of  water-colour  drawings  by  the 
four  Misses  Dorrien-Smith,  of  Tresco  Abbey, 
St.  Mary's,  Scilly;  Hampshire  scenery,  by  Miss 
Alswen  Montgomerie  ;  and  of  Malta  and 
Sicily  by  Lady  Mabel  Sowerby.  At  Tresco 
many  introduced  plants  from  Australia, 
New  Zealand,  and  Japan,  flourish  vig- 
orously, although  they  suffer  some  injury  from 
the  Atlantic  gales.  In  a  drawing  of  a  patch  of 
Iris  tingitana  by  Miss  Cicely  Dorrien-Smite, 
the  harmony  of  the  adjacent  blue  sea,  with  the 
colour  of  the  Iris,  makes  a  pretty  whole,  admir- 


ably contrasted  with  a  scattered  group  of 
Kniphofia  Uvaria.  Another  picture  by  the  same 
artist  represented  Tree  Ferns  (Cyathea),  and 
purple-flowered  Crocuses.  "  On  the  Shore  in 
May,"  was  a  piece  full  of  colour  and  variety. 
"  Gorse  at  Saint  Mary's,"  showed  the  plants  of 
a  tint  rarely  seen  on  the  mainland.  A  striking 
example  of  Miss  Gwendoline  Dorrien-Smith's 
landscape  work  was  remarked  in  "  Garrison  Hill, 
St.  Mary's,"  wherein  a  Heather-covered  head- 
land showed  Gorse  in  bloom,  and  the  ever-present 
sea  at  the  back  of  the  view.  Another  was  a  view 
from  the  upper  terrace,  Tresco — a  garden  subject 
— consisting  of  a  carpet  of  Thymus,  a  Pinus- 
Pumilio,  dwarf  in  stature,  and  wind-blown ;  to- 
gether with  Agaves  and  other  succulent  plants. 
A  seascape  showed  Grimsby  Harbour,  Tresco ; 
and  Hydrangeas  with  pink  and  very  deep 
blue  flower-heads.  In  "  Sunset  Glow  "  the 
artist  had  caught  the  exact  moment  very 
happily.  Her  pictures  of  Orange  Phoenix 
and  Soleil  d'Or  Daffodils  gave  the  idea 
of  the  abundance  of  Narcissus  blooms  in  the 
Scilly  bulb  fields.  The  patch  of  Soleil  d'Or  had 
groups  of  Iris  germanica  and  tree-like  Dracaena 
australis  growing  in  an  irregular  manner  among 
the  bulbs.  The  view  of  the  Neptune  Steps  in 
Tresco  Gardens  showed  a  curious  combination  ot 
art  and  semi-wild  nature.  Himalayan  Rhodo- 
dendron in  flower,  nicely  drawn  and  accurate  in 
colour,  probably  R.  arboreum,  was  the  work  of 
Miss  Charlotte  Dorrien-Smith.  Studies  of 
garden  plants  such  as  Iris  Ksempferi, 
Mesembryanthemums,  Hydrangeas,  Fuchsias, 
Aloes,  Azaleas,  &c,  were  contributed  by 
one  or  other  of  the  Misses  Dorrien-Smith.  Miss 
A.  Montgomerie's  pictures  exhibited  views  of 
Hampshire,  mostly  of  swampy  places,  such,  for 
example,  as  "  Low  Tide,"  "  Eling  Wharf," 
"  Evening  in  the  Water  Meadows,"  "  A  Deso- 
late Waste,  New  Forest,"  "  The  Dying  Day," 
"  The  Mists  in  the  Valley,"  "  Approach  of 
Night,"  "  The  Haunt  of  the  Heron,"  and  many 
more  of  a  rather  depressing  character,  but 
cleverly  drawn  and  coloured.  Among  Lady 
Mabel  Sowerby's  contributions  to  this  collec- 
tion of  water-colour  drawings  were  subjects 
from  Malta  and  Sicily,  of  which  the  more 
conspicuous  were  "  An  Arab  Pony  and 
Cart  "  and  "  Old  Age,"  both  old  and  ill-fed, 
sorry  specimens  of  the  horse,  "  The  Strada," 
"  Britannica  at  Night,"  "  Smelting  Hatpins," 
"  Maltese  Fishing  from  a  Quay,"'  a  well-worn 
subject.  Various  seascapes  by  Miss  E.  Innis 
Dorrien-Smith,  a  tempestuous  sea  rolling  in 
shore  was  one  of  the  best  of  the  works  of  this 
artist. 

New  Public  Park  for  Bishops  Stort- 
ford. — The  Saxon  castle  and  grouuds  at  Bishop's 
Stortford,  which  were  recently  acquired  from 
private  ownership  by  the  town  council  for  the 
purposes  of  a  public  park  and  recreation  grounds, 
have  been  formally  opened.  The  castle  and 
grounds  cover  8  acres,  and  the  purchase  money 
will  be  a  charge  on  the  rates  for  60  years. 

Tradescants  Tomb.— In  Lambeth  church- 
yard there  is  the  tomb  of  John  Tradescant, 
who  was  gardener  to  Charles  I.  in  1629.  Near 
by  was  his  famous  botanical  garden,  in  which 
as  late  as  1749  might  have  been  seen  many  rare 
and  curious  plants,  including  unusually  large 
specimens  of  Arbutus  and  of  Rhamnus  Cath- 
articus,  the  latter  about  20  feet  high  and  nearly 
a  foot  in  diameter  of  stem — truly  a  giant  speci- 
men of  the  native  Buckthorn.  It  was  hard  to 
realise  during  a  recent  visit  to  the  Lambeth 
Borough  Recreation  Ground,  containing  miser- 
able-looking, soot-incrusted  specimens  of  the 
Euonymus,  Holly  and  Aucuba,  and  surrounded 
by  an  atmosphere  full  of  chemical  fumes,  that 
little  more  than  a  century  and  a  half  ago  the 
same  site  should  have  been  that  of  the  most, 
famous  museum  and  botanical  garden  of  its  day. 


282 


THE     GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


[May  1,  1909. 


Brussels    International     Exhibition. — 

The  Government  of  this  country  is  "  waking  up" 
to  the  importance  of  giving  official  aid  to  the 
organisation  of  British  exhibits  at  important  ex- 
hibitions. To  this  end  a  Royal  Commission, 
presided  over  by  His  Royal  Highness  the  Prince 
of  Wales,  has  been  appointed  by  his  Majesty 
the  King,  to  assist  the  Board  of  Trade  in  the 
organisation  of  exhibits  illustrative  of  British 
art,  industry,  and  agriculture  both  at  the  1910 
Brussels  Exhibition  and  at  the  1911  Turin  Ex- 
hibition. We  commend  to  the  notice  of  our 
readers  the  fact  that  Group  8  in  the  general 
classification  of  the  Brussels  Exhibition  is  de- 
voted to  horticulture  and  arboriculture.  This 
group  includes  appliances  and  processes  in  horti- 
culture and  arboriculture,  kitchen-garden  plants, 
fruit  trees  and  fruit,  trees,  shrubs,  ornamental 
plants  and  flowers,  greenhouse  plants,  horticul- 
tural and  nursery  seeds  and  stocks.  It  is  to  be 
hoped  that  British  horticulture  will  be  ade- 
quately  represented   at   Brussels. 


medal  and  $250.  Another  class  is  arranged  for 
a  display  of  a  similar  nature,  but  to  include  not 
fewer  than  10  Orchid  genera  and  bigeneric 
hybrids.  There  are  also  classes  for  a  recently 
introduced  Orchid  plant  not  previously  ex- 
hibited in  the  United  States,  a  new  seedling 
Orchid,  a  new  species  of  stove  or  greenhouse 
plant  in  bloom,  a  new  species  of  stove  or  green- 
house foliage  plant,  a  new  species  of  coniferous 
plant,  not  yet  in  commerce  but  likely  to  be 
hardy  in  Massachusetts ;  a  new  species  of  shrub 
or  climber  in  bloom,  likely  to  be  hardy  in 
Massachusetts ;  and  for  a  new  species  of  hardy 
herbaceous  plant  in  bloom.  The  secretary  is  Mr. 
William  P.  Rich,  and  his  address  is  at  Boston, 
Massachusetts. 

A  Proposed  Women's  Garden  or  Park. — 

In  connection  with  the  proposed  conversion  of 
the  disused  burial  ground  behind  the  Chapel  of 
the  Ascension  in  the  Bayswater  Road,  London, 
into  a  public   park,   efforts   are   being   made   by 


[Photograph  by  J.  Gregory. 

Fig.  121. — rose  "white  killarney." 

(From  a  photograph  obtained  after  the  bloom  had  been  brought  from  America  in  a  cut  state.) 


Orchid  Show  in  America. — We  have  received 
a  preliminary  schedule  of  prizes  to  be  offered  at 
an  exhibition  that  will  take  place  under  the 
auspices  of  the  Massachusetts  Horticultural 
Society  on  May  26-30,  1910.  Orchids  will  con- 
stitute a  leading  feature  at  this  show.  The  chief 
prizes  are  offered  for  a  "  display  of  Orchid 
plants  in  bloom,  arranged  for  effect,  embracing 
at  least  20  Orchid  genera  and  bigeneric  hybrids 
and  unlimited  as  to  the  number  of  species, 
varieties,  and  hybrids,  to  fill  400  square  feet  of 
space."  Cut  blooms  of  rare  sorts  not  exceeding 
in  number  5  per  cent,  of  the  total  number  of 
varieties  of  Orchid  plants  in  the  exhibit  will  be 
admissible.  The  points  will  be  awarded  as 
follows : — Varieties  of  Orchids,  30  points ; 
quality,  35  points ;  arrangement  and  decorative 
effect,  25  points ;  novelty  of  Orchids,  10  points. 
The  first  prize  in  this  class  will  consist  of  a  gold 
medal  and  $1,000,  the  second  prize  of  a  silver 
medal  and  $500,  and  the  third  prize  of  a  bronze 


a  number  of  influential  people  to  induce  the 
authorities  to  form  a  garden  or  park  for  the 
exclusive  use  of  women.  The  following  para- 
graph is  taken  from  a  letter  printed  in  the 
Times: — "  We  are  convinced  that  it  would  be  a 
great  boon  to  many  women  to  know  of  a  place 
where  they  could  walk,  sit  down,  rest  and 
saunter  at  their  ease,  under  other  conditions 
than  obtain  either  in  the  streets  or  in  the  parks. 
Particularly  in  summer,  towards  the  close  of  the 
long  hot  days,  must  it  be  the  longing  of  many 
to  escape  from  narrow  or  crowded  surroundings 
to  be  in  the  open  air  and  not  compelled  to 
trudge.  The  garden  that  we  suggest  would  be 
essentially  a  place  for  rest  and  ease — not  a  play- 
ground— a  garden  rich  in  flowers  with  shady  and 
with  sunny  walks,  and  with  broad  spaces  of 
lawn  between  the  flower  walks.  It  is  desirable 
that  the  garden  should  be  provided  with  many 
seats.  This  provision  would  be  greatly  appre- 
ciated   by    women     who     hesitate,    not     without 


reason,  to  make  use  of  the  free  seats  in  the 
parks.  There  should  also  be  some  place  of 
shelter  from  the  rain." 

Acetylene  Gas  Refuse. — The  experiments 
on  this  subject  related  on  p.  264  of  the  last  issue 
were  carried  out  by  Mr.  W.  B.  Burgess,  of  the 
South-Eastern  Agricultural  College,  Wye,  in  his 
private  capacity,  and  not  at  the  college,  as  was 
inadvertently  stated. 

*  "Familiar  Wild  Flowers." — We  have 
received  Part  I.  of  a  new  edition  of  this  work 
by  the  late  F.  Edwabd  Hulme.  There  will 
be  45  fortnightly  parts,  and  these  will  be  illus- 
trated with  360  coloured  plates.  We  recom- 
mend the  work  to  anyone  desirous  of  acquir- 
ing an  elementary  knowledge  of  native  British 
flowering  plants.  The  recent  death  of  the 
author  has  robbed  popular  botany  of  one  of  its 
most   enthusiastic   teachers. 

Publications  Received.— Mendel's  Prin- 
ciples of  Heredity,  by  W.  Bateson,  MA., 
F.R.S.,V.M.H.  ( Cambridge  :  University  Press ) . 
Price  12s.net. —  Transactions  and  Proceedings 
of  the  Botanical  Society  of  Edinburgh.  Vol. 
XXIII.  Part  IV.  (Edinburgh  :  Royal  Botanic 
Gardens).— Kew  Bulletin.  (No.  3,  1909).  Con- 
taining the  Flora  of  Ngamiland  :  A  Puntumia 
Disease  :  The  Herbarium  Savatier,  etc.  (London  : 
Wyman  &  Sons,  Ltd..  Fetter  Lane).  Price  6d.— 
Imperial  Department  of  Agriculture  for  tht 
West  Indies.  Seedling  Canes  and  Manurial  Ex: 
periments  at  Barbados,  1906-8.  Price  6d.  Seed- 
ling and  other  Canes  in  the  Leeward  Islands, 
1907-8.  Price  4d.  Manurial  Experiments  with 
Sugar-Cane  in  the  Leeward  Islands,  1907-8, 
Price  4d.  Insect  Pests  of  Cacao,  by  H.  A.  Ballou. 
M  So.  Price  4d.  (Issued  by  the  Commissioner 
of  Agriculture).  —  Appendix  to  the  Report  of 
the  Minister  of  Agriculture,  Experimental 
Farms  Report  for  the  year  ending  March  31, 
1908.  (Ottawa :  Published  by  the  Minister  of 
Agriculture). — U.S.  Department  of  Agriculture. 
Bulletin  No.  78  :  Economic  Loss  to  the  People 
of  the  United  States  through  Insects  that  carry 
Disease,  by  L,  O.  Howard,  Ph.D.  Circular  No. 
42  (fifth  edition)  :  How  to  Control  the  San  Jose 
Scale,  by  C.  L.  Marlatt.  (Washington  :  Govern- 
ment Printing  Office). — Michigan  State  Agricul- 
tural College  Experimental  Station,  Horti- 
cultural Division.  Bulletin  No.  253:  Can  the 
General  Farmer  afford  to  Grow  Apples,  and 
Suggestions  on  Improving  and  Spraying  Apple 
Orchards,  by  S.  B.  ilartman  and  H,  J.  Eustace. 
(Michigan  Agricultural  College) . — Bulletin  du 
Jardin  Imperial  Botanique  de  St.  Petersbourg. 
Tome  IX.,  livraison  1,  —  Trees:  a  Handbook  of 
Forest  Botany  for  the  Woodlands  and  the 
Laboratory,  by  the  late  H.  Marshall  Ward, 
Sc.D.,  F.R.S.  Vol.  V.,  with  illustrations. 
Edited  by  Percy  Groom,  D.Sc.  (Cambridge  : 
University  Press).  4s.  6d.  net.  —  The  Midland 
Naturalist.  A  bi-monthly  periodical  published 
at  Notre  Dame,  Indiana.  Vol.  I.  No.  1.  Price 
$1  per  year,  or  by  foreign  post  5s. —  The  Teach- 
ing of  Gardening  in  Public  Elementary  Schools, 
and  the  Formct'on  of  School  Gardens,  by  A. 
Hosking,  instructor  in  horticulture.  Bulletin 
No.  49  of  the  West  of  Scotland  Agricultural 
College.  

ROSE  WHITE  KILLARNEY, 

This  Rose  has  excited  considerable  interest  in 
America  recently,  especially  amongst  the  florists 
who  supply  the  horticultural  markets.  Although 
a  sport  from  the  well-known  pink  variety,  it  is 
said  to  have  more  substance  in  the  petals  than 
the  type.  It  is  a  large  flower,  and  possesses  a 
delicious  perfume.  This  variety  will  be  valuable 
for  forcing,  as  the  flowers  are  larger  than  any  of 
the  white  varieties  specially  suitable  for  the  pur- 
pose. The  photograph  reproduced  in  fig.  121  was 
taken  in  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society's  Hall, 
Vincent  Square,  on  the  20th  ult.,  and  the  flower 
photographed  was  brought  from  America  in  a 
cut  condition,  in  the  cold  room  of  the  "  Maure- 
tania,"  by  Mr.  H.  A.  Barnard,  a  representative 
of  Messrs.  Hugh  Low  &  Co. 

*  Cassell  &  Company,  Ltd.    Price  6d.  each  part. 


•May  1,  1909.] 


THE     GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


2S3 


PROPAGATION  OF  HYACINTHS  IN  HOLLAND. 

(See  Supplementary  Illustration.) 

The  Hyacinth  does  not  naturally  form  a  large 
number  of  new  bulbs,  but  only  a  few  offsets 
occasionally  develop.  When  a  buib  is  broken  at 
its  base,  or  is  in  some  way  injured,  however,  a 
number  of  buds  or  bulbils  appear  about  the 
-wound.  It  was  the  observance  of  this  fact  that 
led  to  intentional  wounding  or  cutting  of  the 
bulbs  on  the  part  of  the  cultivator  with  a  view 
to  increasing  his  stock.  In  our  Supplementary  Il- 
lustration are  to  be  seen  the  various  stages  in 
the  propagation  of  Hyacinths  on  a  Dutch  farm 
by  what  is  known  as  the  notching  or  cross-cut 
system.      The  base  of  the  bulb  is  notched  as  is 


Meulder,  at  Lisse.  A  series  of  trays  is  arranged 
from  floor  to  ceiling  so  that  the  propagator  can 
conveniently  examine  the  bulbs  from  time  to 
time.  These  trays  are  formed  very  much  after 
the  manner  of  those  in  which  Potatos  are  stored 
for  seed  purposes.  The  bottom  is  constructed  of 
laths,  and  the  openings  allow  of  a  free  circulation 
of  air.  The  bulbs  are  cut  in  June,  after  which 
they  are  placed  directly  into  the  trays  and  kept 
in  a  high  temperature.  Soon  afterwards  there 
appears  in  every  wound  a  number  of  tiny  buds 
or  bulbils.  By  this  system  flowering  bulbs  can 
be  obtained  one  year  earlier  than  if  the  base 
of  the  bulb  were  hollowed.  ,  This  is  because, 
fewer  being  formed,  they  receive  more  nourish 
merit     individually    than    in    the    case    of    those 


Fig.  122. — narcissus  "queen  of  the  west." 

(Obtained    R.H.S.    First-Class   Certificate   on   20th   nit.   as   a  good   market   variety.) 

(See  nnte  p.  269.) 


>shown,  or  it  is  scooped  out,  as  will  be  iUus- 
trated  in  a  later  number.  Immediately  after 
the  bulb  is  scored  in  this  manner,  the 
wounds  are  exposed  so  as  to  dry  them. 
In  former  times  they  were  exposed  to  the 
sun's  rays,  but  it  is  the  practice  now  to 
apply  some  absorbent  material,  such  as  ash  or 
lime,  which  prevents  the  exudation  of  sap.  It 
is  usual  to  set  apart  a  portion  of  a  bulb  store 
for  use  as  a  "  nurse-room,"  in  which  the  for- 
mation of  the  bulbils  takes  place  and  their  de- 
velopment continues  until  they  are  ready  for 
planting.  Our  illustration  shows  a  part  of  one 
of   these   rooms    in    the    nursery    of    Mr.    F.    de 


obtained  by  the  other  treatment.  In  October  or 
November  the  bulbils  are  detached  and  planted 
in  ground  which  is  liberally  dressed  with 
cow-dung  in  the  preceding  year.  In  the  follow- 
ing season  the  bulbs  do  not  flower,  but  merely 
produce  foliage.  They  are  lifted  with  the  other 
bulbs  in  June,  placed  in  the  bulb  stores 
and  spread  out  on  laths  to  dry.  When  this  is 
accomplished  they  are  cleaned  of  the  foliage 
and  loose  leaf  scales,  and  stored  in  a  well-ven- 
tilated room  until  planting  time  in  the  follow- 
ing autumn.  As  soon  as  they  are  of  a  proper 
flowering  size,  which  takes  usually  three  years, 
they  are  ready  for  the  market.     Before  they  are 


sold  each  bulb  is  inspected.  Those  that  are  suit- 
able are  packed  in  paper  bags  or  cases  amongst 
husks  of  Buckwheat. 

Haarlem,  the  city  of  the  Counts  of  Old  Hol- 
land, as  is  well  known,  has  long  been  occupied 
with  the  raising  of  flowering  bulbs,  and  every 
field  and  meadow  about  the  city  is  now  cultivated 
as  a  bulb  farm.  It  is  the  narrow  strip  of  sandy 
ground  situated  immediately  behind  the  dunes 
that  has  proved  exceptionally  suitable  for  such 
culture.  Tulips,  and  particularly  Narcissi,  can 
be  propagated  and  grown  for  commercial  pur- 
poses in  many  parts  of  the  British  Isles,  and 
in  the  Scilly  Islands  and  in  Ireland,  but  in  the 
case  of  Hyacinths  the  whole  of  the  commercial 
output,  for  Europe  at  the  least,  is  raised  in 
Holland. 

The  bulb  fields  during  the  latter  part  of  April 
always  present  a  glorious  sight,  but  a  visit  to 
the  district  in  autumn  is  not  less  interesting. 
Along  the  banks  of  the  canals  and  rivers,  strips 
of  land  are  covered  with  bulbous  plants.  The 
country  from  Leiden  to  Beverwyk,  12  miles 
north  of  Haarlem,  is  one  continuous  bulb 
farm  30  miles  in  length.  Even  around  the 
Hague  many  orchards  have  been  destroyed, 
the  trees  grubbed  up,  and  bulbs  planted  in  their 
stead.  Until  about  1860  bulb  cultivation  in  Hol- 
land was  limited  to  the  immediate  neighbour- 
hood of  Haarlem,  the  country  beyond  being 
either  meadow  or  orchard  land,  but  bulb-culture 
has  proved  to  be  more  profitable.  The  farmer, 
therefore,  became  a  bulb-grower,  and  his  sons 
soon  adapted  themselves  to  a  commercial  life. 
They  learned  foreign  languages  and  travelled  in 
other  countries  for  the  purpose  of  disposing  of 
their  stocks.  For  the  photographs  we  are  in- 
debted to  Mr.  Piet  Ammerlaan,  Amsterdam. 
(To  be  continued.) 


HOME   CORRESPONDENCE. 

(The  Editor  does  not  hold  himselj  responsible  for  the 
opinions  expressed  by  his  correspondents.) 
The  Season  in  Mid-Wales.— With  refer- 
ence to  Mr.  Markham's  note  on  p.  245,  the 
following  remarks  may  be  of  interest.  Scotch, 
Cottagers',  and  Asparagus  Kales  are  plenti- 
ful and  good.  Broccoli  have  withstood  the 
severe  weather  well,  and  without  any  pro- 
tection. We  cultivate  the  following  varieties  of 
this  vegetable:  Self-protecting  Autumn,  Snow's 
Superb  Winter  White,  Frogmore  Protecting, 
CattePs  Eclipse,  Late  White  May,  and  June 
King.  They  have  all  been  grown  between 
Potatos  planted  3  feet  apart.  Spinach  (Green 
Beet)  has  furnished  plentiful  crops  during  the 
winter ;  the  prickly-seeded  kind  will  soon  be 
plentiful.  Of  Celery,  the  variety  Major  Clarke 
is  keeping  well.  Turnips  Chirk  Castle,  Black 
Stone,  and  Orange  Jelly  have  been,  and  still 
continue,  in  good  condition.  Autumn-sown  Peas 
were  ruined  by  the  severe  weather  in  March. 
Broad  Beans  are  later  than  those  sown  in  January 
outside.  Autumn-sown  Onions  of  the-  Giant 
Rocca  variety  are  very  good ;  of  Ailsa  Craig  we 
lost  quite  50  per  cent,  of  the  plants.  Onions  and 
Parsnips  sown  outside  in  February  promise  well. 
Of  autumn-planted  Cabbage,  Ellam's  Early  Dwarf 
is  late,  but  quite  healthy,  and  will  be  ready 
to  follow  late  Kales.  Fruits  of  all  kinds  are 
very  satisfactory.  Hybrid  Perpetual  and  climb- 
ing varieties  of  Roses  are  breaking  well,  but  Tea 
Roses  have  been  damaged  by  the  cold  weather. 
Rose  Beauty  of  Glazenwood,  or  Fortune's 
Yellow,  growing  on  a  south  wall  and  with  no 
protection  during  March,  will  soon  be  a  glorious 
sight.  Retinospora  Sanderse,  a  beautiful  coloured 
Conifer,  refuses  to  grow  here ;  probably  the  plant 
requires  shelter  from  wind,  as  it  appears  quite 
hardy.  Ribes,  in  five  varieties,  are  charming 
just  now.  Euonymus  trees  are  badly  damaged, 
particularly  the  green  variety.  The  shoots  of 
Escallonia  are  badly  browned,  but  the  plants 
will  soon  be  green  again  with  new  growth. 
Veronicas,  except  the  variegated  variety  of  V. 
Andersonii,  which  is  cut  to  the  ground,  are  un- 
harmed ;  our  plants  include  V.  salicifolia,  V. 
Burkii,  V.  Traversii  and  V.  cupressoides.  Con- 
toneaster  angustifolia  is  cut  badly  by  the  frost. 
The  flowering  shrubs  were   unharmed,  although 


284 


THE     GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE 


[May  1,  1909. 


without  protection :  Olearia  Haastii,  0.  nitida. 
Rhododendrons,  including  the  variety  "  Pink 
Pearl  "  ;  Stuartia  pentagyna,  Caryopteris  Mas- 
tacantha,  Elaeagnus  macrophylla,  Buddleia 
globosa,  B.  variabilis,  Choisya  ternata,  and 
Cassinia  fulvida.  The  shoots  ot  Cistus  in  several 
varieties  have  been  killed  by  the  frost,  but  they 
have  been  pruned  and  are  breaking  freely. 
Styrax  japonica,  Edwardsia  grandiflora,  and 
Azara  microphylla  are,  I  am  afraid,  damaged 
beyond  recovery.  The  foliage  of  Rhododendron 
elegantissima  is  quite  brown,  but  the  buds 
appear  to  be  alive.  R.  praecox,  which  lost  all  its 
foliage,  is  now  in  flower.  R.  odoratum  is  quite 
hardy  with  us,  although  a  very  shy  bloomer. 
Carpenteria  californica,  which  was  lightly  pro- 
tected, is  quite  green.  These  trees  and  shrubs 
have  all  been 'planted  within  the  last  five  years. 
The  soil  is  a  stiff  clayey  loam,  which  has  been 
well  drained  and  worked  ;  all  are  growing  at  an 
exposed  altitude  of  600  feet.  Yucca  filamentosa, 
Tricyrtis  hirta  nigra,  and  Opuntia  Rafinesquii, 
planted  in  prepared  soil,  have  withstood  the 
winter  well.  Pampas  Grass,  planted  four  years 
ago  as  offsets,  are  damaged,  but  not  severely. 
Specimens  of  Romneya  Coulteri  have  been  cut 
to  the  ground  ;  they  were  weak  when  planted. 
The  shoots  are  now  breaking  through  the  soil 
again.  A  plant  of  Lilium  auratum  platyphyllum. 
which  developed  44  flowers  last  season,  is  now 
6  inches  high,  the  only  protection  it  has  had  being 
an  inverted  flower-pot.  A  patch  of  Anemone 
hortensis  plena  is  now  a  blaze  of  colour,  whilst 
several  varieties  of  A.  coronaria  will  be  charming 
for  some  weeks  to  come.  Plants  of  Meconopsis 
integrifolia,  raised  from  seed  sown  in  a  cold  frame 
last  June  and  planted  out  in  October,  are  healthy 
and  strong.  Seeds  sown  in  the  open  air  last 
August  appear  to  be  doing  well.  Our  first  Almond 
tree  to  flower  opened  its  blossoms  on  the  17th 
inst.    J.  E..   Welshpool. 

Crimson  Carnations. — Mr.  Weston  and 
Mr.  Johnson  take  different  views  (see  pp.  241, 
267)  as  to  which  variety  of  perpetual-flowering 
Carnations  should  be  regarded  as  the  best  crim- 
son variety.  Having  tested  all  varieties  from  the 
old  General  Maces  to  the  new  variety  known  as 
Black  Chief,  I  think  that  this  latter  variety  is  to 
be  recommended  with  confidence.  A  seedling  from 
Harlowarden,  Black  Chief  has  a  stronger  stem 
and  more  robust  habit  of  growth  than  its  seed 
parent.  It  possesses  a  rich  Clove  scent,  which 
Harlowarden  does  not,  and  it  is  capable  of  pro- 
ducing almost  double  the  crop  of  bloom.  Gwladys 
is  a  beautiful  variety,  but  it  is  too  slow  in 
growth,  producing  its  main  crop  of  flowers  in 
spring.  When  a  flower  is  cut  from  this  variety 
it  takes  more  than  seven  months  before  the  same 
growth  will  produce  another  bloom.  Harlowar- 
den will  do  so  in  six  months,  but  Black  Chief  re- 
quires only  five  months.  Harry  Fenn  and  The 
President  require  a  better  winter  climate  than 
we  possess,  Governor  Roosevelt  is  too  slow, 
whilst  Harvard,  the  American  novelty,  produces 
large  flowers,  but  they  are  somewhat  few. 
Black  Chief  is  the  best  crimson  perpetual-flower- 
ing Carnation  up  to  the  present  date.  Montagu 
C.  Allwood. 

Culture  of  Cucumbers. — Mr.  Jenkins  states 
(p.  253)  that  I  am  in  error  in  assuming  that  "  all 
engaged  in  growing  Cucumbers  for  market  stop 
the  young  plants  at  the  third  or  fourth  wire  of 
the  trellis,"  adding  that  he  himself  does  not  do 
so,  "  although  a  market  grower  of  Cucumbers  for 
many  years,"  thereby  proving  the  truth  of  the  old 
axiom' about  there  being  "  an  exception  to  every 
rule."  All  market  growers  of  Cucumbers  that  I 
am  acquainted  with  stop  their  young  plants  as 
I  described  in  order  to  hasten  the  production  of 
fruit-bearing  laterals,  and  to  have  good  Cu- 
cumbers earlier  than  would  otherwise  be 
tke  case.  The  individual  laterals  are  stopped,  as 
a  rule,  immediately  beyond  the  second  joint,  and 
no  fruits  are  allowed  to  develop  on  the  main 
stems  of  the  plants.  Mr.  Jenkins  says  (p.  193), 
"  When  the  second  or  third  rough  leaf  has  been 
made  the  seedlings  may  be  planted  out."  Young 
plants,  however,  are  as  a  rule  shifted  from  3-inch 
pots  into  others  having  a  diameter  of  6  inches, 
and  are  not  planted  on  the  ridges  until  they  have 
developed  five  or  more  rough  leaves,  the  plants 
being  grown  on  in  the  meantime  in  a  position 
pretty  close  to  the  roof  glass.  In  order  to 
secure  good  crops  of  saleable  fruits  over 
as  long  a  period  as  possible,  liberal  top- 
dressings      of      suitable      manures      should     be 


afforded  before  applying  water  at  the  roots 
two  or  three  times  in  the  week.  The  top- 
dressings  are  given  in  addition  to  a  fresh  compost 
of  good  loam  and  manure  in  about  equal  parts  at 
intervals  of  a  few  weeks.  Mr.  Jenkins  asks  if  I 
have  tried  the  method  which  he  advocated  on 
p.  193.  I  have  not,  simply  because  it  would  not 
result  in  so  great  a  profit  as  the  one  I  now  prac- 
tise, and  is  wholly  unsuited  for  commercial 
purposes.  I  have  grown  Melons  extensively  in 
the  manner  described  by  Mr.  Jenkins  for  several 
years  when  in  private  practice,  and  with  very 
satisfactory  results.  But  satisfactory  as  this 
system  was  in  a  private  establishment,  I  am 
satisfied  that  it  would  not  do  for  market 
growers.  With  regard  to  my  fuel  bill,  the  cost 
was  practically  nothing,  inasmuch  as  the  plants 
were  grown,  as  stated  at  p.  234,  in  boxes  over  a 
flue  in  the  back  wall  of  a  three-quarter  span  pine 
stove,  which,  during  the  winter  and  early  spring 
months,  contained  fruiting  plants.     H.  W.  W . 

Acetylene  Gas  Refuse. — I  have  been  using 
this  in  my  garden  for  six  years,  and  though  I 
have  not  put  it  to  any  kind  of  scientific  test,  I 
have  had  no  reason  to  think  that  its  effects  were 
other  than  those  of  ordinary  dressings  of  lime.  I 
might  add  that  the  weeds  grow  freely  on  the  piece 
of  waste  ground  where  my  man  washes  out  the 
tins.  If  there  were  any  seriously  injurious 
effects  from  the  refuse  one  would  have  thought 
it  would  be  seen  here  more  than  anywhere,  but 
the  grass  does  not  appear  to  be  affected  by  the 
liquid  which  runs  over  it.     Chas.  E.  Pearson. 

Thuja  Lobbii  as  a  Hedge  Plant. — There 
can  be  no  doubt  as  to  the  general  excellence  of 
Thuja  Lobbii  as  a  hedge  plant  as  recommended 
by  E.  M.,  p.  245;  but  by  far  the  most  orna- 
mental, evergreen  hedge  is  furnished,  in  my 
opinion,  by  Thujopsis  dolabrata.  Here  at 
Rotherfield  Park  we  have  some  hedges  formed 
of  this  Conifer  which  never  fail  to  command 
admiration.  The  plant  does  not,  perhaps,  equal  T. 
Lobbii  in  rapidity  of  growth,  but  it  makes  a 
very  dense  and  excellent  hedge.  The  only  prun- 
ing necessary  is  an  annual  cutting  of  the  side 
growths  with  a  knife  ;  they  should  not  be  clipped 
with  shears.  Cupressus  Lawsoniana  also  makes 
a  good  hedge.      IF.  11.  0.,  Alton,  Hunt*. 


SOCIETIES. 


ROYAL    HORTICULTURAL. 

The  following  circular  letter  is  being  distri- 
buted from  Wisley  : — 

Royal  Horticultural  Societv's  Laboratory, 
Wisley,  Ripley,  Surrey,  April,  1909. 

In  view  of  the  great  severity  of  the  weather 
in  the  past  winter  (1908-9)  in  certain  parts 
of  the  country  and  the  large  number  of  new 
plants  recently  introduced  to  our  gardens,  it 
is  desirable  to  collect  all  available  information 
concerning  the  damage  done  by  frost  in  order 
that  it  may  be  made  public  in  the  Royal  Horti- 
cultural Society's  Journal. 

Will  you,  therefore,  be  so  good  as  to  fill  in  the 
forms  sent  herewith  and  return  them  to  me  at 
your  convenience?  Additional  forms  will  be  sent 
with  pleasure  if  required. 

No  doubt  the  extent  of  the  damage  done  will 
not  be  apparent  until  the  midde  or  end  of  May, 
but  may  we  be  allowed  to  suggest  that  notes  of 
the  apparent  damage  should  be  made  at  once  and 
checked  subsequently  at  the  time  the  plants 
should  be  in  full  growth. 

In  some  cases  it  will  be  impossible  to  answer 
all  the  questions,  but  any  exact  information  that 
can  be  given  will  be  of  immense  service  in  draw- 
ing up  the  report  and  will  be  of  great  value  to 
the  Fellows  of  our  Society. 

Yours  truly,  Fred.  J.  Chittenden. 

Schedule  of  Queries. 

1.  Locality  of  garden. 

2.  Height  above  sea  level. 

3.  Is  the  surrounding  country  open  or  is  the 

garden  sheltered   by   hills,   &c.  ? 

4.  Is   there   any   large    body   of   water   near? 

5.  Has  the  garden  suffered  any  great  damage 

from  frost  during  the  winter  of  1908-9? 
If  possible,  please  say  how  the  amount 
of  damage  compares  with  that  experi- 
enced in  previous  severe  winters. 

6.  What    are    the    lowest     temperatures     re- 


corded  during  the   winter,   with  dates? 

(1)  On  grass 

(2)  In  screen 

If  the  thermometers  are  placed  in  posi- 
tions other  than  these  please  give  exact 
situation  and  exposure. 

7.  Have    the    thermometers   been   verified    at 

Kew? 

8.  If    not,    are    the    thermometers    ordinary 

minimum  thermometers  or   "  Six's  "? 

9.  How    do   the   temperatures   compare    with 

those  experienced  during  other  winters? 

10.  How  long  did  the  frosts  last? 

11.  Was  snow  on  the  ground  at  the  time?     If 

so,  about  how  much? 

12.  What   was   the   general   character   of   the 

autumn  months  in  the  district? 

13.  What  is   the   nature   of  the   soil   and   sub- 

soil? 

14.  Please  give  any  further  particulars  regard- 

ing   the    climatic    conditions    that    you 
think  may  be  of  service  in  drawing  up 
the  report. 
[Two  further  forms  accompany  this  one ;  one  is 
intended  for  the  enumeration  of  plants  that  have 
received  injury,  and  the  other  for  the  enumera- 
tion of  newly-introduced  plants.] 

Scientific  Committee. 

April  20.— Present :  Mr.  E.  A.  Bowles,  M.A., 
F.L.S.  (in  the  chair) ;  Sir  Daniel  Morris, 
G.C.M.G.,  Prof.  Church,  F.L.S.,  Messrs.  A. 
Worsley,  G.  Massee,  A.  W.  Hill,  J.  Douglas,  C. 
Druery,  J.  T.  Bennett-Poe,  J.  W.  Odell,  W. 
Cuthbertson,  and  F.  J.  Chittenden  (hon.  secre- 
tary). 

Fatsia  injured  by  gnawing  animals. — Mr. 
J.  W.  Odell  reported  that  he  had  examined  the 
plants  of  Fatsia  in  the  garden  of  Mr.  Kingsmill, 
at  Harrow  Weald,  who  had  sent  specimens  of  the 
injured  stems  to  be  examined  by  the  committee, 
and  found  that  the  injury  had  been  caused  by 
the  long-tailed  field  mouse,  which  had  gnawed  off 
the  bark  of  some  of  the  branches  all  round  for  a 
considerable  length. 

Double  Auricula. — Mr.  Druery  called  attention 
to  a  double-flowered  Auricula  of  an  exceedingly 
dark  purple  colour,  shown  by  Mr.  J.  Douglas.  The 
plant  had  been  raised  by  Mr.  C.  B.  Green,  of 
Acton,  from  seed  bought  of  Mr.  Douglas.  The 
example  was  particularly  interesting,  since  Mr. 
Douglas  stated  that  never  before  in  his  experi- 
ence had  a  double  Auricula  been  raised  from  seed 
of  his  plants.  Sir  Daniel  Morris  raised  the 
question  of  whether  such  a  variation  as  this 
suddenly  occurring  from  seed  could  rightly  be 
called  a  sport.  The  discussion  of  the  proper 
application  of  this  term  was  deferred. 

Various  plants. — Mr.  Worsley  showed  flowers 
of  Tulips  which  he  had  received  under  the  name 
of  Tulipa  Fosteriana  from  Holland,  and  com- 
mented upon  the  amount  of  variation  in  colour 
which  these  showed,  especially  in  the  presence 
and  absence  of  the  dark  blotch  at  the  base  of  the 
perianth  segments.  He  considered  that  the  plant 
approached  very  closely  to  Tulipa  Eichleri.  Sir. 
Worsley  also  offered  some  remarks  upon  a  plant 
shown  at  the  previous  meeting,  which  he  had 
identified  as  Urceolina  miniata,  a  native  of  the 
Peruvian  Andes. 

From  Mr.  A.  W.  Sutton  came  an  unnamed 
Composite,  apparently  a  native  of  Tropical 
Africa.  In  appearance  the  flowers  somewhat 
resembled  those  of  a  Cineraria,  but  did  not  seem 
identical  with  any  known  species.  Mr.  Sutton 
was  asked  to  show  the  plant  again  when  ripe 
fruit  could  also  be  seen. 

Sir  Daniel  Morris  remarked  that  he  had 
recently  seen,  in  a  garden  in  the  New  Forest,  a 
white-flowered  shrub  about  5  feet  or  6  feet  in 
height,  which  there  passed  under  the  name  of 
Leucopogon  Cunninghamii,  but  which  was  really 
Spiraea  Tunbergii.  He  desired  to  know  whether 
Leucopogon  Cunninghamii  was  hardy  in  England. 

Presentation  to  the  Library. — Prof.  A.  H. 
Church  presented  three  books  which  he  had  had 
privately  printed,  being  catalogues  of  some  6,000 
manuscripts,  scarce  pamphlets,  &c,  contained  in 
the  library  of  the  Royal  Society,  and  dating  from 
about  1606  to  the  beginning  of  the  nineteenth 
century,  containing  many  interesting  references 
to  well-known  botanists  and  other  scientific  men 
of  this  and  foreign  countries,  to  which  Prof. 
Church  briefly  referred.  Prof.  Church  was 
heartily  thanked  for  these  interesting  additions 
to  the  library. 


May  1,  1909.] 


THE     GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


285 


MANCHESTER   AND    NORTH    OF 
ENGLAND    ORCHID. 

April  1. — Committee,  present:  E.  Ashworth, 
Esq.  (Chairman) ;  and  Messrs.  R.  Ashworth,  H. 
Thorp,  Z.  A.  Ward,  F.  W.  Ashton,  A.  Warbur- 
ton,  J.  C.  Cowan,  W.  Holmes,  A.  J.  Keeling, 
C.  Parker,  W.  B.  Upjohn,  and  P.  Weathers 
(hon.   sec). 

A.  Wakburton,  Esq.,  Haslingden  (gr.  Mr. 
Dalgleish),  exhibited  Cattleyas  (Bronze  Medal),  a 
group  of  Odontoglossums  (Silver  Medal),  and  an- 
other of  Cypripediums  (Bronze  Medal),  the  com- 
bined display  receiving  a  Silver-gilt  Medal. 
From  this  collection  the  following  plants  received 
awards,  viz.,  First-class  Certificate  to  Odontioda 
Goodsonse  Vine  House  variety  and  Odontoglos- 
sum  crispum  var.  Inoticus.  Cattleya  Schrdderse 
var.  Countess  Deepore,  C.  S.  var.  Matador,  and 
C.  S.  var.  White  Queen  received  Awards  of 
Merit. 

H.  J.  Bromilow,  Esq.,  Rainhill  (gr.  Mr.  Mor- 
gan), was  awarded  a  Silver  Medal  for  a  group 
of  Cypripediums.  C.  x  Hopkinsonianum,  a  hy- 
brid between  C.  bellatulum  and  C.  Mastersianum, 
received  an  Award  of  Merit. 

Messrs.  Moore,  Ltd.,  Leeds,  were  awarded  a 
Silver  Medal  for  a  fine  display  of  Dendrobiums. 

Mr.  W.  Shackleton,  Gt.  Horton,  near 
Bradford,  was  awarded  a  Bronze  Medal  for  a 
small  group  of  plants  consisting  of  Cypripediums 
and  Odontoglossums.  Odontoglossum  crispum 
Shackleton's  variety  received  an  Award  of 
Merit. 

J.  McCartney,  Esq.,  Bolton  (gr.  Mr.  Holmes), 
was  awarded  a  Silver  Medal  for  a  group  of 
Cattleyas ;  a  fine  white  variety  named  Cattleya 
Schroderae  alba  var.  Mrs.  J.  McCartney  was 
awarded  a  First-class  Certificate,  whilst  Cattleya 
Schrodera  var.  Model  received  an  Award  of 
Merit. 

Mr.  ,T.  Robson,  Altrincham,  was  awarded  a 
Silver  Medal  for  a  miscellaneous  display,  in 
which  were  some  well-grown  plants  of  Dendro- 
bium  and  Odontoglossum  in  great  variety. 

Mr.  A  .W.  Jensen,  Linfield,  Sussex,  exhibited 
a  number  of  distinct  forms  of  Cattleya 
Schroderaa  and  some  choice  forms  of  Cattleya 
Mendelii. 

Mr.  A.  J.  Keeling,  Bradford,  was  awarded  a 
Bronze  Medal  for  a  group  in  which  were  many 
interesting  plants.  Cypripedium  X  Eurybel  re- 
ceived an  Award  of  Merit,  and  a  similar  award 
was  given  to  a  good  form  of  Dendrobium  Cam- 
bridgeanum. 

G.  S.  Ball,  Esq.,  Burton,  Westmoreland  (gr. 
Mr.  Herdman),  received  Botanical  Certificates  for 
Bulbophyllum  Lobbii  var.  Siamensis  and  Cirr- 
:hopetalum  picturatum.     P.   II". 


HORTICULTURAL     CLUB. 
THE   COLOURS  OF  PLANTS. 

April  20. — At  the  usual  monthly  meeting  of 
•this  club,  at  the  Hotel  Windsor,  on  this  date, 
Mr.  W.  J.  Jefferies  presiding,  Mr.  A.  E. 
Bunyard  gave  an  interesting  lecture  on  the  under- 
lying causes  of  colour  and  change  of  colour  in 
plants.  By  means  of  a  number  of  lantern  slides, 
some  representing  flowers  in  their  natural 
colours,  and  others  prepared  microscopic  sections 
of  the  colour-producing  plant  cells,  he  showed 
the  many  subtle  ways  in  which  colours  are  widely 
varied  by  minute  modifications  of  the  colouring 
matter,  or  even  only  of  its  rearrangement.  In 
the  first  place,  he  explained  that  we  recognise 
colours  by  virtue  of  the  varying  powers  pos- 
sessed by  the  colouring  materials  of  absorbing 
white  light,  e.g.,  sunlight,  and  breaking  it  up,  as 
in  prisms,  into  those  constituent  tints  which  are 
seen  in  the  rainbow  or  in  the  spectrum.  When 
so  broken  up,  these  components  are  partly  ab- 
sorbed and  partly  thrown  off  or  reflected,  and 
it  is  by  virtue  of  the  reflected  rays,  and  not  the 
absorbed  ones,  that  our  eyes  are  affected  and 
we  see  the  colour  concerned.  Thus  a  red  body 
absorbs  all  the  rays  of  the  spectrum  except  the 
red;  these,  reflected,  fall  upon  the  eye  and  give 
rise  to  the  sensation  of  redness.  He  then  went 
on  to  explain  that  the  colouring  matter  in  plants 
is  of  two  kinds,  sap,  or  liquid  colours,  and 
"  plastids,"  or  minute  microscopic  bodies  of  a 
granular  nature. 

In  one  very  remarkable  slide  representing  a 
section  of  a  flower  petal,  he  showed  how  these 
two  kinds,  say,  one  yellow,  the  other  red.  may 
be  associated  in  separate  but  adjoining  cell  layers 


in  definite  patches,  and  in  such  a  fashion  that, 
when  both  were  exactly  superimposed,  a  very 
intense  colour  appeared ;  while  a  less  exact  coin- 
cidence would  allow  the  lighter  tint  to  appear 
between  the  darker  one,  and  in  this  way  produce 
more  or  less  marked  gradations  of  tint. 

Mr.  Bunyard  next  explained  that  the  chief 
colouring  matter  of  plants,  viz.,  the  chlorophyll, 
contained  in  the  green  granules  to  which  leaves 
owe  their  colour,  is  associated  with  a  yellow- 
colouring  matter  termed  Carotin. 

In  foliage  the  yellow  colour  of  the  Carotin  is 
masked  by  the  predominating  green  chlorophyll, 
but  when  the  green  chlorophyll  decomposes  in 
the  autumn  the  yellow  tint  becomes  visible,  and, 
in  conjunction  with  other  pigments,  produces  the 
brilliant  reds  and  yellows  of  the  autumn  land- 
scape. Another  interesting  point  brought  out  by 
the  lecturer  was  the  practical  identity  of  blue 
and  red  sap  colours,  the.  acidity  or  alkalinity  of 
the  sap  holding  the  pigment  in  solution  deter- 
mining the  colour  (blue  or  red)  of  that  pigment. 
Hence  a  very  slight  change  in  the  composition 
of  the  soil  or  in  the  plant  itself  may  lead  to  a 
change  from  red  to  blue  flowers,  or  vice-versa 
as  is  seen  in  the  much-discussed  cases  of  the 
Hydrangea.  A  further  series  of  slides  illus- 
trated the  peculiar  forms  taken  by  the 
coloured  plasters  (chromoplasts)  in  the  epider- 
mal layers  of  fruits,  the  Melon  displaying  under 
the  microscope  curious  arrangements  of  rods 
and  ribbons,  while  in  other  cases  the  matter 
takes  the  form  of  minute  crystal-like  bodies. 
Flowers  usually  contain  chlorophyll  in  their  in- 
cipient stages,  but  eliminate  it  later  as  they  as- 
sume their  distinctive  colours ;  in  the  green 
flowers,  however,  such  as  green  Roses  and  Dah- 
lias, this  elimination  does  not  occur;  in  them 
the   chlorophyll   persists. 

Mr.  Bunyard  referred  to  the  well-known  fact 
that  a  colour  which  may  be  entirely  absent  in 
the  flower  may  betray  its  presence  elsewhere  in 
the  plant's  system,  and  stated  that  varieties 
even  when  not  in  flower  may  thus  be  recognised. 
Such  examples  may  be  found  in  the  white  Lilac, 
the  leaf-buds  differing  from  those  of  the  coloured 
Lilacs  by  an  absence  of  a  tint  in  the  foliage 
which  the  latter  invariably  show.  In  the  subse- 
quent discussion  Messrs.  Druery,  Cuthbertson, 
Pearson,  Barr,  Sanders  and  Dr.  Shillitoe  took 
part. 

IPSWICH    AND    EAST    OF    ENGLAND 

HORTICULTURAL. 

April  21. — The  annual  spring  flower  exhibi- 
tion of  this  society,  otherwise  known  as  the  Daf- 
fodil show,  was  held  at  the  Public  Hall.  Ipswich, 
on  this  date.  The  show  was  marked  by  excep- 
tional success,  both  as  regards  the  number  and 
quality  of  the  exhibits.  The  classes  were  divided 
into  those  for  amateurs,  with  no  restriction  as 
to  the  number  of  gardeners  employed,  amateurs 
employing  no  regular  gardener,  and  ladies' 
classes.  In  a  group  of  classes  for  amateurs,  Mr. 
F.  L.  Bland  took  a  prominent  place.  He  was 
awarded  the  1st  prize  for  24  varieties  of  Nar- 
cissus, the  collection  including  Seagull,  Alba- 
tross, lime,  de  Graaff  and  Lucifer ;  2nd,  Mr. 
W.  P.  Burton,  with  a  collection  which  con- 
tained good  blooms  of  Glory   of  Leiden. 

For  12  varieties  of  Narcissus,  exhibitors  in 
the  previous  class  not  being  eligible,  Major 
Cautley  was  placed  1st,  his  finest  varieties  in- 
cluding Lucifer  and  Duke  of  Bedford. 

Mr.  F.  L.  Bland  was  again  successful  for  one 
bloom  each  of  12  varieties  of  Narcissus.  Wear- 
dale  Perfection  was  shown  in  good  condition  in 
this  exhibit.  2nd.  Major  W.  0.  Cautley,  Now- 
ton,  Bury  St.  Edmunds. 

Amongst  the  classes  for  yellow  Magni-coronati 
varieties,  Mr.  Donald  Warnes  won  the  1st 
prize,  his  exhibit  including  a  specially  good 
specimen  of  Glory  of  Leiden.  Mr.  Bland  was 
1st  with  the  sulphur  varieties,  and  also  the 
white  and  yellow,  his  example  of  Weardale  Per- 
fection being  awarded  Major  W.  0.  Cautley's 
prize  offered  for  the  best  bloom  in  the  section. 

The  next  three  classes  were  devoted  to  varie- 
ties of  the  Incomparabilis,  Barrii  conspicuus  and 
Leedsii  sections.  Major  Cautley  was  1st  in  two 
classes,  and  Mr.  Bland  was  1st  for  three  bunches 
of  Barrii  conspicuus.  The  last-named  gentle- 
man secured  Major  Cautley's  Silver  Medal  offered 
for  the  best  bloom  in  these  classes  with  a  fine 
example  of  the  variety  Seagull. 

Mr.  F.  L.  Bland  offered  a  Silver  Medal  for  the 


best  bloom  of  Parvi-coronati,  which  was  won 
by  Mr.  G.  H.  Saville.  Mr.  Saville,  who  does 
not  employ  a  regular  gardener,  won  remarkable 
success  with  his  exhibits  of  Narcissus.  He  won 
the  1st  prizes  offered  for  the  Sir  Watkin  variety, 
for  a  collection  of  Narcissus,  and  for  one  bloom 
e;ich   of  six   varieties   of   Narcissus. 

For  a  vase  of  12  Daffodil  blooms  of  any  one 
variety,  .Mr.  Robert  Death  was  successful'  with 
fine  blooms  of  Emperor.  Mr.  R.  Dow  was  1st 
for  six  bunches  of  spring  flowers. 

Pot  plants. — The  open  classes  for  pot  plants 
were  responsible  for  some  of  the  most  brilliant 
effects  in  the  show.  There  were  four  semi-circu- 
lar groups  of  miscellaneous  plants,  and  these 
formed  a  most  creditable  display.  Mr.  W.  P. 
Burton's  group  was  much  the  best,  both  in 
arrangement  and  quality.  Mr.  Notcutt  won 
two  1st  prizes  for  Palm's ;  the  best  Lilacs  were 
shown  by  Mr.  F.  Porley,  and  the  best  Clivias  by 
Mrs.  Luther  Holden. 

There  was  keen  competition  in  the  classes  for 
Azaleas.  Mr.  W.  F.  Paul  won  the  1st  prize 
both  for  Azalea  indica  and  Azalea  mollis,  his 
plants  being  full  of  bloom. 

Some  attractive  pots  of  Cinerarias  were 
shown  by  Mr.  R.  Dow,  who  beat  both  Mrs. 
Luther  Holden  and  Mr.  W.  F.  Paul.  For 
Cineraria  stellata,  Mr.  Porley  was  1st ;  but  Mr. 
W.  Pipe  also  staged  some  good  examples. 

Mrs.  W.  H.  Burroughes  was  1st  for  both 
Spiraea  japonica  and  other  varieties  of  Spira-a. 

Mr.  W.  F.  Paul  showed  some  finely-grown 
Calceolarias,  taking  1st  honours ;  and  Mr.  W. 
Pipe's  Schizanthus  were  beautiful  specimens. 
Mr.  V.  D.  Colchester  won  easily  with  his  fine 
Tulips.  Mr.  R.  Dow's  three  pots  of  Hyacinths 
and  also  his  Narcissus  were  a  long  way  ahead  of 
anything  in  the  frame  classes.  There  was  some 
very  fine  Mignonette  to  be  seen. 

Trade  Exhibits. 

Non-competitive  exhibits  formed  an  attrac- 
tive feature  of  the  show.  Mr.  R.  C  Not- 
cutt, of  Woodbridge  and  Ipswich,  had  a  very 
fine  exhibition,  effectively  displayed,  which  con- 
sisted largely  of  hardy  spring  flowering  shrubs, 
slightly  forced  and  in  full  bloom.  Also  several 
varieties  of  Roses  in  full  bloom.  Mr.  Notcutt 
had,  in  addition,  an  exhibit  in  the  form  of  a 
rock-garden. 

Messrs.  William  Cutbush  &  Son,  Highgate, 
London,  N..  showed  Carnations,  the  more  notice- 
able, perhaps,  being  the  new  Souvenir  de  la  Mai- 
maison  variety  named  Lady  Coventry. 

Mr.  Charles  H.  Buck,  Tresco  Nurseries  and 
St.  Matthew's  Street,  Ipswich,  showed  some  ex- 
cellent results  of  the  French  system  of  gardening. 

Messrs.  Fred  Smith  &  Co.,  Suffolk  Seed 
Stores,  Woodbridge  and  Ipswich,  had  a  well- 
arranged  exhibit,  in  the  centre  of  which  were 
fine  blooms  of  Emperor  Narcissus. 

Mr.  R.  H.  Bath,  the  Floral  Farms,  Wisbech, 
and  Mr.  Frank  Lilley,  of  the  Bulb  Nurseries, 
Guernsey,  showed  bright  groups  of  bulbous  and 
other  spring  flowers. 


COLCHESTER    ROSE    AND 
HORTICULTURAL. 

April  22. — This  society  having  abandoned 
their  summer  exhibition  for  this  year,  held  in- 
stead a  spring  show  on  this  date.  Cut  flowers 
were  remarkable  for  their  excellent  quality  and 
the  exhibits  of  plants  were  also  good,  especially 
Roses   from   the  celebrated   Colchester  rosarians. 

In  the  class  for  a  group  of  foliage  and  flowering 
plants,  Mrs.  H.  de  Larpent,  Holwood,  London 
Road,  Colchester  (gr.  Mr.  G.  W.  Richardson), 
was  awarded  the  1st  prize  ;  Mr.  Diaper,  Priory 
Street,  Colchester,  being  placed  2nd. 

In  the  similar  but  small  class  G.  H.  Goody, 
Esq.,  Colchester  (gr.  Mr.  G.  H.  Spurgeon),  won 
the  1st  prize ;  2nd,  E.  J.  Sanders,  Esq.,  Col- 
chester (gr.  Mr.  J.  Wood). 

Excellent  Roses  were  staged  by  Messrs.  F. 
Cant  &  Co.  in  a  class  for  12  of  these  plants, 
many  being  of  the  Rambler  type.  Messrs.  B.  R. 
Cant  &  Sons  were  awarded  the  2nd  prize.  In 
the  smaller  class  for  Roses  the  awards  were  re- 
versed, Messrs.  B.  R.  Cant  &  Sons  being  placed 
1st  and  Messrs.  F.  Cant  &  Co.  2nd. 

The  classes  for  bulbous  flowers  were  in  some 
cases  weakly  contested,  but  in  others  splendid 
blooms  w-ere  staged.  Major  W.  0.  Cautley, 
Nowton,  was  awarded  the  1st  prize  for  12  varie- 
ties of  bulbous  plants.     Mrs.   Cheshire  had  the 


286 


THE     GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


[May  1,  1909. 


best  bulbous  plants  growing  in  bowls  or  vases. 
Mr.  Sanders  had  the  best  collections  of  Polyan- 
thus and  Primroses. 

Table  decorations  were  a  feature  of  the  exhibi- 
tion, and  all  were  tastefully  arranged.  The  1st 
prize  was  won  by  Miss  A.  F.  Harwood  ;  this 
lady  employed  Solomon's  Seal  and  Gypsophila 
largely.    2nd,  Mr.  Turner,  Colchester. 

The  class  for  decorated  bowls  or  vases  was 
strongly  contested.  Mrs.  0.  G.  Orpen,  West 
Bergholt,  was  placed  1st  with  a  charming  ar- 
rangement of  Azalea  mollis  and  Narcissus 
Leedsii. 

Honorary  Exhibits  were  numerous.  Messrs. 
R.  Wallace  &  Co.,  Colchester,  showed  fine 
bulbous  and  Alpine  plants;  Messrs.  B.  R. 
Cant  &  Sons  had  a  fine  display  of  Roses ;  Messrs. 
Prior  &  Sons,  Colchester,  staged  excellent  Roses 
and  other  flowers;  Mr.  R.  C.  Notcutt,  Wood- 
bridge  and  Ipswich,  exhibited  forced  shrubs  in 
vi  riety;  Messrs.  W.  Cutbush  &  Sons,  Highgate, 
displayed  Carnations,  including  their  new  variety 
named  Lady  Coventry;  Mr.  Chas.  Turner, 
Slough,  showed  Auriculas;  and  Messrs.  Dobbie 
&  Co.,  Rothesay  and  Mark's  Tey,  "Violas. 


MIDLAND    DAFFODIL. 

April  22,  23.— The  Midland  Daffodil  Society's 
11th  annual  exhibition  was  held  at  the  Botani- 
cal Gardens,  Edgbaston,  on  the  above  dates. 
The  weather  on" the  first  day  was  wet,  and 
greatly  interfered  with  the  attendance  of  visi- 
tors to  the  show,  which  was  visited  by  a  deputa- 
tion from  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society,  con- 
sisting of  Messrs.  H.  B.  May,  E.  A.  Bowles,  A. 
Kingsmill,  and  C.  H.  Curtis. 

Mr.  Peter  Barr,  who  was  present,  declared  the 
exhibition  to  be  the  best  Daffodil  show  in  the 
world.  It  certainly  was  one  of  the  best  held  at 
Birmingham,  and  the  all-round  quality  of  the 
flowers,  especially  new  seedlingB,  was  surpris- 
ingly good.  Mr.  E.  M.  Crosfield  is  to  be  con- 
gratulated upon  winning  both  the  "  Bourne  " 
and  the  "  Cartwright  "  Challenge  Cups  for 
seedlings  and  new  varieties,  as  well  as  the  1st 
prize  in  the  open  championship  class  and  1st 
prizes   in   all  classes  in   which  he  exhibited. 

The  new  system  of  classification  of  Daffodils 
drawn  up  by  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society 
was  used,  and  came  in  for  some  criticism. 

In  the  evening  Mr.  Robert  Sydenham  enter- 
tained the  principal  exhibitors,  judges  and  visi- 
tors to  dinner  at  the  Grand  Hotel.  An  interest- 
ing discussion  on  the  classification  and  regis- 
tration of  Daffodil  names  was  opened  by  the 
Rev.  Joseph  Jacob. 

Cut   Flowers   (Open   Classes). 

The  premier  class  was  one  for  a  collection  of 
50  varieties  of  Daffodils.  There  were  four  en- 
tries, and  the  1st  prize  of  five  guineas  was 
awarded  to  Mr.  E.  M.  Crosfield,  Cossington, 
Bridgwater,  whose  flowers  were  of  an  unusually 
high  standard  of  excellence.  A  few  of  the  best 
varieties  were  Prelude,  Draco,  Hamlet,  Sachem, 
Northern  Light,  Cassandra,  Incognita,  Lucifer, 
Homespun,  Horace,  Pilgrim,  Honeybird,  and 
Cohort.  Messrs.  Cartwright  &  Goodwin, 
Blakebrook,  Kidderminster,  won  the  2nd  prize ; 
their  exhibit  contained  exquisite  flowers  of 
Monarch,  King  Solomon,  Hamlet,  Homespun, 
Admiral  Togo,  Diamond,  Circlet  and  Incognita. 
3rd,   Messrs.   Pope  &  Son,  King's  Norton. 

Messrs.  Cartwright  &  Goodwin  were 
awarded  1st  prizes  in  each  of  the  following  six 
classes : — (1)  Twelve  distinct  varieties  of  long- 
trumpet  Daffodils ;  (2)  six  distinct  varieties  of 
short-trumpet  Daffodils  ;  (3)  12  distinct  varieties 
of  large-cupped  Daffodils;  (4)  12  distinct  varie- 
ties of  small-cupped  Daffodils ;  (5)  six  distinct 
varieties  of  flat-cupped  Daffodils ;  and  (6)  three 
distinct  varieties  of  double  Daffodils.  The  same 
exhibitors  shared  equal  1st  with  Mr.  F.  H. 
Chapman,  Rye,  in  a  class  provided  for  six 
distinct  varieties  of  N.  poeticus.  It  is  difficult 
to  particularise  where  flowers  were  so  numerous 
and  the  quality  uniformly  high,  but  the  speci- 
mens exhibited  by  Messrs.  Cartwright  & 
Goodwin  were  models  of  good  culture  and  refine- 
ment and   artistically   arranged. 

In  a  class  for  six  varieties  of  Daffodils  se- 
lected from  moderate-priced  varieties,  such  as 
Emperor,  Golden  Spur,  Empress,  Victoria,  Sir 
Watkin.  Mrs.  Langtry,  &c.  there  were  four  com- 
petitors, and  the  Rev.  T.  Buncombe,  Black  Tor- 
rington,   N.    Devon,  gained   the   1st  prize   with 


beautifully-fresh  flowers  of  Barri  conspicuus, 
John  Bain,  Emperor,  Leonie,  Flora  Wilson,  and 
Frank  Miles.  2nd,  J.  A.  Kenrick,  Esq.,  Ber- 
row  Court,  Edgbaston  (gr.  Mr.  A.  Cryer). 

Amateurs'  Exhibits. 

In  the  section  reserved  for  amateurs  the  lead- 
ing class  was  for  25  varieties  of  Daffodils,  and 
eight  good  exhibits  were  placed  before  the 
judges,  who  awarded  the  1st  prize  to  Mr.  N.  Y. 
Lower,  Presteign,  for  a  beautiful  set  of  flowers, 
in  which  the  following  varieties  were  of  out- 
standing merit:  —  Horace,  Homer,  Gloria 
Mundi,  Weardale  Perfection,  Blood  Orange, 
Chaucer,  Glory  of  Leiden,  Albatross,  Mine. 
Plemp,  Lucifer,  Cresset,  and  J.  B.  M.  Camm. 
2nd,  Mr.  H.  B.  Young,  Metheringham,  whose 
best  flowers  were  Lucifer,  Gloria  Mundi,  Wear- 
dale  Perfection,  Leonie  and  Barrii  conspicuus. 
The  Rev.  T.  Buncombe,  who  obtained  the  3rd 
prize  in  this  class,  beat  10  competitors  in  a 
class  for  nine  distinct  varieties  of  long-trumpet 
Daffodils.  He  showed  very  clean,  shapely 
blooms  of  Mme.  de  Graaff,  "Victoria,  Emperor, 
Weardale  Perfection,  Glory  of  Leiden,  J.  B.  M. 
Camm,  M.  J.  Berkeley,  and  Empr«ss.  Mr.  H. 
B.  Young  was  a  close  2nd,  and  the  Rev  G.  P. 
Haydon,  Canterbury,  3rd. 

In  a  class  for  nine  distinct  varieties  of  large- 
cupped  Daffodils  the  Rev.  T.  Buncombe  again 
took  the  lead  with  exceedingly  good  flowers,  ex- 
cept two.  namely,  Artemis  and  Minnie  Hume. 
2nd,  the  Rev.  G.  P.  Haydon,  who  succeeded  in 
winning  1st  prizes  in  the  undermentioned 
classes : — (1)  Nine  distinct  varieties  of  small- 
cupped  Daffodils  ;  (2)  three  distinct  varieties  of 
flat-cupped  Daffodils;  and  (3)  three  distinct 
varieties  of  double   Daffodils. 

The  Rev.  T.  Buncombe  had  the  best  exhibit 
of  three  distinct  varieties  of  bunch-flowered 
Daffodils  in  the  varieties  Aspasia,  Irene  and  El- 
vira. 2nd,  J.  A.  Kenrick,  Esq.  gr.  Mr.  A. 
Cryer). 

Messrs.  Pope  &  Sons  offered  five  prizes  for  six 
distinct  varieties  of  Daffodils,  none  of  which 
was  of  a  greater  value  than  3s.  per  dozen  bulbs. 
1st,  Mr.  H.  B.  Young,  with  beautiful  flowers  of 
Horsfieldii  stella  superba,  Sir  Watkin,  C.  J. 
Backhouse,  praecox  grandiflorus,  and  Minnie 
Hume;  2nd,  Mr.  N.  Y.  Lower. 

Six  classes  were  provided  for  exhibitors,  who 
had  never  won  a  1st  or  2nd  prize  at  any  of  the 
Society's  exhibitions,  and  several  creditable  dis- 
plays were  made,  especially  by  Mr.  H.  R.  Dar- 
lington, Potter's  Bar,  who  won  1st  prizes  for 
(1)  six  varieties  of  small-cupped  Daffodils  ;  (2)^  six 
varieties  of  small-cupped  Daffodils ;  (3)  distinct 
varieties  of  double  Daffodils ;  and  (4)  three  dis- 
tinct varieties  of  bunch  Daffodils. 

Mr.  F.  W.  Mitchell,  Warwick,  beat  Mr.  H. 
R.  Darlington  and  three  other  competitors  in 
a  class  for  12  distinct  varieties  of  Daffodils. 

Single   Blooms. 
The  most  successful  prize-winners  in  this  sec- 
tion were  Messrs.  E.  M.  Crosfield,  P.  D.  Wil- 
liams, C  Dawson  and  J.  Mallender. 

Seedlings  and  New  "Varieties. 

The  Bourne  Challenge  Cup  was  offered  for 
12  distinct  varieties  of  Daffodils  raised  by 
the  exhibitor,  and  although  only  four  en- 
tries were  made,  compared  with  eight  a 
year  ago,  the  quality  of  the  flowers  was 
particularly  good.  The  winner  of  the  Cup  on 
the  present  occasion  was  the  redoubtable  Mr.  E. 
M.  Crosfield,  who  showed  exquisite  flowers  of 
Crystal,  Pixie,  Honeymaid,  Gaybird,  Casilda, 
Flashlight,  Frostbound,  Tara,  Renee,  Ecru, 
Phantasy,  K.G. 5  and  Pedestal;  2nd,  Mr.  P.  D. 
Williams,  St.  Kevern,  Cornwall,  for  a  very 
choice  collection  of  flowers,  shown  mostly  under 
numbers. 

The  next  class  was  for  six  varieties  of  Daffo- 
dils raised  by  the  exhibitor,  but  not  in  com- 
merce. The  1st  prize  was  awarded  to  Mr.  T. 
Batson,  Beauworthy,  who  showed  the  follow- 
ing varieties  : — Downcast,  Melissa,  Chryseis,  In- 
fanta, Adria,  and  Aktis ;  2nd,  Messrs.  Pope  & 
Son. 

Mr.  F.  H.  Chapman  was  the  only  competitor 
in  a  class  for  three  seedling  Daffodils  raised  by 
the  exhibitor  and  not  in  commerce.  Only  those 
who  had  not  previously  won  a  prize  for  seed- 
lings were  eligible  to  compete.  The  varieties  ex- 
hibited by  Mr.  Chapman  were  much  admired. 
They  were  Henry  James,  Spindrift,  and  Signal. 


The   Cahtwright   Challenge   Cup. 

This  was  offered  for  12  distinct  varieties  of 
Daffodils  that  have  not  been  in  commerce  more 
than  four  years.  Last  year's  winner,  Mr.  E. 
M.  Crosfield  was  again  placed  first.  He 
showed  refined  flowers  of  Herod,  Chandos, 
Radiant,  Artus,  Ecru,  Helm,  Silver  Sheen,  Ber- 
nardino, Bedouin,  Pedestal,  Phantasy,  and 
Honeymaid ;  2nd,  Messrs.  Cartwright  &  Good- 
win ;  3rd,  the  Rev.  G.  P.  Haydon. 

In  a  similar  but  smaller  class  Messrs.  Pope  & 
Son  beat  Mr.  F.  H.  Chapman. 

Miscellaneous  Cut  Flowers. 
Mr.  R.  Usher  (gr.  to  J.  A.  Kenrick,  Esq., 
Harborne)  carried  off  the  first  prizes  in  classes 
for  (1)  six  varieties  of  Darwin  Tulips  and  (2) 
six  varieties  of  Spanish  Irises.  Mr.  A.  Cryer 
(gr.  to  J.  A.  Kenrick,  Esq.,  Berrow  Court,  Edg- 
baston) beat  the  above  exhibitor  and  Messrs. 
Pope  &  Son  in  a  class  for  12  distinct  varieties  of 
hardy  flowers. 

Plants  Grown  in  Pots. 

Daffodils  and  Tulips  in  pots  were  well  repre- 
sented, Mr.  A.  Cryer  taking  the  lead  in  classes 
for  (1)  12  pots  of  Daffodils  (bunch-flowered  sec- 
tion excluded,  (2)  six  pots  of  bunch-flowered 
(Polyanthus)  Daffodils,  and  (3)  12  pots  of  single 
Tulips.  Mr.  R.  Usher  was  successful  in  the 
classes  provided  for  (1)  six  pots  of  Daffodils  and 
(2)  six  pots  of  single  Tulips. 

Mr.  A.  Cryer  took  1st  prizes  in  two  classes 
for  Daffodils  grown  in  moss-fibre  without  drain- 
age. 

Table   Decorations. 

The  1st  prize  for  an  arrangement  of  cut  hardy 
spring  flowers  arranged  on  a  round  table  2^  feet 
in  diameter,  suitable  for  a  drawing-room,  was 
won  by  Mr.  John  Sceaney,  Harborne,  with  a 
dainty  arrangement  of  small  Daffodils  relieved 
with  Asparagus.  The  best  bowl  of  cut  Daffodils 
came  from  Messrs.  Pope  &  Son  ;  Mr.  John 
Sceaney  was  2nd. 

Cups  and  Medals. 

Messrs.  Barr  &  Sons'  Daffodil  vase,  offered  to 
the  most  successful  amateur  exhibitor  in  certain 
classes,  was  won  by  the  Rev.  T.  Buncombe. 

The  medals  offered  by  the  Birmingham  Botani- 
cal and  Horticultural  Society  were  awarded  as 
follow : — The  large  Silver  Medal  as  champion 
prize  in  the  open  classes  was  won  by  Messrs. 
Cartwright  &  Goodwin,  and  the  large  Bronze 
Medal  by  Messrs.  Pope  &  Son.  The  large  Silver 
Medal  offered  to  the  most  successful  exhibitor  in 
the  amateur  classes  was  won  by  the  Rev.  T.  Bun- 
combe, and  the  Bronze  Medal  by  the  Rev.  G.  P. 
Haydon. 

Silver  and  Bronze  Medals  were  offered  in  an- 
other section,  and  these  were  won  by  Mr.  A. 
Cryer  and  Mr.  R.  Usher  respectively. 

Honorary   Exhibits. 

Gold  Medals  were  awarded  to  Messrs.  Baer  & 
Sons,  for  Daffodils;  and  Messrs.  Bakers,  for 
Alpine  plants. 

Silver-gilt  Medals  to  Mr.  H.  D.  Phillips,  for 
new  Daffodils ;  to  Mr.  C.  Dawson,  for  new  Daf- 
fodils; to  Miss  Currey,  for  Daffodils;  and 
Messrs.  Sutton  &  Sons,  for  Cinerarias,  Stocks, 
&c. 

Large  Silver  Medals  to  Messrs.  J.  R.  Pearson 
&  Sons,  for  Daffodils ;  to  Sir  Josslyn  Gore- 
Booth,  Bart.,  for  Daffodils;  to  Messrs.  Gunn 
&  Sons,  for  hardy  plants  and  shrubs ;  and  Mr.  S. 
Mortimer,  for  Carnations. 

Small  Silver  Medals  to  Messrs.  R.  H.  Bath, 
for  Daffodils;  and  Messrs.  Robert  Sydenham, 
Ltd.,  for  Daffodils,  &c. 

AWARDS   TO   NOVELTIES. 

First-class  Certificates 
to     Narcissus     Homespun,     from     Mr.     H.     D. 
Phillips,  Olton  Birmingham  ;  N.  Great  Warlev, 
from  Mr.  W.  T.  Ware,  Bath ;  N.  Queen  of  the 
West,  from  Mr.  W.  T.  Wake,  Bath. 

Awards  of  Merit 

to  Narcissus  Bedouin,  from  Mr.  E.  M. 
Crosfield,  Bridgwater;  N.  Cossack,  from 
Mr.  C.  Dawson,  Penzance ;  N.  Red  Chief, 
from  Mr.  C.  Dawson,  Penzance ;  N.  Poeticus  St. 
George,  from  Messrs.  Barr  &  Sons,  London ;  N. 
White  Slave,  from  Mr.  H.  D.  Phillips,  Olton; 
N.  Giraffe,  from  Messrs.  Cartwright  &  Good- 
win,   Kidderminster;    N.    Poetaz   Scarlet    Gem, 


May  1,  1909.] 


THE     GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


287 


from  Messrs.  Camwright  &  Goodwin  ;  N.  Red 
and  Gold,  from  Messrs.  Camwright  &  Goodwin. 

E.H.S.  Awards. 

The  Awards  made  by  the  deputation  from  the 
Royal  Horticultural  Society  to  competitive  and 
non-competitive  exhibits  were  as  follow  : — 

Gold  Medals  to  Mr.  E.  M.  Crosfield,  for  Daf- 
fodils ;  to  Messrs.  Cariwright  &  Goodwin,  for 
Daffodils;  to  Mr.  C.  Dawson,  for  new  Daffodils. 

Silver-gilt  Flora  Medals  to  Messrs.  Barr  & 
Sons,  for  Daffodils;  to  Messrs.  J.  R.  Pearson 
&  Sons,  for  Daffodils. 

Silver-gilt  Banksian  Medals  to  Mr.  H.  D. 
Phillips,  for  new  Daffodils ;  to  Sir  Josslyn 
Gore-Booth,  Bart.,  for  Daffodils;  to  Messrs. 
Bakers,  for  Alpine  plants ;  to  Messrs.  Sutton  & 
Sons,  for  Cinerarias,  Stocks,  &c. ;  to  Mr.  P.  D. 
Williams,  for  seedling  Daffodils  in  Class  31 ;  to 
Messrs.  Pope  &  Son,  for  Daffodils. 

Silver  Flora  Medals  to  Miss  Currey,  for  Daffo- 
dils ;  to  Mr.  F.  H.  Chapman,  for  Daffodils. 

Silver  Banksian  Medals  to  Mr.  S.  Mortimer, 
for  Carnations ;  to  Messrs.  Gunn  &  Sons,  for 
hardy  flowers;  to  Messrs.  R.  H.  Bath,  Ltd.,  for 
Daffodils;  to  Robert  Sydenham,  Ltd.,  for  Daf- 
fodils, &c.  ;  to  Messrs.  Hogg  &  Robertson,  for 
Daffodils  and  Tulips  ;  to  Messrs.  W.  H.  Simpson  & 
Sons,  for  Daffodils;  to  Mr.  N.  Ellison,  for 
Ferns. 

Award  of  Merit  to  Daffodil  Lowdham 
Beauty,  from  Messrs.  J.  R.  Pearson  &  Sons, 
Lowdham. 

Special  Commendation  to  Mr.  W.  T.  Ware,  for 
Daffodils.  

HUNTINGDONSHIRE  SPRING  FLOWER. 

April  27. — The  fourth  show  of  the  above 
society  was  held  at  Huntingdon,  on  this  date. 
Both  the  number  of  visitors  and  entries  consti- 
tuted records.  The  cup  offered  by  Messrs.  Barr 
&  Sons  for  a  collection  of  Daffodils  was  won  by 
A.  R.  Darling,  Esq.,  Potter's  Bar;  2nd,  J. 
Cator,  Esq.,  Woodbastwick.  Trade  exhibits 
contributed  much  to  the  success  of  the  show. 
Messrs.  Barr  &  Sons,  Covent  Garden,  London, 
Messrs.  R.  H.  Bath,  Ltd.,  Wisbech,  Messrs.  J. 
R.  Pearson  &  Sons,  Lowdham,  Mr.  J.  Mallen- 
oer,  Bawtry,  Messrs.  W.  &  J.  Brown,  Stam- 
ford, Mr.  Perkins,  Huntingdon,  Messrs.  Lax- 
ton  Bros.,  Bedford,  and  Mr.  G.  Reuthe,  Kes- 
ton,  displayed  showy  groups  of  spring  flowers- 
Lady  de  Ramsey  showed  Tree  Carnations. 


MARKETS. 


Plants  in  Pots,  &c. :  Average  Wholesale  Prices  (Coittd.), 

s.d.  s.d. 


THE     WEATHER. 


THE  WEATHER   IN    WEST    HERTS. 

Week  ending  April  28. 

A  shiwerv  and  sunny  week, — All  the  days  and  nights  of 
the  past  week  have  been  more  or  less  warm  for  the  time 
of  year,  but  on  the  warmest  day  the  temperature  in  the  ther- 
mometer screen  at  no  time  rose  higher  than  6Jy,  and  on  the 
coldest  night  the  exposed  thermometer  showed  only  8°  of 
frost.  The  temperature  of  the  ground  is  now  lp  warmer 
at  2  feet  deep,  and  2°  warmer  at  1  foot  deep,  than 
is  seasonable.  Rain  has  fallen  on  each  of  the  last  6 
days,  but  to  the  total  depth  of  less  than  %  of  an  inch. 
For  the  last  rive  days  theie  has  been  no  measurable  per- 
colation through  the  bare  soil  gauge,  and  for  the  last  three 
days  no  percolation  at  all  through  that  on  which  short 
grass  is  growing.  The  sun  shone  on  an  average  for  8 
hours  a  day,  which  is  more  than  2J  hours  a  day  longer 
than  is  usual  at  this  period  of  April.  On  the  sunniest  day 
the  sun  was  shining  brightly  for  12  hours.  The  wind  has 
been,  as  a  rule,  moderately  high,  and  mostly  from  some 
point  between  south  and  west.  The  mean  amount  of 
moisture  in  the  air  at  3  o'clock  in  the  afternoon  fell  short 
Df  a  seasonable  quantity  for  that  hour  by  3  per  cent. 
E.  M.,  Btrkhamsted,  April  28,  1909. 


GARDENING     APPOINTMENTS. 


Mr.  G.  Wagstaffe,  decorator  at  Belvoir  Castle  Gardens, 
Grantham,  as  Gardener  to  J.  Wilson,  Esq.,  Anlaby, 
Hull. 

Mr.  J.  Gough,  late  of  Booton,  as  Gardener  at  Heyden  Hall, 
Reepham. 

Mr,  G.  Phillips,  for  the  past  14  years  Gardener  at  Sundorne 
Castle,  Shrewsbury,  as  Gardener  to  Sir  William 
Mather,  Bart.,  Bramble  Hill  Lodge,  Bramshaw,  New 
Forest,  Hants. 

Mr.  J.  K.  Hoare,  late  of  Iwerne  Minster,  Grenehurst 
Park,  and  South  Lodge,  as  Gardener  at  Stanmer  Park, 
Lewes. 

Mr.  H.  W.  Dawes,  late  Foreman  in  the  employ  of  Sir  Wm. 
Hart-Dykk,  Bart.,  Lullingstone  Castle,  Dartford,  Kent, 
and  previously  Foreman  at  Ration  Park,  Eastbourne,  as 
Gardener  to  H-  H.  C.  Horsfall,  Esq.,  Penn's  Hall, 
Birmingham. 


CCVENT  GARDEN,  April  28. 
[We  cannot  accept  any  responsibility  for  the  subjoined 
reports.  They  are  furnished  to  us  regularly  every 
Wednesday,  by  the  kindness  of  several  of  the  principal 
salesmen,  who  are  responsible  for  the  quotations.  It 
must  be  remembered  that  these  quotations  do  not  repre- 
sent the  prices  on  any  particular  day,  but  only  the 
general  averages  for  the  week  preceding  the  date  of  our 
report.  The  prices  depend  upon  the  quality  of  the 
samples,  the  way  in  which  they  are  packed,  the  supply 
in  the  market,  and  the  demand,  and  they  may  fluctuate, 
not  only  from  day  to  day,  but  occasionally  several  times 
in  one  day. — Ed.]  * 


Cut  Flowers,  &c. :  Average  Wholesale  Prices. 


12 


Anemone    fuigens, 
p.  dz.  bunches 

—  double  pink,  p. 
dozen  bunches 

Azalea,  per   dozen 

bundles 
Calla  tethiopica,  p. 

dozen  

Carnations,  p.  doz. 

blooms,      best 

American  (var.) 

—  second  size    ... 

—  smaller,       per 
doz.      bunches 

Cattleyas,  per  doz. 

blooms 
Cypripediums,  per 

dozen  blooms.. 
Daffodils,  per  doz. 

bunches 
Dendrobium  nobile, 

per  dozen      ...    2 
Bucnaris  granditlora, 

per  dz.  blooms    2 
Freesias  (white),  p. 

doz.  bunches...    2 
Gardenias,  per  doz. 

blooms 1 

Gladiolus,  per  doz. 

bunches         ...  12 
Gypsophila  ele- 

gans,  per  doz. 

bunches 
Hyacinths,  Dutch, 

p.  dz.  bunches 
Iris  (Spanish),  per 

dozen  bunches 
Lilac     (English), 

white, p. bunch 

—  mauve 

Liliuin       auratuin, 

per  bunch 

—  lougillorum    ... 

—  lane  i  f  ol  ium, 
rubrum 

—  album  ... 

Lily  of  the  Valley, 
p.  dz.  bunches 

—  extra  quality  ... 
Marguerites,  p.  dz. 

bunches  white 

and  yellow     ... 

Mignonette,      per 

dozen  bunches 


s.d.  s.d. 


6-2  6 
0-5  0 
0-4  0 

6-3  6 
0-2  0 

0-12  0 

0-15  0 
6-2  6 


10-16 

2  6-30 
6-3  6 
0-2  6 
6-2  6 


0-18  0 


3  0-40 
2  0-30 


6  0-80 


6-  2  G 

0-3  0 


0-3  0 

6-3  6 


6-  2  G 
0-2  6 


0-9  0 
0-15  0 


Cut  Foliage, 

Adiantum  cunea- 
turn,  dz.  bchs. 

Agrostis,  per  doz. 
bunches 

Asparag  us  plu- 
mosus,  lung 
trails,  per  doz. 

—  — medm.,bcu. 

—  Sprengeri 
Berberis,  per  doz. 

bunches 
Croton  leaves,  per 

bunch  

Cycas  leaves,  each 
Daffodil  foliage,  p. 

doz.  bunches... 
Ferns,    per    dozen 

bchs.  (English) 

—  i French) 


2  0-30 

3  0-50 
8tc. :  Ave 

s.d.  s.d. 

6  0-90 
16-20 


Myosotis,  per  doz. 

bunches 
Narcissus,        Glo- 

riosa,    per  dz. 

bunches 

—  ornatus 
Odon  toglossum 

crispum,  per 
dozen  blooms 
Pelargoniums, 
show,  per  doz. 
bunches 

—  Zonal,    double 
scarlet 

Ranunculus, per  dz. 

bunches 
Roses,   12  blooms, 

Niphetos 

—  Bridesmaid    ... 

—  C.  Testout     ... 

—  Kai  serin  A. 
Victoria 

—  C.  Mermet     ... 

—  Liberty 

—  Mine.Cliatenay 

—  Mrs.   J.    Laing 

—  Richmond 

—  The  Bride      ... 

—  Ulrich  Brunner 
Snowdrops,  per  dz. 

bunches 
Spiraea,  per  dozen 

bunches 
Stocks,      double 

white,  per  doz. 

bunches 
Sweet  I'eas,  perdz. 

bunches 
Tuberoses,  per  dz. 

blooms 

—  on   stems,   per 
bunch  


s.d.  s.d. 


10-16 
1  0-  1  G 


2  0-26 

5  0-60 

6  0-90 
4  0- 


1  6- 

2  6- 

2  0- 


6  0 

2  G 
4  0 

3  0 


2  0-40 

2  0-40 

3  0-50 
3  0-50 

2  0-40 

3  0-60 
3  0-40 
2  0-40 

16-20 

5  0-80 


2  0-26 
20-6  0 
0  3-04 
0  9-13 


Tulips,  per  dozen 

bunches,  single    6  0-10  0 

—  best     double 
varieties  ...  12  0-24  0 

—  Darwin    varie- 
ties           6  0-12  0 

Violets,  per  dozen 

bunches  ..    1  G-  3  0 

—  Parmas,       per 

bunch 3  0-40 


rage  Wholesale  Prices. 

s.d.  s.d. 
Galas    leaves,   per 

dozen  bunches    2  0-  2  G 
Hardy    foliage 
(various),    per 
dozen  bunches    3  0-90 
Honesty    (Lunaria) 
8  0-12  0  per  bunch 

10-20    Ivy-leaves,   bronze 
0  9-16      —  long  trails  per 

bundle 

2  6-30  —  short  green, 
perdz.  bunches 
10-13  Moss,  per  gross  ... 
16-20  Myrtle,  dz.  bchs., 
(English) 
2  0-26  small-leaved... 

—  French 
2  0-30    Smilax.  per  dozen 
0  6-09,  trails     4  0-  G  0 


10-16 
2  0-26 

0  9-16 

16-26 
5  0-60 


4  0-60 
10-16 


Plants  in  Pots,  Ac. :  Average  Wholesale  Prices. 


s.d.  s.d.  I 
Acacias,  per  dozen  12  0-18  0 
Aiupelopsis      Veit- 

chii.per  dozen    6  0-80 
Aralia  Sieboldii,  p. 

dozen 4  0-60 

—  larger   speci- 
mens        9  0-12  0 

—  Moseri 4  0-60 

Araucaria   excelsa, 

per  dozen       ...  12  0-30  0 

—  la  rge    plants, 

each     3  6-60 

Aspidistras,  p.  dz., 

green 15  0-24  0 

—  variegated      ...  30  0-42  0 
Asparagus,  plumo- 

sus  nanus,  per 

dozen 12  0-18  0 

—  Sprengeri       ...     9  0-12  0 

—  ten  u  is  si  mns     9  0-12  0 
Azaleas  (Indian),  p. 

dozen 24  0-36  0 

Boronia     mega- 
stigma,  per  doz.  24  0-30  0 

—  heterophylla...  12  0-18  0 
Calceolarias,     her- 
baceous,     per 

dozen 6  0-80 

Cinerarias,  per  dz.     6  0-90 


s.d.  s.d, 

8  0-90 

12  0-18  0 


18  0-30  0 


4  0-50 
4  0-50 

9  0-24  0 


Clematis,  per  doz 

—  in  flower 
Cocos     Weddelli- 

ana,  per  dozen... 
Crotons,  per  dozen  18  0-30  0 
Cyclamen,  pr.  doz.     9  0-15  0 
Cy  per  u  s   alterni- 
folius,  dozen  ... 

—  laxus,  per  doz. 
Dracaenas,  perdoz. 
Erica     persoluta 

alba,    per  doz.  12  0-24  0 

—  Wilmoreana  ...  12  0  18  0 
Euony  in  us, perdz., 

in  pots 4  0-90 

—  from  the  ground  3  0-60 
Ferns,  in   thumbs, 

per  10C 8  0-12  0 

—  in    small     and 

large  60's       ...  12  0-20  0 

—  in  48's,  per  dz.    4  0-  G  0 

—  choicer  sorts...     8  0-12  0 

—  in  32's,  perdz.  10  0-1H  0 
Ficuselastica.p.dz.     8  0-10  0 

—  repens,  per  dz.  6  0-80 
Fuchsias,  per  doz  8  0-10  0 
Genista     fragrans, 

per  doz.  ...     6  0-80 

Grevilleas,  per  dz.    4  0-60 


Hardy  flower  roots, 

per  dozen 
Heliotiopiums,  per 

dozen  

Hydrangea     Thos. 

Hogg,  per  dz. 

—  hortensis 
Isolepis,  per  dozen 
Kentia      Belmore- 

ana, per  dozen 

—  Fosteriana,  dz. 
Latania  borbomca, 

per  dozen 
Lilium    longi- 
florum,  per  dz. 

—  lancifohuin,  p. 
dozen- 
Lily  of  the  Valley, 

per  dozen 
Marguerites,  white, 

per  dozen 
M  ignonet  te,  per 

dozen 


s.d.  s.d 

10-20 

6  0-80 

10  0-15  0 
12  0-24  0 
4  0-60 

15  0-24  0 
18  0-30  0 

12  0-18  0 

12  0-18  0 

12  0-24  0 

18  0-30  0 

6  0-80 

5  0-70 

Pansies,  per  box  of 
24  plants,  each 

P  e  I  arg  on  ium  s, 
show  varieties, 
per  dozen 

—  Ivy  leaved 

—  Zonals 

Primulas,  per  doz. 
Rhodanthe,  per  dz. 
Rh  ododendrons, 

each      

Roses,  H.P.'s,  yet 
dozen  

—  Polyantha  va- 
rieties   

—  Ramblers,  each 
Selaginella,  per  dz. 
Spiraea  japonica,  p. 

dozen  

Stocks  (intermed- 
iate!, w  h  l  i  e, 
crimson,  and 
pink,   per  doz. 


2  0-30 


12  0-18  0 
6  0-80 
5  0-70 

4  0-60 

5  0-60 

2  0-50 

12  0-18  0 

i  !  u  L8  0 
5  0-10  6 
i  0-  6  0 

8  0-12  0 


6  0-70 


Fruit:  Average  Wholesale  Prices. 


Apples      (Tasman- 
ian),  per  case : 

—  Cox's  Orange 
Pippin  ... 

—  Alexander 

—  Prince  Alfred.. 

—  (Austral  ian), 
per  case : 

—  Dunn's  Seed; 
ling       

—  Cleopatra 

—  Jonathan 

—  Ribston  Pippin 

—  California 
Newtown  Pip- 
pin, per  case, 
4  tiers 

—  4*  tiers 

—  (American),  per 
barrel : 

—  Nonpareils     ... 

—  Oregon  New- 
towns,  percase 

Bananas,  bunch; 

—  Doubles 

—  No.  1         „     ... 

—  Extra        ,,     ... 

—  Giant        „     ... 

—  (Claiet)     „     ... 

—  Jimaica    „     ... 

—  Loose,  pei  dz. 
Cape  fruit,  per  box 

—  Grapes,  black-. 

—  white    ... 

—  red        

per  case : 

—  Plums...        — 

—  Pears 

Cranberries,  p. case 


s.d.  s.d. 


13  0-14  0 

8  6-90 

9  6-10  G 


11  0-13  0 
10  6-12  0 
10  0-13  0 
10  6-12  6 


8  0-96 
8  0-96 


18  0-20  0 

11  0- 

14  0 

9  0-10  0 

fi  6- 

8  0 

8  0- 

9  o 

10  0- 

12  0 

5  0- 

7  6 

5  0- 

5  6 

0  6- 

1  0 

5  0-14  0 

5  0- 

10  0 

8  0-15  0 

4  0-80 
3  6-10  0 
16  0    — 


Custard  Apples    ... 

Grape   Fruit,  case 

Grapes  (Guernsey), 

Gros    Colmars 

—  ,,         New 

—  (Almeria),  per 
barrel  

Guernsey  Figs,  dz. 
Lemons,  box  : 

—  Messina,  300  .. 

—  Do.        360... 

—  (Naples),  per 
case 

Limes,  per  case  ... 
Lychees,  per  bos... 
Melons,  each 
Nuts,  Almonds,  per 
bag       

—  Brazils,  new, 
perewt. 

—  Barcelona,  bag 

—  Cocoa  nuts,  100 
Oranges  (Det'.ui  .. 

—  California  n 
seedless,  per 
case     

—  (Valencia)  per 
case  (420) 

—  percase  (714i... 

—  Jaffas 

—  Palermo  Blood 

—  Murcia  Blood, 
per  case  (200)... 

Pineapples,  each ... 

—  (Natal),  per  dz. 
Strawberries,  lb.... 

—  second  quality 


s.d.  s.d. 
3  0-12  0 
9  0-11  0 


0  10 
3  6 


2  6 
4  0 


14  0-16  0 

4  0-12  0 

8  0-11  0 

8  0  10  6 

18  0-25  0 

5  0  — 
10-13 
2  0-40 

28  0-40  0 

35  (I  40  0 
ao  0-32  o 

11  0-14  0 

9  0-22  0 


II  0-12  0 

1(1  0-1.K  0 

III  i  -is  0 
10  0-12  0 

7  0-10  0 

6  6-90 
2  0-3 
4  0-60 
2  0-26 
10-16 


Vegetables  :  Average  Wholesale  Prices 
s.d.  s.d 


Artichokes(Globe), 

pel   -inzril 

—  white,  p. bushel 

—  per  cwt. 
Asparagus,     per 

bundle : 

—  Dijon 

—  Giant 

—  Spanish 

—  Sprue  

—  Paris  Green  ... 
Beans,  per  lb. 

—  (French),  p.  lb. 

—  (Guernsey), 
per  lb — 


2  0-26 

2  0-26 

3  6    — 


1  0-  1  fi 
5  0-76 
14-16 
0  6-08 

2  0-26 
10-11 
0  9-0  10 

0  10- 


1  0 
BeetVoot.perbushel   2  6-30 
Cabbages,  per  tally    5  0-70 
3  6-40 


per 


2  6  — 
8  0-10  0 

3  0  — 
6  0  — 
5  0    — 


per  mat 
i —  Greens, 

bushel 
Cardoon   (French), 

per  dozen 
Carrots    (English), 

dozen  bunches 

—  washed,  bag  ... 

—  unwashed 

—  (French),  p.  pad    2  6-30 
Cauliflower,        St 

Malo,  per  doz 

Celeriac,  per  doz. 

Chicory,  per  lb.    ... 

Cucumbers,  per  dz. 

Endive,  per  dozen    10-16 

Horseradish,  for- 
eign, per  doz. 
bundles 

Kale,  per  pad 

Leeks,  12  bundles 

Lettuce  (French), 
per  crate 

—  Cos,  per  dozen 
Mint,     per     dozen 

bunches 


1  6- 
1  6- 
0  3J- 

1  6- 


17  0-21  0 
6  0  — 
2  6-30 

2  6-36 

3  6-50 

6  0-80 


d.  s.d. 

Mushrooms, per  lb.  0  8    — 

—  broilers           ...  0  6    — 

—  buttons,  perlb.  08    — 
Mustarcianii  Cress, 

per  dozen  pun.  1  0     — 

Onions,  per  bag   ...  9  0  10  0 

—  (Valencia!. case  9  0-11  0 

—  Dutch,  pr.  bag  8  0-96 

—  pickling,     per 
bushel 6  0    — 

Parsley,  12buncb.es  6  0    — 

—  J  sieve 4  0-50 

Peas"(French),  pkt.  0  4-05 

—  (French),  p.pad  3  0-46 

—  (English),  dried, 

per  dz.  packets  2  6    — 
Potatos  (Guernsey), 

per  lb 0  2*  — 

—  (Algerian), cwt.  11  0-12  0 

—  (French),  p.  lb.  0  2-0  2J 

—  Teneriffe,  cwt.  10  0-11  6 
Radishes  (French), 

per  doz.  bunches  13-16 
Rhubarb  (English), 
forced,  per  dz. 

bundles          ...  0  6-09 

—  Natural          ...  2  3-29 
Salsafy,  per  dozen 

bundles          ...  4  0-46 
Seakale,  per  dozen 

punnets           ...  12  0-18  0 

Spinach,  per  crate  4  0-50 
Stachys    tuberosa, 

per  lb 0  5    — 

Turnips,  per  dozen 

bunches         ...  2  6-30 

—  washed,  p.  bag  2  6-30 
Turnip  Tops,  bag  2  6-30 
Tomatos     (Tener- 
iffe), per  bun- 
dle of  4  boxes  10  0-18  0 

—  p.  12  lb.  baskcl  4  0-  5  0 
Watercress,  p.  doz.  0  4-06 


Remarks.— Forced  Strawberries  are  plentiful  and 
cheaper,  2s.  6d.  per  lb.  being  an  average  price.  Supplies 
of  fruit  from  Cape  Colony  have  practically  finished ;  there 
are  a  few  Plums,  Grapes,  &c.  left  from  the  last  consign- 
ment. Australian  and  Tasmanian  Apples  have  been 
received  in  small  quantities;  prices  for  these  fruits  remain 
about  the  same  as  those  of  last  week.  Lemons  are  slightly 
cheaper,  but  sound  packages  of  Oranges  continue  to  set 
at  advanced  prices.  French  Asparagus  is  more  plentiful 
and  much  cheaper.  Forced  Rhubarb  is  practically  finished 
for  the  season.  Trade  generally  is  quiet.  E.  H.  A'.,  Cuvtnt 
Garden,  Wednesday,  April  28,  1909. 


288 


THE    GARDENERS'      CHRONICLE. 


[May  1,  1909. 


Potatos. 

s.d.  s.d. 
3  6-43 
3  6-43 


3  0-36 
3  0-36 
3  9-43 
3  9-43 

3  0-36 


s.d.  s.d. 
...  3  3-39 
...  3  0-33 


Lincolns— 

King  Edward 
Blacklands ... 
Dunbars— 

Langworthy, red  soil  5  3-56 
Up-to-Date,  red  soil  4  3-46 
„        „      grey  soil  3  0-39 
Yorks  — 
Up-to-Date 3  9-40 

is  very   slow,  and  supplies  are  larger 

in    consequence   prices   are    lower. — 

,  Covent  Garden  and  St.  Pancras,  April 


Kents— 

Scottish  Triumphs.. 

Up-to-Date 

Lincolns— 
Royal  Kidney 
British  Queen 

Up-to-Date 

Maincrop     

Evergood     

Remarks. — Trade 
than  the  demand ; 
Edward  J,  Newborn 
28,  1909.  

COVENT  GARDEN  FLOWER  MARKET. 

Plants  for  window-boxes  are  in  demand.  Large  numbers 
of  Ivy-leaved  Pelargoniums  are  used  for  this  purpose, 
especially  the  varieties  Galilee  and  Madame  Crousse.  The 
plants  are  rather  larger  than  those  formerly  used  for  win- 
dow-boxes ;  Zonal  Pelargoniums  in  48  and  large  60  pots  are 
also  largely  used  for  this  work,  the  semi-double-flowered 
kinds  being  most  favoured.  Raspail,  Ville  de  Poitiers, 
Mrs.  Lawrence  and  King  of  Denmark  are  the  leading 
varieties  seen.  Hermione  is  the  favourite  semi-double 
white,  and  Albion  and  Snowdrop  the  best  single  white- 
flowered  varieties.  Paul  Crampel  is  the  best  scarlet.  The 
old  Henry  Jacoby  is  also  in  demand,  and  I  find  some  buyers 
favour  King  Edward  VII.,  but  plants  of  this  variety  do  not 
succeed  in  a  poor  soil.  Mrs.  Cannell  appears  to  be  the  best 
single  salmon.  Intermediate  Stocks  are  very  good  :  there 
is  a  demand  for  the  pink  variety,  but  those  with  crimson 
and  white  flowers  sell  most  readily.  Mignonette  has 
been  over-plentiful,  but  I  have  not  seen  any  spring-raised 
plants,  and  these  are  more  suitable  for  window-boxes. 
Marguerites  are  remarkably  good  :  plants  of  a  moderate  size 
are  most  in  demand.  Heliotropiums  are  good,  particularly 
the  dark-flowered  variety.  Fuchsias  are  well  flowered. 
Plants  of  the  ordinary  market  size  are  worth  about 
10s.  per  dozen,  but  extra  tall  plants  have  sold  readily 
at  18s.  per  dozen.  Herbaceous  Calceolarias  in  dwarf, 
well-flowered  plants  are  seen,  but  they  do  not  meet 
with  a  brisk  demand.  Cinerarias  are  abundant,  but  if 
the  warm  weather  continues  they  will  soon  be  over. 
Many  growers  have  finished  with  Azaleas  for  the  season. 
Spiraeas  are  abundant.  The  pink  varieties  have  not  proved 
such  good  market  plants  as  was  anticipated.  Rambler 
Roses  in  various  sizes  are  well-flowered ;  I  noticed  some 
very  fine  specimens  of  Cant's  Blush.  Bulbous-flowering 
plants  will  soon  be  past.  Hardy  flower  roots  are  abundant, 
but  some  growers  have  almost  cleared  their  stocks. 
Pansies  are  abundant :  there  has  been  a  good  demand 
for  these  plants.    There  is  also  a  fair  demand  for  Violas. 

Cut  Flowers. 
The  large  consignments  of  Daffodils  will  soon  be  over, 
and  then  trade  for  other  flowers  will  improve.  There  was 
a  large  demand  for  Roses  on  St.  George's  Day,  and  last 
Thursday  and  Friday  their  prices  increased,  but  this  week 
they  are  cheap  again.  Many  Carnations  are  either  wasted 
or  sold  at  low  prices.  Gladiolus  The  Bride  and  the  blush 
pink  variety  are  seen  on  the  stands.  Irises  (Spanish)  from 
the  Channel  Islands  are  abundant,  and  their  prices  are  much 
lower.  Parma  Violets  are  over  for  the  season.  There  is 
a  great  falling  off  in  consignments  of  other  flowers  from 
the  South  of  France.  Supplies  ot  Callas  and  Liliums  are 
abundant.  Darwin  Tulips  are  very  good,  and  there  are 
large  quantities  of  Parrot  Tulips,  but  these  latter  are 
cut  without  foliage.  Ordinary  Dutch  Tulips  are  almost 
finished  for  the  season.  A.  //.,  Covent  Garden,  Wednesday, 
April  28,  1909. 

DEBATING     SOCIETIES. 

BRITISH  GARDENERS'  (Richmond  Branch).— 
The  first  outing  of  the  members  of  this  branch  will  take 
place  on  Saturday,  May  1,  when  a  visit  will  be  paid  to 
Messrs.  J.  Veitch  &  Sons'  Nursery  at  Combe  Wood, 
Kingston.  The  party  will  assemble  at  the  Star  and  Garter 
Hotel,  Richmond  Hill,  at  1.30  p.m. 

BRISTOL  AND  DISTRICT  GARDENERS'.— The 
annual  meeting  of  this  association  was  held  on  Thursday, 
April  22,  at  St.  John's  Parish  Rooms.  Mr.  A.  O.  Shelton 
;  presided.  The  annual  report  and  balance  sheet  showed  that 
the  society  is  in  a  more  favourable  position  than  in  previous 
years.  Colonel  Carey-Batten  was  again  elected  president. 
Mr.  Shaddick  was  elected  chairman  for  the  ensuing  season, 
and  Mr.  Hayball,  vice-chairman.  The  other  officers  were 
also  appointed.  Mr.  E.  T.  Parker  offered  a  silver  medal 
to  the  most  successful  exhibitor  at  the  meetings  during  the 
coming  session.     Six  new  members  were  elected. 

READING  GARDENERS'. -The  final  meeting  of  the 
spring  session  took  place  in  the  Abbey  Hall,  on  Monday, 
April  19,  there  being  a  large  attendance  of  the  members. 
The  president.  Mr.  Alderman  F.  LS.  Parfitt,  occupied 
the  chair.  The  evening  was  devoted  to  competiiions 
in  floral  arrangements.  This  being  "  Hospital'Might," 
flowers  brought  by  the  members  were  next  day  sent  to  the 
Royal  Berkshire  Hospital.  More  than  100  bunches  of  cut 
flowers  were  contributed.  A  collection  on  behalf  of  the 
Hospital  realised  a  sum  of  more  than  £3. 

WINCHESTER  GARDENERS'.— At  the  meeting 
held  on  April  20  in  the  Oddfellows'  Hall,  a  lecture  on 
*'  French  Gardening  "  was  given  by  Mr.  W.  F.  Giles.  Mr. 
W.  Cardy  presided.  Views  of  "French"  gardens  were 
shown  by  means  of  a  lantern  ;  and  varieties  of  forced 
vegetables  were  illustrated.  Mr.  Giles  reminded  his  hearers 
that  French  Gardens  entailed  a  great  expense  for  materials, 
labour,  and  manure. 


ANSWERS  TO  CORRESPONDENTS. 


SCHEDULES     RECEIVED. 


Forest  Gate  and  Stratford  Chrysanthemum  Society's 
18th  annual  exhibition,  to  be  held  on  November  4,  5,  6,  at  the 
Town  Hall,  Stratford.  Secretary,  Mr.  A.  J,  Palmer,  19, 
Thorngrove  Road,  Upton  Park,  E. 

Haywards  Heath  Horticultural  Society's  21st  annual 
flower  show,  to  be  held  on  Wednesday,  July  28,  in  the 
Victoria  Park,  Haywards  Heath.  Secretary,  Mr.  Geo. 
Prevett,  The  Rosary,  Haywards  Heath. 


*  .  *  The  Editor  will  be  glad  to  receive,  for  considera- 
tion, large  photographs  of  horticultural  subjects,  suitable 
for  forming  Supplementary  Illustrations  to  this  Journal. 

Editor  and  Publisher.  —  Our  Correspondents  would 
obviate  delay  in  obtaining  answers  to  their  communica- 
tions, and  save  us  much  time  and  trouble,  if  they  would 
kindly  observe  the  notice  printed  weekly  to  the  effect 
that  all  letters  relating  to  financial  matters  and  to 
advertisements  should  be  addressed  to  the  Publisher  ; 
and  that  all  communications  intended  for  publication,  or 
referring  to  the  Literary  department,  and  all  plants  to  be 
named,  should  be  directed  to  the  Editor.  The  two 
departments,  Publishing  and  Editorial,  are  distinct, 
and  much  unnecessary  delay  and  confusion  arise  when 
letters  are  misdirected. 

"Big-bud"  in  Currant:  D.  0.  The  buds 
are  infested  with  Phytoptus  ribes,  the  mite 
causing  "  big-bud."  See  reply  to  W.  P.  P., 
p.  272,  in  the  last  issue;  also  to  S.  F.,  p.  256, 
in  the   issue  for   April   17. 

Bulbs  Failing:  0.  W.  W.  The  bulbs  have 
failed  to  form  a  satisfactory  root-system.  This 
may  be  due  to  an  unsuitable  rooting  medium, 
or  some  other  condition  which  only  those  on 
the  spot  could  determine. 

Compensation  for  Encroaching  Trees  :  Brae- 
side.  Your  proper  course  is  to  give  notice  to 
the  owners  of  the  adjoining  land  requiring 
them  to  cut  back  the  trees  so  as  to  prevent 
their  overhanging  your  premises,  and  if  they 
do  not  comply  with  this  notice  within  a  reason- 
able time,  you  can  cut  back  the  overhanging 
branches  yourself.  If  you  cannot  reach  the 
branches  from  your  own  land,  you  should  ask 
permission  to  enter  on  the  adjoining  land  for 
the  purpose,  and  if  this  permission  is  refused, 
the  Court  would  grant  you  an  injunction 
against  them.  (2)  The  question  of  encroaching 
roots  is  a  point  on  which  legal  authorities 
have  somewhat  differed  from  time  to  time  ;  but 
the  balance  of  legal  opinion  is  in  favour  of 
your  having  a  right  to  cut  away  the  roots  in 
the  same  way  as  the  branches  referred  to 
above.  (3)  Unless  the  adjoining  owners  refuse 
to  have  the  matter  put  right,  you  would  not 
have  much  chance  of  obtaining  damages,  as 
you  need  not  have  put  up  with  the  annoyance 
for  so  long,  but  you  would  probably  be  con- 
tent with  an  injunction  to  prevent  any  further 
continuance,  and  unless  there  were  exceptional 
circumstances,  the  adjoining  owners  would 
have  to  pay  your  costs.  You  will  find  these 
matters  fully  discussed  in  a  lecture  given  by 
.Mr.  H.  Morgan  Veitch  before  the  Royal  Hor- 
ticultural Society,  which  was  reported  verba- 
tim in  Vol.  XXXIII.  of  the  Royal  Horticultural 
Society's  Journal. 

Ferns  in  Competition  :  H.  F.,  Fort  Elizabeth. 
The  wording  of  the  schedule  is  not  sufficiently 
definite.  "  Six  Adiantums,  distinct,"  may  be 
taken  to  mean  six  distinct  species,  or  merely 
six  varieties  or  species,  in  which  Adiantum 
cuneatum  and  the  variety  elegans  would 
count  as  two  plants.  The  compilers  of  the 
schedule,  rather  than  the  judges,  are  to  be 
blamed. 

Lawn  Tennis  Court  and  Croquet  Ground  : 
//.  P.  The  following  particulars  are  taken 
from  the  Calendar  of  Garden  Operations  : — 
The  diagram  will  illustrate  the  amount  of 
ground  required,  and  the  lines  that  are  usually 
made  and  kept  in  a  tennis  court : — 


c 

78  :  feet 

c 

H 

42  | feet 

H 

■i. 

S3 

c 

78  [feet 

c 

Plan    of   a   Lawn   Tennis   Court. 

The  lines  A  B  and  B  A  indicate  a  double 
court  for  three  or  four  players ;  S  S,  S  S,  a 
single  court  for  two  players ;  A  A  and  B  B 
are  the  base  lines ;  C  C  and  C  C,  service  lines ; 


H  H,  half-court  line ;  N  N,  net.  A  court  for 
the  single  game  is  27  feet  wide  and  78  feet 
long ;  and  for  the  double  game,  78  feet  long 
and  36  feet  wide.  The  posts  for  supporting 
the  net  should  be  placed  3  feet  beyond  the 
sides.  The  service  lines  run  parallel  to  the 
net,  and  are  21  feet  distant  from  the  same. 
The  net  should  be  3  feet  high  in  the  centre, 
and  3  feet  6  inches  at  the  posts,  which  are  put 
2  or  3  feet  outside  the  line,  to  allow  of  the  net 

dropping.    For  the  purpose  of  playing 

the  game  of  croquet,  a  well-rolled  level  grass 
lawn  not  less  than  30  yards  long  by  20  yards 
wide  is  required.  A  full-sized  croquet  ground 
measures  c.  J  yards  long  by  30  yards  wide.  The 
following  diagram  will  show  what  is  needed  : — 


8  yards  8  yards 

• a a 


■4- 


40  v.ii-.ls 


Plan  of  a  Croquet  Lawn. 

In  the  line  through  the  centre  of  the  ground, 
8  yards  from  the  boundary  at  either  end,  put 
the  croquet  pegs,  and  at  16  yards  from  either 
end  a  hoop.  Let  the  corner  hoops  be  placed; 
in  a  line  with  the  pegs,  and  7  yards  from  the 
pegs. 

Names  of  Plants  :  IT.  /.  F.  1,  Cupressus  Law- 
soniana  var.  aureo-variegata ;  2,  Pseudotsuga 
Douglasii ;  3,  Cupressus  obtusa  var.  filifera ;  4, 
Pseudotsuga  Douglasii  var.  glauca ;  5,  Erica 
lusitanica  (codonodes). — Enquirer.  1,  Pyrus 
(syn.  Cydonia)  japonica;  2,  Pulmonaria  offici- 
nalis ;  3,  Coronilla  Emerus  ;  4,  Garrya  elliptica  ; 

5,  Cedrus  Deodara. — P.  P.  Juniperus  Sabina. 
Yet,  this  plant  is  poisonous,  and  if  it  is  eaten, 
in  large  quantities  by  domestic  animals  during; 
pregnancy  it  produces  abortion. — A.  H.  1, 
Adiantum  cuneatum  elegans  ;  2,  A.  tenerum  ; 
3,  A.  Pacotii ;  4,  A.  trapeziforme  ;  5,  A.  con- 
cinnum  latum ;  6,  Dendrobium  chrysotoxum. — 
/.  S.  Magnolia  conspicua. — 11".  E.  Chrysosple- 
nium  oppositifolium. — Orchis.  Bifrenaria  Har- 
risons?.— P.  B.,  Cork.  1,  Erica  mediterranea  ; 
2,  Cytisus  albus ;  3,  Berberis  stenophylla ;  4, 
Magnolia  conspicua ;  5,  Forsythia  viridissima  ; 

6,  Pyrus  japonica. — F.  P.  1.  Odontoglossum 
Lindleyanum  ;  2,  Oncidium  pubes  ;  3,  Oncidium 
divaricatum  ;  4,  Brassia  verrucosa. — A.  W.  T. 
1,  Juniperus  chinensis  variegata;  2,  Pulmona- 
ria officinalis ;  3,  Orobus  vernus ;  4,  Polygala 
Dalmaisiana. — H.  P.  1,  Spiraea  confusa  ;  2, 
Diplopappus  chrysophyllus. —  IF.  M.  B.  1, 
Trillium  grandiflorum  ;  2,  Erythronium  Dens- 
canis  ;  3,  Epimedium  Perralderianum ;  4,  Bry- 
onia dioica  ;  5,  Spiraea  arisefolia. 

Peach  Leaves  :  T .  B.  There  is  no  disease  pre- 
sent in  the  leaves :  they  are,  however,  very- 
thin,  and  such  as  would  be  found  on  an  ill- 
nourished  tree.  The  specimens  arrived  in  a> 
bad  condition,  being  improperly  packed. 

R.H.S.  Examination  :  Jas.  67.  Particulars  of 
these  examinations  may  be  obtained  on  ap- 
plication to  the  Secretary,  Royal  Horticultural 
Hall,   Vincent  Square,   Westminster. 

Scum  on  Ponds  :  H.  P.  The  lowly  forms  of 
vegetation  causing  the  scum  would  be  killed 
by  the  sulphuric  acid,  but  this  would  also 
harm  the  fish.  Try  the  effect  of  a  weak  solu- 
tion of  copper  sulphate  or  the  Bordeaux  mix- 
ture   at    half    strength. 

Communications  Received.— Lady  G.  D.— Prof.  B.  B.— J.  D.  W. 
— W.  M.  B— B.  M.—  B.  G.  B.-C.  S.  &  Co.— W.  W.— R.  P. 
— T.  H.— R.  C.  M.— A.  B.  J.,  Kew— M.  C.  A.— H.  H.  B.  B., 
New  South  Wales— J.  P.— Philippe  de  V.— S.  W.  P.— 
W.  G.  B.— E.  P.— H.  M.  S.— H.  M.,  Paris— B.  &  Sons— 
P.  M.  G.  B.— A.  L.,  Manila- A.  D.— W.  R.  D.— Old  plants 
—J.  W.  L.— E.  W.-A.  D.  W.— S.  A.— R.  T.  L.  V.— Dis- 
gusted (You  should  have  sent  your  name  and  address 
with  the  communication.  This  is  not  necessarily  for  pub- 
lication hut  as  a  guarantee  of  go^d  faith.  We  are  unable- 
to  write  to  you.) 


Supplement  to   the  "  Gardeners'    Chronicle." 


Propagation  of  Hyacinths  by  means  of  Bulbils  (notching    method). 

i.     Bulbs  before  and  after  preparation  by  notching.     2.    Bulbils  commencing  to  form   in   the  channels. 

3.     Further    stage    showing    numerous    bulbils.     4.     Examining    the    bulbs. 

5.     Showing    young    bulbs    ready    for    planting. 

Printed  by  Temple  Press  Lid.,  London  ,  E.C. 


May  8.  19C9.] 


THE     GARDENERS     CHRONICLE. 


289 


THE 


(Sarticncrs'Cbronidc 

No.  7,767.— SATURDAY,  May  S,  7909. 


CONTENTS. 


Acetylene  gas  refuse    .. 

290 

Agriculture       iu       the 

Transvaal 

M97 

•Books,  notices  of  - 

Botancal  Magazine 

297 

Gaid  ii     Lite     Year- 

Book     .       . 

298 

Journal  oi  the  i  looper 

Research      Labora- 

tory       

29H 

Rose  Annual 

2Ud 

Cupressus  macro  carpus 

as  a  hedge  plant 

299 

Klodea  canadensis 

L>yy 

Exhibition    at     Ghent, 

forthcoming    .. 

290 

1- 1  irlsts'  flowers — 

Cactus  Dahlias 

292 

Daffodils    at    Kidder- 

minster         

'2.12 

Flowers  in  season 

29d 

"  French  "  garden,  notes 

from  a 

294 

Gerberas,  hybrid 

290 

Goodaore,  Mr.,  present- 

ation to  

299 

Hippeastrums  at  Dun- 

sanv  Gardens 

299 

Hyacinths,  the  propaga- 

tion of           

m 

Irises,  notes  on 

293 

Megaclinium  purpureo- 

rachis 

293 

Mendel's  Law  and  its 
application  to  horti- 
culture, lecture  on    ...     802 

Obituary- 
Hill,  J.  G 3:4 

Plant  diseases,  a  tabu- 
lar list  of        237 

Plants,     new    or     note- 
worthy— 
Rhododendron  adeno- 
podiuin        ...         •-    291 

Plants,  sensitiveness  of, 
to  gases 296 

Primula  Forrestii        ...    299 

Scat,  stone,  in  Kew 
arboretum        298 

Societies— 
Royal  Horticultural  ..     299 

Tregothnan         289 

Uganda,  an  unsatisfac- 
tory report  from        ...     298 

Vanilla  cultivation  in 
Hawaii 293 

Week's  work,  the— 

I  low  r  irden,  the  ...  29.". 
Fruits  ■  1  ler  glass  ...  291 
Hard}  iruii  garden  ...  291 
Kitchen  garden,  the...  *jv4 
Orchid  houses,  the  ...  295 
Plants  under  glass    ...     295 

Wild  flowers,  exhibits 
Of 297 


ILLUSTRATIONS. 

Auricula  Claud  Halcro          21H 

Carnation  Lady  Coventry     2«7 

Megaclinium  purpureo-rachis         *-'.»:( 

Primula  Forrestii         299 

Propagation  of   Hyacinths   by  the   scooping  method 
(Supplementary  Illustration) 

Rhododendron  adenopodiutn          211 

Rhododendron  grande  at  Tregothnan      2dJ 

Saxifraga  Clibranii l 

Tregothnan,  Cornwall            '-  •' 


TREGOTHNAN. 

THE  beautiful  grounds  of  Tregothnan  are 
approached  on  the  Probus  side  by  a 
drive  four  miles  in  length  from  the 
lodge  to  the  mansion.  This  drive  is  bordered 
on  either  side  by  Evergreen  Oaks,  and  skirts 
on  the  right  hand  a  creek  of  the  Fal,  where  at 
high  water  swans  may  he  seen  swimming 
placidly  on  the  still  surface.  The  house  is  a 
noble,  well-proportioned  building,  and,  with 
its  mellowed  stonework,  presents  a  statelj 
appearance  when  seen  from  the  broad  lawns 
•on  a  sunny  day.  From  the  front  of  the  man- 
sion a  charming  view  is  obtained  of  the  Fa] 
winding  its  way  between  wooded  banks.  The 
grounds  are  spacious  and  afford  a  variety  oi 
prospects  of  great  beauty.  Here,  beneath 
lofty  deciduous  trees,  the  sward  is  carpeted 
in'  the  springtime  with  Primroses;  there 
groups  of  Yuccas  and  Cordylines  display  their 
foliage;  there,  again,  giant  bushes  of  the 
Himalayan  Rhododendrons  and  tall  Acacias 
brighten  the  scene  with  their  blossoms. 
whilst  the  water  garden,  surrounded  by  pic- 
turesque vegetation,  presents  an  attractive 
picture.  Camellias  are  grown  more  exten- 
sively at  Tregothnan  than  in  any  other 
garden  in  England.  In  the  capacious  grounds, 
prettily  diversified  by  hill  and  dale,  there 
must  he  fully  a  thousand  huge  bushes,  bear- 
ing flowers  from  purest  white  to  richest  crim- 
son, and  spreading  veils  of  colour  around  them 
with  their  fallen  petals.  The  stable  wall,  80 
yards  in  length  and  25  feet  in  height,  is 
completely  covered  with  trained  Camellias. 
Against  the  house  C.  reticulata  has  reached 
a  height  of  14  feet,  and  in  the  spring  is 
covered  with  hundreds  of  great  semi-double, 
rose-pink  blossoms.  Recent  winters  have 
t>een   exceptionally  severe   in  the   south-west, 


and  every  garden  where  te:ider  plants  are 
grown  has  sufl'  red  serious  losses.  At  Tre- 
gothnan the  following  species  have  died : — 
Adenandra  linearis,  Boronia  polygafifolia, 
Buddleia  ficifolia,  Cassinia  leptophylla, 
Camarina  tenuissima,  Dianthus  arboreus, 
Echium  candicans,  Erica  Cavendishii,  E. 
coronata,  E.  Savileana,  E.  Spenceriana,  Euca- 
lyptus tereticornis,  Euryops  virgineus,  Gene- 
tyllis  fuchsioides,  Hakea  petrophylla,  H.  sa- 
lignus,  Leschenaultia  formosa,  Luculia  gra- 
tissima,  Myoporum  hetum.  (dander,  Poly- 
gala  grandis  an  I  I*.  mixta.  However,  such 
a  large  quantity  of  rare  plants  find  a  con- 
genial home  there  that  at  the  present  time 
the  gardens  possess  a  larger  collection  than 
almost  any  garden  in  England.  This  win- 
ter 12  degrees  of  frost  hare  Keen  registered 
on  two  occasions,  but  no  harm  appears  to 
have  been  done.  Lady  Falmouth  is  an 
enthusiastic  gardener  and  spares  no  trouble 
to     obtain     every     rare     ami     tender     plant 


ceed  well  at  Tregothnan.  A  group  of  A. 
dealbata,  about  40  feet  in  height,  backed  by 
Evergreen  Oaks,  forms  a  lovely  picture  in 
March,  when  their  heads  are  a  cloud  of  gold 
standing  out  against  the  dark  background. 
Other  Acacias  grown  are.  A.  armata.  A. 
calamifolia,  A.  cordata.  A.  cultriformis,  A. 
decurrens,  A.  diffusa,  A.  latifolia,  A.  longi- 
folia  (20  feet  in  height  and  15  feet 
through).  A.  linifolia,  A.  melanoxylon,  A. 
pyenanthera,  A.  Riceana  and  A.  verticillata. 
There  is  a  fine  example  of  the  Fan  Palm, 
Trachycarpus  (Chamserops)  excelsus.  Around 
this  plant  numerous  self-sown  seedlings  have 
sprung  up.  From  the  summer-house  an  exten- 
sive view  is  obtained  of  the  river  and  sur- 
rounding country.  On  the  wide  lawn  fronting 
it  is  a  fine  group  of  about  30  plants  of  Yucca 
gloriosa,  there  are  also  colonies  of  Azaleas, 
.Magnolias  and  Cordylines,  whilst  the  trees  on 
either  side  are  fringed  with  Rhododendrons. 
The  water  garden  is  formed  by  four  ponds,  one 


[Th  tograph  by  S.  Wyndham  Fitxhcrbcrl. 
FlG.    123. — TREGOTHNAN,    CORNWALL. 


that  is  likely  to  succeed  at  Tregothnan. 
Many  examples  have  been  received  from  Kew 
of  late  years.  In  Mr.  YVilliam  Andrews  she 
possesses  a  highly-efficient  head  gardener, 
whose  solicitous  care  for  his  charges  leaves 
nothing  to  be  desired.  Of  Himalayan  Rhodo- 
dendrons there  is  a  fine  collection.  A  speci- 
men of  R.  Falconeri  was,  three  years  ago, 
23  feet  in  height  and  30  feet  in  diameter. 
This  is  well  furnished  with  foliage  to  the 
ground  level,  and  is  probably  the  finest  ex- 
ample in  England.  A  few  years  ago  it  bore 
fully  2,000  bloom  trusses.  There  is  also  a 
splendid  plant  of  R.  grande  (argenteum) 
about  18  feet  in  height  and  24  feet  through. 
This  has  borne  300  flower  trusses,  and  in  that 
year  it  was  a  beautiful  picture  in  the  closing 
davs  of  March  (see  fig.  124).  There  are  also  ex- 
cellent specimens  of  R.  Griffithianum  (Auck- 
landii)  and  many  other  species.     Acacias  sue- 


lower  than  the  other.  They  are  edged  by  Gun- 
neras,  Bambusa.  Arums.  Phormiums and  Eryn- 
gium  pandanifolium.  and  form  a  charming  fea- 
ture in  a  dell  flanked  by  tall  Firs.  The  woods 
are  margined  with  Benthamias,  members  of  the 
Prunus  family  and  Heaths,  while  Daffodils 
are  planted  by  the  thousand  in  the  grass.  The 
house  is  adorned  with  climbing  plants,  whilst 
others  are  grown  on  high  walls  in  the  vicinity. 
Many  tender  shrubs  are  given  the  prot- 
of  a  wall.  Among  the  climbers  are  Akebia 
quinata,  Berberidopsis  corallina,  Brachysema 
lanceolata,  Bucklandia  populnea,  a  Himalayan 
plant  with  large,  handsome  leaves;  Cassii 
corymbosa,  Clematis  indivisa  lobata,  a  lo\  ebj 
sight  in  the  early  spring;  Clianthus  puniceus, 
Hibhertia  Reidii,  Kennedya  nigricans,  K.  ru- 
bicunda,  Mandevilla  suaveolens,  Sollya  hete- 
ropnylla  (the  Australian  Bluebell  creeper), 
Stauntonia    latifolia    and    Trachelospermum 


290 


THE     GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


[May  8,  1909. 


(Rhyncospermum)  jasminoides,  which  pro- 
duces its  small,  scented,  white  blossoms  for 
months  together.  Against  the  front  of  the 
house  the  fragrant  Gum,  Eucalyptus  citrio- 
dora,  has  reached  a  height  of  over  20  feet. 
The  Boronias  and  Grevilleas  succeed  excel- 
lently in  front  of  walls.  Boronia  elatior  is 
6  feet  high  and  4  feet  through,  B.  hetero- 
phylla  is  about  2  feet  less  in  height  and  B. 
megastigma  3  feet,  while  of  the  Grevilleas 
G.  alpina,  G.  longifolia,  G.  pendula,  G.  Preissii 
and  G.  sulphurea  are  doing  well.  The  mem- 
bers of  the  Heath  family  have  a  little  gar- 
den to  themselves.  They  include  Erica 
gracilis,  E.  hyemalis,  E.  magnifica,  E.  per- 
spicua  nana  and  E.  persoluta,  whilst  the 
larger  E.  mediterranea  grows  into  great 
bushes.  The  Epacris  race  is  also  very  orna- 
mental. Of  these  there  are  E.  ardentissima, 
E.  candidissima,  E.  delicata,  E.  magnifica 
and  E.  Vesuvius,  which  is  often  bright  pink 
with  bloom  at  Christmas.  Among  other 
shrubs  are  the  pink-flowered  Abelia  floribunda 
from  Mexico,  which  does  well  in  the  south- 
west, even  without  wall  protection,  the  South 


(lower  in  March,  Cinnamomum  Boisseri,  the 
Lily  of  the  Valley  tree,  Clethra  arborea  from 
Madeira,  the  hardy  Japanese  Orange,  Citrus 
trifoliata,  Cytisus  elegans,  the  South  African 
Diosma  capitata  and  D.  ericoides,  Daphne  in- 
dica,  D.  hybrida  Daupbinii,  Drimys  Winteri 
(from  the  Straits  of  Magellan),  which  bears  its 
ivory-white  blossoms  in  profusion,  and  the 
smaller-flowered  D.  (Tasmannia)  aromatica ; 
Edwardsia  (Sophora)  chrysophylla  and  E. 
grandiflora,  the  Australian  Eriostemon  linifo- 
lius  and  E.  neriifolius,  the  Chilian  Eucryphia 
cordifolia,  Japanese  Euonymus  fimbriatus,  a 
handsome  shrub,  but  rare  in  gardens,  whose 
young  leaves  are  of  a  brilliant  crimson  colour, 
giving  it  the  appearance  of  being  in  flower ; 
Eutaxia  myrtifolia  from  Australia,  the  Brazi- 
lian Feijoa  Sellowiana,  Garrya  elliptioa,  very 
decorative  in  the  winter  when  covered  with  its 
drooping  catkins,  Gnidia  carinata  from  the 
Cape  of  Good  Hope,  Lagerstroemia  indica  from 
China,  the  New  Zealand  Leptospermum  sco- 
parium,  the  Chilian  Lomatia  ferruginea,  an 
exceptionally  handsome  foliage  shrub,  which 
has  proved  quite  hardy,  Metrosideros  lucidus 


■jrf  %. 


9k 


Garichrnit,.: 


[Plntofraph  bv  S.  Wynihvn  Fitzbcrb-.rl. 
FlG.    124. — RHODODENDRON    GRANDE    AT   TREGOTHNAN,    l8FT.    IN    HEIGHT,    AND 
BEARING    3OO   FLOWER   TRUSSES. 


African  Adenandra  fragrans,  with  rose-col- 
oured blossoms,  Agapetes  Mannii,  Andromeda 
floribunda,  6  feet  in  height  and  8  feet  in  dia- 
meter, Anopterus  glandulosa  from  Tasmania, 
Aralia  quinquefolia,  a  handsome  foliage  shrub, 
Aralia  papyrifera,  with  leaves  2  feet 
6  inches  in  length,  Banksia  integrifolia 
and  B.  reticulata.  Bauera  rubioides,  a  little 
shrub  from  New  South  Wales  with  pink 
flowers.  Beaufortia  splendens,  a  native  of 
Australia  with  scarlet  blooms,  the  New  Zea- 
land Brachyglottis  repanda,  the  rare  Bow- 
keria  Gerardiana  from  South  Africa,  which 
bears  white,  Calceolaria-like  flowers  ;  Buddleia 
Colvilei,  nearly  20  feet  in  height,  which 
blooms  profusely  every  summer  ;  B.  salieifolia, 
a  rare  plant,  Calceolaria  violacea,  a  great 
bush  6  feet  across,  which  was  badly  injured 
two  winters  ago  ;  C.  integrifolia,  which  creates 
a  brilliant  effect  in  July ;  Cantua  dependent 
from  the  Peruvian  Andes,  Callistemon  lopan- 
thus  and  C.  salignus  from  Australia,  Casua- 
rina  quadrivalvis  and  C.  tenuissimus  also  Aus- 
tralian plants.  Cedralia  serrata,  Ceratonia 
Siliqua,  Chorizema  Lowii,    which  is  often  in 


from  New  Zealand,  Mitraria  coccinea  from  the 
island  of  Chiloe  off  the  coast  of  Chili ;  Michelia 
(Magnolia)  fuscata,  whose  purplish  flowers  are 
deliciously  scented,  Olea  fragrans,  the  rare 
Olearia  insignis,  O.  myrsinoides  and  O.  Solan- 
dri  from  New  Zealand,  Osteomelas  anthvlli- 
difolia,  said  to  be  a  native  of  the  Pacific 
islands;  the  Australian  Pimelea  spectabilis, 
the  New  Zealand  Pittosporums,  P.  crassifo- 
lium,  P.  eugenoides,  which  blooms  freely,  P. 
Mayii,  30  feet  in  height,  P.  Tobira  and  P. 
variegatum  ;  the  South  African  Polvgala  Dal- 
maisiana,  Rhapiolepis  Decouri,  Senecio  Greyii, 
S.  natalensis  and  S.  rotundifolius  from  the 
Cape,  the  Chilian  Tricuspidaria  lanceolata, 
better  known  as  Crinodendron  Hookeri,  and 
the  newly-introduced,  white-flowered  T.  de- 
pendens,  Veronica  Gauntletii  and  V.  Hulke- 
ana,  the  most  beautiful  of  all  the  New  Zea- 
land shrubby  Veronicas  ;  the  Australian  West- 
ringia  triphylla  and  Xanthoceras  sorbifolia 
from  China.  The  foregoing  list  will  give  some 
idea  of  the  number  of  rare  plants  from  foreign 
climes  grown  successfully  at  Tregothnan. 
Among  other  subjects  that  are  cultivated  ir 


the  open  are  Strelitzia  Regina?,  Iris  fimbriata 
or  chinense,  Musa  japonica  and  Pourettia 
mexicana.  The  fine,  large-flowered  form  of 
Rosa  laevigata  is  grown,  and  Fortune's  Yellow 
Rose  does  well.  Muehlenbeckia  complexa  has 
covered  an  old  tree  stump  to  a  height  of  over 
20  feet,  and  several  examples  of  Clematis 
montana  clamber  aloft  over  trees.  Among  the 
notable  trees  is  a  fine  specimen  of  the  rare 
Pinus  Montezumre.  Cape  bulbs,  such  as 
Ixias  and  Sparaxis,  are  grown,  and  the  Aga- 
panthus  does  well  in  the  open.  The  rare 
Gladiolus  tristis  and  its  self-coloured  form 
known  as  concolor  or  sulphureus  are  largely 
represented. 

The  glasshouses,  which  are  kept  in  the  best 
of  order,  include  vineries  and  houses  devoted 
to  Figs,  Roses,  Carnations,  Crotons,  Palms 
and  a  general  collection  of  greenhouse  plants. 
S.  IT.  Fitzhcrbert. 


HYBRID    GERBERAS. 

(Concluded  from  p.igc  273.) 
Colours. — M.  Philippe  de  Vilmorin  re- 
marks: "  I  give  here  word  for  word  what  M. 
Adnet  has  written  to  me  on  the  question  of 
colour  "  : — The  scale  of  colours  is  of  incom- 
parable richness.  I  had  commenced  an  en- 
deavour to  identify  the  tints,  making  use  of 
the  ripertoire  de  couleurs  of  the  Chrysanthe- 
mum specialists.  But  I  was  obliged  to  give  it 
up  ;  there  were  too  many  of  them.  It  might 
have  been  necessary  to  give  them  numbers, 
could  they  have  been  conscientiously  num- 
bered, and  had  it  not  been  absolutely  impos- 
sible to  the  keenest  eye  to  catalogue  them  at 
sight.  It  would  have  been  necessary  every 
time  to  have  recourse  to  the  repertoire,  but 
every  comparison  requires  from  five  to 
ten  minutes,  if  one  wishes  to  do  it  well.  It  is 
necessary  to  know  how  to  limit  oneself,  and 
also  to  make  the  abundance  of  tints  classify 
themselves  into  groups.  This  is  how  I  regard 
the  question. 

1.  Pure  White. — Colour  clear,  unique. 
Then  all  the  scale  of  whites  ;  greenish  white, 
and  yellowish  white  leading  insensibly  by  de- 
grees to  yellow. 

2.  Yellow. — Proceeding  from  scarcely  yel- 
low to  Buttercup  yellow  by  an  absolute  grada- 
tion of  tints. 

3.  Orange. — Here  also  there  is  an  infinity 
of  tints  in  gradation,  sinking  insensibly  to 
orange  red,  very  near  to  typical  Jamesonii. 

4.  Salmon. — Obtained  by  crossing  yellow 
and  pink.  Here  also  the  scale  is  extensive 
between  light  and  dark. 

5.  Pink. — In  this  colour  there  is  a  scale 
of  gradation  of  vast  extent.  Crosses  between 
pale  pink  and  white  have  given  me  pinks  of 
palest  tint,  more  tender,  for  example,  than 
the  outside  petals  of  a  '  Malmaison  '  Rose. 
The  pink  tint  disappears  by  deepening  to  the 
deepest  pink  colour,  passing  a  number  of  in- 
termediate  shades,    arriving   at — 

6.  Cherry  Red. — Ruby  red,  pure  red  in  a 
word,  a  red  in  which  there  is  no  trace  of 
yellow,  and  which,  to  my  mind,  will  be  the 
most  esteemed  by  the  florist  by  reason  of  its 
richness  and  purity. 

7.  Violet  Red. — A  new  tint,  my  best 
achievement,  the  one  I  like  the  best,  and 
which  I  hope  will  lead  to  deep  violet. 

Variation. — With  respect  to  variation  M. 
de  Vilmorin  states  that  it  is  almost  infinite,  as 
one  might  well  expect  in  a  plant  <  >  strongly 
disturbed  in  character.  Many  of  them  are 
without  practical  importance,  and  are  rather 
monstrosities  to  be  eliminated.    It  is  desirable, 


Mai  8,  19C9.] 


THE     GARDENERS1      CHRONICLE 


291 


however,    to    note    them,    and    we    have    to 
thank  M.  Adnet  for  making  the  record. 

1.  Disc. — Discs  are  red,  pink,  white  or 
yellow,  with  the  centre  green  ;  there  are  red 
flowers  with  pink  disc,  pink  flowers  with  white 
disc,  yellow  flowers  with  disc  of  paler  or 
deeper  yellow,  yellow  flowers  with  red  disc, 
&c. 

2.  Form  of  the  Flower. — The  range  of 
variation  in  the  form  is  as  great  as  that  of 
the  colour  of  the  flower.  One  finds,  so  to 
speak,  all  dimensions  and  all  dispositions  of 
the  ligule.  Certain  plants  present  broad 
ligules,  imbricating  as  in  a  Daisy,  and  taking 
away  the  starry  lightness  of  the  type ;  on  the 
contrary,  there  are  flowers  with  ligules  so 
slender  that  they  are  almost  filiform  ;  others 
have  trumpet-shaped  ligules  more  or  less 
spreading,  sometimes  curving  in  the  horizon- 
tal plane  and  giving  the  flower  a  helicoid 
appearance.       Certain     flowers     have     their 


flowers    of    the    same    peduncle    more    or    less 
separated. 

5.  Dwarf  Form. — Certain  colours,  especi- 
ally the  yellow,  give  a  large  proportion  of 
dwarf  plants,  which  produce  themselves  fairly 
true  from  seed. 

Foliage. — The  slender  and  graceful  pe- 
duncles of  Gerbera  proceed  generally  from  a 
rosette  of  spreading  leaves,  rather  insignifi- 
cant. The  hybrids  from  this  point  of  view 
present  some  variations  worthy  of  remark. 
In  general,  the  leaves  are  more  erect,  longer, 
less  divided,  thicker  and  more  coriaceous 
than  the  type.  Their  lower  surface  is  often 
furnished  with  short  and  stiffish  hairs,  their 
edges  are  irregularly  undulated,  and  there  are 
some  of  a  shining  green,  as  if  varnished. 
Lastly,  AI.  Adnet  ha*  observed  some  indi- 
viduals of  which  the  peduncles  present  the 
rudiments  of  leaves,  and  of  these  he  is  care- 
fully observing  tho  descendants:  if  the  occur- 


FlG.    125. — RHODODENDRON    ADENOPODIUM   FLOWERED    FOR   THE    FIRST    TIME    IN 
EUROPE    BY    M.    MAURICE    DE    VILMORIN.      FLOWERS    PALE    ROSE    COLOUR. 


ligules  recurved  on  their  longitudinal  axis 
so  that  their  extremities  show  the  lower 
surface.  One  also  finds  more  or  less  tubular 
ligules,  some  even  with  laciniated  ligules  or 
slashed  in  the  form  of  an  arrow  head. 

3.  Doubling. — This,  which  may  seem  to 
be  an  improvement  for  many  flowers,  is  not 
so  for  Gerbera,  of  which  lightness  is  the  first 
quality.  The  plant  seems,  however,  to  have 
a  tendency  to  doubling,  either  by  the  appear- 
ance of  ligules  on  the  disc,  or  by  the  forma- 
tion of  a  collarette  between  the  latter  and 
the  normal  ligules.  In  the  last  case  the  col- 
larette, which  may  be  of  one  or  several  rows, 
is  often  of  lighter  colour  than  the  flower — 
light  pink  in  the  flowers  of  deep  pink,  and 
almost  white  in  the  flowers  of  pale  pink. 

4.  Fasciations. — Fasciations  are  very  fre- 
quent, as  could  be  remarked  in  the  set  ex- 
hibited by  AI.  Adnet  in  the  month  of  Novem- 
ber, 1908.     It  is  not  rare  to  find  two  or  three 


rence  can  be  fixed,  it  will  constitute  a  definite 
advance. 

Hardiness. — I  do  not  here  speak  of  their 
power  of  resistance  to  cold,  which  is,  natur- 
ally, not  great,  but  rather  to  their  power  of 
resisting  moisture.  Rotting  off,  which  is  one 
of  the  great  difficulties  in  the  culture  of  Ger- 
bera Jamesonii,  is  much  less  to  fear  in  the 
hybrids,  which,  from  this  point  of  view,  are 
distinctly  superior  to  the  type, 

Conclusions. — The  conclusions  to  be  drawn 
from  this  brief  account  are  of  two  kinds 
— the  scientific  and  the  practical.  From  the 
scientific  point  of  view  it  is  necessary  to 
note  the  disturbance  produced  in  the  species 
by  the  introduction  of  the  pollen  of  Gerbera 
viridifolia  ;  not  only  has  the  number  of  colours 
been  multiplied,  so  to  speak,  indefinitely,  but 
numerous  individuals  have  been  found  with 
flowers  larger  than  those  of  the  parents : 
others  are  more  floriferous,  though  of  shorter 


flowering  season  than  the  two  types  in  the 
cross. 

Though  the  method  by  which  the  first 
hybrids  were  obtained  at  Cambridge  is  known, 
it  is  extremely  difficult  either  to  establish  the 
descent  of  each  form,  or  to  study  the  in- 
fluence of  each  parent  from  the  point  of  view 
of  the  transmission  of  its  special  characters. 
It  is,  therefore,  probable,  in  spite  of  the  very 
precise  notes  taken  by  M.  Adnet  through  four 
generations  of  hybrids,  that  we  shall  be  un- 
able to  find  any  precise  fact  by  which,  in  Ger- 
bera, the  laws  of  Alendel  can  be  studied.  We 
must  wait  until  the  different  colours  are  fixed, 
producing  themselves  true  from  seed,  and 
that,  I  believe,  will  soon  be  done. 

If  we  now  pass  to  the  horticultural  side 
of  the  question,  we  see  in  the  hybrids  of  Ger- 
bera one  of  the  most  interesting  introductions 
of  recent  years.  It  is  impossible  to  describe 
the  elegance,  the  lightness,  the  originality, 
distinctness,  or  the  colours  so  varied  and  deli- 
cate of  this  pretty  Composite.  Recently,  even 
the  violet  colour,  which,  if  I  mistake  not,  was 
wanting  in  the  forms  produced  by  Air.  Lynch, 
has  made  its  appearance  with  Alons.   Adnet. 

As  cut  flowers,  those  of  Gerbera  are  valu- 
able, provided  that  they  are  gathered  fully 
open,  when  the  male  organs  are  well  deve- 
loped;  the  flower-heads  last  two  or  three 
weeks  in  water,  and  make  bouquets  of  in- 
comparable charm.  During  this  winter  the 
Parisian  florists  have  commenced  to  receive 
them  from  the  south,  and  the  welcome  that 
these  flowers  have  been  given  is  a  sure 
guarantee  of  their  success  in  the  future.     L. 


NEW  OR  NOTEWORTHY 
PLANTS. 


RHODODENDRON    ADENOPODIUA1. 

Tins  Rhododendron  (see  fig.  125)  is  one  of  the 
many  new  species  brought  into  notice  by  recent 
exploration  in  Central  China.  It  appears  to  have 
been  first  discovered  by  L'Abbe  Farges  in  Eastern 
Setchuen.  From  seed  forwarded  by  this  gentle- 
man in  1901  AI.  Maurice  do  Vilmorin  raised  the 
plant  which  has  recently  flowered  at  Les  Barres, 
and  from  which  the  illustration  at  fig.  125  has 
been  prepared.  The  species  was  subsequently 
found  by  Air.  E.  H.  Wilson  in  Western  Hupeh, 
whilst  collecting  plants  on  behalf  of  Alessrs. 
Jas.  Veitch  &  Sons.  Young  plants  raised  from 
seeds  sent  home  by  this  collector  are  now  in 
cultivation  at  the  Coombe  Wood  Nursery  of 
Messrs.  Jas.  A'eitch  &  Sons  and  at  the  Royal 
Gardens,  Kew.  The  species  was  named  and 
described  by  Franchet  in  the  Journal  de 
Botanique  for  1895,  p.  391.  According  to  Wilson, 
R.  adenopodium  forms  a  bush  4  to  10  feet  high. 
The  leaves  are  3  to  6  inches  long,  oblong  lanceo- 
late with  an  acutely-pointed  apex,  coriaceous, 
smooth  above,  but  covered  beneath  with  a  close 
white  tomentum.  The  inflorescence  is  described 
by  Franchet  as  few-flowered,  bearing  from  four 
to  six  flowers  only.  The  plant  may,  however, 
prove  more  floriferous  under  cultivation.  The 
corolla  is  bell-shaped,  and  has  five  rounded  lobes. 
The  blooms  are  stated  by  AI.  de  Vilmorin  to  be 
nearly  as  fine  as  those  of  R.  x  kewense.  I  have 
not  seen  the  flowers,  but  they  are  described  by 
AI.  de  Vilmorin  as  of  pale  rose,  and  from 
2j  to  3  inches  across.  A  distinctive  character  of 
the  plant  is  the  hairiness  of  the  flower-stalks  and 
seed  vessels.  The  specimens  at  Kew  and  Coombe 
Wood  are  but  a  few  inches  high,  so  it  is  proba- 
ble that  a  few  years  will  elapse  before  flowers  are 
produced  in  this  country.  AI.  de  Vilmorin's 
plant  flowered  in  an  unheated  glass  structure,  but 
the  species  will  probably  prove  hardy  in  the 
South  of  England,  especially  if  protection  is 
given  the  plants  when  young.      W .  /.  Bean. 


292 


THE    GARDENERS'      CHRONICLE. 


[May  8,  1909-. 


FLORISTS'   FLOWERS. 

CACTUS    DAHLIAS. 

Until  as  late  as  the  second  week  in  May  young 
plants  may  be  shifted  into  5-inch  pots.  It  is  not 
advisable  to  have  Dahlia  plants  too  large  at  the 
time  of  planting  out,  as  large  plants  suffer  more 
severely  from  the  check  of  transplanting,  and 
hence,  should  dry  weather  prevail  just  after  they 
.have  been  transferred  to  their  flowering  quarters, 
they  suffer  more  from  the  drought  than  do  plants 
of  moderate  size.  The  best  are  those  about 
14  inches  high,  with  stout  shoots  that  are  grow- 
ing freely.  Very  small  plants  often  grow  freely 
and  are  very  healthy,  but  much  time  is  lost  be- 
fore they  reach  the  flowering  stage.  In  other 
respects  the  small  plant  has  much  to  recommend 
it,  especially  in  the  case  of  double-flowered  varie- 
ties grown  for  producing  specimen  blooms,  as 
the  growth  is  unchecked  from  first  to  last — an 
important  matter  in  Dahlia  cultivation.  Of  the 
two  I  greatly  prefer  a  small,  actively-growing 
plant  to  one  that  is  larger  but  somewhat  hard 
in  the  wood  and  root-bound.  In  most  seasons, 
by  the  time  such  a  plant  has  made  sufficient 
roots  to  support  its  abundant  foliage,  the  little 
plant  has  made  a  very  good  foundation,  and  pro- 
bably in  a  week  or  two  outstrips  the  bigger  one. 
An  assortment  of  vermin  usually  accompanies 
the  Dahlia  to  its  summer  quarters,  and  for  six 
weeks  after  planting  the  various  pests  give  an 
immense  amount  of  trouble.  Much  of  this  may 
be  avoided  by  dipping  the  plants  in  a  suitable  in- 
secticide the  day  before  they  are  transferred  to 
the  open  ground.  The  damage  caused  to  Dahlias 
by  thrip  is  enormous.  The  unhealthy  appear- 
ance of  so  many  young  Dahlias  is  caused  by  this 
pest,  which  is  apt  to  infest  the  plants  practi- 
cally throughout  the  whole  period  of  their 
growth.  Thrip  may  often  be  found  on  the  plants 
late  in  the  autumn,  but  the  damage  caused 
by  them  is  not  so  much  in  evidence  when  the 
heavy  dews  and  rains  of  autumn  appear.  If  the 
land  was  deeply  'dug  during  April,  all  that  is 
needed  now  is  to  prepare  it  for  planting.  Dah- 
lias thrive  in  a  heavy  soil,  provided  it  has  been 
sufficiently  worked  and  exposed  to  the  influence 
of  the  weather.  When  the  weather  is  wet  day 
after  day  the  grower  who  has  a  heavy  soil  can- 
not successfully  compete  with  one  whose 
land  is  light  and  friable.  Our  system  is  to  turn 
up  the  soil,  and,  after  it  has  been  allowed  to 
dry  for  one  day,  the  clods  are  broken.  The 
plot  is  then  re-dug  and  left  rough  again  on  the 
top,  and  the  process  is  repeated  until  the  whole 
of  the  land  is  brought  into  a  suitable  condition. 
It  is  inadvisable  to  prepare  the  land  in  small 
patches  just  where  each  plant  is  to  be  placed. 
I  have  often  seen  this  done  during  bad  weather, 
the  intention  being  to  finish  digging  between 
the  rows  at  some  future  time.  In  most  cases 
this  proceeding  results  in  certain  parts  of  the 
land  never  getting  tilled  at  all.  I  am  referring, 
of  course,  to  heavy  land.  In  the  case  of  light 
soil,  cow  manure  should  be  employed,  taking 
care  to  bury  it  well.  This  may  be  applied 
until  near  planting  time,  but  earlier  is  better. 
The  following  varieties  of  Cactus  Dahlias  are 
to  be  recommended  : — 

Mrs.  Walter  Baxter. — The  most  reliable  of 
the  dark  varieties.  The  habit  is  dwarf,  free  in 
flowering,  and  the  blooms  are  of  the  best  form. 

C.  E.  Wilhins. — This  is  a  lovely  pink  variety, 
although  the  blooms  do  not  remain  long  in  a 
perfect  condition.  For  this  reason  it  is  advis- 
able to  grow  several  plants  to  ensure  a  supply 
of  the  best  flowers. 

Harold  Peerman. — Unlike  the  preceding 
variety,  this  lasts  well,  and  is  very  reliable, 
being  free  in  blooming  and  of  great  depth  of 
flower.     The  colour  is  a  pure  shade  of  yellow. 

Ivernia. — The  flowers  of  this  variety  are  of 
great  size  and  the  habit  good.  The  colour  is  a 
bright  fawn.  This  variety  needs  but  little  thin- 
ning. 

Rev.  Arthur  Bridge. — The  blooms  of  this 
variety  develop  quickly  and  fade  quickly.     It  is 


of  the  loveliest  colour,  being  yellow  and  tipped 
with  deep  rose  pink.  The  stem  being  rigid,  it 
is  one  of  the  best  varieties  for  bunching. 

Flame. — This  is  a  plant  easily  cultivated,  pro- 
ducing reliable  little  flowers.  It  is  fine  in  floret, 
and  has  a  pretty  centre.  The  name  is  indica- 
tive of  the  colour. 

Foxhunler. — Scarlet  flowers  have  become  rare 
amongst  Cactus  Dahlias,  of  which  this  is  a  use- 
ful variety,  although  but  little  known.  It  has 
straight,   narrow   florets. 

Helium. — One  of  the  largest  of  Cactus  Dah- 
lias, although  it  has  none  too  many  florets.  The 
bloom,  however,  has  a  capital  centre,  and  never 
comes  shallow.  The  plant  is  a  very  gross 
grower,  and  may  be  allowed  to  carry  three  buds 
instead  of  one  only,  as  is  usual. 

Mrs.  F.  Grinsted. — This  dwarf  variety  especi- 
ally requires  a  good,  deep  root  medium.  The 
colour  is  a  purplish  shade  of  crimson. 

Mrs.  W.  H.  Baby. — A  free-flowering,  white 
variety.  Although  not  quite  pure,  it  is  one  of 
the  best  white  Dahlias  yet  produced. 

Hyacinth. — A  good  variety,  but  one  which 
flowers  in  an  erratic  manner,  and  it  may  not 
have  a  single  bloom  out  on  a  show  day.  Owing 
to  this  fault  we  plant  this  variety  in  as  many 
stages  and  aspects  as  possible. 

Ruby  Grinsted. — A  beautiful  salmon  pink 
flower  of  very  great  depth,  and  one  that  lasts 
well.  It  is  rather  later  in  flowering  tha-n  the 
majority,  and  should  be  obtained  as  forward 
as  possible  at  the  time  of  planting. 

Eureka. — A  large,  rather  coarse  flower.  The 
colour  is  a  rich,  velvety-crimson. 

Kathleen  Bryant. — This  is  a  rather  weakly- 
grower,  but  it  produces  excellent  flowers  of  dark- 
crimson  colour. 

William  Marshall. — Though  not  new,  it  is 
still  one  of  the  best  kinds.  Colour  orange  and 
yellow. 

Nelson. — A  huge  flower,  but  very  uncertain 
in  its  behaviour.  It  should  be  given  a  trial  in 
all  collections,  because  where  it  does  succeed  it 
is  magnificent. 

Other  first-rate  sorts  include  Victorian.  Sirius, 
J.  B.  Riding,  Faunus,  T.  A.  Havemeyer,  Recam, 
Lustre,  Mercury,  and  Brutus. 

Decobative  Varieties. 

It  is  doubtless  a  fait  that  some  flowers  with 
the  finest  florets  have  but  indifferent  stems. 
However,  the  exhibitor  cares  not  much  about 
the  stem,  provided  the  bloom  be  good.  It  is  a 
very  different  matter  when  one  wishes  to  use 
them  as  cut  blooms.  There  are  plenty  of  Cactus 
Dahlias  having  good  blooms  and  stout  stems. 
The  following  varieties  possess  both  these  desir- 
able qualities,  although  the  form  of  some  of 
them  is  what  is  termed  by  exhibitors  "  heavy." 

Dorothy. — A  lovely  pink  flower,  possessing  a 
stiff  stem  and  with  flowers  of  exhibition  quality. 

Mrs.  .7.  Emherson. — One  of  the  fancy  Cactus 
Dahlias.  The  flower-stems  are  long  and  stiff, 
and  the  flower  is  of  large  size.  It  is  shy  in 
flowering,  but  otherwise  it  is  a  variety  of  great 
merit. 

Celia. — A  beautiful,  rich  pink  colour,  excel- 
lent in  the  late  autumn.  The  flower-stems  are 
perfectly  erect. 

Caradoc. — This  is  one  of  the  best-stemmed  yel- 
low Dahlias.  The  flowers  are  quite  equal  to  the 
best  exhibition  type. 

E.  Cadman. — A  free-blooming  variety  with 
red  flowers. 

Rosa  Starr. — Another  of  the  pink  varieties: 
it  possesses  all  the  qualities  necessary  for  a  gar- 
den Dahlia. 

Dreadnought. — One  of  the  largest,  and,  as  a 
flower  irrespective  of  exhibition  points,  pro- 
bably the  most  popular.  The  blooms  are  a 
shade  of  crimson-maroon. 


Of  older  sorts  suitable  for  garden  purposes 
may  be  given : — Zoe,  William  Jowett,  Wm.  F. 
Balding,  T.  G.  Baker,  Primrose,  Mrs.  S.  Gas- 
kill,  Khaki,  Mrs.  E.  Mawley,  Mrs.  Brousson, 
Thus.  Parkin,  and  Star.  All  these  varieties  have 
stiff-stemmed  flowers. 

The  shoots  should  be  thinned  a  little  at  in- 
tervals, and  the  roots  be  given  a  moderate  supply 
of  water  during  dry  weather.    Hairy  Stredwicb. 

WORCESTERSHIRE  DAFFODILS. 
A  few  days  after  the  Birmingham  Daffodil 
show,  I  was  afforded  an  opportunity  of  inspecting 
Mr.  Arthur  Goodwin's  Narcissi,  which  are  grown 
in  a  garden  on  the  high  ground  near  Kiddermin- 
ster, commanding  an  extensive  view  over  the 
Severn  Valley,  and  situated  at  an  altitude  of 
500  feet  above  sea-level.  The  soil,  which  is  of 
fertile  loam  interspersed  with  small  nodules  of 
sandstone,  is  excellently  adapted  to  Daffodil 
culture,  as  the  plants  were  all  in  the  most  per- 
fact  health  and  bore  flowers  of  very  large  size. 
Messrs.  Ca.rtwright  and  Goodwin  were  very  suc- 
cessful at  Birmingham,  winning  the  Champion 
prize  for  the  greatest  number  of  points  and  ex- 
hibiting several  remarkable  flowers,  among 
which  were  Giraffe,  Scarlet  Gem,  a  new  seedling 
between  Horace  and  Jaune  a  Merveille,  and  the 
double  Red  and  Gold,  all  of  which  received 
Awards  of  Merit,  as  well  as  Chloe,  Lemon  Star, 
Inga,  and  Evangeline.  Mr.  Goodwin  must,  at 
the  present  moment,  have  fully  50,000  seedlings 
raised  from  the  best  varieties,  that  have  not  yet 
flowered.  M.  J.  Berkeley,  a  variety  that  some- 
times proves  difficult  to  grow,  was  in  the  best  of 
health  with  deep  blue-green  foliage,  and  was 
bearing  seed  ;  Golden  Spur,  fertilised  with  special 
pollen,  had  the  seed-pods  well  formed.  A  batch 
of  Lucifer  seedlings  were  flowering  for  the  first 
time,  some  being  very  brilliant  in  th?>  colouring 
of  their  cups.  Glory  of  Noordwijk,  Weardale 
Perfection,  and  Emperor  were  bearing  enormous 
flowers,  and  Lady  Margaret  Boscawen  was  ex- 
ceptionally fine ;  a  seedling  between  the  last- 
named  variety  and  N.  calathinus,  bearing  three 
flowers  on  a  stem,  was  very  pretty.  A  cross 
between  Madame  de  Graaff  and  Minnie  Hume 
showed  a  distinct  break  in  having  the  trumpet 
edged  with  apricot.  A  very  beautiful  picture 
was  presented  by  thousands  of  the  delicate,  white 
Waterwitch  with  drooping  blossoms  swaying  in 
the  breeze.  Madame  de  Graaff  was  doing  very 
well,  and  Princess  Ena  (Award  of  Merit,  R.H.S.) 
was  very  similar  in  appearance.  A  beautiful 
flower  with  a  Mat,  white  perianth  and  green- 
centred  cup  edged  with  glowing  orange,  was  a 
hybrid  between  N.  Bernardii,  from  the  Pyrenees, 
and  a  variety  of  N.  poeticus.  Circlet,  which  ob- 
tained an  Award  of  Merit  from  the  R.H.S.  in 
March,  and  has  a  wide,  overlapping,  white  peri- 
anth and  spreading,  yellow  cup.  was  present  in 
numbers.  Of  trumpets.  Mis.  .1.  H.  Veitch  is  one 
of  the  best  yellows;  Cornelia,  of  the  same  colour, 
is  fine  in  quality  and  large;  and  Cleopatra, 
anqther  golden  trumpet,  is  a  striking  flower, 
while  Ailsa,  the  whitest  of  the  white  trumpets, 
is  a  beautiful  flower.  Musidorus  is  a  good  late 
variety  raised  by  Mr.  Engleheart  from  N.  poeti- 
cus of  Liniueus.  Others  of  Mr.  Engleheart's 
raising  were  Commodore,  a  very  healthy  grower' 
of  good  habit ;  Resolute,  a  hybrid  from  Grandee  ; 
Sceptre,  and  the  double  Argent.  One  of  the  best 
of  the  parvi-coronati  section  was  Ethelbert,  raised 
by  Mrs.  Backhouse,  of  Hereford,  and  shown  at 
Birmingham.  There  was  a  very  lovely  collection 
of  Minnie  Hume  and  triandrus  seedlings  with 
scarcely  a  bad  flower  amongst  them,  mostly  with 
two  blossoms  on  the  stem ;  and  some  pretty 
seedlings  between  Mine,  de  Graaff  and  Minnie 
Hume.  A  cross  between  King  Alfred  and  N. 
triandrus  was  flowering  in  its  third  year  and 
bearing  pale  yellow  trumpet  flowers  of  exquisite 
shape.  Elvira,  a  poetaz,  was  being  fertilised 
with  the  pollen  of  brightly-coloured  varieties  of 
N.  poeticus  and  perfectus ;  an  incomparabilis, 
with  very  flat,  broad  perianth,  was  being  used 
as   a   seed-bearer.     An    unnamed    seedling,    with. 


May  8,  1909.1 


THE     GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


293 


pure  white,  overlapping  perianth  4£  inches  across 
and  deep  yellow  cup  edged  with  orange-scarlet, 
should  make  a  sensation  when  distributed.  Other 
notable  flowers  were  Giraffe,  a  hybrid  between 
Princess  Mary  and  Mme.  de  Graaff ;  Evangeline, 
with  white,  broad-petalled  perianth  and  rich 
yellow  cup  ;  Alton  Locke ;  Fusilier,  very  bright ; 
Ariadne,  white  spreading  perianth,  lemon  cup; 
Fairy  Queen,  a  lovely,  pure  white,  one  of  the 
most  beautiful  of  all  Daffodils  ;  Beacon ;  Ceres,  a 
cross  between  Grandee  and  N.  poeticus ;  the 
popular  Citron,  Arnold  Rogers  (a  flower  of  high 
merit) ;  Homespun,  Incognita,  Seagull,  Albatross, 
Blackwell,  Catharine  Spurell,  and  J.  B.  M. 
Camm.     F. 


MEGAGLINIUM  PURPUREO  RAGHIS,  wildem. 

At  the  meeting  of  the  Orchid  Committee  of  the 
Royal  Horticultural  Society,  on  April  6,  a  very 
remarkable  Megaclinium  (see  fig.  126)  was  shown 
by  Sir  Trevor  Lawrence,  Bart.,  K.C.V.O.,  as 
M.  Bufo.  The  only  illustration  of  M.  Bufo 
known  to  us  is  the  small  figure  showing  a  por- 
tion of  an  inflorescence  in  the  first  volume 
of  the  Gardeners'  Chronicle,  (1841,  p.  348). 
This  was  taken  from  the  original  plant 
which  flowered  with  Messrs.  Loddiges,  and  dif- 
fers much  from  the  plant  shown  by  Sir  Trevor 
Lawrence.  This  newer  plant  has  since  been  iden- 
tified at  Kew  as  Megaclinium  purpureo-raehis, 
Wildem.  It  is  a  very  remarkable  species,  the 
flowers  on  each  side  of  its  flattened  purple  rachis 
being  concealed  whilst  in  the  bud  stage  by  curi- 
ously-formed bracts;  lately  the  bracts  reflex  as 
the  flowers  in  succession  approach  maturity.  The 
flowers  are  yellowish,  spotted  with  purple. 

The  genus  is  a  singular  one,  peculiar  to 
Tropical  Africa,  and  it  is  not  surprising  that  the 
flowering  of  Megaclinium  Bufo  in  1841  should 
have  been  regarded  as  an  event  of  considerable 
importance.  The  note  which  accompanied  the 
illustration  was  as  follows: — 

"  Vegetable  Reptiles.  The  Megaclinium  Bufo 
or  Toad  Orchis  is  thus  described  in  the  Botanical 
Ttegister.  Let  the  reader  imagine  a  green  snake 
to  be  pressed  flat  like  a  dried  flower,  and 
then  to  have  a  row  of  toads,  or  some  such 
speckled  reptiles,  drawn  up  along  the  middle  in 
single  file,  their  backs  set  up,  their  tore  legs 
sprawling  right  and  left,  and  their  mouths  wide 
open,  witli  a  large  purple  tongue  wagging  about 
convulsively,  and  a  pretty  considerable  approach 
will  be  gained  to  an  idea  of  this  strange  plant, 
which,  if  Pythagoras  had  but  known  it,  would 
have  rendered  all  arguments  about  the  transmi- 
gration of  souls  superfluous.  The  figure  will  show 
that  the  language  of  this  account  is  justified  by 
the  plant  itself,  which  is  really  one  of  the  most 
strange-looking  things  that  we  have  in  gardens. 
We  only  regret  that  the  queer  motion  of  the 
tongue  cannot  also  be  shown." 

The  moving  labellum  is  peculiar  to  the  genus, 
and  Mr.  Worthington  G.  Smith's  drawings  of 
the  parts  show  their  arrangement  in  this  species. 


BACK    X-3 


FlG.    126. —  MEGACLINIUM    PURPUREO-RACHIS,  AS    SHOWN    BY    SIR   TREVOR   LAWRENCE,  BART., 
AT    THE    ROYAL    HORTICULTURAL    SOCIETY'S    MEETING    ON    APRIL    U    LAST 


NOTES  ON  IRISES. 

IRIS    GRANT-DUFFII    AND    ITS    ALLIES. 

Will  any  reader  of  the  Gardeners'  Chronicle 
who  has  succeeded  in  inducing  I.  Grant-Duftii  to 
flower  give  his  experience?  It  was  one  of  the 
very  few  Irises  that  baffled  the  late  Sir  Michael 
Foster.  I  remember  his  telling  me,  as  he  gave 
me  some  roots,  that  he  had  grown  them  for  25 
years  from  the  time  that  General  Grant  Duff 
gave  them  to  him,  and  that  he  had  never  had  a 
flower.  These  plants  I  still  have,  and  others  im- 
ported from  Palestine,  but  I  have  never  yet  seen 
a  flower. 

I.  Aschersonii,  however,  is  flowering  freely 
this  year  with  me,  and  I  attribute  this  to  the 
fact  that  I  am  growing  it  in  moist,  rich  soil. 
I.  Grant-Dufni,  too,  seems  to  be  doing  better 
under    these    conditions,    and    I     hope     to     see 


294 


THE    GARDENERS     CHRONICLE. 


[May  8,  1909. 


flowers  next  year.  A  correspondent  in  Jaffa 
told  me  that  these  Irises  grow  in  swamps,  which 
means,  I  take  it,  that  the  soil  is  moist  in 
spring  and  yet  parched  in  the  height  of  sum- 
mer. I.  ochroleuca  and  I.  Monnieri  are  found 
wild,  I  believe,  in  similar  situations,  and  need 
moisture  and  rich  feeding  to  flower  well.  It  re- 
mains to  be  seen  whether  I.  Grant-Duffii  will 
respond  to  this  treatment,  or  whether  the  secret 
of  its  needs  has  yet  to  be  discovered. 

The  new  Iris  melanosticta  is  said  to  bo  a 
member  of  the  same  group,  and  a  purple- 
flowered  form,  I.  Masiaa,  is  also  in  cultivation. 

AN    IRIS    DISEASE. 

Of  late  years  Iris  growers  have  from  time  to 
time  suffered  from  the  ravages  of  a  disease 
which  attacks  the  rhizomes  of  Pogoniris,  gener- 
ally at  the  flowering  time.  The  leaves  turn 
yellow  first  at  the  tip,  and  then  all  over,  and 
flower-stems  topple  over  and  are  found  to  be  rot- 
ten at  the  base.  The  disease  is  said  to  be  due 
to  a  fungus  which  attacks  the  skin  of  the  rhi- 
zome, after  which  a  bacillus  enters  in  by  the 
wound  and  completes  the  destruction.  Lime  has 
sometimes  been  suggested  as  a  remedy,  but 
though  this  may  discourage  the  fungus,  it 
tends,   I  believe,  to  encourage  the  bacillus. 

The  only  remedy,  and  this  a  partial  remedy, 
is  to  take  up  affected  plants  at  once,  when 
it  will  be  found  usually  that  it  is  the  old 
central  rhizomes  that  are  affected,  whilst  the 
young  side  growths  are  intact.  These  may  be 
cut  off,  and  possibly  washed  in  some  such  dis- 
infectant as  permanganate  of  potash,  and  re- 
planted in  fresh  ground.  Since  Pogoniris  make 
a  fresh  set  of  roots  at  flowering  time,  the  plants 
will  grow  strongly  at  once,  and  be  well  estab- 
lished before  autumn.  I  have  also  found  that 
diseased  rhizomes,  which  I  pulled  up  and  left 
lying  on  the  surface  of  the  ground  under  a 
light  all  through  last  summer,  are  now  growing 
healthily.  IF.  B.  Dykes,  Charterhouse,  Godal- 
ining.  

NOTES  FROM  A  "FRENCH"  GARDEN. 

The  lights  and  frames  may  now  be  re- 
moved from  the  Carrots  and  Turnips,  and  set 
in  position  on  the  site  intended  for  the  culture 
of  Melons.  In  order  to  prevent  the  soil  from 
being  displaced  and  to  keep  the  sides  of  the 
beds  intact,  some  short  manure  should  be  put 
against  the  beds. 

The  Carrots  are  forming  nice  roots,  and  need 
abundant  waterings. 

The  first  batch  of  Cos  Lettuce  is  ready  for 
market.  We  tie  the  plants  before  they  are 
pulled  from  the  ground  to  prevent  the  leaves 
from  breaking. 

The  cloches  will  now  be  placed  over  Rows  I., 
IV.,  and  VI.,  as  shown  in  the  diagram,  p.  164, 
fig.  70. 

The  plants  are  given  a  copious  watering  before 
being  covered  with  the  cloches,  and  they  are 
shaded    with    mats    in   the    middle    of   the   day. 

The  lights  and  frames  should  now  be  removed 
from  the  Endives  planted  early  in  April,  the 
appliances  being  required  for  Melons.  The  En- 
•dives  will  require  light,  but  frequent,  waterings. 

We  are  pulling  Radishes  sown  as  an  intercrop 
with  the  "  Passion  "  Lettuces  in  the  open. 
When  this  crop  is  cleared,  the  ground  will  be 
well  hoed.  These  Lettuces  will  require  no  fur- 
ther attention  beyond  waterings  until  they  are 
ready  for  market  about  the  middle  of  May. 

We  are  sowing  a  batch  of  "  Witloof  " 
Chicory  as  a  winter  crop.  The  seeds  are  sown 
thinly  in  well-manured  ground  in  drills  drawn 
1  foot  apart.  Hot-beds  are  being  prepared  for 
Melons,  the  seeds  having  been  sown  in  three  dif- 
ferent batches :  the  last  of  the  seedlings  will 
be  stopped  early  next  week.  All  our  plants  are 
healthy  and  forward,  so  that  we  shall  be  com- 
pelled to  finish  the  making  of  the  beds 
by  May  15. 

Before  planting  the  Melons  we  wait  until  the 
manure  has  fermented,  which  generally  occu- 
pies three  or  four  days.  After  planting,  the 
frames  are  lined  with  fresh  manure,  and  mats 
are  placed  on  the  lights  for  the  whole  of  the 
first  day.  These  are  afterwards  removed  early 
in  the  mornings,  but  the  shading  is  again 
placed  on  the  glass  when  the  sun  is  shining 
brightly.  We  have  made  tidy  the  beds  of  Onion 
'"  White  of  Paris,"  the  seeds  of  which  were 
sown  last  August.  The  bulbs  are  now  swelling, 
and  we  expect  that  they  will  be  ready  for  mar- 
keting within  a  fortnight.     /'.  Aquatias,  May  1. 


The  Week's  Work. 

£RE  HARDY  FRUIT  GARDEN. 


By  J.  G.  Weston,  Gardener  to  H.  J.  King,  Esq.,  Eastwell 
Park,  Kent. 

Out-of-door  vines. — Early  attention  should  be 
paid  to  the  disbudding  of  outdoor  vines,  rub- 
bing out  all  but  two  or  three  of  the  shoots  on 
each  spur.  After  an  interval  of  a  week  or  two 
the  shoots  may  be  again  thinned  to  one  on  each 
spur,  it  being  possible  at  that  time  to  determine 
which  will  carry  the  best  bunch  of  fruit ;  one 
shoot  is  quite  sufficient,  and  it  should  be  stopped 
when  it  has  made  two  leaves  beyond  the  fruit. 
Subsequently  all  lateral  shoots  should  be  stopped 
at  the  first  leaf.  Keep  the  growths  well  thinned 
out  so  that  the  leaves,  being  fully  exposed  to  the 
sun  and  air,  may  grow  hard  and  leathery  in  tex- 
ture. They  will  thus  the  better  withstand 
attacks  of  insects  or  of  such  fungus  diseases  as 
mildew.  The  first  appearance  of  mildew  should 
be  looked  for  assiduously,  and  on  its  appearance 
the  plants  should  be  sprayed  immediately  with 
a  fungicide.  Outdoor  vines  being  usually  culti- 
vated against  walls  and  buildings  facing  south, 
they  require  a  considerable  amount  of  water 
applied  at  the  roots.  Later,  when  the  fruits  are 
swelling,  frequent  applications  of  manure  water 
should  be  given  them. 

The  watering  of  young  fruit  trees. — Young 
trees  that  were  planted  last  season,  and  especially 
those  that  were  planted  against  walls,  must  be 
examined  frequently  that  water  may  be  given  to 
them  before  they  suffer  from  drought.  When 
drying  winds  prevail,  such  trees  suffer  irreparable 
injury  if  they  are  also  dry  at  the  roots.  A  slight 
spraying  overhead  in  the  afternoon  will  be  bene- 
ficial in  keeping  the  wood  in  a  plump  condition, 
thus  encouraging  them  to  make  growth.  If  these 
trees  have  not  already  been  given  a  mulching  of 
some  light  material,  as  was  advised  in  a  former 
Calendar,  it  should  be  applied  at  once.  Manure 
from  a  spent  Mushroom  bed  is  probably  the  best 
material  to  use ;  but  if  this  nor  any  other  short 
manure  is  procurable,  then  the  mown  grass  from 
the  lawns  may  be  used  in  their  stead.  Disbud 
these  young  trees  carefully,  and  endeavour  to  get 
each  to  form  a  good  foundation  for  its  future 
development. 

Plums. — The  trees  are  now  growing  rapidly. 
At  this  season  suckers  are  more  than  usually 
troublesome.  Remove  any  that  are  seen  before 
they  become  difficult  of  eradication. 

Apple  blossom  weevil. — This  pest  will  now  at- 
tack the  Apple  blossom.  It  the  trees  were 
thoroughly  sprayed  during  the  winter  with  a 
caustic  alkali  solution,  there  will  be  less  reason 
to  fear  attack.  Unwashed  and  otherwise  neglected 
trees,  bearing  rough  bark  with  moss  upon  it,  pro- 
vide ideal  hiding  places  for  this  pest.  Soon  aftei 
the  weevil  has  entered  an  Apple  blossom  the 
petals  turn  a  brown  colour  as  if  affected  by  frost. 
If  such  blooms  are  closely  examined  a  weevil  will 
generally  be  found  in  them,  or  a  little  hole  will 
be  discovered  in  the  petals  indicating  that  the 
weevil  has  escaped.  If  young  trees  are  attacked 
some  of  the  weevils  may  be  caught  by  shaking 
the  trees  suddenly  on  a  calm  day,  for  on  this 
provocation  the  weevils  will  drop  suddenly  from 
the  tree.  A  sheet  is  usually  placed  under  the 
tree  before  it  is  shaken,  and  the  weevils  are 
gathered  up  and  destroyed. 


actually  commenced.  During  warm  weather  the 
house  should  be  ventilated  freely  both  at  the  top 
and  bottom,  and  the  top  ventilators  may  be  left 
open  just  a  little  during  the  night.  Stop  and 
regulate  the  shoots  on  later  trees,  in  order  that 
every  shoot  may  be  fully  exposed  to  the  sunshine, 
and  "that  the  air  may  circulate  freely  amongst  the 
shoots.  Spray  the  foliage  with  tepid  water  each 
morning  and  at  closing  time  in  the  afternoon. 
During  the  day  a  moist  atmosphere  may  be  pro- 
moted by  damping  at  frequent  intervals  all  the 
available  surfaces  in  the  house.  Trees  carrying  a 
full  crop  of  fruit,  especially  if  they  are  growing  in 
shallow  or  restricted  borders,  must  be  fed  liber- 
ally, and  the  borders  should  be  covered  with  a 
mulch  of  decomposed  horse  manure,  if  this  mate- 
rial has  not  already  been  supplied.  Very  little 
fire  heat  is  needed  at  this  season  of  the  year, 
indeed,  merely  sufficient  to  maintain  a  circula- 
tion in  the  atmosphere.  -» 

Early  Peach  and  Nectarine  trees  in  2>ots. — 
Manures  must  be  withheld  from  these  trees 
directly  the  fruits  begin  to  ripen  ;  water  even  must 
only  be  given  in  moderation.  If  the  pots  are  at 
present  exposed  to  the  sun's  rays,  they  should  be 
shaded  by  some  means  in  order  that  watering  may 
not  be  needed  so  frequently.  Syringing  must  not 
be  practised  during  the  time  the  fruits  are  ripen- 
ing. When  all  the  fruits  have  been  gathered,  the 
trees  must  be  removed  to  a  cool  house,  where 
they  should  be  syringed  twice  a  day.  If  red 
spider  is  present  on  the  leaves,  the  plants  had 
better  be  laid  on  their  sides  and  thoroughly 
syringed  with  an  insecticide.  Later,  when  the 
weather  is  warmer,  plunge  the  pots  in  ashes  out- 
of-doors  in  a  sunny  position. 

Early  Peaches  in  borders. — These  trees  should 
be  given  a  thorough  watering  just  before  the 
ripening  stage  commences,  it  being  inadvisable  to 
apply  water  during  the  time  the  fruits  are  actu- 
ally ripening.  At  that  stage  the  house  must  be 
kept  dry.  Remove  any  laterals  that  are  shading 
the  fruits,  and  if  there  are  any  fruits  on  the 
undersides  of  the  shoots,  they  must  be  exposed  to 
the  light  by  placing  a  label  or  some  similar  prop 
under  them.  In  determining  whether  a  Peach  is 
ripe  or  not,  the  underside  of  the  fruit  near  to 
the  stem  alone  should  be  felt.  The  fruits  should 
be  gathered  as  early  in  the  morning  as  possible. 
Certain  varieties  of  Peaches — and  particularly 
Nectarines — are  liable  to  suffer  from  scalding  dur- 
ing the  ripening  season,  and  this  causes  the  skin 
of  the  fruit  to  shrivel.  The  trouble  may  be  pre- 
vented by  covering  the  glass  with  a  double  thick- 
ness of  fish  netting. 


FRUITS  UNDER  GLASS. 

By  E.  Harriss,  Fruit  Foreman,  Royal  Gardens,  Frogmore. 

Fig  trees  in  pots. — As  soon  as  the  fruits  are 
taken  from  the  earliest  trees  in  pots,  these  trees 
should  be  thoroughly  cleansed  of  any  insect  pests 
there  may  be  present  on  them.  It  is  not  advis- 
able to  allow  pot  trees  to  bear  a  second  crop, 
especially  if  they  are  needed  for  forcing  early  next 
season.  '  Therefore,  the  house  should  be  kept  as 
cool  as  possible.  Syringe  the  trees  with  clear 
wTater  thoroughly  each  morning  and  afternoon  in 
hot  weather,  and  exercise  care  that  the  roots  are 
never  allowed  to  suffer  from  drought.  Thin  out 
any  shoots  necessary  to  allow  the  others  to  be 
fully  exposed  to  the  light,  and  pinch  the  points  of 
those  which  are  growing  freely.  As  soon  as  the 
weather  is  favourable,  the  trees  may  be  removed 
out-of-doors,  and  plunged  in  ashes  in  a  position 
exposed  to  the  sun. 

Fig  trees  in  borders. — Afford  liberal  supplies  of 
manure  water  to  trees  on  which  the  fruits 
are  approaching  the  ripening  stage,  but 
withhold     manures     as     soon     as     ripening     has 


THE    KITCHEN    GARDEN. 

By  E.  Beckett,  Gardener  to  the  Hon.  Vicary  Gibbs, 
Aldenham  House,  Elstree,  Hertfordshire. 

S'alsafy. — This  is  one  of  the  most  useful  of 
winter  vegetables  and  deserves  to  be  more  gene- 
rally cultivated.  The  last  sowing  for  the  season 
should  now  be  made,  selecting  deeply  tilled  and 
finely-worked  soil.  Sow  the  seeds  thinly  in 
drills,  drawn  at  15  inches  apart,  and  as  soon  as 
the  young  plants  are  large  enough,  thin  them  out 
to  12  inches  or  so  apart.  If  perfectly  shaped 
specimens  are  required  it  may  be  necessary  in 
some  soils  to  bore  deep  holes  as  advised  for 
Carrots,  and  to  fill  them  with  finely-sifted  soil  of 
a  sandy  nature. 

Scorzonera. — This  requires  much  the  same 
kind  of  treatment  as  Salsafy,  but  it  is  important 
that  the  seed  is  not  sown  too  early.  The  best 
time  to  sow  is  from  May  12  to  May  20. 

Seal-ale. — The  young  sets  of  Seakale  planted 
out  last  month  should  have  their  eyes  or  shoots 
reduced  to  one,  leaving  the  strongest.  Every 
encouragement  should  be  given  the  plants  to 
make  a  robust  growth.  In  showery  weather  a 
slight  application  of  some  approved  fertiliser  may 
be  made  and  the  surface  soil  should  be  disturbed 
frequently  by  means  of  a  Dutch  hoe. 

Brussels  Sprouts. — Plants  that  were  pricked 
out  from  the  earliest  sowings  may  now  be  suffi- 
ciently advanced  to  be  put  in  their  permanent 
quarters.  Lift  each  plant  carefully  with  a  ball 
of  soil  attached  to  its  roots.  It  is  scarcely 
possible  to  make  the  soil  too  firm  about  the  roots. 
The  rows  should  be  3  feet  distant  from  each 
other,  and  the  distance  between  each  plant  in 
the  row  should  not  be  less  than  2  feet  6  inches. 
If  Brassica  crops  on  this  soil  have  been  in  the 
habit  of  showing  club  disease,  it  will  be  well  to 
fill  in  the  holes  with  finely-sifted  cinder  ashes. 
I  have  found  this  material  a  splendid  preventive 
of  club  disease. 


May  8,  1909.] 


THE     GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


295 


Cabbage. — Quick-maturing  varieties  that  were 
raised  in  boxes  and  afterwards  pricked  out  should 
be  ready  for  planting.  Most  of  these  may  be 
planted  at  15  inches  apart  in  rows  2  feet  distant 
from  each  other. 

Spinach  (New  Zealand). — This  vegetable  fre- 
quently has  great  value  during  a  hot  season, 
ordinary  Spinach  thriving  but  poorly  in  very  hot 
weather.  Seeds  of  New  Zealand  Spinach  may 
now  be  sown  in  boxes,  and  the  seedlings  after- 
wards planted  cut,  or  seeds  may  be  sown  on  a 
warm  border  out-of-doors. 

Cucumbers. — If  Cucumber  plants  have  been 
properly  hardened,  they  may  safely  be  planted  in 
portable  frames,  which  have  already  done  duty 
for  other  vegetable  crops.  It  will  be  necessary, 
however,  to  make  the  best  use  of  the  sun  heat 
Dy  closing  the  lights  very  early  in  the  afternoon 
and  spraying  the  surfaces  with  chilled  water. 
Cover  the  lights  entirely  with  some  protective 
material  on  cold  nights,  but  do  not  neglect  to 
ventilate  the  frame  early  each  morning.  Peg 
down  the  growths,  stop,  and  thin  them  out  as 
they  require  it.  The  best  varieties  of  ridge 
Cucumbers  are  worth  cultivation  in  any  garden. 
They  should  be  brought  into  bearing  as  soon 
after  planting  as  possible.  The  warmest  avail- 
able place,  therefore,  should  be  given  them,  it 
being  all  the  better  if  a  moderate  hot-bed  can 
be  formed  for  their  use.  The  seeds  should  be 
sown  at  once,  and  the  plants  may  be  put  out 
towards  the  end  of  the  present  mouth.  Hand 
lights  or  cloches  may  be  used  for  a  short  time 
in  order  to  give  them  a  better  start.  Failing 
these,  the  plants  may  be  coven  I  .it  nights 
with  flowerpots  or  some  other  form  of  shelter. 


are  unhealthy  or  shrivelled  should  be  relieved  of 
their  flower-sheaths.  The  pots  for  these  Cattleyas 
and  L:elias  should  be  about  half  filled  with  clean 
crocks  for  drainage,  over  which  a  layer  of  the 
roughest  part  of  the  compost  should  be  placed 
with  a  sprinkling  of  small  crocks  intermixed. 
This  should  be  made  quite  firm  on  the  surface. 
The  compost  should  consist  of  Osmunda  fibre  and 
Polypodium  fibre  in  equal  parts.  Cut  both 
materials  up  together,  but  not  too  finely,  and  mix 
with  them  plenty  of  small  broken  crocks.  For 
these  plants  we  do  not  use  Sphagnum-moss,  but 
some  growers  prefer  to  mix  a  little  with  the  com- 
post, and  results  are  equally  good.  Over-potting 
should  be  avoided.  Pot  rather  firmly,  especially 
in  the  centre,  and  keep  the  rhizome  of  each  plant 
about  on  a  level  with  the  rim  of  the  pot.  Tall- 
growing  plants  like  Laelia  elegans  and  Cattleya 
amethystoglossa  may  require  to  have  a  pseudo- 
bulb  here  and  there  tied  to  neat  sticks  to  hold 
the  plant  firmly  in  its  place.  When  the  plants 
have  been  repotted,  place  them  on  the  shady 
side  of  the  house,  and  for  a  few  weeks  keep  them 
rather  dry  at  the  root,  but  the  surroundings  may 
be  kept  fairly  moist  by  syringing  between  the 
pots  several  times  each  day  according  to  the  con- 
dition of  the  weather  outside. 


supports.  In  the  case  of  quick-growing  plants 
under  glass  it  is  better  to  affix  another  in  the 
course  of  a  few  weeks  rather  than  to  use  one 
larger  than  is  needed.  Whilst  the  ties  must  be 
made  sufficiently  tight  to  keep  the  plant  steady, 
it  is  obvious  that  allowance  ought  to  be  made 
for  the   increase  in  size  of  growing  stems. 


THE    ORCHID    HOUSES. 

By  W.  H.  White,  Orchid  Grower  to  Sir  Trevor  Lawrence, 
Bart.,  Bui  I  ird,  Surrey. 

Cattleya  ami  Lcelia. — Now  that  such  plants  as 
Cattleya  Schroderse  and  C.  Lawrenceana  are 
passing  out  of  bloom,  they  should  be  placed  in 
the  coolest  part  of  the  house,  and  be  kept 
comparatively  dry  at  the  root,  otherwise 
they  may  recommence  to  grow  instead  of 
getting  to  rest.  Each  plant  should  be  watched, 
and  immediately  root  action  commences  those 
plants  which  require  it  should  be  repotted. 
Plants  of  C.  Mendelii,  C.  Mossia?,  C.  Skinneri, 
Lrelia  purpurata,  and  the  various  Cattleya  and 
Laelio-Cattleya  hybrids  developing  flower-spikes, 
will  require  to  be  kept  fairly  moist  at  the  root 
till  the  flowers  expand.  Over-watering  must  be 
carefully  guarded  against,  for  if  the  plants  are 
kept  too  wet  whilst  in  bloom,  some  of  the  pseudo- 
bulbs  and  leaves  may  decay  soon  after  the  flowers 
have  faded.  Plants  of  the  autumn  flowering  C. 
labiata,  C.  Gaskelliana,  C.  gigas,  C.  Dowiana, 
C.  D.  aurea,  C.  Bowringiana,  and  others  that  are 
starting  to  grow  should  be  placed  in  the  warmest 
part  of  the  house.  Elevate  the  plants  well  up  to 
the  roof  glass,  so  that  they  will  be  well  exposed 
to  the  light-  If  the  Cattleya  house  is  situated  ;it  a 
high  elevation  and  in  a  naturally  dry  position, 
the  plants  in  growth  will  probably  require  a 
moderate  supply  of  water  at  the  root  twice  a 
week,  but  in  low-lying  districts  where  the  house 
is  less  exposed  to  drying  winds,  about  one  water- 
ing a  week  for  the  present  will  be  found  sufficient. 
In  either  case  the  compost  should  be  allowed  to 
become  moderately  dry  before  water  is  again 
applied  to  the  roots.  When  the  flower-sheaths 
are  seen  developing  in  the  young  growths  the 
quantity  of  water  may  be  slightly  increased.  C. 
Luddemanniana  (speciosissima)  may  also  be  in- 
cluded with  the  varieties  mentioned  as  regards 
its  present  requirements,  but  better  flowering 
results  may  be  obtained  with  this  species 
if  the  plants  are  suspended  as  near  to 
the  roof  glass  as  possibly.  In  such  a 
position  the  plants  take  more  water  than 
those  down  upon  the  stage,  and  it  is  better 
for  them  to  do  so.  Plants  of  C.  Trianae  starting 
to  grow  and  needing  room  for  further  develop- 
ment may  be  repotted.  The  young  growths  will 
soon  produce  roots  which  will  quickly  enter  the 
new  compost.  Plants  of  C.  Percivalliana,  C. 
amethystoglossa,  C.  Harrisons,  and  others  now 
commencing  to  grow  may  also  be  repotted.  In 
most  collections  there  will  be  some  plants  of 
C.  Mendelii  and  C.  Mossire  that  have  failed  to 
produce  flower-spikes,  or  others  that  have  de- 
teriorated and  require  breaking  up.  These  may 
also  be  attended  to  at  this  season.     Plants  that 


PLANTS    UNDER   GLASS. 

By  A.  C.  Bartlett,  Gardener  to  Mrs.  Ford,  Pencarrow, 
Cornwall. 

Coleus. — The  earliest  plants  of  Coleus  should 
now  be  growing  in  7  inch  pots,  Those  that 
were  propagated  later  should  be  potted  off  as 
soon  as  they  have  made  roots.  Continue  to  in- 
sert fresh  batches  of  cuttings  at  intervals, 
remembering  that  well  grown  plants,  upon  a 
sin  I'  stem,  in  3-inch  pots,  are  useful  for  fur- 
nishing small  vases  in  the  house.  As  a  rule, 
however,  there  is  no  advantage  in  retaining  a 
planl  after 'it  has  doni  duly  in  a  dwelling-room. 
For  lln'  present  let  the  plants  lie  kept  in  a  warm, 
moist  house,  and  in  a  position  that  is  well 
exposed  to  the  light. 

Begonia. — Varieties  of  B.  Hex  may  easily  be 
propagated  from  the  older  leaves.  Take  the 
I.  aves  and  make  a  few  incisions  on  the  under  side 
of  the  ribs.  Then  lay  them  flat  on  pans  of  light 
sandy  soil.  Be  careful  not  to  over  water  the  soil, 
but  shade  the  leaves  from  sunshine.  Established 
plants  should  be  cultivated  in  partial  shade  and 
in  a  moist  atmosphere.  If  the  plants  are  to  be 
used  as  vase  plants  they  should  be  turned  round 
frequently,  otherwise  all  the  leaves  will  face  in 
one  direction.  Tuberous-rooted  varieties  may 
now  be  grown  in  an  unheated  frame  facing  to 
the  south.  The  plants  should  be  arranged  on  a 
bed  of  cinders,  and  may    1  1    ovi  rhead 

twice    each    day    during    fine    weather.      In    the 
middle  hours  of  bright,  sun  slight  shade- 

may  be  afforded. 

Boronia. — As  the  plants  complete  their  flower- 
ing, B.  elatior,  B.  heterophylla,  and  B.  mega- 
stigma  should  be  pruned  severely  and  placed  in 
a  warm,  moist  house.  Do  not  water  them  much 
at  the  root  for  some  time  after  the  pruning  has 
been  done,  but  syringe  the  plants  overhead  when- 
ever the  weather  is  bright.  When  they  have 
completed  their  growth  they  may  be  removed  to 
a  cooler  house. 

Nerine. — When  the  foliage  shows  signs  of 
tinning  yellow,  the  supply  of  water  at  the  roots 
should"  be  gradually  decreased,  until  when  the 
leaves  have  quite  withered  the  roots  may  be  kept 
dry.  Nerines  require  a  long  season  of  rest,  and 
during  this  period  they  should  be  fully  exposed 
to  sunshine  in  a  cool  house  or  frame. 

Slaking.— Many  plants  now  require  some 
means  of  support,  and  it  is  bad  gardening  to 
withhold  stakes  in  cases  where  they  are  neces- 
sary. At  the  same  time  it  is  equally  wrong  to 
use  more  than  are  absolutely  essential.  The 
vivid  green  stakes  sometimes  seen  are  objection- 
ably prominent  when  associated  with  certain 
plants.  It  is  difficult  to  get  shades  of  painted  green 
that  are  not  conspicuous  when  associated  with 
living  stems  and  leaves.  As  a  rule  home-grown 
stakes  are  best.  In  the  Western  counties  many 
of  us  are  able  to  use  Bamboo  canes  that  we  our- 
selves have  cultivated.  These  are  chiefly  ob- 
tained from  the  Metake  (Arundinaria  japonica). 
This  Bamboo,  being  similar  in  colour  to  the 
leaves  and  stems  of  many  plants,  makes  a  fairly 
inconspicuous  stake.  A  stake  should  never  be 
out   of   proportion    to   the    size   of   the   plant    it 


THE  FLOWER  GARDEN. 

By  W,  A.  Cook,  Gardener  to  Sir  Edmund  G.  Loder,  Bart., 
Leonardslee,  Sussex. 

Preparations  for  bedding-out. — Preparations 
should  be  pushed  forward  for  the  bedding-out  of 
tender  plants,  which  may  be  possible  towards  the 
end  of  the  present  month.  The  best  preparation 
consists  in  thoroughly  preparing  the  plants  for 
their  period  out-of-doors  by  gradually  hardening 
them  to  exposure.  It  may  still  be  necessary  to 
protect  many  of  them  during  cold  nights.  Take 
every  care  that  none  is  allowed  to  suffer  from 
drought  at  the  roots,  the  danger  of  this  happen- 
ing being  very  acute  in  the  case  of  those  growing 
in  tiny  pots. 

Propagation. — It  is  now  time  to  commence 
preparations  for  propagating  plants  that  will  be 
used  in  the  spring  flower  garden  next  season. 
Many  plants  can  be  raised  either  from  cuttings 
or  from  seeds  as  the  cultivator  desires,  but  the 
best  stocks  are  usually  obtained  from  cut- 
tings. Excellent  cuttings  may  be  taken  at  the 
present  time  from  Aubrietias,  these  being  half- 
ripened  shoots.  Insert  them  in  boxes  or  in  pre- 
pared beds  in  the  nursery,  using  a  compost  con- 
sisting mainly  of  leaf-mould.  Dibble  the  cut- 
tings in  very  firmly.  Choose  a  partially-shaded 
position,  or  if  this  is  not  available  shade  the  cut- 
tings from  the  midday  sun.  Stocks  of  Alyssum 
and  Amies  may  be  raised  similarly.  The  cut- 
tines  x  "'  very  readily  if  detached  with  a  heel 
of  tin-  old  wood  adhering  to  them.  Some  good 
varieties  of  Aubrietias  include  Fire  King,  Leicht- 
limi,  Moerheimii,  Dr.  Mules,  purpurea,  and 
Richards'  Nine  to  One.  Varieties  of  Arabis  in- 
clude A.  aubrietioides,  A.  Allionii,  A.  Halleri, 
and  A.  albida,  fl.  pi.  Of  Alyssums,  there  are  A. 
saxatile,  A.  s.  compactum,  and  A.  spinosum. 

l['all//oirrrs. — Seeds  of  Wallflowers  should  be 
sown  to  provide  plants  for  putting  out  in  the 
autumn.  Select  an  open  border  that  is  shaded 
from  the  midday  sun.  and  rake  the  soil  very 
finely,  working  in  a  little  soot  during  the  process 
of  raking.  Draw  broad  drills  at  distances  of  one 
foot  apart  and  sow  the  seeds  very  thinly.  The 
variety  Helen  Willmott  is  especially  to  be  re- 
commended. Seeds  should  also  be  sown  of  ( !an- 
terbury  Bells  (Campanula  medium),  and  Silene, 
Pansies.  Campanula  pyramidalis  and  Delphinium 
hybridum.  Campanula  pyramidalis  makes  bet- 
ter decorative  plants  for  pots  if  it  is  cultivated 
out-of-doors  during  the  summer.  Indeed,  in 
many  districts,  they  may  remain  out-of-doors 
during  the  winter  if  the  pots  are  plunged,  or  the 
border  containing  them  is  mulched.  All  the 
Delphiniums  are  best  sown  out-of-doors  if  we 
except  D.  nudicaule.  Seeds  of  this  somewhat 
delicate  species  should  be  sown  in  boxes  in 
frames,  and  the  seedlings  planted  out  afterwards 
in  rich,  fine  soil.  Slugs  are  very  destructive  to 
Delphiniums,  and  the  plants  must  be  carefully 
preserved  from  these  during  the  earlier  stages  of 
growth. 

Polyanthus  and  Primrose. — Varieties  of  both 
these  plants  should  be  sown  on  well-prepared 
borders  in  comparative  shade.  Frequent  sup- 
plies of  water  must  be  given  them  in  dry  weather. 
The  leaves  being  liable  to  attack  from  red  spider, 
they  must  be  treated  with  an  insecticide  at  in- 
tervals during  the  summer.  All  plants  raised 
from  seeds  should  be  carefully  pricked  out  as 
soon  as  they  can  be  handled,  that  they  may  not 
become  weak  and  drawn,  owing  to  overcrowding 
in  the  seed  drills. 

Perennial  Asters. — Cuttings  that  have  been 
rooted  in  the  present  spring  should  now  be 
planted  out  in  the  reserve  nursery.  They  will 
make   strong  plants   by   autumn. 

Hardy  Fernery. — Top  dress  any  of  the  hardy 
Ferns  in  need  of  this  attention.  Remove  all 
weeds  from  the  fernery,  and  place  a  few  ever- 
green branches  to  protect  delicate  Ferns  whose 
young  fronds  are  liable  to  become  injured  by 
frost.  A  little  soot  scattered  over  the  surface 
of  the  soil,  avoiding  dusting  the  fronds,  is  a 
good  fertiliser.  Ferns  favouring  limestone, 
should  be  given  a  dressing  of  this  material  mixed 
with  leaf-mould. 


296 


THE     GARDENERS    CHRONICLE. 


[May  8,  1909. 


EDITORIAL    NOTICE. 


ADVERTISEMENTS  should  be  sent  to  the  PUB- 
LISHER, 41,  Wellington  Street,  Covent  Garden, 
W.C. 

Letters  for  Publication,  as  well  as  specimens  of  plants 
for  naming,  should  be  addressed  to  the  EDITOR, 
41,  Wellington  Street,  Covent  Garden,  London. 
Communications  should  be  written  on  onk  side  only  of 
the  paper,  sent  as  early  in  the  week  as  possible  and  duly 
signed  by  the  writer.  Jf  desired,  the  signature  will  not  be 
printed,  but  kept  as  a  guarantee  0/  good  faith. 

Newspapers.  — Correspondents  sending  newspapers  should  be 
carejulto  mark  the  paragraphs  they  wish  the  Editor  to  see. 

Special  Notice  to  Correspondents.  —  The  Editot  does  not 
undertake  to  pay  for  any  contributions  or  illustration-,  ot- 
to return  unused  communications  or  illustrations,  unless  by 
special  arrangement.  The  Editor  does  not  hold  himself 
responsible  for  any  opinions  expressed  by  his  correspondents. 

Illustrations.-  The  Editor  will  be  glad  to  receive  and  to  select 
photographs  or  drawings,  suitable  for  reproduction,  of 
gardens,  or  of  remarkable  plants,  flowers,  trees,  &c,  but  he 
cannot  be  responsible  for  lossor  injury. 

Local  News.—  Correspondents  will  greatly  oblige  by  sending  to 
the  Editor  early  intelligence  of  local  events  likely  to  be  of 
interest  to  our  readers,  or  of  any  matters  which  it  is  desirable 
to  bring  under  the  notice  of  horticulturists. 


APPOINTMENTS  FOR  THE  ENSUING  WEEK. 

MONDAY,  MAY  10— 

United  Hort.  Ben.  &  Prov.  Soc.  Com.  meet. 
THURSDAY,   MAY  13— 

London  Branch  B.G.A.  lecture  by  Prof.  Bottomley  on 

"Nitrogen  Fixation." 


Average    Mean    Temperature    for    the    ensuing    week, 
deduced  from  observations  during  the  last  Fifty  Years 
at  Greenwich— 52°. 
Actual  Temperati-res  : — 

London.—  Wednesday,  May  5  (0  P.M.):  Max.  CO0; 
Min.  47". 
Gardeners'  Chronicle  Office.  41,  Wellington  Street, 
Covent  Garden,  London—  Thursday,  May  0 
(10  a.m.):  Bar.  302;  Temp.  68";  Weather— 
Sunshine. 
Provinces.—  Wednesday,  May  5  (6  p.m.):  Max.  59" 
Bedford  ;  Min.  46=  Scotland  E. 


SALES  FOS  THE  ENSUING  WEEK. 

WEDNESDAY— 

Border  Plants  and  Perennials,  Liliums,  and  other  bulbs, 
at  12;  Palms  and  Plants,  Ferns,  &c,  at  3,  at  67  &  68, 
Cheapside,  E.C.,  by  Protheroe  &  Morris. 

FRIDAY— 

Cypripedium  Hvbrids,  Imported  and  Established 
Orchids,  at  12.45,  at  67  &  68,  Cheapside,  E.C.,  by 
Protheroe  &  Morris. 


The 


The  investigations  of  physiolo- 
Sensitiveness  gists  have  brought  to  light  the 
of  plants  fact  that  plants  respond  in 
to  Gases.  various  ways  to  a  large  number 
of  external  agents.  One  form  of  response — 
the  tropistic  or  curving  response — consists  in 
a  bending  of  the  root,  stem,  or  other  part  of 
the  growing  plant  in  a  definite  direction  with 
respect  to  that  in  which  the  agent  or  stimulus 
acts.  The  curving  of  the  stem  of  a  plant  illu- 
minated from  one  side  so  that  its  tip  is 
directed  towards  the  light  is  a  well-known  ex- 
ample of  such  a  tropistic  reaction.  Plants 
which  are  free  to  move,  as,  for  example,  the 
swarm-spores  of  Algae,  show  a  like  reaction; 
though  in  their  case  the  movement  is  not  a 
bending,  but  an  actual  progression  in  the  line 
of  action — toward  or  away  from — the  stimu- 
lus. Chief  among  the  directive  agents  for  the 
higher  plants  are,  of  course,  gravity  and  light, 
and  it  is  by  their  regular,  definite,  and  pur- 
poseful reactions  to  these  stimuli  that  plants 
acquire  their  characteristic  positions.  "With- 
out such  ever-present  guides  it  is  difficult 
to  believe  that  a  seedling  could  adjust  itself 
to  its  environment  sufficiently  to  obtain  ade- 
quate supplies  of  material  from  soil  and  air. 
But,  besides  these  well-known  manifesta- 
tions of  plant-sensitiveness,  the  general  re- 
sults of  which  are  clear  and  beneficial,  there 
are  other  responses  to  stimuli,  the  meanings 
of  which  are  less  obvious.  For  example,  after 
a  considerable  amount  of  discussion  and  con- 
flicting experiment,    it   has   now   been  shown 


that  both  the  roots  and  stems  of  plants  re- 
spond  b}'  definite   curvatures   when   they   are 
exposed  to  what  may  be  called  a  non-uniform 
gaseous  environment :   that  is  to  say,    when 
one    side    of    the    plant    is    exposed    to     a 
gas     which     is     absent     or,     at    all    events, 
present    in    smaller    quantity    on    its    other 
side.     Such    conditions    do    not    occur    with 
sufficient     regularity     in     Nature     for     the 
curvatures   which   they   induce  to   be  recog- 
nised.      Nevertheless,  when  these  conditions 
are  set  up  artificially,  when,  for  instance,  a 
seedling   is   so    placed    in    a    bell-jar    that    a 
stream  of  carbon-dioxide  falls  on  it  from  one 
side,  the  plant  responds  to  the  stimulus  by 
curving  toward  or  away  from  this  gas.     The 
curvature  directs  the  tip  toward  the  carbon- 
dioxide  when  the  amount  of  that  gas  is  but 
small;   away  from   it   when   it   is  larger.     A 
similar  behaviour  is  exhibited  by  both  roots 
and  stems  when  they  are  exposed  in  this  one- 
sided way  to  oxygen.     To  other  gases,  how- 
ever, the  plant  remains  indifferent.       Thus, 
neither  hydrogen  nor  nitrogen  induce  curva- 
ture ;  although,  if  the  nitrogen  contains  a  mere 
trace  of  ammonia,   a  curvature  takes  place. 
The  marked  reaction  to  carbon-dioxide  is  in- 
teresting inasmuch  as  the  roots  of  plants  are 
peculiarly  sensitive  to  this  gas.     For  example, 
it   suffices    to    kill    a    plant   to    direct    for   a 
comparatively      short     time      a     supply     of 
carbon-dioxide     to     its    roots.       It    may     be 
that     the     marked     curvature     away     from 
considerable      quantities      of      carbon-dioxide 
represents  the  plant's  mode  of  escape  from  the 
injurious  influence  of  that  gas.     Though  why 
this  curvature  should  be  manifested  by  the 
shoot  as  well  as  the  root — although  the  shoot 
requires  carbon-dioxide  for  the  manufacture 
of  its  food-materials — is  by  no  means  clear. 
The  whole  question  of  these  adjustments  of 
the    plant    to     the    several     factors,     light, 
gravity,  moisture,  &c,  of  its  environment,  is 
fascinating.     From  the  study  of  such  adjust- 
ments    it     has     become     evident     that     the 
plant    possesses    as    fine    a    sensitiveness    as 
the  animal,  and  an  equally  marked  power  of 
response.     Though  its  nervous  system  is  not 
represented  by  brain  or  nerve,  it  nevertheless 
has  at  its  command   powers  of  perception  of 
stimuli,  just  as  the  animal  has  eyes  for  the 
perception   of   light;   and  also  powers  of  re- 
sponse by  movement,  like  those  which  animals 
exhibit.     By  the  exercise  of  these  powers  of 
response  to  stimuli  the  organism  adjusts  itself 
with  supreme  nicety  to  its  surroundings,  and, 
as  it  were,  feels  its  way  safely  in  spite  of  the 
changes  and  chances  of  its  life.     It  is  not  at 
all  improbable  that  the  sensitiveness  of  plants 
is   far   more   varied   than   is   at   present   sus- 
pected ;  nor,  considering  how  ignorant  we  still 
are  of  the   physiology  of  plants,   that  many 
examples  of  sensitiveness  may   be  discovered 
for  which  explanations  in  terms  of  utility  may 
not  be  forthcoming. 


Our  Supplementary  Illustration. — In  the 

last  issue  the  Supplementary  Illustration  showed 
the  various  processes  in  the  propagation  of  Hya- 
cinths by  scoring  the  base  of  the  bulbs  in  a  series 
of  cross-cuts.  This  week  the  system  illustrated 
is  that  of  hollowing  out  the  base  by  the  "  scoop- 
ing method."  As  we  explained  last  week,  this 
latter  method  produces  a  larger  number  of  bulbils 
than  develop  after  scoring  the  bulbs,  but,  in  con- 
sequence of  this,  the  development  of  the  bulbs 
is   slower,   and   therefore   more   time   is   required 


before  they  are  fit  for  planting  out  and  before 
the  bulbs  reach  the  flowering  stage.  Like 
the  former  photographs,  these  now  reproduced 
were  taken  by  Mr.  Piet,  Amersham,  in  the  bulb 
nursery  belonging  to  Mr.  H.  de  Meulder  at 
Lisse. 

Flowers  in  Season. — A  box  of  magnificent 
flowers  of  the  St.  Brigid  strain  of  Anemone  has 
been  sent  us  by  Mr.  G.  Roche,  Gowran  Castle 
Gardens,  Co.  Kilkenny.  The  biooms  are  of  extra 
large  size  and  the  shades  of  colour  as  pleasing 
as  they  are  varied.  We  cannot  speak  too  highly 
of  these  Anemones,  and  their  value  is  the  greater 
since  they  are  capable  of  lasting  in  good  condi- 
tion in  water  for  upwards  of  a  week. 

Gardeners'  Royal  Benevolent  Institu- 
tion.— In  aid  of  the  funds  of  the  Worcester 
Auxiliary,  the  gardens  and  grounds  of  Madres- 
field  Court  will  be  opened  to  the  public  on  Thins 
day,  May  13.  The  admission  from  two  to  four 
o'clock  will  be  Is.,  but  afterwards  6d.  Should 
the  weather  be  wet  on  that  date,  the  gardens 
will  be  opened  on  the  following  Thursday. 

The  Surveyors'  Institution. — The  next 
ordinary  general  meeting  will  be  held  on  Monday, 
the  10th  inst.,  at  8  p.m.,  when  a  paper  will  be 
read  by  Mr.  A.  B.  Howes  (Fellow),  entitled 
"  Quantity  Surveyors:  A  Review  of  their  Legal 
Position."  The  next  country  meeting  will  be 
held  at  Cardiff  on  May  20  and  21.  Visits  have 
been  organised  to  various  works  and  places  of 
interest  in  or  near  Cardiff  for  the  afternoon  of 
the  20th,  including  the  Bute  Docks,  the  Dowdais 
Steel  Works,  Cardiff  Castle,  and  Llandaff  Cathe- 
dral. The  following  excursions  have  been 
arranged  lor  the  following  day: — (1)  Excursion 
to  Ilfracombe  via  Barry  Docks ;  by  boat  along 
the  Devon  and  Somerset  coast  to  Minehead ;  (2)  a 
visit  to  the  Bargoed  Colliery  and  to  Caerphilly 
Cnstle. 

National  Tulip  Society. — The  sixteenth 
annual  southern  exhibition  of  this  Society  will 
be  held  at  the  Horticultural  Hall,  Vincent  Square, 
Westminster,  on  Tuesday,  May  18,  in  conjunc- 
tion with  the  fortnightly  meeting  of  the  Royal 
Horticultural  Society.  All  particulars  can  be 
obtained  from  the  secretary,  Mr.  W.  Teeters, 
Farcet  House,  Cambridge. 

Societe  Royale  d' Agriculture  et  de 
Botanique  de  Gand. — This  Society  will  hold  an 
international  exhibition  of  fruits,  vegetables,  and 
flowers  on  October  30,  31,  and  November  1  next. 
The  principal  feature  of  this  exhibition  will  be 
Chrysanthemums,  for  which  a  number  of  liberal 
prizes  are  offered.  There  are  also  classes  for 
other  flowers  in  season,  including  Orchids 
Twenty-seven  classes  are  arranged  for  hardy  and 
tender  fruits,  and  15  for  vegetables.  The  sche- 
dule comprises  in  all  136  classes,  and  the  exhibi 
tion  promises  to  be  one  of  considerable  interest 
The  secretary  for  the  exhibition  is  Mons.  Lucien 
de  Cock. 

The  "Journal"  of  the  Cooper  Research 
Laboratory. — We  have  received  with  pleasure 
the  first  number  of  the  Journal  of  the  Cooper 
Research  Laboratory.  The  laboratory  was 
founded  in  1902  by  Sir  Richard  Cooper  in  order 
to  carry  on  agricultural  investigations  and  to 
keep  the  agriculturist  informed  on  all  matters 
when;  biological  or  chemical  science  can  offer 
him  assistance.  Information  is  given  free  of 
charge  to  genuine  enquirers.  The  work  carried 
out  during  the  past  year  includes  experiments 
with  insecticides  and  fungicides;  Vue  use  of  lime 
in  agriculture,  with  special  reference  to  "  Finger - 
and-toe  " ;  the  life-history  and  hab}ts  of  the 
woolly-aphis.  We  wish  the  Cooper  Research 
Laboratory  all  success  in  its  career. 


May  8,  1909.] 


THE    GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


297 


"  The  Botanical  Magazine." — In  the  issue 
of  this  publication  for  May  there  are  illustrations 
and  descriptions  of  the  following  plants  :■ — 

Dendrobium  Bronckartii,  tab.  8252. — This 
plant  was  first  described  by  Mr.  Wildeman  in 
Gardeners'  Chronicle,  June  16,  1906,  page  380. 
It  is  most  closely  allied  to  D.  thyrsiflorum,  but  is 
readily  distinguished  by  its  larger  size,  its  ampler 
and  laxer  inflorescence.  The  flowers  are  pale-rose 
colour,  the  disc  of  the  lip  being  marked  with  a 
large  orange-coloured  blotch.  They  are  produced 
on  pendant  racemes. 

Larix  occidentalis,  tab.  8253. — This  species, 
originally  described  by  Nuttall.  was  figured  in 
the  Gardeners'  Chronich  for  -May  22,  1886,  page 
652,  when  Professor  Sargent,  of  the  Arnold 
Arboretum,  .Massachusetts,  wrote  an  interesting 
account    of    it,    and    of    Larix    Lyallii.        Larix 


at   Verrieres-le-Buisson,    near    Paris,    also   cones 
freely,  but  has  never  yet  given  seed. 

Mussaenda  Treutleri,  tab.  8254. — This  is  an 
old  plant  that  has  been  known  heretofore  as  a 
variety  of  M.  frondosa.  It  was  originally  mis- 
taken by  Dr.  Wallich,  when  he  discovered  the 
plant  in  the  mountains  of  Nepal,  for  a  form  of 
M.  frondosa,  but  was  subsequently  confused  with 
M.  macrophylla,  under  which  name  it  has  usually 
been  cultivated.  Dr.  Staff  now  raises  the  plant 
to  specific  rank  for  the  first  time.  It  was  in- 
troduced to  cultivation  by  Messrs.  Knight  & 
Perry  about  1840.  It  is  a  stove  plant,  and  forms 
a  shrub  about  3  feet  high.  The  flowers  are  pro- 
duced in  terminal  heads,  the  only  colour  being 
in  the  limb  of  the  corolla,  which  is  reddish- 
orange.  The  plant  gains  some  of  its  decorative 
value   from   its   leaflike   white   sepals. 


[Phrlograph  by  IV.  J.  Vaur, 

Fig.  127. — souvenir  de  la  malmaison  carnation  "lady  Coventry,"  as   exhibited 
by   messrs.   cutbush    and    son    at  the    r.h.s.  exhibition  on  april  20.       flowers 

CARMINE-LAKE.      (See  ante  p.  269.) 


occidentalis  was  first  observed  by  Lewis 
and  Clark  in  the  forests  of  the  Upper  Clearwater 
River.  It  was  seen  also  by  D.  Douglas  in  1827 
near  Fort  Colville,  on  the  Upper  Columbia,  but 
was  mistaken  by  him  for  the  European  Larch. 
Nuttall  collected  it  from  the  Blue  Mountains  in 
1834,  and  first  described  it  in  Sylva.  Certain 
foresters  in  England  have  the  opinion  that  this 
American  Larch  may  prove  to  be  a  useful  sub- 
stitute for  the  European  Larch,  owing  to  the 
susceptibility  of  the  latter  to  the  attacks  of  the 
fungus  Peziza  AVillkommii,  the  cause  of  Larch- 
canker.  Mr.  Botting  Hemsley  states  that  the 
trees  at  Kew  fruit  freely,  but  that  the  cones 
have  never  yet  been  found  to  contain  fertile  seed. 
A  tree  in  the  garden  of  Mr.  P.  L.  de  Vilmorin, 


Deutzia  setchuensis,  tab.  8255. — This  species 
was  described  in  the  Gardeners'  Chronicle  by 
Jlr.  Lemoine  on  October  8,  1898,  page  265,  as 
D.  corymbiflora.  Mr.  Hutchinson  now  points 
out  that  D.  corymbiflora,  Lemoine,  has  been 
identified  by  Mr.  Franchet  with  this  species ; 
Mr.  Hutchinson,  however,  states  that  Le- 
moine's  plant  appears  to  have  smaller,  less 
acuminate  leaves  and  pinkish-white  flowers.  The 
figure  now  given  in  the  Botanical  Magazine  was 
presented  to  Kew  in  1897  by  Mr.  M.  L.  de  Vil- 
morin. It  has  white  flowers,  and  blooms  early 
in  July. 

Pyrus  Pashia  var.  Kumaoni.  tab.  8256. — Dr. 
Stapf  says  that  it  has  already  been  suggested  by 
Dr.  Schneider  [III.  Handb.  Laubholzh,  vol.  i., 


p.  665)  that  the  tree  cultivated  in  European  col- 
lections as  Pyrus  Pashia,  which  Decaisne  has 
distinguished  from  the  typical  form  of  that 
species  as  P.  Kumaoni,  may  be  no  more  than  a 
glabrous  variety  of  P.  Pashia  proper.  A  careful 
study  of  the  material  in  the  herbarium  at  Kew 
has  enabled  Dr.  Stapf  to  completely  confirm  this 
view.  According  to  Loudon  [Encyc.  of  Trees 
and  Shrubs,  p.  424),  P.  Pashia  was  first  intro- 
duced into  England  in  1825.  The  tree  from 
which  the  plate  of  P.  Pashia  Kumaoni  has  been 
prepared  has  been  growing  in  the  collection  of 
Rosacese  at  Kew  for  many  years,  but  its  precise 
history  is  not  known.  The  flowers  are  exceed- 
ingly attractive,  by  reason  of  the  deep-red 
anthers,  which  show  up  strongly  against  the  pure 
white  petals.  The  individual  flowers  are  remark- 
able for  their  full-rounded  contour,  and  are 
produced   in  unusually  compact  flower-trusses. 

What  Ails  Your  Plants?  —  Under  the 
above  title  the  Garden  Magazine  (New  York), 
May,  1909,  publishes  a  valuable  contribution 
from  Mr.  Porter  Felt,  State  Entomologist, 
New  York.  Drawn  up  in  tabular  form  are  lists 
of  ornamental  shrubs,  small  fruit,  orchard  trees, 
shade  trees,  vegetables,  and  plants  of  the  flower 
garden.  Opposite  each  plant  is  given  the 
symptom  of  the  injury  or  disease  to  which 
it  is  liable,  the  time  of  its  appearance, 
its  cause,  name,  remedy,  or  preventive  means  to 
be  adopted,  and  remarks  and  cautions.  As  the 
editor  remarks,  most  tables  and  spray  calendars 
assume  an  acquaintance  on  the  part  of  their  users 
with  the  insect  or  fungus  causing  the  disease. 
Kiuciiner's  excellent  book  adopts  a  similar 
method  with  respect  to  European  pests,  but, 
being  in  German,  is  not  generally  available.  It 
is  to  be  hoped  that  some  competent  entomologist 
or  fungologist  will  draw  up  a  similar  table 
dealing  with  the  common  pests  of  this  country. 

Exhibits  of  Wild  Flowers. — The  wild 
(lower  exhibition  at  the  People's  Palace,  Glasgow 
Green,  Glasgow,  which  proved  so  successful  last 
year,  is  to  be  repeated.  The  daily  exhibits  of 
tieshly-culled  wild  flowers  will  continue  from  the 
present  time  until  the  last  week  of  September. 
District  librarians  and  headmasters  of  schools  in 
the  neighbourhood  have  promised  to  assist  all 
they  can  by  the  loan  of  books  and  by  giving 
simple  botanical   teaching. 

The  Transvaal  Department  of  Agri- 
culture.-No  better  testimony  to  the  activity 
of  the  Transvaal  Department  of  Agriculture 
could  be  provided  than  that  supplied  by  the 
report  of  the  work  of  the  department  during  the 
year  .Inly,  1907,  to  June,  1908.  The  volume  em- 
bodying the  report  consists  of  328  pages,  and  con- 
tains  the  records  of  the  several  sub-departments, 
which  include  those  of  Botany,  Plant  Pathology, 
Entomology,  Horticulture,  Forestry,  Co-opeia- 
tion  and  others.  Among  many  interesting 
items  dealt  with  in  the  report  the  following  may 
be  noticed :  the  rapid  development  of  the 
Transvaal  as  a  Maize-growing  region  and  the 
progressive  policy  adopted  by  the  Department  of 
Agriculture  for  the  provision  of  pure  and  suitable 
seed  for  this  crop :  the  vigilance  exercised  in 
the  discovery  of  imported  plant  diseases  and  the 
rigorous  destruction  of  diseased  plants.  It  is 
noteworthy  that  dry-rot  of  Potatos  (Nectria 
solani)  has  proved  itself  capable  of  attacking  the 
crop  as  well  as  the  stored  tuber.  Our  readers 
will  recollect  that  this  has  been  shown  recently 
to  be  the  case  both  in  America  and  in  this 
country.  Attempts  to  discover  or  breed  rust- 
resisting  strains  of  Wheat  have  not  as  yet  proved 
successful,  though  in  the  light  of  the  experi- 
ments made  by  Professor  Biffen,  at  Cambridge, 
it  would  seem  probable  that  this  much-desired 
end  is  not  unattainable.  Lastly,  it  is  interesting 
tg  observe  that  the  gospel  of  co-operation  is 
being  preached,  and  not  vainly,  to  the  farmers  of 
the  Transvaal. 


298 


THE    GARDENERS      CHRONICLE. 


[May 


19C3. 


Stone  Seat  in  Kew  Arboretum.— En- 
quiries are  from  time  to  time  made  as  to  the 
stone  seat  among  the  Beech  trees  towards  the 
southern  end  of  the  gardens.  The  seat,  which 
was  placed  in  the  position  it  occupies  in  Febru- 
ary, 1904,  was  presented  to  Kew  by  a  group  of 
friends  of  the  late  Miss  Cassell,  who  was  for 
20  years  Lady  Superintendent  of  the  College  for 
Working  Women.  It  was  provided  as  a 
memorial  by  past  and  present  students  of  the 
college,  to  express  their  sense  of  Miss  Cassell's 
unique  personality.  "  That  it  should  be  a  rest- 
ing-place in  sight  of  sky  and  trees  in  such  an 
altogether  beautiful  place  as  Kew,  and  within 
reach  of  working  Londoners,  seems,  in  accord- 
ance with  her  life  spent  in  working  for  the  work- 
ing poor,  what  she  would  like,"  is  a  sentence 
which  occurs  in  a  letter  on  the  subject,  written 
by  Mrs.  Maclehose,  at  whose  instance  the  me- 
morial was  erected,  to  her  brother,  Mr.  G. 
Macmillan.  In  the  same  letter  Mrs.  Maclehose 
says: — "We  should  like  some  motto  or  words 
carved  on  it,  but  no  obviously  memorial  words 
— no  names."     The  actual  inscription  is: — 

"  Life— the  gift 

Let  us  take  hands  and  help  this  day  we  are 

alive  together 
Look  up  on  high  and  thank  the  God  of  all. 

— Kew  Bulletin. 

"The  Rose  Annual,  1909."— This  excellent 
publication  of  the  National  Rose  Society  pro- 
gresses in  importance  with  the  Society  itself. 
The  number  before  us  is  a  valuable  contribution 
on  matters  pertaining  to  the  Rose.  Mr.  E.  B. 
Lindsell,  who  has  won  the  principal  trophy  at 
the  Society's  shows  no  fewer  than  17  times  since 
1890,  writes  upon  Rose  shows.  In  an  admirable 
resume  of  the .  shows  of  1908,  Mr.  Lindsell 
winds  up  with  a  plea  for  a  permanent  date  for 
the  Society's  principal  summer  exhibition.  A 
selection  is  given  of  the  best  Climbing  Roses  in 
their  several  colours,  and  Mr.  Mawley's  analy- 
sis shows  the  number  of  times  a  certain  variety 
appeared  on  the  show  board  in  1908.  The  article 
on  Wichuraiana  Hybrids  by  Dr.  A.  H.  Williams 
is  an  admirable  disquisition  on  the  subject,  and 
no  one  should  know  more  of  the  hybridisation 
of  Roses  than  Mr.  Alex.  Dickson,  who  writes 
on  this  subject.  The  history  of  the  Frau 
Karl  Druschki  Rose  is  given  by  Mr.  Alli- 
son, who  states  the  parents  were  Merveille  de 
Lyon  and  Caroline  Testout.  How  this  beautiful 
flower  was  passed  over  for  a  considerable  time 
makes  interesting  reading.  Other  chapters  deal 
with  Enemies  of  the  Rose ;  Banksian  Rcaes ; 
Climbing  Roses;  Rose  Growing  in  Winter  on 
Shallow  Benches ;  and  descriptions  of  some  of  the 
newer  varieties.  The  frontispiece  is  a  portrait 
of  the  President,  Rev.  F.  Page-Roberts. 
Numerous  other  pictures  appear  in  the  text. 

*  "Garden   Life  Year   Book,  1909.  ■— We 

have  just  received  a  Year  Book  published  by 
the  proprietors  of  Garden  Life.  It  contains  a 
calendar  of  garden  operations  for  each  month,  and 
various  articles  upon  subjects  of  interest  to  gar- 
deners. For  instance,  "The  Rose  Season  of  1908," 
by  Rev.  Joseph  H.  Pemberton ;  and  "Sweet 
Peas,"  by  Charles  Foster.  A  list  is  given  of 
the  flowers,  fruit,  and  vegetables  certificated  by 
the  Royal  Horticultural  Society  in  1908 ;  another 
jf  select  varieties  of  common  vegetables  and 
fruits,  and  there  are  illustrated  articles  upon  cer- 
tain well-known  gardens.  An  interesting  feature 
of  the  Year  Book  is  the  section  "  Who's  Who 
in  Horticulture."  In  this  appear  biographical 
notes  of  a  number  of  well-known  men  in  garden- 
ing circles.  It  is  the  first  time  such  a  list  has 
been  prepared,  and  probably  for  this  reason  it  is 
far  from  complete,  many  well-known  names 
being  omitted. 

*  Hatton  House,  Great  Queen  Street,  W.C.     Price  Is.  net. 


Vanilla  Cultivation  in  Hawaii. — If  there 
is  anything  at  once  easy  and  profitable  left  to 
the  horticulturist,  it  must  be  Vanilla  growing  in 
Hawaii.  From  the  book  entitled  Agriculture  in 
Hawaii,  by  J.  G.  Smith,  we  learn  that  the 
climbing  Orchid  (Vanilla  planifolia)  is  planted  as 
a  cutting  on  any  tree  or  any  soil.  The  cutting 
soon  emits  its  characteristic  aerial  roots  and 
begins  to  flower  in  its  second  or  third  year.     A 


An  Unsatisfactory  Report.— To  those  who 
are  aware  of  the  extraordinary  activity  displayed 
by  the  dominions  of  the  Empire,  by  certain  of 
its  Crown  Colonies,  and  by  the  United  States  and 
Germany  in  furthering  the  interests  of  agricul- 
ture and  horticulture,  the  annual  report  on  the 
Botanical,  Forestry,  and  Scientific  Department  of 
the  Uganda  Protectorate  (1908)  cannot  be  other 
than  disappointing.     All  that  is  apparently  worth 


Fig.  128. — alpine  auricula  claud  halcro:  flowers  yellow  in  cfntre,  with 
crimson  on  each  segment,  passing  to  bronzy-red  at  margin. 

(Gained  an  Award  of  Merit  when  shown  by  Mr.  Douglas  at  R.H.S.  meeting  on  April  20.     See  ante  p  262.) 


little  weeding  is  about  all  that  is  necessary  in  the 
way  of  cultivation.  Artificial  pollination  is 
necessary  to  ensure  the  formation  of  the  pods. 
The  pods  are  then  cured,  by  which  process  the 
required  colour  and  aroma  are  induced.  The 
yield  is  worth  from  $400  to  $500  per  acre. 


recording  is  contained  within  19  pages,  of  which 
all  but  five  are  devoted  to  meteorological  tables. 
We  learn  from  the  introduction  to  the  report  that 
an  agricultural  department  was  formed  from 
April  1,  1907  (ominous  day),  but  that  no  suit- 
able person  could  be  found  for  the  appointment 


May  8,  1909.] 


THE     GARDENERS-     CHRONICLE. 


299 


as  head  of  the  department.  It  is  difficult  to 
believe  that  the  search  could  have  been  very 
profound  or  prolonged.  The  report  contains  a 
few  remarks  on  Rubber,  Cocoa,  Cotton,  &c,  but 
a  perusal  of  its  pages  does  not  indicate  that 
Uganda  has  undertaken  the  task  of  developing 
its  undoubted  resources  in  a  thoroughgoing  and 
scientific  manner. 

Presentation    to  Mr.  J.   H.  Goodacre. — 

The  garden-holders  of  Nottingham  have  pre- 
sented Mr.  Goodacre,  gardener  to  the  Earl  of 
Harrington,  Elvaston  Castle,  with  a  silver 
salver.  The  presentation  took  place  at  the  We] 
beck  Hotel,  Nottingham,  on  Saturday,  May  1. 
The  salver  was  inscribed,  "  Presented  to  Mr.  J. 
H.  Goodacre  by  the  garden-holders  of  Notting- 
ham for  the  many  valuable  services  rendered 
them  in  the  art  cf  horticulture." 


diminished  vitality  of  the  plant  strike  me  as 
remarkably  interesting.  Alfred  0.  Walker, 
Ulcombe,  Maidstone.  [Elodea  flourishes  now  as 
well  as  ever  it  did  in  rivers  and  streams  under 
our  own  observation  in  the  home  counties.  We 
shall  be  glad  if  it  can  be  proved  that  the  plant 
is  generally  less  troublesome  in  this  country  than 
formerly. — Eds.] 

Hippeastrum  (Amaryllis]. — Hippeastrums 
succeed  well  in  these  gardens  and  make  magnifi- 
cent plants.  We  have  them  in  flower  from 
December  until  March.  The  plants  do  not  re- 
quire a  high  temperature,  and  succeed  best 
if  allowed  to  remain  in .  the  same  pot  for 
a  few  years.  Our  plants  are  repotted  every  three 
years,  one-third  each  season.  The  soil  used  is 
turfy  loam,  leaf-soil,  and  sand,  with  a  good 
sprinkling  of  bonemeal,  charcoal,  and  lime 
rubbish.  The  plants  that  are  not  repotted  this 
year  are  top-dressed  with  the  same  soil  as  is 
used    "i    potting.     The    bulbs    are    started    in    a 


FlG.    129. — PRIMULA    FORRESTII    AS    CULTIVATED    IN    EDINBURGH    ROYAL    BOTANICAL   GARDENS. 

(See  also  tigs.  117  and  118  in  the  last  issue.) 


HOME   CORRESPONDENCE. 


(The  Editor  does  not  hold  himself  responsible  jor  the 
opinions  expressed  by  his  correspondents.) 

Elodea  canadensis.  --  In  the  interesting 
article  on  p.  248  on  "  Plant  Invaders,"  you  speak 
of  Elodea  canadensis  as  "  now  ubiquitous  in 
rivers,  &c,  all  over  the  country."  I  am  curious 
to  know  if  this  is  really  the  case,  for  certainly 
in  the  neighbourhood  of  Chester,  where  I  used  to 
live,  and  where  I  remember  some  30  years  ago 
the  canal  was  so  blocked  with  it  that  the  barge 
traffic  was  seriously  impeded,  the  plant  has  now 
become  quite  scarce.  My  friend  Mr.  J.  D.  Sid- 
dall,  of  Chester,  to  whom  I  wrote  on  this  sub- 
ject, replies  as  follows: — "  I  wanted  some  Elodea 
two  months  ago,  and  had  quite  a  job  to  find  a 
bit,  and  what  I  got  at  last  was  feeble  and  small 
■as  compared  with  the  plants  of,  say,  20  years  ago. 
Then,  at  any  time  in  the  winter  or  summer,  it 
was  plentiful,  and  in  winter  the  cell  contents  of 
the  stems  were  most  active  and  interesting,  but 
I  have  quite  failed  this  last  winter  to  stir  them 
>up  into  anything  like  their  old  activity,  even  after 
keeping  them  warm  in  the  house  for  a  week  or 
two."  Mr.  Siddall  having  devoted  much  attention 
*o    this    plant,    his    remarks   on    the    apparently 


temperature  of  65°,  and  as  the  flowers  open  are 
removed  to  a  cool  house.  We  grow  the  plants 
in  6-inch  pots,  and  give  them  liquid  manure 
every  time  they  require  water  until  growth  is 
c  impleted.  They  are  then  removed  to  an  un- 
lit ated  pit,  and  are  never  allowed  to  become  dry, 
but  kept  slightly  moist.  Some  of  our  bulbs 
carried  two  spikes,  and  most  of  them  seven 
flowers  to  the  spike  this  season.  J.  B.  Pow, 
Dunsany  Gardens,  Co.  Meath. 

Acetylene  Gas  Refuse. — We  have  found  that 
a  thin  layer  of  this  material  placed  over  the  ground 
will  rid  it  of  wireworm  and  other  harmful  grubs. 
I  have  not  ascertained  if  it  has  killed  the  wire- 
worm,  but  they  have  left  the  ground  where  it 
was  put  on.  It  is  best  applied  to  vacant  land, 
where  it  should  be  dug  in,  and  no  plant  should 
be  placed  on  the  land  for  at  least  two  months 
after  the  gas  lime  is  applied.  The  best  time  for 
the  application  is  autumn  or  spring.  Do  not  put 
it  on  fresh  from  the  generator  when  wet,  but  in 
some  out-of-the-way  corner  of  the  garden,  where 
it  can  stay  until  it  is  well  drained  and  nearly 
dry.  I  do  not  advocate  using  it  on  the  same 
plot  of  land  every  year,  once  in  three  or  five 
years  being  sufficient.  We  have  used  it  for  the 
following  crops  : — Potatos,   Peas,  Beans,   Celery^ 


Spinach,  Onions,  Carrots,  Parsnips,  Turnips, 
Broccoli,  Cabbage,  and  Brussel  Sprouts.  We 
have  also  used  it  as  a  dressing  for  new  planta- 
tions of  Strawberries.  In  all  cases  it  has  bene- 
fited the  crop.  I  may  repeat,  however,  that  it 
must  not  be  used  in  a  fresh  condition.  I  saw  a 
tennis  court  marked  out  with  it  in  the  ordinary 
way  as  with  whitening.  It  killed  all  the  Grass 
it  touched,  and  the  turf  never  recovered.  Grass 
land  would,  no  doubt,  be  benefited  by  its  ap- 
plication if  used  in  conjunction  with  double  its 
quantity  of  soil  or  wood  ashes,  and  spread 
evenly  after  it  has  been  exposed  to  the  air 
for  some  time.  This  refuse  forms  a  suit- 
able whitewash  for  outbuildings  or  walls,  ap- 
plied in  the  same  manner  as  lime  wash.  F .  R. 
Staddon,  East  Oakhj  House,  Hants. 

Cupressus  macrocarpus. — We  planted  a 
hedge  here  some  four  years  ago  to  protect  a  Rose 
garden.  It  grew  rapidly,  and  is  now  a  thick 
wall  18  inches  through"  and  5  feet  high — the 
height  we  require  it.  At  the  present  time  the 
hedge  has  a  very  scorched  appearance,  owing  to 
the  severe  winter,  and  I  am  afraid  a  tree  here 
and  there  is  killed  outright.  A.  Gooden,  Burton 
Park,  Petworth. 


PRIMULA  FORRESTII. 

We  have  now  the  opportunity  of  illustrating  a 
plant  of  Primula  Forrestii,  which  has  been  in 
cultivation  at  the  Edinburgh  Royal  Botanical 
Garden  for  the  past  two  years.  Professor  Bayley 
Balfour,  to  whom  we  are  indebted  for  the  photo- 
graph, states  that  the  plant  has  been  cultivated 
in  an  unheated  frame  during  the  past  winter,  that 
it  flowers  and  seeds  very  freely,  and  that  it  is 
likely  to  become  a  general  favourite.  The  illus- 
tration certainly  proves  that  the  plant  has  good 
decorative  qualities. 


SOCIETIES. 


ROYAL    HORTICULTURAL. 

May  4. — The  Society's  Hall  was  the  scene  of 
another  brilliant  display  of  floral  exhibits  on  this 
date,  and  there  was  a  large  attendance  of  visitors. 
The  main  building  and  the  annexes  were  filled 
with  groups  of  Roses,  bulbous  flowers,  Orchids, 
Auriculas,  Carnations,  forced  shrubs  and  trees, 
Ferns,  Phyllocacti,  Rhododendrons,  Azaleas, 
Cinerarias,  and  many  other  subjects.  An  ex- 
ceptional number  of  novelties  were  presented  to 
the  Floral  Committee  for  award,  and  this  body 
granted  one  First-class  Certificate  and  six 
Awards  of  Merit.  The  Orchid  Committee  con- 
ferred one  First-class  Certificate  and  two 
Botanical  Certificates.  The  Nabcisstjs  Commit- 
tee made  no  award  to  a  novelty.  Not  much  was 
brought  before  the  notice  of  the  Fruit  and 
Vegetable  Committee,  and  no  award  was  made 
in  this  section. 

At  the  3  o'clock  meeting,  a  lecture  on 
"  Mendel's  Law  and  its  Application  to  Horticul- 
ture "  was  delivered  by  Mr.  C  C.  Hurst.  A 
resume  of  the  lecture  is  given  on  p.  302. 

Floral  Committee. 

Present:  H.  B.  May,  Esq.  (Chairman),  Messrs. 
George  Paul,  W.  J.  James,  E.  H.  Jenkins,  W. 
P.  Thomson,  C.  T.  Druery,  W.  Cuthbertson, 
Chas.  E.  Pearson,  A.  Turner,  W.  Bain,  J.  F. 
McLeod,  Wm.  Howe,  C.  R.  Fielder,  R.  C.  Not- 
cutt,  T.  W.  Turner,  John  Green,  Jas.  Douglas, 
Jas.  Hudson,  J.  W.  Barr,  Charles  E.  Shea,  H. 
J.  Cutbush,  J.  Jennings,  Charles  Blick,  E.  T. 
Cook,  A.  Kingsmill  and  R.  W.  Wallace. 

As  at  the  last  meeting,  there  were  many  beau- 
tiful displays  of  Roses.  Mr.  G.  Mount, 
Canterbury,  Kent,  exhibited  in  his  usual 
excellent  style  a  large  display  of  these  flowers. 
The  blooms  were  beautifully  fresh  and  bright, 
of  the  largest  size,  and  on  long,  stout  stems, 
with  handsome  foliage.  The  majority  were 
of  well-known  varieties  in  large  batches, 
such  as  the  magnificent  white  Frau  Karl 
Druschki,  shown  in  splendid  condition,  Mrs. 
John  Laing,  Ulrich  Brunner,  Mrs.  R.  G.  Shar- 
man  Crawford,  Mme.  Abel  Chatenay,  and, 
amongst  red  Roses,  Captain  Hayward,  General 
MacArthur  and  Richmond.  There  were  also 
numerous  other  kinds   in  smaller  numbers,  the 


310 


THE     GARDENERS     CHRONICLE. 


[.May  8.,  19C9. 


whole    forming    a    magnificent    display.       (Gold 
Medal.)  „   ,     , 

Messrs.  G.  Pkince  &  Co.,  Oxford,  exhibited 
Rambler  Roses  and  a  few  Hybrid-Tea  varieties. 
Plants  of  Dorothy  Perkins,  Hiawatha,  Crimson 
Rambler,  and  the  beautiful  single-flowered  Blush 
Rambler  were  crowded  with  their  pretty  blos- 
soms. 

Messrs.  B.  R.  Cant  &  Co.,  Colchester,  had  a 
group  of  climbing  varieties  of  Roses,  amongst 
which  the  beautiful  Austrian  Yellow  variety  was 
conspicuous.     (Silver  Floral  Medal.) 

Another  similar  exhibit  was  staged  by  Messrs. 
Frank  Cant  &  Co.,  Colchester.  (Silver  Banksian 
Medal.) 

Messrs.  W.  Paul  &  Son,  Waltham  Cross, 
Herts.,  arranged  as  a  corner  exhibit  Roses  of  the 
climbing  Polyantha  type,  many  of  the  varieties 
being  old,  but  equally  as  beautiful  as  the  newer 
kinds.  Waltham  Rambler  was  shown  even  better 
than  at  the  last  meeting;  Bordeaux  bears  large 
trusses  of  blooms  tinged  with  a  shade  of  purple. 
The  colouring  of  Lyon  Rose  is  superb;  perhaps 
rose  shaded  with  gold  best  describes  it.  (Silver 
Flora  Medal.) 

A  bold  display  of  Himalayan  Rhododendrons 
was  made  by  Messrs.  R.  Veitch  &  Son,  Exeter. 
There  were  large  plants,  lifted  from  the  border, 
of  such  fine  varieties  as  Doctor  Stacker,  Glory  of 
Penjerrick,  R.  niveum,  R.  Falconeri,  and  a  new 
variety  named  Princess  of  Orange  (R.  Thomsonii 
x  indicum).  The  flowers  of  this  hybrid  are  suf- 
fused with  rose  on  a  pale  ground.  (Silver-gilt 
Flora  Medal.) 

Messrs.  John  Waterer  &  Sons,  Ltd..  Bag- 
shot.  Surrey,  staged  a  magnificent  group  of  Rho- 
dodendron Pink  Pearl.  (Silver  Banksian  Medal.) 
Mr.  G.  Reuthe,  Keston,  Kent,  displayed  Rho- 
dodendrons in  great  assortment,  having  also 
many  Alpine  and  garden  plants  along  the  front 
of  the  group.  Viburnum  Carlesii.  which  re- 
ceived a  First-class  Certificate  on  this  occasion, 
was  noticed  in  this  group.  (Bronze  Flora  Medal.) 
Rhododendrons  were  largely  exhibited  by 
Messrs.  R.  Gill  &  Sons,  Penrhyn  and  Falmouth. 
The  variety  Gill's  Triumph  (R.  Thomsonii  X  R. 
Grimthianum),  which  received  an  Award  of 
Merit  last  season,  was  one  of  the  most  noticeable  ; 
the  large  flowers  are  a  shade  of  rose.  Messrs. 
Gill  also  showed  R.  Falconeri  and  R.  Thomsonii 
very  finely.  R.  niveum  has  lilac-coloured  flowers  ,- 
the  under  surfaces  of  the  foliage  are  white. 
Sprays  of  Embothrium  coccineum  were  crowded 
with  the  scarlet  blossoms.  (Silver  Banksian 
Medal.) 

Messrs.  Joseph  Cheal  &  Sons,  Crawley, 
Sussex,  displayed  cut  branches  of  uncommon  and 
choice  shrubs  and  trees,  Mespilus  canadensis, 
Magnolias  in  variety,  the  floriferous  Spiraea 
arguta,  Exochordia  grandiflora,  Acer  palmatum 
sanguineum,  Pyrus  Malus  floribunda,  and  many 
other  choice  subjects  for  the  shrubbery  and 
pleasure  ground  were  shown  by  this  firm. 

Carnations  of  the  Souvenir  de  la  Malmaison 
type  were  shown  as  pot  plants  by  C.  F.  Raphael, 
Esq.,  Shenley  (gr.  Mr.  A.  Grubb).  They  were 
mostly  of  the  pink  Princess  of  Wales  variety, 
but  there  were  a  few  plants  of  the  darker  Maggie 
Hodgson  kind  and  others  of  the  scarlet  King 
Arthur,  which  provided  assortment.  As  exam- 
ples of  high  culture,  the  plants  would  be  hard  to 
surpass ;  each  bore  several  finely-developed 
blooms,  and  appeared  in  perfect  condition. 
(Silver-gilt  Flora  Medal.) 

There  were  several  exhibits  of  perpetual- 
flowering  Carnations.  Mr.  H.  Burnett,  Guern- 
sey, displayed  popular  kinds,  such  as  Britannia, 
Enchantress,  Mrs.  H.  Burnett,  White  Perfection, 
&c,  in  magnificent  examples,  a  great  feature 
being  the  high  colouring,  due  in  part,  no  doubt, 
to  the  favourable  climate  in  which  they  were 
grown.     (Silver  Banksian  Medal.) 

Messrs.  Hugh  Low  &  Co.,  Bush  Hill  Park, 
Enfield,  also  showed  Carnations  of  this  type, 
these  plants  being  a  speciality  of  this  firm.  The 
Carnations  formed  a  portion  only  of  Messrs. 
Low's  exhibit,  for  they  had  in  addition  Roses, 
Hydrangeas,  Ericas,  Spiraeas,  Clianthus  puniceus. 
Azalea  rosseflora,  and  other  greenhouse  flowering 
plants.     (Silver  Banksian  Medal.) 

Messrs.  W.  Cutbush  &  Son,  Highgate,  Lon- 
don, N.,  displayed  an  assortment  of  the  per- 
petual-blooming Carnations.  The  new  Lady 
Coventry  variety  of  the  Souvenir  de  la  Mai 
maison  type  was  noticed  (see  fig.  127).  Some  of 
the  blooms  measured  6  inches  across.  Messrs. 
Cutbush  also  showed  forced  shrubs  in  variety. 
(Silver  Flora  Medal.) 


Messrs.  H.  B.  May  &  Sons,  The  Nurseries, 
Edmonton,  showed  an  assortment  of  greenhouse 
plants  including  Verbenas,  scented-leaved  Pelar- 
goniums, dwarf  Roses,  Statice  profusa,  and  varie- 
ties of  Pansies  and  Violas.  Adjoining  the 
flowering  plants  was  a  select  group  of  Ferns,  all 
with  their  spring  foliage.  The  more  handsome 
were  Nephrolepis  exaltata  Amerpholii,  the  best 
of  these  new  decorative  Ferns;  Polypodium 
Knightite,  the  long  fronds  being  delicately  in- 
cised ;  P.  Billardieri  cristatum,  a  rare  variety ; 
Gymnogramme  schizophylla  superba;  Lomaria 
platyptera,  a  fast-growing,  elegant  tree  Fern; 
and  L,eucostegia  immersus,  with  fronds  tinted 
rose  colour.     (Silver  Flora  Medal.) 

Messrs.  James  Veitch  &  Sons,  Ltd.,  King's 
Road,  Chelsea,  showed  several  exhibits  of  diverse 
flowers.  On  the  table  they  usually  occupy  was  a 
magnificent  collection  of  Phyllocacti,  mostly 
hybrids  raised  in  the  Veitchian  nurseries.  Espe- 
cially fine  were  the  varieties  Pytho,  Thalia,  Gem, 
and  Hilda.  Another  exhibit  was  of  Schizanthus, 
the  plants  representing  a  choice  strain  of  this 
greenhouse  plant.  As  a  floor  exhibit,  Messrs. 
Veitch  showed  flowering  Cherries — Cerasus 
Watereri,  also  Amagydalus  persica  fl.  pi.  (Silver- 
gilt  Flora  Medal.) 

Mr.  James  Douglas,  Edenside,  Great  Book- 
ham,  Surrey,  contributed  a  grand  display  of 
Auriculas.  Of  the  400  plants  which  comprised 
the  exhibit  each  was  shown  in  best  exhibition 
style.  There  were  no  fewer  than  80  varieties, 
many  of  them  of  Mr.  Douglas's  raising. 
As  'being  especially  good,  we  may  enumer- 
ate Argus  (deeply  shaded  with  purple), 
Flora  Maclvor  (of  rosy  purple  colouring 
with  a  yellow  centre),  Acme  (a  white-edge 
variety),  Miss  Willmott  (a  dark  maroon  self 
flower'  of  large  size  and  with  a  perfectly-formed 
truss  ;  this  variety  is  not  yet  in  commerce) ;  May 
Day  (a  yellow  self  variety),  Phyllis,  Teviot  Dale, 
Heather  Bell,  and  Mildred  Jay.     (Gold  Medal.) 

Large-flowering  varieties  of  Clematis,  inter- 
mingled with  Ferns  and  backed  by  a  row  of 
Laburnum  plants,  were  shown  by  Mr.  L.  R. 
Russell.  Richmond. 

Heliotropes  in  variety  were  shown  by  The 
King's  Acre  Nursery  Co.,  Hereford.  Some  of 
the  trusses  of  flowers  were  9  or  10  inches  across. 
(Silver  Banksian  Medal.) 

Messrs.  J.  Carter  &  Co.,  High  Holborn,  Lon- 
don, made  an  attractive  exhibit  with  Cinerarias, 
the  brightly-coloured  flowers  furnishing  a  gay 
effect.  The  group  was  staged  in  a  formal  but 
attractive  manner.     (Silver  Flora  Medal.) 

Exhibits  of  Violas  and  Pansies  were  again 
shown  by  Messrs.  Dobbie  &  Co.,  Rothesay  (Silver 
Banksian  Medal),  and  Messrs.  Carter.  Page 
&  Co.,  London  Wall,  London  (Bronze  Banksian 
Medal). 

Much  the  best  strain  of  Polyanthus  exhibited 
was  shown  by  Mr.  S.  Mortimer,  Rowledge, 
Farnham,  Surrey.  The  plants  were  arranged  in 
batches  of  yellow,  crimson,  white,  and  mixed 
varieties,  and  their  flowers  were  so  numerous  as 
to  hide  the  foliage.     (Bronze  Flora  Medal.) 

Messrs.  Gilbert  &  Son,  Dyke,  Bourne,  Lin- 
colnshire, showed  their  specialities  amongst  Ane- 
mones, the  beautiful  King  of  Scarlets  variety 
predominating. 

Messrs.  H.  Cannell  &  Sons,  Swanley,  Kent, 
made  one  of  their  characteristic  displays  of  Zonal 
Pelargoniums  and  a  row  of  the  Regal  or  Show 
type.  The  following  varieties  in  the  Zonal  sec- 
tion are  all  noteworthy  : — Dublin  (magenta), 
Sydney  (rose-pink),  Berlin  (scarlet),  Claremont 
(white),  Paris  (white  and  pink),  and  New  York 
(scarlet).     (Bronze  Flora  Medal.) 

Messrs.  Heath  &  Sons,  Cheltenham,  staged 
scented-leaved  Pelargoniums,  of  which  plants 
this  firm  possesses  a  great  variety. 

Messrs.  W.  &  J.  Brown,  Cheltenham,  showed 
a  big  white  Daisy  named  Venus,  a  rather  coarse- 
flowered  yellow  Gaillardia,  Lotus  peliorhynchus, 
and  small  well-flowered  plants  of  Olearia  stellu- 
lata. 

Mr.  Chas.  Breadmore,  Winchester,  showed 
Sweet  Peas,  including  a  new  cream-coloured 
variety  named  Princess  Juliana.  Mr.  Bread- 
more  also  staged  Carnations. 

Messrs.  R.  &  G.  Cuthbert,  Southgate,  Lon- 
don, N.,  showed  hybrids  of  Rhododendron 
(Azalea)  sinense,  the  plants  being  densely  covered 
with  their  attractive  flowers.  (Silver  Flora 
Medal.) 

Exhibits  of  Alpine  and  hardy  border  plants 
formed  a  very  considerable  portion  of  the  exhibi- 


tion. Mr.  Amos  Perry,  Enfield,  Middlesex,  had 
an  interesting  group,  amongst  which  we  noticed 
especially  fine  examples  of  Adonis  vernalis,  Cory- 
dalis  nobilis,  Mertensia  virginica,  Arnebia  eeln- 
oides,  and  a  good  strain  of  Polyanthuses. 
(Bronze  Flora  Medal.) 

Messrs.  Barr  &  Sons,  King  Street.  Covent 
Garden,  London,  W.C.,  showed  hardy  flowering 
plants,  intermixed  with  bulbous  flowers. 

Mr.  A.  R.  Upton,  Hardy  Plant  Nursery, 
Guildford,  showed  an  assortment  of  spring 
flowers.  The  peerless  Gentiana  acaulis,  one  of 
the  most  beautiful  of  all  blue  flowers ;  Pole- 
monium  confertum  melitum,  and  Haberlea  rhodo- 
pensis  were  specially  noteworthy. 

Mr.  Maurice  Prichard,  Christchurch,  Hants, 
exhibited  Alpine  and  hardy  flowers.  The  plants 
were  finely  in  flower,  and  staged  with  great  skill. 
We  noticed  many  species  of  uncommon  interest, 
and  there  were  Irises,  Aubrietias,  Tulips,  Ranun- 
culus amplexicaulis,  and  other  species.  (Silver- 
gilt   Banksian   Medal.) 

Another  excellent  exhibit  of  Alpine  plants  was 
shown  by  Messrs.  J.  Peed  &  Sons,  Forest  Hill, 
London. '  Many  succulent  plants  were  included 
in  the  display.  Messrs.  Peed  also  exhibited,  as 
a  separate  group,  an  assortment  of  ornamental- 
leaved  Maples,  interspersed  with  Callas  and 
large-flowered  Clematis.  (Silver-gilt  Banksian 
Medal.) 

Other  exhibitors  of  Alpine  and  hardy  border 
plants  were  Mr.  W.  P.  Horton,  Cravenhurst, 
Seaford,  Sussex ;  Messrs.  Phillips  &  Taylor, 
Lily  Hill  Nurseries,  Bracknell,  Berks:  some  well- 
flowered  Auriculas  were  shown  by  this  firm;  the 
Misses  Hopkins,  Mere  Gardens,  Shepperton-on- 
Thames;  Messrs.  T.  S.  Ware,  Ltd.,  Feltham 
(Bronze  Flora  Medal)  ;  Messrs.  Baker's,  Wolver- 
hampton (Silver  Banksian  Medal) ;  Messrs.  G.  & 
A.  Clark,  Ltd.,  Dover  (Silver  Banksian  Medal); 
Messrs.  Geo.  Jackman  &  Son,  Woking,  Surrey ; 
Mr.  H.  C.  Pulham,  Elsenham,  Essex;  and 
Messrs.  Geo.  Bunyard  &  Co.,  Ltd.,  Maidstone 
(Bronze  Flora   Medal.) 

Messrs.  Paul  &  Son,  The  Old  Nurseries,  Ches- 
hunt,  showed  varieties  of  ornamental  trees  and 
shrubs ;  also  climbers  and  a  few  pot  plants  of 
hard-wooded  species  in  flower.  (Bronze  Flora 
Medal.) 

A  Cultural  Commendation  was  awarded  to  Mr. 
W.  Bain  (gr.  to  Sir  Trevor  Lawrence,  Bart., 
Burford,  Dorking)  for  a  splendidly-floweied  plant 
of  the  curious  Tacca  cristata. 

AWARDS. 

First-class  Certificate. 
Viburnum  Carlesii. — This  beautiful  and  fra- 
grant white-flowered  shrub  has  previously  re- 
ceived an  Award  of  Merit.  This  Award  is  now- 
superseded  by  a  First-class  Certificate.  The- 
species  was  described  and  illustrated  in  Gar- 
deners' Chr'oniclp,  May  30,  1908,  p.  346,  fig.  155. 
The  plant  now  exhibited  had  been  lifted  from  the, 
open  on  the  day  previous  to  the  meeting,  and  had 
been  grown  without  the  least  protection.  Having 
endured  29°  of  frost  without  injury,  it  is  but 
reasonable  to  conclude  that  the  plant  is  perfectly 
hardy,  and  thus  is  a  welcome  addition  to  flower- 
ing shrubs.  Exhibited  by  Sir  Trevor  Law- 
rence, Bart.,  Dorking  (gr.   Mr.   W.   Bain). 

Awards  of  Merit 

Saxifraga  Clibranii  (see  fig.   130). — A   dei  p 
red  flowering  variety  of  the  mossy  section.     The 
habit  is  quite  distinct,  and  the  plant  flowers  pro-, 
fusely.     From  Messrs.   Clibrans,   Altrincham. 

Saxifraga  decipiens  Arhvrightii. — A  hand- 
some, distinct  and  pure  white-flowered  variety 
of  this  section  of  the  mossy  Saxifragas.  The  flat- 
tish  flowers  are  nearly  the  size  of  a  shilling,  and 
the  plant  blooms  very  freely.  From  Messrs. 
Bakers,  Codsall,   Wolverhampton. 

Cineraria  flaveseens  (Cineraria  Feltham 
Beauty  X  Senecio  auricidatissima). — A  remark- 
able novelty,  and  probably  the  first  step  to  a 
yellow-flowered  Cineraria.  The  exhibited  plant 
was  particularly  well  grown  and  flowered,  the 
heads  of  blossoms  being  equal  to  those  of  well- 
grown  Cinerarias,  with  a  somewhat  modified  leaf 
growth.  The  opening  blossoms  are  of  clear 
canary-yellow  tone,  the  expanded  blossoms  merg- 
ing into  a  deep  cream  shade  and  finally  becoming 
white.  From  Messrs.  James  Veitch  &  Sons,. 
Ltd.,  Chelsea. 

Primula  X  Unique  improved. — This  plant  has 
been  raised  from  a  cross  between  P.  Cockburni- 


Max  8,  ISC  9.] 


THE    GARDENERS'      CHRONICLE. 


ana  and  P.  pulyerulenta,  the  latter  species  being 
the  seed-bearing  parent.  The  colour  is  inter- 
mediate between  the  parents,  but  in  size  of 
blossom,  leafage  and  the  mealy  character  of  the 
leaves  and  stems,  there  is  much  to  suggest  the 
influence  of  P.  pulverulenta.  It  is  a  more  robust 
plant  than  Primula  X  Unique  figured  in  Gar- 
deners' Chronicle,  June  15,  1907.  The  older- 
plant  was  raised  from  the  same  parents,  but  in 
this  case  P.  Cockburniana  was  the  seed-bearer. 
From  Messrs.  Jas.  Veitch  &  Sons,  Chelsea. 

Nephrolepis  lycopodioides. — A  further  addi- 
tion to  this  densely  plumose  set  of  Ferns.  The 
fronds  are  smaller  than  in  the  case  of  some  other 
varieties  already  in  commerce.  From  Messrs. 
T.  Rochford  &  Sons,  Turnford  Hall,  Herts. 

Hydrangea  hortentis  alba. — A  pure  white 
variety,  and  one  that  should  prove  of  much 
value.     From  .Messrs.  Hu.ih  Low  &  Co.,  Enfield. 

Narcissus  Committee. 

Present:  H.  B.  May,  Esq.  (Chairman),  and 
Messrs.  G.  W.  Leak,  Henry  Backhouse,  W.  A. 
Milner,  Christopher  Bourne,  W.  Poupart,  R. 
Sydenham,  F.  VV.  Currey,  P.  R.  Barr,  Joseph 
Jacob,  R.  W.  Wallace,  James  Walker,  F.  Her- 
bert Chapman,  E.  Willmott,  W.  T.  Ware,  A. 
Kingsmill.  J.  T.  Bennett-Poe,  E.  M.  Crossfield, 
G.  H.  Engleheart,  and  P.  D.  Williams. 

A  large  number  of  new  varieties  were  sub- 
mitted for  award,  but  none  was  considered 
worthy. 

The  most  comprehensive  exhibit  was  shown 
by  Messrs.  Barr  &  Sons,  King  Street,  Covent 
Garden.  In  addition  to  a  large  collection  of  flowers 
of  other  types,  the  group  contained  an  almost 
unique  collection  of  triandrue  hybrids  with  Sowers 
of  varying  degrees  of  size.  Not  a  few  of  these 
were  flowering  for  the  first  time  this  year. 
Of  the  kinds  already  in  commerce  we  noticed  the 
giant  Leedsii  Czarina  with  its  great  perianth 
5  inches  across;  Masterpiece,  a  fine  flower  of  the 
Engleheartii  section  with  characteristic  flat  ami 
flame-coloured  crown  ;  Challenger,  another  hand- 
some variety  of  the  same  group  ;  Lord  Morley,  a 
giant  of  the  hybrid  triandrus  set.  with  a  creamy, 
drooping  crown  ;  Snow  King,  probably  the  big- 
gest 'i  tin'  poeticus  section;  Cassandra.  Apricot 
Phoenix,  with  double  flowers;  White  Lady,  and 
Fire  KiiiLr.  which  has  a  particularly  rich  and  in- 
tensely-coloured crown,  the  shade  of  orange  be- 
iiju'  thrown  into  greater  relief  by  a  base  of  green  : 
and  X.  odorous  rugulosus  maximus,  a  flower  of 
medium  size  and  a  rich  lone  of  yellow.  (Silver- 
gilt  Banksian   Medal.  I 

Mr.  F.  Herbert  Chapman,  Rye,  had  a  small 
collection  of  Narcissus  poeticus  in  variety,  a 
section  to  which  this  gentleman  directs  special 
attention- 
Miss  F.  W.  Currey,  Lismore,  Ireland,  exhi- 
bited choice  varieties.  Will  Scarlett.  White 
Lady,  Red  Star,  Warley  Scarlet  (a  fine  flower  of 
the  incomparabilis  type,  and  Maggie  May  were 
conspicuous. 

Messrs.  Wm.  Bui  l  &  Sons.  King's  Road.  Chel- 
sea, displayed  a  general  collection  of  the  later- 
flowering  varieties  of  Narcissi. 

Mr.  H.  D.  Phillips.  Olton,  Warwickshire, 
who  was  exhibiting  for  the  first  time  at  these 
meetings,  had  a  particularly  choice  assortment  of 
Narcissi.  Especially  good  were  Horace,  Incog- 
nita, Rymster,  Seville  (which  may  be  described  as 
a  much-improved  Will  Scarlett),  Gloria  Mundi 
(very  fine  in  colour),  Una  (a  big  Leedsii  in  which 
there  is  more  orange  colour  in  the  crown  or  cup 
than  is  usual  in  this  section),  Evangeline,  and 
Weardale  Perfection.     (Silver  Flora  Medal.) 

Messrs.  R.  W.  Wallace  &  Co.,  Colchester,  had 
a  capital  assortment  of  Tulips,  including  early- 
flowering  Cottage  and  Darwin  kinds. 

A  group  of  a  fine  seedling  Narcissus  was 
shown  by  Messrs.  Sutton  &  Sons,  Reading.  It 
appeared  to  be  intermediate  between  Evangeline 
and  White  Lady  in  colour,  but  a  much  larger 
flower  than  either  of  these. 

Messrs.  R.  H.  Bath,  Ltd.,  Wisbech,  brought 
a  rich  display  of  early  single,  double  and  other 
Tulips,  also  a  choice  collection  of  Narcissi,  the 
latter  including  Torch,  White  Lady,  the  larue- 
flowered  Una  of  the  Leedsii  group.  Princess  Ena 
(a  giant  hybrid  from  triandrus  King  Alfred). 
Larissa  (a  superb  Engleheartii  variety).  Gloria 
Mundi.  Sulphur  Phoenix,  and  Cassandra.  (Sil- 
ver Banksian  Medal.) 


Messrs.  Hogg  &  Robertson,  Dublin,  displayed 
an  excellent  group  of  early-flowering  Tulips,  the 
flowers  being  characterised  by  much  freshness 
and  beauty.     (Silver  Banksian  Medal.) 

Mr.  E.  H.  Cave,  Mangotsfield,  near  Bristol, 
showed  a  beautiful  lot  of  unnamed  seedling  Nar- 
cissi.     (Silver   Banksian   Medal.) 

Messrs.  James  Veitch  &  Sons,  Ltd.,  Chelsea, 
had  a  largo  assortment  of  Narcissi  and  Tulips, 
the  former  including  Primrose  Phoenix,  Sulphur 
Phoenix,  Will  Scarlett,  Gloria  Mundi,  Poetaz 
Aspasia,  Mme.  de  Graaff,  and  Thelma. 

.-  Orchid  Committee. 

Present:  J.  Guiney  Fowler,  Esq.  (in  the 
Chair),  and  Messrs.  Jas.  O'Brien  (hon.  sec),  de 
B.  Crawshay,  H.  Little,  W.  Boxall,  J.  Forster 
Alcock,  R.  G.  Thwaites,  F.  M.  Ogilvie,  Walter 
Cobb,  A.  A.  McBean,  J.  Charlesworth,  J. 
Cypher.  W.  H.  Hatcher,  H.  G.  Alexander,  A. 
Dye,  W.  H.  White,  H.  A.  Tracy,  H.  Ballan- 
tine,   C.  J.  Lucas,  and  Gurney   Wilson. 

Col.  G.  L.  Holford,  CLE.,  C.V.O.,  Weston- 
birt, Tetbury  (gr.  Mr.  H.  G.  Alexander),  showed 
the  beautiful  Odontoglossum  Phoebe  Westonbirt 
variety,  and  it  appeared  even  better  than  on 
the  previous  occasion ;  0.  crispum  Muriel,  a  very 
handsome  lilac-tinted  flower  with  fringed  petals 


Mr.    W.    H.    White),   sent    the    rare     Oncidium 
stramineum,  and  two  others.     (See  Awards.) 

H.  S.  Goodson,  Esq.,  Fairlawn,  Putney  (gr.. 
Mr.  G.  E.  Day),  showed  Zygopetalum  Clark- 
sonii  (crinitum  X  Clayi),  with  chocolate-purple 
coloured  sepals  and  petals  and  violet  lip ;  Odon- 
tioda  Lutetia  with  10  fine  scarlet-blotched  flowers 
on  a  spike;  La;lio-Cattleya  Feronia  (C.  Enid  x 
L.-C.  Haroldiana),  with  cream-coloured  sepals 
and  petals  tinged  with  rose,  and  a  very  fine, 
bright-purplish,  crimson  lip. 

Messrs.  Charlesworth  &  Co.,  Haywards 
Heath,  staged  a  selection  of  rare  and  handsome 
Orchids,  including  a  grand  seedling  blotched 
Odontoglossum  crispum  closely  approaching  O.  c. 
Leonard  Perfect;  several  plants  of  the  bright  yel- 
low Lselio-Cattleya  G.  S.  Ball,  Brasso-Cattleya 
Digbyano-Mossia?,  Odontoglossum  ardentissimum 
xanthotes  of  fine  shape,  pure  white  with  yellow 
markings  on  the  lip  ;  Cattleya  Empress  Frederick, 
the  rare  pure  white  Aerides  virens  Sanders,  and 
Masdevallia  bella. 

John  Ruijherford,  Esq.,  Beai-dwood.  Black- 
burn (gr.  Mr.  Lupton),  sent  Odontoglossum  ama- 
bile  Beardwood  variety,  a  very  large  white  flower 
heavily  blotched  with  purple  ;  also  a  small  selec- 
tion of  well-grown  Lselio-Cattleyas,  Cattleya.  in- 
termedia  alba,   Odontoglossums,    &c. 

Messrs.  Cypher  &  Sons.  Cheltenham,  staged  a 


Fig.  i jo. — saxifraga  clibranii:    flowers  crimson. 

(See  R.H.S.  Awards.) 


bearing  some  red  spots;  O.  triumphans  Weston- 
birt variety  of  fine  form  and  bright  yellow  colour, 
heavily  blotched  with  chestnut  brown;  and  the 
grand  Ladio-Cattleya  Dr.  R.  Schiffman  Weston- 
birt variety.     (See  Awards.) 

J.  Gurney  Fowler,  Esq.,  Glebelands,  South 
Woodford  (gr.  Mr.  J.  Davis),  showed  Brasso- 
Cattleya  The  Baron  (C.  Lord  Rothschild  X  B. 
Digbyana),  for  which  Messrs.  Sander  received  a 
First-class  Certificate  April  3,  19U6,  and  which 
was  fully  described  and  illustrated  in  the  Gar- 
deners'  Chronicle,  April  7,  1906.  No  flower  was 
available  for  the  painting  at  that  time.  The 
Committee  confirmed  the  Award  on  consideration 
of  the  picture  being  obtained  from  Mr.  J. 
Gurney  Fowler's  flower. 

The  Duke  of  Marlborough,  Blenheim  Palace 
(gr.  Mr.  Hunter),  showed  Odontoglossum  cris- 
pum Dinah,  a  handsomely-blotched  form,  and 
Cvpripedium  bellatulum  "  His  Grace." 

De  B.  Crawshay,  Esq.,  Rosefield,  Sevenoaks, 
again  showed  his  unique  Odontoglossum  Theo- 
dora, illustrated  and  described  in  the  Gardeners' 
Chronicle,  April  24,  1909,  p.  269;  and  Odontioda 
Charlesworthii  Theodora,  a  very  beautiful  flower 
of  a  deep  Indian-red  colour  with  a  shade  of 
orange. 

Sir  Trevor  Lawrence,  Bart.,  K.C.V.O.   (gr. 


group  containing  good  Cattleya  intermedia  alba, 
and  other  Cattleyas  and  Lielio-C'attieyas,  includ- 
ing two  very  dissimilar  varieties  of  L.-C.  Gany- 
mede.  Also  forms  of  La;lia  purpurata,  Epiphro- 
nitis  Veitchii,  Phaio-Oymbidium  Chardwarense, 
and  a  plant  of  the  rare  bright-yellow  Bulbophyl- 
lum  Sillemianum.     (Silver  Flora  Medal.) 

Messrs.  Hugh  Low  &  Co.,  Bush  Hill  Park, 
staged  a  group  of  Orchids,  in  which  were  good 
forms  of  Cattleya  Mendelii,  Dendrobium  barhatu- 
lum,  D.  Pierardii.  D.  primulinum,  D.  thyrsi- 
florum,  various  Odontoglossums,  and  a  specimen 
of  the  curious  little  Bulbophyllum  tremnlum. 
(Silver  Flora  Medal.) 

Messrs.  J.  &  A.  A.  McBean,  Cooksbridge, 
staged  a  group  in  which  were  some  fine  Odon- 
toglossums. Among  the  forms  of  0.  crispum 
were  the  pretty  O.  c.  Oakfield  Sunrise,  and  with 
the  hybrids  was  a  finely-blotched  form  of  O. 
Lambeauianum.  Others  noted  were  Cymbidium 
eburneo-Lowianum  concolor,  a  fine  flower  of 
yellowish  cream  colour  ;  C.  insigne  rotundum.  a 
large  and  finely-formed  white  flower  tinged  with 
rose  and  closely  spotted  on  the  lip  ;  good  Cattleya 
Mendelii.  C.  intermedia  alba.  &c.  (Silver  Bank- 
sian Medal.) 

Monsieur  Mertens.  Mont.  St  Amand,  Ghent, 
showed  a  selection  of  hybrid  Odontoglossums. 
(Silver  Banksian  Medal.) 


302 


THE     GARDENERS"    CHRONICLE. 


[May  8..  1909. 


Mr.  A.  W.  Jensen,  Lindfield,  Haywards 
Heath,  showed  a  magnificent  specimen  of  Cat- 
tleya  Mendelii  with  96  flowers. 

Francis  Wellesley,  Esq.,  Westfield,  Woking 
(gr.  Mr.  Hopkins),  sent  Cattleya  Mendelii  majes- 
tica,  a  white  flower  with  a  pearly-pink  tinge,  the 
front  of  the  lip  being  purplish  rose,  the  tube 
tinged  with  yellow  ;  and  C.  Mendelii  Thalia,  a 
nearly  white  "flower  with  a  purple  pencilling  on 
the  front  of  the  lip. 

H.  T.  Pitt,  Esq.,  Rosslyn,  Stamford  Hill  (gr. 
Mr.  Thurgood),  showed  Brasso-Lrelia  Rosslyn  (B. 
Digbyana  X  L.  Latona),  white  tinged  and  veined 
with  rose. 

E.  de  Quincey-Quincey,  Esq.,  Oakwood, 
Chislehurst  (gr.  Mr.  G.  B.  Lees),  sent  Laelio- 
Cattleya  Dorothy  Heywood  (L.  Pacavia  X  C. 
Warneri). 

Aliss  Edith  M.  Argles,  The  Vineyard,  Peter- 
borough, sent  a  good  specimen  of  Dendrobium 
densiflorum  with  10  spikes,  and  which  was  origin- 
ally  brought  by  her   from  Darjeeling. 

Mr.  C.  Ravens,  Odense,  Denmark,  showed 
Cattleya  Luddemanniana  Ravens'  variety,  white 
with  purple  markings  on  the  lip,  and  very  near  to 
C    L.  Stanley i. 

Gurney  Wilson,  Esq.,  Glenthorne,  Haywards 
Heath,  showed  Oncidium  sphacelatum. 

AWARDS. 

First-class  Certificate. 

Lcelio-Catlhi/a  Dr.  R.  Schiffman  Westonbirt 
variety  (O.  Mendelii  X  L.-C.  callistoglossa), 
from  Col.  G.  L.  Holford,  CLE.,  C.V.O.,  Wes- 
tonbirt (gr.  Mr.  H.  G.  Alexander). — A  noble 
hybrid  of  great  size,  perfect  form  and  charming 
colour.  The  broad,  flat  sepals  and  large  and 
beautifully-arranged  petals  are  silver-white 
tinged  and  slightly  veined  with  rosy-mauve. 
The  handsome  labellum,  which  opens  very  widely, 
as  in  the  best  forms  of  L.-C.  callistoglossa, 
is  purplish-crimson  in  front,  the  disc  chrome- 
yellow,  and  the  base  reddish-purple  with  pale 
yellow  lines.  Having  Cattleya  Mendelii,  C. 
Warscewiczii  and  Laelia  purpurata  in  its  compo- 
sition, this  hybrid  is  a  specially  good  one.  It 
shows  the  influence  of  C.  Warscewiczii  strongly, 
and  hence  fine  features  are  in  the  Westonbirt 
variety  which  may  not  appear  in  others  of  the 
same  parentage. 

Botanical  C'eutificate. 

Brassavola  Martiana,  from  Sir  Trevor  Law- 
rence, Bart.,  K.C.V.O.  (gr.  Mr.  W.  H.  White). 
— A  very  distinct  species  of  the  B.  Perrinii  sec- 
tion, bearing  short,  upright  spikes  of  several 
small,  white  flowers  with  ovate  fringed  labellums. 
The  flowers  are  very  fragrant. 

Epidendrum  densiflorum,  from  Sir  Trevor 
Lawrence,  Bart. — A  tall-growing  species,  in 
habit  resembling  E.  paniculatum,  the  greenish 
flowers  being  closely  arranged  on  the  inflores- 
cence. 

Cultural  Commendation 

to  Mr.  H.  J.  Chapman  (gr.  to  Norman  C. 
Cookson,  Esq.,  Oakwood,  Wylam)  for  a  very 
fine  example  of  Odontoglossum  Andersonianum 
Crawshayanum. 

Fruit  and  Vegetable  Committee. 

Present:  G.  Bunyard,  Esq.  (in  the  Chair),  and 
Messrs.  J.  Cheal,  C.  G.  A.  Nix,  A.  H.  Pearson 
(Vice-chairman),  A.  R.  Allan,  W.  Barnes,  J. 
Basham,  W.  Bates,  E.  Beckett,  T.  Coomber,  A. 
Dean,  C.  Foster,  J.  Harrison,  G.  Hobday,  J. 
Lyne,  H.  Markham,  F.  Perkins,  H.  S.  Rivers, 
O.  Thomas,  Jas.  Vert,  G.  Wythes,  P.  C.  M. 
Veitch,  G.  Reynolds,  H.  Hooper,  J.  Davis,  P.  D. 
Tuckett,  and  W.  Poupart. 

Messrs.  James  Veitch  &  Sons,  Ltd.,  King's 
Road,  Chelsea,  showed  several  varieties  of  Apples 
that  had  been  well  kept.  The  varieties  included 
Bow  Hill  Pippin,  Betty  Geeson,  Northern  Spy, 
Newton  Wonder,  Bramley's  Seedling,  Lord 
Hindlip,  Baxter's  Pearmain,  Alfriston,  Norfolk 
Beauty,  and  Barnack  Beauty.  There  were  also 
good  fruits  of  Bellisime  d'Hiver  and  Directeur 
Alphand  Pears.  Messrs.  Veitch  also  showed 
varieties  of  forced  vegetables,  including  Lettuce, 
Beans,  Tomatos,  Peas,  Turnips,  Cabbages,  and 
Radishes. 

Messrs.  Sutton  &  Sons,  Reading,  showed 
varieties  of  forced  vegetables,  including  good  ex- 
amples of  Sutton's  Market  Cucumber,  Golden 
Ball  Lettuce,  Winter  Beauty  Tomato,  Long 
Parisian     Turnip,     Perfection     Asparagus,     Red 


Forcing  Radish,  Earliest  of  All  Lettuce,  Cham- 
pion Scarlet  Horn  and  April  Cabbages.  (Silver 
Knightian  Medal.) 

Mrs.  Bischoffshiem,  Warren  House,  Stan- 
more,  exhibited  pot  Strawberries  of  the  Louis 
Gauthier  variety.  Each  plant  had  half-a-dozen 
well-developed    fruits. 

Competitive  Classes. 
Classes  were  provided  for  Strawberries,  Melons 
and  Figs,  but  only  three  exhibits  of  Strawber- 
ries were  staged,  one  by  Messrs.  J.  and  F.  Chat- 
field,  Southwick,  Sussex,  in  a  class  restricted  to 
trade  growers  for  three  varieties  (Silver  Knigh- 
tian Medal),  and  two  in  a  class  for  a  box  of  one 
variety,  the  exhibitors  being  Lady  Foley,  Rux- 
ley  Lodge,  Claygate,  Surrey  (Mr.  H.  C.  Gard- 
ner), and  Lord  Howard  de  Walden,  Audley 
End  (gr.  Mr.  J.  Vert),  who  were  awarded  the  1st 
and  2nd  prizes  respectively. 


MENDEL'S  LAW  AND  ITS  APPLICATION 
TO  HORTICULTURE. 

The  following  is  an  abstract  of  the  lecture 
delivered  by  Mr.  C.  C.  Hurst  at  a  meeting  of  the 
Fellows  of  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society  held 
in  the  afternoon  of  Tuesday  last : — 

Mendel's  Law  was  founded  on  simple  characters 
in  garden  Peas,  which  behave  in  breeding  as 
dominants  and  recessives.  In  his  classical  ex- 
periments with  Peas,  Mendel  found  that  round 
seeds  were  dominant  to  wrinkled  seeds,  which 
were  recessive  ;  similarly,  yellow  seeds  were  domi- 
nant and  green  seeds  recessive. 

Recent  experiments  have  shown  that  many 
simple  characters  in  garden  plants  follow  Men- 
del's Law.  For  instance,  starchy  and  sugary 
Maize,  palm  and  fern-leaved  Primulas,  small  and 
large-eyed  Primulas,  red  and  yellow  Tomatos, 
purple  "and  red  Sweet  Peas,  tall  and  dwarf  Peas, 
etc.,  all  behave  as  pairs  of  Mendelian  characters, 
the  first  of  the  pair  being  dominant  and  the  other 
recessive. 

When  the  Mendelian  characters  happen  to  cor- 
respond with  the  horticultural  characters,  it  is  a 
simple  matter  for  the  breeder  to  breed  quickly 
what  he  wants.  For  he  knows  that  the  recessive 
character  will  breed  true  at  once,  and  that  by 
breeding  from  several  individuals  bearing  the 
dominant  character  one  will  be  found  which 
breeds  true.  This  enables  the  breeder  to  dis- 
pense with  the  old  and  laborious  method  of  so- 
called  "  fixing  by  continuous  selection,"  which, 
though  usually  effective  in  the  end,  is  now  recog- 
nised as  a  waste  of  time.  Mendel's  Law  provides 
a  much  quicker  and  more  effective  method  of 
achieving  the  same  result. 

Breeding  Novelties  ey  Re-combination. 
The  combination  of  two  pairs  of  simple  charac- 
ters by  crossing  and  the  results  which  follow  the 
self-fertilisation  of  such  crosses  are  of  great 
utility  to  the  breeder,  for  in  the  process  of  re- 
combination following  Mendelian  segregation  new 
forms  arise  which  will  breed  true  in  accordance 
with  Mendel's  law.  Thus  Mendel  himself  crossed 
a  round  yellow  with  a  wrinkled  green  Pea,  and 
obtained  in  the  second  generation  round  green 
and  wrinkled  yellow  Peas,  some  of  which  bred 
true  at  once.  By  following  Mendel's  Law,  Mr. 
Cuthbertson  obtained  in  the  second  generation 
the  new  and  valuable  variety  of  Sweet  Pea 
"  Waved  King  Edward  "  by  simply  crossing  the 
plain  red  "  King  Edward  "  with  the  waved  pink 
"  Countess  Spencer."  In  a  similar  manner  Mr. 
Cuthbertson  also  raised  the  new  and  valuable 
variety  "  Primrose  Spencer."  In  my  own  ex- 
periments a  few  years  ago  I  raised  a  true  stock 
of  the  novelty  "  Black  Knight  "  Cupid  in  the 
second  generation  by  crossing  Tall  "  Black 
Knight  "  with  Pink  Cupid.  In  this  case,  how- 
ever, I  unexpectedly  found  three  Mendelian  char- 
acters concerned  in  the  cross,  and,  consequently, 
only  three  plants  out  of  64  came  "  Black  Knight  " 
Cupid,  all  of  which  bred  true  at  once,  the  charac- 
ters concerned  being  all  recessive. 

Compound  Characters. 
In  many  cases,  however,  the  Mendelian  charac- 
ters do  not  happen  to  correspond  with  the  hor- 
ticultural characters,  and  interesting  complica- 
tions then  arise.  For  instance,  in  my  experiments 
with  Tomatos,  red  and  yellow  fruits  behaved  as 
a  Mendelian  pair  of  characters,  red  being  domi- 
nant.    But  when  the  fiery-red   "  Fireball  "   was 


crossed  with  "  Golden  Queen,"  four  distinct 
forms  appeared  in  Mendelian  proportions  in  the 
second  generation.  There  were  two  kinds  of 
reds  and  two  kinds  of  yellows.  This  I  found  to 
be  due  to  the  fact  that  the  fiery-red  colour  of 
"  Fireball  "  was  really  a  compound  of  two  dis- 
tinct Mendelian  characters,  red  flesh  and  yellow 
skin,  while  "  Golden  Queen  "  had  yellow  flesh 
and  white  skin.  Consequently,  in  the  second 
generation  two  new  forms  arose  by  re-combina- 
tion, a  carmine  or  "  pink  "  Tomato,  with  red 
flesh  and  white  skin,  and  a  deep  yellow  Tomato, 
with  yellow  flesh  and  yellow  skin.  Both  these 
novelties  bred  true.  Similarly,  Professor  Bate- 
son,  by  crossing  a  red  Sweet  Pea  with  a  cream, 
obtained  whites  in  the  second  generation,  the 
white  colour  being  due  to  a  re-combination  of  the 
white  plastids  of  the  red  Sweet  Pea  with  the 
white  sap  of  the  cream. 

An  even  more  interesting  result  of  the  same 
nature  has  also  recently  been  obtained  by  Pro- 
fessor Bateson,  at  Cambridge,  by  crossing  the 
Bush  and  Cupid  forms  of  Sweet  Peas.  In  the 
first  generation  all  the  cross-breeds  were, 
curiously  enough,  tall  in  habit,  like  the  ordinary- 
Sweet  Pea.  In  the  second  generation,  however, 
there  arose  in  Mendelian  proportions,  tall,  bush, 
prostrate  Cupid,  and  a  new  variety  called  "  Erect 
Cupid,"  with  a  peculiar  habit  of  growth  some- 
thing like  Box  edging.  This  result  has  been 
shown  to  be  due  to  the  compound  nature  of  these 
horticultural  characters,  the  crossing  of  which 
leads  to  various  re-combinations,  in  accordance 
with  Mendel's  Law. 

In  all,  16  pairs  of  Mendelian  characters  have 
so  far  been  found  in  Sweet   Peas. 

Professor  Bateson  has  also  found  that  the  red 
colour  of  Sweet  Peas  is  due  to  the  presence  of 
two  Mendelian  characters,  in  the  absence  of  one 
or  both  of  which  the  flower  is  white  or  cream. 
Purple  colour  in  Sweet  Peas  is  due  to  the  pre- 
sence of  a  third  Mendelian  character,  which  only 
becomes  patent  in  the  presence  of  the  other  two, 
and  so  on. 

From  this  follows  the  interesting  and  im- 
portant discovery  that  albinos  (white  or  cream) 
in  Sweet  Peas  may  carry  certain  colour  factors, 
which  may  become  patent  when  the  albino  is 
crossed  with  another  albino  or  with  a  coloured 
form. 

It  seems  likely  that  other  species  of  plants 
behave  in  a  similar  way.  For  instance.  Primula 
sinensis  "  Crimson  King  "  crossed  with  P.  s. 
stellata  "  Primrose  Queen  "  (an  albino  form  with 
large,  yellow  eye)  gave  in  the  second  generation 
crimson,  pure  white,  magenta,  rose,  and  tinged 
white  forms:  each  colour  appeared  with  small 
eyes  and  large  eyes.  All  these  appeared  in 
sinensis  and  stellata  forms,  there  being  at  least 
18  distinct  forms,  showing  the  great  variety  that 
can  be  obtained  from  a  single  cross.  I  obtained 
similar  colours  by  crossing  crimson  and  white 
sinensis  forms.  In  another  of  my  Primula 
crosses,  palm  leaved  stellata  with  red  stems  and 
pink  flowers  crossed  with  fern-leaved  sinensis 
with  green  stems  and  white  flowers,  I  obtained 
in  the  second  generation  36  distinct  forms,  of 
which  34  were  new  (i.e.,  distinct  from  the 
parents),  14  of  which  could  be  bred  true,  while 
20  of  the  forms  were  unfixable,  being  Mendelian 
hybrids. 

Albino  Orchids. 

Recent  experiments  go  to  show  that,  like  Sweet 
Peas  and  other  plants,  albino  Orchids  may  carry 
different  colour  factors.  To  the  Orchid  breeder 
this  is  a  most  important  matter,  as  he  naturally 
wishes  to  raise  new  and  improved  forms  of  valu- 
able albinos  by  crossing.  Results  show  that  such 
albinos,  for  instance,  as  Cattleya  Mossiae 
Wageneri,  C.  intermedia  alba,  and  C.  Gaskelliana 
alba  are  carrying  one  colour  factor  alone,  and, 
consequently,  breed  true  albinos  inter  se.  On 
the  other  hand,  such  albinos  as  C.  Harrisoniana 
alba,  C.  Schrodera?  alba,  and  C.  Warneri  alba  are 
carrying  a  different  colour  factor,  because,  when- 
ever the  species  of  these  two  distinct  sets  are 
crossed  coloured  reversions  arise,  presumably 
through  the  coming  together  of  the  two  distinct 
colour  factors  carried  by  the  albinos.  In  a 
similar  manner  Paphiopedilum  callosum  Sanderae, 
P.  Lawrenceana  Hyeanum  (and  probably  P.  in- 
signe  Sanderianum)  appear  to  be  carrying  one 
colour  factor,  while  P.  bellatulum  album  is  carry- 
ing a  different  colour  factor,  the  former  species 
breeding  true  albinos  inter  se,  whilst  giving 
coloured  reversions  when  crossed  with  the  latter 
species. 


May  8,  1909.] 


THE     GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


30c 


Pendrobium  nobile  virginale  breeds  true  when 
sell'ei],  but  with  D.  Wardianum  album  gives 
coloured  reversions. 

Odoutoglossum  crispum  Xanthotes,  crossed  with 
0.  nobile  albums,  so  far  has  given  all  albinos. 
An  important  point  for  the  Orchid  breeder  to 
note  is  that  individual  albinos  of  the  same 
species  may  vary  in  their  colour  factors ;  thus  it 
might  happen  that  two  individuals  of  the  same 
albino  (of  different  seed  origin)  might  give  oppo- 
site results  in  breeding.  It  is  therefore  of 
prime  importance  for  Orchid  breeders  to  adopt 
some  simple  method  of  identification  for  indi- 
vidual albinos.  Once  the  colour-bearing  proper- 
ties of  the  albino  individual  are  ascertained  by 
experiment,  all  future  breeding  results  from  that 
plant  (and  its  many  off-shoots)  can  be  foreseen 
by  the  aid  of  Mendel's  Law. 

"  Blotched  "  Crispums. 

Another  important  matter  of  great  concern  to 
Orchid  breeders  is  the  possibility  of  breeding  the 
valuable  "  blotched  "  crispums  true  from  seed, 
and  it  seems  highly  probable  that  in  this  respect 
Mendel's  Law  can  be  of  assistance. 

So  far  as  present  results  go,  it  would  appear 
that  the  "  blotched  "  character  in  Odontoglossum 
crispum  is  a  Mendelian  dominant  to  the  "  plain  " 
character,  which  is  recessive.  For  instance. 
"  blotched  "  crispum  crossed  with  "  blotched  " 
nobile  (Pescatorei)  produces  from  the  same  seed- 
pod  both  "blotched"  and  "plain"  forms  of  0.  X 
armainvillierense  ardentissimum,  and  "blotched" 
forms  oi  this  hybrid  crossed  with  the  "  blotched  " 
X  Rolfeae  also  produce  "  blotched  "  and 
"  plain "  forms  of  0.  X  percultum  from  the 
same  seed-pod.  On  the  other  hand,  "  plain  " 
crispums  and  nobiles  bred  inter  se  seem  so  far 
to  give  all  "  plains."  Further,  the  "  blotched  " 
species  with  yellow  grounds,  O.  triumphans,  0. 
luteopurpureum,  and  Harryanum,  all  seem  to  be 
dominant  to  the  "  plain  "  crispums  and  nobiles 
in  primary  hybrids. 

These  facts  all  point  to  the  dominance  of 
"  blotched  "  character  to  the  "  plain." 

If  this  proves  U\  be  the  correct  interpretation 
of  the  facts,  then  "  blotched  "  forms  are  of  two 
kinds,  viz.,  pure  "  blotched,"  which  will  pro- 
duce all  "  blotched  "  forms,  however  crossed, 
and  impure  "  blot,  boil,"  which  will  produce  both 
"blotched  "   and   "  plain  "   forms. 

The  much-to-be-desired  pure  "  blotched  " 
forms  may  therefore  be  easily  isolated  from  the 
impure  "  blotched  "  forms  by  a  simple  breeding 
test  with  a  recessive  "  plain  "  form.  Once 
proved  to  be  a  pure  dominant,  the  pure 
"  blotched  "  bum  (and  its  many  offshoots)  may 
always  be  relied  upon  to  breed  "  blotched  " 
forms  only.  Such  a  pure  "  blotched  "  form — 
other  points  being  equally  good — would,  when 
once  tested,  become  invaluable  as  a  stud  plant. 
Once  more  Orchid  breeders  will  recognise  the 
absolute  necessity  of  the  precise  identification  of 
individual  plants. 

The  above  are  only  a  few  illustrations  of  the 
application  of  Mendel's  Law  to  horticulture,  but 
they  may  perhaps  serve  a  useful  purpose  in  sug- 
gesting to  plant-breeders  how  they  may  take 
advantage  of  recent  Mendelian  research  and 
apply  it  to  their  own  advantage,  which  means 
the  general  advantage  of  horticulture. 


WL  ARKETS. 


Plants  in  Pots,  Sc:  Average  Wholesale  Prices  (Contd.). 
s.d.  s.d. 


GARDENING     APPOINTMENTS. 


COVENT  GARDEN,   May  5. 

[We  cannot  accept  any  responsibility  for  the  subjoined 
reports.  They  are  furnished  to  us  regularly  every 
Wednesday,  by  the  kindness  of  several  of  the  principal 
salesmen,  who  are  responsible  for  the  quotations.  It 
must  be  remembered  that  these  quotations  do  not  repre- 
sent the  prices  on  any  particular  day,  but  only  the 
general  averages  for  the  week  preceding  the  date  of  our 
report.  The  prices  depend  upon  the  quality  of  the 
samples,  the  way  in  which  they  are  packed,  the  supply 
in  the  market,  and  the  demand,  and  they  may  fluctuate, 
not  only  from  day  to  day,  but  occasionally  several  times 
in  one  day. — Ed.] 

Cut  Flowers,  &c. :  Average  Wholesale  Prices. 


[Correspondents  are  requested  to  write  the  names  of  persons 
and  places  as  legibly  as  possible.  No  charge  « 
made  for  these  announcements,  but  if  a  small  contribution 
is  sent,  to  be  placed  in  our  collecting  Box  for  the  Gardeners' 
Orphan  Fund,  it  will  be  thankfully  received,  and  an 
acknowledgment  made  in  t'rse  columns.'] 

Mr.  J.  W.  Lennox,  for  the  past  2$  years  Land  Steward  and 
Gardener  to  T.  N.  Edgeworth,  Esq.,  Edgeworthstown, 
Co.  Longford,  as  Gardener  to  Lewis  Goodbodv,  Esq., 
Drayton  Villa  Gardens,  Clara,  King's  County. 

Mr.  Arnold  Rix,  Fruit  Foreman  in  the  Royal  Gardens, 
Sandringham,  as  Gardener  and  Forester  to  T.  A.  Cook, 
Esq.,  Sennowe  Hall,  Guist,  Norfolk.  (Thanks  for  5s. 
sent  for  R.G.O.  Fund.) 

Mr.  H.  Hallby,  late  Fruit  Foreman  at  Hillingdon 
Court,  Oxbridge,  as  Gardener  to  T.  Wilson,  Esq.  Rise- 
holme  Hall,  Lincoln. 

Mr.  Joseph  Smith,  for  the  last  2  years  Gardener  to  George 
S.  F.  FinvARns,  Esq.,  Nether  Warden,  Hexham,  North- 
umberland, as  Gardener  to  Mrs.  J.  C.  Broadbent, 
Lascelles  Hall,  Kirkheaton,  Huddersfield,  Yorkshire. 

Mr.  E.  J.  Ainslev,  a*;  Gardener  to  H.  Arkwright,  Esq., 
Turville  Grange,  Henley  on-Thames. 


s.d.  s.d. 
16-20 
16-26 


4  0-50 

2  6-36 

10-20 

9  0-12  0 
12  0-15  0 
2  6 
1  6 
2  6-30 


1  6- 

1  0 


Anemone    fulgens, 
p.  dz.  bunches 

—  double  pink,  p. 
dozen  bunches 

Azalea,  per    dozen 

bunches 
Carnations,  p.  doz. 

blooms,       best 

A  ;i  ei  ican  (var.) 

—  second  size    ... 

—  smaller,       per 
do/.,     bunches 

CaUleyas,  per  doz 

blooms 
Cypnpediums,  per 

dozen  blooms.. 
Dafl  >dils,  per  doz. 

bunches 
Dendrobium  nobile 

per  dozen 
Eucharis  grandiflora, 

per  dz.  blooms    2 
Freesias  (white),  p. 

doz.  bunches  .. 
Gardeni;  s,  per  doz. 

blooms 

Gladiolus,  per  doz. 

bunches 
Gypsophila  ele- 

gans,  per  doz. 

bunches 
Hyacinths,  Dutch, 

p.  dz.  l mi  bi 
[ris  (Spanish  I,  pi  i 

dozen  bunches     4  0-60 
Lilac     (English), 

white,  p.  bunch 

—  mauve 

Liliiim      anratum, 

I  i  i  bunch 

—  fongiflorum    ... 
— ■  la iic  t  f  o  1  iuin 

rubi  ii. ji 

—  album 

Lily  of  the  Valley, 
p.  dz.  bunches 

—  extra  quality  .. 
Marguerites,  p.  clz. 

bunches  ■white 

and  yellow     ... 

Mignonette,      per 

dozen  bunches     4  0-60 


2  0-26 
16-26 
9  0-12  U 

3  0-40 
2  0-30 


16-26 
M     BO 


2  0- 
2  0- 


16-2  6 

2  o-  a  6 


G  0-  9  0 
12  0  15  0 


2  0-30 


s.d.  s.d, 

Myosotis,  per  doz. 

bunches 
Narcissus,         Glo- 

riosa,    per  dz. 

bunches 

—  ornatus 
0  'l  a  u  t  o  glossuin 

crispum,      pi  r 
dozen    blooms    2  0-26 
Pelargonium    , 
show,  pet  •!   . 
bunches 

—  Zonal,    double 

•  i 

Ranunculus, per  dz. 

bunches 
Kiuhardia  africana, 
per  dozen 
,    12   blooms, 
>os 

—  Bridesmaid    ... 
I  .  Testout     ... 

—  Kaiserin  A . 
Victoria 

—  C.  Mermet 

—  Liberty 

—  Mnie.L  !■ 

—  Mrs.   J.    Laing 

—  Richmond 

—  The  Bride 

—  Ulrich  Brunner 

i ,   per  dozen 
bundles 
Stocks,     double 
n  bite,  pel  'I'  /. 
bunches 

leas,  perdz. 
bunches 
Tuberoses,  per  dz. 
blooms 

—  on   stems,   per 
bunch  

Tulips,  per  dozen 

bunches,  single    6  0-10  0 

—  best     double 

varii  ties         ...  12  0  24  0 

—  Darwin    varie- 
ties             6  0-12  0 

Violets,  per  dozen 

bunches         ...    1  ij-  3  0 


3  0-40 


10-16 
10-16 


5  0-60 

4  0-60 
3  0-50 
2  0-30 

16-26 

2  6-40 
2  0-30 

2  0-40 
•2  0-  4  0 

3  0-50 
3  0-50 

2  0-40 

3  0-60 
3  0-40 
2  0-40 

5  0-80 


2  0-26 
2  0-  G  0 


0  3-04 

0  D    i  a 


Cut  Foliage,  &c:  Average  Wholesale  Prices. 


Adiantiitn  cunea- 
imn,  dz.  bchs. 

Agrostis,  per  doz. 
bunches 

Asparagus  plu- 
mosus,  long 
trails,  per  doz. 

—  — niedm.,bck. 

—  Sprengeri 
Berberis,  per  doz. 

bunches 
Croton  leaves,  per 

bunch  

Cycas  leaves,  each 
Daffodil  foliage,  p. 

doz.  bunches... 
Ferns,    per    dozen 

bchs.  (English) 
--  (French) 


■  i 
6  0-  9  0 


16-20 


a  t>-i2  o 

10-20 
0  9-16 

2  6-30 

10-13 
16-20 

2  0-  2  C 

2  0-30 
0  6-09 


I  lalai    leaves,    per 

dozen  bunches 

Hardy    foliage 

[  \  ai  i'  ■■:  ,  pel 
dozen  bunches 

Honesty  (Lunaria) 
per  bunch 

Ivj  -leaves,   bronze 

—  long  trails  per 
bundle 

—  short  green, 
perdz.  bunches 

Moss,  per  gross  ... 

Myrtle,  dz.  bchs., 
(English) 
small-leaved ... 

—  French 
Smilax,  per  dozen 

trails     


s.d. 


s.d. 
2  6 


3  0-90 


1  0- 
•2  0- 


1  G 

2  6 


0  9-16 


1  6- 
5  0- 


4  0- 
1  0- 


2  6 
6  0 


6  0 
1  6 


4  0-60 


Plants  In  Pots,  Ac  :  Average  Wholesale  Prices. 


Acacias,  per  dozen 
Ampelopsis      Veit- 

chii,  per  dozen 
Aralia  Sieboldii,  p. 

dozen  

—  larger   speci- 
mens     

—  Moseri 

Araucaria   excelsa, 

per  dozen 

—  large    plants, 
each      

Aspidistras,  p.  dz., 
green    ... 

—  variegated 
Asparagus,  plumo- 

sus  nanus,  per 
dozen  

—  Sprengeri 

—  ten  n  issi  mus 
Azaleas  (TndvnJ.  p. 

dozen  

Boronia     mega- 
stigma,  per  doz. 

—  heterophylla... 
Calceolarias,     her- 
baceous,     per 
dozen  

Cinerarias,        per 
dozen      


s.d.  s.d. 
12  0-18  0 


6  0-80 
4  0-60 


9  0-12  0 
4  0-60 


12  0-30  0 
3  6-50 


15  0-24  0 
30  0-42  0 


12  0-18  0 
9  0-12  0 
9  0-12  0 


24  0-30  0 
12  0-18  0 


6  0-80 

6  0-90 


s.d.  s.d. 
Clematis,  per  doz.    8  0-90 
-  in  flower  12  0-18  0 

Cocos     Weddelb- 

ana,  per  dozen...  18  0-30  0 
Crotons,  per  dozen  18  0-30  0 
Cyclamen,  pr.  doz.  9  0-15  0 
Cj  per  u  s   alterni- 

folius,  dozen  ...    4  0-50 

—  laxus,  per  doz.  4  0-50 
Dracaenas,  perdoz.  9  0-24  0 
Erica     persoluta 

alba,    per  doz.  12  0-24  0 

—  candidissima, 

per  doz.         ...  18  0  24  0 
Euonymus.perdz., 

in  pots 4  0-90 

—  from  the  ground  3  0-60 
Ferns,  in   thumbs, 

pei  100 8  0-12  0 

—  in    small     and 

large  60's       ...  12  0-20  0 

—  in  48's,  perdz.     4  0-60 

—  choicer  sorts...     8  0-12  0 

—  in  32*s,  perdz.  10  0-18  0 
Ficuselastica.p.dz.     8  0-10  0 

—  repens,  per  dz.  6  0-80 
Fuchsias,  per  doz  8  0-10  0 
Genista     fragrans, 

per  doz.         ...    6  0-80 
Grevilleas.,  per  dz.    4  0-60 


Hardy  flower  roots, 

per  dozen 
Heliotropiums,  per 

dozen  

Hydrangea  Thos. 

Hogg,  per  dz. 

—  hortensis 
Isolepis,  per  dozen 
Kentia       Belmore- 

ana,  per  dozen 

—  Fosteriana,  dz. 
Latama  borbonica, 

per  dozen 
L  i  1  i  u  m    1  o  n  g  i  - 
riorum,  per  dz. 

—  lancifohum,  p. 
dozen... 

Lily  of  the  Valley, 

per  dozen 
Marguerites,  white, 

per  dozen 
M  ignonet  t  e,  per 

dozen 

Pansies,  per  box  of 

24  plants,  each 


10-20 

6  0-80 

10  0-15  0 
12  0-24  0 
4  0-  G  0 

15  0-24  0 
18  0-30  0 

12  0-18  0 

12  0-18  0 

12  0-24  0 

18  0-30  0 

6  0-80 

5  0-70 

2  0-80 

Pelargoniums, 
show  varieties, 
per  dozen 

—  Ivy  leaved 

—  Oak  leaved     ... 

—  ZonaU 

Primuias,  per  doz. 
Rhodanthe,       p  e  r 

dozen      

R  hododendrons, 

each     

Roses,  H.P.'s,  per 

dozen  .. 

—  Polyantha  va- 
rieties   

—  Ramblers,  each 
Selaginella,  per  dz. 
Spiraea  japonica,  p. 

dozen  

Stocks  (intermed- 
iate), white, 
crimson,  and 
pink,  per  doz. 

Verbenas,  per 
dozen      


s.d.  s.d. 

12  0-18  0 
6  0-80 

4  0-60 

5  0-70 

4  0-60 

5  0-60 
2  0-50 

12  0-18  0 

12  0-18  0 
5  0-10  6 
4  0-60 

8  0-12  0 


6  0-70 

8  0-12  0 


Fruit:  Average  Wholesale  Prices. 


Apples      (Tasman- 
ian),  per  case  : 

—  Ribston  Pippin 

—  Scarlet  Pear- 
main     

—  Cox's  Orange 
Pippin 

—  Alexander 

—  Prince  Alfred.. 

—  (A  ustral  ian), 
per  case: 

—  Dunn's  Seed- 
ling        

—  Cleopatra 

—  Jonathan 

—  Ribston  Pippin 

—  California 
Newtown  Pip- 
pin, per  case, 
4  tiers 

—  4h  tiers 

—  (American), per 
barrel : 

—  Nonpareils     ... 

—  Oregon  New- 
towns,  per  case 

Bananas,  bunch: 

—  Doubles 

—  No.  1         „     ... 

—  Extra        ,,    ... 

—  Giant        „     ... 

—  (Claret)     „    ... 

—  Jamaica    ,,     ... 

—  Loose,  per  dz. 
Cranberries,     per 

case 


s.d.  s.d. 

9  6-11  0 
9  0-10  G 

13  0-14  0 

8  6-90 

9  6-10  6 


11  0-13  0 
10  G-12  G 
10  0-13  0 
10  0-12  0 


8  0- 
8  0- 


9  0-11  6 

9  0-10  0 
6  G-  8  o 
8  0-90 
10  0-12  0 
5  0-  7  G 
5  0-56 
0  6-10 


...  13  0-14  6 


Custard  Apples    ... 
Grape    Fruit,   case 
Grapes  (new) 
Guernsey  Figs,  dz. 
Lemons,  box  : 

—  Messina,  300  .. 

—  Do.        360... 

—  (Naples),  per 
case 

Limes,  per  case  ... 
Lyche.es,  per  box... 
Melons,  each 
Nuts,  Almonds,  per 
bag        

—  Brazils,  new, 
per  cvvt. 

—  Barcelona,  bag 

—  Cocoa  nuts,  100 
Oranges  (Denia) ... 

—  Calif  ornian 
seedless,  per 
case      

—  (Valencia)  per 
case  (4'20) 

—  per  case  (714)... 

—  Jaffas 

—  Palermo  Blood 

—  Murcia  Blood, 
per  case  (200)... 

Pears  (Australian), 
Winter  Nelis, 
per  tray 

Pineapples,  each  ... 

—  (Natal),  perdz. 

■  berries,  lb  ... 

—  second  quality 


s.d-  s.d. 

3  0-12  0 
9  0-11  0 
2  6-30 

4  0-12  0 

9  0-13  0 
8  6-13  0 

18  0-25  0 

5  0    — 
10-13 
2  0-30 

28  0-40  0 

35  0-40  0 
30  0-32  0 
11  0-14  0 
11  0-25  0 


11  0-12  0 

10  0-20  0 
10  0-18  0 
10  0-12  0 
7  0-10  0 

6  6-90 


5  0-56 
19-36 
4  0-60 
2  0-26 
10-16 


Vegetables  :  Average  Wholesale  Prices. 


Artichokes(Globe), 
per  dozen 

—  white,  p. bushel 

—  per  cwt. 
Asparagus,    per 

idle: 

—  Dijon 

—  Giant 

—  Spanish 

—  Sprue 

—  Paris  Green  ... 
1  leans,  per  lb. 

—  (English) 

—  (French) 

—  (Guernsey)  ... 
Beetroot, per  bushel 
Cabbages,   per  mat 

—  Greens,        per 
bushel 

Cardoon    (French), 

per  dozen 
Carrots    (English), 

dozen  bunches 

—  washed,  bag  ... 

—  unwashed 

—  (French),  p.  pad 
Celeriac,  per  doz. 
Chicory,  per  lb.  ... 
Cucumbers,  perdz. 
Endive,  per  dozen 
Horseradish,  for- 
eign, per  doz. 
bundles 

Leeks,   12   bundles 

Lettuce     (French), 

per  crate 

—  Cos,  per  dozen 
Mint,     per    dozen 

bunches 
Mushrooms, per  lb. 

—  broilers 


s.d.  ?.d. ' 

2  6-  3  0  I 

2  0-261 

3  6    —    i 


10-13 
5  0-76 
14-16 
0  G-  0  8 
16-20 

0  10-  1  0 
0  8-0  10 
0  8-0  10 

'2  6-3  0 
3  6-40 

26    — 

8  0-10  0 


2  fi 

— 

5  6- 

6  0 

4  0- 

5  0 

2  6- 

3  0 

1  (>- 

2  fi 

0  Sf- 

0  4 

2  0- 

2  6 

10-16 

17  0-21  0 

2  0- 

2  6 

2  6- 

3  6 

3  6-40 

6  0- 

0  s    — 
0  6    — 


Mushrooms,  but- 
tons,  per  lb 

Mustai  fl l  Cress, 

pei  dozen  pun. 

Onions,  per  bag   ... 

—  (Valencia), case 

—  Dutch,  pr.  bag 

—  pickling,  per 
bushel 

Parsley,  12  bunches 

—  h  sieve 

Peas  (French),  pkt. 

—  (French), p. pad 

—  (English), dried 
per  dz.  packets 

Potatos  (Guernsey), 
per  lb 

—  (Algerian), cwt. 

—  (French),  p.  lb. 

—  Teneriffe,  cwt. 
Radishes  (French), 

per  doz.  bunches 
Rhubarb  I  English), 
forced,  per  dz. 
bundles 

—  Natural,  p. tally 
Salsafy,  per  dozen 

bundles 
Seakale,  per  dozen 

punnets 
Spinach,  per  crate 
Stachys    tuberosa, 

per  lb. 

Turnips,  per  dozen 

bunches 

—  washed,  p.  bag 
Turnip  Tops,  bag 
Tomatos     (Tener- 

iffe),  per  bun- 
dle of  4  boxes 

—  p.  12  lb.  basket 
Watercress,  p.  doz. 


s.d.  s.d. 

0  8    — 

1  0    — 
9  0-10  0 
9  0-11  0 
8  0-96 

6  0    — 

6  0    — 

4  ('-  5  0 

0  4-05 

3  6-56 

26    - 

0  24  — 
10  0-11  0 

0  2-0  24 
10  0-11  6 

13-16 


0  6-09 
5  0-56 

4  0-46 

12  0-18  0 

4  0-50 

05  — 

2  6-30 
4  0-46 
2  0-26 


10  0-18  0 
4  6-50 
0  4-06 


Remarks.— Australian  and  Tasmanian  Apples  have  ad- 
vanced in  value  during  the  past  week.  Oranges  are  dearer 
and  fewer  are  arriving.  French  Asparagus  is  cheaper  and 
increased  quantities  arrive  daily.  There  has  been  a  good 
demand  for  Lemons  and  prices  for  them  have  risen  con- 
siderably. The  Strawberry  trade  is  about  the  same  as  last 
week;  there  are  increased  quantities,  but  a  small  demand. 
Vegetables  generally  are  cheaper.  Rhubarb  is  veryplentiful. 
Mushrooms  will  be  much  cheaper  if  fine  weather  continues. 
Trade  generally  is  quiet.  E.  H.  R.,  Covent  Garden,  Wed- 
nesday, May  5,  1909. 


501 


THE     GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


[May  8,  19:3. 


Potatos. 

Rents—                        s.d.  s.d. 

Lincolns—                  s.d.  s.d. 

Scottish  Triumphs  .36-40 

King  Edward        ...  3  3-36 

Up  I-  Date 3  6-40 

Blacklands 2  9-30 

Lincolns  - 

Dunbars— 

Roval   Kidney        ...  3  0-33 

Langworthy, red  soil  5  3-56 

British  yueeu         ...  3  0-36 

Up-to-Date,  red  soil  4  0-43 

Up-to-Date 3  6-40 

,,      grey  soil  3  0-36 

Maincrop      3  6-40 

Yorks  — 

Evergood     3  0-36 

Up-to-Date 3  6-40 

Remarks.— Trade  is  still  very  quiet.     Supplies  are  plenti- 

ful and  prices  have  a  downward  ttn.lency. — Edward    J. 

Newborn,  Covent  Garden  and  St.  Paneras,  May  5,  1909. 

(Dtottuarj). 


COVENT  GARDEN  FLOWER  MARKET. 

Plants  for  summer  bedding  are  a  leading  feature  in  the 
market,  and  these  sell  readily,  for  although  there  is  still  dan- 
ger from  frost,  people  in  the  London  suburbs  plant  tender 
thiftgs  as  soon  as  the  days  are  sunny.  Pelargoniums  are 
plentiful  in  all  sizes,  from  those  in  store  boxes  up  to  well- 
flowered  plants  in  5  inch  pots.  Good  plants  in  60  size  pots  are 
worth  from  2s.  to  2s.  6d.  per  dozen,  extra  good  plants  of 
Paul  Crampel  in  60  s  have  sold  for  3s.  per  dozen.  Yellow 
t  alceolarias  are  remarkably  good;  thosein60sizepotsrealise 
from  Is.  3J.  to  Is.  6d.  per  dozen  and  in  48's  from  5s.  to  6s. 
per  d  izen.  Short  sturdy  Dahlias  make  from  2s.  to  2s.  6d. 
per  dozen.  Fuchsias  are  procurable  in  60's  also  in  store 
boxes,  and  are  quoted  at  low  prices.  Single  Petunias  in 
flower  in  60  size  pots  sell  readily  at  from  Is.  6d.  to  2s.  6d.  per 
dozen.  Lobelia  is  at  present  only  seen  in  store  boxes,  but 
soon  there  will  be  good  plants  in  3-inch  and  5-inch  pots. 
I  ,u  nations  for  bedding  are  much  better  than  usual.  Pansies 
are  in  demand,  and  those  of  the  best  quality  are  soon  sold. 
Violas  sell  fairly  well.  Marguerites  are  more  in  demand 
'than  formerly;  their  prices  vary  according  to  the  quality, 
and  range  from  Is.  6d.  to  3s.  Sweet  Peas,  Nasturtiums, 
and  various  other  annuals  in  pots  are  procurable. 
Pot  Plants. 

Rambler  Roses  are  remarkably  fine  ;  some  sell  for  25s.  to 
30s.  each.  Lady  Gay,  Hiawatha,  Cant's  Blush  and  Crimson 
Rambler  are  the  principal  varieties.  The  dwarf  polyantha 
Roses  are  also  good.  Hybrid  perpetuals  are  not  well  grown. 
Supplies  of  Azaleas  hold  out  well,  but  they  will  not  be 
procurable  much  longer.  Pelargoniums  are  well-flowered. 
Ivy-leaved  varieties  in  5-inch  pots  are  very  suitable  for 
floral  decorations.  Fuchsias  in  various  sizes  are  well 
flowered.  Cyclamen  are  still  procurable  but  are  not  selling 
readily.  Genistas  vary  in  quality  ;  some  plants  are  rather 
far  advanced  in  flowering.  Hydrangeas  are  plentiful. 
Cinerarias  are  still  of  good  quality.  Mignonette  is  at  its 
best  condition,  and  rather  over  plentiful.  I  noted  some 
good  pots  of  Gypsophila  elegans.  Stocks,  Spiraeas,  Lilium 
longiflorum,  Ericas  (including  E.  candidissima,  E.  Caven- 
dishii  and  E.  propendens)  are  all  plentiful.  Ferns,  Palms 
and  other  foliage  plants  are  well  supplied. 

Cut  Flowers. 
Roses  have  been  very  abundant  for  some  time  past,  but 
there  is  a  prospect  of  the  supplies  falling  off.  During  the 
past  week  good  forced  Roses  have  sold  at  prices  which 
could  not  recompense  the  growers.  The  value  of  Carnations 
has  kept  up  better,  but  supplies  of  these  flowers  have  been 
excessive.  Callas  have  fallen  to  the  lowest  prices. 
Good  Liliums  have  also  depreciated  in  value.  The  glut  of 
Daffodils  is  not  quite  over.  Gardenias  are  rather  scarce. 
Tulips  are  chiefly  the  Darwin,  Cottage-garden  and 
Parrot  varieties.  Hyacinths  have  been  received  from 
Holland  in  large  quantities,  but  supplies  of  imported 
flowers  generally  are  falling  off'.  Sweet  Peas  are  over 
plentiful :  their  prices  are  considerably  lower  than  when 
they  were  first  grown  for  market.  A.  H .,  Covent  Garden, 
Wednesday,  May  5,  J9j9. 


THE     WEATHER. 

THE  WEATHER    IN    WEST    HERTS. 

Week  ending  May  5. 
Cold  nights  and  sunny  days.—  During  the  past  week  there 
have  been  only  two  unseasonably  warm  days,  but  not  a 
single  warm  night.  On  the  two  coldest  nights  the  exposed 
thermometer  registered  respectively  6°  and  7°  of  frost.  The 
ground  is  at  the  present  time  at  a  seasonable  temperature, 
both  at  1  and  2  feet  deep.  Rain,  hail  or  sleet  fell  on  four 
days,  but  to  the  total  depth  of  only  half -art-inch.  On  one 
day  there  was  a  slight  fall  of  snow.  Small  quantities  of 
rain-water  have  come  through  both  percolation  gauges  on 
most  days  of  the  week.  The  sun  shone  on  an  average  for 
10  hours  a  day,  or  for  nearly  twice  the  average  duration  for 
this  period  of  the  year.  On  one  day  the  sun  was  shining 
brightly  for  altogether  12|  hours.  The  wind  was  high  on 
one  day,  but  during  the  rest  of  the  week  light  airs  alone 
prevailed.  The  mean  amount  of  moisture  in  the  air  at  3 
o'clock  in  the  afternoon  fell  short  of  a  seasonable  quantity 
for  that  hour  by  9  per  cent. 

April. 
Exceptionally  warm  and  sw  ny,  with  an  average  rainfall.  — 
There  have  been  here  only  four  warmer  Aprils  during  the 
last  23  years.  The  days  were,  as  a  rule,  decidedly  warm, 
whereas  the  night  temperatures  were,  as  a  rule,  only  about 
seasonable.  The  first  few  days  were  very  ccld,  both  dur- 
ing the  daytime  and  at  night.  On  the  warmest  day  the 
tenpi  rature  in  the  thermometer  screen  rose  to  72",  which  is 
an  exceptionally  high  reading  for  the  month.  On  the  coldest 
night  the  exposed  thermometer  showed  13 "  of  frost,  which  is 
slightly  below  the  average  extreme  minimum  for  April.  On 
the  9th,  ihr  difference  between  the  lowest  and  highest  read- 
ing in  the  thermometer  screen  amounted  to  411-,  which  i-. 
the  greatest  range  in  temperature  in  any  day  that  I  have  yel 
recorded  here  in  April.  Rain,  hail,  or  sleet  fell  on  13  days, 
to  the  aggregate  depth  of  2  inches,  which  is  slightly  in  excess 
of  the  average  rainfall  for  the  month.  No  rain  at  all  fell  on 
the  first  11  days.  On  one  day  there  was,  for  a  few  minutes,  a 
light  fall  of  fine  snow.  The  sun  shone  on  an  average  for  7^ 
hours  a  day,  or  for  *2%  hours  a  day  longer  than  the  average 
duration  for  April— making  this  the  sunniest  April,  with  one 
exception,  of  which  I  have  here  any  record.  The  wind  was, 
as  a  rule,  of  about  average  strength,  and  in  no  hour  did  the 
mean  velocity  exceed  17  miles — direction  W.S.W.  The 
average  amount  of  moisture  in  the  air  at  3  p.m.  fell  shorl  of 
a'seasoriable  quantity  for  that  hour  by  B  per  cut.  E,  M., 
Berkhamsted.  May  5,'  1909. 


J.  G.  Hill.— We  regret  to  record  the  death  of 
Mr.  J.  G.  Hill,  for  many  years  in  the  employ 
of  Messrs.  W.  Outbush  &  Son  as  traveller,  and 
latterly  employed  by  Mr.  L.  R.  Russell,  Rich- 
mond. Mr.  Hill,  who  was  59  years  of  age,  passed 
away  at  Brecon,  on  April  21.  He  leaves  a  widow 
and  two  sons. 


avwfm 

-  Jo  - 

ILormhondenH 


*,"*  The  Editor  will  be  glad  to  receive,  for 
consideration,  large  photographs  of  horticultural 
subjects,  suitable  for  reproduction  as  Supple- 
mentary Illustrations  in  this  Journal. 

Asparagus:  G.  B.  The  annual  dressings  applied 
to  the  beds  are  not  the  cause  of  the  bitterness. 
Good  farmyard  manure  and  salt  are  both  valu- 
able stimulants  for  this  crop.  Bitterness  is 
generally  due  to  some  check  during  the  grow- 
ing season  from  such  causes  as  frost,  cold 
nights,  or  insufficiency  of  moisture.  The  con- 
dition is  generally  more  noticeable  early  in 
the  season  than  later.  Good  drenchings  of 
farmyard  liquid  manure,  applied  once  a  week 
during  the  present  month,  will  do  much  to  im- 
prove the  quality  of  the  Asparagus. 

Auricula:  II*.  G.  S.  The  variety  you  send  is 
not  far  removed  from  Primula  auricula,  the 
parent    of   the    florist's    Auricula,     it    has    no 

,  especial  merit,  and  would  not  be  classed  by  the 
Auricula  fancier  in  any  section. 

Beaucarnea  recurvata  :  C.  G.  Blake.  We 
have  not  heard  of  this  plant  flowering  in  the 
British  Isles.  A  plant  in  flower  was  exhibited 
by  M.  Beaucarnea,  of  Eename,  Belgium,  at  a 
horticultural  exhibition  held  at  Audenarde, 
near  Ghent,  in  the  autumn  of  1861.  The  plant 
was  shown  as  Pincenectitia  tuberculata.  The 
origin  of  this  name  being  uncertain,  it  was  re- 
named Beaucarnea,  in  compliment  to  the 
grower.  It  was  introduced  from  Mexico  about 
60  years  ago.  Like  the  Agave,  the  plant  lives 
to  a  considerable  age  before  flowering.  We 
should  be  glad  to  see  a  photograph. 

Carnation:  Old  Plants.  It  is  impossible  to 
name  your  variety  merely  from  a  shoot.  If 
you  will  send  a  well-developed  flower,  we 
will  endeavour  to  identify  it.  The  variety 
known  as  Churchwarden  belongs  to  the  Sou- 
venir de  la  Malmaison  type,  and  has  bright, 
crimson  flowers.  If  you  wish  to  induce  plants 
of  Souvenir  de  la  Malmaison  to  flower  earlier 
in  the  season  than  is  natural,  the  first  thing  to 
do  is  to  procure  very  early  layers.  When  the 
layers  have  been  rooted,  the  young  plants 
should  be  potted  on  as  they  require  more  root- 
ing space,  and  be  thoroughly  established  in 
their  final  pots  before  the  advent  of  winter. 
If  s.ich  plants  are  cultivated  during  the  winter  in 
a  little  warmth,  they  may  flower  very  early.  But 
it  must  be  remembered  that  this  type  of  Carna- 
tion is  very  uncertain  in  its  results  if  cultivated 
for  flowering  in  winter,  and  there  appears  less 
need  for  forcing  varieties  of  this  type  since  the 
recent  development  that  has  taken  place  in  the 
perpetual-flowering  Carnation.  Varieties  of 
this  latter  type  may  be  so  cultivated  that  they 
will  flower  at  any  season  of  the  year.  Their 
flowers  are  of  varied  and  attractive  colours, 
and.  being  borne  upon  erect  stems  of  consider- 
able lerigtn  they  are  adaptable  for  almost  all 
purposes  for  which  cut  flowers  are  used.  The 
directions  for  cutting  back  plants  of  the 
"Malmaison"  type  are  as  follow;  Cut 
back  some  of  the  old  rough  plants  to  the 
hard  wood.  Place  them  in  a  frame  close  to 
the  glass  and  withhold  water  for  a  short  time. 
Close  the  frame  early  in  the  afternoon,  and 
lightly  spray  the  stems  occasionally  until  they 
show  the  formation  of  young  shoots,  when 
syringing  should  be  discontinued.  As  soon  as 
these  young  shoots  are  about  1£  inch  in  length 
rep  't  the  plants  carefully,  and  cultivate  them 
in  the  same  manner  as  is  adopted  for  the  per- 
petual-flowering  Carnations. 


Cattlbya  Wakscewiczii  :  A.  Y.  The  growth 
sent  is  affected  with  the  "  spot  disease  "  ol 
Orchids,  but  the  cause  of  this  is  not  clearly 
known.  Cattleya  Warscewiczii  is  very  liable 
to  "  spot,"  and  once  a  plant  is  attacked,  it  is 
probably  better  to  destroy  it. 

Celery  Rot:  It'.  T.  Dress  the  ground  with  an 
acid  manure,  superphosphate  being  the  best 
for  the  purpose.  Avoid  using  alkaline  manures, 
especially  lime,  as  these  favour  the  develop- 
ment of  bacteria  in  the  soil. 

Fruit  Trees  :  J .  II'.  S.  After  a  tree  has  been 
worked  and  before  it  has  been  trained,  i.e.,  at 
its  first  year  from  the  graft,  it  is  termed  a 
"  maiden."  An  Apple  tree  on  the  Paradise 
stock  means  that  it  has  been  grafted  on  this 
stock,  which  has  a  shallow,  fibrous  root-system. 
A  tree  worked  on  the  Paradise  stock  may  be 
expected  to  fruit  earlier,  and  makes  a  '  less 
robust  growth  than  one  grafted  on  the  free 
stock.  This  latter  stock  is  raised  from  seeds 
(pips),  and  has  deeply  plunging  roots.  It  is 
suitable  for  raising  Apple  trees  of  a  large  size, 
such  as  standards.  Trees  trained  on  the  bush 
system  would  be  suitable  for  your  purpose  : 
half-standards  are  also  desirable  for  plantations, 
especially  in  the  case  of  Apples  and  Plums. 
Pear  trees  do  exceedingly  well  trained  as  pyra- 
mids, and  these  could  be  planted  by  the  sides 
of  the  paths. 

Names  of  Fruits  :  IT.  M.  B.  French  Crab. — 1>. 
Morris.     Pile's  Russet. 

Names  op  Plants:  Miss  P.  Narcissus  John- 
stonii  var.  Queen  of  Spain.- — J.  F.  ./.  Prunus 
sinensis  flore  pleno. — J.  C.  W.  Pulmonaria  offi- 
cinalis. T.  S.  P.  Berberis  buxifolia  (syn.  dul- 
cis). — R.  P.  The  Odontoglossum  is  not  a  true 
O.  crispum.  It  is  a  form  of  O.  Adrians,,  a 
natural  hybrid  between  0.  crispum  and  O. 
Hunnewellianum,  with  a  nearer  approach  to 
the  O.  crispum  than  is  ordinarily  the  case. 
S.  J.  M.  1,  The  double-flowered  form 
of  Kerria  japonica ;  2,  Escallonia  species, 
send  when  in  flower  ;  3,  Fuchsia  macrostema. 
— Alba.  1,  Pelargonium  Stapletonii ;  2,  P. 
crispum  ;  3,  P.  betulrefolium ;  4,  P.  cordatum  ; 
5.  Tritonia  crocata ;  6,  Saxifraga  "Guildford 
Seedling." — Surrey.  The  plant  is  Cuscuta 
epithymum. — C.  F.  1,  Thuya  orientalis  ;  2, 
Pinus  Cembra ;  3,  Picea  orientalis ;  4,  Abies 
Lowiana ;  5,  Cupressus  nootkatensis ;  6,  C. 
macrocarpa. — L.  Y.  1,  Polygala  chamse- 
buxus;  2,  Ionopidium  acaule  ;  3,  Aubrietia  del- 
toidea  var.  variegata ;  4,  Prunus  nana ;  5, 
Lathyrus  vernus ;  6,  Epimedium  rubrum. — 
II".  B.  1,  Oncidium  spliacelatum ;  2,  Onci- 
dium  flexuosum  ;  3,  Oncidium  tetrapetalum  ;  4, 
Pleurothallis  macroblepharis. — D.  Y.  Arnebia 
echioides. — G.  H.  B.  1,  Epimedium  diphyl- 
lum ;  2,  Epimedium  alpinum  rubrum ;  3,  Oro- 
bus  satinus  ;  4,  Ornithogalum  nutans  ;  5,  For- 
sythia  viridissima ;  6,  Berberis  (Mahonia) 
Aquifolium  variety. —  II'.  T.  Dendrobium 
chrysotoxum. 

Peach  Leaves  Dropping  :  G.  S.  The  plants  are 
affected  with  the  shot-hole  fungus,  Cercospora 
circumscissa.  Spray  the  foliage  at  intervals 
with  the  ammoniacal  solution  of  copper  car- 
bonate, made  with  1  oz.  of  copper  carbonate, 
5  oz.  ammonium  carbonate,  and  16  gallons  of 
water.  Dissolve  the  chemicals  first  in  a  small 
quantity  of  hot  water. 

Tulips  Diseased:  D.  II.  The  plants  are 
affected  with  Botrytis  cinerea.  Destroy  the 
diseased  bulls  by  burning. 

Warts  on  Vine  Leaves:  H.  J.  The  warts  are 
not  due  to  disease,  but  to  unsuitable  conditions 
of  culture.  They  form  as  the  result  of  in- 
tumescence or  outgrowth  of  the  tissue,  and 
this  is  caused  generally  by  a  too  warm  and 
moist  atmosphere  in  the  vinery.  Afford  more 
ventilation  and  keep  the  house  somewhat  drier 
than  formerly. 

Warty  Growths  on  Gooseberry  Shoots  : 
F.  T  The  trouble  is  not  due  to  disease  or 
insect  pests,  but  is  the  result  of  adventitious 
roots  pushing  from  the  stems.  Adventitious 
roots  are  very  common  on  most  plants  of  the 
same  family,  especially  in  the  case  of  Ribes 
alpinum.  Their  formation  is  favoured  by 
dampness  and  overcrowding  of  the  branches. 

Communications  Received.— B.  C.  &  Sons—  W.  E.  G.— 
A.  (l.-W.  W.— P.  M.— A.  B.  J.— J.  U.-W.  D.-K.  A  - 
Attwood  &  Binsted— J.  W.—  J.  A.-G.  R.  H.-F.  P.  P.— 
W.  M.-M.  C.  A. -A.  D.  W— Rev.  D.  R.  Williamson— 
W.  E.  B.— J.  G.  W.— J.  O.  B.-J.  G.-J.  W.  V. 


Supplement  to  the  "Gardeners'  Chronicle." 


Propagation   of    Hyacinths  by    Bulbils  (scooping  method), 
i.     The  bulb,  showing  how  the  base  is  scooped  out.       2.     Early  stage  showing  the  adventitious    bulbils 

FORMING.       3    AND    4.       SHOWING    SUCCESSIVE    DEVELOPMENT    OF    THE    BULBILS.       5.       YoUNG    BULBS    READY    FOR 

6.    Propagator  scooping  out  the  base  of  a  bulb. 


DETACHING    AND    PLANTING. 


Printed  by  Temple  Press  Ltd.,  London,  E.C. 


May  15,  1909.] 


THE    GARDENERS'      CHRONICLE. 


305 


THE 


^arbcncrs'Cbrontcle 

No.   hlGS.— SATURDAY,  May   15,   1C09. 


CONTENTS. 


Acetylene  gas  refuse  ...    317 

Alpine  garden — 

Dianthus  Pancicii    ...     309 
Eriophyllum  ccespito- 

sum 309 

Veronica  Bidwillii    ...    309 

Androcymbium  rnelan- 
thoides 315 

Bittersea  Park,  spring 
flowers  in        316 

Birmingham  public 
parks     314 

Calcium  sulphide  as  in- 
secticide and  fungi- 
cide         313 

Cucumber  and  Marrow, 
a  new  disease  of        ...     31-4 

Cycnoches   peruvianum    309 

Purists'  flowers — 
Chrysanthemums     ...    309 
The  Pansy      30H 

Flowers  in  season        ...    314 

"  French  "  garden,  notes 
from  a 308 

Fruit  and  vegetable  im- 
ports from  France     ...     314 

Gooseberries,  how  to 
bottle      320 

Grape  Muscat  of  Alex- 
andria, the  setting  of    306 

Hampton  Court  Palace, 
spring  flowers  at       ...    317 

International  exhibi- 
tion, proposed  ...    316 

Law  note- 
Sale      of      poisonous 
compounds 317 

Market  fruit  -  growers' 
year,  a 305 

Marshall,  Mr.   William     314 


Narcissi,  export  of  home 
grown  bulbs  of 

Narcissus  Challenger... 

Orchid  notes  and  glean- 
ings - 
Cymbidiums    as   con- 
servatory plants    ... 

Orphan     Fund,     Royal 
Gardeners'      ...         312,  318 

Plant,  a  prolific  seeding    314 

Plants,  new  or  note- 
worthy— 
Phalgenopsis  gigantea 

Pseudotsuga  japonica— 

Railways  and  growers... 

Rosary,  the  — 

Cultural  notes  for  May    307 
Rose  Fortune's  Yellow  308 

Societies — 
Kent,  Surrey,  &  Sussex 

Daffodil        

Midland  Auricula  and 

Primula       

Royal  Horticultural... 
(Scientific  Committee) 
Spilsby  Daffodil 
United   Horticultural 
Benefit  &  Provident 

Spraying  Apple  trees  ... 

Sulphur  fumes  for  pre- 
serving fresh  fruits  ... 

Vacant  lands  as  gardens 

Week's  work,  the — 
Flower  garden,  the  ... 
Fruits  under  glass  ... 
Hardy  fruit  gax  ten 
Kitchen  garden,  the— 
Orchid  houses,  the    ... 
Plants  under  g  la 
Public  parks  and  gar- 
dens     


312 
315 


308 


306 
307 
316 


318 

318 
312 
317 
317 

319 
313 

314 
312 

311 
310 
310 
310 
311 
310 

311 


ILLUSTRATIONS. 

Androcymbium  mehmthoides  313 

Cycnoches  peruvianum,  a  well-flowered  plant  of     ...  809 

Narcissus  Challenger 315 

Phalasnopsis  gigantea 306 

Pseudotsuga  japonica 307 

Saxifraga  decipiens  Arkwrightii     314 

Tulips,  branched  317 


A    MARKET    FRUIT-GROWER'S 
YEAR. 

EXPERIENCE  iu  April  showed,  not  for  the 
first  time,  that  fruit-growing  and 
Potato-growing  do  not  go  well  together. 
Especially  is  this  true  when  the  former  pre- 
ponderates greatly,  so  that  only  a  small  staff 
of  horses  is  necessary.  When  preparing  the 
land  for  Potatos  and  also  when  harvesting 
the  crop  and  carting  the  ware  to  the  station 
and  the  seconds  and  chats  to  a  clamp,  the 
cultivation  of  fruit  plantations  is  necessarily 
hindered.  Last  month  is  was  particularly 
disadvantageous  to  devote  much  time  to  the 
Potatos,  because  March  had  been  so  rainy 
throughout  that  but  little  work  could  be  done 
on  the  land,  but  the  first  three  weeks  of  April, 
covering  the  only  settled  p?riod  of  that  month, 
had  to  be  devoted  to  this  vegetable  crop.  The 
land  had  been  consolidated  by  the  heavy  rains 
in  March,  and  it  required  extensive  tillage  to 
prepare  a  good  seed-bed  for  the  tubers.  In  the 
last  eight  days  of  the  month,  after  the  Planet 
Junior  cultivator  had  been  run  through  some 
of  the  plantations  in  transverse  directions, 
rain  fell  on  six  days  or  nights,  so  that  the 
weeds  to  a  great  extent  were  reset  almost  im- 
mediately after  being  uprooted.  It  was  the 
same,  of  course,  with  the  work  done  by  the 
hand-hoers,  who  dealt  with  the  small  space 
around  each  tree  and  bush  left  untouched  by 
the  cultivator.  If  these  operations  had  been 
carried  out  in  the  first  18  days  of  April,  when 
there  was  very  little  rain,  they  would  have 
been  more  successful.  The  hand-hoers 
made  good  work  in  the  dry  period  among  the 
nursery  stocks,  trees,  and  bushes,  and  in  part 


of  a  plantation  of  Apples  and  Gooseberries  too 
much  grown  out  for  horse  cultivation ;  but 
even  this  work  was  partly  prevented  by  the 
necessity  of  sifting  and  picking  over  seed  Pota- 
tos for  sale,  and  the  breaking,  mixing,  and 
sowing  of  artificial  manures  for  the  new 
Potato  crop. 

Grafting. 
This  has  been  a  fairly  satisfactory  season  for 
grafting,  and  the  scions,  cut  in  February,  had 
kept  well  where  they  were  partly  buried  iu  the 
soil.  Among  the  stocks  were  a  few  old  ones, 
which  had  been  grafted  or  budded  unsuccess- 
fully more  than  once,  and  had  to  be  cut  off  at 
the  ground  level.  With  these  a  plan  which  had 
proved  successful  last  season  was  repeated.  The 
grafting  was  done  below  the  ground  level,  and 
the  soil  was  drawn  over  the  union  of  stock  and 
scion  after  the  raffia  fibre  had  been  tied  on  as 
usual,  no  grafting  wax  being  used.  This  plan 
answers  well,  as  the  soil  excludes  air  from  the 
union,  and  moisture  causes  the  raffia-fibre  to 
rot  soon  enough  to  prevent  girdling,  though  it 
is  advisable  to  draw  the  soil  away  when  the 
scions  have  started  well  into  growth,  and  also 
eventually  to  cut  the  ties.  The  grafting  wax 
used  was  a  very  cheap  kind,  consisting  of  1  lb. 
of  common  black  pitch  and  3  ounces  of  lard. 
These  were  boiled  together,  and  applied  whilst 
warm.  This  mixture  is  just  as  satisfactory 
as  the  more  expensive  grafting  waxes  com- 
monly recommended.  A  satisfactory  tool 
for  applying  grafting  wax  remains  to  be 
invented.  A  thin  lath,  which  some  grafters 
use,  is  not  satisfactory,  as  much  of  the 
wax  drops  off  it  in  the  process  of  applica- 
tion, and  a  good  deal  of  time  is  spent  in  cover- 
ing the  union  entirely,  whilst  a  hair  brush 
often  lasts  only  a  few  hours  before  it  has  been 
denuded  of  its  hairs  by  the  dragging  action  of 
the  wax  as  it  is  smeared  on  to  the  gnilt^. 
This  season  a  wire  brush  sold  for  cleaning 
saucepans  was  used,  and  even  the  wires  were 
soon  drawn  into  a  wisp,  so  that  it  was  not 
until  they  had  been  clipped  closely  that  the 
tool  withstood  the  strain.  The  recent  rain- 
fall has  been  the  one  thing  needful  for  start- 
ing the  scions  well.  It  may  be  interesting  to 
record  that  a  few  scions  cut  from  the  trees 
and  grafted  at  once  were  used  where  there 
was  a  deficiency  of  one  variety  of  stored 
scions.  Last  year  some  that  were  "  worked  " 
in  this  manner  were  as  satisfactory  as  any. 
So  long  as  the  buds  of  the  scions  are  dormant, 
and  the  sap  is  running  freely  in  the  stocks, 
there  appears  to  be  no  danger  in  this 
departure  from  ordinary  usage. 

At  the  time  of  writing,  most  varieties  of 
Plum,  Pear,  and  Cherry  trees  are  in  full 
bloom,  and  a  splendid  appearance  they  pre- 
sent. Tall  and  wide-spreading  bushes  of 
Rivera's  Early  Prolific  Plum  are  profusely 
covered  with  bloom  from  2  feet  above  the 
ground  level  to  the  tips  of  the  highest 
branches.  The  variety  Czar  is  equally  full 
of  blossom,  but  presents  less  show,  as  the 
trees  are  much  smaller  :  Victoria  and  Monarch 
are  both  well  or  fairly  well  furnished  with 
blossom,  whilst  the  flower-buds  of  Pond's 
Seedling  and  Gisborne  are  only  half  expanded. 
Old  Greengage  and  Coe's  Golden  Drop  are  as 
full  of  beauty  as  the  less  choice  varieties. 
As  usual,  Black  Diamond  was  the  first 
Plum  to  show  blossom,  and  this  was  fol- 
lowed quickly  by  Monarch,  Early  Prolific  and 
other  early  blooming  varieties.  The  dates  of 
full  expansion  of  blossom  were  as  follow : — 
Black  Diamond,  April  25  ;  Monarch,  April  26  ; 
Early  Prolific  and  Coe's  Golden  Drop, 
April  27;  Czar,  Victoria,  Old  Greengage, 
and  Damson,   April  29.     The  earliest  flowers 


of  Czar  opened  before  those  of  Victoria, 
but  the  latter  variety  soon  caught  up. 
It  is  to  be  observed  that  in  consequence 
of  the  retarding  action  of  the  cold  weather, 
the  blossoming  of  the  several  varieties  has 
been  much  more  nearly  simultaneous  than  in 
normal  seasons.  Pear  trees  are  full  of  blos- 
som, but  they  often  flower  profusely  in  seasons 
when  very  little  fruit  results  Cherry  trees 
also  make  a  good  show.  No  Apple  blossom 
was  fully  expanded  in  my  plantations  by  the 
end  of  April,  though  a  few  flower-buds  of  Irish 
Peach,  Gladstone,  and  Bismarck  were  half 
open  on  April  30.  Most  varieties  of  Apples 
here  will  be  well  covered  with  blossom ;  but 
there  are  trees  which  bore  heavily  last  year 
that  appear  to  be  taking  a  rest  this  season. 
In  some  districts,  it  is  reported  that  Apples 
show  only  a  moderate  quantity  of  blossom- 
buds.  The  weather  quite  recently  has  been  so 
cold  that  there  is  great  anxiety  lest  much  of 
the  fine  promise  among  Plums,  Pears,  and 
Cherries  should  be  spoiled  by  frost.  This 
amount  of  fruit  blossoming  relates  to  only 
one  fruit  farm  in  a  district  not  much  devoted 
to  fruit-growing. 

Premature  Fruiting. 
Nothing  is  worse  for  fruit  trees  than  allow- 
ing them  to  fruit  when  they  are  very  young. 
Certain  varieties  of  Apples  planted  in  the 
autumns  of  1905  and  1906  are  giving  much 
trouble  in  this  respect,  trusses  of  blossom- 
buds  having  been  developed  quite  up  to  the 
tips  of  the  young  branches,  which  are  being 
cut  back  severely  to  wood  buds.  Domino  and 
Golden  Spire  are  the  worst  in  this  respect, 
whilst  Allington  Pippin,  and  even  Warner's 
King,  reputed  to  be  a  tardy  fruiter,  are  also 
offenders.  Some  particularly  well-furnished 
young  trees,  left  unpruned  or  only  partially 
pruned  at  the  winter  pruning,  because  they 
had  plenty  of  sturdy  branches,  have  trusses 
of  flower-buds  on  their  terminals,  which  must 
be  cut  off.  Similarly,  some  of  a  number  of 
two-year-old  Plums,  planted  last  autumn,  are 
covered  with  blossom,  which  must  be  removed 
to  enable  the  trees  to  make  proper  growth. 

Insect  Pests  and  Spraying. 
Fortunately,  the  Apple  sucker  does  not 
trouble  my  trees.  A  search  for  the  pest 
has  just  been  made  among  all  varieties  of 
Apples  without  a  specimen  being  found. 
This  is  the  case  even  in  a  somewhat  old 
plantation  in  which  there  was  a  bad  attack 
four  years  ago,  but  none  since.  The  cure 
may  be  attributed  to  summer  and  winter 
spraying,  and  the  subsequent  immunity  pos- 
sibly to  the  use  of  lime,  sulphur,  and 
caustic  potash  as  a  winter  wash,  20  lbs. 
each  of  the  first  two  materials  and  12  lbs. 
of  the  third  to  100  gallons  of  water.  Probably 
this  is  the  best  of  the  winter  washes.  Equally 
striking  is  the  almost  complete  immunity  of 
the  same  plantation  from  aphis  up  to  the 
time  of  writing.  Two  years  ago  the  trees 
were  much  damaged  by  this  pest,  but  last 
y6ar  there  was  very  little  fly,  and  the  re- 
peated use  of  the  wash  already  acted  as 
a  preventive.  On  the  contrary,  there  is 
an  attack  of  aphis  and  winter  moth  cater- 
pillars on  some  varieties  of  Apples  in  the 
young  plantation  referred  to  above,  which 
had  no  winter  spraying.  They  were  noticed 
first  on  April  26,  and  on  the  27th  a  trial  on  a 
few  trees  was  made  with  a  nicotine  wash — 
6  ounces  of  a  strong  nicotine  solution 
(98  per  cent.)  to  50  gallons  of  water.  A  fine 
day  followed  and  two  days  after  the  spraying 
hardly  a  live  aphis  could  be  found,  while  many 
of   the  tiny  caterpillars  of  the  winter  moth 


30(i 


THE    GARDENERS'      CHRONICLE. 


[May  15,  1909. 


were  dead  on  the  fourth  day.  A  general  spray- 
ing of  the  affected  varieties  was  carried  out  on 
April  28,  but  a  considerable  downfall  of  rain 
followed  the  operation  immediately — indeed, 
the  work  was  stopped  by  rain,  and  probably 
fewer  than  half  of  the  aphides  and  no  cater- 
pillars have  been  destroyed.  The  operation, 
therefore,  must  be  repeated,  and  possibly 
after  the  blossom  has  fallen,  treatment  with 
lead  arsenate  will  be  necessary  to  destroy  the 
caterpillars.  On  April  27  an  attack  of  aphis 
was  found  to  have  begun  on  two  varieties  of 
Plums,  and,  no  doubt,  it  will  be  extended  to 
other  varieties.  It  is  not  advisable  to  spray 
the  trees  whilst  thev  are  in  full  blossom,  even 


NEW  OR  NOTEWORTHY 
PLANTS. 


PHAL.ENOPSIS  GIGANTEA. 
This  extremely  rare  Orchid,  described  by  J. 
Smith  in  Bui.  du  Jardin  Bot.  de  Buil.,  was 
collected  two  years  ago  by  Dr.  Niemoenhuis' 
expedition  through  Central  Borneo.  It  flowered 
in  the  Botanic  Gardens  at  Buitenzorg,  Java, 
some  years  ago,  and  also  recently.  The 
plant  has  the  same  habit  of  growth  as 
P.  amabilis  and  P.  violacea,  but  the  leaves 
are  much  larger,  thicker  and  very  glossy. 
At   the   present   time   the   plant   has   six  leaves. 


THE  SETTING  OF  MUSCAT  OF 
ALEXANDRIA  GRAPE. 

The  berries  of  this  variety  of  Grape  often  set 
very  unsatisfactorily.  For  the  past  14  years  I 
have  adopted  the  following  plan  with  good 
results.  Cold  air  is  not  admitted  through  the 
ventilators  until  the  thermometer  rises  to  95°  or 
100°,  and  then  only  a  little  is  permitted  at  the 
top  of  the  vinery.  As  soon  as  the  temperature 
falls  to  90°,  the  ventilators  are  closed.  The 
great  secret  in  getting  this  Grape  to  set  well  in  a 
northern  climate  early  in  April,  when  a  low  tem- 
perature   prevails    out-of-doors,    and,    as   a    rule, 


C^rdchro 


FlG.    131. — PHAL^ENOPSIS    GIGANTEA  :    FLOWERS    WHITISH    WITH    DARK-BROWN    SPOTS. 


with  a  nicotine  solution,  which  is  reported  to 
be  harmless  to  foliage  or  blossom,  lest  the 
wash  should  prevent  fertilisation  to  some  ex- 
tent. As  soon  as  the  petals  have  fallen,  all 
the  trees  will  be  sprayed.  Nicotine  wash  is 
expensive,  but  this  concentrated  solution, 
though  costing  12s.  to  12s.  6d.  per  pound,  is 
the  cheapest  form,  except  that  of  denatured 
Tobacco,  which  is  of  various  and  unknown 
degrees  of  strength.  This  wash  is  to  be  re- 
commended because  of  its  efficiency  in  the 
destruction  of  the  aphis,  as  proved  at 
Woburn,  and  its  entire  harmlessness  to 
foliage.     .4   Southern  Grower. 


There  are  six  flowers,  less  conspicuous  than 
those  of  P.  amabilis,  and  resembling  those  of 
P.  sumatrana,  being  whitish,  with  many 
dark  brown-coloured  spots.  This  plant,  the 
only  specimen  known  in  cultivation,  has  been 
treated  at  Buitenzorg  in  the  same  way  as  other 
species  of  Phalsenopsis,  being  planted  in  a 
basket,  partly  filled  with  broken  potsherds  for 
drainage,  and  containing  a  rooting  medium  com- 
posed of  peat.  Sphagnum-moss,  and  a  little  sand. 
It  is  succeeding  splendidly.  During  the  period 
of  flowering  we  apply  much  water  to  the  roots 
and  syringe  the  plant  overhead  at  frequent 
intervals.     C.    Davhanlon,   Buitenzorg. 


brilliant  sunshine,  is  to  allow  no  cold  air  to 
reach  the  bunches  when  they  are  in  flower  either 
during  day  or  night.  The  night  temperature 
should  never  be  allowed  to  fall  below  70°.  In 
the  daytime,  when  the  temperature  is  high,  say, 
90°,  damp  the  surface  of  the  house  heavily,  but 
see  that  no  moisture  falls  on  the  water  pipes,  for 
if  these  are  hot  at  the  time  rust  will  show  itself 
on  any  berries  that  have  set.  To  prevent  the 
sun's  rays  from  scorching  the  foliage,  shade 
the  glass  with  old  herring  nets,  which 
will  allow  sufficient  light  to  pass  through, 
to  prevent  the  shoots  from  becoming  drawn 
and  the   foliage  from  burning.     After  4.30  p.m. 


May  15,  1909.] 


THE     GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


307 


the  nets  should  be  removed.  In  the  morning,  as 
soon  as  the  temperature  inside  the  vinery  rises 
to  75°,  the  foliage  will  not  be  safe  from  scorch- 
ing unless  the  shading  is  placed  on  and  the  ven- 
tilators opened.  Other  conditions  being  suitable, 
there  should  be  no  difficulty  in  obtaining  a  good 
set  of  the  berries  if  these  directions  are  followed. 
See  that  the  borders  are  properly  watered  before 
the  vines  are  in  flower.  Remove  all  gross 
bunches,  as  these  seldom  set  properly  ;  one  good 
bunch  to  each  shoot  is  ample ;  never  permit 
more  to  remain  unless  the  vine  is  young  and 
growing  very  vigorously,  when  an  extra  bunch 
may  be  left  for  a  time  to  assist  as  a  check  to 
undue  growth.  This  Grape  has  set  its  berries 
well  here  under  this  mode  of  treatment.  I  have 
seen  many  failures  where  cold  air  has  been 
admitted  with  the  object  of  preventing  the  foliage 
from  becoming  scorched  on  sunny  days.  Wherever 
the  cold  air  reached  the  bunch  the  berries  did 
not  set.  I  do  not  believe  in  using  a  camel  hair 
brush  or  rabbit's  tail  to  pollinate  the  flowers.  A 
tap  of  the  trellis  or  even  slamming  the  door  of 
the  house  is  quite  sufficient  to  set  the  pollen  in 
motion.  A  plan  I  always  adopt  is  to  have 
a  piece  of  cardboard  about  15  inches  square  tied 
to  a  stout  stake,  and  to  fan  with  this  gently 
through  the  house.  I  do  not  believe  in  pinching  the 
shoots  while  the  vines  are  in  flower,  because  at 
that  time  it  is  necessary  to  promote  as  free  a 
circulation  of  the  sap  as  is  possible.  T.  Lunt, 
Keir  Gardens,  Dunblane. 


THE    ROSARY. 


THE  JAPANESE   D0U6LAS  FIR. 

Young  plants  of  the  rare  Japanese  Douglas 
Fir  (Pseudotsuga  japonica,  Sargent)  have  been 
in  cultivation  on  the  Continent  for  some  years 
past,  but  it  is  only  recently  that  this  interest- 
ing Conifer  has  been  introduced  into  this  country. 
At  Bayfordbury,  Hertford,  Mr.  H.  Clinton-Baker 
last  year  obtained  four  healthy  specimens  from 
Messrs.  Rovelli's  nursery  at  Pallanza,  Italy, 
and  plants  from  the  same  source  are  now  grow- 
ing at  Kew. 

In  the  Continental  nurseries  this  Fir  has  been 
labelled  Abies  japonica,  but  the  structure  of  the 
cone  shows  clearly  that  it  belongs  to  the  Douglas 
Fir  type,  and  is  probably  the  Japanese  represen- 
tative of  the  well-known  American  species. 

It  is  a  native  of  the  mountains  of  Japan, 
growing  at  1,000  to  3,000  feet  elevation  in  the 
provinces  of  Ise,  Yamato  and  Kii.  It  occurs  in 
forests  which  are  difficult  of  access,  associated 
with  Tsuga,  Oak,  Beech  and  other  trees.  It  is 
also  recorded  from  Formosa.  It  was  discovered 
by  the  Japanese  botanist  Shirasawa  in  1893 
between  Owashi  and  Yoshino,  about  10  miles 
from  the  coast,  and  described  and  figured  by 
him  in  the  Tokyo  Bot.  Mag.,  Vol.  IX.,  p.  86, 
t.  3  (1895),  as  a  tree  100  feet  high,  with  a  trunk 
9  feet  in  girth.  The  leaves  are  pectinately 
arranged  like  those  of  the  common  Douglas  Fir, 
but  are  shorter,  J  to  1  inch  long,  and  are  even- 
tually distinctly  bifid  at  the  apex,  by  which 
character  and  the  glabrous  shoots  this  species 
may  bo  distinguished.  The  cones  are  small,  1^- 
to  2  inches  long,  and  1  inch  in  diameter,  with 
about  20  scales ;  the  bracts  are  strongly  reflexed 
with   a  long   central   awn. 

The  Japanese  name  of  this  tree  is  "  Togasa- 
wara."  The  accompanying  illustration  (fig.  132) 
is  a  reproduction  of  a  photograph  of  a  native  speci- 
men sent  by  Mr.  C.  J.  Davidson,  of  the  British 
Embassy,  Tokio.  The  leaves  apparently  do  not 
become  bifid  until  the  plants  are  several  years 
old.  In  a  young  state  they  are  mucronate  or 
entire,  as  shown  in  the  figure.  Young  plants 
obtained  by  Capt.  L.  Clinton-Baker  from  Japan 
have  since  been  received  at  Bayfordbury ;  these 
in  the  older  leaves  are  distinctly  bifid. 

The  plants  at  Bayfordbury  and  Kew  are  now 
about  2  feet  high.  It  is  too  early  yet  to  say 
whether  the  species  is  likely  to  have  any  cul- 
tural value  in  this  country.     A.  Bruce  Jackson. 


CULTURAL    NOTES    FOR    MAY. 

Roses  have  grown  very  freely  during  the 
past  week  or  so,  and  are  rapidly  making  up  for 
lost  time.  The  maiden  buds  both  on  the  Briar 
and  the  Manetti  stocks  will  claim  attention  as 
soon  as  they  begin  to  push  forth.  When  the 
bud  has  developed  a  few  inches,  tie  the  tender 
shoots  carefully  to  cleft  briar  or  hazel  sticks,  in 
order  that  they  may  not  ba  damaged  by  strong 
winds.  If  it  is  found  that  the  buds  inserted 
low  down  on  the  Manetti  and  multiflora  stocks 
do  not  push  freely,  or  are  very  late  in  doing  so, 
cut  the  stock  halfway  through,  a  few  inches 
above  the  bud.     This  will  have  the  effect  of  soon 


pillars  be  picked  off  and  destroyed.  The 
trees  should  be  syringed  with  a  mixture  of 
soft  soap,  tobacco-water  and  quassia  extract. 
Apply  the  spray  during  the  evening,  and  wash 
it  off  again  the  following  morning.  Keep  the 
hoe  at  work  to  destroy  the  small  weeds 
that  are  appearing  plentifully  on  beds  and 
borders.  The  materials  of  the  old  mulch- 
ings should  be  removed  and  a  fresh  mulch 
applied.  Besides  supplying  plant  foods,  the  lit- 
ter will  check  excessive  evaporation,  and  it  is 
very  desirable  to  retain  the  moisture  in  the  soil 
during  early  summer.  Liquid  manure  and  soot 
water  used  cautiously  and  well  diluted  may  be 
given  twice  or  so  each  week  during  the  grow- 
ing season.  These  manurial  stimulants  are 
especially  helpful  during  dry  weather. 


■^/KR^pcHB-JtA 


Fig.  132. — pseudotsuga  japonica:  the  Japanese  douglas  fir. 


starting  them  into  growth.  In  doing  this  the 
head  of  the  stock  must  be  secured  to  a  stake  to 
prevent  it  breaking.  When  the  growth  of  the 
bud  is  completed  in  the  autumn  this  upper  part 
of  the  stock  may  be  cut  away  entirely.  Standard 
Briars  must  be  made  firm  in  the  soil  by  tread- 
ing, and  it  is  advisable  that  all  Roses,  includ- 
ing cuttings  planted  this  season,  should  be  at- 
tended to  in  this  matter,  as  the  action  of  frost  will 
have  tended  to  loosen  them.  During  the  evening 
time  a  beetle  infests  and  eats  out  the  shoots  of 
the  Standard  Briars  as  they  begin  to  push. 
The  Rose  maggot  will  also  begin  to  show  itself 
during  the  month  curled  up  inside  the  leaf. 
Later  the  larvae  burrow  into  the  bud.  These 
pests   must   be   guarded  against,    and   all   cater- 


In  looking  over  the  different  stocks  of  Roses, 
the  damage  of  the  past  severe  weather,  though 
serious  amongst  the  Teas  and  Noisette  sections, 
has  not  been  excessive  amongst  those  of  the 
hardier  kinds  which  are  now  growing  splen- 
didly. Any  vacancies  in  the  beds  and  borders 
can  be  filled  by  plants  turned  out  of  pots.  If 
the  weather  continues  dry,  earth  up  the  soil 
in  the  rows  of  Briar  seedlings,  so  as  to  form  a 
trench,  and  give  sufficient  water  to  thoroughly 
soak  to  the  roots.  All  forced  Roses  of  whatever 
class  will,  when  they  have  finished  blooming,  suc- 
ceed best  out-of-doors.  Those  of  the  Tea  section, 
if  kept  partially  dry  at  the  roots  for  about  six 
weeks  or  two  months,  will  furnish  a  good  supply  of 
bloom  in  the  autumn.     The  plants  should  be  well 


308 


THE     GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


[May.  15,  1909. 


top-dressed  with  good  turfy  loam  and  bonemeal, 
after  taking  out  the  old  surface  soil  to  a  depth  of 
12  t.0  3  inches.  See  that  the  drainage  is  effi- 
cient. The  latest  batch  of  Dwarf  Roses  placed 
under  glass  last  month  are  making  vigorous 
growth)  and  some  are  showing  their  flower-buds. 
Fumigate  the  house  as  required,  and  to  keep 
down  mildew  admit  all  the  fresh  air  possible,  but 
avoid  creating  a  draught.  Maintain  a  humid  at- 
mosphere by  a  frequent  use  of  the  syringe  during 
the  day. 

'"lie  autumn  and  spring-grafted  plants,  after 
being  repotted,  should  be  accommodated  in  a  cool, 
light  house,  where  they  will  grow  freely;  during 
the  month,  or,  as  the  weather  permits,  gradu- 
ally harden  them  off  previously  to  plunging  them 
outside  in  beds  up  to  the  rims  of  the  pots  and 
'J  inches  to  1  foot  apart.  Any  plants  at  that 
stage  requiring  a  shift  into  a  larger  pot  should 
be  attended  to  and  carefully  secured  by  staking. 
]>ater,  the  straggling  or  leading  shoots  can  be 
stopped,  and  they  will  then  make  compact  plants 
ay  the  end  of  the  summer.  When  the  plants 
are  all  plunged,  cover  the  pots  with  well-fer- 
mented manure.  This  will  obviate  excessive 
watering  in  the  summer,  check  evaporation,  keep 
tiie  roots  cool,  and  induce  active  and  vigorous 
growth  during  the  season.  Continue  the  re- 
potting of  spring-struck  cuttings  into  4^  and 
5-inch  pots  until  the  work  is  completed.  Re- 
turn them  into  a  warm  frame  until  they  are  re- 
established. The  old  hot-bed  will  now  give 
sufficient  heat  if  turned  over  afresh,  or  new  lin- 
ings may  be  put  around  the  frame  to  keep  the 
temperature  at  65°.  The  early  flowering,  estab- 
lished plants  should  be  ventilated  more  freely 
as  the  season  advances,  and  by  the  end  of 
the  month  or  early  in  June  the  glass  frames  may 
be  entirely  removed.  The  pots  should  be  set 
out  wider  apart,  and  the  longest  shoots  stopped 
from  time  to  time,  not  later  than  the  end  of 
July,  which  will  give  them  an  opportunity  of 
ripening  up  their  wood  and  of  forming  good, 
bushy  plants  by  the  autumn.  In  the  case  of 
Roses  planted  out  under  glass,  as  the  plants  finish 
flowering,  all  the  top  lights  should,  if  possible, 
be  removed,  so  as  to  give  the  plants  a  good  rest 
before  the  autumn. 

Autumn  struck  cuttings  of  Roses  outside  and 
Rose  stocks  should  have  the  soil  about  them  kept 
well  stirred  and  mulched,  and,  if  drought  sets 
in,  an  abundant  supply  of  water  given  them. 
Standard  Briars  that  were  worked  but  failed 
last  year  are  making  fresh  shoots,  some  of  which 
will  be  sufficiently  ripe  at  the  end  of  the  month 
for  budding.  Good,  ripened  scions  for  this  pur- 
pose will  be  found  among  the  pot  plants  recently 
turned  out-of-doors.  With  regard  to  general  bud- 
ding, the  Briars  and  other  autumn-planted  stocks 
for  this  purpose  are  not  ready  much  before  the 
end  of  June,  and  the  bulk  of  them  not  until 
July.     J.  D.  G. 

ROSE  FORTUNE'S   YELLOW. 

This  beautiful,  yellow  Rose  grows  and  flowers 
splendidly  at  Wigganthorpe,  where  it  is  trained 
in  precisely  the  same  manner  as  a  Grape  vine  on 
the  short  spur  system.  It  has  a  main  stem 
growing  straight  up  the  roof,  about  12  inches 
from  the  glass  inside  a  cool  greenhouse.  The 
roots  are  planted  outside  in  a  south  border,  a 
hole  being  made  in  the  brickwork  to  admit  the 
stem.  At  the  time  of  writing  (April  24)  there 
are  165  fully  developed  flowers  on  the  tree,  beside 
several  unopened  flower-buds.  As  soon  as  the 
flowering  is  over,  all  the  side  growths  are  pruned 
back  to  one  eye  from  the  main  stem.  The  new 
growths  which  form  are  trained  evenly  on 
either  side  of  the  stem,  and  when  sufficiently 
ripened  they  are  tied  to  the  wires.  It  is  from 
these  that  next  season's  flowers  will  be  produced. 
Should  the  side  growths  become  too  rampant  it 
is  necessary  to  root-prune  in  the  autumn.  Shoots 
about  one-quarter  of  an  inch  in  diameter  are  the 
most  desirable,  as  these  become  well  ripened  and 
suitable  for  free  flowering.  .1.  Alderman, 
Wigganthorpe  Hull  Gardens,   York. 


NOTES  FROM  A   "FRENCH"  GARDEN. 

The  French  garden'  is  now  in  its  best  condition. 
Every  inch  of  the  ground  is  occupied  by  the 
different  crops,  which  require  careful  attention. 
The  Carrots  grown  on  the  hot-beds  are  now 
practically  ready  for  market.  They  require 
abundant  waterings  daily  or  at  least  every  two 
days,  when  a  hose  is  used.  The  grower  can  now 
judge  of  the  value  of  the  strain  he  cultivates. 
The  Early  Parisian  variety  has  a  very  short 
stump-like  root  and  small  foliage.  It  is  culti- 
vated not  only  for  its  precocity,  but  also  for  the 
small  amount  of  space  it  occupies  in  the  bed. 
This  last  point  is  important  when  Cauliflowers 
are  grown  concurrently  with  the  Carrots. 

When  pulling  the  Carrots  for  market,  we 
remove  all  the  crop  at  the  same  time,  as  the 
small  roots  when  left  never  do  well.  Two 
bunches  are  tied  together,  each  bundle  containing 
from  30  to  35  Carrots.  The  roots  are  always 
washed  before  sending  them  to  market. 

The  Cauliflowers  planted  among  the  Carrots, 
or  in  the  cold  frames  of  Lettuces,  and  outside 
early  in  April,  are  now  well  established  and 
require  ample  waterings.  We  are  planting 
another  batch  among  the  Passion  Lettuces  in 
the  open  ground.  These  Cauliflowers  were  sown 
at  the  end  of  February  in  a  hot-bed  and  after- 
wards gradually  hardened.  When  planting 
Cauliflowers  we  are  careful  to  reject  all  plants 
with  a  dark  spot  at  the  "  collar,"  as  this  gradu- 
ally increases  till  it  kills  the  plant. 

We  are  now  sowing  in  the  open  the  last  batch 
of  Cauliflowers  for  the  season.  They  will  be 
planted  amongst  the  Melons  from  July  1  as  an 
inter-crop.  The  seed  bed  is  kept  damp  by  very 
light  and  frequent  waterings. 

Turnips  raised  from  seeds  sown  on  hot-beds 
late  in  March  require  frequent  waterings,  as  the 
roots  are  now  forming.  They  will  be  ready  for 
market  within  eight  or  ten  days.  It  is  a  satis- 
factory crop,  especially  when  grown  in  new  soil. 
Tin  nips  require  careful  attention  in  the  matters 
of  watering  and  ventilation,  especially  when  they 
are  in  their  early  stages. 

We  are  finishing  the  Melon  beds.  The  recent 
weather  has  been  favourable  for  this  work 
The  Melons  are  planted  three  or  four  days  after 
the  beds  are  made,  and  mats  are  kept  on  the 
lights  for  two  days  after  planting,  but  afterwards 
the  plants  are  gradually  hardened,  and  in  eight 
or  nine  days  after  the  planting  fresh  air  is 
admitted  to  the  frames.  The  first  batch  of 
plants  is  doing  well,  and  the  female  flowers 
should  soon  appear.  Ventilation  is  given  daily  ; 
mats   are  spread  over  the  lights  at  night-time. 

We  are  planting  Tomatos  out  in  the  open 
ground.  The  plants  are  showing  the  first  truss 
of  flowers.  They  are  covered  with  bell-glasses 
till  they  are  well  established.  It  is  well  to  pre- 
pare a  system  of  cropping  to  follow  the  Cauli- 
flowers grown  on  the  hot-beds.  We  generally 
grow  two  crops  together,  e.g. :  (1)  Cabbage 
Lettuces  and  Cos  Lettuces ;  (2)  Endives  La 
Rouennaise  and  Cauliflowers ;  (3)  Cabbage  Let- 
tuces or  Endive  with  Celery;  (4)  Carrots  Bellot 
and  Spinach  or  Radish. 

The  Lettuces  are  sown  late  in  May  or  early 
in  June  according  to  the  development  of  the 
preceding  crops.  The  Endives  are  sown  now  in 
frames  very  thinly.  The  Cauliflowers  are  sown 
with  the  batch  to  be  planted  among  the  Melons. 
These  different  sowings  must  be  made  in  well- 
prepared  ground  and  receive  proper  attention. 
If  the  seed  is  sown  too  thickly  the  seedling  plants 
must  be  thinned  out  as  early  as  possible  to  have 
them  strong  and  well  hardened  early  in  July. 

All  the  Celery  plants  should  by  now  be  trans- 
planted from  the  seed  bed.  On  land  in  the  open 
that  will  be  at  liberty  early  in  July  a  sowing  of 
Endive  La  Ruffec  in  the  case  of  heavy  soil,  ox- 
Endive  de  Meaux  for  sandy  soils,  can  now  be  made. 
Some  growers  sow  for  the  same  purpose  Endive 
Batavian  Green,  but  this  salad  does  better  grown 
later  in  the  season.     P.  Aquatias. 


ORCHID    NOTES    AND    GLEANINGS. 


CYMBIDIUMS  AS  CONSERVATORY 
PLANTS. 
Ik  the  gardens  of  Ludwig  Mond,  Esq.,  The 
Poplars,  Avenue  Road,  Regent's  Park,  London 
(gr.  Mr.  J.  0.  Clarke),  the  larger  Cymbidiums 
are  much  grown  because  of  their  suitability  for 
the  decoration  of  the  conservatory  or  other 
cool  houses.  The  principal  species  grown  are 
Cymbidium  Tracyanum,  of  which  there  are  some 
very  handsome  varieties,  and  C.  Lowianum, 
together  with  smaller  quantities  of  C.  longi- 
folium,  C.  eburneum,  and  other  species.  At  the 
present  time  the  conservatory,  which  has  fine 
statuary  on  one  side,  has  on  the  other  side  an 
arrangement  of  Orchids  in  flower,  with  a  fine 
selection  of  showy  Hippeastrums.  The  specimens 
of  Cymbidium  Lowianum  bear  about  60  hand- 
some spikes  of  flower.  All  are  fine  varieties, 
selected  some  10  or  12  years  ago,  and  the  colour- 
ing of  the  markings  on  the  labellums  vary  from 
orange-red  to  almost  scarlet.  The  plants  are 
always  ornamental,  and  as  they  last  in  flower 
for  several  months,  Mr.  Clarke  considers  them 
the  most  useful  conservatory  plants  in  the  collec- 
tion. The  Orchids  from  the  warm  houses  are 
brought  in  as  they  flower,  and  at  present  with 
the  Cymbidiums  are  some  good  Odontoglossum 
citrosmum,  O.  crispum,  Oncidium  papilio,  O. 
Krameri,  Lycaste  Skinneri,  Ansellia  nilotica, 
and  several  pretty  hybrid  Cypripediums.  Japa- 
nese Maples,  in  great  variety,  and  Lilies  are  also 
included  in  the  floral  scheme  of  decoration. 


FLORISTS'   FLOWERS. 


THE    PANSY. 

When  Mr.  Eric  Drabble,  D.Sc,  lectured  on 
Pansies  before  the  Fellows  of  the  Royal  Horti- 
cultural Society,  on  April  20,  it  was  expected 
that  the  garden  Pansy,  in  its  various  aspects, 
would  have  formed  the  subject  of  the  address  : 
but  Mr.  Drabble  restricted  himself  to  giving  de- 
scriptions and  illustrations  of  the  numerous 
native  species  or  assumed  species  of  the  Viola. 
He  thus  laid  the  grounds  on  which  the  florist 
could  build  up  theories  as  to  the  parentage  of  the 
modern  Pansy.  That  form  of  floral  evolution,  it 
is  hoped,  may  be  expounded  to  the  Fellows  by  a 
capable  florist  at  some  future  time.  The  Pansy 
was  once  a  famous  and  cherished  florists'  flower, 
and  its  various  points  and  merits  were  well  de- 
fined. The  old  Show  Pansies  were  also  known  as 
English  Pansies,  this  name  being  based, 
no  doubt,  on  the  assumption  that  the 
old  race  was  derived  from  Viola  tricolor, 
the  wild  Pansy  of  the  fields.  That  descrip- 
tion might  also  have  been  needed  to  differentiate 
them  from  the  larger  and  more  richly  and 
diversely-marked  Belgian  or  Fancy  Pansies, 
which  soon  became  to  these  flowers  what  the 
Japanese  Chrysanthemum  is  to  the  old  Chinese 
forms.  The  Show  Pansy,  in  its  day,  was  divided 
into  "  belted  "  and  "  self  "  flowers.  The  belted 
flowers,  generally  of  good  size  and  substance,  had 
a  clearly  defined  central  blotch  of  some  dark  hue, 
and  the  rounded  petals  were  margined  with  a 
colour  distinct  from  the  ground  of  the  flower, 
which  was  either  white  or  yellow.  Naturally, 
there  was  in  these  flowers,  because  of  the  precise 
requirements  in  marking,  much  that  was 
monotonous ;  so  also  were  the  selfs  of  white,  yel- 
low, blue,  and  plum  colour,  all  having  deep-hued 
central  blotches.  The  florist's  Pansy  attained  to  a 
high  state  of  perfection,  and  it  was  cultivated 
with  exceeding  care.  The  names  of  Turner  and 
Bragg,  of  Slough,  in  the  sixties  of  last  century, 
are  closely  associated  with  the  culture  of  these 
flowers.  From  the  florist's  Pansy  originated  a 
race  known  as  bedding  Pansies.  The  famous  trio. 
Cliveden  White,  Cliveden  Blue  and  Cliveden 
Purple,  doubtless  came  from  this  ..M  Show  sec- 
tion, and.  later,  many  others  followed,  including 


May  15,  1909.] 


THE     GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


309 


Blue  King,  one  of  the  very  best  bedding  Pansies 
ever  seen.  But  these  bedders  were  superseded 
by  the  bedding  Violas,  which  seem  to  have 
originated  by  crossing  Viola  cornuta  with  V. 
lutea,  or  with  some  of  the  smaller  Pansies.  We 
have  not  yet  forgotten  the  furore  and  wordy  war 
which  grew  out  of  the  simultaneous  production 
of  Viola  cornuta  Perfection,  the  most  marked 
advance  made  with  Violas,  some  40  years  ago. 
But  that  was  soon  followed  by  Old  Blue  Bell,  a 
chance  seedling  in  the  late  Richard  Dean's  garden 
at  Ealing  Dene,  which  not  only  became  univer- 
sally grown,  but  may  even  now  be  seen  in  many 
public  and  private  gardens.  Numerous  Viola 
varieties  followed,  and  now  there  are  hundreds 
of  named  sorts,  all  wonderfully  floriferous,  all 
beautiful,  and  furnishing  floral  colour  in  infinite 
variety.  The  titles  of  tufted  Pansy  and  bed- 
ding Viola  have  been  given  to  these  plants. 
Possibly  the  designation  carpet  Pansies  fits  them 
best,  as  they  make  some  of  the  best  surfacing  or 


colours,  and  some  are  blotched,  whilst  others  are 
diversely  coloured.  To  have  these  in  the  finest 
form  a  sowing  in  the  open  on  fine  soil  should  be 
made  in  August.  The  plants  should  remain  in 
the  seed-bed  till  the  spring,  then  be  planted  out 
into  good  soil.  They  will  form  clumps  of  10 
inches  to  14  inches  in  diameter,  and  literally 
smother  themselves  with  flowers.  Every  garden 
should  possess  some  Pansies  of  one  type  or 
another.     A.  D. 

FRENCH  CHRYSANTHEMUMS  AT  THE 
N.C.S.  SHOW. 
In  an  audit  of  blooms  shown  at  the  N.C.S. 
Crystal  Palace  show  last  November  it  is  curious 
to  note  how  the  modern  French  seedlings  have 
been  displaced  from  the  position  they  formerly 
occupied.  The  audit  appears  in  the  new  N.C.S. 
schedule  for  1909,  and  contains  the  names  of 
the  Japanese  and  Incurved  flowers  shown  in  the 
board  and  vases  classes  only.     At  the  top  of  the 


FlG.    I33. — A    WELL-FLOWERED    SPECIMEN   OF    CYCNOCHES    PERUVIANUM,   TRACY'S    VARIETY. 


carpet  plants  we  have.  But  the  modern  Fancies 
or  Belgians  have  overshadowed  all  other  Pansies. 
It  is  possible  now  to  go  to  any  market  and  pur- 
chase strong  plants  at  2d.  each,  carrying  large 
flowers  of  great  substance,  fine  in  form  and 
gloriously  coloured;  they  are,  indeed,  marvellous 
in  their  beauty.  But  it  is  unfortunate  that  these 
plants  are  usually  grown  under  somewhat  forced 
conditions,  therefore  they  fail  to  flower  so  well 
when  purchased  and  planted  in  the  open.  This 
strain,  come  from  whence  it  may,  produces 
flowers  as  fine  in  size  and  form  and  as  superbly 
coloured  as  are  any  that  are  in  commerce  under 
name.  Our  climate  in  the  southern  counties 
seems  to  be  too  arid  for  these  splendid  Pansies ; 
they  thrive  better  in  cooler  conditions.  But  we 
can  raise  Pansies  from  seed,  and  from  them  secure 
masses  of  bloom  of  many  colours  for  a  long  sea- 
son. These  furnish  a  wide  range  of  selfs  in  white, 
yellow,   blue,   purple,   bronze,   claret  and  other 


list  in  the  Japanese  section  comes  F.  S.  Vallis, 
which  was  shown  102  times,  or  more  than  twice 
as  often  as  the  next  most  frequently  shown.  Mme. 
G.  Rivol  was  shown  23  times,  Mme.  Paolo 
Radaelli  20,  Mme.  Rene  Oberthur  12,  President 
Viger  10,  Marquise  Viscomti  Venosta  6,  Chrysan- 
themiste  Montigny  4,  Mme.  C.  Nagelmackers  4, 
M.  Paul  Randet  4,  Mme.  Albertine  Bertrand  3, 
Mme.  Gustave  Henry  2,  President  Loubet  2, 
Mme.  Marg.  de  Mons  2,  White  Venosta  (Mar- 
quise Venosta)  2,  Leon  Truelle  1,  Vivian  Morel  1, 
Lt.-Col.  Ducroiset  1. 

In  the  classes  for  incurved  flowers,  of  course, 
the  number  was  smaller,  as  has  always  been  the 
case.  Embleme  Poitevine  comes  third  in  the  list, 
being  shown  24  times.  Then  Triomphe  de  Mont- 
brun  12,  Topaze  Orientale  7,  Boccace  6,  Ma 
Perfection  3,  M.  de  Meulenacre  3,  Le  Peyrou  2. 
Mme.  de  Verneuil  1,  and  Chrysanthemiste 
Bruant  1. 


GYGNOGHES  PERUVIANUM. 

Oop.  illustration  in  fig.  133  represents  the  plant 
of  Cycnoches  peruvianum  "Tracy's  varietj  " 
imported  from  Peru  and  shown  by  Mr.  H.  A. 
Tracy,  of  Twickenham,  at  the  Royal  Horticul- 
tural Society's  meeting  on  February  23  last, 
when  it  was  accorded  an  Award  of  Merit.  The 
species  was  shown  in  1894  by  Messrs.  Sander  & 
Sons,  St.  Albans,  and  in  1905  by  Sir  Trevor 
Lawrence,  Bart.,  K.C.V.O.,  whose  specimen  had 
longer  racemes  of  much  more  distantly-placed 
flowers  than  the  one  now  illustrated.  From  a 
botanical  standpoint  there  is  little  to  separate  this 
species  and  some  others  from  the  C.  maculatum 
illustrated  in  the  Gardeners'  Chronicle,  January 
9,  1909,  p.  26,  though  Tracy's  variety  of  C. 
peruvianum  is  singular  in  having  the  flowers, 
much  more  densely  set  than  in  any  others  of  the 
genus.  Its  flowers  are  greenish-white  sparsely 
blotched  with  purple,  the  rayed  centre  being 
white. 

The  Cycnoches  should  be  grown  with  the 
Catasetums.  suspended  in  an  intermediate  house, 
the  method  of  treatment  required  being  precisely 
similar  to  that  given  to  the  deciduous  Dendro- 
biums.  They  require  copious  waterings  during 
the  period  of  growth  and  a  long  rest  after  the 
leaves  begin  to  wither,  when  water  should  be 
almost  entirely  withheld  until  the  growing  season, 
again  comes  round. 


THE  ALPINE   GARDEN. 


VERONICA  BIDWILLII. 
Bidwill's  Speedwell  is  one  of  the  shrubby 
Veronicas  from  New  Zealand  that  are  held  in. 
increasing  favour,  especially  for  planting  in  the 
Alpine  garden.  This  species  is  not  the  most 
brilliant  of  the  genus,  as  the  growths  are  slender 
and  the  flowers  small  and  not  highly-coloured. 
So  far  as  I  have  seen  plants  in  this  country,  the 
species  is  represented  by  white  flowers  alone,  al- 
though it  is  said  to  possess  violet  and  pink-col- 
oured forms.  Although  simple  and  small,  the 
flowers  are  pretty,  and  the  rather  slender,  pros- 
trate growths  render  the  plant  more  suitable  for 
a  rock-garden  than  a  border.  The  small  flowers 
are  borne  in  whorls. 

ERIOPHYLLUM  CESPITOSUM  (syn.  Bahia 
lanata). 

Of  the  small  group  of  plants  belonging  to  the 
genus  Eriophyllum,  which  number  under  a 
score,  few  are  in  cultivation  in  British  gardens, 
and  only  two  of  these  are  included  in  the  latest 
edition  of  the  Kew  Hand  List  of  Herbaceous 
Plants.  Eriophyllum  crespitosum  is  rarely  seen 
under  its  correct  name,  being  often  called 
in  gardens  Bahia  lanata.  It  forms  a  suitable 
plant  for  the  front  of  a  flower  border  or  for  the 
rockery. 

If  allowed  to  remain  undisturbed  it  forms  a 
spreading  mass  of  pretty,  whitish,  woolly  leaves, 
producing  bright  yellow  flowers  of  the  charac- 
teristic Composite  type. 

The  whitish  leaves  and  golden  flowers  hanging 
over  a  ledge  of  the  rock-garden  or  trailing  over 
the  ground  in  the  front  of  the  flower  border  are 
very  attractive.  The  plant  is  not  hardy  in  severe 
winters,  and  is  especially  harmed  when  frost  and 
snows  alternate  with  mild  weather.  To  lessen 
the  danger  from  these  causes  the  plant  should  be 
given  a  dry  soil  and  a  sunny  situation.  Old 
mortar  or  other  calcareous  matter  mixed  with 
the  soil  is  beneficial. 

Eriophyllum  casspitosum  is  easily  raised  from 
seeds,  and  may  also  be  increased  by  division. 
In  the  broad  sense  it  is  hardy,  but  the  difficulties 
caused  by  our  uncertain  winters  make  it  advis- 
able to  have  a  few  spare  plants  in  a  frame. 

DIANTHUS  PANCICn. 
There  is  a  small  section  of  Dianthus  not  very 
widely  known  which  comprises  a  few  Pinks  of 
erect-growing  habit,   and   having  the  flowers   in 


310 


THE    GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


[May  15,  1909. 


crowded  or  clustered  heads.  They  have  never 
acquired  great  popularity,  and  they  are  not  in  the 
least  likely  to  supersede  other  well-known  kinds. 
Yet  they  possess  some  points  of  beauty  which  com- 
mend them,  and  some  qualities  which  will  render 
them  serviceable  in  certain  positions.  They  are 
excellent  to  give  variety  in  the  flower  border  and 
to  break  up  the  uniformity  of  the  other  plants 
flowering  in  the  summer  season. 

Dianthus  Pancicii  is  a  tall-growing  species, 
having  sturdy,  erect  flower-stems  reaching  a 
height  of  about  2i  or  3  feet,  and  bearing  closely 
clustered  heads  of  light  crimson  blooms.  The 
leaves  are  broadly  Grass-like  and  grow  in  a  thick 
tuft  at  the  base  of  the  stems. 

Seeds  of  a  new  variety  of  Dianthus  Pancicii 
are  being  offered  this  year  under  the  name  of  D. 
Pancicii  grandiflorus.  The  heads  and  flowers  are 
stated  to  be  larger  than  those  of  the  type  and 
purple-carmine  in  colour.  It  is  also  asserted 
that  the  stems  are  so  stout  that  they  will  with- 
stand strong  winds  without  support.  This  is 
true  as  regards  D.  Pancicii  upon  the  whole,  yet 
the  stems  of  my  plants  have  been  broken  off  at 
the  base  by  wild,  whirling  winds,  such  as  we 
sometimes  have.     S.  Arnott. 


The  Week's  Work. 


THE  HARDY  FRUIT  GARDEN. 

By  J.  G.  Weston,  Gardener  to  H.  J.  King,  Esq.,  Eastwell 
Park,  Kent. 

Sweet  Cherries. — As  the  trees  pass  out  of 
bloom  they  should  be  examined  for  black  fly. 
If  this  pest  is  present,  syringe  them  thoroughly 
with  Quassia  Extract.  They  may  be  sprayed 
even  as  a  preventive  method,  for  the  pest  is 
likely  to  do  great  damage  if  a  bad  attack  breaks 
out.  Remove  any  specially  strong  shoots  that 
would  be  likely  to  interfere  with  the  proper 
balance  of  the  trees,  and  pinch  all  others  back  to 
three  or  four  leaves,  except  such  as  are  required 
for  extending  the  trees.  The  shoots  must  be  kept 
thinly  disposed  in  order  that  all  of  them  may  be 
perfectly  exposed  to  the  sun  and  air. 

Morello  Cherries. — Trees  of  this  variety  re- 
quire different  treatment  from  that  just  de- 
scribed. They  should  be  disbudded  in  the 
manner  recommended  for  Peaches  and  Nectarines. 
Morellos  are  sometimes  neglected  in  this  matter, 
but  there  is  no  justification  for  this.  If  left  to 
themselves,  they  soon  become  a  thicket  of 
growths  stretching  out  some  distance  from  the 
wall.  When  this  is  the  case,  they  are  difficult 
to  keep  clean  of  pests,  and  there  is  less  oppor- 
tunity for  the  fruits  to  develop  satisfactorily. 
Do  not  disbud  the  trees  excessively,  for  if  the 
shoots  are  still  found  to  be  more  numerous  than 
is  desired,  they  may  be  pinched  back  to  three  or 
four  leaves,  when  it  becomes  necessary  to  tie  the 
shoots  to  the  wires  or  wall.  Shoots  that  are 
pinched  will  form  small  spurs,  and  these  will 
eventually  bear  fruit-buds.  It  is  important 
in  the  cultivation  of  Morello  Cherries  to  have 
enough  young  shoots  each  year  to  take  the 
place  of  those  which  have  borne  fruit  in  the 
season  immediately  preceding  the  pruning.  At 
the  same  time,  the  shoots  should  be  kept  suffi- 
ciently thinned  to  allow  of  the  access  of  sun- 
light to  those  which  remain. 

Protecting  material. — If  canvas  coverings, 
nets,  or  other  materials  have  been  employed  for 
protective  purposes  for  fruit  trees,  they  should  be 
removed  and  stored  for  the  present,  it  being  un- 
likely that  they  will  be  needed  any  longer.  If 
the  weather,  however,  takes  a  turn  for  the  worse, 
on  no  account  remove  them  suddenly,  for  by  so 
doing  the  trees  would  probably  receive  a  check 
and  fall  an  easy  prey  to  insect  pests  and  fungus 
diseases.  Peaches  and  Nectarines  should  be  the 
last  to  be  relieved  of  the  protective  material,  for 
if  these  trees  have  received  protection  they  will 
be  the  more  susceptible  to  injury  from  cold  winds. 

General  work. — Hoe  the  surface  soil  of  the  fruit 
quarters  as  often  as  possible,  choosing  periods  of 
fine  weather  for  the  work,  in  order  that  the 
weeds  may  perish  immediately  after  each  opera- 
tion. Mulching  with  partially-decayed  manure 
or  with  stable  litter  is  exceedingly  valuable  for 
hardy  fruit  trees,  especially  such  as  are  growing 
in  light  soil  or  on  a  gravel  subsoil.  Never  apply 
a  mulch,  however,  until  all  weeds  have  been  re- 
moved from  the  ground. 


THE    KITCHEN    GARDEN. 

By  E.  Beckett,  Gardener  to  the  Hon.  VlGARY  Gidds, 

Aldenbam  House,  Elstree,  Hertfordshire. 
Thinning  of  crops. — One  of  the  commonest 
mistakes  in  vegetable  growing  is  that  of  allow- 
ing the  plants  to  remain  too  thickly  together.  It 
is  unreasonable  to  expect  good  results  if  six  plants 
are  occupying  the  ground  that  is  needed  by  one. 
To  sow  fairly  thickly  and  thin  early  is  advice 
that  has  been  given  for  many  a  long  year,  but 
it  is  not  followed  so  commonly  as  it  should  be. 
Thinning  of  the  crops  should  in  nearly  all  cases 
be  done  piecemeal,  that  is,  it  should  be  done  by 
degrees  at  several  operations.  In  no  case  should 
the  seedlings  be  allowed  to  become  crowded,  even 
in  the  earliest  stages  of  growth. 

Celery. — Most  plants  of  the  second  sowing 
should  now  be  sufficiently  advanced  for  putting 
into  the  trenches.  Lift  them  with  as  much  soil 
as  possible  adhering  to  their  roots,  and  plant 
them  in  single  lines,  drawn  from  10  to  15  inches 
apart,  according  to  the  variety.  Make  the  soil 
very  firm.  Apply  a  thorough  watering  after  the 
plants  are  inserted.  Dust  the  foliage  twice  a 
week  with  soot,  applying  it  early  in  the  morn- 
ing, or,  better  still,  late  in  the  evening.  Further 
trenches  should  be  prepared  for  successional 
crops  as  opportunities  occur  or  the  ground  be- 
comes available. 

Celeriac,  or  Turnip-rooted  Celery. — Unless 
this  crop  is  well  grown,  it  is  of  little  value,  but, 
provided  that  excellent  roots  are  obtained,  they 
are  much  appreciated  as  winter  vegetables.  Cele- 
riac requires  a  long  season  of  growth,  an  abund- 
ance of  moisture,  and  rich  soil.  It  should  there- 
fore be  planted  in  ground  which  has  been  deeply 
trenched  and  heavily  manured.  It  may  be 
planted  at  this  season  on  flat  beds  or  borders. 
Not  less  than  2  feet  should  be  allowed  between 
the  rows,  and  18  to  20  inches  between  the  plants. 
The  foliage  should  be  dusted  with  soot  occa- 
sionally,  as   in   the  case  of  Celery. 

Turnips. — The  earliest  varieties  such  as  Early 
Milan  and  Long  Forcing  should  be  thinned 
severely,  and  the  surface  of  the  ground  between 
the  plants  should  be  frequently  disturbed  with  a 
Dutch  hoe.  Apply  soot  and  some  chemical  vege- 
table manure  in  small  quantities  during  showery 
weather,  and  do  everything  that  is  possible  to 
induce  a  quick,  succulent  growth.  Sow  seeds  of 
Snowball  or  a  similar  variety  in  small  quantities 
once  a  fortnight.  Golden  Ball,  so  great  a 
favourite  in  the  north  of  England  and  in  Scot- 
land, requires  a  long  season  of  growth  to  develop. 
It  should  be  sown  in  poor  soil  during  the  present 
month. 

Broad  Beans. — Make  two  good  sowings  during 
the  present  month  of  varieties  of  the  Broad 
Windsor  type  ;  the  newer  green  variety  is  a  great 
improvement  on  the  older  white  one.  Immedi- 
ately there  are  any  signs  of  black  aphis  on  the 
earlier  plants,  thoroughly  syringe  them  with  soft 
soap  and  water 

Marrows. — Early  plants  which  were  put  into 
portable  frames  are  now  fruiting  freely,  and  these 
require  much  more  ventilation  than  hitherto. 
Thin  and  peg  out  the  growths,  and  apply  a  good 
surface  dressing.  At  the  end  of  the  month  the 
frames  and  lights  should  be  removed.  One  more 
sowing  may  still  be  made.  Put  one  seed  in  each 
pot  and  place  the  pots  in  moderate  heat. 


FRUITS  UNDER  GLASS. 

By  E.  Harriss,  Fruit  Foreman,  Royal  Gardens,  Frogmore. 

Planting  young  vines.— II  it  is  intended  to 
plant  vines  which  were  raised  this  season  from 
eyes,  the  soil  had  better  be  got  in  readiness  for 
the  borders,  placing  it  under  cover  in  order  that 
it  may  be  in  a  suitable  condition  when  required 
for  use.  One  advantage  of  planting  young  growing 
vines  is  that  a  crop  may  be  taken  from  the  old 
vines  which  are  to  be  replaced,  and  the  young 
vines  become  established  during  the  same  vear 
But  this  depends  upon  whether  the  old  crop  is 
fit  to  be  gathered  by  the  end  of  June.  In  anv 
case,  it  involves  a  considerable  amount  of  work 
in  the  busy  season.  If  there  is  anv  likelihood  of 
the  vines  becoming  pot-bound  be'fore  they  are 
planted  out,  they  had  better  be  shifted  into 
larger  pots. 

Treatment  of  young  vines.— In  the  case  of 
young  vines  that  were  planted  early  this  season 
every  encouragement  must  be  given  "them  to  grow 
freely.  Keep  the  surface  of  the  border  moist  by 
damping  it  with  tepid  rainwater  and.  in  order 
that  warmth  and  air  may  the  better  permeate 


the  border,  let  the  surface  soil  be  occasionally 
loosened.  Syringe  the  vines  freely  early  in  the 
morning  and  again  when  closing  the  ventilators 
in  the  afternoon.  Do  not  use  more  fire  heat  than 
is  necessary ;  the  water  pipes  may  be  slightly 
warmed  at  night  or  during  cold  and  wet  weather, 
because  this  is  necessary  to  prevent  the  atmo- 
sphere from  becoming  stagnant.  Pinch  the  side 
shoots  at  the  second  or  third  leaf,  and  tie  them 
neatly  to  the  trellis.  Stop  the  leading  growths 
when  they  have  reached  one-third  the  length  of 
the  trellis.  Vines  which  have  been  planted  two 
or  three  years  must  on  no  account  be  taxed  with 
a  heavy  crop.  Even  after  vines  have  become 
thoroughly  established  and  have  acquired  the 
most  robust  growth,  it  is  possible  to  injure  them 
by  overcropping. 

In-arching  of  vines. — The  present  time  is 
suitable  for  in-arching  vines,  which  is  a  form  of 
grafting.  There  are  some  useless  varieties  and 
varieties  that  do  not  succeed  in  certain  places. 
These  may  be  replaced  easily  by  others  that  are 
more  profitable.  Perhaps  the  process  of  in-arch- 
ing is  the  quickest  and  most  convenient  way  of 
bringing  about  this  result.  Again,  there  are 
some  varieties  which  are  much  improved  by  being 
in-arched  on  to  a  fresh  stock.  For  instance,  at 
Frogmore,  we  have  Muscat  of  Alexandria  on  a 
stock  of  Madresfield  Court,  which  is  a  decided 
advantage,  as  the  bunches  are  more  compact,  the 
berries  are  larger,  and  the  flowers  set  as  well  as 
Black  Hamburghs.  Lady  Hutt  gives  better  re- 
sults when  in-arched  or  grafted  on  Foster's  Seed- 
ling ;  Melton  Constable  is  best  on  a  stock  of  Aln- 
wick Seedling.  The  Strawberry  Grape,  which 
has  very  small  berries  when  grown  on  its  own 
roots,  produces  berries  as  large  as  Black  Ham- 
burgh if  grafted  on  to  Black  Hamburgh.  We 
are  making  other  experiments  with  different 
stocks,  but  an  opinion  as  to  their  value  cannot 
yet  be  expressed.  The  most  suitable  scions  are 
vines  which  were  rooted  last  year,  and  were  sub- 
sequently cut  back,  these  being  more  vigorous 
than  any  that  may  have  been  rooted  this  present 
year.  To  perform  the  operation  of  in-arching, 
first  place  the  scion  near  to  the  shoot  on  which 
it  is  to  be  in-arched.  Make  a  similar  cut  on 
each  shoot  about  2  inches  long.  Bind  the  shoots 
tightly  together  with  raffia,  and  cover  the  parts 
with  moss,  which  should  be  kept  damp.  It  is, 
of  course,  necessary  to  supply  water  to  the  roots 
of  both  stock  and  scion. 


PLANTS    UNDER  GLASS. 

By  A.  C.  Bartlett,  Gardener  to  Mrs.  Ford,  Pencarrow, 
Cornwall. 

Cycads. — Few  Cycadaceous  plants  are  grown 
in  ordinary  gardens,  Cycas  revoluta  and,  less  fre- 
quently, C.  circinalis  being  the  species  generally 
representing  this  Order.  Sufficient  room  cannot 
usually  be  spared  for  such  genera  as  Dioon,  En- 
cephalartos  and  Zamia,  though  their  cultivation 
would  be  interesting  where  the  presence  of  large 
houses  renders  it  possible.  Cycads  have  a  dis- 
tinctly ornamental  appearance,  and  are  not  un- 
like sturdy-leaved  tree  Ferns.  Their  leaves  being 
of  firm  texture,  the  plants  may  be  used  for  de- 
corative purposes  in  many  positions  that  would 
prove  ruinous  to  tree  Ferns.  The  season  ■  of 
growth  is  surprisingly  short,  but  during  that 
season  the  plants  require  a  great  deal  of  moisture 
both  in  the  atmosphere  and  at  the  roots.  If  the 
roots  are  permitted  to  become  at  all  dry,  even  for 
a  short  time,  the  young  fronds,  being  very  succu- 
lent, quickly  show  signs  of  drooping.  It  often 
happens  that  Cycads  will  remain  inactive 
during  a  whole  year.  Any  stems  which  do 
not  show  signs  of  making  new  leaves  should  be 
immersed  in  tepid  water  for  two  or  three  days. 
As  soon  as  the  growing  season  has  finished  and 
the  new  fronds  have  completely  developed,  less 
water  must  be  given  the  roots,  and  the  plants 
should  be  moved  to  a  cooler  and  drier  atmosphere. 
A  sharp  look-out  should  be  kept  for  scale  insects, 
as  these  pests  are  very  difficult  to  dislodge  from 
the  leaves. 

Chrysanthemums.— Most  of  the  plants  should 
now  be  ready  for  removing  into  the  final  pots. 
This  important  operation  should  not  be  hurried, 
as  the  details  in  the  process  require  careful  at- 
tention. The  best  size  of  pot  to  be  used  is  a 
matter  for  individual  opinion.  For  general  pur- 
poses, 10-inch  pots  appear  to  me  quite  large 
enough,  and  even  a  size  smaller  will  allow  ample 
rooting  space  for  many  varieties.  If  still  smaller 
pots  be  used,  it  causes  more  labour  in  watering 


May  15,  1909.] 


THE     GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


311 


and  feeding  during  the  summer  months.  The 
pots  and  the  crocks  used  for  drainage  should  be 
carefully  cleaned,  and  care  must  be  taken  in 
arranging  the  drainage  material  in  order  to  get 
the  best  ^possible  outlet  for  water.  A  thin  layer 
of  fibrous  loam  should  be  placed  immediately 
over  the  crocks  to  preserve  them  from  the  finer 
particles  of  the  soil.  The  potting  soil  should 
have  been  turned  over  several  times  in  order 
that  all  the  constituents  may  be  thoroughly 
mixed.  A  useful  general  compost  is  one  consist- 
ing of  good  pasture  loam  three  parts,  and  horse 
manure  and  finely-sifted  leaf-mould  one  part, 
adding  a  quantity  of  coarse  sand,  about  a  6-inch 
potful  of  an  approved  chemical  manure,  and  a 
similar  quantity  of  bonemeal.  It  should  be 
scarcely  necessary  to  say  that  a  plant  should  not 
be  dry*  at  its  roots  when  it  is  removed  for  pot- 
ting. Let  the  potting  be  done  as  firmly  as  pos- 
sible, taking  care  not  to  break  the  rootball.  In 
finishing  off,  leave  a  loose  layer  of  fine  soil  on 
the  surface.  After  having  been  potted,  the  plants 
should  be  placed  for  a  few  days  in  a  sheltered 
and  partially-shaded  position.  They  may  be  fre- 
quently sprayed  with  clear  water  to  keep  the 
leaves  from  flagging,  and  in  order  that  water  may 
not  be  needed  at  the  root  until  the  roots  have 
again  become  active.  To  each  plant  should  be 
placed  a  large-sized  label,  on  which  the  name  of 
the  variety  is  written  legibly.  When  the  plants 
have  been  placed  in  their  permanent  position  for 
the  summer,  affix  a  stout  stake  to  each,  and  se- 
cure these  stakes  to  slightly-strained  wires,  in 
r rder  that  the  plants  shall  not  be  swayed  by  the 
winds.  

THE  FLOWER  GARDEN. 

By  W.  A.  Cook,  Gardener  to  Sir  Edmund  G.  Loder,  Bart., 
Leonardslee,  Sussex. 
Pruning  shrubs. — Any  shrubs  that  havo 
passed  out  of  flower  should  now  be  pruned  into 
the  desired  shape.  Some  species  require  to  be 
pruned  each  year.  Such,  for  instance,  as  Primus 
triloba,  P.  Pissardii,  P.  sinensis  fl.  pi.  and  P. 
Cerasus  James  H.  Veitch.  These  species  should 
have  their  shoots  cut  back  to  a  good  growth  more 
especially  if  it  is  necessary  that  the  plants  should 
grow  in  a  limited  space,  as  they  flower  better  on 
the  young  wood.  Pyrus  floribunda  and  P.  f. 
atro-sanguinea  need  to  be  pruned  in  order  to  keep 
them  in  character  with  other  plants,  unless  they 
are  grown  as  isolated  specimens  or  in  avenues. 
Other  plants  that  require  pruning  include  Sta- 
phylea  colchica,  Cerasus  Watereri,  and  C.  Sie- 
boldii,  Xanthoceras  sorbifolia,  Spira?a  media  (con- 
fusa),  S.  prunifolia,  and  Chimonanthus  fragrans. 
These  species  and  others  of  a  similar  nature  are 
benefited  if  the  pruning  is  done  as  soon  as  the 
flowers  have  fallen.  If  a  good  mulch  can  be  ap- 
plied over  their  roots  in  hot  weather,  so  much 
the  better,  for  it  is  desirable  to  encourage  the 
plants  to  make  growths  of  considerable  length 
and  strength. 

Herbaceous  jilnnls. — Many  of  the  herbaceous 
flowering  plants  are  much  in  need  of  staking  at 
the  present  time.  Endeavour  to  affix  the  stakes 
in  such  a  manner  that  they  are  not  conspicuous, 
and  select  those  most  appropriate  for  the  dif- 
ferent plants.  It  will  be  found  that  brushwood, 
such  as  is  obtainable  from  Hazel  or  Beech 
branches,  make  excellent  supports  for  certain 
plants,  holding  the  shoots  in  a  natural  position 
and  becoming  after  a  time  perfectly  hidden  by 
the  foliage  of  the  plant.  For  taller  plants, 
single  Bamboo  or  Hazel  rods  placed  at  the  back 
of  the  specimen  are  useful.  Cleanse  the  borders 
of  weeds,  and  use  the  Dutch  hoe  as  often  as 
necessary.  Remove  the  foliage  from  flowering 
bulbs  as  soon  as  it  is  ripened  and  commences  to 
wither.  Thin  out  annuals  that  have  come  up  too 
thickly,  allowing  space  for  each  plant  to  develop 
unhindered  by  contact  with  others. 

Da/ilia. — The  position  for  these  plants  should 
already  have  been  prepared.  Stakes  will  be  re- 
quired' of  various  heights,  and  these  should  be 
painted  or  dipped  in  creosote.  It  is  too  early 
at  present  for  the  plants  to  be  put  out,  but  the 
ground  should  be  rid  in  the  meantime,  as  far  as 
possible,  of  slugs  and  snails. 

Roses. — Examine  all  Roses,  and  if  aphis  is 
detected  upon  any,  spray  them  with  quassia  ex- 
tract two  days  in  succession.  Keep  a  sharp 
look-out  for  caterpillars,  and  remove  by  hand- 
picking  as  many  as  can  be  found.  By  way 
of  stimulant,  about  two  ounces  of  guano  may  be 
sprinkled  around  the  base  of  each  plant. 

Sweet  /'eas. — Any  of  these  plants  showing 
bloom  may  be  given  a  mulching  of  manure  after 


a  good  dressing  of  soot  has  been  applied.  Guard 
later  plants  from  slugs  and  birds,  and  afford 
stakes  whilst  the  plants  are  still  dwarf.  If  a 
sowing  is  made  now  the  plants  will  flower  in 
August,  provided  that  a  rich  rooting  medium  is 
given  them. 

Alpine  garden. — Much  weeding  needs  to  be 
done  just  now,  or  many  of  the  smaller  plants 
will  be  smothered.  The  weeding  must  be  done  by 
experienced  hands,  that  valuable  plants  may  not 
be  inadvertently  removed  with  the  weeds.  Apply 
a  top-dressing  to  Ferns  and  other  plants  growing 
in  cool  crevices.  Shade  Ramondias  from  the  mid- 
day sun.  Remove  the  dead  flowers  from  Primulas 
unless  seed  is  required,  in  which  case  the  seed- 
vessels  should  be  secured  to  short  stakes.  Prune 
Ericas  that  have  flowered,  and  top-dress  them  if 
necessary. 

Philesia  buxifolia. — Give  this  plant  a  top- 
dressing  consisting  of  peat,  leaf-mould,  and  sand. 
It  succeeds  best  in  a  sheltered  corner  in  a  north 
aspect  where  the  position  is  moist.  Its  Lapa- 
geria-like  flowers  are  much  appreciated. 


must  not  be  given  much  water  during  the  early 
stages  of  growth.  The  Odontoglossum  house  is 
the  proper  place  for  them,  or  a  cool,  shady  corner 
of  the  intermediate  house.  Other  species  and 
varieties  of  Lycaste,  such  as  L.  cruenta,  L.  aro- 
matica,  and  L.  Harrisonise,  should  not  be  re- 
potted until  the  flowers  have  faded. 


THE    ORCHID    HOUSES. 

By  W,  H.  White,  Orchid  Grower  to  Sir  Trevor  Lawrence, 
Bart.,  Burford,  Surrey. 

Phaloznopsis. — Most  of  these  plants  are  now 
producing  fresh  leaves  and  roots.  The  grower 
should  ascertain  if  fresh  rooting  material 
is  necessary,  or  if  new  baskets,  pots,  or  cylin- 
ders are  required.  Those  plants  that  are  well 
established  in  teak-wood  baskets  or  cylinders, 
and  which  need  additional  space  for  root  exten- 
sion, are  sometimes  difficult  subjects,  as  the 
numerous  roots  adhere  firmly  to  the  wood,  and 
no  matter  how  careful  the  operator  may  be,  some 
are  sure  to  be  damaged.  Where  newly-imported 
plants  have  been  established  in  small  baskets,  in- 
stead of  removing  them,  additional  root  room 
may  easily  be  afforded  by  dropping  the  baskets, 
or  even  cylinders  into  larger  receptacles,  filling 
the  space  between  with  crocks  or  pieces  of  broken 
brick,  and  afterwards  surfacing  the  whole  with 
a  layer  of  chopped  Sphagnum-moss,  which  should 
be  well  incorporated  with  small  crocks.  As  re- 
gards those  plants  which  were  similarly  treated 
some  years  ago,  it  will  be  found  that  the  old 
basket  has  decayed.  The  remains  may  be  re- 
moved piece  by  piece  without  causing  the  least 
disturbance  to  the  plant,  and  the  space  should 
be  refilled  with  drainage  materials.  If  the  old 
potting  material  has  decayed,  carefully  remove  it 
from  between  the  roots,  add  more  crocks,  and 
resurface  with  fresh  Sphagnum-moss.  Very  little 
water  is  required  aftei  ^.-basketing,  &c,  the  prin- 
cipal thing  being  to  induce  the  moss  to  grow  on 
the  surface  and  the  new  roots  to  cling  to  the 
woodwork  of  the  basket.  For  this  purpose  apply 
tepid  rain-water  by  means  of  the  fine  sprayer. 
Keep  the  surface  of  the  moss  and  the  sides  of 
the  basket  just  moist.  On  no  account  saturate 
the  materials.  Where  no  separate  house  is  set 
apart  for  the  culture  of  Phalaenopsis,  the  plants 
should  be  placed  on  the  shady  side  of  the  East 
Indian  house  or  in  the  mixed  plant  stove.  Wash 
the  leaves  of  these  plants  occasionally  with  1 
sponge  and  clean  rain-water,  to  keep  them  clean 
and   free   from  thrip   insects. 

Anguloa. — The  species  and  varieties  of  An- 
guloa  should  be  potted  either  immediately  they 
commence  to  grow,  or  directly  they  have  gone 
out  of  flower.  These  plants  succeed  well  in  the 
Osmunda  and  Polypodium  mixture,  with  plenty 
of  small  crocks  added.  It  is  not  necessary  to 
employ  Sphagnum-moss.  Being  strong-growing 
plants'  they  need  a  moderate  amount  of  rooting 
space  and  require  to  be  potted  rather  firmly. 
Stand  the  plants  in  a  light  position  in  the 
Cattleya  or  intermediate  house.  Apply  water 
rather  sparingly  during  the  first  few  weeks,  but 
afterwards  until  the  bulbs  are  thoroughly  made 
up,  afford  them  a  plentiful  supply  of  moisture. 
The  large  broad  leaves  of  these  Anguloas  should 
be  sponged  frequently.  Avoid  overhead  syring- 
ing, as  the  water  remains  low  down  in  the  centre 
of  young  growths  and  eventually  causes  decay. 

Lycaste. — Lycaste  Skinneri  and  its  varieties, 
also  other  plants  of  the  same  genus  that  are 
starting  to  grow,  should  be  repotted  if  necessary. 
They  should  be  potted  in  similar  compost  to  that 
recommended  for  the  Anguloas.  Give  them 
plenty  of  root  room,  thorough  drainage,  and 
leave  a  good  space  on  the  surface  for  holding 
water.  They  require  a  plentiful  supply  _  of 
moisture  when  well  established  in  the  new  potting 
material.     Although  moisture-loving  plants,  they 


PUBLIC    PARKS    AND    GARDENS. 

By  W,  W.   Pettigrew,    Superintendent   of   City    Parks, 

Cardia. 

Women's  Gardens. — At  the  present  moment, 
when  the  question  of  woman's  equality  with 
man  is  receiving  so  much  attention  in  this 
country,  any  suggestion  which  involves  the 
segregation  of  the  sexes  in  our  public  parks 
will  be  regarded  as  a  retrograde  movement  by 
one  section  of  the  community.  However,  this 
may  be,  The  Times  recently  reported  and  favour- 
ably commented  upon  a  movement  which  is  now 
on  foot  in  the  metropolis  to  set  aside  a  small 
open  space  in  the  city  for  the  exclusive  use  of 
women.  That  there  is  much  to  be  said  in 
favour  of  such  a  movement — even  though  it  may 
not  as  yet  come  quite  within  the  range  of  prac- 
tical park  politics — most  park  officials  will 
admit,  and  the  time  may  very  well  come 
when  one  or  two  such  gardens  will  find  a 
place  in  the  park  systems  of  all  our  larger 
towns  and  cities.  Few  people  other  than  those 
intimately  connected  with  public  park  work 
realise  the  annoyances — often  petty  and  trivial, 
but  sometimes  of  a  serious  character — that 
women  have  to  put  up  with  from  a  certain  class 
of  men  who  habitually  frequent  public  grounds. 
So  long  as  these  individuals  do  not  violate  any 
by-laws  by  openly  making  themselves  a  nuisance 
to  visitors,  they  are  not  merely  at  perfect 
liberty  to  enter  any  public  grounds,  but  have  as 
much  right  to  use  the  seats  as  any  other  citi- 
zen. The  very  presence  of  unkempt  men, 
whether  they  occupy  the  same  or  an  adjoining 
seat,  often  mars  to  a  sensitive  woman  the  whole- 
of  the  pleasure  to  be  derived  from  a  visit  paid 
to  a  public  park.  To  women  in  general,  and  to- 
those  of  a  nervous  temperament  in  particular,  a 
ccnveniently-situated  garden,  set  aside  for  the 
exclusive  use  of  women  and  young  children, 
would   be  much  appreciated. 

Nursemaids  and  children. — One  class  of 
women  to  whom  the  "  AVomen's  Garden 
might  prove  a  great  blessing,  although  she  may 
not  herself  realise  it,  is  the  nursemaid.  If  many 
parents  who  send  their  children  in  charge  of" 
nurses  to  the  parks  (thinking  that  at  such- 
places  they  are  free  from  all  dangers)  only  knew 
how  their  little  ones  are  neglected  there,  they 
would,  in  all  probability  forbid  their  maids  to- 
enter  the  parks.  The  reason  for  all  this  is  that 
these  grounds  are  very  often  the  rendezvous  of  a 
great  number  of  idle  young  fellows,  who  take 
up  the  time  and  attention  of  the  nursemaids 
to  the  neglect  and  even  danger  of  the  children. 
Were  women's  gardens  to  become  an  established' 
fact  employers  could  easily  see  that  their  nurses 
took  the  children  to  these  places,  rather  than  to- 
an  ordinary  park — an  arrangement  which  might 
prove  alike  beneficial  to  the  young  charges  and- 
their  custodians. 

The  legal  aspect. — Although  the  general  prin- 
ciple underlying  the  suggestion  of  the  establish- 
ment of  such  gardens  has  already  been  recog- 
nised by  our  public  libraries  in  the  institution  of 
ladies'  reading  rooms,  yet  the  question  natur- 
ally arises  whether  a  park  authority  can  legally 
set  aside  any  ground  which  has  been  gifted  or 
purchased  for  the  purpose  of  a  public  pleasure 
ground  for  the  exclusive  use  of  any  section  of  the 
public,  or  whether  it  has  power  to  spend  the 
rates  on  the  upkeep  of  such  places  if  they  were 
once  in  existence.  Judging  by  an  analogous  ctse 
— where  the  council  of  a  certain  town,  anxious  to 
give  special  facilities  to  women  travelling  to  and 
from  business,  ran  cars  reserved  for  the  use  of 
women,  but  had  to  discontinue  doing  so,  as  they 
found  they  were  acting  illegally — I  fear  that 
before  women's  gardens  are  possible  a  short  Act 
of  Parliament  would  be  necessary  to  enable  muni- 
cipalities to  find  money  for  their  establishment 
and  upkeep. 

Women  gardeners.— The  park  superintendent 
who  mav  in  future  have  the  control  of  one  o, 
these  gardens  will  certainly  find  himself  faced 
with  some  delicate  problem's  when  working  out 
the  details  of  management.  He  may  find  that 
here  at  last  a  suitable  opening  has  arisen  for  th» 
entrance  of  the  ladv  gardener  into  public  life. 


312 


THE     GARDENERS     CHRONICLE. 


[May  15,  1909. 


EDITORIAL    NOTICE. 


ADVERTISEMENTS  should  be  sent  to  the  PUB- 
LISHER, 41,  Wellington  Street,  Covent  Garden, 
W.C. 

Letters  for  Publication,  as  well  as  specimens  of  plants 
for  naming,  should  he  addressed  to  the  EDITOR, 
41,  Wellington  Street,  Covent  Garden,  London. 
Communications  should  be  written  on  one  side  only  of 
thh  taper,  sent  as  early  in  the  week  as  possible  and  duly 
signed  by  the  writer.  1/ desired,  the  signature  will  not  be 
punted,  but  kept  as  a  guarantee  of  good  faith, 

Newspapers.— Correspondents  sending  newspapers  should  be 
careful  to  mark  the  paragraphs  they  wish  the  Editor  to  see. 

Special  Notice  to  Correspondents.—  The  Editor  does  not 
undertake  to  pay  for  any  contributions  or  illustrations,  or 
to  return  unused  communications  or  illustrations,  unless  by 
special  arrangement.  The  Editor  does  not  hold  himself 
responsible  for  any  opinions  expressed  by  his  correspondents. 

Illustrations.-  The  Editor  will  be  glad  to  receive  and  to  select 
photographs  or  drawings,  suitable  for  reproduction,  of 
gardens,  or  of  remarkable  plants,  floivers,  trees,  e>c,  but  he 
cannot  be  responsible  for  lossor  injury. 

Local  News.  — Correspondents  will  greatly  oblige  by  sending  to 
the  Editor  early  intelligence  of  local  events  likely  to  be  of 
interest  to  our  readers,  or  of  any  matters  which  it  is  desirable 
to  bring  under  the  notice  of  horticulturists. 


APPOINTMENTS  FOR  THE  ENSUING  WEEK. 


TUESDAY,  MAY  18— 

Roy.  Hort.  Soc.  Coins,  meet  and  Nat.  Tulip  Soc.  Com- 
bined Show  at  Hort.  Hall,  Westminster  {Lecture  at 
3  p.m.  by  Mr.  A.  Clutton  Brock,  on  "Alpines  in  their 
Native  Homes  "). 


Average  Mean  Temperature  for  the  ensuing  week, 
deduced  from  observations  during  the  last  Fifty  Years 
at  Greenwich— 53*5°. 

Actual  Temperatures: — 

London.—  Wednesday,  May  12  (6  p.m.):  Max.  71°; 
Mill.  45°. 
Gauleiters'  Chronicle  Office.  41,  Wellington  Street, 
Covent  Garden  London — Thursday,  May  13 
(10  A.M.):  Bar.  30-2 ;  Temp.  54";  Weather— 
Sunshine. 

Provinces. — Wednesday,   May    12  {6   p.m.):    Max.    63° 
Bury  St.  Edmunds;  Min.  44°  Scotland  E. 


SALES    FOR    THE    ENSUING    WEEK. 

WEDNESDAY— 

Border  Plants  and  Perennials,  Hardy  Bulbs  and  Tubers, 
.Sx.,  at  12;  Ornamental  Palms,  Bays,  Ferns,  &c.,at  1.30; 
by  Protheroe  &  Morris,  at  6y  &  68,  Cheapside,  E.C. 

FRIDAY— 

Imported  and  Established  Orchids  from  various  sources, 
Orchids  in  Flower  and  Bud,  at  12.45  i  by  Protheroe  & 
Morris,  at  67  &  68,  Cheapside,  E.C. 


The  Among  the  many  schemes  that 
Orphan  were  adopted  in  1887  for  the 
Fund.  purpose  of  celebrating  the 
Jubilee  of  Queen  Victoria's  beneficent  reign 
surely  none  was  better  calculated  to  appeal  to 
human  sympathy  than  the  Royal  Gardeners' 
Orphan  Fund !  The  excellent  work  that  it 
achieves  is  done  more  or  less  silently  and 
without  ostentation,  and  it  is  only  on  such 
occasions  as  the  annual  meeting  in  February 
or  the  Festival  dinner  that  the  public  mind  is 
informed  of  the  amount  of  poverty  and  misery 
which  the  Fund  is  the  means  of  relieving. 
From  month  to  month  the  Committee  carries 
on  the  work  unceasingly,  receiving  applica- 
tions for  help,  enquiring  iuto  every  case  that 
is  brought  before  them  and  making  grants  in 
aid  of  those  cases  in  which  immediate  help 
is  most  needed.  All  hut  the  actual  secretarial 
work  is  done  gratuitously  by  men  whose 
sympathies  for  gardeners'  orphans  are  strong 
enough  to  lead  them  to  devote  a  considerable 
portion  of  their  time  for  this  purpose.  It  is 
one  of  the  most  satisfactory  features  of  the 
social  life  in  this  country  that  there  are 
ever  to  be  found  men  willing  tc  come  forward 
and  take  a  share  in  the  active  management  of 
this  and  similar  institutions.  The  annual 
events  we  have  mentioned,  therefore,  would 
be  useful  if  they  merely  served  to  remind 
the  public  of  the  circumstances  that  have  to 
be  met  and  to  awaken   or  quicken  practical 


sympathy  with  the  efforts  made  to  deal  with 
them  satisfactorily.  As  a  matter  of  fact, 
however,  the  more  showy  function  that 
has  just  taken  place  has  a  purpose  of 
even  greater  importance,  for  it  is  one  of  the 
chief  means  by  which  the  Committee  is  able 
to  raise  the  money  necessary  for  providing 
relief.  The  amount  received  from  annual  sub- 
scriptions is  comparatively  small,  and 
although  this  state  of  things  is  not  exactly 
what  we  ought  to  accept  as  a  permanent  con- 
dition, its  existence  at  the  present  time  is 
sufficient  to  make  the  annual  Festival  and  all 
the  work  which  it  entails  a  necessity  of  the 
situation. 

It  is  therefore  with  satisfaction  that  wo 
print  the  report  which  will  be  found  on  an- 
other page,  inasmuch  as  it  records  a  result 
which,  if  somewhat  less  than  last  year,  when 
special  efforts  were  made  to  make  the  Coming- 
of-Age  year  memorable  in  the  annals  of  the 
Institution,  is  nevertheless  of  a  gratifying 
character. 

A  representative  gathering  of  upwards  of 
l"2il  influential  horticulturists  was  convened, 
with  the  Duke  of  Rutland  in  the  chair,  to 
plead  the  orphans'  cause.  A  sum  of  £800 
was  contributed  by  those  present  and  other 
sympathisers  who  were  unable  to  attend. 
The  Orphan  Fund  has  grown  in  importance 
and  influence  ever  since  its  establishment,  and 
the  facts  we  have  mentioned  demonstrate  un- 
mistakably that  it  is  increasing  its  hold  upon 
the  charitable  public.  We  are  confident  that 
the  Committee  will  go  on  cheerfully  fulfilling 
the  duties  of  their  office,  relying  with  confi- 
dence on  the  supporters  of  the  Fund  for  a  con- 
tinuance of  the  means  that  until  the  present 
have  always  been  forthcoming.  Since  its 
establishment  22  years  ago,  political  and 
social  conditions  have  altered  in  many  ways, 
but  fortunately  in  the  same  period  there  has 
been  an  increased  amount  of  private  benevo- 
lence, therefore  we  have  every  reason  to 
believe  that  the  changes  that  may  yet  take 
place,  and  to  which  the  Chairman  alluded  with 
a  certain  amount  of  misgiving,  will  not  operate 
to  the  prejudice  of  such  an  Institution  as 
the  Orphan  Fund.  Only  when  there  are  no 
longer  any  orphans  to  care  for  \\  ill  the  need 
for  such  a  Fund  cease  to  exist  or  the  means 
necessary  for  its  support  fail  to  be  forth- 
coming. 

In  the  meantime,  let  us  remember  what 
Mr.  Edward  Sherwood,  the  Treasurer,  re- 
lated in  regard  to  the  present  number 
of  applicants  for  relief.  Since  the  elec- 
tion in  February,  but  three  months  ago, 
as  many  as  14  fresh  cases  have  been  en- 
quired into  and  accepted  by  the  Committee, 
this  being  an  abnormally  large  number  to  be 
registered  in  such  a  period.  But  this  is  not  all , 
for  in  every  case  the  Committee  have  found 
the  circumstances  to  be  so  urgent  that  they 
have  felt  compelled  to  grant  temporary  relief 
of  two  shillings  and  sixpence  a  week  until  the 
candidates  can  be  put  forward  for  election  at 
the  next  annual  meeting.  It  looks  very  much 
as  if  there  will  be  a  larger  number  of  appli- 
cants seeking  relief  at  that  election  than  has 
ever  been  the  case  before.  "Will  gardeners 
and  others  be  satisfied  if  any  of  them  are 
denied  the  full  amount  of  relief?  We  think 
not.  But  if  more  than  usual  are  to  be  elected 
the  income  must  be  proportionately  increased. 
This   will   not   be   difficult   if   all   will   contri- 


bute towards  this  object.  There  are  many 
who  do  all  that  can  be  expected  of  them  for 
this  Fund,  but  there  are  others  who  do 
comparatively  little.  If  these  can  be  induced 
to  come  to  the  aid  of  the  fatherless  in  their 
affliction  all  will  be  well.  It  should  be  an 
encouragement  to  them  to  know  that  the  small 
amount  necessary  for  the  management  ex- 
penses is  more  than  met  by  the  income  derived 
from  invested  funds,  and  that  therefore  a 
subscription  goes  straight  to  the  relief  of 
distress  without  deduction.  A  subscription  of 
five  shillings  a  year  is  less  than  a  penny- 
farthing  a  week.  How  many  can  afford  to 
give  this  amount  who  have  in  the  past 
thoughtlessly  ignored  the  claims  of  the 
Fund? 


Royal  Horticultural  Society. — The  next 
meeting  of  the  Committees  will  take  place  on 
Tuesday,  the  18th  inst.,  in  the  Hall,  Vincent 
Square,  Westminster.  At  the  afternoon  meeting 
a  lecture  on  "  Alpines  in  their  Native  Homes  " 
will  be  given  by  Mr.  A.  Clutton  Bkock. 

Vacant  Lands  as  Gardens. — In  most  large 
cities  there  are  vacant  lands  awaiting  the  builder. 
Not  infrequently  these  neglected  areas  are  eye- 
sores to  the  public,  and  remain  unprofitable  for 
many  years.  The  Vacant  Land  Cultivation 
Society  has  for  its  object  the  acquisition  of 
such  ground  without  rent  charge,  until  the 
owner  desires  to  utilise  it,  in  order  that  men 
in  humble  circumstances  may  cultivate  the  sites 
as  gardens.  The  work  is  already  past  the  experi- 
mental stage,  for  the  first  Report  has  been  issued, 
giving  particulars  of  what  the  society  has  ac- 
complished in  1908  9.  The  ground  is  first  pre- 
pared for  cultivation,  and  is  then  let,  either  free 
or  at  a  nominal  charge,  to  approved  applicants, 
men  with  large  families  being  first  considered. 
The  society  provides  the  seeds  at  a  cheap  rate, 
and,  in  some  cases,  free  ;  whilst  a  supervisor  (Mr. 
R.  Lewis  Castle)  gives  the  necessary  instruc- 
tion in  tillage.  There  has  been  a  good  response 
to  the  appeal  for  the  loan  of  land.  The  London 
County  Council  has  lent  various  sites,  and  both 
the  Wandsworth  and  the  Hackney  Borough  Coun- 
cils have  assisted  in  this  direction.  Others  have 
assisted  by  making  presentations  of  tools, 
manure,  seeds,  and  other  necessaries.  At  West 
Ham,  when  the  whole  of  the  land  is  under  culti- 
vation, plots,  each  containing  20  rods  of  land, 
will  be  provided  for  about  300  men.  The  society 
merits  success.  The  work  it  is  doing  has  advan- 
tages, not  only  for  those  who  cultivate  the  gar- 
dens, but  for  the  general  public.  In  place  of 
what  were  little  better  than  rubbish  heaps,  there 
are  now  to  be  seen  gardens.  The  healthful 
recreation  derived  by  those  who  work  the 
gardens  may  prove  an  incentive  to  some  to 
return  to  the  country.  The  man  who  becomes  a 
keen  gardener  seldom  abandons  his  love  of  culti- 
vating flowers,  fruits  and  vegetables,  and  should 
he  become  dispossessed  of  his  holding,  he 
will  be  likely  to  seek  another.  Thus  these  men 
may,  in  time,  become  allottees,  and  we  regard  an 
allotment  as  the  finest  acquisition  a  working  man 
can  make.  Gardening  extends  its  scope  every 
year ;  the  boys  in  rural  districts  are  taught  how 
to  plant  and  sow,  and  the  men  in  crowded  cities 
are  shown  how  to  make  the  vacant  town  lands 
bring  forth  plenty.  We  commend  the  appeal 
made  by  Mr.  Fels  in  our  issue  of  April  24,  p.  267, 
to  the  sympathy  of  readers. 

The    Cultivation    of    the    Narcissus. — 

That  the  home  market  is  no  longer  chiefly  depen- 
dent on  Holland  for  the  supply  of  bulbs  is  well 
known,  though  it  will  be  news  to  some  that  the 
South  Lincolnshire  and  Cambridgeshire  Fen  dis- 
tricts are  actively  developing  an  export  trade  in 


May  15,  1909.] 


THE     GARDENERS1      CHRONICLE 


313 


FlG.    134. — ANDROCYMBIUM    MELANTHOIDES   FROM    MR.    GUMBLETON's    COLLECTION. 

BRACTS    WHITE,    WITH    GREEN    LINES. 

(See  p.  315  ) 


Narcissus  bulbs.  In  the  course  of  a  valuable 
article  by  Mr.  James  Waugh  in  the  March 
number  of  the  Journal  of  the.  Board  of  Agri- 
culture, attention  is  drawn  to  this  fact,  and  it  is 
suggested  that  bulb  cultivation  for  trade  pur- 
poses might  be  adopted  with  advantage  by  occu- 
piers of  small  holdings  and  allotments.  Mr. 
Waugh  describes  the  best  methods  of  cultiva- 
tion, the  preparation  of  the  soil,  the  marketing 
both  of  the  cut  flowers  and  of  the  bulbs,  and 
gives  figures  to  show  that  Narcissus  growing  may 
result  in  a  net  profit  of  something  over  £30  per 
acre.  We  commend  the  article  to  all  interested 
in  the  subject,  but  would  add  the  caution  that, 
before  a  small  holder  puts  money  into  this 
branch  of  horticultural  industry,  he  shall  satisfy 
himself  of  the  accessibility  of  a  market  for  his 
produce   and  of  the  cost  of  carriage. 

Calcium  Sulphide  as  Insecticide  and 
Fungicide. — The  following  method  of  prepara- 
tion of  this  useful  material  was  given  by  Dr. 
Contant  in  a  lecture  to  the  Societe  Nationale 
d'Horticulture  de  France,  published  in  the 
February  number  of  the  Journal  of  the  Society. 
Prepared  in  this  way,  the  calcium  sulphide  (or 
polysulphide)  is  said  by  Dr.  Contant  to  be  ex- 
tremely efficacious.  A  large  kettle,  capable  of 
holding  eight  gallons,  is  set  up  in  the  open  air 
over  a  fire.  Three  to  four  pints  of  water  are 
poured  into  the  kettle  and  boiled,  and  then  about 
3  lbs.  of  quicklime  are  added  gradually ;  the 
kettle  is  then  half-filled  with  water.  Fine  sul- 
phur passed  through  a  sieve  is  dropped  in  little 
by  little,  the  liquid  being  stirred  meanwhile. 
The  liquid  is  then  boiled  for  half  an  hour; 
water  is  added  till  the  kettle  is  full,  and 
the  liquid  is  allowed  to  stand  for  six  hours 
at  least.  A  sediment  settles  down,  leaving  a 
clear  orange  liquid.  'Ihe  deposit  serves  as  an 
excellent  winter  wash  for  fruit  trees,  &c.  The 
liquid  to  be  used  for  spraying  is  diluted  with 
nine  times  its  volume  of  water,  and  is  serviceable 
both  for  the  destruction  of  fungus  pests  and  also 
for  the  aphis  of  Roses,  Peaches,  &c.  It  is  particu- 
larly useful  for  vines  and  makes  "  sulphuring  " 
unnecessary.  It  should  be  noted  that  the  liquid 
to  be  kept  must  be  syphoned  off  into  receptacles 
— such  as  carboys — which  can  be  corked,  since 
by  exposure  to  air  the  sulphides  become  decom- 
posed, forming  sulphur  and  calcium  sulphate. 

Advice    in    Spraying   Apple    Trees.— The 

following  notes  are  from  the  Experiment  Station 
Bulletin  253  (Michigan  State  Agricultural  Col- 
lege, Horticultural  Division),  entitled  "  Can 
the  General  Farmer  Afford  to  Grow  Apples?  ": 
Time  to  spray  Apple  orchards:  1.  Just  be- 
fore the  blossoms  open,  Paris  green  or 
arsenate  of  lead  should  be  added  to  Bor- 
deaux (^  lb.  of  the  first  or  lj  lb.  of  the  second 
to  50  gallons  of  Bordeaux).  2.  Just  after 
blossoms  fall :  the  mixture  as  before.  3.  Two 
weeks  later :  as  before.  4.  Early  in  August :  to 
destroy  the  second  brood  of  Codling  caterpillars 
and  check  Apple  scab,  use  one-half  as  much  cop- 
per sulphate,  i.e.,  2  lbs.  instead  of  4  lbs.  ;  other- 
wise as  in  1,  2,  3.  To  use  the  colloquial  language 
of  the  Bulletin :  Do  a  thorough  job  ;  squirting  a 
little  mixture  on  a  limb  is  poor  business.  Drench 
the  whole  tree.  Let  the  wind  help  you.  Spray 
with  it.  Finish  the  work  on  a  still  day,  or  when 
the  wind  blows  in  a  direction  opposite  from  that 
from  which  it  blew  during  the  first  spraying. 
Bordeaux  stood  overnight  is  not  so  good  as  fresh 
mixed.  A  little  vinegar  will  cleanse  the  hands  of 
Bordeaux.  To  make  Bordeaux  mixture  :  50  gal- 
lons of  water,  6  lbs.  lime,  4  lbs.  copper  sulphate ; 
dissolve  the  copper  sulphate  in  2  gallons  of  hot 
water ;  make  up  to  25  gallons  in  a  barrel.  Slack 
the  lime  to  a  thin  paste ;  make  up  to  25  gallons. 
Pour  together.  When  emptying  into  the  spray- 
tank  strain  through  a  brass  wire  strainer. 


314 


THE    GARDENERS'      CHRONICLE. 


[May  15,  1909. 


Sulphur  Fumes  for  Fruit  Preserving.— 

Though  the  following  method  for  preserving 
Peaches,  Apples,  Pears,  and  Tomatos  would  not 
at  first  eight  seem  very  likely  to  be  successful, 
yet,  according  to  the  Queensland  Agricultural 
Journal,  March,  1909,  it  may  be  adopted  with 
confidence.  Peel  Peaches,  or  other  fruit,  cut  in 
halves,  remove  seeds,  put  in  a  wooden  tub  having 
a  hole  in  the  centre  for  the  vessel  containing  the 
sulphur.  If  four  gallons  of  fruit  are  required, 
prepare  enough  for  six  gallons  to  allow  for 
shrinkage.  Place  sulphur  at  the  rate  of  one  tea- 
spoonful  per  gallon  of  fruit  in  the  tub,  ignite  the 
sulphur,  and  cover  the  tub  for  four  hours. 
Remove  the  fruit,  [place  in  stone  jars,  and  cover. 
According  to  the  journal  quoted,  fruit  preserved 
in  this  way  keeps  fine  all  winter,  and  tastes  like 
fresh  fruit. 

Sale  of  an  Estate. — The  Earl  of  Egmont's 
estate  of  Cowdray,  including  over  13,000  acres, 
has  just  been  purchased  by  Sir  Weetman 
Pearson.  Cowdray  Park  lies  in  the  Midhurst 
country,  surrounded  by  the  estates  of  Lord 
Leconfield,  the  Duke  of  Richmond,  and  the 
Duke  of  Norfolk.  The  present  mansion  was 
built  in  1875,  and  stands  in  a  park  of  600  acres. 

Kew  Guild  Dinner.— We  are  requested  to 
remind  our  readers  that  the  annual  dinner  of 
the  Kew  Guild  will  take  place  at  the  Holborn 
Restaurant  on  the  25th  inst.,  the  first  day  of  the 
Temple  Flower  Show,  at  7.30  p.m.,  not  as  here- 
tofore on  the  eve  of  that  show.  The  secretary, 
Mr.  W.  N.  Winn,  will  be  glad  to  hear  before  the 
18th  inst.  from  those  who  intend  to  be  present. 

National     Chrysanthemum     Society.  — 

This  Society  having  decided  to  hold  but  one 
exhibition  in  1909,  has  increased  the  prize  list. 
The  Crystal  Palace  is  again  selected  for  the 
holding  of  the  exhibition,  which  has  been  fixed 
for  November  3,  4,  and  5.  A  conference  on 
Chrysanthemums  will  be  held  at  the  Essex  Hall, 
Essex  Street,  Strand,  W.C.,  on  Wednesday, 
October  6,  1909,  commencing  at  3  p.m.  Papers 
will  be  read  on  various  aspects  of  Chrysan- 
themum culture,  and  discussion  will  be  invited. 
The  annual  outing  will  take  place  on  August  9, 
when  a  visit  will  be  paid  to  Friar  Park,  Henley- 
on-Thames.  We  are  requested  to  notify  the  secre- 
tary's change  of  address.  In  future  communica- 
tions should  be  addressed  Mr.  R.  A.  Witty,  72, 
Savernake  Road,  Gospel  Oak,  London,  N.W. 

The  William  Wood  Fund.  — We  are  pleased 
to  learn  from  Mr.  George  Monro  that  the  sum 
of  £195  13s.  has  been  raised  as  the  result  of  the 
appeal  made  on  behalf  of  Mr.  William  Wood,  of 
Heathside  Nurseries,  Dartford  Heath.  It  will  be 
remembered  that  Mr.  Wood's  glasshouses  were 
destroyed  by  a  snowstorm  in  March  last. 

The  Lord  Penzance  Sweet  Briars. — We 

read  in  the  American  journals  that  the  demand 
for  varieties  of  the  Penzance  Sweet  Briars  is 
quite  exceptional  this  year.  They  are  certainly 
to  be  classed  amongst  the  most  charming  plants 
in  the  Rose  garden. 

A  Prolific  Plant. — Cycnoches  chlorochilen 
holds  for  the  present  the  record  for  number  of 
seeds  per  capsule.  According  to  the  Kew  Bulle- 
tin (No.  4,  1909),  the  number  of  seeds  in  a 
capsule  of  this  plant  presented  to  Kew  by 
Messrs.  Hugh  Low  &  Co.  is,  at  a  low  estimate, 
about  3|  million.  Dr.  Scott,  who  estimated  the 
number,  adds  that  the  weight  of  each  seed  is 
about  .0000036  grams — that  is  about  20,000  seeds 
to  the  grain— and  that  the  progeny  of  the  single 
flower  would,  if  all  the  seeds  came  up,  be  about 
equal  to  the  population  of  London. 


Flowers  in  Season.  —  Messrs.  Baker's, 
Wolverhampton,  have  sent  four  new  Saxifrages, 
including  the  new  variety  S.  decipiens  Ark- 
wrightii  (see  fig.  135),  which  received  an  Award 
of  Merit  at  the  meeting  of  the  Royal  Horticul- 
tural Society  on  May  2.  The  flowers  of  this 
variety,  when  expanded,  measure  1  inch  across 
and  are  of  great  substance ;  the  unopened  buds 
are  suffused  with  a  pale  rose  tint,  which  dis- 
appears almost  completely  in  the  mature  flowers. 
From  the  number  of  unopened  flower-buds  the 
variety  is  evidently  a  profuse  bloomer.  S. 
Camposii  has  flowers  of  purer  whiteness  than 
those  of  S.  d.  Arkwrightii,  but  not  nearly  such 
large  or  vigorous  inflorescences.  The  other  varie- 
ties include  P.  W.  Hosier,  a  robust  variety  bear- 
ing rich  crimson  flowers;  A.  Lynes,  with  rosy- 
crimson  blossoms ;  and  Lady  Dean,  the  most 
vigorous  of  the   quartette,  the    blossoms     being 

suffused     slightly    with     rose.     Mr.    F. 

Fleetwood  Paul,  Botley,  Hants.,  who  sends 
varieties  of  Sweet  Peas,  writes:  "  I  am  sending 
you  herewith  a  few  of  my  improved  Telemly 
strain  of  winter-flowering  Sweet  Peas.  The  plants 
from  which  these  blooms  were  cut  commenced 
flowering  at  the  end  of  February.  Of  course,  the 
blooms  are  not  so  fine  as  those  of  the  Spencer 
type,  but  they  can  be  had  at  any  season." 
A  correspondent  sends  two  new  varieties 


FlG.  135. — SAXIFRAGA  DECIPIENS  ARKWRIGHTII : 
FLOWERS   WHITE. 

of  Sweet  Peas,  one  a  long-stemmed  white  variety, 
the  other  of  a  rose-salmon  tone  of  colour.  He 
writes:  "  I  send  for  your  inspection  a  new  Sweet 
Pea,  raised  by  Mr.  James  Agate,  of  Havant. 
The  colour  is  of  the  deepest  shrimp-pink,  after 
the  style  of  Earl  Spencer  but  more  intense.  The 
standard  is  beautifully  waved  and  of  the  size  of 
that  of  the  John  Ingman  variety.  The  other 
variety  is  Agate's  White,  a  long-stemmed  flower 

suitable  for  market  purposes."     Messrs. 

Jas.  Veitck  &  Sons  have  sent  us  a  beautiful 
bouquet  of  Schizanthus.  The  strain  is  described 
as  "  Veitch's  hybrids,"  and  it  is  certainly 
remarkable  for  the  distinct,  pretty  colours.  We 
hope  to  see  them  exhibited  at  the  Temple  Show. 

Mr.  W.  Marshall,  V.M.H.— Our  readers 
will  extend  their  congratulations  to  the  Chair- 
man of  the  Floral  Committee  of  the  Royal  Hor- 
ticultural Society  on  the  occasion  of  his  golden 
wedding.  Mr.  W.  Marshall  was  married  on 
May  10,  1859,  at  Auchinvaith,  Blantyre,  N.B., 
to  Margaret,  younger  daughter  of  David 
Brand,  of  Glasgow.  It  will  be  remem- 
bered that  Mr.  Marshall  was  successful  in  first 
blooming  Odontoglossum  crispum  in  this  coun- 
try. He  was  one  of  the  founders  of  the  United 
Horticultural  Benefit  and  Provident  Institution 


and  the  Royal  Gardeners'  Orphan  Fund,  two 
excellent  institutions  in  which  he  continues  to 
take  practical  interest.  He  has  been  a  member 
of  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society's  Council  for 
many  years  past,  and  Chairman  of  the  Floral 
Committee  for  23  years.  His  wide  knowledge, 
geniality  and  firmness  are  qualities  for  which  he 
is  universally  esteemed  by  those  who  are 
associated  with  him  in  horticultural  work. 
In  every  capacity  Mr.  Marshall  has  worked! 
with  distinction  to  himself  and  benefit  to  hor- 
ticulture. We  hope  that  he  and  Mrs.  Marshall 
have  yet  many  years  of  happy  and  useful  life 
before  them. 

Gift  of  a   Public  Park  to  Sheffield. — 

It  is  announced  that  the  Duke  of  Norfolk  has 
presented  Norfolk  Park  to  the  inhabitants  of 
Sheffield.  It  has  been  maintained  hitherto  en- 
tirely at  the  expense  of  the  Duke  for  the  use  of 
the  public.  The  Duke's  Sheffield  residence  adjoins 
it.  The  park  is  about  60  acres  in  extent,  and 
was  laid  out  by  the  grandfather  of  the  present 
Duke  in  1841.  It  is  situated  on  a  hill  overlook- 
ing the  town,  not  far  from  the  Midland  Railway 
Station. 

Imports  of  Fruit  and  Vegetables  from 
France. — The  value  of  fruit  and  vegetables 
imported  from  France  alone  reached  in  1906  the 
enormous  sum  of  £2,400,000.  In  the  course  of 
six  years  (1899-1906)  the  value  of  the  imports 
increased  from  less  than  one  million  sterling 
(23  million  francs)  to  almost  three  times  that 
sum.  According  to  the  Journal  of  the  Horti- 
cultural Society  of  France,  this  increase  has  been 
due  in  considerable  measure  to  the  enterprise 
shown  by  the  French  railway  companies  in 
establishing  express  goods  trains  with  properly 
ventilated  trucks  at  reduced  rates.  We  commend 
this  enlightened  policy  to  the  notice  of  the  rail- 
way companies  of  our  own  country. 

Bulbous    Flowers   in    the    Birmingham 

Parks.— The  planting  of  bulbs  in  the  municipal 
parks  of  Birmingham  extends  every  year.  The 
Cannon  Hill  Park  receives  the  largest  share,  but 
extensive  planting  is  also  undertaken  at  Summer- 
field,  Victoria,  Aston,  Ward  End,  Highgate, 
Calthorpe,  and  Queen's  Parks.  The  influence  of 
the  smoky  atmosphere  on  the  blooms  in  some 
parts  of  the  town  is  illustrated  by  a  comparison 
between  the  flowers  in  this  park  with  those  in 
more  outlying  gardens.  One  has  merely  to  look 
at  a  bed  of  Hyacinths  at,  say,  Aston,  or  even 
Cannon  Hill,  and  compare  it  with  a  similar  dis- 
play at  Queen's  Park,  Harborne,  which  is  in 
comparatively  open  country,  free  from  the  smuts 
and  acid-charged  vapours  of  an  industrial  centre. 
Looking  at  the  blooms  one  can  hardly  imagine 
that  they  are  of  the  same  kind3  as  those  planted 
nearer  the  centres  of  industry. 

A  New  Disease  of  Cucumbers  and  Vege- 
table Marrows. — A  new  disease  of  Cucumbers 
and  Marrows  is  described  in  Die  Gartenwelt. 
The  disease  in  question,  which  has  recently 
appeared  in  Europe,  is  due  to  a  fungus,  Pseudo- 
peronospora  cubensis,  and  like  so  many  other 
fungal  diseases  has  made  its  way  to  Europe  from 
America,  where  it  is  endemic  on  wild  members  of 
the  Cucurbitacese.  The  symptoms  of  the  disease 
are: — dry,  yellow-brown  spots,  at  first  rounded, 
later  angular,  on  the  young  leaves  ;  on  the  under- 
side of  the  leaf  the  mycelium  of  the  fungus  forms 
violet  to  grey,  irregular  patches.  In  certain 
cases,  at  all  events,  the  diseased  plants  fail  to 
produce  fruits.  Spraying  with  dilute  Bordeaux 
mixture  is  recommended.  Fortunately  moisture 
and  warmth  do  not  appear  to  favour  the  spread 
of  the  disease,  so  long  as  ventilation  is  not 
neglected. 


May  15,  1909.] 


THE     GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


315 


NARCISSUS  CHALLENGER. 

The  variety  shown  in  fig.  136  was  raised  by 
Mr.  E.  M.  Crossfield,  Cossington  House,  Bridg- 
water, and  exhibited  by  Messrs.  Barr  &  Sons  at 
the  meeting  of  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society 
on  May  4.  The  plant  belongs  to  the  flat-cupped 
or  incomparabilis  (sometimes  called  Engleheartii) 
section.  The  corona  is  a  rich  shade  of  orange, 
and  very  broad.  The  segments  of  the  perianth 
also  are  very  large  and  of  almost  perfect  sym- 
metry. The  plant  is  a  tall  grower  and  of  fine 
bearing.  It  is  a  seedling  from  the  same  cross  as 
that  which  produced  the  remarkable  Pixie 
variety. 


according  to  the  vigour  of  the  plant,  and  have 
long  sheaths  closely  investing  the  underground 
stem.  Nestling  in  the  uppermost  leaves  are 
two  to  eight  ovate  bracts,  which  form  the 
most  conspicuous  feature  of  the  plant,  for  at 
least  the  two  innermost  bracts  are  white,  with 
longitudinal  green  veins,  and  sometimes  3£  inches 
long  and  2  inches  wide,  forming  an  involucre 
round  the  flowers  as  in  some  species  of  Hseman- 
thus.  The  flowers  are  numerous,  but  small,  and 
of  the  true  Liliaceous  type ;,  they  are  borne  on 
short  stalks,  and  have  six  long-clawed  segments 
in  the  ovate-hooded  blades,  of  which  the  stamens 
are  fixed  and  reach  to  or  beyond  the  tips. 
The     three      styles      are     quite     distinct,      and 


been  introduced  from  South  Africa  by  Mr.  Bowie 
in  1823. 

The  generic  name  is  derived  from  aner,  a  man, 
and  cymbos,  a  cavity,  in  allusion  to  the  stamens 
nestling  in  the  hooded  perianth-segments.  C.  H.. 
Wright. 


R^axiKR^or-l 


Fig.  136. — narcissus  challenger:  perianth  pure  white 
corona  orange-coloured. 


ANDROCVMBIUM  MELANTHOIDES. 

Androcvmhium  melanthoides,  Willd.  (see 
"fig.  134)  was  described  as  long  ago  as  1808,  and 
was  in  cultivation  in  1823,  but  seems  to  have  been 
lost  until  its  recent  re-introduction  by  Mr.  W.  E. 
Gumbleton,  who  received  bulbs  of  the  species 
•from  Mr.  George  Thorncroft,  of  Barberton,  Trans- 
vaal. The  bulb  is  like  that  of  a  minute  Tulip, 
and  very  small  in  proportion  to  the  size  of  the 
plant  which  develops  from  it.  The  main  part 
■of  the  stem  is  underground  and  very  slender,  and 
•bears  at  the  ground  level  two  to  four  lanceolate 
leaves,  which  vary  in  length  from  3  to  9  inches, 


the  capsule  bursts  septicidally.  This  species  is 
not  uncommon  in  the  central  region  of  Cape 
Colony,  and  extends  through  the  Orange  River 
Colony.  Xatal.  the  Transvaal,  and  Rhodesia,  to 
Nyasaland.  Several  varieties  have  been  de- 
scribed which  differ  chiefly  with  respect  to 
robustness.  A  pencil  drawing  of  this  species  by 
the  late  Prof.  W.  H.  Harvey,  of  Dublin,  is  in  the 
collection  al  Kew. 

Another  species,  A.  eucomoides.  Willd.,  ap- 
peared as  Melanthium  eucomoides  in  the  Botani- 
cal Magazine,  t.  641,  published  in  1803,  and  a 
coloured  drawing  is  preserved  at  Kew  of  a  plant 
which  flowered  there  on  March  14th,  1824,  having 


GROWERS  AND  THE  RAILWAYS. 

Widespread  satisfaction  has  been  created 
amongst  the  trading  community  by  the  with- 
drawal of  the  Bill  laid  before  Parliament  to 
sanction  the  amalgamation  of  the  Great 
Northern,  Great  Central,  and  Great  Eastern 
railways,  this  withdrawal  being  necessitated  by 
the  storm  of  opposition  raised  against  the  Bill 
throughout  the  country. 

The  attitude  adopted  by  the  traders  has 
throughout  been  perfectly  clear.  They  do  not 
for  one  moment  contend  that  railways  companies 
shall  be  compelled  to  continue  their  policy  of 
cut-throat  competition  for  the  purpose  of  secur- 
ing passenger  traffic,  and  they  recognise  that  any 
reasonable  arrangement  which  would  prevent  the 
running  of  almost  empty  passenger  trains  in  cer- 
tain districts,  merely  on  account  of  the  jealousy 
existing  between  competing  lines,  is  a  policy 
which  is  bad  both  for  railway  shareholders  and 
for  the  commercial  community,  as  it  involves 
the  unnecessary  expenditure  of  money  which 
might  usefully  be  devoted  to  encouraging  the 
merchandise  traffic  of  the  country,  so  as  to  swell 
the  profits  available  for  railway  dividends. 

The  question  at  issue  goes,  however,  much 
further  than  this.  Traders  find  that  there  is  a 
strong  tendency  to  a  retrograde  policy  when 
once  the  spur  of  competition  is  removed,  and 
that  when  they  are  at  the  mercy  of  a  single 
company,  or  of  two  or  more  concerns  combined 
into  a  single  company,  it  is  almost  impossible  to 
obtain  reasonable  treatment  for  goods  traffic ;  in 
such  cases  the  efficiency  of  the  service  becomes 
decreased,  rates  have  a  tendency  to  rise  higher 
than  ever,  and  complaints  meet  with  no  redress. 
It  is  notorious  that  Kent  growers  (as  well  as  the 
shareholders)  find  themselves  even  worse  off  than 
they  were  before  the  amalgamation  of  the 
South  Eastern  and  London,  Chatham  and  Dover 
railways ;  growers  in  the  Channel  Islands  have 
met  with  the  same  experience  since  various 
'•  mutual  understandings  "  have  been  come  to 
between  the  South  Western  and  other  railways 
as  regards  goods  traffic  arriving  at  ports  on  the 
south  coast.  This  is,  in  fact,  the  result  that  may 
usually  be  anticipated  where  anything  in  the 
nature  of  a  monopoly  arises,  and  even  those 
who  are  most  strongly  opposed  to  the  nation- 
alisation of  our  railway  system  are  some- 
times tempted  to  ask  themselves  whether,  if 
they  are  to  be  at  the  mercy  of  a  monopoly,  such 
monopoly  would  not  be  safer  in  the  hands  of  the 
State  rather  than  in  the  hands  of  a  limited  com- 
pany. There  is  the  additional  factor  that  the 
nationalisation  of  railways  (on  lines  somewhat 
similar  to  those  adopted  in  the  Postal  Service) 
stands  on  a  different  footing  to  any  ques- 
tion of  municipal  trading.  In  the  latter  case, 
municipalities  actually  enter  into  competition 
with  the  private  citizen,  whereas,  by  the  very 
nature  of  their  undertaking,  railways  compete 
with  no  one  but  each  other  (except  in  the  case 
of  sea-borne  traffic),  although  their  policy  in- 
evitably affects  for  good  or  evil  the  commercial 
prosperity  of  the  country  to  an  extent  which 
is  practically  incalculable.  If,  however,  the  spur 
of  competition  can  be  maintained,  there  is  un- 
doubtedly much  to  be  said  in  favour  of  matters 
of  this  kind  being  left  to  the  energy  of  private 
enterprise. 

It  is,  therefore,  scarcely  to  be  wondered  at  that 
traders  should  experience  a  considerable  feeling 
of  relief  at  the  success  of  their  efforts  to  oppose 
the  monopoly  which  would  have  been  established 
by  the  parliamentary  Bill  referred  to  above. 
Their  success  proves  that  those  who  advocated  a 
policy  of  laissez-faire  on  the  ground  that  the  rail- 
ways were  too  strong  for  the  trader,  and  that 


316 


THE     GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


[May  15,  1909. 


"  the  inevitable  was  bound  to  happen,"  were 
neither  wise  nor  far-sighted;  the  result  also  en- 
forces  the  lesson  that  "'  combination  must  be  met 
by  combination,"  as  well  as  by  constant  watch- 
fulness  and  vigorous  action  on  the  part  of  those 
whose  interests  are  attacked. 

It  often  happens,  however,  that  in  the  moment 
of  victory  danger  is  greatest.  There  is  always 
the  possibility  of  "  counter-attack  "  at  the 
moment  when  the  victors  are  lulled  into  a  false 
sense  of  security.  In  the  present  instance,  it  is 
by  no  means  certain  that  the  companies  con- 
cerned will  accept  their  rebuff  with  equanimity, 
and  they  may  yet  take  further  steps  with  a  view 
to  achieving  their  desired  ends.  There  is,  for 
instance,  the  possibility  that  they  may  now  enter 
into  "  mutual  understandings  "  or  "  tacit  ar- 
rangements "  not  to  compete  with  each  other  in 
respect  of  various  "reasonable  facilities"  hitherto 
granted  to  traders,  and  the  President  of  the  Board 
of  Trade  has  already  hinted  at  the  possibility  of 
agreements  of  this  kind  being  "  driven  under- 
ground "  in  the  case  of  an  open  request  for  leave 
to  amalgamate  being  vetoed.  It  is  obvious, 
therefore,  that  the  necessity  for  watchfulness  is 
increased  rather  than  diminished  at  the  present 
stage  of  the  conflict. 

It  must  also  be  borne  in  mind  that  the  only 
result  of  the  successful  opposition  to  the  Bill  is 
that,  for  the  present,  traders  are  relieved  from 
the  danger  of  further  encroachment  in  this  par- 
ticular direction  upon  their  existing  rights,  and 
that  their  many  grievances  still  remain  unreme- 
died. For  the  past  12  months  a  Conference, 
originally  convened  by  Mr.  Lloyd-George,  has 
been  sitting  for  the  purpose  of  considering  the 
numerous  complaints  of  hardship  put  forward  by 
traders,  but  as  yet  no  definite  result  has  been 
made  known.  .2j  is,  in  fact,  rumoured  in  some 
quarters  that  the  railways  experts  at  the  Con- 
ference have  succeeded  in  engineering  the  pro- 
ceedings in  a  manner  which  has  been  consider- 
ably successful  from  their  own  point  of  view. 
Time  is,  of  course,  on  their  side,  and  some 
months  ago  a  highly-placed  railway  official  re- 
marked, in  the  presence  of  the  writer,  that  he 
thought  there  would  be  no  difficulty  in  prolong- 
ing the  proceedings,  at  all  events,  beyond  the  life 
of  the  present  Government !  At  the  moment  of 
writing,  the  President  of  the  Board  of  Trade  has 
announced  his  intention  "  of  considering  the  best 
form  and  scope  of  a  parliamentary  enquiry  into 
the  question  of  railway  amalgamations  and  work- 
ing agreements."  Growers  will,  doubtless,  be 
able  to  give  useful  and,  in  certain  instances,  re- 
markable evidence  in  such  an  enquiry,  but  it  is 
to  be  hoped  that  the  President  of  the  Board  of 
Trade  may  realise  the  necessity  of  conducting  the 
proceedings  with  all  possible  despatch.  So  far 
as  may  be  feasible,  any  such  enquiry  should  be 
proceeded  with  from  day  to  day  in  the  same 
way  as  actions  are  tried  in  the  law  courts.  A 
commission  or  committee,  which  would  sit  at 
intervals  (sometimes  of  several  weeks),  as  in  the 
case  of  the  present  Conference,  would  probably 
prove  to  be  worse  than  useless  if  any  real  at- 
tempt at  reform  is  to  be  made. 

In  addition  to  the  successful  opposition  of  the 
Amalgamation  Bill  above  discussed,  traders  may 
also  take  heart  from  the  result  of  the  recent 
struggle  between  Messrs.  Elders  and  Fyffes,  Ltd. 
(the  Banana  merchants),  and  the  combined 
strength  of  the  railways  of  the  United 
Kingdom.  It  is,  of  course,  well  known  that 
merchandise  conveyed  by  rail  is  charged  at 
rates  varying  according  to  the  "  class  "  in 
which  any  particular  article  is  placed  by 
statute.  Excluding  the  classes  which  deal 
only  with  heavy  traffic,  those  which  affect 
the  ordinary  trader  are  the  classes  known  as 
Nos.  1,  2,  3,  4,  and  5.  Articles  in  Class  1  pay  the 
lowest  rate,  and  the  charges  increase  through  the 
different  classes  until  Class  5,  which  pays  the 
highest  rate,  is  reached.  Hitherto,  unripe 
Bananas  have  stood  under  statute  in  Class  3. 
For  practical  purposes,  however,  they  have  been 
1  Ik  ed    in   the   railway   working   classification   in 


Class  2  if  sent  in  minimum  loads  of  one  ton 
per  wagon,  but  in  this  case  they  have  been 
subjected  to  various  onerous  conditions,  as  the 
railways  would  only  consent  to  carry  Bananas, 
loose  in  bunches,  "  at  owner's  risk  as  regards 
deterioration,  damage,  loss  by  pilferage,  or  from 
other  causes."  Furthermore,  the  rates  charged 
only  entitled  the  trader  to  haulage  "  from  station 
to  station,"  and  the  companies  did  not  undertake 
to  supply  labour  for  loading  or  unloading  their 
trucks. 

After  negotiations  extending  over  several 
years,  Messrs.  Elders  and  Fyffes  decided  some 
months  ago  that  the  time  had  come  when  appli- 
cation should  be  made  to  the  Board  of  Trade  for 
an  order  compelling  the  railway  companies  to  ex- 
tend to  them  lower  rates  and  more  reasonable 
treatment,  and  accordingly  they  applied  for 
"  unripe  Bananas,  loose,  in  minimum  loads  of 
one  ton  per  wagon  "  to  be  placed  in  Class  1. 
In  due  course,  the  Board  of  Trade  sat  to  hear 
the  application,  and  seven  railway  rate  experts, 
representing  the  seven  principal  companies  of  the 
kingdom,  attended  to  oppose.  After  considering 
the  matter  for  several  days,  the  Board  of  Trade 
notified  the  parties  concerned  of  their  intention 
to  make  the  order  asked  for  by  Messrs.  Elders 
and  Fyffes,  with  the  exception  that  the  minimum 
load  to  be  carried  at  Class  1  rates  should  be  two 
tons  instead  of  one  ton.  To  this  Messrs.  Elders 
and  Fyffes  raised  no  objection,  but  a  chorus  of 
indignation  arose  from  the  railway  companies, 
and  they  promptly  applied  to  the  High  Court  for 
an  order  forbidding  the  Board  of  Trade  to  make 
the  order.  Mr.  Justice  Jelf  and  Mr.  Justice 
Coleridge,  however,  declined  to  interfere,  and 
the  order  of  the  Board  of  Trade  has  now  become 
law  by  publication  in  the  London  Gazette.  The 
order  in  question  contains  a  schedule  of  the 
Railway  Acts  thus  affected,  and  some  idea  of  the 
complicated  state  of  affairs  with  which  the 
ordinary  trader  is  faced  in  his  dealings  with  the 
railway  companies  on  the  question  of  rates  may 
be  gathered  from  the  fact  that  the  Acts  affected 
by  the  order  amount  to  no  fewer  than  35  in 
number.  Messrs.  Elders  and  Fyffes  are  to  be 
congratulated  on  their  courageous  stand  in  the 
matter,  and  it  is  to  be  hoped  that  the  result  may 
prove  to  some  of  the  less  enlightened  railway 
companies  of  the  kingdom  that  it  is  not  always 
a  wise  policy  to  drive  the  trader  too  far,  and  that 
in  litigation  of  this  kind  it  is  not  necessarily  a 
foregone  conclusion  that  the  combined  strength 
of  the  railway  companies  must  win.     U.  M.   V . 


BULBS  IN  BATTERSEA  PARK. 

This  beautiful  South  London  park  is  now 
displaying  the  varied  beauties  of  tree  and 
shrub,  of  flowering  bulbs  and  other  early  plants. 
It  is,  perhaps,  the  skilful  arrangement  of  the 
masses  of  mixed  shrubs  and  their  distribution 
at  suitable  points  in  the  landscape,  and  the  gar- 
den-like character  of  the  laying-out  of  this  park 
that  are  its  chief  charms.  The  beauty  of  the 
shrubs  and  trees,  which  are  now  clothed  with 
their  fresh  foliage  and  flowers,  inconspicuous  as 
the  latter  mostly  are,  is  much  appreciated  at  this 
season.  Willows  and  Poplars,  with  their  grey 
young  leaves  are  the  most  striking.  Near  the 
reserve  garden  by  the  Albert  Bridge  are  bold 
teds  of  Tulips.  The  adjacent  panel  garden  has 
four  circular  beds,  which  are  furnished  with 
crimson  Tulips  of  one  variety,  with  a  larger 
bed,  also  circular,  in  the  centre.  Two  squares  of 
a  yellow  Narcissus  and  two  of  N.  bicolor  flank 
these ;  the  whole  making  a  bold  display. 

In  this  part  of  the  park  are  several  showy 
specimens  of  Prunus  persica,  old  trees,  10  feet 
high,  densely  covered  with  their  semi-double 
flowers  of  various  shades  of  crimson.  Following 
the  diagonal  path  leading  to  the  Avenue,  there 
are  batches  of  Narcissi  in  the  grass,  and  a 
group  of  Kaiser  Kroon  Tulips  and  yellow  Wall- 
flowers. 

In  the  sub-tropical  garden,  two  beds  are 
planted  with  scarlet  and  yellow  Tulips,  together 


with  Muscari  (Grape  Hyacinth).  Other  beds  of 
Tulip  Cottage  Maid  and  Arabia  albida  produce 
a  pretty  effect.  Beds  are  also  planted  with 
purple  Tulips  and  Polyanthuses  of  fine  quality  : 
with  brown-coloured  Wallflowers,  Daffodil  Sir 
Watkin,  and  Tulip  La  Belle  Alliance  ;  others  con- 
tain Hyacinth  gigantea,  of  a  light  pink  colour, 
and  Tulip  La  Belle  Alliance.  The  large  heart 
shaped  beds  at  the  corner  of  the  grass  plot  con- 
tain variously  shaped  groups  of  bulbs  and 
Primula  Polyanthus,  crimson  and  yellow  Tulips, 
Hyacinth  King  of  the  Blues,  Tulip  Joost  van 
Vondel,  Primula  Polyanthus  being  intermingled 
with  the  bulbs  with  good  effect.  Hereabouts,  a 
big  circular  bed  displays  strong-growing  Ciner- 
arias in  various  colours,  and  having  Dicentra 
(Dielytra)  spectabilis  planted  thinly  over  it.  A 
curious  mixture  of  dull  purple  and  blue  Hya- 
cinths is  not  altogether  pleasing  to  a  critical 
observer. 

A  quiet  effect  is  made  in  a  bed  filled  with 
Mme.  Van  der  Hoop  Hyacinth  (white)  and' 
Primula  Polyanthus.  One  of  the  most  attractive 
beds  is  filled  with  the  soft  crimson-coloured 
Tulip  La  Reve  and  crimson-flowered  Daisies,  the 
latter  just  showing  flower.  Tulip  Proserpine, 
with  white  Arabis  and  yellow  Wallflowers  is 
excellent. 

The  beds  of  Rhododendrons  and  Azalea  sinen- 
sis show  great  promise  for  flowering ;  and  so  alsc 
do  bushes  of  Magnolia  conspicua.  Tulipa  ful- 
gens,  a  late-flowering  species,  is  in  full  blossom, 
and  amongst  its  bulbs  are  clumps  of  Pyrethrum 
roseum  varieties.  By  the  lakeside,  a  bed  is 
planted  with  Azalea  sinensis  and  Iris  germanica. 
and  if  these  flower  simultaneously  the  effect 
should  be  good.  The  young  growth  of  Gunnera 
manicata  by  the  lakeside  is  magnificent.     F.  M. 


HOME   CORRESPONDENCE. 


( The  Editor  does  not  hold  himself  responsible  jor  the 
opinions  expressed  by  his  correspondents.) 

An  International  Horticultural  Ex- 
hibition.— The  wish  suggested  hi  your  concluding 
remarks  (see  p.  232)  on  the  great  International 
Exhibition  at  Berlin,  that  this  country  may 
soon  see  a  great  international  show  will  find  a 
response  in  the  heart  of  all  who  love  horticulture. 
Whilst  we  have  had  many  good  exhibitions,  no- 
really  great  international  show  has  been  held  in 
London  since  1866.  Very  few  are  now  alive  who 
saw  that  display,  but  it  was  the  finest  horticul- 
tural show  Great  Britain  had  seen.  If  another 
international  exhibition  were  held,  it  would  be 
likely  to  excel  that  of  1866.  just  as  that  excelled 
all  others  which  had  preceded  it.  The  chief 
difficulty  to  overcome  in  relation  to  such  a  show 
is  that  of  getting  a  fitting  place  in  London  or  its 
suburbs.  There  is,  for  choice,  doubtless  the 
Crystal  Palace,  the  White  City,  Earl's  Court, 
the  Royal  Botanic  Gardens,  and  last,  but  by  no 
means  least,  Holland  Park.  But  so  much  would 
depend  on  the  time  of  year  at  which  the  show 
was  held.  It  is  unsafe  to  hold  shows  here  under 
canvas  earlier  than  the  end  of  May.  No  one 
would  dream  of  doing  so  in  April.  Probably  the 
most  favoured  time  for  canvas  would  be  in  June. 
If  it  were  held  much  earlier  than  that,  permanent 
buildings  such  as  are  found  on  some  of  the  sites 
named  would  be  essential.  I  do  not  wish  at  this 
moment  to  discuss  the  possible  suspension  of  the 
Temple  shows,  but  it  is  by  no  means  improbable 
that  the  conditions  imposed  on  those  shows  have 
become  too  onerous  to"  be  longer  endured.  The 
fact  that  no  refreshment  other  than  lawn  teas 
will  be  permitted  there  this  year  affords  proof 
that  the  Society  is  to  be  gradually  expelled  from 
the  gardens.  In  any  case,  much  as  may  have 
been  the  prestige  of 'the  Temple  shows,  those  at 
Holland  Park  are  far  more  enjoyable.  If  any 
movement  is  made  in  the  direction  of  promoting 
a  great  international  show  in  London,  necessarily 
the  chief  force  must  come  from  the  Royal  Horti- 
cultural Society.  But  that  fact  need  not  prevent 
outside  influence  being  brought  to  bear  on  the 
Council  in  the  matter.  The  work  of  organising 
the  exhibition  should  be,  as  in  1866.  in  the  hands 
of  a  powerful  representative  horticultural  com- 
mittee.     A. 


May  15,  1909.] 


THE     GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


317 


Spring  Flowers  at  Hampton  Court 
Palace. — Seldom  have  spring  flowers  made  to 
brilliant  a  display  at  Hampton  Court  as  this  year. 
Bulbs,  especially  both  early  and  late  Tulips, 
figure  prominently,  and  of  these  very  many  seem 
to  be  so  new  to  visitors  that  note-books  are 
brought  into  use  constantly.  The  long  border 
which  margins  the  broad  promenade  on  the 
palace  side  is  a  mass  of  Tulips  almost  from  end 
to  end,  eaily  and  late  varieties  being  inter- 
mingled on  carpets  of  dwarf  plants  ;  there  is  no 
break,  as  the  succession  is  well  maintained. 
The  broad  edging  to  this  border  of  double 
Arabis  is  like  a  trail  of  snow.  In  the  beds  on 
the  opposite  side  of  the  walk  masses  of  various- 
coloured  Polyanthuses,  wondrously  fine  Pansies, 
giant  double 'Daisies,  Violas,  Wallflowers,  yellow 
Alyssum,  and  various  Aubrietias  with  the  snowy 
Arabis  afford  delightful  carpets  for  many  diverse 
double  and  single  Tulips.  I  have  never  seen  the 
beds  better  furnished  or  more  effectively  filled 
A.   D. 

Acetylene  Gas  Refuse. ^During  the  past 
few  years  we  have  used  a  considerable  quantity  of 
this  material  in  the  gardens  here.  It  is  certainly 
advisable  to  allow  the  refuse  to  be  exposed  to 
the  atmosphere  some  time  before  using,  say,  12 
months.  At  first  I  tried  it  on  land  used  for 
Potatos,  Peas,  and  a  bed  of  Godetia,  and  with  no 
ill-effects.  Since  then  it  has  been  used  generally 
in  the  kitchen  garden,  especially  for  working  into 
the  subsoil,  which  is  of  a  clayey  nature.  During 
the  winter  of  1907  and  1908  we  trenched  an  old 
disused  timber  yard,  with  the  intention  of  adding 
it  to  the  kitchen  garden.  The  refuse  was  used 
very  freely  for  mixing  with  the  staple,  with  any 
other  available  material,  such  as  manure  from 
old  hot-beds,  leaf-mould,  burnt  garden  refuse  and 
decayed  sawdust.  One  of  the  finest  crops  of 
Potatos  I  have  seen  was  taken  from  this  land 
last  season.  Other  crops  have  succeeded,  includ- 
ing Globe  and  Jerusalem  Artichokes,  Borecole, 
Brussels  Sprouts,  Turnips,  Spinach,  Beet,  Peas, 
and  Spring  Cabbage.  If  the  refuse  were  used 
whilst  fresh  it  would  probably  prove  injurious, 
for,  on  taking  charge  here,  I  found  the  Onion 
crop  useless,  and  it  was  attributed  to  the  refuse 
having  been  emptied  directly  on  to  the  land 
after  it  had  been  taken  from  the  gasometer.  G. 
II.  Head,  Kingsdon  Manor  Gardens,  Taunton. 


SOCIETIES. 


LAW    NOTES. 


THE  SALE  OF  POISONOUS  COMPOUNDS. 

A  sub-committee  of  the  Public  Health  Com- 
mittee of  Edinburgh  Town  Council  recently 
considered  applications  by  seedsmen  for  licenses 
to  sell  poisonous  substances  used  for  horticultural 
purposes  under  the  Poisons  and  Pharmacy  Act, 
1908  (Section  II.).  Mr.  A.  E.  S.  Thomson 
appeared  on  behalf  of  thirteen  seedsmen  making 
application.  The  Edinburgh  Chemists'  Society 
opposed  the  applications. 

Mr.  Thomson  held  that  the  chemists  were  only 
rivals  in  trade.  The  regulations  regarding  the 
sale  of  poisonous  substances  were  directed,  he 
said,  against  vendors  other  than  the  seedsman. 
What  the  seedsmen  wanted  was  to  get  the 
benefit  of  the  statutory  authorisations.  The 
seedsmen  manufactured  those  substances,  and  if 
they  were  refused  the  licenses  the  trade  would 
pass  from  the  seedsman  to  the  chemist.  This  was 
manifestly  unjust.  Nineteen  such  licenses  had 
been  granted  in  Glasgow. 

Mr.  T.  B.  Morison  said  he  was  informed  that 
no  licenses  had  been  granted  either  in  Glasgow 
or  elsewhere  in  Scotland.  He  appeared  on  behalf 
of  the  Chemists'  Association  in  Edinburgh,  and 
on  behalf  of  numerous  vendors  of  these  poisonous 
substances.  The  Act  provided  that  such  licenses 
were  to  be  granted  only  where  there  were  not  in 
the  particular  localities  facilities  sufficient  to  meet 
the  reasonable  requirements  of  the  public.  In 
Edinburgh  the  facilities  were  ample.  Counsel 
also  argued  that  the  applications  from  firms  were 
incompetent,  as  licenses  could  be  granted  only  to 
individual    persons. 

Before  the  committee  rose  for  lunch,  it  was  de- 
cided that  the  applications  be  withdrawn,  to  be 
amended  so  as  to  become  applications  by  indi- 
vidual  persons. 

Thereafter  the  committee  sat  in  private  and 
decided  after  considerable  discussion  to  recom- 
mend that  the  three  applications  made  by 
individuals  should  be  granted. 


ROYAL    HORTICULTURAL. 

Scientific  Committee. 
May  4. — Present:  Mr.  E.  A.  Bowles,  M.A., 
F.L.S.  (in  the  chair),  Sir  Daniel  Morris, 
K.C.M.G.,  Messrs.  J.  Fraser,  J.  W.  Odell,  H. 
J.  Elwes,  J.  T.  Bennett-Poe,  A.  Worsley,  H.  T. 
Gussow,  G.  Massee,  J.  Douglas,  F.  J.  Baker,  E. 
H.  Holmes,  W.  Hales,  R.  Hooper  Pearson,  W. 
Cuthbertson,  R.  A.  Rolfe,  F.  J.  Chittenden  (hon. 
secretary),  and  W.  E  Ledger  (visitor). 

Hybrid  Narcissus. — Mr.  J.  Douglas  showed 
specimens  of  a  hybrid  Narcissus  obtained  by 
crossing  N.  calathinus  (which  is  not  quite 
hardy)  with  the  bicolor  trumpet  Daffodil  Wear- 
dale  Perfection.  The  hybrid  was  a  white  trum- 
pet Daffodil  with  a  somewhat  short  trumpet.  It 
has  proved  hardy. 

V ariations  in  Primroses. — Mr.  Douglas  com- 
mented upon  the  considerable  variations  often 
seen  in  cultivated  Primroses  in  the  comparative 
lengths  of  the  style  and  the  positions  of  the 
stamens,  and  showed  specimens  to  illustrate  his 
remarks.  The  extreme  examples  of  departure 
from  the  normal  conditions  were  seen  in  a  flower 
in  which  the  anthers  and  the  stigma  were  both 
level  at  the  base  of  the  corolla  tube,  and  in 
another  where  the  style  projected  much  beyond 
the  mouth  of  the  corolla  tube. 


seen  in  these  Tulips.  The  exhibit  was  particu- 
larly interesting  since  it  was  stated  that  the 
branching  character  had  become  perfectly  fixed 
when  the  plants  were  reproduced  vegetatively, 
and  that  seedlings  give  a  considerable  proportion 
of  plants  showing  the  same  character.  In  the 
case  of  Tulips  the  branching  character  cannot  be 
due  to  the  union  of  several  flowers,  as  is  usually 
the  case  in  fasciation,  since  normally  the  Tulip 
is  generally  one-flowered.  It  must,  therefore, 
be  due  to  division  of  the  flower-forming  tissue 
at  a  very  early  stage  of  its  development. 

Hybrid  Orchids. — Mr.  Rolfe  showed  flowers 
of  Epidendrum  evectum  (purple)  and  E.  xanthi- 
num  (yellow),  and  the  hybrid  raised  by  crossing 
them  (  =  E.  x  kewense  of  a  salmon  colour).  He 
also  showed  flowers  of  E.  x  kewense  crossed  with 
E.  evectum,  producing  a  hybrid  having  purple 
flowers  (but  not  of  the  same  shade  as  E.  evec- 
tum), and  of  E.  x  kewense  crossed  with  E. 
xanthinum,  this  cross  bearing  flowers  resembling 
E.  X  kewense.  When  E.  x  kewense  was  self- 
pollinated  it  reproduced  flowers  of  three  sorts 
bearing  great  resemblance  in  colour  to  E.  evec- 
tum, E.  x  kewense,  and  E.  xanthinum  respec- 
tively. 

Various  plants. — Mr.  G.  Paul  sent  specimens 
of  the  two  shrubs  Plagiospermum  sinense,  an  in- 
teresting plant  belonging  to  the  Rosacese,  with 
flowers  nearly  approaching  the  Celastraceae  in 
structure,  and  bearing  thorns  a  little  distance 
above  each  of  the  leaf  axils  in  addition  to  the 


Fig.  137. — branched  tulips  from  bulbs  in  which  the  CjUALITY  of  branching  is  fixed. 

{See  note  in  "Scientific  Committee.") 


Hybrid  Salices,  dc. — Mr.  J.  Fraser  exhibited 
living  and  herbarium  specimens  of  the  follow- 
ing plants : — 

(1)  Salix  fragilis  X  triandra  (alopecuroides 
Zausch.)  gynandrous  specimens  of  the  tree, 
which  is  normally  male.  Some  of  the  smaller 
branches  bore  female  catkins  with  a  few  stamens 
amongst  them.  The  ovary  is  similar  to  that  of 
S.  fragilis,  and  the  stigmas  recall  S.  triandra. 
The  posterior  gland  is  often  changed  into  one  or 
two  ovaries,  separate  or  combined.  The  stamens 
are  usually  three  :  in  the  female  catkin  there  may 
be  one,  two,  or  three  ovaries,  and  sometimes  one 
stamen  and  one  ovary  (collateral). 

(2)  Salix  myrsinites  X  nigricans  (punctata, 
Wahlb.). 

(3)  Salix  arbuscula  X  herbacea  (simulatrix,  F. 
B.  White).  Mr.  Fraser  also  exhibited  specimens 
showing  sepalody  of  the  petals  in  Wallflower, 
and  pistillody  of  the  stamens  in  the  same  flower, 
and  fasciation  of  the  flower  stem  of  Cardamine 
pratensis. 

Branching  in  Tulips  (see  fig.  137). — Mr.  R. 
Hooper  Pearson  showed  branched  stems  of 
Tulips  of  the  Darwin  form  from  Mons.  Bony, 
Clermont-Ferrand,  France,  the  varieties  repre- 
senting considerable  variety  in  colour.  There 
were  usually  four  flowers,  but  sometimes  as  many 
as  seven  from  a  single  bulb.  The  stems  showed 
some  degree  of  fasciation   such  as  is  frequently 


usual  axillary  bud,  and  Gleditschia  Delavayi,  a 
species  from  Yunan.  Both  of  these  have  proved 
hardy  at  Cheshunt,  but  Mr.  Hales  stated  that 
the  latter  had  been  killed  by  frost  at  Chiswick. 

Mr.  Worsley  showed  an  inflorescence  of  On- 
cidium  verrucosum  var  Rogersii  to  illustrate  the 
great  amount  of  variation  in  the  lobing  of  the 
labellum  seen  in  this  plant. 

Mr.  Elwes  exhibited  a  number  of  fine  flowers 
of  the  recently-introduced  Regelio-Oncocyclus  hy- 
brid Irises  raised  by  Mr.  van  Tubergen.  He 
found  that  if  kept  dust  dry  for  about  five  months 
they  could  be  successfully  grown  in  this  country, 
and  did  not  die  out  as  the  Oncocyclus  Irises 
usually  do. 

SPILSBY   DAFFODIL. 

April  29. — The  eighth  annual  exhibition  of 
spring  bulbous  flowers  was  held  at  Spilsby  on 
the  above  date.  The  exhibits  all  round  were  re- 
markably good.  For  a  collection  of  Daffodils  in 
30  varieties  (not  to  include  Polyanthus  Narcis- 
sus nor  double  varieties),  Messrs.  Barr  &  Sons, 
Covent  Garden.  London,  offered  a  silver  vase, 
which  was  won  by  Mr.  C.  Miller,  Spilsby,  for 
the  second  year  in  succession.  The  Challenge 
Cup.  given  by  the  late  Mrs.  Thompson,  East 
Krai,  open  to  residents  within  the  Horncastle 
Parliamentary  Division,  for  20  distinct  varieties 
cf  Daffodils  (not  including  Polyanthus  varieties), 


318 


THE     GARDENERS'    CHRONICLE. 


[May  15,  1909. 


was  awarded  to  the  Rev.  H.  G.  Alingion, 
Candlesby  Rectory.  Three  premier  prizes  were 
offered,  silver  medals  being  awarded  to  Mr.  J. 
F  Rawnsley,  Candlesby.  for  the  best  flower  ol 
a  Magni-coronati  variety  ;  to  Mrs.  Pocklington- 
Coltman,  Hagnaby  Priory,  for  the  best  Medio- 
coronati  variety;  and  to  Mr.  T.  Simpson  for 
Parvi-coronati.  The  principal  prize-winners 
were  Mrs.  Pocklington-Coltman,  the  Rev.  G. 
H.  Hales,  the  Rev.  H.  G.  Alington  (Candlesby 
Rectory),  Dr.  M.  C  Moxham  (Stickney),  Messrs. 
C  .Miller,  T.  Simpson,  H.  Shajrp,  P.  W.  Free- 
man (Spilsby).  S.  F.  Staffurth  (Freiston),  J.  F. 
Rawnsley,  and  H.  Hand  (East  Kirkby).  Messrs. 
R.  H.  Bath,  Ltd.,  Floral  Farms,  Wisbech,  and 
Mr.  A.  M.  Wilson,  East  Keal,  showed  non- 
competitive exhibits. 


KENT,  SURREY  &  SUSSEX  DAFFODIL, 

April  30. — The  exhibition  which  took  place  at 
Timbridge  Wells  on  this  date  is  the  fourth  in 
succession  held  by  these  counties.  The  exhibi- 
tion, although  not  the  finest  of  the  series,  was 
certainly  superior,  from  a  cultural  point  of  view, 
to  that  of  last  year.  Trade  exhibits  greatly  con- 
tributed in  making  the  show  a  success.  Messrs. 
Barr  &  Sons,  King  Street,  Covent  Garden,  Lon- 
don, and  Mr.  F.  Herbert  Chapman,  Rye,  Sus- 
sex, both  staged  excellent  stands  of  choice  Nar- 
cissi, whilst  Messrs.  Geo.  Bunyard  &  Co.,  Maid- 
stone, Mr.  G.  Reuthe,  Keston,  and  Messrs.  G. 
&  A.  Clark,  Ltd.,  Dover,  showed  Alpine  and 
other  hardy  plants,  also  cut  flowers  of  spring- 
flowering  subjects.  Local  exhibitors  in  Messrs.  A. 
Chaklton  &  Sons  contributed  a  grand  display  of 
cut  flowers  of  Anemones,  Tulips,  Narcissi,  &c, 
whilst  Mr.  A.  Ashton,  of  Camden  Park,  showed 
well-grown  Orchids.  A  collection  of  Narcissi 
seedlings  not  for  competition  was  exhibited  by 
the  Rev.  G.  P.  Haydon. 

In  the  class  for  a  collection  of  Daffodils  in  not 
fewer  than  30  nor  more  than  40  varieties  con- 
taining representative  blooms  of  three  groups, 
Magni-Coronati,  Medio-Coronati  and  Parvi-Coro- 
nati,  Mr.  G.  A.  Nix  was  awarded  the  1st  prize. 
Prominent  varieties  were  Lady  Margaret  Bos- 
cawen,  Glory  of  Leiden,  Homespun,  White  Lady, 
Crown  Prince,  Weardale  Perfection  and  Pilgrim. 
2nd,  Mr.  C.  J.  Nix. 

The  best  12  distinct  varieties  of  Daffodils  be- 
longing to  the  sections  mentioned  were  shown 
by  Mrs.  Benson.  Especially  good  were  the 
blooms  of  Virgil,  "Vesuvius,  Albatross  and  Mme. 
Plemp.    2nd,  M.  Gourle. 

Mrs.  Benson  was  also  awarded  the  1st  prize 
in  the  class  for  12  distinct  varieties  of  Trumpet 
Daffodils  (Magni-Coronati),  showing  Capt.  Nel- 
son, Weardale  Perfection,  J.  B.  Camm,  Mme.  de 
Graaff,  &c. ;  2nd,  Rev.  G.  P.  Haydon. 

This  lady  also  won  in  the  class  for  12  distinct 
single  varieties  of  chalice-cupped  Daffodils 
(Medio-Coronati).  The  Rev.  G.  P.  Haydon  was 
again. placed  2nd. 

Mr.  F.  H.  Chapman  won  the  1st  priie  for  six 
distinct  Parvi-Coronati  varieties  with  excellent 
blooms  of  Cassandra,  Barcarolle,  Horace,  Kings- 
ley,  &c,  the  last-named  being  a  remarkably  fine 
specimen ;  2nd,  Mr.  E.  W.  Nix. 


ROYAL  GARDENERS'  ORPHAN  FUND. 

(FESTIVAL  DINNER.) 
May  6. — The  usual  gathering  at  dinner  of 
those  interested  in  this  Charity  took  place  on  this 
date  at  the  Hotel  Cecil,  London.  A  large  com- 
pany, representative  of  all  branches  of  horticul- 
ture, assembled  under  the  chairmanship  of  his 
Grace  the  Duke  of  Rutland.  Dinner  was  served 
in  the  handsome  and  spacious  Victoria  Hall, 
which  was  lavishly  decorated  with  flowers  and 
plants  contributed  by  various  friends  of  the 
Charity.  It  was  a  brilliant  and  successful  func- 
tion, and  we  are  glad  to  be  able  to  record  that 
it  resulted  in  a  considerable  addition  to  the  funds 
of  the  Institution. 

The  former  hon.  treasurer,  Mr.  N.  N.  Sher- 
wood, whose  absence  through  indisposition  has 
been  greatly  regretted  on  former  occasions,  was 
present,  and  signalised  his  return  by  one  of  his 
usual  generous  gifts. 

After  the  loyal  toasts  had  been  proposed,  the 
Chairman  proposed  that  of  the  Royal  Gardeners' 
Orphan  Fund.  His  Grace  asked  the  indulgence 
of  Lis  hearers,  as  lie  was  singularly  ill  qualified 
to  make  any  serious  remarks  on  the  industry 
which  concerned  most  of  those  present.     He  was 


gratified  to  know  that  in  these  days,  when  it  is 
not  easy  to  find  any  concern  which  is  clear  of 
financial  difficulty,  the  Royal  Gardeners'  Orphan 
Fund  was  in  a  satisfactory  condition.  Although 
he  doubted  if  such  a  good  financial  year  as  1908, 
which  celebrated  the  coming  of  age  of  the  Insti- 
tution, could  be  expected,  he,  nevertheless,  ap- 
pealed for  liberal  generosity  to  the  Fund,  and 
expressed  the  hope  that  the  efforts  made  this  year 
might  produce  a  handsome  contribution  to  the 
funds  of  the  Society.  The  members  of  the  gar- 
dening craft  were  exposed  to  trials  and  accidents 
as  those  in  other  branches  of  work.  It  was  grati- 
fying to  know  that  the  orphans  of  those  who 
passed  away  before  they  had  time  to  make  ade- 
quate provision  for  their  children's  up-bringing, 
were  assisted  by  such  a  Fund.  In  these  days 
when  charitable*  contributions  were  not  so  easily 
procured  as  in  the  past,  it  was  very  necessary  to 
bring  before  the  public  and  gardeners  themselves 
the  claims  of  the  Society.  Although  gardening 
was  one  of  the  most  interesting  occupations  the 
world  had  ever  known,  those  occupied  in  its  pur- 
suit were  never  able  to  amass  large  fortunes,  and 
such  institutions  as  the  Royal  Gardeners'  Orphan 
Fund  especially  needed  generous  support  by  the 
general  public.  His  Grace  expressed  the  hope 
that  those  persons  who  had  come  forward  to  aid 
it  in  the  past  might  do  so  in  the  future,  and  that 
the  generosity  aiid  goodwill  of  the  public  would 
alwavs  be  extended  to  the  charity. 

The  hon.  treasurer,  Mr.  Edward  Sherwood, 
expressed  thanks  to  his  Grace  for  the  kind  words 
in  which  he  had  couched  his  appeal  on  behalf  of 
the  Fund.  Last  year  a  great  effort  was  made  to 
make  the  occasion  memorable,  and  he  was  glad 
to  state  that  the  revenue  from  all  sources  for  1908 
constituted  a  record,  but  the  number  of  applicants 
seeking  relief  was  also  a  record.  Since  February 
14  applications  for  relief  had  been  received,  and 
these  were  found  to  be  so  necessitous  as  to  war- 
rant the  committee  granting  a  measure  of  tem- 
porary assistance.  At  the  present  time  123 
children,  of  ages  ranging  from  2  years  to  13 
years,  were  in  receipt  of  the  full  yearly  allowance 
of  £13.  He  appealed  for  increased  annual  sub- 
scriptions, and  thought  that  gardeners  should 
subscribe  more  generally  to  the  Fund.  In  some 
parts  of  the  country  the  Institution  was  looked 
upon  as  a  London  Fund,  but  this  was  erroneous, 
for  the  candidates  were  selected  from  all  parts 
of  Great  Britain.  In  several  districts  the  local 
gardening  societies  were  working  in  the  interest 
of  the  orphans,  and  he  appealed  to  gardeners  to 
support  these  local  funds.  The  administrative 
expenses  were  small,  and  were  more  than  covered 
by  the  income  from  invested  funds,  so  that  all 
donations  received  were  devoted  directly  to  sup- 
plying the  needs  of  the  orphans. 

The  toast  of  "  Gardeners  and  Gardening  " 
was  proposed  by  Mr.  Edward  White,  who  de- 
clared that  horticulture  was  responsible  for  the 
livelihood  of  a  vast  number  of  persons,  and  it 
was  remarkable  that  the  members  of  the  gar- 
dening world  did  not  exercise  more  influence  in 
forwarding  the  interests  of  this  industry.  The 
official  mind  should  be  disabused  of  the  notion 
that  horticulture  is  little  more  than  an  appen- 
dage to  agriculture.  He  would  like  the  support 
of  a  few  good  speakers  in  Parliament  on  matters 
horticultural.  It  was  regrettable  that  when  an 
employer  felt  the  pinch  of  bad  times,  economy 
was  usually  first  directed  to  the  garden  staff. 

Dr.  F.  Keeble  responded.  When  he  regarded 
the  extraordinary  and  beautiful  results  of  the 
gardener's  skill  in  producing  new  forms,  he 
could  not  but  admit  that  the  encomiums,  passed 
on  gardens  and  gardeners  were  well  deserved. 
He  was,  therefore,  able  to  accept  on  their  be- 
half— the  more  readily  because  they  were  true 
and  well  deserved — the  praises  which  had  been 
that  evening  lavished  upon  gardeners  and  their 
gardens.  It  was  sometimes  said  that  the 
English  mind  was  slow  to  perceive  the  advan- 
tages of  co-operation ;  but  for  the  practice  of 
the  noblest  co-operation  of  all — that  for  the  re- 
lief of  distress — Englishmen,  as  that  meeting 
testified,  showed  no  lack  of  aptitude. 

The  toast  of  "  The  Visitors  "  was  given  by  Mr. 
N.  N.  Sherwood,  who  expressed  his  pleasure  at 
finding  himself  again  at  the  dinner  after  an 
absence  of  six  years.  He  was  present  when  the 
Society  was  founded,  and  did  not  miss  one 
of  the  dinners  for  15  years.  He  had  seen  the 
Institution  grow,  and  he  was  delighted  at  its 
prosperity.  It  commended  itself  to  all  who 
v  ere  charitably  disposed.  Last  year  he  was 
pleased  to  endow   the  Maybud  Campbell  Fund, 


in  commemoration  of  the  birth  of  his  grand- 
daughter :  he  now  wished  to  provide  a  similar 
fund,  so  that  her  brother  might  be  able  to  nomi- 
nate an  orphan  to  receive  the  benefits  of  the 
Fund.  Mr.  John  Douglas,  in  a  humorous  speech, 
replied  on  behalf  of  the  visitors. 

The  toast  of  "  The  Press  "  was  proposed  by 
Mr.  William  Poupart,  who  emphasised  the  fact 
that  horticulture  in  general,  and  its  benevolent 
aspect  in  particular,  were  well  served  by  the  hor- 
ticultural Press.  Mr.  John  Collingridge,  in  the 
course  of  his  reply,  stated  that  he  was  happy  to 
be  able  to  say  on  behalf  of  the  horticultural  Press 
that  all  that  lay  in  its  power  would  be  done  to 
further  the  interests  of  such  admirable  charitable 
institutions  as  the  Royal  Gardeners'  Orphan 
Fund. 

The  secretary,  Mr.  Brian  Wynne,  announced 
that  as  a  result  of  the  dinner  the  Institution  had 
benefited  by  £800.  This  was  not  so  large  a  sum 
as  that  of  the  previous  year,  but  it  exceeded  that 
subscribed  in  former  years.  Some  of  the  prin- 
cipal subscriptions  were  as  follow  : — The  Duke  of 
Rutland  £10,  Mr.  N.  N.  Sherwood  and  his  sons 
£100,  Messrs.  N.  M.  Rothschild  &  Sons 
25  guineas,  Baron  Schroeder  10  guineas,  Mr. 
Leonard  Sutton  £50,  Mr.  Reynolds  £44  2s.  6d., 
Mr.  David  W.  Thomson  £25  4s.,  Mr.  J.  F. 
McLeod  £21,  Mr.  E.  S.  Mansfield  £20,  Mr.  R. 
Hooper  Pearson  £18  8s..  Mr.  W.  Nutting  £15 
9s.  6d.,  Mr.  R.  Ker  £12  10s.  6d.,  Messrs.  Barr 
&  Sons,  10  guineas,  Mr.  F.  Noakes  10  guineas, 
Mr.  J.  C.  Eno  10  guineas,  Messrs.  James  Veitch 
&  Sons  10  guineas,  Mr.  H.  J.  Veitch  5  guineas, 
and  supporters  at  Covent  Garden  Market  £195 
10s.  6d.,  making  a  grand  total  of  about  £800. 


NATIONAL    AURICULA   &   PRIMULA. 

(MIDLAND  SECTION.) 

May  5,  6. — The  tenth  annual  exhibition  was 
held  at  the  Botanical  Gardens,  Edgbaston, 
on  the  above  dates,  in  ideal  weather.  Hitherto 
the  Society's  shows  have  been  confined  to  one 
day,  but  the  present  show  extended  over  two. 
There  was  a  large  attendance,  and  on  the  even- 
ing of  the  first  day  visitors  were  entertained 
with  an  excellent  promenade  concert. 

Mr.  C.  Winn  exhibited  a  grand  lot  of  flowers, 
including  several  new  seedlings.  He  beat  all 
has  competitors  in  the  local  classes,  and  won  the 
Silver  Medal  offered  by  the  Birmingham 
Botanical  and  Horticultural  Society  to  the  most 
successful  exhibitor.  The  Bronze  Medal  offered 
as  2nd  prize  to  the  runner-up  was  awarded  to 
Mr.  W.  M.  Shipman.  Messrs.  H.  W.  Miller 
and  T.  Stevens  were  successful  in  the  classes 
reserved  for  less  experienced  amateurs.  Mr. 
George  Savory  is  to  be  congratulated  upon 
winning  1st  prizes  in  both  the  Show  and  Alpine 
classes  reserved  for  maiden  growers.  First-class 
Certificates  were  awarded  to  seven  Auriculas, 
and  one  Award  of  Merit  to  a  new  Primrose. 

Honorary  exhibits  were  received  from  Mr.  C. 
Winn,  who  sent  two  dozen  well-flowered  plants 
of  a  very  good  strain  of  Schizanthus,  for  which 
a  First-class  Certificate  was  awarded. 

Mr.  W.  A.  Watts  contributed  a  large  group 
of  choice  yellow  and  white  Polyanthuses,  to- 
gether with  a  small  but  interesting  collection  of 
Daffodils.     (Silver  Medal.) 

Show  Auriculas. 

Twelve  classes  were  provided  for  these,  and 
some  very  good  flowers  were  exhibited.  There 
were  two'  exhibits  in  the  principal  class,  which 
was  for  eight  dissimilar  varieties.  The  1st 
prize  was  won  by  Mr.  Walter  M.  Shipman, 
Clovely,  Altrincham,  with  handsome  flowers  of 
Eucha'ris,  Harrison  Weir,  Abraham  Barker, 
Mikado,  Acme,  Richard  Headlev,  Mrs.  Potts, 
and  Shirley  Hibberd  ;  2nd,  Mr.  C.  Winn,  Selly 
Park.  Birmingham  (gr.  Mr.  T.  T.  Sheppardj, 
whose  best  varieties  were  Perseverance,  Harri- 
son Weir  and  Eucharis. 

Six  Show  Auriculas,  dissimilar. — 1st.  Mr.  C. 
Winn,  with  well-developed  plants  of  Olympus. 
Lancashire  Hero,  Shirlev  Hibberd.  Gerald,  Henry 
Wilson,  and  Harrison  Weir;  2nd,  Mr.  W.  M. 
Shipman. 

Four  Show  Auriculas,  dissimilar. — Mr. 
Richard  Holding,  Bournville,  was  awarded  the 
1st  prize  for  splendid  examples  of  Cleopatra, 
Diomede,  Mikado,  and  Acme;  2nd,  Mr.  J. 
Collier,  junr.,  Ludlow. 

Mr.  A.  J.  Wadley,  Aston  Manor,  had  the  best 
pair  of  Show  Auriculas,  dissimilar,  in  Shirley 
Hibberd  and  Mrs.  Potts. 


May  15,  1909.] 


THE     GARDENERS'     CHRONICLE. 


510 


Single  Plants. 

Green-edged. --1st,  Mr.  H.  W.  Miller,  with  a 
superb  specimen  of  Shirley  Hibberd ;  2nd,  Mi'. 
W.  M.  Shipman,  with  Prince  Charming. 

Grey-edged. — 1st,  Mr.  W.  M.  Shipman.  with  a 
sturdy,  well-flowered  plant  of  George  Lightbody ; 
2nd,  Mr.  C.  Winn,  with  Richard  Headley. 

White-edged. — Mr.  W.  M.  Shipman  secured 
both  the  1st  and  2nd  prizes  with  splendid  plants 
oi  Conservative  and  Acme  respectively. 

Selfs. — This  was  a  popular  class,  no  fewer  than 
22  exhibits  being  placed  before  the  judges,  who 
awarded  the  1st  prize  to  Mr.  A.  Lawton,  Aston, 
for  a  grand  plant  of  Mrs.  Phillips ;  2nd,  Mr. 
Richard  Holding,  with  Harrison  Weir. 

Selfs,  yellow,  primrose,  orange  or  huff. — 1st, 
Mr.  W.  M.  Shipman.,  with  Daffodil;  2nd,  Mr.  C. 
Winn,  with  Joan  Peacock. 

Alpine  Auriculas. 

Eight  Alpine  Auriculas,  dissimilar. — 1st,  Mr. 
C.  Winn,  with  Richard  Dean,  Mrs.  Danka, 
Argus,  Thetis,  Golden  Acme,  J.  F.  Kew,  Majestic 
and  Ettrick ;  2nd,  Mr.  W.  H.  Parton,  King's 
Heath. 

Six  Alpine  Auriculas,  dissimilar. — Here 
again  Mr.  C.  Winn  was  placed  1st  with  Mrs. 
Danks,  Thetis,  Richard  Dean,  Argus,  Ettrick 
and  J.  F.  Kew;  2nd,  Mr.  T.  M.  Eglington. 

Mr.  A.  Lawton  was  placed  1st  in  classes  pro- 
vided for  (1)  four  Alpine  Auriculas,  and  (2)  two 
Alpine  Auriculas. 

Mr.  Richard  Holding  had  the  best  plant 
possessing  a  gold  centre  with  Majestic ;  and  Mr. 
W.  M.  Shipman  beat  24  contestants  in  a  class 
for  a  variety  with  a  light  centre  with  a  splendid 
specimen  of  Perseverance;  2nd,  Mr.  C.  Winn, 
with  J.  F.  Kew.  The  best  unshaded  Alpine 
Auricula  was  named  Unexpected  and  was  shown 
by  Mr.  Richard  Holding. 

Seedling  Show  Auriculas. 

Two  Show  Auriculas. — 1st,  Mr.  E.  Danks, 
with  two  unnamed  varieties  of  much  promise; 
2nd,  Mr.  C.  VV.  G.  Ludford,  Sutton  Coldfield, 
with  David  Copperfield  and  Charles  Dickens. 
The  last-named  exhibitor  beat  seven  competitors 
in  a  class  for  a  grey-edged  variety  with  a  lovely 
plant  of  liarnaby  Rudge.  The  best  single  speci- 
men of  a  green-edged  variety  was  Charles 
Dickens,  shown  by  Mr.  C.  Winn. 

Seedling  Alpine  Auriculas. — The  principal 
prizewinners  in  these  classes  were  .Messrs.  Winn, 
Collier  and  Holding. 

Fancy  Auriculas,  Polyanthus  and  Prim- 
roses.— These  were  not  well  shown,  and  competi- 
tion was  meagre.  The  successful  prize-winners 
were    Messrs.    Winn,    Collier,    Ludford    and 

Y\  ATTS. 

AWARDS. 

First-class  Certificates  were  awarded  each  of 
the  under-mentioned  Auriculas  : — 

I'/mr/rs  Winn  (green-edged),  Dorothy  West- 
macot  (gold  centre),  Edith  Winn  (light  centre), 
all  from  Mr.  C.  Winn.  David  <  'opperfield  (self), 
shown  by  Mr.  C.  W.  G.  Ludford.  Sutton  Cold- 
field.  Bournrille  (gold  centre),  Salome  (light 
centre),  Unexpected  (gold  centre),  all  from  Mr. 
Mr.  Richard  Holding. 

An  Award  of  Merit  was  awarded  to  Primrose 
Miss  Watts.  This  is  a  strong  growing  variety, 
with  substantial  cream-white,  circular  flowers 
nearly  2  inches  across.  It  has  a  "  thrum  "  eye, 
and  the  basal  portion  of  the  petals  are  heavily 
blotched  with  lemon-yellow. 

Premier  Blooms. 
The  premier  Show  Auricula  was  Richard 
Headley,  shown  by  Mr.  W.  M.  Shipman.  The 
premier  Alpine  was  Golden  Acme,  shown  by  Mr. 
C.  Winn,  who  also  had  the  premier,  seedling, 
Show  in  Charles  Winn  and  the  premier,  seedling, 
Alpine  in  Dorothy   Westmacot. 


MARKETS. 


Plants  in  Pots,  Sc:  Average  Wholesale  Prices  (&  ntd.), 


UNITED    HORTICULTURAL     BENEFIT 
AND    PROVIDENT. 

May  10. — The  monthly  committee  meeting  of 
the  Society  was  held  at  the  Horticultural  Hall, 
Vincent  Square,  Westminster,  on  this  date.  Two 
new  members  were  elected  and  one  nominated. 
Three  members  over  60  years  of  age  withdrew 
their  interest  as  per  Rule  18.  The  sum  of  £45 
5s.  5d.  was  ordered  to  be  paid  to  the  representa- 
tives of  the  late  Mr.  David  James  Nightingale. 
The  amount  of  sick  pay  for  the  past  month  has 
amounted  to  £65  7s. 


COVENT  GARDEN,   May  12. 

[We  cannot  accept  any  responsibility  for  the  subjoined 
reports.  They  are  furnished  to  us  regularly  every 
Wednesday,  by  the  kindness  of  several  of  the  principal 
salesmen,  who  are  responsible  for  the  quotations.  It 
must  be  remembered  that  these  quotations  do  not  repre- 
sent the  prices  on  any  particular  day,  but  only  the 
general  averages  for  the  week  preceding  the  date  of  our 
report.  The  prices  depend  upon  the  quality  of  the 
samples,  the  way  in  which  they  are  packed,  the  supply 
in  the  market,  and  the  demand,  and  they  may  fluctuate, 
not  only  from  day  to  day,  but  occasionally  several  times 
in  one  day. — Ed.] 


Cut  Flowers,  &c. :  Average  Wholesale  Prices. 


s.d.  s.d.  | 

16-20 

16-26 


Anemone    fulgens, 
p.  dz.  bunches 

—  double  pink,  p. 
dozen  bunches 

Azalea,  per    dozen 

bunclies  ...     4  0-50 

Carnations,  p.  doz. 

blooms,       best 

American  (var.)    2  6-36 

—  second  size    ...     10-20 

—  smaller,       per 

doz.  bunches  9  0-12  0 
Calileyas,  per  doz. 

bloi-ms  ...  10  0-12  0 

Cypripediums,  per 

dozen  blooms..  16-26 
Daffodils,  per  doz. 

bunches  ...  10-16 
Dendrobium  nobile, 

per  dozen  ...  2  0-26 
Euchans  grandifiora, 

per  dz.  blooms  2  6-36 
Freesias  (white),  p. 

doz.  1  uiches...  2  0-26 
Gardem.  slperdoz. 

blooms 16-26 

Gladiolus,  per  doz. 

bunches  ...     9  0-12  0 

Gypsophila   ele- 

gans,  per  doz. 

bunches  ...  3  0-40 
Hyacinths,  Dutch, 

p.  dz.  bunches  2  0-30 
Iris  (Spanish),  per 

dozen  bunches  4  0-60 
Lilac     (English), 

white,  p.  bunch    16-26 

—  mauve 2  0-30 

Liliuin      auratum, 

per  bunch      ...    2  0-30 

—  longirlortim    ...     2  0-30 

—  lane  i  f  ol  iuin 
rubrum  ...     16-26 

•—  album 2  0-20 

Lily  of  the  Valley, 

p.  dz.  bunches    6  0-90 

—  extra  quality  ...  12  0-15  0 
Marguerites,  p.  dz. 

bunches  white 

and  yellow     ...    2  0-30 


Mignonette,      per 

dozen  bunches 
Myosotis,  per  doz. 

bunches 
Narcissus,  per  dz, 

bunches 
O  d  o  nto  giossum 

crispum,      per 

dozen    blooms 
Pelargoniums, 

show,  per  doz. 

bunches 

—  Zonal,    double 
scarlet 

Ranunculus, perdz. 

bunches 
Richardia  africana, 

per  dozen 
Roses,  12  blooms, 

N'iphetos 

—  Bridesmaid   ... 

—  C.  Testout     ... 

—  K  a  i  se  r  i  n  A. 
Victoria 

—  C.  Mermet 

—  Liberty 

—  Mme.Cbatenay 


s.d.  s.d. 
4  0-60 
2  0-30 
10-16 

2  0-26 


4  0-60 
3  0-50 


16-26 
2  6-40 
2  0-30 

2  0-40 

2  0-40 

3  0-50 
3  0-50 

Mrs.   J.    Laing    2  0-40 

—  Richmond      ...     3  0-60 

—  The  Bnde      ...     3  0-40 

—  L'lrichBrunner    2  0-  4,0 
Spiraea,  per  dozen 

bunches  5  0-80 

Stocks,     double 

white,  per  doz. 

bunches  ...  2  0-26 
Sweet  Peas,  per  dz. 

bunches  ...    2  0-60 

Tuberoses,  per  dz. 

blooms  .         ...    0  3-  0  4 

—  on  stems,  per 

bunch 0  9-13 

Tulips,  per  dozen 

bunches, vingle    6  0-10  0 

—  best     double 
varieties         ...  12  0-24  0 

—  Darwin    varie- 
ties           6  0-12  0 


Cut  Foliage,  &c:  Average  Wholesale  Prices. 


Adiantum  cunea- 
uini,  dz.  bchs. 

Agrostis,  per  doz, 
bunches 

Asparagus  plu- 
mosus,  long 
trails,  per  doz. 

—  — medm.,bch. 

—  Sprengeri 
Berberis,  per  doz. 

bunches 
Croton  leaves,  per 

bunch  

Cycas  leaves,  each 
Daffodil  foliage,  p. 

doz.  bunches... 
Ferns,    per    dozen 

bchs.  (English) 
--  (French 

Plants  in  Pots. 


s.d.  s.d. 
6  0-90 


9  0-12  0 
10-20 
0  9-16 

2  6-30 


1  0- 
1  6- 


2  0-26 


s.d.  s.d. 
Galax    leaves,   per 

dozen  bunches  2  0-26 
Hardy    foliage 

(various),    per 

dozen  bunches  3  0-90 
Honesty   (Lunaria) 

per  bunch  ...  10-16 
Ivy-leaves,  bronze    2  0-26 

—  long  trails  per 

bundle 0  9-16 

—  short    green, 
perdz.  bunches     16-26 


2  0- 

0  6- 


3  0 
09 


Moss,  per  gross 

Myrtle,  dz.   bchs., 

(English  ) 

small-leaved... 

—  French 

Smilax,  per  dozen 

trails     


5  0-60 


4  0-60 
10-16 


4  0-60 


Acacias,  per  dozen 
Ampelopsis      Veit- 

chii,  per  dozen 
Araha  Sieboldii,  p. 

dozen  

—  larger   speci- 
mens     

—  Woseri 

Aiaucaria   excelsa, 

per  dozen 

—  large    plants, 
each     ...   .     ... 

Aspidistras,  p.  dz., 
green   

—  variegated 
Asparagus,  plumo- 

sus  nanus,  per 
dozen  

—  Sprengeri 

—  ten  u  is  si  mus 
Azaleas  (Ii  di  .n).  p. 

dozen  . 
Boro  n  i  a      mega- 
stigma,  pt  r  doz, 

—  heteropl  y'la... 
Calceolarias,     her- 
baceous, 
dozen  .. 

—  yellow  .. 
Cinerarias, 

dozen 


Average  Wholesale  Prices 

s.d 

8  0 


per 


per 


,  &0 

s.d.  s.d.  i  s.d.  s.d, 

12  0-18  0    Clematis,  per  doz.     8  0-90 
|     -  in  flower  12  0-18  0 

6  0-  8  0  i  Cocos    Weddelli- 

I      ana,  per  dozen...  18  0-30  0 
4  0-  6  0  !  Crotons,  per  dozen  18  0-30  0 
Cyclamen,  pr.  doz.    9  0-15  0 
Cy  peru  s    alterni- 

folius,  dozen  ...    4  0-50 

—  laxus,  per  doz.  4  0-50 
Dracaenas,  perdoz.  9  0-24  0 
Erica     persoluta 

alba,    per  doz.  12  0-24  0 

—  candidissima, 
per  doz.         ...  18  0  24  0 

—  Cavendishi.dz.  24  0-36  0 
Euonymus.per  dz., 

in  pots 4  0-90 

—  from  the  ground  3  0-60 
Ferns,  in  thumbs, 

per  100 8  0-12  0 

—  in    small     and 
large  60's       ...  12  0-20  0 

—  in  48's,  perdz.     4  0-60 

—  choicer  sorts...     8  0-12  0 

—  in  32's,  per  dz.  10  0-18  0 
Ficuselastica.p.dz.     8  0-10  0 

—  repens,  per  dz.  6  0-80 
Fuchsias,  per  doz  8  0-10  0 
Genista     fragrans, 

per  doz.  -     6  0-80 

6  0-90    Grevilleas,  per  dz.    4  0-  fi  0 


9  0-12  0 
4  0-601 


12  0-30  0 
3  6-50 


15  0-24  0 
30  0-42  0 


12  0-18  0 
9  0-12  0 
9  0-12  0 

24  0-36  0 

24  0-30  0 

12  0-18  0 


6  0-80 
5  0-70 


Hardy  flower  roots, 

per  dozen 
Heliotropiums,  per 

dozen  

Hydrangea     Thos. 

Hogg,  per  dz. 

—  hortensis 
Isolepis,  per  dozen 
Kentia       Belmore- 

ana,  per  dozen 

—  Fosteriana,  dz. 
Latania  borbonica, 

per  dozen 
Lilium     longi- 
florum,  per  dz. 

—  lancifolium,  p. 
dozen... 

Lily  of  the  Valley, 

per  dozen 
Marguerites,  white, 

per  dozen 
M  ign  onet  t  e,  per 

dozen 

Musk,  per  dozen... 

Fruit: 

Apples  (Tasman- 
ian),  per  case  : 

—  Ribston  Pippin 

—  Scarlet  Pear- 
main    

—  Cox's  Orange 
Pippin  ... 

—  Alexander 

—  Prince  Alfred.. 

—  (Australian), 
per  case: 

—  Dunn's  Seed- 
ling       

—  Cleopatra 

—  Jonathan 

—  Ribston  Pippin 

—  California 
Newtown  Pip- 
pin, per  case, 
4  tiers  

—  4$  tiers 

—  (American),  per 
b:trrel : 

—  Nonpareils     ... 

—  Oregon  New- 
towns,  per  case 

Bananas,  bunch: 

—  Doubles 

—  No.  1         „  ... 

—  Extra        „  ... 

—  Giant        (l  ... 

—  (Claret)     „  ... 

—  Jamaica    „  ... 

—  Loose,  per  dz. 
Cranberries,     per 

case     

Cherries   (French), 

per  box 
Custard  Apples    ... 


s.d 

s.d 

1  0- 

■  2  0 

G  0 

8  0 

10.0- 
12  0- 
4  0- 

15  0 
24  0 
6  0 

15  0-24  0 
18  0-30  0 

12  0- 

18  0 

12  0-18  0 

12  0- 

24  0 

18  0-30  0 

6  0-80 

5  0- 
3  0- 

7  0 
4  0 

Pansies,  per  box  of 
24  plains,  each 

Pelargoniums 
show  varieties, 
per  dozen      _ 

—  Ivy  leaved     ». 

—  Oak  leaved    ... 

—  Zonals 

Rhodanthe,  per  dz. 
Rhododen  drons, 

each      

Roses,  H.P.'Si  per 
dozen  

—  Polyantha  va- 
rieties   

—  Ramblers,  each 
Selaginella,  per  dz. 
Spiraea  japonica,  p. 

dozen  

Stocks  (intermed- 
iate), w  h  i  t  e, 
crimson,  and 
pink,  per  t'oz. 

Verbenas,  per  doz. 

Average  Wholesale  Prices, 
s.d.  s.d. 

Gooseberries  (Eng- 

lish),  per  peck 

9  6-11  0    Grape   Fruit,  case 

Grapes  (new) 
9  0-10  6    Guernsey  Figs,  dz. 

Lemons,  box : 
13  0-14  0      —  Messina,  300  .. 

8  6-96      —       Do.        360... 

9  6-10  6      —  (Naples),    per 
case 

Limes,  per  case  .. 
I.ychees,  per  box... 
10  6-12  6    Melons,  each 
10  0-12  0    Nuts.Almonds.per 

10  0-13  0  bag       

9  6-11  0      —  Brazils,     new, 
perewt. 

—  Barcelona,  bag 

—  Cocoa  nuts.  100 
8  0-96    Oranges  (Denial... 

8  0-96  — Californian 
seedless,  per 
case     

IB  0-20  0      —  (Valencia)    per 
case  (420) 

9  0-11  6      —  per  case  (714)... 

—  Jaffas 

9  0-10  0  —  Palermo  Blood 
6  6-80  —  Murcia  Blood, 
8  0-90  per  case  (200)... 

10  0-12  0     Pears  (Australian), 
5  0-76           Winter    Nelis, 
5  0-56            per  tray 
0  6-10      —  Calabash,    per 
trav      

13  0-14  6     Pineapples,  each  ... 

—  (Natal),  perdz. 
10-13  Strawberries,  lb  ... 
3  0-12  0      —  second  quality 


s.d.  s.d. 


12  0-18  0 
6  0-80 

4  0-60 

5  0-70 
5  0-60 

2  0-50 

12  0-18  0 

12  0-18  0 
5  0-10  6 
4  0-60 


6  0-70 
8  0-12  0 


s.d.  s.d. 

4  6-50 
9  0-12  0 
2  6    — 

4  0-12  0 

9  0-12  0 
9  0-12  6 

18  0-25  0 

5  0    — 
10-13 
2  0-80 

38  0-40  0 

33  0-35  0 
30  0-32  0 

10  0-14  0 

11  0-25  0 


11  0-13  0 

10  0-20  0 
10  0-18  0 
7  0-10  0 
7  0-10  0 

7  0-90 


5  0-60 

5  0-70 
19-36 
4  0-60 
2  0-26 
10-16 


Vegetables  :  Average  Wholesale  Prices, 
s.d.  s.d. 


Arlichokes(GIobe) 

per  dozen       ...  2  0-26 

—  white,  p. bushel  2  0-26 

—  per  cwt.  ...  3  6  — 
Asparagus,     per 

bundle: 

—  Dijon 0  8-10 

—  Giant 3  6-50 

—  Spanish          ...  0  7-0  10 

—  Sprue 0  6-08 

—  Paris  Green  ...  16-20 

—  Toulouse  ...  13-19 
Beans,  per  lb.  : 

—  (English)  ...  0  8-09 
•  —  (French)        ..  0  8-09 

—  (Guernsey)  ...  0  8  0  10 
Beetroot, per  bushel  2  6-30 
Cabbages,  per  mat  3  6-40 

—  per  crate        ...  7  0    — 

—  per  box  (24)    ...  2  6    — 

—  Greens,       per 

bushel  10-16 
Cardoon   (French), 

per  dozen  ...  8  0-10  0 
Carrots    (English), 

dozen  bunches  4  0    — 

—  washed,  bag  ...  5  6-60 

—  unwashed      ...  4  0-50 

—  (French), p. pad  2  fi-  3  0 
Cauliflowers,  doz.  2  0-26 
Celeriac,  per  doz,  16-26 
Chicory,  per  lb.  ...  0  3J-  0  4 
Cucumbers,  per  dz.  2  0-26 
F.ndive,  per  dozen  13-19 
Horseradish,  for- 
eign, per  doz. 
bundles          ...  17  0-21  0 

t.eeks,  12  bundles  2  0-26 
Lettuce     (French), 

per  crate       ...  2  0-26 

—  Cos,  per  dozen  3  0-36 
Mint,  doz.  bunches  6  0    — 
Mushrooms,per  lb.  0  8    — 

—  broilers          ...  0  6    — 


s.d. 


1  0  — 
9  0-10  0 
9  0-11  0 
8  0-96 


0  4 
4  6 


Mushrooms,  but- 
tons, per  lb. ... 

Mustardand  Cress, 
per  dozen  pun. 

Onions,  per  bag  ... 

—  (Valencia), case 

—  Egyptian,  case 

—  pickling,  pec 
bushel 6  0 

Parsley, 12bunches    2  0 

—  i  sieve 1  6 

Peas  (French),  pkt.    0  3- 

—  i  French),  p. pad    3  6- 

—  (English),  dried, 

per  dz.  packets    2  6    — 

—  (Guernsey)     ...    0  8-0  10 
Potatos  (Guernsey), 

per  lb 0  2A  — 

—  (Algerian), cwt.  10  0^11  0 

—  (French),  p.  lb.    0  2-0  2j 

—  Tenerifie,  cwt.  11  0-11  6 
Radishes  (French), 

per  doz.  bunches    13-16 
Rhubarb  (English', 
forced,  per  dz. 
bundles  ...     0  6-09 

—  Natural,  p.tally    4  0-46 
Salsafy,  per  dozen 

bundles 
Seakale,  per  dozen 

punnets 
Spinach,  per  crate 

—  per  bushel 
Stachys    tuberosa, 

per  lb 

Turnips,  per  dozen 
bunches 

—  washed,  p.  bag 
Turnip  Tops,  bag 
Tomatos      (Tener- 

iffe),  per  bun- 
dle of  4  boxes  10  0-18  0 

—  p.  12  lb.  basket    4  6-50 
Watercress,  p.  doz.     0  4-06 


4  0-46 


12  0 
4  0- 
1  0- 


5  0 
1  6 


0  5     — 

4  0    — 
4  0-46 
2  0-26 


Remarks. — The  first  consignments  of  English  Goose- 
berries have  been  received.  They  are  from  Kent,  and 
marketed  in  peck  baskets ;  their  prices  are  lower  than  is 
usual  for  first  arrivals  of  this  fruit.  There  are  large  sup- 
plies of  French  Asparagus,  which  is  sold  very  cheaply. 
Cherries  are  arriving  from  France  in  boxes,  but  the  fruits 
are  very  small.  Tasmanian  Apples  have  been  received  in 
increased  quantities,  and  have  met  with  a  good  demand. 
Strawberries  still  remain  a  bad  trade,  with  no  prospect  of 
improvement.  Peas  are  cheaper,  as  also  are  Beans.  Trade 
eenerally  is  quiet.  E.  H.  re.,  Cogent  Garden,  Wednesday, 
May  12,   1909. 


320 


THE     GARDENERS     CHRONICLE. 


[.May  15..  1909. 


Kents  -  s.d.  s.d. 

Scottish  Triumphs..  3  6-40 
Up-to-Date 3  6-40 


Lincolns—  s.d.  s.d. 

King  Edward        ...  3  0-36 

Blacklands 2  6-30 

Dunbars  - 

Langworthy, red  soil  5  0-53 
Up-to-Date,  ted  soil  3  6-40 
,,      grey  soil  2  9-33 
Yorks - 
Up-to-Date 3  6-40 


Lincolns  — 

Royal   Kidney         ...  2  9-33 

Up-to-Date 3  3-39 

Maincrop      3  3-40 

Evergood     2  9-83 

Remarks.— Trade  is  very  bad,  and  large  stocks  of  tubers 
have  accumulated  in  the  markets.  Supplies  of  new  Potatos 
from  Teneriffe,  Lisbon,  8tc,  tend  to  make  the  trade  for  old 
tubers  still  worse.  Edward  J.  Newborn,  Covent  Garden  and 
St.  'Pancras,  May  IS,  1909. 


COVENT     GARDEN     FLOWER     MARKET. 

All  the  stands  in  the  flower  market  are  fully  occupied, 
and  there  are  in  addition  many  temporary  stands  under 
the  foreign  flower  market.  Trade  was  brisk  this  morn- 
ing (Wednesday),  and  yet  a  considerable  quantity  of 
aowers  remained  unsold.  Roses  seem  to  be  a  drug 
on  the  market,  and  it  is  disappointing  to  see  so  many 
good  blooms  unpurchased.  I  was  offered  fine  blooms 
at  6d.  per  dozen.  At  one  time  Roses  at  this  season 
would  have  sold  for  6s.  per  dozen.  The  varieties  with 
strong  stems  are  in  most  demand.  The  varieties  Kaiserin 
Augusta  Victoria,  Frail  Karl  Druschki,  and  The  Bride  take 
the  lead.  Pink  varieties  of  the  Catherine  Mermet  type  have 
decreased  in  value  since  blooms  of  Mrs.  J.  Laing,  Mrs. 
Sharman  Crawford,  and  others  with  good  stems  have  become 
more  plentiful.  In  red  Roses  Capt.  Hayward  is  the  most 
prominent,  but  Richmond  is  also  a  favourite.  Carnations 
are  plentiful  ;  fairly  good  prices  are  sustained  for  the  best 
blooms.  Flowers  of  the  Enchantress  variety  have  been  over 
plentiful,  and  some  blooms  are  sold  at  very  low  prices. 
Spanish  Irises  are  now  taking  the  place  of  Daffodils,  which 
are  seen  in  much  fewer  quantities.  There  is  a  great  difference 
in  the  prices  of  these  Irises;  those  from  the  Channel  Islands 
do  not  make  more  than  from  4s.  to  6s.  per  dozen  bunches, 
while  those  home  grown  reach  9s.  per  dozen  bunches. 
Darwin  Tulips  are  very  good,  but  they  do  not  sell  well. 
Large  supplies  of  Hyacinth  blooms  have  arrived  from  Hol- 
land, but  the  inflorescences  are  cut  without  foliage,  and 
are  sold  cheaply.  Liliums  have  been  extra  plentiful;  the 
best  blooms  can  be  purchased  at  about  3s.  per  bunch. 
Sweet  Peas  are  abundant  and  their  prices  low.  The  white 
varieties  seen  are  very  fine,  and  Dorothy  Eckford  remains 
the  favourite.  Miss  Willmott  and  Lady  Grisel  Hamilton 
aie  also  popular  with  market  buyers.  Stephanotis 
Eucharis,  and  Gardenias  are  procurable  ;  some  growers 
have  considerably  reduced  their  stocks  of  Gardenias. 
Callas  (Richardias)  continue  plentiful  and  cheap. 

Pot  Plants. 
Pelargoniums  are  a  feature.  The  Ivy-leaved  varieties 
include  Galilee,  Mrs.  Hawley,  Madame  Crousse,  and 
Chas.  Turner.  The  show  or  decorative  sorts  are  better 
than  I  have  seen  them  for  some  years  past.  Amongst  the 
Zonal  type  Paul  Crampel  is  most  in  demand.  Verbenas, 
Miss  Willmott  and  Princess  of  Wales,  are  very  good.  Good 
spring-grown  Mignonette  is  seen,  but  plants  raised  from 
autumn-sown  seed  are  not  yet  finished.  A  few  good  Azaleas 
are  noticed,  but  they  are  nearly  over  for  the  season.  Ericas 
Cavendisliii,  candidissima  and  persoluta  alba  are  all  good. 
Cinerarias  are  becoming  scarcer,  and  Genistas  are  nearly 
over.  Marguerites  in  all  sizes  are  good.  Other  plants  in- 
clude Rhodanthe,  Yellow  Calceolarias  and  Intermediate 
Stocks.  Palms  are  making  better  prices  ;  Kentia  seeds  pro- 
mise to  advance  considerably  in  value,  which  will  raise 
prices  still  higher.  Ferns  are  well  supplied  and  their  prices 
are  low.  Aralia  Sieboldii  and  the  variety  Moseri  are  plenti- 
ful, but  some  have  soft  foliage  still.  Aspidistras  are  not 
making  such  good  prices  as  in  previous  years.  Araucaria 
excelsa  also  is  cheaper.  There  is  a  brisk  trade  in  summer 
bedding  plants.  Plants  in  store  boxes  are  making  barely 
half  the  prices  they  did  a  few  years  ago.  A.  H .,  Covent 
Garden,   Wednesday;  May  12,  19U9. 


THE     WEATHER. 

The  Following  Summary  Record  of  the 
weather  throughout  the  British  Islands,  for  the 
week  ending  May  8,  is  furnished  from  the 
Meteorological  Office: — 

GENERAL     OBSERVATIONS. 

The  weather.— Except  in  parts  of  Scotland  quite  early  in 
the  week  the  condition  was  dry  and  almost  cloudless  over 
the  whole  Kingdom. 

The  temperature  was  low  at  the  beginning  of  the  week, 
but  afterwards  high  for  the  time  of  year,  and  in  all  dis- 
tricts the  mean  for  the  period  was  in  excess  of  the  average, 
the  greatest  divergence  being  about  3°  in  Scotland  N.  and 
in  Ireland.  The  highest  of  the  maxima,  which  were  gener- 
ally recorded  between  the  6th  and  8th,  ranged  from  75° 
in  Scotland  K.,  and  74°  in  Scotland  W.  and  England  N.W., 
to  66"  in  England  E.  and  N.E.  Along  the  east  coast  the 
maxima  were  little  above  50°.  The  lowest  of  the  minima 
occurred  on  the  2nd,  and  ranged  from  24°  in  Scotland  E., 
25"  in  Scotland  W.,  and  27°  in  England  S.E.  and  Ireland 
N.,  to  32°  in  Scotland  N.,and  to  38"  in  the  English  Channel. 
On  the  grass  the  thermometer  fell  to  14°  at  Llangammarch 
Wells,  18°  at  West  Linton,  19°  at  Burnley,  20°  at  Greenwich, 
Newton  Rigg,  and  Southport,  21°  at  Hereford  and  Markree 
Castle,  and  below  25°  in  several  other  localities. 

The  rainfall.— Over  the  greater  part  of  England  the  week 
passed  without  rain,  but  oti  Sunday  or  Monday  a  few  slight 
falls  were  experienced  in  the  west  and  north  of  the 
Kingdom. 

The  bright  sunshine  was  unusually  abundant,  the  number 
of  hours  being  twice  as  great  as  the  average  in  most  parts  of 
England.  The  percentage  of  the  possible  duration  ranged 
from  89  in  England  S.E.,  87  in  England  E.,  and  about  80  in 
most  other  English  districts,  to  63  in  Scotland  W.,57  in  Ire- 
land N.,  and  to  51  in  Scotland  N.  The  greatest  number  of 
hours  at  individual  stations  were  96  at  Worthing  and  Great 
Yarmouth,  94  at  Southend-on-Sea,  Brighton,  Hastings,  and 
Jersey,  and  93  at  Cambridge,  Oxford,  Wisley,  Southamp- 
ton, Bournemouth,  We>mouth,  and  Cardiff,  from  90  to  94 
per  cent,  of  the  possible. 


THE  WEATHER    IN    WEST    HERTS. 

Week  ending  May  12. 

Cold  nights  and  warm  sunny  days.— During  the  past 
week  the  days  proved  warm,  and  on  two  days  the  highest 
reading  in  the  thermometer  screen  rose  to  or  exceeded 
70°.  On  the  other  hand  the  nights  again  proved  cold, 
the  exposed  thermometer  on  the  two  coldest  nights 
registering  respectively  8°  and  7°  of  frost.  On  the  11th 
the  difference  between  the  lowest  and  highest  read- 
ings in  the  thermometer  screen  amounted  to  as  much  as 
40°,  which  is  the  greatest  range  in  temperature  in  any  one 
day  that  I  have  yet  recorded  here  in  May.  The  tempera- 
ture of  the  ground  is  still  about  seasonable  at  2  feet  deep,  but 
1°  warmer  than  the  average  at  1  foot  deep.  No  rain  has 
fallen  for  ten  days,  and  no  measurable  quantity  of  rain- 
water has  come  through  either  percolation  gauge  for  more 
than  a  week.  The  sun  shone  on  an  average  for  12$ 
hours  a  day,  or  for  more  than  twice  the  usual  duration  at  the 
beginning  of  May.  The  first  four  days  of  the  week  proved 
exceptionally  sunny,  the  record  of  bright  sunshine  on  each 
of  those  days  exceeding  13*  hours.  The  winds  proved  rather 
high  in  the  early  part  of  the  week,  but  in  no  hour  did  the 
mean  velocity  exceed  14  miles— direction  E.N.E.  The 
average  amount  of  moisture  in  the  air  at  3  p.m.  exceeded  a 
seasonable  quantity  for  that  hour  by  as  much  as  15  per  cent. 
A  Blenheim  Pippin  Apple  tree  growing  in  my  garden  first 
came  into  flower  on  the  7th,  which  is  one  day  later  than  its 
average  date  for  the  previous  23  years,  but  nine  days  earlier 
than  last  year.     E.  M.,  Berkhamsted,  May  12,  1909. 


Correction.     For    Rhododendron    adenopodium 

on  p.  291  read  Rhododendron  adenopodum. 
Cucumbers  Diseased  :  E.  A.  H.  The  plants  are 
affected  with  the  blotch  disease  (Cercospora 
melonis).  The  best  plan  is  to  burn  the  plants. 
sterilise  the  soil,  thoroughly  cleanse  the  house 
(using  carbolic  acid  in  the  water),  and  start 
afresh.  Correspondents  have  stated  that  car- 
bolic acid  diluted  with  water  and  placed  in 
pans  about  the  houses  has  proved  effectual  in 
combating  the  disease. 
Gooseberries:  II".  M .  In  order  to  preserve 
Gooseberries  by  bottling,  take  some  bottles 
with  air-excluding  stoppers,  and  nearly  fill 
them  with  carefully-selected  fruits.  The  fruit 
should  be  as  nearly  perfect  as  possible.  Put 
them  into  the  oven,  and  let  them  remain  there 
for  a  few  minutes,  until  the  fruits  show 
signs  of  cracking,  then  pour  boiling  water  over 
them  and  seal  the  bottles  at  once.  This  is  a 
very  simple  method,  and  there  being  no  sugar 
used,  the  fruits  remain  as  nearly  as  possible  in 
a  condition  similar  to  that  of  fresh  fruits. 
Another  plan  is  to  place  the  berries,  after  first 
wiping  them  on  a  clean  cloth,  in  a  bottle  filled 
almost  to  the  top  with  cold  water.  Take  a 
large,  deep  saucepan  or  fish-kettle,  and  stand 
the  bottles  in  this.  Fill  the  pan  with  water, 
and  bring  to  the  boil.  When  the  water  in  the 
bottles  is  at  boiling  point  insert  the  cork  or 
bung.  Place  a  little  hay  between  the  bottles 
in  the  pan  to  prevent  them  knocking  together 
and  breaking.  This  system  is  that  known  as 
sterilising  by  steam. 

Grape  Vines  Unhealthy:  J.  A.  There  is  no 
disease  present  in  the  vines.  The  cause  of  the 
foliage  dropping  prematurely  appears  to  be 
due  to  some  cultural  error.  If  the  borders  are 
allowed  to  become  dry  or,  on  the  contrary,  the 
roots  are  dosed  with  strong  applications  of 
chemical  fertilisers,  trouble  of  this  nature 
generally  follows. 

Grapes  Diseased  :  J.  W.  and  G.  R.  Your 
Grapes  are  affected  with  Grape-rot,  caused  by 
Glueosporutm  ampelophagum.  Dredge  the 
bunches  and  foliage  with  flowers  of  sulphur 
mixed  with  about  one  quarter  of  .its  volume  of 
quicklime.  Remove  all  diseased  fruits  and 
leaves  and  burn  them. 

Helxine  Soleirolii  :  Aquatias.  The  plant  has 
not  been  in  cultivation  for  many  years,  and  its 
name  does  not  appear  at  the  present  time  in  the 
gardening  books.  It  is  a  native  of  Sardinia, 
and  belongs  to  the  Nettle  family.  The  plant 
resembles  Sibthorpia  europsa  in  appearance, 
and  is  valuable  for  covering  bare  spaces  in  a 
warm  plant-house.  It  grows  with  great  free- 
dom in  the  Economic  House  of  the  Royal 
Botanic  Gardens,  Regent's  Park,  where  it 
forms  a  carpet  of  greenery  over  large  pots  and 
stonework. 

Insects  on  Rose  and  Ficus  :  G.  N.  P.  The  in- 
sects on  the  Rose  twig  are  all  females  of  the 
common  Greenhouse  Scale  (Lecanium  hesperi- 
dum) ;  the  cocoons  on  the  creeper  (Ficus  stipu- 
lata)  are  those  of  a  species  of  Ichneumon.    The 


latter  are  harmless,  and  may  have  parasitised 
the  larvae  of  a  moth  of  some  kind,  though  there 
is  no  trace  of  the  host  left.  The  scale  is  most 
injurious,  and  the  insects  should  be  removed 
with  a  stiff  brush  at  once,  as  the  young  are 
already  hatching  out  from  beneath  their 
parents  (the  brown  scale).  In  the  autumn 
dress  the  tree  with  paraffin  emulsion. 

Names  of  Plants:  Aquations.  This  may  be 
Scirpus  sylvaticus,  but  it  is  impossible  to 
identify  the  species  with  certainty  from  such  a 
specimen. — G.  It.  II.  1,  Salix  Caprea  (Goat 
Willow) ;  2,  we  cannot  name  this  without  better 
material ;  3,  Primus  triloba  fl.  pi. ;  4,  Cupressus 
obtusa  var.  nana ;  5,  Sequoia  sempervirens  ;  6, 
Rhododendron  myrtifolium. — T.  H.  C.  Your 
specimen  appears  to  be  the  Rough  Meadow 
Grass,  Poa  trivialis.—  L.  M.  No.  1,  Prunus 
Pseudo-cerasus  James  H.  Veitch ;  No.  2,  also 
a  form  of  P.  Pseudo-cerasus,  the  varieties  of 
which,  in  Japan,  are  almost  as  numerous  as 
varieties  of  Apples  and  Pears  in  this  country. 
■ — O.  W.  W.  1,  Kerria  japonica;  2,  Berberis 
Darwinii ;  3,  Cephalotaxus  drupacea. — R.  T. 
1,  Pteris  arguta;  2,  Adiantum  hispidulum  ;  3, 
Selaginella  ca?sia. —  W .  C.  S.  Laelia  Boothiana, 
often  called  Cattleya  lobata  in  gardens. — J .  L. 
Ccelogyne  ochracea. — F.  G.  Dendrobium  albo- 
sanguineum. — Constant  Reader.  Gardenia 
florida  and  Ixora  coccinea. — T.  C.  A  species 
of  Ruscus,  but  it  is  impossible  to  determine 
which  from  the  scrap  you  send.  The  portion 
bearing  the  red  berry,  which  you  refer  to  as  a 
leaf,  is  a  phylloclade  or  flattened  stem. — L.  F. 
1,  Prunus  japonica  fl.  pi.  ;  2,  Berberis  Aqui- 
folium. — Arbor.  Prunus  japonica  fl.  plena. — 
Novice.  1,  Asphodelus  albus;  2,  Choisya  ter.- 
nata ;  3,  Tierilla  cordifolia;  4.  Saxifraga 
(Megasea)  sp.  ;  5,  Skimmia  Fortunei  ;  6,  Tha- 
lictrum  flavum. 

Peach  Mildew:  J.  H.  M.  The  fruits  are 
affected  with  mildew — Oidium  leucoconium. 
Tin-  leaves  should  be  dusted  with  flowers  of 
sulphur  whilst  damp,  or  if  the  attack  is 
serious,  let  the  pipes  be  painted  with  sulphur 
when  they  have  been  made  very  hot,  perform- 
ing the  operation  at  dusk,  and  closing  the 
house  for  an  hour  afterwards.  Guard  against 
a  damp  atmosphere  insufficiently  heated  ;  also 
dryness  at  the  roots. 

Sowing  Cabbage  Seeds:  Anxious.  The  best 
time  to  sow  Cabbage  seeds  for  raising  plants 
for  use  early  in  spring  is  at  about  July  21.  A 
second  sowing  may  be  made  in  the  first  week 
of  August.  Veitch's  Model  Broccolis  should 
be  sown  some  time  between  the  third  week  of 
April  and  the  end  of  that  month.  Unless  the 
ground  is  exceptionally  hard  it  should  not  be 
dug,  except  for  very  late  plantings,  but  in  all 
cases  the  soil  should  be  made  very  firm  about 
the  young  plants  with  a  view  to  promote  slow, 
firm"  growth  ;  thus  the  plants  will  become  well 
hardened  before  winter. 

White  Web  from  Vine:  Northants.  The  web 
is  the  nest  of  the  vine-coccus  (Pulvinaria  vitis). 
The  brown  scale-like  object  is  the  female,  the 
white  "  web  "  the  egg  sac.  As  the  young  are 
now  hatching  you  should  lose  no  time  in  remov- 
ing the  webs  from  the  vines  before  the  young 
escape  and  take  up  fresh  positions  among  tin- 
branches.  Give  the  vines  a  thorough  dressing 
in  the  winter  with  some  good  insecticide ; 
any  scale  which  may  not  be  destroyed  by  the 
spray  should  be  removed  in  the  early  spring 
before  the  white  egg  sacs  are  formed. 

Wireworm  Attacking  Tomatos  :  W.  C.  You 
appear  to  have  dosed  the  border  with  suffi- 
cient insecticides  to  kill  all  insect  life  in  the 
soil.  Try  traps  of  some  vegetable  placed  near 
the  roots  of  the  Tomatos.  Place  a  Potato  or 
a  portion  of  Carrot  below  the  soil,  and  mark 
the  spot  with  a  stick ;  examine  the  baits  at  in- 
tervals. Bisulphide  of  carbon  may  be  effectual 
where  the  proprietary  articles  failed.  Pour  a 
quarter  of  an  ounce  of  this  liquid  into  a  small 
hole  made  not  too  close  to  the  plants,  and 
cover  the  hole  with  a  piece  of  slate.  You  must 
not  bring  a  light  near  to  this  substance,  as  it 
is  highly  inflammable,  and  poisonous.  The 
quantity  of  bisulphide  given  is  sufficient  for 
each  square  yard  of  surface. 

Communications  Received. — H.  L-.,  W.  J.  D. — A.  G, 

— G.  O.  P.— P.  W.— E.  M.-F.  M.— T.  H.  C— W.  W.  P.— 
J.  O'B.— T.  J.  C— E.  B.— J.  W.  P.-Rev.  C.  B.— J  G.  W. 
— T.  M.— H.  W.  W.— E.  A.  B— S.  A— W.  D.— C.  H.  P.— 
A.  D.  W.— H.  S.  Thompson— F.  J.  C.-R.  A.,  Cap  d'A.itiles 
— M.  M.  M.  S.— G.  P.-W.  M.-T.  H. 


Max  22,  1909.] 


THE     GARDENERS'    CHRONICLE. 


321 


THE 

No.  1,169— SATURDAY,  May  32,  1909. 
CONTENTS. 


Bequests  to  a  gardener    329 
Books,  notices  of — 
Beautiful  Flowers  an  1 

How  to  Grow  Them     322 
Journal  of  the  Board 

of  Agriculture       ...    322 
The    Small    Holder's 

Guide 322 

Trees  and  Shrubs  of 
the  British  Isles    ...    322 
Carnations,    perpetual- 
flowering,  for  bedding 

purposes  330 

Chicory,  blanohing  of...  335 
Cineraria  flavescens  ...  322 
Coombe  Wood  Nursery, 

notes  from       324 

Davidia     321 

Fernery,  the       323 

Grapes,  a  new  method 

of  packing       330 

Iris  disease,  an 330 

Nicotine  poisoning,  nar- 
row escape  from       ...    330 
Nitrogen-fixing  bacteria 
and    non-leguminous 

plants 329 

Obituary — 

Cookson,  Norman  C.    334 
Odontioda      x      Ernest 
Henry 321 


Orchidacere,  the  evolu- 
tion of  the     

Peach  culture  in  spring 
and  summer 

Plants,    new   or    note- 
worthy— 
Rhododendron  Victor- 
ianuni  

Plants,  the  "  blood  "  of 

Potato  scab        

Rhododendrons  at  The 
Beacon,  D  o  r  m  a  n  s 
Land     

Rosary,  the         

SchizanthusesatWisley 
Gardens  

Societies- 
British  Gardeners'  .. 
Dutch    Bulb-growers' 
French     Chrysanthe- 
mum   

Ghent    Horticultural 
National  Tulip 
Royal  Horticultural.. 

The  Warren  House, 
Stanmore         

Vegetables — 
Asparagus        

Veitch,  Mr.  Harry  J.  .  . 

Week's  work,  the       32( 


ILLUSTRATIONS. 

Aecidial  stage  of  the  Anemone  rust        

Cineraria  flavescens  x  

Clerodendron  fallax     

Cookson,  Norman  C,  the  late        

Croquet  lawns,  designs  for  laying  out 

Odontioda  x  Ernest  Henry  ...         

Rhododendron  Gloria  mundi,  a  bed  of,  in  the  Royal 
Gardens,  Kew 

Rhododendrons  at  The  Beacon,  Dormans  Land  (Sup- 
plementary Illustration) 

Roses  at  The  Warren  House,  Stanmore  

The  Warren  House,  Stanmore,  Middlesex      


325 


321 
S2K 
330 


829 
325 


834 
834 

334 
334 
333 
331 


324 
329 
,327 


822 
824 
334 


326 
323 


in  plants  raised  from  seed  would  not  accept 
these  shades  of  differences  as  of  more  than 
individual  value.  Dode's  Latin  diagnoses  of 
his  species  are  reproduced  below : — 

Davidia  Vilmoriniana,  Dode,  species  nova, 
foliis  subtus  glaucis,  glabris  vel  glabrescenti- 
bus,  longe  setaceo-dentatis,  ovario  brevius  at- 
tenuato,  fructu  magis  globoso. 

Davidia  lreta,  Dode,  species  nova,  foliis  sub- 
tus glauoo-lutescentibus,  glabris  vel  glabre- 
scentibus,  breve  setaceo-dentatis,  ovario  breve 
attenuato  fructuque  subgloboso. 

To  his  D.  Vilmoriniana  he  refers  Dr.  A. 
Henry's  dried  specimens  numbered  5,577,  and 
Mr.  E.  H.  Wilson's  specimens  numbered  642. 
He  also  refers  the  figure  in  Hooker's  Icones 
Plantarum,  t.  1961,  to  this  species,  which  he 
states  is  the  one  raised  by  Vilmorin  in  1897. 
To  D.  lseta  he  refers  the  plants  raised  by 
Messrs.  Veitch  &  Sons  from  the  seed  sent 
home  by  Mr.  Wilson  when  on  his  first  journey, 
which,  he  states,  is  also  in  cultivation  at 
Barres-Vilmorin  and  other  places  in  France. 
He  further  states  that  the  Davidia  figured  in 
Veitch's  List  of  Novelties,  1903,  is  1).  lata, 
as  well  as  the  germinating  seeds  in  the  fruits 
by  the  writer  in  the  Journal  of  the  Linnean 
Society,   vol.   xxxv.,   p.   036,   t.   l'J ;   but  it  is 


DAVIDIA. 

THE  question  as  to  whether  there  is  more 
than  one  species  of  Davidia  in  cultiva- 
tion has  been  put  to  me  more  than  once, 
and  I  answered  it  in  detail  in  the  Kew  Bulle- 
tin, 1907,  p.  301,  though  not  conclusively.  I 
gave  it  as  my  opinion  that  the  differences  ob- 
served in  herbarium  specimens  and  cultivated 
plants  were  not  sufficient  to  justify  specific 
segregation.  Since  then  Mr.  L.  A.  Dode  has 
attempted  (Revue  Horticole,  September  1, 
1908),  to  define  three  species,  with  what  suc- 
cess I  will  endeavour  to  explain.  I  have  re- 
examined all  the  materials  previously  under 
observation,  and  I  have  seen  additional  culti- 
vated specimens. 

Several  articles  on  Davidia  have  already  ap- 
peared in  the  Gardeners'  Chronicle,  the  most 
important  being  in  vol.  xxxiii.  (1903),  p.  235, 
where  there  is  a  full-page  representation  of 
flowering  and  fruiting  branches  from  dried 
specimens;  and  vol.  xxxix.  (1906),  p.  346, 
where  the  first  flowering  in  Europe  is  illus- 
trated by  a  specimen  received  from  Mr. 
Maurice  de  Vilmorin. 

Dode's  differential  characters  of  his  species 
are  taken  from  the  leaves  : — 

1.  Leaves  silky  beneath. — D.  involucrata, 
Baillon. 

2.  Leaves  glabrous  and  glaucous  beneath. — 
D.  Vilmoriniana,  Dode. 

3.  Leaves  glabrous  and  yellow-green  be- 
neath.— D.  lseta,  Dode. 

The  characters  given  in  the  foregoing  key  to 
the  species  do  not  correlate  with  any  others 
given  in  the  detailed  description,  so  that  it  is 
justifiable  to  say  that  the  "  species  "  are 
based  solely  on  these  differences.  True,  the 
author  describes  the  petioles  of  D.  Vilmorin- 
iana as  green  and  the  bud-scales  as  red-brown, 
and  those  of  D.  lseta  as  red  and  green  re- 
spectively ;  but  most  persons  practically 
acquainted  with  the  range  of  variation  usual 


'^R^CKROrT- 


■5 1 


FlG.    138. — ODONTIODA     X    ERNEST    HENRV. 
(Awarded  R.H.S.  First-Class  Certificate  on  April  6  last.) 

difficult  to  understand  how  he  arrives  at  these 
conclusions. 

As  recorded  in  the  Kew  Bulletin,  Kew  pos- 
sesses fragments  of  the  types  of  Davidia  in- 
volucrata, Baill.,  collected  near  Moupine, 
Western  Szechuen,  and  Mr.  Wilson  collected 
corresponding  specimens,  n.  3702,  in  the  same 
district.  They  differ  from  all  the  other  speci- 
mens collected  by  Wilson  and  Henry  in  the 
mature  leaves  being  clothed  on  the  under  sur- 
face with  a  white  tomentum.  In  other  re- 
spects the  Moupine  specimens  differ  less  from 
the  glabrous  or  glabrescent-leaved  specimens 
than  the  latter  do  from  each  other.  I  was 
of  opinion  at  first  th.it  there  were  two  species, 
but  as  I  failed  to  find  any  other  character  to 
support  this  view,  I  held  my  hand.  In  this 
decision  I  was  influenced  by  the  fact  that  the 
leaves  of  seedlings  of  the  Moupine  hairy 
variety  sent  to  Kew  by  Messrs.  Veitch  were 
glabrous,  except  for  the  presence  on  the  under 
surface  of  some  long  appressed  hairs  along 
the  principal  veins.  I  was  assured  that  there 
could  be  no  mistake  about  the  parentage  of 
these  seedlings.  If  so,  the  only  difference  is 
not  hereditary. 

With  regard  to  the  differences  between  D. 
Vilmoriniana  and  D.  lseta,  Dode,  the  descrip- 


tions speak  for  themselves.  From  communica- 
tions on  the  subject  with  Mr.  M.  de  Vilmorin, 
I  think  I  am  right  in  saying  that  he  is  in 
accord  with  me  that  the  variations  are  indi- 
vidual ;  and  he  has  also  put  on  record  that 
there  is  considerable  variation  in  the  shape, 
size,  and  coloration  of  the  bracts  of  the  in- 
florescences of  the  plants  he  has  in  cultiva- 
tion. 

After  all,  the  principal  point,  so  far  as  the 
potential  purchaser  is  concerned,  is  that  the 
differences  exhibited  by  the  plants  at  present 
in  cultivation  are  so  slight  that  one  is  ap- 
parentty  as  good  as  another.  I  wish  to  state 
in  conclusion  that  I  am  giving  my  opinion  on 
the  subject  without  any  pretension  to  superior 
knowledge  as  to  the  limits  of  species,  and  I 
may  add  that  the  naming  of  plants  is  not  a 
science :  it  is  a  means  to  an  end  to  make  clear 
what  we  are  writing  or  talking  about.  W. 
Tiotting  Heinsley,  Strawberry  Hill. 


NEW  OR  NOTEWORTHY 
PLANTS. 


RHODODENDRON     VICTORIANUM. 

In  the  temperate  house  at  Kew  there  is  now 
in  flower  a  hybrid  Rhododendron  of  extraordin- 
ary interest  and  beauty.  It  was  purchased  two 
years  ago  from  M.  Jules  de  Cock,  nurseryman, 
Meirelbeke,  Ghent,  under  the  name  of  R.  Dal- 
housiae Victorianum,  which  is  the  name  of  a 
Rhododendron  figured  in  Flore  des  Serres,  t. 
2466  (1879),  and  described  as  a  hybrid  between 
R.  Dalhousiae  and  R.  Nuttallii,  raised  and 
flowered  in  1877  by  M.  Victor  Cavelier,  a  Belgian 
amateur,  after  whom  it  was  named.  But  as  the 
plant  is  unquestionably  a  hybrid  between  the  two 
species  mentioned,  the  original  name  is  mislead- 
ing, and  both  custom  and  propriety  will  be  satis- 
fied if  the  name  is  altered  to  R.  Victorianum 
simply. 

The  habit  of  the  hybrid  is  an  improvement 
upon  that  of  either  of  its  parents,  which  are 
somewhat  straggling  and  awkward,  whereas  R. 
Victorianum  forms  a  compact  bush  with  numer- 
ous short  erect  branches.  It  is  also  very  free- 
flowering,  the  flowers  are  large  and  lasting,  de- 
lightfully fragrant  and  milk-white  with  a  tinge 
of  yellow  in  the  throat. 

There  are  from  three  to  six  flowers  in  each 
head,  and  each  flower  is  4  inches  long  and  the 
same  across ;  the  segments  of  the  corolla  are 
elegantly  recurved,  and  at  the  base  there  are 
five  deep  depressions  as  though  the  tube  had  been 
finger-pinched.  The  charm  of  all  the  big-flowered 
Rhododendrons  is  due  quite  as  much  to  their 
fragrance  as  to  their  form  and  colour.  We  have 
already  a  race  of  Dalhousiae  X  formosum  hybrids, 
which  are  grown  here  and  there  as  conservatory 
plants,  though  not  nearly  as  well  known  now  as 
they  were  30  years  ago.  It  is  evident  that  R. 
Dalhousiae  is  a  good  breeder,  and  it  would  be 
quite  worth  while  to  turn  it  to  account  in  the 
same  manner  as  has  been  done  with  R.  Auck- 
landii,  the  hybrids  from  which  have  become  so 
popular.     II'.  W. 


ODONTIODA  x  ERNEST  HENRY. 

Our  illustration  (see  fig.  138)  represents  a  flower 
of  this  richly-coloured  hybrid,  which  was  raised 
from  seed  obtained  by  crossing  Odontoglossum  X 
Queen  Alexandra  (Harryanum  x  triumphans) 
and  Cochlioda  Noezliana.  The  flowers,  in  general 
appearance,  are  nearest  to  O.  Charlesworthii, 
but  the  colour  is  of  a  bright  mahogany-red 
with  an  orange-coloured  tint  around  the  yel- 
low crest  of  the  lip.  It  was  shown  by  H.  S. 
Goodson,  Esq.,  Fairlawn,  West  Hill,  Putney  (gr. 
Mr.  G.  E.  Day),  at  the  Royal  Horticultural 
Society's  meeting  held  on  April  6  last,  when  the 
Orchid  Committee  awarded  it  a  First-class  Cer- 
tificate. 


322 


THE    GARDENERS'    CHRONICLE. 


[May  22,  1909. 


NOTICES    OF     BOOKS. 


*The  Small  Holders  Guide. 
This  pamphlet  is  useful  for  those  who  may  be 
desirous  of  taking  advantage  of  the  Small  Hold- 
ings Act  and  becoming  cultivators  on  a  small 
scale.  It  tells  them  what  they  would  have  to 
do  in  managing  a  small  garden  and  farm,  and 
the  capital  required  for  the  development  of  a 
holding  of  the  usual  character.     The  little  work 


himself.  It  is  essential  that  he  should  possess 
experience  in  matters  connected  with  the  work- 
ing of  the  land  and  the  farming  stock.  It 
is  this  that  no  work  on  these  subjects  can 
supply.  We  are  constantly  being  informed  of 
the  work  requiring  to  be  done,  but  rarely 
•are  we  told  how  it  is  to  be  performed. 
We  would,  therefore,  advise  all  town-bred  men 
to  undergo  a  two  to  three-years'  course  of  in- 
struction on  a  farm  of  small  dimensions  before 


Wm 


FlG.    139. — CINERARIA   FLAVESCENS    X  I    FLOWERS   YELLOW,  PASSING  TO    PALE    CREAM 

COLOUR    OR    WHITE. 


will  do  good  by  showing  how  the  small  holder 
can  increase  the  food  supply  of  the  country  by 
raising  vegetables,  poultry,  milk  from  cows  and 
goats,  rearing  rabbits,  pigs,  sheep,  calves, 
horses,  by  bee-keeping,  and  making  butter  and 
cheese. 

The  most  important  factor  for  success  or 
failure  is,  as  the  author  states,  the  small  holder 

•  By  T.  W.  Sanders.  Published  by  W.  H.  and  L.  Colling- 
ridge,  148-149,  Aldersgate  Street,  London,  E.O.  Price  Is., 
in  cloth  Is.  6d. 


taking  a  farm.  There  is  so  much  to  learn  by 
practical  work,  under  experienced  teachers,  that 
is  essential  to  the  small  holder ;  moreover,  the 
prudent  landowner  insists  on  the  persons  apply- 
ing for  a  holding  having  a  practical  acquaintance 
with  gardening  or  farming.  It  is  usually  the  lack 
of  this  knowledge  on  the  part  of  the  holder  which 
causes  his  failure,  but  the  need  of  sufficient  capi- 
tal is  another  cause.  Mr.  Sanders  advises  the 
prospective  small  holder  to  select  land  of  a  fertile 
nature  in  a  locality  near  to  good  markets,  and 


to  adapt  himself  to  the  existing  conditions  of  a 
district,  for  it  is  not  always  easy  to  obtain  land 
just  where  it  is  wanted.  The  proper  course  is  to 
ascertain  the  kind  of  produce  that  is  saleable 
in  a  district,  and  endeavour  to  make  the  land 
yield  that  produce.  The  booklet  contains  useful 
advice  in  regard  to  common  rights,  compensation 
for  improvements,  the  buying  and  renting  of 
land,  the  planting  of  fruit  trees  and  bushes, 
and  on  the  cultivation  of  Strawberries,  Aspara- 
gus  and  Rhubarb.      M. 

The  Journal  of  the  Board  of 
Agriculture. 

From  our  occasional  references  to  the  subjects 
dealt  with  in  the  Journal  of  the  Board  of  Agri- 
culture  our  readers  are  cognisant  of  the  fact  that 
the  Journal  deals  not  only  with  matters  of 
purely  agricultural  interest,  but  also  with  those 
concerning  horticulture.  We  would  point 
out  that  the  Journal  is  issued  monthly 
at  the  cost  of  fourpence  per  month,  and 
would  suggest  that  all  interested  in  the 
progress  of  horticulture  should  both  sup- 
port the  Journal  by  becoming  subscribers  and 
by  bringing  it  to  the  notice  of  others.  We 
learn  from  the  March  number  that  the  bound 
volume  of  the  Board's  leaflets,  Nos.  101  to  200, 
is  now  ready,  and  can  be  obtained  from  the 
Secretary,  Board  of  Agriculture  and  Fisheries,  4, 
Whitehall  Place,  London,  S.W.,  price  6d.,  post 
free.  The  leaflets  deal,  among  other  subjects, 
with  insect  and  fungus  pests,  and  contain  brief 
descriptions  of  the  diseases,  illustrations  of  the 
appearances  presented  by  the  diseased  plants,  and 
recommendations  as  to  remedies. 

f  Trees  and  Shrubs  of  the  British  Isles. 

Part  II.  of  the  work  of  the  above  title,  by 
Messrs.  C.  S.  Cooper  and  W.  Percival  Westell,  is 
now  published.  The  work,  to  be  completed  in 
16  parts,  contains  brief  descriptions  and 
numerous  full-page  plates,  many  in  colours,  of 
the  chief  British  trees  and  shrubs.  The  text, 
though  concise,  is  brightly  written,  and  many  of 
the  illustrations  are  excellent. 

I  Beautiful    Flowers  and    How  to  Grow 
Them. 

Part  12  of  this  copiously  illustrated  work  deals 
with  the  subject  of  arches,  pergolas,  pillars  and 
stumps,  beautiful  walls  and  fences,  and  with 
Orchids.  As  in  preceding  parts  of  this  work,  so 
in  the  present  instalment,  a  large  amount  of 
useful  information  is  conveyed  in  pleasant  form. 
Of  the  six  coloured  plates  included  in  the  number, 
that  of  Pansies  is  particularly  effective. 


CINERARIA    FLAVESCENS. 

(ClNESABLA   FELTHAM    BEAUTY    X    SENECIO 
AURICUL  ATISSIMUS. ) 

Tuns  hybrid  has  been  raised  by  Messrs.  James 
Veitch  &  Sons,  Ltd.,  and  exhibited  by  them 
at  recent  exhibitions  of  the  Royal  Hor- 
ticultural Society.  When  presented  to  the 
Floral  Committee  at  the  meeting  held  on  May  4, 
it  received  an  Award  of  Merit.  The  plant 
has  the  appearance  of  a  rather  compact- 
growing  Cineraria  with  creamy-yellow  flowers, 
the  younger  blossoms  being  of  a  richer, 
almost  canary-yellow  tone.  As  a  new  break  the 
cross  has  considerable  promise,  and  no  doubt  it 
will  prove  the  forerunner  of  a  useful  race  of 
winter-blooming  plants.  The  greenhouse  Cine- 
raria has  a  wide  range  of  colours  in  its  flowers, 
but  there  is  always  room  for  greater  variety,  and 
the  addition  of  pleasing  yellow  tones  will  be 
acceptable.  The  peculiar  constriction  in  the 
middle  of  the  leaf  is  well  shown  in  Mr.  Worth- 
ington  Smith's  sketch  (see  fig.  139),  which  il 
from  material  kindly  supplied  by  Messrs.  Veitch. 
It  may  be  mentioned  that,  since  Cineraria 
cruenta  is  synonymous  with  Senecio  cruentus,  the 
hybrid  is  properly  a  Senecio. 

t  J.  M.  Dent  &  Co. 
J  Edited  by  Horace  J.  Wright  and  Walter  P.   Wright. 
Complete  in  17  parts,  eaoh  Is.  net.     (T.  C.  &  E.  C.  Jack), 


May  22,  1909.] 


THE    GARDENERS'    CHRONICLE. 


323 


THE  WARREN  HOUSE,  STANMORE. 

The  beautiful  estate  which  forms  the  domain 
of  The  Warren  House,  the  residence  of  Mrs. 
Bischoffsheim,  is  in  the  Metropolitan  area,  and 
little  more  than  half-an-hour's  journey  from 
London.  But  the  visitor,  unacquainted  with 
this  fact  would  scarcely  conceive  this  possible, 
but,  from  the  sylvan  beauty  of  the  place,  would 
imagine  himself  in  some  remote  part  of  the 
country.  An  important  part  of  the  boundary  of 
the  estate  consists  of  original  woodland,  in  which 
some  of  the  old  tracks  formerly  used  by  the  way- 
farer still  remain.  The  views  through  the  glades 
of  Oak,  Beech,  Birch,  and  Fir  trees,  with  the 
undergrowth-  of  Hazel,  and,  occasionally,  the 
more  recently-introduced  clumps  of  Rhododen- 
drons, or  other  flowering  shrubs,  are  charming 
at  all  seasons,  but  at  the  present  time,  when  the 
undulating  surface  of  the  ground  is  carpeted  with 
myriads  of  Bluebells,  the  tints  of  blue  varying 
with  light  and  shade  and  blending  with  the  soft, 
green  tints  of  the  young  foliage,  the  effect  is  in- 
describably beautiful.  Acres  of  the  bright  blue 
flowers  are  seen  on  either  side  of  the  woodland 


The  grounds  are  studded  with  fine  old  Oaks 
and  Conifers,  including  a  grand  Cedar  and  a 
good  specimen  of  Araucaria  imbricata.  Dense 
masses  of  Rhododendrons  are  about  to  furnish 
their  magnificent  display  of  flowers.  In  a  shel- 
tered nook  is  a  Deodar  planted  by  his  Majesty 
King  Edward  VII. 

The  Dutch  garden  of  clipped  Box  and  Yew, 
with  a  few  Hollies,  is  an  extensive  and  well- 
arranged  feature,  effective  as  a  whole  and  also 
interesting  by  reason  of  the  quaintness  of  many 
of  the  specimens.  Backed  by  the  tall  Pines  and 
other  trees,  this  nook  is  sheltered  from  cold  and 
heat,  and  forms  a  pleasant  retreat  in  summer. 

Showy  herbaceous  perennials  are  planted  in 
the  borders  and  shrubberies  wherever  space  is 
available,  and  an  enclosed,  herbaceous  plant 
garden,  containing  the  best  varieties,  is  a  never- 
failing  source  of  interest,  for  a  varied  succession 
of  flowers  appear  there  during  the  greater  part  of 
the  year.  On  one  side  are  tanks  planted  with 
Nymphaeas  and  other  aquatic  plants ;  on  the 
walls  of  this  garden  is  a  variety  of  flowering 
climbers. 

The  glasshouses  were  constructed  a  few  years 


FlG.  140. — THE  WARREN  HOUSE,  STANMORE,  MIDDLESEX. 


walks  ;  sometimes  in  dense  patches,  forming  with 
their  surroundings  a  natural  wild-garden,  more 
lovely  than  any  other  part  of  the  grounds.  The 
outlying  portions  of  the  grounds  are  used  as  golf 
links,  the  course  measuring  four  miles,  and  there 
is  a  bungalow  for  the  accommodation  of  the 
players.  For  a  considerable  distance  the  links 
are  bounded  by  an  irregular  herbaceous  border 
and  a  grass  path  at  the  back,  all  being  in  har- 
mony with  the  woodland  surroundings.  In  a 
nook,  the  orchard,  with  its  Apple  trees  now  in 
full  bloom,  and  the  range  of  forcing-houses  are 
situated.  The  more  modern  garden  surrounds 
the  residence,  and  contains  a  display  of  flowers 
throughout  the  season.  At  the  present  time  the 
flower-beds  are  glowing  with  the  colours  of 
variously-tinted  Tulips,  each  bed  having  a  carpet 
of  dwarf  blue  Forget-me-not,  the  latter  plants 
forming  a  sheet  of  colour  that  will  continue  long 
after  the  Tulips  are  over. 

Below  the  terrace  are  beds  of  Roses,  and 
beyond  this  is  a  Rose  garden,  with  festoons  of 
rambling  and  trailing  Roses.  Roses  are  simi- 
larly trained  in  other  parts  of  the  garden,  and  by 
the  herbaceous  borders  (fig.  142). 


ago  by  Messrs.  Mackenzie  and  Moncur.  In  the 
Orchid  houses  are  many  plants  of  Odontoglossum 
crispum,  and  also  smaller  numbers  of  most  of  the 
showy  Orchids.  Many  plants  of  fine  forms  of 
white  and  rose-tinted  Odontoglossum  crispum 
are  in  bloom,  together  with  others  of  0.  Hallii, 
0.  luteo-purpureum,  O.  Pescatorei,  0.  Ander- 
sonianum,  Cymbidium  Lowianum,  a  clear  white 
form  of  C.  eburneum,  a  batch  of  brilliant  scarlet 
Sophronitis  grandiflora,  some  clear  yellow  Onci- 
dium  concolor,  and  various  other  pretty  Orchids. 
But  the  most  striking  feature  in  the  cool  houses, 
and  one  which  shows  the  skill  of  Mr.  Taylor,  the 
Orchid  grower,  is  a  batch  of  about  90  robust 
plants  of  the  scarlet  Disa  grandiflora,  with  very 
stout  growths,  promising  well  for  flower.  These 
have  been  propagated  and  grown  from  the  few 
original  plants  at  The  Warren  House,  by  remov- 
ing the  stronger  offsets  and  potting  them  as  re- 
quired. The  thick,  shining,  green  leaves  are  in 
perfect  health.  Mr.  Taylor  considers  that  once 
the  culture  of  Disa  grandiflora  is  understood,  the 
plant  gives  less  trouble  than  many  other  Orchids, 
and  yet  a  large  proportion  of  our  best  Orchid 
growers  fail  to  cultivate   it  satisfactorily. 


The  two  large  intermediate  houses  contain  fine 
plants  of  Cattleya  Mossise,  C.  Mendelii,  C. 
Dowiana  aurea,  C.  Warscewiczii,  Lwlia  pur- 
purata,  and  other  showy  species.  All  are  thriv- 
ing well,  and  a  good  show  of  flowers  is  made 
by  Lselia  purpurata,  Cattleya  Schroderae,  C. 
Skinneri,  and  other  Cattleyas.  With  them  in 
flower  are  Brasso-Cattleya  Digbyano-Wars- 
cewiczii,  Cattleya  Parthenia  Prince  of  Wales, 
La;lio-Cattleya  highburyensis,  and  other  Lselio- 
Cattleyas,  Dendrobium  Brymerianum,  D.  primu- 
linum,   Odontoglossum  citrosmum,   &c. 

Separate  glasshouses  are  devoted  to  the  grow- 
ing of  Souvenir  de  la  Malmaison  and  winter- 
flowering  Carnations ;  also  for  Roses,  which  have 
furnished  a  supply  of  fine  blooms  for  a  consider- 
able time  and  are  still  flowering  abundantly. 
Stove  plants  for  decorative  purposes  are  grown 
in  batches ;  one  house  is  filled  with  Anthuriums, 
the  plants  being  well  furnished  with  their  banner- 
like scarlet  spathes.  The  scarlet-flowered  Clero- 
dendron  fallax  (see  fig.  141)  is  especially  well 
grown,  and  forms  an  excellent  decorative  plant 
when  in  flower.  Various  florists'  flowers  are 
grown,  with  a  view  to  keeping  up  the  succession 
of  blooms  for  decorative  purposes.  This  supply 
is  in  succession  to  forced  plants  such  as  Daffodils, 
Arum  Lilies,  and  Lily  of  the  Valley.  The  corri- 
dors of  the  plant-houses  are  brightened  by 
densely-flowered  Schizanthus,  Cinerarias,  annual 
Chrysanthemums,  of  which  the  large  canary- 
yellow  variety  called  "  Morning  Star  "  is  the 
most  beautiful,  and  other-  annuals.  In  one  of 
the  houses  Tritonia  Prince  of  Orange  is  very 
bright,  and  in  others  the  Codiaeums  (Crotons) 
and  other  foliage  plants  are  in  good  condition. 

The  long  range  of  fruit  houses  promises  good 
crops  of  Peaches,  Nectarines,  Grapes,  Figs,  and 
other  fruits.  Strawberries  in  pots  have  fur- 
nished fine  fruits  for  some  time  past,  and  there 
are  others  for  providing  a  succession. 

Mrs.  Bischoffsheim  takes  a  personal  interest 
in  the  gardens,  and  has  herself  designed  some  of 
its  most  effective  improvements.     J . 


THE    FERNERY. 


THE  NEWER  VARIETIES  OF 
NEPHROLEPIS. 
Eleven  months  ago  I  secured  plants  of 
Nephrolepis  exaltata  Piersonii,  N.  e.  Todeaoides, 
and  N.  e.  Whitmanii.  They  were  in  5^-inch  pots, 
but  have  been  shifted  until  now  they  are  in 
14-inch  pots.  The  plant  of  N.  Piersonii  is  at  the 
present  time  more  than  7  feet  through  and  5  feet 
high,  whilst  the  specimen  of  N.  Todeaoides  is 
5  feet  through  and  4  feet  high.  This  latter 
variety  forms  an  excellent  specimen  plant.  The 
habit  is  stiff  and  the  fronds  are  of  a  pale  green 
colour ;  they  are  fringed  and  beautifully  taeselled. 
The  fronds  of  N.  Whitmanii  are  not  so  densely 
divided  as  in  N.  Todeaoides;  it  is  described  as 
a  sport  from  N.  Fosteri.  My  specimen  of  this 
plant  is  5  feet  6  inches  wide  and  4  feet  high. 
Another  Fern  worthy  a  place  in  gardens  is 
Nephrolepis  exaltata  superba.  The  compost  I 
use  for  the  Ferns  consists  of  one  part  turfy  loam, 
one  part  leaf-mould,  a  small  quantity  of  bone- 
meal,  and  a  little  of  some  approved  fertiliser, 
with  a  fair  sprinkling  of  broken  crocks  and  lime 
rubble.  Microlepia  speluncea  is  another  fine  deco- 
rative Fern  that  soon  develops  into  a  large  plant. 
Davallia  braziliensis,  for  which  Messrs.  H.  B. 
May  &  Sons  received  an  Award  of  Merit  from 
the  R.H.S.  in  1907  is  an  advance  in  the  Davallia 
section.  The  habit  is  close,  and  the  fronds  finely 
cut.  Amongst  other  Ferns  doing  remarkably 
well  in  these  gardens  are  Asplenium  Belangeri, 
Polypodium  irioides  ramo-cristatum,  and  Adian- 
tum  polyphyllum  (cardiochlana).  Wm.  It. 
Prince,  Norton  Manor  Garden*,  near  Taunton. 


324 


THE    GARDENERS'    CHRONICLE. 


[May  22,  1909. 


,     NOTES  FROM  C00MBE  WOOD. 

A  visit  paid  to  Messrs.  J.  Veitch  &  Sons' 
branch  nursery  at  Coombe  Wood  on  May  13,  was 
for  the  purpose  of  inspecting  some  of  the  intro- 
ductions of  Wilson,  and,  incidentally,  those  of  the 
late  James  Herbert  Veitch  from  Japan  in  1892. 
Wilson's  introductions  from  Western  China  are 
of  great  value  to  cultivators  in  all  the  temperate 
and  sub-tropical  countries  of  the  world.  The 
following  notes,  however,  are  not  confined  to 
plants  introduced  by  the  explorers  I  have  men- 
tioned. 

Quercus  acuta  (Buergeri)  is  a  half-tree  with 
evergreen  foliage  of  a  dark  green  colour  and  of 
large  size,  and  with  shoots  of  an  olive  tint.  It 
was  introduced  in  1861  from  Japan.  Q.  cuspi- 
data  is  another  evergreen  Oak  from  the  same 
country,  and  forms  a  small  tree,  graceful  in 
habit,  with  pendant,  slender  branches.  Its  leaves 
measure  from  3  to  5  inches  in  length,  and  1  to 
1^  inch  in  breadth ;  they  are  bright  green  above, 
and  glabrous,  silvery-white  beneath.  There  is  a 
variegated  form  of  this,  differing  from  the  type 
in  that  its  leaves  are  smaller  and  have  irregular 
creamy-white     blotches.      Acer    vitifolium    is    a 


midrib  and  chief  veins  of  a  silvery  tint.  The 
leaf  tints  change,  as  regards  the  ground 
colour  to  red,  whilst  the  veins  and  mid- 
rib remain  silvery.  Plants  of  this  vine  in 
process  of  forcing  at  the  present  date  were  per- 
fectly indicating  the  leaf  markings.  V.  armata 
is  a  valuable  ornamental  plant,  the  dark  green 
leaves  of  summer  changing  to  bright  red  tints 
in  the  autumn.  V.  armata  var.  Veitchii  is  one 
of  the  best  decorative  vines.  The  large  leaves 
acquire  in  the  autumn  a  rich  crimson  tinge, 
whilst  in  the  summer  months  they  present  a 
bright  bronzy-green  tint.  V.  repens  is  a  self- 
climbing  plant,  and  a  robust  grower.  The  older 
leaves,  about  5  inches  in  length,  are  somewhat 
three-lobed  and  of  a  deep,  velvety  green  tint. 
The  young  growths  are  brownish,  and  the  young 
leaves  of  a  red-brown  colour.  As  objects  for 
covering  a  wall  or  clothing  pillars,  chains, 
arbours,  or  such  outstanding  objects  as  Fir  poles 
in  a  flower  border,  they  are  finely  ornamental. 
They  require  the  same  kind  of  treatment  as  the 
Wild  Vine  (Ampelopsis).  Actinidia  chinensis  is 
a  woody  climbing  plant,  having  yellow-coloured 
flowers  lj  inch  across  and  sub-orbicular  leaves. 
It  is  hardy   and   flowers   with   freedom   on   the 


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FlG.    141. — A    FINE    PLANT   OF    CLERODENDRON    FALLAX    AT   THE   WARREN    HOUSE   GARDENS. 

(See  p.  323.) 


handsome  half-tree  or  big  bush  with  leaves  now 
of  a  greenish  yellow  tint  which  changes  to  red 
and  yellow  in  the  autumn,  a  specially  fine  lawn 
tree.  A  white-flowering  weeping  plant  is  Cytisus 
elongatus,  looking  at  its  best  worked  on  stems 
8  feet  high.  C.  X  kewensis,  raised  at  Kew,  is  a 
very  free-flowering  hybrid  similarly  useful.  Vitis 
megalophylla  is  a  remarkable  plant  with  bipin- 
nate  leaves  2  to  3  feet  in  length  when  full  grown  ; 
they  are  glabrous,  dark  green  above,  and  pale 
glaucous  green  beneath.  The  plant  makes 
growths  of  10  feet  in  one  season.  I  saw  some 
plants  being  forced,  which  had  leaves  I5  feet 
long  already.  The  pole  to  which  a  plant  of  this 
species  growing  in  the  open  border  was  fixed  was 
18  feet  high.  Other  species  of  Vitis  being  forced 
or  in  cultivation  in  the  open  ground  included  V. 
leeoides,  with  leaves  resembling  those  of  Leea 
amabilis;  V.  flexuosa  var.  Wilsonii,  a  very  de- 
corative plant  with  leaves  the  upper  surface  of 
which  is  of  a  dark  bronze  tint  and  metallic 
lustre,  whilst  the  lower  surface  is  bright  purple. 
V.  Henryana,  a  most  attractive  plant  with 
leaves  of  a  digitate  form  and  five  serrated 
leaflets.     The  leaf  is  a  deep  velvety-green,  with 


matured  shoots.  Rubus  flagelliflorus  is  a  showy 
species  having  white  flowers  borne  on  shoots 
7  to  8  feet  long.  Its  chief  attraction  are  its  cor- 
date acuminate  leaves,  which  are  of  a  metallic 
hue  and  irregularly  serrate  at  the  edge.  Like 
other  Rubus  species,  the  underside  is  covered 
with  a  thick  tomentum.  Viburnum  rhytidophyl- 
lum  (see  Gardeners'  Chronicle  June  30,  1906,  p. 
418,  fig.  167),  is  a  fine  evergreen  shrub  with 
broadly  lanceolate  leaves  about  8  inches  in  length 
and  2  inches  in  breadth,  dark  green,  channelled 
on  the  upper  surface,  and  having  a  thick  tomen- 
tum beneath.  Its  growths  support  corymbs  of 
whitish-yellow  flowers,  which  are  succeeded  by 
red  berries.  The  plant  retains  a  handsome  ap- 
pearance throughout  the  winter  months.  Jas- 
minum  primulinum  (Gardeners'  Chronicle, 
March  28,  1903,  p.  197,  fig.  83)  is  a  native  of 
Yunnan,  where  it  is  found  in  copses  and  hedge- 
rows at  considerable  elevation.  The  flowers  bear 
resemblance  to  those  of  J.  nudiflorum  but  are 
larger.  So  far  it  has  proved  hardy  at  Coombe 
Wood,  but  if  planted  out  in  the  open  the  species 
may  need  some  protection.  I  observed  some 
plants  in  pots  in  a  forcing-house  that  were  show- 


ing flowers  pretty  freely.  Philadelphus  Le- 
moinei  purpureo  maculatus  makes  a  small 
compact  bush  of  2  to  3  feet  in  height,  pro- 
ducing, at  the  end  of  short  axillary  shoots, 
flowers  about  2  inches  across,  white  with  a  light 
purple  spot  in  the  middle.  P.  Banniere  is  a 
white-flowered  variety,  having  semi-double, 
fragrant  flowers.  A  large  plant  was  noted  of 
that  rare  Japanese  plant  Trochodendron  ara- 
lioides.  It  measures  12  feet  in  height  and  rather 
less  in  diameter.  The  flowers  are  greenish  and 
inconspicuous,  but  the  plant  grows  with  rapidity 
in  this  country.  The  leaves  on  the  Coombe  Wood 
plant  were  about  4  inches  in  length,  dark  green 
and  shining.  Berberis  acuminata  is  an  attractive 
evergreen  with  arching  growths,  the  rind 
of  which  in  the  young  state  is  of  a  red  tint. 
The  bronzy-yellow  flowers  come  in  clusters  in  the 
axils  of  the  leaves. 

The  neat-growing  Hex  Perneyi,  whose  mature 
leaves  are  lj  inch  long,  and  pale  in  tint  on  the 
young  shoots,  become  of  a  very  dark  green  on 
the  older  ones. 

Clematis  montana  var.  rubens  is  an  acquisition, 
resembling  the  type  in  foliage  and  habit  but  the 
flowers  are  of  rosy-red  tint,  making  an  effective 
contrast  to  C.  montana. 

One  of  the  finest  lots  of  Sciadopitys  verticillata 
to  be  observed  anywhere  was  noted  in  the  peaty 
soil  at  the  lower  end  of  the  nursery ;  oft-trans- 
planted, symmetrical,  healthy  plants.  The  Um- 
brella Pine  is  bad  to  beat  as  a  specimen  on  the 
lawn. 

Cotoneaster  applanata  is  a  free-growing  plant, 
with  ovate  leaves,  dark  green  in  colour,  with  a 
greyish  felt  on  the  lower  surface.  The  fruits  are 
scarlet,  and  are  produced  abundantly.  The  plant 
is  excellent  as  a  solitary  specimen  on  the  turf. 

The  remarkable  Primula  pulverulenta,  which 
in  leaf  and  habit  resembles  P.  japonica,  was 
noted  in  some  quantity  in  the  open  ground. 
The  dark,  rich  purple  flowers  are  larger  than 
those  of  P.  japonica.    F. 


VEGETABLES. 


ASPARAGUS. 

To  have  Asparagus  in  quantity  and  of  the 
best  quality  it  is  necessary  to  raise  fresh  plants 
occasionally.  If  forcing  is  practised  it  becomes 
necessary  to  sow  seeds  annually,  sowing  is  best 
done  in  April.  Select  an  open  position, 
with  a  rather  light  soil  if  possible,  and  draw 
drills  1  inch  deep  and  1  foot  apart.  Sow  the 
seeds  wide  apart,  so  that  no  thinning  will  be  ne- 
cessary. There  is  much  variation  in  the  seed- 
lings, and  if  thinned  in  the  rows  the  chances  are 
that  those  plants  which  would  otherwise  form 
the  best  crowns  are  thrown  away.  The  better 
plan  is  to  leave  all  the  seedlings,  and  when 
planting  them  in  their  permanent  positions 
select  only  the  best  and  strongest  crowns. 
Asparagus  is  largely  grown  as  a  market  crop, 
and  it  is  easily  produced,  provided  the  soil  be 
sandy  or  loamy  up  to  a  heavy  stage,  without 
being  clayey,  and  fairly  moist.  There  is  not 
tho  least  necessity  for  trenching  the  soil  and 
applying  large  quantities  of  dung  deep  down. 
The  plant  is  not  nearly  so  deep-rooting  as  is 
thought  by  many,  and  if  rotten  dung  is  freely 
employed  in  the  composition  of  new  beds  many 
of  the  thick,  succulent  roots  will  turn  black  and 
die  outright  during  the  winter  months.  At 
Reading  we  have  two  extremes  as  regards  soil : 
one  portion  is  light  and  sandy  overlying  a 
coarse,  red  gravel,  and  the  other,  a  greasy 
loam,  overlying  clay.  In  neither  case  have  ani- 
mal manures  been  given  to  the  soil  before  plant- 
ing or  since,  and  I  question  if  the  results  would 
have  been  much  improved  had  such  been  ap- 
plied. Young  roots  of  this  plant  grow  very 
freely  in  quite  ordinary  field  or  garden  soil ; 
moreover,  the  produce  from  young  beds  is  al- 
ways earlier  than  that  from  established  beds. 
For  forcing  purposes  crowns  three  and  four  years 


May  22,  1909.] 


THE    GARDENERS'    CHRONICLE. 


6Z0 


old  are  far  superior  to  those  that  have  yielded 
crops  in  the  open  for  a  number  of  years.  I  have 
tested  planting  in  single  rows  1  yard  apart  upon 
the  flat ;  in  beds  3  feet  wide  containing  two  rows 
of  plants  at  18  inches  apart,  allowing,  when  the 
beds  are  shaped,  9  inches  from  each  row  of  plants 
on  either  side  of  the  beds,  and  also  three  rows 
of  plants  in  a  3-foot  wide  bed,  one  row  down  the 
centre  and  the  two  outer  ones  a  foot  on  either 
side,  leaving  6  inches  to  the  edge  of  the  bed  upon 
either  side.  The  beds  3  feet  across  planted  with 
two  rows  give  the  best  results.  In  form- 
ing a  series  of  beds  space  is  allowed  for  an  alley 
18  inches  wide,  which  allows  the  plants  between 
two  beds  3  feet  of  space,  with  18  inches  space 
between  the  two  rows.  When  planting,  no 
raised  bed  was  formed ;  a  simple  flat-bottomed 
trench  was  dug  out,  about  3  inches  deep,  with  a 
spade  in  the  case  of  the  garden,  and  with  the 
plough  in  the  case  of  the  farm  land.  The  roots 
were  laid  in  the  trench,  being  either  one  or  two- 
year-old  crowns.  They  were  planted  in  April, 
when   growth   had   started,     and     covered     with 

2  inches  of  soil,  the  ground  being  quite  flat. 
Strong  stakes  were  driven  in  at  the  end  of  each 
row  to  indicate  the  lines.  These  stalks  are  neces- 
sary because  catch  crops  are  taken  from  between 
the  rows  and  also  from  between  the  plants  during 
their  first  season's  growth.  As  the  crowns  in- 
crease in  size  a  line  is  stretched  across  the 
ground,  and  alleys  are  formed  by  removing  soil 
from  the  centre  to  place  upon  the  beds  on  either 
side.  Thus,  raised  beds  result,  and,  if  this  sys- 
tem is  tested  upon  light  soil  against  plants  grown 
upon  the  flat,  it  will  be  found  to  produce 
Asparagus  nearly  a  fortnight  earlier.  Accord- 
ing to  the  soil  the  grower  has  to  deal  with,  so 
should  he  regulate  the  raising  of  his  beds.  The 
quantity  of  earth  placed  over  the  crowns  will 
also  have  some  effect  upon  the  earliness  or  late- 
ness of  the  produce.  I  never  cover  Asparagus 
beds  in  the  autumn  with  rotten  manure,  as  is 
usually  done,  but  as  soon  as  cutting  ceases, 
quickly  soluble,  stimulating  manures  are  ap- 
plied to  assist  the  growths  to  form  good  crowns 
for  another  season.  Cow  dung  applied  when 
growth  has  practically  ceased  keeps  the  air  out 
of  the  soil,  makes  it  cold  and  wet,  and,  in  old 
beds,  causes  many  of  the  roots  to  decay.  The 
temperature  of  the  soil  is  also  lowered,  and  the 
shoots  in  consequence  are  later  in  developing.  Far 
better  give  manure  from  spent  hot-beds  to  light 
soils  when  cutting  has  ceased.  I  use  soot  freely 
and  apply  it  early  in  the  yfar.  because  I  find  in 
ordinary  winters  young  roots  begin  to  push 
early  from  crowns  from  one  year  up  to  10-year- 
old  plants,  after  which  stage  they  are  later  in 
starting.  A  light  sprinkling  of  lime  given  every 
three  years  or  so  in  the  case  of  heavy  soils  and 
powdered  chalk  to  light,  sandy  soils  are  also 
beneficial.  Superphosphate  of  lime  three  parts 
(37  per  cent,  solubility)  and  ammonia  sulphate 
one  part,  mixed  and  applied  at  the  rate  of  2  to 

3  ounces  per  square  yard  during  February  or 
March,  will  assist  the  crop.  Salt  is  recognised 
as  a  necessity,  but  from  trials  made  over  a 
number  of  years  its  application  has  no  effect  upon 
the  yield,  although  in  the  case  of  light  soils 
weeds  are  less  troublesome  when  it  is  applied. 
I  have  found  kainit  of  value  to  this  crop,  and 
when  given  there  is  no  necessity  to  apply  other 
saline  matter.  Of  all  potash  manures  given,  none 
has  proved  so  good  as  wood  ashes.  It  should  be 
used  at  the  rate  of  one  pound  to  the  square  yard. 
It  tends  to  make  light,  chalky  soils  more  reten- 
tive of  moisture.  Varieties  of  of  Asparagus  are 
few ;  amongst  the  best  are  Perfection,  Connover's 
Colossal  and  Giant  French.  In  France  greater  at- 
tention is  paid  to  the  selection  of  stocks  for 
planting  than  in  England,  although  in  the  Eve- 
sham district  the  growers  mark  good  crowns  that 
produce  best  shoots  with  close  scales.  This  se- 
lection has  been  continued  for  several  years,  and 
many  of  the  Evesham  nurserymen  have  very 
uniform  stocks.  I  have  had  under  observation 
for  some  years  past  marked  crowns  that  produce 
varying  quantities  of  seeds,  and,  however  heavy 


the  crop  may  be,  it  does  not  appear  to  influence 
the  general  vigour  of  the  stems  the  following 
spring.  There  is  doubtless  good  work  to  be  done 
yet  with  regard  to  further  testing  the  possibili- 
ties of  this  plant.  It  will  grow  well  in  sandy 
wastes  where  other  plants  would  perish.  Charles 
Foster,   University  College,  Reading. 


THE    ROSARY. 


PEACH  CULTURE  IN  SPRING  AND  SUMMER. 

Failure  to  produce  a  satisfactory  crop  of 
Peaches  in  spring  and  summer  may  generally  be 
traced  to  improper  cultivation,  such  as  allowing 
the  trees  to  suffer  from  insect  pests,  neglect  to 
afford  sufficient  root  waterings,  or  the  improper 
disbudding  of  the  young  shoots.  The  blossom 
is  usually  afforded  protection  in  some  shape  or 
another,  but  this  avails  little  if  the  trees  do 
not  receive  the  necessary  attention  after- 
wards. The  blossoming  of  the  trees  this 
season  has  been  all  that  could  be  desired,  and 
the  weather  in  this  western  locality  has  been 
favourable  for  the  setting  of  the  fruits,  so  that 
with  good  management  one  may  safely  predict 
a  satisfactory  crop  of  Peaches  out  of-doors.  Mild 
weather  usually  favours  green  and  black  aphis, 
the  last-named  being  the  worst  pest  that  attacks 
the  Peach  and  Nectarine.  Unless  prompt 
measures  are  taken  to  eradicate  them,  they 
quickly  cripple  the  young  growths  upon  which 
next  year's  crop  is  developed.  In  some  seasons 
black  aphis  appears  in  clusters  around  the  fruit- 
buds  before  they  are  expanded,  at  which  stage 
it  is  most  difficult  to  dislodge  them,  because  the 
application  of  liquid  insecticides  at  that  period 
is  attended  with  considerable  danger.  Tobacco 
powder  is  the  safest  specific  to  apply,  and  this 
should  be  dusted  well  amongst  the  buds.  The 
removal  of  surplus  shoots  should  afterwards  be 
undertaken,  removing  a  few  only  at  a  time,  and 
allowing  a  week  or  ten  days  to  intervene 
between  the  thinnings.  Remove  the  shoots  which 
develop  on  the  under  side  of  the  fruiting 
branches  right  and  left  of  the  tree,  and  some  of 
those  on  the  upper  side  of  the  same  branches, 
retaining  the  nearest  basal  shoot,  which  will  be 
the  fruit-bearing  shoot  for  next  year.  As  a 
rule,  this  one  growth  is  sufficient,  besides 
the  leading  growth  on  the  fruiting  branch, 
if  the  latter  is  Decenary  for  the  extension 
of  the  tree;  if  not.  the  point  can  be  nipped  out 
at  the  fourth  or  fifth  leaf  and  the  old  shoot  cut 
clean  out  close  back  to  the  new  branch  which  is 
to  be  retained,  as  soon  as  the  fruit  has  been 
gathered.  Occasionally  a  second  shoot  midway 
may  be  left,  provided  a  space  can  be  found  for  it, 
but  it  must  be  remembered  that  overcrowding 
the  young  wood  during  summer  prevents  the 
proper  ripening  of  the  fruiting  shoots,  an  evil 
that  cannot  be  too  strongly  condemned.  The 
thinning  of  the  fruits  where  they  have  set  freely 
demands  attention  when  they  are  of  the  size  of 
Peas.  This  thinning  should  also  be  done  at 
intervals,  retaining  the  most  promising  and  best 
placed  fruits,  which  should  not  be  closer  to  each 
other  than  12  inches  on  a  healthy  tree.  The 
young  shoots  should  be  carefully  secured  to  the 
wall  when  they  are  long  enough  for  training,  but 
I  am  never  in  a  hurry  to  do  this,  as  they  not 
only  protect  the  young  fruits  from  frost,  but  they 
themselves  grow  better  when  left  undisturbed  for 
a  time.  Root  waterings  must  be  given  when- 
ever necessary,  affording  a  stimulant  each  time 
to  well-established  trees.  As  young  trees 
usually  make  very  strong  growths  they  are  better 
without  manurial  assistance.  Frequent  syring- 
ings  or  washings  of  the  foliage  are  necessary 
during  the  active  growing  season — that  is,  from 
early  June  onwards — evening  being  the  best  time 
for  the  work.  Apply  the  spray  well  under  the 
foliage  where  red  spider  generally  congregates. 
The  border  should  be  covered  with  a  strawy 
mulch  towards  midsummer  to  retain  the  moisture 
in  the  soil ;  in  wet  seasons  this  mulching  is  best 
dispensed  with.  Should  leaf-curl  put  in  an 
appearance,  the  affected  foliage  should  be  picked 
off  at  once  and  burnt.     James  Mayne,  Bicton. 


ROSE-GROWERS'    PROBLEMS. 

We  extract  the  following  racy  remarks  from  a 
paper  read  before  the  New  York  Florists'  Club 
by  Mr.  William  H.  Elliott,  and  reported  in 
Horticulture,  April  24,  1909. 

After  emphasising  the  need  for  those  who  take 
up  the  cultivation  of  the  Rose  for  commercial 
purposes  to  consecrate  their  lives  to  this  work,  and 
to  put  forth  every  ounce  of  energy  they  possess, 
Mr.  Elliott  described  how  to  plan  an  establish- 
ment, and  indicated  the  necessity  for  procuring  a 
level  tract  of  land  near  a  railway  station.  In  re- 
spect to  size  of  houses,  he  went  on  to  say:  "  My 
recommendation  is  the  large  house.  My  latest 
house — 60  feet  by  1,340  feet — I  find  none  too- 
large.  The  advantages  over  smaller  houses  are 
many,  and  are  summed  up  in  the  fact  that  they 
produce  better  stuff  and  more  of  it.  We  do  not 
find  that  those  who  have  built  the  large  houses 
have  given  them  up  and  gone  back  to  the  smaller 
ones.  If  they  build  again  they  build  larger 
houses. 

"  The  best  Roses  are  not  grown  by  any  secret 
process,  but  by  the  most  careful  attention  to  every 
detail.  Eternal  vigilance  is  the  price  of  good 
Roses If  anything  has  been  accom- 
plished by  the  use  of  chemicals,  I  should  like 
to  know  it.  I  find  plenty  of  care  and  cow  manure 
produce  much  better  and  surer  results.  Aim  to 
cut  your  Roses  when  the  demand  is  good.  The 
grower  that  produces  a  large  supply  on  an  over- 
stocked market,  and  a  small  supply  when  the 
market  is  short,  must  not  expect  to  get  a  very 
large  return.  How  do  you  decide  which  old 
variety  to  give  up  to  make  room  for  the  new  ? 
What  are  you  going  to  take  out  to  make  room  for 
White  Killarney?  Will  you  give  up  The 
Bride  this  year?  Do  you  think  White  Kil- 
larney will  replace  The  Bride?  Have  you  given 
up  your  Maids,  and  are  you  growing  Killarneys 
instead?  I  have  given  up  Maids;  next  year  I 
expect  to  give  up  Brides.  What  about  the  other 
new  varieties?  Rhea  Reid  I  shall  continue  to> 
grow,  but  not  very  extensively.  This  Rose  came 
very  near  to  being  one  of  the  best  Roses  ever 
produced.  Maryland  I  think  very  well  of,  and 
a  good  safe  one  to  grow.  William  R.  Smith  is  a 
very  promising  Rose  for  summer.  I  intend  to 
grow  it,  but  only  to  a  limited  extent.  Kaisirine 
does  not  give  any  light-coloured,  summer  Rose 
much  show.  Mrs.  Jardine  and  Queen  Beatrice  I 
have  discarded." 

COMPARISONS     OF     VARIETIES     FOR 
MARKET    PURPOSES. 

At  a  meeting  of  the  Gardeners'  Club,  held  at 
Boston,  in  April,  in  speaking  of  Roses,  Mr. 
Reuter  said  that  his  plants,  with  the  exception 
of  Chatenay  and  a  few  of  My  Maryland,  were 
grafted  stock.  Regarding  the  latter,  he  said  that 
the  grafted  plants  seemed  more  disposed  to  take 
a  winter  rest  than  the  own-root  plants,  and  for 
this  and  other  reasons  he  is  disposed  to  favour 
the  own-root  method  for  this  variety.'  He  will, 
however,  try  a  few  more  grafted  stock  in  the 
coming  year,  with  a  little  higher  temperature, 
and  will  also  give  this  promising  variety  a  trial 
for  summer  flowering.  Mr.  W.  H.  Elliott  said 
that,  in  his  experience,  Richmond  Bride  and 
Bridesmaid  had  yielded  scarcely  one-half  of  the 
results  which  Killarney  had  given  him.  Rhea 
Reid  had  been  a  disappointment  at  the  finish,  but 
it  just  narrowly  missed  being  a  big  success,  and 
he  purposed  to  hold  on  to  it  for  another  trial. 
Mr.  Eber  Holmes  pronounced  Killarney  to  be 
the  best  paying  Rose  grown,  and  Bridesmaid 
better  than  Bride.  Certain  people  had  propa- 
gated White  Killarney  surreptitiously  from  pieces 
of  stems,  therefore  the  wise  man  would  keep 
his  novelties  under  lock  and  key.  He  estimated 
that  in  the  hands  of  a  clever  propagator,  with 
adequate  facilities,  a  single  eye  might  be  in- 
creased to  a  quarter-million  rooted  cuttings- 
within  two  years.     F.  M. 


326 


THE    GARDENERS'    CHRONICLE. 


[May  22,  1909. 


The  Week's  Work. 


PLANTS    UNDER  GLASS. 

By  A.  C,  Bartlett,  Gardener  to  Mrs.  Ford,  Pencarrow, 
Cornwall. 

Thyrsacanthus  rutilans. — Cuttings  of  this 
plant  may  be  inserted  either  singly  or  by  putting 
three  or  four  around  the  sides  of  a  small  pot  con- 
taining sandy  soil.  The  pots  should  be  plunged 
in  the  propagating  frame  until  the  cuttings  have 
formed  roots,  at  which  stage  the  cuttings  should 
be  potted  up  singly  into  5  or  6-inch  pots.  Until 
the  plants  have  become  well  established  in  the 
larger  pots  they  should  be  grown  in  the  stove, 
but  afterwards  they  may  be  removed  into  an  in- 
termediate house. 

Camellia. — When  it  is  seen  that  the  new 
shoots  have  finished  their  growth  the  plants  may 
be  given  cooler  treatment.  Gradually  increase 
the  ventilation,  so  that  after  the  lapse  of  a  few 
weeks  the  ventilators  may  be  opened  to  their  full 
extent  by  night  as  well  as  by  day.  Those  speci- 
mens which  are  growing  in  pots  or  tubs  may  then 
be  placed  out-of-doors. 

Hippeastrum. — Let  the  plants  which  have 
finished  flowering  be  exposed  to  full  sunshine. 
Do  not  hasten  the  ripening  of  the  bulbs,  however, 
by  withholding  water  from  the  roots,  but  rather 
•encourage  growth  as  long  as  it  is  possible  to  keep 
the  leaves  green.  An  occasional  application  of 
weak  manure  water  will  be  beneficial  until  the 
decay  of  the  leaf.  Care  must  be  exercised  at  all 
times  to  avoid  excessive  watering. 

Carnations. — Any  plants  which  are  in  flower, 
or  that  are  about  to  flower,  should  be  lightly 
shaded  from  the  midday  sun.  They  require  a 
•comparatively  dry  atmosphere  and  Abundant  ven- 
tilation whenever  the  weather  is  favourable.  Cut- 
tings that  have  been  rooted  in  the  present  spring 
should  be  removed  to  a  frame,  placing  them  close 
to  the  glass.  Keep  a  sharp  look-out  for  aphis, 
■  and  destroy  them  directly  they  appear. 

Selaginella  Kraussiana. — This  well-known 
Selaginella  is  most  useful  for  surfacing  the  pots 
containing  Palms  and  other  plants  used  for  house 
decoration.  It  is  usual,  therefore,  to  cultivate 
a  considerable  stock  in  small  pots  which  are 
■crocked  to  one-half  their  depth.  We  use  a  rough, 
lumpy  soil  so  that  when  the  plants  are  turned 
out  of  the  pots  the  root  mass  does  not  fall  to 
pieces,  but  a  little  fine  soil  is  necessary  for  sur- 
facing. Dibble  cuttings  thickly  into  the  pots, 
and  place  them  in  partial  shade  in  a  warm,  moist 
atmosphere.  If  they  are  removed  to  a  cool  house 
for  a  few  days  before  they  are  needed  for 
the  dwelling-rooms  they  will  last  all  the  longer  in 
good  condition. 


FRUITS  UNDER  GLASS. 

By  E.  Harriss,  Fruit  Foreman,  Royal  Gardens,  Frogmore. 

Early-/ 'ruiting  vines. — As  much  air  as  outside 
conditions  will  allow  must  be  given  the  vines 
during  the  time  the  fruit  is  ripening.  If  the 
roots  are  at  all  dry,  they  must  be  given  a  moder- 
ate watering  with  clear,  tepid  water,  but  the 
atmosphere  should  now  be  kept  dry.  When  the 
fruits  are  ripe,  let  a  double  thickness  of  fish  net- 
ting be  placed  on  the  glass.  It  will  break  the 
power  of  the  sun's  rays,  and  the  Grapes  will 
therefore  keep  fresh  over  a  longer  period.  Keep 
a  sharp  look-out  for  mealy  bug. 

Grapes  to  ripen  at  midsummer. — Examine 
the  vines,  and  if  the  berries  need  to  be  further 
thinned,  let  this  be  done  before  they  get  over- 
crowded, or  there  will  be  a  greater  danger  of 
some  of  them  getting  rubbed.  Assuming  that 
there  is  a  sufficient  covering  of  foliage  over  the 
trellis,  the  lateral  growths  must  now  be  kept 
constantly  pinched  out.  If  the  least  evidence  of 
red  spider  is  to  be  seen,  let  the  affected  leaves  be 
sponged  with  a  weak  mixture  of  soft  soap  and 
sulphur  in  water.  Vines  affected  with  this  pest 
should  be  syringed  with  soft  water  in  the  after- 
noon at  closing  time,  but  this  should  be  discon- 
tinued when  the  berries  commence  to  colour. 
After  the  second  thinning  has  been  done,  the 
borders  should  receive  a  liberal  surfacing  of  rich, 
decomposed  farmyard  manure,  and  following  this 
a  thorough  watering  with  tepid  water. 

Id adresfield  Court  Crape. — This  most  excel- 
lent, mid-season  Grape  requires  a  little  extra  care 
and  attention  during  the  ripening  period,  as  the 
berries  are  liable  to  cracking.  I  believe  this 
■cracking  often  occurs  as  tha  result  of  some  degree 


of  drought  felt  by  the  roots.  It  is  a  mistake  to 
lessen  the  supply  of  water  at  this  critical  stage, 
when  the  vines  probably  absorb  as  much  mois- 
ture as  at  any  other  season.  When  colour  com- 
mences to  develop  on  the  berries,  the  atmosphere 
should  be  kept  freely  circulating,  but  the  strictest 
care  must  be  taken  to  prevent  draughts  of  cold 
air.  It  is  well  to  allow  the  laterals  a  certain 
amount  of  free  growth  until  the  danger  of  crack- 
ing is  passed.  In  order  to  prevent  excessive  mois- 
ture rising  from  the  borders  after  they  have  been 
watered,  a  surfacing  of  clean  straw  is  useful. 
Madresfield  Court  Grape  should  be  cultivated  in 
a  well-drained  border  of  restricted  size,  and  one 
in  which  the  soil  is  rammed  thoroughly  firm. 

Cucumbers.- — The  stopping  and  regulating  of 
shoots  should  be  carried  out  at  least  once  each 
week.  As  soon  as  numerous  roots  are  seen  on 
the  surface  of  the  border,  apply  a  top-dressing  of 
loam  and  decomposed  horse  manure.  Open  the 
ventilators  a  little  during  the  forenoon,  but  close 
them  again  about  3  p.m.;  when  the  house  and 
plants  are  syringed.  Should  the  Cucumber  blotch 
disease  (Cercospora  melonis)  appear  on  the  plants, 
cut  off  any  affected  leaves  and  burn  them.  Dis- 
continue the  syringing  for  a  time,  but  maintain 
the  atmosphere  moist  by  frequently  damping  all 
the   available    surfaces    in    the   house.      Another 


large  measure  it  may  be  prevented  if  a  mulch 
of  some  suitable  material  is  placed  on  the  soil 
sufficiently  early.  For  all  the  larger  growing 
vegetables  there  is  nothing  better  than  stable 
litter,  but  for  smaller  growing  crops,  such  as 
Beet,  Onions,  Carrots,  Lettuces  and  Turnips, 
manure  obtained  from  a  spent  Mushroom  or  hot- 
bed, with  some  leaf-mould,  are  the  best  materials. 
These  materials  should  be  passed  through  a 
coarse  meshed  sieve  in  order  that  they  may  be 
easily  worked  between  the  plants  and  rows.  If 
nothing  better  is  obtainable,  the  mown  grass 
from  the  lawns  will  answer  the  purpose. 

Watering. — It  will  now  be  necessary  to  com- 
mence watering  in  dry  weather.  When- 
ever water  is  applied  let  sufficient  be  given  to 
thoroughly  saturate  the  soil  as  deeply  as  the 
roots  penetrate.  Manure  water  of  some  kind  is 
essential  to  most  of  the  crops  if  the  best  results 
are  to  be  obtained.  Ordinary  house  sewage,  if 
used  with  care,  is  an  excellent  stimulant,  there- 
fore, provision  should  be  made  for  preserving  a 
sufficient  quantity  for  kitchen-garden  purposes. 
Drainings  from  the  farmyard  are  excellent  if  care 
is  taken  to  dilute  them  sufficiently  before  apply- 
ing them  to  the  crop.  As  far  as  circumstances 
will  allow,  all  watering  should  be  done  late  in  the 
afternoon  or  during  the  evening. 


Fig.  142. — rose  festoons  in  the  warren  house  gardens,  stanmore. 

{See  p.  323.) 


batch  of  plants  will  be  necessary  to  take  the 
place  of  those  now  fruiting  when  the  latter 
cease  to  be  productive.  Excellent  Cucumbers 
may  be  grown  at  this  season  of  the  year  in  un- 
heated  frames.  The  recommendations  given  in  a 
previous  Calendar  for  the  cultivation  of  Melons 
in  frames  may  be  followed  in  the  case  of  Cucum- 
bers, with  the  additions  that  a  covering  of  de- 
cayed leaves  be  placed  over  the  whole  of  the  bed 
3  or  4  inches  thick,  and  the  young  Cucumber 
plants  be  planted  on  mounds  composed  of  loam 
and  leaf-mould  in  equal  proportions. 


THE    KITCHEN    GARDEN. 

By  E.  Beckett,  Gardener  to  the  Hon.  Vicary  Gibbs, 

Aldenham  House,  Elstree,  Hertfordshire. 
Mulching. — It  would  be  difficult  to  overesti- 
mate the  value  of  a  good  mulch  to  most  vegetable 
crops,  whether  they  are  cultivated  in  light  or 
heavy  soil.  Contrary  to  the  general  belief,  I  am 
convinced  that  a  mulch  is  even  more  necessary 
on  heavy  ground  than  on  light,  porous  soils. 
Heavy  land  contracts  during  dry  weather  in  sum- 
mer, and  exhibits  much  cracking  and  the  crops 
suffer   from   this   condition   of   the    soil.        In   a 


Dandelion. — The  Dandelion  is  regarded  by 
many  as  one  of  the  best  salads  obtainable,  and  by 
some  as  one  of  the  best  vegetables  for  cooking 
purposes.  Seeds  should  be  sown  thinly  in  rows 
15  inches  apart,  and  the  seedlings  thinned  as 
early  as  possible  to  1  foot  apart. 

Potatos.— Use  the  flat  hoe  over  the  ground 
between  the  rows  and  Potato  sets  directly  the 
growth  appears  above  the  ground  level.  When- 
ever there  is  the  slightest  fear  of  frost  (and  it 
should  be  remembered  that  frost  is  possible  dur- 
ing the  whole  of  the  present  month),  let  the  tops 
be  either  covered  with  soil  or  protected  with 
some  other  material.  Examine  frequently  old 
tubers  which  have  been  stored  for  use.  Rub  off 
any  growths  that  appear  upon  them  and  make 
sure  that  they  are  in  the  coolest  place  avail- 
able. 

Spinach. — The  earliest  sowings  made  this 
spring  should  now  be  affording  leaves  for  con- 
sumption. The  plants  in  successional  batches 
should  be  thinned  out  to  6  inches  apart  in  order 
that  the  finest  produce  possible  may  be  obtained. 
Continue  to  sow  small  quantities  of  seed  once  a 
fortnight,  selecting  the  sites  between  rows  of 
Peas  or  some  other  partially-shaded  situations. 


May  22.  1909.  J 


THE    GARDENERS'    CHRONICLE. 


327 


THE  FLOWER   GARDEN. 

By  \V.  A.  Cook,  Gardener  to  Sir  Edmund  G.  Loder,  Bart., 
Leonardslee,  Sussex. 

Bamboos. — Any  varieties  of  Bambusa,  Arun- 
dinaria,  and  Phyllostachys  that  have  been  re- 
cently planted  should  be  given  occasional  water- 
ings, as  these  plants  become  dry  very  quickly  in 
the  presence  of  a  drying  wind.  It  is  useful  also 
to  spray  the  foliage  occasionally  with  clear  water. 
Arundinaria  nitida  and  A.  anceps  are  greatly  af- 
fected by  dry  conditions,  the  leaves  frequently 
showing  signs  of  shrivelling  during  an  east  wind. 
Large  clumps  of  Bamboos  can  be  improved  in 
condition  by  applying  water  from  the  hose.  It 
must  be  remembered  that  the  arrangement  of 
the  leaves  tends  to  divert  much  of  the  water  that 
falls  upon  them  to  an  area  not  covered  by  the 
roots.  If  a  small  jet  of  water  is  made  to  run  for 
several  hours  in  the  centre  of  a  plant  it  will  be 
sure  to  do  that  plant  good.  Any  other  trees  and 
shrubs  that  have  been  moved  should  be  examined 
for  the  same  reason.  First  of  all  make  the  soil 
thoroughly  firm  about  the  roots  and  then  apply 
water. 

Narcissi. — The  foliage  of  Narcissus  and  all 
bulbs  should  be  allowed  to  die  naturally.  There- 
fore, if  the  site  where  the  Narcissi  are  growing 
is  needed  for  any  other  plant  the  Narcissi  should 
be  lifted  carefully  and  laid  in  a  trench  where  they 
may  finish  the  ripening  process. 

I  'ulcuolaria. — Any  Calceolarias  to  be  used  in 
the  scheme  of  summer  bedding  not  already 
planted  in  their  permanent  position  should  lie  re- 
moved thereto  without  delay.  They  require 
deeply-dug  and  richly  manured  soil,  and  plant 
ing  should  be  done  very  firmly  or  the  plants  will 
die  suddenly  during  a  period  of  hot  weather. 

Hollyhocks. — Turn  up  a  leaf  occasionally  to  see 
if  there  are  signs  of  the  fungus  disease  (Puccinia 
malvacearum).  If  the  plants  are  sprayed  suffi- 
ciently early  with  permanganate  of  potash  or  sul- 
phide of  potassium  the  disease  will  be  checked. 
Hollyhocks  are  noble  border  plants  and  their  cul- 
ture is  recommended. 

Senecio. — S.  japonica,  S.  Veitchii,  and  S.  Wil- 
sonianus  are  apt  to  have  their  leaves  disfigured 
by  insects.  Therefore  sprinkle  about  the  plants 
a  quantity  of  soot,  lime,  or  kainit,  these  being 
distasteful    to   creeping    insects 

Helhbdrus. — Plants  that  were  shifted  at  the 
commencement  of  the  month  must  be  watered 
from  time  to  time. 

Rhododendron. — As  Rhododendrons  pass  out 
of  flower,  especially  the  Himalayan  species,  let 
the  seed  vessels  be  picked  off,  as  this  will  have 
the  effect  of  making  the  plants  grow  more 
strongly.  Afford  any  plants  water  that  appear 
to  require  it,  and  apply  a  mulch  to  isolated  speci- 
mens that,  having  no  shade,  would  be  liable  to 
very  warm  soil  about  their  roots. 

Alpine  plants. — See  that  shade  is  afforded 
such  plants  as  Schizocodon  Shortia,  and  Ramon- 
dia.  Many  of  the  Saxifragas  do  better  if  shaded 
from  the  midday  sun.  They  should  be  planted  in 
a  north-west  aspect. 

Gerbera  Jamesonii. — Plants  of  this  species  are 
now  growing  freely.  Take  away  a  little  of  the 
surface  soil  and  apply  a  top-dressing. 


THE    ORCHID    HOUSES. 

By  W,  H.  White,  Orchid  Grower  to  Sir  Trevor  Lawrence, 
Bart.,  Burford,  Surrey. 

Calanthe. — In  the  warmest  house  the  deciduous 
( 'alanthes  are  in  various  stages  of  growth. 
Those  which  have  unfolded  their  leaves  are 
looting  freely  towards  the  sides  of  the  pot. 
Such  plants  must  now  be  afforded  more 
water  at  the  root,  and  the  quantity  should 
continue  to  be  gradually  increased  as  the 
plants  make  further  progress.  Those  that  are 
more  backward  should  lie  set  aside  by  themselves, 
for  great  care  must  still  be  exercised  in  watering 
them.  At  Burford  I  find  it  necessary  to  give 
extra  shade  from  sunshine  to  these  Calanthes 
until  the  plants  are  thoroughly  established,  and 
for  this  purpose,  in  addition  to  the  lath  blinds, 
we  use  thin  archangel  mats  which  are  half  worn 
out ;  these  are  kept  on  the  glass  during  the 
hottest  part,  of  the  day.  Such  eversreen  Calan- 
thes as  C.  veratrifolia,  C.  Masuca,,  and  C.  macro- 
loba  should  now  be  opening  their  flowers,  and  if 
the  plants  are  placed  in  a  cool,  shady  part  of  the 
intermediate  house,  they  will  remain  beautiful 
for  several  weeks.  Whilst  in  bloom,  the  plants 
only  require  about  half  as  much  water  as  when 
they  are  in  full  growth — a  too  liberal  supply  at 


this  time  will  cause  the  flowers  to  become  spotted 
and  to  fall  away  prematurely.  The  proper  time 
to  repot  these  plants  is  when  new  growth  com- 
mences, which  usually  occurs  about  a  month 
after  flowering.  Being  strong,  free-rooting  sub- 
jects they  require  rather  large  pots,  which 
should  be  one-third  filled  with  drainage.  For  a 
compost,  use  one-half  of  fibrous  loam,  one-fourth 
leaf  mould,  one-eighth  Osmunda  fibre  cut  up 
rather  small,  and  for  the  remainder  small 
broken  crocks  and  coarse  silver  sand.  Pot 
the  plants  moderately  firmly,  as  when  planting  an 
ordinary  stove  or  greenhouse  plant,  and  allow 
a  good  space  for  water  on- the  surface.  Brown 
scale  insects  and  green  and  yellow  aphides  often 
attack  these  plants  just  as  the  flowers  commence 
to  open,  and  if  not  destroyed  at  once,  they 
spoil  the  whole  inflorescence. 

Thunias. — Thunias  have  grown  strong  and 
well.  As  the  flowering  racemes  commence  to  ap- 
pear on  the  apex  of  the  new  growths,  afford 
copious  waterings  at  the  root,  and  weak  liquid 
manure  water  about  once  or  twice  a  week  until 
the  flowers  expand.  When  in  bloom,  the  flowers 
will  last  longer  if  the  plants  are  arranged  m  the 
less  warm  atmosphere  of  the  Cattleya  house. 

Pleiones. — Such  Pleiones  as  P.  maculata,  P. 
lagenaria,  and  P.  concolor  now  suspended  to  the 
roof  'if  tin-  Cattleya  or  intermediate  house,  and 
others  as  P.  humilis  and  P.  Hookeriana  which 
are  near  a  ventilator  in  the  cool  house,  must 
receive  sufficient  water  to  keep  them  de- 
cidedly wet,  and  a  good  spraying  overhead 
several  times  a  day  so  that  the  foliage  will  be 
fresh  and.  clean.  When  thoroughly  established 
in  the  potting  material,  all  of  these"  Pleiones  en- 
joy exposure  to  light,  and  will  keep  the  tips  of 
their  leaves  green  longer  than  when  grown  in  a 
shady  position.  They  should  not,  however,  be  ex- 
posed to  strong  direct  sunshine. 

Chysis. — In  the  Cattleya  house,  plants  of 
Chysis  bractescens,  C.  Limminghii,  C.  aurea,  C. 
Sedenii,  and  C.  Chelsonii,  &c,  are  now  in  full 
growth.  Those  that  were  repotted  last  year 
and  need  no  disturbance  now,  will  require 
abundance  of  water  at  the  root.  If  any  require  re- 
potting the  operation  should  be  done  at  once.  The 
plants  grow  well  in  equal  parts  of  Osmunda  and 
Polypodium  fibre  cut  up  moderately  fine  and  with 
plenty  of  small  crocks  intermixed.  Pot  each 
plant  firmly  and  suspend  it  in  the  lightest 
position  in  the  house.  Instead  of  the  usual  shal- 
low Orchid  pans,  we  find  the  ordinary  flower-pot 
more  suitable,  these  having  three  holes  drilled 
just  under  the  rim,  and  with  copper  wire  handles 
they  are  easily  suspended.  All  through  the  grow- 
ing season  these  plants  are  extremely  liable  to 
the  attack  of  small  yellow  thrips.  When  these 
tiny  insects  get  a  footing  low  down  in  the  funnel- 
shaped  growths,  it  is  difficult  to  dislodge  them. 
A  good  plan  is  to  dip  the  growths  in  some  safe 
insei  t  hide,  afterwards  rinsing  it  off  in  clean,  soft 
water,  then  lay  the  plants  down  on  their  sides 
until  the  water  has  drained  out  of  each  growth. 
It  is  advisable  to  place  the  plants  in  any  house 
whenever  it  is  being  fumigated  with  a  vaporising 
compound. 


THE  HARDY  FRUIT  GARDEN. 

By  J.  G.  Weston,  Gardener  lo  H.  J.  King,  Esq.,  Eastwell 
Park,  Kent. 

Forced  Strawberries. — Where  the  later  batches 
of  these  have  not  been  too  hardly  forced,  they 
should  be  set  aside  and  hardened  off  gradually, 
with  a  view  to  planting  them  in  the  kitchen  gar- 
den. This  class  of  plant,  if  well  rested,  will 
usually  produce  a  good  crop  of  Strawberries  in 
the  autumn,  and  a  heavier  crop  in  the  following 
season.  Strawberry  plants  under  glass  are  very 
suscfeptible  to  red  spider  and  mildew,  and  some- 
times whilst  the  plants  are  standing  about,  pre- 
vious to  being  sufficiently  hardened  for  planting, 
these  pests  increase  in  number.  As  a  precautionary 
measure,  it  is  well  to  dip  the  foliage  in  a  strong 
mixture  of  sulphur  or  other  insecticide,  so  as 
to  ensure  the  plants  a  clean  start  in  their 
new  quarters.  Where  this  method  of  cultivation 
is  practised  yearly,  a  piece  of  ground  will  have 
been  already  prepared,  and  the  soil  by  this  time 
will  have  settled  down.  All  that  now  remains  to 
do  is  to  loosen  the  top  soil,  and,  before 
planting,  to  work  in  a  mixture  of  soot,  lime  and 
wood  ashes.  Rake  the  surface  level  and  draw 
lines  at  2£  feet  apart.  If  Strawberry  plants  grow 
strongly  in  the  garden  as  a  rule,  then  allow  the 
plants  the  same  distance  in  the  rows.  For  some 
of  the  more  compact  or  weaker-growing  varieties 


2  feet  will  be  found  sufficient.  Thoroughly  break 
the  ball  and  disentangle  the  roots,  or  the  latter 
will  have  some  difficulty  in  establishing  them- 
selves in  the  new  soil.  Plant  firmly  and  apply 
a  thorough  watering  afterwards.  In  the  event 
of  a  spell  of  dry  weather,  watering  must  be  con- 
tinued till  the  plants  are  well  established.  Where 
a  large  number  of  runners  is  required  for  raising 
plants  for  forcing,  it  is  a  good  plan  to  set  apart 
a  bed  of  late-planted  Strawberries,  and  to  use 
these  merely  for  providing  runners.  The  blooms 
should  be  pinched  off  as  soon  as  they  appear. 
This  is  a  better  plan  than  to  depend  on  a  fruiting 
plantation  for  the  runners — as  before  the  fruit  is 
cleared  a  considerable  time  will  have  elapsed,  and 
the  runners  may  be  damaged  by  the  pickers. 
Where  early  forcing  is  done,  it  is  a  gain  to  get 
the  plants  established  in  the  fruiting  pots  early. 
Early  Strawberries. — If  the  present  dry 
weather  continues,  warm  borders  set  apart  for  the 
production  of  early  fruit  will  require  frequent 
waterings,  otherwise  the  plants  will  be  checked 
in  their  growth  and  the  fruits  prevented  from 
swelling  sufficiently.  If  extra  fine  fruits  are 
desired,  thin  them  out  as  soon  as  the  bloom  is 
set,  leaving  about  12  fruits  on  each  plant.  This 
will  be  a  considerable  help  to  the  plants,  and 
will  hasten  the  development  of  the  fruit3  by  a 
few  days. 

THE    APIARY. 

By  Chloris. 
Water  for  Bees. — Now  that  the  bees  are  rais- 
ing large  quantities  of  brood,  much  water  will  be 
required,  and  where  there  are  no  natural  sup- 
plies of  pure  water  it  is  necessary  to  afford  a 
supply.  The  best  and  simplest  way  to  provide 
water  for  bees  is  to  fill  a  3-lb.  jam  bottle  with 
water,  and  invert  it  on  a  plate  in  the  vicinity  of 
the  hives. 

Arranging  an  apiary. — Bright  sunshine  has  a 
great  influence  upon  the  activity  of  bees,  and 
the  hives  should  be  so  placed  that  the  entrances 
catch  the  early  morning  sun,  that  is, 
facing  the  south-east.  Some  protection,  such, 
as  is  afforded  by  a  high  hedge,  should  be 
given  against  the  north  and  east  winds,  but  the 
hives  should  not  be  crowded  under  hedges,  al- 
though this  is  often  the  case.  Such  a  situation 
prevents  easy  manipulation  of  the  hives,  and 
causes  them  to  be  damp  from  the  constant  drip 
from  the  trees.  The  hives  should  be  so  placed 
that  a  person  can  easily  get  behind  them.  Place 
the  hives  about  two  yards  apart ;  let  the  alighting 
board  be  sloping,  and  not  more  than  a  foot 
from  the  ground.  If  the  apiary  is  in  a  field  keep 
a  space  around  each  hive  clear  of  grass  and  weeds, 
so  that  the  bees  will  be  able  to  enter  the  hives- 
freely.  Should  the  queen  be  lost  when  examining 
the  hive  she  will  be  more  readily  found  if  the 
ground  around  is  clear.  An  apiary  should,  if 
possible,  be  established  in  the  midst  of  honey- 
producing  flowers. 

Plants  that  furnish  honey  in  quantity. — Many 
persons  imagine  that  any  and  every  flower  will 
give  its  share  of  nectar  to  the  honey  bees,  but 
this  is  not  so.  There  are  many  blooms  which 
are  of  no  value  to  the  bee  because  the  nectar  is 
situated  too  far  down  the  corolla  for  the  tongue 
of  the  bee  to  reach  it.  The  following  plants  aro 
especially  valuable  for  honey  producing  :  All  fruit 
trees,  Lime,  White  Clover,  Borage,  Mignonette, 
Mustard,  Heather,  and  plants  of  the  Brassica 
family,  especially  when  grown  in  large  quantities 
for  seed. 

Swarms. — May  is  one  of  the  best  months  to 
commence  beekeeping,  especially  if  good  swarms 
can  be  obtained.  One  of  the  readiest  means  of 
judging  whether  a  new  stock  is  strong  is  to 
weigh  it.  A  good  swarm,  when  just  hived, 
should  weigh  from  4j  to  5  lbs.  ;  a  medium  one 
from  3  to  3j  lbs.  Before  bees  swarm  they  con- 
sume a  considerable  amount  of  honey,  which  they 
convert  into  wax  for  building  comb  in  their  new 
home.  When  bees  are  dispatched  some  con- 
siderable distance  by  rail  they  consume  some  of 
this  honey  as  food,  therefore  the  swarm  weighs 
less  on  arrival  than  when  dispatched. 

Fitting  a  hive  for  a  swarm. — A  swarm 
generally  builds  worker  comb  during  the  first 
season  after  swarming.  Fit  the  frames  with 
starters  about  an  inch  and  a  half  deep.  Over 
these  frames  place  zinc  queen  excluders,  and 
above  these  place  shallow  frames  containing 
drawn-out  comb.  The  bees  will  then  have  a  place 
in  which  to  store  their  nectar  and  thus  leave- 
plenty  of  room  for  the  queen  to  lay  her  eggs. 


328 


THE    GARDENERS'    CHRONICLE. 


[May  22,  1909. 


EDITORIAL   NOTICE. 


ADVERTISEMENTS  should  be  sent  to  the  PUB- 
LISHER, 41,  Wellington  Street,  Covent  Garden, 
W.C. 

Letters  for  Publication,  as  well  as  specimens  or  plants 
for  naming,  should  be  addressed  to  the  EDITOR, 
41,  Wellington  Street,  Covent  Garden,  London. 
i  ommunieations  should  be  win  i  txn  on  onk  side  only  of 
the  paper,  sent  as  early  in  the  week  as  possible  and  duly 
signed  (.f  tli,-  writer.  If  desired,  the  signature  will  not  be 
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Newspapers.— Correspondents  sending  newspapers  should  be 
carefulto  mark  the  paragraphs  they  wish  the  Editor  to  set. 


APPOINTMENTS  FOR  THE  ENSUING  WEEK. 

MONDAY,  MAY  24— Anniversary  meet,  of  Linnean  Soc. 

TUESDAY,  MAY  25- 

Roy.  Hort.  Soc.  Sh.  in  Temple  Gardens,  Thames 
I  nibankment  (3  days).  Ann.  meet,  and  dinner  of  the 
Kew  Guild  at  the  Holborn  Restaurant. 

WEDNESDAY,  MAY  26— 

British  Gardeners'  Association  Annual  Meeting  at 
Essex  Hall,  Strand,  London,  at  7  p.m.  Bath  and  West 
and  Southern  Counties  Sh.  at  Exeter  (6  days). 


Average    Mean   Temperature    for    the    ensuing    week, 
deduced  from  observations  during  the  last  Fifty  Years 
at  Greenwich— 55'7°. 
Actual  Temperatures: — 

London.— Il/crfncsrfav,  May  13  (6  p.m.):  Max.  6b  ; 
Min.  41". 
Gardeners'  Chronicle  Office,  41,  Wellington  Street, 
Covent  Garden,  London.— Thursday,  Hay  20 
(10  a.m.):  Bar.  30'2 ;  Temp.  68°;  Weather— 
Sunshine. 
Provinces.— Wednesday,  May  19  (6  p.m.):  Max.  63° 
Bury  St.  Edmunds  ;   Si  in.  54°  Scotland  E. 


SALES  FOR  THE  ENSUING  WEEK. 

TUESDAY—  ,  . ,      .     ,    .. 

Unreserved  sale  of  150  Magnificent  Orchids,  including 
some  rare  Cattleya  Rex,  by  order  of  Messrs.  Sander  & 
Sons,  by  Protheroe  &  Morris,  at  67  &  68,  Cheapside, 
E.C.,  at  2.30. 

WEDNESDAY—  ..  , 

Choice  and  Rare  Orchids,  many  being  certificated 
plants,  by  Protheroe  &  Morris,  at  1. 

THURSDAY— 

Hardy  Bulbs  and  Tubers,  at  12;  Palms,  Bays,  Ferns, 
&c,  at  1.30;  at  67  &  68,  Cheapside,  E.C.,  by  Protheroe 
&  Morris. 

JTRJDAY 

Imported  and  Established  Orchids,  Orchids  in  flower 
and  bud,  at  67  &  63,  Cheapside,  E.C.,  by  Protheroe  & 
Morris,  at  12.45. 


It  has  long  been  known  that  the 
The         blood  of    animals    contains  sub- 
Bpi>°r?ts>.f    stances— respiratory    pigments— 
which  act  as  carriers  of  oxygen; 
that  is,  which  are  capable  of  uniting  with  oxy- 
gen and  of  yielding  it  up  to  the  tissues  of  the 
body.     Such   respiratory    pigments    are    con- 
tained, for  example,  in  mammalian  blood,  and 
to   them  that   fluid   owes     its     characteristic 
colour.     The    change    of   colour   which   blood 
undergoes  in  passing  from  the  arterial  to  the 
venous  state  is  due  to  the  change  in  colour 
of    the    respiratory  pigment.     When    united 
with  oxygen  it  is  bright  red,  and  when  de- 
prived of  oxygen  it  is  of  a  darker  colour. 

Again,  it  is  well  known  that  in  the  process 
of  respiration,  both  in  plants  and  animals,  the 
energy  which  this  process  releases  and  puts  at 
the  disposal  of  the  organism  is  in  part  due  to 
oxidations.  The  raw  materials  of  respiration 
are  complex  organic  compounds — sugar  and 
also  nitrogen-containing  bodies :  the  final 
'■  waste  "  products  of  the  process  are  fully 
oxidised  substances,  such  as  carbon-dioxide, 
water  and  the  like. 

It  has  always  been  a  puzzle  to  physiologists 
to  understand  by  what  chemical  course  of 
events  the  respired  substances  are  oxidised  in 
the  cells  of  the  plant  or  animal. 

It  has  been  evident  for  some  time  that  re- 
spiration is  not  a  simple  oxidation  process, 
for  if  it  were,  then  increasing  the  supply  of 
oxygen  should  result  in  increased  respiration. 
This  is  not  the  case  with  plants,  for  the 
amount  of  oxygen  in  the  air  supplied  to  the 
plant  may  be  varied   within   extraordinarily 


wide   limits    without   increasing   the   rate   of 
respiration. 

That  certain  processes  go  on  in  the  plant 
preliminary  to  the  oxidative  processes  which 
constitute  the  last  stage  of  respiration  is  evi- 
dent from  the  study  of  fermentation  by  yeast. 
Yeast  is  a  fungus  which,  as  is  known  to  all, 
converts  certain  sugars  into  alcohol  and  carbon 
dioxide.  Yeast  (Saccharomyces  cerevisese)  is 
remarkable  in  as  much  as  it  may  live  in  the 
presence  or  in  the  complete  absence  of  oxy- 
gen ;  or,  in  other  words,  it  can  live  perobically 
or  anrerobkally. 

When  oxygen  is  present  yeast,  besides  fer- 
menting a  certain  amount  of  sugar  to  alco- 
hol, converts  some  sugar  into  carbon  dioxide 
and  water,  that  is,  it  sets  up  fermentation 
and  also  respires  like  an  ordinary  plant. 
When  oxygen  is  absent  yeast  obtains  its  sup- 
plies of  energy  solely  by  breaking  sugar  mole- 
cules into  alcohol  and  carbon-dioxide. 

Yeast,  as  an  aerobe,  derives  the  major  part 
of  its  energy  thus  : — 

06  H12  06  +  6  02  =  6  C02  +  6  H2  O 
as  an  anaerobe,  thus  : — 

C0  HM  Oc  =  2  C2  H5  H  O  +  2  C02, 
and  since  the  energy  obtainable  from  a  given 
weight  of  fermentaljle  sugar  is  greater  when 
the  oxidation  is  complete,   as  in  the  former 
case,   than  when  the  sugar  molecule  is  split 
into  an  unoxidised  part  (alcohol)  and  an  oxi- 
dised part  (carbon-dioxide),  it  follows  that,  to 
get  the  energy  necessary  for  its  routine  work 
of  living,  yeast  as  an  anaerobe  must  decompose 
considerably  more  sugar  than  when  it  is  living 
as  an  aerobe.    This  is  confirmed  by  the  experi- 
ence of  brewers,  who  limit  the  amount  of  oxy- 
gen available  for  the  yeast  during  alcoholic 
fermentation.    Till  recently  the  facts  of  alco- 
holic  fermentation  were   regarded   rather  as 
curious  than  significant.     Two  sets  of  obser- 
vations have  forced  them  into  prominence  as 
throwing  light  on  the  chemistry  of  respira- 
tion.    The  first  set  of  observations  indicates 
that  alcoholic  fermentation  is  not  confined  to 
yeast  and  various  other  micro-organisms,  but 
may    be   demonstrated   to    occur    among   the 
higher  plants.     That  this  is  so,  anyone  may 
determine  very  readily  by  keeping  Bean  seeds 
under  water  for  a  few  days,  and  then  rubbing 
the  seeds  between  the  fingers,  when  a  distinct 
smell  of  alcohol  is  to  be  recognised.    Experi- 
ments on  the  behaviour  of  the  higher  plants 
when  deprived  of  oxygen  have  led  to  the  con- 
clusion that  in  these  circumstances,  though  no 
oxygen  is  absorbed,  carbon-dioxide  continues 
for  some  time  to  be  evolved;  and,  as  we  have 
just  seen,  alcohol  is  also  produced.    This  pro- 
cess of  respiration   without  oxygen  is  called 
generally     intra-molecular     respiration.       It 
agrees   in  the   most   exact  manner   with  the 
alcoholic  fermentation  of  sugar  by  yeast,  and, 
indeed,  only  takes  place  in  plants  which  .con- 
tain sugar  in  their  tissues.     The  second  set  of 
observations    bearing    on    the    chemistry    of 
respiration  are  due  to  Buchner,  who  has  suc- 
ceeded in  isolating  from  the  living  yeast-cell 
a  definite  substance  which  he  terms  zymase 
and  which,  like  the  living  yeast-cell  itself,  has 
the  power  of  decomposing  sugar  into  alcohol 
and  carbon-dioxide. 

From  these  results  it  would  appear  probable 
that  in  yeast,  living  in  oxygen,  respiration 
takes  place  in  a  series  of  stages,  of  which  the 
first  is  the  disruption  by  zymase  and  similar 
agents  of  complex,  organic  substances  such  as 


sugar  (and  also  nitrogen-containing  bodies), 
and  the  second  the  oxidation  of  the  alcohol 
and  other  substances,  produced  by  this  dis- 
ruptive action.  If  this  is  the  probable  course 
of  events  in  the  respiration  of  yeast  it  is  also, 
for  the  reasons  already  given,  the  probable 
course  of  events  in  the  respiration  of  all 
plants. 

In  this  scheme    the    respiratory    pigments 
find  a  definite  place.     These  pigments  consist 
of  readily  oxidisable  bodies,   and,   under  the 
influence  of  special  agents  of  oxidation  called 
oxidases     and     peroxidases     take     up     oxy- 
gen.    They     act     as     temporary     storers     of 
oxygen.     The   oxygen,    which  they  hold   but 
loosely,   is  taken  from  them  and  induced  to 
combine  with  the  products  of  the  disruptive 
process  described  above,  with  the  consequent 
production  of  fully-oxidised    substances — the 
so-called     products     of    respiration — such    as 
carbon-dioxide    and    water.       A     respiratory 
pigment  may  have   different  colours  accord- 
ing as  it  is  in  the  oxidised   or  the  reduced 
state :  thus  indigo  is  blue  in  the  former,  but 
colourless   in  the   latter   condition.      Various 
fungi,   such  as  species  of  Boletus  turn  blue 
when      broken     and     exposed     to     the     air 
owing     to     the     taking     up     of     oxygen     by 
the     respiratory     pigment.       Many     of     the 
common    colour    changes    in    vegetables,   as, 
for   example,   the   browning   of   Apples,    may 
be    the    visible    sign    of    a    similar    oxidative 
process  whereby  a  respiratory  pigment  is  con- 
verted from  its  reduced,  colourless  state  to  its 
oxidised,   coloured   condition :   the   oxygen  so 
taken  up  being  destined  for  respiratory  pur- 
poses.    In  as   much  as  bodies,   having  these 
peculiar   relations   to   oxygen   and   exhibiting 
marked  colour  characteristics  when  oxidised, 
exist  in  the  sap  of  the  most  varied  kinds  of 
plants,  it  has  been  suggested  by  Palladia,  to 
whom  the  most  recent  investigations  are  due, 
that  the  cell-sap  of  plants,  because  it  contains 
these     respiratory     pigments     and     also     the 
oxidising  agents,  is  to  be  regarded  as  fulfilling 
the  same  respirator}-  functions  as  the  blood  of 
animals. 

Looking  at  matters  from  the  standpoint  of 
the  plant,  the  problem  which  it  solves  by 
respiration  is  how  to  obtain  the  energy  for 
doing  its  work.  The  complex  substances 
which  it  manufactures  contain  potentially 
great  stores  of  energy.  All  that  is  required 
is  that  these  substances  should  be  oxidised. 
At  the  low  temperature  at  which  plants  work 
this  cannot  be  done  directly.  It  is  done  in- 
directly in  two  series  of  operations.  First,  by 
special,  clastic  (decomposing)  agents,  like 
zymase,  the  organic  substances  are  split  up 
into  intermediate  bodies.  In  the  second  set 
of  operations  oxygen  is  brought  into  close 
association  with  the  respiratory  pigments.  In 
the  last  place,  this  store  of  oxygen  is  intro- 
duced to,  and  caused  to  combine  with,  the  de- 
composition-products of  the  first  stage.  Thus 
more  or  less  fully-oxidised  products  are 
evolved,  the  fulness  of  oxidation  being  a  mea- 
sure of  the  completeness  with  which  the 
potential  energy  of  the  original  food  sub- 
stance is  liberated.  Although  it  cannot  yet 
be  described  in  simple  language,  easy  of  ap- 
prehension to  the  layman,  the  great  problem 
of  the  mode  of  origin  of  the  vital  energy  of 
organisms,  by  virtue  of  which  they  live  and 
move  and  have  their  being,  begins  to  be  in- 
telligible. 


May  22,  1909.] 


THE    GARDENERS'    CHRONICLE. 


329 


Our  Supplementary  Illustration  repre- 
sents a  view  ot  the  Rhododendrons  in  the  pleasure 
grounds  at  The  Beacon,  Dormans  Land,  Sussex. 
The  bushes,  many  of  them  30  feet  high,  form  an 
undulating  hedge  on  either  side  of  the  path 
known  as  the  "  Broad  Walk."  This  path 
measures  16  feet  across  and  extends  a  dis- 
tance of  90  yards.  The  plants  are  principally 
varieties  of  R.  ponticum,  though  here  and  there 
are  hybrids,  some  with  white  flowers.  The  bushes 
have  been  planted  for  upwards  of  half  a 
century.  The  soil  varies  in  texture  from  a  more 
or  less  light  loam  to  a  stiff  clay,  being  a  staple 
that  is  not  considered  very  suitable  for  Rhodo- 
dendrons. Nevertheless,  they  flourish  and  pro- 
duce annually  a  grand  display  of  blossoms. 
Through  the  kindness  of  the  owner,  opportunity 
to  witness  the  display  is  extended  to  all  who 
care  to  do  so,  and  no  permission  is  necessary. 
The  site  is  shaded  slightly  by  big  trees, 
which  afford  protection  for  the  flowers  with- 
out obscuring  the  light  to  any  great  ex- 
tent. The  group  of  Rhododendrons  shown  in 
fig.  143  is  the  beautiful  variety  Rosa  mundi, 
growing  by  the  side  of  the  formal  lake  oppo- 
site the  Palm  house  in  the  Royal  Gardens,  Kew. 
This  spot  is  one  of  the  gayest  in  these  famous 
gardens  at  all  times,  and  especially  in  spring, 
when  the  large  beds  which  face  the  Palm 
house  are  filled  with  a  beautiful  display  of 
bulbous  plants,  most  of  them  massed  in  colours. 
The  Tulips  have  been  especially  fine  this  season. 
The  Rhododendron  Rosa  mundi  is  early  in 
flowering,  and,  as  will  be  seen  from  our  picture, 
it  is  extremely  floriferous.  Later,  when  the 
flowers  are  over,  the  dark  greenery  of  the  foliage 
affords  a  pleasing  contrast  to  the  wealth  of 
summer-flowering  subjects  which  take  the  place 
of  the  bulbs  in  the  flower-beds.  The  stone  vases, 
which  appear  in  relief  against  the  water,  are 
then  filled  with  showy  trailing  and  other  plants. 
The  lake  is  of  considerable  extent,  and  numerous 
and  varied  water-fowl  make  it  their  home.  The 
tiny  island  seen  in  the  middle  of  the  lake  is  a 
favourite  spot  for  a  pair  of  cormorants,  which 
birds,  disporting  themselves  and  diving  into  the 
water  after  the  food  thrown  them  by  their 
keeper  or  visitors,  provide  a  constant  source  of 
•  entertainment.  On  a  fine  summer's  afternoon, 
and  especially  on  Sundays,  the  margins  of  the 
water  are  crowded  by  visitors,  the  vicinity  of  this 
lake  and  the  Palm  house  being  the  most  fre- 
quented  spot  in  the  gardens. 

Flower     Shows    at     Birmingham.  —  The 

Birmingham  Botanical  and  Horticultural  Society 
have  decided  to  hold,  in  accordance  with  prece- 
dent, two  summer  flower  shows  at  the  Botanical 
Gardens,  Edgbaston,  this  season.  The  forthcom- 
ing shows  will  be  held  on  June  9  (Orchids  and 
early  summer  flowers)  and  July  21  (Roses  and 
midsummer  flowers).  Schedules  may  be  obtained 
from  the  hon.  secretaries,  Messrs.  Humphreys 
and  Whitelock,  at  the  Botanical  Gardens. 

Kensington  Gardens. — The  Times  on  the 
13th  inst.,  reports  the  following  questions  and 
answers  in  the  House  regarding  the  management 
of  Kensington  Gardens : — Mr.  Rees  asked  the 
First  Commissioner  of  Works  whether  he  would 
consider  the  propriety  of  extending  the  ride  from 
Hyde  Park  into  Kensington  Gardens?  Mr.  L. 
Harcourt  :  I  cannot  give  any  encouragement  to 
this  suggestion.  It  would  destroy  the  amenities 
of  Kensington  Gardens,  and  I  am  glad  to  think 
the  cost  would  be  prohibitive.  Mr.  Rees  :  Will 
the  right  hon.  gentleman  consider  the  desira- 
bility of  keeping  members  of  Parliament  and 
others  in  good  health,  and  the  difficulty  of  get- 
ting sufficient  exercise  at  present?  Mr.  L. 
Harcourt  :  I  attach  more  importance  to  keeping 
the  children  in  Kensington  Gardens  in  good 
health. 


The  Hurst  and  Son  Musical  Society  and 
the  Gardeners'  Royal  Benevolent  Insti- 
tution.— This  society  gave  a  performance  of  a 
musical  play  entitled  "  In  Cyderland"  on  the  10th 
inst.,  at  the  Cripplegate  Theatre,  Golden  Lane, 
London.  The  play  was  written  by  Mr.  R.  Carey 
Tucker,  and  the  music  composed  by  Mr.  Edward 
Sherwood.  There  was  a  good  attendance,  and 
the  performance  was  greatly  enjoyed.  We  under- 
stand that  Mr.  Edward  Sherwood  will  be  en- 
abled to  make  a  contribution  of  £100  to  the 
funds  of  the  Gardeners'  Royal  Benevolent  Insti- 
tution as  a  result  of  the  performance. 

A  Proposed  National  Vegetable 
Society. — A  meeting  of  several  persons  in- 
terested in  vegetable  culture  was  held  in  the  Board 
Room  of  Country  Life,  Limited,  on  Tuesday  after- 
noon last.  Those  present  included  Mr.  A.  Dean  (in 
the  chair),  and  Messrs.  O.  Thomas,  G.  Wythes, 
W.  Poupart,  C.  Foster,  H.  Markham,  C.  Hob- 
day, E.  T.  Cook,  J.  T.  Quick,  and  F.  W.  Har- 
vey. The  feeling  in  favour  of  the  formation  of  a 
Vegetable  Society  was  unanimous,  and  it  was 
agreed  to  convene  by  circular  a  meeting  of  all 
interested  in  the  project.  This  will  be  held  in 
the  Essex  Hall,  Essex  Street,  Strand,  at  4  p.m. 
on  Tuesday  afternoon  next.  At  that  meeting  full 
opportunity  will  be  given  for  discussion  and  pro- 
posals will  be  submitted.  Mr.  A.  Dean  is  to 
preside,  and  Mr.  Quick  will  act  as  hon.  sec.  pro 
tern. 

Mr.  H.  J.  Veitch. — We  have  received  th 
following  note  upon  a  subject  which  we  are  quite 
sure  will  have  the  active  sympathy  of  our 
readers: — "With  the  increasing  love  of  plants 
and  gardens  it  may  possibly  be  forgotten  to  what 
a  really  vast  extent  the  present  and  succei  !  i 
generations  are  indebted  to  Mr.  Harry  J. 
Veitch,  V.M.H.,  not  only  for  his  invaluable 
work  amongst  plants,  but  also  for  the  assistance 
lie  has  invariably  rendered,  personal  as  well  as 
financial,  to  the  great  gardening  charities.  A  few 
of  his  friends  and  admirers  (both  amateur  and 
professional)  are,  therefore,  desirous  of  having 
his  portrait  painted  by  one  of  our  leading  artists, 
in  order  that  it  may  be  hung  permanently  in  the 
buildings  of  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society.  A 
sum  of  600  guineas  will  be  required.  Of  this  a 
very  substantial  sum  has  already  been  received, 
but  it  is  thought  that  amongst  many  of  his 
friends  there  will  exist  a  feeling  that  an  oppor- 
tunity to  subscribe  should  also  be  afforded  them. 
It  is  proposed,  should  the  funds  admit,  to  pre- 
sent each  subscriber  of  one  guinea  and  upwards 
with  an  engraving  of  the  portrait.  Subscriptions 
1 1 1 . i >  be  sent  to  either  Mr.  H.  B.  May,  of  Stan- 
more,  The  Green,  Chingford.  or  to  the  Revd.  W. 
Wilks,  Shirley  Vicarage,  Croydon." 

British    Gardeners1    Association.  —  The 

annual  general  meeting  will  be  held  in  the  Essex 
Hall,  Essex  Street,  Strand,  London,  on  Wednes- 
day, May  26,  at  7  p.m.  (the  second  day  of  the 
Temple  Show).  Mr.  E.  F.  Hawes,  Chairman  of 
the  Executive  Council,  will  occupy  the  chair. 

Thrips  in  Greenhouses.  —  Experiments 
made  by  Mr.  A.  C.  Beale  on  the  best  means  of 
destroying  thrips  on  Cucumbers  and  published  in 
the  Gardeners'  Chronicle  of  America  (No.  1, 
vol.  ix.,  April,  1909)  have  led  to  the  following 
conclusions :  Hydrocyanic  acid  gas,  at  the  rate 
of  1  ounce  of  potassium  cyanide  per  1,000  cubic 
feet,  is  effectual.  (This  method  must  not  be 
used  unless  the  operator  adopts  proper  precau- 
tions, since  hydrocyanic  acid  gas  is  extremely 
poisonous).  Spraying  with  a  40  per  cent,  nicotine 
preparation  (one  teaspoonful  to  a  gallon  of 
water)  will  keep  down  thrips  on  Cucumber  with- 
out injury  to  the  plant,  provided  that  the 
nicotine  water  is  washed  off,  before  it  has  had 
time  to  dry  on  the  leaves,  by  spraying  with 
ordinary  water. 


Bequest  to  a  Gardener.  —  The  late 
Dowager  Duchess  of  Marlborough  (Lady  Wil- 
liam Beresford),  whose  will  has  just  been  pub- 
lished, made  a  number  of  bequests  to  her 
servants,  among  them  a  sum  of  £500  to  Mr.  F. 
Chamberlain,  her  gardener  at  Deepdene,  near 
Dorking. 

Rhododendron  Pink  Pearl. — Speculations 
having  been  advanced  in  a  contemporary  as  to 
the  parentage  and  origin  of  this  Rhododendron, 
Messrs.  John  Waterer  &  Sons,  Ltd.,  Bagshot, 
ask  us  to  state  that  it  was  raised  in  their  nur- 
sery. Messrs.  Waterer  state  that  they  are  mak- 
ing similar  crosses  to  that  which  produced  Pink 
Pearl,  and  have  hopes  of  raising  even  better 
varieties. 

Protection  of  Wild  Plants  in  Surrey. — 

In  order  to  preserve  as  much  as  possible  the 
beauties  of  rural  waysides  in  the  area  under  its 
administrative  authority,  the  County  Council  of 
Surrey  has  recently  passed  the  following  by-law  : 
— "  No  person  shall  uproot  or  destroy  any  Ferns 
or  other  wild  plants  growing  in  any  road,  lane, 
roadside  waste,  wayside,  bank  or  hedge,  common 
or  other  public  place,  in  such  a  manner  or  in 
such  quantities  as  to  damage  or  disfigure  such 
road,  lane,  or  other  place.  Provided  that  such 
by-law  shall  not  apply  to  persons  collecting  speci- 
mens in  small  quantities  for  private  or  scientific 
purposes.  Any  person  offending  against  this  by- 
law shall  be  liable  to  a  penalty  not  exceeding 
£5."  Lord  Farrer  asked  that  the  middle 
clause  be  omitted,  as  members  of  so-called  Nature 
Study  classes  uprooted  everything.  It  was  de- 
cided that  as  the  by-law  was  identical  with  that 
adopted  in  Devonshire,  the  proposed  rules  should 
be  passed,  without  alteration,  to  see  how  they 
worked. 

Nitrogen  -  fixing  Bacteria  and  Non- 
Leguminous  Crops. — In  a  paper  read  before 
the  Royal  Society  on  May  6,  Professor  Bot- 
tomley  gave  an  account  of  the  results  of  his 
experiments  on  applying  to  the  roots  of  non- 
leguminous  crops  (Oats,  Barley,  Parsnips,  &c.) 
cultures  containing  two  nitrogen-fixing  micro- 
organisms, viz.,  Pseudomonas  radicicola  and  a 
species  of  Azotobacter.  Pot  experiments  with 
Oats  grown  in  sand  and  manured  with  phos- 
phates, potash,  and  lime  gave  : — Treated  pots, 
watered  once  with  the  mixed  culture  solution, 
average  weight  for  plant  =  .74  grams ;  un- 
treated, .42  grams ;  increase  in  favour  of  treated 
plants  =  .32  grams,  i.e.,  76  per  cent.  Barley: 
Field  experiments  on  limed  plots  of  484  square 
yards.  Seed  only  treated  with  bacterial  culture. 
Yield  of  treated,691  lbs.  ;  of  untreated,  608  lbs.  ; 
increase,  83  lbs.,  or  13.6  per  cent.  With  bulbs, 
Galtonia  candicans,  250  bulbs  in  each  plot,  grown 
in  sandy  soil,  manured  and  limed,  Professor 
Bottomley  obtained  the  following  results : — 
Weight  of  Lulbs  when  lifted  and  dried  at  end  of 
season :  treated,  82  lbs.  1£  oz.  ;  untreated,  69  lbs. 
3  oz. ;  increase,  12  lbs.  14^  oz.  =  18.6  per  cent, 
in  favour  of  the  treated  bulbs.  Parsnips,  grown 
in  garden  soil,  manured  and  limed,  half  the  bed 
watered  once  with  mixed  culture  solution, 
showed,  with  respect  to  weight  of  the  roots: — 
Treated,  65  roots  weighed  26  lbs.  10  oz.,  average 
per  root  =  6.55  oz. ;  untreated,  68  roots  weighed 
22  lbs.  14  oz.,  average  per  root  5.38  oz. ;  increase 
per  root,  1.17  oz.   =  21.7  per  cent. 

Tree  Grubbing  by  Steam  Engine.— On  an 

estate  near  Bulwell,  Nottinghamshire,  belonging 
to  Messrs.  Richard  Sankey  &  Son,  Ltd.,  a 
seven-acre  wood  has  been  cleared  by  means  of  a  , 
powerful  traction  engine.  The  soil  at  the  foot  of 
each  tree  was  slightly  loosened,  a  chain  placed 
around  the  trunk,  the  engine  put  in  motion,  and 
the  tree  hauled  out  of  the  ground. 


330 


THE    GARDENERS1    CHRONICLE. 


[May  22,  1909. 


A  Narrow  Escape.— Under  the  title,  "A 
Warning  to  Gardeners,"  the  Hants  and  Sussex 
County  Pros  fur  May  15  reports  a  narrow 
escape  from  death  from  nicotine  poisoning.  It 
appears  that  a  boy  employed  at  a  nursery  took 
home  some  nicotine  preparation  used  for  fumi- 
gating purposes,  and  that  his  mother  employed 
it  on  the  heads  of  two  little  girls.  Both  children 
were  rendered  unconscious  by  the  poison,  and 
only  prompt  medical  aid  saved  them  from  death. 
It  cannot  be  too  often  insisted  upon  that  all  poi- 
sonous preparations  used  by  horticulturists 
should  be  properly  labelled,  and,  above  all,  kept 
under  lock  and  key. 

The    Evolution    of    the    Orchidace/e.-- 

Under  the  above  title  Mr.  R.  A.  Rolfe  com- 
mences in  the  May  number  of  the  Orchid  Ii''ii<  w 
a  series  of  articles  on  the  relations  in  which  the 
several  genera  of  this  most  interesting  group 
of  plants  stand  to  one  another.  He  points  out 
that  the  most  primitive  of  existing  Orchids  is 
the  genus  Newiedia.  with  some  half-dozen 
species,  and  insists  that,  though  the  flowers  of 
this  genus  differ  very  considerably  from  those  of 
other  genera,  Newiedia  is  rightly  included 
in  the  Orchidacese.  He  describes  in  brief 
but  adequate  fashion  the  characters  of  the 
sub-orders,  Diandra;  and  Monandr*.  The  dis- 
tinguishing features  of  the  two  tribes,  Apos- 
tasies and  Cypripedieae,  into  which  the  former 
sub-order  is  divided,  are  given,  the  classification 
of  the  Monandra;  being  left  for  subsequent  treat- 
ment. We  commend  Mr.  Rolfe's  article  to  the 
notice  of  all  those  who  are  interested  in  what 
Darwin  rightly  called  "  the  most  singular  and 
most  modified  forms  in  the  vegetable  kingdom." 

Scab  on  Potatos.— It  having  been  observed 
in  Yorkshire  that  scab  is  more  prevalent  in  a 
dry  than  in  a  wet  season,  experiments  were 
instituted  by  the  Agricultural  Department  of  the 
University  of  Leeds  (Bulletins  63  and  70)  in 
order  to  ascertain  whether  by  treating  land  with 
substances  capable  of  holding  water  the  disease 
might  be  prevented  or  reduced.  The  substances 
used  were :— sawdust,  shoddy,  Rape  meal  and 
peat  moss,  each  of  these  substances  being  used 
with  and  without  salt.  The  sawdust  and  peat 
moss  were  soaked  in  water  before  being  applied 
over  the  sets  at  planting  time.  The  best  results 
were  obtained  by  the  use  of  50  cwts.  of  wetted 
sawdust;  the  addition  of  salt,  however,  reduced 
the  yield.  Steeping  the  "  seed  "  in  formaline 
(8  fluid  ounces  of  commercial  formaline  to  15 
gallons  of  water)  reduced  the  amount  of  scab  in 
the  crop. 

Coke  for  Keeping  Potatos.— According  to 
a  German  publication,  the  Practical  Adviser  in 
Fruit  Raising  and  Gardening,  Potatos  may  be 
kept  and  prevented  from  sprouting  by  placing 
them  on  layers  of  coke.  Though  it  is  not 
apparent  by  what  properties  of  coke  this  effect 
is  produced,  the  fact  would  appear  to  be  well 
vouched  for.  It  is  stated  that  by  the  use  of 
layers  of  coke  Potatos  may  be  kept  in  good  con- 
dition till  July. 

A   New  Method  of  Packing  Grapes.— An 

improved  method  of  packing  Grapes  for  market, 
devised  by  M.  Barody.  is  described  in  the  Bi  vue 
Horticole  (May  1,  1909).  A  portion  of  the  stem 
is  left  attached  to  the  bunch,  and  the  two  cut 
ends  of  the  stem  are  covered  with  wads 
of  cotton  wool  well  soaked  in  water.  Pieces  of 
waterproof  paper  are  wrapped  over  the  wool 
and  kept  in  place  by  elastic  rings.  The  Grapes 
are  then  put  up  in  boxes,  with  the  usual  packing 
between  the  bunches.  L' Agriculture  Commer- 
cials '^ives  an  account  of  the  success  which 
attended  an  exacting  trial  of  this  method. 
Bunches  packed  by   M.   Barody's  method   and 


others  packed  in  the  usual  manner  were 
despatched  from  one  part  of  France  to  another, 
and  after  having  travelled  over  a  thousand  miles 
were  inspected  by  competent  judges.  Those 
specially  packed  were  found  to  be  as  fresh  as 
when  cut;  the  others,  packed  in  the  ordinary 
way,  were  in  a  lamentable  state.  The  extra  cost 
of  the  special  packing  comes  to  two  or  three 
shillings  per  100  lbs. 

Publications  Received.— Insect  Pests  on 
Fruit,  by  Fred.  V.  Theobald,  M.A.,  &c.  (Pub- 
lished by  the  author,  Wye  Court,  Wye.)  —  CEco- 
logy  of  Plants  :  An  Introduction  to  the  Study 
of  Plant  Communities,  by  Eug.  Warming,  Ph.D., 
assisted  by  Martin  Vahl,  Ph.D.  (Oxford  :  Claren- 
don Press.)  Prioe  8s.  6d.  net,  cloth;  10s.  net, 
morocco.— Kew  Bulletin.  (No  3.)  Containing 
The  Flora  of  Ngamiland,  A  Funtumia  Disease, 
The  Herbarium  Savatier,  &c.  (London  :  Wyman 
&  Sons,  Ltd.,  Fetter  Lane  )  Price  6d. — Beautiful 
Flowers  and  How  to  Grow  Them,  by  Horace  J. 
and  Walter  P.  Wr  girt.  (Part  XII.)  (London: 
T.  C.  &  E.  C.  Jack.)  Price  is.  net.—  Trees  :  A 
Handbook  of  Forest -Botany  for  the  Woodlands 
and  the  Laboratory,  by  the  late  H.  Marshall 
Ward,  So.D.,  F.R.S.  Vol.  V.  :  Form  and  Habit, 
with  an  Appendix  on  Seedlings.  (Cambridge  : 
University  Press.) — The  Journal  of  the  Cooper 
Research  Laboratory,  edited  by  Walter  E. 
Collinge,  M.Sc.,  F.L.S.,  F.E.S.,  Director.  (Berk- 
hamsted:  The  Cooper  Research  Laboratory.) 
Price  3s—  Agricultural  Bulletin  of  the  Straits 
and  Federated  Malay  States.  (April )  (Singa- 
pore :  The  Methodist  Publishing  House.)— The 
Women 's  Agricultural  and  Horticultural  Inter- 
national Union  Monthly  Leaflet.  New  series, 
No.  11.  (London  :  64,  Lower  Sloane  Street,  S.W.) 
Price  2d.— The  Tropical  Agriculturist  and 
Magazine  of  the  Ceylon  Agricultural  Society. 
(March.)  (Colombo:  A.  M.  &  J.  Ferguson.)— 
Tenth  Annual  Report  on  the  Destruction  of 
Charlock.  (London:  Spottiswoode  &  Co.,  Ltd.) 
—  Twenty-first  Annual  Report  of  the 
Agricultural  Experiment  Stations  of  the 
Louisiana  State  University  and  Agricultural 
and  Mechanical  College  for  1908  to  the  Gov- 
ernor, by  W.  K.  DoJson,  Director.  (Baton 
Rouge:  The  New  Advocate,  Official  Journal  of 
the  State  of  Louisiana.) 


HOME   CORRESPONDENCE. 

(The  Editor  does  not  hold  himself  responsible  jor  the 
opinions  expressed  by  his  correspondents.) 

An  Iris  Disease.— Growers  of  Pogoniris  will 
welcome  Mr.  Dyke's  timely  note  (p.  294)  on  the 
treatment  of  the  combined  fungal  and  bacterial 
disease  which  has  been  increasingly  in  evidence 
during  the  last  few  years.  It  is  satisfactory, 
especially  in  the  case  of  seedling  Irises,  to  know 
that  it  need  not  necessarily  involve  the  loss  of 
the  whole  plant.  Last  season,  however,  I  ob- 
served a  final  stage  of  the  disease,  which  leads 
me  to  suggest  that  it  is  important  to  thoroughly 
destroy  every  portion  of  the  rhizome  that  is  actu- 
ally diseased.  Three  Iris  seedlings  that  had  been 
attacked,  but  not  entirely  destroyed,  were  left  in 
the  ground,  and  in  November  I  found  the  rotted 
main  rhizome  of  each  of  these  swarming  with  a 
quantity  of  small  grubs,  some  of  which  I  sent  to 
the  R.H.S.  Scientific  Committee  for  identifica- 
tion and  advice.  I  was  informed  that  they  were 
larvae  of  a  two-winged  fly,  and  probably  had  no 
connection  with  the  disease.  But  it  seems  not 
unlikely  that  as  they  were  feeding  on  the  dis- 
eased tissue  they  might  act  as  disseminators  of 
the  bacteria,  either  mechanically,  or,  perhaps, 
as  migration  hosts  (as  in  the  case  of  the  try- 
panosome  and  the  tsetze  fly),  and  that  later  on, 
when  the  mature  insect  lays  its  eggs  in  the  Iris 
rhizome,  it  may  at  the  same  time  introduce  the 
bacteria  again.  Indeed,  the  way  in  which  single 
plants  are  attacked  at  random  here  and  there 
throughout  a  bed  of  seedlings  planted  in  fresh 
soil  suggests  this  as  one  way  in  which  the 
bacteria  may  be  disseminated.     A.  J.  Bliss. 

Perpetual-flowering  Carnations  for 
Summer  Bedding. — We  arc  so  accustomed  to 
see  Carnations  cultivated  near  the  vegetable 
quarters  that  the  impression  exists  that  they  are 
only  useful  as  plants  to  afford  flowers  for  cutting. 
In  the  case  of  the  border  Carnation  this  is  easily 


understood,  principally  owing  to  the  fact  that 
they  require  to  be  planted  in  the  autumn  or  early 
spring,  thus  putting  early  spring  bedding  stock 
out  of  the  question.  But  in  the  case  of  the 
perpetual-flowering  Carnation  it  is  possible  to 
put  out  the  plants  in  May  after  the  spring  bed- 
ding has  been  removed.  We  plant  our  Carna- 
tions at  the  same  time  as  the  Pelargoniums  and 
Fuchsias,  and  they  commence  to  flower  very  souii 
afterwards.  Cuttings  rooted  late  in  the  previous 
spring  and  wintered  in  cool  or  cold  frames  pro- 
vide idoal  stock  for  this  purpose.  If  stopped  for 
the  last  time  in  September,  the  growths  will  be 
elongating  for  flower  at  the  time  of  planting  in 
May,  when  they  should  be  in  5-inch  pots.  Plants 
which  have  flowered  during  winter  under  glass 
will  produce  quantities  of  bloom  all  summer  if 
planted  out  during  the  spring.  The  superiority 
of  the  perpetual  Carnation  over  the  border  Carna- 
tion, from  a  flowering  standpoint,  will  be 
apparent  to  all,  for  the  former  commence  to 
bloom  in  the  spring  and  continue  until  the 
autumn.  A  friend  residing  at  Bournemouth  says  : 
"  I  regularly  gather  a  bunch  of  perpetual  Carna- 
tion bloom  on  Christmas  Day  from  the  garden." 
So,  like  the  Rose,  we  never  quite  know  which  is 
the  last  Carnation  of  summer.  The  question  of 
varieties  is  not  a  perplexing  one.  For  the  best 
reds  I  would  recommend  Britannia  and  Beacon  ; 
pinks,  Enchantress,  Rose  Pink  Enchantress,  Mr. 
Burnett,  and  Winsor ;  white,  White  Perfection, 
White  Enchantress,  and  Lady  Bountiful;  while 
The  President  is  the  best  crimson  flower  for  the 
purpose.     Montagu  C.    Allwood. 

A  Fine  Hardy  Primrose. — Whilst  the  whole 
world  has  been  scoured  to  collect  specimens  of  the 
great  Primrose  family,  yet  of  all  the  numerous 
forms  in  cultivation  perhaps  none  excel  in  at- 
tractiveness or  beauty  the  cross-bred  products  of 
Primula  Auricula  and  P.  vulgaris,  these  being 
our  garden  Auriculas,  Polyanthuses,  and  Prim- 
roses. All  of  these  flowers  have  been  seen  this 
year  in  many  directions  in  wondrous  beauty  as 
ordinary  greenhouse  or  border  flowers.  But  at 
Wisley,  in  a  retired  spot  beneath  the  trees  and, 
oddly  enough,  quite  alone,  I  saw  recently  a  strong 
plant,  with  leaves  vieing  in  luxuriance  with  the 
foliage  of  P.  japonica  which  grows  so  finely,  so 
beautifully,  and  so  naturally  here,  the  finest, 
richest  coloured,  single  crimson  Primrose  I  have 
ever  observed.  How  it  came  there,  or  what  is 
its  origin,  perhaps  no  one  can  tell,  but  it  is 
a  recent  seedling.  Such  a  plant  if  it  seeds,  as  it 
is  hoped  it  may,  should  prove  to  be  the  progenitor 
of  a  new  and  superb  race  of  garden  Primroses. 
A. 

Schizanthuses  at  Wisley. — In  one  of  the 
large  span-roofed  houses  at  Wisley  there  is  at  . 
present  a  collection  of  superb  plants  of  Schizan- 
thus.  The  plants  are  in  6-inch  pots,  and  were 
raised  from  seeds  sown  in  August  last.  Many 
of  the  plants  range  from  24  to  30  inches  in 
height,  and  are  of  corresponding  breadth.  It  is 
unfortunate  that  such  a  fine  group  of  this  simple, 
yet  beautiful,  hardy  annual  should  be  so  remote 
as  to  be  seen  only  by  visitors  to  Wisley.  Apart 
from  the  merits  of  the  strain,  the  culture  reflects 
high  credit  on  the  Wisley  staff.     D. 

Temple  Show  and  Refreshment  Tents. 
— Referring  to  your  correspondent  A.'s  remarks, 
p  316,  I  would  suggest  that  the  secretaries  of  the 
Gardeners'  Royal  Benevolent  Institution  and  the 
Royal  Gardeners'  Orphan  Fund  ask  the  permis- 
sion of  the  Temple  Garden  authorities  to  place 
collecting  boxes  in  prominent  places.  If  a  por- 
tion of  the  amount  usually  spent  in  re- 
freshment at  this  show  be  contributed  to  the 
boxes  these  deserving  charities  will  be  benefited. 
An  Old  Subscriber  to  Both. 


TRADE    NOTE. 


MR.  JOHN  FORBES. 

The  well-known  and  old-established  business 
of  John  Forbes,  nurseryman,  Hawick,  has  been 
incorporated  as  a  private  limited  company  under 
the  Companies  (Consolidation)  Act  1908  uuder  the 
name  of  "  John  Forbes,  Hawick,  Limited."  We 
understand  that  the  shares  are  all  taken  up  by 
Mr.  Forbes  and  his  family,  and  that  the  in- 
corporation is  made  for  family  purposes  only. 


Max  22,  1909.] 


THE    GARDENERS'    CHRONICLE. 


331 


SOCIETIES. 


ROYAL    HORTICULTURAL. 

Mat  18. — The  usual  fortnightly  meeting  of  the 
Society  was  held  on  Tuesday  last  in  the  Horti- 
cultural Hall,  Vincent  Square,  Westminster,  con- 
currently with  the  annual  exhibition  of  the 
National  Tulip  Society,  a  report  of  which  ap- 
pears on  p.  333.  The  building  appeared  more 
crowded  than  ever  with  exhibits,  and  so  numer- 
ous were  visitors  that  it  was  at  times  almost  as 
Congested  as  a  Temple  Flower  Show.  The  Com- 
mittees all  met  in  the  upper  rooms,  the  annexe, 
usually  utilised  as  a  meeting  place  for  the  Orchid 
Committee,  being  occupied  mainly  with  the  exhi- 
bits of  the  National  Tulip  Society.  From  a  spec- 
tacular point  of  view,  the  exhibition  was  a  great 
success,  but  there  was  no  feature  of  exceptional 


Floral  Committee. 

Present :  W.  Marshall,  Esq.  (Chairman) ;  and 
Messrs.  Chas.  T.  Druery,  John  Green,  T.  W. 
Turner,  G.  Reuthe,  J.  W.  Barr,  R.  C.  Notcutt, 
W.  J.  Bean,  A.  Kingsmill,  C.  W.  Dixon,  Arthur 
Turner,  Wm.  Cuthbertson,  W.  P.  Thomson,  E. 
H.  Jenkins,  Wm.  J.  James,  George  Paul,  Ed. 
Mawley,  F.  Page  Roberts,  W.  A.  Bilney,  Geo. 
Gordon,  J.  F.  AIcLeod,  Wm.  Howe,  Jas.  Hudson, 
and  E.  T.  Cook. 

Messrs.  H.  Cannell  &  Sons,  Swanley,  Kent, 
again  showed  their  brilliantly-flowered  Zonal 
Pelargoniums,  and  some  equally  attractive  Phyl- 
locacti,  having  exceptionally  choice  varie- 
ties of  these  latter  plants  splendidly   in  bloom. 

Messrs.  W.  Ctjtbush  &  Son,  Highgate,  Lon- 
don, N.,  again  staged  varieties  of  the  perpetual- 
blooming  Carnation,  and  a  selection  of  flowering 
shrubs.     (Silver  Banksian  Medal.) 


Mr.  Charles  Turner,  Slough,  showed  varieties 
of  Lilacs,  the  double-flowered  varieties  being  very 
choice;  we  also  noticed  a  batch  of  seedling  A' 
thurium  Scherzerianum,  elegant  little  plants  of 
Primula  Sieboldii  in  numerous  shades,  and  a  row 
of  the  pretty-leaved  Saxifraga  sarmentosa.  (Sil- 
ver Banksian  Medal.) 

Miss  Willmott,  Warley  Place,  Great  Warley 
(gr.  Mr.  J.  Preece),  exhibited  a  new  Wallflower 
labelled  Cheiranthus  Allionii  hybrida;  the  in- 
florescence bears  a  number  of  brownish-yellow 
flowers  about  the  size  of  those  of  the  Common 
Wallflower. 

Some  very  pleasing  subjects  were  shown  by 
Messrs.  Hugh  Low  &  Co.,  Bush  Hill  Park,  En- 
field, their  Roses  and  Carnations  being  very  at- 
tractive, also  Hydrangeas,  Meterosideros  flori- 
bunda,  Acacia,  Schizanthus,  and  Gt>i'bera  Jame- 
sonii.     (Silver  Banksian  Medal.) 


Fig.  143.- 


-RHODODENDRON  GLORIA  MUNDI  IN  BLOOM  IN  ROYAL  GARDENS,  KEW. 
(See  p.  329.) 


[Photograph  by  A.  J.  H artless. 


interest  if  the  exhibit  of  new  Primulas,  shown  by 
Messrs.  Bees  Ltd.,  be  excepted,  and  these  were 
disposed  in  an  out-of-the-way  corner  in  one  of 
the  annexes.  The  exhibits  under  the  jurisdic- 
tion of  the  Daffodil  Committee  comprised  some 
very  showy  and  extensive  groups  of  bulbous 
flowers,  mainly  Tulips,  the  largest  group  staged 
being  composed  of  Tulips  in  pots.  This  Com- 
mittee granted  an  Award  of  Merit  to  a  variety  of 
Tulip ;  the  Floral  Committee  conferred  two 
First-class  Certificates  and  two  Awards  of  Merit. 
The  Orchid  Committee  awarded  one  First-class 
Certificate.  The  Fruit  and  Vegetable  Com- 
mittee granted  two  Awards  of  Merit  to  new 
varieties  of  Strawberry. 

At  the  3  o'clock  meeting  a  lecture  on  "Alpines 
in  their  Native  Homes  "  was  given  by  Mr.  A. 
Clutton  Brock. 


Mr.  L.  R.  Russell,  Richmond,  Surrey,  ex- 
hibited a  trailing  form  of  Cytisus  scoparius  An- 
dreanus. 

A  batch  of  about  40  varieties  of  the  common 
Hartstongue  Fern,  Scolopendrium  vulgare, 
formed  the  principal  feature  in  the  group  dis- 
played by  Messrs.  H.  B.  May  &  Sons,  The  Nur- 
series, Edmonton.  The  fronds  were  serrated, 
crested  and  tasselled  in  the  most  elegant  manner, 
whilst  the  splendid  culture  evinced  in  the  speci- 
mens rendered  the  plants  additionally  handsome. 
A  row  of  Lygodium  japonicum  and  Vitis  hetero- 
phylla  formed  a  suitable  setting  at  the 
back.  Adjoining  the  Ferns,  Messrs.  May 
&  Sons  showed  Vei-benas  in  variety,  Ixoras, 
Pelargonium  Clorinda,  and  bunches  of  Zonal 
Pelargoniums  in  variety.  (Silver  Flora 
Medal.) 


Messrs.  Heath  &  Son,  Cheltenham,  showed 
about  40  varieties  of  Fancy  Pelargoniums  and  a 
large  assortment  of  the  scented-leaved  type. 
Amongst  the  newer  varieties  of  the  fancy  class 
were  Souvenir  de  Marie  Aldebert  (white,  semi- 
double  flowers),  Souvenir  de  Mme.  Royer  (dark 
crimson),  Monsieur  Duvillard  (a  very  free-bloom- 
ing kind,  the  carmine  petals  having  darker  spots), 
Mons.  Gaston  Allery  (red  and  purple),  and 
Heroine  d'Orleans  (a  fine  white  variety).  Messrs. 
Heath  also  showed  Alpine  plants  on  a  rock- 
garden  exhibit. 

Sir  Edmund  Loder,  Bart.,  Leonardslee,  Hors- 
ham, Sussex  (gr.  Mr.  W.  A.  Cook),  showed  many 
interesting  plants  from  his  noted  collection.  The 
Rhododendrons  were  especially  choice,  the  more 
notable  being  R.  cinnabarinum,  R.  kewensis,  R. 
Collettianum,  ,R.  yunnanensis,  and  R.   Princess 


882 


THE    GARDENERS'    CHRONICLE. 


[May  22,  1909. 


of  Wurtemburg.  Other  plants  of  interest  were 
Larix  Griffithii  and  L.  microcarpa,  both  with 
cones;  Magnolia  Lennei,  Fendlera  rupicola, 
Rubus  delioiosaj  Limonia  trifoliata,  Akebia 
quinata  and  Ranunculus  amplexicaulis.  (Silver 
Banksian  Medal.) 

Mr.  G.  Reuthe  showed  Rhododendrons  m 
variety,  also  many  plants  of  hardy  species.  We 
noticed  a  fine  basket  of  the  crimson-flowered 
Primula  pulverulenta.     (Silver  Flora  Medal.) 

Messrs.  Bees  Ltd.,  Liverpool,  showed  batches 
of  three  new  Primula  including  Primula  Bulley- 
ana  (see  Awards),  P.  muscarioides,  a  small- 
flowered  species  having  an  inflorescence  resem- 
bling a  purplish  blue  Lantana ;  P.  cortusoides 
var.  lichiangensis,  with  rose-red  flowers  with 
greenish-yellow  "  eye."  Another  interesting 
plant  in  this  group  was  Incarvillea  Bonvalotii, 
which  may  be  likened  to  a  glorified  I.  Delavayi. 
A  group  of  a  tall-growing  Calceolaria,  after 
the  type  of  C.  Burbidgei,  was  shown  by 
Leonard  Sutton,  Esq.,  Reading  (gr.  Mr.  F. 
Townsend).  It  was  labelled  Calceolaria  profusa; 
the  flowering  is  free  and  the  plant  highly  deco- 
rative. 

Displavs  of  Roses  were  staged  by  most  of  the 
leading  Rose  firms.  Mr.  Geo.  Mount,  Canter- 
bury, again  staged  cut  blooms  of  remarkable 
quality,  having  well-known  varieties  in  large 
batches  of  beautiful  flowers.  (Silver  Flora 
Medal.) 

The  most  imposing  group  of  these  flowers  was 
a  bank  of  pillar  varieties  staged  by  Messrs.  T. 
Rochford  &  Co.,  Turnford  Hall,  Broxbourne. 
The  varieties  were  the  best  of  the  class,  those 
that  produce  a  wealth  of  blossoms  forming  huge 
bouquets  of  flowers.  Wo  noticed  Crimson  Ram- 
bler, Dorothy  Perkins  (the  loveliest  of  all),  Lady 
Gay,  Tausendschon,  Cant's  Blush,  &c  The  group 
had  a  frontage  of  45  feet.  High  culture  was 
exemplified  in  a  striking  manner  in  this  group, 
which  is  a  feature  of  this  firm's  exhibits. 
Their  nurseries  were  not  inappropriately  termed 
by  a  visitor  a  "  plant  factory."     (Gold  Medal.) 

Messrs.  Wm.  Paul  &  Son,  Waltham  Cross, 
Herts.,  also  showed  climbing  Roses  with  baskets 
of  H.P.s  and  others  along  the  front.  The  new 
variety  Elsie  is  a  Wichuraiana  hybrid  with  good- 
sized  flowers  slightly  flushed  with  rose  colour. 
Coquina  is  a  charming  single  variety  with  long 
sprays  of  beautifully-crimped,  rose-pink  blos- 
soms. The  yeilow  Claire  Jacquier  was  also 
admired.     (Silver  Banksian  Medal.) 

Messrs.  Ben  Cant  &  Sons,  Colchester,  showed 
Roses  of  the  rambling  type,  with  large-flowered 
varieties  in  boxes  along  the  front  of  the  group. 
Messrs.  Paul  &  Son,  Cheshunt,  showed  Roses 
and  Rhododendrons.  White  Dorothy  Rose  was 
well  shown  by  this  firm. 

Messrs.  Frank  Cant  &  Co.,  Colchester,  showed 
Roses  as  tall  plants  and  cut  blooms.  Among 
newer  kinds  were  the  red-coloured  Rhea  Reid, 
Mme.  Maurice  de  Luza,  and  Austrian  Striata,  a 
cross  between  Austrian  yellow  and  Austrian 
copper.  The  variety  Lady  Roberts  was  in  fine 
condition. 

Mr.  Maurice  Prichard,  Christchurch,  Hants., 
exhibited  Alpine  and  hardy  garden  plants, 
including  a  fine  selection  of  Bluebells. 
Among  these  last-mentioned  we  noticed  large 
batches  of  Scilla  campanulata  Excelsior,  a  fine 
shade  of  blue;  Scilla  nutans  rubra,  S.  n.  rosea 
maxima,  S.  n.  violacea,  S.  n.  Rosalind  (blush- 
colour),   and   others.     (Silver  Banksian   Medal.) 

Mr.  H.  Hemsley,  Crawley,  Sussex,  showed  a 
rock-garden  exhibit  of  considerable  pretensions, 
the  stonework  being  well  disposed  and  planted 
with  a  variety  of  subjects,  including,  at  appro- 
priate spots,  dwarf  Conifers  and  shrubs.  The 
very  dark-coloured  Viola  Bowie's  Black  was 
noticed. 

Mr.  Amos  Perry,  Enfield  Chase,  Middlesex, 
set  up  a  good  exhibit  of  bulbous  and  hardy 
flowers.  It  contained  a  wealth  of  beautiful  sub- 
jects arranged  with  excellent  effect.  We 
noticed  many  choice  Irises,  including  I.  longi- 
petala,  Lithospermum  prostratum  Heavenly  Blue 
(a  charming  carpet  plant),  the  double-flowered 
Cardamine  pratense,  Camassia  Cuisickii,  Aspho- 
delus  ramosus,  Helonias  bullata,  Peonies,  with 
Tulips  in  numbers  and  many  other  spring- 
flowering  subjects.  (Silver-gilt  Banksian  Medal.) 
Messrs.  Geo.  Bunyard  &  Co.,  Ltd..  Maid- 
stone, Kent,  filled  a  large  table  with  flowering 
plants  and  sprays  of  shrubs  and  trees  in  bloom. 
Lilacs  in  variety,  Azaleas,  the  floriferous  Pyrus 
Malus  Scheideckeri,  pink-flowered  Astilbes 
(Spiraeas),   large   batches   of   Tulips,   Meconopsis 


integrifolia,  Saxifragas  pyramidalis  and  McNabi- 
aua,  Irises,  and  a  large  selection  of  border  and 
Alpine  plants  were  included  in  the  display. 
(Silver  Banksian  Medal.) 

M.  Henry  Coruevon,  Floraire,  Chene-Bourg 
Geneva,  showed  a  small  group  of  rare  Alpines. 
Matthiola  pedemontiana  was  nicely  in  flower, 
also  Brassica  repanda  and  Androsace  helvetica. 
(Silver  Flora  Medal.) 

Exhibits  of  Alpine  plants  were  staged  also  by 
Messrs.  Whitelegg  &  Page,  Chislehurst,  Kent ; 
Misses  Hopkins,  Mere  Gardens,  Shepperton-on- 
Thames;  Messrs.  John  Peed  &  Son,  West  Nor- 
wood (Bronze  Flora  Medal) ;  Messrs.  G.  &  A. 
Clark,  Ltd.,  Dover ;  and  Messrs.  T.  S.  Ware, 
Ltd.,  Feltham,  Middlesex.  This  last-mentioned 
firm  showed  finely  Androsace  Chumbyi,  Globu- 
laria  vulgaris,  Iberis  Garrexiana,  and  Gentiana 
acaulis.     (Silver  Banksian  Medal.) 

Messrs.  J.  Cheal  &  Sons,  Crawley,  Sussex, 
staged  an  interesting  lot  of  shrubs  in  flower, 
having  cut  branches  of  Lilac,  Magnolias, 
Cherries,  Caprifolium  tartaricum,  Exochorda 
grandiflora  (remarkably  fine).  Staphylea  col- 
cicha,  &c.     (Silver  Banskian  Medal.) 

Messrs.  W.  &  J.  Brown,  Stamford  and  Peter- 
borough, showed  cut  shrubs.  Verbenas  in  variety, 
the  large-flowered  Gaillardia  Lady  Rolleston, 
Lotus  peliorhvnchus.  and  Pelargoniums. 

Messrs.  John  Waterer  &  Sons,  Ltd.,  Bag- 
shot,  Surrey,  staged  a  floor  group  of  the  beauti- 
ful rose-flowered  Rhododendron  Mrs.  E.  C.  Stir- 
ling.    (Silver   Banksian   Medal.) 

Messrs.  Carter,  Page  &  Co.,  52  and  53.  Lon- 
don Wall,  London,  showed  Cactus  Dahlias,  a 
selection  of  Violas,  some  charming  vases  of  the 
pretty  Viscaria  oculata,  and  the  showy  Dimor- 
photheca  aurantiaca. 

Messrs.  Dobeie  &  Co.,  Rothesay,  again  showed 
Violas  and  Pansies  havincc  exceptionally  fine 
blooms  of  all  the  leading  varieties.  The  same 
firm  showed  vases  of  Sweet  Peas,  including  the 
varieties  Earl  Spencer,  Mrs.  A.  Ireland,  Im- 
proved Mrs.  H.  Bell,  and  The  King.  (Silver 
Banksian   Medal.) 

Messrs.  Baker's,  Wolverhampton,  exhibited 
their  varieties  of  Saxifraga  decipiens  described 
on  p.  314  in  the  last  issue  ;  also  a  new  one  named 
after  Miss  Willmott,  which  is  described  under 
Awards.  This  firm  also  showed  a  selection  of 
bedding  Violas. 

Mrs.  Bischoffsheim,  The  Warren  House,  Stan- 
more  (gr.  Mr.  E.  Anderson),  showed  large  groups 
of  Chrysanthemum  Morning  Star  and  C.  Lord 
Beacon'sfield,  both  admirable  subjects  for  fur- 
nishing a  supply  of  cut  blooms.  The  varieties 
may  be  raised  easily  from  seeds. 

AWARDS. 

First-class  Certificates. 

Rhododendron  Souliti. — A  miniature  species 
from  China,  with  relatively  large  flowers  of 
bright  rose  colour  suffused  on  a  pale  ground. 
The  leaves  are  ovate-cordate  and  in  the  young 
state  covered  with  a  glaucous  bloom.  They  are 
then  reddish,  as  also  are  the  young  shoots,  but 
afterwards  they  become  green.  The  widely-ex- 
panded segments  are  divided  not  lower  than 
one-third  their  depth,  the  blooms  being  about 
4  inches  in  diameter.  The  stature  of  the  plant, 
which  was  exhibited  by  Messrs.  Jas.  Veitch  & 
Sons,  was  about  9  inches.  The  plant  has  proved 
perfectly  hardy  in  the  Coombe  Wood  Nursery. 

Primula  Bulleyana. — Another  newly-intro- 
duced species  from  China,  where  it  was  collected 
by  Mr.  Geo.  Forrest,  on  behalf  of  Messrs.  Bees 
Ltd.,  Liverpool,  who  exhibited  a  batch  of  plants 
in  flower.  The  tall  inflorescences  bear  orange- 
buff-coloured  flowers  in  whorls,  sometimes  as 
many  as  three  tiers.  The  leaves  are  very  like 
those  of  the  common  Primrose  or  Polyanthus. 
The  calyx  is  mealy  and  the  flower-stem  is  also 
farinaceous  in  the  upper  part.  Mr.  Forrest  states 
that  P.  Bulleyana  is  a  tall,  moisture-loving  plant 
sometimes  3  feet  high.  In  foliage  it  somewhat 
resembles  P.  serratifolia.  The  plant  grows  in 
huge  colonies  covering  several  acres.  Shown  by 
Messrs.  Bees,  Ltd. 

Awards  of  Merit. 

Hose  Lyon  Rose. — A  Hybrid  Tea  variety  of  ex- 
quisite colouring,  being  a  tone  of  coral  red  shaded 
with  chrome.  The  flower  and  bud  are  of  charm- 
ing form.  Shown  by  Messrs.  T.  Rochford  & 
Sons,  Turnford  Hall  Nurseries,  Broxbourne,  and 
Messrs.  Hugh  Low  &  Co..  Enfield. 

Saxifrage,  decipiens  Miss  Willmott.  —  A 
variety  with  flowers  as  large  as  those  of  S.   d. 


Arkwrightii  illustrated  in  the  last  issue,  p.  314, 
fig.  135,  but  having  a  chocolate-coloured  base  in 
the  interior  of  the  blooms  and  dark-coloured 
flower-stems.  The  variety  is  very  free  in  flower- 
ing, and  forms  an  admirable  plant  for  the  rock- 
garden  or  as  a  border  subject.  Shown  by  Messrs. 
Baker's,  Codsall. 

Narcissus  and  Tulip  Committee. 
Present:  H.  B.  May,  Esq.  (Chairman),  and 
Messrs.  G.  H.  Engleheart,  F.  H.  Chapman,  W. 
M.  Copeland,  H.  A.  Denison,  W.  W.  Fowler,  J. 
Walker,  F.  D.  Hall,  J.  D.  Pearson,  G.  W.  Leak, 
J.  Jacob,  W.  T.  Ware.  E.  A.  Bowles,  Chas.  T. 
Digby,  R.  Sydenham,  W.  Goldring,  W.  Poupart, 
and  Chas.  H.  Curtis  (hon.  sec). 

Rarely  if  ever  have  so  many  fine  collections 
of  Tulips  been  staged  at  these  exhibitions,  and 
never  in  a  more  perfect  condition. 

One  of  the  finest  collections  was  a  magnificent 
group  exhibited  by  Messrs.  Sutton  &  Sons, 
Reading.  It  was  chiefly  composed  of  Darwin 
kinds  arranged  in  bold  and  effective  groups. 
(Silver-gilt  Flora  Medal.) 

Messrs.  Barr  &  Sons.  Covent  Garden,  showed 
a  large  and  representative  collection  of  Tulips. 
We  noted,  in  addition  to  a  very  fine  assortment 
of  the  Darwin  varieties,  a  large  number  of  Parrot, 
May-flowering  and  Cottage  sorts.  (Silver-gilt 
Flora  Medal.) 

Messrs.  R.  &  G.  Cutbush,  Southgate,  displayed 
a  very  fine  collection  of  the  Darwin  and  May- 
flowering  Tulips  in  pots,  arranged  the  whole 
length  of  the  western  end  of  the  Hall. 
The  exhibit  was  slightly  raised  above  the 
floor  level  so  that  the  whole  of  the  varie- 
ties were  seen  to  advantage.  The  method 
adopted  of  arranging  about  half-a-dozen  pots  in 
a  group  was  pleasing,  the  batcli  taking  the  form 
of  a  massed  bed  in  the  open  and  with  a  full  com- 
plement of  leafage.  All  the  leading  Darwin  sorts 
were  represented.     (Silver-gilt  Flora  Medal.) 

Messrs.  Alex.  Dickson  &  Sons,  Newtownards, 
also  showed  a  magnificent  display  of  these  hand- 
some flowers  in  a  large  number  of  the  best  sorts. 
(Silver-gilt  Floral   Medal.) 

A  notable  group  of  Tulips  was  shown  by 
Messrs.  R.  W.  Wallace  &  Co.,  Colchester,  who. 
arranged  a  long  table  with  the  best  of  the 
Darwin  and  May-flowering  kinds.  The  rich 
yellow  colour  of  Bouton  d'Or,  the  lovely  shades 
found  in  the  Inglescombe  trio — yellow,  scarlet, 
and  pink,  the  unique  orange  colour  of  The  Presi- 
dent, with  the  beautiful  forms  of  Gesneriana, 
ired  this  a  most  charming  group.  (Silver- 
gilt   Flora   Medal.) 

Messrs.  R.  H.  Bath,  Ltd..  Wisbech,  also  dis- 
played an  excellent  collection  of  Darwin  and 
other  Tulips  in  many  diverse  and  beautiful  varie- 
ties.    (Silver-gilt  Banksian  Medal.) 

Messrs.  James  Veitch  &  Sons,  Ltd.,  Chelsea, 
brought  a  representative  collection  of  these 
flowers,  in  which  Darwin  and  Cottage  varieties 
were  of  excellent  quality.  (Silver-gilt  Banksian 
Medal.) 

Messrs.  Hogg  &  Robertson,  Dublin,  obtained 
a  Silver  Flora  Medal  for  a  fine  assortment  of 
Tulips  that  embraced  May-flowering  and  Darwin 
sorts  in  considerable  quantities. 

Lord  Hillingdon.  Uxbridge  (gr.  Mr.  Allan), 
and  the  Rev.  Canon  Fowler.  Reading,  were  each 
awarded  a  Silver  Banksian  Medal  for  a  capital 
display    of   these    flowers. 

Messrs.  Wm.  Bull  &  Sons,  Chelsea,  staged  an 
assortment  of  Tulips  in  many  varieties.  (Silver 
Banksian  Medal.) 

Award  of  Merit. 
Tulip  The  President. — A  striking  and  effec- 
tive variety  of  the  May-flowering  or  Cottage  class. 
The  flower  is  of  the  largest  size  and  coloured  a 
reddish-orange.  The  expanded  blossoms  disclose 
a  dark  or  clouded  base.  This  remarkable  Tulip  ap- 
peared unique  in  its  colouring  in  the  large  collec- 
tion of  these  flowers  staged  by  Messrs.  R.  W. 
Wallace  &  Co.,  Colchester. 

Orchid  Committee. 

Present:  J.  Gurney  Fowler,  Esq.  (in  the 
Chair),  and  Messrs.  Jas.  O'Brien  (hon.  sec), 
Henry  J.  Veitch,  de  B.  Crawshaw,  R.  Brooman- 
White.  W.  Bolton.  Gurnev  Wilson,  H.  A.  Tracy, 
F.  M.  Ogilvie,  J.  Forster  Alcock,  R.  G.  Thwaites, 
J.  Cypher.  H.  G.  Alexander,  J.  Charlesworth, 
A.  Dye,  W.  H.  Hatcher,  A.  A.  McBean,  J. 
Wilson  Potter,  W.  P.  Bound,  W.  H.  White,  W. 
Boxall,  H.  Little,  and  Sir  Jeremiah  Colman,. 
Bart 


May  22,  1909.] 


THE    GARDENERS'    CHRONICLE. 


De  B'.  Crawshay,  Esq.,  Rosefield,  Sevenoaks 
(gr.  Mr.  Stables),  secured  the  only  Certificate  of 
the  day,  viz.,  a  First-class  Certificate  for  his 
very  handsome  Odontioda  Vuylstekeae  Crawshay- 
anum,  a  very  brilliant  flower  (see  Awards).  Mr. 
Crawshay  also  showed  Odontoglossum  Valkyrie 
(Wilckeanum  X  Nevadense),  with  deep-brown- 
blotched  sepals  and  petals  and  large  white- 
fringed  lip,  with  brown  blotches  on  the  lower 
half ;  and  0.  Nerissa  (nasvium  X  crispum),  ele- 
gant in  form,   white,   spotted  with  red. 

Henry  Little,  Esq.,  Baronshalt,  Twicken- 
ham (gr.  Mr.  Howard),  was  awarded  a  Silver 
Flora  Medal  for  a  fine  group  of  Lrelia  purpurata 
made  up  of  38  well-flowered  plants.  Scarcely  two 
were  exactly  alike  in  form  or  tint,  the  best  noted 
being  the  pretty  varieties  Russelliana,  Bella, 
rosea,  and  picta. 

Colonel  G.  L.  Holford,  C.I.E.,  C.V.O.  (gr. 
Mr.  H.  G.  Alexander),  showed  Lselio-Cattleya 
Zoroaster  variety  Rex  (L.  Latona  x  L.-C.  Can- 
hamiana  alba),  a  fine  hybrid  with  the  general 
characters  of  L.-C.  Canhamiana.  Flowers  yel- 
lowish-cream colour  with  a  violet-purple  lip 
having  a  cream-white  margin  and  yellow  base. 
Colonel  Holford  also  sent  a  fine  spike  of  five 
flowers  of  the  handsome  Cymbidium  Parishii 
Sandera?',  the  large,  ivory-white  flowers  having 
the  labellum  spotted  with  deep  crimson ;  and  a 
magnificent  spike  of  Odontoglossum  Pescatorei 
with  125  flowers. 

Baron  Sir  H.  Schroder,  The  Dell,  Egham  (gr. 
Mr.  Ballantine),  sent  the  unique  Cattleya  tricolor 
described  by  the  late  Professor  Reichenbach  in 
the  Gardeners'  Chronicle,  1874,  p.  126,  and 
which  has  never  been  introduced  since.  It  was 
originally  acquired  by  Messrs.  Veitch.  but  there 
is  no  information  as  to  its  origin.  The  flowers 
are  white  with  a  yellow  disc  to  the  lip,  which 
has  purple  markings  :  they  are  very  fragrant. 

H.  S.  Goodson,  Esq.,  Fairlawn,  Putney  (gr. 
Mr.  G.  E.  Day),  showed  a  very  fine  plant  of 
Cattleya  Dusseldorfei  var.  Undine  with  eight 
large,  white  flowers ;  and  Odontoglossum  illustre 
(Vuylstekei  x  ardentissimum)  with  claret- 
coloured   flowers  margined   with   white. 

Mr.  A.  W.  Jensen,  Lindfield,  Haywards 
Heath,  staged  a  small  group  of  fine  varieties  of 
Cattleya  Mendelii,  C.  Mossise,  and  Odontoglossum 
crispum. 

Monsieur  Mertens,  Mont  St.  Amand,  Ghent, 
showed  a  selection  of  hybrid  Odontoglossums. 

J.  Forster  Alcock",  Esq.,  Exhima,  North- 
church,  showed  a  hybrid  Cymbidium  said  to 
have  been  raised  between  C.  Tracyanum  and  C. 
elegans.  The  flowers,  of  which  there  were  two 
on  an  upright  spike,  were  cream-white,  and  re- 
sembled C.  Colmaniae. 

AWARDS. 

First-class  Certificate. 

Odontioda  Vuylsteheoz  Crawshayanum.  (0 
Pescatorei  x  C.  Noetliana),  from  de  B.  Craw- 
shay, Esq.,  Rosefield,  Sevenoaks  (gr.  Mr. 
Stables). — A  hybridist's  surprise  and  of  great 
beauty,  although  differing  in  a  remarkable  degree 
from  the  original  form,  which  had  a  light  ground 
colour,  blotched  and  tinged  with  red  and  rose. 
The  present  variety  retains  all  the  fine  form  and 
breadth  of  petal  acquired  through  0.  Pescatorei, 
but  the  flowers  are  of  a  uniform  brilliant  scarlet- 
red,  the  crest  being  marked  with  orange  colour. 
There  are  varying  tints  in  the  glowing  colour  of 
the  flower,  but  no  indication  of  the  spotting  seen 
in  Monsieur  Vuylsteke's  original  form.  At  the 
same  time,  it  may  be  said  that  Mr.  Crawshay's 
variety  is  more  what  might  be  expected  from  the 
cross  which  gave  it  than  the  original,  in  which 
probably  a  blotched  form  of  0.  Pescatorei  was 
used. 

The  Late   Mr.   Cookson. 

The  Chairman  spoke  of  the  loss  which  the 
Committee  had  sustained  by  the  death  of  the 
late  Norman  C.  Cookson,  a  vice-president  of  the 
Committee.  On  the  motion  of  Mr.  R.  Brooman- 
White,  seconded  by  Mr.  James  O'Brien,  a  reso- 
lution was  passed  tendering  the  deep  sympathy 
of  the  Orchid  Committee  to  Mrs.  Cookson  and 
her   family. 

Fruit  and  Vegetable  Committee. 

Present:  G.  Bunyard,  Esq.  (in  the  Chair),  and 
Messrs.  A.  H.  Pearson,  J.  Cheal,  H.  Somers 
Rivers,  C.  Foster,  G.  Wythes,  0.  Thomas,  J. 
Davis.  H.  Markham,  W.  Pope,  E.  Beckett,  P.  D. 
Tuckett,  A.  Dean,  W.  Poupart,  A.  R.  Allan, 
and   J.    Vert. 


A  trial  of  Strawberries  forced  in  pots  having 
taken  place  at  Wisley,  a  sub-committee  who  had 
seen  them  recommended  two  varieties  as  being 
much  the  earliest  and  best.  These  were  Royal 
Sovereign  and  Climax,  the  latter  not  previously 
certificated. 

H.  Staples,  Esq.,  Swanley  (gr.  Mr.  W.  G. 
Sims),  sent  six  plants  in  pots,  and  in  fruit,  of 
Strawberries  "  George  Munro  "  and  "  Sims'  Pro- 
lific," both  seedlings  from  Royal  Sovereign  and 
Sir  Charles  Napier.  They  were  prolific  croppers, 
but  George  Munro  was  the  earlier  and  better.  It 
was  decided  that  both  varieties  should  be  tried 
at  Wisley,  outdoors  and  as  forced  plants  in  pots. 

A  collection  of  four  dishes  of  richly-coloured 
fruits  of  Peach  Alexander,  from  a  tree  forced  for 
30  successive  years,  two  dishes  of  fine  Royal 
Sovereign  Strawberries,  and  two  fruits  of  Melon 
Hero  of  Lockinge  came  from  P.  Brandt,  Esq., 
Bletchingley,  Surrey  (gr.  Mr.  Banks).  (Silver 
Knightian  Medal.) 

The  Jamaica  Agency  sent  fruits  of  the  large 
Mango.  The  flesh  was  yellow,  soft,  and  very 
pleasant  to  the  palate.  From  the  same  source 
came  some  Sapodillas.  These  fruits  were  about 
the  size  of  hen's  eggs,  but  pointed  at  one  end ; 
in  colour  russety-brown,  and  with  pulpy  flesh, 
sweet  like  an  over-ripe  Pear. 

Messrs.  Sutton  &  Sons,  Reading,  set  up  a 
collection  of  vegetables  not  merely  of  ex- 
cellent quality,  but  most  tastefully  arranged. 
There  were  50  dishes  and  baskets,  and  the  group 
included  Cabbages  Flower  of  Spring  and  April, 
Lettuce  Golden  Ball,  Peas  Ideal  and  Early  Giant, 
Carrot  Champion  Scarlet,  Asparagus  Perfection, 
Climbing  French  Beans  Princess  of  Wales,  the 
Sutton  Rhubarb,  Market  Cucumber,  Mushrooms, 
and  numerous  Radishes.  (Silver-gilt  Knightian 
Medal.) 

Messrs.  Jas.  Veitch  &  Sons,  Chelsea,  also 
staged  a  large  collection  of  vegetables,  but  the 
group  needed  more  room.  Cabbages,  Lettuces, 
Marrows,  Broccoli.  Carrots  in  variety,  Tomatos, 
Asparagus,  Peas,  Kidney  Beans,  Ashl'eaf  Potatos, 
Radishes,  Rhubarb,  Turnipr/  and  other  vege- 
tables all  contributed  to  make  a  very  varied  and 
fine  display.     (Silver  Knightian  Medal.) 

The  Stottr  Valley  Gardening  Co.  sent  a 
varied  collection  of  vegetables  that  would  have 
looked  better  if  more  effectively  arranged.  Some 
of  the  vegetables  had  been  cultivated  under 
cloches.     (Silver  Banksian  Medal.) 

Countess  Cowper,  Panshanger  (gr.  Mr. 
Staward),  staged  a  collection  of  Lettuces,  the  best 
being  Fermot  and  All  the  Year  Round. 

Competitive  Classes. 

The  classes  for  collections  of  vegetables  were 
poorly  contested.  In  the  class  for  nine  kinds, 
the  Hon.  Vicary  Gibbs,  Aldenham  House  (gr. 
Mr.  E.  Beckett),  was  an  easy  first-prize  winner, 
his  products  showing  superb  quality.  His  selec- 
tion included  Asparagus,  with  mounds  of  small 
Cauliflower  on  one  side,  and  of  Moore's  vegetable 
cream  Marrow  on  the  other.  Favourite  Carrots, 
supported  by  Perfection  Tomatos  and  Early  Giant 
Peas,  with  May  Queen  Potatos,  Matchless  Cucum- 
bers, and  Canadian  Wonder  Beans.  2nd,  Mr. 
Stawabd. 

There  was  no  entry  in  the  class  for  six  dishes. 
Mrs.  Dennison,  Little  Gaddesden  (gr.  Mr. 
Gentle),  was  the  only  exhibitor  in  the  class  for 
four  dishes,  having  good  Record  Onions,  Heart- 
well  Cabbages,  rather  drawn  Seakale,  and  small 
Asparagus.    A  second  prize  only  was  awarded. 

Awakds  of  Merit. 

Strawberry  "  George  Munro." — This  new 
variety  somewhat  resembles  Royal  Sovereign, 
but  it  is  a  much  heavier  cropper  and  the  fruits 
are  of  excellent  flavour.  From  Mr.  Sims  (gr.  to 
H.  Staples,  Esq.,  Swanley). 

Strawberry  Climax  (Laxton). — Also  much  like 
Royal  Sovereign.  The  awards  were  made  in  both 
cases  for  their  value  as  forcing  varieties 


NATIONAL    TULIP. 

(SOUTHERN  SECTION.) 
May  18. — The  sixteenth  annual  exhibition  of 
this  Society  was  held  in  conjunction  with  the 
fortnightly  meeting  of  the  R.H.S.  on  this  date, 
when  a  capital  display  of  the  English  Tulip  in  all 
its  phases  was  brought  together.  The  display  of 
blossoms  did  not  afford  much  spectacular  effect, 


but  the  individual  flowers  were  extremely  beauti- 
ful. So  far  as  the  show  itself  is  concerned,  we 
have  it  on  the  authority  of  the  officials  that  the 
quality  of  the  exhibits  was  in  all  respects  good 
and  decidedly  above  the  average  of  last  year. 

Twelve  dissimilar  rectified  Tulips,  two 
feathered  and  two  flamed  in  each  class. — Mr.  C. 
W.  Needham,  Hale,  Cheshire,  was  awarded  the 
1st  prize  in  this  class,  his  best  flowers  being 
Stockport  (feathered),  Rosalie  (rectified  flame), 
George  Hayward  (feathered  bizarre),  Dr.  Hardy 
(flamed),  Mrs.  Lea  (feathered  rose),  with  Sir 
Joseph  Paxton  and  Masterpiece.  Altogether  the 
display  constituted  a  dozen  admirable  flowers ; 
2nd,  Miss  Willmott,  Warley  Place,  whose  best 
flowers  were  Wm.  Annibal  (feathered  bizarre), 
Annie  McGregor  (rose  flamed),  Duchess  of  Suther- 
land (flamed  Bybloemen),  and  Sir  Joseph  Paxton  ; 
3rd,  Mr.  A.  D.  Hall,  Harpenden,  who  had  excel- 
lent flowers  of  Duchess  of  Sutherland  and  Samuel 
Barlow. 

Six  dissimilar  ratified  Tulips. — Miss  Will- 
mott secured  the  leading  place  with  Sam 
Barlow  and  Wm.  Annibal,  the  latter  an  excep- 
tionally well-feathered  variety.  Mr.  Dunn, 
Cambridge,  was  placed  2nd,  displaying  in  ex- 
cellent form  Sam  Barlow  and  the  flamed  Annie 
McGregor;  3rd,  Mr.  A.  D.  Hall,  Harpenden. 

Three,  feathered  Tulips. — Miss  Willmott  was 
again  placed  1st  for  flowers  of  Bessie,  George 
Hayward,  and  Mrs.  Atkins,  all  of  excellent 
quality.  Mr.  Hall  and  Mr.  Dunn  took  the  2nd 
and  3rd  prizes  respectively,  the  latter  exhibitor 
having  a  fine  bloom  of  Masterpiece. 

Three  flamed  Tulips. — Miss  Willmott  was 
again  awarded  the  1st  prize,  having  good 
flowers  of  Sam  Barlow,  Annie  McGregor,  and 
Talisman;  2nd,  Mr.  Dunn,  with  Sir  Joseph  Pax- 
ton, Annie  McGregor,  and  Adonis ;  3rd,  Mr. 
Peters,  Cambridge. 

Six  dissimilar  breeder  Tulips. — Mr.  Needham 
was  placed  1st,  Rose  Hill,  Mabel,  and  Sam  Bar- 
low being  his  best  examples;  2nd,  Mr.  A.  D. 
Hall,  Harpenden,  who  showed  Gleam,  Rose 
Seedling,  and  Jasper;  3rd,  Mr.  Dunn. 

Three  dissimilar  breeder  Tulips. — The  1st 
prize  was  secured  by  Miss  Willmott,  who  had  a 
very  good  example  of  Annie  McGregor;  2nd,  Mr. 
Hall,  who  showed  an  excellent  flower  of  Lin- 
nett  Rose  breeder. 

There  were  classes  for  single  blooms  of  each 
of  the  following : — Feathered  Bizarres,  Roses, 
and  Bybloemens,  Flamed  Bizarres,  Roses,  and 
Bybloemens. 

Feathered     Bizarres. — Miss     Willmott 
placed  1st  with  Wm.   Annibal ;  2nd,  Mr.  A.   D. 
Hall,  with  George  Hayward. 

Feathered  Rose. — Mr.  A.  D.  Hall  won  the 
1st  prize  with  Sarah  Ann. 

Feathered     Bybloemens. — Mr.     Hall    si 
the  best  flower  of  this  section,  having  Stockport  : 
Miss  Willmott  followed  with  Guido. 

Flamed  Bizarres. — Mr.  Needham  won  the  1st 
prize  with  Sir  Joseph  Paxton;  Mr.  A.  D.  Hall 
and  R.  W  Hall  winning  the  2nd  and  3rd  prizes 
respectively  with  Sam  Barlow. 

Flamed  Rose  class. — Miss  Willmott  won 
both  the  1st  and  2nd  prizes  with  Annie  McGregor 
and  Mme.  St.  Amaund  respectively. 

Flamed  Bybloemens. — Miss  Willmott  won  all 
the  prizes  with  Duchess  of  Sutherland,  Talisman, 
and  Adonis  in  the  order  given. 

For  single  blooms  of  each  of  the  three  classes 
of  Breeders,  Bizarres,  Roses  and  Bybloemens,  Mr. 
Dunn  took  the  1st  and  2nd  prizes  with  J. 
Heap  in  the  former  class;  Miss  Willmott  being 
3rd  with  Goldfinder.  In  the  Roses,  Mr.  C.  W. 
Needham  obtained  the  1st  prize  with  Loveliness ; 
Mr.  A.  D  Hall  winning  the  2nd  and  3rd  prizes 
with  seedlings.  For  Bybloemens,  Mr.  Dunn  was 
placed  1st  with  a  capital  bloom  of  Agnes;  2nd, 
Miss  Willmott  with  Northern  Light. 

The  "  Samuel  Barlow  "  prizes  for  the  best 
pair  of  Rectified  Tulips  was  won  by  Miss  Will- 
mott with  flamed  Annie  McGregor  and  Wm.  An- 
nibal (feathered) ;  2nd,  Mr.  A.  D.  Hall  with 
Samuel  Barlow  (flamed)  and  Attraction 
(feathered). 

The  best  three  flamed  Tulips  were  shown  by  Mr. 
R.  W.  Hall,  Cambridge,  the  varieties  being 
Rose  Hill,  Queen  of  May,  and  Sam  Barlow;  2nd, 
Mr.  W.  L.  S.  Loat,  Oxon. 

Miss  Hardcastle,  Hardenden  was  placed  1st 


S3* 


THE    GARDENERS'    CHRONICLE. 


[May  22,  1909. 


in  the  class  for  three  dissimiliar  breeder  Tulips 
with  Goldfmder. 

For  two  rectified  Tulips,  Mr.  R.  H.  Hall, 
Cambridge,  was  1st,  having  a  good  flamed  flower 
of  Dr.  Hardy. 

Mr.  W.  L.  Loat  showed  the  best  twelve  varie- 
ties of  garden  Tulips;  and  Miss  Willmott  the 
best  twelve  varieties  of  Darwin  Tulips. 

Premier  classes. — Mr.  Needham  was  placed 
1st,  with  George  Hayward  (feathered) ;  Miss 
Willmott  with  Annie  McGregor  (flamed),  and 
Mr.  A.  D.  Hall  with  his  handsome  seedling 
Gleam   (breeder). 


DUTCH   BULB-GROWERS'. 


GHENT   HORTICULTURAL. 

May  1. — At  a  meeting  of  the  Chambre  Syndi- 
cate des  Horticulteurs  Beiges  and  the  Societe 
Royale  d'Agriculture  et  de  Botanique  de  Gand 
on  the  above  date  the  following  Awards  were 
made  :  — 

Certificates  of  Merit  to  Odontioda  Brad- 
shawiae  (C.  Ncezliana  X  0.  crispum,  from  M. 
lb  Dr.  Ballion  ;  Miltonia  Bleuana  superba, 
Sophro-Cattleya  Calypso,  Odontoglossum  cris- 
pum Oakfield  Sunrise,  Cypripedium  Juliana  Prin- 
cesse  d'Orange-Nassau  (Callosum  Sanderae  X 
Maudise),  Trichopilia  Backhousiana,  Cattleya 
Schroderte  Praetei,  all  from  M.  F.  Lambeau ;  to 
Cattleya  Schrodera  Cassar,  from  M.  E.  Praet  ; 
Cattleya  Lawrenceana  Orchid  Villa  variety, 
Odontoglossum  crispum  var.  Louis  Valcke,  and 
Cattleya  Sehroderae  alba,  from  M.  Th.  Pauwels  ; 
C.  Sehroderae,  Cattleya  Trianae,  from  Mme.  Louis 
de  Hemptinne  ;  Rhododendron  Pink  Pearl  and  R. 
White  Pearl,  from  M.  Pynaert-Van  Geert  ; 
Vriesia  Sceptre  d'Or,  from  M.  Firmin  de  Smet; 
Clianthus  florida  alba,  from  M.  Jules  de  Cock  ; 
Azaleas  l'Azur,  Sultan,  and  Joseph  Kratz,  all 
from  M.  Eug.  de  Cock  ;  Azaleas  Roi  des  Blancs 
and  Mme.  Blommaert,  from  the  Soc.  an.  Louis 
Van  Houtte  pere  ;  Dracsena  Marcelii  (seedling 
1908),  D.  Perle  de  Gendbrugge  (seedling  1908),  D. 
Princess  Juliana  d'Orange-Nassau,  all  from  MM. 
G.  Penninck  et  fils  ;  Saintpaulia  ionantha  var. 
pulchra,  from  M.  le  comte  Jos.  de  Hemptinne  ; 
Anthurium  Rothschildianum  striata,  A.  R. 
Charles  Fraeys,  and  A.  R.  Jules  de  Cock,  from 
La  Societe  an.  Horticole  Gantoise  ;  Anthu- 
rium Rothschildianum  Vulcan  and  A.  R.  trans- 
lucens,  from  M.  Louis  de  Smet  ;  Azalea  Sou- 
venir de  Rudolf  Seidel,  from  M.  Raphael  Ver- 
vaene  ;  collection  of  30  plants  of  Cineraria  poly- 
antha  stellata,  Diosma  ericoides  alba,  Erio- 
stemon  liniarifolium,  Epiphylum  Mackoyanum, 
Grevillea  rosmarinifolia,  Adenandra  fragrans, 
Vriesias  magnesiana,  flamea,  conferta,  Gravisii, 
Leonii,  Sparanza,  Kitteliana  x  Floriosa, 
Poelmanii,  Poelmanii  x  mirabilis,  Memoria 
Moensii,  all  from  M.  Firmin  de  Smet;  collection 
of  12  Calceolarias,  from  M.  Alph.  Van  Kerchove 
(gr.  to  M.  J.  J.  Dierman  ;  Ataccia  cristata, 
from  the  Societe  an.  Louis  van  Houtte  pere. 


I/ASSOCIATION  FRANCAISE  DES 

AMATEURS  ET  JARDINIERS 

CHRYSANTHEMISTES. 

This  recently-formed  French  Chrysanthemum 
Society,  whose  headquarters  are  at  Paris,  de- 
serves the  congratulations  of  all  interested  in 
the  flower.  Its  first  balance-sheet  has  just  been 
published,  showing  a  total  on  the  credit  side  of 
about  £124 ;  the  expenses  amount,  roughly,  to 
£108  odd,  leaving  a  balance  of  nearly  £16  in 
hand.  The  number  of  members  at  this  date  is 
651 — a  most  satisfactory  result  for  so  young  a 
society,  but  then,  of  course,  Chrysanthemum 
exhibiting  in  France  is  in  full  swing,  and  reminds 
us  of  the  palmy  days  of  the  flower  here  in  Eng- 
land, 20  to  25  years  ago. 


ROYAL   GARDENERS'    ORPHAN    FUND. 

(LEEDS  BRANCH.) 

The  local  committee  of  the  above  branch  re- 
cently held  a  successful  spring  flower  show  in  aid 
of  the  funds  of  the  Charity. 

After  the  necessary  expenses  have  been  met  a 
sum  of  about  £10  10s.  will  be  available  for  the 
fund.  A  sum  of  more  than  £7  was  received  from 
the  sale  of  flowers  at  the  close  of  the  show. 


The  following  Awards  have  been  given  at 
recent  meetings  held  at  Haarlem : — 

First-class  Certificates  to  single  early  Tulip 
"  Mr.  Burger,"  with  pure  yellow,  globe-shaped 
flowers,  raised  from  the  single  early  Tulip 
Verboom ;  to  double-flowered  early  Tulip 
Schoonoord,  a  variety  with  pure  white  flowers, 
raised  from  the  double-flowered  early  variety 
Murillo. 

Awards  of  Merit  to  Cyclamen  latifolium  (per- 
sicum)  "Baroness  Burdett-Coutts,"  a  variety  hav- 
ing large  pure  white  flowers  and  oblate  petals ; 
to  double  early  Tulip  Boule  de  Neige  (Purity), 
with  large  pure  white  flowers,  resembling  the 
variety  Murillo,  but  of  a  somewhat  rounder  form  ; 
to  single  early  Tulip  "  Yoost  van  Vondel  rose 
striata,"  with  large,  long  flowers,  white, 
feathered  rosy,  and  raised  from  the  variety 
"  Yoost  van  Vondel  "  ;  to  single  early  Tulip 
Duchess  of  Connaught,  a  variety  having  rosy-red 
flowers. 

BRITISH    GARDENERS'    ASSOCIATION. 

(LONDON    BRANCH.) 

May  13. — The  first  annual  general  meeting  of 
this  branch  of  the  B.G.A.  took  place  at  Carr's 
Restaurant,  Strand,  W.C.,  on  the  above  date. 
The  progress  of  the  branch  and  the  association 
as  a  whole  was  considered  satisfactory.  The 
officers  were  re-elected  and  Mr.  A.  C.  Barnes  was 
appointed  to  the  new  office  of  treasurer. 

After  the  formal  business  was  concluded,  Pro- 
fessor W.  B.  Bottomley  delivered  a  lecture  on 
"  Nitrogen  Fixation  in  Plants."  He  thought 
the  British  Gardeners'  Association  was  capable 
of  doing  good  work  for  gardeners.  He  felt  that 
gardeners  and  botanists  should  work  together. 

The  lecturer  gave  details  of  the  work  of  bac- 
teria in  the  soil,  illustrating  his  remarks  by 
means  of  lantern  slides.  The  extraordinary 
rapidity  by  which  these  organisms  multiplied 
was  demonstrated.  He  stated  that  experiments 
had  been  carried  out,  which,  at  no  very  distant 
date,  would  have  a  far-reaching  effect  on  the 
culture  of  plants.  Details  of  the  trials  with 
nitro-bacterine  conducted  at  the  Royal  Horticul- 
tural Society's  gardens  at  Wisley  were  given,  and 
the  lecturer  appealed  to  gardeners  to  undertake 
practical  tests  on  large  plots  of  ground,  to  assist 
in  solving  the  great  problem  of  the  fixing  of 
nitrogen  in  the  soil. 

The  Chairman,  Mr.  E.  F.  Hawes,  said  he  was 
prepared  to  carry  out  experiments,  and  he  hoped 
others  would  follow  the  suggestions  of  the  lec- 
turer. 


(Dbttuavi). 


THE     WEATHER. 


THE  WEATHER    IN    WEST    HERTS. 

Week  ending  May  19. 
A  very  cold  week. —The  last  two  days  have  been  moder- 
ately warm  during  the  daytime,  but  with  these  exceptions 
both  the  days  and  nights  proved  very  cold  for  the  time 
of  year.  In  fact,  on  two  nights  the  exposed  thermometer 
registered  6°  of  frost,  on  one  night  8*  of  frost,  and  on  the 
coldest  night  11°  of  frost.  In  no  previous  May  in  the  last 
17  years  has  such  a  low  temperature  as  the  one  last 
mentioned  been  recorded  here.  During  the  almost  con- 
stantly recurring  cold  period  in  May,  9th-14th,  the  exposed 
thermometer  this  year  showed  8°  of  frost  on  the  coldest 
night.  The  ground  has  become  a  little  warmer  the  last 
two  days,  but  is  still  1"  colder  than  is  seasonable,  both 
at  1  and  2  feet  deep.  Rain  fell  on  five  days,  but  to 
the  total  depth  of  less  than  half  an  inch.  There  has 
been  no  measurable  percolation  through  the  bare  soil 
gauge  for  more  than  a  fortnight,  and  no  percolation  at  all 
through  that  on  which  short  grass  is  growing  for  more  than 
a  week.  The  sun  shone  on  an  average  for  6J  hours  a  day, 
or  for  half  an  hour  a  day  longer  than  is  usual  in  the  middle  of 
May.  The  wind  has  been  very  variable  in  direction,  and  as 
a  rule  light.  The  mean  amount  of  moisture  in  the  air  at  8 
o'clock  in  the  afternoon  fell  short  of  a  seasonable  quantity 
for  that  hour  by  8  per  cent.  The  first  Rose  to  bloom  in  my 
garden  in  the  open  ground  was  a  variety  of  Rosa  alpina, 
which  was  out  on  the  17th,  or  four  days  earlier  than  last 
year,  but  six  days  later  than  in  1907.  E.  M..  Berkhamsted, 
May  19,  1909.    

SCHEDULES     RECEIVED. 

Hemel  Hempstead  Horticultural  Society's  60th  annual 
floral  fete,  to  be  held  in  the  Bury  Meadows,  Hemel  Hemp- 
stead, on  Wednesday,  August  18.  Exhibition  of  Roses  and 
Sweet  Peas  on  Wednesday,  July  7.  Hon.  secretary,  Mr. 
Geo.  Burrows,  Shendish  Gardens,  Hemel  Hempstead. 

Croydon  Horticultural  Society's  42nd  exhibition,  to  be 
held  in  the  Park  Hill  Recreation  Ground,  Croydon,  on 
Wednesday,  July  7.  Secretary,  Mr.  A.  C.  Roffey,  St. 
Andrew's  Villa,  55,  Church  Road,  Croydon. 

Chester  Paxton  Society's  annual  exhibition  of  Fruits 
and  Chrysanthemums,  on  Wednesday  and  Thursday, 
November  17  and  18,  at  the  Town  Hall,  Chester.  Hon. 
secretary,  G.  P.  Miln,  Grosvenor  Museum,  Chester. 


Norman  C.  Cookson. — The  news  of  the 
death,  on  the  15th  inst.,  of  Mr.  Norman  C.  Cook- 
son,  of  Oakwood  Hall,  Wylam-on-Tyne,  in  his 
69th  year,  will  be  received  with  the  deepest  re- 
gret by  all  interested  in  the  cultivation  of 
Orchids.  During  Mr.  Cookson's  residence  at 
Oakwood  Hall,  extending  for  30  years  past,  he 
has  been  an  ardent  horticulturist  in  its  various 
branches.  But  his  personal  and  active  in- 
terest in  Orchid  cultivation  and  cross- 
breeding was  best  known  to  the  public. 
As  early  as  1880  Mr.  Cookson  had  com- 
menced the  crossing  of  Calanthes,  amongst  some 
of  the  best  of  his  earlier  hybrids  being  Calanthe 
Alexanderi,  C.  Cooksonii,  C.  Clive,  C.  Bryan, 
and  C.  Wm.  Murray.  The  hybrids  Oakwood 
Ruby,  Angela  and  Chapmanii  especially  indicate 
what  great  results  may  be  obtained  by  skilful 
breeding,  for  these  flowers,  although  almost  en- 
tirely of  a  ruby-crimson  hue,  were  obtained  from 
the  crimson  eye  of  the  otherwise  white  C.  ves- 
tita.  Mr.  Cookson  was  equally  successful  in  rais- 
ing hybrid  Phaius  of  extraordinary  value,  P. 
Cooksonii,  obtained  from  P.  Wallichii,  and  P. 
tuberculosus  appeared  in  1890.  In  1895  came  P. 
Cooksonise,   obtained   from  P.     grandifolius    and 


THE  LATE  NORMAN  C.  COOKSON. 

Humblotii,  P.  Phoebe  was  an  improvement  upon 
the  hybrid  just  mentioned,  and  was  obtained 
from  P.  Sanderianus  and  P.  Humblotii.  In  1897 
P.  Norman  and  its  beautiful  varieties  appeared. 
Of  Dendrobium  hybrids  raised  by  Mr.  Cookson, 
we  may  mention  D.  Sibyl,  D.  Murrayi,  D.  Ken- 
neth, D.  Venus,  D.  Owenianum,  D.  Harold,  and 
D.  Doris.  Numerous  Cypripedium  hybrids  have 
been  raised  at  Oakwood,  and  it  will  be  remem- 
bered that  Mr.  Cookson  reproduced  from  home- 
raised  seeds  the  coveted  Cypripedium  Lawrencea- 
num  variety  Hyeanum.  In  Odontoglossums  Mr. 
Cookson,  assisted  by  his  skilful  grower,  Mr.  H. 
J.  Chapman,  has  not  been  less  successful  than 
in  the  genera  we  have  already  mentioned. 
Excellent  hybrids  from  Odontoglossum  crispum 
O.  Pescatorei,  and  other  species  have  been  shown 
from  time  to  time  at  meetings  of  the  Royal 
Horticultural  Society,  at  which  Mr.  Cookson  was 
one  of  the  most  frequent  visitors,  being  a  mem- 
ber of  the  Orchid  Committee.  A  few  of  the 
crosses  effected  by  Mr.  Cookson  in  other  genera 
include  Laelio-Cattleya  Clive,  Cattleya  Harold,  C. 
William  Murray,  and  the  reproduction  of  the 
natural  hybrid  Cattleya  Hardyana.  Mr.  Cookson 
had  been  ill  for  some  little  time,  and  the  end  was 
not  totally  unexpected. 


May  22,  1909.] 


THE    GARDENERS'    CHRONICLE. 


335 


MARKETS. 

COVENT  GARDEN,  May  19. 
rwe  cannot  accept  any  responsibility  for  the  subjoined 
reports  They  are  furnished  to  us  regularly  every 
Wednesday,  by  the  kindness  of  several  of  the  principal 
salesmen,  who  are  responsible  for  the  quotations.  It 
must  be  remembered  that  these  quotations  do  not  repre- 
sent the  prices  on  any  particular  day,  but  only  the 
general  averages  for  the  week  preceding  the  date  ot  our 
report.  The  prices  depend  upon  the  quality  of  the 
samples,  the  way  in  which  they  are  packed,  the  supply 
in  the  market,  and  the  demand,  and  they  may  fluctuate, 
not  only  from  day  to  day,  but  occasionally  several  times 
in  one  day. — Ed.1 
Cut  Flowers.  &o:  Average  Wholesale  Prices. 


Plants  in  Pots,  8c:  average  Wholesale  Prices  (Contd.). 
s.d.  s.d 


s.d.  s.d. 


2  6- 
1  0- 


Anemone  fulgens, 
p.  dz,  burches 

—  double  pink.  p. 
dozen  bunches 

Azalea,  per  dozen 
bunches 

Carnations,  p.  doz. 
blooms,  best 
American  (var.) 

—  second  size    ... 

—  smaller,  per 
doz.      bunches 

—  "  Malinaisons," 
p.  doz.  blooms 

Catileyas,  per  doz. 

blooms 
Cypiipediums,  per 

dozen  blooms.. 
Dendrobium  nobile, 

per  dozen       ...    2  0- 
Euchans  grandiuora, 

per  dz.  blooms    2  6' 
Freesias  (white),  p. 

doz.  bunches... 
Gardenias  perdoz. 

blooms 

Gladiolus,  per  doz. 

bunches 
Gypsophila   ele- 

gans,  per  doz. 

bunches 
Iris  (Spanish),  per 

dozen  bunches 
Lilac     (English), 

white,  p.  bunch 

—  mauve 

Liliiiiu      auratum, 

pel  bunch 

—  loiigilloniin    ... 

—  lane  i  f  o  1  intra , 
ruhium 

—  album 

Lily  of  the  Valley, 

p.  dz.  bunches 

—  extra  quality  ... 
Marguerites,  p.  dz. 

bunches   white 

and  yellow     ... 

gnonette,      per 

dozen  bunches 


16-20 
16-26 


4  0-50 


9  0-12  0 

8  0-12  0 

10  0-12  0 

16-26 

26 

3  6 

2  0-26 

16-26 

6  0-90 


8  0-40 

6  0  12  0 


16-26 
0  6-10 


■2   (I- 

2  6- 


1  6- 

2  0- 


9  6 


Mig 


6  0-90 
12  0-16  0 


16-26 

4  0-60 


Myosotis,  per  doz. 

bunches 
Narcissus,  per  dz. 

bunches 

—  Double  While, 
dozen  bunches 

Odontoglossurn 
crispum,  per 
dozen    blooms 

Pelargoniums, 
show,  per  doz. 
bunches 

—  Zonal,  double 
scarlet 

Poppies.     Iceland, 

per     dozen, 
bunches 
Ranunculus, perdz. 

bunches 
Richardia  africana, 

per  dozen 
Roses,   12  blooms, 

Niphetos 

—  Bridesmaid    ... 

—  C.  Testout     ... 

—  Kaisertn  A . 
Victoria 

—  C.  Mermet      ... 

—  Liberty 

—  Mnie.Chatenay 

—  Mrs.   J.    Laing 

—  Richmond 

—  The  Bride     ... 

—  UlrichBi  miner 
Spiraea,  per  dozen 

bunches 
Stocks,     double 

white,  per  doz. 

bunches 
Sweet  Peas,  per  dz. 

bunches 
Tuberoses,  per  dz. 

blooms 

—  on  stems,  per 
bunch  

Tulips,  Darwin 
varieties,  per 
dozen  


2  II-  3  0 
10-16 
2  0-26 

2  0-26 


4  0-60 


3  0-60 

2  0-30 

2  0-30 

16-26 
2  6-40 
2  0    3  0 

2  0-40 

2  0-40 

3  0-50 
8  0-50 

2  0-40 

3  0-60 
3  0-40 
2  0-40 

5  0-80 


2  0-26 
2  0-60 


0  9-18 


6  0-12  0 


Hardy  flower  roots 

per  dozen  ...  10-20 
Heliotropiums,  per 

dozen 6  0-80 

Hydrangea    Thos. 

Hogg,  per  dz.  10  0-15  0 

—  hortensis  ...  12  0-24  0 
Isolepis,  per  dozen  4  0-60 
Kentia      Belmore- 

ana,  per  dozen  15  0-24  0 

—  Fosteriana,  dz.  18  0-30  0 
Latania  borbonica, 

per  dozen  ...  12  0-18  0 
Li  1  ium    longi- 

florum,  perdz.  12  0-18  0 

—  lancifohum,  p. 

dozen 12  0-24  0 

Lily  of  the  Valley, 

per  dozen  ...  18  0-30  0 
Marguerites,  white, 

per  dozen  ...  6  0-80 
M  ignonet  te,  per 

dozen 5  0-70 

Musk,  per  dozen...    3  0-40 


Cut  Foliage,  lie.:  Average  Wholesale  Prices. 


s.d.  s.d. 


Adiantiim  cunea- 
tinii,  per  dozen 
bunches 

Agrostis,  per  doz. 
bunches 

Asparagus  plu- 
niosus,  long 
trails,  per  doz. 

—  — medm.,uch, 

—  Spiengeri 
Berberis,  per  doz. 

bunches 
Croton  leaves,  per 

bunch  

Cycas  leaves,  each 
Ferns,    per    dozen 

bclis.  (English) 
--  [French 


6  0-90 
16-20 


S  0-12  0 
10-20 
0  9-16 

2  6-30 

10-13 
16-20 

2  0-80 
0  6-09 


Galax  leaves,  per 
dozen  bunches 

Hardy  foliage 
(various),  per 
dozen  bunches 

Honesty  (Lunaria) 
per  bunch 

Ivy-leaves,   bronze 

—  long  trails  per 
bundle 

—  short  green, 
perdz. bunches 

Moss,  per  gross  ... 

Myrtle,  dz.  bchs., 
(English) 
small-leaved ... 

—  French 
Smilax,  per  dozen 

trails    


2  0-26 


3  0-90 


10-16 
2  0-26 


0  9-1 


16-26 
4  0-50 


4  0-6 
I  0-  1 


4  0 


6  0-80 
4  0-60 


9  0-12  0 
4  0-60 


12  0-30  0 
8  6-50 


15  0-24  0 
30  0-42  0 


12  0-18  0 
9  0-12  0 
9  0-12  0 


Plants  in  Pots,  &c, 

s.d.  s.d. 
Acacias,  per  dozen  12  0-18  0 
Ampelopsis      Veit- 

cliii,  per  dozen 
Aralia  Sieboldii,  p. 

dozen  

—  larger   speci- 
mens     

—  Moseii 

Araucaria  excelsa, 

per  dozen 

—  large    plants, 
each     

Aspidistras,  p.  dz., 
green   

—  variegated 
Asparagus,  plumo- 

sus  nanus,  per 
dozen  ... 

—  Sprengeri 

—  ten  u  issimus 
B  o  r  o  n  i  a     mega- 

siicma,  per  doz.  24  0-30  0 

—  heterophylla...  12  0-18  0 
Calceolarias,     her- 
baceous,     per 

dozen 6  0    8  0 

—  yellow 5  0-70 

Chrysanthemum 

cor  on  ar  ium 

per  dozen      ...    8  0-10  0 


Average  Wholesale  Prices. 

s.d.  s.d. 
Cinerarias,       per 


dozen      6  0-90 

Clematis,  per  doz.    8  0-90 

—  in  flower  12  0  18  0 
Cocos    Weddelli- 

ana,  per  dozen...  18  0-30  0 
Crotons,  per  dozen  18 
Cyclamen,  pr.  doz.     9  0  15  0 
Cyperus   alterni- 
folius,  dozen  .. 

—  laxus,  per  doz 
Oraca?nas,  perdoz 
Erica     persoluta 

alba,    per  doz 

—  candidissima, 
perdoz.  ..  Ik  0  U  0 

—  Cavendishi.dz.  24  0-36  0 
Euonymus, perdz., 

in  pets.  .         ..40-90 

—  from  the  ground  3  0-60 
Ferns,  in  thumbs, 

per  100 

—  in     small     and 
large  60's 

—  in  48's,  per  dz. 

—  choicer  sorts... 

—  in  32's,  per  dz. 
Ficuselastica.p.dz. 

—  repens,  per  dz. 
Fuchsias,  per  doz 
Grevilleas,  per  dz. 


s.d.  s.d. 
2  0-30 


Pansies,  per  box  of 

24  plants,  each 
Pelargoniums, 

show  varieties, 

per  dozen      ...  12  0-18  0 

—  Ivy  leaved     ...    6  0-80 

—  Oak  leaved    ...    4  0-60 

—  Zonals 5  0-70 

Rhodanthe,  per  dz.    5  0-60 
Rhododendrons, 

each     

Roses,  H.P.'s,  per 
dozen  ... 

—  Polyantha  va- 
rieties   

—  Ramblers,  each 
Selaginella,  per  dz. 
Spiraea  japonica,  p. 

dozen  

Stocks  (intermed- 
iate), white, 
crimson,  and 
pink,  per  doz. 

Verbenas,  per  doz. 


forced  Strawberries  are  still  very  plentiful,  2s.  6d.  being  an 
average  price  per  lb.  for  best  fruits.  Vegetables  generally 
are  a  little  firmer  in  prices.  E.  H.  R.,  Covcnt  Garden, 
Wednesday,  May  19,  1909. 


Kents — 

Scottish  Triumphs 


2  0-50 

12  0-18  0 

12  0-18  0 
5  0-10  6 
4  0-60 

8  0-12  0 


6  0-70 
8  0-12  0 


Fruit:  Average  Wholesale  Prices. 

s.d.  s  d.  | 

Grapes  (new) 
Guernsey  Figs,  dz. 
Lemons,  box  : 

—  Messina,  300... 

—  Do.        360... 

—  (Naples),    per 
case 

Limes,  per  case   .. 
Lychees,  per  box... 
Melons,  each 
Nuts,  Almonds,  per 


9  6-10  6 
9  0-10  6 


Apples      (Tasman- 
ian),  pet  c.i^e : 

—  Ribston  Pippin 

—  Scarlet     Pear- 
main     

—  Cox's     Orange 
Pippin 13  0-14  0 

—  Alexander      ...    8  6-10  0 

—  Prince  Alfred..    9  6-10  6 

—  French  Crab ...  10  0-10  6 

—  (Australian), 
per  case : 

—  Dunn's     Seed- 
ling        10  6-12  6 

—  Cleopatra       ...  10  0-12  0 

—  Jonathan         ...  11  0-13  0 

—  Ribston  Pippin    9  6-11  0 

—  (American),  per 
barrel : 

—  Nonpareils    ...  18  0-20  0 

—  Oregon     New- 
towns,  per  case    9  0-11  6 

Bananas,  bunch 

—  Doubles 


per 


No.  1 

—  Extra 

—  Giant 

—  (Claret)    „    ... 

—  Jamaica    ,,    ... 

—  Loose,  per  dz. 
Cranberries,     per 

case      

Cherries   (French), 
per  box 

—  i  bushel 
Custard  Apples    ... 
Gooseberries  (Eng- 
lish), per  peck 

Grape   Fruit,  case 

Vegetables 

Artichokes(Globe), 
per  dozen 

—  white, p. bushel 

—  per  cwt. 
Asparagus, 

bundle: 

—  Dijon 

—  Giant 

—  Spanish 

—  Sprue 

—  Paris  Green  ... 

—  Toulouse 

—  Montanban  — 
Beans,  per  lb. : 

—  il-  n^jlish) 

—  (French) 

—  (Guernsey)  ... 
Beetroot, per  bushel 
Cabbages,  per  mat 

—  per  crate 

—  per  box  (24)    ... 

—  Greens,       per 
bushel 

Cardoon    (French), 

per  dozen 
Carrots    (English), 

dozen  bunches 

—  washed,  bag  ... 

—  unwashed 


...  9  0-10  0 
...  6  6-80 
...  8  0-90 
...  10  0-12  0 
...  6  0-76 
6  0-56 
0  6-10 


18  0-14  6 

10-18 
7  0  — 
3  0-12  0 

2  6-30 

9  0-13  0 


:  Average  Wholesale  Prices, 
s.d.  s.d. 


2  0-26 

2  0-26 

3  6    — 


0  8-10 
8  6-60 
0  7-0  10 
0  6-08 
16-20 
13-19 
13-16 

0  6-08 
0  7-08 
0  7-08 

2  6-30 
4  0-46 

7  6-80 

3  0-36 

10-16 

8  0-10  0 

4  0    — 

5  6-60 
4  0-50 


s.d.  s.d. 


Mustardand  Cress, 
per  dozen  pun. 
Onions,  per  bag  ... 

—  (Valencia), case 

—  Egyptian,  case 

—  pickling,     per 
bushel 

Parsley, 12  bunches 

—  £  sieve 

Peas  (French),  pkt. 

—  (French),  p.pad 

—  (English),  dried 
per  dz.  packets 

—  (t.uernsey)     ... 
Potatos  (Guernsey), 

per  lb.  ...         ...    0  3    - 

—  (Algerian).cwt.  10  0-11  0 

—  (French),  p.  lb.    0  2-0  2* 

—  Teneritie,  cwt.  13  0-14  0 
Radishes  (French), 

per  doz.  bunches 
Rhubarb  (English), 
forced,  per  dz. 
bundles 

—  Natural,  p. tally 
Salsafy,  per  dozen 

bundles 
Seakale,  per  dozen 
punnets 


(French).bunch    0  5-06    Spinach,  per  crate 


4  0-50 
4  0-60 

9  0-21  0 

12  0-24  0 


8  0-12  0 

12  0-20  0 
4  0-60 
8  0-12  0 

10  0-1K  0 
8  0-10  0 
6  0-80 
8  0-10  0 
4  0-60 


Cauliflowers,    doz. 

Celeriac,  per  doz. 

Chicory,  per  lb.   ... 

Cucumbers,  per  dz. 

Endive,  per  dozen 

Horseradish,  for- 
eign, per  doz. 
bundles 

Leeks,  12   bundles 

Lettuce  (French), 
per  crate 

—  Cos.  per  dozen 
Mint,  doz.  bunches 
Mushrooms, per  lb. 

—  broilers 

—  buttons,  per  lb. 


6-3  6 

16-26 

0  3J-  0  4 

2  0-26 

13-19 


17  0-21  0 
2  0-20 


2  3 

3  6 


2  0 

3  0 
6  0 
0  8- 
0  6- 
0  8-0  10 


12  0 
4  0- 
1  0- 


0  5 


4  0 
4  0- 


Potatos. 
s.d.  s.d. 
8  6-40 


Up-to-Date 
Lincolns— 
Royal  Kidney 
Up-to-Date  ... 
Maincrop 
Evergood 
King  Edward 


s.d.  s.d. 
2  6     — 

4  0-12  0 

8  0-10  0 

9  0-12  6 

18  0-25  0 

5  0     — 
10-13 
2  0-30 

38  0-40  0 

—  Brazils,     new, 

per  cwt.  ...  33  0-85  0 

—  Barcelona,  bag  30  0-32  0 

—  Cocoa  nuts,  100  10  0-14  0 
Oranges  (Denia)  ...  10  0-21  0 

—  Cal  if  ornian 
seedless,    per 

case     11  0-13  0 

—  (Valencia)    per 

case  (420)        ...  10  0-18  0 

—  per  case  (714)...  10  0-18  0 

—  Jaffas 7  0-10  0 

—  Palermo  Blood    7  0-10  0 

—  Murcia  Blood, 

per  case  (200)...    7  0-90 
Pears  (Australian), 
Winter     Nelis, 
per  tray  ...     5  0-60 

—  Calabash,    per 

tray      5  0-80 

Pineapples,  each  ...  19-36 

—  (Natal),  perdz.  4  0-60 
Strawberries,  lb....  2  0-26 

—  second  quality  10-16 

—  (French),  crate 

of  4  baskets...  15  0  20  0 


.83-39 

...2  6-8  0 
...  3  0-  3  6 
...  3  0-39 
...2  6-3  0 
...  3  0-36 


s.d.  s.d, 
2  6-29 


Blacklands... 
Dunbars — 

Langworthy, red  soil  4  9-50 

Up-to-Date,  red  soil  3  3-39 

n         ,,       Srey s0''  2  6-30 

forks—  „    ,  „ 

Up-to-Date 3  6-40 

Jerseys  (new),  cwt.  20  0    — 

Remarks.— Trade  is  still  very  slow.  Prices  are  lower  and 
stocks  in  London  are  large.  Potatos  are  arriving  from 
Jersey  in  increased  quantities,  and  in  the  course  ot  two 
weeks  the  season  for  Jersey  Potatos  will.be  in  full  i swing. 
E.J.  Newborn,  Covent  Garden  and  St.  Patterns,  May  19,  1909. 


1  0    — 
9  0-10  0 
9  0-11  0 
8  0-96 

6  0    — 

2  0    — 

1  6    — 
0  3-04 

3  6-50 

2  6    — 

0  7-0  10 


13-11 


0  6-09 
4  0-46 


4  0-46 


5  0 
1  6 


COVENT    GARDEN     FLOWER     MARKET. 

Trade  seems  to  have  revived  a  little,  but  it  is  a  difficult 
matter  to  give  accurate  prices.  This  morning  (Wednesday) 
there  was  considerable  demand  for  Lilium  longifloruni  and 
the  value  of  this  flower  advanced  considerably.  Good 
blooms  of  L.  lancifohum  (speciosum)  are  rather  scarce. 
Yellow  Daffodils  are  over  for  the  season,  and  yellow  Irises 
are  making  better  prices.  Tins  n  ominfi  best  samples  were 
worth  from  10s.  to  12s.  per  dozen  bu  iches;  white  and  mauve 
varieties  were  also  selling  well,  but  blue  kinds  were  over- 
plentiful.  Narcissus  poeticus  ornatus  is  plentiful;  the 
double  variety  is  also  seen  in  large  quantities.  Roses, 
which  were  scarce  on  Saturday,  15th  inst.,  are  cheaper 
again,  yet  there  is  a  prospect  of  a  considerable  advance 
in  the  near  future,  for  the  indoor  crops  will  be  over 
before  flowers  from  the  open  are  ready.  Carnations  are 
fairly  plentiful,  and  their  value  is  low.  There  is  plenty 
of  Stephanotis  on  the  stands,  but  as  several  growers  have 
given  up  the  culture  of  Gardenias  and  Euchans  supplies  ot 
these  are  not  excessive.  Callas  (Richardia  africana)  are 
marketed  in  large  quantities,  and  many  are  sold  at  clearance 
prices.  Of  Sweet  Peas  only  those  with  long  stems 
make  good  prices;  the  best  varieties  for  market  purposes 
are  Dorothy  Eckford,  Miss  Willmott,  and  Lady  Gnzel 
Hamilton.  Gladiolus  Colvilei  and  several  other  varieties 
are  plentiful.     Iceland  Poppies  are  very  pretty. 

Pot  Plants. 
There  is  not  much  variation  to  record  in  this  depart- 
ment. Intermediate  Stocks  are  becoming  scarcer. 
Spring  raised  Mignonette  is  good.  The  yellow  Chrysan- 
themum coronarium  (or  segetumj  is  good.  Genistas  are 
over  for  the  season,  and  Cinerarias  are  nearly  finished. 
Pelargoniums  of  all  sections  are  plentiful.  The  only 
varieties  that  promise  to  be  scarce  are  the  single  white 
Zonal  kinds.  Ivy-leaved  varieties  are  remarkably  good.  1  all 
Fuchsias  and  Heliotropes  are  in  demand.  There  is  a  con- 
siderable trade  in  bedding  plants,  for  which  good  prices 
are  obtained.  Carpet  bedding  having  largely  gone  out  of 
favour,  suitable  plants  are  not  so  largely  cultivated  tor 
market  as  formerly,  consequently  care  should  be  taken  in 
accepting  orders  for  such  plants.  A.  H.,  Covent  Garden, 
Wednesday,  May  19,  1909. 


per  bushel 
Stachys    tuberosa, 

per  lb 

Turnips,  per  dozen 

bunches 

—  washed,  p.  bag     4  0-46 

—  (French). bunch  0  6-07 
Turnip  Tops,  bag  2  0-  2  6 
Tomatos      (Tener- 

iffel,  per  bun- 
dle of  4  boxes  10  0-18  0 

_  p.  12  lb.  basket    4  6-50 

_  (English),    per 

12  lbs. ..         ...    7  0-80 

—  (English),  s.s...  6  0  7  0 
Watercress,  p.  doz.    0  4-06 


REMARKS.-English  Gooseberries  are  arriving  in  slightlj 
increased  quantities  :  the  cold  weather  of  the  past  week  1 
largely  checked  the  development  of  the  berries. 

.  u„:««  ra~~\,.aA  fmm  France  in  half  Sieve* 

French-grown 


Cherries 
are^now  being  received  from  France  in  half  sieves  as  well  as 
fn  boxes:  their  quality  is  still  very  poor.  French-grown 
Strawberries  are  received  in  crates  containing  tout  cl  up 
baskets.  The  prices  of  Australian  and  Tasinamal,  Apr I  es 
remain  about  the  same  as  those  of    last  weeK. 


YgtoMfa* 


to 
fooncknk 


English 


Blanching  Chicory  Out  of- doors  :  //.  A.  The 
seeds  should  be  sown  at  once  in  rows  made  12 
inches  apart  on  fairly  good  ground  which  has 
been  deeply  worked.  The  seedlings  should  be 
thinned,  after  thev  have  developed  their  second 
leaf  to  9  or  10  inches  apart.  The  best  way  to 
blanch  this  useful  vegetable  is  to  lift  the  roots 
as  required,  placing  them  together  rather 
closely  in  deep  boxes,  and  standing  the  boxes 
in  the  darkest  place  available  in  a  tempera- 
ture of  about  50°.  The  labour  of  lifting  is 
much  less  than  would  be  required  to  blanch 
it  satisfactorily  in  the  open.  For  late  spring 
use,  however, 'inverted  flower-pots  covered  en- 
tirely with  soil  and  ashes  may  be  used  for 
blanching  purposes,  but  it  is  essential  that 
every  ray  of  light  be  excluded.  The  heads 
should  be  cut  for  use  precisely  in  the  same 
manner  as  Seakale,  when  it  may  be  used  either 
as  a  vegetable   or  as  a  salad. 

Figs  Decaying:  C.  A.  B.  The  fruits  are 
affected  with  "  rot  "  caused  by  Botrytis 
cinerea.  If  growth  is  too  much  stimulated  by 
the  excessive  use  of  fertilisers  the  fruit  exudes 
a  little  sugary  juice  at  the  pore,  on  which  the 
fungus  spores  germinate. 

Forming  a  Fruit  Plantation  :  J.  W.  P.  The 
soil  being,  as  you  state,  a  good  deep  loam  resting 
on  gravel,  it' should  prove  suitable,  other  con- 
ditions being  equally  favourable,  for  the  plant- 
ing of  Apple  trees.  As  you  intend  to  plant 
the  trees  next  autumn,  you  should  prepare  the 
land  beforehand,  and  the  sooner  the  better,  afl 
any  manure  incorporated  will  be  the  better 
decomposed  in  the  soil.  The  turves  may  be 
removed  and  used  for  potting  purposes,  but  you 
must  remember  that  the  top  layer,  and  especi- 
ally old  turf,  is  the  richest  in  plant  food,  there- 


336 


THE     GARDENERS'    CHRONICLE. 


[May  22,  1909. 


fore  it  should  be  allowed  to  remain.  No  sys- 
tem of  tillage  is  so  thorough  as  trenching,  and 
even  bastard-trenching  is  superior  to  ordinary 
digging.  Work  in  plenty  of  farmyard  dung  as 
the  ground  is  turned  over,  but  place  no  manure 
about  the  roots  when  planting.  If  dug  and 
manured  at  once,  the  land  may  then  be  utilised 
for  a  crop  of  green  vegetables.  November  will 
be  a  suitable  month  to  commence  the  planting 
of  the  fruit  trees. 

Anemone  Diseased  :  T.  Tf".  O.  The  leaves  are 
badly  infested  with  the  disease  known  as 
"  Cluster-Cups."  The  little  cup-like  struc- 
tures (Aecidia)  contain  the  spores  of  the  fungus 
which  is  known  as  Puccinia  fusca.  It  is  a 
virulent  disease,  because  when  the  plant  is 
attacked  it  remains  infected  for  the  rest  of  its 


FlG.    145. — AECIDIAL    STAGE   OF   THE, ANEMONE 
RUST. 


life,  as  the  mycelium  passes  into  the  root-stock 
where  it  is  perennial.  Diseased  plants  never 
produce  flowers  and  should  be  removed  and 
destroyed  directly  the  complaint  is  detected. 
Be  careful  to  burn  all  these  diseased  specimens, 
as  the  spores  will  infect  healthy  adjoining 
plants,  and  even  those  at  a  considerable  dis- 
tance away. 
Loganberry  Shoots  Injured  by  Maggots  : 
S.  B.  The  shoots  are  bored  by  the  larvae  of 
the  Raspberry  moth  (Lampronia  rubiella).  As 
long  ago  as  1853  the  late  Professor  Westwood 
called  attention  to  the  injury  caused  by  this 
pest  in  an  article  published  in  the  Gardeners' 
Chronicle.  The  life  history  is  briefly  as  foV 
lows :  The  female  lays  her  eggs  in  the  flowers, 
these  hatch  in  a  few  days,  and  the  young  cater- 
pillar at  once  enters  the  centre  of  the  young 
fruits  without  causing  any  apparent  injury. 
Just  before  the  ripening  of  the  berries  the 
insect  crawls  away  and  spins  a  silken  cocoon 
in  some  convenient  shelter  on  the  canes  or 
stakes,  or  near  the  ground  on  bits  of  sticks  or 
stones.  In  such  places  it  passes  the  winter. 
In  spring  the  caterpillar  leaves  its  cocoon 
usually  about  the  end  of  March,  ascends  the 
canes  or  plants,  attacking  the  partly-opened 
buds  and  shoots.  The  moths  appear  in  May 
and  June,  and  thus  the  life  cycle  is  completed. 
The  use  of  wooden  stakes,  especially  those  hav- 
ing rough  bark,  should  be  discontinued. 
Prune  the  plants  back  as  much  as  possible ; 
remove  all  rubbish  from  them  and  fork  the 
ground  deeply.  It  has  been  found  a  good  plan 
to  smear  the  canes  with  a  band  of  soft  soap 
early  in  spring,  about  the  end  of  April. 

Names  of  Fruits  :  E.  S.  The  specimens  are  out 
of  condition,  but  No.  1  is  probably  Dumelow's 
Seedling  (Wellington).  Can  you  send  fresher 
fruits  ?  If  not,  send  again  earlier  next  season. — 
A.  B.  Earle.     Lemon  Pippin. 

Names  of  Plants  :  E.  S.,  Scarborough.  Phacelia 
tanacetifolia. — J.  E.  Ixia  speciosa. — H.  B. 
1,    Zygopetalum    rostratum ;    2,    Epidendrum 


oohraceum  ;  3,  Oncidiam  triquetrum ;  4, 
Brojghtonia  sanguinea  ;  5,  Lsalia  monophylla  ; 
6,  Oncidium  pulohellum. — IF.  E.  S.  Odonto- 
glossum  triurnphans,  showing  an  unusual 
amount  of  white  in  the  petals. — Holyrood. 
Scilla  nutans.  —  H.  C.  S.  Small-flowered 
Sophora  (Edwardsia)  rnicrophylla,  figured  in 
Botanical  Magazine,  t.  1442.  Sophora  tetra- 
ptera,  figured  in  The  Gardeners'  Chronicle,  June 
8,  1878,  p.  729.— Subscriber.  1,  Swainsonia 
galegifolia  alba;  2,  Choisya  ternata. — Cor- 
respondent. 1,  Tecoma  (Bignonia)  jasminioides  ; 
2,  not  recognised,  send  when  in  flower. 
—  J.  M.  Anemone  coronaria. — Novice.  1, 
Polemonium  coeruleum ;  2,  Genista  pilosa ;  3, 
Ranunculus  aconitifoliusflorepleno;  4,  Arenaria 
trinervis ;  5,  Primula  cortusoides ;  6,  Aspho- 
delus  luteus. — W.  H.  A.  Crataegus  Crus-galli. 
— F.  A.  F.  Cardamine  pratense  flore  pleno. — 
S.  K.  Oncidium  obryzatum ;  Coronilla  (next 
week).  —  C.  B.  1,  Cardamine  pratense,  a 
Cruciferous  plant ;  2,  Luzula  sylvatica.— A.  J. 
Spiraea  bracteata. 

Plan  of  a  Croquet  Ground:  B.  B.  C.  For 
many  years  a  croquet  ground  was  laid  out  in 
accordance  with  the  plan  given  on  p.  288  in 
the  issue  for  May  1,  and  the  game  is  still  played 
according    to    these    rules    where  the  influence 


be  not  less  than  3J  inches  or  more  than  4  inches 
apart  (inside  measurement)  from  the  ground 
upwards.  The  turning  and  the  winning  pegs 
shall  be  of  wood,  of  a  uniform  diameter  above 
the  ground  of  1£  inches.  They  shall  stand  18 
inches  out  of  the  ground,  and  be  firmly  fixed. 
The  setting  of  the  hoops  and  pegs  shall  be  in 
accordance  with  one  of  the  diagrams  following, 
and  the  order  in  which  the  points  are  to  be 
made  shall  be  in'  accordance  with  the  arrows 
which  appear  thereon.  Measurements  : — Setting 
No.  1 :  Pegs  in  centre  line  of  ground  7  yards 
from  nearest  boundary ;  hoops  in  centre  line 
of  ground  7  yards  from  peg,  and  7  yards  apart ; 
corner  hoops  7  yards  from  nearer  peg  and  7 
yards  from  the  nearest  boundaries.  Setting  No. 
2 :  The  winning  peg  equi-distant  from  the  cor- 
ner. Hoops  in  centre  line  of  ground  7  yards 
from  peg;  corner  hoops  7  yards  from  the 
nearest  boundaries."  (From  Laivs  of  Croquet 
(1909).  published  for  the  Croquet  Association  by 
Harold  Cox,  Windsor  House,  Bream's  Build- 
ings, London,  E.C.,  price  6d.).  In  laying  out 
a  croquet  ground  it  is  essential  to  have  suffi- 
cient room  outside  the  lawn  (35  yards  by 
28  yards)  to  allow  of  the  roller  or  mower  being 
turned.  This  is  necessary  to  avoid  unduly 
wearing  the  most  important  part  of  the  turf, 
viz.,  that  where  the  "  yard  line  "  is  situated. 


iWk 
.1 


1 

1 


A  I 'fetwkwrii 

II        ' 


VAnmryPy  TSfitiX 


a S 

Setting  No.  1. 

m 


m 


,11 


n 


I  aTESmhrl^j 


"rP 


I 


-. 


iSbTcv 


•- *» * , 


WkmyRy 


Setting  No.  3. 


Setting  No.  4. 


(Prom  Laws  of  Croquet,  1908.) 


Fig.  146. — the  croquet  association's  diagrams. 


of  the  Croquet  Association  is  not  felt.  The 
Croquet  Association,  however,  is  the  only  re- 
cognised authority  for  those  who  wish  to  play 
the  game  in  the  approved  manner.  We  are 
indebted  to  the  courtesy  of  the  hon.  secretary, 
Mr.  F.  Kenrick,  for  the  following  particulars 
as  to  the  present  regulations: — "The  ground 
shall  be  rectangular,  35  yards  in  length  by  28 
yards  in  width,  with  a  defined  boundary.  A 
flag  shall  be  placed  at  each  corner,  and  corner 
spots,  3  feet  from  both  boundaries,  shall  be 
accurately  defined.  Points  on  the  boundary 
3  feet  from  each  corner  flag  shall  be  marked  by 
white  pegs,  not  exceeding  three-quarters  of  aii 
inch  in  diameter  and  3  inches  above  the 
ground.  The  baulk  (see  diagrams)  shall  also 
be  defined.  The  hoops  shall  stand  12  inches 
out  of  the  ground,  outside  measurement,  and 
be  firmly  fixed.  The  crown  shall  be  straight, 
and  at  right  angles  to  the  uprights,  which  shall 


Tulips  Injured  :  H.  B.  H.  L.  Although,  in 
one  case,  we  can  detect  a  slight  puncture  which 
may  be  due  to  insect  pests,  we  think  the  un- 
satisfactory condition  of  flowering  is  due  to 
some  irregularity  in  the  bulbs  themselves. 
The  inflorescence  seems  so  weakened  and 
attenuated  as  to  point  to  improper  flower 
formation  in  the  bulbs  last  autumn.  We  have 
had  several  similar  cases  this  season,  and  we 
attribute  it  to  the  unsuitable  weather  last 
autumn  for  proper  bulb  ripening. 

Communications  Received.— R.  L.   C.— W.  W.  P.— 

T.    H.— R.    H.  B.  (with   thanks)— J.    Weathers— G.  C— 

W.  J.  D.— H.  L.,  Cholsey— H.  H.-A.  S Baker's,  Wol- 

verhampton— W.  P.— E.  B.— Lucas— A.  O.— C.  C,  Wales 
— M.  B.,  Java— R.  I.  L,.— J.  D.  G— J.  O.  B.— S.  F.  W.— 
A.  C,  Westonbirt— F.  M.— W.  D.— S.  W.  F.— W.  C  — 
A.  G.— G.  O.  P.-F.  W.— R.  A.  R.— A.  K.— H.  J.  G.— 
W.  S.-J.  C.  &  Sons— W.  A.  C— J.  G.  W. -Frank  C.  A.— 
C.  &  Co. 


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May  29,  1909.] 


THE    GARDENERS'    CHRONICLE. 


337 


THE 


NTENTS. 

34  fi 

Scotland  — 

BS7 

A    Manse  garden    in 

May 

342 

,846 

Societies- 

339 

Massachusetts  Horti- 

345 

cultural        

34(i 

346 

Royal  Horticultural... 

347 

Temple  Flower  Show  344 

,347 

Vegetable    society,  the 

345 

proposed          

345 

345 

Vegetables — 

Early  dwarf  Beans  ... 

841 

3lti 

Viburnum  Carlesii 

341 

344 

Week's  work,  the — 

Flower  garden,  the  ... 

843 

Fruits  under  glass  ... 

342 

842 

Hardy  fruit  garden  ... 

342 

846 

Kitchen  garden,  the  . 

343 

Orchid  houses,  the   ... 

342 

339 

Plants  under  glass    ... 
Wilder  n  esse    Park, 

843 

34G 

Sevenoaks       

346 

<!>arbcncrsrCbronicIc 

No.  1,170.— SATURDAY,  May  29,  1909. 


cor 

Acetylene  gas  refuse 

Dahlias,  Cactus-flowered 

Fuchsia  splendens  and 
the  allied  species     333, ; 

Oerberas,  hybrid 

Gill,  Mr.  Norman 

Heredity,  principles  of 

International  Horticul- 
tural Exhibition  at 
Kasan,  Russia,  forth- 
coming   

Kew  Guild  dinner,   the 

Narcissus,  a  late  flower- 
ing          

Orchids,  sale  of 

Plant  notes— 
An     elegant    Calceo- 
laria    

Publications  received... 

Railway  rates  and  the 
need  for  co-operation 

Saxifraga  decipiens 
bybrida  grandiflora... 

ILLUSTRATIONS. 

Carnations  and  Roses,  a  group  of,  at  the  Temple  Show  3-i9 

Fuchsia  splendens        338 

Gerbera  flowers  at  the  Temple  Show      350 

Japane:  e  garden  at  the  Temple  Show 311 

Odontioda  chelseiensis           ..          348 

Roses,  groups  of,  at  the  Temple  Show 8«2,  354 

Sansevieria  Laurentii 347 

Saxifragra  decipiens  "  Miss  Willmott  " 343 

Viburnum  Carlesii        34n 

Viburnum  utile 346 

Wildernesse    Park,  Sevenoaks  (Supplementary   Illus- 
tr  itiont. 


CACTUS    DAHLIAS. 

IN  the  Gardeners'  Chronicle  for  October  4, 
1879,  there  is  an  illustration  of  Dahlia 
Juarezii  (Mexico),  the  parent  of  our  modern 
Cactus  Dahlia.  It  is  a  fairly  double,  star- 
shaped  flower,  holding  its  head  erect  on  a 
fine,  long  stalk.  Its  resemblance  in  colour 
to  Cereus  speciosissimus  was  the  reason  for 
its  being  termed  a  Cactus  Dahlia.  The  plant 
was  introduced  into  commerce  in  England  by 
Mr.  Henry  Cannell  in  1880.  Seedlings  were 
raised  in  great  numbers  by  many  growers,  and 
such  old  varieties  as  Cochineal  (crimson),  Con- 
stance (pure  white),  and  Glare  of  the  Garden 
(crimson-scarlet)  will  be  remembered  by  many. 
Why  was  the  grand,  decorative  habit  of  the 
early  plants  gradually  lost,  and  why  was  the 
ability  of  the  flowers  to  hold  themselves  erect  on 
long,  upright  stems  also  lost?  The  answer 
must  be  in  the  case  of  the  Cactus  Dahlia — and  it 
holds  good  regarding  many  other  flowers — the 
demands  of  the  show  bench.  There  seems  to  be 
a  period  in  the  life-history  of  every  favourite 
flower  when  its  virtues  as  a  show  flower  are 
considered  and  developed  almost  to  the  exclusion 
of  every  other  quality.  A  little  reflection  will 
convince  everyone  of  the  truth  of  this  remark. 
At  a  big  show  where  the  Dahlia  classes 
are  strong,  the  stands  of  24  single  blooms  of 
Cactus  are  marvellous  examples  of  the  cultivator's 
skill,  and  so  are  the  stands  of  flowers  in  bunches, 
but  the  latter  are  all  wired.  A  revulsion  against 
wiring  is  entering  strongly  into  the  horticultural 
mind,  and  the  day  will  come  when  even  Cactus 
Dahlias   set   up   at   the   National   Dahlia   Society 


and  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society  will  be 
"  passed  "  if  wired.  During  the  last  few  years 
more  attention  has  been  paid  to  this  matter  of 
improved  habit. 

The  Royal  Horticultural  Society  has  carried 
out  trials  in  its  gardens  at  Wisley  "  to  dis- 
cover those  varieties  possessing  the  floriferous 
character  and  showy  habit  of  holding  their 
flowers  well  above  the  foliage,  though  not  losing 
sight  of  form  and  quality  in  the  flowers."  These 
trials  have  been  carried  on  for  four  years.  In 
1905  and  1906  the  trials  were  judged  by  a  sub- 
committee of  the  Floral  Committee  of  the  Royal 
Horticultural  Society.  In  1907  and  1908  the 
judging  was  done  by  a  joint  committee  from  the 
R.H.S.   and  the  National  Dahlia  Society. 

In  1905  the  following  varieties  were  highly 
commended  for  garden  decoration: — Amos  Perry, 
Aral).  Aunt  Chloe,  D.  A.  Dunbar,  Dainty,  F.  A. 
Wellesley,  Floradora,  J.  II.  Jackson,  King  of 
Siam,  Mary  Service,  Mavis,  Mrs.  John  Barker, 
Mrs.  John  Goddard,  Mrs.  J.  S.  Brunton,  Mrs. 
McKergow,  Orion,  Peace,  Reliable,  Spotless 
Queen,  Standard  Bearer,  Waterloo. 

In  1906  the  following  were  highly  commended  : 
—A.  D.  Stoop,  Crepuscle,  Mont  Blanc,  Pink 
Pearl,  Prince  of  Yellows,  Reggie,  West  Hall 
Scarlet. 

In  1907  the  following  were  highly  commended  : 
— Beacon,  Eclair,  Lustre,  Meteor,  Molly,  Prim- 
rose. 

In  1908  the  following  were  highly  commended  : 
— Avoca.  Brightness,  Flash,  Mary  Carpenter, 
Miss  Willmott,  Stalwart. 

The  R.H.S.  gardens  at  Wisley  are  of  a  very 
sandy  nature,  and  for  this  reason  Dahlia  growing 
there  has  never  been  a  conspicuous  success. 

By  way  of  collecting  the  opinions  of  the 
mowers  as  to  the  best  varieties  for  garden 
decoration  and  cut  flowers,  I  have  been  in  ci  in 
munication  with  the  undernamed,  most  of  whom 
are  growing  several  acres  of  Dahlias  each  season 
and  whose  opinions,  therefore,  are  the  very  best 
obtainable.  They  are  men  who  arc-  living  among 
Dahlias  and  constantly  making  observations  and 
notes  : — Messrs.  Bakers,  Wolverhampton  ;  Mr.  W. 
Baxter,  Woking;  Messrs.  Burrell  &  Co.,  Cam- 
bridge; Messrs.  H.  Cannell  &  Sons.  Swanley ; 
Messrs.  Carter  Page  &  Co.,  London;  Messrs. 
Cheat  &  Sons,  Crawley ;  Messrs.  Dobbie  &  Co., 
Rothesay;  Messrs.  Keynes,  Williams  &  Co., 
Salisbury ;  Mr.  S.  Mortimer,  Farnham  ;  Mr.  J.  B. 
Riding,  Chingford ;  Mr.  Seale,  Sevenoaks ;  Mr. 
H.  Shoesmith,  Woking;  Messrs.  Stredwick  & 
Son,  St.  Leonards;  Mr.  Fred  Treseder,  Cardiff; 
Mr.  J.  Walker,  Thame;  Messrs.  Ware,  Ltd., 
Feltham;  Mr.  J.  T.  AVest,  Brentwood. 

In  the  lists  of  varieties  kindly  supplied  to  me 
by  the  foregoing  growers,  each  of  whom  I  asked 
to  name  what  they  considered  the  best  12  Cactus 
Dahlias  for  garden  decoration  and  cutting,  there 
were  over  100  varieties  given.  In  order  to  arrive 
at  a  consensus  of  opinion,  I  made  an  election 
with  the  following  results  : — 

Order.  Votes. 

1  7        Caradoc,  yellow  (Keynes). 

2  7        Star,  yellow  and  bronze  (Stredwick). 

3  6        Amos  Perry,  XXX,  E.H.S.,  crimson  (Hob- 

bies). 

4  6        Lustre,     XXX,     E.H.S.,     bright    crimson 

I  Burrell). 
6  6       Primrose,  XXX,  R.H.S..  lightyellow (Stred- 

wick). 

6  6        C.    E.    Wilkins,    salmon    pink  and  yellow 

(Stredwick). 

7  5        Mrs.  McMillan,  white  and  pink  (Stredwick). 

8  4        A.  D.  Stoop,  XXX,  R.H  S.,  crimson  (Car- 

p?nter-Baxter). 

9  4        H.  Shoesmith,  crimson-scarlet  (Shoesmith). 

10  4        Harold  Peerman,  yellow  (Stredwick). 

11  4        Rev.  A.  Bridge,  rose  pink  on  yellow  (Stred- 

wick). 

12  4        Thomas  Wilson,  reddish-fawn  (Keynes). 

13  3        Alexander,  maroon  (Mortimer). 

14  3        Australian,  purple  (Kerslake-Keynes). 

15  3        Dreadnought,  crimson-maroon  (Dobbie). 

16  3        D.licatissima,  pale  pink  (Keynes), 


Order.  Votes, 

17  8       Flame,  orange-scarlet  (Shoesmith). 

18  3        Ibis,  orange  (Burrell). 

19  3        Mauve  Queen,  clear  mauve  (Cheali. 

20  3        Mrs.  H.  L.  Brousson,  pale  salmon  (Stred- 

wick). ; 

21  S        Mrs.  G.  Stevenson,  yellow  (West). 

22  8        Thos.  Parkin,  terra-cotta  (Stredwick). 

23  3        Tressie,  cardinal  (West). 

24  3       White  Lady,  white  (Shoesmith). 

These  varieties  having  been  tested  in  different 
parts  of  the  country,  one  may  feel  safe  in  coming 
to  the  conclusion  that  they  are  likely  to  prove 
satisfactory  in  most  localities.  This  year  a 
number  of  new  varieties  are  being  put  on  the 
market  having  claims  to  be  considered  effective 
for  garden   and   cutting  purposes. 

Messrs.  Stredwick  &  Sons  are  offering  a  new 
pure  white  variety  named  "  Snowdon,"  which 
has  long,  wiry  stems,  and  also  a  yellow  and  rose 
variety  named  "  Rev.  J.  W.  Jamieson,"  with 
flowers  also  on  perfectly  rigid  stems.  Both 
varieties  have  received  the  National  Dahlia 
Society's  First-class  Certificate,  "  Snowdon  "  also 
having  been  honoured  by  the  R.H.S. 

Messrs.  Keynes,  Williams'  &  Co.  have  two 
new  varieties  this  year  possessing  the  desired 
qualities.  They  are  "  Miss  Hessey,"  a  fine  pink, 
and  "  Success,"  beautiful  clear  yellow. 

Messrs.  Ware  are  offering  "  Vivid,"  a  grand 
variety  equally  good  for  massing  or  planting  out 
singly,  with  flowers  of  bright  orange-scarlet. 

Messrs.  Dobbie  &  Co.  claim  for  their  new  in- 
troduction, "  Sentinel,"  that  it  has  a  dwarf, 
sturdy  habit,  throwing  its  rich,  yellow  flowers 
well  above  the  foliage. 

Mr.  H.  Shoesmith  sends  out  "  Ideal,"  bronzy- 
yellow  with  lighter  centre,  and  "  Splendour," 
rich  crimson,  claiming  for  both  that  they  belong 
to  the  improved  and  desired  type. 

Mr.  J.  T.  West's  "  Nellie  Riding  "  is  a  bi- 
color,  rich  crimson  with  pure  white  tips.  It 
certainly  has  a  double  qualification,  having 
received  both  the  National  Dahlia  Society's  and 
Royal  Horticultural  Society's  Certificates  and 
having  a  good,  garden  habit. 

Mr.  W.  Baxter  is  sending  out  "  Brightness,"  a 
beautiful  carmine-red  with  a  bushy  and  free- 
flowering  habit.  This  variety  stands  in  the 
unique  position  of  having  received  an  award 
from  the  R.H.S.  and  N.D.S.  at  Wisley  last  year. 

Messrs.  Hobbies  and  Mr.  S.  Mortimer  have 
for  many  years  been  persistently  working  towards 
the  end  I  have  in  view  in  this  article,  and  many 
of  their  varieties  have  received  recognition  at 
the  hands  of  the  R.H.S.  "  Amos  Perry  " 
(Hobbies)  had  the  honour  of  receiving  Mr.  Alex 
ander  Dean's  Silver  Medal  offered  for  the  best 
garden  Cactus  Dahlia  in  commerce. 

Mr.  Mortimer  began  as  far  back  as  1889  work- 
ing for  erect  stems  in  his  flowers,  and  the  R.H.S. 
has  recognised  quite  a  number  of  his  varieties, 
notably  "  Mrs.  J.  S.  Brunton  "  and  a  fine  new 
crimson  variety  of  last  year  named  "  Stalwart." 

Messrs.  Burrell  are  offering  no  fewer  than  five 
new  varieties  for  exhibition,  all  of  which  they 
claim  to  have  a  remarkably  free  and  erect  habit. 
The  names  are  "Brigadier,"  bright  crimson; 
"Echo,"  silvery-rose;  "  Mercia,"  amber-shaded 
salmon;  "Monarch,"  bronzy-red,  with  yellow 
centre ;  and  "  Una,"  rose-pink.  A  garden  Cactus 
variety  emanates  from  the  same  firm,  named 
"  Magnet,"  salmon-buff. 

A  word  as  to  cultivation.  For  the  purposes  in 
view  plants  should  only  be  grown  moderately 
strong  to  get  the  best  results.  Some  varieties 
will  want  thinning,  but  this  should  be  done 
in  moderation.  My  ideal  plant  should  require 
little  or  none  of  it.  In  the  words  of  a  well-known 
grower,"  grow  naturally  and  well  and  do  not 
poison  the  plants  by  over-feeding  with  either 
manure  or  chemicals."      William   t  ii/hbt  rtson. 


338 


THE    GARDENERS'    CHRONICLE. 


[May  29,  1909. 


FUCHSIA  SPLENDENS  AND  THE 
ALLIED  SPECIES. 

The  Fuchsia  cultivated  in  European  gardens 
under  the  name  of  F.  splendens  was  introduced 
by  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society,  through  their 
traveller  Hartweg,  in  1841.  Whether  it  is  the 
same  as  F.  splendens,  Zuccarini  (Flora,  1832,  vol. 
ii.,  Beiblatt,  p.  102),  incompletely  described  from 


great  elevations  up  to  10,000  feet,  and  is  one 
of  the  most  brilliantly  coloured  in  a  genus 
abounding  in  striking  species.  The  broad,  fleshy 
tube  of  the  flower  is  of  a  deep,  shining  crimson, 
the  erect  calyx-lobes  and  somewhat  shorter 
petals  are  green,  and  the  shortly  exserted 
stamens  are  yellow,  offering  a  contrast  brilliant 
rather  than  beautiful.  Although  introduced 
nearly  70  years  ago  it  is  seldom  seen  in  cultiva- 


of  which  there  is  a  coloured  figure  in  the 
Botanical  Magazine,  t.  4174.  Coloured  figures 
of  the  plant  here  represented  in  black  and  white 
are  to  be  found  in  the  Botanical  Magazine,  t. 
4082,  and  the  Botanical  Register,  1842,  t.  67, 
that  in  the  Botanical  Magazine  being  especially 
characteristic.  The  closely  allied  F.  cordifolia, 
Bentham,  was  discovered  and  introduced  by 
Hartweg  in  1840,  and  there  is  a  coloured  figure 


"T^>^<H^rJ 


Fig.  147. — fuchsia  splendens:  from  SPECIMEN'S  in  the  abbotsbury  castle  ..ardens,  DORSETSHIRE. 


dried  specimens,  is  uncertain.  Indeed,  I  am  of 
the  opinion  that  F.  cordifolia,  Bentham  (Plantoz 
Ilartwegiance,  p.  74),  is  Zuccarini's  plant,  the 
flowers  of  which  are  described  as  2  inches  long ; 
but  I  have  not  the  means  at  ""resent  of  clearing 
up  this  doubtful  point. 

F.   splendens,   as  generally   understood  and   as 
here  figured,  is  a  native  of  Mexico,  growing  at 


tion  nowadays,  but  as  exhibited  by  Mary  Countess 
of  Ilchester  at  a  meeting  of  the  Royal  Horticul- 
tural Society  it  was  a  highly  attractive  object. 
There  has  since  been  received  from  the  same 
source  an  even  more  fioriferous  specimen,  one 
small  branch  bearing  nearly  20  flowers. 

It  was  exhibited  under  the  name  of  F.  serrati- 
folia — a  very  different  South  American  species, 


of  it  in  the  Botanical  Register  for  1841,  t.  70.  It 
was  collected  in  Guatemala  at  an  altitude  of 
10,000  feet ;  it  is  less  brilliantly  coloured  than 
the  plant  now  figured.  The  tube  of  the  flower 
also  is  longer  and  narrower  and  tapers  to  the 
base,  and  the  petals  are  relatively  broader. 

A  third  species,  F.  intermedia,  of  this  affinity, 
was  described  by  the  writer  in   1880   (Biologia 


May  29,  1909.] 


THE    GARDENERS'    CHRONICLE. 


339 


Ccntrali-Aincricana,  Botany,  vol.  i.,  p.  457),  the 
name  being  given  to  express  the  fact  of  its  being 
intermediate  between  F.  splendens  and  F.  cordi- 
folia.  This  was  founded  on  a  specimen,  collected 
by  Hartweg  in  Mexico  at  an  altitude  of  10,000 
feet,  and  referred  by  Bentham  to  F.  splendens. 

The  fruit  or  seed-vessel  of  this  group  of  the 
genus  Fuchsia  is  remarkable,  being  cylindrical 
and  from  1  to  2  inches  long,  and  is,  I  believe, 
always  green  in  colour  when  ripe.  I  have 
somewhere  seen  a  record  of  its  being  eaten  by 
the  natives  of  Central  America.  Mr.  Worthing- 
ton  Smith,  who  made  the  drawing,  calls  attention 
to  a  peculiarity  in  the  shape  of  the  pollen  (which 
is  usually  trigonal  in  the  Onagraceas,  but  which 
in  F.  splendens  is  bipolar),  as  represented  in  the 
figure. 

So  far  as  I  know,  the  early  history  of  culti- 
vated Fuchsias  contains  no  record  of  F.  splendens 
being  employed  in  hybridisation.  Focke,  in  his 
I'fianzen  Mischlingc,  1887,  does  not  mention  it, 
nor  the  allied  F.  cordifolia ;  but  I  have  been  told 
that  some  interesting  results  have  been  obtained 
recently  with   these  species. 

A  few  years  ago,  however,  Graf  von.  Sohns 
Laubach  made  some  experiments  in  crossing 
these  two  species,  as  he  suspected  that  F.  inter- 
media, Hemsley,  was  a  natural  hybrid,  and  he 
gives  the  results  in  the  Botanische  Zeitung,  1907, 
p.  60.  One  cross  of  F.  splendens  (female)  with 
F.  cordifolia  (male),  from  which  seven  plants 
were  raised,  yielded  four  near  the  female  parent, 
two  near  the  male,  "  and  one  was  exacly  the 
1''.  intermedia,  Hemsl."  He  adds  that  there 
could  be  no  mistake,  as  all  possible  precautions 
were  taken  in  conducting  the  experiment.  W. 
Botiing  Hemsley. 


THE  CARRIAGE  OF  FRUIT  AND  VEGETABLE 
PRODUCE  BY  RAILWAY. 

Regularly  every  year,  as  the  seasons  come 
round,  there  arises  in  the  mind  of  the  market- 
gardener,  the  fruit-grower,  and  the  dairy  farmer 
the  thought  of  high  rates — rates,  that  is  to  say, 
for  the  carriage  of  their  produce  by  railway.  In 
years  of  plenty  the  thought  becomes  somewhat 
disheartening,  because  rhe  producer — and 
especially  the  small  man — foresees,  from  his  ex- 
perience in  previous  years,  that  his  profits  will  be 
swallowed  up  by  railway  charges.  A  little  study, 
however,  will  prove  that  this  is  a  contingency 
which  may,  in  a  large  measure,  be  avoided. 

To  put  the  matter  briefly,  it  may  be  said  that 
salvation  lies  in  both  intensive  and  extensive  cul- 
tivation and  co-operation.  On  the  Continent, 
such  co-operation  is  carried  out  to  a  very  high  de- 
gree. In  France,  for  example,  there  are  more 
than  600,000  producers  banded  together  in  some 
2,500  agricultural  associations  for  the  collective 
sale  of  their  products.  In  Germany  there  are 
more  than  1,000  societies  for  the  co-operative 
purchase  of  agricultural  necessaries,  and  nearly 
as  many  for  production  and  sale.  Of  Denmark's 
population  of  3,000,000,  quite  300,000  are  mem- 
bers of  co-operative  societies.  That  is  the  policy 
which  must  be  adopted  by  the  agriculturists  in 
this  country.  The  benefits  to.  be  derived  there- 
from, merely  so  far  as  the  bulking  of  produce 
for  conveyance  by  rail  is  concerned,  will  be  seen 
from  what  follows. 

The  following  are  the  rates  for  Plums  from 
the  Vale  of  Evesham  : — 

Small  lots.  10  cwt.  lots.  1  ton  lots.  2  ton  lots.  3  ton  lots. 

per  ton.  per  ton.  per  ton.  per  ton.  per  ton. 

s.    d.  e.    d.  8.    d.  s.    d.  s.    d. 

280  239  221  20  10  19    7 

But  the  small  man  finds,  when  he  sends  a  con- 
signment by  rail,  that  he  has  to  pay  at  a  rate 
much  higher  than  any  of  these.  Here,  for  in- 
stance, are  the  railway  company's  charges  for  the 
conveyance  of  three  small  lots  of  Plums  from 
Evesham  to  London  : — 

cwts.  qrs.  lbs.  s.  d. 

0  2       0    m  28s.  per  ton  =  1    3 

1  0       0    y)    „      „     „    =  1  11 
1       2       0    & =28 


It  will  be  seen  that,  although  the  rate  is  quoted 
as  28s.  per  ton,  the  sender  is  actually  charged  at 
the  rate  of  50s.  per  ton  for  the  first  lot,  36s.  8d. 
per  ton  for  the  second,  and  35s.  per  ton  for  the 
third  lot.  These  charges  are,  of  course,  calculated 
in  accordance  with  the  "  smalls  scale  "—which, 
by  the  way,  far  exceeds  the  ordinary  scale,  but 
which  is  perfectly  legal,  having  been  authorised 
by  Part  6  of  the  Railway  Rates  and  Charges 
Orders  Confirmation  Acts,  1891  and  1892— hence 
the  apparent  overcharge.  But  now  let  us  see 
how  easily  the  anomaly  can  be  overcome. 

Let  us  assume,  for  the  purpose  of  illustration, 
that  10  Evesham  fruit-growers,  each  having  the 
small  quantity  of  1  cwt.  of  Plums  to  send  to 
London,  decide  to  give  the  co-operative  principle 
a  trial.  They  bulk  their  several  lots,  that  is  to 
say,  lump  them  together,  and  forward  them  as 
one  consignment,  whereupon  the  railway  com- 
pany is  bound  to  calculate  the  carriage  in  this 
way  :— 

cwt.  qrs.  lbs.  §.  d 

10      0     0    @  23s.  9d.  per  ton  =  11  if 

From  this  we  see  that  the  cost  of  conveyance  of 
each  lot  is  just  under  Is.  2|d.,  as  against  Is.  lid., 
if  sent  as  a  single  parcel.  Obviously,  too,  the 
more  there  are  in  the  combine,  the  better  it  will 
be  for  each  individual,  because,  as  the  weight  in- 
creases, the  rate  decreases  pro  rata. 

Take  another  example.     The  rates  for  Apples 

and  Pears  between  Evesham  and  London  are : — 

Small  lots.  10  cwt.  lots.  1  ton  lots.  2  ton  lots.  3  ton  lots. 

per  ton.  per  ton.  per  ton.        per  ton.  per  ton. 

8-    d.  s.    d.  s.    d.            s.    d.            s.    d. 

23    2  17    6  16    8            15  10             15    5 

And  the  cost  of  conveyance  of  a  small  consign- 
ment of  Apples  weighing,  say.  2  cwts.  (at  the 
"  smalls  "  scale),  would  be  2s.  9d.  ;  but  if  20  such 
lots  were  bulked  and  sent  forward  as  one  lot.  the 
carriage  would  be  charged  at  15s.  lOd.  per  ton, 
total  31s.  8d.,  or  9^-d.  per  2-cwt.  lot.  In  <>th<  r 
words,  there  would  be  a  saving  of  Is.  llJ,rf.  in 
the  carriage  on  each  consignment/ 

In  Salop  and  Kent. 

The  same  method  can  be  employed  with  equal 
effect  in  any  district,  and  with  every  class  of 
goods.  There  are  two  rates  for  the  conveyance 
of  vegetables  from  Newport  (Salop)  to  London, 
namely,  26s.  lid.  for  1-ton  lots,  and  33s.  8d.  per 
ton  for  smaller  quantities.  A  2-cwt.  consignment 
between  these  points  would  therefore  cost  4s.  ; 
but  10  such  lots  lumped  together  could  be  sent  for 
26s.  lid.,  or,  approximately,  2s.  8£d.  apiece. 

Between  Rainham  (Kent)  and  London,  too, 
there  are  several  rates,  ranging  from  7s.  id.  to 
15s.  2d.  per  ton,  and  in  their  "  Fruit  and  Vege- 
table Tariff  "  the  South-Eastern  and  Chatham 
Railway  Co.  give  notice  to  this  effect : — 

"  When  a  sender  forwards  from  the  same  station  or 
siding  to  the  same  salesman  and  market  in  London,  a 
consignment  of  fruit  or  vegetables,  or  a  consignment  con- 
sisting partly  of  fruit  and  partly  of  vegetables,  and  elects  to 
lump  and  tender  such  consignment  at  one  time,  the  rate  or 
rates  applicable  to  such  consignment  will  be  subject  to  a 
reduction  of  10  per  cent,  when  the  aggregate  weight  exceeds 
2  tons,  and  to  15  per  cent,  when  the  aggregate  weight 
exceeds  4  tons. 

"The  same  allowances  will  be  made  when  a  consignment 
of  fruit  or  vegetables,  or  consisting  partly  of  fruit  and  partly 
of  vegetables,  is  the  property  of  two  or  more  senders,  but  in 
such  cases,  one  of  their  number  is,  by  arrangement  amongst 
themselves,  to  be  selected  as  the  nominal  sender.  His  name 
is  to  appear  as  such  on  the  consignment  note  handed  to  the 
company,  and  he  is  to  be  authorised  by  his  co-senders  to 
receive,  on  their  behalf,  the  allowances  above  referred  to." 

The  Only  Alternative. 
There  is  no  gainsaying  the  fact  that  the  horti- 
culturist of  this  country  is  severely  handicapped 
by  high  railway  rates  ;  but  from  the  foregoing  it 
is  perfectly  obvious  that  he  can,  to  say  the  least 
of  it,  considerably  lessen  his  burden  by  taking  an 
example  from  his  Continental  brother,  and  co- 
operating with  his  neighbour  for  the  collective 
sale  of  his  produce.  A  suggestion  to  this  effect 
was  thrown  out  by  the  Departmental  Committee 
(on  Railway.  Rates)  of  1906,  which  reported  that : 

"The  most  effective  way  in  which  '.he  home  producers 
can  claim  and  can  obtain  lower  rates  is  to  combine  and  co- 
operate with  the  object  of  sending  their  produce  in  larger 
quantities,  and  packed  so  as  to  give  good  loading  in  the 
trucks    .     .    . 

"  The  desirability  of  co-operation  seems  to  be  so  generally 
recognised,  that  it  is  to  be  regretted  that  its  adoption 
should  make  so  little  progress    .    .    . 


"  The  committee  are  of  opinion  that  co-operation  affordj 
a  practical  method  of  enabling  farmers  to  meet  foreign 
competition  and  to  put  themselves  in  a  position  to  obtain 
lower  railway  rates  for  the  conveyance  of  agricultural  pro- 
duce. Co-operation  has  the  advantage  over  other  sug- 
gestions that  have  been  made,  of  being  a  remedy  which  the 
railway  companies  have  ihown  themselves  ready  to  welcome 
and  assist." 

Seeing,  therefore,  that  co-operation  has  been 
tried  with  beneficial  results  on  the  Continent,  it 
but  remains  for  the  English  horticulturists  to  em- 
brace the  principle  and  do  exactly  the  same  as 
the  railway  companies  themselves  are  doing, 
namely,  amalgamate  for  the  good  of  each  other, 
for,  as  has  been  shown,  an  enormous  saving  can 
be  effected  by  this  means  in  the  matter  of  railway 
charges,  often  to  the  extent  of  50  and  60  per  cent. 
Geo.   B.  Lissenden. 


HYBRID  GERBERAS. 

I  have  been  interested  so  long  in  Gerberas  that 
I  would  like  to  make  a  few  remarks  supplemen- 
tary to  the  notice  of  the  article  in  the  Revue 
Horticole  by  Mons.  Ph.  de  Vilmorin,  a  digest  of 
which  has  recently  appeared  in  these  pages.  I 
received  my  first  seeds  of  G.  Jamesonii  in  Janu- 
ary, 1888,  and  in  1891  a  Certificate  for  an  exhibit 
was  awarded  me  by  the  Royal  Horticultural 
Society.  The  flower-heads  exhibited  on  that 
occasion  were  gathered  from  a  plant  growing 
at  the  foot  of  a  south  wall,  a  fine  example, 
flowering  for  six  months  at  a  time,  bearing 
15  heads  at  once  (at  its  best  period),  and  each 
4j  inches  in  diameter.  Our  interest,  however, 
lies  for  the  present  with  the  hybrids. 

Geebera  viridifolia. — Seeds  of  this  very  im- 
portant parent  I  received  in  1894  from  Mr.  R.  W. 
Adlam,  and  in  the  following  year  the  name 
adopted  was  given  me  from  the  Kew  Herbarium. 
Both  parents  are  therefore  as  authentic  as  they 
can  be,  and  it  is  possible  even  that  the  specimen 
of  G.  viridifolia  I  sent  to  Kew  may  have  been 
preserved.  Authentication  now  proves  im- 
portant, as  the  plant  used  in  hybridising  was  lost, 
but  here  I  desire  to  remark  that  its  loss  had 
nothing  to  do  with  difficulty  of  cultivation.  The 
plant,  in  fact,  was  easy  to  grow,  and,  if  G. 
Jamesonii  is  really  difficult,  G.  viridifolia  has 
given  a  perfect  facility  of  culture  to  the  hybrids. 
In  Herbaria  one  name  is  not  uncommonly 
used  to  cover  several  plants  that  are  really 
seen  to  be  different,  and  which  on  cultivation 
are  proved  to  be  quite  distinct.  It  may  be  that 
this  name  is  used  for  more  than  one  plant, 
for,  by  the  courtesy  of  the  Kew  authorities, 
I  have  another  G.  viridifolia,  which  is  quite 
distinct,  though,  no  doubt,  in  Herbaria  it  would 
be  quite  right  to  include  both  under  the  same 
species.  There  are  numbers  of  plants  which 
it  is  impossible  to  understand  without  growing 
them.  This  plant  from  Kew  is  now  in  flower, 
and  besides  having  much  rounder  leaves  than 
the  original  viridifolia,  has  shorter  flower-stems 
and  ray  florets  distinctly  purple  below.  My 
G.  viridifolia,  so  named  for  me  at  Kew,  had 
rather  erect  foliage,  which  M.  Adnet  notes  in  the 
hybrids.  It  was  quite  a  pale-flowered  plant,  ami 
this  may  have  been  advantageous  for  purposes  of 
hybridising,  in  making  a  strong  break  without 
interfering  too  much  with  other  colours,  except 
as  a  white.  I  am  trying  some  crosses,  however, 
with  the  Kew  plant. 

Mendelian  Records. — It  is  much  to  be  re- 
gretted that  I  could  not  keep  a  full  record  of  all 
the  crosses  I  made,  and  so  work  with  a  scientific 
as  well  as  an  ornamental  object  in  view.  I  went 
a  long  distance,  however,  in  doing  it,  but  it  be- 
came impossible.  It  is  a  comfort,  however,  to 
know  that  a  great  authority  does  not  think  that 
Gerberas  are  important  for  Mendelian  observa- 
tions. There  are '  two  species,  however,  still 
available  when  wanted,  and  also  some  of  my  first 
crosses,  which  I  still  have.  The  leaves  show  G. 
viridifolia  strongly,  and  the  flowers  are  some 
shade  of  pink. 

Gerberas  in  the  Future. — It  is  impossible,  1 
think,  that  there  can  be  other  than  a  great  future 


340 


THE    GARDENERS'    CHRONICLE. 


[May  29,  1909. 


for  hybrid  Gerberas.  In  G.  Jamesonii  we  have 
a  plant  that  is  far  finer  than  the  original 
Chrysanthemum,  and  the  hybrids  of  Gerbera 
have  already  shown  evidence  of  perhaps  all  the 
variations  that  are  now  found  in  the  Chrysan- 
themum. In  purity,  brilliancy,  and  variety  of 
colour  they  are  already  a  good  match  for  the 
Chrysanthemum.  Moreover,  the  plants  are  quite 
easily  grown.  They  can  be  had  in  flower  from 
seed  in  from  seven  to  nine  months.  As  examples 
of  what  I  have  now  in  flower,  I  may  mention  a 
pure,  clear  yellow  3|  inches  in  diameter,  a  deep 
ruby  pink,  a  beautiful  Peach  colour  with  two 
flowers  on  same  small  plant,  salmon,  pink,  rich 
red,  orange,  each  3|  inches  in  diameter  and  all 


pinks  inclined  to  "  double,"  and  it  is  curious 
that  doubling  should  appear  in  flowers  of  the 
same  colour  but  not  of  quite  the  same  parentage. 
It  has  been  remarked  that  the  flower-heads  of 
these  hybrids  are  larger  than  those  of  either 
parent.  This  is  not  a  new  thing  to  happen.  I 
once  crossed  a  Fuchsia,  I  believe,  corallina,  with 
one  of  the  indoor  varieties,  and  it  was  remarkably 
larger  in  all  its  parts  than  either  of  the  parents. 
Its  stalk  and  sepals  were  so  long  as  to  suggest 
a  great  hanging  spider. 

Self  Sterility. — I  have  always  held  that  Ger- 
beras were  self-sterile,  and  I  still  believe  thorn  to 
be  so.  For  on  this  theory,  for  a  number  of  years, 
I  was  able  to  supply  as  many  G.  jatnesciriii  as  I 


that  Gerbera  Jamesonii  is  self-sterile.  Under  the* 
same  conditions  pollen  from  another  plant  pro- 
duced seed. 

Cultivation. — I  begin  to  doubt  whether  G. 
Jamesonii  was  ever  difficult  to  grow.  Not  know- 
ing how  to  do  a  thing  and  the  presence  of  a  real 
difficulty  are  not  quite  the  same  thing.  It 
seemed  to  be  decidedly  difficult  to  grow,  but  now 
one  never  has  any  trouble.  The  plant,  as  seems 
to  be  not  infrequently  the  case,  is  perhaps 
becoming  accustomed  to  cultivation.  Or  it  may 
be  that  attempts  were  formerly  made  to  grow  it 
without  sufficient  moisture.  Imperfect  informa- 
tion of  habitat — conditions  of  wild  life  being 
never  possible  of  entire  reproduction — has  often 


Fig.  148. — viburnum  carlesii  as  growing  in  the  royal  gardens,  kew. 

(See  p.  311.) 


[Photograph  by  C.  P.  Raffill. 


in  48  pots.  When  gardeners  get  the  right  idea 
of  cultivation,  as  they  very  soon  will,  there  is  no 
doubt  that  the  various  selections  of  colours  and 
forms  attracting  attention  will  be  grown  from 
seed  to  order  just  as  are  Primulas.  It  is  a  bold 
venture  to  refer  to  Primulas  or  to  Chrysanthe- 
mums, but  neither  of  them  has  so  brilliant  and 
continuous  flowering  a  progenitor  in  com- 
position as  Gerbera  Jamesonii.  Some  of  the 
colours  now  come  fairly  true  from  seed,  and  there 
is  no  doubt  that  any  forms  may  be  fixed.  I  have 
one  or  two  not  indicated  by  M.  Adnet.  I  have, 
for  instance,  yellow  tipped  with  red,  and  a  salmon 
■with  remarkably  short  ray  florets.     I  have  two 


wanted  for  correspondents  by  pollinating  for  and 
saving  my  own  seed.  A  paragraph  in  Mons.  Ph. 
de  Vilmoiin's  article  may  be  understood  better  if 
I  remark  that  first  of  all  the  flower-heads  of  Ger- 
bera are  exclusively  female,  then  for  a  time, 
while  the  styles  and  stigmas  are  still  in  perfect 
condition,  the  pollen  ripens  and  self-fertilisation 
of  the  head  would  be  quite  possible — but  it  does 
not  happen.  Later  on,  the  head  becomes  exclu- 
sively male.  On  the  point  of  fertility  as  hybrids, 
it  may  be  remarked  here  that  they  are  perfectly 
fertile.  Since  writing  this  paragraph,  Miss 
Saunders  has  kindly  informed  me  of  her  results, 
which  show   conclusively   by   actual  experiment 


done  very  much  more  harm  than  good  in  gardens. 
Gardening  must  always  be  an  experimental  art, 
and  though  information  may  be  valuable,  it  is 
sometimes  fatal  to  be  influenced  by  travellers' 
notes,  true  though  they  may  be — so  far  as  they 
go.  The  cultivation  of  the  hybrids  is  the  same 
as  for  G.  Jamesonii,  except  that  they  are  easier 
to  grow,  and,  I  believe,  likely  to  be  less  tender. 
Of  several  plants  I  tried  in  the  open,  with  slight 
protection,  last  winter,  two  have  survived.  G. 
Jamesonii  under  the  same  conditions  was  killed. 
Mons.  Adnet  has  also  found  that  the  hybrids  are 
the  hardier.  While  growing,  Gerberas  like  a  fair 
amount  of  atmospheric  moisture,  occasional   use 


May  29,  1909.] 


THE    GARDENERS'    CHRONICLE. 


U\ 


■of  the  syringe,  and  a  moist  surface  to  stand  upon, 
and  they  do  not  like  to  be  dry  at  the  root.  More- 
over, pot  Gerberas  certainly  like  a  little  shade. 
It  has  often  been  said  that  Gerberas  are  liable 
to  rot,  but  I  think  it  may  be  that,  after  being 
starved  for  want  of  water,  they  are  unable  to 
bear  contact  with  it  when  they  do  get  it.  While 
.at  rest,  Gerberas  may  be  kept  ori  the  dry  side, 
but  while  growing  they  require  moisture.  The 
soil  they  like  is  good  loam,  some  peat,  and  sand, 
the  usual  half-and-half  mixture  suiting  them  very 
well.  Having  command  of  good  loam  I  have 
had  fine  flowers  without  manure  of  any  kind,  but 
I  have  no  doubt  that  Gerberas  may  often  benefit 
by  it.  They  are  very  liable  to  the  Begonia  mite, 
and  this  immediately  checks  growth,  but  it  can  be 
cured  by  means  of  liquid  XL-All,  in  which  the 
foliage  should  be  dipped.  A  check  of  any  kind 
•during  growth  is  distinctly  injurious.  No  one 
seeing  my  batch  of  plants,  now  in  an  intermediate 
house,  could  suppose  that  they  are  any  more 
difficult  to  grow  than  weeds.  When  G.  Jamesonii 
was  valuable  for  exchange,  it  was  my  custom  to 
raise  young  plants  from  seeds  in  the  tropical  pit 
■in  the  early  part  of  the  year,  and  good  plants 
were  then  ready  for  planting  out  in  the  beginning 
of  June,  but  seeds  of  the  hybrids  have  been  sown 
when  ripe.  Plants  now  in  strong  flower  for 
young  plants  were  raised  from  seed  sown  last 
June  and  July. 

Gerbera  Jamesonii  "  Clibran's  Orange." 
— I  may  draw  attention  to  this  form,  and  so 
give  it  a  name.  I  was  going  through  Clibran's 
nursery  two  years  ago,  and  found  this  fine 
variety,  which  differs  from  typical  Jamesonii  in 
■colour  and  also  somewhat  in  foliage.  B.  Irwin 
Lynch ,  Cambridge  Botanic  Garden. 

P.S. — Since  the  above  note  was  written  I  have 
-obtained  further  evidence  in  regard  to  self- 
sterility.  I  have  pollinated  several  of  the 
hybrids  with  their  own  pollen,  and  find 
that  good  seeds  have  been  formed,  so  that 
self-sterility  cannot  be  universal.  As  this 
-does  not  agree  with  the  result  of  Miss  San- 
ders' experiment,  it  is  possible  that  the 
hybrids  are  not  so  self  sterile  as  G.  Jamesonii. 
Protogyny  (a  term  meaning  that  the  stigmas  are 
ripe  before  the  anthers)  in  any  case  is  always  a 
pronounced  feature  in  Gerbera.  and  no  seeds  can 
be  expected  without  artificial  pollination.  U. 
1.  L.  _____^_ 

VEGETABLES. 


variety,  having  long  pods  of  superior  quality.  It 
is  a  cross  between  the  older  Mohawk  and  the 
small,  but  early,  Ne  Plus  Ultra  varieties.  Another 
even  earlier  variety,  but  with  pods  a  little 
smaller,  is  Early  Gem,  the  result  of  crossing  Sion 
House  with  Progress.  This  is  the  earliest  Bean  I 
have  cultivated,  and  I  have  grown  all  the  early 
kinds.  Progress,  having  well-shaped  pods  of 
superior  quality,  is  a  splendid  early  Bean,  and  a 
variety  with  robust  growth.  It  is  especially  valu- 
able in  a  cold  soil,  and  is  not  readily  affected  by 
drought.  One  of  the  dwarfest  Beans  grown,  and, 
for  its  size,  wonderfully  productive,  is  Sutton's 
Forcing.  It  is  valuable  for  frame  or  pot  culture. 
Sown  on  a  warm  border,  it  requires  little  space. 
The  well  known  Plentiful  is  a  very  fine,  early 
Bean,  stringless,.  and  a  great  cropper.  The 
stringless  Beans  are  much  less  cultivated  in  this 
country  than  on  the  Continent,  and  tbjsis  easily 
accounted  for  because  we  do  not  cook  Beans  in 
the  same  maniter  as  is  practised  there.  Abroad, 
Beans  are  cooked  when  quite  young  and  whole. 
This  system  is  ibetter  than  slicing  them,  for 
flavour,   colour   and    general    appearance    are   all 


VIBURNUM  GARLESII. 

Tins  distinct  and  handsome  species  was  well 
shown  at  the  meeting  of  the  R.H.S.  on  May  4  by 
Sir  Trevor  Lawrence,  Bart.,  when  it  received  a 
First  class  Certificate.  It  flowers  at  the  end  of 
April  and  early  part  of  May  in  the  open  air,  and 
is  one  of  the  most  beautiful  shrubs  which  blouin 
at  that  time.  It  is  a  native  of  Corea,  and  was 
raised  from  seed  received  from  that  country  by 
the  well-known  nurseryman,  L.  Boehmer,  of 
Yokohama,  Japan,  by  whom  it  was  first  in- 
troduced to  the  Royal  Gardens,  Kew,  in  1902, 
where  it  flowered  for  the  first  time  in  Europe 
in  May,  1906  (see  illustration  of  flowering 
spray  in  Gardeners'  Chronicle,  May  30,  1908, 
fig.  155).  The  plant  has  grown  freely,  and  has 
proved  to  be  quite  hardy,  having  passed 
through  the  severe  weather  experienced  during 
the  early  part  of  this  year  without  any  pro- 
tection, although  growing  in  an  exposed  posi- 
tion. Writing  in  the  Gardeners'  Chronicle  of 
October  11,  1902,  in  regard  to  this  plant, 
A.    Anger   stated   that   it   was  his  belief  that  it 


SOME   GOOD   EARLY   DWARF   BEANS. 

When  the  soil  is  in  a  cold,  wet  condition,  much 
can  be  done  to  procure  an  early  crop  of  this 
vegetable  by  sowing  the  seeds  under  glass,  other- 
wise the  seeds  germinate  slowly,  and  the  seed- 
lings are  often  much  crippled  by  the  cold.  For 
■an  early  supply  there  is  no  better  plan  than  to 
make  a  sowing  in  3-inch  pots,  raise  the  seedlings 
in  frames,  and,  when  large  enough,  to  plant 
them  in  deep  drills.  If  the  soil  is  heavy  in 
texture,  it  can  be  made  suitable  by  adding  lighter 
materials,  such  as  manure  from  an  old  hot-bed, 
■or  charred  refuse.  The  dwarf  Bean  is  valuable 
because  it  can  be  obtained  early  in  the  season, 
when  the  supply  of  vegetables  is  limited.  The 
plant  does  not  thrive  in  a  cold,  heavy,  wet 
soil,  therefore  the  ground  should  be  selected 
with  care,  and  be  prepared  in  advance.  Though 
I  advise  a  change  of  "site  for  vegetables  as 
far  as  is  practicable,  a  change  of  quarters  cannot 
always  be  given  in  the  case  of  early  crops  of  vege- 
tables, because  they  require  a  warm,  dry  border 
and  prepared  soil.  In  the  case  of  dwarf  Beans,  a 
change  of  soil  is  the  less  important,  as  the  plant 
is  not  a  gross  grower,  does  not  remain  in  the  soil 
a  long  time,  and  can  readily  be  fed  with 
fertilisers.  Even  with  the  earliest  varieties,  it 
is  not  well  to  crowd  the  plants. 

Of  late  years  there  have  been  some  excellent 
varieties  introduced  to  commerce  The  pods 
of  these  early  kinds  are  of  a  medium  size, 
and  are  freely  produced.  One  of  the  best 
in    this    respect    is    Early    Favourite,    an    early 


Fig.  149.— view  of  a  Japanese  garden  exhibited  by  Messrs.  jas.  carter  and  co. 
at  the  temple  show  on  tuesday  last. 


preserved,  and  there  is  less  waste  of  the  plant's 
energies  when  the  pods  are  gathered  young. 

A  new  Bean  of  excellent  merit  is  Superlative. 
I  have  not  forced  it,  but  for  the  open  ground  it  is 
splendid,  being  a  robust  grower  and  a  variety 
that  will  thrive  with  less  shelter  than  others, 
owing  to  its  free  growth.  As  a  summer  dwarf 
Bean,  it  is  a  splendid  introduction,  being  a  very 
heavy  cropper,  and  bearing  long,  handsome  pods 
in  profusion.  I  have  alluded  to  the  stringless 
type;  another  excellent  variety  is  Stringless  Hol- 
born  WTonder,  a  remarkably  prolific  variety, 
excellent  for  cooking  whole,  and  of  very  delicate 
flavour.  It  is  suitable  either  for  forcing  or  for 
cropping  in  the  open.  Another  very  distinct  type 
of  dwarf  French  Bean  is  Perpetual.  The  plant 
yields  pods  over  a  long  period,  hence  its  name. 
In  addition  to  being  a  remarkable  cropper,  it 
bears  very  early.  It  requires  plenty  of  room, 
food  and  moisture.  The  haulm  is  very  robust ; 
the  pods  are  long,  thin,  quite  straight,  and 
delicious  if  cooked  whole.     G.    II  . 


"  would  be  quite  as  hardy  as  Magnolias,  Pyrus, 
Cydonia,  &c,  and  that  it  would  form  a  valuable 
addition  to  European  gardens."  His  opinion  has 
been  amply  verified  by  the  behaviour  of  the 
plant  at  Kew  during  the  last  seven  years.  The 
flowers  are  disposed  in  clusters  nearly  4  inches 
in  diameter.  They  are  borne  at  the  ends  of  the 
branches,  are  pink  in  colour,  fading  to  white,  and 
are  half-an-inch  in  diameter,  with  a  tube  half- 
an-inch  long.  They  emit  a  delicious  odour  such 
as  is  possessed  by  few  plants,  and  which  alone 
renders  the  plant  well  worthy  of  cultivation. 
The  habit  is  that  of  a  rather  loose-spreading 
shrub,  with  dark  green,  ovate  or  orbicular 
leavLS  from  1  to  3  inches  long,  with  serrate 
margins,  and  densely  clothed  with  stellate 
hairs.  Its  early-flowering  habit  and  fragrant 
flowers  should  render  this  plant  of  considerable 
service  as  an  early-forcing  shrub.  It  is  certainly 
one  of  the  most  promising  shrubs  of  recent  in- 
troduction, and  likely  to  become  a  general 
favourite  in  the  near  future.     C.  P.  11. 


342 


THE    GARDENERS    CHRONICLE. 


[May  29,  1909. 


PLANT    NOTES. 

AN  ELEGANT  CALCEOLARIA. 
In  the  conservatory  attached  to  Sir  William 
Farrar's  residence,  Sandhurst  Lodge,  I  saw 
recently  a  fine  Calceolaria  some  3  feet  in  height 
and  having  a  head  of  bloom  nearly  as  broad. 
This  is  a  new  or  rare  Calceolaria  of  which  Mr. 
Townsend,  the  gardener,  could  not  give  me  the 
name,  as  he  said  that  even  the  Kew  authorities 
had  been  unable  to  identify  it.  The  clusters  of 
bloom  are  borne  on  long,  slender  stems;  the 
flowers  are  rather  long  and  narrow  and  of  a 
pleasing  straw-yellow  colour.  The  plant  has 
long,  lanceolate  or  pointed  leaves,  somewhat 
Sage-like,  and  the  plant  is  distinct  from  both  the 
well-known  C.  amplexicaulis  and  C.  Burbidgei. 
It  has  been  grown  for  several  years  at  Sandhurst 
Lodge.  That  it  is  a  distinct  species  seems 
probable.  Can  it  be  identical  with  the  variety 
now  being  offered  by  a  Cheshire  firm,  the 
description  of  which  seems  to  fit  the  Sandhurst 
Lodge  Calceolaria?     ^4.  D. 


SCOTLAND, 

A    MANSE    GARDEN    IN    MAY. 

To  the  ardent  horticulturist  and  lover  of 
Nature,  this  is  the  most  interesting  and  pic- 
turesque season  of  the  year.  Its  greatest  glories 
are,  unquestionably,  the  flowering  trees.  Sel- 
dom have  I  seen  these  more  luxuriant  in  their 
beauty,  notwithstanding  the  cold  weather, 
which  has  been  somewhat  modified  by  bright 
sunlight.  Fortunately,  my  own  garden  is  pro- 
tected by  Sycamore  trees  and  high  Hawthorn 
hedges  from  the  east  and  north  winds.  Prunus 
Pissardii,  the  Persian  Plum,  has  been  especially 
fine ;  during  the  last  fortnight  its  blossoms 
have  been  so  exceptionally  abundant  that  I  am 
hoping  it  may,  with  more  favourable  atmos- 
pheric conditions,  be  successful  for  the  first  time 
in  forming  and  developing  its  fruit.  This  is  one 
of  the  loveliest  of  all  flowering  trees,  and  would 
be  of  the  highest  value  for  garden  decoration  if 
only  in  virtue  of  its  exquisite,  chocolate-coloured 
leaves,  which  are  especially  conspicuous  among 
those  of  its  fairest  contemporaries  during  the 
summer  months.  Two  years  ago,  by  way  of  ex- 
periment, I  grew  Tropaeolum  canariense  among 
its  dark  branches,  with  very  memorable  effect. 
Another  highly  ornamental  tree,  which  is  ex- 
tremely profuse  with  its  delicate  blossoms  at 
present  is  Pyrus  Malus  floribunda,  a  native  of 
Japan.  Its  flowers  resemble  somewhat  those  of 
the  Apple,  but  they  are  of  a  deeper  shade  of 
pink,  and  extremely  small.  The  Almond  (Amyg- 
dalus  communis)  has  flowered  in  my  garden  this 
season  for  the  first  time  for  several  years.  This 
may  be  partly  attributable  to  an  application  of 
lime  given  to  all  my  "  stone  fruits  "  during  last 
October,  and  partly  also  to  the  ripening  influence 
of  the  sunlight  of  last  summer  upon  the  flowering 
shoots.  Both  influences  are  required  by  Oriental 
trees  in  our  somewhat  too  cold  and  variable 
climate. 

My  Plums,  Cherries  and  Damsons  are  at  pre- 
sent exhibiting  a  gratifying  quantity  of  bloom, 
especially  such  familiar  varieties  as  the  Early 
Rivers,  Black  Eagle,  May  Duke  and  Morello 
Cherries,  the  Prolific,  Czar  and  Victoria  Plums, 
and  the  American  Superb  Greengage.  My  first 
flowering  Apple,  the  Irish  Peach,  showed  its 
bright  colour  in  the  blossom  on  May  1.  This 
variety  is  usually  followed  in  my  garden  by 
Beauty  of  Waltham  and  Duchess  of  Oldenburg, 
the  flowers  of  the  latter,  greatly  admired  by 
pomologists,  being  almost  pure  white.  Under 
such  promising  floral  conditions,  it  will  be  no- 
thing short  of  a  calamity  if  the  frost  which, 
for  some  time  past,  has  prevailed  in  the  early 
mornings,  sometimes  to  the  extent  of  10°  or  12°, 
does  not  soon  disappear,  and  more  favourable 
atmospheric  conditions  supervene.  Otherwise, 
even  our  finest  Rose  trees,  on  which  we  rely  so 


greatly  for  artistic  effects  and  combinations  in 
the  garden,  will  assuredly  suffer.  In  April  of 
last  year  we  had  during  one  evening  21°  of 
unexpected  frost,  and  the  consequence  was  that 
all  of  my  Austrian  and  Penzance  Briar  Roses 
lost  their  entire  first  flowering  shoots,  while  some 
of  my  strongest  Hybrid  Teas  were  so  seriously 
affected  that,  for  a  very  long  period,  they  refused 
to  grow.  Magnolia  Watsonii,  which  did  not 
flower  last  season,  promises  well  for  this  year. 
David  B.  Williamson. 


The  Week's  Work. 


FRUITS  UNDER  GLASS. 

By  E.  Harriss,  Fruit  Foreman,  Royal  Gardens,  Frogmore. 
Late  Strawberries  in  pots.-Endea.vour  to  pre- 
vent any  break  occurring  between  the  indoor  and 
the  outdoor  crops.  At  this  time  of  the  year  forced 
Strawberries  need  a  house  devoted  entirely  to 
their  culture,  and,  if  the  roof  is  fitted  with  can- 
vas blinds,  which  can  be  lowered  during  the 
hottest  part  of  the  day,  it  will  be  beneficial, 
but,  should  blinds  not  be  available,  syringe  a 
little  limewash  over  the  glass.  Late  batches  of 
Strawberries  do  very  well  in  cold  frames ; 
if  the  pots  are  partially  plunged  in  a  bed  of 
leaves  the  plants  will  not  require  nearly  so  much 
attention  in  regard  to  watering  as  those  grown 
on  shelves.  If  space  in  the  pots  permits,  a  top- 
dressing  of  loam  mixed  with  a  little  appro- 
priate fertiliser  should  be  given  the  plants, 
as  the  roots  will  have  absorbed  most  of  the 
nourishment  from  the  soil,  and  Strawberry  plants 
need  very  liberal  feeding  to  mature  a  good  crop 
of  berries.  About  8  or  10  fruits  on  each  plant 
will  be  sufficient.  The  flower  trusses  should  be 
securely  staked  to  prevent  the  stems  becoming 
broken.  Except  when  the  plants  are  in  flower, 
the  foliage  should  be  thoroughly  syringed  two 
or  three  times  a  day.  The  atmosphere  of  the 
house  must  also  be  kept  moist  by  damping  at 
frequent  intervals  all  bare  spaces  about  the 
plants,  as  moisture  is  necessary  to  prevent  red 
spider,  whilst  a  humid  atmosphere  assists  the 
fruits  to  swell  freely.  The  special  plants  in  the 
open  from  which  it  is  intended  to  secure  the 
runners  for  next  year  should  have  all  their  in- 
florescences removed  in  order  that  all  the  nourish- 
ment may  be  devoted  to  the  plantlets.  Hoe  the 
soil  between  the  rows  and  see  that  all  weeds  are 
destroyed.  Then  apply  a  mulching  of  short  litter 
and,  if  necessary,  afford  the  plants  a  copious 
watering. 


THE    ORCHID    HOUSES. 

By  W.  H.  White,  Orchid  Grower  to  Sir  Trevor  Lawrence, 
Bart.,  Burford,  Surrey. 

Cozloqyne  cristata. — This  plant,  and  the  varie- 
ties lemoniana  and  hololeuca,  hold  a  prominent 
place  in  Orchid  collections,  and  even  in  gardens 
where  Orchids  are  not  largely  grown  C.  cristata 
is  valued  for  supplying  flowers  during  the  winter. 
By  cultivating  a  considerable  number  of  plants, 
a  succession  of  bloom  can  be  maintained  if  some 
are  placed  in  various  degrees  of  warmth  just  at 
the  time  when  their  flower-spikes  begin  to  push 
from  the  base  of  the  newly-made  pseudo-bulbs. 
C.  cristata  is  too  well  known  to  need  description. 
Its  variety  lemoniana  is  distinguished  by  its 
flowers  having  a  lemon-coloured  centre,  and  it 
blooms  several  weeks  later  than  C.  cristata.  The 
pure  white  variety  C.  c.  hololeuca  is  also  later  in 
flowering,  and  this  variety,  being  a  scandent 
grower,  the  leading  bulbs  quickly  get  beyond  the 
limits  of  the  receptacle.  However,  these  can 
be  easily  turned  in,  and,  if  pegged  down  firmly  on 
to  the  compost,  will  soon  become  well-rooted,  and 
make  strong-flowering  bulbs.  Coelogynes  are 
now  beginning  to  grow  ;  established  specimens 
in  good  condition  not  requiring  room  for 
further  development,  should  be  elevated  well  up 
to  the  roof  glass  in  a  cool  part  of  the  intermediate 
house.  The  span-roofed  Odontoglossum  house 
will  not  be  found  too  cool  for  them  during  the 
summer  months,  provided  that  they  are  exposed 
to  sufficient  light.  If  grown  in  too  shady  a  posi- 
tion, the  plants  seldom  produce  their  full  com- 
plement of  flowers.  When  watering,  carefully 
examine  each  plant,  and.  if  the  soil  is  dry,  give  it 
a  thorough  soaking.     Unless  the  plants  are  in  a 


very  exposed  position,  they  may  not  require 
watering  again  for  another  fortnight.  Keep  the 
surroundings  well  moistened  by  damping  between 
the  pots  several  times  every  day,  and  spraying 
them  overhead  occasionally  with  tepid  rain-water 
on  warm,  sunny  days.  All  the  plants  should  be 
thoroughly  cleaned,  and  any  specimens  which 
have  reached  an  inconvenient  size  may  be  divided 
and  repotted.  Plants  which  are  to  be  grown  into 
large  specimens  should  be  repotted.  It  matters 
little  whether  they  are  grown  in  pots,  shallow 
pans,  or  baskets,  but,  whatever  the  receptacle,  it 
should  be  filled  two-thirds  its  depth  with  material 
for  drainage.  Over  the  crocks  place  a  thin  layer 
of  rough  Sphagnum-moss,  and  for  a  compost  use 
good,  turfy  loam,  peat,  and  Osmunda  fibre  in 
equal  parts.  Cut  the  fibre  up  moderately  small 
before  mixing  it  with  the  other  materials.  A 
little  Sphagnum-moss  and  plenty  of  small  crocks 
may  also  be  added.  Last  year,  as  an  experiment, 
I  potted  some  pseudo-bulbs  of  C.  c.  hololeuca  in 
the  Osmunda  and  Polypodium  mixture,  with  a 
liberal  addition  of  small  crocks  intermixed,  but 
no  Sphagnum-moss  or  peat,  and  at  the  present 
time  the  little  specimen  is  doing  well.  It  will 
generally  be  observed  after  repotting  the  divided 
plants  that  the  pseudo-bulbs  shrivel  slightly. 
The  plants  should  not  be  watered  heavily  with 
the  idea  of  inducing  plumpness,  for  if  kept  in  a 
saturated  condition  the  old  roots  will  decay,  and 
the  pseudo-bulbs  continue  to  shrivel.  A  better 
practice  is  to  afford  them  occasionally  a  gentle 
dewing  overhead  with  the  fine  sprayer,  keeping 
the  atmosphere  around  them  moist,  and  at  the 
same  time  carefully  shading  the  plants  from  all 
sunshine.  Towards  the  end  of  the  growing 
season  expose  the  plants  to  more  light  and  air. 


THE  HARDY  FRUIT  GARDEN. 

By  J.  G.  Weston,  Gardener  to  H.  J.  King,  Esq.,  Eastwell 
Park,  Kent. 

Gooseberries. — We  have  a  splendid  crop  of  this 
fruit,  and  the  berries  are  swelling  rapidly.  Where 
they  have  set  very  thickly  a  portion  of  them 
should  be  gathered  for  present  use,  whilst  some 
may  be  used  for  preaerves.  Gooseberries  that  are 
grown  especially  for  dessert  purposes  should  be 
very  freely  thinned,  and  if  the  work  has  not 
already  been  done  a  mulching  of  manure  should  be 
applied.  To  secure  extra  fine  Gooseberries,  copious 
waterings  must  be  given,  also  manure  water  and 
artificial  stimulants,  the  latter  in  small  quan- 
tities at  intervals  of  a  few  days  while  the  fruits 
are  swelling ;  directly  the  berries  show  signs  of 
ripening  all  feeding  should  be  withheld.  The 
nets  must  be  got  in  readiness  to  protect  the  ber- 
ries from  birds.  Guard  against  caterpillars  and 
other  insect  pests ;  up  to  the  present  our  bushes 
are  very  free  from  these  insects.  Gordon-trained 
Gooseberries  are  suitable  for  planting'  by  the 
side  of  paths,  especially  when  the  owner  prefers 
to  gather  the  fruits  for  consumption  on  the  spot. 
In  planting  in  this  manner  and  for  this  purpose 
be  careful  to  provide  for  a  succession  of  fruits 
by  having  both  early  and  late  varieties. 
Cordon-trained  Gooseberries  require  considerable 
attention  to  keep  the  shoots  within  proper  limits 
to  allow  the  sunlight  and  air  to  reach  the  fruits. 
This  pruning  is  best  done  by  pinching  when  the 
growths  are  quite  young.  Pinch  the  side-shoots 
to  five  leaves,  and,  if  the  buds  on  these  growths 
start,  the  secondary  shoots  may  be  taken  off  en- 
tirely. The  leading  shoots  may  be  allowed  to 
remain  intact,  unless  the  plants  have  already 
filled  their  allotted  spaces. 

Cherries. — The  trees  have,  in  most  cases,  set 
their  fruits  well,  although  doubtless  a  consider- 
able quantity  will  drop  during  the  stoning  period. 
Any  shoots  not  required  for  extension  should  ba 
pinched  back  to  four  or  five  leaves. 

Rasjuberries. — The  frost  in  many  parts  very 
severely  damaged  the  canes,  and,  where  only  a 
limited  number  is  cultivated,  and  especially  when 
Raspberries  are  valued  highly,  every  effort 
must  be  made  to  assist  the  crop.  Allow  as  much 
light  as  possible  to  reach  the  fruiting  canes  and 
afford  a  thick  mulching  of  manure  about  the 
roots.  If,  when  the  fruits  are  set,  the  weather 
is  dry,  root  waterings  must  be  afforded,  particu- 
larly on  light,  porous  soils. 

Loganberries. — The  cold  of  last  winter  has 
killed  our  plants  half-way  to  the  ground  level. 
This  emphasises  the  need  of  having  the  young 
shoots  thoroughly  ripened  before  winter  arrives. 
Therefore  thin  the  canes  early  in  the  season, 
retaining  only  those  that  are  absolutely  necessary. 


Mat  29,  1909] 


THE    GARDENERS'    CHRONICLE. 


343 


THE  FLOWER  GARDEN. 

By  VV.  A.  Cook,  Gardener  to  Sir  Edmund  G.  Loder,  Bart., 
Leonardslee,  Sussex. 
Summer  bedding. — This  work  may  now  be  com- 
menced. But  the  move  tender  plants,  such  as 
Iresiue,  Alternanthera,  and  Mesembryanthemum, 
should  be  planted  after  the  hardier  subjects,  such 
as  Pelargoniums,  have  been  put  out.  The  season 
{or  summer  bedding  being  very  short,  the  plants 
should  be  placed  rather  thickly  together  that 
they  may  soon  produce  a  good  effect.  When  the 
planting  is  complete,  sprinkle  the  plants  over- 
head occasionally  with  clear  water.  Before  any 
planting  is  done,  the  colour  effect  and  the  general 
design  should  have  been  well  thought  out,  in 
order  that  the  most  may  be  made  of  the  subjects 
available. 

Violas  are  exceptionally  good  plants  for  car- 
peting the  ground  beneath  tall-growing  species 
-such  as  Palm,  Phor.niumtenax  and  tall  Fuchsias. 
If  the  plants  are  kept  well  watered  and  the  old 
flowers  are  removed  before  setting  seeds,  Violas 
will  flower  all  through  the  season.  A  bed  of 
Marguerites,  with  a  groundwork  of  blue  Violas 
and  dot  plants  of  Lobelia  Queen  Victoria  is  a 
pleasing    combination.     Salvias,     especially    the 


water  or  guano  dissolved  in  water  are  beneficial. 
Remove  all  the  haws  as  soon  as  the  petals  have 
fallen. 

Half-hardy  annuals. — Those  that  were  sown 
in  the  open  ground  should  be  thinned  well  apart, 
and  both  they  and  also  transplanted  plants  should 
be  sprayed  with  clear  water  late  in  the  day. 

Dahlias. — Plant  Dahlias  3  feet  apart.     Before 

planting  ascertain  that  the  soil  is  moist,  and  when 

the    operation    is    finished    place    a    mulching   of 

■  horse-droppings  or  cow  manure  over  the  soil  to 

keep  the  roots  moist. 


PLANTS    UNDER  GLASS. 

By  A.  C.  Bartlett,  Gardener  to  Mrs.  Ford,  Pencarrow, 
Cornwall. 

Chrysanthemums. — These  plants  will  require 
very  careful  attention  during  the  next  five  or  six 
months,  especially  in  the  matter  of  watering  at 
the  present  time  when  the  roots  are  penetrating 
into  the  new  soil.  As  growth  proceeds,  the 
shoots  need  to  be  tied  securely  to  the  stakes  and 
unnecessary  side  growths  must  be  removed.  The 
growing  points  shculd  be  dusted  LecucnUy  with 


Coitus  thyrsoideus  and  Moschosma  ripartum 
are  two  valuable  plants  for  decoration  in  late 
autumn  and  winter.  Cuttings  of  both  these 
plants  make  roots  and  grow  very  quickly.  After 
they  have  been  potted  singly  into  small  pots,  the 
leading  shoots  should  be  pinched  two  or  three 
times.  In  the  case  of  the  Coleus,  if  plants  are 
required  for  flowering  in  small  pots,  a  batch  may 
be  grown  specially  for  this  purpose,  leaving  the 
shoots  unstopped. 

Cyclamens. — These  should  now  be  moved  to  an 
unheated  frame.  Although  sunlight  is  necessary 
for  their  well-being,  the  foliage  should  not  be 
unduly  exposed  to  bright  sunshine.  Keep  the 
surroundings  moist  or  thrip  will  soon  infest  the 
leaves. 

General  work. — The  plants  in  the  various 
houses  should  be  rearranged  at  intervals  of  a 
few  weeks.  Advantage  should  be  taken  when  re- 
arranging the  plants  to  cleanse  at  least  the  lower 
portion  of  the  structures  such  as  the  stage  or 
shelves  and  to  tidy  up  the  plants  themselves. 
At  the  same  time  lightly  prick  up  the  surface 
soil  in  the  pots,  and,  notwithstanding  that  they 
may  appear  to  be  clean,  scrub  the  outsides  of 
the  flower-pots. 


FlG.    IjO — SAXIKRAGA    DECIPIENS    "MISS    WILLMOfT  "  :    FLOWERS    WHITE    WITH    REDDISH- 
BROWN    COLOURED    CENTRE,    EXHIBITED    BY    MESSRS.    BAKER'S    AT   THE   TEMPLE    SHOW. 

(See  ante  p.  332.) 


scarlet  kinds,  form  exceedingly  showy  beds. 
Cosmea  bipinnata  and  the  pink-coloured  form,  if 
planted  in  moderately-rich  soil,  will  make  tall 
and  effective  plants  in  the  flower-beds. 

Vases  and  boxes.— The  colours  of  the  plants 
should  be  so  blended  that  they  will  not  clash 
with  plants  in  the  adjacent  beds.  For  climbing 
and  trailing  plants  Ivy  leaved  Pelargoniums  and 
Tropaeolums  are  especially  suitable.  Taller 
plants  for  the  centre  include  Grevillea,  Fuchsia, 
Abutilon,  and  Carina.  On  terraces,  where  there 
is  a  lot  of  stone  work,  scarlet  flowers  are  very 
effective  ;  in  fact,  flowers  of  this  colour  are  suit- 
able for  almost  any  vase  work.  Very  tall  or 
tender  plants  should  not  be  employed  in  situa- 
tions exposed  to  winds. 

Roses. — Various  insect  pests  will  cause  much 
mischief  among  these  plants  unless  means  are 
taken  to  destroy  them.  The  foliage  shculd  be 
syringed  with  quassia  extract  at  rather  greater 
strength  than  is  recommended  by  the  makers. 
Roses  in  flower  on  walls  and  other  warm  situa- 
tions need  to  be  syringed  occasionally  with  cold 
water,  and  if  the  soil  is  dry,  water  should  be 
supplied   to   the   roots.     Applications   of  manure 


tobacco  powder,  applying  it  in  the  evening  and 
washing  it  off  again  with  clear  water  on  the  fol- 
lowing morning.  The  tobacco  powder  will 
destroy  aphis,  but  the  leaf-miner  is  not  very 
easily  combated.  If  the  fly  which  deposits  the 
eggs  of  the  leaf-miner  is  seen  upon  the  plants, 
dust  the  foliage  with  fresh  soot,  and  at  once  pick 
out  with  a  pointed  stick  any  maggots  that  are 
detected  in  the  tissues  of  the  leaves.  On  dry 
days  sprinkle  frequently  the  outsides  of  the  pots 
and  their  surroundings  with  water. 

Eeinwardtia  tctragyna  and  R.  trigyna. — Cut- 
tings of  these  winter  flowering  plants  should  now 
be  inserted  in  sandy  soil,  placing  the  pot  in  a 
brisk  bottom  heat.  After  the  cuttings  have 
rooted,  pot  them  singly  into  small  pots,  keeping 
them  in  a  close  and  warm  atmosphere  for  a  few 
days,  subsequently  removing  them  to  an  inter- 
mediate temperature.  The  plants  should  be 
potted  finally  into  5  or  6-inch  pots  filled  with 
fairly  light  soil,  that  must  be  pressed  firmly. 
The*  foliage  should  be  syringed  freely.  Pine  J 
out  the  ends  of  the  growing  shoots  occasionally. 
Towards  the  end  of  June  the  plants  may  be 
placed  in  an  unheated  frame  until  the  autumn. 


THE    KITCHEN    GARDEN. 

By  E.  Beckett,  Gardener  to  the  Hon.  Vicary  Gibes, 
Aldenham  House,  Elstree,  Hertfordshire. 

Runner  Beans. — Plants  which  have  been 
raised  under  glass,  if  properly  hardened,  may 
now  safely  be  planted  in  trenches  out-of-doors. 
A  space  of  at  least  12  inches  should  be  allowed 
between  the  plants,  and  it  is  best  to  place  two 
rows  in  each  trench.  Insert  each  plant  well  up 
to  the  seed  leaf,  and  make  the  soil  very  firm 
about  the  root.  When  all  is  finished,  apply*  a 
thorough  watering,  and  place  a  little  finely-sifted 
cinder  ashes  around  the  collar  of  each  plant. 
Staking  must  be  done  immediately  after  plant- 
ing. Insert  them  firmly  into  the  ground,  and 
apply  longer  and  stouter  stakes  at  intervals  to 
give  greater  support  to  the  others.  On  these 
longer  and  stouter  stakes  co.  ds  should  be 
stretched.  Make  a  final  sowing  of  seeds  out-of- 
doors  some  time  in  June. 

Dwarf  or  French  Beans. — Like  Runner  Beans, 
these  also  may  be  planted  out-of-doors.  Plants 
growing  in  frames  should  be  liberally  mulched 
with  half-rotten  manure.  During  dry  weather 
water  them  liberally  at  the  roots  and  drench  the 
f  iliage  twice  each  day  with  water  applied  by  a 
syringe. 

Maize  or  Indian  Corn. — During  a  favourable 
season  satisfactory  returns  may  be  expected  from 
this  crop  in  this  country.  It  is  necessary,  how- 
ever, to  raise  the  plants  in  heat,  grow  them  on 
in  pots  and  plant  them  out  into  fairly  good 
ground  in  the  most  sheltered  and  sunny  part  of 
the  garden.  For  an  earlier  supply,  a  few  plants 
I  ight  be  put  out  in  a  hot-bed  and  covered  with 
frames,  but  they  must  not  be  forced  severely. 

Asparagus. — Although  very  late  this  season, 
Asparagus  is  now  yielding  a  good  supply.  Give 
the,  beds  a  good  soaking  with  farmyard  manure 
water  and  keep  them  free  from  weeds  by  hand- 
pulling.  The  strongest  Asparagus  growths  should 
be  cut  every  day,  severing  them  with  an 
Asparagus  knife.  Seedling  beds  should  be 
thinned  until  the  plants  are  6  inches  apart.  If 
from  any  reason  the  seed  has  failed  to  come 
through  the  soil,  it  will  be  well  to  sow  fresh 
seeds  in  3-inch  pots,  placing  two  or  three  in  each, 
afterwards  thinning  the  plants  out  to  one  in  each 
pot.  Later  the  pots  should  be  plunged  in  ashes, 
and  in  autumn  they  should  be  covered  entirely  to 
a  depth  of  about  4  inches  with  very  fine  ashes. 
Such  plants  will  be  in  a  fit  condition  for  planting 
into  permanent  beds  early  next  April.  Take  care 
to  select  only  the  best  varieties. 

Lettuce. — Sow  seeds  of  both  Cos  and  Cabbage 
varieties  once  each  fortnight.  Thin  out  previous 
sowings  whilst  the  plants  are  still  quite  small. 
Plant  a  few  Lettuces  in  various  parts  of  the 
garden,  as  by  this  means  a  supply  can  be  ob- 
tained at  all  times.  Lettuces  require  abundant 
supplies  of  water,  both  at  the  roots  and  overhead. 

Endive. — Sow  seeds  of  the  Batavian  and  curled- 
leaved  varieties  at  intervals,  but  only  sufficient 
for  immediate  use,  as  Endive  in  summer-time 
quickly  runs  to  seed. 

Radishes. — Sow  seeds  once  a  fortnight  in  the 
shadiest  part  of  the  garden,  affording  protection 
against  birds. 


344 


THE    GARDENERS'    CHRONICLE. 


[May  29,  1909. 


APPOINTMENTS    FOR   JUNE. 


THURSDAY,  JUNE  3— Linnean  Soc.  meet. 

SATURDAY,  JUNE  5— 

Soc.  Fran?  d'Hort.  de  Londres  meet. 

TUESDAY,  JUNE  8—  ' 

Roy.  Hort.  Soc.  Corns,  meet.  (Lecture  at  8  p.m.  by  the 
Rev.  Prof.  G.  Henslow,  on  "  Old  Superstitions  about 
Plants  ").    British  Gard.  Assoc.  Ex.  Council  meet. 

WEDNESDAY,  JUNE  9— 

Roy.  Cornwall  Sh.  at  St.  Columb  (2  days). 

MONDAY,  JUNE  14- 

United  Hort;  Ben.  and  Prov.  Soc.  Coin.  meet. 

WEDNESDAY,  JUNE  16— York  Gala  (3  days). 

THURSDAY,  JUNE  17— Linnean  Soc.  meet. 

TUESDAY,  JUNE  22- 

Roy.  Hort.  Soc.  Corns,  meet.  (Masters'  Memorial 
Lecture,  on  "  Masters'  Vegetable  Teratology,"  by 
Prof.  Hugo  de  Vries  at  3  p.m.). 

WEDNESDAY,   JUNE  23— 

Gard.  Roy.  Ben.  Inst.  Ann.  Festival   Dinner  at   Hotel 
Metropole,  London. 
THURSDAY,  JUNE  24— Midsummer  Quarter  Day. 
SATURDAY,  JUNE  26— Windsor  and  Eton  Rose  Sh. 
MONDAY,  JUNE  28-Isle  of  Wight  Rose  Sh.  (provisional). 

TUESDAY,  JUNE  29- 

Southarnplon  Roy.  Hort.  Soc.  Summer  Sh.  (2  days). 
Brighton  Fl.  Sh.  (2  days).  Canterbury  and  Kent  Rose 
Show  at  Canterbury.    = 

WEDNESDAY,  JUNE  30- 

Richmond  (Surrey)  Fl.  Sh.    Ipswich  Fl.  Sh. 


Average    Mean   Temperature    for    the    ensuing    week, 
deduced  from  observations  during  the  last  Fifty  Years 
at  Greenwich— 57'8°. 
Actual  Temperatures: — 

London.—  It cdntsday.  May  26  (6  p.m.):  Max.  62°; 
Min.  49°. 
Gardeners'  Chronicle  Office,  41,  Wellington  Street, 
Covent  Garden,  London  —Thursday,  May  27 
(10  a.m.)  :  Bar.  29  6  ;  Temp.  60°  ;  Weather— 
Sunshine. 
Provinces.—  Wednesday,  May  26  (6  p.m.):  Max.  64" 
Oxford  ;  Min.  48c  Yorkshire, 


SALES    FOR    THE    ENSUING    WEEK. 

WEDNESDAY— 

Gladiolus,  Begonias,  I.ilinms,  Carnations  and  numerous 
other  plants  and  bulbs,  at  12 ('Palms!  Bay,  Ferns,  &c, 
at  1.30;  by  Protheroe  &  Morris,  at  67  &  68,  Cheapside, 
E.C. 

THURSDAY— 

Clearance  Sale  of  Greenhouse  and  Bedding  Plants,  at 
the  Gardens,  Effingham  Hill,  near  Dorking,  by  order  of 
the  Executors  of  Czarnikow,  Esq.  ;  by  Protheroe  & 
Morris,  at  12. 


The 


As  these  pages  go  to  press,  the 
Temple  twenty-second  annual  exhibition 
Show.  of  tne  Roya]  Horticultural 
Society  in  the  Inner  Temple  Gardens  is  draw- 
ing to  a  close.  It  was  opened  on  Tuesday 
last  amidst  a  downpour  of  rain,  which  gradu- 
ally decreased  until  the  afternoon,  when  the 
weather  became  fair  but  dull.  On  Wednes- 
day the  weather  was  even  worse.  The  month 
of  May,  however,  has  been  so  uniformly  dry, 
■and  rain  was  so  badly  needed  in  every  part 
of  these  islands,  that  there  was  some  com- 
pensation for  the  inconvenience  suffered  in 
consequence  of  its  fall. 

The  Temple  Shows  have  been  so  well  man- 
aged that  they  have  never  failed  to  represent 
the  very  best  products  of  British  horticulture. 
On  these  occasions  there  are  always 
new  hybrid  Orchids,  new  varieties  in 
florists'  flowers  and  other  plants.  Less 
often  the  public  is  startled  by  the 
appearance  of  some  extraordinary  novelty, 
such,  for  instance,  as  the  first  Odontioda, 
which  was  shown  three  years  ago.  There  was 
no  such  outstanding  novelty  on  the  present 
occasion.  The  Orchids,  whilst  filling  a  space 
equal  to  that  of  former  years,  appeared  even 
more  showy  and  brilliant  than  ever;  but  there 
were  no  bi-generic  hybrids  which  we  have  not 
previously  seen.  Perhaps  one  of  the  most 
striking  Orchids  exhibited  was  the  variety  of 
Odontoglossum  crispum  known  as  Solum  in 
Messrs.  Sander's  group.     This  had  a  magni- 


ficient  spike  of  its  unique  flowers,  with  pure 
white  segments  and  claret-red  labellum.  But 
it  is  two  years  since  we  first  saw  flowers  of 
this  variety,  though  never  such  fine  ones  as 
on  this  occasion.  It  becomes  increasingly 
difficult  to  obtain  Orchid  novelties  of  superior 
merit  to  those  already  in  cultivation, 
but  the  magnificent  groups  contributed 
by  such  skilful  and  enthusiastic  ama- 
teurs as  Sir  Jeremiah  Colman,  Bart.,  the 
Duke  of  Marlborough,  and  Mr.  F.  Menteith 
Ogilvie  and  such  nurserymen  as  Messrs.  San- 
der &  Sons,  J.  Charlesworth  &  Co.,  and  G.  F. 
Moore,  Ltd.,  collectively  represent  most  of 
the  choicest  varieties  in  existence.  It  may 
be  stated  here  that  this  year  there  was  no 
exhibit  from  Sir  Trevor  Lawrence  or  Colonel 
Holford.  The  group  of  Vanda  teres  from  the 
collection  of  Mr.  Leopold  de  Rothschild,  at 
Gunnersbury  Park,  was  the  finest  exhibit  of 
this  somewhat  difficult  species  that  Mr. 
Rothschild  or  any  other  cultivator  has  ever 
exhibited.  Messrs.  Sander  &  Sons  ex- 
hibited excellent  specimens  of  most  of  the 
now  plants  which  they  contributed  to  the 
Ghent  International  Exhibition  of  last  year, 
but  owing  to  the  fact  that  they  have  been 
longer  in  cultivation,  several  of  these  plants 
were  shown  in  better  condition  than  we  have 
previously  seen  them.  Most  of  them  have 
been  already  illustrated  in  these  pages.  We 
now  figure  Sansevieria  Laurentii,  an  inter- 
esting and  ornamental  plant  introduced  from 
the  Congo  by  the  late  M.  Laurent. 

Messrs.  Cannell  &  Sons  showed  a  new  pillar 
Rose  from  America  in  a  mast  enchanting  man- 
ner in  the  large  group  mainly  composed  of 
this  variety,  and  staged  in  the  large  marquee 
containing  the  Orchids.  The  variety  is  known 
as  "  American  Pillar."  It  is  a  profuse 
bloomer,  and  the  flowers,  as  large  again  as 
those  of  Hiawatha,  are  pink  with  a  white 
centre.  The  charm  of  the  flower  consists 
more  in  the  peculiar  richness  of  the  shade  of 
pink  than  in  its  large  size  and  excellent  form. 

M.  Adnet,  from  Cap  d'Antibes,  contributed 
an  exhibit  of  cut  flowers  of  his  extraordinary 
hybrids  of  Gerbera,  which  were  beautiful  and 
elegant,  notwithstanding  the  fact  that  they 
had  travelled  a  distance  of  1,000  miles  since 
being  cut  from  the  plants.  M.  Adnet  found 
it  impossible  to  exhibit  the  flowers  in  so  natu- 
ral a  manner  as  they  were  seen  at  Berlin,  or 
in  such  great  variety,  but  such  as  were  sent 
excited  great  admiration,  and  there  can  be 
little  doubt  but  that  Gerberas  will  bs  largely 
cultivated  in  this  country.  In  Sir  Trevor 
Lawrence's  garden  at  Burford,  some  plants 
have  proved  sufficiently  hardy  to  remain  in 
an  open  position  out-of-doors  all  the  winter, 
although  they  received  but  slight  protection. 
At  Kew  they  survive  out-of-doors  at  a  dis- 
tance of  about  2  feet  from  the  wall  of  a  heated 
house.  It  seems  pretty  certain  that  beds  or 
borders  might  very  well  be  planted  with  Ger- 
beras in  most  localities,  if  the  plants  were 
covered  with  temporary  frames  during  win- 
ter. Mr.  Lynch's  article  on  these  plants, 
printed  on  another  page,  deserves  to  be 
widely   read. 

Tuberous  Begonias  from  Messrs.  Blackmore 
&  Langdon,  Ware,  Ltd.,  and  others  were  as 
brilliant  and  as  large  as  ever,  and,  notwith- 
standing the  great  variety  now  existing  in 
these  flowers,  we  noticed  several  novelties. 

Roses,  always  one  of  the  prominent  fea- 
tures  of   a   Temple    Show,    were   even    more 


gorgeous  and  plentiful  than  usual.  Probably 
many  would  be  inclined  to  the  opinion  that 
the  group  exhibited  by  Messrs.  William  Paul 
&  Son,  was  one  of  the  finest  ever  seen,  whilst 
the  groups  from  Messrs.  Paul  &  Son,  Ches- 
hunt,  and  others  were  all  remarkable  for  ex- 
cellent quality. 

Carnations  were  shown  well,  and  the  rich 
colouring  in  the  corner  group  of  Messrs.  W. 
Cutbush  &  Son  was  worthy  of  special  remark. 
Messrs.  Sutton's  Cinerarias,  Gloxinias  and 
other  florists'  flowers  showed  the  highest 
possible  development  in  cultivation,  the 
Clarkias  being  interesting  as  showing 
what  excellent  specimen  plants  in  pots 
may  be  obtained  even  from  this  hardy 
annual  under  suitable  treatment.  As 
for  Rhododendrons,  Messrs.  Waterer,  Cuth- 
bert,  and  others  have  added  to  their  tints  so 
much  in  recent  years  that,  arranged  as  they 
usually  are  on  the  side  of  the  tent  facing 
the  Orchids,  they  are  now  not  a  whit  less 
brilliant  than  their  more  aristocratic  associ- 
ates. 

Hardy  flowering  plants  appear  to  receive 
an  increased  amount  of  attention  each  year, 
and  at  no  exhibition  in  this  country  may  they 
be  seen  in  better  condition  or  in  larger  num- 
bers than  at  the  Temple  .Shows.  It  was  un- 
fortunate that  during  the  first  day  of  the 
exhibition,  most  of  these  flowers  being  staged 
in  the  narrow  tent,  their  colours  could  i 
scarcely  be  seen,  owing  to  the  saturated  can- 
vas obstructing  the  light. 

Fruit  and  vegetables  were  not  more  numer- 
ous than  on  previous  occasions.  Neverthe-  j 
less,  Messrs.  Bunyard's  Apples  were  as  well 
preserved  as  usual,  notwithstanding  the  ad- 
vanced season.  Messrs.  Laxton's  Straw- 
berries, Messrs.  Rivers'  magnificently-cropped 
fruit  trees  in  pots,  and  Messrs.  Sutton  & 
Son's  choice  vegetables  were  alike  of  excel- 
lent quality. 

A  number  of  visitors  present  from  the 
Continent  declared  that  the  Show  contained 
more  variety,  more  brilliantly-coloured 
flowers,  and  represented  even  better  culture 
than  any  of  its  predecessors. 


Orchid  Sale.  — The  sales  of  Orchids  held 
annually  by  Messrs.  Protheroe  &  Morris 
during  the  Temple  Show  week,  prove  that- 
high  prices  can  still  be  obtained  for  exceptionally 
fine  Orchids.  In  the  sale  held  on  Wednesday 
last,  six  rare  Cypripediums  from  the  collec- 
tion of  Colonel  G.  L.  Holford,  CLE.,  C.V.O., 
Westonbirt,  caused  very  spirited  bidding,  the 
beauty  of  the  plants  being  well  known  and  the 
quality  of  the  specimens  sent  up  by  Mr.  H.  G. 
Alexander,  the  Orchid  grower  at  Westonbirt, 
superb.  Lot  201,  Cypripedium  nitens  Leeanum 
var.  Hannibal  was  purchased  by  Mr.  E. 
Roberts,  of  Eltham,  for  100  guineas ;  Lot  202, 
Cypripedium  Moonbeam  (Thompsonii  X  Sallied 
Hyeanum)  fell  to  Mr.  Cither's  bid  of  210 
guineas.  The  next  lot,  Cypripedium  Sultan 
(Mons.  de  Curte  X  Milo  Westonbirt  variety)  was 
purchased  by  Mr.  William  Bolton,  of  Warring- 
ton, for  130  guineas ;  the  same  buyer  secured  Lot 
206,  Cypripedium  Beryl  (Mrs.  Wm.  Mostyn  X 
Beekmannii)  for  55  guineas.  The  other  two  lots, 
viz.,  Cypripedium  Actreus  Bianca  (Leeanum  Pros- 
pero  X  insigne  Sandera?)  and  Cypripedium  Helen 
n.  Westonbirt  variety,  were  purchased  by 
Messrs.  Charlesworth  &  Co.,  Hay  wards  Heath, 
for  110  guineas  each.  The  plants  were  all  dupli- 
cates of  the  original  certificated  specimens,  and 
were  offered  without  a  reserve  price. 


May  Z9,  ia09.] 


THE    GARDENERS'    CHRONICLE. 


345 


Fuchsia  splendens  (see  p.  338). — Since  our 
frcmt  pages  were  stereotyped  we  have  received 
the  following  additional  information  from  Mr. 
W.  Botting  Hemsley  : — "  I  have  just  had  an 
opportunity  of  seeing  the  type  of  F.  splendens, 
Zuccarini  at  Kew,  whither  it  was  sent  on  loan 
by  Dr.  Radlkofer,  the  Director  of  the  Munich 
Botanic  Garden.  I  am  now  able  to  say  that  the 
plant  figured  on  p.  338  is  correctly  named.    Our 


staff  took  place  at  the  Holborn  Restaurant  on 
May  25,  the  opening  day  of  the  Temple  Flower 
Show,  Dr.  L.  C.  Burrell,  M.A.,  presided. 
Previous  to  the  dinner  the  annual  meet- 
ing was  held  in  the  same  building,  there  being 
about  30  members  present,  a  fewer  number  than 
usual.  This  was  accounted  for  by  there 
being  only  six  of  the  young  gardeners  pre- 
sent.   Mr.  Watson  presided.    The  annual  Report 


THE    TEMPLE    SHOW. 

FlG.   151. — VIBURNUM  UTILE  EXHIBITED  BY  MESSRS.  JAS.  VEITCH  AND  SONS:    FLOWERS  WHITF. 
best  thanks  are  due  to  Dr.    Radlkofer   for  an       stated    that:    "The    resolution    adopted    at   the 


opportunity  of  deciding  the  point.  In  his 
measurements  of  the  flower  Zuccabini  appears 
to  have  included   the  ovary." 

Kew  Guild  Dinner. — The  annual  gathering 
of  past  and  present  members  of  the  Kew  Garden 


last  annual  meeting  with  regard  to  the  Journal, 
&c,  was  submitted  to  the  whole  of  the  members 
and  the  result  is  recorded  in  the  Journal  for 
1908,  p.  410,  '  The  Forward  Movement.'  It  will 
be  seen  that  a  large  majority  voted  for  the  reso- 
lution.    In  consequence  of  this  decision,  the  fol- 


lowing members  of  the  committee  have  decided 
to  resign :  Messrs.  W.  Dallimore,  H.  Spooner, 
W.  Hales,  W.  N.  Winn  (secretary),  and  H.  H. 
Thomas  (treasurer)."  This  part  of  the  Report 
formed  the  principal  subject  of  discussion,  and 
it  was  eventually  decided  to  ask  those  members 
of  the  committee  who  desired  to  resign  to  recon- 
sider their  decision,  but  in  the  event  of  any  or 
all  declining,  Messrs.  Raefill,  Hutchinson, 
Mayhew,  and  Cole  were  nominated  to  fill  the 
vacancies. 

A  National  Vegetable  Society.— A  meet- 
ing was  held  at  Essex  Hall,  London,  on  Tuesday 
last  to  consider  the  formation  of  a  National  Vege- 
table Society.  Mr.  A.  Dean,  V.M.H.,  presided, 
and  amongst  others  present  were  Messrs.  Owen 
Thomas,  G.  Wythes,  J.  Harrison,  J.  Lyne,  S. 
Mortimer,  E.  Hobday,  E.  Massey,  C.  Foster, 
S.  Cole,  W.  F.  Giles  (Sutton  &  Sons),  W.  Pou- 
part,  R.  J.  Steel,  J.  Cheal,  J.  Gibson,. 
D.  B.  Crane,  E.  Beckett,  V.M.H.,  E.  Moly- 
neux,  W.  A.  Cook,  W.  H.  Young,  E.  T.  Cook^ 
J.  C.  Newsham,  and  Walter  P.  Wright.  Let- 
ters approving  the  scheme  were  read  from  Messrs. 
P.  C.  M.  Veitch,  J.  Bowerman,  T.  Coomber,  R. 
Sydenham,  W.  G.  Lobjoit,  W.  P.  Wood,  W. 
Barnes,  Sutton  &  Sons,  J.  Veitch  &  Sons  and  J. 
Basham.  After  a  considerable  amount  of  dis- 
cussion Mr.  E.  Beckett  proposed  that  a  society 
be  formed.  Mr.  C.  Foster  seconded,  and  the 
motion  was  carried.  A  committee  consisting  of 
Messrs.  E.  Beckett,  A.  Dean,  C.  Foster,  E. 
Hobday,  0.  Thomas,  S.  Mortimer,  W.  Poupart, 
(i  Wythes,  R.  J.  Steel,  and  J.  Lyne  was  formed 
to  draw  up  the  rules. 

Bath  and  West  and  Southern  Counties. 
Society.— The  Exeter  exhibition  of  this  old- 
established  society  was  opened  on  Wednesday 
last  and  will  continue  until  Monday  next.  The 
horticultural  exhibits  are  accommodated  in  a 
pavilion  specially  constructed  for  the  purpose. 
There  are  exhibits  illustrating  Nature  Study,  and 
a  section  devoted  to  forestry.  Near  the  forestry 
gallery  demonstrations  of  tree-pruning  will  b& 
given. 

Mr.  J.  R.  Jackson,  who  has  for  25  years 
sorved  upon  the  staff  of  Amateur  Gardening, 
lias  resigned  his  position  for  an  appointment 
with  Messrs.  Clay  &  Son,  of  Stratford.  Mr. 
Jackson  has  received  a  souvenir  from  Messrs. 
Collinoridge  in  the  form  of  a  gold  watch,  bear- 
ing this  inscription  upon  the  dome:  "  Presented 
tD  John  Rishton  Jackson  by  W.  H.  and  L. 
Collingridoe,  in  appreciation  of  25  years  of 
loyal  service,  1884—1909." 

Mr.  Norman  Gill,  a  former  member  of  the 
garden  staff  at  Kew  and  son  of  Mr.  Gill, 
Tremough  Gardens,  Cornwall,  has  been  selected: 
by  the  Government  of  India  to  fill  the  newly- 
created  post  of  Superintendent,  Kumaon  Govern- 
ment Gardens,  Jeolikote,  District  Naini  TaL 
United  Provinces,  India.  Since  leaving  Kew  in. 
1900,  Mr.  Gill  has  had  varied  experiences  in. 
gardening  matters  in  different  parts  of  India. 

International  Horticultural  Exhibi- 
tion at  Kasan,  Russia. — An  horticultural 
exhibition  will  be  held  at  this  city  from  June  1 
to  August  30  of  the  present  year,  to  which  foreigiL 
firms  are  invited.  It  is  stated  that  the  exhibits, 
or  many  of  them,  can  be  disposed  of  readily  after 
the  exhibition,  more  particularly  Palms,  Arau- 
carias,  Azaleas,  Camellias  and  Orchids.  Informa- 
tion may  be  obtained  from  the  Horticultural  Com- 
pany at  Kasan,  which  undertakes  to  convey  the 
plants  from  the  railway  station  and  to  look  after 
their  requirements  during  the  time  of  the  exhibi- 
tion 


346 


THE    GARDENERS'    CHRONICLE. 


[May  29,  1909. 


Principles  of  Heredity.  —  The  Aldred 
Lecture  of  the  Royal  Society  of  Arts  was  given 
before  the  members  of  the  Society  on  May  12. 
The  lecturer,  Professor  Dendy,  chose  for  his  sub- 
ject "  The  Principles  of  Heredity  as  Applied  to 
the  Production  of  New  Forms  of  Plants  and  Ani- 
mals." After  a  brief  account  of  Mendel's  work 
and  reference  to  that  of  Bateson,  Hurst  and 
Biffen,  the  lecturer  gave  an  account,  based  on 
that  in  De  Vries'  little  book  on  Plant  Breeding, 
of  Mr.  Burbank's  "  productions."  It  is  unfor- 
tunate that  this  account  was  of  an  uncritical 
kind  and  consisted  of  the  usual  enumeration  of 
Mr.  Burbank's  creations.  Whilst  a  careful  in- 
vestigation of  these  productions  would  be  of  no 
inconsiderable  value,  a  mere  repetition  of  the 
statements  of  which  all  practical  men  have  heard 
so  much  cannot,  in  the  present  state  of  opinion 
with  respect  to  certain  of  those  statements,  be 
considered  as  a  useful  contribution  to  knowledge. 

Massachusetts  Horticultural  Society. 

— Part  II.  of  this  Society's  Transactions  con- 
tains, among  other  reports,  that  of  the 
Librarian,  from  which  we  make  a  few  ex- 
tracts. The  Society's  library  is  now  in 
receipt  of  150  different  periodical  publica- 
tions relating  to  horticulture  published  in 
various  countries.  Other  classes  of  horti- 
cultural literature  have  not  been  neglected, 
and  a  list  of  additions  to  the  library  is  ap- 
pended. It  is  worthy  of  note  that,  on  the  occa- 
sion of  last  year's  count,  the  library,  one  of  the 
finest,  if  not  actually  the  finest,  in  the  world, 
amounted  to  17,440  volumes.  There  is  also  a 
fine  collection  of  trade  catalogues.  The  report 
expresses  the  need  for  a  new  and  complete  cata- 
logue. Such  a  work  would  be  of  great  interest 
tD  students  of  horticultural  literature  the 
world  over,  especially  as  the  last  printed  cata- 
logue issued  by  the  Society  was  published  more 
than  30  years  ago,  and,  in  the  meantime,  the 
additions  have  been  enormous.  We  recom- 
mend as  a  model  the  admirable  catalogue  of  the 
National  Horticultural  Society  of  France,  whose 
capable  and  learned  librarian,'  M.  Georges 
Gibault,  has  produced  a  classified  list,  such  as 
no  other  horticultural  library  possesses.  With 
occasional  supplements,  such  a  catalogue  would 
be  invaluable. 

Publications  Received. — Adaptations  Cul- 
tarales  et  Variations  des  Solanees  Tuberiferes. 

Extrait  du  Bulletin  des  Seances  de  la  Sociele 
Nationale  d'Agriculture  de  France,  Nos.  deFeviier 
et  Decembre,  1908.  (Paris :  Librairie  Agricole 
de  la  Maison  Rustique,  26,  Rue  Jacob.)  Price 
1  franc. —  The  Philippine  Agricultural  Review. 
(January  and  February.)  (Philippine  Islands: 
Bureau  of  Agriculture. )—  The  Journal  of  Botany. 
(May.)  (London:  West,  Newman  &  Co.,  54, 
Hatton  Garden,  E.C.)  Price  Is.  Qa.-Kew 
Bulletin.  (No.  4.)  Containing  Diagnoses 
Africanse:  XXVIII.,  Peglera  and  Nectaropeta- 
lum,  &c— Birds  Useful  and  Harmful,  by  Otto 
Herman  and  J.  A.  Owen.  (London  :  Sherratt  & 
Hughes.)  Price  6s.  net—  Darwin  and  Modern 
Science,  Edited  by  A.  C.  Seward.  (Cambridge  : 
University  Press.)  Price  18s.  net. — The  Small 
Holders' Guide.  (London :  Farm  and  Garden 
Office,  148  and  149,  Aldersgate  Street,  E.C.)  Price 
Is.  net. — London  and  South  Western  Railway, 
1909.  The  Company's  Official  Illustrated  Guide 
and  List  of  Hotels,  Boarding  Houses  and  Apart- 
ments.— Outdoor  Carpentry,  by  S.  Walter  New- 
comb  Second  Edition.  (London :  Dawbarn  & 
Ward,  Ltd.)  Price  6d.  net.— Hints  on  Vegetable 
Culture,  by  Geo.  L.  Macfarlan.  (London  :  The 
Agricultural  Offices  of  the  Potash  Syndicate,  117, 
Victoria  Street,  Westminster.)  (Gratis).—  The 
Country  Gentlemen's  Estate  Book,  1909. 
Edited  and  compiled  by  Wm.  Brookhall.  (London  : 
Year  Book  of  the  Country  Gentlemen's  Associa- 
tion, Ltd.,  24-25,  St.  James's  Street,  S.W.)— 
Thirtieth  Annual  Report  of  the  Ontario 
Agricultural  and  Experimental  Union.  1908. 
(Toronto  :  Ontario  Department  of  Agriculture.) — 
Thirty-Fourth  Annual  Report  of  the  Ontario 
Agricultural  College  and  Experimental  Farm, 
1908.  (Toronto  :  Ontario  Department  of  Agri- 
culture.) 


HOME   CORRESPONDENCE. 


(The  Editor  does  not  hold  himself  responsible  jor  the 
opinions  expressed  by  his  correspondents.) 

Schizanthuses. — During  the  past  few  years 
these  useful  and  decorative  greenhouse  plants 
have  been  much  developed  and  improved.  I 
have  been  particularly  pleased  with  the  quali- 
ties of  some  of  the  new  hybrid  varieties 
under  my  care,  and,  being  in  the  neighbourhood 
of  Bristol  recently,  I  paid  a  short  visit 
to  Messrs.  Garaway  &  Co.'s  nurseries  at 
Keynsham.  There  I  found  a  display  of  plants, 
which,  for  profusion  of  bloom,  variety  of  colour, 
and  symmetry  of  habit,  would  be  very  difficult 
to  surpass.  Most  of  the  plants  were  in  6  and 
7-inch  pots;  the  specimens  were  about  4  feet 
high  and  3  feet  in  diameter.  So  sturdy  were  the 
growths,  that  stakes  were  not  needed  to  support 
them.  Many  of  these  plants  were  exhibited  at 
the  Temple  Show,  so  visitors  had  the  oppor- 
tunity of  seeing  the  wonderful  specimens  for 
which  this  firm  has  become  noted.  I  believe 
that  in  many  gardens  several  successional  sow- 
ings are  made,  with  very  good  results,  but  here, 
at  Westonbirt,  I  only  have  one  batch,  which  is 
raised  from  seed  sown  early  in  October.  The 
plants  are  kept  in  cool  quarters  during  the  winter 
months,  and  are  at  their  best  by  Easter  time. 
They  continue  to  flower  until  June  is  well  ad- 
vanced. A  little  feeding  in  the  shape  of  a  chemi- 
cal fertiliser,  when  the  pots  are  full  of  roots,  is 
given,  but  great  care  is  exercised  in  the  water- 
ing. S.  Grahamii,  one  of  the  older  kinds,  is  very 
useful  for  house  and  table  decoration.  Arthur 
G/tapman,    Westonbirt  Gardens,  Gloucestershire. 

Schizanthus  at  Wisley.  — On  p.  330  there 
was  a  notice  of  the  Schizanthus  now  in  culti- 
vation at  Wisley.  May  I  say  that  this  is  a 
special  strain  sent  to  Wisley  by  myself?  Sobert 
Xych  nham. 

A    Late-flowering    Narcissus.— 1  saw  in 

Messrs.  Pearson's  collection  en  May  17  a  bed  of 
Narcissus  in  full  flower.  The  variety  proved  to 
be  one  of  Mr.  Engleheart's  raising,  and  known  as 
Steadfast."  It  has  a  medium-sized  trumpet, 
which  is  pale  yellow,  and  broad,  white  corolla 
segments,  which  overlap  each  other,  forming  a 
very  firm  flower  of  good  shape,  and  quite  as  large 
as  the  well-known  Sir  Watkin.  Its  constitution 
is  vigorous,  and  the  flowers  stand  up  well  above 
the   foliage.      IF.   H.   Divers. 

Acetylene  Gas  Refuse.— I  have  seen  refuse 
lime  from  the  acetylene  gas  generator  used  on  a 
garden  for  two  years.  I  cannot  recall  a  single 
bad  result  from  its  use.  As  an  agricultural 
student,  I  feel  that  the  pot  cultures  (see  p.  264) 
were  hardly  fair  to  the  lime,  as  in  most  cases  the 
dressings  were  much  too  high  for  ordinary  appli- 
cations. The  smallest  of  them  would  be  next  to 
impossible  unless  the  garden  was  very  small  and 
the  gas  consumption  high.  I  have  calculated  the 
following  figures  for  three  classes  of  soil,  taking 
a  depth  of  6  inches,  whereas  when  possible  for 
all  analytical  purposes  8  inches  is  the  usual : — 


Arable  Soil. 

Per  cent. 

of  Lime 

Tors  required 

Refuse  applied. 

per  Ai-re. 

1    per 

cent. 

...      8.215 

10   per 

cent 

...     82.15 

20  per 

cent. 

...  164.3 

30   per 

cent 

...  246.45 

50  per 

cent. 

Clay  Loam. 

...  410.75 

1   per 

cent 

...      8.605 

10   per 

cent. 

...     86.05 

20   per 

cent. 

...  172.1 

30   per 

cent 

...  258.15 

50   per 

cent 

Garden  Mould. 

...  430.25 

1   per 

cent. 

...      6.87 

10  per 

cent. 

...     63. 7 

20   per 

cent. 

...  157.4 

30   per 

cent 

...  206.1 

50   per 

cent. 

...  343.5 

the  soil  was  already  rich  in  lime  compounds.  Any 
artificial  manures  applied  at  this  rate,  slaked  lime 
included,  would,  I  am  sure,  have  yielded  similar 
results.  Altogether  I  am  afraid  it  will  do  much 
to  discourage  the  use  of  a  cheap  source  of  lime 
to  those  who  are  fortunate  enough  to  have  an 
acetylene  gas  plant  in  a  garden  deficient  in  lime. 
I  don't  wish  to  say  that  it  is  as  good  as  ground 
lime,  because  I  don't  think  it  is,  the  ground 
lime,  being  finer,  mixes  more  readily  with  the 
soil ;  but  i  do  think  that  if  left  on  the  surface 
like  gas  lime  for  a  few  weeks  before  use,  it  will 
do  no  harm.     Frank  G.   Athinson. 

A  New  Saxifrage.— In  regard  to  the  Saxi- 
fraga  decipiens  hybrida  grandiflora,  which  re- 
ceived an  Award  of  Merit  at  the  R.H.S.  meeting 
on  April  20th,  may  I  be  permitted  to  say  that  I 
had  decided  to  call  it  Bathoniensis,  but  upon 
application  to  the  Floral  Committee  at  the  in- 
stance of  some  of  the  largest  trade  buyers,  they 
decided  that  S.  decipiens  hybrida  grandiflora  was 
the  better  name.  So  I  must  abide  bv  that  ruling. 
Thos.   Kitley,  Bath. 


From  these  dressings,  you  will  see  that  6|  tons 
per  acre  is  the  smallest  application — surely  a 
very  heavy  dressing  !  I  notice  a  large  quantity 
of  leaf-mould  was  used  which  would  reduce  the 
percentage  of  lime  in  the  soil,  but  I  think  some 
account  of  it  should  have  been  taken  ;  perhaps 


WILDERNESSE  PARK,  SEVEN0AKS. 

(See  Supplementary  Illustration.) 
The  county  of  Kent  is  called  the  Garden  of 
England,  and,  assuredly,  the  traveller  in  that 
county  who  admires  tree  life,  either  of  the  park, 
garden,  orchard,  or  hillside,  will  not  long  have 
passed  beyond  the  confines  of  wide-spreading 
London  before  he  sees  ample  to  confirm  the  just- 
ness of  the  phrase.  No  matter  which  road  is 
taken,  the  charm  of  the  varied  scenery  is  soon 
apparent,  and  by  the  time  Sevenoaks  is  reached 
the  conviction  is  established  that  it  would  be 
difficult  to  find  elsewhere  such  delightful  pro- 
spects as  have  met  the  eye  within  the  limited 
compass  of  about  a  score  of  miles.  Of  the 
surroundings  of  the  town  of  Sevenoaks  it- 
self it  would  be  impossible  to  speak  too 
highly.  Here  are  hill  and  valley,  superb 
woodland  and  fertile  field,  and,  although  I  have 
traversed  Kent  from  end  to  end  many  hundreds 
of  times  within  the  past  15  years,  I  have  never 
seen  any  more  beautiful  region.  But  my  present 
task  is  not  so  much  to  sing  the  praises  of  the 
county  as  to  speak  of  some  features  of  the  garden 
attached  to  the  residence  of  Lord  Hillingdon  at 
W  ildernesse  Park. 

The  mansion  of  Wildernesse  is  in  every  respect 
worthy  of  high  rank  among  the  stateliest  homes 
of  England,  since  it  conveys  the  impression  of 
solidity  and  stability,  which  are  generally  ac- 
cepted as  characteristics  of  our  nation.  One 
wing  of  the  mansion  is  shown  in  the  Supple- 
mentary Illustration  to  the  present  issue.  Imme- 
diately around  it  are  the  flower  gardens  and  plea- 
sure grounds,  and  though  these  are  not  quite  as 
extensive  as  might  be  anticipated,  there  is  ample 
and  suitable  space  for  further  extension. 

The  photographs  illustrating  Wildernesse  Park 
were  taken  in  the  late  summer,  whereas  the  visit 
now  described  was  made  in  the  spring,  but  the 
features  of  to-day  and  the  representations  of  those 
of  other  seasons  of  the  year  show  that  the  plan  of 
bedding  is  bold  and  striking,  and  in  complete 
h;,rmony  with  the  mansion  itself.  Here  are 
no  small  beds  containing  a  dozen  or  more 
kinds  of  plants,  but  masses  of  colour,  which 
make  at  once  for  conspicuous  effect.  Upon  the 
occasion  of  the  latest  visit,  brilliant  red  and 
yellow  Wallflowers  shone  in  the  sun  and  diffused 
a  delicious  fragrance  over  the  lawns,  whilst,  in 
the  large  border-like  beds,  May-flowering  Tulips 
in  clumps  of  one  variety  reared  their  handsome 
blooms  2  feet  and  more  in  height  and  swung  to 
the  breeze.  At  the  south  end  of  the  mansion 
lies  the  Rose  garden.  Though  not  extensive,  it 
is  laid  out  intelligently,  in  that  there  is  ample 
grass  walk  for  comfortable  locomotion.  More- 
over, the  beauty  of  the  different  varieties  is  well 
displayed,  the  beds  containing  each  but  one 
variety.  The  walls  of  the  house  are  freely 
planted  with  many  distinct  kinds  of  climbers, 
and  at  the  time  of  my  visit  a  Wistaria  was  bloom- 
ing magnificently.      IT. 

(  To  be  continued.) 


Mai  29,  1909.] 


THE    GARDENERS'    CHRONICLE. 


347 


TEMPLE    SHOW, 


THIS,  the  greatest  floral  event  of  the  year, 
was   held    on   the   above   dates,   and   was 
another  brilliant  success,  save  only  in  the 
matter  of  weather. 

As  usual,  the  attendance  of  visitors  was  very 
large,  and  the  tents  each  day  soon  became  un- 
comfortably crowded.  Everything,  however, 
passed  off  without  a  hitch,  and  for  the  admirable 
management  the  thanks  of  all  are  due  to  the 
Superintendent,  Mr.  Wright,  and  the  London 
officials,  including  the  Secretary,  Rev.  W.  Wilks, 
M.A.,  and  his  assistant,  also  Mr.  Frank  Reader 
and  the  other  members  of  the  office  staff. 

Orchid  Committee. 

Present:  Harry  J.  Veitch,  Esq.  (in  the  Chair), 
and  .Messrs.  Jas.  O'Brien  (hon.  sec),  de  B. 
Crawshay,  R.  Brooman-White,  Sir  Jeremiah 
Colman,  E.  Ashworth,  G.  F.  Moore,  J.  Cypher, 
W.  Boxall,  H.  J.  Chapman,  W.  H.  White,  H.  G. 
Alexander,  H.  Little,  A.  Dye,  Stuart  Low,  W. 
Cobb,  R.  G.  Thwaites,  F.  M.  Ogilvie,  W.  Bolton, 
H.  A.  Tracy,  J.  Wilson  Potter,  Gurney  Wilson, 
H.  Ballantine,  W.  H.  Hatcher,  and  C.  J.  Lucas. 

Entering  the  great  tent,  principally  devoted  to 
Orchids,  the  first  section  of  the  central 
staging  on  the  right  hand  side  was  taken  up  by 
a  very  fine  group  staged  by  Mr.  Collier  (gr.  to 
Sir  Jeremiah  Colman,  Bart.,  Gatton  Park, 
Reigate).  As  is  customary  in  groups  from 
Gatton  Park,  rare  species  and  curious  hybrids 
of  Orchids  formed  a  feature.  Several  of  the 
species  secured  Botanical  Certificates.  Of 
the  rare  species  noted  were  Gongora  quin- 
quenervis,  Lissochilus  parviflorus,  Bulbophyl- 
lum  Lobbn  Colossus,  and  other  Bulbophyl- 
lums ;  Cirrhopetalum  pulchrum,  and  various 
Masdevallias.  Among  the  showy  species  were 
a  good  selection  of  varieties  of  Odontoglossum 
crispum,  including  the  blotched  0.  c.  Surprise, 
0.  c.  Duchess  of  Connaught,  0.  c.  Cooksonii, 
0.  c.  Mrs.  F.  Peeters,  0.  c.  Colmam'ae,  and  0.  c. 
Margery  Tyrell  Giles.  Of  Cattleyas  there  was 
a  good  selection,  the  forms  of  C.  Mossiae  being 
well  furnished  with  good  flowers.  Epidendruin 
Boundii,  with  its  orange  and  scarlet  flowers.  \\;is 
very  effective  in  the  back  of  the  group  ;  the  prim- 
rose-coloured form  of  Dendrobium  Dalhousieanum, 
the  ivory-white  Cymbidium  Colmaniae,  Spatho- 
glottis  hybrids  raised  at  Gatton  Park,  Cattleya 
Pittite,  C.  intermedia  coerulea,  good  Miltonia 
voxillaria,  and  other  finely-flowered  varieties. 

Messrs.  Sander  &  Sons,  St.  Albans  and 
Bruges,  came  next  with  one  of  the  finest  and 
most  interesting  groups,  in  which  the  central 
figure  was  a  noble  plant  of  the  unique  Odonto- 
glossum crispum  Solum,  with  its  milk-white 
flowers  having  deep  claret-red  labellums  and  an 
occasional  blotch  of  the  same  colour  on  the 
sepals.  The  exhibit  included  several,  elevated, 
smaller  groups,  with  corresponding  valley- 
like arrangements,  the  whole  forming  a  pretty 
picture.  At  the  central  highest  point  was 
a  grand  plant  of  Cyrtopodium  Saintlegeri- 
anum,  with  several  strong  spikes,  around 
it  being  the  graceful  sprays  of  red  Odon- 
tioda  Devossiana,  the  bright  yellow  Onci- 
dium  Marshallianum,  and  other  elegant  species, 
fronted  by  handsome  Brasso-Cattleyas.  Other 
lobes  were  of  Cattleyas  and  La?lio-Cattleyas, 
the  most  beautiful  being  the  pure  white 
C.  Dusseldorfei  Undine,  C.  Niobe  Sander's 
variety,  raised  at  Bruges,  with  large  fleshy-rose 
and  white  flowers ;  Laelio-Cattleya  Aumonier 
Menley  (L.  purpurata  X  C.  Vulcan),  a  charming 
rose,  white,  and  purple  flower ;  and  Sophro- 
Laelia  Dame  superba,  a  very  handsome  dwarf 
hybrid  with  large  rose  and  white  flowers. 
Odontoglossums,  both  species  and  hybrids,  were 
finely  represented,  some  of  the  home-raised, 
blotched  forms  of  0.  crispum  running  the  im- 
ported varieties  very  close  in  point  of  beauty. 
.Among  the  hybrids  were  several  new  forms, 
0!  tigrinum  being  a  remarkable,  yellowish 
flower  evenly  spotted  with  red,  and  '  different 
from    any    other,    though    not    so    handsome    as 


MA  Y  25,  26  and  27. 

some.  Miltonia  Bleuana  Mrs.  F.  Sander  had  fine 
white  flowers,  with  light  rose  lines  on  the  lip. 
Maxillaria  Van  Houtteana,  Vanda  Parishii  Mar- 
riottiana,  the  white  Brasso-Cattleya  Queen 
Alexandra,  pretty  Odontoglossums  of  Messrs. 
Sander's  0.  Dreadnought  type,  and  some  good 
forms  of  0.  Lambeauianum  were  also  noted. 

F.  Menteith  Ogilvie,  Esq.,  The  Shrubbery, 
Oxford  (gr.  Air.  Balmforth),  staged  a  splendid 
group,  in  which  were  many  remarkable  varie- 
ties ;  all  well  grown  and  quite  worthy  of 
the  show-stand.  The  setting  of  the  group 
was  of  fine  Odontoglossums,  and  in  the  ele- 
vated parts  were  beautiful  arrangements  of 
Odontoglossum  crispum  and  hybrid  Odontoglos- 
sums, among  which  were  arranged  scarlet  Odon- 
tioda  Bradshawise,  O.  Charlesworthii,,  and  other 
Odont'idas,  the  yellow  sprays  of  Qdontogl 


THE    TEMPLE    SHOW. 

FlG.  152. — SANSEVIERIA    LAURENTII    EXHIBITED 

BY    MESSRS.    SANDER    AND    SONS. 

(See  p.  351.) 

luteo-purpureum  Vuylstekei  appearing  among 
them.  On  each  side  were  large  batches  cf 
the  green  and  white  Cypripedium  Lawrence- 
anum  Hyeanum,  C.  L.  Marjoiie,  C.  Maudiae, 
and  C.  callosum  Sanders.  Prominent  fea- 
tures were  made  in  the  group  by  fine  speci- 
mens of  Cattleya  Dusseldorfei  Undine,  which  is 
one  of  the  best  white  Cattleyas,  Trichopilia 
Backhousiana,  a  white,  fragrant  flower  which 
also  told  well  in  other  groups  ;  Odontoglossum 
eximium  and  0.  percultum.  of  very  rich  colour; 
a  clear  scarlet  form  of  Odontioda  Vuv'stekeae, 
Odontioda  Devossiana,  and  some  specially  fine 
forms  of  Lselia  purpurata.  Among  species 
Cattleya  citrina,  with  its  clear  yellow,  fragrant 
flowers,  and  Epidendrum  falcatum  were  noted. 

Messrs.  Armstrong  &  Brown,  Tunbridge 
Wells,  followed  with  an  effective  group,  in  which 
was  a  batch  cf  well-flowered  Cvpripcdium  glau- 
cophyllum.  together  with  Bulbophyllum  bar- 
bigerum,  a  very  fine  scarlet  Sophronitis 
grandiflora,  and  the  new  Odontoglossum  Arm- 
strongiae,  a  showy  hybrid  of  unrecorded 
parentage  with  white  flowers  evenly  blotched 
with  violet.     In  a  batch  of  Brasso  Cattleyas  were 


B.-C.  Mrs.  Francis  Wellesley  Leyswood  variety, 
with  blush-white  flowers.  Among  hybrids, 
several  plants  of  Laelio-Cattleya  Aphrodite  alba 
had  fine  white  flowers  with  ruby-crimson  front 
to  the  lip ;  Cypripedium  callo-Rothschildianum 
had  a  fine  spike  of  four  flowers;  Cattleya 
Skinneri  Temple's  variety  showed  it  to  be  the 
finest  coloured  variety  of  the  best  old  form  of 
C.  Skinneri  ;  the  pure  white  specimen  shown 
being  also  of  the  same  type ;  Dendrobium  nobile 
virginale  was  shown  in  several  fine  specimens  ; 
Odontoglossum  crispum  roseum  giganteum  was 
a  noble  flower.     A  pretty  effect  was  made  in  the 

coup  by  the  arrangement  of  scarlet  and  crimson 
Masdevallias  in  the  grotto-like  recesses  between 
the  elevated  portions. 

Messrs.  Hugh  Low  &  Co.,  Enfield,  staged  a 
group  in  which  the  forms  of  Cattleya  Mendelii 
and  C.  Mossiaj  were  specially  good.  With  them 
were  Cattleya  Skinneri  alba  and  other  Cattleyas, 
a  good  selection  of  Cypripediums,  the  hand- 
somest of  which  were  C.  chrysotoxum  Victor  and 
C.  Lawrenceanum  Hackbridge  variety.  Otheis 
noted  were  Oncidium  macranthum,  0.  unicorne, 
0.  pulchellum,  0.  phymatochilum,  Gongora 
nigrita,  Spathoglottis  aureo-Veillardii,  &c. 

Missis.  William  Bull  &  Sons,  King's  Road, 
Chelsea,  finished  the  side  of  the  central 
staging  with  a  grjup  of  good  Odontoglossum 
crispum,  the  best  forms  of  which  were  0.  c. 
M u,  white,  blotched  with  purple;  0.  c.  Em- 
press, 0.  c.  Florence,  and  O.  c.  Diadem ;  a  good 
selection  of  Cattleyas,  including  C.  Mendelii, 
Countess,  Empress,  and  Diadem;  C.  Mossiae 
Edward   VII.,  a  good,   bold  flower,  and  C.   M. 

1     it.     Missis.  Bull  also  showed  good  Odon- 

toglossum  hybrids,  and  three  plants  of  their 
Odontioda  chelseiensis,  with  cream-white  flowers 
tinged  and  blotched  with  rosy-lilac  (see  fig.  153). 

On  the  other  side  of  the  central  staging  Messrs. 
CHARLESWORTH  &  Co..  Havwards  Heath,  occu- 
pied the  chief  pi  sition  with  a  magnificent  group, 
in  which  the  only  two  plants  entered  to  go  before 
the  Committee,  viz.,  Oncidium  Charlesworthii 
and  Laelio-Cattleya  Eurylochus,  secured  First- 
class  Certificates  (see  Awards).  The  group  con- 
tained fine  representatives  of  all  the  showy 
species  procurable  at  this  season,  and  a  re- 
in:1 lkable  selection  of  hybrids  and  home-raised 
seedlings,  among  which  the  spotted  forms  of 
Odontoglossum  crispum  were  remarkable.  The 
typical  white  and  rose-tinted  forms  of  0.  crispum 
also  were  fine ;  0.  Othello,  remarkably  rich  in 
colour;  0.  percultum  and  0.  Lambeauianum 
varieties,  perfect  in  form  and  handsomely 
marked;  and  0.  Pescatorei  Charlesworthii, 
pretty  form  and  very  distinct.  Odontioda 
Charlesworthii,  0.  Bradshawias,  and  several 
varieties  gave  a  scarlet  colour  ;  Cattleya  Men- 
delii and  C.  Mossiie  were  shown  in  many 
fine  forms,  including  the  best  white  C.  Mossiae 
Wageneri ;  Lselio-Cattleya  Golden  Glory,  a  very 
fine  set  of  L.-C.  Fascinator,  L.-C.  Feronia,  and 
cither  Laeho-Cattleyas  were  well  displayed,  and 
among  the  numerous  good  things  noted  were 
the  pure  white  an  1  fragrant  Trichopilia 
Baekhousieana,  a  floriferous  plant  and  a  free 
grower;  Cymbidium  Huttonii,  C.  Devonianum, 
Aerides  Houlletianum,  Vanda  suavis  pallida,  a 
very  rare  albino ;  Ansellia  africana,  Oncidium 
O'Brienianum,  and  a  large  number  of  other 
plants"  of  interest. 

The  Exoits.  of  the  late  Norman  C.  Cookson, 
Esq.,  Oakwood,  Wylam  (gr.  Mr.  H.  J.  Chap- 
man),  showed  Odontioda  Cooksonise  (C.  Noezliana 
X  0  ardentissimum),  a  pretty  flower  with  the 
inner  parts  of  the  segments  orange  colour 
bordered  with  white,  and  with  rosy  margins; 
O.  Bradshawiae  Oakwood  variety,  prettily  tinged 
end  blotched  with  scarlet  :  Odontoglossum  per- 
cultum C'.ive,  white  blotched  with  violet;  0. 
Solon  Cookson's  variety  and  0.  Cooksonianum 
(mirificnm  X  crispum),  a  large,  well  formed,  and 
heavily-.]  lotehed  flower. 

Messrs.  Jas.  Cypher  &  Sons.  Cheltenham, 
staged  a  good  group  of  Odontoglossums,  Mil- 
tonia vexillaria,  Cattleyas,  &c..  among  which 
were  noted  a  fine  lot  of  Odontoglossum  crispum^ 


348 


THE    GARDENERS'    CHRONICLE. 


[May  29,  1909. 


O.  percultum,  a  nicely  spotted  hybrid  between 
O.  cirrhosum  and  0.  ardentissimum,  Coelogyne 
Dayana,  Maxillaria  Sanderiana,  Cattleya  Dussel- 
dorfei  Undine,  Oncidium  Lanceanum,  Den- 
drobium  clavatum,  Odontoglossum  Wilckeanum 
rubrum,  of  a  pretty  red-tinted  form ;  Vanda  teres 
gigantea,  and  other  uncommon  varieties,  speci- 
ally well  grown. 

Messrs.  Moore,  Ltd.,  Ravvdon,  Leeds,  staged 
one  of  the  best  arranged  groups  in  the  show  and 
one  which  contained  many  good  and  attractive 
Orchids.  In  the  centre,  high  up,  at  the  back 
were  fine  plants  of  the  large  white  Moth 
Orchid  known  in  gardens  as  Phajsenopsis 
amabilis  Rimestadtiana.  The  sunk  effect  on 
either  side  was  very  skilfully  arranged  with 
Odontoglossums  of  fine  quality,  a  very  hand- 
somely-marked O.  Ossulstonii  named  Rawdon 
variety,  0.  percultum,  0.  crispo-Harryanum 
with  two  spikes,  some  spotted  0.  crispum 
being  among  them ;  also  brightly  coloured 
Odontiodas,  a  fine  selection  of  large-flowered 
Cattleyas,  a  very  handsome  form  of  C.  Mendelii, 
with  purple  feathered  lines  on  the  petals,  being 
specially  attractive.  Others  noted  in  this  effec- 
tive group  were  scarlet  Renanthera  Imschootiana, 
the  pretty  rose  :.nd  white  Disa  Luna,  Odontioda 


Ghent,  staged  a  selection  of  hybrid  Odontoglos- 
sums, three  of  the  best  of  which  secured  First- 
class  Certificates  (see  Awards). 

Mr.  John  Robson,  Altrincham,  showed  a  selec- 
tion of  seedling  Orchids,  among  which  were 
four  handsomely  blotched  0.  crispum,  raised 
between  the  varieties  Maria?  and  Luciani ;  also  a 
bright  scarlet  Odontioda  between  Cochlioda 
Noezliana  and  0.  ardentissimum  Among  the 
other  hybrids  was  a  superb  form  of  0.  Lam- 
beauianum,  with  very  large  and  finely  marked 
flowers. 

Richakd  Ashwokth,  Esq.,  Ashlands,  New- 
church,  Manchester  (gr.  Mr.  Fletcher),  staged  a 
group  m  which  was  a  good  selection  of  blotched 
Odontoglossum  crispum  ;  that  named  Black  Prince 
having  a  specially  clear  white  flower  with  distinct 
chocolate-purple  blotches.  0.  crispum  Rebus,  0. 
c.  rubrum,  and  0.  c  heliotropium  were  also  well 
shown,  together  with  some  Cattleyas,  and  a  very 
fine  plant  of  the  blue  Dendrobium  Victoria 
Regina  with  many  flowers,  for  which  a  Cultural 
Commendation  was  awarded. 

Mr.  Reynolds  (gr.  to  Leopold  de  Rothschild, 
Gunnersbury  Park)  arranged  most  effectively 
on  one  side  of  the  large  tent  a  large  number  of 
splendidly-grown  plants  of  Vanda  teres,  literally 


Fig. 


THE    TEMPLE    SHOW. 

153. — ODONTIODA   CHELSEIENSIS    EXHIBITED    BY    MESSRS.   BULL   AND    SONS. 

(See  p.  817.) 


Bradshawiie,  with  its  parent  the  scarlet  Coch- 
lioda Noezliana,  Triehopilia  Backhousieana, 
Oncidium  Krameri,  0.  Batemannianum,  Epi- 
dendrum  Wallisii,  Cypripedium  caudatum,  Vanda 
pumila,  and  Dendrobium  atro-violaceum. 

His  Grace  the  Duke  cf  Marlborough,  Blen- 
heim Palace,  Woodstock  (gr.  Mr.  Hunter), 
showed  a  group  in  which  were  a  good  selection 
of  Lselia  purpurata,  Cattleyas,  finely-flowered 
Dendrobium  thyrsiflorum,  a  splendid  specimen  of 
the  pure  white  Chysis  bractescens  with  two 
spikes,  Miltonia  vexillaria,  Odontoglossums,  &c. 

Mrs.  Wood,  Moorfield,  Glossop  (gr.  Mr.  W.  T. 
Gould),  showed  a  group  of  well-grown  Orchids, 
the  central  plant  in  which  was  a  fine  specimen  of 
Cymbidium  Lowianum  with  ten  spikes.  With  it 
were  a  selection  of  Odontoglossums,  Cattleya 
Mossise,  Lselio-Cattleya  highburiensis,  Lfelia 
Latona,  L.  tenebrosa,  and  Phalaenopsis  Schil- 
leriana. 

Messrs  Stanley  &  Co.,  Southgate,  showed  a 
small  group  of  Cattleya  Mossiaj,  which  included 
a  fine  plant  of  C.  M.  vestalis,  white  with  coloured 
lip.  and  C.  M.  Thompsonii,  a  pretty,  blush-tinted 
form  ;  also  the  white  Lselia  purpurata  The  Queen. 

Monsieur    Charles    Vuylsteke,    Loochristy, 


covered  with  their  large,  deep  rose-coloured 
flowers.  Probably  such  a  fine  lot,  so  well  ar- 
ranged, has  not  been  seen  before,  and  it  is  highly 
creditable  to  Mr.  Reynolds  that  he  should  for  so 
many  years  continuously  and  successfully  grow 
this  fine  old  species. 

Messrs.  Jas.  Veitch  &  Sons,  King's  Road, 
Chelsea,  staged  a  neat  group  of  Cattleyas,  in- 
cluding the  white  C.  Mrs.  Myra  Peeters,  Disa 
Luna  with  five  spikes,  good  Odontoglossum 
crispum,  Oncidium  Marshallianum,  &c.  The 
Orchids  were  arranged  in  the  centre  of  a  large 
group  of  foliage  plants,  with  handsome-leaved 
Bertolonias  interspersed  between  them. 

R.  E.  Chalmers,  Esq.,  Aveling,  Bromley,  sent 
Dendrobium  lituiflorum. 

AWARDS. 
First-class  Certificate. 
Oncidium  Charlesworthii,  from  Messrs. 
Charleswortii  &  Co.,  Haywards  Heath.  A 
very  handsome,  large -flowered  Oncidium  of  the 
0.  crispum  section,  and  probably  a  natural  hybrid 
of  that  species.  Its  broad  sepals  and  petals  are 
of  a  deep  chestnut-brown,  with  slight,  wavy 
transverse  lines,  \he  base  of  the  lip  being  bright 


yellow,  the  front  blotched  witli  brown  and  sug- 
gesting  0.    Marshallianum. 

Lcelio-Cattleya  Eurylochus  (Schofieldiana  X 
Lady  Miller),  from  Messrs.  Charlesworth  & 
Co.  A  pretty  novelty,  with  flowers  of  good 
shape  and  of  a  glowing  orange  tint  shaded  with 
bronze.  The  lip  is  light  ruby-crimson  and  the 
tube  yellow.     The  spike  bore  four  flowers. 

Odontoglossum  mirum  Emperor  of  India 
(Wilckeanum  X  crispum). — A  large  flower  of 
fine  shape  and  substance,  white,  heavily 
blotched  with  purple. 

Odontoglossum  Aglaon  (Vuylstekeoz  X 
cximium). — In  form  and  colour  nearest  to  the 
pretty  0.  Vuylstekeas,  and  with  the  well-formed, 
shitjld-shaped  lip  of  the  latter  species.  The 
ground  colour  of  the  flower  is  white,  but  the 
surface  is  almost  covered  with  reddish-orange- 
brown  blotches,  with  a  crimson  glow  in  places. 
Lip  white,   with  chestnut-red  blotches. 

Odontoglossum  Princess  Victoria  Alexandra 
(parentage  unknown). — A  handsome  variety  with 
flowers  of  _  an  intense  claret-red,  with  silver- 
white  margins. 

The  above  three  Odontoglossums  were  shown, 
by  Mons.  Chas.  Vuylsteke,  Loochristy,  Ghent. 

Award  of  Merit. 
Cattleya  Mossice  Gatton  Park  variety,  from 
Sir  Jeremiah  Colman,  Bart.,  V.M.H.  A  very 
pretty  form  of  a  soft  shade  of  rose-pink,  with 
broad  segments,  the  slightly  decurved  petals- 
showing  remarkable  development.  Lip  broad, 
marbled  with  violet-purple,  the  crimped  margin, 
silver-white. 

Botanical  Certificate. 

Bulbophyllum  lemniscatoides,  from  Sir 
Jeremiah  Colman,  Bart.  A  singular  species- 
from  Java,  figured  in  the  Gardeners'  Chronicle, 
January  30,  1909,  p.  68.  The  flowers  are  in  a 
nodding  raceme,  nearly  black  with  silvery,  hair- 
like appendages,  which  in  the  plant  shown  had: 
not  had  time  to  develop  fully. 

Gongora  quinqucnervis,  from  Sir  Jeremiah 
Colman,  Bart.  The  flowers  are  produced  in. 
elegant  sprays,  insect-like  in  form  and  of  a  deep, 
red-brown  colour. 

Sigmatostalix  Eliae  (Rolfe),  from  Mr.  J. 
Birchenall,  Alderley  Edge.  A  charming  new 
species  of  small  growth,  with  a  slender  raceme  of 
yellow  flowers  spotted  with  red,  the  stalked  lip 
with  a  hroad  blade  being  very  peculiar. 

Oncidium  Retemeyerianum. — A  dwarf,  thick- 
leafed  species,  with  a  straggling  spike  of  fleshy 
flowers  spotted  with  brown,  the  curious  labellum. 
being  claret-coloured.    From  Mr.  J.  Birchenall. 

BEGONIAS. 

Messrs.  Blackmore  &  Lancdon,  Twerton  Hill 
Nursery,  Bath,  showed  tuberous-rooted  Begonias 
of  remarkably  fine  quality ;  the  plants  were  not 
arranged  too  thickly,  and  hence  their  full  beauty 
was  displayed.  The  exquisite  shades  of  colour 
seen  in  the  varieties  are  probably  unsurpassed  in 
any  flowers,  tones  of  pink,  salmon  and  crimson 
being  especially  pleasing.  The  blooms  were  very 
large  and  remarkably  fresh  in  appearance.  A 
selection  of  the  best  kinds  in  the  exhibit  includes 
Marie  Nicholas  (salmon),  Duchess  of  Portland 
(orange-red),  Mrs.  P.  Clowes  (rosy-salmon),  Ava- 
lanche (white).  Pink  Pearl,  Mrs.  W.  L.  Ainslie 
(yellow),  Mrs.  D.  I'uterson  (very  pale  yellow  with 
rose  edge),  and  Millicent  (salmon).  Overhanging 
baskets  contained  drooping  varieties,  the  pen- 
dant growths  terminating  with  dense  bunches  of 
flowers.  These  included  Gladys  (red),  Mrs. 
Bilkey  (orange-salmon),  and  Carminea  (carmine- 
rose). 

Messrs.  John  Laing  &  Sons,  Forest  Hill,  Lon- 
don, also  showed  a  batch  of  tuberous-rooted 
Begonias,  having  many  choice  kinds  in  small- 
flowered  but  well-coloured  examples. 

Messrs.  T.  S.  Ware,  Feltham,  exhibited  nearly 
300  plants  of  tuberous-rooted  Begonias  of  their 
well-known  strain.  The  group,  as  a  whole,  was 
very  effective,  and  although  these  flowers  are 
somewhat  stiff  in  appearance,  their  colouring  is 
exquisite,  snd,  viewed  in  a  mass,  remarkably 
effective.  There  were  considerable  numbers  of 
seedlings,  the  majority  of  excellent  quality,  and 
certainly  admirable  as  bedding  subjects.  Amongst 
the  named  kinds  we  noticed  Miss  Fairlie  Harmer 
(reddish-scarlet),  Mrs.  A.  P.  Brandt  (almost 
white,  with  a  pale  rose  suffusion).  Patrick  Ainslie 
(crimson,  and  with  pretty  crimpled  petals),  Mrs. 
Whitelaw  Reid  (salmony  pink  and  a  white  edge), 


May  29,  1909.  j 


THE    GARDENERS'    CHRONICLE. 


349 


Mrs.  John  Brinsmead  (cream  colour),  Mrs. 
Arthur  Hill  (crimson-scarlet),  and  Countess  of 
Dartmouth.  All  those  mentioned  were  big 
plants,  with  large,  bold  flowers. 

Decorative  plants  of  Begonia  hybrids  were 
shown  by  Frank  Lloyd,  Esq.,  Coombe  House, 
Croydon.  They  were  labelled  Begonia  Lloydii. 
Some  were  in  baskets,  for  which  mode  of  display 
they  are  especially  adapted. 

CARNATIONS. 

In  the  large  Orchid  tent  a  bright  corner  ex- 
hibit was  made  by  Messrs.  Wi.  Cutbush  &  Son, 
Highgate,  London,  N.,  with  Carnations  in  con- 
junction with  Roses  (see  fig.  154).  These  highly 
decorative  plants  were  both  finely  shown,  the 
Carnations  being  especially  pleasing.  These  lat- 
ter flowers  were  admirably  arranged,  some  in 
large  mounds.  Notable  varieties  were  Lady 
Coventry,  Robert  Craig,  Enchantress,  White 
Perfection,    and    Lord    Rosebery. 

Another  excellent  exhibit  of  Carnations  was 
made  by  Mr.  W.  H.  Page,  Tangley  Nurseries, 
Hampton.     He  showed  thorn  in  his  usual  superb 


Mr.  C.  Englemann,  Saffron  Walden,  showed 
popular  varieties  in  excellent  condition,  trails 
of  Asparagus  being  freely  utilised  in  the  display. 

Messrs.  Hugh  Low  &  Co.,  Bush  Hill  Park, 
Enfield,  exhibited  a  remarkably  fine  and  varied 
group,  having  such  beautiful  kinds  as  Winsor, 
Britannia,  Afterglow,  Enchantress,  and  Black 
Chief  in  splendid  condition. 

A  fine  assortment  of  well-grown  flowers 
was  staged  by  Mr.  A.  F.  Dutton,  Bexley  Heath. 

Other  exhibitors  of  Carnations  as  cut  blooms 
were  Messrs.  T.  S.  Ware,  Ltd.,  Feltham;  Mr. 
James  Green,  March ;  Mr.  C.  F.  Waters,  Bal- 
combe,  Sussex ;  Mr.  C.  H.  Herbert,  Birming- 
ham; and  Mr.  W.  H.  Lancashire,  Guernsey. 

CALADIUMS. 
Although  these  plants  are  not  so  extensively 
exhibited  at  this  sh/vw  as  in  former  years,  there 
were  some  well-grown  plants  shown,  notably  a 
very  fine  exhibit  by  Messrs.  John  Peed  &  Son, 
Norwood.  The  plants  were  large  and  their 
colouring  splendidly  developed.  Among  the 
more)  noticeable  varieties  were  Diamantir.a,  green 


Viticella  type  or  the  smaller-flowered  rubella  of 
the  Jackmanii  class  appealed  most  to  us.  The 
double-flowered  Venus  Victrix  was  especially 
effective  shown  as  a  climber. 

A  group  of  these  showy  flowering  plants  was 
also  staged  by  Messrs.  Geo.  Jackman  &  Son, 
Woking  Nursery,  Surrey.  The  plants  were 
trained  in  a  pyramidal  or  globular  manner,  the 
growths  being  entwined,  so  that  the  flowers 
appeared  as  though  on  dwarf  bushes.  The  assort- 
ment of  colours  was  varied ;  perhaps  the  most 
pleasing  was  the  comparatively  sirall-flowered 
G.  Jackmanii  rubra ;  the  petals  of  this  variety 
are  of  a  wine  shade.  Others  of  merit  were  Ville 
do  Lyons,  carmine-red ;  Fairy  Queen,  white  with 
rose  suffusion  :  Nelly  Moser,  one  of  the  best  of 
the  large-flowered  type ;  Lord  Neville,  helio- 
trope ;  and  Marie  Boisselot,  the  beat  of  the  white- 
flowered  kinds. 

RHODODENDRONS. 

A  charming  display  of  Rhododendrons  was 
made  by  Messrs.  John  Waterer  &  Sons,  Ltd., 
Bagshot,  Surrey.     The  beautiful  Pink  Pearl  was 


THE    TEMPLE    SHOW. 
FlG.  154. — MESSRS.  cutbush's  group  of  carnations  and  roses. 


style,  with  tall  epergnes  of  Liliums  and  banks  of 
Roses  intermixed.  The  group  also  contained 
Pelargoniums  and  pink-flowered  Astilbes. 

Messrs.  Bell  &  Sheldon,  Guernsey,  showed 
superb  examples  of  the  perpetual-flowering  Car- 
nation, the  colours  being  exceptionally  fine.  The 
arrangement  was  excellent. 

The  American  Carnation  Nursery,  Saw- 
bridgeworth,  staged  a  bright  exhibit  of  popular 
varieties,  tall  stands  being  requisitioned  for  their 
display. 

Mr.  H.  Burnett,  St.  Margaret's,  Guernsey, 
made  a  very  bright  group,  having  a  Selection  of 
the  best  kinds,  all  effectively  displayed. 

An  attractive  group  of  Carnations  was  seen  in 
Messrs.  R.  H.  Bath  &  Co.'s  exhibit  of  these 
flowers  adjoining  their  display  of  Tulips. 

Mr.  C.  W.  Breadmore,  High  Street,  Win- 
chester, showed  Carnations  in  conjunction  with 
their  group  of  Sweet  Peas. 

Mr.  H.  Mortimer,  Farnham,  had  a  pleasing 
group  in  which  the  flowers  were  arranged  in  tall 
receptacles. 


with  rose  maculations  and  silvery  blotches ;  Sir 
Oswald  Moseley,  a  fine  shade  of  red  with  green 
margins ;  John  Peed,  one  of  the  largest  and  most 
elegant,  the  colour  being  rich  velvet-green 
merging  to  red  in  the  centre  and  with  red 
veins ;  Candidum",  pure  white  with  green  tips ; 
Henry  Lovatt,  with  paler  maculations  and  rose- 
coloured  ribs  and  centre ;  a  very  large  plant  of 
Marquis  of  Camden ;  Silver  Queen,  of  palest 
colour,  faintly  tinted  with  green;  W.  E.  Glad- 
stone, Mrs.  Tilton,  Oriflamme,  and  Triomphe  de 
Comte,  the  last-named  being  bright  red. 

CLEMATIS. 
Messrs.  Richabd  Smith  &  Co.,  Ltd.,  St. 
John's  Nurseries,  Worcester,  showed  large 
flowering  Clematis,  some  as  balloon-trained  and 
ethers  more  naturally  growing  as  climbers  on 
Bamboo  supports.  A  few  Rambler  Roses  at 
the  back  of  the  group  showed  how  pleasingly  the 
Rose  and  Clematis  may  be  combined  for  decora- 
tive purposes.  The  showiest  variety  was  the 
heliotrope-coloured  Sensation,  but  those    of    the 


the  feature  of  the  group,  there  being  numerous 
large  plants  of  this  peerless  variety,  all  magnifi- 
cently bloomed.  In  addition,  were  other  smaller 
but  equally  beautiful  varieties,  such  as  Marquis 
of  Waterford,  shown  as  a  standard  plant ;  and 
Lady  Clementina  Walshe,  a  pale  flower  of  large 
size,  suffused  with  rose  and  dotted  with  yel- 
lowish-green. 

Messrs.  R.  &  C.  Cuthbert,  Southgate  Nur- 
series, Southgate,  exhibited  a  large  group  of 
hardy  Azaleas.  Prominent  among  the  group 
were  standards  of  R.  occidentalis  exquisita,  the 
colour  being  pale,  with  lemon-spotted  upper 
petals ;  Florodora,  a  large-flowered  variety 
with  salmon-red  flowers ;  the  single  Ghent 
Azalea  Fanny,  also  Comte  de  Kerchove ;  the 
double  Ghent  Azalea  Raphael  de  Smet,  of  blush 
tone,  and  Nancy  Waterer,  yellow. 

Mr.  Chas.  Turner,  Slough,  showed  pyramidal- 
trained  plants  of  Rhododendron  (Azalea)  indicum. 
The  plants  were  not  so  well  flowered  as  those  seen 
earlier  in  the  year ;  still  they  were  very  decora- 
tive subjects. 


350 


THE    GARDENERS'    CHRONICLE. 


[May  29,  1909. 


MISCELLANEOUS  GREENHOUSE  PLANTS. 
Messrs.  H.  Cannell  &  Sons,  Swanley,  Kent, 
staged  varieties  of  Phyllocacti,  a  row  of  the 
pretty,  pink-flowered  German  Empress  variety 
occupying  the  front.  Among  the  larger  kinds 
were  Schlimmii,  Henry  Cannell,  Teutonia  (yel- 
low), Dr.  Herum  (pink),  Leopold,  and  Croisali. 
Adjoining  these  plants  was  a  batch  of  Fuchsia 
splendens  in  variety  ;  Begonia  nitida  alba  form- 
ing a  suitable  background  to  the  Fuchsias. 
Plants  of  the  new  American  Pillar  Rose,  with 
their  large  bunches  of  single  flowers  of. a  rose- 
pink  shade,  were  prominent  (see  fig.  156). 
Messrs.  Cannell  &  Sons  also  showed  a  magni- 
ficent group  of  Cannas,  in  all  160  plants,  in 
SO  varieties.  Among  the  more  elegant  varie- 
ties were  noticed  Ch.  E.  Hodel  (crimson),  Frau 
G.    Borsig     (deep     rose),   Goethe     (yellow     and 


(Amaryllis),  the  plants  being  in  especially  good 
form  for  so  late  in  the  season.  A  feature  of  the 
exhibit  was  the  sturdy,  dwarf  character  of  the 
specimens,  all  of  which  showed  excellence  of  cul- 
ture. Many  of  the  flower-stalks  bore  four  and 
sometimes  five  individual  blooms.  There  were 
over  100  plants  in  almost  as  many  varieties. 
Those  of  the  Nestor  type — that  is,  crimson,  with 
white  tips — were  especially  good ;  others  of  note 
were  Admiral  Togo  (rcsi-cerise),  Picotee  (the 
ground  of  this  variety  is  white,  the  edge  being 
reddish),  Hercules,  Empress  (crimson),  and 
Chiron  (crimson). 

Messrs.  James  Veitch  &  Sons,  Ltd.,  King's 
Road,  Chelsea,  showed  an  extensive  group  of 
greenhouse  flowering  plants,  in  which  Cinerarias 
were  the  more  important  subjects,  including  the 
variety     Feltham     Beuuty.      Hybrid     Gerberas 


THE  TEMPLE   SHOW. 
Fig.  155. — m.  adnet's  exhibit  of  gerbera  flowers. 


orange),  Furst  Wied  (deep  crimson),  Niagara 
(reddish,  bordered  with  yellow),  Meteor, 
Gaikwar  of  Baroda  (a  yellow  ground,  speckled 
with  bright  red),  Dr.  Marcus  (reddish,  with 
darker  spotting),  and  Frau  E.  Kracht  (pale 
salmon). 

The  King's  Acre  Nursery  Co.,  Hereford, 
showed  Heliotropes  in  variety.  The  variety 
Mme.  Marie  Andre  was  displayed  as  a  standard 
plant.  Others  of  especial  merit  were  Mme. 
Fillary  (a  very  fragrant  variety)  and  Lord 
Roberts. 

Messrs.  P.  Ker  &  Sons,  Aigburth  Nursery, 
Liverpool,   showed  their  strain  of  Hippeastru'm 


showed  considerable  advance  upon  these  ex-, 
hibited  last  season.  Kalanchoe  flammea  .  was 
conspicuous  with  its  dense  heads  of  reddish 
flowers.  Another  interesting  subject  was  Am- 
phicome  Emodi  ;  the  flowers  of  this  plant  are 
not  unlike  those  cf  Streptocarpus ;  they  are 
coloured  a  shade  of  rose,  with  orange  in  the 
throat.  A  new  silver-leaved  Pelargonium,  with 
pure  white  flowers,  was  labelled  "  Snow  Queen." 
It  should  be  a  serviceable  bedding  variety.  There 
were  also  many  other  plants,  including"  Cannas, 
Streptocarpus,  Lobelia  tenuior,  Blandfordia 
nobilis,  and  Ricbardia  Elhottiana,  with  Ferns 
and  Palms  as  greenery. 


Messrs.  James  Carter  &  Co.,  High  Holborn, 
London,  staged  a  very  pretty  exhibit  in  the  long, 
narrow  tent.  They  furnished  the  corners  on 
either  side  of  the  entrance  with  bold  masses  of 
Calceolarias  and  Cinerarias.  At  the  back  of  the 
Calceolarias  were  some  floriferous  plants  of  Schi- 
zanthus,  whilst  a  few  of  the  new  coloured  Spiraeas 
were  utilised  at  one  of  the  corners.  A  consider- 
able portion  of  tabling  was  utilised  by  this  firm 
to  display  greenhouse  flowering  plants  that  are 
usually  raised  from  seeds.  They  had  some  re- 
markably fine  Cinerarias,  showy  Schizanthus, 
some  as  basket  plants  suspended  from  iron  sup- 
ports, which  were  entwined  with  greenery,  a 
pretty  feature ;  also  good  strains  of  Petunias 
and  Gloxinias,  the  latter  plants  being  remarkably 
well  cultivated.  The  pretty  Delphinium  "  Blue 
Butterfly  "  was  conspicuous,  also  a  selection 
of  popular  varieties  of  perpetual-flowering  Carna- 
tions. The  whole  group  demonstrated  what  a 
wealth  of  beautiful  flowering  plants  can  be  easily 
raised  from  seeds. 

Messrs.  Sutton  &  Sons,  Reading,  had  an  ex- 
cellent group  in  the  largest  tent,  where  it  occu- 
pied the  whole  of  one  of  the  ends.  The  various 
subjects  were  magnificently  in  fluwer,  and  the 
general  design  was  pleasing,  consisting  of  a  large 
central  bay  with  two  smaller  ones  on  either  side. 
Pyramidal-trained  plants  of  Clarkia  pulchella 
were  remarkably  effective,  and  we  have  never 
before  seen  this  pretty  annual  better  shown. 
Herbaceous  Calceolarias  were  remarkably  fine,  as 
were  Schizanthus  in  variety  and  Nemesia  stru- 
mosa.  The  largest  central  bay  was  comprised  al- 
most entirely  of  beautiful  Cinerarias,  and  pro- 
minent in  the  front  was  an  unnamed  variety 
which  may  prove  to  be  a  new  species.  Two  of 
the  bays  were  devoted  to  Calceolarias  of  the 
large-flowering  variety,  intermixed  with  Bego-.- 
nias,  and  choice  Gloxinias.  Ferns,  Palms,  and 
other  foliage  plants  were  freely  employed  to  em- 
bellish the  group  and  as  relief  to  an  almost  un- 
broken sheet  of  brilliant  flowers. 

Several  exhibits  of  herbaceous  Calceolarias 
were  shown  in  the  longest  tent.  Vivian  .Phil- 
lips, Esq.,  Crofton,  Orpington,  Kent  (gf.  Mr.  T. 
Hobbs),  displayed  a  group  of  these  plants,  and 
another  fine  exhibit  of  these  was  made  by  Wilk- 
iiam  Noakes,  Esq.,  Selsdon  Park,  Croydon  (gr. 
Mr.   Howarth). 

The  Hon.  Vicary  Gibbs,  Aldenham  House, 
Elstree  (gr.  Mr.  E.  Beckett),  displayed  a  batch 
of  Streptocarpus.  The  plants  were  exhibited  in 
batches  of  mauve,  white,  pink,  heliotrope, 
blush,  &c. 

Gloxinias  were  shown  by  Messrs.  Toogood  & 
Sons,  Southampton,  and  Louis  van  Houtte 
Pere,  Ghent,  Belgium. 

Messrs.  James  Garavvay  &  Co.,  Durdham 
Down,  Clifton,  Bristol,  displayed  plants  of  their 
noted  strain  of  Schizanthus,  having  magnificent 
specimens,  literally  smothered  with  flowers  in 
beautiful  shades  of  orange,  rose,  purple,  &c. 

Messrs.  Hugh  Low  &  Co.,  Enfield,  displayed 
miscellaneous  greenhouse  plants,  making  as  usual 
a  feature  of  Metrosideros  floribunda. 

Messrs.  W.  &  J.  Brown,  Stamford,  showed  the 
new  double-flowered  Marguerite  "  Perfection," 
also  Verbenas,  Heliotropes,  Spiraeas,  Pelar- 
goniums, and  other  flowering  plants. 

Mr.  Wm.  Iceton,  Putney,  exhibited  two  pyra- 
midal groups  of  Lily  of  the  Valley,  set  in  Adian- 
tum  Fern  and  bordered  with  the  pleasing  Cala- 
dium  argyrites. 

Sir.  W.  J.'  Godfrey,  Exmouth,  Devon,  dis- 
played varieties  of  Show  and  Fancy  Pelar- 
goniums. They  were  a  very  fine  collection,  nota- 
ble varieties  being  Ruby,  Black  Prince,  God- 
frey's Success,  rose-pink  with  dark  blotches ;  H. 
S.  Davy,  reddish  flowers  with  darker  blotches  ; 
and  Lady  Decis,  a  very  pale  rose-coloured  variety. 
Messrs.  Waverin  &  Kruyff,  Sassenheim,  Hol- 
land, showed  plants  of  the  pink-flowered  Astilbcs 
(Spiraeas),  Queen  Alexandra  and  Peach  Blossom 

A  batch  of  a  Pelargonium  named  James  T. 
Hamilton  and  stated  to  be  raised  from  an  ivy- 
leaved  variety  ("  Charles  Turner  ")  crossed  with 
"  Ethel  Lewis,"  of  the  Zonal  section,  was  shown 
by  Messrs.  W.  H.  Rogers  &  Son,  Ltd.,  Red 
Lodge  Nursery,  Southampton. 

SOME  CUT  FLOWERS. 

GERBERAS. 

It  will  be  remembered  that  when  commenting 
on  the  late  Berlin  Exhibition  we  referred  especi- 
ally to  a  magnificent  collection  of  hybrid  Ger- 
beras, shown  by  Mons.  R.  Adnet,  Cap  d'Antibes. 


May  29,  1909.] 


THE    GARDENERS'    CHRONICLE. 


351 


This  gentleman  showed. a  few  of  his  hybrids  as 
cut  flowers  (see  fig.  155),  arranging  them  at  the 
end  of  the  Orchid  table  in  the  large  tent.  The 
flowers  were  of  many  shades  of  colour,  ranging 
from  the  deep  red  of  the  type  through  shades 
of  pink,  to  quite  pale  forms.  (See  article  by  Mr. 
Lynch  on  p.  339.) 

GROUPS  OF  PLANTS. 

A  magnificent  group  of  exotic  plants  was  shown 
by  Messrs.  Jas.  Veitch  &  Sons,  Ltd.,  King's 
Road,  Chelsea.  The  exhibit  embraced  the  finest 
of  ornamental-leaved  plants,  with  a  batch  of 
showy  Orchids  as  a  centrepiece.  The  colouring 
in  the  leaves  of  the  Caladiums,  Codianims  (Cro- 
tons),  Cyanophyllum  magnificum,  Anthuriums, 
Helliconia  illustris  rubricaulis,  and  similar 
plants  was  magnificently  developed.  The  ar- 
rangement and  blending  of  the  various  subjects 
were  skilfully  carried  out,  and  the  exhibit  was 
freely  decorated  with  Palms  and  Ferns.  Among 
the  more  notable  of  the  plants  may  be  instanced 
Alocasia  argyrea,  with  a  sagittate  leaf  suffused 
with  a  metallic  sheen  ;  A.  montefontainensis,  of 
dark  green  colour;  Dieffenbachia  Jenmanii,  with 
zebra-like  markings  of  pale  yellow  ;  Aralia  ele- 
gantissima  as  tall  plants  ;  Caladium  Rose  Lain;-!  ; 
C.  Louis  A.  van  Houtte  ;  Cyanophyllum  magnifi- 
cum  ;  and  Medinella  magnifica.  As  foils  were  tall 
Crotons,  Draca?na  Sanderiana.  and  a  branched  in- 
florescence of  Oncidium  Marshallianum. 

Tn  the  same  tent,  but  on  the  opposite  side  to 
this  exhibit,  Messrs.  Veitch  displayed  a  group 
of  large  dimensions,  consisting  of  showy- 
flowered  plants  of  a  hardier  nature.  Plants  of 
Clematis,  Roses,  Rhododendrons,  Wistarias,  and 
other  floriferous  subjects  formed  a  blaze  of 
colour,  and  were  interspersed  with  rarer  sub- 
jects, such  as  the  pleasing  Clematis  montana 
rubens,  Andromeda  speciosa,  the  branches 
of  which  were  crowded  with  w-hite,  bell- 
shaped  flowers  ;  Rosa  hugonis,  with  pale  yellow 
blooms;  Styrax  japonica,  a  very  elegant  shrub, 
shown  as  a" standard;  Vitis  flexuosa  Wilsonii,  a 
useful  and  graceful  climber  ;  and  V.  Henryana, 
V.  armata  and  V.  heterophylla  variegata.  Huge 
bunches  of  blossoms  were  borne  by  plants  of 
Hydrangea  paniculata  grand  iflora,  and  there 
■were  others  of  the  hortensis  type  with  blue 
flowers.  Philadelphus  Banniere,  as  a  dwarf 
shrub,  attracted  notice  with  its  pure  white 
blooms.  We  have  no  room  to  mention  the  large 
number  of  varieties  of  Rhododendrons  and  Cle- 
matis, which  embraced  some  of  the  choicest  in 
cultivation. 

Messrs.  Sanders  &  Sons,  St.  Albans,  staged  a 
group  of  new  and  noteworthy  plants,  hav- 
ing most  of  the  fine  species  which  were 
shown  by  this  firm  at  the  last  Ghent  Exhibi- 
tion and  illustrated  at  that  time  in  the 
Cardeners'  Chronicle.  We  noticed  the  unique 
Anthurium  Laucheanum,  Ptychoraphis  Sieber- 
tiana,  an  elegant  Kentia-like  Palm ;  Bil- 
bergia  Forgetiana,  the  stiff  leaves  being  ribbed 
with  green  and  yellow,  the  latter  colour  pre- 
dominating ;  Anthurium  Warocqueanum,  having 
green,  velvety  leaves,  2  feet  or  more  in  length  ; 
several  Cycads,  notably  Bowenia  spectabilis 
serrulata  and  Cycas  Micholitzii ;  Furcroya  Wat- 
soniana,  like  an  American  Agave,  with  yellow 
and  green  foliage  ;  Clerodendron  Campbellii.  freely 
in  flower ;  Ficus  australis  variegata  ;  Anthurium 
Sanderi ;  Diona?a  muscipula ;  Dracaena  Broom- 
fieldii  superba,  with  elegant  silver  veining;  Cala- 
mus ciliaris  ;  Bromelia  tricolor  ;  and  Sanseviera 
Laurentii  (see  fig.  152) 

Messrs.  Wm.  Bull  &  Sons,  King's  Road,  Chel- 
sea, staged  a  batch  of  ornamental-leaved  plants 
of  exotic  species,  including  Caladiums,  Dractena 
Victoria,  Alalia  Chabrien.  Codianrms  (Crotons), 
Bertolonia  maculata  in  variety,  Filicum  deci- 
piens,  a  plant  with  elegant,  pinnate  leaves,  Tree 
Ferns,  &c.  In  the  centre  of  the  group  was  a 
batch  of  Hippeastrums,  principally  scarlet- 
flowered  varieties  which  attracted  much  notice. 

A  showy  group  of  stove  and  greenhouse  plants, 
all  with  richly-tinted  foliage,  was  displayed  by 
Mr.  L.  R.  Russell.  Richmond.  The  plants  in- 
cluded Caladiums,  Crotons,  Aralia  eiegantissima, 
Maranta  Veitchii,  M.  Van  den  Heckei,  Helli- 
conia illustris  (beautifully  barred  with  rose  lines), 
Anthurium  Scherzerianum,  whose  scarlet  spathes 
added  additional  brightness  to  the  group  ;  Alo- 
casia argentea,  and  Cyanophyllum  magniiicum, 
quite  the  handsomest  in  the  collection,  with  its 
broad  leaf  of  velvety  green,  ribbed  in  the  most 
elegant  manner.  The  assortment  of  Caladiums 
was  varied,  especially  fine  being  the  pale  Silver 


Cloud  variety.  Others  shown  well  were  John  R. 
Box,  Mrs.  L.  R.  Russell,  L'Automne  and  Mar- 
quis of  Camden.  At  the  back  of  the  exhibit 
were  tall  specimens  of  Dracaena  Sanderiana, 
Codireum  Mrs.  Luther,  and  graceful  Arun- 
dinarias.  Mr.  Russell  also  showed  a  number  of 
the  handsome-leaved  Bertolonias,  and  Sonerila 
argentea,  Maranta  Makoyana,  Leea  amabilis  and 
Eranthemum  Lindenii,  all  similar-habited  plants. 

FERNS. 
Messrs.  H.  B.  May  &  Sons,  Edmonton,  had  a 
grand  exhibit.  Larger  specimens  were  employed 
than  usual.  In  the  centre  o^  the  group  was  a 
fine  specimen  of  Cibotium  Schiedei,  elevated  to  a 
height  of  fully  20  feet,  and  another  of  Acros- 
tichum  aureum  was  placed  nearly  as  high.  In 
the  foreground  was  a  grand  specimen  of  Poly- 
podium  Knightise.  Davallias  included  fine  speci- 
mens of  D.  Fijiensis  robusta,  D.  braziliense,  D. 
epiphylla  and  the  pretty  little  D.  alpina  gracil- 
lima.  Other  choice  plants  noticed  included  Poly- 
podium  Mayi,  Nephrolepis  Fosteri,  N.  Amer- 
pohlii,  N.  YVhitmanii,  N.  superba,  N.  todaeoides; 
Platycerium  Veitchii,  P.  grande,  P.  alcicorne 
and  P.  Cordreyi  (a  garden  variety) ;  also  Pteris 
tricolor,  P.  cretica  Summersii,  and  P.  Childsii.  Of 
Adiantums  were  shown  A.  Veitchii,  A.  macro- 
phyllum,  and  A.  Farleyense.  Gymnogrammas  in- 
cluded the  best  silver  and  golden  coloured  varie- 
ties. Messrs.  May  exhibited  as  a  separate  group 
in  the  open  a  number  of  hardy  Ferns ;  many  were 
elegantly  crested.  Plants  of  Polystichum  angu- 
lare  included  some  beautiful  varieties,  those 
of  the  diversilobum  type  being  specially  good. 
There  were  also  Osmundas  in  variety,  Ceterach 
officinarum,  Pteris  Nicholsonii,  a  remarkable 
variety  of  P.  Aquilina,  and  the  finest  varieties 
of  Asplenium  Filix-fcemina.  Scolopendrum  vul- 
gare  muricato-fimbriatum  should  prove  a  useful 
garden  Fern. 

Messrs.  J.  Hill  &  Sons,  Lower  Edmonton, 
staged  a  fine  group  of  Ferns.  The  plants  in  the 
background  were  elevated,  and  a  tall  specimen 
of  Cibotium  (Dicksdnia)  Schiedei  was  one  of  the 
finest  in  the  exhibit.  A  large  Osmunda  gracilis. 
also  Platycerium  grande,  P.  Williiickii,  P.  Hillii, 
and  Gleichenias  were  well  shown.  Others  of  ex- 
ceptional merit  were  Polypodium  lepidopteris 
sepultum,  various  Davallias,  Onychium  aura- 
tum,  Polypodium  plesiosorum,  and  Anemia 
tomentosa. 

Mr.  H.  N.  Ellison,  West  Bromwich,  showed  a 
number  of  choice  little  plants  of  Nephrolepis 
Amerpohlii,  Pteris  scaberula.  Pteris  internata, 
Adiantopsis  radiata,  Lastrea  lepida,  Davilla  im- 
mersa,  Osmunda  palustris  Mayi,  Davallia  ornata, 
Doodia  aspera  multifida,  Acrostichum  crinitum, 
Goniophlebium  glaucophyllum,  and  many  others. 
The  group  exhibited  a  neat  arrangement,  which 
appeared  more  effective  even  than  the  larger 
groups. 

SWEET  PEAS. 
Several  Sweet  Pea  specialists  showed  these 
flowers  in  considerable  numbers.  The  more  con- 
spicuous groups  were  as  follow : — Messrs. 
Robert  Sydenham,  Ltd.,  Birmingham,  had  good 
vases  of  standard  sorts  and  novelties.  These  in- 
cluded excellent  blooms  of  the  white  Spencer  and 
George  Herbert  varieties.  Mr.  Sydenham  also 
showed  some  delightful  sprays  of  Lily  of  the 
Valley  from  plants  grown  in  fibre. 

Another  excellent  exhibit  of  Sweet  Peas  was 
displayed  by  Messrs.  H.  J.  Jones,  Ltd.,  Lewis- 
ham.  The  varieties  represented  a  large  assort- 
ment, and  they  were  presented  in  the  best 
manner. 

Very  beautiful,  too,  were  Sweet  Peas  shown 
by  Messrs.  E.  \V.  King  &  Co.,  Coggeshall, 
Essex,  who  utilised  Bamboo  stands  and  vases  to 
display  the  flowers.  In  this  collection  we  noted 
Evelyn  Hemus,  Lord  Charles  Beresford,  Mrs. 
Wm.'  King,  and  Princess  Victoria,  these  being 
the   more  conspicuous  of  a  very   fine   display. 

Mr.  W.  Breadmore,  Winchester,  had  a  charm- 
ing group.  Etta  Dyke,  Audrey  Crier,  Princess 
Juliana  (pale  primrose),  Dazzler,  and  Elsie  Her- 
bert were  among  the  best  varieties. 

Another  fine  group  of  Sweet  Peas  was  made 
by  Messrs.  Dobbie  &  Co.,  Rothesay.  The  flowers 
w'ere  particularly  fine  and  the  vases  well  dis- 
posed and  arranged.  Dobbie's  Mid-Blue,  Earl 
Spencer,  Betty  Cantley,  and  Mrs.  Ireland  were 
all  conspicuous  and  good. 

Mr.  Robert  Chaplin,  Waltham  Cross,  showed 
a  collection  of  the  best  kinds  in  commerce.  White 
Spencer,  E.  J.  Castle,  George  Herbert,  and  Mrs. 
Collier  being  a  few  of  the  more  notable  sorts. 


Both  Messrs.  J.  &  A.  Clark,  Dover,  and 
Messrs.  G.  Stark  &  Son,  Great  Ryburgh,  also 
staged   these   popular   flowers   in   variety. 

ROSES. 
The  Show  was  remarkable  for  the  extra  large 
plants  of  Rambler  varieties,  which  must  have 
been  trained  for  several  years.  Raiely  have  finer 
cut  blooms  been  observed  so  early  in  the 
summer,  a  fact  for  which  the  abundance  of  sun- 
shine during  the  present  month  is  mainly  re- 
sponsible. The  sunshine  has  permitted  the 
grower  to  afford  ample  ventilation,  thereby  in- 
creasing the  substance  and  enhancing  the  tints 
of  the  petals. 

Mr.  Geo.  Prince,  Longworth,  Oxford,  showed 
a  group  of  thickly-disposed  Rambler  Roses  in 
pots,  of  which  Dorothy  Perkins,  Hiawatha,  Lady 
Violet  Henderson  (a  white,  semi-double  flower), 
and  Lady  Gay  were  the  more  conspicuous  plants. 
Messrs.  W.  Paul  &  Son,  Waltham  Cross, 
Herts.,  showed  a  great  group  of  climbing  Roses, 
grown  as  pillars,  columns,  weepers,  &c.  (see  fig. 
157).  We  noticed  Fairy  (white),  Coquette  (pink), 
both  single-flowered  ;  Tausendschon,  Stella,  Crim- 
son Rambler,  Goldfinch,  and  many  more  of  the 
Rambler  class  beautifully  flowered,  and  grand 
decorative  subjects.  The  plants  stood  5  to  10  feet 
high,  and  were  profusely  bloomed.  Among  these 
were  placed  H.P.,  H.T.,  and  T.  Roses  as  dwarf 
plants.  We  remarked  Lyon  Rose,  Marquis  de 
Siiifty,  a  globular,  canary-yellow  variety  that 
opens  well,  has  great  substance,  and  is  not 
too  weighty  for  the  stalk ;  Margaret,  a  fine, 
flesh-coloured  flower  of  nice  shape,  when  half 
open  it  is  a  grand  thing !  Coquina,  a  pink, 
single  Rambler,  very  free;  Elaine  is  a  prettily- 
formed,  white  T.H.,  and  at  its  best  when  half 
open ;  Le  Progres,  a  good  coat  flower  in  colour 
of  an  orange  shade  with  a  pink  suffusion;  David 
Williamson,  a  large  crimson  flower,  and  White 
Maman  Cochet. 

Messrs.  H.  Cannell  &  Sons,  Swanley,  made 
a  neat  display  with  Rambler  Roses  as  small 
plants,  the  brilliant  Baby  Rambler  Mme.  N.  de 
Levavasseur  making  a  fine  feature  as  plants  of 
1  to  2  feet  high.  The  new  hardy  "  American 
Pillar,"  the  flowers  of  which  are  single  and  of 
a  crimson  colour  and  white  in  the  centre,  are 
4  inches  in  diameter.  It  is  very  free  in  flower- 
ing (see  fig.  156).  All  the  different  Rambler 
varieties  were  profusely  bloomed  in  this  exhibit. 
Messrs.  W.  Cutbush  &  Son,  of  Highgate  and 
Barnet,  employed  around  and  as  a  group  carpet 
between  the  plants  and  cut  blooms  of  Carna- 
tions shown  by  them  in  a  large  corner  group 
in  the  great  marquee,  a  large  number  of  Ram- 
bler Roses  in  crimson,  white  and  pink  varieties, 
and  numbers  of  very  large  Polyantha,  and 
Wichuraiana  hybrids  were  arranged  in  a  line  at 
the  back  of  the  group  with  pleasing  effect.  The 
variety  Veilchenblau  was  shown  well. 

Messrs.  Paul  &  Son,  The  Old  Nurseries,  Ches- 
hunt,  made  a  great  show  with  Roses  of  the 
Rambler  and  Polyantha  classes,  of  large-sized 
plants,  and  of  varied  forms.  The  rest  of  their 
group  consisted  of  Roses  of  varying  heights  and 
sizes.  There  were  noted  well-flowered  plants  of 
H.T.  J.  B.  Clark  (a  flower  of  a  dark  crimson 
tint).  H.T.  Richmond,  H.T.  Friedrichsruh, -H.T. 
Marquis  de  Sinety ;  H.T.  Mme.  de  Luze,  H.T. 
Chateau  de  Clos  Vougeot,  H.T.  David  Harum, 
H.T.  Joseph  Lowe,  H.T.  Queen  of  Spain  (in  fine 
form),  H.T.  W.  Shean,  the  new  Tea  Rose  Paula 
(a  white  bloom  with  a  suspicion  of  green),  Rhea 
Reid,  T.  Lady  Roberts,  the  grand  H.T.  Mrs. 
Aaron  Ward  (an  enormous  bloom,  very  full 
of  creamy-white,  with  an  orange  tint  in  the 
centre),  and  H.P.  Frau  Karl  Druschki  (a  grand 
plant  of  this  variety). 

Messrs.  R.  Smith  &  Co.,  St.  John's  Nursery, 
Worcester,  had  put  a  fine  backing  of  Crimson 
Rambler  Roses  to  their  Clematis  group. 

Mr.  Charles  Turner,  The  Royal  Nurseries, 
Slough,  arranged  an  extensive  group  of  Roses 
— H.T.s,  T.s,  H.P.s  and  Ramblers  in  variety. 
We  noted  fine  examples  of  Hugh  Dickson, 
Mme.  Jean  Dupuy,  Frau  K.  Druschki,  Sou- 
venir de  Pierre  Notting,  Mrs.  J.  Laing,  J.  B. 
Clark,  Mme.  V.  Verdierj  Mme.  Jules  Gravereaux, 
and  other  favourite  Roses.  The  display  was 
made  with  standard  plants  of  varying  heights 
in  the  case  of  Ramblers  and  other  varieties. 

Messrs.  Frank  Cant  &  Co.,  Braiswick,  Col- 
chester, staged '  many  finely-bloomed  Rambler 
Roses,  as,  for  example,  Minnehaha,  Hiawatha, 
Philadelphia,  Austrian,  and  Copper  Briars, 
Tausendschon,   Dorothy  Perkins,   &c. 


352 


THE    GARDENERS1    CHRONICLE. 


[May  29,  1909. 


The  cut  blooms  of  H.T.s,  H.P.s,  and  T.s  were 
of   fine   proportions,   and   in   the   best  condition. 

Mr.  G.  Mount,  Canterbury,  made  a  magnifi- 
cent display  of  cut  blooms,  having  bold  masses  of 
the  most  effective  varieties.  Especially  good 
were  flowers  of  the  white  Frau  Karl  Drnschki 
variety. 

Messrs.  Hoeeies,  Ltd.,  Dereham,  Norfolk, 
staged  a  group  consisting  principally  of  climbing 
varieties. 

Messrs.  Benjamin  R.  Cant  &  Sons,  Col- 
chester, arranged  a.  stand  of  climbing  and 
Rambler  Roses,  fronting  which  were  show 
boxes  filled  with  cut  blooms  of  many  cf 
the    finer     varieties    of    H.T.,     HP.,     &c.      A 


character,  nor  has  the  quality  ever  been  so  high. 
It  is  to  be  noted  with  satisfaction  that  the  small, 
meaningless — and,  therefore,  unnatural — exhibits 
of  rockwork  of  past  years  have  given  place  to  a 
more  pleasing  form  of  exhibit.  The  disposal  of 
the  rocks  and  the  grouping  of  the  plants,  if  not 
of  an  ideal  character  in  all  cases,  were  decidedly 
good  in  the  main. 

Among  the  most  interesting  and  suggestive  of 
Alpine  and  rock-garden  exhibits  was  that  from 
the  Craven  Nursery,  Clapham,  Lancaster. 
Most  prominent  among  the  best  things  were  such 
species  as  Daphne  rupestris,  the  tufts  crowded 
with  rosy  blossoms,  Edraianthus  serpyllifolius 
major,    Haberlea    rhodopensis    virginalis,    Saxi- 


and  others.  Other  plants  of  note  included  Ere- 
muri,  hybrid  Irises  of  several  sections,  Calo- 
chorti,  Incarvillea  grandiflora,  Ixias,  and  hardy 
Cypripediums. 

Mr.  Howard  fi  Crane,  Highgate,  had  a 
pretty  group  of  the  Violas  and  their  diminutive 
sisters  the  Violettas.  The  plants,  arranged  in 
pans,   were  particularly  pleasing  and  effective. 

Messrs.  Baker's,  Wolverhampton,  in  an  ex- 
tensive exhibit,  displayed  a  large  collection  of 
Violas,  together  with  a  well-arranged  Alpine  and 
rock-garden  exhibit,  including  Dodecatheon,  Sar- 
racenias,  Cypripediums  in  variety,  Irises  and 
Saxifragas  were  freely  and  effectively  set  out. 

The   King's    Acre   Nursery   Co.,    Hereford, 


THE  TEMPLE   SHOW. 

FlG.   I56. — MESSRS.   CANNELL's   EXHIBITION   OP   ROSES,    INCLUDING   THE  NEW   VARIETY  "AMERICAN   pillar." 

(See  p.  354.) 


neat  crimson  Rose  is  King  Cole ;  Prince  de 
Bulgarie  is  good  in  tint,  but  the  form  is  flat ; 
and  Mme.  A.  Chatenay  is  another  flat  Rose,  but 
the  colour  redeems  it.  The  bloom  of  J.  B. 
Clark  was  likewise  good  in  this  collection. 

HERBACEOUS  AND   ALPINE  PLANTS. 

Herbaceous  and  Alpine  plants  and  flowers  have 
for  years  past  constituted  one  of  the  leading  fea- 
tures of  the  Temple  Show,  but  probably  never 
before  have  there  been  so  many  exhibits  of  this 


fraga  Aizoon  rosea,  S.  a.  lutea,  S.  a.  flaveseens. 
perfect  carpets  of  Iris  cristata,  the  lovely  Aqui- 
legia  glandulosa,  Eritrichium  nanum,  Myosotis 
rupicola,  Androsace  villosa,  and  sheets  of  blos- 
soms of  Primula  farinosa. 

Of  quite  another  pattern  was  the  sumptuous 
and  extensive  group  of  hardy  plants  from 
Messrs.  Wallace  &  Co.,  Colchester.  Here  Lilies 
were  in  great  force,  splendid  groups  of  such 
species  and  varieties  as  Brownii,  japonicum  col- 
chesteri,  Hansonii,  Thunbergiaum  Orange  Queen, 


sent  a  capital  display  of  hardy  plants,  including 
Ramondias,  Haberlea  rhodopensis,  Alpine 
Phloxes,  Primula  Sieboldii  in  variety,  Edelweiss, 
and  other  interesting  species. 

Messrs.  Lilley's,  Guernsey,  had  a  very  showy 
lot  of  the  early-flowering  Gladioli,  Ixias,  and 
the  so-called  Peacock  Iris,  I.  pavonia. 

Messrs.  Jackman  &  Sons,  Woking,  exhibited 
an  excellent  display  of  many  of  the  best  herba- 
ceous plants,  a  centre  being  formed  of  Cypripe- 
diums,  including  C.    spectabile,   C.     acaule,    C. 


May  29,  1909.] 


THE    GARDENERS'    CHRONICLE. 


Caleeolus.  and  C.  pubescens.  A  mass  of  Daphne 
Cneorum  in  this  group  was  particularly  fine, 
whilst  Irises,  Eremuri,  Globe  Flowers  and  Lupins 
were  freely  displayed. 

From  Messrs.  G.  &  A.  Clark,  Ltd.,  Dover, 
came  a  very  good  exhibit,  Iris  tectorum  album,  I. 
Susiana,  and  the  single  Pyrethrum  John  Mal- 
colm, a  fine  pink  flower,  being  prominent. 

Mr.  W.  J.  Godfrey,  Exmouth,  had  many  of 
his  varieties  of  the  Oriental  Poppy  in  shades  of 
crimson,  salmon  and  pink. 

The  display  of  Tulips  from  Messrs.  Hogg  & 
Robertson,  Dublin,  was  very  fine,  the  Darwins 
and  May-flowering  types  being  alike  represented. 

Mr.  B.  Ladhams,  from  Southampton,  brought 
many  good  hardy  plants,  a  conspicuous  feature 
being  made  of  a  brilliantly-coloured  Henchera 
named  "  Shirley."  Ostrowskia  magnifica  and 
Aquilegia   Stuartii   were   excellent. 

Mr.  Wm.  Artindalb,  Nether  Green,  Shef- 
field, brought  an  excellent  arrangement  of  Violas, 
with  Cypripedium  macranthum,  Mertensia 
I'l'imuloides,  a  most  distinct  plant,  also  Primulas 
of  many  kinds  and  a  large  number  of  Alpines. 

Messrs.  Geo.  Bunyard  &  Co.,  Maidstone,  had 
a  most  effective  group  of  the  best  perennials,  in- 
cluding Paxmies,  Irises,  Poppies,  Eremuri,  Pyre- 
thrums,  Darwin  and  other  Tulips  and  Saxifraga 
pyramidalis.  Many  Alpine  and  dwarf-growing 
plants  were  staged  effectively  by  this  firm. 

Messrs.  Gunn  &  Sons,  Olton,  near  Birming- 
ham, had  a  fine  bank  of  Viola  cornuta  atropur- 
purea,  the  mass  of  blossoms  making  quite  a  dis- 
play. V.  cornuta  type  and  V.  c.  alba  were  staged 
in  smaller  patches  to  show  their  distinctive  fea- 
tures. 

Some  very  good  hardy  plants  came  from 
Messrs.  J.  Cheal  &  Sons,  Crawley,  who  had  also 
set  up  a  pleasing  and  naturally-disposed  rock- 
garden,  which  was  greatly  admired.  The  plant- 
ing of  this  left  little  to  be  desired,  and  large 
numbers  of  Alpines  were  arranged   with  skill. 

Messrs.  Storrie  &  Storrie,  Glencarse,  Perth- 
shire, exhibited  a  capital  collection  of  named 
Polyanthuses,  some  of  them  being  very  fine. 

An  excellent  variety  of  Perpetual  Pink,  named 
Progress,  was  shown  by  Mr.  C.  H.  Herbert, 
Acock's  Green,  Birmingham,  the  variety  posses- 
sing very  long  stems  and  well-formed  flowers. 

An  extensive  and  interesting  exhibit  of  hardy 
plants  came  from  Mr.  Amos  Perry's  Hardy 
Plant  Farm.  Enfield,  the  group  being  particu- 
larly rich  in  Irises.  Daphne  Cneorum,  Gerberas, 
Phlox  canadensis  Perry's  variety,  and  Tree 
Peonies  of  many  showy  kinds.  The  Cushion 
Irises  and  their  hybrid  allies,  the  Regelio-cyclus 
varieties,  were  here  in  plenty.  Iris  pallida  Wm. 
Marshall  is  said  to  attain  to  a  height  of  5  feet. 
There  was  a  remarkable  wealth  of  material  in 
this  group  and  many  choice  and  interesting 
plants. 

Mr.  H.  Hemsley,  Crawley,  arranged  a  some 
what  extensive  rockwork  exhibit,  usefully  em- 
ploying a  number  of  choice  Alpines  and  Bcwfer- 
ing  and  coniferous  shrubs,  the  Ramondias,  Saxi- 
Eraga  longifolia,  Alpine  Phloxes,  Aubrietias,  and 
a  delightful  lot  of  Iris  cristata  being  noted  among 
many  kinds. 

Mr.  M.  Prichard,  Christchnreh,  Hants, 
brought  a  particularly  showy  lot  of  hardy  peren- 
nials, the  Oriental  Poppies,  of  which  Fringed 
Beauty,  Crimson  and  Queen  Alexandra  were 
the  best,  being  very  striking  in  large  masses. 
Iris  filifolia,  a  bulbous  species  like  a  large 
Spanish  kind,  was  also  good. 

From  Messrs.  Barr  &  Sons,  Covent  Garden, 
came  a  very  striking  exhibit  of  Irises,  Ixias, 
Tulips,  Early  Gladioli,  hardy  Cypripediums, 
Pfeonies,  Pyrethrums  and  Alpines,  the  very 
showy  Orange  Daisy,  Dimorphotheca  aurantiaca, 
from  Namaqua,  being  of  especial  merit. 

Messrs.  Dobbie  &  Co.,  Rothesay,  staged  in  ad- 
mirable fashion  one  of  their  extensive  collections 
of  tufted,  exhibition  and  fancy  Pansies,  among 
which  were  many  Violas  cut  from  two-year-old 
plants  in  Essex,  to  show  their  hardiness  and 
perennial  character.  The  Columbines  from  this 
firm  were  excellent. 

Alpines  and  rock  shrubs  were  nicely  displayed 
on  a  small  rockery  contributed  by  the  Hardy 
Plant  Nursery,  Guildford,  the  Edraianthi, 
Anthvllus  montana,  Androsaces,  and  Alpine 
Phloxes  being  particularly  good. 

Messrs.  Reamsbottom  &  Co.,  Geashill,  King's 
Co.,  Ireland,  had  fine  strains  of  Anemones  and 
Mimulas. 

Mr.  G.  Reuthe.  Hardy  Plant  Specialist,  Kes- 
ton,   surpassed   himself  on   this   occasion   with   a 


particularly  good,  interesting  and  choice  lot  of 
Alpines  and  Rhododendrons,  the  latter  including 
such  species  as  R.  Dalhousieana,  R.  Keysii,  R. 
Falconeri,  R.  Roylei  and  others.  The  Alpines 
were  very  numerous,  and  among  novelties  we 
noted  Haberlea  Ferdinandi  Coburgii,  a  pale  blue 
and  white  form  of  merit  and  evidently  of  good 
growth  ;  Anemone  sulphurea,  Tricuspidaria  lance- 
olate, Cypripedium  macranthum,  Daphne  alpina 
(white),  D.  caucasica  (white),  Ourisia  coccinea, 
Daphne  Cneorum,  Fritallaria  camtschatica,  and 
Tanakea  radicans  were  also  noted  in  a  very  large 
collection. 

Messrs.  Geo.  Mallet  &  Co.,  Cheddar,  had  a 
somewhat  extensive  display,  in  which  Gerberas, 
Irises,  Tulips,  Lithospermu'm,  and  the  rather  dis- 
tinct Aquilegia  flabellata  alba  were  seen. 

Mr.  R.  C.  Notcutt,  Woodbridge,  brought  a 
showy  collection,  such  as  Globe  Flowers, 
Lupins,  Poppies,  Pyrethrums,  and  the  pretty  Iris 
Tolmieana,  which  is  very  distinct  at  this  season. 

A  rocky  bank  well  planted  with  Alpine  and  other 
plants  from  Messrs.  T.  S.  Ware,  Ltd.,  Feltham, 
contained  many  good  things,  the  chief  of  which 
were  Trilliums,  Dodecatheons,  Cypripedium 
macranthum,  very  fine,  Androsace  Chumbyi, 
Silene  virginica,  Saxifragas  in  many  kinds,  and 
Gentians. 

Messrs.  R.  H.  Bath,  Ltd.,  had  a  very  showy 
lot  of  Darwin  and  May -flowering  Tulips,  each 
group  being  well  represented. 

Messrs.  Harkness  &  Sons,  Bedale,  Yorkshire, 
had  a  splendid  display  of  Globe  Flowers,  which 
showed  superior  cultivation,  the  handsome  blos- 
soms  and   rich  colouring   being  very   striking. 

Bees  Limited,  Liverpool,  had  a  capital  lot 
of  Primula  Forrestii,  P.  Bulleyana,  P.  cortu- 
soides  var.  lichiangensis,  and  Incarvillea  Bon- 
valotii. 

Iris  pallida  dalmatica  alba,  from  Mr.  Walter 
R  Price,  Canterbury,  appears  to  be  a  novelty 
of  merit — it  is  said  to  be  a  sport — but  it  lacked 
size  through  having  been  brought  in  too  early. 
We  hope  to  see  the  plant  again. 

Mr.  N.  Lowis,  Bridgwater,  showed  a  capital 
group  of  Anemones,  Poppies,  and  other  plants; 
Messrs.  Gilbert  &  Son,  Bourne,  displayed  Ane- 
mones in  variety;  Messrs.  W.  Bdll  &  Sons, 
Tulips;  and  Mr.  J.  Forbes,  Hawick,  Pansies, 
Phloxes,  Pentstemons,  Delphiniums,  and  other 
species. 

EXHIBITS    DISPLAYED    OUT-OF-DOORS. 

Many  exhibits  were  placed  on  the  turf  for  lack 
of  space  under  canvas  or  because  of  their  char- 
acter. Heavy  designs  and  models  of  rockeries, 
g;-rden  pools,  &c,  were  features  more  common 
than  on  previous  occasions,  and  these,  perforce, 
could  only  find  a  place  in  the  open  air. 

Messrs.  J.  Carter  &  Co.,  High  Holborn,  had 
thrown  up  a  mound  4  feet  high,  inserting  an 
imitation  of  a  massive  piece  of  rock  at  one  side, 
and  in  front  of  this  a  small  lake  had  been  made 
and  planted  with  water  Iris,  water  Lilies, 
&c.  The  mound,  made  a  week  before  the 
show,  was  planted  over  with  Conifers,  Japanese 
Maples,  and  the  flat  turf  plot  with  Iris  in  bloom, 
Saxifragas.  and  various  Alpine  plants  in  bloom 
(see  fig.  149). 

Messrs.  Jas.  Veitcu  &  Sons,  Ltd.,  Chelsea, 
were  perhaps  the  largest  exhibitors  of  hardy 
flowering  plants  on  this  occasion.  A  large  corner 
group  was  admirably  filled  with  Rhododendrons, 
with  Bay  trees  in  the  background,  among  which 
were  well-flowered  Pink  Pearl,  R.  Memoir,  and 
other  varieties.  In  front  of  these  there  were 
placed  little  groups  of  plants  in  bloom,  among 
which  were  Canna  J.  D.  Isele,  a  grand  flowering 
plant  with  bright  crimson  flowers.  It  is  of  dwarf 
growth,  and  the  flowers  are  of  great  size  for 
those  of  a  Canna.  As  noteworthy  among  the 
tribes  of  dwarf  plants,  we  observed  Eremurus, 
Laburnum  Vassi,  Actinidia  chinensis,  Wistaria 
sinensis,  Weigelas,  Japanese  Acers,  Cytisus, 
Viburnum  utile  (see  fig.  151),  &c.  The  low-grow- 
ing plants  in  the  front  consisted  of  new  intro- 
ductions from  eastern  Asia,  Thibet,  and 
Japan.  There  was  a  scarlet-flowered  Primula,  a 
cross  between  P.  Cockburniana  and  P.  X 
Unique;  P.  sibirica,  with  rosy-purple  flowers 
borne  high   above  the   leaves;   and  P.    Veitchii. 

The  Misses  Hopkins,  Mere  Gardens,  Shepper- 
ton-on-Thames,  constructed  a  rockery  of  Kentish 
ragstone,  and  planted  many  species  of  Alpine 
and  other  dwarf  plants. 


Messrs.  Gunn  &  Sons,  Olton,  Warwickshire, 
showed  the  new  Viola  cornuta  purpurea,  the  best 
purple  variety  of  this  plant. 

^  Mr.  Amos  Perry,  The  Hardy  Plant  Farm, 
Enfield,  showed  boxfuls  of  Lithospermum  pros- 
tratum  "Heavenly  Blue,"  a  plant  undoubtedly 
useful  for  its  colour  and  dwarf  habit  of  growth'. 
The  same  exhibitor  showed  Phormium  tenax  in 
variety,  Bambusas,  Aralia,  &e. 

Messrs.  Hugh  Low  &  Co..  Bush  Hill  Park, 
Middlesex,  showed  Souvenir  de  la  Malmaison  and 
perpetual-flowering  Carnations  in  quantity,  ar- 
ranged in  flat  hampers,  with  a  surrounding 
margin  of  Rambler  and  other  climbing  Roses  in 
much  variety.  These  plants  consisted"  chiefly  of 
abundantly-flowered  standards  and  dwarfs. 

Mr.  L.  R.  Russell,  Richmond  Nurseries, 
Surrey,  showed  a  big  group  of  hardy  shrubs  and 
half-trees.  There  were  Azalea  rustica,  Rhodo- 
dendrons, green-leaved  and  variegated  Ivies, 
Chinese  Vitis,  Aralia  Mandschurica,  Acer  poly- 
morphum  purpureum,  and  others,  Clematis,  Wis- 
taria sinensis,  and  variegated  trees  of  many 
species. 

Messrs.  W.  Fromow  &  Sons,  Sutton  Court 
Nurseries,  Chiswick,  exhibited  Acers,  of  Japanese 
and  other  species,  in  abundance. 

Mr.  R.  C.  Notcutt,  The  Nursery,  Woodbridge, 
was  an  exhibitor  on  a  rather  large  scale  of  flower- 
ing and  ornamental-foliaged  shrubs  and  trees 
such  as  Azalea  mollis,  Kalmia  latifolia,  Phila- 
delphus  Lemoinei  Couquete  (a  largish  white 
flower  and  of  slender  habit),  Weigela  Mont  Blanc 
(white-flowered),  Erica  australis,  Fabiana  imbri- 
cata,  Deutzias,  and  Sambucus  racemosa  serrati- 
folia  aurea,  a  pretty  form  of  golden  Elder. 

Messrs.  John  Waterer  &  Sons,  Ltd.,  Bag- 
shot,  exhibited  hardy  Rhododendrons  in  large 
numbers,  of  which  mention  should  be  made  of  the 
varieties  Duchess  of  Connaught,  Lady  Hillingdon, 
Baroness  Henry  Schroder,  Pink  Pearl,  Lady  Cle- 
mentina Walsh,  Doncaster,  Cynthia,  and  Viscount 
Powerscourt.  Some  of  the  plants  were  of  large 
size,  and  every  one  of  them  carried  fine  heads  of 
flowers.  This  floral  display  was  well  set  off  by 
the  addition  of  Japanese  Acers,  Birches,  and  a 
few  Conifers.  Some  nice  examples  of  Viburnum 
plicatum  in  full  flower  were  remarked  in  the  col- 
lection. Plants  of  Kalmia  latifolia  were  shown 
in  capital  flowering  examples. 

Messrs.  Thomas  Cripps  &  Son,  Ltd.,  The 
Nurseries,  Tunbridge  Wells,  showed  a  large  col- 
lection of  Acers.  Good  examples  of  Rhododen- 
dron Pink  Pearl  came  also  from  this  firm. 

Messrs.  Pulham  &  Son,  71,  Newman  Street, 
Oxford  Street,  W.,  showed  a  method  of  construct- 
ing a  rockery  out  of  Kentish  ragstone,  the  bold 
effect  of  the  large  masses  of  this  stone  and  its 
admirable  adaptability  for  making  artificial 
rockeries  were  apparent. 

Topiary  work  in  Bay  trees  was  exhibited  in 
numerous  examples  by  Messrs.  W.  Cctbush  & 
Son. 

Messrs.  J.  Piper  &  Son,  Bishops  Road,  Bays- 
water,  were  smaller  exhibitors  of  this  sort  of 
garden  decoration. 

Messrs.  Paul  &  Son,  The  Old  Nurseries,  Ches- 
hunt,  exhibited  Catalpa  pulverulenta,  the  leaves 
of  which  are  spotted  densely  with  white  ;  Mag- 
nolia parviflora,  having  an  expanded  flower ; 
Lilacs  Belle  of  Nancy,  Marie  Legray,  and  Sou- 
venir de  Louis  Sp.ith. 

Messrs.  Wallace  &  Co.,  Colchester,  had  con- 
structed an  Alpine  pool  with  some  ponderous 
masses  of  sandstone,  very  realistic  and  valuable 
as  an  example  of  good  workmanship.  The  sides 
were  planted  with  quite  a  number  of  suitable 
plants. 

Messrs.  Barr  &  Sons,  King  Street,  Covent 
Garden,  showed  pigmy  trees.  Some  of  these  were 
new   in  form  and  treatment. 

Messrs.  H.  B.  May  &  Sons,  The  Nurseries, 
Upper  Edmonton,  showed  some  standard-trained 
Cape  Pelargonium  Clorinda,  also  Heliotropes  and 
Fuchsias,  and  Verbenas,  Heliotropes,  Lobelias, 
Pelargoniums,  Salvia  Zurich,  full  of  flower ;  and 
Ferns  in  pots. 

Messrs.  J.  Cheal  &  Sons,  Crawley,  Sussex, 
made  a  large  show  with  variegated-leaved  shrubs 
and  trees;  Azalea  mollis,  Rhododendrons,  Cle- 
matis, Spiraea,  Aralia  mandschurica  variegata, 
Acer  palmatum,  and  others,  various  Lilacs,  Vitis 
from  China,  &c. 

Messrs.  H.  Lane  &  Son,  The  Nurseries,  Great 
Berkhamsted,  made  an  exhibit  of  Azalea  mollis 
Rhododendrons,  including  Doncaster,  Mrs. 
Hunnewell.  Mrs.  W.  Bovill,  George  Peabody, 
Sefton,   and  Pink   Pearl. 


354 


THE    GARDENERS'    CHRONICLE. 


[May  29,  1909. 


Messrs.  W.  Cutbush  &  Son,  Highgate,  had 
made  a  large  rockery  and  a  pool  of  irregular 
shape — all  very  naturally  designed. 

Messrs.  J.  Backhouse  &  Son,  Ltd.,  York,  ex- 
hibited a  specimen  on  a  large  scale  of  their  art 
of  rockery  construction.  The  design  was  pleas- 
ing, and  the  plants  employed  were  such  as  the 
artistic  gardener  would  select  for  this  purpose. 

Messrs.  Carter,  Page  &  Co.,  London  Wall, 
E.C.,  showed  Violas,  Saxifragas,  Spergula,  Aren- 
aria,  Iberis,  Erigeron  aurantiacus,  Sedum,  &c. 
The  whole  was  surrounded  on  three  sides  with 
tall   plants   of  Clorinda   Pelargonium. 

Mr.  Clarence  Elliott,  Six  Hills  Nursery, 
Stevenage,  exhibited  rock  plants  in  much  variety 
on  a  bench  covered  with  pieces  of  rock. 

Mr.  Maurice  Prichard,  Nurseries,  Christ- 
church,   had   constructed   a  small  table   rockery 


AWARDS. 
Awards  of  Merit. 

Rose  Coquina. — A  Wichuraiana  variety  hav- 
ing large  trusses  of  single  flowers  with  prettily 
cupped  petals.  The  plant  is  of  vigorous  habit, 
sending  forth  numerous  long  pendent  shoots  from 
the  ends  of  which  the  trusses  of  flowers  are 
borne.  The  colour  is  a  shade  of  pink  tipped 
with  rose.  Shown  by  Messrs.  Wm.  Paul  & 
Sons  and  Messrs.  Hobbies,  Ltd. 

Rose  Margaret. — A  hybrid  Tea  variety  of 
large  size.  The  colour  is  a  delicate  pink,  the 
tone  being  deepest  in  the  centre.  Shown  by 
Messrs.  Wm.  Paul  &  Sons. 

Rose  Mrs.  Taft. — A  Polyantha  variety,  as  ex- 
hibited, about  2  feet  high.  The  stiff  shoots  are 
crowned  with  bunches  of  double  flowers  that  are 


•ize  and  of  the  type  known  as  rose-centred. 
Shown  by  Messrs.  Blackmore  &  Langdon,  Twer- 
ton  Hill  Nursery,  Bath. 

Carnation  Carola. — A  large,  clove-coloured 
variety,  possessing  considerable  fragrance,  the 
perfume  resembling  the  Clove  Carnation.  The 
habit  is  vigorous  and  the  flower-stems  very 
long.  Shown  by  Mr.  C.  Englemann,  Saffron 
Walden. 

Ficus  avstralis  variegata. — A  number  of 
plants,  each  about  8  inches  in  height,  were  dis- 
played in  a  basket.  The  foliage  is  smaller,  but 
shaped  similarly  to  that  of  F.  elastica,  and  it  is 
densely  variegated  with  gold.  Shown  by  Messrs. 
Sander  &  Sons,  St.  Albans. 

7'ti/chographis  Sieberfiana. — A  Palm  resem- 
bling an  elegant  plant  of  Kentia  Fosteriana.     I* 


THE   TEMPLE   SHOW. 

FlG.    157. — GROUP    OF    ROSES    SHOWN    BY    MESSRS.    W.    PAUL    AND    SON.      (See  p.  351.) 


about  20  feet  long  and  6  feet  wide,  in  which 
there  were  small  rocky  pools  and  "  pockets  " 
for  holding  Alpines.  We  remarked  Calceo- 
laria plantaginea  hybrida,  Aster  alpinus  ruber, 
Anthemis  Aizoon,  Thalictrum  adiantifolium, 
Scutellaria  indica  japonica,  Trillium  stylo- 
«um  and  T.  ternatum,  and  Primula  Bulleyanum. 

Floral  Committee 

Present:  W.  Marshall,  Esq.  (Chairman),  and 
Messrs.  E.  H.  Jenkins,  Chas.  Dixon.  Wm.  Howe, 
J.  F.  McLeod,  C.  R.  Fielder,  N.  F.  Barnes,  W. 
G.  Baker,  John  Green,  C.  Blick,  C.  E.  Shea,  G. 
Reuthe,  R.  Hooper  Pearson,  H.  J.  Jones,  T.  W. 
Turner,  W.  J.  James,  Wm.  Cuthbertson,  F.  Page 
Roberts,  J.  W.  Barr,  Herbert  J.  Cutbush,  W.  P. 
Thomson,  Chas.  T.  Druery,  W.  Bain,  George 
Gordon,  and  A.  Kingsmill. 


a  deep  shade  of  rose.  Exhibited  by  Messrs. 
Hugh  Low  &  Co. 

Rose  American  Pillar. — A  charming  pillar 
variety  with  relatively  large,  single  blossoms 
borne  in  big  clusters.  The  colour  is  rose-pink, 
the  base  of  the  petals  being  white.  A  variety 
that  is  sure  to  become  popular.  Exhibited  by 
Messrs.  H.  Cannell  &  Sons. 

Rose  Jessie. — A  dwarf  Polyantha  Rose,  some- 
what similar  to  the  well-known  lime.  N.  Leva- 
vasseur  va.-kty.  Tile  petals  are  a  beautiful  crim- 
son tint.  The  plant  is  very  suitable  for  pot- 
culture.  Shown  by  Messrs.  Henry  Merry- 
weather  &  Sons,  Ltd.,  Southwell,  Notts. 

Begonia  Pink  J'earl. — An  exquisite  variety, 
the  petals  being  soft  rose-salmon.  The  plant  was 
especially  vigorous  and  had  no  fewer  than  eight 
fully-expanded  blooms.     These  are  of  the  largest 


is  described  and  illustrated  in  the  issue  for 
April  25.  1908,  p.  257.  Shown  by  Messrs.  San- 
der &  Sons. 

Marguerite  ]YIiite  Perfection. — A  double- 
flowered  variety  of  the  common  Marguerite.  The 
disc  florets  are  white  and  elongated  slightly,  but 
they  retain  their  tubular  form,  and  give  the 
flower  the  appearance  of  an  "  Anemone  " 
centred  flower  such  as  is  seen  in  some  Pyre- 
thrums  and  Chrysanthemums.  Shown  by 
Messrs.  G.  &  A.  Ci.ark,  Ltd.,  Dover. 

Iris  hybrida  "  Sir  Trevor  Lawrence  "  (I. 
iberiea  X  I.  pallida  dalmatica). — The  standards 
and  falls  of  this  fine  plant  are  of  a  deep  mauve 
colour,  the  former  segments  having  very  fine- 
pencilled  white  markings  towards  the  outer  edges. 
The  falls,  which  are  more  heavily  reticulated,  are> 
white  near  their  bases. 


May  29,  1909.] 


THE     GARDENERS1    CHRONICLE. 


355 


Iris  Kj/brida  "  Sir  Dighton  l'rohyn  "  (I. 
iberica  X  J.  pallida  dalmatiea). — A  plant  of  fine 
stature  and  distinction.  The  standards  are  of  a 
rose-mauve  tone,  faintly  yet  freely  lined  with 
white.  The  falls  are  of  purplish  crimson  with 
dark  signal  blotch.  The  style  branches  are  of  a 
brownish-crimson  shade.  Tins,  and  the  preceding 
variety  are  hybrids  raised  by  the  late  Professor 
Michael  foster.  Both  were  shown  by  Mr.  Amos 
Perry,  Enfield. 

FRUIT. 

Fruit  cultivation  was  represented  less  e.\ti  n 
sively  than  usual.  This  is  unfortunate,  since  the 
vast  number  of  persons  who  visit  the  Temple 
shows  are  too  apt  to  assume  that  fruit  culture 
is  either  at  a  low  ebb  in  this  country  or  that  the 
culture  of  flowers  dominates  all  other. 

Messrs.  Rivers  &  Son,  Sawbridgeworth,  had 
u  group  of  fruit  trees  in  pots,  the  kinds  including 
Peaches,  Nectarines,  Cherries,  and  Grapes. 
There  were  40  trees  in  all,  showing  that  fine  form 
and  abundant  fruiting  which  invariably  charac- 
terise the  products  of  this  firm.  The  Peaches 
were  Duke  of  York,  practically  the  best  early 
forcing  variety,  and  Peregrine.  The  fruits  on 
both  were  of  good  size  and  rich  in  colour.  The 
Nectarines  were  Cardinal  and  Early  Rivers,  both 
well-known  varieties,  and  there  were  six  trees  of 
a  new  variety  not  yet  named,  but  here  numbered 
Seedling  101."  This  has  large,  smooth,  and  glossy 
fruits  of  a  rich  vermilion  hue,  and  very  hand- 
some. The  trees  fruit  freely.  The  seed  parent 
was  Early  Rivers,  the  pollen  parent  being  a 
white-flowered  seedling  raised  by  this  firm,  but 
not  put  into  commerce.  More  will  no  doubt  be 
seen  of  this  new  variety.  The  Cherries  were 
Early  Rivers  and  Frogmore  Bigarreau. 

Messrs.  G.  Bunyard  &  Co.,  Maidstone,  staged 
a  large  collection  of  remarkably  well-preserved 
Apples,  in  all  some  60  dishes,  a  central  dish  of 
12  very  fine,  richly-coloured  Uvedale's  St.  Ger- 
main Pears,  and,  with  these,  two  trees  in  pots  of 
the  black  Cherry,  Guigne  d'Annonay.  Amongst 
kitchen  Apples  very  fresh  were  Annie  Elizabeth, 
Tibbett's  Pearmain,  Belle  du  Bois,  Calville  des 
Femmes,  Newton  Wonder,  Dumelow's  Seedling, 
Smart's  Prince  Arthur,  Lane's  Prince  Albert, 
Belle  Pontoise,  and  Bess  Pool.  Of  dessert  varie- 
ties, specially  good  were  Lord  Hindlip,  Carmen 
Seedling,  Baldwin,  Allen's  Everlasting,  Ben 
Davies,  Calville  Malingre.  Mclndoe's  Russet, 
Profusion,  Fallawater,  King  of  Tompkins 
County.  Wagener,  Calville  Rouge,  and  others. 

Messrs.  Laxton  Bros.,  Bedford,  set  up  a  very 
attractive  collection  of  forced  Strawberries,  both 
plants  in  fruit  and  gathered  fruit.  They  had 
seven  large  baskets  of  Royal  Sovereign  and  Bed- 
ford Champion  exceptionally  good ;  Cropper,  a 
long,  narrow  fruit,  having  unripened  points ; 
Epicure,  much  resembling  British  Queen;  and 
Rival.  The  pot  plants  were  Bedford  Champion 
and  Reward.  There  were  also  dishes  of  Peaches 
Duke  of  York  and  Hale's  Early,  capital  fruits ; 
and  Nectarine  Cardinal. 

Messrs.  J.  &  F.  Chatfield,  Southwick,  Sussex, 
had  two  baskets,  each  containing  60  very  fine 
fruits  of  Royal  Sovereign  Strawberry,  also  several 
fruiting  plants. 

VEGETABLES. 

In  this  important  section  the  honours  of  the 
show  rested  with  Messrs.  Sutton  &  Sons,  Read- 
ing, who  set  up'  a  collection  that  not  only  com- 
manded the  fullest  attention,  but  came  as  a 
welcome  change  to  visitors,  whose  eyes  had  been 
filled  with  such  repeated  masses  of  flowers.  The 
firm,  as  usual,  set  up  a  collection  of  forced 
Potatos,  in  40  dishes,  pleasingly  arranged,  each 
dish  being  garnished  with  purple  Beech  foliage, 
thus  presenting  a  striking  contrast  to  the  white 
skins  of  the  tubers.  The  white  varieties  included 
Epicure,  Centenary,  Early  Regent.  Harbinger, 
White  City,  Ninetyfokf,  Midlothian  Early, 
Abundance.  Sharpe's  Victor,  and  Duke  of  York. 
Among  the  coloured  varieties  were  Early  Rose, 
Beauty  of  Hebron,  Lord  Tennyson,  King  Edward 
VII.,  The  Dean,  Flourball,  Reading  Russet,  and 
Mr.  Bresee.  The  general  vegetables,  also  effec- 
tively grouped,  included  Cabbages  Flower  of 
Spring  (very  fine)  and  April.  Cauliflower  Mag- 
num Bonum.  Broccoli  Late  Queen  (a  centre  pyra- 
mid), Lettuce  Golden  Ball  (in  several  baskets), 
fine  Peas  Duchess  of  York,  Duke  of  Albany, 
Early  Giant,  and  Sutton's  Ideal  (a  blunt-ended 
Pea).  The  French  Beans  were  of  the  climbing 
Princess  of  Wales  ;  Carrots  Champion  Scarlet  and 
Favourite ;  Cucumbers  Matchless  and  Sutton's 
Market ;  Tomatos  Best  of  All,  Winter  Beauty, 


and  the  yellow  Sunbeam ;  Potato  May  Queen ; 
there  were  dishes  of  excellent  Twentieth  Century 
Mushrooms;  numerous  Radishes;  and  bundles  of 
outdoor  stems  of  the  Sutton  Rhubarb,  very 
massive  and   of  deep  colour. 

Mr.  S.  Mortimer,  Rowledge,  Farnham,  showed 
in  shallow  boxes  some  superb  Cucumbers  of  the 
varieties  Lord  Roberts  (from  16  to  18  inches 
long),  Improved  Telegraph,  Tender  and  True, 
Express,  and  Bountiful  (new),  fruits  very  dark 
green,  smooth  and  handsome,  averaging  14  inches 
in  length.  Also  six  dishes  of  Tomato  Sunrise, 
showing  its  great  productiveness,  as  well  as  the 
beauty  of  its  fruits. 

Six  large  bundles  of  Giant  Asparagus  set  up 
on  a  carpet  of  Parsley,  came  from  Mr.  Stephen- 
son, Burwell,  Cambridge.  The  stems  were  10 
inches  long  and  very  fine. 

From  The  Thatcham  Flower  Farm,  New- 
bury, Berks.,  came  a  collection  rather  too  closely 
packed  to  make  an  effective  group.  It  included 
long  white  Turnips,  Paris  White  Cabbage,  and 
green  Cos  Lettuces ;  French  Breakfast  and  other 
Radishes,  Early  Gem  Carrots,  Cauliflowers,  and 
Cabbages. 

Mr.  Theo.  E.  Dawes,  Syderstone,  Norfolk,  set 
up  a  single  root — some  2  feet  through — of  his 
Giant  Rhubarb  Dawes's  Challenge,  carrying  a 
large,  solid  body  of  stems  4  feet  in  length,  the 
whole  weighing  168  lbs. ;  also  stems  from  out- 
doors of  several  varieties. 

Awards  made  by  the  Council. 

(Sold  Medals. 

J.  Cbarlesworth  &  Co.,  Haywar  s  Heath;  W.  Cutbush 
&  Son,  Highgate;  Jas.  Veitch  &  Sons,  Chelsea;  R.  Wallace 
&  Co.,  Colchester ;  Win.  Paul  &  Son,  Waltham  Cross  ; 
Panl  &  Son,  Cheshunt ;  H.  B.  May  &  Sons,  Edmonton  ;  H. 
Burnett,  St.  Margaret's,  Guernsey ;  J.  Waterer  &  Sons, 
Ltd.,  Bagshot. 

Silver  Cups. 

Sir  J.  Colruan,  Bart.,  Gatton  Park,  Surrey  (gr.  Mr.  J. 
Collier);  Leopold  de  Rothschild,  Esq.,  Gunnersbury  Park, 
W.  (gr.  Mr.  G.  Reynolds)  ;  Mrs.  Kershaw  Wood,  Glossop, 
Derbyshire  (gr.  Mr.  J.  Gould);  Armstrong  &  Brown,  Tun- 
bridge  Wells  ;  Sander  &  Sons,  St.  Albans  ;  J.  Veitch  &  Sons, 
Chelsea  ;  L.  R.  Russell,  Richmond,  S.W.  ;  J.  Carter  A  O.., 
Holbom,  W.C.  ;  Barr  &  Sons,  Covent  Garden,  W.C. ;  G. 
Jackman  &  Son,  Woking ;  A.  Perry,  Enfield  ;  G.  Reuthe, 
Keston ;  H.  Canncll  &  Son,  Swanley ;  J.  Cheal  &  Sons, 
Crawley ;  Bell  &  Sheldon,  Guernsey  ;  F.  Cant  &  Co.,  Col- 
chester ;  the  Craven  Nursery,  Clapham,  Lancaster ;  G. 
Mount,  Canterbury;  American  Carnation  Nursery,  Saw- 
bridgeworth; T.  Cripps  &  Son,  Tunbridge  Wells;  Alex. 
Dickson  &  Sons,  Newtownards  ;  Hobbies  Ltd.,  Dereham  ; 
J.  Backhouse  &  Son,  York  ;  R.  &  G.  Cuthbert,  Southgate.N'.; 
R.  P.  Ker  &  Son,  Liverpool  ;  W.  Cutbush  &  Son,  Highgate  ; 
Sutton  &  Sons,  Reading  ;  T.  Rivers  &  Son,  Sawbridgeworth. 

Silver-gilt  Flora  Medals. 

F.  Lloyd,  Esq.,  Coombe  House,  Croydon  (gr.  Mr.  M. 
Mills);  R.  Adnet,  Esq.,  Cap  d'Antibes,  France;  J.  W. 
Moore,  Ltd.,  Rawdon,  Leeds;  M.  Prichard,  Christchurch, 
Hints.;  Bakers,  Wolverhampton;  T.  S.  Ware,  Feltham  . 
Blackmore  &  Langdon,  Bath;  R.  H.  Bath,  Wisbech;  H. 
Low  &  Co.,  Enfield,  N. ;  C.  Turner,  Slough  ;  B.  R.  Cant 
&  Son,  Colchester;  A.  I'\  Dutton,  lvir,  Bucks:  J.  Peed  & 
s.  hi,  W.  Norwood;  Mr.  C.F.Walters,  Balcombe ;  J.  Hill 
<£  Son,  Lower  Edmonton  ;  W.  Frouiow  &  Son,  Chiswick. 

Silver-gilt  Knight/ian  Medals. 

G.  Bunyard  &  Co.,  Maidstone;  S.  Mortimer,  Farnham, 
Surrey. 

Silver-gilt  Banksian  Medals. 

Mr.  W.  H.  Page,  Hampton ;  Mr.  R.  C.  Notcutt,  Wood- 
bridge  ;  W.  Bull  &  Son,  Chelsea;  R.  Smith  &  Co.,  Wor- 
cester. 

Silver  Flora  Medals. 

The  Hon. Vicary  Gibbs.  Elstree,  Herts,  (gr.  Mr.  E.  Beckett, 
V.M.H.);  Wickham  Nuakes,  Esq.,  Selsdon  Park,  Croydon 
(gr.  Mr.  W.  Howarth)  ;  H.  Ma'.hias,  Esq.,  Stubbington, 
Hants.;  Mr.  A.  R.  Upton,  Millmead,  Guildford;  Mr.  Piper, 
Bayswater,  W. ;  the  Misses  Hopkins,  Shepperton ;  Mr.  C. 
Engelman,  Saffron  Walden  ;  Messrs.  Cypher,  Cheltenham  ; 
G.&A.  Clark,  Ltd.,  Dover;  C.  W.  Breadniore,  Winchester  ; 
Dobbie  &  Co.,  Rothesay  ;  Hogg  &  Robertson,  Dublin ;  Mr. 
H.  Helmsley,  Crawley ;  H.  J.  Jones  &  Co.,  Lewisham ; 
W.  R.  Chaplin,  Waltham  Cross  ;  J.  Green,  March  ;  E. 
W.  King  &  Co.,  Coggeshall ;  Ladhams,  Ltd.,  Shirley  ;  W. 
H.  Lancashire,  Guernsey  ;  Geo.  Prince,  Longworth, 

Silver  Knightian  Medals. 
Hughes,  Jones  &  Peers,  Thatcham  Fruit  Farm,  Newbury  ; 
R.   Stephenson,  Burwell,  Cambridge  ;   J.  &  F.  Chatfield, 
Southwick,  Sussex  ;  Laxton  Bioi.,  Bedford. 

Silver  Hanksian  Med.ils. 
Stanley  &  Co. ;  W.  Artindale  &  Son,  Sheffield  ;  G.  Mallett 
&  Co.,  Cheddar;  W.  H.  Page,  Hampton;  King's  Acre 
Nurseries,  Ltd.,  Hereford;  C.  Elliott,  S  evenage ;  H.  N. 
Ellison,  W.  Bromwich  ;  Gunn  &  Sons,  Olti  n  ;  Frank  Lilly, 
St.  Peters,  Guernsey;  Storrie  &  Storrie,  Perth;  Vivian 
Phillips,  Esq.,  Orpington  (gr.  Mr.  T.  Hobbs). 

Class  1  B  (for  Group  of  Orchids). 
1st  (Sherwood  Cup,  value  £21),  F.  Mentieth  Ogilvie,  Esq., 
Oxford  ;  "2nd  (Silver  Cup),  Sir  Jeremiah  Column,  Reigate. 

Class  7  C  (Group  of  Orchids  not  exceeding  75  square  feet). 

1st  (Veitch  Memorial  Medal  and  ±'5),  Duke  of  Marl- 
borough ;  2nd  (small  Silver  Cup),  Mrs.  Kershaw  Wood, 
Glossop. 

Class  7  D  (for  Orchids  not  exceeding  35  square  feet). 

1st  (Silver  Cup),  not  awarded  ;  2nd  (Silver  Flora  Medal), 
R.  Ashworth,  Manchester. 


M  ARKETS. 


COVENT  GARDEN,   May  26. 

[We  cannot  accept  any  responsibility  for  the  subjoined 
reports.  They  are  furnished  to  us  regularly  every 
Wednesday,  by  the  kindness  of  several  ofthe  principal 
salesmen,  who  are  responsible  for  the  quotations.  It 
must  be  remembered  that  these  quotations  do  not  repre- 
sent the  prices  on  any  particular  day,  but  only  the 
general  averages  for  the  week  preceding  the  date  of  our 
report.  The  prices  depend  upon  the  quality  of  the 
samples,  the  way  in  which  they  are  packed,  the  supply 
in  the  market,  and  the  demand,  and  they  may  fluctuate, 
not  only  from  day  to  day,  but  occasionally  several  times 
in  one  day. — Ed.1 

Cut  Flowers,  &c. :  Average  Wholesale  Prices. 


s.d.  s.d. 

s.d. s.d. 

Anemone    fulgens, 

Mignonette,      per 

p.  dz.  bunches 

16-20 

dozen  bunches 

4  0-60 

—  double  pink,  p. 

Myosotis,  per  doz. 

dozen  bunches 

1  G-  2  6 

bunches 

2  0-30 

Azalea,  per    dozen 

Narcissus,  per  dz. 

bunches 

4  0-50 

bunches 

10^16 

Carnations,  p.  doz. 

—  Double  White, 

blooms,       best 

dozen  bunches 

2  0-26 

American  (var.) 

2  6-36 

O  d  on  to  glossum 

—  second  size    ... 

10-20 

enspum,     per 

—  smaller,       per 

dozen    blooms 

2  0-26 

doz.      bunches 

9  0-12  0 

Pelargoniums, 

—  "Malmaisons," 

show,  per  doz. 

p.  doz.  blooms 

8  0-12  0 

bunches 

5  0-60 

Catileyas,  per  doz. 

—  Zonal,     double 

blooms 

10  0-12  0 

scarlet 

4  0-60 

Cypripediums,  per 

Poppies,      Iceland, 

dozen  blooms.. 

16-26 

(ii     dozen. 

Euclians  graiidiilora, 

bunches 

3  0-60 

per  dz.  blooms 

2  6-36 

Richardia  africana, 

Freesias  (white),  p. 

pei  dozen 

2  0-30 

doz.  bunches... 

2  0-26 

Roses,    12   blooms, 

Gardenias  per  doz. 

Niphetos 

16-26 

blooms 

16-26 

—  Bridesmaid    ... 

2  li-  4  0 

Gladiolus,  per  doz. 

—  C.  Testout     ... 

2  0-30 

bunches 

6  0-90 

—  K a i se r i n  A. 

Gypsophila  ele- 

Victoria 

2  0-40 

gans,  per  doz. 

—  C.  Mermet 

2  0-40 

bunches 

3  0-40 

—  Liberty 

—  Mme.Chatenay 

3  0-50 

Iris  (Spanish),  per 

3  0-50 

dozen  bunches 

6  0  12  0 

—  Mts.   J.    Laing 

2  0-40 

—  (German) 

2  0-40 

—  Richmond 

3  0-60 

Ixias,  per  dz.  bchs. 

2  0-30 

—  The  Bride 

3  0-40 

Lilac     (English), 

—  Ulrtcb  Brunner 

2  0-40 

white,  p.  bunch 

16-26 

Spiraea,  per  .dozen 

—  tnauve. 

0  6-10 

bunches 

5  0-80 

Lilimn       auratuiti, 

Stocks,     double 

per  bunch 

2  0-3 

white,  per  doz. 

—  iongillorum    ... 

2  6-30 

bunches 

2  0-  2  6 

—  lane  i  f  ol  iuin, 

Sweet  Peas,  per  dz. 

rubru.ji 

16-26 

bunches 

2  0-60 

—  album  ... 

•J  U-  -1  6 

Tuberoses,  per  dz. 

Lily  of  the  \ 

blooms 

0  3-04 

p.  dz.  bunches 

6  0-90 

—  on   stems,   per 

—  extra  quality  ... 

12  0-15  0 

bunch  

0  9-13 

Marguerites,  | 

Tulips,    Darwin 

bunches  white 

\  .ii  lines,     per 

and  yellow     ... 

16-26 

dozen 

6  0-12  0 

Cut  Foliage, 

&c:  Average  Wholesale  Prices. 

s.d.  S.d. 

s.d.  s.d. 

Adiantum      cunea- 

Galax    leaves,   per 

tum,  per  dozen 

dozen  bunches 

2  0-26 

buuclies 

6  0-90 

Hardy    foliage 

Agrostis,   per   doz. 

(various),    per 

bunches 

16-20 

dozen  bunches 

3  0-90 

Asparagus  plu- 

Honesty   (Lunaria) 

ruosus,       long 

per  bunch. 

10-16 

trails,  per  doz. 

H  0-12  0 

1 1  \   li  aves,   bronze 

2  0-26 

—    — mednit.bcu. 

10-20 

—  long  trails  per 

—  Spieiigen 

0  9-16 

bundle 

0  9-16 

Berberis,  per  doz. 
bunches 

2  6-30 

—  short    green, 
perdz. bunches 

16-26 

Croton  leaves,  per 
bunch  

10-13 

Moss,  per  gross  ... 

Myrtle,  dz.  bchs., 
(English) 
small-leaved... 

4  0-50 

Cycas  leaves,  each 

16-20 

4  0-60 

Ferns,    per    dozen 

—  French 

10-16 

bchs.  (English) 

2  0-30 

Sinilax.  per  dozen 

--  (French 

0  6-09 

trails     

4  0     6  0 

Plants  In  Pots 

,  «c. :  Ave 

vage  Wholesale  Prices. 

s.d.  s.d. 

s.d.  s.d. 

Acacias,  per  dozen 

12  0-18  0 

Crassulas,  per  doz. 

s  ii   1-0 

Auipelopsis      Veit- 

Crotons,  per  dozen 

18  0-30  0 

chii,  per  dozen 

6  0-80 

Cyclamen,  pr.  doz. 

9  0-15  0 

Aralia  Sieboldii,  p. 

Cy  per  us    alterni- 

dozen  

4  0-60 

fdlius,  dozen  ... 

4  0-50 

—  larger    speci- 

— laxus,  per  doz. 

4  0-50 

mens    

9  0-12  0 

Dracaenas,  perdoz. 

9  0-24  0 

—  Moseri 

4  0-60 

Erica     persoluta 

Araucaria   excelsa, 

alba,    per  doz. 

12  0-24  0 

per  dozen 
—  large    plants, 

12  0-30  0 

—  candidissima, 

per  doz. 

18  0  24  0 

each     

3  6-50 

—  Cavendishi,dz. 

24  0-36  0 

Aspidistras,  p.  dz., 

Euonymus,per  dz., 

green    

15  0-24  0 

in  pots 

4  0-90 

—  variegated 

30  0-42  0 

—  from  the  ground  3  0-60 

Asparagus,  plumo- 

Ferns,  in   thumbs, 

sus  nanus,  per 

per  100 

8  0-12  0 

dozen  

12  0-18  0 

—  in    small     and 

—  Sprengeri 

9  0-12  0 

large  60's 

12  0-20  0 

—  ten  u  is  si  mils 

9  0-12  0 

—  in  48's,  per  dz. 

4  0-liO 

Boronia     mega- 

—  choicer  sorts... 

8  0-12  ft 

stigma,  per  doz. 

24  0-30  0 

—  in  32's,  per  dz. 

10  0-1 8  0 

—  heterophylla... 

12  0-18  0 

Ficuselastica.p.dz. 

8  0-10  0 

Calceolarias,     her- 

— repens,  per  dz. 

6  0-80 

baceous,  p.  dz. 

6  0    8  0 

Fuchsias,   per  doz 

B  0-10  u 

—  yellow 

5  0-70 

Grevilleas,  per  dz. 

4  0-60 

C  bry  santhemum 

Hardy  flower  roots, 

coronarium 

per  dozen 

10-20 

per  dozen 

8  0-10  0 

Heliotropiums,  per 

Cinerarias,  per  dz. 

6  0-90 

dozen  

6  0-80 

Clematis,  per  doz. 

8  0-90 

Hydrangea     Thos. 

—  in  flower 

12  0-18  0 

Hogg,  per  dz. 

10  0-15  0 

Coco.s    Weddelli- 

—  hortensis 

12  0-24  0 

ana,  per  dozen... 

18  0-30  0 

Isolepis,  per  dejen 

4  0-60 

350 


THE    GARDENERS    CHRONICLE. 


[May  29,   19C9. 


Plants  in  Pots,  *c. 

Kenlia       Belmore- 
ana,  per  dozen 

—  Fosteiiana,  per 
dozen  .. 

I.atama  borbonica, 

per  dozen 
L  i  1  in  in     longi- 

flonini,  per  dz. 

—  lancifohum,  p. 
dozen... 

Lily  of  the  Valley, 

per  dozen 
Marguerites,  white, 

per  dozen 
Mignonett  e,  per 

dozen 

Musk,  per  dozen... 
Pansies,  per  box  of 

24  plants,  each 
Pelargoniums, 

show  varieties, 

per  dozen.     ... 


Average  Wholesale  Prices  (Contd.). 

s.d.  s.d  s.d.  s.d. 

Pelargoniums, 
15  0-24  0      —  Ivy  leaved     ... 
—  Oak  leaved    ... 

18  0-30  0      —  Zonals 

Rhodanthe,  per  dz. 
12  0-18  0    Rhododendrons, 

each     

12  0-18  0    Roses,  H.P.'s,  per 

dozen  ... 
12  0-24  0      —  Polyantba    va- 
rieties   

18  0-30  0      —  Ramblers,  each 
Saxifraga  pyramid- 
6  0-80  alis,  per  dozen 

Selaginella,  per-dz. 
5  0-70    Spiraea  japonica,  p. 
3  0-40  dozen  ...         ... 

Stocks    (intermed- 

2  0-30  iate),    whi  t  e, 

crimson,      and 

p'nk,  per  doz. 

12  0-18  0    Verbenas,,  per  doz. 


market  last  Tuesday.     English  Beans  are  plentiful.    Trade 


6  0-80 

4  0    6  0 

5  0-70 
5  0-60 

2  0-50 

12  0-18  0 

12  0-18  0 
5  0-10  6 

12  0-18  0 
4  0-60 

8  0-12  0 


6  0-70 
8  0-12  0 


Fruit:  Average  Wholesale  Prices. 


Apples      (Tasman- 
ian),  per  case  : 

—  Ribston  Pippin 

—  Scarlet      Pear- 
main    

—  Cox's     Orange 
Pippin 

—  Alexander 

—  Prince  Alfred,. 

—  French  Crab ... 

—  Stunners 

—  (A  us  t  ral  ian), 
per  case: 

—  Dunn's     Seed- 
ling       

—  Cleopatra 

—  Jonathan 

—  Ribston  Pippin 

—  Romo  Beauty.. 

—  (American),  per 
barrel : 

—  Nonpareils    ... 
Bananas,  bunch: 

—  Doubles 

—  No.  1         ,,     ... 

—  lixtra        ,,     ... 

—  Giant        ,,     ... 

—  (Claret)     „     ... 

—  Jitnaica    ,,     ... 

—  Loose,  per  dz. 
Cranberries,     per 

case 
Cherries   (French), 
per  box 

—  \  bushel 
Custard  Apples    ... 
Gooseberries  (Eng- 

-  lish),  per  peck 

—  \  sieve... 
Grape    Fruit,   case 
Grapes  (new) 


s.d.  s  d. 


9  6-10  6 
9  0  10  6 

13  0-14  0 

8  6-10  0 

9  0-10  0 
10  0-10  6 

9  0-96 


10  6-12  6 

10  0-12  0 

11  0-13  0 
9  6-11  0 

10  6-12  6 


18  0-20  0 

9  0-10  0 
6  6-80 
8  0-90 
10  0-12  0 
5  0-76 
5  0-56 
0  6-10 

13  0-14  6 

0  9-19 
5  6-66 

3  0-12  0 

2  0-26 

4  0-50 

!i  u  l:s  o 
16-30 


Guernsey  Figs,  dz. 
Lemons,  box  : 

—  Messina,  300.. 

—  Do.        360... 

—  (Naples),    per 
case 

Limes,  per  case  .. 
Lychees,  per  box... 
Melons,  each 

—  Canteloupe    ... 
Nectarines      (Eng- 
lish)       

Nuts,  Almonds,  per 
bag       

—  Brazils,     new, 
per  cwt. 

—  Barcelona,  bag 

—  Cocoa  nuts,  100 
Oranges  (Denia) ... 

—  Cal  if  ornian 
seedless,  per 
case     

—  (Valencia)    per 
case  (420) 

—  per  case  (714)... 

—  Jaffas 

—  Palermo  Blood 

—  Murcia  Blood, 
per  case  (200)... 

Peaches  (English) 
Pears  (Australian), 

Winter    Nelis, 

per  tray 

—  Calabash,    per 
tray      

Pineapples,  each  ... 

—  (Natal),  perdz. 
Strawberries,  lb.... 

—  second  quality 

—  (French),  crate 
of  4  baskets ... 


s.d.  s.d. 

4  0-12  0 

8  0-10  0 

9  0-12  6 

17  0-23  0 

5  0  — 
10-13 
10-26 
19-26 

4  0-12  0 

88  0-40  0 

33  0-35  0 
30  0-32  0 
10  0-14  0 
10  0-23  0 


10  0-12  0 

10  0-18  0 

10  0-18  0 
7  0-10  0 
7  0-10  0 

7  6-96 
4  0-18  0 


3  6-46 

4  0-56 
19-86 
4  0-60 
16-26 
10    — 

14  0-17  0 


Vegetables  :  Average  Wholesale  Prices. 


Artichokes(Globe), 
per  dozen 

—  white, p. bushel 

—  per  cwt. 

A  sparagus,    per 
bundle: 

—  Dijon  ... 

—  Giant 

—  Spanish 

—  Sprue  

—  Paris  Green  ... 

—  Toulouse 

—  Montanban  ... 
Beans,  per  lb, : 

—  (English) 

—  (French) 

—  (Guernsey)  ... 
Beetroot, per  bushel 
Cabbages,  per  mat 

■ —  per  crate 

—  per  box  (24)    ... 

—  Greens,       per 
bushel 

Cardoon    (French), 

per  dozen 
Carrots    (English), 

dozen  bunches 

—  washed,  bag  ... 

—  unwashed 

—  (French), bunch 
Cauliflowers,  doz. 
Celeriac,  per  doz. 
Chicory,  per  lb.  ... 
Cucumbers,  per  dz. 
Endive,  per  dozen 
Horseradish,  for- 
eign, per  doz. 
bundles 

Leeks,  12  bundles 

Lettuce    (French), 

per  crate  '     ... 

—  Cos,  per  dozen 
Mint,  doz.  bunches 
Mushrooms, per  lb. 

—  broilers 

—  buttons,  per  lb. 


s.d. 

s.d. 

2  0- 

3  0 

2  0- 

2  li 

3  6 

— 

0  8-10 

3  0- 

4  (i 

0  7-0  10 

0  6- 

0  8 

1  6- 

2  0 

10-13 

1  3- 

1  6 

0  6- 

0  8 

0  7- 

0  8 

0  7- 

0  8 

2  (!- 

3  0 

4  0- 

4  li 

7  6- 

8  0 

3  0-8  6 

1  0- 

1  6 

8  0-10  0 

4  0 



5  6- 

fi  0 

4  0- 

5  0 

0  5- 

0  h 

1  fi- 

2  0 

1  6- 

2  6 

0  8}- 

I)  4 

2  0- 

a  o 

1  3- 

1  9 

17  0-21  0 

2  0- 

2  6 

2  0- 

2  3 

2  3- 

29 

(S  0 

— 

0  H 

— 

0  6 

— 

0  8-0  10 

Mnstardand  Cress, 

per  dozen  pun.     1 
Onions,  per  bag  ...     9 

—  (Valencia), case    9 

—  Egyptian,  case    8 

—  pickling,     per 
bushel 6 

Parsley,  12  bunches    2 

—  £  sieve 1 

Peas  (French),  pkt.    0 

—  (French),  p.pad    3 

—  (English), dried, 
per  dz.  packets    2 

—  ( Guernsey)     ...    0 
Potatos  (Guernsey), 

per  lb 0 

—  (Algerian), cwt.  10 

—  (French),  p.  lb.    0 

—  Teneriffe,  cwt.  13 
Radishes  (French), 

per  doz.  bunches 
Rhubarb  (English), 
forced,  per  dz. 
bundles 

—  Natural,  p. tally 
Salsafy,  per  dozen 

bundles 
Seakale,  per  dozen 

punnets 
Spinach,  per  crate 

—  per  bushel 
Stachys    tuberosa, 

per  lb 

Turnips,  per  dozen 
bunches         ...    4 

—  washed,  p.  bag    4 

—  (French), bunch    0 
Turnip  Tops,  bag      2 
Tomatos      (Tener- 
iffe), per  bun- 
dle of  4  boxes  10 

—  (English),    per 
12  lbs...         ...    6 

—  (English),  s.s...    6 
Watercress,     per 

dozen 0 


s.d.  s.d. 


0    — 

0-10  0 
0-11  0 
0-9  6 

0  — 
0  — 
6  — 
3-0  4 
0-3  6 

6    — 

4-0  6 


0-11  0 
2-0  2£ 
0-14  0 

18-16 


6-0  9 
0-4  6 


4  0-46 


0    — 
0-5  0 
0-16 


0  5 


0    — 
0-  4  6 
4-0  7 
0-2  6 


0-6  6 
6    - 

4-0  6 

Remarks.— The  demand  for  Australian  and  Tasmanian 
Apples  remains  good.  French  Cherries  are  arriving  in 
increased  quantities,  but  they  have  not  met  with  a  brisk 
sale.  Oranges  of  best  quality  are  slightly  cheaper.  English 
Gooseberries  are  received  in  small  quantities  only.  Nec- 
tarines are  plentiful  and  fairly  cheap.  Peaches  are  a  good 
trade  and  realising  fair  prices.  Strawberries,  both  English 
and  French  grown,  are  exceedingly  plentiful  and  very  cheap. 
The  vegetable  trade  is  quiet.    Green  vegetables  found  a  fair 


generally  is  fair. 
26,   19U9. 


Kents    - 
Up-to-Date  ... 
Lincolns  - 
Royal  Kidney 
Up-to-Date  ... 
Maincrop     ... 
Evergood 
King  Edward 
Blacklands... 


E.  H.  R.,  Covent  Garden,  Wednesday,  May 


ANSWERS  TO  CORRESPONDENTS. 


Potatos 

s.d.  s.d. 
3  3-39 


2  6- 
.  3  0- 
.  2  9- 

2  6- 

3  0- 
2  6- 


Dunbars—  s.d.  s.d. 

Langworthy, red  soil  4  6-50 
Up-to-Date,  red  soil  3  3-39 
,,        ,,      grey  soil  2  6    3  0 

Yorks  — 

Up-to-Date 3  6-40 

Jerseys  (new),  cwt.  14  0-14  6 
St.  Malo's    14  0    — 


Remarks.— The  trade  for  old  Potatos  is  not  very  good, 
owing  to  the  larger  quantities  of  new  tubers  now  arriving. 
E.J.  Newborn,  Covent  Garden  and  St.  Patterns,  May  26,  1909. 


COVENT  GARDEN  FLOWER  MARKET. 

During  the  past  week  the  trade  in  bedding  plants  has  been 
brisk.  A  few  subjects  are  difficult  to  procure,  but  generally 
supplies  are  excessive.  Bedding  Pelargoniums  (Geraniums) 
have  sold  well,  also  most  other  well-grown  plants  in  small 
pots,  suitable  for  summer  bedding.  Plants  in  store  boxes 
are  much  cheaper  than  they  were  a  few  years  ago. 

Cut  Flowers. 
Roses  are  arriving  in  large1  quantities,  and  although  their 
value  advanced  a  short  time  ago,  prices  have  fallen  again. 
Carnations  also  are  plentiful,  and  generally  of  good  quality. 
The  number  of  persons  who  cultivate  this  plant  has  largely 
increased,  and  although  the  demand  for  Carnations  has  also 
increased  it  has  not  been  in  the  same  proportion.  Lilium 
longiflorum  is  good  and  rather  over-plentiful.  This 
rooming  many  of  these  flowers  were  unsold.  Sweet  Peas 
vary  in  quality  ;  only  the  best  make  more  than  3s.  to  4s.  per 
dozen  bunches  ;  some  are  sold  as  cheaply  as  Is.  6d.  per 
dozen  bunches.  Of  Callas  only  those  of  the  best  quality  are 
in  demand.  There  is  an  increased  demand  for  Spanish  Irises 
now  that  the  Daffodils  are  over.  Iris  germanica  does  not 
sell  so  readily  as  the  Spanish  Irises.  Gladiolus  Colvilei  in 
its  several  varieties  is  good.  Iceland  Poppies  and  other 
hardy  flowers  are  plentiful.  English  growers  now  do  an 
extensive  trade  in  Gypsophila  elegans. 

Pot  Plants. 
Fuchsias  in  various  sizes  are  well  flowered.  Since  these 
have  been  used  largely  for  bedding  purposes,  several 
growers  market  them  in  3-inch  pots.  Marguerites  are  very 
plentiful.  Of  Mignonette  the  greatest  demand  is  for  the 
spring-sown  plants,  which  are  backward  this  season.  The 
single  yellow  Chrysanthemum  is  sent  by  several  growers; 
in  most  instances  the  plants  are  dwarfer  than  those  seen  a 
few  years  ago.  Crassulas  are  well  in  flower,  but  it  is  only 
the  dwarf  hybrid  varieties  that  are  seen  yet.  Saxifraga 
(Cotyledon)  pyramidalis  is  very  pretty.  Pelargoniums  of 
all  types  are  well  supplied.  Ferns  and  Palms  vary  but 
little.  Aspidistras  are  cheaper.  A.  H .,  Covent  Garden* 
Wednesday,  May  26,  1909. 


THE     WEATHER. 

THE  WEATHER  IN  WEST  HERTS. 

Week  ending  May  26. 
A  most  welcome  rain. — During  the  past  week  there  were 
five  very  warm  daye  and  four  moderately  warm  nights.  On 
the  three  warmest  days  the  temperature  in  the  thermometer 
screen  rose  respectively  to  79°,  78°,  and  75".  These  are  all 
high  temperatures  for  the  time  of  year.  In  fact,  in  only  four 
of  the  last  23  years  has  such  a  high  reading  as  19c  been 
recorded  here  in  May.  On  the  other  hand,  on  the  first  night 
of  the  week  the  exposed  thermometer  registered  6°  of  frost. 
The  ground,  which  during  the  last  few  days  has  been  warm 
for  the  time  of  year,  is  now,  owing  to  the  colder  weather  of 
the  last  few  days,  only  at  about  an  average  temperature. 
Rain  fell  on  two  days  to  the  total  depth  of  3  inch,  nearly  the 
whole  of  which  quantity  was  deposited  between  4  and  10  a.m. 
on  the  25th.  This  rainfall  restarted  the  bare  soil  percolation 
gauge,  but  it  had  no  effect  on  the  gauge  on  which  short  grass  is 
growing.  The  sun  shone  on  an  average  for  Sty  hours  a  day, 
or  for  3J  hours  a  day  longer  than  is  usual  at  this  period  in 
May.  Light  airs  as  a  rule  prevailed,  and  their  direction  was 
mostly  some  point  between  south  and  west.  The  mean 
amount  of  moisture  in  the  air  at  8  p.m.  fell  short  of  a  season- 
able quantity  for  that  hour  by  8  per  cent.  A  selected  tree  of 
the  Horse  Chestnut  first  showed  an  open  flower  on  the 
8th,  which  is  five  days  earlier  than  its  average  date  for  the 
previous  18  years,  and  11  days  earlier  than  last  year.  E.  M., 
Berkhamsted,  May  26,  1909. 


SCHEDULES     RECEIVED. 

Cardiff  and  District  Chrysanthemum  Society's  exhi- 
bition of  Chrysanthemums  and  other  flowers,  also  fruit,  to  be 
held  in  the  Park  Hall,  Cardiff,  on  Wednesday  and  Thursday, 
November  3  and  4.  Secretary,  Mr.  J.  Mountney,  42,  Royal 
Arcade,  Cardiff. 

Bath  Gardeners'  Debating  Society's  Chrysanthemum 
show,  to  be  held  on  November  3  and  4,  in  the  Assembly 
Rooms,  Bath.  Hon.  secretary,  Mr.  F.  L.  Ashman,  17, 
Prospect  Place,  Upper  Weston,  Bath. 

Doncaster  and  District  Chrysanthemum  Society's 
17th  annual  exhibition,  to  be  held  on  Wednesday  and 
Thursday,  November  3  and  4,  1909,  in  the  Corn  Exchange, 
Doncaster.  Hon.  secretary,  Mr.  J.  G.  Mitchell,  11,  High 
Street,  Doncaster. 

Great  Yarmouth  Flower  Show,  to  be  held  on  Thursday, 
July  15,  1909,  in  the  Winter  Gardens,  Great  Yarmouth. 
Secretary,  Mr.  Arthur  A.  Cash,  Winter  Gardens,  Great 
Yarmouth. 

Abbey  Park  (Leicester)  Flower  Show,  to  be  held  on 
Tuesday  and  Wednesday,  August  3  and  4.  Superintendent, 
Mr.  J.  Burton,  Abbey  Park,  Leicester. 

Women's  Agricultural  and  Horticultural  Inter- 
national Union's  show  and  sale  of  garden  produce,  at  the 
Royal  Botanic  Gardens,  Regent's  Park,  London,  on  Wed- 
nesday, July  21, 1909.  Show  secretary,  Miss  Bull,  64,  Lower 
Sloane  Street,  S.W. 


Chrysanthemums  :  77.  J .  G.  For  your  purpose 
it  will  be  advisable  lo  pinch  the  points  of 
Niveum  and  Queen  of  the  Exe  at  once,  treating 
the  other  varieties  in  a  similar  manner  in  a 
fortnight's  time.  But  do  not  stop  the  plants 
and  transplant  them  at  the  same  time. 

Cos  Lettuce  :  W.  P.  To  obtain  Cos  Lettuces 
of  the  variety  mentioned  by  August  11,  allow 
from  10  to  11  weeks  from  the  time  the  seed  is 
sown.  Model  Turnip  will  require  from  11  to 
12  weeks.  To  ensure  that  some  will  be  at 
their  best  at  that  date,  make  two  small  sowings 
of  each,  cne  week  apart,  as  so  much  depends  on 
the  weather. 

Gardening  Books:  A.  P.  The  works  you  men- 
tion are  of  little  value;  both  are  out-of-date, 
and,  being  plentiful,  have  little  worth  biblio- 
graphically. 

Grapes  Diseased:  A.  B.  The  spotted  berries 
are  affected  by  the  fungus  Glceosporium  ampleo- 
phagum.  Those  that  have  a  rusty  appearance 
have  suffered  some  mechanical  injury,  such  as 
rubbing  by  the  scissors  or  the  operator's  hair 
during  the  process  of  thinning.  In  the  case  of 
the  spot  disease,  cut  out  all  the  affected  berries 
and  burn  them.  Afterwards  spray  the  bunches 
with  liver  of  sulphur,  using  half  an  ounce  in 
two  gallons  of  water.  Be  careful  not  to  let 
the  liquid  fall  on  the  woodwork,  as  it  turns 
white  paint  black. 

Market-garden  Business  :  W.  J.  D.  You  can- 
not embark  on  the  business  of  a  market-gar- 
dener with  the  capital  you  mention  witli  any 
reasonable  prospect  of  succeeding.  To  begin 
with,  you  would  probably  be  required  to  pay 
a  quarter's  rent  in  advance,  and  this  would 
leave  you  without  sufficient  working  capital. 
Moreover,  you  appear  to  have  had  no  previous 
experience  in  market-gardening  work,  which 
is  very  different,  even  in  the  methods  of  pro- 
duction, from  that  practised  in  the  best  pri- 
vate gardens.  We  would  therefore  advise  you 
to  procure  employment  for  a  year  or  two  in  a 
market-garden  establishment,  in  which  high- 
class  produce  in  the  way  of  fruits  and  flowers 
is  cultivated,  making  the  best  possible  use  in 
the  meantime  of  the  opportunities  thus  offered 
you  to  acquire  a  practical  knowledge  of  the 
work,  in  which  you  yourself  intend  to  engage. 
Those  who  contemplate  entering  into  the  busi- 
ness of  market-gardener,  and  who  calculate 
upon  the  prices  which  good  examples  of 
Grapes,  Peaches,  Cucumbers,  and  Tomatos  are 
likely  to  realise  in  certain  months  of  the  year, 
should  also  try  to  realise  what  the  probable 
cost   of   production   would   be. 

Names  of  Fruits  :  H.  P.  M.  Norfolk  Beefing.— 
Bungay.    Newton  Wonder. 

Names  op  Plants  :  T.  B.  Prunus  Padus,  the  Bird 
Cherry. — Lucas.  Populus  balsamifera. — Holly 
Bush.  Polygonum  alpinum.— (?.  H.  B.  1,  Geuni 
coccineum  ;  2,  Phlox  subulnta  ;  3,  Ornithoga- 
lum  umbollatum  ;  4,  double  flowered  variety  of 
Prunus  japonica;  5,  Viola  cornuta  ;  6,  Sednm 
(Rhodiola)  roseurn.— H.  C.  1,  Saxifraga  Geum 
var.  crenata  ;  2,  S.  G.  var.  elegans  ;  3,  S.  cunei- 
folia ;  4,  S.  o.  var.  subintegra ;  5,,  S.  crus- 
tata ;  6,  Achillea  umbollata.  —  J.  L.  II'. 
Hyoseyamus  niger  (Henbane).  The  Daisy 
presents  a  remarkable  example  of  fasciation, 
or  fusion  of  growth.  —  G.  A.  C.  The  yellow 
flower  is  Odontoglossum  triumphans ;  the  smaller 
specimen  is  O.  blandum. — F.  H.  1,  Odonto- 
glossum Lambeauianum  ;  2,  O.  ardentissimum; 
3,  probably  a  form  of  O.  Hallio-crispum 
(Hallii  x  crispum), — H.  A.  1,  Sigmatostalix 
radicans  ;  2,  Oneidium  candidum  ;  3,  Masde- 
vallia  tridactylites ;  4,  M.  O'Brieniana;  5, 
Stelis  ophioglossoides  ;  6,  Ada  aurantiaca. — 
A.  J.  Viburnum  cotinifolium. — Novice.  1, 
Lithospermum  prostratum  ;  2,  Anthyllis  mon- 
tana;  3,  Orobus  aurantiaca;  4,  Silene  mari- 
tima  fl.  pi. ;  5,  Primila  japonica;  6,  Verbaseum 
phceniceum.—  G.  Cooper.  1,  Pyrus  Sorbus ; 
2,  P.  Aria  var. 

Communications  Received.— R-  Hale  (thanks  for  con- 
tribution of  Is.  6d.  to  the  R.G.O.P.  box)—  C.  P.  B.— W. 
C.  &  Sons— S.  &  Sons— F.  S.  &  S.— C,  Altrinchavu  - 
H.  P.  H.— P.  A.— W.  J.  D—  B.  L.— Marsh  Mall  .w  - 
W.  A.  C— J.  G.  W.— W.  D.-P.  M.— W.  W.  P.— L.  P.— 
H.  N.,  Singapore-E.  B.— E.  M.-R.  A.  R.— A  Rix-J. 
Hebden— C.  S.  &  Co.-W.  L.— A.  R.— B.  L.— Peaches  - 
E.  S.— A.  8.— A.  W.  G.  &  Co. 


Supplement  to  the  "  Gardeners'  Chronicle. 


Photographs  by  H.  N.  King. 

Views  in  the  gardens  at  Wildernesse  Park,  Kent. 

Printed  by  Temple  Press  Ltd.,  London,  E.C. 


June  5,  1909.] 


THE    GARDENERS'    CHRONICLE. 


357 


TIIK 


#ari)cncrs'(LrbronicIc 


No.  1,171.— SATURDAY,  June  5,  1909. 


CONTENTS. 

Alpine  garden — 

Plant  poisons     

366 

Anemone       patens 

Retarding     of      plants, 

lutea  

366 

artificial           ... 

366 

American  notes 

359 

Rhododendrons   at  the 

Banana    cultivation    in 

Royal     Botanic    Gar- 

the South  of   France 

365 

dens,    Regent's    Park 

365 

Books,  notices  of, — 

Rose    Fortune's  Yellow 

365 

The  Insect  and  other 

Seakale  as  a  green  vege- 

Allied     Pests      of 

table      

369 

Orchard,  Bush,  and 

Societies- 

Hothouse  Fruits   ... 

357 

British  Gardeners'  ... 

370 

Publications  received 

3fi6 

Manchester  &    North 

Calceolarias,  herbaceous 

358 

of   England    Orchid 

369 

Carnations,  forthcoming 

Royal     Horticultural 

exhibition  of 

365 

(Scientific  Committee) 

369 

Carriage    of    vegetable 

Soil    fertility    and    soil 

and  fruit  produce  by 

exhaustion      

364 

railway 

367 

Syon  House  as  seen  from 

Climate  and  the  chemi- 

Kew Gardens 

364 

cal     composition     of 

Thunderstorm,  damage 

Wheat 

366 

by           

368 

Elm,  English,    seeding 

Trees  and  Shrubs — 

of  the 

369 

Cytisus  scoparius  An- 

Flies,  to  kill      

365 

dreanus,  forms  of  ... 

361 

"  French  "  garden,  notes 

Ribes  sanguineum    ... 

361 

from  a 

366 

Viburnum  Carlesii    ... 

361 

Law  note — 

Tulips        

368 

Breach  of  contract  .. 

R69 

Vegetables — 

Lime-sulphur  wash     ... 

364 

Broccoli  Model 

368 

Manures 

359 

Butter  Beans 

368 

Mouse  trap,  a  novel  ... 

365 

Weeds,  destruction  of, 

Obituary — 

by  spraying     

365 

Bakewell,  William   .. 

371 

Week's  work,  the — 

Boxall,  Frederick     ... 

371 

Flower  garden,  the  ... 

363 

Crump,  Frederick  W. 

371 

Fruits  under  glass  ... 

3G3 

Onions  for  market 

363 

Hardy  fruit  garden  ... 

362 

Orchid  notes  and  glean- 

Kitchen garden,  the... 

36*2 

ings        

359 

Orchid  houses,  the   ... 

363 

Paraffin      emulsion,     a 

Plants  under  glass    ... 

362 

new        

366 

Public  parks  and  gar- 

Plants,   new    or    note- 

dens   

362 

worthy — 

Wildernesse   Park, 

Tillandsia  Blokii      ... 

359 

Sevenoaks       

360 

ILLUSTRATIONS. 

Avenue  of  Limes  at  WMdernesse  Park 

361 

Group  of  Orchids  exhibited  at  the  Temple  Flower  Show 

;i:;7 

Sundial  in  Wildernesse  Park  Gardens 

360 

Syon   House,    Brent  fore 

,  as  seen  from  the  pleasure 

grounds  in  the  Royal 

Botanic  Gardens,  Kew  (Sup- 

plementary  Illustration) 

Tillandsia  Blokii,  a  flowering  plant  of      

353 

Vanda  teres,  a  remarkable  exhibit  of       

3d5 

*  INSECT  PESTS  ON  FRUITS. 

THE  publication  of  an  extensive  work  on 
an  important  section  of  economic 
entomology  by  such  an  experienced 
observer  as  Mr.  F.  V.  Theobald  calls  for 
something  more  than  passing  congratula- 
tion. Mr.  Theobald  receives  some  3,000 
appeals  for  assistance  from  anxious  growers 
every  year,  and  the  material  which  thus  passes 
through  his  hands  places  him  in  an  excellent 
position  for  obtaining  a  varied,  accurate,  and 
detailed  acquaintance  with  that  branch  of 
zoology  which  he  has  made  his  own.  In  Scot- 
land a  somewhat  similar  position  is  occupied 
by  Dr.  R.  S.  MacDougall,  and  in  Ireland  by 
Professor  Carpenter,  but  neither  of  these 
countries  ran  be  said  to  present  the  same  in- 
tensive field  as  England,  nor  have  their  pests 
been  so  sj-stematically  and  continuously  in- 
vestigated . 

It  is  safe  to  say  that  the  complete  work  on 
economic  entomology  has  yet  to  be  written, 
and  it  is  difficult  to  see  how  it  can  ever  be 
done  by  one  man.  There  are  two  sides  to  the 
life  of  an  insect,  and  the  investigation  of  these 
embraces  points  of  view  so  essentially  diverse 
as  to  be  too  severe  a  tax  on  the  versatility  of 
any  one  individual.  The  practical  man,  on 
the  one   hand,   spending   every  day   amongst 


*  The  Insert  and  other  Allied  Pests  of  Orchard,  Bush,  and 
Hothouse  Fruits,  by  F.  V.  Theobald'.  Published  by  the 
author,  Wye  Court,  Wye,  1909. 


his  plants,  observes  many  curious  and 
obscure  phases  of  insect  life,  and  observes 
them  all  the  more  surely  and  readily  because 
his  imagination  is  unfettered  by  scientific 
tradition.  The  man  of  science,  on  the  other 
hand,  working  mostly  in  his  laboratory,  and 
only  at  intervals  sallying  forth  into  the  field, 
is  well  equipped,  in  virtue  of  his  training,  to 
work  out  complicated  life  histories,  and  to 
determine  the  physical  conditions  of  insect  ex- 
istence. He  has  to  his  credit,  for  example, 
our  knowledge  of  the  amazing  life  history  of 
the  Grape  vine  Phylloxera,  but  none  the  less 
he  has  his  limitations.  He  can  work  out  the 
development  of  the  mole-cricket  from  the  egg 
to  the  adult  in  every  detail,  but  he  fails  to 
observe  that  the  mole-cricket  has  a  fatal  weak- 
ness for  meandering  over  smooth  objects.  In 
this  particular  instance  the  small  fact  to  the 
credit  of  the  practical  man  is,  from  the  point 
of  view  of  getting  rid  of  the  offender,  worth 
all  the  remedies  based  on  purely  scientific 
knowledge.  In  another  case,  to  quote  only 
that  of  the  winter  moth,  the  scientific  evi- 
dence may  be  sufficient  in  itself  to  suggest  a 
satisfactory  remedy. 

The  point  we  wish  to  emphasise  is  that  suc- 
cess in  the  destruction  of  insect  pests  is  not 
the  prerogative  either  of  the  scientific  ex- 
perimenter or  of  the  practitioner,  and  that 
only  w  hen  the  two  consent  to  co-operate  may 
complete  knowledge  be  obtained.  Both 
aspects  are  essential,  but  neither  complete. 
At  the  present  time  it  is  to  be  deplored  that 
the  one  is  apt  to  discredit  explanations 
based  on  observations  difficult  to  understand 
(and  often  badly  presented),  and  the  other  to 
reject  evidence  simply  because  he  has  not,  and 
could  not  have,  collected  it  himself,  or  because 
it  is  occasionally  at  variance  with  his  profes- 
sional tradition.  The  education  of  both  sides 
is  however,  proceeding,  and  there  are  signs 
that  the  entomological  millennium,  at  any 
rate,  may  yet  be  realised.  In  this  connection 
we  may  sympathise  with  a  regret  stated  by 
Mr.  Theobald  that  the  recent  work  of  Gillan- 
ders  should  not  have  been  less  scientific  and 
more  a  record  of  his  own  peculiar  ami  interest- 
ing experience,  and  we  can  certainly  echo  the 
desire,  expressed  in  the  introduction  to  Mr. 
Theobald's  book,  for  more  advice  and  sym- 
pathy from  the  practical  man. 

Against  Mr.  Theobald's  book  two  criticisms 
will  probably  be  levelled.  He  states  in  his 
preface  that  "  the  volume  is  by  no  means 
complete,  but  it  has  reached  such  proportions 
that  it  is  impossible  to  give  all  the  informa- 
tion it  was  hoped  to  give."  The  book  extends 
to  550  pages,  and,  therefore,  apart  from  any 
question  of  expense,  is  too  extensive  a  work  to 
place  in  the  hands  of  a  student,  especially  as 
it  covers  only  a  portion  of  the  field.  But  for 
practical  purposes  it  should  be  even  more 
detailed,  and  in  certain  cases  we  have 
found  his  definitions  too  condensed  for  the 
satisfactory  diagnosis  of  the  insect.  We  should 
have  preferred  to  see  the  book  twice  its 
size  and  encyclopaedic  in  character.  Mr. 
Theobald  would  have  found  ample  support  in 
the  publication  of  such  a  monograph.  We 
may,  therefore,  express  the  hope  that  he  will 
consider  the  expediency  of  publishing  an  ex- 
tended description  of  his  material  and  results 
at  some  future  date. 

The  other  point  relates  to  the  illustrations. 
Those  drawn  by  Mr.  Horace  Knight  are  ad- 
mirable, and,  to  select  only  a  few,  we  now  have 


fur  the  first  time,  in  an  accessible  volume,  ex- 
cellent illustrations  of  the  Apple  blossom  wee- 
vil, the  bark  bettle,  the  Raspberry  shoot  moth, 
the  shot  borer  and  Raspberry  beetles,  by 
which  these  insects  may  be  readily  identified. 
As  we  take  this  to  be  the  sole  function  of  the 
pictures,  we  differ  from  the  author  as  to  the 
advisability  of  using  photography  so  largely 
for  this  purpose.  It  too  often  illustrates  only 
the  perils  of  the  short  cut  (compare  on  p.  134 
the  careful  drawing  of  Aphis  sorbi  with  the 
photograph  of  the  same  species).  In  spite  of 
some  successes,  such  as  the  lappet  moth  (p. 
21),  the  photographic  reproductions  fail 
either  in  the  correct  rendering  of  colour  value 
(compare  the  vapourer  moth,  p.  39,  and  the 
codling  moth,  p.  71),  or  on  account  of  the  well- 
known  difference  between  the  sensitive  plate 
and  the  retina  of  the  eye  as  regards  light  and 
shade  (compare  the  buff-tip  moth,  p.  295,  the 
Pear  fruitlets  attacked  by  Pear  midge  larvae, 
p.  344,  and  the  male  mealy  bugs,  p.  486),  or 
because  of  reflection  from  the  object  photo- 
graphed (compare  the  goat  moth  larva,  p.  42, 
the  Black  Currant  mite,  p.  233,  the  slug 
worm,  p.  336,  and  the  cockchafer  larva,  p. 
433).  On  p.  48  the  characteristic  feature  of 
the  male  wood  leopard  moth  does  not  appear 
at  all.  Further,  we  should  have  liked  to  have 
seen  a  calendar  on  the  lines  of  the  admirable 
exhibits  one  sees  in  some  Continental 
museums  illustrating  the  entomological  year, 
from  the  economical  standpoint,  such  a  calen- 
dar would  be  of  great  value  to  the  grower 
in  assisting  him  to  identify  his  pests. 
Finally,  we  hardly  think  the  practical  man 
can  be  expected  to  sympathise  with  the  purely 
academic  amusement  of  juggling  with  scien- 
tific terms  which  forms  so  large  a  part  of  the 
labours  of  the  systematic  zoologist.  It  is 
questionable  how  long  this  will  be  tolerated 
even  in  systematic  zoology,  but  it  is  certain 
that  the  man  of  affairs,  failing  to  see  the 
humour  of  the  game,  will  brush  it  aside  as  the 
baronet  did  the  tiresome  and  frivolous  accu- 
racy of  the  antiquary.  Therefore,  we  prefer 
to  think  of  the  mussel  scale  still  as  Mytilaspis 
pomorum. 

However,  these  matters  are  by  the  way. 
Mr.  Theobald  has  produced  a  great  work,  and 
one  which  will  rank  with  John  Curtis's 
Farm  Insects  as  one  of  the  classics  of 
economic  entomology.  It  is  a  work  based 
essentially  on  the  sound  practical  experience  of 
many  years,  and  no  fruit-grower  can  afford  to 
disregard  so  important  and  helpful  a  record. 
The  scope  of  the  work  may  be  gathered  from 
the  lengthy  list  of  plants  dealt  with.  It 
includes  the  Apple,  Apricot,  Cherry,  Cur- 
rants, Damson,  Fig,  Gooseberry,  Loganberry, 
Nuts,  Peach,  Pear,  Plum,  Pineapple,  Quince, 
Raspberry,  Strawberry,  and  Vine.  About  380 
species  of  insect  and  other  pests  are  men- 
tioned, and  many  of  these  are  described  and 
figured.  They  are  given,  as  they  should  be, 
under  the  name  of  the  plant  attacked,  and  not 
in  zoological  sequence.  Appendices  have  been 
introduced  on  such  subjects  as  the  possible 
spreading  of  imported  pests,  beneficial  insects, 
and  the  composition,  manufacture,  and  makers 
of  insecticides  and  spraying  apparatus.  We  are 
glad  to  find  Mr.  Theobald  taking  up  a  very 
cautious  and  judicial  attitude  on  the  value  of 
remedial  measures.  Much  harm  has  been 
done,  and  scepticism  encouraged,  by  im- 
perfect observation  and  worse  remedies. 
For  example,  to  mention  only  three  subjects 


358 


THE    GARDENERS'    CHRONICLE. 


[June  5,  1909. 


which  have  come  under  our  notice  within 
recent  years,  we  are  told  one  year  that 
millipedes  are  very  noxious  forms,  and  the 
next  that  they  do  no  harm ;  or  that  it  is 
vitally  necessary  to  restore  the  balance  of 
nature  by  introducing  predaceous  insects,  and 
again,  the  futility  of  that  proceeding  is  dwelt 
upon ;  or  that  mussel  scale  is  destroyed  by 
lime  wash  and  afterwards  that  that  remedy  is 
worthless.  On  this  question  Mr.  Theobald 
maintains  the  thoroughly  sound  attitude  that 
our  present  knowledge  is  wholly  insufficient  to 
deal  satisfactorily  with  more  than  a  very  few 
pests,  and  he  urges  further  research  in  this 
important  direction.  Research  in  economic 
biology  must  be  undertaken  by  thoroughly 
competent,  trained  observers,  and  should, 
above  all  things,  be  refined  and  accurate.  It 
is  imperative  that  conclusions  should  be  well 
tested  before  they  are  published,  or  the 
interests  of  the  class  intended  to  benefit 
may  be  sacrificed.  The  necessity  to  recant 
means  not  only  that  growers  have  spent  their 
money  on  ill-advised  remedies,  but  that  their 
confidence  in  the  trustworthiness  of  their 
advisers  is  destroyed. 

We  noticed  several  misprints  in  reading 
the  work,  of  which  the  most  important  were 
that  Clisiocampa  and  Orgyia  were  wrongly 
spelt  throughout. 

Once  more  we  warmly  congratulate  Mr. 
Theobald  on  the  publication  of  this  important 
volume,  which  brings  English  work  into  line 
with  the  best  achievements  of  the  United 
States. 


NEW  OR  NOTEWORTHY 
PLANTS. 


HERBACEOUS  CALCEOLARIAS. 

The  requirements  of  these  plants  are  simple, 
and  anyone  possessing  a  greenhouse  from  which 
frost  can  be  excluded,  can  cultivate  them  with 
success. 

We  sow  the  seeds  about  the  middle  or  end  of 
June,  in  pans,  in  a  compost  of  equal  parts  loam 
and  leaf-mould,  with  coarse  silver  sand,  the  mix- 
ture being  sifted  through  a  fine  sieve. 

The  soil  in  the  pans  should  be  well  watered 
before  sowing  the  seed.  The  seeds  should  be 
sown  thinly,  covering  them  very  lightly  with 
soil,  and  placing  the  seed-pans  in  a  cold 
frame.  A  good  plan  is  to  place  them  on 
inverted  flower-pots  standing  in  saucers  of 
water.  The  water  in  the  saucers  will  keep 
the  surroundings  moist,  which  is  congenial 
to  the  germination  of  the  seeds.  In  addition  it 
keeps  slugs  from  the  plants.  If  the  frame  is 
placed  on  the  north  side  of  a  wall,  so  that  direct 
sunshine  cannot  reach  the  seedlings,  no  shading 
will  be  necessary,  and  the  plants  will,  in  conse- 
quence, be  much  stronger.  In  the  course  of  a 
few  weeks  the  seedlings  will  be  large  enough  to 
be  transplanted  into  pans,  which  should  be  filled 
with  the  same  kind  of  compost  as  before.  As 
soon  as  they  are  large  enough  they  should  be 
potted  singly  into  small  pots  and  returned  to 
a  cold  frame  having  a  floor  of  ashes.  Soot 
should  be  sprinkled  about  to  keep  away 
slugs.  Abundant  ventilation  should  be  afforded 
at  all  times ;  indeed,  the  lights  should  only  be 
used  to  protect  the  plants  from  rain.  As  autumn 
advances  the  plants  make  rapid  growth  and  re- 
quire larger  pots.  They  should  be  grown  in  the 
cold  frames  until  frosts  appear,  when  they  should 
be  accommodated  in  a  frost-proof  structure.  They 
must  be  kept  cool  and  placed  as  close  to  the 
glass  as  possible.  Some  time  in  January  the 
final  shifting  into  pots  having  a  diameter  cf  8^ 
or  9|  inches  should  be  effected.  The  compost 
we  use  at  this  stage  consists  of  two  parts  loam 
and  one  part  leaf-mould,  with  dried  cow  dung 
and  sand  added.  Grown  in  this  manner,  we  have 
never  failed  to  have  a  fine  show  of  Calceolarias 
each  spring  for  several  years.  Some  of  our  plants 
measure  3  feet  through.  Aphis  sometimes  attacks 
the  plants,  also  a  small  yellow  thrip.  These  pests 
•can  be  kept  in  check  by  an  occasional  fumigating 
with  a  nicotine  compound.  Wilmot  H  Yates, 
Bother field  Park  Gardens. 


TILLANDSIA    BLOKII. 

This  giant  TDlandsia  flowered  at  Glasnevin 
during  the  year  1907,  and  was  a  conspicuous 
object   for  several  months. 

When  in  flower  the  plant  measured  6  feet  high, 
the   stout,   branching   inflorescence   being   2   feet 

3  inches  in  diameter,  and  clothed  with  crim- 
son, sheathing  bracts  which  retained  their 
colouring  long  after  the  flowers  had  faded.  The 
flowers  are  borne  on  short  stalks  in  two  rows 
upon  the  lateral  branches.  The  sepals  are  crim- 
son, thick  and  leathery ;  the  three  yellow  petals, 

4  inches  long,   give  quite   a   contrast  in  colour. 


In  the  Gardeners'  Chronicle,  vol.  xxiii.,  p.  254, 
where  T.  Blokii  was  mentioned  among  other 
Bromeliads  for  exemplary  culture  at  the  Ghent 
Quinquennial  Exhibition  of  1898,  it  was  said  to 
be  in  flower  and  as  tall  as  a  man.  Mr.  F.  W. 
Moore  purchased  the  Glasnevin  plant  from  L'Hor- 
ticulture  Colonial,  Pare  Leopold,  Brussels,  in 
April,  1903,  under  the  name  of  Vriesia  Blokii, 
and  was  told  that  it  was  a  seedling  of  the  original 
shown  at  the  Ghent  Quinquennial.  At  that  time 
it  was  about  1  foot  high ;  since  then  it  has  been 
growing  among  other  Bromeliads  in  a  minimum 
temperature  of  60°  Fahr.  After  flowering,  the 
whole  tuft  of  leaves  dies  away.  Suckers  are  pro- 
duced by  some  of  the  Bromeliads  at  the  base 
stem,  but  in  this  case  they  are  very  tardy  in  de- 
veloping,   although    a    small    one    has    appeared. 


'- 


Fig.  158. 


[Plwtogmph  by  C.  F.  Ball. 
-TILLANDSIA    BLOKII    IN    GLASNEVIN    BOTANIC   GARDENS.      HEIGHT   6    FEET. 


The  leaves  are  6  inches  across  at  the  base, 
gradually  tapering  upwards  until  they  terminate 
in  an  abrupt  point.  Oblong  reddish  blotches 
mark  the  leaves  of  this  new  species,  a  character 
not  found  in  the  closely-allied  Tillandsia  regina. 
The  illustration  (fig.  158)  shows  the  plant  in  fruit 
several  months  after  flowering.  The  capsules  are 
woody,  2  inches  in  length,  tapering  to  a  sbarp 
point ;  when  ripe  they  split  up  into  three  valves 
containing  numerous  seeds. 

The  seeds  are  curious ;  they  are  |  to  §  of  an 
inch  long,  brown  and  slender,  with  a  fawn-col- 
oured tuft  of  hairs  at  both  ends.  The  hairs  of 
the  lower  end  are  like  an  inverted  pappus  of 
Composite,  those  at  the  other  end  being  like  a 
twisted  tail,  eventually  dividing  into  a  pappus- 
like arrangement. 


The  larger-growing  Tillandsias  like  a  fairly  strong 
soil;  a  mixture  of  peat  and  loam  with  some 
manure  and  sand  suits  them  very  well,  while 
the  smaller  kinds  thrive  in  peat,  leaf-mould  and 
Sphagnum-moss. 

Under  natural  conditions  most  of  the  smaller 
plants  of  this  genus  are  epiphytic  on  trees.  Roots 
are  sparingly  developed,  but  the  channelled 
leaves  conduct  the  moisture  downwards  to  their 
sheathing  bases,  which  form  a  number  of  small 
reservoirs.  The  object  of  this  arrangement  is 
seen  when  one  places  the  epidermis  from  the 
base  of  the  leaf  under  the  microscope,  for  it  is 
covered  with  numbers  of  thin-walled,  gland-like 
structures  which  serve  for  the  absorption  of  the 
collected  water.  C.  F.  Ball,  Botanic  Gardens, 
Glasnevin. 


June  5,  1909.] 


THE    GARDENERS'    CHRONICLE. 


359 


ORCHID    NOTES   AND    GLEANINGS. 

AN  AMATEUR'S  EXPERIENCE. 
Finding  that  certain  Orchids  not  only  lived 
but  flowered  among  my  mixed  amateur  collection 
of  plants,  I  procured  one  or  two  books  on  Orchids, 
and  then  purchased  a  few  plants  of  Oncidium 
varicosum  Rogersii,  which  flowered  freely.  I  fol- 
lowed the  general  instructions  as  to  potting  ma- 
terial, &c,  being  careful  to  have  ample  drainage, 
and  potting  with  Sphagnum-moss  (of  which 
quantities  can  be  got  in  this  neighbourhood), 
English  Orchid  peat  and  a  little  charcoal,  with 
sometimes  a  little  Jadoo  fibre  added.  I  cannot 
say  I  followed  any  strict  rule  as  to  watering,  but 
was  careful  to  see  that  the  potting  material  did 
not  become  sour.  Dendrobiums  were  fully  ex- 
posed to  the  sun  to  ripen  their  growth.  Cypripe- 
diums,  in  a  considerable  number  of  varieties, 
grew  and  flowered  very  freely.  Vanda  gigantea, 
Dendrobium  speciosum,  and  several  other  Orchids 
were  sent  me  years  ago  by  a  friend  in  the  East. 
The  plants  were  some  years  before  getting 
perfectly  established,  but  since  that  time  they 
have  flowered  regularly,  and  I  have  several 
young  plants,  offshoots  from  Vanda  gigantea. 

So  long  as  they  are  not  allowed  to  get  a  chill, 
my  experience  seems  to  indicate  that  they  can 
live  for  some  time  in  a  fairly  low  temperature, 
though  no  doubt  they  would  not  flower  if  they 
were  permitted  to  remain  in  such  conditions.  In 
my  little  house  the  temperature  varies  from  55u 
to  70u  in  winter,  rising  to  80°  or  90°  in  summer, 
and  my  Orchids  are  crowded  in  among  Palms, 
Ferns,  Marantas,  Caladiums,  Hoya,  Allamanda, 
and,  in  summer-time,  Gloxinias,  Achimenes  and 
other  plants.  I  append  a  list  of  the  varie- 
ties of  Orchids  which  are  crowded  into  my 
little  place.  They  seem  to  thrive,  and  most  of 
them  flower  pretty  freely.  I  still  have  a  few 
which  were  sent  from  abroad  which  have  not 
flowered,  although  they  are  quite  strong  and 
healthy. 

The  larger  and  cooler  portion  of  the  house 
has  been  very  bright  with  a  crowd  of  Primula 
sinensis,  Cinerarias,  Clivias,  and  some  10  Hippe- 
astrums.  Most  of  the  Hippeastrums  we  have 
raised  from  seed.  When  these  plants  ceased 
to  flower  their  place  was  taken  by  Show, 
Regal,  Zonal  and  Ivy-leaved  Pelargoniums, 
Streptocarpus  (from  seed),  Streptosolen  Jame- 
sonii,  Tuberous  Begonias  (from  seed),  and  later 
by  Gloxinias.  I  get  excellent  results  in  August, 
September  and  October  from  Gloxinias  raised  in 
February. 

I  have  often  been  struck  by  letters  which  1 
see  in  gardening  papers  with  regard  to  growing 
Orchids.  According  to  these  letters,  it  would 
be  useless  for  anybody  to  go  in  for  Orchid 
growing  unless  he  had  some  half-a-dozen 
houses.  My  experience  has  been  very  much 
the  other  way.  I  think  there  are  few 
plants  that  stand  neglect  as  they  do.  Take, 
for  instance,  Pelargoniums,  Begonias,  Gloxinias, 
&c.  Were  one  to  neglect  watering  these 
for  two  or  three  days  the  results  would  be 
serious;  but  with  Orchids  one  might  neglect 
watering  them  for  a  week  or  a  month  without 
killing  the  plants.  I  do  not,  of  course,  advocate 
neglect,  but  what  I  do  say  is  that,  with  any  rea- 
sonable treatment,  a  great  variety  of  Orchids  may 
be  grown  by  amateurs  with  very  good  results. 
In  summer-time  my  Cypripedium  plants  are  put 
on  the  floor,  so  as  to  make  room  for  Gloxinias, 
Marantas,  Ferns,  Caladiums,  &c,  and  I  find  that 
they  all  thrive  together  in  a  very  friendly  man- 
ner. My  house  being  a  business  or  official  resi- 
dence, and  having  no  ground  attached,  seemed 
to  present  difficulties  in  the  way  of  a  greenhouse, 
but  I  was  unwilling  to  give  up  the  pleasure  which 
I  had  for  years  in  my  previous  house,  and  I  there- 
fore managed  to  get  a  conservatory  erected  on 
the  top  of  a  wing  of  the  building  opening  through 
what  had  been  a  staircase  window.  It  is  quite 
a  small  house,  about  20  feet  by  15  feet,  with  a 
division  cutting  off  a  portion  where  most  of  the 
Orchids  are  kept,  which  is  about  15  feet  by  5  feet. 


I  think  that  many  wriiirs  on  Orchids  do  a 
great  deal  to  shut  out  many  amateurs  from  the 
pleasure  of  growing  these  plants,  and  also  do 
harm  to  the  trade,  since,  were  an  amateur  to 
accept  all  the  statements,  that  this  Orchid  has  to 
be  grown  in  the  Cattleya  house,  and  another  in 
the  Odontoglossum  house,  &c,  &c,  he  would 
never  undertake  Orchid  growing. 

List  of  Orchids  which  thrive  with  me : — 

Cypripediums  Spicerianum,  superbiens,  bar- 
batum  nigrum,  Orphanum,  Germinyanum,  gigan- 
teum,  Leeanum.  hirsutissimum,  Charlesworthii, 
polystigmaticum,  insigne,  insigne  Sanderae, 
Loonidas,  callosum,  Lawrenceanum,  Chamber- 
lainianum. 

Dendrobiums  aggregatum,  Findlayanum,  Pha- 
lsenopsis,  nobile,  thyrsiflorum,  Wardianum,  Juno, 
Pierardii,  crassinode,  chrysotoxum,  formosum  gi- 
ganteum,  melanodiscus,  Leechianum,  suavissi- 
mum,  nobile  Cooksonii,  speciosum,  Apollo 
grandiflorum,  Ainsworthii,  primulinum,  tereti- 
folium. 

Oncidiums  varicosum  Rogersii,  incurvum,  un- 
guiculatum,  ornithorhynchum,  sarcodes,  Harri- 
sonianum,   phymatochilum. 

Aerides  odoratum. 

Vandas  (flowered)  coerulea,  gigantea  (un- 
flowered),  Amesiana. 

Odontoglossum  crispum,  Schlieperianum,  Pes- 
catorei,  grande,   Rossii  majus. 

Oncidium  leucochilum. 

Cattleyas  Trianae,  aurea  and  citrina. 

Cymbidiums  eburneum,  Lowianum,  pendulum. 

Lselias  superbiens,  cinnabarina  and  pumila. 

Ccelogyne  cristata,  Epidendrum  O'Brienianum. 

Ansellia  gigantea,  Trichopilia  suavis,  Miltonia 
cuneata,  Lycaste  (various).  D.  Campbell  Brown, 
Banh  of  Scotland  House,  Oban,  N.B. 


AMERICAN    NOTES. 


SEED  CROPS  IN  CALIFORNIA. 
The  past  winter  was  very  severe,  and  there 
was  more  rain  than  has  been  experienced  for  50 
years  past.  On  low-lying  lands  many  seed  crops 
have  suffered,  and  in  some  cases  all  have  been 
destroyed.  This  is  specially  true  of  the  Onion 
crops  in  the  Sacramento  and  San  Joaquin  river 
district.  One  seed  grower  lost  150  acres,  and 
another,  25  acres.  These  losses  were  due  to  the 
breaking  of  a  level,  which  flooded  the  land.  In 
the  Santa  Clara  "Valley  district  the  Onions  have 
suffered  on  the  average  from  the  excessive 
rain,  fully  25  per  cent.,  some  crops  of 
Onions  being  wholly  destroyed,  whilst  others 
are  not  in  the  least  degree  damaged.  In 
the  opinion  of  the  writer  of  the  report  appear- 
ing in  Horticulture,  April  24,  there  still  remain 
in  good  condition  sufficient  bulbs  going  to  seed 
to  supply  a  reasonable  demand  of  the  seed  trade 
for  the  season  of  1910,  except  in  the  cases  of 
Red  Wethersfield  and  White  Portugal,  which 
will  be  deficient.  Seeds  of  Lettuces  at  the 
present  date  are  being  re-sown,  and  at  the  best 
the  prospects  of  any  large  crops  are  not  promis- 
ing. Of  Carrots  there  is  a  very  limited 
area  growing  in  California  this  season.  These 
crops  are  looking  well,  and  there  is  no 
reason  why  good  crops  of  seed  should  not  be 
harvested.  Sweet  Peas  are  flourishing;  Radishes 
are  promising ;  Celery,  Coleworts,  Beetroots, 
Kohl-rabi,  Leeks,  Spinach,  Parsley,  Parsnip, 
Mustard  and  Endive  all  promise  good  crops. 

HORTICULTURE    AT    THE    ILLINOIS 
STATE     FAIR,     SPRINGFIELD. 

The  horticultural  department  has  secured  for 
the  purpose  of  the  next  autumn  exhibition  the 
whole  of  the  rotunda  of  the  Dome  Building,  a 
circular  space  containing  about  13,000  square 
feet  of  flooring,  exclusive  of  the  main  aisle.  The 
walls  will  be  well  decorated,  and  every  facility 
provided  for  making  the  finest  display  ever  shown 


in  the  State,  outside  of  the  Coliseum  in  Chicago. 
There  are  prizes  of  more  than  2,700  dollars 
offered   in   this   department. 

THE  DREER  ARBORETUM. 
Under  this  name  a  new  experimental  garden 
has  been  made  at  Riverton,  New  Jersey,  and  its 
formation  will  be  justified  when  the  large 
number  of  new  and  rare  shrubs  and  hardy 
plants  from  all  parts  of  the  world  are  con- 
sidered. The  garden  is  intended  for  the  test- 
ing of  plants  not  generally  known  or  grown 
in  the  United  States.  An  experimental  sec- 
tion for  out-of-door  testing  of  new  hybrid 
Tea  Roses  was  established  last  year  and  proved 
so  interesting  that  it  has  been  largely  extended 
this  year.  Two  hundred  varieties,  most  of  them 
unknown  there,  are  now  under  observation.  An 
important  issue  of  last  year's  work  was  the  dis- 
covery of  La  Detroit,  said  to  be  one  of  the  best 
bedding  Roses  extant,  having  more  numerous 
blooms  and  being  a  stronger  grower  than  any 
other. 


MANURES. 

The  coming  of  the  motorcar  has  had  many 
economic  issues  besides  those  involved  in  its 
manufacture,  the  most  important,  from  the  gar- 
dener's point  of  view,  being  the  shortage  of 
stable  manure  caused  by  the  general  use  of 
motor,  in  place  of  horse  traction.  More  par- 
ticularly does  this  apply  to  market  gardens 
and  nurseries  within  easy  distance  of  London, 
which  depend  largely  on  the  Metropolis  for 
supplies  of  manure.  A  few  years  ago  there  was 
no  difficulty  in  procuring  a  hundred  tons  or  so 
of  fairly  good  stable  manure  from  London  in 
the  course  of  a  few  days,  while  now  one  is 
lucky  to  get  a  couple  of  10-ton  truck  loads  after 
giving  a  week's  notice,  and  the  quality  is  ex- 
ceedingly bad.  Stale  fish,  decayed  vegetables 
from  fruiterers'  shops,  ashes,  and  such-like  mat- 
ter mixed  with  a  little  of  the  genuine  dung  are 
nowadays  contained  in  a  truck  of  manure.,  This 
scarcity  of  good  stable  manure  is  becoming  a 
serious  matter  to  market  gardeners  and  nursery- 
men generally,  and  it  is  hard  to  say  what  sub- 
stitute as  good  and  as  cheap  can  be  found  to 
take  its  place.  To  firms  that  have  been  in  the 
habit  of  using  a  thousand  tons  or  more  each 
year  this  is  a  grave  question  that  will  have  to 
be  faced  in  the  near  future.  There  are  always 
various  chemical  manures  that  can  be  used,  but 
it  has  to  be  remembered  that  the  cost  is  an 
important  item  where  manure  is  used  on  a  large 
scale,  and  that  also  all  manures  have  two  effects 
on  land,  viz.,  chemical  and  physical.  It  is  easy 
enough  to  be  mathematically  precise  as  to  the 
actual  amount  of  phosphates,  &c,  required  by 
the  growing  crop,  but  the  continued  use  of  in- 
organic manures  on  many  lands  has  the  effect  of 
leaving  the  soil  very  close  and  stiff,  and  in  some 
cases  almost  unworkable.  Good  stable  manure, 
on  the  contrary,  besides  containing  plant  food, 
forms  after  decomposition  the  rich,  black  mould 
so  common  in  old  kitchen  and  market  gardens. 
The  mechanical  effect,  therefore,  is  important, 
and  on  heavy  or  stiff  soils  stable  manure, 
with  plenty  of  long  straw  in  it,  is  a  valuable 
means  of  keeping  the  ground  open  and  porous. 

Chemical  manures  may  be  profitably  used  in 
conjunction  with  stable  manure,  and  on  land 
that  has  been  heavily  dressed  with  natural 
manures  for  some  years  in  succession  appli- 
cations of  an  appropriate  artificial  manure  will  be 
found  beneficial.  Some  of  the  elements  in  the 
chemical  manure  are  capable  of  combining  with 
constituents  in  the  stable  manure  that  are  still 
present  in  the  soil.  In  the  case  of  such  soil  which 
is  sometimes  said  to  contain  an  excess  of  organic 
matter,  a  dressing  of  lime  does  much  good.  Soot 
is  also  beneficial,  but  it  is  seldom  used. 

The  amount  of  plant  food  in  soot,  as  shown  by 
a  chemical  analysis,  is  low  in  comparison  with 
many  artificial  manures,  but  its  effect  on  growing 
crops  is  stimulating  and  persistent.     A  mixture 


360 


THE    GARDENERS'    CHRONICLE. 


LJune  5,  1909. 


of  soot,  slaked  lime  and  wood-ashes  in  about 
equal  proportions  forms  a  capital  plant  food  for 
many  crops,  more  especially  Potatos  and  other 
crops  in  the  kitchen  garden. 

Cow  manure  is  useful  on  light,  dry  lands, 
especially  for  Rhododendrons  and  other  peat-lov- 
ing subjects,  but  it  is  not  obtainable  in  sufficient 
quantities  to  meet  the  requirements  of  big  firms 
Pig  manure  is  hardly  worth  cartage,  as  its  chemi- 
cal value  is  low,  it  is  cold  and  heavy,  and  pigs 
are  usually  littered  down  with  any  rubbish  that 
may  be  handy,  while  weeds  of  all  descriptions  are 
thrown  to  them.  In  consequence  of  this  a  pro- 
lific crop  of  weeds  follows  its  use. 

Probably  everyone  who  has  had  to  deal  with 
the  growing  of  various  crops  has  noticed  that 
although  a  piece  of  ground  has  been  properly 
prepared  by  trenching  and  manuring  in  good 
time,  and  has  seemed  an  ideal  spot  on  which 
to  grow  a  certain  crop,  yet  the  results  have  been 
far  below  expectations.  Everything  beforehand 
has  been  properly  done,  the  crop  has  been  planted 
at  the  right  time,  no  late  frosts  have  occurred 
to  cause  any  injury,  and  yet  the  return  has  not 
been  anything  like  what  was  anticipated.  1 
have  to  deal  exclusively  with  trees  and 
shrubs,  and  have  noticed  this  partial  failure 
on  several  occasions  with  very  different  kinds  of 
plants.  On  the  contrary,  when  necessities  of 
time  or  space  have  demanded  it  and  certain  sub- 
jects have  been  planted  in  what  has  seemed 
hardly  the  place  for  them,  they  have  thriven 
splendidly.  These  items  of  where  and  what  to 
plant  require  careful  consideration  in  dealing 
with  anything  commercially,  and  especially  with 
trees  and  shrubs,  as  besides  the  loss  incurred 
through  the  growth  being  poor  and  stunted, 
there  is  also  the  time  and  labour  wasted  in  plant- 
ing in  the  first  instance,  and  afterwards  of  re- 
moval to  a  fresh  piece  of  ground. 

It  is  an  axiom  of  outdoor  gardening  nowadays 
that  crops  should  be  planted  in  rotation,  or,  in 
other  words,  that  the  same  class  of  plant  should 
not  be  grown  on  the  same  piece  of  ground  twice 
in  succession.  This  is  a  good  rule,  and  one 
that  it  pays  to  follow  as  closely  as  pos- 
sible, though  limitations  of  time  and  space 
often  prevent  its  strict  observance.  Then  it  is 
that  manure  has  to  be  used  more  freely  to  sup- 
ply the  stimulus  necessary  for  the  crop.  The 
recommending  of  certain  manures  for  certain 
soils  is  an  invidious  task.  Variations  of  climate 
and  soil,  a  limited  area  of  ground  to  work  on, 
and  the  necessity  for  hurrying  matters  forward 
due  to  a  late  season :  these  and  similar  items 
call  for  care  and  thought,  and  it  is  these  things 
that  "  the  man  who  walks  about  with  his  hands 
in  his  pockets  "  has  to  determine  satisfactorily. 
J.  Clark,  Bagshot,  Surrey. 


tively  limited  extent,  and  the  walls  are  utilised 
to  the  full  for  supporting  the  excellently-trained 
fruit  trees  with  which  they  are  clothed.  All  the 
usual  kinds  of  fruits  are  trained  in  greater  or 
lesser  numbers,  and  no  one  need  wish  to  see  finer 
examples  of  culture  or  a  superior  set  of  fruits 
than  may  be  found  in  the  Wildernesse  gardens 
this  season.  With  the  exception  of  Apricots,  the 
trees  are  clean  and  healthy.  Apricots,  however, 
do  not  succeed,  and  Mr.  Shelton,  the  courteous 
and  capable  head  gardener,  explained  that  he 
had  had  some  difficulty  in  getting  Cherries  estab- 
lished ;  now,  however,  there    are    several    trees 


WILDERNESSE  PARK,  SEVENOAKS. 

(Concluded  from  page  346.) 

On  the  lawns,  in  addition  to  a  grand  Cedar  of 
Lebanon,  there  are  considerable  numbers  of  Coni- 
fers, many  of  which  have  been  so  closely  planted 
that  they  are  now  crowded,  and  thinning  is 
needed  to  allow  for  further  progress  and  the  main- 
tenance of  perfect  form.  The  sundial  shown  in 
fig.  159  stands  on  one  corner  of  the  terrace 
near  the  mansion,  and  has  lawns,  trees,  and 
flower-beds  near  to  it.  The  pleasure  grounds 
are  conspicuous  for  splendid  trees.  Of  the 
three  avenues  one,  shown  at  fig.  160,  consists  of 
magnificent  Lime  trees.  In  the  other  and  smaller 
avenues  the  trees  are  varied,  there  being  Limes, 
Elms,  Chestnuts,  and  others  planted  promis- 
cuously. Flowering  trees  and  shrubs  may  be 
seen  in  considerable  numbers,  thus  adding  mate- 
rially to  the  charm  of  the  grounds  in  the  spring, 
and,  indeed,  at  all  seasons  of  the  year. 

Separated  from  the  pleasure  grounds  by  a  sub- 
stantial wall  are  the  vegetable  and  fruit  gardens 
and  houses.  The  wall  area  is  extensive,  since 
the   place  is   divided   into   gardens  of  compara- 


tarines,  as  well  as  Melons,  Cucumbers,  and 
Tomatos.  The  most  conspicuous  feature  through- 
out the  utilitarian  department  indoors  is  the 
scrupulous  cleanliness,  but  it  is  equally  pleasing, 
to  see  the  regular  crops  that  each  tree  carries. 

In  addition  to  the  fruit  houses,  there  are  sev- 
eral houses  devoted  to  plants  and  flowers,  of. 
which  the  prime  favourites  are  clearly  Carna- 
tions, chiefly  Souvenir  de  la  Malmaison  and. 
Perpetual-flowering  varieties.  There  are  many 
hundreds  of  grand  plants,  some  of  which 
have  given  their  blooms,  others  are  doing  so 
now,  whilst  there  are  yet  others  that  will  flower 


[Photograph  by  H.  N.  King. 
F'.G.    I59. — SUNDIAL    IN    WILDERNESSE   PARK    GARDENS. 


which  will  yield  a  good  account  of  themselves. 
Just  as  satisfactory  as  the  trees  on  the  walls 
are  those  in  the  open  quarters,  and  it  will  have 
to  be  something  exceptional  that  robs  these 
gardens  of  a  bountiful  harvest  this  year. 

The  culture  of  fruit  under  glass  is  equally 
extensive  and  the  results  are  more  than  gratify- 
ing to  the  grower.  Two  houses  are  wholly  de- 
voted to  Figs  and  a  third  is  to  be  planted  in  due 
course,  as  these  fruits  are  in  constant  demand. 
Several  other  large  and  handsome  structures 
are    given    up    to    Grapes,    Peaches,    and    Nec- 


later.  It  is  well  worth  a  visit  to  Wildernesse  to 
see  only  the  Carnations,  they  are  so  clean, 
healthy,  and  vigorous.  Good  batches  of  a 
variety  are  the  rule,  and  all  the  finest  of  the 
different  sections  are  represented.  It  is  notice- 
able as  one  proceeds  round  the  houses  that  prac- 
tically all  the  plants  are  such  as  will  provide 
blooms  suitable  for  decorative  purposes,  or  plants 
that  will  adorn  the  rooms.  Among  Orchids,  for 
example,  Odontoglossums  are  favourites  at  the 
moment,  while  in  the  autumn  and  winter  a  good' 
collection    of    Cypripedium    insigne    will   furnish 


June  5,  1909.] 


THE    GARDENERS'    CHRONICLE. 


361 


blossoms  for  cutting ;  there  are  also  small  collec- 
tions of  Cattleyas,  Thunias,  Ccelogynes,  and 
other  genera. 

All  the  plant  structures  are  supplied  from  the 
numerous  pits  and  frames,  which  are  filled  with 
excellent  plants.  In  these,  as  in  the  houses, 
there  is,  on  the  one  hand,  no  waste  of  space, 
whilst,  on  the  other,  there  is  no  excessive  crowd- 
ing. The  vegetable  department  is  conducted 
with  similar  skill.     H.  J.   W. 


TREES   AND  SHRUBS. 


When  Cytisus  Andreanus  was  first  introduced 
it  was  increased  largely  by  grafting  on  to  the 
Laburnum  or  common  Broom,  but  the  union  in 
many  instances  was  not  a  lasting  one.  For  this 
reason  plants  on  their  own  roots  are  to  be  pre- 
ferred, and  the  Newry-raised  forms  can  be 
obtained  in  this  way.     W. 

RIBES  SANGUINEUM. 
The  typical  Ribes  sanguineum  is  a  native  of 
Western   North    America,   and   for   its  introduc- 
tion  we    are    indebted   to   David    Douglas,    who 
sent  it  home  in  1826. 


R.  sanguineum,  but  it  is  quite  distinct  there- 
from. It  is  of  hybrid  origin,  the  parents  being 
R  aureum  and  R.  sanguineum.  R.  x  Gor- 
donianum  is  about  midway  between  its  parents- 
in  habit  and  form  of  foliage,  as  well  as  flowers, 
which  are  a  shade  of  yellowish  red,  an  uncom- 
mon yet  pleasing  tone.  Ribes  X  Gordonianum 
was  raised  by  Mr.  Donald  Beaton  (of  Zonal 
Pelargonium  fame)  at  Shrubland  Park,  some- 
where about  50  years  ago,  but  whether  it  was 
the  result  of  a  definite,  or  an  accidental  cross,  I 
cannot  say.  The  plant  is  entitled  to  a  place 
among  the  most  select  of  the  flowering  Currants. 


VIBURNUM  CARLESII. 

This  species,  which  was  illustrated  in  fig.  148 
in  last  week's  issue,  is  one  of  the  best  of  the  many 
Viburnums  that  have  been  introduced  to  gardens 
during  the  last  few  years.  It  was  first  brought 
to  notice  by  means  of  herbarium  material 
collected  by  Mr.  W.  R.  Carles  in  Western  China. 
In  1901  Messrs.  L.  Boehmer  &  Co.,  nurserymen 
at  Yokohama,  sent  specimens,  which  had  been 
raised  from  seeds  collected  in  Corea  in  1885,  to 
Kew  for  name,  and  a  year  later  a  living  plant 
was  received.  Doubts  being  entertained  as  to  its 
hardiness,  the  plant  was  kept  in  a  cold  frame 
for  three  winters,  but  in  1905  it  was  planted  in 
a  bed  of  hardy  Heaths.  The  protection  afforded 
in  this  manner  proved  sufficient  to  keep  it  safe 
through  the  winter,  and  the  first  flowers  were 
produced  in  the  spring  of  1906.  Each  year  since 
it  has  blossomed  well,  and  last  year  it  developed 
upwards  of  30  inflorescences.  This  particular 
plant  is  now  about  2|  feet  high  and  2£  feet 
through,  whilst  another  example  which  originated 
from  a  cutting  is  almost  as  large.  V.  Carlesii 
is  recognised  by  means  of  its  oval,  serrated  leaves, 
which  are  hairy  on  both  surfaces  and  have  a 
greyish  tint,  and  by  its  rounded  heads  of 
Rondeletia-like  flowers.  The  flowers  are  borne 
in  dense  heads  2  to  3  inches  across  and  open 
during  early  May.  They  are  white  in  colour, 
slightly  flushed  with  pink,  and  are  deliciously 
fragrant.  The  species  appears  to  thrive  best  in 
light,  loamy  soil  with  which  a  little  peat  has 
been  mixed.  Propagation  is  effected  by  means  of 
cuttings  which  root  readily  in  summer.      W .  D. 

FORMS  OF  CYTISUS  SCOPARDJS 
ANDREANUS. 

This  variety  of  the  common  Broom  was  dis- 
covered in  Normandy  by  M.  Edouard  Andre,  the 
celebrated  landscape  gardener,  and  soon  became 
common  in  gardens. 

Not  only  is  it  grown  as  a  hardy  shrub,  but  it 
is  cultivated  in  considerable  numbers  for  flower- 
ing under  glass  early  in  the  year.  There  are 
now  several  forms  of  Cytisus  scoparius  Andrea- 
nus which  have  been  raised  by  Mr.  T.  Smith,  of 
Newry,  in  whose  nursery  many  beautiful  and  in- 
teresting plants  are  always  to  be  found.  As  long 
since  as  the  Temple  Show  of  1907  one  of  these 
forms,  Firefly,  was  given  an  Award  of  Merit 
by  the  Floral  Committee  of  the  Royal  Horticul- 
tural Society,  and  at  the  meeting  held  on  April 
20  of  this  year  this  variety  was  particularly 
noticeable  in  one  of  the  exhibits  of  flowering 
shrubs.  Its  flowers  are  very  richly  coloured ;  in- 
deed, it  is  described  by  Mr.  Smith  as  an  im- 
proved Andreanus,  the  colour  of  both  keel  and 
wings   being   much   intensified. 

Other  forms  distributed  at  the  same  time,  with 
the  raiser's  descriptions,  are  Daisy  Hill,  an  An- 
dreanus with  white  wings;  Butterfly,  bright 
golden-yellow  wings  and  pale  orange  keel ; 
Dragonfly,  the  darkest  of  all,  rich,  almost  black 
keel,  the  crimson  of  which  is  suffused  over  the 
wings ;  and  Mayfly,  rich  orange-yellow  wings, 
and  deep  bronze  or  old  gold-coloured  keel.  Up 
to  the  present  none  of  the  other  varieties  seem 
to  have  attained  the  same  amount  of  popularity 
as  the  variety  Firefly,  which  may  come  in  time 
to  supersede  to  a  considerable  extent  the  original 
form. 


[Photograph  by  H.  N,  King 

Fig.  160. — lime  avenue  in  wildernesse  park. 
(See  page  860.) 


Among  the  most  marked  varieties  may  be 
mentioned  albidum,  with  flowers  blush  white, 
atrorubens  and  atrosanguineum,  both  character- 
ised by  deep-coloured  blossoms,  which  are  some- 
what smaller  than  those  of  the  type ;  carneum, 
a  pink  form,  with  large  blossoms ;  flore  plena, 
with  richly-coloured  double  flowers  that  are 
later  in  expanding  than  any  of  the  others ;  and 
malvaceum,  a  curious  lilac-pink  form  not  par- 
ticularly  showy. 

Ribes  X  Gordonianum,  also  known  as  Ribes 
hybridum,  is  sometimes  classed  as  a  variety  of 


Ribes  aureum,  above  referred  to  as  one  of  the 
parents  of  R.  X  Gordonianum,  is  also  a  desir- 
able garden  shrub,  but  it  is  not  nearly  so  sturdy 
a  plant  as  R.  sanguineum,  and  its  flowers  are 
yellow.  R.  aureum  is  also  represented  by 
several  varieties.  The  variety  aurantiacum  has 
flowers  of  an  orange  tint,  while  the  blossoms  of 
the  one  known  as  prsecox  expand  before  those 
of  the  type. 

Apart  from  their  value  as  outdoor  shrubs, 
these  different  forms  of  Ribes  can  be  forced  into 
flower  very  readily.      W. 


362 


THE    GARDENERS'    CHRONICLE. 


[June  5,  1909. 


The  Week's  Work. 


PLANTS    UNDER  GLASS. 

By  A.  C.  Bartlett,  Gardener  to  Mrs.  Ford,  Pencarrow, 
Cornwall. 

Salvia. — rot  plants  of  such  species  as  S.  splen- 
dens,  S.  rutilans,  and  S.  Bethellii,  which  are  in 
cultivation  for  flowering  in  autumn  and  early 
winter,  may  be  placed  in  a  cool  pit  or  frame  for 
the  summer  months.  They  must  not  be  allowed 
to  become  root-bound,  as  the  result  would  be 
that  the  lower  leaves  would  fall.  Pinch  the 
shoots  from  time  to  time,  in  order  to  obtain  bush- 
habited  plants.  Frequent  syringings  will  serve 
to  protect  the  plants  against  red  spider.  Cut- 
tings of  S.  splendens  and  its  varieties,  also  of  S. 
rutilans,  may  still  be  inserted.  They  will  fur- 
nish useful  flowering  plants  in  small  pots. 

Oaladium. — If  large  specimens  are  desired 
some  of  the  best  plants  should  be  potted  into 
larger  receptacles,  using  a  similar  compost  to 
that  employed  at  the  last  potting.  The  utmost 
care  must  be  taken  to  avoid  damaging  the  leaves. 
Any  plants  which  are  required  for  decorating 
dwelling-rooms  should  be  removed  from  the  hot, 
moist  atmosphere  in  which  they  are  growing,  to 
a  drier  and  cooler  structure,  in  which  they  may 
remain  for  a  few  days  before  they  are  subjected 
to  the  ungenial  conditions  in  the  dwelling-house. 

liichardia  africana. — Plants  of  the  common 
Calla  may  now  be  placed  in  a  warm  position  out- 
of-doors,  where  the  crowns  will  ripen.  The 
practice  of  planting  this  Richardia  in  trenches 
similar  to  those  for  Celery  still  obtains  in 
many  gardens,  but  plants  thus  cultivated  are 
not  generally  so  early  or  so  floriferous  as  those 
which  are  allowed  a  period  of  rest  during  the 
early  summer. 

Poinsettia. — The  cuttings  which  were  recently 
potted  singly  will  need  to  be  shifted  into  5- inch 
pots  as  soon  as  they  have  filled  the  smaller  ones 
with  roots.  A  suitable  compost  consists  of 
turfy  loam  two  parts,  leaf-mould  one  part,  and 
decomposed  cow  manure  one  part,  adding  to  the 
whole  a  good  sprinkling  of  silver  sand.  Pot 
firmly,  and  about  10  days  afterwards  remove  the 
plants  into  a  cool  pit  for  the  summer  months. 
Care  must  be  taken  in  ventilating  the  pit,  as 
Poinsettia  is  very  easily  damaged  by  sudden  fluc- 
tuations of  temperatures.  Two  common  causes 
of  failure  in  these  plants  are  (1)  cold  draughts, 
(2)  overwatering.  During  the  middle  of  sunny 
days,  a  slight  shading  will  be  beneficial.  In  the 
afternoon,  when  the  shading  material  is  removed, 
the  plants  should  be  lightly  sprayed  with  clear 
water.  In  the  warmer  parts  of  the  country  it  is 
usual  to  remove  the  lights  entirely  on  warm  even- 
ings when  it  is  not  expected  there  will  be  any 
heavy  rain. 

PUBLIC   PARKS   AND   GARDENS. 

By  W.  W.   Pettigrew,    Superintendent   of   City   Parks, 
Cardiff. 

Spring  bedding. — For  some  years  past  spring 
bedding  has  been  regarded  as  quite  an  institu- 
tion in  municipal  gardens,  and,  for  many  rea- 
sons, it  is  a  form  of  park  decoration  highly  ap- 
preciated by  the  general  public.  Owing  to  the 
lateness  of  the  present  season,  which  is  probably 
the  cause  of  so  many  different  species  and  varie- 
ties of  plants  flowering  simultaneously,  instead 
of  dissipating  their  blooming  period  over 
several  months,  the  spring  bedding  has  been  more 
effective  and  attractive  than  usual.  In  the  days 
when  the  success  of  spring  bedding  displays  de- 
pended largely,  if  not  entirely,  upon  the  use  of 
so-called  Dutch  bulbs,  this  form  of  garden  em- 
bellishment was  not  carried  out  so  extensively, 
nor  with  such  pleasing  effects  as  are  now  wit- 
nessed. With  more  numerous  and  varied 
plants  at  command,  this  phase  of  gardening  has 
become  not  only  superior  in  many  ways  to  sum- 
mer bedding,  but  much  less  expensive. 

Preparations  for  next  year. — As  many  of  the 
preparations  for  next  spring's  show  have  to  be 
made  just  as  soon  as  the  current  season's  display 
is  over,  it  is  necessary  to  decide  the  design  and 
arrangement  of  this  work  a  whole  year  in  ad- 
vance. The  necessity  for  this  forethought  has  its 
advantages,  for,  while  the  new  schemes  are  being 
drawn  up,  the  failure  and  successes  of  the  old  are 
still  fresh  in  the  memory,  and  it  is,  therefore,  the 
f:isier  to  avoid  past  mistakes.  It  often  happens 
that  plants  which  are  admirably  adapted  for  the 
mixed  spring  border,  or  for  beds  which  can  be 
approached    and    examined    at    near    range,    are 


absolutely  useless  in  a  design  where  the  object  is 
for  each  bed  to  show  up  at  a  distance  and  take  a 
part  in  giving  colour  to  the  whole  arrangement. 
On  more  than  one  occasion  we  have  spoiled  what 
have  been  otherwise  pleasing  arrangements  by 
using  a  plant  incapable  of  producing  a  definite 
colour  effect.  Three  plants  which  have  disap- 
pointed us  in  this  manner  are  the  double  red 
Daisy,  Aubrietia  deltoidea  var.  Leichtlinii,  and 
the  Heavenly  Blue  variety  of  Grape  Hyacinth. 
While  each  'of  these  is  a  delightfully  pleasing 
object  when  view.jd  at  short  range,  they  one 
and  all  failed  to  show  up  for  any  considerable 
distance,  and  so  spoilt  the  whole  scheme. 
Again,  the  slightest  difference  in  the  time  of  the 
flowering  of  one  kind  of  plant  from  another  may 
also  tend  to  weaken  the  general  effect  of  such  an 
arrangement,  for  it  is  almost  essential  that  all 
the  different  plants  used  in  it  should  be  at  their 
best  at  about  the  same  time.  For  this  reason  it 
seems  questionable  if  that  remarkably  fine 
variety  of  Aubrietia  known  as  Dr.  Mules,  with 
all  its  advantages  of  habit  and  colour,  will  ever 
take  the  place  of  the  older  forms,  Campbellii  and 
Hendersonii,  for  bedding  purposes.  This  season 
it  has  proved  in  this  district  to  be  almost  a  fort- 
night later  than  those  varieties,  and  it  is  thus 
at  its  best  when  most  beds  are  required  for  their 
summer  occupants.  For  a  similar  reason  Myo- 
sotis  alpestris  var.  Victoria  seems  better 
adapted  for  the  spring  border  than  a  position  in 
a  geometrical  design,  although  even  for  such 
work  it  is  a  great  acquisition. 

Isolated  beds. — In  planting  isolated  beds  or 
even  designs  it  is  not  at  all  necessary  to  confine 
oneself  to  the  use  of  one  variety  or  even  species 
of  plant  for  each  bed.  Striking  effects  may  be 
obtained  by  the  use  of  yellow  Polyanthus  Prim- 
roses mixed  with  a  mauve-flowering  Viola ; 
scarlet  Tulips,  with  yellow  Polyanthus  Prim- 
roses ;  double  white  Arabia,  with  scarlet  Tulips  ; 
or  Aubrietia  "  Campbellii,"  with  double  Arabia. 
Where  it  is  intended  that  each  bed  shall  pro- 
duce a  single  tone  of  colour,  there  are  very  few 
plants  to  beat  double  Arabis  for  white,  Viola 
"  Bullion  "  for  yellow,  and  Aubrietia  "  Camp- 
bellii "  or  "  Hendersonii  "  for  mauve.  In  com- 
bination, these  plants  are  very  difficult  to  beat, 
and  they  can  always  be  depended  upon  to 
flower  at  about  the  same  time.  Of  course,  it  is  as 
well  to  remember  that  all  positions  in  the  flower 
garden  are  not  equally  suitable  for  the  success- 
ful development  of  the  plants  just  enumerated. 
We  find,  for  instance,  that  the  very  best  results 
are  only  obtained  from  Aubrietias  when  they 
are  growing  on  a  gentle  slope,  preferably  facing 
south.  Where  such  a  position  is  not  at  one's 
command,  an  equally  good  effect  may  be  had 
by  the  use  of  Viola  cornuta  var.  Papilio,  which 
has  a  colour  very  similar  to  the  two  Aubrietias 
previously  named,  and  is  one  of  the  most 
floriferous  varieties  of  Viola  known  to  me. 


THE    KITCHEN    GARDEN. 

By  E.  Beckett,  Gardener  to  the  Hon.  Vicary  Gibbs, 
Aldenham  House,  Elstree,  Hertfordshire. 

The  weather. — The  welcome  change  in  the 
weather  has  done  much  to  improve  the  crops. 
Slight  applications  of  artificial  manures  may  now 
be  frequently  made  with  advantage,  and  the 
surface  soil  should  be  kept  frequently  moved 
with  the  hoe. 

Onions. — The  general  crop  which  was  sown  in 
the  open  should  now  be  moderately  thinned.  It 
is  a  mistake  to  do  this  too  severely,  as  the  Onion 
fly  is  apt  to  do  serious  damage  to  the  outdoor 
sowings.  Provided  a  good  number  has  been 
raised  in  heat  and  planted  out  for  supplying  large 
bulbs,  there  will  be  no  necessity  to  grow  the  out- 
door crop  very  thinly.  Frequent  dustings  of  soot 
during  the  evening  or  very  early  in  the  morning 
act  both  as  a  stimulant  to  the  plants  and  a  deter- 
rent to  fly.  Keep  the  planted  beds  well  supplied 
with  water  and  apply  plenty  of  stimulants,  damp- 
ing the  growths  well  every  afternoon  on  fine  days. 
Sow  small  quantities  for  salads  frequently.  The 
silver-skinned  variety  may  still  be  sown  for 
pickling  purposes. 

Vegetable  Marrows. — The  lights  and  frames 
may  now  be  removed  from  those  plants  which 
have  been  yielding  crops  during  the  past  six 
weeks  or  two  months.  Thin  out  the  shoots  and 
give  a  thorough  good  surface  dressing  of  loam 
and  half-decayed  manure.  Peg  out  the  growths 
and  keep  them  well  supplied  with  water,  giving 
occasional   doses   of  properly     diluted     farmyard 


liquid.  Under  this  treatment  the  plants  should 
continue  to  bear  profusely  until  the  autumn. 
Later-raised  plants  may  safely  be  planted  in  any 
fairly  open  part  of  the  garden.  They  are  very 
useful  for  covering  large  rubbish  heaps  or  any 
unsightly  places,  but  it  is  advisable  to  give  them 
a  good  start  by  placing  a  reasonable  quantity  of 
good  half-decayed  manure  under  the  roots  when 
planting. 

Gourds  and  Pumpkins. — These  require  much 
the  same  treatment  as  Vegetable  Marrows,  ex- 
cept that  in  many  places  the  majority  are  grown 
for  their  ornamental  fruits,  and  are  trained  over 
pergolas,  tripods,  and  similar  supports.  They 
should  be  liberally  fed  during  the  growing  season. 

Globe  Artichokes. — Artichokes  require  a  liberal 
mulch  with  some  good  litter  from  the  stables.  If 
they  are  well  supplied  with  waterings  of  properly- 
diluted  farmyard  liquid,  both  the  size  and  quality 
of  the  heads  will  be  much  improved. 

Leeks. — Endeavour  to  obtain  as  soon  as  possible 
the  desired  height  of  blanching  in  the  early 
Leeks,  by  gradually  raising  the  collars  and  work- 
ing fine  soil  about  the  bottoms.  Plenty  of  water 
must  be  given  at  the  roots  and  the  tops  should 
be  sprayed  every  fine  afternoon.  Continue  to  put 
out  the  later  sowings  as  the  plants  become  ready. 
For  late  plantings,  deep  holes  may  be  bored, 
dropping  the  young  plants  in  to  the  depth  of 
about  10  inches'  and  gradually  filling  up  as  growth 
advances.  

THE  HARDY  FRUIT  GARDEN. 

By  J.  G.  Weston,  Gardener  to  H.  J.  King,  Esq.,  Eastwell 
Park,  Kent. 

Peaches  and  Nectarines. — These  having  been 
disbudded  as  recommended  in  previous  "  Calen- 
dars" ;  the  young  growths  should  now  be  tied  or 
nailed  in.  In  most  cases,  the  shoots  may  be 
trained  to  the  wood  they -start  from,  as  this  will 
be  removed  after  the  fruit  is  gathered,  but  do 
not  train  in  too  many.  Pinch  out  all  lateral 
growths  as  they  appear.  Syringe  the  trees 
thoroughly  on  fine  afternoons,  wetting  all  parts 
of  the  trees,  otherwise  red  spider  and  other  in- 
sect pests  will  make  their  appearance.  Remove 
any  shoots  that  are  growing  unduly  strong,  for 
they  would  never  be  likely  to  bear  well.  The 
first  thinning  of  the  fruits  may  be  commenced, 
for  they  are  developing  fast.  Remove  first  those 
which  are  badly  placed  and  others  that  are 
growing  too  thickly  together.  The  final  thinning 
must  not  be  done  until  after  the  critical  stoning 
period  is  past.  Keep  the  trees  well  supplied 
with  water.  Young  trees  that  were  lifted  last 
autumn  should  be  watched  closely  and  watered 
occasionally  as  required.  If  a  good  mulch  has 
not  been  given  such  trees,  let  it  be  applied  with- 
out delay.  Trees  in  full  bearing  may  be  given 
a  mulch  of  rotten  farmyard  manure,  but  for 
young  trees  growing  strongly,  a  lighter  and  less 
forceful  material  will  be  more  suitable,  being 
required  merely  to  keep  the  ground  moist  and 
cool. 

Apricots. — Continue  to  pinch  back  any  shoots 
not  required  for  extension,  and  secure  longer 
growths  to  the  wires.  Give  the  fruits  their  final 
thinning  where  this  is  necessary ;  but  in  cases 
under  the  writer's  notice  Apricots  are  only  a 
very  moderate  crop,  and,  therefore,  the  fruits 
will  be  unusually  valuable.  When  growing  freely, 
the  trees  should  be  assisted  by  applications  of 
manure  water.  Fruit  trees  on  walls  rarely  get 
the  full  benefit  from  the  rains  at  this  season,  and 
means  should  therefore  be  taken  to  make  good 
the  deficiency. 

Plums. — Plum  trees  need  similar  attention  to 
Apricots  in  the  matter  of  the  leading  shoots  and 
pinching  out  those  not  required  for  extension. 
Stop  all  foreright  growths  at  the  fourth  or  fifth 
leaf,  leaving  the  weaker  shoots,  which  should  be 
stopped  later  in  the  season.  Examine  the  trees 
carefully  for  aphides,  and  if  these  insects  are 
discovered,  give  the  trees  a  thorough  wash  first 
with  a  good  insecticide,  and  afterwards  with 
clear  water  from  the  garden  engine.  As  young 
trees  are  apt  to  grow  very  strong,  do  not  apply 
rich  manurial  stimulants  in  the  watering  or 
mulching,  but  apply  a  mulch  of  some  light  ma- 
terial. At  present  Plums  are  looking  well,  and 
the  fruits  are  swelling  rapidly. 

General  work. — Keep  the  hoe  constantly  at 
work,  breaking  up  the  ground  sufficiently  to  en- 
sure a  fairly  fine  surface.  Where  watering  has 
been  done,  the  soil  is  apt  to  become  caked  and 
hard,  and  finally  to  crack,  but  this  can  be  pre- 
vented  by   frequently  stirring. 


June  5,  1909.] 


THE     GARDENERS'    CHRONICLE. 


303 


THE    ORCHID    HOUSES. 

By  W.  H.  White,  Orchid  Grower  to  Sir  Trevor  Lawrence, 
Bar!.,  Burford,  Surrey. 

Oaelogyne. — In  addition  to  the  Coelogynes  men- 
tioned last  week,  there  are  other  species  which 
thrive  well  in  an  intermediate  temperature,  such 
as  C.  elata,  C.  burbata,  C.  speciosa,  C.  odoratis- 
sima,  C.  Micholitzii,  C.  conferta,  C.  Rossiana, 
C.  ocellata,  C.  Lawrenceana,  C.  Sanderiana,  and 
the  rare  C.  Sanderoe.  These  are  now  making 
their  growth  and  may  be  repotted.  Employ  a 
similar  mixture  to  that  advised  for  C.  cristata, 
but  containing  rather  less  loam,  and  more  of  the 
two  fibres.  As  C.  Dayana  and  C.  flaccida  pro- 
duce pendulous  racemes,  they  should  be  grown 
in  baskets  or  shallow  pans,  which  may  be  sus- 
pended. The  warmth-loving  C.  Massangeana 
and  C.  tomentosa  should  also  be  cultivated  in 
baskets.  Whilst  growth  is  being  made,  suspend 
them  in  a  shady  position  in  the  East  Indian 
house,  and,  during  the  resting  period,  in  a  similar 
position  in  the  Cattleya  house.  C.  asperata  Lowii 
also  requires  stove  treatment,  and  should  be 
repotted,  if  necessary,  directly  after  flowering. 
Shallow  pans  are  preferable  for  the  small,  dwarf- 
growing  varieties  as  C.  odoratissima  and  C. 
Thuniana.  After  root  disturbance,  these  Ccelo- 
gynes  need  to  be  well  shaded,  and  water  must 
be  afforded  them  very  carefully  around  the  edge 
of  the  pot  rather  than  in  the  centre.  As  each 
plant  becomes  re-established,  it  will  require  an 
abundance  of  moisture  until  the  pseudo-bulbs  are 
fully  made  up.  During  warm  summer  weather 
spray  them  lightly  overhead  with  clear  tepid 
rain-water  several  times  each  day.  It  will  be 
observed  that  sometimes  the  tips  of  the  young 
growths  of  several  of  these  plants  are  covered 
with  a  sticky  exudation,  which,  if  not  carefully 
washed  off,  will  prevent  the  young  leaves  from 
expanding. 

Odonioglossum  grande,  0.  Schlieperianum 
and  0.  I  nslcayi  will  now  be  commencing  to  grow, 
and  should  be  repotted  into  similar  compost  as 
advised  in  a  former  "  Calendar  "  for  Cattleyas. 
The  compost  should  be  made  extra  porous,  for 
although  these  plants  delight  in  plenty  of  water 
when  growing,  it  should  pass  quickly  away, 
otherwise  the  least  stagnation  in  the  soil  will 
cause  the  fleshy  roots  to  decay.  A  critical  time 
is  during  the  early  stages  of  growth,  as  the 
young  breaks  soon  damp  off  if  the  soil  is  kept 
in  a  wet  condition.  They  are  also  apt  to  decay 
should  water  be  allowed  to  remain  in  their 
centres  for  any  length  of  time.  At  Burford,  we 
find  that  they  do  best  on  a  high,  dry  shelf  in  the 
cool  house.  This  kind  of  treatment  is  also  suit- 
able for  the  rare  O.  Williamsianum  now  coming 
into  bloom. 

Oncidium  ainpliatum,  ice. — Plants  that  have 
passed  out  of  flower  should  be  placed  in  a  cool 
intermediate  house.  While  at  rest  very  little 
moisture  is  required  to  keep  the  leaves  fresh  and 
the  bulbs  plump.  As  soon  as  growth  recom- 
mences remove  the  plants  to  the  warmer  atmo- 
sphere of  the  East  Indian  house.  Those  plants  of 
0.  leucochilum  which  have  been  flowering  in  the 
intermediate  house  should,  immediately  their 
spikes  are  cut,  be  placed  in  the  cool  house.  Ow- 
ing to  the  great  strain  of  carrying  strong-branch- 
ing flower-spikes,  the  pseudo-bulbs  become  more 
or  less  shrivelled,  but  with  proper  care  and  at- 
tention they  return  to  their  normal  condition 
soon  after  growth  recommences.  While  at  rest, 
keep  the  plants  cool,  and  do  not  afford  heavy 
waterings,  but  merely  keep  the  surface  of  the 
compost  just  moist.  At  this  season  there  are 
other  Oncidiums,  such  as  0.  Marshallianum,  O. 
crispum.  O.  concolor,  and  O.  prsetextum  which 
are  liable  to  become  exhausted  after  flowering. 
Therefore,  both  owner  and  grower  should  take 
the  future  into  consideration  and  remove  the 
spikes  after  the  flowers  have  been  open  a  rea- 
sonable time.  Any  of  these  plants,  or  others 
which  have  not  wholly  recovered  from  the  effects 
of  last  season's  flowering,  should  not  be  allowed 
to  bloom  this  year.  With  a  season's  rest,  and 
all  other  conditions  being  favourable,  they  will 
regain  their  strength.  Small,  weakly  plants 
should  not  be  allowed  to  bloom  at  all.  These 
remarks  are  also  applicable  to  Odontoglossum 
crispum  and  its  allies.  There  are  many  who  pos- 
sess newly-imported  plants  of  these  species  an  ! 
who  are  anxious  to  see  them  flower ;  others,  too, 
who  are  flowering  young  seedlings  for  the  first 
time,  and  are  equally  anxious  as  to  the  result. 
It  is  advisable  to  leave  only  one  or  two  flowers 
to  open  so  as  to  determine  the  variety,  and  then 


to  grow  the  plant  on  for  several  years  without 
flowering,  by  which  time  it  will  be  so  thoroughly 
established  as  to  bring  to  perfection  a  strong 
inflorescence  without  causing  distress  to  the 
pseudo-bulbs. 

Cattleya  gigas. — Strong  plants  of  Cattleya 
gigas,  whether  showing  flower-sheaths  in  the 
young  growths  or  not,  should  at  once  be  elevated 
close  to  the  roof  glass  of  the  house.  Afford 
them  plenty  of  water  at  the  roots.  Defer  the 
potting  of  the  plants  until  after  they  have 
flowered  and  the  new  pseudo-bulbs  have  fully 
developed. 


FRUITS  UNDER  GLASS. 

By  E.  Harriss,  Fruit  Foreman,  Royal  Gardens,  Frogmore. 

Late  vines. — As  soon  as  the  flowers  are  set 
upon  late  vines,  it  will  be  time  to  regulate  the 
growths,  the  laterals  must  be  stopped  and  shoots 
tied  down  to  the  wires.  Much  care  must  be 
exercised  in  this  latter  matter,  especially  with 
such  varieties  as  Black  Alicante,  Appley  Towers, 
and  Lady  Hutt,  for  at  this  stage  the  shoots  are 
easily  broken  off.  In  any  case,  they  must  be 
trained  in  the  right  direction  and  gradually 
pulled  down  at  intervals  of  a  few  days,  until 
ultimately  they  can  be  tied  to  their  proper  posi- 
tion on  the  trellis.  Remove  all  surplus  bunches 
as  soon  as  it  can  be  seen  which  are  needed  for 
furnishing  the  crop.  Late  vines  must  not  be 
overcropped,  this  being  one  of  the  chief  causes 
of  shanking,  and  a  hindrance  to  perfect  ripen- 
ing. The  thinning  of  the  berries  must  not  be 
delayed  when  once  they  are  large  enough  for  the 
operation  to  be  properly  carried  out.  The  free- 
setting  kinds  especially  swell  very  quickly  at 
this  time  of  the  year,  and  the  berries  are  there- 
fore liable  to  get  damaged  through  overcrowd- 
ing. Late  Grapes  should  be  more  severely 
thinned  than  earlier  ones,  for  they  need  more 
room  for  the  berries  to  mature  without  unduly 
pressing  each  other,  a  condition  which  is  against 
their  good  keeping.  At  the  same  time  they  must 
not  be  over-thinned,  especially  at  the  top  of  the 
bunch.  In  the  case  of  varieties  of  compact  habit 
such  as  Gros  Maroc  and  Gros  Colmar,  the 
bunches  may  be  increased  in  size  if  the  shoul- 
ders are  carefully  looped  up.  The  final  thinning 
must  be  deferred  for  a  week  or  two  until  it  can 
be  better  determined  which  berries  are  going 
to  swell  best.  If  the  borders  are  properly 
drained  and  the  vines  thoroughly  well-rooted 
they  must  be  given  copious  supplies  of  liquid 
manures  and  occasional  sprinklings  with  some 
fertiliser.  When  the  final  thinning  has  been 
done,  apply  a  good  mulching  of  farmyard 
manure  over  the  roots.  Do  not  employ  fire  heat 
when  temperatures  can  be  maintained  in  its  ab- 
sence, and  at  no  time  must  the  water  pipes  be 
overheated,  as  this  condition  encourages  the 
spread  of  red  spider.  If  this  pest  is  present, 
sponge  the  affected  leaves  with  soft  soapy  water. 
Late  vines  should  receive  plenty  of  ventilation; 
the  rods  should  be  trained  sufficiently  far  from 
the  glass  to  allow  a  free  circulation  of  air  about 
the  foliage.  The  ventilators  at  the  top  of  the 
house  should  be  allowed  to  remain  open  just  a 
little  all  through  the  night.  At  the  same  time 
draughts  of  cold  air  must  not  be  permitted. 

The  orchard  house. — Complete  the  final  thin- 
ning of  Peaches  and  Nectarines  and  other  stone 
fruits  as  soon  as  the  stoning  stage  is  past.  In 
determining  the  number  of  fruits  upon  each  tree, 
the  operator  should  consider  carefully  the  size 
and  strength  of  the  individual  trees.  Again,  it 
must  be  said  that  overcropping  should  be  avoided, 
as  in  all  cases  prejudicial  to  good  gardening. 
Apply  plenty  of  water  to  the  roots  and  give  liquid 
manure  water  at  frequent  intervals,  increasing 
the  strength  of  the  manure  water  after  the  ston- 
ing stage  is  past.  Mulch  the  trees  with  decom- 
posed horse  manure  and  loam  in  equal  propor- 
tions, adding  small  quantities  of  some  approved 
fertiliser.  Syringe  the  trees  freely  on  bright 
days,  and  damp  the  surfaces  in  the  house  three 
or  four  times  every  day.  Pinch  the  young 
growths,  especially  the  strong  ones. 

Tomatos. — Pot  plants  should  be  stopped  when 
they  have  set  four  or  five  trusses  of  fruit,  as  they 
are  not  able  to  perfect  such  a  large  crop  as 
plants  which  are  growing  in  beds.  Remove  the 
side  shoots  and,  where  the  foliage  is  obscuring 
the  light  and  air  from  the  fruits,  the  leaves  must 
be  partly  cut  away,  but  not  too  severely,  for  the 
fruits  ripen  better  when  partially  shaded.  Give 
the  plants  a  top-dressing  of  some  rich   material 


such  as  loam  and  well-decayed  horse  manure  in 
equal  proportions.  The  roots  should  be  watered 
and  fed  more  frequently  than  hitherto.  A 
batch  of  plants  should  be  raised  about 
the  second  week  in  June  for  supplying  fruits  in 
late  autumn.  When  established,  these  plants 
should  be  placed  in  a  sheltered  position  out-of- 
doors,  and  not  be  brought  in  again  until  the 
autumn  frosts  are  apparent.  By  that  time  each 
plant  should  have  set  several  trusses  of  fruits, 
and  these  will  carry  the  supply  till  the  end  of 
the  year. 


THE  FLOWER  GARDEN. 

By  W.  A.  Cook,  Gardener  to  Sir  Edmund  G,  Loder,  Bart., 
Leonardslee,  Sussex. 

Roses. — Endeavour  to  keep  all  the  Roses  clean 
of  insect  pests.  Maggots  require  to  be  sought 
often,  or  they  will  disfigure  the  foliage.  They 
are  apt  to  hide  themselves  in  the  tip  of 
the  leaf,  and  commence  to  draw  the  flower-buds 
inside.  Green  fly  can  be  kept  under  by  spraying 
the  plants  with  extract  of  quassia  or  petroleum 
emulsion.  This  latter  remedy,  however,  must  be 
applied  with  caution  or  the  leaves  may  receive 
damage.  Apply  water  to  any  that  nwd  it  dur- 
ing dry  weather.  Tie  in  strong  growths  in  order 
that  they  may  not  be  damaged  by  winds,  and 
remove  all  decayed  flowers  from  early-blooming 
varieties.  Employ  the  hoe  frequently  on  the 
ground  amongst  the  young  Rose  plants  in  the 
nursery.  Examine  the  ties  upon  standard  plants 
and  make  any  good  that  require  it.  Rosa  sinica 
Anemone  and  fulgida  flowered  grandly  dur- 
ing the  last  fortnight.  These  are  two  excellent 
Roses  for  early-flowering,  the  colours  being  so 
exquisite. 

Summer  bedding. — Complete  the  summer  bed- 
ding as  soon  as  possible,  remembering  the  season 
at  its  best  is  only  a  short  one.  Give  every  plant 
all  the  facilities  possible  for  making  a  good  start. 
Keep  the  beds  and  borders  free  from  weeds,  and 
the  edges  neatly  clipped. 

Annuals. — Those  which  have  been  planted  out 
should  be  sprayed  every  evening  villi  water. 
Dimorphotheca  aurantiaca  is  now  flowering  splen- 
didly, but  it  looks  as  if  it  will  be  short-lived. 

Seed  sowing. — Anemone  seed  may  now  be 
sown  on  finely-prepared  soil.  Seed  beds  should 
be  shaded  by  placing  moss  or  some  similar  ma- 
terial upon  them.  The  present  time  is  suitable 
for  sowing  seeds  of  Aquilegia,  Dianthus,  Holly- 
hocks, Polyanthus,  and  other  species  required  for 
spring  gardening,  if  this  work  has  not  already- 
been  done. 

Bog  plants  and  aquatics. — Remove  all  the  old 
soil  and  decayed  matter  from  around  the  plants 
growing  at  the  edges  of  lakes  and  ponds  and 
apply  a  top-dressing  in  cases  where  this  is  neces- 
sary. Spiraeas  and  similar  plants  are  much  im- 
proved by  a  dressing  of  soot  occasionally,  especi- 
ally S.  palmata,  a  variety  which  succeeds  so  well 
in  these  positions.  If  any  waterside  plants  have  to 
be  planted  the  work  may  now  be  done,  as  the 
temperature  of  the  water  is  now  increased. 
Richardia  afrioana,  if  it  has  been  hardened  off, 
may  now  be  planted  in  Z  feet  deep  of  water. 
Some  excellent  plants  for  the  water-edge  include 
Lythrum  roseum  superbum,  Calla  palustris  and 
Little  Gem,  •  Aponogeton  distachyon,  Acorus 
calamus,  Hottonia  palustris,  Menvanthes  tri- 
foliata,  Rumex  Hydrolopathum,  Zizania,  the 
Water  Rice,  which  grows  8  to  10  feet  in  height, 
Gunnera  manieata,  and  G.  scabra  should  now  be 
freed  from  all  protective  material  which 
should  be  spread  about  over  the  roots.  Give 
manure  as  recommended  in  a  former  Calen- 
dar. If  the  flower-heads  are  removed  as 
soon  as  they  are  seen  the  leaves  will  grow  to  a 
larger  size.  Kniphofias  are  fine  plants  for  the 
waterside.  They  should  receive  heavy  top- 
dressings  of  manure.  Acanthus  latifolius  is  a 
very  stately  plant  with  fine  large  leaves  of 
glossy  green  and  tall  spikes  of  blue  and  white 
flowers.  This  plant  should  be  planted  out  from 
pots.  Petasites  gigantea  is  a  fine  foliage  plant 
for  the  margin  of  a  lake  or  swamp.  It  is  an  ex- 
cellent plant  for  heavy  soils.  The  plant  flowers 
in  spring  before  the  leaves  appear.  Other  good 
species  include  Rodgersia  podophylla,  Saxifraga 
peltata,  and  Rheum  palmatum. 

General  work. — Mow  and  clip  the  lawns  fre- 
quently. Attend  to  watering,  weeding,  staking, 
and  tying.  First  in  importance  is  the  proper  care 
of  the  plants  themselves. 


364 


THE    GARDENERS'    CHRONICLE. 


[June  5,  1909. 


EDITORIAL   NOTICE. 


ADVERTISEMENTS  should  be  sent  to  the  PUB- 
LISHER, 41,  Wellington  Street,  Covent  Garden, 
W.C. 

tetters  for  Publication,  as  well  as  specimens  of  plants 
for  naming,  should  be  addressed  to  the  EDITOR, 
41,  Wellington  Street,  Covent  Garden,  London. 
Communications  should  be  written  on  one  side  only  of 
the  paper,  sent  as  early  in  the  week  as  possible  and  duly 
signed  by  the  writer.  1/ desired,  the  signature  will  not  be 
printed,  but  kept  as  a  guarantee  of  good  faith. 

Special  Notice  to  Correspondents.—  The  Editor  does  not 
undertake  to  pay  for  any  contributions  or  illustrations,  or 
to  return  unused  communications  or  illustrations,  unless  by 
special  arrangement.  The  Editor  does  not  hold  himsel] 
responsible  for  any  opinions  expressed  by  his  correspondents. 

Illustrations.-  The  Editor  will  be  glad  to  receive  andto  select 
photographs  or  drawings,  suitable  for  reproduction,  of 
gardens,  or  of  remarkable  plants,  flowers,  trees,  &c,  but  he 
cannot  be  responsible  for  loss  or  injury. 

Local  News.— Correspondents  will  greatly  oblige  by  sending  to 
the  Editor  early  intelligence  of  local  events  likely  to  be  of 
interest  to  our  readers,  or  of  any  matters  which  it  is  desirable 
to  bring  under  the  notice  of  horticulturists. 


APPOINTMENTS  FOR  THE  ENSUING  WEEK. 


TUESDAY,  JUNE  8— 

Roy.  Hort.  Soc.  Corns,  meet.  (Lecture  at  3  p.m.  by  the 
Rev.  Prof.  G.  Henslow,  on  "  Old  Superstitions  about 
Plants  ").    British  Gard.  Assoc.  Ex.  Council  meet. 

WEDNESDAY,  JUNE  9— 

Roy.  Cornwall  Sh.  at  St.  Columb  (2  days). 


Average  Mean  Temperature  for  the  ensuing  week, 
deduced  from  observations  during  the  last  Fifty  Years 
at  Greenwich— 58-2°. 

Actual  Temperatures: — 

London.— Wednesday,  June  2  (6  p.m.):  Max.  58°; 
Min.  50°. 
Gardeners'  Chronicle  Office,  41,  Wellington  Street, 
Covent  Garden,  London—  Thursday,  June  3 
(10  a.m.)  :  Bar.  30  0 ;  Temp.  60°  ;  Weather— 
Overcast. 
Provinces.—  Wednesday,  June  2  (6  p.m.):  Max.  63" 
Ireland  N.W.  ;  Min.  51°  Scotland  East  Coast. 


and  Soil 
Exhaustion 


SALES    FOR    THE    ENSUING    WEEK. 

MONDAY— 

The  valuable  Freehold  Horticultural  Property,  "  Vale 
Nursery,"  Haywards  Heath,  Sussex,  area  5a.  2r.  14p., 
with  Bungalow,  Cottages,  Orchid  Houses,  &c,  at  The 
Mart,  E.G. ;  by  Protheroe  &  Morris,  at  2. 

WEDNESDAY— 

Bulbs  and  Roots  in  variety,  at  1 ;  Palms  and  Plants,  at 
1.30;  at  67  &  68,  Cheapside,  E.C.,  by  Protheroe  & 
Morris. 

FRIDAY— 

Choice  imported  and  established  Orchids,  and  a  "Reich- 
enbachia"  complete  in  four  vols.,  at  67  &  68,  Cheap- 
side,  E.C.,  by  Protheroe  &  Morris,  at  12.45. 


Two  theories  as  to  the  cause  of 
Soil  Fertility  soil  futility  are  in  general 
vogue.  According  to  one, 
which  may  be  called  the  chemi- 
cal theory,  a  soil  is  fertile  which  possesses 
the  chemical  compounds  such  as  nitrates, 
phosphates,  and  salts  of  potash,  necessary  for 
the  growth  of  plants,  in  sufficient  quantity 
and  proper  condition  of  solubility.  The  second, 
or  physical  theory,  holds  that  the  essential 
factor  in  soil  fertility  is  its  relation  to  water. 
Roots  of  plants  require  air  as  well  as  water. 
The  root  has  to  supply  the  leaves  with  large 
quantities  of  water.  Only  when  the  physical 
condition  of  the  soil  admits  of  the  root  of  a 
plant  obtaining  adequate  supplies  of  water 
and  also  of  air,  can  the  plant  grow  properly. 
On  the  physical  theory  alone  such  soils  are 
fertile  in  which  these  conditions  obtain. 

These  two  theories  are  not  necessarily 
mutually  exclusive.  We  may  combine  them 
into  a  chemico-physical  theory,  and  attribute 
fertility,  in  part,  to  the  presence  in  the  soil  of 
the  essential  mineral  substances,  and,  in  part, 
to  the  proper  relations  of  soil  to  water. 

The  extreme  adherents  of  the  physical 
theory  go  further  than  this,  and  are  apt  to 
maintain  that  a  soil  does  not  become  ex- 
hausted by  plants  in  consequence  of  the  re- 
moval by  the  latter  of  the  available,  chemical 
food  materials.  They  urge  that  as  such 
materials  held  in  solution  in  the  soil-water  are 


taken  up  by  the  roots  of  plants,  corresponding 
quantities  of  similar  substances  pass  into  solu- 
tion and  thus  replace  in  the  water  of  the  soil 
those  absorbed  by  the  plant. 

On  this  view  it  is  not  easy  to  understand 
how  the  addition  of  definite  chemical  fer- 
tilisers produce  their  well-marked  effects  on 
soil  fertility.  If  a  soil  lacks  phosphates,  for 
example,  it  is  easy  to  understand  the  bene- 
ficial result  following  on  the  addition  of  phos- 
phatic  fertilisers.  But  if  a  soil  does  not  lack 
phosphates,  how  can  the  addition  of  these 
substances  produce,  as  in  certain  soils,  and  on 
some  crops  it  indubitably  does  produce,  an 
improvement  in  fertility  ?  The  workers  in  the 
Bureau  of  Soils  of  the  United  States  Depart- 
ment of  Agriculture  propose  to  explain  such 
foots  as  these  on  a  new  hypothesis  of  soil 
fertility  and  soil  exhaustion.  According  to 
this  hypothesis,  soil  fertility  is  not  reduced 
because  of  the  removal  by  the  crop  of  mineral 
food  materials,  but  because  the  crop  forms  a 
definite,  chemical  poison,  which  is  liberated  in 
the  soil  and  acts  adversely  on  the  fol- 
lowing crop.  The  role  of  artificial,  chemical 
manures  is  to  neutralise  the  poisonous  effects 
of  the  toxic  root  excretions.  The  supporters 
of  the  toxic  theory,  as  it  may  be  called,  have 
brought  forward  a  considerable  body  of  evi- 
dence in  support  of  the  suggestion  that  plants 
excrete  definite  poisonous  substances,  and 
they  urge  that  the  common  practice  of  rota- 
tion of  crops  lends  support  to  their  view.  It 
is  too  early  yet  to  pronounce  definitely  either 
for  or  against  the  toxic  theory,  though  that 
it  will  replace  altogether  the  chemical  theory 
would  seem  improbable.  It  is  not  unlikely 
that  the  toxic  substances  produced  in  the 
soil  represent  not  the  excretion  of  plants  but 
the  by-products  of  the  activity  of  certain 
races  of  soil  bacteria.  A  vast  and  almost  un- 
tilled  field  oi  investigation  is  presented  by  the 
bacteria  of  the  soil,  and  it  is  probable  that  soil 
fertility  will  be  found  to  depend  on  chemical, 
physical  and  biological  factors,  not  solely 
on  one  of  these,  and  to  be  the  consequence  of 
complex,  diverse  conditions  rather  than  of  one 
condition  only. 


Lime-sulphur      washes,      made 
Self-Boiled     by    boiling    together     suitable 

-   I*™.?"         amounts  of  lime,  sulphur  and 
Sulphur  . 

Mixture.  water  (see  our  issue  May  15, 
1909,  p.  313),  though  useful 
substitutes  for  the  Bordeaux  mixture  for 
spra3'ing  dormant  trees,  and  often  recom- 
mended for  general  spraying  purposes,  are 
apt  to  damage  such  tender  foliage  as  that  of 
the  Peach.  Hence  the  Bureau  of  Plant  Indus- 
try of  the  U.S.  Department  of  Agriculture 
has  instituted  experiments  to  investigate  the 
use  of  a  milder  form  of  lime-sulphur  wash, 
termed  "  self-boiled."  In  Circular  No.  27  of 
the  Bureau  the  method  of  preparation  of  this 
spray-material  is  thus  described.  The  mix- 
ture can  best  be  prepared  in  rather  large 
quantities  so  as  to  get  enough  heat  to  produce 
a  violent  boiling  for  a  few  minutes.  The  quick- 
lime (20  lbs.)  is  placed  in  a  barrel,  and  about 
3  gallons  of  water  is  added  in  order  to  start 
slaking,  and  to  keep  the  sulphur  off  the 
bottom. 

As  much  sulphur  as  quicklime  is  sifted  in, 
and  then,  the  mixture  being  vigorously 
stirred,  enough  water  is  poured  in  to  slake 
the  lime   into  a  paste.      When    the    violent 


boiling  which  accompanies  the  slaking  is  over 
more  water  is  added,  in  order  to  stop  the 
cooking.  For  use,  the  mixture  must  be 
diluted  with  water  in  the  proportion  of 
100  gallons  for  20  lbs.  of  lime  and  20  lbs.  of 
sulphur. 

It  is  claimed  that,  when  prepared  in  this 
way,  less  sulphur  goes  into  solution,  and 
that,  during  the  slaking,  the  sulphur  is 
broken  up  into  extremely  fine  particles,  and 
thus  makes  with  the  lime  a  good  mechanical 
mixture.  The  self-boiled  wash  thus  obtained 
should  be  strained  through  a  sieve  of 
20  meshes  to  the  inch.  The  spraying  outfit 
should  be  provided  with  a  good  agitator. 
Experiments  made  with  the  wash  on  Peach 
trees  affected  with  scab  (Cladosporium  car- 
pophilum  Thiim)  and  with  brown  rot  (Monilia 
fructigena,  Pers.)  reduced  the  amount  of 
diseased  fruit  from  36.9  to  12.2  per  cent,  in 
the  case  of  the  former  disease  and  from  93  to 
16  per  cent,  in  the  case  of  the  latter.  The 
trees,  20  in  number,  were  sprayed  three 
times — once  in  April  and  twice  in  May,  the 
first  spraying  being  about  a  month  after 
the  petals  had  fallen,  the  last,  three  weeks 
before  the  fruit  was  picked.  No  scorching  of 
the  leaves  resulted  from  the  use  of  the  self- 
boiled  material.  Unfortunately,  the  wash 
produces  a  whitewashing  effect  on  the  fruit, 
but,  if  the  spray  is  applied  about  a  month 
before  picking  time,  the  stain,  in  large  mea- 
sure, passes  away  by  the  time  the  fruit  is 
ripe.  Experiments  were  also  made  on 
Cherry-leaf  spot  (Cylindrosporium  padi 
Karst),  and  showed  that  the  defoliation, 
which  is  a  consequence  of  the  attacks  of  this 
fungus,  is  prevented  by  the  use  of  self-boiled 
lime-sulphur  wash,  as  it  is  also  by  Bordeaux 
mixture.  In  trials  on  Apple-scab  the  lime- 
sulphur  wash  appeared  to  give  results  in- 
ferior to  those  obtained  by  the  use  of  either 
Bordeaux  mixture  or  lime-sulphur  wash  made 
in  the  usual  manner. 


Our  Supplementary  Illustration  affords 
a  view  of  Syon  House,  Brentford,  the  residence 
of  the  Duke  of  Northumberland,  K.G.,  as  seen 
from  the  banks  of  the  Thames  skirting  Kew  Gar- 
dens. The  gardens  at  Syon  are  almost  as  famed 
as  the  residence,  and  in  the  glasshouses  and 
grounds  many  species  of  plants  have  flowered 
for  the  first  time  in  this  country.  The  Daffodils 
on  the  Kew  side,  shown  in  the  foreground,  are 
now  past,  but  this  portion  of  the  pleasure  ground 
is  still  charming  with  the  numerous  shrubs  in 
flower,  the  magnificent  display  of  Rho- 
dodendrons, and  the  scene  on  the  river  itself. 
The  Grass  about  the  Daffodils  is  not  mown 
until  the  leaves  of  the  bulbous  plants  show 
signs  of  withering,  generally  about  the  end  of 
June.  Some  varieties  of  Narcissi  thrive  even 
better  in  the  "  wild  "  garden  than  when  grown 
in  prepared  beds  or  borders.  The  common  double 
Daffodil  N.  Telamonius  plenus  is  a  particularly 
pleasing  variety  for  effect  at  a  distance;  this, 
with  pallidus  praecox  and  the  Tenby  Daffodil 
N.  obvallaris  are  the  earliest  to  flower.  They  are 
followed  by  Sir  Watkin,  Emperor,  Empress, 
Stella,  Frank  Miles,  Autocrat,  and  N.  poeticus 
praecox,  all  valuable  varieties  for  naturalising 
in  Grass  land.  N.  Johnstonii  Queen  of  Spain 
is  delightful  when  thriving  in  the  Grass,  but 
only  in  some  places  does  this  variety  succeed. 
The  illustration  is  further  interesting,  for  whilst 
the  Daffodils  are  in  Surrey,  Syon  House  is  in 
the  county  of  Middlesex,  the  two  counties  being 
divided  by  the  river. 


June  5,  1909.] 


THE    GARDENERS'    CHRONICLE. 


365 


National  Rose  Society. — The  summer 
show  will  be  held  in  the  Royal  Botanic  Gardens, 
Regent's  Park,  N.W.,  on  Friday,  July  2.  The 
prizes  include  two  champion  challenge  trophies, 
also  numerous  other  cups  and  pieces  of  plate, 
and  money  prizes  to  the  value  of  £400.  Lun- 
cheon, tea,  and  light  refreshments  will  be  obtain- 
able in  the  gardens.  Further  particulars  can 
be  obtained  from  the  hon.  secretary,  Mr. 
Edward  Mawley,  Rosebank,  Berkhamsted. 

Fortunes  Yellow  Rose.— We  have  received 
a  few  flowers  of  this  delightful  Rose  from  Mr. 
G.  H.  Head,  Kingston  Manor  Gardens,  Taunton, 
Somersetshire,  who  states  that  a  plant  is  at 
present  flowering  very  finely  on  the  southern 
aspect  of  the  Manor  House.  The  distinct  colour- 
ing of  this  fragrant  Rose  makes  it  a  desirable 
plant  in  any  locality  where  it  can  be  cultivated 
with  success. 


Exhibition    of    Rhododendrons Messrs. 

John  Waterer  &  Sons,  Ltd.,  opened  their 
annual  exhibition  of  Rhododendrons  at  the  Royal 
Botanical  Gardens,  Regent's  Park,  on  Thursday, 
June  3.  The  show,  which  is  beautifully 
arranged  under  canvas,  consists  of  upwards  of 
2,000  plants,  varying  in  height  from  2  to  10  feet. 
About  200  varieties  are  represented.  The  exhi- 
bition will  remain  open  until  the  end  of  the 
present  month. 

A  Novel  Mouse  Trap. — Among  the  many 
interesting  subjects  dealt  with  in  the  February 
number  of  the  Queensland  Agricultural  Journal, 
we  may  draw  attention  to  the  following  ingenious 
method,  quoted  from  "  Popular  Mechanics,"  of 
catching  mice.  The  materials  required  for  the 
trap  are  a  piece  of  an  old  bicycle  tyre  and  a 
glass  fruit  bottle.  One  end  of  the  tyre  is  placed 
in  the  mouse-hole  and  the  other  in  the  mouth  of 


quite  well  in  the  dilute  solution  which  he  recom- 
mends. Those  who  are  plagued  in  summer-time 
with  flies  would  do  well  to  try  this  method  ;  for, 
apart  from  the  nuisance,  flies  are,  by  reason  of 
their  powers  of  distributing  germs  of  disease,  to 
be  reckoned  among  the  enemies  of  mankind. 

The  Destruction  ofWeeds  by  Spraying. 

—The  value  of  copper  sulphate  as  a  means  of 
destroying  Charlock  is  well  known,  and  it  is  un- 
fortunate that  other  specifics  for  other  kinds  of 
weeds  among  growing  crops  have  not  as  yet  been 
discovered.  Extensive  experiments  have  recently 
been  carried  out,  apparently  with  success,  in  the 
Malay  Straits  in  cleaning  land  not  occupied  by 
a  crop  by  means  of  spraying  with  a  solution  of 
arsenate  of  soda.  It  is  claimed  that  the  cost  of 
thus  cleaning  land  about  to  be  brought  into 
cultivation  is  only  2s.  per  acre.  Up  to  the  pre- 
sent there  is  no  reason,  however,  for  believing 


[Photograph  by  A.  E.  Smith. 

Fig.  i6i. — group  of  vanda  teres  exhibited  by  mr.  Leopold  de  rothschild  at  the  temple  show. 

(See  Report  in  last  issue.) 


Royal  Botanic  Society. — At  a  meeting  of 
the  Fellows  held  last  week,  it  was  decided  that 
each  Fellow  should  make  a  contribution  of  five 
guineas  towards  the  fund  of  the  Society.  It  was 
explained  by  the  chairman  that  unless  such  help 
was  forthcoming  within  a  month,  the  Society 
would  have  to  go  into  liquidation,  in  which  case 
the  Gardens  would  revert  to  the  Crown. 

The  Perpetual  -  flowering  Carnation 
Society  has  decided  to  hold  a  trial  of  perpetual- 
flowering  Carnations  in  the  open  ground  at  the 
Royal  Botanic  Gardens,  Regent's  Park,  N.W., 
in  order  to  test  the  suitability  of  varieties  for 
open-air  culture.  Members  of  the  society  are  re- 
quested to  forward  plants  to  Mr.  E.  F.  Hawes, 
at  the  above  address,  who  has  undertaken  to 
conduct  the  trials.  Plants  should  be  forwarded 
carriage-paid  as  early  as  possible,  and  a  list  of 
varieties  sent  by  each  member  should  be  included. 
The  trials  will  be  inspected  by  the  Floral  Com- 
mittee, marks  given  according  to  merit,  and  the 
results  published  in  due  course. 


the  bottle.  The  mice  run  up  the  tunnel  thus 
formed  and  so  are  imprisoned  in  the  bottle  with- 
out chance  of  escape.     No  bait  is  necessary. 

To  Kill  Flies.— Dr.  Alexander  Hill,  writing 
in  a  recent  issue  of  Nature,  states  that  a  dilute 
solution  of  formaline  (two  teaspoonfuls  of  the 
commercial  40  per  cent,  formaline  added  to  a  soup 
plate  filled  with  water)  makes  an  efficient  fly-de- 
stroyer. Flies  go  to  it  to  drink,  and  die,  some  in 
the  water,  others  in  the  neighbourhood  of  the 
plate.  So  dilute  a  solution  as  that  which  suffices 
to  keep  down  the  flies  is  not  enough  to  produce, 
by  the  vapour  liberated  from  it,  any  harmful 
effect  on  people  living  in  the  room.  Dr.  Hill 
points  out  that  the  formaline  method  is  free 
from  the  gruesome  associations  of  fly-papers  and 
other  traps  which  hold  their  struggling  victims, 
and  that  it  may  even  be  turned  to  ornamental 
uses,  for  the  dish  may  be  provided  with  a  central 
wire  cage  and  filled  with  flowers.  Though  for- 
maline is  poisonous  to  plants  as  well  as  to  ani- 
mals, yet,  according  to  Dr.  Hill,  cut  flowers  keep 


that  the  use  of  arsenate  of  soda  would  be  possible 
in  the  case  of  land  bearing  crops. 

Cupressus  macnabiana.— We  are  asked  to 
state  that  the  Curator  of  the  Botanic  Garden, 
Cambridge,  would  be  grateful  to  any  reader  of 
the  Gardeners'  Chronicle  who  would  be  so  kind 
as  to  send  him  a  plant  of  Cupressus  Macnabiana. 
He  would  also  be  much  obliged  for  a  branch  with 
cones  if  possible. 

The  Cultivation  of  the  Banana  in  the 
South  of  France. — Some  five  years  ago  young 
Bananas,  introduced  from  Algeria,  were  planted 
in  the  open  in  the  South  of  France  (Department 
of  Var).  The  only  protection  given  to  the  plants 
was  a  wrapping  of  straw  during  the  winter 
months.  This  year,  according  to  Der  Handels- 
gartner,  the  plants  have  borne  fruit.  Hence, 
it  seems  not  improbable  that  French-grown 
Bananas  may  be  put,  in  course  of  time,  on  the 
market,  though  it  is  more  likely  that,  if  Banana- 
growing  in  France  is  developed  successfully,  the 
market  for  them  will  be  found  in  France  and 
Germany  rather  than  in  this  country. 


366 


THE    GARDENERS'    CHRONICLE. 


[June  5,  1909. 


The  Royal  Institution.— Dr.  F.  F.  Black- 
man  will  deliver  two  lectures  at  the  Royal  Insti- 
tution on  "  The  Vitality  of  Seeds  and  Plants  "  : 
1  (June  5),  "  A  Vindication  of  the  Vitality  of 
Plants  "  ;  2  (June  12),  "  The  Life  and  Death  of 
Seeds." 

The  Artificial  Retarding  of   Plants.— 

An  interesting  experiment  in  retarding  the  de- 
velopment of  plants  is  published  by  M.  P.  Noel 
in  Le.  Naturaliste.  For  the  following  account  of 
the  experiment  we  are  indebted  to  Dtr  Han- 
delsgartner  (May  8) : — The  owner  of  a  fine 
exotic  species  of  Prunus  observed  that,  though 
the  plant  flowered  freely  every  year,  it  failed, 
owing  to  the  frosts  of  early  May,  to  form  fruits. 
He  determined  therefore  to  try  the  effect  of 
ether.  To  this  end  he  made,  in  the  neighbour- 
hood of  the  roots,  a  hole  in  the  ground  about 
16  inches  deep,  poured  in  ether,  and  closed  the 
hole.  As  a  consequence  of  this  root-etherisation, 
the  Prunus  flowered  two  weeks  later  than  usual, 
escaped  the  late  frosts,  and  set  its  fruits.  It  is 
curious  that  etherisation  should,  when  applied  to 
the  shoots  of  plants,  as  in  Johannen's  well- 
known  method  of  forcing,  produce  precocity  of 
flowering,  and,  when  applied  to  the  roots,  give 
rise  to  an  opposite  effect.  More  experiments  are 
needed  before  this  retarding  effect  of  ether  can 
be  regarded  as  being  of  general  application. 

Climate  and  the  Chemical  Composition 
of   Wheat. — The  influence  of   environment   on 
the  composition  of  Wheat,  both  as  to  nitrogen 
and  ash  content,  is  a  question  which  is  receiving 
much     attention     from     agricultural     chemists. 
Climate  appears  to  be  far  more  potent  than  soil 
fertility  in  influencing  the  composition    of    the 
Train.   The  researches  of  Lawes  and  Gilbert  have 
shown  that  manuring  has  but  little  influence  on 
the  composition.     The  shorter  the  period  which 
elapses  from  the  formation  of  the  grain  until  it 
is  ripe,  the  higher  the  nitrogen  content.     High 
temperatures,  long  days,  and  absence  of  moisture 
during  the  ripening  process  hasten  the  maturation 
of  the  grain  and  increase  its  percentage  of  gluten. 
Recent  researches  of  Mr.  F.  T.  Shutt,  carried  out 
at  the  Canadian  Experiment  Station,   Southern 
Alberta,  have  been  devoted  to  the  study  of  the 
influence  of  the  moisture-content  of  the  soil  on 
the  Wheat  crop.     A  larger  amount  of  moisture 
in  the  soil  prolongs  the  vegetative  processes  and 
delays  the  maturation  of  the  grain.    Early  ripen- 
ing tends  to  the  production  of  a  hard,  glutinous 
Wheat.    Prolonged  vegetative  growth  induced  by 
excessive  moisture  defers  ripening  and  allows  of 
the  further  deposition  of  starch.     Whilst,  how- 
ever, the  amount  of  gluten  is  a  product  of  the 
season,  the  character  of  the  gluten  depends  on 
the  variety  of  the  Wheat. 

Plant  Poisons.— Among  the  most  remark- 
able of  the  occasional  constituents  of  plants  are 
those  substances  known  to  chemists  as  cyano- 
genetic  glucosides.  These  glucosides  are  complex 
substances,  which  split  up  readily  into  a  sugar 
(glucose)  and  other  compounds,  among  which  is 
the  highly-poisonous  prussic  acid.  Inasmuch  as 
such  glucosides  occur  in  various  fodder  plants,  it 
is  not  surprising  that  instances  of  poisoning  occur 
occasionally  among  cattle  which  have  fed  upon 
these  plants,  e.g.,  Sorghum,  Millet,  &c.  Within 
the  past  few  years  three  new  cyanogenetic  glu- 
cosides have  been  isolated  from  plant  tissues,  viz., 
sambunigrin  from  the  leaves  of  the  Common 
Elder  Sambucus  nigra;  prulaurasin,  from  the 
leaves  of  the  Cherry-Laurel  Prunus  Laurocerasus, 
and  amygdonitrile  glucoside  from  the  young 
twigs  of  Prunus  Padus,  and  more  recently  from 
the  bark  of  the  Wild  Cherry  Prunus  serotina. 
The  last-mentioned  glucoside  is  peculiarly  inter- 
esting, inasmuch  as  it  is  a  constituent  of  amyg- 
dalin,  the  active  principle  of  bitter  almonds,  and 
was.    indeed,    prepared    from    amygdalin    in    the 


laboratory  in  1895,  12  years  before  its  discovery 
as  a  natural  product  of  plants.  The  work  of 
the  chemists  in  isolating  and  examining  the 
constituents  of  plants  must  lead  ultimately 
to  the  goal  so  much  desired  of  botanists, 
the  discovery  of  the  chemical  course  of  events 
whereby  the  inorganic  nitrogen  taken  in  by  the 
plant  in  the  form  of  nitrates  is  built  up  into 
organic  nitrogen. 

A  New  Paraffin  Emulsion. — Paraffin, made 
into  an  emulsion  with  soft  soap,  has  long  been 
used  as  an  insecticide,  but  one  drawback  to  its 
use  is  the  tendency  of  the  paraffin  to  separate 
out  from  the  emulsion.  Mr.  Macoun,  horticul- 
turist to  the  Canadian  Department  of  Agricul- 
ture, finds  that  when  flour  is  substituted  for 
soft  soap  the  emulsion  obtained  is  finer  and  more 
permanent.  By  mixing  1  gallon  of  paraffin, 
2£  lbs.  of  flour  (the  poorest  quality  serves),  and 
9  gallons  of  water,  and  whipping  the  mixture 
vigorously  for  five  minutes,  an  emulsion  is  ob- 
tained which  remains  good  for  14  hours.  If  it  is 
not  required  to  keep  the  emulsion  so  long,  half 
the  quantity  of  flour  suffices.  It  is  best  to 
add  the  flour  to  the  paraffin,  and  then  to  pour  in 
about  four  gallons  of  water,  to  beat  the  mixture 
vigorously  till  the  emulsion  is  obtained,  and  then 
to  make  up  with  the  rest  of  the  water  (five 
gallons). 

Publications  Received.  —  Home  -  Bottled 
Fruits   and   How   to   do    Them,    by   G.    W.    S. 

Brewer,  F.G.S.     (Cheltenham  :    Harvey  &  Heal- 
ing,   Manchester    Street.)        Price    6d.     net.— 
Purdue     University    Agricultural     Experiment 
Station.     Bulletin  No.  132  :  Vol.  XIV.     Results 
of    Co-operative    Tests    of    Varieties    of    Corn, 
Wheat,  Oats,  Soy  Beans,  and  Cow  Peas.     (190b.) 
Bulletin  No.  133  :  Vol.  XIV.     Commercial  Ferti- 
lisers.     (Indiana,     U.S.A.  :     Published     by     the 
Station,  Lafayette.)— Studies  in  Fossil  Botany. 
(Part  II.)    By  Dukinfield  Henry  Scott.    (London  : 
Adam    and    Charles    Black,    Soho    Square,   W.) 
Price  5s.  net—  Observing  and  Forecasting  the 
Weather :    Meteorology  without  Instruments, 
by  D.  W.  Horner,  F.R.Met.  Soc.  (second  edition). 
(London:   Witherby  &  Co.,  326,  High  Holborn.) 
Price     6d.     net — Circulars    from    Agricultural 
Journal  of  the  Royal  Botanic  Gardens,  Ceylon. 
(1.)     Animals  associated  with  the  Hevea  Rubber, 
by  E.  Ernest  Green.     (2.)     Tapioca,  Manioca,  or 
Cassava,   by  M.   K.   Bamber.      (3.)     Oil-yielding 
Grasses  grown  at  Bandarawela,  by  J.  F.  Jowitt, 
B.A.     (4.)     A  revised  list  of    the  plots  on    the 
Experimental    Station,    Peradeniya,    by    R.    H. 
Lock,  M.A.     (5.)     The  Cultivation  of   Passiflora 
fcetida  and  Mikania  soandens  to  keep  down  other 
weeds,  by  M.  Kelway  Bamber.   (6  and  7.)  Abnor- 
malities in  Hevea  brasiliensis,  by  T.  Petch,      (8.) 
Cotton  Cultivation:   Its  extension  in  Ceylon,  by 
J.    Stewart   J.    McCall.  -Board  of   Agriculture 
and  Fisheries.     Leaflet  No.   97  :    Farmers'    Co- 
operative Societies.     No.  203  :   The  Larch  Shoot 
Moths.     No.  214  :  Agricultural  Banks.     No.  219: 
Glanders    and    Farcy.       No.    220:     Agricultural 
Holdings  Act,  1903. — Notes  from  the  Botanical 
School  of  Trinity  College,  Dublin.     No.  1,  Vol. 
II.     (May.)    (Dublin  :  University  Press.)—  Straits 
Settlements    Annual    Report    on    the   Botanic 
Gardens,  Singapore  and  Penang  for  the  year 
1908,  by  H.  N.  Ridley.  (Singapore  :  Government 
Printing    Office.)— Beautiful  Flowers  and  How 
to  Grow  Them,  by  Horace  J.  Wright  and  Walter 
P.  Wright.    (Part  XIV.)    (London  :  T.  C.  &  E.  C. 
Jack.)     Price  Is.  net. — Liste  Sommaire  et  Pre- 
liminaire    de     quelques-unes    des    Plantes    du 
Jardin    "  Les    Tropiques  "  a  Nice,   cultivees  a 
I'air    libre.       (Toulon:     Romain    Liautaud,    56, 
Boulevard    de     Strasbourg,     56.)  —  Agricultural 
Bulletin   of  the   Straits    and  Federated  Malay 
States.    (May.)    (Singapore  :  The  Methodist  Pub- 
lishing     House.) — Charles      Darwin:       Three 
Appreciations  by  J.   M.   Macfarlane.     Lecture 
delivered   before   the    Faculty   and   Students    of 
Pennsylvania  College,  Gettysburg,  when  Delegate 
from     the     University     of     Pennsylvania,     Feb- 
ruary 12,  1909—  Annalen  des    K.K    Naturhis- 
torischen    Hofmuseums.        Nr.     2-3.        (Wien  : 
Alfred  Holder.)  —  The  Journal  of  the  Board  of 
Agriculture   of   British    Guiana.       (Demerara : 
The  Argosy  Co.,  Ltd.,   Georgetown  )     Price  Id. 


NOTES  FROM  A  "FRENCH"  GARDEN. 

One  of  the  most  important  items  in  hot 
weather  is  that  of  watering,  and  this  should 
be  done  in  a  thorough  manner.  For  crops  grow- 
ing in  the  open,  the  hose  is  usually  employed, 
but  for  the  young  seedlings,  as  well  as  for  plants 
under  the  lights,  cans  will  be  found  most  suit- 
able. Although  it  is  preferable  to  water  early 
and  late  in  the  day,  yet  on  some  occasions  the 
grower  is  obliged  to  apply  water  all  through  the 
day.  Cauliflowers  and  Carrots  will  not  suffer 
any  injury  if  watered  in  the  middle  of  the  day, 
but  in  the  case  of  salads,  especially  Lettuces  and 
Endives,  water  should  only  be  given  to  these 
plants  when  the  sun  is  not  powerful. 

The  beds  will  soon  be  cleared  of  Carrots,  and 
the  ground  must  then  be  hoed  and  thoroughly 
cleansed  before  the  Cauliflowers  spread  their 
leaves  over  the  beds.  Cauliflowers  will  be  show- 
ing their  inflorescences  in  a  few  days,  and  must 
not  be  allowed  to  become  dry,  otherwise  the 
heads  will  not  develop  well.  The  young  seed- 
lings of  this  plant  require  light  waterings  daily. 
Thin  them  out  if  they  are  too  numerous. 

Endives  planted  at  the  end  of  April  are  now 
ready  for  blanching.  As  the  hearts  of  these 
plants  decay  if  tied  up  too  long,  it  is  advisable 
only  to  tie  sufficient  batches  to  meet  require- 
ments. 

The  first  batch  of  Melons  is  now  fruiting. 
Great  care  and  knowledge  are  required  in  select- 
ing the  fruit  to  ripen;  as  a  rule,  it  should  be 
selected  as  far  as  possible  from  the  main  stem, 
on  a  strong  and  healthy  shoot.  The  shape  of 
the  young  fruit  must  be  perfect.  The  plants 
make  but  little  growth  during  the  time  the 
fruits  are  swelling.  They  require  plenty  of 
water  (three  gallons  per  light  daily)  when  the 
weather  is  fine,  and  the  lights  should  be  opened 
wide  whenever  possible,  closing  them  again  to- 
wards evening.  The  main  batch  is  now  growing 
freely,  and  the  side  shoots  are  stopped  to  the 
second  leaf.  Occasionally  small  shoots  break 
away  from  the  main  stem  at  the  base  of  the  side 
.  shoots,  but  these  must  be  removed.  Although 
these  plants  will  not  require  much  water,  they 
must  be  allowed  ample  ventilation  so  as  to  ripen 
the  shoots.  At  the  present  time  it  is  necessary 
to  grow  Melon  plants  hardy,  for  this  will  facili- 
tate the  setting  of  the  flowers  later  on.  All 
Melons  must  be  watered  early  in  the  morning. 
The  grower  should  examine  the  plants  in  the 
course  of  the  day  and  shade  any  which  flag. 

We  are  now  cutting  the  "  Passion  "  Lettuces 
which  were  planted  early  in  the  spring.  They 
do  well  in  our  garden,  which  is  of  a  clayey 
nature.  Cos  Lettuces,  planted  late  in  March  and 
early  in  April,  are  hearting.  These  plants  re- 
quire heavy  waterings,  at  least  three  times  a 
week.  Examine  them  from  time  to  time,  as  the 
heart  is  liable  to  decay  when  the  watering  is 
done  late  in  the  morning.    P.  Aquatias,  May  20. 


THE  ALPINE   GARDEN. 


ANEMONE    PATENS    LUTE A. 

There  are  few  yellow-flowered  Windflowers; 
they  include  the  yellow  varieties  of  Anemone 
patens,  the  Spreading  Windflower,  which  is  a 
near  ally  of  Anemone  Pulsatilla,  the  native 
Pasque  Flower.  The  type  flowers  of  A.  patens 
are  purple,  but  there  is  a  North  American  form 
(by  some  authorities  regarded  as  a  species)  which 
has  also  purple  flowers,  and  of  which  ther?  is  a 
cream-coloured  variety.  The  European  plant 
gives,  however,  a  form  with  pale  yellow  flowers, 
and  this  is  called  A.   patens  lutea. 

Anemone  patens  prefers  a  rather  calcareous 
soil  :  it  thrives  in  that  which  suits  A.  Pulsatilla, 
and  delights  in  a  similar  situation.  Pot  plants 
should  be  purchased  if  possible,  as  these  tap- 
>  rooted  Anemones  are  difficult  to  establish,  and 
it  is  not  advisable  to  disturb  the  roots  more 
than  is  necessary.     S.  Arnotl. 


June  5,  1909.] 


THE    GARDENERS'    CHRONICLE. 


367 


THE  CARRIAGE  OF  VEGETABLE  AND  FRUIT 
PRODUCE  BY  RAILWAY. 

The  article  in  last  week's  issue  of  the  Gar- 
deners' Chronicle,  by  Mr.  G.  B.  Lissenden  on 
the  subject  of  combination  among  growers  for 
the  purpose  of  the  carriage  of  goods  by  rail 
raises  once  again  a  question  which  is  well  worthy 
of  serious  consideration.  Undoubtedly  lower 
rates  can  be  obtained  for  the  carriage  of  large 
lots  than  can  reasonably  be  demanded  in  the 
case  of  smaller  lots,  and  it  might  be  well  worth 
while  for  growers  to  consider  how  far  the  prin- 
ciple of  co-operation  might  in  certain  instances 
be  extended  in  this  direction. 

At  ihe  same  time  it  has  to  be  borne  in  mind 
that  the  conditions  in  France  and  Germany  are 
not  quite  identical  with  those  which  obtain  in 
England.     In  Germany,  for  instance,  rates  are, 


to  urge  that  if  he  were  to  send  his  goods  in  the 
first  instance  to  some  forwarding  agent,  possibly 
some  miles  away,  for  the  purpose  of  having  the 
goods  bulked  with  those  of  other  growers,  con- 
siderable time  would  be  lost  owing  to  the  extra 
handling  involved.  Furthermore,  the  English 
grower  usually  prefers  to  place  on  the  market 
high-class  goods  which  will  tend  to  enhance  his 
trade  reputation,  and  he  objects  to  have  his  con- 
signments mixed  up  with  those  of  other  growers 
who  may  choose  to  adopt  a  somewhat  lower 
standard  of  quality.  As  Mr.  Lissenden  rightly 
points  out,  the  railway  companies  will  not  make 
a  reduction  on  consignments  of  various  growers 
"  lumped  together  '  unless  one  only  of  the 
growers  is,  by  arrangement,  selected  as  the 
nominal  sender  on  behalf  of  all.  The  name  of 
the  selected  grower  has  to  appear  on  the  con- 
signment note,  and  he  has  to  be  authorised  by 


home  trader  are  (a)  that  a  Departmental  Com- 
mittee has  already  reported  against  the  conten- 
tion that  foreign  traders  are  granted  better  terms 
than  home  traders,  and  (b)  that  most,  if  not 
all,  of  the  trader's  present  complaints  would  be 
disposed  of  if  he  would  consent  to  co-operate. 
These  are,  in  fact,  the  two  herrings  which  rail- 
way companies  always  seek  'to  draw  across  the 
trail  of  enquiry  into  the  peculiar  difficulties  with 
which  home  traders  are  faced,  and  it  may,  there- 
fore, be  worth  while  to  examine  them  a  little 
more  closely. 

Foreign  Preference 

Dealing  with  the  first  point,  it  is  perfectly  true 
that  in  1906  a  Departmental  Committee  appointed 
by  the  Board  of  Agriculture  sat  to  enquire  into 
the  question  of  whether  preferential  treatment  is 
in  fact  given  by  home  railways  to  foreign  pro- 


[Photograph  fry  -1  •  £•'.  Smith. 

Fig.  162. — group  of  orchids  exhibited  by  messrs.  sander  and  sons  at  the  temple  show. 

(See  Report  in  last  issue.) 


generally  speaking,  far  more  favourable  to  the 
trader  than  those  which  are  granted  by  the 
various  English  companies.  In  Germany  also  the 
work  performed  by  the  railway  companies  usually 
consists  of  haulage  from  station  to  station,  the 
work  of  collection  and  delivery  (for  which  an 
extra  fee  is  charged  in  England)  being  done  by 
separate  companies  which  act  as  forwarding 
agents.  In  Germany,  goods  consigned  for  export 
to  England  meet  with  specially  favoured  treat- 
ment at  the  hands  of  a  paternal  Government  and 
are  rushed  through  to  the  coast  in  special  trains 
at  specially  low  charges.  The  English  grower, 
on  the  other  hand,  who  (under  existing  condi- 
tions) caters  mainly  for  the  home  market,  finds  it 
necessary  to  send  small  daily  consignments  to 
London  and  elsewhere.  For  him  the  question  of 
time  is  often  of  vital  importance,  and  he  is  wont 


his  fellow  growers  to  receive  on  their  behalf  the 
special  allowances  made.  It  is  therefore  not 
altogether  difficult  to  understand  the  reluctance 
of  the  high-class  grower  to  have  his  goods  bulked 
in  this  way,  whereas  a  large  number  of  lower- 
grade  growers,  who  combine  in  Germany  for  the 
purpose  of  carriage  of  their  goods  by  rail,  are 
not  affected  by  similar  considerations.  These,  it 
is  understood,  are  the  contentions  usually  put 
forward  by  English  growers  which  the  writer 
does  not  profes3  to  criticise  from  the  practical 
point  of  view,  but  upon  which  it  would  be  highly 
interesting  to  have  the  comments  of  growers 
themselves. 

In  discussing  this  question  it  must,  however, 
be  borne  in  mind  that  the  two  stock  arguments 
with  which  the  English  railway  companies 
always    attempt    to    meet    complaints    from    the 


duce.  It  is  also  the  fact  that  the  majority  of 
this  Committee  eventually  reported  that  the 
complaints  had  not  been  substantiated.  Traders, 
however,  have  always  contended  that  for  many 
reasons  the  enquiry  thus  held  was  most  unsatis- 
factory. In  the  first  place  Sir  C.  J.  Owens  and 
one  or  two  other  railway  magnates  were  members 
of  the  Committee,  and,  while  they  doubtless 
endeavoured  to  bring  an  open  and  unbiassed  mind 
to  bear  upon  the  questions  on  which  they  were 
asked  to  adjudicate  in  a  semi-judicial  capacity, 
it  may  well  be  imagined  that  they  must  have 
found  considerable  difficulty  in  forming  an  im- 
partial decision  upon  matters  in  respect  of  which 
they  had  entertained  a  lifelong  conviction  that 
the  railway  companies  with  which  they  were 
associated  were  necessarily  in  the  right ;  and  it 
may  well  be  that  the  great  force  of  their  expert 


368 


THE    GARDENERS'    CHRONICLE. 


[June  5,  1909. 


knowledge  and  experience  exercised  an  unper- 
ceived  influence  over  the  minds  of  other  members 
of  the  Committee  who  were  less  well  acquainted 
with  the  practical  side  of  the  questions  involved. 
Then  again  the  railway  companies,  recognising 
the  danger  with  which  they  were  threatened, 
brought  into  play  all  the  heavy  artillery  of  which 
they  were  possessed  in  the  shape  of  the  special 
figures  which  were  necessarily  at  their  disposal 
and  to  which  traders  had,  of  course,  not  the  same 
means  of  access,  either  for  purposes  of  compari- 
son or  investigation.  Naturally  it  was  well 
worth  the  railway  companies'  while  to  spare  no 
expense  in  getting  up  their  case  at  a  cost  with 
which  the  comparatively  less  rich  and  less  organ- 
ised traders  could  not  hope  to  compete. 

On  this  Committee,  however,  there  was  one 
member  who  possessed  a  special  knowledge  of  the 
difficulties  with  which  the  agriculturists  and 
horticulturists  in  this  country  have  to  contend, 
namely,  Mr.  Haygarth  Brown,  a  superintending 
inspector  of  the  Board  of  Agriculture  and 
Fisheries ;  this  gentleman  found  himself  under 
the  necessity  of  making  a  separate  report  to 
which,  curiously  enough,  the  railway  companies 
always  omit  to  refer  when  urging  that  the 
report  of  the  Departmental  Committee  was  in 
their  favour.  Having  regard  to  the  special 
position  occupied  by  Mr.  Haygarth  Brown,  his 
views  are  well  worthy  of  serious  consideration. 
Some  of  the  conclusions  to  which  he  was  driven 
were  as  follow  : — 

.  (i)  That  the  report  of  the  Committee  dealt  principally 
with  the  question  whether  certain  differences  in  rates 
favourable  to  the  foreign  producer  amounted  to  undue 
or  illegal  preference,  so  that  this  question  was  merely 
of  a  legal  nature,  and  in  his  opinion  was  outside  the 
terms  of   the   reference. 

(2)  That  the  term  "  preferential  treatment  "  ought  to 
be  taken  to  include  not  only  the  question  of  rates,  but 
also  the  question  of  whether  more  or  better  facilities 
for  the  carriage  of  foreign  produce  were  not  offered 
to   the   detriment  of   home   produce. 

(3)  That  the  evidence  was  directed  more  particularly 
to    "rates"    rather    than    "facilities." 

(4)  That  in  some  instances  the  railway  companies 
admitted  that  the  rates  granted  to  foreign  produce 
were  lower  than  those  granted  to  home  produce,  but 
alleged  that  this  was  due  to  differences  in  the  services 
rendered    in   each   case. 

(5)  That  in  no  case  did  the  railway  witnesses  succeed 
in  demonstrating  that  the  difference  in  the  rates  com- 
plained of  was  proportionate  to  the  difference  in  the 
cost  of  the  services  rendered. 

(6)  That  in  one  or  two  cases  the  railway  witnesses 
admitted  the  growers'  contention  that  certain  com- 
petitive rates  charged  for  foreign  produce  were 
lower  even  in  proportion  to  the  cost  of  the  services 
rendered  than  the  corresponding  non-competitive  rates 
for  home  produce. 

(7)  That  in  his  opinion  the  evidence  showed  that  "  pre- 
ferential treatment  "  is  in  some  cases  accorded  to 
foreign  produce,  in  the  sense  that  rates  are  charged  for 
such  produce  lower  even  in  proportion  to  the  cost  of  the 
services  rendered  than  the  corresponding  rates  for  home 
produce. 

(8)  That  no  practical  and  effective  means  exist  at 
present  by  which  agriculturists  can  check  the  correct- 
ness of  the  decisions  of  the  of&cials  of  the  railway 
company  on  the  question  whether  a  rate  for  foreign 
agricultural  produce  is  lower  in  proportion  than  a  rate 
for  home  produce. 

(9)  That  where  through  rates  from  a  foreign  port  to 
an  English  urban  centre  are  charged  by  a  railway 
company  owning  steamships,  it  is  necessary,  in  order  to 
check  the  justice  of  the  rates,  to  know  what  proportion 
of  the  total  rates  is  charged  for  the  sea  journey  and 
what  proportion  is  charged  for  the  land  journey  in 
England  ;  but  it  appeared  from  the  evidence  that 
different  companies  adopt  different  systems  of  allocation, 
and  it  was  stated  by  the  witnesses  that  the  allocations 
are  not  based  on  any  statistics,  but  is  a  matter  of  their 
own  judgment,  and  that  the  allocation  can  be  altered  at 
any  time.  (This  simply  means  that  where  the  rate 
charged  for  the  land  portion  of  the  journey  is  chal- 
lenged as  unfair,  the  railway  companies  can,  it  is  true, 
be  compelled  to  say  how  much  of  a  through  rate  is 
charged  for  overland  transit  and  how  much  for  the  sea 
journey,  but  there  is  nothing  to  prevent  their  juggling 
these  figures  in  any  manner  they  think  fit,  as  they  can 
state  the  proportion  in  any  manner  that  suits  their 
purpose  for  the  moment  without  the  justice  of  the  pro- 
portion   being   challenged.) 

(10)  That  in  tackling  the  railway  companies  on  ques- 
tions of  this  kind,  although  the  interests  involved  to 
agriculturists  collectively  are  probably  very  large,  the 
„i  ri  5ts  involved  to  the  individual  agriculturist  are  not 
sufficiently  large  to  justify  him  or  his  association  in 
undertaking  the  expensive  proceedings  involved. 

(11)  That  work  of  this  nature  ought,  therefore,  to  be 
undertaken  by  the  Board  of  Agriculture  and  Fisheries 
on   behalf   of  agriculture  generally. 

Before  leaving  this  subject  it  may  perhaps  be 
instructive  to  note  that  this  question  was  made 
the   subject   of   legal     proceedings   in   an   action 


which  the  Mansion  House  Association  brought 
against  the  London  and  South  Western  Railway 
a  few  years  ago.  In  that  action  the  Court 
decided  that  the  allegation  that  preference  was 
being  shown  to  the  foreign  producer  was  not 
justified  in  certain  instances,  but  that,  on  the 
other  hand,  in  some  cases  the  home  traders' 
complaint  was  well  founded,  and  the  railway 
company  was  accordingly  ordered  to  stop  grant- 
ing unfair  preference  to  foreign  produce,  such  as 
Hops,  Hay  and  fresh  Meat.  This,  therefore, 
shows  that  in  certain  instances  railway  com- 
panies do  grant  illegal  preference  to  the  foreign 
producer,  and  that  it  actually  requires  an  order 
of  Court  to  stop  them  doing  so  !  27.  M.  V. 
(To  be  continued.) 


VEGETABLES. 

BROCCOLI     MODEL. 

We  have  to-day  (May  18)  dug  up  and  heeled 
in  under  a  north  wall  the  remaining  plants  of  a 
splendid   crop   of   this    fine   Broccoli. 

On  inspecting  the  bed  on  April  22,  which  was 
before  we  began  to  cut,  I  found  no  harm  had 
accrued  to  the  plants  from  the  severe  winter, 
although  a  few  of  the  plants  at  the  end  of  one 
row  had  their  leaves  torn,  I  believe,  by  pheasants. 

The  Broccoli  were  planted,  as  is  our  usual 
practice,  in  August,  on  the  site  of  an  old  Straw- 
berry bed. 

From  now  till  the  end  of  May  is  the  best  time 
to  sow  this  Broccoli.  Edwin  Piatt,  Borden  Wood 
Gardens,  Liphooh,  Hants. 

BUTTER  BEANS. 
The  Golden  Waxpod  or  Butter  Bean  is  by  no 
means  common  in  gardens.  It  forms  an  excel- 
lent summer  vegetable,  and  is  especially 
valuable  where  good  vegetables  in  variety  are  in 
demand ;  on  the  Continent  the  Butter  Bean  is  a 
common  dish.  There  are  numerous  varieties, 
both  dwarf  and  runner  kinds,  and  the  climbing 
varieties  are  plentifully  cultivated  in  the  United 
States  of  America.  The  older  Mont  d'Or  is  one 
of  the  best-known  varieties  in  this  country  ;  but 
there  is  a  newer  or  improved  form  that  is  string- 
less,  and  a  good  Bean  on  account  of  its  earliness 
in  cropping  and  its  large  productive  quality. 
The  VVaxpod  or  Butter  Bean  should  be  cooked 
whole,  as  the  pods  in  a  young  state  are  very 
fleshy,  and  most  of  them  stringless  and  very  ten- 
der. The  Golden  Waxpod,  a  dwarf  grower,  is 
an  abundant  cropper,  and  worthy  of  cultivation 
in  all  gardens.  It  is  quite  distinct  from  the  or- 
dinary green  Beans,  and,  when  sent  to  table  as  a 
second  course,  or  as  a  dressed  vegetable,  it  is 
much  appreciated.  The  Centenary  Golden-Podded 
is  a  fine  dwarf  variety,  largely  cultivated  on  the 
Continent  for  its  good  flavour.  This  is  earlier 
than  the  older  Golden  Scimitar.  The  earliest 
Butter  Bean  I  have  grown  is  the  Flageolet  Wax. 
In  addition  to  its  earliness,  this  variety  is  ex- 
ceedingly productive,  bearing  numerous  pods  of 
great  length.  The  Golden-Eyed  Wax  variety,  an 
American  introduction,  is  an  excellent  Bean, 
bearing  early  and  freely ;  the  habit  is  dwarf. 
There  is  a  distinct,  round-podded  variety  of  the 
Golden  Scimitar  type,  called  Henderson  Wax. 
This  also  is  a  fine  addition.  It  bears  a  round, 
fleshy,  remarkably  solid  pod.  and  is  one  of  the 
best  as  regards  cropping  qualities  and  freedom 
from  rust  or  mildew.  Improved  Golden  Wax  is 
a  form  of  the  older  Golden  variety,  but 
of  more  vigorous  growth.  The  pods  are  large, 
and  are  borne  early  in  the  season.  They  are 
broad,  very  thick,  with  a  solid  flesh,  stringless, 
and  of  a  dark  golden  colour.  This  variety  ranks 
as  one  of  the  best  of  all  the  wax-podded  Beans. 
The  old  Mont  d'Or  variety  I  have  alluded  to  is  a 
good  variety  for  general  culture.  The  pods  are 
stringless,  and  the  plant  is  a  good  cropper.  Per- 
fection Wax,  a  variety  much  grown  in  the  Erfurt 
district,  and  also  for  the  Paris  markets,  is  a  most 
useful,  summer  Bean.    The  pods  are  yellow  when 


cooked,  and  the  plant  is  a  free  bearer.  There  are 
many  other  kinds  in  commerce,  but  those  I  have 
noted  are  the  best.  The  plants  should 
be  afforded  ample  room;  if  crowded,  the  pods 
are  less  fleshy.  They  require  similar  culture  to 
other  Beans,  and  enjoy  a  rich  soil  and  ample 
manure.  The  Butter  Bean  does  best  sown  in  drills 
so  that  moisture  can  be  given  in  hot  weather. 
For  a  succession,  seed  should  be  sown  in  May, 
June  and  July,  and  the  pods  will  be  available 
from  July  to  September.  For  the  latest  sum- 
mer crops  in  the  southern  part  of  the  country  a 
cool  border  should  be  chosen.     G.   Wythes. 


HOME   CORRESPONDENCE. 


( The  Editor  does  not  hold  himself  responsible  for  the 
opinions  expressed  by  his  correspondents.) 

Tulips. — A  variety,  named  Jenny,  imported 
from  the  Continent,  is  similar  in  style  to  Isabella, 
but  the  colour  is  brighter  and  more  regularly  de- 
fined. The  flowers  are  very  large,  and  the  habit 
dwarf  and  sturdy.  A  large  collection  of  the 
older  varieties  was  growing  near  thia  and  other 
new  sorts  in  Messrs.  Pearson's  nursery  at 
Lowdham  on  the  occasion  of  a  recent  visit.  A 
bright  scarlet  variety  called  Flame  was  noticed 
for  its  large,  finely-shaped  flower.  Many  of  the 
varieties  are  grown  in  enormous  quantities. 
Inglescombe  Scarlet  occupied  several  very  large 
beds,  and  I  was  informed  there  were  20,000  bulbs 
of  this  variety  which  had  been  raised  in  about  15 
years  from  three  dozen  bulbs — a  wonderful  rate 
of  increase.  The  colour  of  Inglescombe  Scarlet 
was  only  just  showing  on  May  17,  while  King 
Harold,  Gipsy  Queen,  Glow,  Donders,  Pride  of 
Haarlem,  Clara  Butt,  and  many  ethers  were  in 
full  bloom.  W.  II.  Divers,  Belvoir  Castle  Gar- 
dens, Grantham. 

Damage  by  Thunderstorm.  —  Consider- 
able damage  was  done  here  on  Wednesday. 
May  26,  by  hail  and  torrential  rain  which  accom- 
panied a  thunderstorm.  On  the  day  after  the 
storm  the  tiny  Apples,  Pears  and  Cherries 
covered  the  ground  thickly.  Irish  Peach  and  Kes- 
wick Codlin  Apples  promised  a  magnificent  crop, 
which  will  now  be  a  complete  failure ;  later 
varieties  of  Apples  have  not  fared  so  badly.  A 
promising  crop  of  Gooseberries  was  also  opoiled  ; 
the  fruits  were  torn  from  the  branches,  and  in 
many  cases  the  shoots  were  broken  off  also.  The 
young  top-growths  of  Wallflowers  were  all  cut. 
off.  Bedding  plants,  which  were  in  their  summer 
quarters,  have  been  torn  to  pieces  and  many  of 
them  washed  out  of  the  ground.  Nasturtiums 
were  completely  riddled  as  if  with  shot.  Be- 
tween one  and  two  o'clock  in  the  day  vivid 
flashes  of  forked  lightning,  accompanied  by  a 
deluge  of  rain,  washed  up  many  of  the  paths.  A 
flock  of  sheep  belonging  to  a  neighbouring  far- 
mer was  struck  by  lightning;  five  ewes  and  five 
lambs  were  killed  and  many  others  injured.  Thou, 
Francis,  Gardener  and  Instructor,  The  Walsall 
and  West  Bromwich  District  School.*,  Wigmore, 
Staff's. 

Onions  for  Market  (see  pp.  217,  234). — If 
A.  D.  cultivated  Onions  year  by  year  for  market 
I  do  not  think  he  would  find  it  quite  so  easy  to 
realise  an  average  profit  of  £40  per  acre  per 
annum  as  he  does  to  estimate  it  on  paper.  Begin- 
ners may  be  led  to  think  that  they  can  see  their 
way  to  make  a  fortune  in  a  few  years.  On  the  con- 
trary, they  will  find  it  difficult  to  make  even  a 
small  profit.  If  we  could  be  certain  that  the 
prices  would  continue  somewhere  near  the  figures 
— viz.,  4s.  to  6s.  per  bushel — obtained  during 
the  past  season,  then  there  is  no  doubt  that  a  crop 
of  Onions  would  pay  well.  But  we  need  go  no 
farther  back  than  the  previous  season  to  find 
that  Is.  9d.  or  2s.  was  as  much  as  could  be 
obtained :  whence  then  would  come  the  £40 
profit?  There  is,  moreover,  the  question  of  size. 
If  your  correspondents,  who  advocate  growing 
market  Onions  of  2  lbs.  each,  would  enquire  of  the 
salesmen  at  Covent  Garden  or  of  the  London 
greengrocers,  they  would  find,  I  think,  that 
Onions  weighing  three  or  four  to  the  pound  are 
far  more  saleable.  I  scarcely  think  that  we  are 
likely  to  oust  the  Spanish  bulb  by  growing  large 
Onions  in  England.  As  to  the  method  of  grow- 
ing. I  agree  with  S.  J.  Martin  (see  p.  234), 
assuming  that  the  soil  is  of  the  right  kind,  but 


June  5,  1909.] 


THE    GARDENERS'    CHRONICLE. 


369 


1  foot  from  row  to  row  is  as  well  for  convenience 
of  hoeing,  and  5  or  6  inches  is  then  quite  suffi- 
cient space  from  plant  to  plant.  In  this  way  I 
get  quantities  of  Onions  from  4  to  5  inches  in 
diameter,  which  I  think  are  sufficiently  large  for 
general  purposes.  As  to  varieties,  I  have  dis- 
carded nearly  all  others  in  favour  of  the  "  Im- 
proved Reading."  With  this  variety  I  obtain 
abundant  crops  by  sowing  late  in  February  or 
early  in  March.  E.  Webber,  Cumberland  Lodge, 
Windsor. 

Seakale    as   a  Green   Vegetable.— A  few 

days  ago  I  was  induced  to  try  a  few  heads  of 
Seakale  as  a  green  vegetable.  Although  not 
possessing  epicurean  tastes,  I  must  say  it  was 
one  of  the  most  delicious  green  vegetables  I  ever 
tasted.  In  a  season  such  as  the  past,  when  green 
vegetables  were  very  scarce,  anything  fresh  is 
valuable.  I  might  say  it  was  cooked  in  precisely 
the  same  manner  as  Kale  or  Cabbage.  It  is  pos- 
sible to  have  Seakale  for  at  least  five  months  of 
the  year,  and,  by  utilising  the  top,  another 
month  can  be  added  ;  what  other  vegetable  can 
compare  with  it?  I  enclose  a  few  heads  for  you 
to  judge  its  merits,  .s'.  G.  Smallridge,  Solfield 
Grange  Gardens,  Coggesha.il,  Essex.  [The 
shoots  were  cooked  according  to  Mr.  Smallridge's 
direction,  but  when  served  they  were  found  to  be 
not  sufficiently  boiled;  otherwise  they  promised 
well. — En.] 

Seeding  of  the  True   English    Elm.— As 

Elms  are  seeding  profusely  in  most  parts  of  Eng- 
land this  year,  it  is  possible  that  some  fertile 
seeds  may  be  found  in  the  warmer  parts  of 
England  (though  I  have  never  seen  any)  on  the 
true  English  Elm.  I  should  therefore  be  obliged 
if  any  of  your  readers  will  look  out  for  such  and 
send  me  a  few.  I  do  not  want  seed  of  the 
smooth-leaved  Elm  U.  glabra,  of  which  the 
Cornish  or  Jersey  Elm  and  the  Hertfordshire 
Elms  are  probably  varieties,  or  of  the  Dutch  or 
corky-barked  Elm,  commonly  known  as  English 
Elm  in  many  parts  of  England,  especially  in  the 
north ;  but  only  from  old  hedgerow  Elms,  cer- 
tainly grown  from  suckers,  and  of  which  the 
foliage  turns  to  a  bright  golden  colour  in 
November,  when  the  other  Elms  have  lost  their 
leaves.  And  I  don't  want  seeds  from  any 
foreign  seedling  or  nurserymen's  Elms,  which 
for  a  century  or  more  have  been  grafted  or 
budded  on  the  stock  of  "Wych  Elms,  and  usually 
have  a  very  inferior  habit,  colour,  and  timber  to 
the  true  English  Elm  of  the  Thames  and  Severn 
valleys.     H.  J.  Elwes,  Colesbome,  Cheltenham. 


SOCIETIES. 


LAW    NOTES. 


BREACH    OF    CONTRACT. 

At  West  Bromwich  County  Court  on  May  18, 
a  market  gardener  of  Biggleswade,  Bedfordshire, 
was  sued  by  a  Potato  salesman,  of  Oldbury,  who 
claimed  £13  15s.  damages  for  breach  of  contract. 

.Mr.  Wyllie,  for  the  plaintiff,  said  defendant 
contracted  to  supply  plaintiff  with  10  tons  of 
Parsnips  at  £2  5s.  a  ton.  Half  of  the  quantity 
of  Parsnips  was  delivered,  and  defendant  then 
wrote  that  he  could  not  supply  the  remainder.  In 
the  meantime  Parsnips  had  risen  in  price,  and 
plaintiff  was  compelled  to  buy  five  tons  at  £5  a 
ton.  He  now  sued  to  recover  the  extra  amount  he 
had  to  pay  in  consequ3nce  of  defendant's  breach 
of  contract. 

Defendant  pleaded  that  he  only  bargained  to 
send  five  tons  at  a  time,  payment  to  be  made  as 
soon  as  they  were  placed  on  rail.  Owing  to  the 
plaintiff's  delay  in  forwarding  the  money  for  the 
first  five  tons,  and  in  sending  the  bags  back,  he 
(defendant)  was  unable  to  buy  the  Parsnips  he 
had  agreed  to  deliver. 

Judgment  was  given  for  the  plaintiff  for  the 
amount  claimed  with  costs. 


DEBATING     SOCIETY. 

BRISTOL  AND  DISTRICT  GARDENERS'.— The 

first  meeting  of  the  new  session  was  held  on  May  27,  at  St. 
John's  Parish  Rooms,  Mr.  W.  E.  Budgett  presiding  over  a 
large  attendance  of  the  members.  Mr.  Brooks  gave  a  lecture 
upon  "  Fads  and  Fancies  of  Gardeners  and  Gardening." 
The  lecturer  gave  reminiscences  of  his  visits  to  gardens, 
and  mentioned  some  peculiarities  of  the  gardeners.  An 
interesting  part  of  the  proceedings  was  the  presentation  of 
silver  medals  to  three  young  members  who  had  made  the 
maximum  number  of  attendances  during  the  past  session. 
Three  new  members  were  elected. 


ROYAL    HORTICULTURAL. 

Scientific  Committee. 


Mat  18.— Present:  E.  A.  Bowles.  Esq.,  M.A., 
F.E.S.  (in  the  Chair);  Prof.  A.  H.  Church, 
F.R.S.,  Dr.  A.  B.  Rendle,  F.R.S.,  Dr.  A. 
Voelcker,  F.L.S.,  Messrs.  R.  H.  Curtis,  H.  J. 
Veitch,  W.  Cuthbertson,  A.  W.  Sutton,  W. 
Hales,  A.  Worsley,  6.  Gordon,  J.  T.  Bennett- 
Poe,  H.  T.  Giissow,  F.  J.  Baker,  L.  H.  de 
Barri  Crawshay.  W.  Fawcett,  F.  J.  Chittenden 
(hon.  secretary),  and  E.  H.  Wilson  (visitor). 
The  committee  heartily  welcomed  Mr.  E.  H. 
Wilson  on  his  return  from  his  journey  of 
botanical   exploration   in  Western   China. 

Rose  with  foliar  sepals. — Lt.-Col.  J.  W. 
Currie,  Norwich,  sent  a  specimen  of  the  Rose 
Niphetos  having  one  of  the  sepals  developed  into 
a  perfect  leaf  with  five  leaflets  and  stipules  well 
developed.  While  the  peculiarity  is  not  rare, 
so  perfectly  developed  a  specimen  as  this  is  sel- 
dom met  with. 

Ranunculus  auricomus. — Dr.  Rendle  showed 
specimens  of  the  depauperate  form  of  R.  auri- 
comus with  one  or  two  petals  only  in  some 
flowers,  and  in  others  the  petals  scarcely  de- 
veloped. This  species  often  has  very  imperfect 
flowers. 

Salix  pentandra. — Mr.  J.  Fraseh  showed 
specimens  of  the  flowers  of  Salix  pentandra  in 
which  the  posterior  gland  had  proliferated  and 
given  rise  to  two  or  three  small  pistils  in  addi- 
tion to  the  normal  one.  He  pointed  out  that  in 
the  genus  Popnlus  belonging  to  the  same  family 
as  Salix  there  is  a  perianth,  and  that  Bentham 
had  regarded  the  gland  in  Salix  as  homologous 
with  the  perianth  of  Populus.  He  found  on 
examination  of  the  frequent  cases  of  abnormal 
development  of  this  gland  or  disc  in  Salix  pen- 
tandra, considerable  grounds  for  believing 
Bentham's  view  to  be  the  correct  one.  Fre- 
quently the  gland  became  so  much  developed  that 
it  grew  almost  three  parts  round  the  pedicel  of 
the  ovary. 

Viola  lutea  and  I".  Intra  amama. — Mr. 
Fraser  also  showed  specimens  of  these  two 
Violas  collected  in  meadows  at  considerable  ele- 
vations in  Scotland.  He  said  that  the  Scotch 
raisers  of  the  garden  Violas  had  used  this  species 
in  their  formation,  and  from  it  had  been  derived 
the  perennial  habit  of  these  varieties.  Mr.  Cuth- 
bertson corroborated  the  statement,  saying 
that  this  had  been  the  case  in  1859  and  1860,  but 
he  thought  that  little  good  would  be  likely  to 
arise  by  recrossing  the  species  with  the  Violas 
of  the  present  day  since  they  were  so  generally 
hardy  and  perennial.  He  had  planted  over  ICO 
varieties  in  an  Essex  garden  in  October,  1907. 
and  had  found  that  a  very  large  proportion  of 
them  had  survived  even  the  severity  of  the  past 
winter,  the  varieties  Royal  Sovereign  and 
Bullion  being  particularly  noticeable  in  this 
respect. 

Frost  injury. — Mr.  F.  J.  Baker  showed  leaves 
of  Peas  having  white  patches  upon  them  from 
Cambridgeshire.  They  seemed  to  show  signs  of 
albinism,  but  were  also  injured  by  frost.  It  is 
possible  that  the  latter  was  connected  with  for- 
mer phenomenon,  since,  as  Prof.  Church  pointed 
out,  the  albino  spots  upon  a  leaf  always  contain 
a  larger  percentage  of  water  than  the  green  parts, 
and  thus  are  probably  more  liable  to  injury  by 
frost  than  the  urreen  parts.  There  is  also  always 
less  lime  and  potash  in  the  white  parts  of  a 
variegated  leaf  than  in  the  green. 

Primula  hybrids. — Mr.  H.  J.  Veitch  showed 
a  series  of  crosses  between  Primula  pulverulenta 
and  P.  Cockburniana.  These  are  both  native  of 
Western  China,  the  former  being  of  a  rich 
purple  colour  and  perennial  and  the  latter  orange. 
The   series   was   as   follows : — 

P.  pulverulenta  ?  x  P.  Cockburniana  i 
gave  P.  x  "  Unique  "  (cerise),  while  the  reci- 
procal cross  gave  P.  x  "  Unique  Improved," 
differing  somewhat  in  colour  from  "  Unique," 
being  somewhat  darker,  but  of  similar  habit. 
These  hybrids  are  perennial. 

P.  Cockburniana  ?  x  P.  x  "  Unique  "  s 
gave  a  plant  bearing  terra-cotta  flowers  nearly 
the  colour  of  P.  Cockburniana,  but  with  the 
habit  of  P.   pulverulenta,  to  which  the  foliage 


bore  a  great  resemblance.  This  would  appear  to 
be  perennial,  since  the  plant  which  flowered  last 
year  is  again  in  bud. 

P.  pulverulenta  2  x  P.  X  "Unique  Im- 
proved "  c*and  P.  X  "  Unique  "  5  X  P.  pul- 
verulenta <?  were  almost  identical  in  colour  of 
flowers,  just  a  little  brighter  than  P.  pulveru- 
lenta, while  when  the  plant  raised  by  crossing 
P.  Cockburniana  and  P.  "  Unique  "  was  ferti- 
lised from  that  raised  by  crossing  P.  x 
"  Unique  "  and  P.  pulverulenta,  the  colour  of 
the  flower  showed  a  greater  variation  from  P. 
pulverulenta,  and  was  of  a  warm  cerise. 

Abnormal  Tulip  (new  seedling  variety). — A 
correspondent  sent  specimens  of  abnormal  Tulips, 
which  were  in  all  respects  normal  florists' 
breeders,  except  that  the  three  inner  petals  of 
each  possessed  a  couple  of  small  spurs  near  the 
base  pointing  inwards.  The  malformation  is 
constant,  and  recurs  each  year ;  it  is  found  in 
all  the  offsets  that  have  arisen  from  the  original 
seedling,  and  is  evidently  characteristic  of  the 
variety.  Both  plants  were  normal,  as  were  all 
the  other  seedlings  raised  from  the  same  parents. 
No  similar  structures  in  a  Tulip  bloom  have 
fallen  under  the  raiser's  observation  either 
among  Tulip  species  or  some  1,500  other  seedlings 
of  florists'  Tulips.  Somewhat  similar  formations 
to  these  are  sometimes  met  with  among  Tulips, 
but  no  member  of  the  committee  had  before  seen 
specimens  where  the  abnormality  was  so  regu- 
larly and  symmetrically  developed. 

Orchid  hybrids. — Mr.  G.  Wilson  sent  flowers 
of  seedlings  of  the  cross  Dendrobium  nobile 
album  x  D.  Findleyanum  (=  D.  x  "  Cybele  "). 
All  the  seedlings  which  had  flowered  (about 
sixty)  had  borne  coloured  flowers  approaching  D. 
nobile,  with  one  exception,  where  the  flowers 
were  white  with  a  faint  pink  tinge. 


/'i'lun  sp.,  d-c. — Mr.  A.  W.  Sutton  showed 
plants  in  flower  of  the  wild  Pea  collected  in 
Palestine,  which  he  had  before  exhibited,  and 
of  P.  quadratum,  to  demonstrate  the  fact  that  the 
two  were  not  identical.  The  seeds  of  the  two 
are  very  similar  to  one  another,  hut  the  mature 
plants  differ  particularly  in  the  amount  of  serra- 
tion  of  the  leaves. 

Mr.  Sutton  also  showed  the  plant  of  Asparagus 
which  had  been  collected  in  the  Himalaya,  but 
the  committee  desired  to  see  it  again  when  it 
was  in  flower. 

Impatient  x  comoricoma- — Mr.  H.  J.  Veitch 
showed  on  behalf  of  Messrs.  Cayeux  &  Le 
C'i.erc,  of  Paris,  plants  of  the  hybrid  Impatiens 
X  comoricoma  raised  from  I.  "comorensis  and 
I.  auricoma,  the  former  with  rose-coloured 
flowers,  the  latter  with  yellow,  those  of  the  hy- 
brid being  "  rouge  chaudron  eclaire  de  jaune 
soufre,  strides  de  carmin  stir  les  bords  interieuxs 
des  petales  lateraux."  The  anterior  sepal  of  I. 
comorensis  is  white,  and  of  I.  auricoma  yellow, 
while  in  the  hybrid  it  is  yellow  striped  in  the 
lower  part  with  carmine.  A  table  comparing  the 
hybrid  with  its  parent  is  given  along  with  an 
account  of  the  raising  of  the  hybrid  in  the  Revue 
Eorticole,   September,   1908,  pp.   427-428. 

Uncommon  Conifers. — From  Sir  Edmund 
Loder,  Bart.,  Leonardslee,  came  branches  with 
cones  of  Larix   Griffithii    and   L.    americaua. 


MANCHESTER  AND  NORTH  OF 
ENGLAND  ORCHID. 

May  13. — Committee  present:  Messrs.  E.  Ash- 
worth  (Chairman),  and  R.  Ashworth,  Ashton, 
Cowan,  Cypher,  Holmes,  Keeling,  Leemann. 
Parker,  Smith,  Thorp,  Ward,  Warburton,  Rolfe 
(by  invitation),  and  Weathers  (hon.  sec). 

J.  T.  Clifton,  Esq.,  Lytham  Hall,  Lytham 
(gr.  Mr.  Float),  staged  a  group  of  well-grown 
plants,  including  Odontoglossums  in  variety. 
Dendrobium  Bronckhardtii  was  exhibited  for  the 
first  time  at  these  meetings,  and  received  an 
Award  of  Merit,  as  also  did  Angrajcum  infundi- 
bulare.  Botanical  Certificates  were  awarded  to 
Bulbophyllum  Lobbii  var.  claptonense,  B.  tre- 
mulum,  Masdevallia  triaristella,  and  Cirrhopeta- 
lum  picturatum.     (Silver  Medal.  I 

E.  Rogerson,  Esq.,  Didsbury,  exhibited  Odon- 
toglossum  eximium  var.  Rogersonii ;  for  this 
plant  and  for  O.  X  Stanley  Awards  of  Merit 
were  granted. 

R.  Ashworth.  Esq.,  Newchurch  (gr.  Mr. 
Fletcher),    was   awarded   a    Silver    Medal    for    a 


370 


THE    GARDENERS'    CHRONICLE. 


[June  5,  1909. 


group  of  Odontoglossums.  Awards  of  Merit  were 
given  to  Odontoglossum  X  Aqesilaus,  0.  crispum 
xanthotes  var.  yueen  of  the  Snow,  and  0.  cris- 
pum  var.    "  Sweetness." 

H.  J.  Bkomilow,  Esq.,  Rainhill  (gr.  Mr. 
Morgan),  had  a  large  exhibit  of  Cypripediums, 
although  so  late  in  the  season.  (Silver-gilt 
Medal.) 

Mr.  A.  J.  Keeling,  Westgate  Hill,  Bradford, 
was  awarded  a  Bronze  Medal  for  a  group  which 
contained  Brasso-Cattleya  x  Digbyano  X 
Mossise  and  Cattleya  X  Dusseldorfei  var.  Undine. 

A.  Warburton,  Esq.,  Haslingden  (gr.  Mr. 
Dalgleish),  obtained  a  Silver-gilt  Medal  for  Catt- 
leyas  and  Leelias  and  for  a  miscellaneous  display. 
Cattleya  Schroderae  var.  "  White  Lady  "  re- 
ceived an  Award  of  Merit.  Odontoglossum 
crispum  var.  "  Queen  of  the  Earth  "  received  a 
First-class  Certificate.  Odontoglossum  x  Tri- 
umph, parentage  unknown,  and  0.  Pescatorei 
Warburton's  var.  also  received  First-class  Cer- 
tificates. 

H.  Arthur,  Esq.,  Blackburn,  was  awarded  a 
Silver  Medal  for  a  group  which  contained  many 
Cymbidiums. 

Mrs.  Armitage,  Waterside,  Windermere, 
staged  for  the  first  time  at  these  shows  a  charm- 
ing group,  the  central  feature  of  which  was  a 
magnificent  collection  of  Cypripedium  bellatu- 
lum,  for  which  a  Cultural  Commendation  was 
awarded.  A  First-class  Certificate  was  voted  to 
Cypripedium  x  Alabaster  var.  Godfrey,  and 
Awards  of  Merit  to  Brasso-Cattleya  x  Schro- 
dene  X  Digbyano  and  Odontoglossum  X 
Adrians  Waterside  var.     (Silver  Medal.) 

Z.  A.  Ward,  Esq.,  Northenden  (gr.  Mr. 
Weatherley),  was  awarded  a  Silver  Medal  for  a 
display  of  Odontoglossums  in  variety.  Odonto- 
glossum X  Brightness  and  0.  X  amabile  var. 
Harris  were  voted  Awards  of  Merit. 

J.  McCartney,  Esq.,  Bolton  (gr.  Mr.  Holmes), 
was  awarded  a  Silver  Medal  for  Cattleyas  and 
Lselias.  Cattleya  Mossia?  var.  aureum,  C.  Men- 
delii  var.  Princess  Alexandra,  and  C.  Mendelii 
var.  Excelsior  were  given  Awards  of  Merit. 

J.  E.  Williamson,  Esq.,  Stretford,  made  a 
pleasing  display  of  Dendrobiums.  (Bronze 
Medal.) 

Mr.  J.  Robson,  Altrincham,  exhibited  a  group 
which  contained  a  number  of  choice  hybrid 
Odontoglossums.     (Silver  Medal.) 

Other  exhibitors  included  Mr.  J.  Birchenall, 
Alderley  Edge;  Messrs.  Owen  &  Co.,  Hartford, 
Northwich ;  Mr.  W.  Shackleton,  Great  Horton, 
Bradford;  and  0.  0.  Wrigley,  Esq.,  Bury. 
P.   W. 

BRITISH     GARDENERS'    ASSOCIATION. 

May  26. — The  annual  meeting  of  this  associa- 
tion was  held  on  the  above  date  at  the  Essex 
Hall,  Essex  Street,  Strand.  Mr.  E.  F.  Hawes 
presided.  The  Report  of  the  Executive  Com- 
mittee was  adopted.  The  vacancies  on  the  Exe- 
cutive Council  were  filled  by  the  election  of 
Messrs.  A.  E.  Cresswell,  C.  Taylor,  J.  Wood.  W. 
H.  Aggett,  A.  J.  Hartless,  C.  Blake,  W.  New- 
berry,  R.   J.   Frogbrook,   and  F.   J.    Cole. 

Mr.  C.  P.  Raffill  was  elected  treasurer,  Mr. 
Jno.  Weathers  secretary,  and  Messrs.  J.  Har- 
rison Hick  and  G.  F.  Tinley  auditors.  Several 
alterations  of  rules  were  considered  and  adopted. 


THE     WEATHER. 


CATALOGUES     RECEIVED. 


James  Stredwick  &  Son,  Silverhill  Park,  St.  Leonards- 

on-Sea— Dahlias. 
Moore,  Ltd.,  Rawdon,  via  Leeds — Orchids  and  Burmese 

Lilies. 
Young  &  Co.,  Hatherley,  Cheltenham— Perpetual-flowering 

Carnations. 
Dobbie  &  Co.,  Rothesay — "Ideal"  flower-vase. 
Clibrans,   Altrincham   and    Manchester— Bedding  plants  ; 

plants  for  walls,  pergolas,  &c.  ;  shrubs  ;  border  plants  ; 

Violas,  &c. 
H.   N.   Ellison,  5  &  7,  Beall   Street,  West  Bromwich— 

Bulbs;  Cacti;  Ferns. 
George  Bunvard  &  Co.,  Ltd.,  Maidstone,   Kent— Hardy 

climbing  plants,  with  cultural  and  pruning  notes. 

COLONIAL. 

Dupuy  &  Ferguson,  38,  Place  Jacques-Cartier,  Montreal 
— Hardy  perennial  and  climbing  plants,  Roses,  fruit 
trees,  &c. ;  also  poultry  requisites. 

FOREIGN. 

Carl  Tchliessmann,  Kastel- Mainz,  Germany— Arches, 
pergolas,  screens,  arbors,  &c. 

G.  J.  Alberts  &  Co.,  Boskoop,  Holland— Nursery  stock 
(wholesale). 

Yokohama  Nursery  Co.,  Ltd.,  21-35,  Nakamura,  Yoko- 
hama, Japan — Bulbs,  plants,  seeds. 

J.  Chantrier  Freres,  Mortefontaine,  par  Plailly  (Oise), 
France— Plants,  &c. 


The  Following  Summary  Record  of  the 
weather  throughout  the  British  Islands,  for  the 
week  ending  May  29,  is  furnished  from  the 
Meteorological  Office: — 

GENERAL    OBSERVATIONS. 

The  weather  was  much  less  bright  over  the  Kingdom 
generally  than  during  the  preceding  weeks  of  the  month, 
and  showers  or  periods  of  steady  rain  were  experienced 
in  all  districts.  Thunderstorms  occurred  in  various  parts 
of  the  country  some  time  during  the  week,  but  they  were 
not,  as  a  rule,  severe. 

The  temperature  exceeded  the  average  in  all  districts,  the 
divergence  being  greatest  (4*3°)  in  England  N.E.  The  high- 
est of  the  maxima  were  experienced  on  the  23rd  or  24th 
at  nearly  all  stations,  and  ranged  from  80°  in  England  E. 
and  the  Midland  Counties,  and  79u  in  England  S.E.  to 
65°  in  Ireland  N.,  and  to  63°  in  Scotland  N.  The  lowest 
of  the  minima,  which  occurred  on  rather  irregular  dates, 
varied  from  33°  in  Ireland  S.  and  36°  in  England  S.W.  to 
42"  in  England  N.E.  and  N.W.,  and  to  48°  in  the  English 
Channel.  The  lowest  grass  readings  reported  were  22Q  at 
Llangammarch  Wells,  28y  at  Burnley,  29°  at  Birmingham, 
30°  at  Cambridge,  and  31°  at  Greenwich. 

The  mean  temperature  of  the  sea.— On  most  parts  of  the 
coast  except  the  south-west  of  England  the  water  was  rather 
colder  than  during  the  corresponding  week  of  last  year. 
The  actual  means  for  the  week  ranged  from  56"5°  at  Mar- 
gate, 55°  at  Newquay,  and  about  54°  at  Salcombe,  Teelin, 
and  Seafield,  to  about  47°  at  Scarborough,  and  to  about 
46'1°  at  Lerwick  and  Burnmouth. 

The  rainfall  was  considerably  more  than  the  average  in 
all  districts  excepting  the  English  Channel,  where  the  ex- 
cess was  slight. 

The  bright  sunshine  slightly  exceeded  the  normal  in  the 
east  and  south-east  of  England,  but  was  below  it  elsewhere. 
The  percentage  of  the  possible  duration  ranged  from  50 
in  England  S.E.,  49  in  the  English  Channel,  and  46  in 
England  E.,  to  29  in  Ireland  N.,  and  to  22  in  Scotland  N. 

THE  WEATHER    IN    WEST    HERTS. 

Week  ending  June  2. 

A  remarkably  Jicavy  rainfall.— It  was  cold  at  first,  but  as 
the  week  advanced  the  weather  during  the  daytime  gradually 
became  warmer,  whereas  the  night  temperatures  remained, 
as  a  rule,  about  average.  On  the  wannest  day  the  tempera- 
ture in  the  thermometer  screen  rose  to  73°,  and  on  the 
coldest  night  the  exposed  thermometer  fell  to  37°.  The 
ground  is  now  2°  warmer  at  2  feet  deep,  and.  on  the  other 
hand,  1°  colder  at  1  foot  deep,  than  is  seasonable.  Rain  fell 
on  five  days  to  the  aggregate  depth  of  over  2i  inches,  which 
i«  more  than  the  average  rainfall  for  the  whole  of  either  May 
or  June.  On  May  2tf,  during  a  thunderstorm  in  the  middle 
of  the  day,  the  rain  was  falling  for  20  minutes  at  the  average 
rate  of  1J  inch  an  hour.  On  the  1st  inst.  there  was  another 
heavy  downpour,  which  was  more  remarkable  for  its  dura- 
tion than  for  any  exceptional  heavy  fall  at  any  one 
time.  This  rain  began  at  9  a.m.  and  lasted  without 
intermission  until  10  p.m.,  during  which  period  over 
1J  inch  was  deposited.  Only  twice  before  in  the  last 
24  years  has  there  been  here  such  a  heavy  fall  of 
rain  as  this  in  any  one  day  or  night,  or  in  any  24  hours. 
Of  the  rainfall  of  the  last  nine  days  7|  gallons  have 
come  through  the  bare  soil  percolation  gauge,  and  2J 
gallons  through  that  on  which  short  grass  is  growing.  The 
sun  shone  on  an  average  for  seven  hours  a  day,  which  is 
three-quarters  of  an  hour  a  day  longer  than  the  average 
duration  at  this  period  of  the  year.  During  the  week  light 
airs  and  calms  as  a  rule  prevailed.  The  mean  amount  of 
moisture  in  the  air  at  3  p.m.  exceeded  a  seasonable  quantity 
for  that  hour  by  5  per  cent.  Rosa  pimpinellifolia,  the 
Scotch  Burnet  Rose,  came  first  into  flower  on  May  23,  or 
five  days  in  advance  of  its  average  date  in  the  previous 
eleven  years,  and  eight  days  earlier  than  last  year.  E.  M., 
Berkhamsted,  June  2,  1909. 


SCHEDULES     RECEIVED. 


Horticultural  Exhibition  in  conjunction  with  the  South- 
port  Agricultural  Show,  to  be  held  on  July  29,  30,  31,  and 
August  2.  Manager  of  the  Horticultural  Section,  Mr.  Peter 
Blair,  Trentham  Gardens,  Stoke-on-Trent. 

Horticultural  Exhibition  in  conjunction  with  the  Royal 
Agricultural  Show  at  Gloucester,  to  be  held  from  Wed- 
nesday to  Saturday,  June  23  to  26.  Horticultural  manager, 
Mr.  Peter  Blair,  Trentham,  Stoke-on-Trent. 

Floral  Competitions  in  connection  with  King's  College 
Hospital  Carnival,  to  be  held  at  the  Crystal  Palace  on 
July  1,  in  aid  of  the  removal  of  King's  College  Hospital 
to  South  London.  Particulars  may  be  obtained  from  Miss 
Stacey,  Crystal  Palace,  Sydenham. 

Newmarket  Horticultural  Society's  annual  show,  to  be 
held  on  Thursday,  July  8.  Secretary,  Mr.  Geo.  A.  Sarvent, 
62,  St.  Philip's  Road,  Newmarket. 

County  Borough  of  Hanley  Horticultural  Fete  (13th 
annual  show),  to  be  held  on  July  7  and  8.  Secretary  Horti- 
cultural Fete,  Mr.  Wm.  Poulson,  Town  Hall,  Hanley,  Staffs. 


GARDENING     APPOINTMENTS. 


Mr.  James  Hebden,  for  nearly  20  years  Gardener  at  Welham 
Hall,  Retford,  as  Gardener  to  E.  E.  Harcourt  Vernon, 
Esq.,  Grove  Hall,  Retford. 

Mr.  C.  L.  Branson,  for  the  last  12  years  Gardener  to  Mrs. 
J.  D.  Wingfield-Digby,  Coleshill  Park,  Coleshill,  Bir- 
mingham, as  Gardener  to  G.  Hanbury,  Esq.,  Blythe- 
wood  Hitcham,  near  Burnham,  Bucks. 

Mr.  W.  R.  Prfedy,  late  Foreman  at  Paxhill  Park  Gardens, 
Lindfield,  Sussex,  as  Gardener  to  C.  Fearn,  Esq.,  Holm- 
sted  Place,  Cuckfield,  Sussex. 

Mr.  Edward  Griffin,  until  recently  Gardener  to  the  Hon. 
Mrs. Cecil  Howard,  Eastcote  Lodge,  Pinner.Middlesex, 
as  Gardener  to  L".  Huntley  Hooper,  Esq.,  Shelly  Hill, 
Christchurch,  Hants. 


MARKETS. 

COVENT  GARDEN,   June  2. 

[We  cannot  accept  any  responsibility  for  the  subjoined 
reports.  They  are  furnished  to  us  regularly  every 
Wednesday,  by  the  kindness  of  several  of  the  principal 
salesmen,  who  are  responsible  for  the  quotations.  It 
must  be  remembered  that  these  quotations  do  not  repre- 
sent the  prices  on  any  particular  day,  but  only  the 
general  averages  for  the  week  preceding  the  date  of  our 
report.  The  prices  depend  upon  the  quality  of  the 
samples,  the  way  in  which  they  are  packed,  the  supply 
in  the  market,  and  the  demand,  and  they  may  fluctuate, 
not  only  from  day  to  day,  but  occasionally  several  times 
in  one  day. — Ed.] 

Cut  Flowers.  &c. :  Average  Wholesale  Prices. 


s.d.  s.d. 

s.d. s.d. 

Anemone    fulgens, 

Mignonette,      per 

p.  dz.  bunches 

16-20 

dozen  bunches 

3  0-50 

—  double  pink,  p. 

Myosotis,  per  doz. 

dozen  bunches 

16-26 

bunches 

16-20 

Carnations,  p.  doz. 

Narcissus,  per  dz. 

blooms,      best 

bunches 

10-16 

American  (var.) 

2  6-36 

—  Double  White, 

—  second  size    ... 

10-20 

dozen  bunches 

2  0-26 

—  smaller,       per 

O  d  on  to  glossum 

doz.     bunches 

9  0-12  0 

crispum,      per 

—  "  Malmaisons," 

dozen    blooms 

2  0-26 

p.  doz,  blooms 

8  0-12  0 

Pel  argon  iums, 

Cattleyas,  per  doz. 

show,  per  doz. 

blooms 

10  0-12  0 

bunches 

4  0-60 

Cypripediums,  per 

—  Zonal,    double 

dozen  blooms.. 

16-26 

scarlet 

4  0-60 

Eucharis  grandifiora, 

Poppies,     Iceland, 

per  dz.  blooms 

2  6-36 

per    dozen. 

Freesias  (white),  p. 

bunches 

30-6  0 

doz.  bunches... 

2  0-26 

Richardia  africana, 

Gardenias,  perdoz. 

per  dozen 

2  0-30 

blooms 

16-26 

Roses,    12  blooms, 

Gladiolus,  per  doz. 

Niphetos 

10-20 

bunches 

6  0-90 

—  Bridesmaid   ... 

2  6-40 

Gypsophila  ele- 

—  C.  Testout     ... 

2  0-30 

gar.s,  per  doz. 

—  Kaiserin  A. 

bunches 

3  0-40 

Victoria 

2  0-40 

Iris  (Spanish),  per 

—  C.  Mermet 

16-30 

dozen  bunches 

6  0-12  0 

—  Liberty 

3  0-50 

—  (German) 

2  0-40 

—  Muie.Chatenay 

2  0-40 

Ixias,    per    dozen 

—  Mrs.  J.   Laing 

2  0-40 

bunches 

2  0-30 

—  Richmond 

3  0-60 

Lilac     (English), 

—  The  Bride 

3  0-40 

white,  p.  bunch 

10-20 

—  Ulrich  Brunner 

2  0-40 

—  mauve 

0  6-10 

Spiraaa,  per  iozen 

Lilium      auratum, 

bunches 

5  0-80 

per  bunch 

2  0-30 

Stocks,     double 

—  luiigilloi'um    ... 

2  6-30 

white,  per  doz. 

—  lane  i  f  olium, 

bunches 

3  0-36 

rubrum 

16-26 

Sweet  Peas,  per  dz. 

—  album 

2  0-26 

bunches 

2  0-60 

Lily  of  the  Valley, 

Tuberoses,  per  dz. 

p.  dz.  bunches 

6  0-90 

blooms 

0  3-04 

—  extra  quality  ... 

12  0-15  0 

—  on   stems,   per 

Marguerites,  p.  dz. 

bunch  

0  9-13 

bunches  white 

Tulips,    Darwin 

and  yellow     ... 

2  0-30 

varieties,  p.  dz. 

6  0-12  0 

Cut  Foliage, 

be:  Average  Wholesale  Prices. 

s.d.  s.d, 

s.d.  s.d. 

Adiantum     cunea- 

Galax    leaves,   per 

lum,  per  dozen 

dozen  bunches 

2  0-26 

bunches 

6  0-90 

Hardy    foli  age 

Agrostis,  per  doz. 

(various),    per 

bunches 

16-20 

dozen  bunches 

3  0-90 

Asparagus  plu- 

Honesty  (Lunaria) 

mosus,       long 

per  bunch 

10-16 

trails,  per  doz. 

a  o-i2  o 

Ivy-leaves,   bronze 

2  0-26 

—    — medm.,bch. 

10-20 

—  long  trails  per 

—  Sprengeri 

0  9-16 

bundle 

0  9-16 

Berberis,  per  doz. 

—  short    green, 

bunches 

2  6-30 

perdz.  bunches 

16-26 

Croton  leaves,  per 
bunch  

10-13 

Moss,  per  gross  ... 

Myrtle,  dz.  bchs., 
(English) 
small-leaved ... 

4  0-50 

Cycas  leaves,  each 

16-20 

4  0-60 

Ferns,    per    dozen 

—  French 

10-16 

bchs.  (English) 

2  0-30 

Smilax,  per  dozen 

—  (French) 

0  6-09 

trails     

4  0-60 

Plants  In  Pots 

&o. :  Ave 

rage  Wholesale  Prices. 

s.d.  s.d. 

s.d.  s.d. 

Ampelopsis     Veit- 

Cyperus   alterni- 

chii.per  dozen 

6  0-80 

folius,  dozen  ... 

4  0-50 

Aralia  Sieboldii,  p. 

—  laxus,  per  doz. 

4  0-50 

dozen  

4  0-60 

Draca?nas,  perdoz. 

9  0-24  0 

—  larger   speci- 

Erica    persoluta 

mens    

9  0-12  0 

alba,    per  doz. 

12  0-24  0 

—  Moseri 

4  0-60 

—  candidissima, 

Araucaria   excel sa, 

per  doz. 

18  0  24  0 

per  dozen 

12  0-30  0 

—  Cavendishi.dz. 

24  0-36  0 

—  large    plants, 

Euony  mus, perdz., 

each      

3  6-50 

in  pots 

4  0-90 

Aspidistras,  p.  dz., 

—  from  the  ground  3  ' 

green   

15  0-24  0 

Ferns,  in   thumbs, 

—  variegated 

30  0-42  0 

per  100 

8  0-12  0 

Asparagus,  plumo- 

—  in    small     and 

sus  nanus,  per 

large  GO'S 

12  0-20  0 

dozen  

12  0-18  0 

—  in  48's,  per  dz. 

4  0-60 

—  Sprengeri 

9  0-12  0 

—  choicer  sorts... 

8  0-12  0 

—  ten  u  issi  mus 

9  0-12  0 

—  in  3'2's,  per  dz. 

10  0-18  0 

Boronia     mega- 

Ficuselastjca.p.dz. 

8  0-10  0 

stigma,  per  doz. 

24  0-30  0 

—  repens,  per  dz. 

6  0-80 

—  heterophylla... 

12  0-18  0 

Fuchsias,   per  doz 

8  0-10  0 

Calceolarias,     her- 

Grevilleas, per  dz. 

4  0-60 

baceous,  p.  dz. 

6  0-80 

Hardy  flower  roots, 

—  yellow 

5  0-70 

per  dozen 

10-20 

C  hr  y  santhemum 

Heliotropiums,  per 

coronarium 

dozen  

6  0-80 

per  dozen 

8  0-10  0 

Hydrangea     Thos. 

Clematis,  per  doz. 

8  0-90 

Hogg,  per  dz. 

10  0-15  0 

—  in  flower 

12  0-18  0 

—  hortensis 

12  0-24  0 

Cocos     Weddelli- 

Isolepis,  per  dozen 

4  0-60 

ana,  per  dozen... 

18  0-30  0 

Kentia      Belmore- 

Coleus,  per  dozen 

4  0-60 

ana,  per  dozen 

15  0-24  0 

Crassulas,  per  doz. 

8  0-12  0 

—  Fosteriana,  per 

Crotons,  per  dozen 

18  0-30  0 

dozen  

13  0-30  0 

June  5,  1909.] 


THE    GARDENERS'    CHRONICLE. 


371 


Plants  In  Pots,  5tc:  Average  Wholesale  Prices  (Cotitd.). 

s.d.  s.d. 


Latania  borbonica, 

per  dozen 
Lilium     longi- 

florum,  per  dz. 

—  lancifohuin,  p. 
dozen- 
Lily  of  the  Valley, 

per  dozen 
Marguerites,  white, 

per  dozen 
Mignonette,  per 

dozen.... 
Musk,  per  dozen... 
Pansies,  per  box  of 

24  plants,  each 
Pelargoniums, 

show  varieties, 

per  dozen 

—  Ivy  leaved 

—  Oak  leaved     ... 

—  Zonals 


s.d. 

s.d. 

12  0-18  0 

12  0-18  0 

12  0- 

24  0 

18  0-30  0 

5  0- 

8  0 

5  0- 
3  0- 

7  0 
4  0 

2  0- 

3  0 

12  0- 
6  0- 

4  0- 

5  0- 

18  0 
8  0 
li  0 
7  0 

Pelargoniums, 

—  Bedding  varie- 
ties        

Rhodanthe,  per  dz. 
Rhododendrons, 

each     

Roses,  H.P.'s,  per 

dozen  .. 

—  Polyantha  va- 
rieties   

—  Ramblers,  each 
Saxifraga  pyramid- 

alis,  per  dozen 

Selaginella,  per  dz. 

Spiraea,  japonica,  p. 
dozen  

Stocks  (intermed- 
iate), white, 
crimson,  and 
pink,  per  doz. 

Verbenas,  per  doz. 


12  0  25  0 
5  0-60 


2  0-50 
12  0-13  0 


12  0-18  0 
5  0-10  6 


12  0-1S  0 
4  0-60 


6  0-90 


6  0-70 
6  0-90 


Apples      (Tasman- 
ian),  per  case  : 

—  Ribston  Pippin 

—  Scarlet      Pear- 
main    

—  Cox's     Orange 
Pippin  ... 

—  Alexander 

—  Prince  Alfred.. 

—  French  Crab ... 

—  Sturmers 

—  (Aus  tral  ian), 
per  case : 

—  Dunn's     Seed- 
ling       

—  Cleopatra 

—  Jonathan 

—  Ribston  Pippin 

—  Romo  Beauty.. 

—  (American),  per 
barrel : 

—  Nonpareils     

Bananas,  bunch: 

—  Doubles 

—  No.  1        „    ... 

—  Extra        „    ... 

—  Giant        ,,     ... 

—  (Claret)     ,,     ... 

—  Jamaica    ,,     ... 

—  Loose,  pet  dz, 
Cranberries,     per 

case     

Cherries   (French), 
per  box 

—  |  bushel 
Custard  Apples    ... 
Gooseberries  (Eng- 
lish), per  peck 

—  ^  sieve 

Grape   Fruit,  case 
Grapes  (new) 
Guernsey  Figs,  dz. 


Fruit:  Average  Wholesale  Prices. 

s.d.  s.d. 


9  6-10  6 

9  0-10  6 

13  0-14  0 
8  6-10  0 

8  6-96 

9  0-10  0 
9  0-96 


10  6-12  6 
10  0-12  0 
10  0-12  0 
9  6-11  0 
10  0-12  0 


18  0-20  0 

9  0-10  0 
6  6-80 

8  0-90 
10  0-12  0 

5  0-76 
5  0-56 
0  6-10 

13  0-14  6 

0  8-16 
3  6-50 
3  0-12  0 

19-20 

3  0-36 

9  0-13  0 

1  0-  3  0 

4  0-12  0 


Lemons,  box : 

—  Messina,  300  .. 

—  Do.        360... 

—  (Naples),    per 
case     

Limes,  per  case  ... 

Lycbees,  per  box... 

Melons    (English), 

each     

—  (Guernsey)    ... 

—  Canteloupe    ... 
Nectarines      (Eng- 
lish)       

Nuts,  Almonds,  per 


—  Brazils, 
per  cwt. 


new, 


s.d.  s.d. 

8  6-12  6 

9  0-14  0 

17  0-23  0 
5  0     — 
10-13 

16-19 
10-26 

19-26 

3  0-10  0 

38  0-40  0 

33  0-35  0 
30  0-32  0 


Barcelona,  ba^ 

—  Cocoa  nuts,  100  10  0-14  0 
Oranges  (Denia)...  10  0-21  0 

—  Californian 
seedless,  per 
case 

—  (Valencia)    per 
case  (420) 

—  per  case  (714) 

—  Jaffas   _. 

—  Palermo  Blood 

—  Murcia  Blood, 
per  case  (200i...    7  6-96 

Peaches    (English)    3  0-16  0 
Pears  (Australian), 

Winter    Nelis, 

per  tray 

—  Calabash,  per 
tray      

Pineapples,  each ... 

—  (Natal),  per  dz. 
Strawberries,  lb.... 

second  quality 


...  10  0-12  0 


9  0-18  0 
10  0-18  0 
7  0-10  0 
7  0-10  0 


3  6-40 

4  0-56 
19-36 
4  0-60 
10-20 
0  9-10 


—  (French),  crate 

of  4  baskets ...  10  0-12  0 


Vegetables  :  Average  Wholesale  Prices 

s.d.  s.d 


Artichokes(Globe), 
per  dozen 

—  white, p. bushel 

—  per  cwt. 
Asparagus,    per 

bundle: 

—  Sprue 

—  Paris  Green  ... 

—  Toulouse 

—  Montanban    ... 
Beans,  per  lb. : 

—  (English) 

—  (French) 

—  (Guernsey)     ... 
Beetroot, per  bushel    2  6-30 
Cabbages,  per  mat    4  0-46 

—  per  crate 

—  per  box  (24)    ... 

—  Greens,       per 
bushel 

Cardoon   (French), 

per  dozen 
Carrots    (English), 

dozen  bunches 

—  washed,  bag  ... 

—  unwashed 
■  (French), bunch 


2  0-26 

2  0-26 

3  6    — 


0  6-08 
16-20 
0  9-10 
0  9-12 

0  6-  0  S 
0  7-08 
0  6-07 


7  6-80 

3  0-36 

10-16 

8  0-10  0 

4  0    — 

5  6-60 
4  0-50 
0  5-06 

Cauliflowers,   doz.  16-20 

Celeriac,  per  doz,  16-26 

Chicory,  per  lb.    ...  0  3J- 0  4 

Cucumbers,  per  dz.  16-26 

Endive,  per  dozen  13-19 
Horseradish,     for- 
eign, per  doz. 

bundles          ...  17  0-21  0 

Leeks,   12  bundles  2  0-  2  6 
Lettuce    (French), 

per  crate       ...  19-20 

—  Cos,  per  dozen  2  3-30 
Mint,  doz.  bunches  6  0  — 
Mushrooms,perlb.  0  8    — 

—  broilers          ...  0  6    — 

—  buttons,  per  lb.  0  8-0  10 
Mustardand  Cress, 

per  dozen  pun.     10    — 

Remarks.— The 


sd.  s.d. 
9  0-10  0 
8  0-90 


6  0 

2  0 
1  6 

0  3- 

3  0- 


0  4 
4  0 


0  6 

1  3 


Onions,  per  bag  ... 

—  Egyptian,    bag 

—  pickling,     per 
bushel 

Parsley,  12  bunch«£ 

—  4  sieve 

Peas  (French),  per 

packet 

—  (French), p. pad 

—  (English),  dried, 
per  dz.  packets    2  6 

—  [I iuernsey)     ...    0  4 

—  (English)       ...  0  10 
Potatos  (Guernsey), 

per  lb 0  3    — 

—  (Algerian),cwt.  10  0-11  0 

—  (French),  p.  lb.    0  2-0  2J 

—  Teneriffe,  cwt.  12  0-12  6 
Radishes  (French), 

per  doz.  bunches    13-16 
Rhubarb  (English), 
forced,  per  dz. 
bundles  ...    0  6-09 

—  Natural,  p.tally    4  0-46 
Salsafy,  per  dozen 

bundles 
Seakale,  per  dozen 

punnets 
Spinach,  p.  bushel 
Stachys    tuberosa, 

per  lb 

Turnips,  per  dozen 

bunches 

—  washed,  p.  bag 

—  (French), bunch    0  3-06 
Turnip  Tops,  bag       2  0-26 
Tomatos      (Tener- 
iffe), per  bun- 
dle of  4  boxes  10  0-18  0 

—  (English),    per 

12  lbs 5  0-56 

—  (English),  s.s...     5  0    — 

—  second  quality    3  0    — 
Watercress,     per 

dozen 0  4-06 


4  0-46 


12  0 
1  0- 


0  5 


4  0 
4  0- 


1  6 


4  6 


prices  of  Australian  and  Tasmanian 
Apples  remain  about  the  same  as  last  week  ;  there  is  a 
good  demand  for  these  Apples.  French  Cherries  are 
arriving  in  a  rather  damaged  condition,  and  are  sold  very 
cheaply.  English  Gooseberries  are  received  in  large 
quantities.  Strawberries  are  very  plentiful  :  the  berries  are 
not  in  the  best  condition.  Nectarines  are  plentiful  and 
much  cheaper.  Both  English  and  Guernsey  grown  Beans 
and  Peas  are  plentiful.  English  Tomatos,  also  Cucumbers, 
are  being  marketed  in  larger  quantities.  Trade  generally  is 
quiet.    E.  H.  R.,  Covent  Garden,  Wednesday, June  2,  1909. 


Kents— 

Up-to-Date  ... 
Lincolns  — 

Royal  Kidney 
Up-to-Date  ... 
Maincrop 
Evergood 
King  Edward 
Blacklands. 


s.d.  s.d. 
.30-36 

2  3-29 
.29-33 
.29-39 

2  6-29 

3  0    — 
2  3-26 


Dunbars—  s.d.  s.d. 

Langworthy,redsoiI  4  0-46 

Up-to-Date,  red  soil  3  3-36 

„        „      grey  soil  2  6-29 

Yorks- 

Up-to-Date 3  3-39 

Jerseys  (new),  cwt.  11  6-12  0 
St.  Malo's    11  0-11  6 


ENQUIRY. 


Remarks.— Trade  in  old  Potatos  is  very  slow,  and 
each  day  sees  larger  arrivals  of  new  tubers  from  St.  Malo 
and  Jersey.  E.  J.  Newborn,  Covent-  Garden  and  St.  Pancras, 
June  2,  1909. 

COVENT    GARDEN     FLOWER     MARKET. 

The  first  week  in  June  is  usually  a  busy  one  with  growers 
of  bedding  plants,  and  this  morning  (Wednesday)  there  were 
large  stocks  of  such  plants  in  the  market,  but  the  weather 
being  wet  and  cold  little  business  was  done.  Earlier  in  the 
season  it  seemed  that  Pelargoniums,  such  as  are  used  for 
summer  bedding,  might  be  scarce,  but  they  are  plentiful 
and  cheaper  than  they  were  earlier  in  the  season.  It  is 
difficult  to  estimate  what  may  occur  during  the  next  week. 
The  nurserymen  endeavour  to  dispose  of  their  stocks  early, 
and  it  will  not  be  safe  to  depend  on  obtaining  any  special 
subjects  later  unless  ordered  in  advance. 

Cut  Flowers. 
After  the  market  was  closed  this  morning  I  visited  the 
stores  outside  the  ordinary  Flowtr  Market.  Some  of  these 
remain  open  until  late  in  the  day.  This  is  an  advantage  to 
the  florists  who  may  require  flowers  at  short  notice. 
Roses  are  still  plentiful,  but  many  of  the  blooms  are  small. 
Carnations  also  are  abundant,  and  large  quantities  of 
splendid  blooms  were  unsold.  I  never  saw  so  many  good 
cut  flowers  unsold  as  there  were  this  morning, 

Pot  Plants. 
The  trade  in  pot  plants  is  not  brisk.  At  closing  time  I  noticed 
many  Rambler  Roses  which  had  failed  to  find  purchasers. 
These  Roses  are  remarkably  good  this  season.  Supplies  of 
Liliums  are  excessive  and  their  prices  vary.  The  pink- 
flowered  Astilbes  (Spirasas)  are  of  much  better  quality  than 
they  were  earlier  in  the  year.  The  white  kind  is  also  good. 
Of  Hydrangeas  I  have  rarely  noticed  so  many  of  poor 
quality  as  are  seen  this  season ;  some,  however,  are  well 
grown.  Some  market  growers  endeavour  to  get  the  blue 
shade  in  the  flowers,  but  in  most  instances  they  fail  to  do 
so.  In  ordinary  seasonable  flowering  plants  there  is  not 
much  that  is  new  to  record,  except  that  supplies  are  more 
than  equal  to  all  demands.  Foliage  plants  vary  but  little  ; 
imported  Bay  trees  are  cheaper.  Aspidistras  have  de- 
preciated in  value,  but  Palms  are  dearer.  I  learn  from 
reliable  sources  that  Palm  seeds  have  advanced  in  price, 
and  are  likely  to  be  very  scarce,  particularly  Kentias. 
Asparagus  of  various  sorts  are  good.  A.  Sprengeri  is  now 
much  appreciated.  The  best  type  of  A.  plumosus  nanus 
sells  well,  but  there  are  many  intermediate  varieties  which 
growers  should  avoid.  A.  tenuissimus  is  propagated  from 
cuttings,  consequently  the  plants  vary  little.  A.  H.t  Covent 
Garden,  Wednesday,  fune  2,  1909. 


Frederick  Boxall. — The  death  of  this 
gardener  occurred  on  the  22nd  ult.  The  deceased 
had  been  employed  in  the  nursery  of  Mr.  Robert 
Neal,  Wandsworth,  London,  for  fifty  years,  and 
during  the  greater  part  of  that  time  filled  the 
position  of  foreman. 

William  Bakewell. — We  regret  to  announce 
the  death,  on  May  23,  of  Mr.  William  Bakewell, 
for  40  years  head  gardener  and  sub-agent  to  the 
Earl  of  Denbigh,  Downing.  Holywell.  Mr. 
Bakewell  was  a  native  of  Warwick,  and  was  en- 
gaged for  several  years  in  the  gardens  at 
Newnham  Paddox,  the  Warwickshire  seat 
of  the  Denbigh  family.  He  went  to  Downing 
in  the  year  1866,  as  head  gardener,  thus  serving 
three  generations  of  the  Earls  of  Denbigh.  For 
over  twenty  years  he  discharged  the  duties  of 
estate  bailiff  and  sub-agent  of  the  Downing 
estate.  In  addition  to  estate  duties,  Mr.  Bake- 
well  took  an  active  interest  in  local  affairs. 
From  the  etsablishment  of  Parish  Councils  he 
had  been  a  member  of  the  Whitford  Council, 
and  had  for  several  years  occupied  the  chair. 
To  the  Whitford-Mostyn  Cottage  Garden  and 
Agricultural  Society  his  death  will  be  a  great 
loss.  For  a  number  of  years  he  acted  as  the 
general  secretary,  and  until  latterly  as  joint 
secretary  of  the  agricultural  section.  The  funeral 
took  place  on  Wednesday,  the  26th  ult.,  at  Whit- 
ford Churchyard. 

Frederick  William  Crump. — We  regret  to 
learn  that  the  eldest  son  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Wm. 
Crump  died  on  the  31st  ult.  at  Madresfield  Court 
Gardens.  Malvern.  Deceased  was  25  years  of 
age,  and  a  marine  engineer.  The  cause  of  death 
was  cancer  of  the  liver. 


Liliums  rudellum  and  Wasrtngtonianum. — 
Has  anyone  succeeded  in  England  in  thoroughly 
establishing  Liliums  rubellum  and  Washingtoni- 
anum (the  Oregon  form),  sometimes,  I  think, 
called  L.  purpureum?  And  do  they  ever  in- 
crease? Here  (Burton-on-Trent)  they  begin 
poorly  and  seem  to  increase  in  vigour  every 
year,  planted  deep  in  good  sandy  loam  in  a 
wood.     B.  L. 


Jo 


Editors  and  Publisher.  —  Our  Correspondents  would 
obviate  delay  in  obtaining  answers  to  their  communica- 
tions, and  save  us  much  time  and  trouble,  if  they  would 
kindly  observe  the  notice  printed  weekly  to  the  ettect 
that  all  letters  relating  to  financial  matters  and  to 
advertisements  should  be  addressed  to  the  Publisher; 
and  that  all  communications  intended  for  publication,  or 
referring  to  the  Literary  department,  and  all  plants  to  be 
named,  should  be  directed  to  the  Editors.  The  two 
departments,  Publishing  and  Editorial,  are  distinct,  and 
much  unnecessary  delay  and  confusion  arise  when  letters 
are  misdirected. 

*#*  The  Editors  will  be  glad  to  receive,  for 
consideration,  large  photographs  of  horticultural 
subjects,  suitable  for  reproduction  as  Supple- 
mentary Illustrations  in  this  Journal. 

Asters  Diseased:  H.  &  Co.  The  plants  are 
affected  with  Aster  disease — Erysiphe  cichora- 
cearum.  Destroy  by  burning  all  the  affected 
plants ;  spray  the  remaining  ones  with  a  weak 
solution  of  permanganate  of  potash. 

Australian  Tree  Ferns:  A",  &  S.,  New  York. 
You  had  better  insert  a  small  advertisement 
for  these. 

Azalea  with  Gall:  W.  II.  A.  The  galls  are 
caused  by  a  fungus — Exobasidium  rhododendri. 
Pluck  off  the  affected  leaves  and  burn  them 
before  the  spore-bearing  organs  develop. 

Carnation  Mrs.  Trelawney  :  Q.  H.  The  mal- 
formed flower  exhibits  proliferation,  a  condi- 
tion in  which  the  central  axis  continues  to  de- 
velop after  the  flower  has  formed.  It  is 
common  in  many  other  flowers,  and  especially 
Roses.  It  is  the  result  probably  of  excessive 
feeding. 

Caterpillars  Injuring  Fruit  Trees  :  G.  II'.  II'. 
&  Co.  The  caterpillars  are  those  of  the  winter 
moth  (Cheimatobia  brumata).  The  males  of 
this  moth  are  winged,  but  the  females  are  wing- 
less. Spraying  with  arsenate  of  lead  (Swift's) 
is  all  that  you  can  do  at  this  date.  But  you 
should  apply  grease  bands  to  all  the  trees  in 
the  autumn.  These  are  made  of  strong  grease- 
proof paper  tied  round  the  trunk  of  the  tree 
securely  with  string.  The  grease  is  applied  to 
this.  We  would  recommend  that  the  best  pro- 
prietary grease  be  used ;  poor  kinds  dry 
quickly,  and  the  wingless  female  moths  can 
then  pass  over  them. 

Cucumbers  Failing  :  H.  P.  The  root  has  been 
completely  hollowed  out  by  some  maggot, 
which  was  not  present  in  the  specimen. 

Darwin  Tulips  :  D.  C.  The  flower-stalks  are 
long,  but  not  abnormally  so  for  this  species. 
The  vigour  is  due,  no  doubt,  to  a  satisfactory 
rooting  medium. 

Dwarf  Japanese  Cupressus  :  G.  0.  P.  Turn 
the  plant  out  of  the  pot  or  tub  in  which  it 
has  been  during  the  last  eight  years, 
prick  the  ball  of  earth  and  roots  round 
with  a  pointed  stick,  removing  as  much  of  the 
exhausted  soil  as  possible  without  subjecting 
the  plant  to  any  appreciable  check,  and  repot 
it  into  a  pot  or  tub  2  inches  larger  in  diameter 
than  that  which  it  previously  occupied.  Place 
2  or  3  inches  deep  of  potsherds  at  the  bottom, 
the  smallest  being  put  above  the  larger  frag- 
ments, and  then  cover  with  pieces  of  thin  turf, 
in  order  to  secure  perfect  drainage.  As  a  rooting 
medium  use  a  compost  consisting  of  about  four 
parts  good  sandy  loam,  one  part  of  leaf-mould, 
a  double  handful  of  bonemeal  and  a  like  quan- 
tity of  fine  potsherds  which  have  been  passed 
through  a  sieve  with  a  quarter-inch  mesh,  the 


372 


THE    GARDENERS'    CHRONICLE. 


[June  5,  1909. 


whole  being  mixed  well  together  before  being 
used.  In  potting,  ram  the  soil  firmly  in  tho 
spate  between  the  ball  of  roots  and  the  sides 
of  the  pot  or  tub  with  a  flat  rammer,  using  a 
blunt  rammer  for  firming  the  soil  on  the  top. 
Tins  done,  afford  sufficient  water  to  moisten 
the  ball  of  roots  and  the  new  soil,  and  then 
stand  the  plant  in  a  shady  place  for  a  fort- 
night or  three  weeks,  to  allow  of  the  roots 
taking  hold  of  the  new  soil  and  of  the  plant 
re-establishing  itself.  Syringe  the  plant  over- 
head with  clean  water  three  times  a  day  during 
bright  weather,  morning,  mid-day,  and  late  in 
the  afternoon.  When  the  plant  has  become 
thoroughly  re-established  at  the  roots  it  can 
be  exposed  again  to  sunshine. 

Figs  with  Brown  Markings  on  Foliage  :^  0.  C. 
Our  mycologist  reports  that  no  disease  is  pre- 
sent, and  that  the  trouble  is  due  to  some  ex- 
ternal trouble,  which  only  those  on  the  spot 
can    determine. 

German  Flower-bed:  .-1.  Fix.  We  know 
of  no  flower-bed  specially  so  called.  In  Ger- 
man gardens  raised  beds  are  sometimes  made 
of  tiers  of  earthen  beds  one  above  the  other, 
and  each  some  2  feet  smaller  than  the  one 
below  it.  Stout,  thick  turf  is  used  for  forming 
the  retaining  sides,  and  these  slope  towards 
the  top  slightly.  Sometimes  rockwork  takes 
the  place  of  turf.  The  methods  of  planting 
are  as  varied  as  other  kinds  of  beds,  but  sub- 
jects having  a  long  duration  of  flowering  are 
the  best  for  such  beds.  Foliage  plants  ire  effec- 
tive if  chosen  with  care.  Sometimes  a  simple 
mound  is  raised  and  given  an  erect  or  a  Mop- 
ing wall  of  turf.  This  kind  of  bed  answers 
well  for  lowly  plants  such  as  Violas,  Pansies, 
Pelargoniums,   &c. 

Gloxinias  Killed  :  J.  P.  As  you  suspect  the 
manure  to  be  contaminated  with  petrol,  your 
best  plan  will  be  to  avoid  using  it.  If  you  wish 
to  have  it  analysed,  send  to  Dr.  Voelcker, 
M.A.,  22,  Tudor  Street,  London,  E.C.,  who 
will  require  a  fee,  which  will  be  small  if  you 
are  a  Fellow  of  the  Royal  Horticultural 
Society. 

Gooseberries  :  B.  L.  The  damage  has  been 
caused  by  the  Gooseberry  midge — Cecidomyia 
grossularise.  It  is  now  too  late  to  do  anything 
this  season.  The  damaged  berries  should  be 
collected  and  burned,  otherwise  the  injury  will 
be  repeated  next  season. 

Grapes:  B.  II.  We  find  no  disease  present  in 
the  examples  you  send.  The  damage  has  been 
caused  by  some  wrong  treatment  such  as 
allowing  a  cold  draught  to  enter  the  vinery. 
Unless  we  know  more  of  the  treatment  the 
vines  have  been  given  we  cannot  assist  you 
further. — Galtee.  The  damage  is  not  caused 
by  disease,  and  must  be  attributed  to  some 
cultural  defect,  which  only  those  in  charge  of 
the  vinery  will  be  able  to  determine. 

Laburnum  with  Three  Forms  of  Inflores 
cences  :  F.  N.  Cytisus  purpureus — the  small 
purple  form — has  been  grafted  on  the  common 
Laburnum.  The  influence  of  the  stock  has  so 
acted  on  the  graft  that  some  of  the  flowers  are 
intermediate  in  form,  size,  and  colouring  be- 
tween those  of  the  parents.  It  is  the  classical 
example  of  what  is  termed  a  graft  hybrid. 
You  will  find  it  described  and  illustrated  in 
the  Gardeners'  Chronicle  for  September  24, 
1904,  p.  217. 

Melons  Diseased:  A.  A.  The  plants  are 
affected  with  a  bacterial  rot.  Clear  out  the 
old  soil  and  start  afresh.  Before  planting 
again  sprinkle  lime  freely  on  the  staging 
where  they  were  grown,  or,  better  still,  select 
a  fresh  house  for  the  new  crop. — E.  H.  The 
plants  are  affected  with  the  Melon-leaf  blotch. 
Spray  them  with  dilute  Bordeaux  mixture,  or, 
if  mature  fruit  is  present,  with  sulphide  of 
potassium,  using  one  ounce  of  the  chemical  in 
three  gallons  of  water.  The  soil  is  infected, 
and    should   not   be   used   for     Melon     culture 


Names  of  Plants  :  W.  S.  0.  P.  Prunus  japonica, 
double-flowered  variety.  —  S.  K.  Goronilla 
emerus. — A.  E.  G.  1,  Acer  platanoides;  2, 
Pyrus  floribunda. — R.  II.  P.  Crataegus  orien- 
talise— W.  B.  &  Son.  1,  Cerastium  Biebersteinii, 


2,  Tragopogon  porrifolius. — W.  F.  1,  Saxifraga 
peltata;  2,  Asphodeline  liburnica;  3,  Mimulus 
cupreus ;  4,  Cytisus  purpureus;  5,  Spiraea 
arguta, — H.  S.  1,  Escallonia  punctata;  2, 
Omphalodes  linifolia;  3,  Berberis  Darwinii ;  4, 
Atriplex  halimus ;  5,  Justicia  sp.  (?),  specimen 
too  withered ;  Diervillea  rosea. — F.  N.  H. 
Rhododendron  Palconeri. — C.  B.  1,  Prunella 
vulgaris  (Selfheal) ;  2,  NepetaGleohoma  (Ground 
Ivy) ;  3,  Capsella  Bursa-pastoris  (Shepherds' 
Purse). — F.  T.  1,  Hasmaria  discolor;  2,  Epi- 
dendrum  lanipes  ;     3,   Oncidium   spilopterum  ; 

4,  Eria  strieta ;  5,  Aerides  odoratum. — W.  B. 
1,  Zebrina  pendula,  generally  known  as  Trades- 
cantia  Zebrina  in  gardens  ;  2,  Tradeseantia 
repens  variegata  ;  3,  Pilea  microphylla  (mus- 
cosa) ;  i,  Selaginella  viticulosa;  5,  Selaginella 
Mertensii  ;  6,  Fraxinus  Ornus.  —  L.  P.  1, 
Euphorbia  Peplis  ;  2,  Geranium  Robertianum  ; 

3,  Stellaria  holostea  ;  4,  Veronica  Chamaedrys  ; 

5,  Nepeta  Glechoma  ;  6.  Geum  urbanum.— 
A.  N.  Eecremocarpus  scaber. — /.  S.  S.  Bruns- 
felsia  macrantha. — A.  A.  Magnolia  acuminata. 

Nectarines  with  Markings  :  Peaches.  There 
is  no  disease  present  in  the  fruits,  the  damage 
is  connected  with  some  fault  in  culture.  Your 
suspicion  as  to  over-feeding  may  be  the  cor- 
rect one.  In  any  case,  add  some  lime  or  old 
mortar  rubble  to  the  soil.  This  will  neutralise 
any  acidity  and  be  of  use  in  other  respects. 

Peach  and  Nectarine  Leaves:  A.  B.  C.  The 
trouble  is  caused  by  the  "  Shot-hole  "  fungus 
See  reply  to  G.  S.  in  the  issue  for  May  8,  p. 
304. 

Peaches  and  Nectarines  :  11'.  G.  The  Peaches 
are  attacked  with  mildew  Oidium  leucoconium. 
Spray  the  plants  with  some  fungicide  such  as 
liver  of  sulphur.  The  cracking  in  the  Nec- 
tarines is  caused  by  an  excess  of  moisture  either 
in  the  atmosphere  or  the  soil.  In  these  cir- 
cumstances the  leaves  are  unable  to  transpire 
as  rapidly  as  water  is  carried  to  them.  The 
cells  thus  become  gorged  with  water,  and, 
swelling,  burst  the  skin,  as  is  seen  in  your 
specimens. 

Peach  Leaf  Blister  :  Wales.  (1)  This  disease  is 
due  to  the  fungus  Exoascus  deformans.  It  is  a 
well-known  fact  that  trees  growing  in  much  ex- 
posed positions  suffer  most  from  "  blister," 
and  that  the  fungus  shows  itself  extremely 
active  after  a  period  of  cold  weather  in  spring 
and  a  visitation  of  east  or  north-east  winds. 
As  the  best  preventive  measure,  Peach  trees 
should  be  planted  against  walls  facing  to  the 
south  and  in  the  most  sheltered  part  of  the 
garden  available.  Any  diseased  leaves  should 
be  removed  to  the  fire  as  soon  as  detected, 
and  branches  bearing  diseased  leaves  be 
pruned  back  beyond  the  point  of  infection. 
Spraying  with  dilute  ammoniacal  solution  of 
copper  carbonate  when  the  leaf-buds  are  begin- 
ning to  expand,  and  again  after  an  interval  of 
three  weeks,  would  be  beneficial  as  a  safeguard 
against  inoculation  from  wind-borne  spores. 
(2)  The  Booh  of  Garden  Penis,  by  R.  Hooper 
Pearson,  price  2s.  9d.  post  free  of  our  publish- 
ing department. 

Peach  Trees  :  Perplexed.  It  is  impossible  for 
us  to  offer  a  definite  opinion  as  to  what  has 
caused  the  shedding  of  the  leaves  each  year. 
This  could  only  be  done  after  a  thorough  ex- 
amination of  the  trees  in  the  border,  unless 
there  is  something  in  the  leaves  themselves 
which  indicates  the  presence  of  disease.  If 
you  will  send  some  leaves,  we  will  examine 
them.  It  is  obvious,  however,  that  there  are 
two  conditions  which  might  cause  the  leaves 
to  fall,  namely,  (1)  an  exceedingly  low  tempera- 
ture with  frost,  (2)  drought  at  the  roots.  You 
will  best  know  whether  either  of  these  probable 
causes  explain  your  trouble. 

Peaches  Gumming  :  IF.  V.  Three  pounds  of 
common  salt,  scattered  over  the  soil  as  far  as 
the  roots  extend,  at  intervals  during  a  year,  has 
proved  beneficial  in  similar  cases. 

Peas  Diseased  at  the  "  Collar  " :  O.  S. 
Spondylocladium  atrovirens,  a  fungus,  is  caus- 
ing the  injury.  Watering  with  a  solution  of 
sulphate  of  potash  may  check  the  complaint, 
but  the  soil  is  infected,  and  should  be  well 
limed  as  soon  as  practicable. 

Plant  from  Babeno  :  D.  C.  B.  We  cannot 
trace  such  a  name  as  you  mention.     If  you  will 


send  a  specimen  of  the  plant  we  will  endeavour 
to  assist  you. 

Professional  and  Amateur  Exhibitors  :  H.  C. 
The  term  amateur  at  a  flower  show  bears  more 
than  one  interpretation.  It  is  often  used  to 
designate  a  person  other  than  a  trader, 
whilst  in  another  case  it  may  mean  one  who 
is  not  a  nurseryman  or  florist,  and  who  em- 
ploys no  professional  gardener.  It  is  the  duty 
of  those  responsible  for  the  compilation  of  the 
schedule  to  see  that  the  term  is  properly  de- 
fined in  the  rules  of  the  show.  According  to 
the  Code  of  Rules  for  Judging  issued  by  the 
Royal  Horticultural  Society,  "  no  person  shall 
be  allowed  to  compete  as  an  amateur  who  sells 
plants  (except  when  giving  up  possession  of 
the  place  where  they  grow,  or  in  the  case  of 
new  seedlings  or  sports),  grafts,  cuttings,  or 
buds  for  budding,  nor  any  person  in  the 
employ  of  a  nurseryman.  Any  objection 
raised  as  to  the  qualification  of  an  exhibitor 
shall  be  referred  to  the  committee  or 
other  authority  for  arbitration,  and  their 
decision  shall  be  final  and  binding  on  both 
parties.  The  term  '  Amateur  '  is  here  em- 
ployed in  its  broadest  sense,  that  is,  in  con- 
tradistinction to  '  nurseryman.'  In  some 
schedules  the  word  is  used  more  strictly,  de- 
noting an  amateur  gardener,  i.e.,  one  who 
employs  no  professional  help  whatever  in  the 
cultivation  of  his  garden,  in  contradistinction 
to  an  amateur  owner,  who  cultivates  by  means 
of  professional  gardeners  in  his  employment." 
A  person  who  employs  professional  help  in 
his  garden  cannot  be  regarded  as  a  cottager 
in  an  exhibition  sense. 

Stocks  Diseased:  A.  G.  The  young  plants  are 
killed  by  Thielavia  basicola,  a  fungus  which 
infests  the  soil.  The  ground  should  be  dressed 
with  quicklime. 

Strawberry:  G.  V.  P.,  Teneriffe.  The  fruits 
were  quite  decayed  when  received. 

Strawberry  Blooms  Injured  :  A.  H.  L.  There 
was  no  trace  of  injury  in  the  examples  for- 
warded to  us ;  but  they  had  dried  up  during 
transit.  Send  us  a  fresh  supply  packed  in  a 
tin  box. — Straws.  No  disease  is  present :  the 
flowers  have  not  been  fertilised.  The  cold, 
wind}'  weather  when  they  expanded  prevented 
insects  from  visiting  them. 

Tomatos  :  //.  L.,  Clxirlsey.  If  you  will  send 
specimens,  we  will  examine  them  for  evidence 
of  disease. — J .  If.  Disease  is  not  responsible 
for  the  trouble.  No  doubt  the  burying  of  the 
stems  has  been  done  too  deeply.  Tomatos 
should  be  planted  in  their  fruiting  pots  with  a 
small  quantity  of  soil  only  at  first,  adding  more 
as  it  is  needed.  In  this  way  the  first  bunches 
of  fruits  are  had  low  down  the  stem. —  W.  L. 
The  disease  is  "  Black  Stripe."  Spray  the 
foliage  at  intervals  of  four  days  until  the  com- 
plaint is  checked  with  a  solution  of  sulphide  of 
potassium,  using  it  at  the  strength  of  one 
ounce  in  three  gallons  of  water. 

Tulip:  Birmingham.  No  disease  is  present  in 
the  plants.  The  leaves  of  certain  varieties  of 
Tulips  suffer  from  the  effects  of  the  slightest 
frost  or  scorching. 

Vine  Mildew  :  67.  IF.  Spray  the  vines  tho- 
roughly with  liver  of  sulphur,  using  1  ounce  in 
three  gallons  of  water  every  fourth  day,  or 
oftener  if  necessary,  until  the  fungus  is 
checked. 

Wild  Parsley  :  F.  W.  The  best  remedy  is  to 
cut  down  the  Parsley  before  it  seeds,  and  con- 
tinue to  cut  it  down  as  often  as  may  be  neces- 
sary. We  do  not  know  of  any  preparation 
that  can  be  used  for  exterminating  Parsley 
that  would  not  injure  Primroses  and  Violets. 

Yew  Hedge  :  H.  H.  Loosen  the  ground  with 
a  fork  for  a  distance  of  about  3  feet  on  both 
sides  of  the  hedge,  and  apply  a  good  water- 
ing, then  give  a  top-dressing  of  old  leaf- 
mould,  turfy  loam,  or  manure.  The  top 
growth  should  be  kept  moist  by  frequent 
sprayings,  especially  in  sunny  or  windy 
weather. 

Communications  Received.— A.  O.— A.  G. — W.  G.  D.— 
A.  E.  S.-G.  G.-J.  U.-Gard.  Roy.  Ben.  Inst.—  W.  II.  W. 
— Exmouttaian— R.  A.  R.— T.  A.  S.—  Anxious— C.  H.  M.— 
J.  R.— C.  F.— Cox -Grand  Yorkshire  Gala— J.  H.— W.  W. 
— K.  &  S.— H.  M.  V.— W.  A.  C— Rev.  D.  R.  W.-W.  E.  B. 
—8.  A.— S.  W  P. 


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June  12.  1909.] 


THE     GARDENERS'    CHRONICLE. 


373 


THE 


^arbcncrs'Cbrontcic 

Aro.  1,172.— SATURDAY,  June  12,  1909. 


CONTENTS. 


Acetylene  gas  refuse  as 
a  manui'e  387 

Bladder  Plums 388 

Books,  notices  of — 
Botanical  Magazine...    3;1 
The  Buok  ol    Nature 

Study 380 

Trees  and  their  Life 

Histories       375 

Publications  received    383 

Carriage  of  vegetable 
and  fruit  produce  by 
railway 378 

I  *<  iryantnes  excelsa  var. 
Guilfoylei        334 

Dover  House  Gardens, 
Roeharnpton   ..  ...     383 

Droitwich  experimental 
station 332 

Exhibits,  distinctness  in    381 

Flowers  in  season        ...    381 

Hippoplne  rhamnoides 
in  Regent's  Park       ...     3:4 

Jubilee  of  the  R.H.S. 
Fruit  and  Floral  Com- 
mittees   S81 

Ker,  Mr.  R.  Wilson, 
awarded  the  Victoria 
Medal 3S2 

Laurent  prize 382 

Lily  season,  prospects 
of  the,  in  Scotland    ..      377 

Market  fruit  -  grower's 
year,  a 373 

Melville,  Mr. -John       ...     3*2 

Nature  study  exhibition     312 

New      or       noteworthy 
plants— 
Dendrobium  Sanderae    374 


by 


Nitrogen      fixation 
bacteria. 

Nitrogen,      fixation     of 
atmospheric 

Nomenclature      of     Or- 
chid hybrids 

Nursery  notes- 
Messrs  Charlesworth 
&     Co.,     Haywards 
Heath 

Oat  weevil,  the 

Obituary- 
Shanks,  James 

Onions  for  market 

Pater^on,       Alexander, 
presentation  to 

Phylloxera        in        the 
'Iransvaal        

Ranunculus  auricomus 

Rosary,  the  — 
Cultural     notes     for 
June 

R.H.S    Gardens  Club— 

Schizanthuses    at   Wis- 
ley  gardens     

Societies — 

British  Gardeners' As- 
sociation        

Gloucestershire  Root, 
Fruit,  and  Grain    ... 

Linnean  

Royal  Counties  Agri- 
cultural 
Royal  Horticultural 

Vegetable  Society,   the 
National  

Veitch's,    Mr.     Harry, 
portrait  fund  ... 

Week's  work,  the       378 


ILLUSTRATIONS. 

Bladder  Plums 

Dendrobium  Sanderre 

Doryanthes  excelsa  var.  Guilfoylei  

Orchids,  a  group  of,  at  the  Temple  Show        

Oncidium  Charlesworthii       

Rhododendron  Souliei  (and  Supplementary  Ulustratii  M) 

Schizanthuses  at  Wisley  Gardens 

Shanks,  James,  the  late        ...  

View     of    Messrs.    Charlesworth's    new    nursery    at 
Haywards  Heath       


376 
380 
3*2 


397 

384 


:is2 


374 
381 


387 


387 
382 


387 
385 


382 

382 
079 


888 
374 

.'{HI 

3  9 

377 

331 
834 


w 


A     MARKET    FRUIT-GROWER'S 
YEAR. 

ITH  May  begins  the  rush  of  work  on  a 
fruit  farm,  to  last  without  intermis- 
sion until  the  completion  of  Apple- 
picking.  At  least,  this  is  the  case  where 
.spraying  is  carried  on  systematically,  for  this 
operation  takes  up  an  immense  amount  of 
time,  and  interferes  with  the  important  work 
of  hoeing,  unless  additional  hands  are  em- 
ployed.  Before  the  end  of  the  month,  more- 
over. Gooseberry  picking  begins  on  a  small 
scale,  and  in  young  plantations  extra  work  is 
required. 

In  my  last  article  (May  15)  the  blossoming 
of  certain  varieties  of  fruit  trees  was  noticed, 
and  Apple  blossom  came  out  in  the  course  of 
the  first  fortnight  of  May,  though  that  of  the 
latest — Royal  Jubilee — was  not  full  before  the 
24th  of  the  month.  During  nearly  the  whole 
period  of  blossoming  the  wind  was  from  a 
cold  quarter,  and  very  strong  at  times.  This 
appears  to  have  interfered  with  the  setting  of 
fruit  on  certain  delicate  varieties,  including 
Cox's  Orange  Pippin  and  Allington  Pippin, 
particularly  on  the  sides  of  trees  exposed  to 
the  north,  north-east,  or  east.  As  a  rule, 
however,  the  setting  of  fruit  is  fairly  good 
with  Apples,  and  decidedly  so  with  Plums 
and  Pears.  No  damage  was  done  by  frost  on 
my  farm,  as  the  temperature,  registered 
4  feet  from  the  ground,  did  not  fall  below 
freezing  point  while  any  fruit  was  in  blossom. 
Monarch  is  the  only  Plum  which  is  not  at 
least  fairly  set  in  my  plantations,  and  that  is 
because  it  did  not  blossom  freely.  Until  the 
stoning  period  has  been  passed,  however,  no 
certainty  as  to  the  yield  of  Plums  can  be  en- 
tertained. 


Insect  pests  have  proved  exceedingly 
damaging  this  season.  On  Plums,  particu- 
larly Rivera's  Early  Prolific  and  Czar,  there  is 
one  of  the  worst  attacks  of  aphis  that  I  have 
known.  Spraying  with  nicotine  wash  was, 
apparently,  a  serious  waste  of  money, 
although  it  was  carried  out  immediately  after 
the  attack  began.  Three  days  after  the  opera- 
tion I  searched  in  vain  for  a  dead  aphis.  None 
was  to  be  found,  even  in  the  partially-curled 
leaves.  That  this  wash  will  kill  the  aphis  when 
it  is  made  to  run  all  over  the  inside  of  curled 
leaves  by  opening  them  and  pouring  it  on 
was  proved  on  two  or  three  occasions ;  but  a 
mere  spraying  has  not  the  same  effect.  Still, 
it  is  very  remarkable  that  not  a  single  dead 
aphis  could  be  found.  Nicotine  is  a  very  ex- 
pensive wash,  and  it  seems,  in  practice,  to  be 
no  more  efficacious  than  the  good  old  mixture 
— soft  soap  and  quassia.  But  my  experience 
is  that  no  spraying  of  Plum  trees  after  the 
leaves  have  curled  is  of  any  considerable  use. 
Though  a  small  proportion  of  aphis  be  killed, 
there  are  plenty  left  to  bring  the  pest  up  to 
its  original  strength  in  the  course  of  a  day  or 
two.  This  season  a  search  was  made  at  frequent 
intervals  for  the  mother  queens,  the  intention 
being  to  spray  as  soon  as  any  of  them  were 
found.  None  could  be  found  up  to  about 
three  days  before  a  bad  attack  was  shown  by 
multitudes  of  curled  leaves.  Truly  the  Plum 
aphis  is  a  difficult  foe  to  encounter.  It  is 
more  difficult  to  reach  by  spraying  than  the 
Apple  aphis,  because  Plum  leaves  curl  more 
suddenly  and  completely  than  Apple  leaves, 
and  the  insect  itself  appears  to  be  less 
susceptible  to  insecticides.  A  young  planta- 
tion of  home-raised  Plums  has  escaped  the 
attack  of  aphis,  and  this  fact  seems  to  indi- 
cate that  the  older  trees,  which  were  pur- 
chased, and  have  been  attacked  badly  from 
the  first,  were  infested  with  eggs  when  they 
were  received. 

There  was  also  an  attack  of  winter  moth 
caterpillars  on  some  varieties  of  Plums;  but 
this  has  been  ren  lered  comparatively  harm- 
less by  adding  arsenate  of  lead  to  the  nico- 
tine wash   for  these  varieties. 

When  last  month's  Notes  were  written  no 
attack  of  the  Apple  sucker  had  appeared.  A 
feu  weeks  later,  however,  a  slight  infestation, 
after  two  years'  immunity,  was  detected. 
This  has  been  met  effectually  by  drenching 
the  trees  with  a  strong  solution  of  soft  soap 
and  cpiassia,  121b.  of  each  to  100  gallons. 
Numbers  of  dead  suckers,  and  hardly  any 
live  ones,  were  found  a  couple  of  days  after 
the  spraying.  In  the  same  plantation  winter 
moth  and  other  leaf-eating  caterpillars  were 
doing  damage  to  a  few  varieties;  and,  for 
these,  arsenate  of  lead  was  added  to  the  wash, 
while  the  Woburn-Bordeaux  paste  was  also 
added  for  a  few  varieties  particularly  liable 
to  scab.  No  aphis  worth  notice  has  appeared 
at  present  in  this  plantation. 

In  a  young  plantation  of  Apple  trees  there 
has  been  the  worst  attack  of  leaf-eating  cater- 
pillars, especially  those  of  the  winter  and  the 
bud  moth,  that  I  have  ever  bad;  aphis 
also  has  been  troublesome  on  some  varieties, 
particularly  Allington  Pippin  and  Beauty  of 
Bath.  When  the  trees  were  first  sprayed  the 
caterpillars  were  inside  the  folded  leaves,  and 
there  they  fed  on  unpoisoned  food  until  they 
had  reduced  many  clusters  of  leaves  to 
ribbons.  The  extreme  slowness  with  which 
the  bunches  of  leaves  unfolded,  in  conse- 
quence of  the  coldness  of  the  weather  in  the 
first  three  weeks  of  May,  caused  the  damage 
to  be  greater  than  usual.  A  second  spraying 
in   the   last   week   of   May   proved   more   effi- 


cacious than  the  earlier  one,  soft  soap, 
quassia,  and  arsenate  of  lead  being  used  in 
the  later  spraying.  But  perhaps  the  best  re- 
sult was  attained  by  squeezing  the  terminal 
unopened  clusters  of  leaves  when  the  trees 
were  gone  over  for  the  removal  of  blooms 
where  wood  growth  was  desired,  and  for  trim- 
ming some  of  them.  Some  varieties  had  a 
caterpillar  in  nearly  every  terminal  cluster  of 
leaves.  At  the  same  time  curled  leaves  in- 
fested with  aphis  were  stripped  off  and 
crushed.  These  operations  are  practicable 
only  on  quite  young  trees. 

It  remains  to  notice  an  insect  pest  which  is 
not  recognised  in  any  text-book  in  mv 
possession,  and  I  have  Mr.  Theobald's  admir- 
able work,  as  well  as  the  late  Miss  Orinerod's 
publications.  This  is  a  dark  purple  aphis,  ap- 
parently black  to  the  naked  eye,  infesting 
Currants.  It  is  a  curious  fact  that  this  aphis 
has  not  been  noticed  by  entomologists  in  this 
country,  although  it  is  probably  common 
enough.  Specimens  sent  to  one  high  autho- 
rity have  elicited  a  reply  to  this  effect.  It  has 
troubled  me  ever  since  I  grew  Black  Currants, 
and  two  distant  growers  are  also  troubled  by 
it.  The  presence  of  this  pest  is  made  obvious 
by  the  curling  of  the  terminal  leaves  of 
branches  or  of  young  sucker  shoots.  But  the 
aphides  are  not  on  these  leaves;  they  are  on 
the  stems  just  below,  and  in  some  cases  in  the 
bunches  of  Currants  below  curled  leaves.  As 
only  about  one  in  a  hundred  bushes  was 
affected,  or  fewer  still,  in  the  hope  of  eradi- 
cating the  pest  from  a  young  plantation  of 
Boskoop  Giant,  the  affected  ends  of  branches 
have  been  taken  off  and  destroyed.  This  is 
a  remedy  applied  with  reluctance,  as  it  checks 
extensive  growth  ;  but  a  sacrifice  may  be  faced 
with  the  prospect  of  ultimate  advantage. 
Spraying  is  of  comparatively  little  use  in  this 
case. 

Fungal  Pests. 

Brown  rot  has  appeared  to  a  troublesome 
extent  on  Monarch,  Czar,  and  Pond's  Seetl- 
ling  Plums.  The  deal  fruits  and  terminals 
have  been  taken  off  one  variety  and  burned  ; 
but  time  has  not  yet  been  found  to  treat  the 
other  two  varieties  likewise.  The  same  dis- 
ease is  showing  on  some  fruits  of  Cox's 
Orange  I'ippin.  and  to  a  less  extent  on  two  or 
three  other  varieties,  as  shown  by  the  wither- 
ing of  branches  of  blossom  or  embryo  fruit. 
I'lie  attack  is  chiefly  on  the  spurs  on  the  top 
portions  of  branches.  Powdei'3'  mildew  is  also 
in  evidence  on  a  few  varieties,  particularly 
Bismarck  and  Allington  Pippin.  Scab  has 
not  yet  been  found  on  the  leaves  of  any 
variety,  but  is  expected  on  sorts  which  have 
been  affected  in  previous  years.  A  second 
spraying  against  it  will  be  carried  out  a  fort- 
night after  the  first  operation. 

The  Extension  System. 
Of  all  the  fads  which  fruit-growers  have 
been  induced  to  entertain,  perhaps  that 
known  as  the  extension  system  has  done  the 
greatest  amount  of  mischief  when  practised 
on  young  trees.  Reference  has  been  made  on 
previous  occasions  to  premature  blossoming, 
to  the  prevention  of  wood  growth,  caused  by 
leaving  long  shoots  uncut  on  young  trees.  At 
my  last  pruning  time  some  well-furnished 
young  Worcester  Pearmain  trees  were  left 
almost  or  entirely  uncut.  The  result  is  that 
blossoms  appeared  nearly  or  quite  up  to  the 
tips  of  the  shoots,  from  which  many  emerged 
feebly  without  any  leaves  around  them.  Cut- 
ting back  severeh-  has  been  necessary.  It  is 
not  my  intention  to  defend  the  continuous 
cutting-back  of  trees ;  but  in  the  first  four 
seasons  after  planting,  at  any  rate  on  land 
that  is  not  in  high  condition,  my  experience 
is  that  pruning  can  hardly  be  too  severe.  A 
South  rn  Grower: 


374 


THE    GARDENERS'    CHRONICLE. 


[June  12,  1909. 


NEW  OR  NOTEWORTHY 
PLANTS. 


*DENDROBIUM    SANDERS,    ROLFE, 

N.  SP. 
This  is  a  handsome  Demlrobium,  introduced 
by  Messrs.  Sander  &  Sons,  St.  Albans,  of  which 
photographs,  dried  flowers,  and  a  living  plant 
have  been  sent  to  Kew.  It  is  an  ally  of  D. 
Dearei,  Reichb.  f.,  and  has  tall,  striate,  copiously  - 
leafy  stems,  from  a  foot  and  a  half  to  3  feet 
long,  somewhat  thickened  below  the  middle, 
and  narrowed  upwards.  The  leaves  are  oblong, 
slightly  bilobed  at  the  apex,  and  under  2  inches 
long.  The  short  racemes  are  borne  on  the  upper 
part  of  the  stems,  and  produce  3  or  4  large  and 
beautiful  flowers,  whose  general  aspect  can  be 
seen  in  fig.  163,  which  is  reproduced  from 
one  of  the  photographs.  The  collector  de 
scribes  the  flowers  as  large  and  very  effective, 
the  sepals  and  petals  as  pure  white  and  of  good 
substance,  and  the  lip,  white  lined  with  green, 
the  side  lobes  lined  with  blackish  purple,  and  the 
throat  and  inside  of  the  spur  blackish  violet. 
Traces  of  these  colours  are  retained  in  the  dried 
flowers.  The  plant  is  said  to  be  free-growing 
and  flowering,  and  is  certainly  very  beautiful. 
The  petals  are  large  and  well  displayed.  In  the 
dried  flowers  they  are  an  inch  and  a  half  long  by 
an  inch  broad,  while  the  expanded  lip  measures 
over  an  inch  across.  The  spur  tapers  to  a  fine 
point,  and  measures  over  an  inch  and  a  quarter 
long  from  its  junction  with  the  pedicel.  The 
second  photograph  sent  shows  the  plant 
much  reduced,  including  a  stem  bearing  about 
40  leaves.  The  plant  bears  a  considerable  general 
resemblance  to  D.  Dearei,  Reichb.  f.,  and  D.  par- 
thenium,  Reichb.  f.,  the  latter  a  handsome 
Bornean  species,  which  has  been  lost  sight  of.  It 
is,  however,  quite  distinct  from  either.  R.  A. 
Rolfe.  

THE    ROSARY. 

CULTURAL  NOTES  FOR  JUNE. 

The  frosts  of  May  and  the  cold  easterly  winds 
have  brought  in  their  train  many  insect  pests, 
which  have  wrought  considerable  damage  to  the 
young  shoots.  Remedial  measures,  in  the  form 
of  a  syringing  with  a  strong  solution  of  soft  soap, 
quassia  extract,  and  nicotine,  should  be  resorted 
to  at  once.  The  liquid  should  be  warmed  to 
about  90°,  and  applied  preferably  in  the  evening. 
The  spray  should  be  rinsed  off  with  clear  water 
early  on  the  following  morning.  It  is  advisable 
bafore  spraying  the  plants  to  pick  out  any  grubs 
which  have  hidden  themselves  in  curled  leaves, 
or  which  have  eaten  into  the  flower-buds.  In 
some  cases  the  growths  have  been  injured  by 
cold  since  the  April  pruning  ;  these  should  be  cut 
back  to  sound  wood  at  a  spot  where  there  is  a 
prominent  bud.  A  watch  must  be  kept  for  the 
beetle  that  infests  and  eats  the  young  shoots  of 
Standard  Briars.  The  pest  commits  its  depreda- 
tions in  the  evening,  at  which  time  it  should  be 
Bought. 

Budding  operations  will  be  late  this  season. 
Under  ordinary  conditions,  this  work  should  be 
well  in  hand  by  the  end  of  June.  It  is  not 
advisable  to  commence  budding  before  the  shoots 
have  obtained  some  degree  of  hardness,  and  the 
blanches  from  which  the  buds  are  to  be  taken 
are  well  ripened.  Above  all,  the  bark  should 
run  freely  in  both  stock  and  scion. 

*  Dendrobium  Sandera,  Bolfe. — Caales  elongati,  infra 
medium  paullo  incrassati,  40-80  cm.  alti.,  foliosi,  striati 
internodi  2-2-5  cm.  distantes.  Folia  oblonga  vel  elliptico 
oblonga,  apice  minute  biloba,  4-5  cm.  longa,  circa  1-1-5  cm 
lata.  Racemi  laterales,  prope  apicem  ramorum  prodncti, 
l'5-2-5  cm.  longi,  3-4-flori,  basi  vaginis  ochreatis  brevibus 
obtecti.  Bracteaa  late  ovato-oblongi,  subacnti,  menr 
branacei,  2-3  mm.  Iongi.  Pedicelli  circa  4  cm.  longi,  teretes. 
Flores  magni,  albi,  labelli  disco  et  lobis  lateralibus  striatis 
Sepalum  posticum  lanceolatum,  acutum  vel  acuminatum 
carinatum,  circa  3-5  cm.  longum,  sepala  lateralia  oblongo 
lanceolata,  acuta  vel  acuminata,  carinata,  circa  4  cm 
longa,  basi  obliqua,  in  mentum  conicum  acuminatum  2  cm 
longum  produeta.  Labellum  trilobum,  4  cm.  longum,  lob 
laterales  rotundati  vel  subtruncati,  1  cm.  lati ;  lobus  inter 
medius  obovatus,  truncatus  vel  obtuse  bilobus,  crenulatus 
3-26  om.  latus.    Colunina  lata.    It.  A.  Rolfe. 


As  soon  as  .  last  year's  buds  commence  to 
push  into  growth  they  must  be  secured  to 
sticks  fastened  to  the  main  stem.  If  it  is  de- 
sired, the  points  of  the  shoots  may  be  pinched 
when  they  have  made  about  5  or  6  inches  of 
growth ;  but  if  the  plants  are  intended  to  fur- 
nish blooms  for  exhibition  purposes,  it  is  best 
to  leave  the  shoots  unstopped.  The  best  exhibi- 
tion blooms  are  often  produced  from  maiden- 
buds.  The  quality  of  the  flowers  will  be  much  im- 
proved if  liquid  manure  is  applied  to  the  plants, 
and  this  feeding  should  be  alternated  with  the  ap- 
plication of  some  phosphatic  manure,  at  intervals 
of  a  few  days.  Any  manurial  stimulant  should  be 
applied  first  in  a  very  diluted  form ;  the  strength 
can  be  increased  until  the  bud  is  developing  its 
colour,  when  feeding  should  be  discontinued  ;  at 


Manetti  and  De  la  Grifferae  stocks  prefer  a  sandy 
loam.  Roses  of  the  Hybrid  Perpetual  type  do 
best  on  the  Briar  and  Manetti  stocks.  Strong- 
growing  varieties,  and  especially  climbers  of  the 
Hybrid  Tea  and  Noisette  types  do  best  on  the 
De  la  Grifferae  stocks,  whilst,  in  the  case  of 
varieties  of  moderately  vigorous  growth,  and  also 
the  weaker-growing  kinds  of  the  Hybrid  Per- 
petual and  Tea  sections,  the  seedling  Briar  stock 
is  best. 

Cuttings  inserted  in  the  open  last  October 
have  made  very  few  roots.  They  need  protec- 
tion from  hot  sunshine  during  the  middle  of 
the  day  until  they  are  better  rooted.  Apply 
mulchings  and  in  dry  weather  copious  water- 
ings. 

Grafted  plants  that  are  plunged  in  the  open 


FlG.    163. — DENDROBIUM    SANDERS,    A   NEW    SPECIES    ALLIED    TO    D.    DEAREI. 


that  stage  soft  water  only  should  be  applied  to 
the  roots.  All  growths  from  the  stock  itself, 
other  than  one  shoot  beyond  the  bud,  which  will 
cause  the  sap  to  circulate  past  the  bud,  should 
be  removed.  This  applies  to  buds  on  the 
standard  and  half-standard  Briars.  Those  on 
the  Manetti  and  De  la  Grifferae  stocks  are  gene- 
rally later  in  developing,  so  that  the  stock  can 
be  denuded  of  its  shoots  gradually.  When  the 
bud  is  growing  freely  the  stock  above  the  graft 
may  be  removed. 

Stocks  for  Roses. 
Standard,    seedling,    and    dwarf   Briar    stocks 
succeed    best    in    a    stiff,  loamy    soil,  but    the 


are  now  growing  freely.  Any  that  need  repot- 
ting should  be  attended  to  without  delay.  It 
is  advisable  to  stop  the  longest  shoots  about 
twice  during  the  season.  Their  further  require- 
ments throughout  the  summer  will  consist  of 
stopping,  tying  and  staking  the  shoots,  and  in 
watering. 

Plants  on  their  own  roots  in  pots  will  require 
similar  attention,  but  instead  of  plunging  them 
in  the  ground  it  is  better  to  plunge  them  on  an 
old  hot-bed. 

Indoor  Roses  should  be  syringed  occasionally. 
Prick  up  the  surface  of  the  borders  lightly 
with  a  fork  and  dust  some  lime  over  it.  After 
this  apply  a  layer  of  well-rotted  manure  as  a 


June  12,  1909.] 


THE    GARDENERS'    CHRONICLE. 


375 


mulch.  Remove  all  weak  and  useless  shoots  and 
endeavour  to  keep  the  plants  as  vigorous  and 
healthy  as  possible,  so  that  they  may  flower  well 
next  autumn  and  winter.     J.  D.  G. 

FORTUNE'S  YELLOW  ROSE. 
The  proper  pruning  of  this  plant,  apart  from 
the  necessary  vigour  of  growth,  is  the  crux  of 
the  whole  question  of  success  in  flowering. 
Like  Marechal  Niel,  Lamarque,  and  others  of 
this  type  of  growth  and  flower,  close  cutting 
back  of  the  old  flowering  wood  after  blossoming 
is  over,  with  a  view  to  inducing  further  vigorous 
Bhoots  to  form  and  grow  luxuriantly  during  the 
summer,  is  an  absolute  necessity.  From  the 
nodes  of  these  strong  growths  an  abundant  crop 
of  flowers  may  reasonably  be  expected.  The 
great  charm  of  the  variety  is  the  gorgeous  and 
unique  tint  of  colour  which  shows  so  effectively 
in  artificial  light,  when  the  colour  is  a  beautiful 
yellow,  flaked  with  carmine  and  tinted  with 
bronze.     E.  M. 


NURSERY     NOTES. 


NOTICES    OF     BOOKS. 


MESSRS.  CHARLESWORTH  &  CO. 
This  firm's  new  establishment  at  Haywards 
Heath,  Sussex,  embodies  the  best  appointments 
which  experience  could  suggest,  and  will  worthily 
supersede  the  extensive  Orchid  establishment 
which  has  been  given  up  at  Heaton,  near  Brad- 
ford. First,  as  to  the  selection  of  a  site.  This  was 
not  determined  upon  until  it  had  been  proved  that 
the  part  of  Sussex  in  which 'the  new  nursery  has 
been  established  was  one  of  the  best  possible  for 
Orchid  culture.  An  estate  of  considerable  extent 
was  purchased,  and  Mr.  Harris,  of  Ealing, 
was  given  a  commission  to  erect  the  houses  on 
Mr.  J.  Charlesworth's  own  plan  in  regard  to  the 
more  important  details.  The  work  was  commenced 
in  February,  1908,  and  the  houses  were  used 
for  the  accommodation  of  the  stock  brought 
from  Heaton,  Bradford,  by  the  end  of  November 
of  the  same  year.  The  houses  are  in  two  blocks 
No.  1  block,  called  the  commercial  department, 
consists  of  12  houses,  each  100  feet  in  length,  four 
sets  of  three  being  12  feet,  13  feet,  20  feet,  and 
21  feet  6  inches  wide  respectively.     These  houses 


lath  blinds  are  used,  for  in  this  locality  the 
unusual  amount  of  sunlight  which  is  so  beneficial 
in  winter,  early  spring  and  autumn,  has  to  be 
toned  down  in  summer. 

The  houses  have  span  roofs,  they  are  not 
lofty,  and  the  arrangements  of  the  interior  are 
very  simple.  The  whole  of  the  floor  area  is 
allowed  to  remain  as  the  natural  earth,  the  sur- 
face being  turned  over  occasionally.  The  paths 
are  of  stout  woodwork  trellis,  except  in  the  cor- 
ridors, where  they  are  of  ornamental  tiles.  A 
carefully-restricted  system  of  top-ventilation  has 
been  adopted.  The  ventilators  beneath  the  stag- 
ing on  the  outer  walls  are  furnished  with  iron 
levers,  which  extend  beneath  the  staging  to  the 
edge  of  the  central  path,  where  they  may  be  used 
to  regulate  the  ventilation  from  inside  the  house. 
The  staging  is  of  the  usual  kind,  a  close  staging 
with  an  open  woodwork  above  it.  Here  the 
close  staging  is  of  York  sto.  o  slabs,  with  broken 
coke  for  holding  and  giving  off  moisture.  The 
whole  establishment  is  lighted  by  electricity,  an 
installation  for  the  purpose  having  been  set  up. 

The  heating  is  done  from  two  centres,  and  is  so 
arranged  that  any  of  the  houses  can  be  shut  off 
or  controlled,  and  that,  when  additions  are  made, 
the  new  structures  can  be  heated  without  inter- 


*  Trees  and  their  Life-Histories. 

The  practice  of  issuing  scientific  books  in  serial 
parts  may  be  convenient  for  the  publisher  and 
popular  with  the  public,  but  it  is  certainly  em- 
barrassing to  the  reviewer,  for  either  he  must 
wait  till  all  the  parts  have  appeared  before 
offering  an  opinion  on  the  work — in  which  case 
his  comments  are  belated — or  else  he  must  en- 
deavour to  judge  of  the  bulk  by  the  sample.  In 
the  book  under  review,  the  risk  run  by  adopting 
the  latter  course  would  appear  to  be  but  small. 
Dr.  Groom  has  devoted  many  years  to  the  study 
of  trees,  and  no  one  in  this  country  is  better 
qualified  to  write  upon  their  life-histories.  The 
plan  which  the  author  adopts  is  set  forth  in  the 
opening  words  of  the  preface,  "  to  consider  the 
tree,  not  as  a  mere  object  to  be  identified,  but 
as  a  living  being  whose  struggling  life  is  to  be 
watched,  whose  wants  are  to  be  studied,  and 
whose  changing  lineaments  are  to  be  observed." 
Part  T.  consists  of  an  introduction  dealing  with 
the  activity  of  the  tree,  its  nourishment,  the  root 
and  shoot  systems,  the  leaves,  stem,  and 
flowers.  Though  the  author  states  that  the  in- 
troduction is  superfluous  to  those  acquainted 
with  botany,  it  will  prove,  by  reason  of  the 
broad  manner  in  which  these  subjects  are 
treated,  well  worth  the  attention  of  those  who 
have  already  some  knowledge  of  botanical 
Bcience.  The  author  adopts  a  wise,  middle  course 
in  the  use  of  technical  terms.  Where  such  terms 
are  necessary,  he  does  not  hesitate  to  employ 
them,  but  where  they  may  be  dispensed  with  he 
leaves  them  alone.  Thus  he  avoids  the  common 
alternative  errors  of,  on  the  one  hand,  giving  an 
appearance  of  easiness  at  the  expense  of  pre- 
cision, and,  on  the  other  hand,  of  rendering  his 
text  repellent  by  the  introduction  of  an  unduly 
large  number  of  ugly  and  obscure  words  to 
describe  beautiful  and  evident  things. 

The  work,  which  is  to  be  completed  in  13 
parts,  is  illustrated  in  the  most  admirable 
manner  by  photographs  by  Mr.  Henry  Irving. 
Part  I.  contains  nearly  50  figures  depicting  trees, 
their  leaves,  buds,  and  other  parts.  The  com- 
pleted work  will  contain  upwards  of  500  illustra- 
tions. As  evidence  of  the  fascination  of  the  pic- 
tures, it  may  be  mentioned  that  already  the 
review  copy  has  been  claimed  several  times  by 
a  youthful  student  of  Nature,  who  has  only  con- 
sented under  very  definite  pressure  to  yield  it 
up,  and  then  subject  to  the  explicit  condition 
that  it  should  be  returned  immediately. 

*  Trees  and  their  Life-Histories,  by  Percy  Groom,  D.Sc. 
Elustrated  from  photographs  by  Henry  Irving.  (Cassell  & 
Co.,  Ltd.,  1903.    In  13  fortnightly  parts.    Part  I.,  Is.  net). 


Ml 


.  .  .  ■  .  _  . 


v&& 


****-£ 


£'«£• 


FlG.    164. —  PERSPECTIVE   VIEW    OF    MESSRS.   CHARLESWORTH'S    NEW   NURSERY   AT 

HAYWARDS    HEATH. 


extend  right  and  left  of  a  broad  corridor  250  feet 
long,  leading  from  the  offices  to  the  packing 
and  potting  sheds  at  the  other  end.  The  pack- 
ing shed  is  75  feet  by  20  feet,  the  potting  shed 
80  feet  by  20  feet,  and  the  photographic  studio 
20  feet  by  20  feet.  The  "  seedling  "  block,  which 
also  has  its  corridor  connecting  the  ends  of  the 
houses,  consists  at  present  of  eight  houses  100  feet 
long  by  10  to  11  feet  in  width ;  one  house  100  feet 
by  18  feet ;  two  houses  at  the  end  of  the  potting 
shed  35  feet  by  18  feet;  the  potting  shed  itself, 
which  is  used  solely  for  the  earlier  stages  of  the 
hybrid  Orchids  and  things  on  trial,  being  50  feet 
by  18  feet,  with  a  small  room  in  which  Mr. 
Charlesworth  carries  out  some  of  the  more  deli- 
cate operations  in  testing  and  sowing  seeds. 

At  the  entrance  is  an  important  block,  con- 
sisting of  private  and  general  offices,  artists' 
room,  &c. 

The  houses  are  shaded  to  suit  the  requirements 
of  the  plants  grown  in  them  by  lath  roller-blinds 
made  on  the  place ;  in  some  cases  a  stippling  of 
white  is  placed  on  the  glass  in  addition  to 
the    lath    blind.     In    other    houses    two    sets    of 


fering  with  the  existing  sets  cf  houses.  Each  set 
of  three  houses  has  its  own  flow  and  return  to  the 
boiler. 

Three  large  Senior  Robin  Hood  boilers,  sup- 
plied by  Messrs.  Foster  and  Pearson,  are  work- 
ing on  one  block,  and  two  on  another,  with 
spaces  left  for  two  more  in  each  stoke-hold. 

Anthracite  coal  is  used,  and  it  is  found  that 
economy  is  effected  and  the  life  of  the  fire-bars 
prolonged  by  keeping  water  in  the  ash-way  be- 
neath the  fires. 

The  Plants. 

In  the  commercial  block  it  is  pleasant  to  find 
that,  although  hybrid  Orchids  are  the  speciality, 
the  imported  species  receive  due  attention,  for 
each  of  the  showy  species,  such  as  the  large- 
flowered  Cattleyas,  is  well  represented,  and  pretty 
things  of  botanical  interest  are  plentiful.  We 
can  only  name  a  few  which  attracted  our  atten- 
tion during  our  inspection  of  the  houses. 

Trichopilia  Backhousiana,  with  its  large,  pure 
white  fragrant  flowers,  made  a  good  display ; 
Odontoglossum  hastilabium,   Miltonia  vexillaria, 


376 


THE    GARDENERS'    CHRONICLE. 


[June  12,  1909. 


Brassia  brachiata,  Oncidium  crispum,  including 
one  magnificent  dark  form ;  Epidendrum  vitel- 
linum  ;  a  very  interesting  and  showy  lot  of  Mas- 
devallias,  the  favourite  Cochlioda  Noezliana,  a  lot 
of  brilliant  scarlet  Sophronitis,  Vanda  ccerulea, 
and  V.  tricolor,  including  the  albino  V.  tricolor 
pallida;  Cymbidium  Huttonii,  Renanthera  Ims- 
chootiana,  and  a  fine  selection  of  Cattleya  j\!en- 
delii,  C.  Schroderse,  C.  Skinneri,  Lselia  pur- 
purata,  and  other  handsome  species.  Of  Phalse- 
nopsis  there  is  a  large  houseful,  P.  Schilleriana 
being  specially   good. 

Odontoglossums  fill  several  houses,  and  make 
a  good  show  of  flowers  of  fine  quality.  0.  cris- 
pum is  the  favourite  both  for  growing  and  for 


hybrid,  bears  a  fine  spike  of  large,  dark  chest- 
nut-red flowers  with  yellow  base  to  the  lip. 

The  "  Seedling  "  Houses 
contain  a  collection  of  crosses  of  all  kinds,  in- 
cluding secondary  crosses  which  are  expected  to 
give  grand  results ;  and  wide  crosses,  which  are 
"  facts  accomplished,"  although  only  a  few  years 
ago  such  combinations  would  have  been  con- 
sidered impossible.  These  might  be  enumerated 
by  the  score,  but  it  must  suffice  to  mention  a  few 
of  which  we  saw  healthy  little  batches.  Cochlioda 
Noezliana  is  found  to  be  most  receptive  in  cross- 
ing with  other  genera,  and  it  has  been  used  freely. 
Strong  plants  have  been  obtained  between  it  and 


are  Odontioda  Charlesworthii,  0.  Bradshawice,  O. 
Lutetia,  and  other  scarlet-tinted  Odontiodas,  and 
crosses  of  Odontoglossum  Edwardii,  scarlet  and 
crimson  Sophro-Ljelias  and  Sophro-Cattleyas,  and 
Odontoglossums.  Housa  after  house  of  small 
plants  of  these  and  other  fine  crosses  are  to  be 
seen,  and  the  readiness  with  which  the  seeds 
germinate  in  some  cases  is  exemplified  by  one 
healthy  little  batch  of  which  the  seeds  were 
only  sown  in  February  this  year.  Mr.  Charles- 
worth  is  an  enthusiast  who  is  never  content  to 
"  let  well  alone,"  so  long  as  better  may  be  ac- 
crmplished.  He  is  constantly  experimenting  in. 
order  to  secure  even  better  results  than  have  yet. 
been  obtained.     J.  O'B. 


[Plwtograpk  by  A.  E.  Smith. 
Fig.  165. — a  group  of  orchids  from  Messrs.  charlesworth's  nursery  exhibited  at  the  temple  show. 


hybridising,  but  only  the  best  varieties  are  re- 
tained, and  of  these  the  large,  round-flowered, 
white  varieties  are  preferred.  Blotched  varieties 
of  0.  crispum  raised  from  seeds  are  flowering 
well,  and  display  the  coveted  features  of  size, 
shape  and  good  colour  in  the  highest  degree. 

Several  houses  contain  Lselio-Cattleyas,  hybrid 
Cattleyas,  and  Brasso-Cattleyas.  Cypripediums, 
both  species  and  hybrids,  have  each  a  good  show 
of  flowers.  A  batch  of  hybrid  Odontoglossums 
has  in  flower  0.  Watsonianum  (loochristiense  X 
crispum),  some  very  fine  0.  amabile,  0.  Fascina- 
tor, 0.  crispoHarryanum,  0.  Lambeauanum,  0. 
Wilc'keanum,  home-raised,  some  of  them  far  sur- 
passing the  best  imported  forms ;  0.  Othello,  0. 
Ossulstonii,  and  others,  including  several  of  the 
pure  white  0.  ardentissimum  xanthotes  (crispum 
xanthotes  Charlesworthii  X  Pescatorei  album), 
which  is  one  of  the  most  beautiful  Odontoglos- 
sums yet  raised,  and  remarkable  in  that  the 
whole  batch  are  true  to  the  albino  character. 
Among  new  plants  the  handsome  Oncidium 
Charlesworthii     (fig.     166),    probably    a    natural 


various  Oncidiums,  including  0.  concolor,  0. 
Forbesii.  and  0.  incurvum  ;  Odontoglossum  cirr- 
hosum  X  Oncidium  incurvum,  and  again  with  0. 
Forbesii ;  and  Oncidium  tigrinum  with  0.  lamel- 
ligerum.  Various  crosses  have  been  made  with 
Odontoglossum  Uro-Skinneri,  that  with  Cochlioda 
Noezliana  resulting  in  perfectly  healthy  progeny. 
Most  other  crosses  of  0.  Uro-Skinneri  exhibit 
spotted,  unsightly  leaves  on  otherwise  perfectly 
healthy  plants,  probably  due  to  the  difference  in 
the  cellular  tissues  and  substance  in  the  leaves 
of  the  species  used,  or  in  some  other  structural 
peculiarity  in  0.  Uro-Skinneri,  which  clashes 
with  that  of  the  other  parent,  and  which  may  dis- 
appear when  the  resultant  hybrids  are  crossed 
again.  Odontoglossums  of  the  finest  type  have 
been  intercrossed  in  every  way,  and  an  advance 
on  the  standard  of  excellence  now  common  is  not 
improbable.  Miltonia  seedlings  are  specially  in- 
teresting, and  a  little  batch  of  Odontoglossum 
Rossii  rubescens  X  0.  ardentissimum  should  be 
good. 

In   flower,   and   intended   for   further   crossing, 


*  FIXATION  OF  NITROGEN  BY  BACTERIA. 

The  fixation  of  nitrogen  by  bacteria,  though  a 
somewhat  well-worn  subject,  is  one  of  the  most 
fundamental  problems  of  agriculture  and  one 
which  is  constantly  receiving  new  light  from 
one  source  or  another.  Nitrogen  is  not  only 
an  essential  element  in  the  nutrition  of  the 
plant,  but  the  fertilising  substance  most  costly 
to  purchase,  although  in  its  free,  gaseous  state 
it  constitutes  four-fifths  of  the  atmosphere.  Our 
ordinary  plants,  however,  are  incapable  of  draw- 
ing upon  this  stock  of  free  nitrogen,  and  hence 
they  must  obtain  combined  nitrogen  from  the  soil. 
This  fact — the  subject  of  long  controversy — may 
be  said  to  have  received  its  crowning  demon- 
stration by  the  experiments  of  Lawes,  Gilbert, 
and  Pugh  at  Rothamsted  in  1857-8.  Despite 
these  and  other  experiments,  it  became  evident 
that  some  factor  in  the  situation  had  been  over- 
looked, because  from  many  sources — the  Rotham- 
sted field  experiments  among  others^it  was 
shown  that  leguminous  crops  not  only  took  away 

*  Lecture  delivered  on  March  11,  1909,  by  Mr.  A.  D.  Hall, 
Director  of  the  Rothamsted  Experimental  Station. 


June  12,  1909.] 


THE    GARDENERS'    CHRONICLE. 


377 


an  exceptional  amount  of  nitrogen  but  left  the 
ground  richer  in  nitrogen  compounds  than  it  was 
before  their  growth.  These  difficulties  were 
cleared  up  by  Hellriegel  and  Wilfarth  in  1886-7, 
when  they  showed  that  leguminous  plants  were 
susceptible  to  the  infection  of  an  organism  which 
produced  nodules  upon  their  roots,  whereupon 
they  became  able  to  draw  upon  the  atmospheric 
nitrogen. 

The  nodules  contain  in  vast  numbers  a  bacterium 
which  effects  the  fixation  of  nitrogen ;  the  com- 
bined nitrogen  is  passed  on  to  the  host  plant, 
which  in  its  turn  supplies  the  bacteria  with  the 
carbohydrates  they  require.  The  nodule  bacteria, 
which  have  only  latterly  been  isolated  in  a  pure 
state  directly  from  the  soil,  exist  in  the  soil  in 
what  is  called  the  neutral  condition,  because  they 
are  ready  to  infect  many  different  species  of 
leguminous  plants  indifferently.  They  are  very 
small,  about  08  «  long  by  0  2  y  broad,  and 
are  in  active  motion,  each  possessing  a  single 
cilium.  Because  of  this  activity  they  are  some- 
times said  to  be  in  the  "  swarm  "  stage,  and  in 
this  form  they  infect  the  host  plant  by  entering 
through  the  root-hairs. 


it  would  not  grow  as  well  (in  the  absence  of 
soil  nitrogen)  as  if  it  were  inoculated  with  bacilli 
from  a  nodule  obtained  from  another  French  Bean 
plant.  However,  when  the  organisms  from  the 
Clover  nodule  had  been  for  one  generation  in  a 
French  Bean,  they  then  became  as  effective  on 
the  latter  as  the  original  French  Bean 
organisms  which  had  had  no  known  connection 
with  Clover.  Thus  we  may  consider  as  estab- 
lished the  existence  of  distinct  races  of  the  nodule 
organism,  capable,  however,  of  acclimatisation. 
Very  soon  after  Hellriegel  and  Wilfarth's  dis- 
covery, attempts  were  made  to  utilise  it  by  arti- 
ficially introducing  the  organisms  into  soil  on 
which  leguminous  plants  grew  badly.  Salfeld,  in 
Hanover,  engaged  in  reclaiming  waste  heath 
land  by  ploughing  in  successive  crops  of  Lupins, 
&c,  found  it  of  advantage  to  bring  soil  from 
fields  where  such  crops  had  grown  pre- 
viously and  to  sow  6  to  8  cwt.  per  acre 
before  the  first  leguminous  crop  was  taken. 
Between  1888  and  1892  he  had  achieved  many 
successes  in  this  way  on  the  barren  heath  land 
manured  only  with  basic  slag  and  potash  salts ; 
the  crop  nodulated    ami    gathered    carbon    and 


gress,  but  their  development  has  been  remarkably 
rapid  during  the  last  fortnight  The  great  Lily 
of  Mount  Caucasus  and  Northern  Persia,  Lilium 
monadelphum  var.  Szovitzianum,  has  been  es- 
pecially conspicuous  in  the  rapidity  of  its  de- 
velopment, and  in  my  own  garden  will  probably 
attain,  as  in  many  former  seasons,  to  a  height 
of  8  feet.  I  can  well  believe  that  many  prefer 
this  majestic  Lily  to  the  great  Himalayan  L. 
giganteum,  for,  in  the  first  place,  it  does  not  take 
nearly  the  same  length  of  time  to  build  up  ade- 
quately its  flowering  bulb,  and,  in  the  second 
place,  it  grows  to  an  almost  equally  commanding 
size,  and  is  even  more  beautiful,  from  a  floral 
point  of  view.  Another  grand  Lily  of  rapid  and 
massive  growth  is  Lilium  Henryi.  Lilium  Henryi 
has  some  of  the  vigorous  and  floriferous  charac- 
teristics of  Szovitzianum,  while  in  aspect  it  re- 
sembles the  speciosum  family.  As  much  cannot 
be  said  of  such  delicate  introductions  as  Kra- 
meri  and  rubellum,  which  may  flower  exquisitely 
for  one,  or  even  two,  successive  seasons,  and  then 


FlG.   l66. — ONCIDIUM  CHARLESWORTHII,  FOR  WHICH   MESSRS.  charlesworth   recently  received  a  first-class  certificate  from 

THE    ROYAL    HORTICULTURAL    SOCIETY. 
(cee  p.  376.) 


Once  they  have  entered  the  rcot-hairs,  they 
begin  to  secrete  slime  and  extend  into  the  cells 
of  the  root,  near  the  nuclei  cf  which  they  begin 
to  multiply  rapidly  as  bacilli,  rods  about  four 
times  the  size  of  the  bacteria  free  in  the  soil. 

Finally,  after  two  or  three  weeks,  the  bacilli 
begi  .  to  form  still  larger  entities,  termed  bac- 
teroids,  protoplasmic  bodies,  which  after  the 
fourth  week  show  a  granular  structure  and  later 
still  disintegrate  to  allow  the  bacilli  to  fall  out. 
The  bacteroids  show  typical  Y  shapes  in  the  no- 
dules of  Clover,  Peas,  Beans,  and  Vetches ;  in 
some  Clovers  they  are  also  club  or  dumb-bell 
shaped,  but  only  of  late  has  it  been  possible  to  get 
bacteroids  to  develop  in  artificial  cultures.  With 
the  formation  of  bacteroids  begins  the  growth  of 
the  nodules  and  the  fixation  of  nitrogen ;  when 
in  certain  cases  abnormal  nodules  have  been 
found  containing  only  bacilli  no  fixation  has 
taken  place. 

The  important  question  then  arises  as  to  whether 
there  is  only  a  single  species  of  the  nodule- 
forming  bacterium,  or  whether  each  leguminous 
plant  does  not  possess,  if  not  a  corresponding 
species,  at  least  a  race  specialised  to  co-operate 
with  it.  It  was  early  shown  that  certain  legu- 
minous plants — notably  Seradella.  Lupins,  and 
Lucerne — could  not  always  be  infected  by  soil 
which  would  inoculate  Clover.  It  was  also  shown 
that,  if  a  particular  species  like  the  French  Bean 
were  inoculated  with  bacilli  from  a  Clover  nodule, 


nitrogen  from  the  air,  out  of  which  a  fertile  soil 
was  eventually  built  up.  In  order  to  save  the 
trouble  attached  to  sowing  such  quantities  of  soil, 
Nobbe  and  Hiltner  in  1896  introduced  artificial 
cultures  of  the  nodule  organisms,  growing  on  a 
jelly  made  from  an  extract  of  the  plant  stiffened 
by  gelatine.  But  in  such  a  medium,  rich  in  nitro- 
gen, the  nodule  organism  grows  very  slowly  and 
becomes  inert,  so  that  for  practical  purposes  this 
"  nitragin  "  proved  a  failure. 

Little  by  little,  however,  the  methods  of  grow- 
ing the  bacteria  artificially  were  improved,  chiefly 
by  the  introduction  of  media  containing  little  or 
no  nitrogen,  and  in  1903-4  Hiltner  put  on  the 
market  a  very  effective  series  of  cultures  grown 
on  agar-agar  containing  a  little  plant  extract. 

(To  be  continued.) 


SCOTLAND. 

THE  PROSPECTS  OF  THE  LILY  SEASON. 
The  growth  of  Oriental  and  American  Lilies 
in  northern  gardens  has  of  late  been  stimulated 
greatly  by  heavy  rains  after  a  somewhat  pro- 
tracted drought.  For  a  long  period  they  seemed, 
notwithstanding  the  brilliant  sunshine,  greatly 
modified  by  cold  winds,  to  be  making  little  pro- 


whully  disappear.  Such  extremely  unreliable 
varieties  as  these  would  almost  require  to  be 
treated  like  annuals,  and  planted  every  year. 
Not  much  more  enduring  are  the  various  and 
exceedingly  beautiful  forms  of  Lilium  longi- 
florum,  of  which  the  most  vigorous  has  been 
named  giganteum.  The  members  of  this  species 
are  caused  frequently  to  fail  to  flower  well  by  too 
much  being  attempted  in  the  way  of  bulb  divi- 
sion. L.  auratum  (whose  finest  and  strongest  re- 
presentatives in  Scottish  gardens  this  year  are 
the  great  platyphyllum  and  rubro-vittatum)  is  a 
Lily  of  much  greater  reliability.  Such  varieties 
as  those  to  which  I  have  just  alluded  have 
flowered  in  my  own  garden  in  the  same  position 
for  ten  successive  seasons,  without  exhibiting  any 
signs  of  deterioration  Hardly  less  worthy  of 
confidence  are  the  speciosums. 

Of  American  Lilies  my  supreme  favourites  are 
Humboldtii,  a  richly-spotted  variety  of  the 
widely-distributed  Martagon  family,  and  the 
delicately  beautiful  Washingtonianum,  with  its 
charming,  woodbine  fragrance.  These  Californian 
Lilies,  when  once  firmly  established  in  congenial 
soil,  will  flower  for  many  years.  David  I'.  \V il- 
liamson,  Manse  of  Kirhnaiden,  Wigtownshire. 


378 


THE    GARDENERS'    CHRONICLE. 


[June  12,  1909. 


THE  CARRIAGE  OF  VEGETABLE  AND  FRUIT 
PRODUCE  BY  RAILWAY. 

(Concluded  from  page  36S.) 
The  Remedy  of  Combination. 
Dealing  with  the  second  contention  which  is 
so  often  put  forward  on  behalf  of  railway  com- 
panies, namely,  that,  if  the  trader  would  com- 
bine, most,  if  not  all,  of  his  grievances  would  dis- 
appear, growers  will  no  doubt  support  the 
writer's  contention  that  this  statement  is  absurd 
on  the  face  of  it.  Want  of  space  forbids  any 
detailed  examination  of  the  argument,  but  it  may 
be  useful  to  remind  growers  of  the  report  of 
another  Departmental  Committee  to  which  rail- 
way companies  never  refer,  viz.,  that  issued  in 
1905  on  "  The  Fruit  Industry  in  Great  Britain." 
This  report  unanimously  recommended  the 
following  reforms,  none  of  which  has  yet  been 
adopted  by  'fgislation  : — 

(a)  That  it  is  highly  desirable  that  a  more  simple 
and  uniform  system  of  rates  for  fruit  be  introduced  by 
the  railway  companies.  This  can  be  done  without  a 
statutory  re-classification,  with  assistance  of  the  Board 
of  Trade. 

(b)  That  railway  companies  should  make  greater 
efforts  for  ensuring  the  prompt  delivery  of  perishable 
fruit. 

(c)  That  it  is  most  desirable  that  all  fruit  be  consigned 
at  company's  risk,  and  that  the  so-called  owner's  risk 
rates  be  abolished  :  the  rates  at  company's  risk  being 
reduced  to  a  figure  approximating  to  those  now  in  force 
at  owner's  risk,  but  providing  the  companies  with  just  a 
sufficient  margin  for  the  extra  liability  incurred.  That 
5  per  cent,  would  be  a  fair  margin. 

(d)  That,  in  the  event  of  owner's  risk  rates  being 
retained,  the  liability  of  the  railway  companies  should 
not  be  confined  to  cases  of  wilful  misconduct  only,  but 
to  those  where  culpable  negligence  can  be  proved. 

(e)  That,  in  view  of  the  recent  tendency  to  combine 
among  the  railways,  it  would  be  an  advantage  if  the 
Government  were  to  appoint  an  official  or  a  Department 
to  watch  over  the  companies'  actions,  and  to  report  to 
Parliament. 

(f)  That  in  years  of  glut,  railway  companies  should 
be  urged  to  temporarily  lower  their  rates  for  fruit,  just 
as  excursion  passenger  fares  are  lowered  on  special 
occasions,  and  that,  if  this  cannot  be  done  by  agree- 
ment, it  is  desirable  that  the  Railway  and  Canal 
Traffic  Act  of  1894  should  be  amended  for  that  purpose. 

(g)  That  jam  made  wholly  or  in  part  from  foreign 
fruit  be  so  labelled. 

(h)  That  the  Government  should  undertake  the  inspec- 
tion of  imported  fruit  and  fruit  pulp  at  the  ports  of 
entry. 

(i)  That  it  would  be  an  advantage  to  fruit  growers 
and  to  the  public  generally  if  the  Local  Government 
Board  collected  statistics  of  the  fruit  seized  and  con- 
demned as  unfit   for   food. 

It  will  be  obvious  that  for  none  of  these 
grievances  would  "  co-operation  among  growers  " 
provide  a  remedy.  The  Joint  Railway  and 
Parliamentary  Committee  forwarded  to  the 
Board  of  Trade  a  year  ago  a  short  Bill  dealing 
with  some  of  these  reforms,  but  discussion  of  the 
matter  has  been  blocked  by  the  leisurely  sittings 
of  the  Railway  Conference,  whose  report  is  still 
patiently  awaited. 

The  writer  has  endeavoured  to  show  that 
although  co-operation  amongst  growers  and  the 
grievances  of  growers  are  both  subjects  which 
are  well  worthy  of  serious  consideration,  yet  the 
two  questions  should  not  be  allowed  to  confuse 
each  other,  and  it  only  remains  to  be  hoped  that 
discussion  may  eventually  be  followed  by  decisive 
action.  Signs  are  not  wanting  that  in  the  near 
future  traders  will  have  to  fight  for  their  rights 
with  even  greater  pertinacity  than  hitherto. 
The  history  of  railway  legislation  shows  that, 
every  decade  or  so,  Parliament  has  had  to  come 
to  the  assistance  of  the  trader  in  the  unequal 
fight,  with  the  result  that  although  for  the  time 
being  his  troubles  are  ameliorated,  yet  the  effect 
of  each  successive  Act  of  Parliament  is  slowly 
worn  away  by  the  persistent  ingenuity  of  the 
wealthy  and  well-organised  railway  companies. 
The  fact  that  another  Act  of  Parliament  is  now 
overdue  in  the  ordinary  course  of  events  will 
serve  to  account  for  a  good  deal  of  the  discontent 
which  is  at  present  being  made  manifest. 
H.  M.  V. 


The  Week's  Work. 


FRUITS  UNDER   GLASS. 


By  E.  Harriss,  Fruit  Foreman,' Royal  Gardens,  Frogmore. 

Early  Peaches.- — After  gathering  all  the  fruit 
from  the  trees,  the  borders  must  be  thoroughly 
watered  with  clear  water.  Examine  the  foliage 
carefully,  and  if  red  spider  or  thrip  is  present, 
syringe  the  trees  with  an  insecticide  several 
times  at  intervals  of  two  or  three  days.  It  is 
necessary  to  thoroughly  cleanse  the  trees  of 
these  pests  to  keep  the  foliage  in  a  healthy 
condition  as  long  as  possible.  The  surface  of 
the  borders  must  be  kept  moist  and  the  trees 
sprayed  late  in  the  afternoon  with  clear  water. 
Remove  all  the  old  fruiting  wood  from  the  trees 
with  the  exception  of  that  which  is  needed  for 
extension  or  to  replace  old  worn-out  branches. 
Young  shoots  may  be  loosened  from  the  trellis 
to  enable  the  sun  and  air  to  ripen  the  wood. 
Keep  the  ventilators  wide  open. 

Mid-season  trees. — Fruits  approaching  ma- 
turity should  be  exposed  to  light  and  air,  but 
during  the  ripening  process  some  varieties  need 
a  little  protection  from  direct  sunshine  to  pre- 
vent the  fruits  from  being  scalded.  Trees  on 
which  fruits  are  nearing  the  ripening  stage 
should  be  well  watered,  as  it  is  important  that 
water  should  be  withheld  whilst  actual  ripening 
is  in  progress,  otherwise  the  flavour  of  the  fruits 
will  be  impaired.  At  this  stage  the  house  must 
be  kept  quite  dry  and  a  free  circulation  of  air 
encouraged. 

Late  trees. — The  fruits  may  now  be  safely 
thinned  to  the  number  necessary  for  furnishing 
the  crop.  No  hard  and  fast  lines  can  be  laid 
down  as  to  the  exact  number  a  tree  should  be 
allowed  to  carry,  but  young  trees  which  are 
inclined  to  be  too  strong  will  mature  a  much 
larger  crop  than  old-established  ones,  and  this 
without  suffering  any  harm.  Old  trees  should 
be  given  liberal  waterings  with  stimulants,  and 
the  borders  should  be  mulched  with  decomposed 
manure.  Keep  the  laterals  pinched,  and  cut  out 
any  extra  strung  growths.  Thoroughly  syringe 
the  trees  morning  and  afternoon  with  rain-water 
and  create  a  moist  atmosphere  in  the  house  by 
frequently  damping  the  walls  and  paths.  Admit 
plenty  of  air  to  the  trees,  and,  unless  it  is  de- 
siied  to  hasten  the  ripening  of  the  fruits,  the 
house  should  never  be  closed. 

Early  Muscat  vines. — Now  that  these  are  col- 
ouring, the  leaves  should  be  drawn  aside  so  that 
the  bunches  will  be  only  partially  shaded  from 
the  sun.  This  is  necessary  to  assist  them  to 
colour  and  finish  perfectly.  Pinch  all  laterals 
as  they  appear.  In  some  districts  it  is  neces- 
sary to  shade  the  foliage  of  Muscat  of  Alex- 
andria, and  should  there  be  the  least  sign  of 
scorching  this  must  be  done  immediately.  This 
can  be  effected  by  syringing  a  little  weak  lime- 
wash,  over  the  glass.  I  he  borders  will  still 
require  attention  in  the  matter  of  watering,  and, 
if  not  already  mulched,  see  that  this  is  done 
before  the  Grapes  are  ripe  so  that  a  dry 
atmosphere  can  be  maintained  without  injury  to 
the  roots. 

THE  HARDY  FRUIT  GARDEN. 

By  J.  G.  Weston,  Gardener  to  H.  J.  King,  Esq.,  Eastwell 
Park,  Kent. 

Pears. — The  side  growths  on  cordon  trees 
should  now  be  pinched  back  to  the  fourth  or 
fifth  leaf,  leaving  the  leader  its  full  length  for 
the  present.  In  stopping  the  shoots  of  fruit 
trees,  it  is  always  well  to  do  it  in  two  or  three 
separate  operations  so  as  not  to  give  the  trees  a 
serious  check.  Commence  on  the  upper  part 
of  the  tree  and  work  downwards  at  intervals  of 
a  week  or  so.  Thin  out  the  fruits  where  the 
trees  are  too  heavily  laden,  and  bear  in  mind 
that,  in  the  first  place,  heavy  crops  rarely  finish 
will,  and,  secondly,  they  cause  the  trees  to  be 
impoverished  for  a  year  or  two  afterwards.  The 
grower  should  be  guided  in  his  thinning  by  the 
state  of  the  individual  tree.  Strong,  healthy, 
young  trees  in  full  vigour  may  be  cropped  fairly 
heavily,  as  this  tends  to  keep  them  from  making 
a  too  rank  and  unfruitful  growth.  The  earlier 
varieties,  such  as  Citron  des  Carmes,  Clapp's 
Favourite,  Doyenne  d'Ete,  Jargonelle,  and  Wil- 
liams's Bon  Chretien,  should  be  dealt  with  first. 
Take  care  to  leave  the  fruit  evenly  disposed  all 
over  the  tree,  and  exposed  to  the  sun  as  much 
as  possible.  In  dealing  with  young  fan,  or  hori- 
zontally.trained    trees,    the    shoots    required    for 


extension  should  be  fastened  in  their  places  and 
not  stopped ;  the  remaining  shoots  should  be 
stopped  at  the  fourth  or  fifth  leaf.  On  light, 
porous  soil  Pears  require  much  water  in  hot 
weather,  and  in  the  case  of  trees  carrying  good 
crops,  it  is  advisable  to  apply  an  occasional 
dressing  of  artificial  manure.  Before  applying 
this  manure  the  mulch  from  around  the  trees 
should  be  removed.  Apply  only  light  dressings, 
according  to  the  directions  issued  with  the  par- 
ticular manure,  water  it  well  in,  and  replace 
the  mulch  around  the  tree  in  order  to  prevent 
too  rapid  evaporation  after  watering. 

Figs. — Figs  are  now  growing  freely.  In  cases, 
however,  where  the  ends  of  the  shoots  were 
damaged  by  the  severe  frosts  of  last  winter,  the 
injured  shoots  should  be  cut  back  to  a  healthy 
growth,  tying  the  latter  in  to  fill  up  vacant 
spaces.  Where  Figs  are  growing  with  their 
roots  restricted  to  a  limited  space,  the  growth 
will  not  be  so  strong,  and  in  this  case  the  shoots 
should  not  be  stopped,  but  the  trees  can  be  kept 
moderately  thin  by  entirely  taking  out  any  shoots 
which  are  not  required  to  furnish  the  wall  space. 
In  this  way  the  shoots  left  will  ripen  well  in  the 
autumn  and  will  rarely  fail  to  give  a  good  crop. 
If  Figs  are  grown  in  rich  vegetable  borders,  they 
are  seldom  successful,  for  they  make  rampant 
growth,  and  pruning  merely  aggravates  the  evil. 
In  such  instances  steps  should  be  taken  next 
autumn  to  restrict  the  roots.  This  operation  will 
also  check  the  growth,  causing  it  to  ripen  better. 


THE  FLOWER  GARDEN. 

By  W.  A.  Cook,  Gardener  to  Sir  Edmund  G.  Loder,  Bart,, 
Leonardslee,  Sussex. 

Climbing  plants. — Climbers  require  consider-  ■ 
able  attention  at  this  season.  The  growths 
should  be  carefully  supported  by  ties,  especially 
if  they  are  covering  fences  or  buildings.  If  the 
roots  need  water  let  it  be  given  them,  and  in 
many  cases  a  liberal  mulching  will  help  the 
plants  during  the  summer  weather.  Some  of 
the  plants  on  south  aspects  may  require  to  be 
sprayed  with  clear  water  occasionally.  I  may 
mention  that  Abutilon  megapotamicum  (vexil- 
larium)  has  withstood  the  frosts  of  the  past 
winter  at  Leonardslee  and  is  thriving  well  on  a 
south  aspect.  The  plant  flowers  very  freely, 
and  the  pretty  blooms  of  crimson  sepals,  yellow 
petals,  and  brown  stamens  are  exceedingly  attrac- 
tive, lasting  until  October  or  even  November. 
Other  good  climbing  plants  include  the  new 
Actinidia  chinensis,  A.  Kolomikta,  Akebia 
quinata,  Aristolochia  Sipho,  Berberis  steno- 
phylla,  Berberidopsis  corallina,  Cantua  depen- 
dens,  Carpenteria  californica,  Cassia  corym- 
bosa,  and  Ceanothus  are  other  species  which  may 
be  recommended.  Bignonia  grandiflora  is  a  fine 
sight  when  in  flower  and  will  grow  very  well  on 
a  wall.  It  produces  inflorescences  2  feet  long 
in  a  hot  season.  Then  there  are  such  species  as 
Magnolia  grandiflora,  Solarium  crispum,  S. 
jasminoides,  Pistacia  atlantica,  Mitraria  coc- 
cinea,  Mandevilla  suaveolens,  Lonicera  traga- 
phylla,  Leptospermum  bullatum  and  L.  grandi- 
florum,  Ephedra  altissima.  Edwardsia  species  and 
Choisya  ternata.  Most  of  these  species  may  be 
planted  at  the  present  season  if  the  plants  in 
pots  are  procurable. 

Clematis. — C.  montana  has  been  very  good 
this  season.  The  new  variety  rubens  should  be  so 
planted  that  the  growths  may  intertwine  with 
those  of  montana  itself,  when  the  two  together 
will  produce  a  very  fine  effect.  Ville  de  Lyon 
is  a  beautiful,  free-flowering  variety,  and  the 
flowers  last  a  considerable  time.  It  produces  a 
succession  of  flowers  in  August  and  September. 
Remove  the  seed  vessels  from  all  the  early- 
flowering  varieties  of  Clematis  for  the  purpose 
of  inducing  them  to  bloom  again. 

Flowering  shrubs. — Continue  to  prune  these 
as  they  pass  out  of  flower.  Gather  the  seed 
vessels  at  an  early  stage,  except  in  cases  where 
the  seed  is  required  for  stock  purposes.  This- 
is  particularly  necessary  in  the  case  of  Rhodo- 
dendrons and  Azaleas. 

Irises. — Apply  a  top-dressing  to  Japanese 
Irises  and  to  Liliums  of  the  type  of  Lilium 
auratum.  Stout  stakes  will  be  necessary  for 
these   Lilies. 

Sweet  Peas. — Pick  all  the  old  flowers  from  the 
plants  or  the  development  of  seeds  will  cause 
the  flowering  season  to  be  a  short  one.  If 
properly  treated.  Sweet  Peas  will  continue  to 
bloom  for  two  months. 


June  12,  1909.] 


THE    GARDENERS'    CHRONICLE. 


379 


PLANTS    UNDER  GLASS. 

By  A.  C,  Baktlett,  Gardener  to  Mrs.  Ford,  Pencarrow, 
Cornwall. 

Fuchsias. — Transfer  into  larger  pots  plants 
which  have  become  well  rooted.  They  should  be 
allowed  plenty  of  space  on  the  staging  of  a  green- 
house, and  syringed  freely  twice  daily.  Pinch 
frequently  the  shoots  of  plants  required  for  train- 
ing as  large  standards  or  pyramids.  Large- 
trained  Fuchsias  required  for  exhibition  purposes 
in  August  may  be  placed  out-of-doors  in  a 
sheltered  and  partially  shaded  position  on  a 
cinder-bed.  The  pinching  of  the  shoots  should 
ceaso  about  six  or  seven  weeks  before  the  plants 
are  required  for  exhibiting. 

Perpetual-flowering  Carnations. — Plants  in 
small  pots  will  be  sufficiently  rooted  for  shifting 
into  their  flowering  pots.  As  a  rule,  receptacles 
7  to  8  inch's  in  diameter  are  large  enough, 
but  the  cultivator  must  be  guided  in  this  matter 
by  the  vigour  of  the  plant.  It  is  unwise  to  over- 
pot  these  plants;  they  can  be  fed  with  concen- 
trated manures  later  on  should  they  need  it. 
The  various  ingredients  of  the  potting  soil  should 
be  the  best  obtainable,  and  should  consist  of  rich 
loam,  with  a  little  leaf-mould,  bonemeal,  a 
sprinkling  of  sharp  sand,  and  a  little  soot  dusted 
over  the  heap.  The  whole  should  be  thoroughly 
mixed  together,  and  the  potting  should  be  done 
firmly.  After  the  potting  is  finished,  return  the 
plants  to  their  old  quarters.  For  some  time  to 
come  their  principal  requirements  will  be  care  in 
watering,  ventilating,  and  staking.  Keep  the 
plants  and  their  surroundings  tidy. 

Medinilla  magnified. — Large  examples  of  this 
stove  plant  make  a  striking  display  whilst  in 
flower.  As  the  flowers  commence  to  expand,  all 
stimulants  should  be  withheld  for  a  time.  If 
during  the  flowering  period  the  plants  can  be 
accommodated  in  an  intermediate  house  their 
period  of  attractiveness  will  be  greatly  prolonged  ; 
under  these  conditions,  water  must  be  given  with 
even  more  care  than  when  the  plants  are  in  a 
stove  temperature.  Side  growths,  having  short 
internodes,  usually  root  freely  when  firmly  in- 
serted in  sandy  soil  and  plunged  in  a  hot-bed. 
After  they  have  rooted  the  plants  should  be 
afforded  a  moist,  hot  atmosphere,  and,  if  potted 
on,  as  often  as  increased  root  room  is  required, 
they  will  quickly  become  fine  specimens. 


THE    KITCHEN    GARDEN. 

By  E.  Beckett,  Gardener  to  the  Hon.  Vicary  Gibbs, 
Aldenham  House,  Elstree,  Hertfordshire. 

Peas. — In  order  to  obtain  a  constant  supply  of 
Peas  until  late  into  the  autumn,  it  is  now  neces- 
sary to  select  varieties  that  are  known  to  succeed 
well  during  hot  weather.  Among  the  many 
varieties  I  have  tried  for  summer  sowing,  Auto- 
crat and  Masterpiece  have  proved  the  best.  Each 
of  these  has  a  strong  constitution,  very  free- 
bearing,  and  produces  Peas  of  first-class  quality. 
Fresh  sowings  should  be  made  every  10  days 
until  the  end  of  June.  For  this  purposo  make 
deep  trenches,  break  up  the  soil  in  the  base  of 
the  trenches,  and  fill  them  partly  with  half- 
rotted  manure.  Sow  the  seeds  thinly  and  apply 
a  thorough  watering  directly  afterwards.  Afford 
protection  against  birds  and  mice.  Attend  to  the 
staking  of  the  earlier  Peas,  putting  stakes 
to  them  when  they  have  attained  the  height 
of  3  inches.  Apply  a  liberal  mulch  of 
short  litter  at  the  same  time.  The  Pea  crop  in 
this  locality  is  very  late  this  season,  and,  there- 
fore, plants  which  were  forwarded  under  glass 
before  planting  out  are  of  exceptional  value.  It 
is  necessary  to  pinch  out  the  points  of  the  lead- 
ing growths  to  cause  the  earlier  pods  to  mature 
quickly.  At  the  same  time  remove  all  the  side 
growths  and  keep  the  roots  well  supplied  with 
water. 

Broad  Beans. — It  is  time  to  make  the  final 
sowing  of  this  vegetable  in  trenches  which  have 
been  liberally  manured.  Select  only  the  Wind- 
sor varieties.  Earlier  plants  will  need  support- 
ing, therefore  stretch  some  stout  tar  cord  to 
stakes  placed  at  intervals  along  the  rows.  Pinch 
out  the  points  of  the  growths  immediately  a 
satisfactory  number  of  flower-buds  have  formed. 
Apply  a  mulch  if  this  has  not  been  done  already. 
If  black  aphis  appear  on  the  points  of  the  shoots, 
syringe  them  thoroughly  with  soft  soap  and 
water. 

Mushrooms. — Continue  to  make  up  beds  in  the 
coolest  places  available.     A  thatched  shed  on  the 


north  side  of  a  wall  is  to  be  preferred,  but,  fail- 
ing this,  beds  may  be  made  up  in  any  cool, 
shady  position  out-of-doors.  After  the  beds  have 
been  spawned  and  soiled  over,  they  should  be 
covered  with  long  litter  from  4  to  6  inches  deep. 
Beds  now  in  bearing  in  the  Mushroom  house 
should  be  kept  as  cool  as  possible.  The  interior 
of  the  structure  should  be  syringed  two  or  three 
times  each  day.  Any  beds  which,  having  been 
in  bearing  for  some  time,  show  signs  of  exhaus- 
tion, should  be  watered  with  liquid  manure  from 
the  farmyard.  They  may  then  crop  profitably 
for  some  time  longer. 

Aubergines. — Continue  to  grow  these  in  heat, 
and  feed  them  liberally  immediately  a  sufficient 
number  of  fruits  has  set.  Syringe  the  plants 
twice  each  day  at  least,  and  maintain  a  moist 
atmosphere. 

Winter  Greens.— Many  of  these  should  now  be 
planted  into  their  permanent  quarters.  Every 
bit  of  ground  available  should  be  utilised  at  this 
season,  and  in  places  where  space  is  limited  it 
may  even  be  necessary  to  plant  between  other 
crops,  such  as  Peas,  Beans  and  Potatos.  In  all 
cases,  however,  sufficient  space  must  be  allowed 
for  the  plants  to  develop  perfectly. 


THE    ORCHID    HOUSES. 

By  VV.  H.  White,  Orchid  Grower  to  Sir  Trevor  Lawrence, 
Bart.,  Burford,  Surrey. 

Thunias. — Among  Orchids  now  in  bloom 
there  are  none  more  attractive  than  the  Thunias, 
some  of  which  were  enumerated  in  the  Calendar 
for  March  20.  When  the  plants  have  opened 
a  few  flowers,  they  should  be  removed  from 
the  East  Indian  house  to  a  cool,  shady  posi- 
tion in  the  Cattleya  house,  where  the  flowers 
will  last  for  a  longer  time.  As  the  plants  pass 
out  of  bloom,  remove  them  to  a  cool,  well-venti- 
lated house,  where  the  stems  and  leaves  may  be 
gradually  inured  to  full  sunlight,  so  that  they 
may  mature  before  the  resting  season  com- 
mences. The  plants  should  be  watered  occa- 
sionally till  the  leaves  begin  to  change  colour, 
but  not  after  they  assume  a  yellowish  hue ;  at 
that  stage  they  should  be  placed  in  a  light,  dry 
position,  where  the  temperature  does  not  fall 
below  50°.  It  frequently  happens  that  when  the 
plants  are  exposed  to  full  sunlight  they  become 
infested  with  red  spider,  but  this  may  easily  be 
prevented  by  laying  the  plants  down  on  their 
sides  once  a  week  and  syringing  them  with  some 
weak  insecticide,  or  with  warm  rain  water  and 
soft  soap  in  strong  solution.  Any  Thunias  that 
fail  to  flower  should,  in  a  few  weeks  time,  have 
the  terminal  leaf  pulled  out  from  each  growth,  or 
the  stem  will  continue  to  grow  to  a  great  length. 
The  plants  may  afterwards  be  treated  in  the  same 
way  as  those  that  bloomed.  Thunias  are  among 
the  very  few  Orchids  that  may  be  propagated 
easily.  This  is  effected  by  taking  off  the  back 
stems  nearly  to  their  base,  and  cutting  them  at 
the  joints  into  lengths  of  about  4  to  6  inches. 
The  pieces  are  then  inserted  firmly  as  cuttings 
into  small,  well-drained  pots,  filled  with  a  mix- 
ture of  chopped  Sphagnum-moss,  small  crocks, 
and  coarse  silver  sand.  When  the  young  shoots 
are  seen  pushing  up,  grow  them  along  quickly 
in  a  stove-like  temperature,  and  on  the  comple- 
tion of  growth  treat  them  just  as  the  older  ex- 
amples. 

Odontoglossum  citrosmum. — Plants  of  this 
Mexican  species,  when  well  grown,  look  very 
beautiful  with  their  long  racemes  of  wax-like 
blossoms,  and  when  in  full  flower  few  plants 
have  a  more  distinct  appearance.  The  flowering 
season  being  over,  the  plants  may  be  repotted 
if  this  is  necessary.  Owing  to  the  flower-spikes 
being  pendulous,  shallow  teak-wood  baskets  or 
pans  are  preferable  to  pots ;  the  plants  make  but 
few  roots,  therefore  the  receptacles  should  be  of 
the  smallest  size.  Plenty  of  drainage,  however, 
must  be  afforded,  and  over  this  a  layer  of  rough 
Sphagnum-moss  should  be  placed,  which  will 
keep  the  lower  roots  moist  during  the  growing 
season.  The  plants  thrive  well  in  a  mixture  of 
Osmunda  and  Polypodium  fibres  in  equal  parts, 
to  which  some  small  crocks  are  added.  Each 
plant  should  be  potted  firmly,  as  by  so  doing  the 
pseudo-bulbs  retain  their  plumpness  longer  with- 
out water  during  their  season  of  rest  than  they 
would  if  the  materials  were  loose.  For  a  week  or 
two  after  repotting  keep  the  compost  rather  on 
the  dry  side,  then  for  another  similar  period 
merely  afford  water  around  the  edge  of  the  pot  or 


basket,  by  which  time  growth  will  have  recom- 
menced, when  water  must  be  afforded  more  -  opi- 
ouslv  until  the  new  growths  are  matured.  Sus- 
pend the  plants  in  a  light  position  in  the  Cattleya 
or  Mexican  house,  and  where  as  much  ventila- 
tion as  possible  is  admitted  at  all  times.  0.  cit- 
rosmum enjoys  a  cool  position  at  night-time,  but 
requires  a  fair  amount  of  warmth  during  the 
day,   especially   during  the  growing  season. 


PUBLIC    PARKS   AND    GARDENS. 

By  W.  W.   Pettigrew,    Superintendent  of   City   Parks, 
Cardiff. 

Summer  bedding. — By  this  period  of  the  year 
the  planting  out  of  the  summer  bedding 
plants  has  been  completed  in  the  majority 
of  public  parks,  and  only  the  necessary  rain  and 
heat  are  required  to  bring  them  quickly  to  per- 
fection. As  "  bedding-out  "  is,  in  the  nature  of 
things,  rather  apt  year  after  year  to  become 
stereotyped  in  character,  most  of  those  who  have 
to  deal  with  such  work  are  usually  only  too 
pleased  for  an  opportunity  of  introducing  some 
novelties  into  it,  whether  in  the  form  of 
new  kinds  of  plants  suitable  for  the  purpose  or 
merely  by  different  methods  of  grouping  and  ar- 
ranging old-time  subjects.  Taking  it  as  a 
general  rule,  one  finds  more  variety  and  greater 
boldness  of  treatment  in  the  bedding  arrange- 
ments as  practised  in  public  parks,  and  the  num- 
ber of  different  kinds  of  plants  used  invariably 
greater  than  in  private  gardens.  On  the  con- 
trary, the  public  gardener  is  very  often  indebted 
to  his  confreres  in  private  service  for  many  use- 
ful ideas  in  modes  of  arrangement  and  design, 
and  so  in  this,  as  in  many  other  ways,  the 
members  of  the  two  different  branches'  of  the 
profession  are  mutually  helpful  the  one  to  the 
other. 

Novelties. — So  far  as  novelties  in  the  way  of 
plants  suitable  for  bedding  purposes  are  con- 
cerned, two  of  the  best  that  have  come  under 
my  notice  for  the  past  two  years  are  the  dwarf 
bedding  Asters  and  Salvia  splendens  var.  Star  of 
Zurich,  or  Fireball.  The  latter  plant  has  a 
bright-scarlet  inflorescence,  which  is  quite  equal 
in  colour  to  some  of  the  best  scarlet  Pelargo- 
niums. Last  season  it  was  used  with  consider- 
able success  as  a  bedding  plant,  and  will  no 
doubt  be  in  still  greater  evidence  during  the 
current  year.  Most  gardeners  who  had  an  op- 
portunity of  seeing  the  dwarf  bedding  Asters 
growing  in  the  ornamental  grounds  at  the 
Franco-British  Exhibition  last  autumn  could 
hardly  fail  being  impressed  by  their  value  as 
showy  bedding  plants. 

The  "  dot  "  system. — It  is  now  customary  to 
use  two  or  three  different  kinds  of  plants  mixed 
together  or  as  "  dot  "  plants  and  groundwork  in 
beds,  where  at  one  time  only  a  single  distinct 
variety  would  have  been  used.  Where  brilliancy 
and  spectacular  effect  are  not  the  objects  in  view, 
these  mixtures  are  good  in  their  way,  but  they 
undoubtedly  give  a  sombreness  to  some  present-  ■ 
day  bedding  arrangements  which  was  altogether 
unknown  under  the  old  style. 

Two  important  points  in  connection  with  sum- 
mer bedding  to  which  park  officials  usually  en- 
deavour to  give  attention  are,  first,  to  have  the 
plants  as  large  and  well  developed  as  possible, 
and  secondly,  to  allow  them,  when  once  put  into 
the  beds,  to  remain  intact  until  the  end  of  the 
season.  The  possibility  of  giving  these  matters 
the  necessary  consideration  largely  depends  upon 
the  question  of  room.  Where  there  is  plenty  of 
glass  available,  and  the  plants  used  are 
amenable  to  such  treatment,  it  is  well  to  grow 
them  on  from  time  to  time  into  large-sized  pots. 
Fuchsias,  Pelargoniums,  Heliotrope,  and  the 
various  plants  used  for  sub-tropical  planting  all 
repay  any  extra  attention  expended  upon  them 
in  this  way  by  giving  more  immediate  effects. 
With  regard  to  the  second  point,  it  is  the  general 
experience  in  the  case  of  Pelargoniums  that,  just 
as  they  are  at  their  best,  it  becomes  necessary 
to  take  cuttings  from  them  for  the  following 
year's  plants,  and.  as  a  rule,  beds  filled  with 
this  class  of  plant  look  very  shabby  before  the 
season  closes.  Where  there  is  plenty  of  space 
to  grow  on  surplus  plants  during  the  winter,  and 
ample  nursery  ground  in  which  to  develop  them 
into  stock  plants  during  the  summer,  no  neces- 
sity exists  for  disturbing  those  used  in  beds  or 
borders,  and  the  result  is  that  much  better  cut- 
tings are  obtained  from  which  to  raise  new 
plants. 


380 


THE    GARDENERS'    CHRONICLE. 


[June  12,  19C3. 


EDITORIAL   NOTICE. 


ADVERTISEMENTS  should  be  sent  to  the  PUB- 
LISHER, 41,  Wellington  Street,  Covent  Garden, 
W.C. 

Letters  for  Publication,  as  well  as  specimens  of  plants 
for  naming,  should  be  addressed  to  Hie  EDI  TOR, 
41,  Wellington  Street,  Covent  Qarden,  London. 
Communications  should  be  written  on  onk  side  only  of 
the  faper,  sent  as  early  in  the  week  as  possible  and  duly 
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printed,'but  kept  as  a  guarantee  0/ good  faith. 

Special  Notice  to  Correspondents.— The  Editor  does  not 
undertake  to  pay  for  any  contributions  or  illustrations,  or 
to  return  unused  communications  or  illustrations,  unless  by 
special  arrangement.  The  Editor  does  not  hold  himselj 
responsible  for  any  opinions  expressed  by  his  correspondents. 

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photographs  or  drawings,  suitable  for  reproduction,  of 
gardens,  or  0/ remarkable  plants,  flowers,  trees,  S-c,  but  he 
cannot  be  responsible  for  lossor  injury. 

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the  Editor  early  intelligence  of  local  events  likely  to  be  of 
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APPOINTMENTS  FOR  THE  ENSUING  WEEK. 

MONDAY,  JUNE  14— 

United  Hon.  Ben.  and  Prov.  Soc.  Com.  meet. 

WEDNESDAY,  JUNE  16— York  Gala  (3  days). 

THURSDAY,  JUNE  17— Linnean  Soc.  meet. 


Average    Mean    Temperature    for    the    ensuing    week, 
deduced  from  observations  during  the  last  Fifty  Years 
at  Greenwich — 58*9°. 
Actual  Temperatures: — 

London.— Wednesday,  June  9  (6  p.m.):  Max.  64"; 
Min.  51°. 
Gardeners'  Chronicle  Office.  41,  Wellington  Street, 
Covent  Garden,  London  —  Thursday,  June  10 
(10  A.M.):  Bar.  30  0;  Temp.  54r  ;  Weather— 
Raining. 
Provinces.— Wednesday.  June  9  (6  p.m.):  Max.  53° 
Oxford  ;  Min.  51c  Scotland  North  West. 


SALES  FOR  THE  ENSUING  WEEK. 

WEDNESDAY— 

Bulbs  and  Roots  at  1 ;  Palms,  Bays,  Ferns,  &c,  at  1.3 
at  67  &  68,  Cheapside,  by  Prolheroe  &  Morris. 


FRIDAY- 

Importedand  Established  Orchids,  at  67  & 
side,  E.C.,  by  Protheroe  &  Morris,  at  12.45. 


Cheap- 


The  problem   of   bringing  the 
The  inert  nitrogen  of  the  air  into 

utilisation     combinatiorji,   and  thereby  in- 
.      -  creasing  the  supplies  of  nitro- 

Nitrogen,  gen-containing  fertilisers,  has 
been  solved  during  the  past 
few  years.  Nitrate  of  lime,  which  will 
take  rank  as  a  fertiliser  with  nitrate  of  soda 
and  sulphate  of  ammonia,  is  now  prepared  on 
a  commercial  scale  by  the  Birkeland-Eyde 
process,  the  essential  of  which  consists  in  the 
oxidation  of  atmospheric  nitrogen  by  means 
of  the  energy  of  the  electric  arc.  The  details 
of  the  process  were  described  in  a  lecture 
given  by  Herr  Eyde  before  the  members  of 
the  Royal  Society  of  Arts  on  May  26.  The 
possibility  of  oxidising  atmospheric  nitrogen 
was  demonstrated  more  than  100  years  ago  by 
the  English  chemists  Priestley  and  Cavendish, 
and  more  recently  Sir  William  Crookes  and 
Lord  Rayleigh  have  extended  our  knowledge 
of  the  subject.  The  fundamental  novelty 
claimed  for  the  new  process  consists  in  the 
utilisation  of  large  quantities  of  energy  in  the 
electric  arc  employed  to  effect  the  initial  com- 
bination between  the  nitrogen  and  oxygen  of 
the  air.  The  first  product  formed  in  the 
electric  furnace,  in  which  a  temperature  of 
over  3,000°  C.  is  developed,  consists  of  oxide 
of  nitrogen,  which  is  further  oxidised  in 
oxidation  tanks  to  form  dioxide  of  nitrogen. 
This  gas  is  driven  by  centrifugal  fans  into 
absorption  towers,  which  are  filled  with 
broken   quartz  to   increase   the  surface,    and 


down  which  streams  of  water  run.  The 
water,  absorbing  the  nitrogen  dioxide,  gives 
rise  to  weak  nitric  acid.  The  acid  is  led  over 
limestone,  and,  liberating  the  carbon  dioxide, 
combines  with  the  lime  to  form  nitrate  of 
lime.  On  evaporation  the  nitrate  of  lime 
yields  a  brittle,  crystalline  mass,  which  crush- 
ing mills  reduce  to  a  granular  state.  The 
now  finished  product  is  put  up  in  paper-lined 
barrels.  Herr  Eyde  quoted,  in  the  course  of 
his  lecture,  the  results  of  large  numbers  of 
trials  of  nitrate  of  lime  in  many  different 
countries.  All  the  trials  indicate  that  nitrate 
of  lime  is,  for  manurial  purposes,  at  least 
the  equal  of  nitrate  of  soda  and  sulphate  of 
ammonia.  In  the  course  of  the  discussion 
which  took  place  after  the  lecture,  Mr.  Hall, 
the  Director  of  Rothamsted  Experimental  Sta- 
tion, confirmed  this  conclusion,  and  pointed 
out  that  on  certain  soils,  for  example,  those 
of  a  clayey  nature,  nitrate  of  lime  might  well 
prove  the  superior  of  nitrate  of  soda.  In  the 
hope  that  this  new  rival  to  the  older  nitro- 
genous fertilisers  may  reduce  the  price  of 
combined  nitrogen,  and  thus  cheapen  to  the 
agriculturist  and  horticulturist  the  cost  of 
cultivation,  the  advent  of  nitrate  of  lime  is  to 
be  welcomed.  

Like  the  first  two  volumes, 
Botanical  which  have  been  reviewed  al- 
eac  mg.  reacjv  ;n  tuese  pages,  Volume  III. 
of  The  Book  of  Nature  Study*  is  admirably 
printed  and  illustrated.  Of  the  numerous 
full-page  figures,  not  a  few  are  in  colour,  and 
all  represent  pleasingly  and  faithfully  the 
plants  which  they  portray.  The  volume  is 
divided  into  two  parts.  Part  I.,  by  Miss 
Charlotte  L.  Laurie,  takes  as  its  subject 
"  Plant  Life,"  and  Part  II.,  by  Dr.  Lang, 
deals  with  "Some  Common  Flowering  Plants." 
With  respect  to  Part  I.  we  would  suggest 
that  the  title  is  somewhat  too  comprehensive 
and  that,  perhaps,  its  scope  would  be  better 
designated  by  "  Some  Aspects  of  Plant 
Life."  The  subjects  dealt  with  are  the  life 
and  growth  of  seedlings,  the  growth  of  the 
shoot  from  the  bud,  the  growth  of  plants 
independently  of  seeds,  and  the  importance 
of  hairs  in  plant  life.  The  general  reader 
will  find  in  these  chapters  much  that  is  both 
interesting  and  instructive,  and  the  teacher, 
who  is  not  a  specialist,  will  gain  from  them 
considerable  help  in  planning  Nature  Study 
courses.  Miss  Laurie  insists  very  properly 
that  information  gained  first-hand  has  far 
greater  value  than  that  which  is  taken 
slavishly  from  books.  She  shows  no  ordinary 
resource  in  the  choice  of  material  which  she 
selects  to  illustrate  the  various  plant  pro- 
cesses. Another  excellent  feature  of  the 
part  of  the  work  for  which  she  is  respon- 
sible is  the  continuous  attempt  which  she 
makes  to  link  on  scientific  facts  with  garden- 
ing practice;  but  at  the  same  time  it  cannot 
be  said  that  the  attempts,  of  which  we  praise 
the  intention,  are  always  successful.  Maxims 
(on  p.  53)  on  watering,  though  they  may  be 
individually  sound  enough  when  grouped  to- 
gether, scarcely  provide  a  helpful  or  satis- 
factory philosophy  of  the  use  of  the 
watering-can.  A  similar  criticism  applies  to 
the  remarks  on  pruning  on  p.  27,  where  there 
is   no   indication   in   the   context   as   to   what 

*  The  Book  of  Nature  Study,  edited  by  Prof.  J.  Bret  land 
Farmer,  D.Sc.  Vol.  III.  (London  :  The  CaxtonPiiblisliiiic 
Co.)  Pp.  228,  with  seven  coloured  and  nine  black  and 
white  plates.    Price  7s.  6d. 


plants  the  directions  refer.  On  the  con- 
trary, the  descriptions  of  modes  of  germina- 
tion, of  buds,  and  of  bulbs,  tubers,  conns, 
and  like  organs  are  excellent,  and  will  serve 
teacher  and  scholar  alike  as  trustworthy 
guides  to  the  study  of  the  forms  of  plants. 
The  difficult  task  of  introducing  physiological 
experiments  into  a  work  of  this  kind  has  been 
attempted  by  Miss  Laurie,  though  we 
think  that  in  this  respect  she  has  not  been 
so  successful  as  in  those  other  parts  of  her 
subject  to  which  already  reference  has  been 
made.  The  descriptions  of  apparatus  and  of 
method  of  experiment  require,  to  be  adequate 
and  serviceable,  more  space  than  they  re- 
ceive; and  a  perusal  'of  the  experiments  of 
Part  I.  leaves  us  with  the  impression  that  it, 
would  have  been  better  either  to  omit  the 
experiments  altogether  or  to  give  fuller  ex- 
planations as  to  the  details  to  be  observed  in 
performing  them. 

If  Part  I.  is,  as  we  have  indicated,  very 
good,  Part  II.  is  excellent.  Dr.  Lang,  in 
dealing  with  common  flowering  plants,  has 
treated  his  subject  with  admirable  judgment. 
In  clear,  simple  style  he  gives  an  account  of 
the  life-histories  of  the  commoner  British 
plants,  and  we  do  not  know  of  any  book  in 
which  this  subject  is  better  dealt  with.  If  we 
had  the  opportunity  of  using  Volume  III.  of  . 
The  Book  of  Nature  Study  we  should  cer- 
tainly try  the  experiment  of  making  our 
pupils  work  through  Part  II.  before  Part  I. 
The  subject  is  simpler  and  more  uniform. 
When  the  pupils  had  learned  to  know  their 
common  plants  they  would  be  in  a  better 
position  to  profit  by  the  more  varied  exercises 
provided  by  Part  I. 

In  conclusion,  we  congratulate  Professor 
Farmer  on  the  judgment  which  he  has 
shown  in  the  choice  of  authors,  both  in  tins 
and  in  preceding  volumes.  Those  interested 
in  Nature  Study  are  under  a  deep  debt  of 
gratitude  to  him  and  to  his  collaborators  for 
providing  such  a  valuable  series  of  volumes 
as  that  which  makes  up  The  Book  of  Nature 
Study. 


*  Rhododendron  Souliei  (Supplementary 
Illustration  and  fig.  167)  has  been  introduced  to 
Europe  by  Messrs.  Jas.  Veitch  &  Sons,  through 
their  late  collector,  Mr.  Wilson,  who  sent  seeds 
from  China  in  the  late  autumn  of  1905.  Plants 
raised  from  these  seeds  flowered  for  the  first  time, 
in  Coombe  Wood  Nursery,  in  May  last.  These 
plants  have  stood  out  in  the  open  ground  un- 
harmed by  the  severe  winter,  and  the  young 
growths  have  withstood  the  late  spring  frosts,  so 
there  is  every  promise  of  this  species  proving 
hardy  in  this  country.  The  specimen,  which  re- 
ceived a  First-class  Certificate  when  exhibited 
before  the  R.H.S.  Floral  Committee  on  May  18 
last,  was  only  about  a  foot  high,  and  bore  two 
trusses  of  rather  flattish,  rose-pink  coloured 
flowers,  some  3  to  4  inches  across.  R.  Souliei  is  a 
native  of  the  neighbourhood  of  Tatien-lu,  West- 
ern China,  at  altitudes  of  from  9,000  to  11.500 
feet.  Like  all  the  Chinese  Rhododendrons,  it  is 
local  in  its  distribution,  and  within  its  altitudinal 
limit  forms  dense  thickets,  often  an  acre  or  more 
in  extent.  In  height,  the  bushes  vary  from  3  to 
12  feet,  and  the  flowers,  which  are  borne  in  great 
profusion,  vary  from  pale  to  deep  rose.  The 
leaves  are  medium-sized,  ovate,  with  cordate 
base,  and  when  young  have  a  very  pronounced 
glaucous-metallic  lustre. 

*  U.  Souliei.  Franch.  in  Morot,  Journ.  de  Bol.  ix.  (1895), 
p.  393. 


June  12.  1909.] 


THE     GARDENERS'    CHRONICLE. 


381 


The  Jubilee  of  the  Fruit  and  Vegetable 
and  Floral  Committees. — It  will  be  remem- 
bered that  the  approaching  jubilee  of  these  two 
Committees  of  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society 
formed  the  subject  of  a  leading  article  in  our 
issue  for  November  21,  1908.  We  understand 
that  the  double  event  will  be  celebrated  by  a 
dinner  which  will  take  place  shortly. 

R.H.S.  Gardens  Club. — The  second  annual 
meeting  of  this  club  will  be  held  at  the  R.H.S. 
Gardens,  Wisley,  on  Saturday,  July  10.  Mem- 
bers will  travel  by  the  train  which  leaves  Water- 
loo at  2.28  p.m.  and  arrives  at  Weybridge  at 
3.9  p.m.  Conveyances  will  take  them  to  the 
gardens,  and  tea  will  be  arranged  for  at  the  Hut 
Hotel.  Members  who  can  attend  are  asked  to 
communicate  as  early  as  possible  with  the  secre- 
tary to  the  club,  R.H.S.  Gardens,  Wisley, 
Ripley,  Surrey,  in  order  that  the  arrangements 
may  be  completed. 

Burnham  Park. — Mr.  and  Mrs.  Harry  J. 
Veitch  have  again  this  season  extended  an  in- 
vitation to  the  members  of  the  Royal  Horticul- 
tural Society's  Committees  to  visit  their  interest- 
ing garden  at  Burnham  Park,  Burnham  Beeches. 
The  visit  will  most  likely  take  place  on  Thurs- 
day, July  1,  and  a  friendly  cricket  match  will  be 
arranged  between  members  of  the  Committees. 
Those  able  to  make  this  visit  may  confidently 
look  forward  to  spending  a  very  enjoyable  day. 

Royal  Appointment.  —  Messrs.  Joseph 
Bentley,  Ltd.,  of  Barrow-on-Humber,  Hull, 
inform  us  that  they  have  been  granted  the  Royal 
Warrant  of  Appointment  as  horticultural  chemi- 
cal manufacturers  to  the  King. 

Hugh  Low  &  Co.,  Clapton. — The  firm  of 
Messrs.  Hugh  Lev  &  Co.,  of  Bush  Hill  Park 
and  Enfield  Nurseries,  has  been  dissolved,  and 
in  future  Mr.  Stuart  Low  will  carry  on  the 
business  as  heretofore  under  the  name  of  Stuart 
Low  &  Co.  Mr.  Stuart  Low  is  a  son  of  the  late 
Stuart  H.  Low  and  nephew  of  the  late  Sir  Hugh 
LOW.  All  the  members  of  the  staff,  including 
Mr.  Harry  Barnard  and  Mr.  Mayes,  will 
<■  ntinue  in  their  present  positions. 

Flowers  in  Season. — Several  uncommon 
shrubs  have  been  sent  us  by  Messrs.  PenniCk 
&  Co.,  Delgany,  Co.  Cork.  Amongst  several 
Deutzias  sent  the  finest  is  D.  Lemoinei 
Avalanche,  the  shoots  being  densely  covered 
with  white  blossoms.  A  large  spray  of  Sophora 
grandiflora  was  covered  with  its  yellow,  pendent 
blooms,  the  tiny  leaves  being  just  about  to  un- 
fold. Chani'Ecerasus  mundensis  is  a  shrubby 
species,  bearing  small,  violet-coloured  flowers. 
Amongst  Rhododendrons,  the  variety  Cynthia, 
with  deep  rose  flowers,  and  R.  Keysii,  bearing 
small,  reddish  tubular  flowers  not  larger  than 
those  of  Eccremocarpus  scaber,  were  noteworthy. 
Genista  alba  is  represented  by  a  rose-coloured 
variety.  Berberis  Knightii  has  relatively  large 
leaves  and  equally  large  spines.  Drimvs  Winteri, 
with  its  pale  yellow  flowers,  and  Pittosporum 
viridiflorum   were  also  included. 

The  Nomenclature  of  Orchid  Hybrids. 

— The  Joint  Committee  appointed  by  the  Scien- 
tific and  Orchid  Committees  to  consider  a  scheme 
for  the  naming  of  Orchid  hybrids  between  genera 
sat  for  the  last  time  on  Tuesday  last.  A  report 
will  be:  presented  to  the  Committees  in  due 
course.  It  will  be  found  that  the  Joint  Com- 
mittee recommend  the  employment  of  specially- 
made  names  for  the  multi-generic  hybrids,  with 
the  constant  termination  of  ara,  which  will  serve 
to  distinguish  such  names  from  those  of  botanical 
genera  and  species. 


"The  Botanical  Magazine." — The  issue  of 
this  magazine  for  June  contains  illustrations  and 
descriptions  of  the  following  plants: — 

Pinus  Jeffreyi,  tab.  8257. — This  Californian 
species  was  mentioned  by  Sir  Joseph  Hooker 
in  the  Gardeners'  CJironicle  for  1884,  vol.  xxii., 
page  813.  with  a  sketch  of  the  Californian  plant 
also  by  Sir  J.  Hooker  A  figure  of  a  cone,  with 
details  and  a  note  by  the  late  Dr.  Maxwell  T. 
Masters,  was  published  in  the  Gardeners' 
CJironicle,  1889,  vol.  v.,  pa"ges  360  and  369,  figs. 
65,  68.  P.  Jeffreyi  is  nearly  allied  to  P. 
ponderosa,  and  by  some  it  has  been  considered 
to  be  merely  a  variety  of  that  species. 

Beconia  modica,  tab.  8258. — This  West 
African  species  is  described  by  Dr.  Stapf  in 
the   Kew   Bulletin   for  1908.   page  259.     It  is  a 


that  the  species  was  first  introduced  into 
European  collections  in  1820  Dr.  Staff  state's 
that  the  species  is  somewhat  uncertain  in  its 
behaviour  under  cultivation.  After  growing 
quite  well  for  a  number  of  years  it  will,  without 
any  ostensible  cause,  and  sometimes  in  the 
middle  of  the  active  growing  season,  suddenly 
droop  and  soon  afterwards  die.  As  a  garden 
decorative  tree,  it  is  in  some  respects  the  finest 
of  all  the  Whitebeams  in  cultivation,  especially 
in  regard  to  the  size  of  its  foliage  and  flowers. 
The  flowers  are  white  and  the  fruit  reddish- 
green. 

Prunus  japonica,  tab.  8260. — This  species  is 
distinguished  from  P.  humilis  by  the  glabrous 
branches,  larger  leaves,  and  entire  petals.  The 
double  flowered   form  has   been   for  a   very  long 


x-<6o 


X-^- 


FlG.    167. — RHODODENDRON    SOULIEI,    A    NEW   CHINESE    SPECIES! 

COLOUR,    A    SHADE   OF    ROSE. 

(See  p.  3H0.) 


member  of  the  section  Scutobegonia,  the  mem- 
bers of  which  are  small  herbs,  mostly  with 
peltate  leaves  and  yellow  flowers.  Tubers  were 
received  at  Kew  in  1907  from  Mr.  J.  Anderson, 
Curator  of  the  Botanic  Station,  Kumasi,  who 
found  them  growing  in  the  Gold  Coast  Colony 
on  rocky  ground  at  an  altitude  of  600  feet 
above  sea  level.  The  plant  is  almost  stem- 
less,  with  somewhat  fleshy,  bright  green  leaves, 
slightly  crenate  and  undulate,  and  faintly  red 
dish  margins.  The  flowers  are  bright  yellow 
and  produced   in  umbels. 

Sorrus  ctjspidata,  tab.  8259. — This  is  the 
Nepalese  Whitebeam,  and  is  sometimes  known 
as  Sorbus  nepalensis  or  Pyrus  nepalensis.  It  is 
found  throughout  the  temperate  Himalaya  at 
elevations  from  8,000  to  10.000  feet  above  sea 
level,  from  Garhwal  to  Sikkim.     Loudon  states 


time  past  the  favourite  flowering  shrub  and  one 
employed  for  forcing  for  greenhouse  decoration. 
At  first  it  was  imagined  that  this  double-flowered 
Cherry  was  a  form  of  P.  humilis.  This  impres- 
sion was  dispelled  when  the  typical  variety  now 
figured  in  the  magazine  was  introduced  to 
Europe  in  1835.  Kew,  however,  did  not  succeed 
in  getting  a  plant  until  1902,  and  this  plant, 
although  growing  in  a  sunny  border,  in  loamy 
soil,  is  only  3  feet  in  height.  The  fruits  are 
brilliant  red  Cherries,  which  are  very  attractive. 
Cornus  macrofhylla,  tab.  8261. — Of  all  the 
Cornels  that  are  hardy  in  Great  Britain  this 
species  is  the  largest.  It  is  represented  in  the 
Kew  Arboretum  by  several  young  trees,  the 
largest  of  which,  however,  is  not  moro  ?han 
10  feet  high.  Mr.  W  Botting  Hemsley  states 
that      on     the      Continent      and      ir       America 


382 


THE    GARDENERS'    CHRONICLE. 


[June  12,  1909. 


C.  brachypoda  has  been  adopted  for  a  species 
with  opposite  leaves,  and  C.  macrophylla  lias 
been  erroneously  applied  to  that  which  has  the 
leaves  and  branches  alternate.  It  is  the  species 
with  alternate  leaves  and  branches  grown  in 
English  collections  under  the  erroneous  name  of 
C.  brachypoda  and  in  the  collections  of  other 
countries  under  the  equally  erroneous  name  C. 
macrophylla  that  stands  in  need  of  a  distinctive 
name.  For  this  alternate-leaved  Cornel  Mr. 
Hemsley  proposes  the  name  C.  controversa. 
The  plant  now  figured  in  the  magazine  has 
yellow  flowers  and  purple  fruits.  It  thrives  best 
in  good  loamy  soil  in  a  sunny  position.  The 
lower  branches  should  be  pruned  away  so  that 
a  clean  trunk  of  5  or  6  feet  high  may  form. 

The  Harry  Veitch  Portrait  Fund.— We 
wish  to  draw  the  attention  of  our  readers  to  the 
list  of  subscribers  to  this  fund,  printed  on  one  of 
our  advertisement  pages.  The  response  to  the 
appeal  which  has  been  made  is  extremely  satis- 
factory, and  the  fund  will  be  closed  in  the  course 
of  a  few  days.  It  is  understood  that  Mr.  Veitch 
will  be  entertained  at  dinner  after  the  completion 
of  the  portrait,  in  accordance  with  the  wishes  of 
many  subscribers  to  the  fund. 

Mr.  R.  Wilson  Ker,  V.M.H.— The  Council 
of  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society,  on  Tuesday 
last,  conferred  the  Victoria  Medal  of  Honour  on 
Mr.  R.  Wilson  Ker,  senior  partner  in  the  firm 
of  Messrs.  Ker  &  Son,  Aigburth  Nurseries, 
Liverpool.  Most  of  our  readers  are  familiar  with 
the  exemplary  culture  always  to  be  seen  in  the 
Aigburth  Nurseries,  and  this  is  particularly 
observable  in  the  plant  stoves.  Some  of  the 
finest  specimen  Codia;ums  we  have  seen  were 
cultivated  in  these  nurseries,  and,  in  former 
days,  when  the  plants  were  more  popular  than 
they  now  are,  Ker's  Crotons  were  known  all 
over  these  islands.  In  recent  years,  Mr.  Ker  has 
done  excellent  work  with  Hippeastrums.  His 
novelties  have  secured  awards  at  the  Temple 
Shows,  at  Ghent,  and  other  important  Continen- 
tal exhibitions.  It  is  universally  regretted  that 
Mr.  Ker  has  for  some  time  past  suffered  from  ill- 
health.  Our  readers  will  be  grateful  to  the 
R.H.S.  Council  for  the  honour  which  they  have 
conferred  upon  one  of  the  most  esteemed  of 
British  nurserymen. 

Mr.  John  Melville. — The  many  friends  of 
Mr.  Melville  will  learn  with  pleasure  that  the 
serious  operation  which  he  underwent  recently 
at  St.  Peter's  Hospital,  Covent  Garden,  was 
a  complete  success,  and  that  his  recovery  to 
health  and  strength  is  now  merely  a  question 
of  time.  Mr.  Melville  has  been  with  the  Lon- 
don County  Council  for  many  years,  and  during 
the  time  that  he  has  had  charge  at  Finsbury 
Park  this  pleasant  North  London  park  has  be- 
come widely  celebrated  for  the  charm  and 
variety  of  its  spring  and  summer  bedding  and 
for  the  excellence  of  its  general  upkeep. 

Linnean  Society. — A  meeting  will  be  held  on 
Thursday,  the  17th  inst.,  at  8  p.m.,  when  the 
following  papers  will  be  read : — "  On  the 
Growth  of  a  Species  of  Battarea,"  by  Mr.  J.  G. 
O.  Teppen  ;  "  The  Deposits  in  the  Indian 
Ocean,"  by  Sir  John  Murray,  K.C.B.,  F.R.S.  ; 
"  The  '  Sealark,'  Perseidea,  Stenopidea,  and 
Reptantia,"  by  Mr.  L.  A.  Borradaile;  "The 
'  Sealark,'  Polychfeta,"  Part  n.,  by  Mr.  F.  A. 
Potts  ;  "The  'Sealark,'  Lepidoptera,"  by  Mr. 
T.  Bainbrigge  Fletcher  ;  "  New  Species  of 
Malesian  and  Philippine  Ferns,"  by  Dr.  H. 
Christ;  "The  African  Species  of  Triumfetta, 
Linn,"  bj>-  Messrs.  T.  A.  Sprague  and  J. 
Hutchinson;  "  The  Acaulescent  Species  of  Mal- 
vastrum,  A.  Gray,"  by  Mr.  A.  W.  Hill,  M.A. 
Exhibitions: — "Plants  in  Britain  introduced  by 
the  Romans,"  by  Clement  Beid,  F.R.S. 


The  National  Vegetable  Society.  — At  a 

meeting  of  the  Provisional  Committee,  held  at 
the  Hotel  Windsor  on  Tuesday  last,  certain  rules 
and  regulations,  which  had  previously  been 
drafted  and  circulated  for  consideration,  were, 
with  a  few  amendments,  adopted.  The  objects  of 
the  Society  were  thus  defined : — "  To  promote 
the  wider  cultivation  of  vegetables  as  food  pro- 
ducts, to  encourage  their  consumption  as  food,  to 
promote  exhibitions  of  such  products,  whether 
competitive  or  otherwise,  and  to  hold  trials  under 
such  conditions  as  may  offer  with  a  view  to  find- 
ing the  best  varieties  to  commend  for  general 
culture,  and  to  ascertain  commercial  value  when 
grown  under  ordinary  conditions."  The  Society 
will  not  concern  itself  at  first  with  the  holding 
of  shows  until  it  is  in  a  position  to  do  so  effec- 
tively. At  first  it  proposes  to  conduct  com- 
mercial trials  both  in  reference  to  varieties  and 
to  methods  of  cultivation.  A  list  of  some  30 
vice-presidents  was  adopted,  inclusive  of  the 
amateurs,  seedsmen,  and  market-growers.  Mr. 
George  Wythes,  V.M.H.,  was  elected  treasurer, 
and  Mr.  E.  J.  Quick,  of  20,  Tavistock  Street, 
Covent  Garden,  hon.  secretary.  A  committee  of 
24  members  was  also  elected.  The  next  meeting 
will  take  place  on  the  22nd  inst. 

Presentation  to  an  Aberdeen  Gardener. 

— Aberdeen  florists  and  gardeners  have  pre- 
sented Mr.  Alexander  Paterson,  market  gar- 
dener, Ruthrieston,  with  a  gold  watch  on  the 
occasion  of  his  leaving  Aberdeen  for  Glasgow. 
Mr.  James  Smith,  in  making  the  presentation, 
referred  to  the  keen  interest  that  gentleman  had 
taken  in  horticulture  in  the  city  as  an  office-bearer 
of  the  Horticultural  Society  and  the  Aberdeen 
Chrysanthemum  Society  respectively,  and  as  a 
competitor  at  the  local  shows.  Mrs.  Paterson 
was  the  recipient  of  a  gold  and  pearl  brooch. 

Prix     Academique      Emile      Laurent.  — 

At  the  last  meeting  of  the  Royal  Academy  of 
Belgium  (Division  of  Science)  the  jury  announced 
the  award  of  the  Emile  Laurent  Prize  to  Mr. 
T.  Durand,  the  eminent  Director  of  the  Brussels 
State  Botanic  Garden,  and  to  his  daughter, 
Miss  Helen  Durand,  for  his  work  Sylloge  Flora 
Covgolance.  The  Emile  Laurent  Prize,  in- 
stituted to  perpetuate  the  memory  of  the  genial 
professor,  is  to  be  given  alternately  every  two 
years  :  first,  to  the  best  work  on  the  flora  of  the 
Congo  Free  State  ;  second,  to  the  best  work  on 
agriculture  and  horticulture  of  the  Congo.  The 
first  prize  is  consequently  given  to  Sylloge  Florae. 
Congolanm,  an  excellent  scientific  work,  which  is 
published  under  the  auspices  of  the  Board  of 
Colonies.  The  value  of  the  prize  is  £36.  It  is 
paiticularly  interesting  to  noto  that  the  prize 
goes  to  a  personal  friend  of  Emile  Laurent,  and 
tc  the  botanist  who  studied  first  in  Belgium  the 
flora  of  the  Congo  (1890).  We  offer  our  congratu- 
lations to  Mr.  and  Miss  Durand. 

The  Nature  Study  Exhibition. — A  Nature 
Study  Exhibition  was  held  at  the  Gardens  of  the 
Royal  Botanic  Society,  Regent's  Park,  on  June 
4th  and  5th,  under  the  auspices  of  the  Nature 
Study  Society.  Only  one  particular  branch  of 
the  work  was  dealt  with,  namely,  those  animals 
which  can  be  studied  more  particularly  under 
town  conditions.  Aquaria  and  vivaria  were 
therefore  well  represented,  together  with  breed- 
ing cages  for  caterpillars  and  flight  cages  for  but- 
terflies. There  were  also  microscope-preparations 
and  photographic  illustrations.  Birds — and 
especially  insectivorous  birds — should  be  en- 
couraged for  economic  reasons,  and  the  plan  of 
the  well-known  bird  sanctuary  maintained  by 
the  Brent  Valley  branch  of  the  Selborne  Society- 
was    appropriately    included    in    the    exhibition. 


The  plan  indicated  the  nesting  boxes  which  have 
been  put  up.  Flag  labels  recorded  what  the 
occupiers  are,  and  also  showed  the  nests  of  the 
more  important  birds  which  had  built  in  natural 
situations.  The  exhibition  was  held  with  a 
special  object,  as  well  as  a  general  one.  Mrs. 
Wintered  de  Lisle,  who  acted  as  honorary 
secretary  to  the  Exhibition  Sub-Committee,  has 
brought  forward  a  scheme  for  establishing  a 
permanent  collection  of  aquaria  and  vivaria  in 
the  Gardens  of  the  Royal  Botanic  Society,  such 
as  is  seen  in  the  Stepney  Borough  Museum  and 
at  the  Horniman  Museum.  It  would  be  especi- 
ally attractive  and  useful  educationally  to  the 
children  of  the  Fellows  who  constantly  visit  the 
Gardens. 

Phylloxera  in  the  Transvaal.  —  The 

announcement  is  made  in  the  current  number  of 
the  Journal  of  the  Transvaal  Agricultural  De- 
partment that  this  dreaded  disease  of  the  Grape 
vine  has  made  its  appearance  in  the  Transvaal 
as  an  immigrant  from  Cape  Colony.  All  who 
know  of  the  misery  caused  by  the  destruction  of 
the  vineyards  of  France  by  Phylloxera  vestatrix 
will  learn  the  news  with  profound  regret.  The 
only  consolation  is  that  the  colony  has  one  of 
the  best-organised  agricultural  departments  in 
the  world,  and  one  whose  staff  may  be  trusted  to 
adopt  the  most  drastic  and  progressive  methods 
for  dealing  with  this  pest. 

"The  Country  Home."— Among  the  articles 
in  the  June  number  of  The  Country  Home  is 
one  on  Rhododendrons  and  Azaleas.  The  various 
duties  to  be  carried  out  in  the  garden  in  June 
are  clearly  outlined;  the  "Cows  of  a  Small 
Holder  "  are  dealt  with  by  H.  S.  M.  Buchanan  ; 
and  Prof.  Terasse  discusses  the  Culture  of 
Melons  on  the  principle  of  intensive  cultivation. 

The  County  Experimental  Garden  at 
Droitwich. — The  thirteenth  annual  report  on 
this  garden  and  the  ninth  annual  report  of  the 
County  Instruction  Garden,  issued  by  the  Wor- 
cestershire County  Council  for  1908,  are  before  us. 
The  experimental  garden  was  established  in  1896, 
and  is  at  the  present  time  nearly  6  acres  in 
extent.  In  1908  one  acre  was  set  apart  for 
experiments  inaugurated  by  the  Board  of  Agri- 
culture and  Fisheries  in  connection  with  fruit 
cultivation  on  lines  similar  to  those  already 
in  operation  at  the  Board's  experimental  station 
at  Long  Ashton,  near  Bristol.  The  number  of 
visitors  has  steadily  increased  from  981  in  1897 
to  4,531  in  1908.  The  garden  is  purely  experi- 
mental, and  is  not  conducted  with  a  view  to 
profit.  At  the  same  time,  the  experiments  have 
a  distinctly  commercial  value,  and  were 
begun  and  continued  with  that  object  in 
view.  They  are  intended  to  show  the 
results  of  various  methods  of  pruning  and  non- 
pruning,  spraying  and  non-spraying,  effects  of 
lime  on  the  growth  of  fruit  trees,  the 
effects  of  different  kinds  of  manures  on 
fruit  trees  and  vegetables,  and  the  pre- 
vention and  destruction  of  insect  and  fungal 
pests.  The  differences  between  properly  pruned, 
slightly  pruned,  and  non-pruned  Apple  trees 
have  not  proved  to  be  very  marked.  In  the  case 
of  the  properly  pruned  trees  the  crop  was  only 
1  lb.  better,  but  the  fruits  were  large,  whilst 
those  from  the  others  were  small  and  less 
marketable.  Observations  are  being  made 
with  respect  to  early  and  late-flowering 
Apples,  Pears  and  Plums,  but  the  12  years' 
records  do  not  justify  Mr.  J.  Udale  in  publish- 
ing them  till  he  has  gone  more  fully  into  the 
subject  and  obtained  greater  experience  of  the 
behaviour  of  trees  under  various  conditions. 
The  trials  of  Potatos  in  1908,  grown  with  various 
kinds  of  manures,  will  be  of  interest  to  cultiva- 


Jone  12,  1909.] 


THE    GARDENERS'    CHRONICLE. 


383 


tors.  The  race  in  this  case  is  mainly  between 
stable  dung  supplemented  by  inorganic  manures 
and  stable  dung  alone,  all  other  manures  giving 
inferior  results.  Insect  and  other  pests  have  a 
short  chapter  to   themselves. 

Publications  Received.  —  Bulletin  du 
Jardin  Imperial  Botanique  de  St.  Petersbourg. 
— Royal  Botanic  Gardens,  Peradeniya,  Ceylon, 
Report.  Part  IV.  Education,  Science,  and  Art. 
— Ontario  Department  of  Agriculture.  Bulletin 
171  :  Insects  Affecting  Vegetables,  by  C.  J.  S. 
Bethune,  Professor  of  Entomology;  and  Fungus 
Diseases  Affecting  Vegetables,  by  J.  W.  Eastham 
and  J.  E.  Howitt,  Lecturers  in  Botany.  (Ontario  : 
Agricultural  College.)  —  Transactions  of  the 
Academy  of  Science  of  St.  Louis.  Vol.  XVIII. 
No.  3  :  The  Mexican  Fiber  Agaves  known  as 
Zapupe,  by  William  Trelease.  Presented  before 
The  Academy  of  Science  of  St.  Louis.  May  3, 
1909. — Agricultural  Economist  and  Horticul- 
tural Review.  (June.)  (London :  Agricultural 
and  Horticultural  Association,  Ltd.,  92,  Long 
Acre,  W.C.)  Price  6d.—  Porto  Rico  Agricultural 
Experimental  Station.  Circular  No.  9  :  The 
Catalase  of  Soils,  by  D.  W.  May  and  P.  L.  Gile. 
(San  Juan,  P.  R.  :  "Press  "  Review  Printing  Co.)  — 
The  Transvaal  Agricultural  Journal.  (April.) 
(Pretoria  :  Government  Printing  and  Stationery 
Office.) — British  Birds.  An  illustrated  magazine 
devoted  to  the  birds  on  the  British  list.  (June.) 
(London:  Witherby  &  Co.,  326,  High  Holborn.) 
Monthly  Is.  net.— Bulletin  of  the  Department 
of  Agriculture.  (Jamaica  :  Hope,  Kingston.) — 
Boletim  do  Museu  Goeldi  (Museu  Paraense) 
de  Historia  Natural  Ethnographia.  (Brazil  : 
Estabelecimento  Graphico  de  C.  Wiegandt,  Para.) 
— Dutch  Bulbs  and  Gardens.  Painted  by  Mima 
Nixon.  Described  by  Una  Silberrad  and  Sophie 
Lyall.  (London:  Adam  and  Charles  Black.) 
Price  7s.  6d.  net. — The  Country  Home.  (June.) 
(London  :  Archibald  Constable  &  Co.,  Ltd.)  Pries 
6d.  net. —  Third  Annual  Report  of  the  Horticul- 
tural Societies  for  the  year  1908.  (Toronto: 
Ontario  Department  of  Agriculture.) 


DOVER  HOUSE  GARDENS. 

Among  the  principal  attractions  in  Mr.  J. 
Pierpont  Morgan's  gardens  at  Roehampton  on 
the  occasion  of  a  visit  made  a  few  days 
ago  was  a  bed  of  Rhododendron  Pink  Pearl.  In 
this  bed  were  planted  during  last  autumn  a  con- 
siderable number  of  plants  acquired  at  different 
times,  some  of  them  being  as  much  as  4  feet  in 
height.  The  natural  soil  of  the  bed  was  removed 
to  3  feet  deep,  and  in  its  place  was  used  a  com- 
post containing  Kettering  loam,  peat,  road-scrap- 
ings, cow  manure  and  other  materials.  The 
effect  of  the  plants  in  full  flower  can  scarcely  be 
described.  The  trusses  of  bloom  were  so  excep- 
tionally large  that  they  were  unequalled  by  those 
of  any  other  Rhododendron,  whilst  the  flowers 
themselves  were  not  only  large,  but  possessed 
extraordinary  substance  of  petal.  There  was 
much  variety  in  the  shades  of  pink,  from 
the  rich  tint  of  the  freshly-expanded  buds 
to  the  almost  pure  white  of  the  fading 
petals.  In  a  companion  bed  the  rich  scarlet 
variety,  known  as  Doncaster,  made  a  bril- 
liant show.  The  bed  contained  upwards  of  100 
plants  of  this  new  and  floriferous  variety.  Don- 
caster  is  certainly  one  of  the  richest  and  brightest 
of  Rhododendrons,  but  it  is  somewhat  dwarf 
habited.  It  would  be  more  effective  if  the  plant 
could  be  induced  to  make  more  elongated  growths 
than  it  does  at  Dover  House,  notwithstanding  the 
liberal  treatment  afforded  this  and  all  other 
plants.  A  third  bed  of  similar  size  contained  the 
variety  John  Walter  in  full  bloom,  but  as  this 
variety  was  only  planted  last  autumn,  the  plants 
are  of  dwarfer  dimensions  than  those  to  which 
we  have  referred.  Lord  Palmerston,  a  rosy-crim- 
son variety  with  a  large  yellow  blotch,  in  other 
beds  appeared  very  pretty,  and  Rhododendron 
sinense  (Azalea  mollis),  Anthony  Koster,  with  its 
orange-yellow-coloured  flowers  in  profusion, 
created  a  distinct  and  pretty  picture  on  the  oppo- 
site side  of  the  mansion.  The  Rhododendron 
beds   are   situated    in   a  portion   of   the  grounds 


that  in  former  years  was  merely  a  greensward 
and  mixed  shrubberies.  Hardy  flowers  and 
flowering  shrubs  were  at  one  time  scarcely  repre- 
sented, but  they  have  been  increased  every  year 
for  a  long  time  past,  until  now  the  grounds  are 
interesting  at  any  season,  particularly  in  the 
spring  and  early  summer.  Nevertheless,  the  for- 
mal flower  garden  of  somewhat  congested  beds 
immediately  under  the  windows  of  the  house  and 
near  to  the  magnificent  purple  Beech  is  main- 
tained just  as  it  was  laid  out  46  years  ago  for 
one  of  the  Earls  of  Clifden. 

In  the  fruit  houses  the  most  striking  features 
were  the  extraordinary  crops  of  Melons  and 
Tomatos.      The    Melons    are  cultivated  in  small 


each.  It  would  be  impossible  to  obtain  a  more 
even  or  satisfactory  crop.  The  third  batch 
was  one  of  the  same  variety  of  equal  merit,  but  a 
little  later  in  development. 

The  Tomato  plants  were  in  12-inch  pots,  and 
bore  such  crops  as  could  hardly  be  expected  so 
early  in  the  season  in  a  London  establishment. 
Many  of  the  flowers  must  have  set  during  a  time 
when  the  amount  of  daylight  was  scarcely 
sufficient  for  such  a  crop.  Mr.  J.  F.  McLeod 
informed  us  that  as  these  plants  were  grown  dur- 
ing the  winter  for  early  fruiting,  they  became  so 
spindly  through  cultivation  in  the  dull  season  of 
the  year  that  the  stem  was  twisted  round  and 
round  again  in  the  pots,  and  that  therefore  there 


Fig.  i68. — doryanthes  excelsa  var.  guilfoylei. 
(See  page  384.) 


hip-span  structures,  with  Cucumbers  at  the  back 
of  the  house,  and  there  were  three  different  crops 
in  as  many  houses.  In  the  first,  was  the  variety 
Hero  of  Lockinge.  There  were  12  plants,  which 
bore  54  fruits  of  an  average  weight  of  about 
3  lbs.  each.  They  were  extraordinary  in  their 
even  size  and  quality,  and  formed  an  example  of 
good  cultivation  of  which  any  gardener  might 
reasonably  be  proud.  In  the  other  two  houses 
the  variety  grown  is  one  raised  upon  the  place. 
It  has  a  very  fine  netted  exterior  and  white  flesh. 
In  the  first  batch  there  were  nine  plants,  bearing 
together  46  fruits  of  an  average  weight  of  4  lbs. 


were,  in  each  plant,  3  or  4  feet  of  stem  buried  in 
the  soil.  In  Tomatos  the  stem  so  easily 
produces  roots  that  it  is  not  altogether  impro- 
bable that  the  burying  of  the  stem,  though  at 
the  time  merely  an  act  of  convenience,  has  had  a 
material  influence  in  the  production  of  the  heavy 
crop.  The  variety  is  Earliest  of  All,  having  been 
selected  for  its  free-setting  characteristics  even  in 
winter.  Succession  batches  are  of  the  variety 
Al,  and  still  later  plants  represent  the  variety 
Lister's  Prolific — still  one  of  the  best  cropping 
varieties  of  the  Perfection  typo.  Indoor  Peach 
trees  have  set  crops  as  satisfactorily  as  usual.     A 


384 


THE    GARDENERS'    CHRONICLE. 


[June  12,  1909. 


young  tree  of  moderate  proportions,  planted  in 
November,  1907,  of  the  variety  Duke  of  York, 
with  52  finely-coloured  fruits  upon  it,  was  a 
striking  object.  Another  Peach  tree  of  unusually 
large  dimensions — it  covers  an  area  of  33  by 
15  feet — was  developing  a  crop  of  fruits.  The 
vines  looked  well,  and  the  crop  of  Muscat  of 
Alexandria  is  better  than  usual.  There  were 
plenty  of  Grapes  ready  for  consumption.  In  the 
large  orchard-house,  the  centre  of  which  is  given 
up  to  the  cultivation  of  Fig  trees  in  pots,  the 
trees  are  developing  as  liberal  a  crop  as  they 
could  be  expected  to  bear  under  any  circum- 
stances. 

In  the  plant-houses,  the  Carnations  are  the  out- 
standing feature.  The  large  specimen  plants  of 
Souvenir  de  la  Malmaison  appeared  even  larger 
and  in  better  condition  and  more  floriferous  than 
ever.  These  and  the  perpetual-flowering  Carna- 
tions indoors  exhibited  such  vigour  and  freedom 
from  disease  as  is  rarely  seen.     In  the  Orchid- 


soils  as  lhat  at  Dover  House,  but  it  would  have 
been  more  satisfactory  if  it  had  not  been  accom- 
panied by  excessively  low  temperatures  and  high 
winds.  Apples  have  set  a  good  crop.  Pears  are 
not  quite  so  plentiful,  but  Plums  have  set  well, 
and  Cherries  promise  to  be  the  most  abundant 
crop    in   the   hardy   fruit   garden. 


DORYANTHES   fXCELSA  VAR.  GUILFOVLEI. 

It  is  of  comparatively  rare  occurrence  for  this 
noble  Amaryllidaceous  plant  to  flower  in  this 
country,  for  it  takes  many  years  liberal  treat- 
ment for  the  plant  to  acquire  sufficient  size 
and  strength.  The  plant  shown  in  fig.  168 
was  exhibited  at  the  recent  Temple  Show 
from  the  Royal  Gardens,  Kew,  where  it  has 
been  flowering  in  the  Temperate  House  for  the 
past  six  weeks.  The  flower-stem  is  9  feet  high 
and  bears  its  flowers  in  a  pyramidal  spike,  mea- 


Fig.  169. 


[Photograph  by  C.   W.  Sillince. 
-GROUP    OF    SCHIZANTHUS    IN    ONE    OF   THE   PLANT-HOUSES    AT    WISLEY. 


houses  there  was  a  splendid  display  of  Cattleyas, 
and  all  the  plants  appeared  uncommonly  healthy, 
the  leaves  having  a  better  green  colour  than 
Orchids,  especially  Cattleyas,  sometimes  have 
when  cultivated  in  districts  of  such  gravelly  soil 
as  that  at  Roehampton.  There  was  also  a  good 
show  of  bloom  in  the  Odontoglossum-house.  In 
addition  to  the  ordinary  greenhouse  flowering 
plants,  which  are  grouped  together  in  the  show- 
house,  another  house  contained  a  very  choice  dis- 
play of  Gloxinias.  Some  of  these  are  seedlings, 
but  others  are  varieties  which,  having  proved  of 
superior  merit  in  previous  years,  have  since  been 
propagated  by  leaf-cuttings.  There  is  an  excel- 
lent collection  of  Nerines  here ;  indeed  it  is  pro- 
bably the  finest  in  cultivation  in  a  private  estab- 
lishment in  this  country. 

Out-of-doors,  the  vegetable  crops  were  ex- 
tremely satisfactory.  The  rain  which  fell  a  fort- 
night  ago   was   just   what   was   needed   on   such 


suring  2  feet  high  by  1  foot  through.  The  indi- 
vidual flower  is  2  inches  in  diameter,  of  a  bright 
red  colour,  with  a  light  centre.  Clusters  of  six 
and  seven  flowers  are  borne  in  the  axil  of  a  large 
leafy  bract.  The  dark  green,  recurved  leaves 
measure  6  feet  long  by  6  inches  broad,  forming  a 
tuft  at  the  base  of  the  plant.  Doryanthes  re- 
quires greenhouse  treatment,  and  a  compost  con- 
sisting of  three  parts  fibrous  loam  to  one  part  of 
leaf-soil,  with  sufficient  sand  added  to  keep  it 
in  a  porous  state. 

After  the  flowering  period  the  plant  dies  away, 
but  numerous  suckers  are  then  produced  at  the 
base,  this  being  a  means  by  which  the  species 
may  be  increased  Plants  may  also  be  raised  from 
imported  seeds.  D.  e.  Guilfoylei  is  a  native  of 
Queensland,  and  is  sometimes  described  as  the 
Queensland  Lily.  It  has  been  looked  upon  by 
seme  as  a  distinct  species,  but  is  now  referred 
to  as  being  a  variety  of  the  better-known  D.  ex- 
celsa,  which  inhabits  New  South  Wales.     IF.   T. 


SCHIZANTHUS  AT  WISLEV. 

I  was  pleased  to  read  D.'s  appreciative  note  in 
the  Gardeners'  Chronicle  for  May  22  on  the 
collections  of  Schizanthus  at  Wisley.  Hav- 
ing had  the  opportunity  of  seeing  them 
two  or  three  times  during  the  season,  I 
may  say  that  they  were  one  of  the 
finest  batches  of  annual  plants  that  I  have 
ever  seen.  It  is  a  pity  they  were  not  exhibited 
at  the  Vincent  Square  Hall.  Apart  from  the 
excellence  of  culture,  one  could  not  but  ad- 
mire the  many  beautiful  forms  of  the  flowers, 
some  of  them  being  good,  bold,  self-coloured 
flowers  of  rose,  purple  or  white,  whilst  others 
were  remarkable  for  their  delicacy  of  marking. 
In  nearly  all  cases  the  individual  blooms  were 
from  1  to  lj  inches  in  diameter.  A  portion  of 
the  seed  was  supplied  by  Mr.  Robert  Sydenham 
and  a  portion  by  Mr.  Turnbull,  whilst  a  great 
part  of  it  was  from  a  strain  that  has  been  se- 
lected for  the  past  three  or  four  years  by  Mr. 
Smith.  The  seeds  were  sown  on  August  31, 
1908,  and  the  plants  were  grown  as  hardy  as- 
possible  through  the  winter.  They  were 
not  pinched,  and  only  one  stake  was  used 
to  each.  Yet  they  averaged  about  4  feet 
in  height  and  from  2  to  2j  feet  in  dia- 
meter. They  have  been  in  good  bloom  for  about 
two  months.  Thomas  Stevenson,  Woburn  Place 
Gardens,  Addlestone. 


HOME   CORRESPONDENCE. 


(The  Editor  does  not  hold  himself  responsible  for  the 
opinions  expressed  by  his  correspondents.) 

Distinctness  in  Exhibits. — Reading  through 
the  classes  for  which  prizes  are  offered  at  the 
fortnightly  meetings  of  the  Royal  Horticultural 
Scciety,  I  notice  that  at  the  meeting  for  June  22 
the  competition  is  for  six  dishes  and  three  dishes- 
of  Tomatos,  all  to  be  "  distinct."  A  similar  con- 
dition is  required  in  the  classes  for  twelve,  six 
ai.d  three  dishes  of  Peas  at  the  same  meeting. 
What  is  meant  by  the  term  distinct?  Does  it 
refer  to  name  or  appearance?  Tomatos  are  apt 
to  bo  very  much  alike,  and  this  applies  to  both 
those  of  the  red  and  those  of  the  yellow  types. 
Competitors  may  find  themselves  saved  from 
trouble  if  they  recognise  this  before  they  stage 
their  exhibits.  Peas  offer  more  variation,  but 
in  the  case  for  12  varieties  some  considerable 
similarity  of  pods  is  inevitable.     Grower. 

Ranunculus  auricomus.— At  a  recent  meet- 
ing of  the  Scientific  Committee  of  the  R.H.S.,  it 
is  reported  that  Dr.  Rendle  showed  specimens 
of  the  depauperate  form  of  R.  auricomus,  with 
one  or  two  petals  only  in  some  flowers,  and  in 
others  the  petals  scarcely  developed.  It  was 
stated  that  this  species  often  has  very  imperfect 
flowers.  It  would  be  interesting  to  know  if 
many  of  your  readers  have  ever  seen  perfect 
flowers  of  this  plant.  I,  for  one,  do  not  remem- 
ber having  done  so.    H.  S.  Thompson. 

Large  Sea  Buckthorn.  —  Probably  the 
largest  specimens  of  the  Sea  Buckthorn  (Hippo- 
phas  rhamnoides)  in  this  country  are  growing 
in  the  flower  garden,  Regent's  Park.  They  are 
40  feet  high,  the  largest  having  a  stem  girth  of 
46  inches  at  three  feet  from  the  ground  level. 
Seven  others  are  over  36  inches  in  girth.  A.  D. 
Webster. 

Onions  for  Market. — I  think  those  who 
advocate  tha  cultivation  of  garden  subjects  for 
market — Onions,  for  example — purely  from 
theory,  are  giving  wrong  advice.  I  would  draw 
the  attention  of  those  interested  in  this  subject 
to  an  article  that  appeared  in  the  Daily 
Telegraph,  June  3,  on  the  subject  of  French 
gardening,  in  which  the  writer  warns  intending 
cultivators  to  be  moderate  in  their  expectations. 
I  know  from  experience  that  it  is  much  wiser 
to  give  such  advice  than  it  is  to  make  an  esti- 
mate by  weighing  up  a  few  bulbs,  multiply  num- 
ber and  weight,  and  then  to  tell  persons  of 
the  enormous  profits  that  can  be  made  from 
Onion  growing.  I  have  heard  leading  ex- 
hibitors of  vegetables,  who  have  at  their  dis- 
posal an  abundance  of  cold  frames,  pits  and 
handlights,  argue  that  great  profits  can  be  made 
by  growing  Onions.     Of  course  they  have  never 


June  12,  1909.] 


THE    GARDENERS'    CHRONICLE. 


385 


counted  the  cost  of  such  an  outlay  as  frames, 
pits,  &c,  to  begin  with.  Put  these  advisers  on 
a  bare  patch  of  ordinary  soil  and  then  see  what 
they  would  turn  out  without  these  appliances, 
to  say  nothing  of  the  cost  of  trenching  and 
manure.  An  instance  of  the  fallacy  of  such 
advice  came  under  my  notice  recently.  An 
owner  of  half  an  acre  of  land  was  anxious  to 
turn  it  to  a  profitable  account  and  suggested 
-Apple  culture.  An  expert  advised  him  to  plant 
the  trees  (bushes)  15  feet  apart.  Under  no  pre- 
text whatever  was  he  to  plant  anything 
between  the  trees,  but  to  keep  the  ground 
between  free  from  weeds,  and  to  expect  a  net 
profit  of  £40  per  year!  The  gentleman  con- 
sulted his  gardener*  who  strongly  advised  the 
planting  of  Potatos  between  the  rows,  which 
was  done,  with  the  result  that  £9  was  obtained 
for  this  crop.  This  sum  helped  to  pay  for  the 
labour  of  planting  the  orchard  and  did  not 
injuriously  affect  the  trees.  I  mention  this  to 
show  how'  careful  pers  ms  should  be  in  advising 
those  who  are  ignorant  of  how  to  proceed  on 
commercial  lines.     E.  Molyneux. 


SOCIETIES. 


ROYAL    HORTICULTURAL. 

June  8. — At  the  meeting  held  on  Tuesday  last 
the  Hall  was  well  filled  with  exhibits,  even  the 
annexes  being  utilised  for  accommodating  some 
of  the  groups  of  plants.  The  exhibits  included 
showy  flowering  plants,  mostly  of  popular  sub- 
jects such  as"  Carnations,  Roses,  Gloxinias, 
Irises,  Lupins,  Paeonies.  Aquilegias,  and  other 
garden  subjects.  Orchids  also  were  freely  repre- 
sented, and  a  noteworthy  exhibit  of  forced 
fruits  was  exhibited  by  the  Duke  of  Portland. 
Novelties  amongst  flowers  were  numerous :  the 
Floral  Committee  granted  10  Awards  of  Merit 
and  the  Orchid  Committee  one  Frist-class  Certi- 
ficate  and  three  Awards  of  Merit. 

At  the  afternoon  meeting  in  the  lecture-room 
an  address  on  "  Old  Superstitions  about  Plants  " 
was  given  by  Rev.  Prof.  G.  Henslow. 

Floral  Committee. 

Present:  W.  Marshall,  Esq.  (Chairman),  and 
Messrs.  C.  T.  Druery,  Henry  I?.  May,  \V.  A. 
Bilnev.  Jno.  Green,  T.  W.  Turner,  G.  Reuthe, 
C.  R.'  Fielder,  W.  Howe,  Chas.  Dixon,  Chas.  E. 
Pearson,  J.  T.  Bennett-Poe.  Jar..  Douglas,  W.  P. 
Thomson,  E.  H.  Jenkins,  W.  J.  James,  Herbert 
J.  Cutbush,  George  Gordon,  R.  W.  Wallace,  Jas. 
Walker.  W.  J.  Bean,  Jas.  Hudson,  Jno.  Jen- 
nings, and  R.   Hooper   Pearson. 

Messrs.  Stuart  Low  &  Co.,  Enfield,  showed 
greenhouse  flowering  plants,  including  Gerbera 
Jamesonii,  Tremandra  verticillata,  Metrosideros 
floribunda,  Pimelia  Hendersonii,  a  selection  of 
( tarnations  principally  of  the  Souvenir  de  la  Mal- 
maison  type,  a  brightly-flowered,  Ivy-leaved 
Pelargonium  named  Red  Crousse,  and  a  number 
of  Ferns,  Palms,  and  other  foliage  plants.  A 
new  garden  Pink  named  Progress  has  very  pleas- 
ing rosy-mauve  flowers.     (Silver   Flora   Medal.) 

Messrs.  James  Veitch  &  Sons,  King's  Road, 
Chelsea,  exhibited  a  magnificent  collection  of 
Gloxinias,  the  plants  having  numerous  flowers 
arising  from  a  wealth  of  vigorous  foliage.  Some 
with  spotted  flowers  were  especially  pleasing; 
others  in  shades  of  rose,  crimson,  scarlet,  laven- 
der, white  and  other  tones  were  equally  fine.  Per- 
haps more  interesting  than  these  were  hybrids 
raised  from  varieties  of  Gloxinias  crossed  with 
Gesnera  regina;,  a  mauve  or  lilac-flowered  species 
with  small  zygomorphic  flowers.  The  influence 
of  the  latter  parent  was  the  more  pronounced  in 
all  the  progeny,  which  had  flowers  generally  of 
some  shade  of  lilac  and  purple,  notwithstanding 
that  some  of  the  Gloxinias  used  as  parents  had 
rich  crimson  blossoms.  Messrs.  Veitch  also 
showed  a  large  selection  of  showy  and  uncommon 
flowering  shrubs.  Chief  of  these  were  Magnolia 
parviflora,  the  centre  of  red  stamens  being  very 
attractive  ;  Jamesia  americana  ;  Amygdalus  dulcis 
purpurea,  an  ornamental-leaved  Peach ;  Cornus 
Kousa ;  Styrax  obassia,  with  numbers  of  its 
pretty,  white  flowers  in  racemes  ;  Philadelphus 
Lemoinei  rosacese,  the  white  flowers  being  as 
large  as  a  multiflora  Rose ;  Fendlera  rupicola, 
Berberis  elegans,  and  Trochodendron  aralioides. 
(Silver-gilt  Flora  Medal.) 

'Messrs.  Wm.  Cutbush  &  Sons,  Highgate. 
London,    V..    exhibited   a   showy   group   of   will 


grown  Carnations,  another  of  miscellaneous 
greenhouse  plants,  and  a  large,  floor  group  of 
hardy  subjects.  Amongst  these  latter  plants, 
which  were  arranged  with  great  skill,  we  noticed 
the  soft  lemon-coloured  Anemone  sulphurea, 
several  species  of  Eremuri,  including  E.  Warei 
X  and  E.  Bungei  auranticus ;  Lupinus 
Moerheimii,  Primula  capitata,  a  fine  batch  of 
Lilium  Grayi,  also  an  assortment  of  Pyrethrums, 
Rhododendrons,  Lupins,  and  other  garden 
flowers.     (Silver-gilt  Flora  Medal.) 

A  charming  exhibit  of  white  and  pink  flowers 
was  shown  by  Mr.  W.  H.  Page,  Tangley  Nur- 
series, Hampton.  The  subjects  were  Carnations, 
Liliums,  Ivy-leaved  Pelargoniums,  and  Astilbes 
(Spiraeas).  The  group  was  staged  in  an  artistic 
manner,  the  various  subjects  being  blended  with 
fine  effect.  The  groundwork  was  composed  of  a 
new  Ivy-leaved  Pelargonium  labelled  Countess 
de  Gray ;  it  is  best  described  as  an  improved 
Mme.  Crousse.  Lilium  longiflorum  and  White 
Lawson  Carnations  were  especially  attractive. 
(Silver-gilt  Flora  Medal.) 

Messrs.  H.  Cannell  &  Sons,  Swanley,  Kent, 
made  a  beautiful  exhibit  with  varieties  of  Carinas 
such  as  they  displayed  so  effectively  at  the  recent 
Temple  Show.  The  group  contained  most  of  the 
newer  varieties,  including  the  best  of  Continental 
origin.     (Silver  Flora  Medal.) 

A  large  group  of  the  Auriferous  Andromeda 
spei  i".s;i  is  set  up  by  Mr.  H.  L.  Russell,  Rich- 
mond, Surrey.  The  shoots  of  this  showy  shrub 
were  covered  with  the  white  lacemes,  set  off  by 
the   green   of  the   foliage. 

An  exhibit  of  Gloxinias  arranged  on  a  circular 
platform  in  the  centre  of  the  hall  was  shown  by 
Messrs.  James  Carter  &  Co.,  High  Holborn, 
London.  The  plants  were  excellent  specimens  of 
this  useful  greenhouse  subject,  and  all  were  freely 
flowered,  the  range  of  colours  being  pleasing. 
(Silver  Flora    Medal.) 

Messrs.  CuBRANS,  Altrincham,  showed  their 
hybrid  Calceolaria  C.  Clibranii.  The  plant  has 
yellow  blooms  and  is  very  free  in  flowering. 

Messrs.  H.  B.  May  &  Sons,  The  Nurseries, 
Edmonton,  showed  various  greenhouse  plants  in 
flower,  also  a  number  of  elegant  Ferns.  Amongst 
the  flowering  plants  were  Oleanders,  some  with 
golden  variegation  in  the  foliage.  Small  plants 
of  Hydrangea  Mariesii  bore  very  large  panicles 
of  their  pretty  rose-coloured  flowers.  Abutilon 
triumphans  is  a  large  pink-flowered  variety. 
Swainsonia  galegifolia  was  shown  with  both  red 
and  white  flowers.  Amongst  the  Ferns  were 
many  Gymnogramme — the  gold  and  silver  Ferns. 
G.  elegantissima  planted  on  the  stump  of  an  old 
tree  Fern  was  a  novelty.  Gymnogramme  schizo- 
phylla  superba  is  an  elegant  species  that  produces 
the  so-called  bulbils  on  its  fronds.  There  were 
several  fine  Nephrolepis,  Adiantums.  l'laty- 
ceriums,  and  others,  but  perhaps  the  most  in- 
teresting was  the  Whip  Fern,  Acrostichum  decur- 
rens,  in  which  the  mid-rib  only  is  developed  in 
the  spore-bearing  leaves.     (Silver  Flora  Medal.) 

Mr.  Geo.  Mount,  Canterbury,  staged  choice 
blooms  of  Roses,  of  well-known  varieties,  such 
as  Ulrich  Brunner,  Joseph  Low,  Mildred  Grant, 
and   Mrs.   John  Laing.      (Silver  Flora  Medal.) 

Mr.  Geo.  Peince,  Oxford,  displayed  garden 
Roses  in  variety.  We  noticed  a  fine  stand  of  the 
Austrian  Copper  variety,  also  Carmine  Pillar, 
Fortune's  Yellow.  Lady  Battersea,  Irish  Elegance 
and  many  others.     (Silver  Banksian  Medal.) 

Messrs.  B.  R.  Cant  &  Sons,  Old  Rose  Nur- 
series, Colchester,  staged  bunches  of  Roses,  many 
being  climbing  varieties.  Tausendschon,  Blush 
Rambler,  Philadelphia  Rambler,  Morgenroth,  a 
large,  single-flowered  variety  of  a  rich  shade 
of  rose  colour  ;  The  Garland  (white),  and  Edmund 
Proust,  a  Wichuraiana  variety  with  pale  pink- 
tinted  blossoms,  were  prominent.  (Bronze  Bank- 
sian Medal.) 

Messrs.  Paul  &  Son,  The  Old  Nurseries,  Ches- 
hunt,  showed  vases  of  garden  Roses,  principally 
of  the  older  kinds,  such  as  Austrian  Yellow. 
Trier,  Buttercup,  a  single  variety  of  a  shade  of 
yellow  in  the  bud.  but  when  fully  open  almost 
white;  Double  Blush  Scotch,  Albertii.  a  fine 
yellow  single.  Altaica,  &c. 

Miss  Hemus.  Holdfast  Hall,  Upton-on-Severn, 
showed  a  charming  group  of  Sweet  Peas,  most  of 
the  varieties  of  her  raising.  The  beautiful  variety 
named  Evelyn  Hemus,  one  of  the  finest  of  Sweet 
Peas,  was  conspicuous.  There  was  also  a  fine 
purple  and  heliotrope  variety  named  Helio  Para- 
dise ;  Lavender  Paradise  is  also  excellent  in  its 
colouring,  size  and  form.     Primrose  Paradise  is 


one  of  the  best  yellow  Sweet  Peas.  All  were 
gathered  from  the  open  ground  from  autumn- 
sown  plants.     (Silver  Flora  Medal.) 

A  pretty  exhibit  of  Carnations  and  Sweet  Peas 
was  shown  by  E.  J.  Johnstone  Esq.,  Burrswood, 
Groomsbridge  (gr.  Mr.  A.  T.  Paskett).  The 
Sweet  Peas  included  such  notable  kinds  as  St. 
George,  Elsie  Herbert,  Helen  Lewis,  Primrose 
Spencer,  Princess  Victoria  and  Audrey  Crier. 
These,  with  Carnations  and  well-grown  plants  of 
Nephrolepis  in  variety,  made  a  very  pleasing 
display.     (Silver-gilt  Banksian  Medal.) 

Mr.  H.  Burnett,  Guernsey,  showed  many 
varieties  of  the  perpetual-blooming  Carnation. 
Marmion  was  especially  fine  ;  this  variety  has  its 
petals  flaked  with  rose  and  white.  Winona  is  a 
bright  shade  of  rose-cerise.  Beacon  is  at)  exi  el 
lent  scarlet  variety.     (Silver  Flora  Medal.) 

Mr.  C.  F.  Waters,  Balcombe,  Sussex,  dis- 
played Carnations  of  excellent  quality,  the  scar- 
let-flowered varieties,  Britannia  and  Victory  be- 
ing especially  fine,  as  also  were  Nell  Gwynne 
white),  Afterglow  (cerise),  and  Calypso  (pale 
pink).     (Bronze  Flora  Medal.) 

Messrs.  Wm.  Paul  &  Sons,  Waltham  Cross, 
showed  large  plants  of  Rhododendron  Glory  of 
Waltham,  a  red-flowered  variety,  one  of  the 
best  garden  Rhododendrons  of  its  class.  Also  a 
row  of  the  elegant  Aenneheii  Miiller  Rose. 

A  very  large  display  of  hardy  plants  in  flower 
was  made  by  Messrs.  R.  Wallace  &  Co.,  Col- 
chester, in  which  Irises,  Oriental  Poppies,  hybrid 
Heucheras,  and  Liliums  were  conspicuous  ob- 
jects.    (Silver  Flora  Medal.) 

Another  excellent  exhibit  of  hardy  flowers  was 
presented  by  Mr.  Amos  Perry,  Enfield  Chase, 
Middlesex.  Here  again  Irises,  Poppies,  Heu- 
cheras, and  Liliums  were  prominent,  also  Pyre- 
thrums in  variety,  Eremuri,  and  many  other 
subjects.     (Silver   Flora  Medal.) 

Mr.  Chas.  Turner,  Slough,  displayed  varie- 
ties of  Papaver  orientalis  and  seedling  Heu- 
cheras. 

Messrs.  Barr  &  Sons,  King  Street,  Covent 
Garden,  showed  many  Irises,  a  selection  of 
Pyrethrums,  also  Eremuri,  Lupins,  Poppies, 
Gladioli,  Ranunculi,  and  other  hardy  flowers. 
Iris  sibirica  superba  is  a  charming  shade  of  deep 
blue.     (Silver   Banksian   Medal.) 

Messrs.  T.  S.  Ware,  Ltd.,  Feltham,  Middle- 
sex, showed  Alpines  arranged  on  a  rock-garden. 
Saxifraga  longiflora  was  afforded  a  prominent 
place,  the  plants  being  finely  in  flower.  We  also 
noticed  the  dwarf  Asperula  hirta,  Verbascum 
Wiedniannianum  (with  purple  flowers),  Calceo- 
laria  polyrhiza,  Anthemis  macedonica,  and  Cam 
panula  Portensehlagiana  bavarica.  Silver  Bank- 
sian  Medal.) 

Mr.  Geo.  Reuthe,  Hardy  Plant  Nursery, 
Keston,  Kent,  displayed  hardy  flowers  and 
Himalayan  Rhododendrons.  A  pan  of  Edel- 
weiss— Leontopodium  alpinum — was  conspicuous. 
Anthemis  Biebersteinii  is  a  fine  yellow-flowered 
Composite  that  does  well  on  a  dry  bank.  Dian- 
thus  callizonus  is  most  elegantly  marked  in  its 
petals,  which  resemble  somewhat  the  wings  of 
a  butterfly ;  Leschenaultia  biloba  has  a  flower  of 
lovely  blue,  like  a  Gentian.  Saxifraga  Bruno- 
niana  is  a  novelty  ;  it  sends  out  numerous  run- 
ners, at  the  ends  of  which  tiny  plants  are  de- 
veloped.    (Silver  Banksian  Medal.) 

A  very  large  bank  of  hardy  flowers  was  staged 
by  Messrs.  G.  &  A.  Clark,  Ltd.,  Dover,  Kent, 
in  which  varieties  of  border  Pyrethrums  were  a 
feature.  There  were  also  Irises,  Lupins,  Ere- 
muri, Heucheras,  and  similar  subjects  in  great 
assortment.     (Silver  Banksian  Medal.) 

Messrs.  Baker's,  Ltd.,  Wolverhampton,  dis- 
played fine  pans  of  Aubrietias,  a  large  number 
of  Aquilegias,  Poppies,  Lupins,  &c. 

Messrs.  Kelway  &  Son,  Langport,  Somerset, 
showed  Pyrethrums.  Paeonies,  Lupins,  and  a  tall 
hybrid  Linaria  with  yellow  flowers. 

Other  exhibitors  of  hardy  flowers  included  The 
Guildford  Hardy  Plant  Nursery;  Misses 
Hopkins,  Mere  Gardens,  Shepperton-on-Thaines  ; 
H.  &  W.  Evans,  Llanishen.  near  Cardiff:  Mr. 
Maurice  Prichard,  Christchurch,  Hants.  (Silver 
Banksian  Medal)  ;  Messrs.  Geo.  Bunyard  &  Co  , 
Maidstone,  Kent  (Silver  Banksian  Medal) ; 
Messrs.  J.  Cheal  &  Sons,  Crawley,  who  also  dis- 
played many  interesting  shrubs  and  ti'ees  (Silver 
Banksian  Medal);  Mr.  Clarence  Elliott, 
Stevenage;  Mr.  A.  J.  Harwood,  Colchester; 
Messrs.  Geo.  Jackman  &  Son,  Woking;  and  Mr. 
W.  J.  Godfrey.  Exmouth,  Devon.  Mr.  Godfrey 
showed  mainly  varieties  of  the  large-flowered 
Poppy. 


386 


THE    GARDENERS'    CHRONICLE. 


[June  12,  1909. 


Messrs.  Carter,  Page  &  Co.,  London  Wall, 
London,  showed  varieties  of  Cactus  Dahlias  and 
many   kinds  of   Violas. 

A  fine  batch  of  plants  of  Viola  cornuta  pur- 
pura, together  with  a  selection  of  ordinary 
Violas,  were  shown  by  Messrs.  Gunn  &  Sons, 
Olton,   Birmingham. 

Mr.  A.  L.  Gwillim,  Cambria  Nursery,  New 
Eltham,  Kent,  showed  varieties  of  tuberous- 
rooted  Begonias,  having  a  wide  range  of  colour- 
ing.    (Silver  Banksiaii  Medal.) 

G.  Cadeury,  Esq.,  Northfield  (gr.  Miss  Cope), 
exhibited  a  seedling  Calceolaria  with  spotted 
flowers  having  a  yellow  ground. 

Mr.  James  Douglas,  Great  Bookham,  Surrey, 
showed  hybrid  Dianthus  raised  from  Uriah  Pike 
Carnation  and  Dianthus  barbatus  (Sweet  Wil- 
liam) ;  others  shown  were  raised  from  a  garden 
Pink  crossed  with  the  Sweet  William,  the  charac- 
ters of  the  hybrid  partaking  largely  of  the  Pink. 

Awards   of   Merit. 

Aquilegia. — Messrs.  Dobeie  &  Co.  were 
awarded  an  Award  of  Merit  for  a  first-rate  strain 
of  long-spurred  Aquilegias  shown  in  an  excellent 
gioup,  in  which  the  shades  of  colour  were  very 
numerous.  A  Silver  Floral  Medal  was  awarded 
the  group. 

Araucaria  excelsa  Silver  Star. — Four  plants 
were  shown,  in  which  the  growing  points  for 
about  1  inch  length  were  white.  It  may  be  as- 
sumed that  these  will  ultimately  acquire  a  green 
colour,  and  that  future  growth  will  again  ex- 
hibit the  white  tips  (Shown  by  Messrs.  Thos. 
Rochforq  &  Co.) 

Geum  coccineum  Mrs.  J.  Bradshaw. — This  is 
a  large,  double-flowered  variety  of  bright  crim- 
son colour,  (Shown  by  Messrs.  G.  &  A. 
Clakke.) 

Iris  Ed.  Michel. — This  is  a  fine  variety  of 
the  germanica  section,  with  probably  some- 
thing of  I.  pallida  in  it,  judging  by  the  peculiar 
shade  of  purple.  The  flowers  are  prettily  marked, 
and  they  are  held  rigidly  erect.  (Shown  by 
Messrs.  Wallace  &  Co.) 

Lithospermum  proslralrum  "  Heavenly  Blue." 
— A  very  desirable  variety,  the  flowers  being 
rather  larger  than  those  of  the  type,  and  paler 
and  brighter — nearly  sky-blue.  The  plants  are 
stated  to  be  less  woody  and  much  more  easily 
cultivated  than  the  type.  In  Mr.  E.  A.  Bowles's 
garden  the  variety  has  proved  very  valuable  for 
many  years  past.     (Shown  by  Mr.  A.  Perry.) 

Poly  podium  giuucum  crispum. — This  plant 
reminds  one  of  P.  Mayi,  but  the  fronds  are  less 
smooth,  and  the  plant  is  said  to  grow  less  tall. 
(Shown  by  Messrs.  Rochford  &  Co.) 

Schizanthus  "  Beauty  of  Trent." — A  few  cut 
flowers  of  this  variety  were  shown  by  Mr.  H. 
Parr,  Trent  Park  Gardens,  Barnet.  An  Award 
of  Merit  was  recommended  for  the  strain,  but 
only  one  variety  was  shown,  and  this  had  orange 
and  rose-coloured  flowers. 

Scolopendrium  vulgare  crispum  multifidium. 
— A  variety  with  exceedingly  large,  divided 
crests  at  the  end  of  the  fronds.  (Shown  by 
Messrs.  H.  B.  May  &  Sons.) 

Scolopendrium  vulgare  crispum  muricalo 
fimbriotum. — This  extraordinary  name  has  been 
applied  to  an  exceedingly  pretty  variety  of  the 
common  Hartstongue  Fern,  having  much-waved 
fronds  with  an  unusual  degree  of  fimbriation. 
(Shown  by  Messrs.  H.  B.  May  &  Sons.) 

Sweet  Pea  Paradise  Apple  Blossom. — This  is 
a  very  pretty  flower  of  white  and  pink,  the  pink 
being  generally  at  the  margins  of  the  standard 
and  wings  and  at  the  back  of  the  standards.  The 
flower  is  of  the  Spencer  type,  and  its  size  is 
fairly  good.     (Shown  by  Miss  Hemus.) 

Orchid  Committee. 

Present:  J.  Gurney  Fowler,  Esq.  (in  the 
Chair),  and  Messrs.  Jas.  O'Brien  (hon.  sec),  de 
B.  Crawshav,  Harry  J.  Veitch.  F.  Sander,  H.  G. 
Alexander,  R.  G.  Thwaites,  Walter  Cobb,  W.  H. 
White,  J.  Charlesworth,  H.  A.  Tracy,  W.  H. 
Hatcher,  A.  A.  McBean,  C.  H.  Curtis,  Gurney 
Wilson.  J.  Forster  Alcock,  W.  Boxall,  F.  J. 
Hanburv,  R.  Brooman- White,  Stuart  Low,  and 
W.  P.  Bound. 

Messrs.  Stuart  Low  &  Co.,  Bush  Hill  Park, 
Enfield,  were  awarded  a  Silver  Flora  Medal  for 
a  fine  group,  tastefully  arranged,  in  the  centre 
being  uraoeful  Oneidiums.  Odontoglossums,  &c. 
The   body   of   the   group   was   comprised   of   fine 


forms  of  Cattleya  Mendelii,  C.  Mossife,  and  Laelia 
purpurata.  Among  the  Odontoglossums  we 
noticed  a  pretty  variety  of  Odontoglossum 
illustre,  with  flowers  of  a  glowing  tone  of  bronzy 
hue,  and  0.  laudatum,  a  finely-blotched  flower. 
Other  plants  of  merit  were  Oncidium  bifrons,  0. 
cornigerum,  Sobralia  macrantha  alba,  Ccelogyne 
Dayana,  and  some  varieties  of  Spathoglottis. 

Messrs.  Sander  &  Sons,  St.  Albans,  were 
awarded  a  Silver  Flora  Medal  for  an  effective 
group,  in  the  centre  of  which  were  fine  specimens 
of  the  beautiful  Cattleya  Warscewiczii  Sanderi- 
ana.  The  group  also  contained  a  good  selection 
of  Odontoglossums,  several  plants  of  the  finely- 
coloured  Cypripedium  Gowerianum  Schofield's 
variety ;  some  fine  specimens  of  Laelio-Cattleya 
Canhamiana  Rex,  and  L.-C.  Aphrodite,  includ- 
ing the  handsome  variety  plumosa,  with  purple 
feathered  markings  on  the  petals ;  a  handsome 
plant  of  Odontoglossum  harvengtense,  and  other 
hybrids ;  various  Masdevallias,  Bulbophyllums, 
&c. 

Messrs.  Charlesworth  &  Co.,  Haywards 
Heath,  were  awarded  a  Silver  Flora  Medal  for 
a  select  group,  which  contained  exceptionally 
fine  specimens  of  Odontoglossum  Lambeauianum 
and  0.  amabile,  Odontioda  Bradshawise,  0. 
heatonense,  the  showy  and  fragrant  Laslio- 
Cattleya  Fascinator,  one  plant  bearing  six 
flowers,  a  plant  of  the  singular  Stelis  tristyla ; 
others  of  Vanda  coerulescens,  and  its  rare  variety 
Boxallii,  Bulbophyllum  Reinwardtii,  and  B. 
saurocephalum. 

H.  S.  Goodson,  Esqi;  Fairlawn,  Putney  (gr. 
Mr.  G.  E.  Day),  was  awarded  a  Silver  Flora 
Medal  for  a  group  containing  many  fine  varie- 
ties. Odontoglossums  included  a  noble  plant  of 
the  blotched  0.  crispum  President  Fallieres,  with 
18  flowers  and  flower-buds,  0.  c.  The  Czar,  a 
very  richly-coloured  variety,  and  0.  c.  Xan- 
thotes.  Others  noted  were  Cattleya  Mossise  Prin- 
cess Juliana,  a  good  white  flower,  with  a  tracing 
of  colour  on  the  lip  ;  C.  Dusseldorfei  Undine ;  a 
good  selection  of  coloured  Masdevallias,  Dendro- 
biums,  &c. 

Messrs.  Jas.  Veitch  &  Sons,  Chelsea,  were 
awarded  a  Silver  Banksian  Medal  for  an  effective 
group  comprising  Cattleya  Mendelii,  C.  Mossiae, 
good  forms  of  Odontoglossum  crispum,  a  grand 
specimen  of  the  handsome  rose-purple  Disa  Luna, 
with  five  flower-spikes,  Laelio-Cattleya  Ithone, 
and  other  hybrids. 

Mr.  A.  W.  Jensen,  Lindfield,  Haywards 
Heath,  received  a  Silver  Banksian  Medal  for  a 
selection  of  his  type  of  Cattleya  Mossiae ;  also  C. 
Mendelii  and  Odontoglossum  crispum.  The  last- 
named  included  some  pretty  spotted  forms. 
Oncidium  Kramerianura  and  Miltonia  vexillaiia 
were  also  well  shown  by  this  exhibitor. 

Messrs.  J.  &  A.  A.  McBean,  Cooksbridge, 
were  awarded  a  Silver  Banksian  Medal  for  a 
group  of  Odontoglossums,  among  which  were 
several  forms  of  0.  crispum,  of  fine  shape  and 
substance,  one  having  very  broad  segments,  and, 
in  some  respects,  resembling  0.  Beaute  Celeste, 
but  of  finer  form  and  substance.  A  form  of  0. 
crispum  Xanthotes  had  better  flowers  than  the 
type.  0.  harvengtense  and  other  hybrids  were 
also  included   in  the   exhibit. 

Messrs.  Moore,  Ltd.,  Rawdon,  Leeds,  were 
voted  a  Silver  Banksian  Medal  for  an  effective 
and  interesting  group,  in  which  were  noted  some 
fine  specimens  of  Laelio-Cattleya  Aphrodite,  the 
variety  alba  having  pure  white  sepals  and  petals, 
with  a  bright  violet-purple  front  to  the  lip ; 
Cattleya  Dusseldorfei  Undine,  some  showy  Odon- 
toglossums, including  0.  ardentissimum  album, 
0.  Rolfeae,  a  good  form  of  Cirrhopetalum  Col- 
lettii,  a  pretty  claret  purple  Gongora,  Cochlioda 
sanguinea,  Miltonia  vexillaria  leucoglossa,  a  good 
white-lipped  variety,  Angraecum  modestum  and 
Disa  Luna. 

Mr.  H.  A.  Tracy,  Twickenham,  displayed  a 
finely-blotched  Odontoglossum  eximium,  Cattleya 
Mossiae  Roehrs'  variety,  and  Oncidium  Batemani- 
anum. 

Monsieur  Mertens,  Ghent,  staged  a  small 
group  of  hybrid  Odontoglossums  and  Vanda 
ccerulea. 

Messrs.  Armstrong  &  Brown,  Tunbridge 
Wells,  showed  Odontoglossum  crispum  crista- 
tum,  in  which  the  markings,  as  on  the  labellum, 
are  shown  at  the  bases  of  the  petals. 

Walter  Cobb,  Esq.,  Normanhurst,  Rusper 
(gr.  Mr.  C.  J.  Salter),  showed  Odontoglossum 
Cobbianum. 

The  Hon.  Mrs.  Foley,  Packham,  Fording- 
bridge,   sent  a  species  of  Lissoehihis  near  to  L. 


arenarius.  The  plant  was  received  from  tropical 
Africa.  It  has  a  tall  inflorescence  of  pretty  rosy- 
lilac  flowers. 

Eustace  F.  Clark,  Esq.,  Chamonix,  Teign- 
mouth,  sent  two  flowers  of  Laelio-Cattleya  Marl- 
buria  (L.  Boothiana  X  C.  Schroderae),  a  pretty 
rosy-lilac  variety,  and  an  improvement  on  L. 
Boothiana. 

Mr.  F.  McBean,  Plumpton,  showed  good 
Cattleyas  and  Odontoglossums. 

AWARDS. 

Flrst-class  Certificate. 

Lcelio-C 'attleya  Mil-ado  (parentage  unre- 
corded), from  Col.  G.  L.  Holford,  CLE., 
C.V.O.,  Westonbirt  (gr.  Mr.  H.  G.  Alexander). 
—One  of  the  finest  of  yellow-petalled  hybrids, 
the  flower  being  of  good  size  and  shape  and 
very  bright  in  colour.  The  sepals  and  broad 
petals  are  canary  yellow  colour ;  the  front  of  the 
well-expanded  lip  is  ruby-crimson  with  a  narrow 
yellow  margin. 

Awards   of   Merit. 

Cattleya  Mossice  var.  A.  Dimmoch,  from  Col. 
G.  L.  Holford. — One  of  the  finest  and  most 
distinct  forms  of  C.  Mossiae  of  the  Reineckiana 
section.  The  sepals  and  petals  are  both  very 
broad  and  of  blush-pink  tint ;  the  large  label- 
lum is  blush-white  at  the  base,  the  disc  being 
chrome-yellow,  and  in  front  is  a  large  marbled 
blotch  of  a  bright  violet  colour,  v  the  broad, 
crimped  margin,  about  half  and  inch  wide,  being 
white,  forming  a  marked  feature  in  the  flower. 

Lcelio-C 'attleya  Feronia  (C.  Enid  X  L.-C. 
Haroldiana),  from  Sir  Trevor  Lawrence, 
Bart.,  K.C.V.O.,  Burford  (gr.  Mr.  W.  H.  . 
White). — A  showy  hybrid  with  flowers  equal  in 
size  to  those  of  L.-C.  Canhamiana.  The  sepals 
and  petals  are  creamy-white,  tinged  with  gold 
colour,  and  with  a  pink  tint  on  the  petals ;  the 
lip  is  of  a  bright  ruby-claret  colour. 

Odontoglossum  amabile  Foivlerianum,  from  J. 
Gorney  Fowler,  Esq.,  Glebelands,  South 
Woodford  (gr.  Mr.  J.  Davis). — A  fine  hybrid 
with  large,  broad-petalled  flowers,  the  outer 
parts  of  which  are  tinged  with  rose,  the  inner 
surface  being  heavily  blotched  with  red-brown ; 
the  front  of  the  lip  is  pure  white. 

Botanical   Certificate. 

Cirrhopetalum  vaginatum,  from  Sir  Trevor 
Lawrence,  Bart. — A  pretty  plant,  with 
numerous  umbels  of  cream-white  flowers. 

Angrozcum  expansum,  from  Sir  Trevor 
Lawrence,  Bart. — An  upright-growing  species 
with  leathery,  distichous  leaves.  The  short  in- 
florescence bore  two  white  flowers  of  thick  tex- 
ture and  peculiar  form,  the  spur,  longer  than 
the  other  segments,  being  curved  back. 

Cultural  Commendation. 

To  Mr.  W.  H.  White,  Orchid  grower  to  Sir 
Trevor  Lawrence,  Bart. ,  for  a  fine  plant  of  the 
rare  Dendrobium  Jerdonianum  with  many  spikes 
of  narrow-petalled,  orange-coloured  flowers. 

Fruit  and  Vegetable  Committee.' 

Present :  G.  Bunyard,  Esq.  (in  the  Chair),  and 
Messrs.  J.  Cheal,  J.  Mclndoe,  W.  Bates,  H. 
Parr,  H.  Markham,  A.  R.  Allan,  C.  Hobday,  G. 
Wvthes,  G.  Woodward,  A.  Dean,  W.  Poupart, 
O.'  Thomas,  J.  Harrison,  E.  Beckett,  P.  D. 
Tuckett,  J.   Gibson,   and  J.   Jaques. 

The  most  noteworthy  exhibit  was  a  superb  col- 
lection of  fruit  shown  by  the  Duke  of  Portland, 
Welbeck  Abbey  (gr.  Mr.  J.  Gibson).  The  col- 
lection was  artistically  arranged  with  numerous 
graceful  plants  and  foliage.  It  included  50  fine 
Melons,  placed  on  branched  fruit-stands,  these 
alone  forming  a  striking  display.  The  varieties 
were  Hero  of  Lockinge,  Sutton's  Ringleader, 
Royal  Jubilee,  Best  of  All,  and  Superlative. 
Flat  baskets  contained  fine  fruits  of  Peaches 
Bellegarde  and  Hale's  Early ;  and  Nectarines 
Cardinal  and  Early  Rivers.  There  were  eight 
of  these  baskets,  containing  in  all  120  fruits. 
Cherries  were  shown  in  dishes.  These  comprised  : 
of  black  kinds,  Bigarreau  de  Schrecken,  Black 
Tartarian,  Bigarreau  Jaboulay,  and  Early 
Rivers;  and  of  white  varieties,  Governor  Wood, 
Frogmore  Early,  and  Emperor  Francis.  Oullin's 
Golden  Gage  Plums,  Brown  Turkey  Figs,  Lady 
Sudeley  Apples,  and  Royal  Sovereign  and  Leader 
Strawberries  completed  the  display.  (Gold 
Medal.) 


June  12,  1909.] 


THE    GARDENERS'    CHRONICLE. 


387 


Miss  C.  M.  DlXON,  Elmcroft  Nursery,  Chiches- 
ter, staged  a  group  of  17  Melons  of  the  variety 
Elmcroft  Beauty.  (Cultural  Commendation.) 
.".Messrs.  J.  &  F.  Chatfield,  Southwick,  showed 
Strawberries — a  basket  of  superb  fruits  of  Royal 
Sovereign,  and  small  samples  of  La  Grosse 
Sucree,  Bedford  Champion  and  Leader,  the  last- 
named  shown  under  the  name  of  Kentish 
Favourite.  There  were  also  pot  plants  of  Bed- 
ford Champion  in  fruit. 

Messrs.  Sutton  &  Sons,  Reading,  set  up  a 
pyramidal  group  of  fine,  solid,  white  heads  of 
Latest  in  All  Broccoli. 

E.  W.  Dixon,  Esq.,  Oakfield,  Berks.,  sent 
several  clusters  of  fruit  of  the  Loquat. 

Several  new  Melons  were  presented,  but  none 
was  of  sufficient  merit  to  warrant  an  award. 

Competitive  Classes. 

The  only  competitor  in  the  several  classes  for 
collections  of  fruit  was  E.  S.  Hanbury,  Esq., 
Poles  Park,  Herts,  (gr.  Mr.  F.  W.  Church),  who 
showed  in  the  class  for  six  kinds.  A  2nd  prize 
only  was  awarded.  Hale's  Early  Peaches  and 
Early  Rivers  Nectarines  were  good.  Foster  Seed- 
ling Grapes  were  unripe,  and  the  Melons  and 
Strawberries  small. 


Appliances  for  spraying  Potatos,  Charlock, 
fruit  trees,  &c,  were  shown  by  Messrs.  Burland. 

Other  exhibits  of  horticultural  interest  in- 
cluded examples  of  boilers,  glasshouses,  instru- 
ments, and  the  like. 


ENQUIRIES    AND    REPLIES. 


ROYAL     COUNTIES     AGRICULTURAL. 

June  8,  9,  10,  11.— The  Royal  Counties'  show 
at  Reading  contained  many  features  of  interest 
to  horticulturists.  The  Berkshire,  Oxford- 
shire, and  Bucks.  Education  Committees  each 
had  extensive  exhibits  of  Nature  Study  objects. 
In  some  instances  the  dried  and  living  specimens 
were  well  mounted  with  roots,  stems,  and  flowers 
complete. 

Messrs.  Sutton  &  Sons,  Reading,  showed,  in 
an  ornamental  building  devoted  exclusively  to 
their  exhibits  many  fine  specimens  of  fruit,  vege- 
tables, and  flowers.  They  had  fine  pods  of 
Albany,  Early  Giant,  and  Defiance  Peas,  good 
early  Potatos,  including  May  Queen,  Gladiator, 
and  Ringleader ;  also  a  large  collection  of  tubers 
of  the  second  early  and  maincrop  types.  They 
also  showed  Hero  of  Lockinge  Melons,  Favourite 
and  Champion  Horn  Carrots,  Cucumbers,  and 
some  40  varieties  of  other  kinds  of  vegetables. 
Outside  the  building  were  flower-beds  planted 
with  annuals.  This  firm  was  responsible  for  the 
floral  decorations  about  the  president's  tent  and 
the  council's  offices.  Messrs.  Sutton  also  ar- 
ranged a  "  French  "  garden,  showing  how  two 
and  three  crops  are  grown  at  the  same  time 
under  similar  conditions. 

Grasses  and  mixtures  of  lawn  seeds,  a  collec- 
tion of  forage  plants,  natural  Grasses  and  Clovers, 
with  growing  plots  to  illustrate  the  various  mix- 
tures for  producing  temporary  or  permanent  pas- 
tures, were  all  of  interest. 

Messrs.  Webb  &  Sons,  Stourbridge,  also  dis- 
played horticultural  exhibits.  They  showed  ex- 
ceptionally large  Melons,  good,  frame-grown 
Cauliflowers,  Prizewinner  Carrots,  Emperor  Cab- 
bages, and  other  vegetables.  Calceolarias,  Gloxi- 
nias, and  Sweet  Peas  all  added  to  the  effect  of 
this  stand,  which  contained  many  of  the  firm's 
cereals  that  have  a  reputation  in  agricultural 
circles.  Their  new  standard  Red  and  White 
Queen  Wheats  are  two  of  the  best  varieties  in 
cultivation.      — 

Messrs.  Toogood  &  Sons,  Southampton,  had  a 
finely-arranged  group  of  Salpiglossis  in  pots,  also 
Spanish  Irises,  Gladioli  in  the  best  early-flower- 
ing forms,  and  other  popular  flowers.  This  firm 
also  showed  seasonable  vegetables,  including 
excellent  Peas,  Tomatos,  Cabbages  and  Potatos. 

The  Agricultural  and  Horticultural  Depart- 
ments of  University  College  arranged  in  the 
laboratories  of  the  College  various  interesting 
exhibits.  Grain  in  pots  that  had  been  fed  with 
varying  amounts  of  fertilisers  admirably  illus- 
trated the  influence  of  these  different  manures 
upon  the  plants'  growth.  There  were  others 
showing  the  influence  of  phosphates,  potash,  and 
nitrates  in  the  colouring  of  the  ripened  grain. 
The  College  also  displayed  apparatus  for  seed 
testing  and  for  making  a  mechanical  analysis  of 
soils.  Budded  and  grafted  fruit  stocks,  fruiting 
trees  to  illustrate  the  effects  of  pruning  and 
pinching  the  shoots,  the  best  types  of  vege- 
tables as  grown  for  market,  and  the  manner  of 
preparing  and  marketing  them,  with  many  other 
exhibits  of  an  educational  character  were  in- 
cluded in  the  College  exhibit. 


BRITISH    GARDENERS'    ASSOCIATION. 

At  the  recent,  annual,  general  meeting  it  was 
decided,  after  full  consideration,  that  employers 
of  gardeners  and  others  in  sympathy  with  the 
aims  and  objects  of  the  Association  should  be 
allowed  to  join  as  honorary  members,  paying  a 
minimum  subscription  of  20s.  per  annum.  The 
main  object  of  this  resolution,  writes  Mr.  J. 
Weathers,  the  hon.  secretary,  is  to  bring  owners 
of  gardens  and  their  gardeners  more  closely  to- 
gether for  mutual  benefit.  The  employer  will  be 
assured  of  having  a  gardener  who  knows  his 
work,  and  the  gardener  of  an  employer  who  will 
recognise  in  him  a  skilled  workman.  Anyone 
wishing  to  join  as  a  honorary  member  should 
apply  to  the  secretary,  B.G.A.,  Talbot  Villa, 
Isleworth,  for  further  particulars. 


GLOUCESTERSHIRE   ROOT,    FRUIT, 
AND    GRAIN. 

A  special  meeting  of  the  members  of  this 
Society  was  held  recently  for  the  purpose  of  pre- 
senting the  orchard  pruning  prizes  and  of  con- 
sidering a  suggested  alteration  in  the  conditions 
governing  these  competitions. 

Mr.  H.  W.  Bruton  said  the  competition  began 
in  1906,  when  there  were  11  competitors  for  three 
prizes.  Subsequent  alterations  in  the  conditions 
excluding  landowners  reduced  the  number  of  com- 


THE   LATE   JAMES    SHANES. 

petitors  in  13J7  to  10  for  five  prizes.  In  1903 
there  were  eight  competitors  for  five  prizes,  and 
in  the  present  year  seven  competitors  for  five 
prizes.  As  the  winner  of  the  1st  prize  was  not 
allowed  to  compete  with  the  same  orchard  for 
three  years,  this  to  some  extent  explained  the 
reduction  in  the  numoer  of  competitors. 

The  1st  prize  was  awarded  to  Mr.  Joseph 
Round,  of  Selseley  Park  Farm,  Stroud. 

After  a  short  discussion,  it  was  decided  to 
alter  the  conditions  governing  the  competition, 
so  that  the  owners  of  two  acres,  being  part  of  a 
larger  orchard,  should  be  allowed  to  compete  in- 
stead of  those  with  whole  orchards  of  not  less 
than  two  acres,  as  now. 


<S)bttuavj). 

James  Shanks. — We  regret  to  record  the  death 
on  May  31,  of  Mr.  James  Shanks,  general  man- 
ager and  director  of  Messrs.  Alexander  Shanks 
&  Son,  Ltd.,  Arbroath,  the  well-known  firm  of 
engineers  and  makers  of  the  celebrated  lawn 
mowers  which  bear  their  name.  The  deceased 
gentleman,  who  was  78  years  of  age,  is  survived 
by  a  wife  and  family  of  four  sons  and  three 
daughters.  Three  of  his  sons  are  connected  with 
the  business  at  Bens  Iron  Works.  The  funeral 
took  place  on  Friday,  June  4,  at  the  Western 
Cemetery,  Arbroath. 


Acetylene  Gas  Refuse. — In  reference  to  the 
article  (see  Gardeners'  Chronicle,  April  24)  on 
"  Acetylene  Gas  Refuse  as  a  Manure,"  I  should 
like  to  ask  one  or  two  questions :  (1)  Was  the 
residue  new  lime  or  old?  If  new,  it  might 
account  for  a  great  deal,  as  it  might  be  far  too 
caustic.  (2)  What  colour  was  it?  Pure  white 
it  should  have  been ;  if  it  was  patched  with 
yellow  or  green  it  is  proof  that  the  charge  of 
carbide  had  been  overheating  locally  during 
generation  and  that  a  quantity  of  the  gas 
had  again  been  altered  into  other  hydro- 
carbons, the  discoloration  of  the  residue  being 
caused  by  the  presence  of  these  tarry  compounds 
and  benzine  products,  which  cannot  be  said  to 
be  beneficial  to  plant  life.  The  residue  of  some 
generators  often  contains  compounds  of  sulphur 
and  ammonia  which  would  in  time  evaporate  if 
left  in  the  open.     A.  M.  Broadbent. 

The  material  used   had   been  exposed 

to  the  air  not  less  than  three  weeks,  so  probably 
was  not  thoroughly  carbonated.  There  was  no 
sign  of  the  discoloration  of  the  residue  de- 
scribed above.  Is  there  any  direct  evidence 
that  injurious,  tarry  hydrocarbons  are  formed 
during  the  production  of  acetylene  gas?  If  so, 
this  offers  a  good  explanation  of  the  injurious 
effect  of  the  refuse.  The  correspondent  also 
mentions  compounds  of  sulphur  and  ammonia. 
These,  together  with  phosphorous  compounds 
(e.g.,  phosphides),  I  consider,  offer  a  more  likely 
explanation.  However,  analyses  of  the  refuse, 
fresh  and  after  keeping,  would  go  a  long  way 
towards  settling  these  points.  The  writer  of 
the  article. 


Qmn/m 

to 
rruhondmtu 


*  t*  The  Editors  will  be  glad  to  receive,  for 
xonsideration,  large  photographs  of  horticultural 
subjects,  suitable  for  reproduction  as  Supple- 
mentary Illustrations  in  this  Journal. 

Editors  and  Publisher.  —  Our  Correspondents  would 
obviate  delay  in  obtaining  answers  to  their  communica- 
tions, and  save  us  much  time  and  trouble,  if  they  would 
kindly  observe  the  notice  printed  weekly  to  the  effect 
that  all  letters  relating  to  financial  matters  and  to 
advertisements  should  be  addressed  to  the  Publisher; 
and  that  all  communications  intended  for  publication,  or 
referring  to  the  Literary  department,  and  all  plants  to  be 
named,  should  be  directed  to  the  Editors.  The  two 
departments,  Publishing  and  Editorial,  are  distinct,  and 
much  unnecessary  delay  and  confusion  arise  when  letters 
are  misdirected. 

Apple  Leaves  :  J.  E.  The  foliage  has  been 
caused  by  a  fungus,  Macrosporium  commune. 
Two  or  three  sprayings  with  weak  Bordeaux 
mixture,  at  intervals  of  about  four  days,  just 
when  the  leaf-buds  are  expanding,  will  prove 
effectual  in  most  cases. 

Botanical  Requisites  :  B.  D.  Paper  for 
mounting  herbaria  specimens  may  be  obtained 
from  Messrs.  Gallenkamp  &  Co.,  Finsbury  Cir- 
cus. Messrs.  Baker  &  Co.,  High  Holborn,  and 
Messrs.  Swift  &  Co.  are  the  makers  of  good, 
serviceable  microscopes  for  students'  pur- 
poses. The  best  work  on  the  British  flora  is 
Bentham  &  Hooker's  British  Flora.  This 
work  may  be  obtained  from  our  publishing  de- 
partment. 

Caterpillars  Infesting  Fruit  Trees  :  W.  W. 
D.  These  are  the  larvae  of  the  winter  moth 
(Cheimatobia  brumata).  The  "Winter  Wash" 
is  of  no  avail  against  this  pest.  See  reply  to 
G.  IF.  W.  &  Co.,  p.  371,  in  the  last  issue. 

Cucumber  Plant  Unhealthy:  B-  T.  A.  No 
disease  is  present  in  tb^  plant.  The  mottled 
appearance  of  the  foliage  is  due  to  some  cul- 
tural defect. 

Eupatorium  odoratum.  A.  Gooden.  In  favour- 
able positions  in  the  south  and  south-west  of 
England,  the  west  of  Scotland,  and  in  Ireland 
this  South  American  plant,  although  generally 
considered  a  cool  greenhouse  subject,  is  often 
seen  doing  well  out-of-doors.  In  time  it  forms 
a  good-sized  bush,  and  is  a  striking  feature 
when  clothed  with  the  white  flowers.  The  cor- 
rect name  of  this  plant  is  E.  Weinmannianum. 


3SS 


THE    GARDENERS'    CHRONICLE 


[June  12..  19C9. 


Mangels  Injured:  Pillinger's.  The  damage  has 
been  caused  by  the  Beet-fly,  Anthomyia  betse. 
Dust  the  plants  with  soot  when  the  leaves  are 
damp. 

Mealy-bug  on  Vines:  J.  II.  We  think  that 
•by  white  scale  you  must  mean  .."ealy  bug.  If 
this  is  correct,  the  only  thing  you  can  do 
at  the  present  is  to  prevent  the  bugs  from 
entering  the  bunches  of  fruit.  Carefully 
examine  the  young  growths  and  kill  all  the 
bugs  that  can  be  found  :  they  usually  secrete 
themselves  in  the  axils  of  the  leaves.  The 
spurs  should  also  be  painted  with  methylated 
spirit,  especially  near  the  base  of  the  young 
shoots.  If  you  do  this  about  once  a  week 
till  the  crop  is  ripe  it  should  ensure  the 
bunches  being  clean.  After  the  Grapes  are  cut, 
the  rods  and  spurs  should  be  thoroughly  washed 
with  strong  soft-soapy  water.  When  the  win- 
ter pruning  has  been  done  all  the  loose  bark 
must  be  removed  and  the  rods  again  thor- 
oughly washed  with  the  mixture  already  de- 
scribed. This  should  again  be  repeated  just 
before  the  vines  break  into  growth.  If  the 
vines  are  growing  in  a  house,  the  woodwork, 
glass  and  trellis  must  also  be  thoroughly- 
washed,  and,  if  possible,  the  house  should  be 
painted  and  the  brickwork  limewashed.  After- 
wards there  should  be  no  difficulty  in  keeping 
the  vines  clean. 

Mildew  on  Vines:  A.  F.  W.  The  most  effec- 
tive way  to  deal  with  an  attack  of  mildew  at 
this  stage  is  to  dust  the  affected  parts  with 
flowers  of  sulphur.  This  can  be  washed  off  the 
bunches  with  rain-water  when  the  Grapes 
commence  to  colour,  as  the  mildew  will  not 
spread  after  that  stage.  The  muslin  should 
be  removed  from  the  ventilators;  its  presence 
is  favourable  to  the  development  of  the  mil- 
dew. If  the  Ferns  you  mention  are  in  any 
way  obstructing  air  from  reaching  the  roots 
in  the  border  they  should  be  removed.  The 
surface  of  the  border  should  also  be  lightly 
pricked  up  with  a  fork. 

Names  of  Plants  :  D.  P.  Spirasa  confusa  and 
Polygala  vulgaris.  —  i?.  R.  Spira?a  confusa. — 
Roebuck.  Dendrobium  crassinode. — /.  R.  1, 
Podocarpus  chilina ;  2.  CassiDia  fulvida  ;  3, 
Leiophylluin  buxifolium  ;  4,  Arenariamontann  ; 

5,  Cistus  corbariensis  ;  6.  Gaultheria  Shallon. — 
C.  F.  Picea  orientalis — Cox.  A  Magnolia, 
probably  a  hybrid  of  M.  couspicua  and  M. 
obovata,  but  flowers  badly  decayed  on  arrival. — 
O.  H.  G.  1,  Halesia  tetraptera;  2,  Solanum 
Dulcamara ;  3,  Spiraea  hypericifolia ;  4,  Ber- 
beris  vulgaris ;  5,  please  send  another  sppcimen ; 

6,  Camassia  eseulenta. — J.  T.  Primula  capi- 
tata — Pine.  1,  Pinus  Laricio;  2,  Abies  con- 
color;  I,  Pinus  ponderosa;  4,  P.  Laricio;  5, 
Abies  concolor ;  6,  A.  Lowiana;  7,  Pinus 
Laricio. — A.  W.  T.  Exochorda  grandiflora. — 
B.  F.,  Mylor  Bridge.  Pyrus  lobata.  -  G.  W. 
Eucliaris  Sanderi  Baker,  Rot.  Mar/.,  t.  0676, 
Oard.  Chron.,  March  17,  1883.  p.  319  fig.  53.— 
R.  G.  Euphorbia  Lathyris  (Caper  Spurge). — 
E.  W.  B.-  Cytisus  purpureas. — A.  J.  C.  1, 
Weigela  hortensis  rosea  ;  2,  \V.  hortensis  aurea; 
3,  Cornus  alba  variety  aurea;  4,  send  when  in 
flower;  5,  Spirsea  arisefolia ;  6,  Magnolia 
acuminata.  —PilUngcrs.  1,  Spira?a  confusa;  2, 
Celsia  cretica — C.  W.  B.  1,  Veronica  Cliama?- 
drys  ;  2,  Lychnis  Flos-cuculi ;  3,  Conopodium 
denudatum  (Pig-nut).  —  W.  G.  Dendrobium 
pulcbellum,  more  commonly  known  in  gardens 
as  Dendrobium  Dalhousieanum. — R.  A.  1, 
Epidendmm  virens ;  2,  Oncidium  cornigerum  ; 
3,  0.  pubes ;  4,  Gongora  quinquenervis  ;  5, 
Cochlioda  sanguinea  ;  6,  Odontoglossum  odora- 
tum.— A.  J.  W.  1,  Aerides  odoratum  majus  ;  2, 
Epidendrum  f ragrans ;  3,  Rhvncostylis  retusa, 
generally  called  Saccol  „bhim  Blumei  in  gar- 
dens. The  others  are  Odontog'ossum  Pescatorei, 
and  Dendrobium  crystallinum,  both  exception- 
ally good  varieties. — L.  E.  W.  Odontoglossum 
citrosmum,  of  ordinary  value  for  garden 
purposes.  —  C.  M.  We  do  not  undertake  to 
name  varieties  of  Roses.  Send  to  some  grower 
of  these  plants. 

Oats  Infested  with  Insects  :  II'.  iV.  B.  The 
insects  submitted  for  examination  are.  with 
one  or  two  exceptions,  the  common  European 
grain  weevil  (Calandra  granaria),  and  this  in- 
sect is  the  sole  cause  of  the  injury  to  the  Oats. 
It  was,  in  all  probability,  introduced  in  the 
way  you  have  suggested  in  your  communica- 
tion.    Its  life-history  is,  briefly,  as  follows: — 


The  female  drills,  by  means  of  her  proboscis 
(snout),  a  minute  hole  in  the  grain,  after  it 
is  harvested,  and  lays  an  egg  in  it  :  from 
this  is  hatched  a  legless  grub,  or  maggot-like 
larva.  The  larva  feeds  on  the  interior  of  the 
grain,  and,  in  the  case  of  Wheat,  Oats,  Kice, 
etc.,  leaves  practically  nothing  but  the  thin, 
empty  shell.  In  all  cases  the  larva  passes  the 
whole  of  its  existence  within  the  grain,  and, 
when  mature,  changes  to  a  chrysalis  (pupa) ; 
no  feeding  takes  place  in  this  stage.  In  a  few 
days  the  pupa  gives  rise  to  a  perfect  beetle, 
and  the  insect  effects  its  escape  by  cutting  a 
circular  orifice  in  the  cuticle  or  hull  of  the 
"rain,  having  the  appearance  of  a  small  shot 
htle.  The  adults  also  feed  extensively  on  the 
grain,  and  thus  cause  considerable  damage. 
The  time  required  for  the  completion  of  the 
cycle  varies  with  the  season  and  climate,  and 
the  number  of  generations  produced  in  a  season 
is  consequently  dependent  upon  temperature. 
In   the   tropics,    the   minimum   period   for  one 


Fig.  171. — bladder  plums,  caused  by  a 

FUNGUS. 

cycle  is  about  21  days ;  but  in  colder  latitudes 
the  period  may  extend  to  six  weeks,  or  even 
months.  It  is  a  prolific  species,  and  egg-laying 
may  be  continued  over  a  long  period.  Each 
female  deposits  about  250  eggs,  and  Curtis 
estimated  that  one  pair  of  weevils,  during  a 
period  of  five  months  in  Southern  France,  are 
capable  of  producing  6,000  individuals.  This 
insect  does  not  feed  upon  wood,  but  you  are 
probably  correct  in  assuming  that  it  has  got 
amongst  the  old  timber  in  the  granary.  One 
of  its  favourite  resorts,  however,  is  the  space 
between  the  flooring-boards  and  the  ceiling 
below,  especially  if — and  this  is  likely  to  be 
the  case — the  space  is  filled  with  grain.  For 
the  present  we  recommend  (1)  that  you  con- 
tinue to  sift  the  grain  over  from  time  to  time 
and  burn  the  sittings;  (2)  spread  the  grain  out 
into  as  thin  a  layer  as  space  will  admit;  and 
(3)  ventilate  the  granary  night  and  day  as 
much  as  possible.  The  cooler  the  place  is  kept 
the  less  rapid  will  the  insect  breed.  When  the 
Oats  are  finished,  remove  one  or  two  flooring- 
boards,  and  if  grain  is  found  to  have  accumu- 


lated beneath  them,  it  must  be  removed  and 
burnt.  Afterwards  thoroughly  spray  the  whole 
of  the  interior — roof,  walls  and  floor — with  a 
strong  paraffin  and  soap  emulsion  applied  as 
hot  as  possible,  care  being  taken  to  thoroughly 
saturate  every  part  with  the  spray.  An  or- 
dinary syringe  will  do  quite  well,  and  the 
operator  should  grip  the  barrel  with  a  piece 
of  cloth  to  prevent  the  instrument  burning  the 
hands.  Fumigation  with  hydrocyanic  acid 
gas  is  the  method  usually  adopted  in  the 
United  States ;  but  as  the  granary  is  an  old 
one,  it  is  very  doubtful  if  !his  treatment  would 
prove  successful,  unless  the  building  can  be 
rendered  practically  airtight.  We  have  found 
it  useless  in  a  similar  instance  in  this  country'. 
Bisulphide  of  carbon  is  also  used  as  a  fumi- 
gant  with  good  results,  but,  like  the  former, 
it  is  a  poison,  ajid,  in  addition,  also  inflam- 
mable, and  would  need  to  be  used  with  great 
care. 

Peaches  Falling  when  Unripe:  Mrs.  B.  The 
fruits  have  no  doubt  fallen  because  of  some 
wrong  cultural  treatment.  The  splitting  of 
the  stones  suggest  the  presence  of  too  much 
water  '.<  the  soil  and  also  in  the  atmosphere  of 
the  Peach-house.  It  may  also  be  due  to  over- 
cropping in  previous  years,  or  improper  ripen- 
ing of  the  wood  last  autumn.  Apply  a  small 
quantity  of  lime  in  the  form  of  old  mortar  to 
the  border. 

Pelargoniums  Unhealthy  :  II'.  B.  The  plants 
are  free  from  fungus  disease.  The  trouble  is 
due  to  improper  root  formation  owing  to  the 
cuttings  being  too  woody  when  inserted.  As 
soon  as  genial  weather  sets  in,  they  will  soon 
make  satisfactory  growth 

Plums:  J.  M.  The  fruits  are  attacked  by  a 
fungus,  Exoascus  deformans  (see  fig.  171).  They 
are  called  bladder  Plums,  from  their  inflated 
appearance.  Burn  all  the  diseased  fruits  and 
spray  the  trees  with  a  weak  solution  of  the 
Bordeaux   mixture. 

Show  Pelargonium:  A.  II'.  P.  We  do  not 
undertake  to  name  varieties  of  Pelargoniums  or 
other  florists'   flowers. 

Tomatos  Decaying  at  the  Roots  :  A.  S.  If.  it- 
Co.  The  roots  are  perfectly  free  from  disease 
caused  either  by  insects  or  fungi,  yet  the  outer 
tissue  is  destroyed.  It  suggests  damage  from 
some  strong  fertiliser,  which  need  not  neces- 
sa-ily  be  applied  directly  to  the  roots ;  a 
solution  in  water  is  sufficient  to  cause  the 
injury. 

Vine  Leaves  with  Warts  :  II.  O.  P.  The  ir- 
regularities on  the  leaves  are  not  due  to 
disease,  either  of  insect  or  fungus.  They  are 
tiny  outgrowths  of  tissue,  caused  by  excessive 
moisture  in  the  atmosphere.  The  disfigure- 
ment generally  occurs  in  vineries  that  are  not 
sufficiently  ventilated  and  where  the  atmo- 
sphere is  stagnant. 

Wteeds  on  a  Lawn  :  .1/.  L.  E.  Large  weeds 
such  as  Docks,  Plaintains,  Thistles,  &c.  are 
often  destroyed  by  some  strong  acid  applied 
to  the  crown  of  the  plant.  But  if  the  sward 
is  infested  with  smaller  weeds  the  best  plan 
is  to  apply  some  nitrogenous  manure  which 
favours  the  development  of  the  grasses,  and 
these  will  in  time  crowd  out  the  intruders. 
The  preparation  known  as  lawn  sand  contains 
manure  which  acts  on  the  turf  in  a  similar 
manner.  Make  up  a  compost  of  fine  soil  and 
either  nitrate  of  soda  or  sulphate  of  ammonia. 
Apply  the  mixture  sparingly  as  a  top-dressing. 

Young  Oak  Leaves:  S.  G.  E.  It  is  a  very  com- 
mon occurrence  for  young  Oak  foliage  to  as- 
sume a  brown  tone,  and  in  an  Oak  wood  many 
of  the  young  shoots  are  beautiful  from  this 
reason.  It  is  also  seen  in  the  young  foliage  of 
other  plants,  especially  those  whose  natural 
habitat  is  in  the  tropics.  The  colouring,  due 
to  a  pigment  called  anthocyanin,  has  a  physio- 
logical value,  inasmuch  as  it  serves  to  screen 
the  young  chloroplasts  (chlorophyll  grains) 
from  intense  sunlight. 

Communications  Received.— F.  J.  C.—W.  A.  C.— 
j.  g.  W.— J.  J.  W.— S.,  Fraukfort-oii-Maine— C.  T.  D.— 
E.  Farrer— J.  E.  K.— F.  B.— B.  J.  A.— Herman  S.— 
W.  H.  Y.— J.  G.  T.— H.  S.  T.-F.  W.  R.—  J.  U.  J.  W.— 
J.  F.  McL,.— H.  M.  V. -C.  S.,  Kastel-Mainz— L  (I., 
Brussels— Anxious— A.  D.  H. — Andrew  H.— W.  G  S.— 
J.  Gray.  

For  Market  Reports  see  page  x. 


Supplement  to  the  "  Gardeners'  Chronicle.' 


RHODODENDRON    SOULIEI,  A   NEW   CHINESE    SPECIES. 
Flowering  in  Messrs.  Jas.  Veitch  &   Sons'  Coombe  Wood  Nursery. 


Printed  by  Temple  Press  Ltd.,  London,  E.C. 


Jine  19,  1909.] 


THE    GARDENERS'    CHRONICLE. 


389 


THE 


^arbcncrs'dlbranidc 

No.  1,173.— SATURDAY,  June  19,  1909. 


the 


An^rfeeum 

dale 
Animal    manures, 

supply  of 
Ashbourne  Gardens,  Co. 

Cork      

Bamboo,      the      South 

African 

Benton,    Mr.     A.     W., 

appointment  of 
Books,  notices  of — 

A  First  Bouk  oi  Bot- 
any      

Carnations   at    Boston, 

Mass.,  U.S.A. 
Cedar,   transplanting  a 

large       

Flora     of     Ngamiland, 

the         

41  French  "  garden,  notes 

from  a 

Fruits,      covering      of 

ripening  

Gi  n   pa     International 

Exhibition      

Haarlem    Jubilee    Ex- 

hibition 

India,  note  from 

Irises,  notes  on 

[sle worth,    notes    from 
to  destroy  moss 

on         

Lilies    at    the    Temple 

Show     

Manure,  the  supply  of 

animal  ...         

Market  L;arilening — 

Three  choice  annuals 


CONTENTS 

sesqnipe 


399 
400 
392 
398 
396 

393 
397 

398 
397 
398 
396 


397 

;!.s 
391 
389 

336 


394 


by 


Nitrogen     fixation 
bacteria  

Nitrogen  of  the  air 

Nitrogenous       artificial 
manures  

Ourisia  macrophylla  ... 

Pleurothallis    Birchen- 
allii        

Potatos,  the  late  blight 
of  

Ranunculus  auricomus 

Societies- 
Birmingham    Botani- 
cal &  Horticultural 
Gardeners'    Royal 

Benevolent .. 
Ghent  Horticultural.. 
Horticultural  Club  ... 
National  Vegetable  ... 
Royal  Horticultural 
(Scientific  Committee) 
Yorkshire  gala 

Solanum  nigrum 

Spring    flowers 
South-West     

Sweet  Peas,  early 

Town  planting 

Week's  work,  the— 

Apiary,  the      

Flower  garden,  the  — 
Fruits  under  glass  ... 
Hardy  fruit  garden  ... 
Kitchen  garden,  the... 
Orchid  houses,  the  ... 
Plants  under  glass    ... 

Wonderberry.  Mr.  Bur- 
bank  and  the 


the 


390 
401 


397 
390 


396 
401 


401 

SC6 

404 
39rt 
401 

401 

40'2 
393 

3S'.| 
401 
400 


394 
395 
395 
39 1 
395 
394 

393 


ILLUSTRATIONS. 

Angreecum  sesquipedale,  a  finely-fiowi.T-.-il  [hint  of    ...  399 

Ashbourne,  view  of  the  rock  garden  at     392 

Auhrietia  "Dr.  Mule?,"  at  Ashbourne      398 

Cedar  at  Paddockhurst,  removal  of            397 

Ourisia  macrophylla     ...         ■*  ]|> 

Pleurothallis  Birchenallii       ...  391 

View   of    the  water-garden  at  Ashbourne,  Co.  Cork 
(Supplementary  Illustration) 

spring  flowers  in  the 
south-west. 

THE  past  spring  was  very  backward  on  ac- 
count of  the  prevalence  of  cold  easterly 
winds,  and  vegetation  has  been,  in  con- 
sequence, generally  retarded.  The  winter  tem- 
perature varied  considerably  in  Devon  and 
Cornwall,  for  while  at  Kingswear  the  greatest 
frost  registered  during  the  past  winter  was 
6h°,  at  Tregothnan  12°  were  recorded  on  two 
successive  nights,  and  at  Trewidden,  near  Pen- 
zance, the  thermometer  showed  14°  of  frost. 
The  winter  with  us  was  much  milder  than  the 
two  preceding  ones,  when  10°  and  12°  of  frost 
were  registered.  Arctotis  aureola,  which  in 
1007  and  1908  was  cut  to  the  ground  and  only 
threw  up  again  from  the  base  in  the  following 
spring,  was  uninjured  this  year  and  com- 
menced to  flower  in  March.  Iris  stylosa  has 
been  marvellously  prolific  of  bloom  through 
the  winter,  a  neighbour  having  cut  over  5,000 
flowers  from  IS  large  clumps.  The  delightful 
little  Violet  Cress  (Tonopsidium  acaule),  which 
seeds  itself  freely  all  over  the  garden,  even 
on  the  tops  of  walls,  and  has  carpeted  a  bed 
of  early  spring  Irises  such  as  I.  Histrio,  I.  his- 
trioides,  I.  Bakeriana,  I.  Danfordii,  I.  reticu- 
lata and  others,  was  in  flower  from  December 


to  April,  and  spread  a  mantle  of  soft  lavender 
colour  over  the  border.  Clethra  arborea, 
which  was  badly  cut  in  1907  and  1908,  was 
quite  uninjured  during  the  past  winter,  and  it 
is  hoped  will  flower  in  the  coming  August. 
Another  plant  that  was  badly  injured  by  the 
frost  in  the  two  preceding  winters,  namely,  the 
New  Zealand  Arthropodium  cirrhatum,  which 
flowered  well  in  1906,  but,  owing  to  its  loss 
of  foliage,  did  not  bloom  in  1907  or  1908,  is 
unhurt  and  shows  signs  of  perfecting  flower- 
spikes.  The  rare  and  delicate  Romulea  pylea, 
with  satin-white,  golden-centred,  Crocus-like 
blossoms,  which  produced  dozens  of  blooms, 
was  a  lovely  sight  in  the  early  spring,  and 
the  larger  R.  nivalis,  with  white  flowers 
faintly  feathered  with  blue,  was  also  pretty. 
The  blue  Chilian  Crocus  (Tecophihea  eyano- 
crocus),  with  its  deep  gentian-blue  blossoms, 
was  very  beautiful.  This  charming  little 
plant  appears  to  be  somewhat  capricious,  for 
in  some  gardens  it  dies  out,  and  it  is  only  in  a 
very  few  that  it  is  at  home  and  reproduces 
itself.  Hardenbergia  monophylla  alba,  after 
being  flowerless  for  five  years,  surprised  us  by 
showing  bloom  in  February,  and  through 
March  and  April  it  was  covered  with  white 
flowers,  which  lasted  well  in  the  cold  weather. 
Correa  cardinalis  was  in  flower  before  Christ- 
mas, and  is  still  carrying  many  perfect 
blooms.  The  American  Erythroniums  often 
prove  exceedingly  difficult  to  grow  satisfac- 
torily, but  in  a  lew  gardens  in  the  south-west 
they  appear  happy.  In  a  certain  garden  near 
Truro  they  presented  a  beautiful  picture  in 
the  month  of  April,  several  hundreds  of  vigor- 
ous plants  being  in  bloom.  The  llower-stems 
were  in  many  cases  from  a  foot  to  L8  inches 
in  height  and  bore  numerous  blossoms.  The 
owner  stated  that  the  majority  were  self- 
sown  seedlings.  They  were  growing  in  pure 
leaf-mould  collected  from  beneath  a  rookery. 
Genista  monosperma,  which,  it  »;h  asserted, 
would  not  flower  in  England,  was  covered  with 
bloom  in  May,  and  Leptospermum  scoparium 
is  now  a  sheet  of  white.  Fritillaria  persica 
has  produced  a  sheaf  of  flower-stems  nearly 
■i  feet  in  height,  and  the  rare  F.  obliqua  has 
perfected  its  almost  black  blossoms.  Manet- 
tia  bicolor  is  in  fine  blossom,  and  both  the 
crimson  and  white  varieties  of  Clianthus  puni- 
ceus  are  covered  with  blossom,  which,  how- 
ever, is  now  past  its  best.  The  first  flowers 
were  cut  from  the  open  wall  on  Christmas 
Day.  Semele  (Ruscus)  androgyna  is  making 
growths  that  promise  to  be  over  15  feet  in 
length,  and  its  leaves,  or  cladodes,  are  already 
becoming  furnished  along  their  edges 
with  tiny  greenish-white  buds.  At  Christ- 
mas-tide the  soft  colouring  of  a  large  colony 
of  Crocus  Imperati  presented  a  lovely  sight, 
and  was  followed  by  C.  Korolkowii,  C.  Sieberi, 
and  others.  Jasminum  primulinum  has  pro- 
duced its  golden  bloom  in  profusion,  and 
Deutzia  kalmiseflora,  the  loveliest  of  its 
family,  has  been  covered  with  blossom. 
Buddleia  Colvilei  is  evidently  going  to  flower 
copiously,  every  spray  being  terminated  by  a 
cluster  of  buds.  This  Buddleia  never  seems  to 
flower  in  a  small  state,  and,  indeed,  it  is  not 
until  the  hush  has  attained  a  height  of  8  or 
10  feet  that  it  begins  to  bloom  with  any  free- 
dom. Celmisia  coriacea  is  in  full  flower  and 
Olearia  insignis,  which  was  obtained  direct 
from  New  Zealand,  is  showing  several  broom- 
buds.  The  yellow  Californian  Tree  Poppy 
(Dendromecon   rigidum)  is  doing  wonderfully 


well  and  is  throwing  up  strong  shoots  over 
half  an  inch  in  diameter.  It  commenced  to 
flower  in  May,  and  will  continue  to  bloom  until 
well  on  in  November,  thus  having  a  far 
limber  blossoming  period  than  its  relative 
Romneya  Coulteri.  The  South  African  Ane- 
mone Fanninii,  the  queen  of  its  family,  which 
bears  large,  snow-white  flowers  over  4  inches 
aoross,  is  throwing  up  its  bloom-buds,  and 
Watsonia  coccinea  is  about  to  perfect  several 
flower-spikes,  which  are  already  showing  scar- 
let. Neviusia  alabamensis  has  been  in  pro- 
fuse bloom,  and  the  new  Lilium  Ghehnii  is 
making  strong  growth,  while  L.  sulphureum  is 
shooting  up  well  from  its  peat  bed.  Ranun- 
culus Lyallii  is  alive,  but  has  made  but  lit tl  > 
grow  th.  Every  endeavour  was  made  to  obtain 
this  plant  through  English  nurserymen,  but 
not  a  plant  could  be  beard  of,  and  eventually 
one  was  procured  from  New  Zealand.  It  has, 
I  believe,  been  flowered  several  times  in  this 
country,  but  apparently  has  been  lost.  It  has 
been  said  that  the  winter  temperature  in  the 
native  habitat  of  this  species  registers  15°  be- 
low zero,  a  state  of  affairs  impossible  of  reali- 
sation in  South  Devon.  It  is,  however,  such 
a  beautiful  plant  that,  one  can  but  do  one's 
best  to  succeed  with  it.      S.  W.  Fiizherbert. 


NOTES  FROM  ISLEWORTH. 

Notwithstanding  the  inclement  weather  of 
this  spring-time,  the  orchards  promise  to  yield 
a  good  all-round  crop.  The  small  fruits  also 
promise  well,  and  both  Strawberries  and  Black 
Currants  will  be  plentiful.  Apples  are  very 
variable  and  difficult  to  estimate,  some  trees 
being  crowded  with  fruit,  and  others  (even  of 
the  same  variety)  standing  near  them  absolutely 
bare  of  fruit.     This  eccentric  setting  seems  to  be 

ral  in  the  district,  and  I  note  how  ver\   shy 

setters  (such  as  the  Improved  Gravenstein)  are 
leaded,  whereas  the  Ions-keeping  cookers  (such 
as  Lane's  Prince  Albert  and  Norfolk  Beefin), 
upon  which  one  generally  gets  a  fair  crop,  are 
rather  thin  tins  season.  I  think  the  explanation 
is  that  the  early-flowering  sorts,  for  once  in  a 
way.  had  a  more  propitious  blooming  period  than 
the  later  kinds.  The  general  result,  however, 
promises  to  give  about  an  average  crop.  Pears  are  a 
heavy  crop,  and  the  fruit  is  very  well  distributed 
over  the  trees.  Most  kinds  will  require  severe 
thinning.  Marie  Louise  is  not  a  good  crop,  but 
this  is  the  only  exception  that  I  have  noted. 
Plums  are  again  a  grand  lot  as  far  as  the  cooking 
kinds  are  concerned,  and  Damsons  are  also  good, 
but  among  dessert  kinds  only  the  Gages  promise 
well.  I  have  a  sprinkling  on  some  Japanese 
Plums  which  have  hitherto  been  barren  in  my 
garden.  Great  benefit  has  accrued  to  those 
prolific  sorts,  such  as  Victorias,  which  so  often 
exhaust  themselves  in  carrying  one  huge  crop 
and  then  take  two  years  to  recover,  by  heavy 
dressings  of  manure  alternated  with  dressings  of 
lime.  salt,  and  soot  mixed,  and  thin  dressings  of 
sulphate  of  iron.  Some  trees  thus  treated  have 
carried  enormous  crops  for  three  successive  years 
and  shows  no  signs  of  exhaustion.  For  some 
unascertained  reason  dressings  of  sulphate  of  iron 
have  also  proved  beneficial  to  the  Strawberry 
beds  in  this  district,  although  I  believe  it  was 
first  applied  by  mistake.  Quinces  are  about  an 
average  crop.  Cherries  are  very  plentiful,  but 
will  probably  be  undersized  on  account  of  the 
very  cold  weather  now  prevailing.  The  wall  fruit 
is  all  splendid  in  this  district.  Undoubtedly  the 
fine,  warm,  and  sunny  autumn  ripened  the  wood 
to  an  exceptional  degree.  Unfortunately  those 
who  grow  early  vegetables  for  the  market  have 
had  a  very  unsatisfactory  time  this  sluing,  but 
in  many  cases  the  product  of  the  orchards  will 
probably  redress  their  losses.  A.  Worsley, 
June  II. 


390 


THE    GARDENERS'    CHRONICLE. 


[June  19,  1909. 


OURISIA  MACROPHYLLA,  Hook. 

The  genus  Ourisia  is  best  known  in  gardens 
through  the  South  American  scarlet-flowered  O. 
coccinea,  a  plant  introduced  by  Messrs.  Veitch 
so  long  ago  as  in  1862,  and  figured  in  the 
Botanical  Magazine  of  the  same  year.  Few  of 
the  New  Zealand  or  of  the  other  South  American 
species  have  come  into  horticulture,  and  this  not 
because  they  are  undeserving  of  cultivation  as 
fig.  172,  illustrating  0.  macrophylla,  will  show. 
Ourisia  macrophylla,  a  New  Zealand  species,  of 
which  Mr.  Cheeseman  (Flora  of  New  Zealand) 
writes,  "In  its  fully  developed  state  this  is  an  ex- 
ceedingly handsome  plant,"  gives  promise  in  its 
growth  at  Edinburgh  of  satisfying  the  description. 
It  forms  a  spreading  tuft  of  basal,  dark  green 
leaves  6  inches  or  so  long — with  a  purple  tint  on 
the  petiole  spreading  into  the  veins  and  around  the 
margin.  Flowering  stems  rise  freely  from  the  base 
and  bear  stalked  flowers,  white,  or  white  streaked 
with  purple,  in  whorls,  several  of  which  may  be 
superposed.  The  bud  before  opening  has  a  beau- 
tiful pink  tinge.  The  figure  shows  only  the  be- 
ginning of  elongation  of  the  flower  axis  to  give 
a  second  whorl,  at  a  later  stage  of  its  growth 
the  plant  figured  had  three  whorls.  Seed  is  pro- 
duced abundantly.  The  plant  figured  was  raised 
in  the  Royal  Botanic  Garden,  Edinburgh,  from 
seed  received  from  New  Zealand  in  1907.  It  was 
grown  in  a  cool  frame  and  flowered  in  mid-March 
this  year,  remaining  in  bloom  for  nearly  six 
weeks.  The  species  should  be  a  useful  hardy 
one  in  gardens  where  New  Zealand  plants  thrive. 


'  FIXATION  OF  NITROGEN  BY  BACTERIA. 

(Concluded  from  page  377. ) 

Moore,  of  the  United  States  Department  of 
Agriculture,  began  about  the  same  time  to  send 
out  cultures  in  a  dry  form,  prepared  by  dipping 
cotton  wool  into  an  active  liquid  culture  of  the 
nodule  organism  and  slowly  drying  it. 
When  required  for  use,  a  fresh  preparation 
was  made  by  putting  the  wool  into  a 
solution  of  sugar  and  potassium  phosphate,  in 
which  the  bacteria  would  begin  to  grow.  Into 
this  active  liquid  the  seeds  could  be  dipped  before 
sowing.  Moore's  preparations  turned  out  un- 
satisfactory because  the  bacteria  did  not  remain 
alive  for  long  after  drying.  However,  since  that 
time,  various  improvements  have  been  made  in 
the  methods  of  growing  the  nodule  bacteria  in 
artificial  media,  and  cultures  which  retain  their 
activity  for  a  considerable  time  are  now  obtain- 
able from  all  the  bacteriological  laboratories 
concerned  with  agricultural  work.  Whether 
solid  or  liquid,  they  require  to  be  dif- 
fused in  a  considerable  bulk  of  water  or  sepa- 
rated milk,  which  can  then  be  distributed  over 
the  land.  A  better  method  is  to  tie  the  seed  in 
a  bag  of  butter  muslin,  dip  it  in  the  fluid,  and 
then  allow  the  seed  to  dry  somewhat  before  sow- 
ing. DThe  seed  should  not,  however,  be  allowed 
to  dry  for  long,  or  the  bacteria  are  apt  to  perish. 
The  question  now  arises  whether  any  practical 
benefit  is  to  be  obtained  from  such  an  inocula- 
tion of  the  seed  of  leguminous  crops,  and  two 
cases  must  at  the  outset  be  considered.  Some 
soils  exist,  especially  in  new  countries  coming 
under  cultivation  for  the  first  time,  from  which 
the  nodule  organism  is  absent ;  in  such  cases 
inoculation  may  be  of  the  greatest  possible  value 
and  may  make  the  difference  between  obtaining 
a  crop  or  none  at  all.  Even  in  these  cases,  how- 
ever, the  soil  is  often  without  nodule  bacteria 
because  in  some  way  its  condition  is  unfit  for 
their  survival,  so  that  it  is  of  no  use  to  introduce 
the  organism  unless  at  the  same  time  the  soil 
is  made  a  suitable  medium  for  their  growth. 
Soils  entirely  without  nodule  organisms  are 
rarely  met  with  in  the  British  Isles,  but  not  in- 
frequently soils  are  found  on  which  such  special 
crops  as  Lucerne,  which  requires  a  race  of  bac- 
teria considerably  differentiated  from  that  which 
is  found  in  Clover  nodules,  fail  to  nodulate 
and  grow  properly.  In  such  cases  a  preliminary 
inoculation  of  the  Lucerne  seed  may  prove  very 
effective  in  establishing  the  crop,  which  other- 
wise fails,  although  Clover  will  grow  freely  on 
the  same  land.  Examples  have  been  observed  of 
the  value  of  inoculating  Lucerne  seed  when  that 
crop  is  being  sown  in  a  district  in  which  it  has 
not  hitherto  been  grown. 

•  Lecture  delivered  on  March  11,  1909,  by  Mr.  A.  D.  Hall, 
Director  of  the  Rothamsted  Experimental  Station. 


But  in  most  of  our  soils,  where  Clover,  Beans, 
and  Peas  have  been  cultivated  in  the  regular 
way,  the  nodule  organism  is  present,  and  the 
leguminous  crop  nodulates  and  begins  to  fix 
nitrogen  without  any  artificial  inoculation.  In 
these  cases  the  gain  from  inoculation  is  not  likely 
to  be  large,  10  to  20  per  cent,  at  the  outside — 
a  quantity  only  perceptible  by  careful  experiment 
— and  its  existence  must  depend  either  upon  some 
advantage  to  be  derived  from  early  inoculation 
or  upon  the  establishment  of  an  improved  race 
of  bacteria,  more  active  in  fixing  nitrogen  than 
those  normally  in  the  soil.  Neither  of  these  pro- 
positions has  been  established,  and,  though  the 
work  is  still  being  actively  pursued,  a  practical 
return  for  inoculation  on  ordinary  field  or 
garden  soils  is  not  yet  to  be  expected.  The 
nodule  bacteria,  either  pure  or  mixed  with 
other  organisms,  have  not  been  induced 
to    enter    into    partnership    with    the    ordinary 


buted,  having  been  isolated  at  Rothamsted  from 
virgin  soils  obtained  from  all  parts  of  the  world. 
In  order  to  fix  nitrogen  it  must  be  supplied  with 
some  form  of  carbohydrate,  by  the  oxidation 
of  which  it  derives  the  energy  necessary  to  bring 
the  nitrogen  into  combination.  Carbonate  of 
lime  as  a  base  in  the  soil  is  also  necessary  for 
its  growth. 

The  history  of  a  certain  piece  of  land  illus- 
trates the  dependence  of  nitrogen-fixation  by 
Azotobaeter  on  supplies  of  carbohydrates  in  the 
soil  at  Rothamsted.  The  land  in  question  has 
been  allowed  to  run  wild  for  the  last  25  years, 
and  has  been  gaining  nitrogen  during  that 
period  at  the  rate  of  nearly  50  lbs.  per  acre  per 
annum,  whereas  the  adjacent  arable  land  has 
lost  rather  than  gained  nitrogen.  On  the 
"  wild  "  land  the  vegetation  every  year  is  al- 
lowed to  die  back,  thus  the  soil  is  continually 
supplied  with  compounds  of  carbon  by  the  oxi- 


FlG.    172. — OURISIA   MACROPHYLLA   FLOWERING    IN   THE    ROYAL    BOTANIC 
GARDEN,    EDINBURGH. 


non-leguminous  plants,  which  is  not  to  be  won- 
dered at.  considering  the  unlimited  opportunities 
the  latter  have  had  in  ordinary  soil  of  trying  the 
experiment  for  themselves.  An  extensive  ex- 
periment tried  upon  Tomatos  seemed  to  give  an 
increased  yield  after  inoculation,  but  this  was 
shown  to  be  due  to  the  nutrient  salts  introduced 
by  the  culture  medium,  for  a  similar  increase 
was  produced  when  the  same  culture  medium  was 
given  to  the  plants  after  it  had  been  first  steri- 
lised by  boiling. 

Turning  now  to  other  soil  bacteria  which  fix 
nitrogen  without  the  intervention  of  legumin- 
ous plants,  mention  must  be  made  of  the  organ- 
ism discovered  by  Beijerinck  and  called  by  him 
Azotobaeter.      This    organism    is    widely    distri- 


dation  of  which  Azotobaeter  is  enabled  to 
fix  nitrogen;  on  the  arable  land,  however,  where 
the  crop  is  almost  wholly  removed,  there  is  no 
return  of  carbon  compounds  to  the  soil. 

Certain  pot  experiments  have  shown  that  the 
application  to  soil  of  sugar,  a  carbon  compound 
containing  no  nitrogen,  is  followed  by  a  gain  of 
nitrogen,  of  great  benefit  to  succeeding  crops, 
but  attempts  to  obtain  similar  results  in  the  field 
at  Rothamsted  have  so  far  yielded  negative  re- 
sults. In  the  Mauritius,  however,  the  treatment 
of  the  soil  with  Molasses  has  been  found  bene- 
ficial to  the  following  crops,  and  Azotobaeter  has 
been  also  shown  to  be  abundant  in  the  soil. 

The  piece  of  "  wild  "  land  at  Rothamsted 
supplies  the  clue  to  the  accumulations  of  nitrogen 


June  19,  1909.] 


THE    GARDENERS'    CHRONICLE. 


391 


in  such  virgin  soils  as  the  black  lands  of  the 
North-west  of  America,  the  Russian  Steppes,  the 
Argentine  Pampas,  &c,  which  are  naturally  occu- 
pied by  a  luxuriant,  grassy  vegetation.  However 
long  such  land  has  been  growing  grass,  the 
plants  themselves  could  not  increase  the  stock  of 
nitrogen ;  they  could  only  take  up  what  was 
originally  in  the  soil  and  restore  it  again.  But 
when  the  carbonaceous  matter  they  have  assimi- 
lated from  the  atmosphere  falls  back  to  the  soil, 
material  is  provided  by  means  of  which  Azoto- 
bacter,  present  in  all  these  soils,  can  proceed 
to  fix  nitrogen.  The  low  ratio  of  carbon  to  nitro- 
gen in  the  organic  matter  of  these  virgin  soils  is 


NOTES  ON  IRISES. 


CHANGE  OF  COLOUR  FROM  YEAR  TO 
YEAR. 

Foe  some  time  past  I  have  been  inclined  to 
suspect  that  Iris  flowers  vary  from  year  to  year 
on  the  same  plants,  even  when  the  latter  remain 
undisturbed  in  the  same  spot.  Last  year  I  made 
careful  notes  of  some  dwarf  yellow  seedlings, 
with  a  view  to  eliminating  muddy  colours  and 
keeping  only  the  purest.  -This  year  the  notes 
do  not  correspond  in  the  least,  and  those  plants 
which  seemed  the  best  last  year  have  this  year 


Fl5.    I73. — PI.EUROTHALI.I5    BIRCHENALLII. 


in  itself  evidence  that  very  active  oxidation  of 
the  vegetable  debris  had  been  going  on  :  in  this 
respect  the  organic  matter  of  the  virgin  soils 
resembles  that  which  had  accumulated  on  the 
"  wild  "  plot  at  Rothamsted,  but  differs  from 
that  which  is  found  in  soils  devoid  of  Azotobac- 
ter.  "  The  gain  in  fertility  of  land  laid  down  to 
grass,  where  a  mass  of  stubble  and  roots  accu- 
mulate, is  also  probably  in  part  the  work  of  this 
nitrogen-collecting  micro-organism. 


only  produced  flowers  in  which  purple  streaks 
occur.  I.  Talischii,  too,  was  last  year  distinctly 
streaked  with  purple  ;  but  this  year  no  purple 
appeared  in  the  falls. 

More  striking  still  is  the  variation  of  the 
colour  of  the  beards  of  Irises  vaga  and  Leicht- 
linii.  In  1907,  I  carefully  labelled  and  separated 
all  blue  beards  (vaga)  from  yellow  beards 
(Leichtlinii).  In  1908,  in  the  two  batches,  there 
was  not  a  single  yellow  beard  among  50  or  60 


flowers.     Last  autumn  the  plants  were  left  un- 
disturbed,  and   this   year  the   two   batches   pro- 
duced blue   and  yellow  beards  respectively,   as 
I  arranged  them  in  the  autumn  of  1907 ! 
Can  anyone  suggest  an  explanation? 

IRIS   STRATJSSII. 

I  should  like  to  draw  attention  to  a  good  ex- 
ample of  this  plant,  which  I  received  from  Mr. 
W.  Muller,  of  Nocera  Inferiore,  Italy,  with  a 
note  to  the  effect  that  it  was  collected  in  Persia, 
on  the  borders  of  Beluchistan.  The  first  flower 
opened  on  April  22,  and  agreed  with  the  de- 
scription given  in  Mr.  Lynch's  Booh  of  the  Iris, 
except  that  the  head  consisted  of  three  flowers 
within  the  same  outer  spathe  valves. 

Curiously  enough,  within  a  few  days,  a  seed- 
ling bloomed  for  the  first  time  and  was  identical 
with  this  Persian  I.  Straussii.  It  was  a  plant 
that  I  raised  from  seed  of  a  yellow  Iris  offered  in 
the  trade  about  four  years  ago  as  I.  suaveolens. 
Among  a  dozen  plants,  four  came  clear  yellow 
and  three  others  had  the  curious  dull  purple  of  I. 
Straussii.  Of  these  latter,  two  had  beards,  in 
which  the  yellow-white  hairs  of  the  beard  were 
not  tipped  with  blue,  as  in  I.  Straussii. 

All  these  plants  agree  in  having  standards 
that  are  noticeably  larger  than  the  falls  and 
which  project  beyond  the  falls  in  the  unopened 
bud.  The  texture  of  the  segments  is  extremely 
delicate  in  all  cases,  quite  unlike  that  of  the 
European  pumila  or  chamaeiris,  and  it  would 
seem  that  we  have  in  I.  Straussii  a  dwarf  Persian 
Iris  of  varying  colour  which  corresponds  to  the 
South  European  chamseiris  and  olbiensis  with 
their  various  colour  forms.  This  Persian  Iris 
is  also  remarkable  in  that  the  base  of  the  haft 
of  the  standards  often,  but  not  always  even  on 
the  same  plant,  bears  a  few  hairs  of  the  same 
colour  as  the  beard,  a  phenomenon  which  is  also 
frequent  among  the  Oncocyclus  Irises,  and  occurs, 
moreover,  in  I.  florentina. 

COLD     STORAGE     FOR     ONCOCYCLUS 

SPECIES. 
Owing  to  the  folly  of  a  gardener,  who  during 
last  August  copiously  watered  my  cold-stored 
Oncocyclus  plants  because  he  thought  "  they 
looked  rather  dry,"  I  was  not  able  to  lift  and 
store  the  rhizomes  for  a  second  winter.  How- 
ever, I  stored  another  batch  of  newly-imported 
rhizomes  until  the  middle  of  February.  Then 
for  a  week  or  two  they  lay  in  a  frame  in  boxes 
of  cocoanut  fibre  and  sand — an  excellent  medium 
for  encouraging  root  growth  in  dry  or  shrivelled 
plants.  They  soon  began  to  send  out  roots,  and 
I  planted  them  early  in  March  in  a  sheltered 
spot  in  sandy  soil  well  enriched  with  old  cow 
manure  and  leaf-mould.  Throughout  April  and 
May  they  were  kept  well  watered,  and  I  have 
had  five  flowers  of  I.  lupina  and  I.  Elisabethae. 
Four  flowers  of  I.  Haynei  are  now  open,  and  I. 
Lortetii  and  I.  Bismarckiana  are  in  bud.  The 
plants,  too,  are  making  vigorous  growth,  and 
will,  I  hope,  provide  good  rhizomes  for  storing 
again  in  August.  W.  E.  Dykes,  Charterhouse, 
Godalming 


PLEUROTHALUS  BIRCHENALLII. 

The  illustration  in  fig.  173  represents  this  new 
species,  which  was  imported  by  Mr.  Birchenall, 
of  Alderley  Edge,  Cheshire,  and  shown  by 
Messrs.  Charlesworth  &  Co.  at  a  meeting  of  the 
Royal  Horticultural  Society  on  April  20  last, 
when  it  was  accorded  a  Botanical  Certificate. 
The  species  seems  to  be  closely  allied  to  Pleuro- 
thallis  scapha,  figured  in  the  Botanical  Maga- 
zine, tab.  7431,  but  P.  Birchenallii  is  darker  in 
colour.  The  flowers  are  whitish,  with  claret- 
purple  coloured  lines.  It  is  an  elegant  plant, 
like  many  of  the  larger  species  of  Pleurothallis. 


392 


THE     GARDENERS'    CHRONICLE. 


[June  19,  1909. 


ASHBOURNE,  GO.  CORK. 

(See  figs.  174  and  175,  and  Supplementary  Illustration.) 

Ashbourne,  the  residence  of  Mr.  Richard  H. 
Beamish,  is  at  Glounthaune,  nearly  opposite  the 
little  railway  station  of  Queenstown  Junction, 
Co.   Cork. 

It  is  only  some  seven  years  or  so  since  Mr. 
Beamish  formed  his  garden  at  Ashbourne,  with 
the  help  of  Mr.  Hume,  his  gardener.  The  resi- 
dence is  not  a  large  one,  but  it  is  very  beauti- 
fully situated,  and  its  walls  are  clothed  with 
Macartney  Roses  and  other  climbers. 

Mr.  Beamish  and  his  gardener  conducted  me 
through  the  gardens  on  the  occasion  of  a 
summer  visit.  Amongst  the  first  plants  I 
saw  of  interest  was  Eucoma  ulmoides,  the  new 
hardy    Rubber   plant.      Broussonetia   papyrifera 


In  a  warm  part  of  the  grounds  is  a  little  pond 
planted  with  Blue  Water  Lilies.  It  presents 
a  sight  probably  unique  in  the  United  Kingdom, 
as  the  plants  flower  entirely  in  the  open,  without 
any  protection  from  the  time  they  are  put  out  in 
May.  There  were  many  fine  flowers  expanded 
on  the  day  of  my  visit,  principally  of  the  Berlin 
variety  of  Nymphtea  stellata.  The  tubers  are 
lifted  in  autumn,  and  kept  under  glass ;  the 
young  growths  or  tubers  only  are  replanted,  not 
the  old.  From  the  time  of  their  planting-out 
no  protection  is  afforded  these  Nympha?as.  In 
addition  to  the  Berlin  variety,  Mr.  Hudson's 
beautiful   form  is  also  found  at  Ashbourne. 

In  another  pond  are  a  number  of  the  hybrid 
and  other  Nymphseas,  such  as  N.  gloriosa,  N. 
Froebelii,  N.  Ellisiana,  N.  Marliacea  albida,  and 
N.  M.  rosea. 

Caltha  polypetala,  by  the  side  of  the  pond,  was 


Fig.  174.— view  of  portion  of  the  rockery  in  ashbourne  gardens,  co.  cork. 


was  also  seen,  and  the  distinct  Beschorneria  de- 
kosteriana  was  doing  admirably  in  a  group  on  the 
grass.  Here,  also,  were  observed  several  Cordy- 
lines,  including  C.  indivisa,  C.  Banksii,  and  C. 
australis,  with  several  hardy  Palms,  Ashbourne 
being  well  protected  from  the  north  winds. 
Rhaphithamnus  cyanocarpus,  from  Chili,  with 
its  blue  berries ;  Cercocarpus  breviflorus,  Ptelea 
fastigiata,  Mallotus  japonicus,  the  distinct  Feijoa 
Sellowiana,  Stuartia  pseudo-camellia,  the  beauti- 
ful Cryptomeria  selaginoides,  Hovenia  dulcis, 
and,  although  rather  tender,  the  beautiful  Myo- 
porum  serratum  were  also  noticed.  Cocos  austra- 
lis withstood  the  severe  winter  of  1908,  and  ap- 
peared in  a  perfect  condition  of  health.  A  num- 
ber of  Kniphofias  were  very  fine. 

Some  of  these  were  seedlings  raised  at  Ash- 
bourne, and  allied  to  K.  Northife,  of  which 
species  there  is  a  small  stock  in  these  gardens. 


also  very  fine ;  whilst  Gunneras,  as  elsewhere  in 
Ireland,  grow  magnificently. 

Miscanthus  japonicus,  a  plant  allied  to  Eula- 
lia,  is  also  represented  by  the  waterside.  Tri- 
cuspidarias  are  represented  by  good  specimens  of 
T.  lanceolata  and  T.  dependens.  The  true  T. 
dependens  is  inferior  to  the  species  which  was 
formerly  recognised  by  that  name,  but  which  is 
now  known  as  T.  lanceolatus.  Decaisnea  Far- 
gesii  was  cut  down  by  the  frost,  but  it  recovered 
and  was  bearing  fruit.  Another  plant  which  is 
worthy  of  special  mention  is  the  beautiful  Grevil- 
lea  rosmarinifolia.  I  was  also  pleased  to  see 
Embothrium  coecineum,  which,  in  some  Irish 
gardens,  succumbed  to  last  winter's  trials.  The 
plant  was  thriving. 

A  large  break  of  Iris  Kaempferi,  in  the  finest 
varieties,  attracted  my  notice.  The  land  in  which 
they   are   planted   is   supplied   in   summer   with 


moisture  from  a  small  rivulet  flowing  on  one 
side.  The  plants  were  doing  splendidly,  and 
were  producing  very  large  blooms.  Thence  we 
passed  to  a  water  garden  by  the  side  of  a  little 
stream  (see  Supplementary  Hlustration).  Here 
were  many  good  plants  well  grown,  such  as  the 
graceful  Stenanthemum  robustum,  a  North 
American  member  of  the  Liliacese,  which  was 
now  coming  into  favour,  and  of  which  a  good 
group  a  little  above  the  water  level  was  charming. 
The  flowers  are  creamy  white.  Auchusa  italica 
succeeds  splendidly  in  the  boggy  ground.  It  is 
shown  in  full  flower  in  the  illustration.  The 
delightful  little  Linnea  borealis  flourishes  in  a 
way  seldom  seen,  as  do  Campanula  phyctido- 
calyx,  a  large  group  of  the  pretty  apricot- 
coloured  Dimorphotheca  aurea,  and  masses  of 
Primula  capitata  and  other  species  of  Primula. 
The  success  of  P.  deorum  in  moisture  here  would 
indicate  that  it  is  a  moisture  lover,  and  that  this 
treatment  will  probably  be  more  successful  with 
this  scarce  Primrose  than  any  other.  Rhododen- 
dron kamtschaticum  also  was  greatly  en- 
joying the  moisture.  Here,  again,  one  of 
the  Castillejas,  kept  dry  at  the  roots  in  win- 
ter, but  apparently  revelling  in  the  summer  mois- 
ture, was  bright  with  its  scarlet  flowers.  Equally 
flourishing  was  Corydalis  cheilanthifolia;  the  dis- 
tinct Saxifraga  tellimoides,  with  several  Spiraeas 
and  Astilbes,  and  Astilbe  Davidii  looking  finer  in 
the  surroundings  here  than  anywhere  I  have  seen 
it,  for  the  colour  of  the  flowers  does  not  always 
harmonise  with  other  subjects.  Stokesia 
cyanea,  the  fine  Podophyllum  Emodii  major, 
Roscoea  purpurea,  Geranium  Wallichianum  Bux- 
ton's variety,  and  Geranium  Lowii  were  also 
very  good  indeed ;  whilst  a  group  of  Primula 
obconica  had  remained  in  the  open  unprotected 
for  two  years.  Some  of  the  older  Primroses  of 
worth  are  also  grown.  Amongst  other  plants 
noted  were  many  Thalictrums ;  a  collection  of 
the  best  species  of  Meconopsis,  including  M. 
integrifolia  and  M.  grandis ;  Shortia  gaiaciflora 
and  S.  uniflora,  with  Galax  aphylla,  and  doing 
splendidly  in  a  pool;  the  fine  NympliEea  tuberusa 
Richardsonii ;  nearly  all  the  Eremuri,  although 
their  flowering  was  over;  and  many  other  good 
plants  suitable  for  the  water  or  its  banks.  Two 
good  annual  Tropaeolums  looked  well  among  the 
shrubs  by  the  side.  These  are  Isola  Bella,  a 
single,  and  the  fine,  double  variety  called  Darm- 
stadt. 

Passing  fr.om  here,  among  shrubs  and  trees  I 
observed  Indigofera  Gerardiana,  and  such 
Andromedas  as  A.  leucantha,  A.  Cateslwi. 
and  other  good  species  and  forms.  The 
deciduous  Rex  verticillatus  is  an  excellent 
and  beautiful  Holly,  and  Jacaranda  mimossefolia, 
Olea  fragrans,  Benthamia  fragifera,  and  several 
Pittosporums,  the  lovely  Leptospermum  bulla 
turn,  with  a  number  of  other  good  things,  were 
among  those  which  attracted  my  notice.  With 
Juglans  mandschuricus,  the  experience  of  Mr. 
Beamish  is  the  same  as  my  own — that  it  is  tender, 
and  apt  to  be  cut  back  by  frosts  in  spring,  but 
that  it  breaks  away  later.  One  of  the  most  charm- 
ing of  the  Philadelphuses  here  is  one  of  M. 
Lemoine's  raising,  and  is  called  hybridus  erectus. 

Mr.  Beamish  is  fond  of  Verbascums,  the  best 
being  V.  pannosum  longifolium.  Near  by  is  a 
little  "  Lavender  garden,"  with  its  quiet  beauty 
and  fragrant  growths. 

In  a  long  stretch  by  the  house  lies  the  flower 
garden  proper,  where  beds  and  borders  of  Roses 
and  hardy  flowers  of  the  best  species  and  varie- 
ties looked  quite  brilliant,  although  the  early 
flowers  were  over  and  the  later  had  not  come  into 
bloom.  Another  feature  here  is  the  pathway 
lined  with  Yews  and  spanned  with  arches  of 
Roses  at  intervals. 

Although  many  other  features  have  remained 
unmentioned,  the  remainder  of  my  space  must  be 
devoted  to  a  brief  notice  of  the  rock-garden, 
which  was  worth  a  long  journey  to  see.  It  is  a 
tasteful  combination  of  natural  and  artificial  rock- 
work,  and  provision  is  made  for  plants  that  are 
not  always  accommodated  properly  on  natural 
rocks.     The     rock-garden      is     most     extensive, 


June  19,  1909.] 


THE    GARDENERS'    CHRONICLE. 


393 


and  is  full  of  many  features  worth  noting.  Thus, 
on  a  steep  rock  face,  there  is  a  splendid  plant  of 
Mandevilla  suaveolens.  clambering  up  and  giving 
plenty  of  its  fragrant,  white  flowers.  Some  noble 
plants  of  the  true  Kniphofia  Northise  were  mag- 
nificent. As  is  proper  with  such  an  extensive 
rock-garden,  the  plants  are  generally  in  masses, 
which  is  the  best  way  to  produce  effect  when  the 
rock-garden  is  of  a  considerable  size.  It  is  im- 
possible to  specify  in  detail  the  plants,  but  I  may 
mention  masses  of  the  Italian  form  of  Campanula 
pulla;  the  pinkish-white  Eriogonum  racemosum  ; 
a  mass  of  Umbilicus  chrysanthus  ;  Lotus  pelio- 
rhynchus,  trailing  over  the  rocks;  Campanula 
velutina,  a  biennial,  but  very  pleasing ;  Aqui- 
legid  Stuartii ;  Anemone  Fanninii ,  the  showy 
Haplocarpha  scaposa ;  a  group  of  the  fine 
Rosa  sericea  pteracantha ;  Campanula  G.  F. 
Wilson;  Campanula  isophylla,  very  pleas- 
ing against  the  rocks;  Erica  tenuifolia;  Vitis 
armata;  a  number  of  Sempervivums,  some 
not  seen  as  a  rule  elsewhere  ;  bold  groups  of  the 
silvery  or  encrusted  Saxifrages,  a  good  selection 
of  Androsaces,  and  several  forms  of  Zauschneria. 
There  were  also  observed  Iris  stylosa ;  Hypericum 
reptans,  a  splendid  specimen ;  Ramondias  and 
Haberleas,  including  the  rare  Haberlea  vir- 
ginalis,  doing  well,  with  greater  sunshine  than 
they  receive  in  my  garden ;  Cistuses,  Helian- 
themums,  and,  in  brief,  a  wonderful  collec- 
tion of  old,  new,  or  rare  Alpine  flowers,  as 
well   as  some  which,  in  smaller  gardens,   would 


.MR.  BURBANK  AND  THE  WONDERBERRY. 

I  enclose  herewith  an  extract  from  the  Rural 
New  Yorker,  issue  of  Hay  29,  regarding  Mr. 
Burbank  and  the  Wonderberry.  There  is  much 
discussion  of  this  plant  here,  and  we  shall  know 
more  about  it  at  the  end  of  the  season. 

Regarding  the  well-known  Solanum  nigrum, 
which,  I  believe,  is  always  regarded  as  dan- 
gerous in  Northern  Europe,  it  is  used  in  the 
north-western  States,  but,  I  believe,  only  in  a 
cooked  form,  as  a  sauce  or  in  pies.  It  is  called 
Stubbleberry,  as  it  grows  quite  freely  in  Wheat 
stubble.  It  is  only  used  in  new  districts  where 
there  is  no  other  fruit,  or  where  there  is  diffi- 
culty in  growing  other  fruit,  just  as  green 
Tomatos  are  used  by  American  housewives  to 
n.ake  pies  where  there  is  a  famine  in  "  pie 
timber."  Prof.  Hanson,  ot  the  Dakota  Experi- 
ment Station,  expressed  his  surprise  at  finding 
the  Black  Nightshade  thus  used  in  Dakota,  but, 
in  addition  to  the  effect  of  cooking,  it  is  quite 
possible  that  climate  modifies  the  poisonous  pro- 
perty. It  is  Solanum  nigrum  that  was  dissemi- 
nated by  some  American  seedsmen  of  recent  years 
under  the  name  of  Garden  Huckleberry.  Emily 
Tapliii  Boyle,   May  wood,   Ni  «•  Jersey. 

Extract    from   the   Rural   Xew    Yorker. 
THE    WONDERBERRY    AND    THE    WIZARD 

BURBANK. 
The  "  Wonderberry  "   appeared   this  season  as  one  of 
the    "  novelties  "    which    are    sprung    upon    the    public 
without  official   test  or  preparation.     We  had   no  chance 


FlG.    175. — AUBRIETIA    "DR.    MULES"    IN    ASHBOURNE    GARDENS,    CO.    CORK. 


be  relegated  to  the  border,  but  which  are  quite 
suitable  for  such  a  large  garden  as  that  at  Ash- 
bourne. Mr.  W.  E.  Gumbleton  is  enthusiastic  in 
praise  of  this  rock-garden  of  Mr.  Beamish,  and 
it  was  on  his  recommendation  that  I  had  the 
pleasure  of  seeing  it.    .S'.  Arnott. 


FOREIGN     CORRESPONDENCE. 


SOLANUM    NIGRUM. 

Solanum  nigrum  has  a  wide  distribution  in 
Eastern  Equatorial  Africa,  and  is  used  by  the 
natives  as  a  potherb.  The  plant  is  very  common 
in  cultivated  plots,  and,  although  I  have  never 
observed  artificial  plantations  of  it,  yet, 
wherever  it  grows  spontaneously  amongst  other 
crops,  it  is  never  uprooted,  but  tended  with  the 
other  occupants  of  the  garden. 

The  young  shoots  and  leaves  are  gathered  and 
used  as  a  Spinach.  The  black  fruits  are  never 
eaten,  either  raw  or  cooked,  and  even  small  fruits 
are  picked  off  the  Spinach  before  cooking.  I 
cannot  find  that  the  plant  has  a  reputation  as  a 
bearer  of  poisonous  fruits  here,  but  its  fruits  are 
said  by  the  natives  to  be  "  not  nice."  E.  Brown, 
Mabira  Forest,   Uganda. 


to  test  it,  but  botanists  of  high  reputation  were  sure  it 
was  iu  no  wise  different  from  the  well-known  Solanum 
nigrum.  We  think  there  are  too  many  half -baked 
novelties  put  before  the  public,  and  that  a  thorough 
roasting  will  either  prove  their  value  or  their  wortli- 
lessness.  A  correspondent  of  the  Gardeners'  Chronicle, 
of  London,  England,  examined  the  seeds  and  made  this 
report  : 

"  The  seeds  looked  ordinary  and  the  given  origin 
excited  curiosity,  so  I  proceeded  to  look  up  the  history 
of  the  two  reputed  parents.  They  proved  to  be  nothing 
other  than  forms  of  S.  nigrum,  a  weed  in  every 
country;  therefore,  the  Wonderberry  is  S.  nigrum  also. 
The  seeds,  on  careful  comparison,  proved  it  beyond 
doubt.  Then  I  remembered  that  this  same  story  had 
b?en  round  in  another  form  about  two  years  ago,  but 
the  name  given  then  was  Huckleberry, _  instead  of 
Wonderberry.  We  grew  some  plants  of  it  and  they 
turned  out  to  be  simply  Nightshade— S.  nigrum.  What 
does  it  all  mean?  Every  intelligent  child  shuns  the 
fruits  of  this  weed  of  waste  land  and  manure  heaps, 
the  poisonous  properties  of  which  are  undoubted. 
Children  who  have  eaten  the  fruit  have  died  soon  after 
from  its  effects,  which  are  very  distressing — vomiting, 
colic,  convulsions,  &c.  Mr.  N.  E.  Brown  informs  me, 
however,  that  in  some  countries  the  fruits  of  Solanum 
nigrum  are  not  only  innocuous,  but  they  are  actually 
eaten,  and  on  consulting  various  books  I  found  several 
records  to  that  effect.  A  Russian  chemist  who  had  in- 
vestigated the  question  as  to  the  berries  being  poisonous 
in  some  countries  and  harmless  in  others  concluded  that 
the  difference  was  not  due  to  any  difference  in  the 
plants,  but  to  variations  in  the  climatic  conditions  under 
which  the  fruits  were  grown,  the  narcotic  principle 
being  either  undeveloped  or  finally  dispelled  under  the 
influence  of  certain  conditions,  of  which  heat  and  light 
were  probably  the  most  important.  It  is,  therefore, 
quite  possible  that  the  Nightshade  is  poisonous  in  Great 
Britain  and  harmless  in  America.  After  all,  are  we  so 
hard  up  for  fruit  as  to  be  forced  to  turn  to  one  of  our 


most  pestiferous  weeds,  which  is  also  known  to  be  a. 
deadly  poison,  because  we  are  advised  to  do  this  by 
some   seedsmen   in   America?" 

A  man  in  New  York  bought  seed  of  the  Wonderberry, 
naturally  expecting  that  '*  Burbank's  creation"  would 
prove  a  prize  indeed.  A  sea  captain  from  England 
had  read  the  article  in  the  Gardeners'  Chronicle,  and 
he  told  our  friend  what  is  printed  above.  This  man 
wrote  Luther  Burbank  about  it,  and  received  the  follow- 
ing  reply  : 

It  is  very  kind  of  you  to  inquire  at  headquarters 
about  the  "  Wonderberry."  The  name  "  Sunberry  "  is 
the  one  which  I  rather  preferred  when  I  sold  my  rights 
in  it  to  John  Lewis  Childs.  As  you  probably  know, 
newspaper  reporters  are  not  always  as  well  posted  as 
they   should   be. 

I  am  ready  to  make  an  offer  of  ten  thousand  dollars 
($10,000)  cash,  cold  coin,  if  any  living  person  on  earth 
proves  that  the  "  Wonderberry  "  is  the  black  Night- 
shade or  any  other  berry  ever  before  known  on  this 
planet  until  I  produced  it. 

I  have  seen  some  criticisms,  especially  in  the  Rural 
New  Yorker,  of  New  York  City,  where  they  simply 
show  their  ignorance  of  the  whole  matter. 

Now,  I  have  made  a  good  offer  and  it  would  please 
me  very  much  if  you  would  publish  it  in  the  Rural 
New  Yorker  and  in  the  English  publication  you  men- 
tioned, the  Gardeners'  Chronicle,  as  it  is  not  in  good 
taste  for  me  to  meet  these  statements  personally,  and, 
furthermore,  they  will  find  out  how  mistaken  they  are. 
(Signed)  Luther  Burbank. 

If  Mr.  Burbank  would  make  as  sure  of  his  novelties 
as  he  makes  safe  in  his  offers  little  fault  could  be 
found  with  him  or  them.  We  name  Burbank  himself 
as  the  "  living  person  on  earth,"  who  is  well  qualified 
to  finger  that  $10,000.  He  proves  by  his  own  statements 
that  the  "  Wonderberry  "  resulted  from  crossing  S. 
villosum  and  S.  guineense.  As  the  Gardeners'  Chronicle 
states  above,  the  result  of  this  cross  must  be  Night- 
shade !  Mr.  Burbank  should  at  once  hand  himself  that 
$10,000,  for  he  has  earned  it.  If,  however,  he  does  not 
consider  it  good  taste  to  have  money  or  honours  thrust 
upon  himself,  the  R.  N.  Y.  will  put  in  a  modest  plea, 
for  the  amount.  We  have  a  plant  of  the  "  Wonder- 
berry "  in  bloom  and  with  the  fruit  formed.  Botanists 
declare  that  it  has  all  the  characteristics  of  S. 
nigrum.  Readers  in  Louisiana  have  compared  the 
"  Wonderberry  "  with  the  wild  plant  and  declare  that 
they  are  the  same  !  As  proof  we  shall  print  the  pictures 
of  "these  plants.  If  Mr.  Burbank  desires  further  proof 
will  he  kindly  state  what  will  satisfy  him?  When  we 
demonstrate  the  true  character  of  this  "  Wonderberry  " 
Mr.  Burbank  will  no  doubt  realise  how  the  American 
public  has  been  held  up  for  petty  plunder  on  the  repu- 
tation which  goes  with  his  name.  Let  us  now  see  what 
this  "  good  offer"  is  good  for! — Rural  New   Yorker. 


NOTICES    OF     BOOKS. 


*  A  First  Book  of  Botany. 

Now  that  natural  history  has  obtained  a 
definite  place  in  the  school  course  of  study,  it 
has  become  a  matter  of  great  importance  to  pro- 
vide suitable  text  books  to  aid  the  teacher  by 
indicating  which  of  the  manifold  aspects  of 
Nature  are  most  suited  for  his  purpose.  All 
teachers  of  natural  history  recognise  that  plants 
offer  an  infinite  variety  of  material  for  such 
study  :  but  they  also  know  by  experience  that  it 
is  not  altogether  easy  to  select  from  this  variety 
subjects  which  serve  to  build  up  in  the  scholar's 
mind  a  good  general  knowledge  of  the  life  and 
work  of  plants.  The  little  book  under  review 
makes  this  attempt,  and,  on  the  whole, 
makes  it  with  success.  The  descriptions  of  the 
common  objects  treated  of  are  well  done,  and 
the  illustrations  are  none  the  less  useful  from 
being  somewhat  diagrammatic.  We  would  sug- 
gest, however,  that  the  photographs,  for  ex- 
ample, that  of  the  female  catkins  of  the  Willow 
(p.  88),  might  well  be  replaced  by  careful  draw- 
ings, or,  if  that  is  not  possible,  in  the  case  of 
the  representation  of  British  trees,  omitted  alto- 
gether. The  suggestions  for  practical  work 
which  are  made  at  the  end  of  each  chapter  are 
workmanlike,  and  should  prove  of  great  as- 
sistance to  the  teacher  as  well  as  to  the  scholar. 
In  extending  a  cordial  welcome  to  this  little 
book,  we  would  venture  on  the  criticism  that,  in 
the  attempt  to  present  a  bird's-eye  view  of  the 
subject,  too  much  ground  is  covered,  and  sub- 
jects dealt  with  which,  in  our  opinion,  would 
be  best  omitted  altogether  from  a  First  Book  of 
Botany.  The  educational  value  of  frequent  ob- 
servations on  a  few  plants  in  the  various  stages 
of  their  development  is  greater  than  that  of  more 
cursory  examinations  of  larger  numbers  of  plants. 

Nevertheless,  we  recommend  with  confidence 
this  little  book  to  the  teacher  for  use  in  the 
school. 

•  By  Elizabeth  Healey.  Pp.  142,  price  Is.  6d.  (Mac- 
millan  &  Co.     1909.) 


394 


THE    GARDENERS'    CHRONICLE. 


[June  19,  1909. 


MARKET  GARDENING. 


THREE    CHOICE    ANNUALS. 

Cut  flowers  of  the  tall-growing  section  of  the 
Sweet  Scabious  are  much  appreciated  by  florists 
for  decorative  purposes.  The  three  best  varieties 
are  as  follow : — Pompadour  with  double  flowers, 
claret-purple  in  colour,  edged  with  white,  and 
borne  on  long  stems  which  render  the  flowers 
most  suitable  for  arranging  in  glasses,  &c. ; 
Azure  Fairy,  with  large,  well-formed,  pale 
blue  flowers,  a  very  valuable  acquisition  to  the 
Sweet  Scabious  family;  and  Fire  King,  the 
flowers  of  which  are  of  a  rich  crimson  colour  and 
of  fine  shape.  This  variety  is  of  recent  introduc- 
tion. The  plants  are  best  raised  under  glass  in 
order  to  secure  early  supplies  of  cut  flowers. 
They  should  be  transplanted  out-of-doors  in  May 
in  rows  18  inches  apart  and  at  the  same  distance 
■from  plant  to  plant  in  the  rows.  Seed  of  the 
dwarf  and  late-growing  varieties,  sown  in  flower 
borders  out-of-doors  will  yield  supplies  of  cut 
flowers  considerably  later  in  the  season. 

Statice  is  another  flowering  annual  that  has 
come  to  be  in  great  request  lately.  The  three  fol- 
lowing species  are  the  best  for  yielding  supplies 
of  cut  flowers,  namely,  S.  australis  (sinensis), 
which  produces  arching  spikes  of  canary-yellow- 
coloured  flowers.  The  inflorescences  are  from  15 
to  24  inches  long,  according  to  the  depth  and 
fertility  of  the  soil.  S.  sinuata,  which  produces 
fairly  long,  branching  spikes  of  blue  flowers;  and 
S.  Bonduellii,  a  free-growing,  yellow-flowering 
variety.  These  plants  continue  to  bloom  into 
late  autumn.  They  are  what  is  termed  "  ever- 
lasting," and  on  this  account,  as  much  as  by 
reason  of  their  habit  of  growth  and  colour,  are 
greatly  in  demand,  especially  during  the  early 
autumn  months. 

The  Sweet  Sultan  (Centaurea)  is  another  grand 
cut-flower  annual.  The  best  varieties  for  sup- 
plying cut  blooms  include  those  undermentioned  : 
—The  magnificent-flowered  C.  imperialis  alba, 
with  pure  white  blooms,  very  fine  in  size  and 
shape ;  C.  odorata  Marguerita,  pure  white ;  C. 
Chameleon,  yellow  and  rose-coloured ;  and  C.  pur- 
purea. The  Sweet  Sultan  may  also  be  had  in 
nine  separate  colours :  delicate  lilac,  bright  rose, 
dark  lilac,  lilac,  purple,  rose,  dark  purple,  and 
white-shaded  rose ;  but  the  four  first-mentioned 
varieties  are  the  best  to  cultivate  for  the  purposes 
indicated  above.  The  globular-shaped  flowers  are 
borne  on  long,  stoutish  stems,  which,  in  addition 
to  the  delicate  perfume  of  the  flowers,  render 
them  admirably  suited  for  all  kinds  of  cut-bloom 
arrangements.  To  obtain  an  early  and  pro- 
longed supply  of  these  popular  flowers,  sow  the 
seed  in  boxes  under  glass,  afterwards  transferring 
them  into  3-inch  pots,  placing  three  in  each  pot, 
and  grow  them  on  in  the  usual  way  near  the  glass 
in  a  pit  or  frame.  Transplant  out-of-doors  in 
May,  placing  them  in  rows,  the  same  distance 
apart  as  recommended  for  Sweet  Scabious,  allow- 
ing the  same  distance  each  way  for  the  Statice 
plants,  and  afterwards  applying  water  to  all 
the  plants  to  settle  the  soil  about  the  roots. 
H.  W.  W. 


The  Week's  Work, 


PLANTS    UNDER  GLASS. 

By  A.  C.  Bartlett,  Gardener  to  Mrs.  Ford,  Pencarrow, 
Cornwall. 

Herbaceous  Calceolarias. — If  it  is  intended  to 
make  only  one  sowing  of  seed,  then  July  is  per- 
haps the  best  time  for  the  operation,  but  if 
several  batches  of  plants  are  required,  the  seed 
may  well  be  sown  at  intervals  from  the  present 
time  until  the  latter  part  of  August.  The  seeds 
should  be  sown  thinly  and  evenly  in  well-drained 
pans  nearly  filled  with  light,  sandy  soil.  The 
surface  of  the  soil  should  be  made  firm  and  level. 
It  is  not  advisable  to  cover  the  seeds  with  soil, 
but  they  may  be  pressed  into  the  surface  with 
a  piece  of  dry,  flat  wood.  As  cool  conditions  at 
all  times  are  essential  to  the  successful  cultivation 
til  these  showy  plants,  the  seed  pans  should  be 


placed  in  a  shady  part  of  the  cool  greenhouse  or 
in  an  unheated  frame.  The  soil  should  be  moist 
so  that  water  will  not  be  required  until  the 
seeds  have  germinated.  A  piece  of  glass  laid 
over  the  seed  pans  will  prevent  excessive  evapora- 
tion ;  the  glass  must,  of  course,  be  removed  for  a 
time  daily,  be  tilted  as  soon  as  the  seeds  germi- 
nate, and  finally  be  removed  altogether. 

Humea  elegans. — Well-grown  plants  of  Humea 
elegans  have  considerable  decorative  value,  and 
the  scent  of  the  leaves  is  pleasing  to  many  per- 
sons. Seeds  may  be  sown  at  any  time  during 
the  next  three  or  four  weeks,  in  pans  of 
moderately  light  soil.  Too  high  a  temperature 
sometimes  prevents  germination,  therefore  the 
pans  containing  the  seeds  must  only  be  placed  in 
a  warm  house.  As  soon  as  possible  after  the 
seedlings  appear  above  the  soil,  they  should  be 
potted  singly  into  small  pots,  exercising  care  not 
to  injure  the  roots. 

Primula. — These  plants  require  to  be  kept 
steadily  growing,  and  as  soon  as  the  seedling 
plants  have  filled  their  pots  with  roots  they 
should  be  given  a  shift  into  others  of  larger  size. 
Throughout  the  summer  these  and  the  double- 
flowered  varieties  should  be  given  cool  frame 
treatment,  allowing  ample  room  between  each 
plant.  During  warm  nights,  after  the  plants 
have  become  established,  the  lights  may  be  re- 
moved, but  judgment  must  be  exercised,  as 
Primulas,  and  especially  the  double-flowered 
varieties,  are  checked  by  exposure  to  cold  rains 
and  sudden  changes  of  temperature. 


THE  FLOWER  GARDEN. 

By  W.  A.  Cook,  Gardener  to  Sir  Edmund  G.  Loder,  Bart., 
Leonardslee,  Susses. 

Carnations. — A  final  top-dressing  of  manure 
and  afterwards  a  good  watering  should  be  given 
to  these  plants.  Keep  the  flowers  neatly  tied  up  to 
thin  stakes.  It  is  better  to  do  some  disbudding, 
as  the  buds  near  to  the  main  flower  are  of  no 
value  and  serve  merely  to  retard  the  develop- 
ment of  that  flower.  As  a  rule,  one  flower  to 
each  stem  is  sufficient,  but  for  the  purpose  of 
securing  a  late  supply  it  may  be  desirable  to 
leave  an  additional  flower-bud  near  the  base  of 
the  spike. 

Irises. — In  some  districts  Irises  may  require 
watering.  Manure  water  obtained  from  cow 
manure  is  very  beneficial  to  them.  I.  Kaempferi 
usually  does  best  in  a  moist  position,  but  I  have 
known  it  to  succeed  on  what  would  be  termed  a 
dry   border. 

Flow  ring  shrubs. — Deutzia  discolor  grandi- 
flora,  D.  kalmiteflora,  D.  Wilsonii.  and  D.  Vil- 
moriniana  have  flowered  abundantly.  Let  such 
plants  be  pruned  directly  they  have  finished 
flowering.  Otherwise  the  branches,  becoming 
long  and  weak,  will  droop  to  the  ground.  The 
beautiful  Rubus  deliciosus  requires  pruning  and 
top-dressing  after  flowering.  There  are  many 
other  shrubs  that  will  be  all  the  better  for  being 
pruned  at  this  season.  Lilacs,  for  instance,  if 
it  is  necessary  that  they  should  be  kept  dwarf 
and  bushy,  should  be  pruned  at  the  present 
time. 

Roses. — Trailing  Roses  should  be  neatly,  but 
not  tightly,  trained,  and  the  young,  vigorous 
shoots  which  start  from  the  base  should  be  care- 
fully secured.  Gather  the  old  seed  vessels  from 
early-flowering  varieties.  If  Roses  are  syringed 
thoroughly  each  week,  it  helps  to  keep  them 
clean  and  in  a  healthy  condition.  Remove  all 
suckers   from  Briars   as   soon   as   they  appear. 

Herbaceous  plants. — Remove  the  weeds  and 
decaying  foliage  from  herbaceous  borders.  Much 
work  will  be  required  now  in  the  tieing  and 
staking  of  various  plants.  Let  both  operations 
be  carried  out  before  the  growths  become  so 
tall  that  they  fall  about  and  acquire  a  bad  shape. 
Vacant  spaces  in  the  borders  may  be  filled  with 
annuals  and  such  plants  as  Dahlias.  Plants 
which  have  recently  been  put  into  the  ground 
must  be  watered  if  the  weather  is  dry  at  the 
time.  A  plant  may  die  very  quickly  after  re- 
moval unless  attention  is  given  it.  Reduce  any 
excessively  large  stumps  in  the  borders,  as  these 
may  interfere  with  the  space  required  for  other 
plants. 

Alpine  garden. — Keep  the  Alpine  garden  per- 
fectly free  from  weeds.  Sow  seed  of  early  Pri- 
mulas as  soon  as  ripe  seeds  can  be  obtained. 
Prick  out  Ramondias  into  pans.  Primula  sikki- 
niensis   is   doing  well   this   season,   although   the 


plants  were  very  small  when  they  were  put  out 
last  autumn.  It  is  a  species  to  be  recommended. 
Keep  the  soil  about  Sarracenias  moist  and  free 
from  weeds.  The  plants  are  now  showing  their 
flowers.  Trilliums  that  have  flowered  may  re- 
quire root  waterings.  The  foliage  should  be 
allowed  to  die  away  very  gradually.  Trilliums 
succeed  well  in  a  partially-shaded  position 
amongst  Himalayan  Rhododendrons. 

Somneya  Coulteri. — If  this  plant  is  cultivated 
close  to  walls  or  in  any  dry  position,  it  will  need 
a  good  soaking  with  water  occasionally. 

General  work. — Keep  the  beds  and  borders 
free  from  weeds  and  all  dead  leaves.  Thin  the 
grass  verges  and  mow  the  grass  frequently.  Let 
the  gravel  paths  be  rolled  at  frequent  intervals. 
Prick  out  Polyanthus  and  Primroses  on  a  cool 
border.  Water  Sweet  Peas  in  warm  positions. 
Sow  seeds  of  Myosotis,  also  Silene,  for  spring 
flowering.  If  the  Wallflowers  or  any  other 
spring-flowering  plants  have  failed,  let  another 
sowing  of  seed  be  made  at  once. 


THE    KITCHEN    GARDEN. 

By  E.  Beckett,  Gardener  to  the  Hon.  Vicarv  Gibbs, 
Aldenham  House,  Elstree,  Hertfordshire. 

Coleworts. — Two  sowings  of  this  useful  vege- 
table should  be  made  during  the  present  month. 
Scatter  the  seeds  thinly  broadcast  on  beds  of 
suitable  size.  These  seeds  must  be  carefully 
protected  against  birds.  Coleworts  should  be 
cultivated  in  every  garden  whether  large  or 
small,  as  they  are  amongst  the  most  hardy  of 
!;reen  vegetables,  and  their  quality  is  good.  The 
Improved  Rosette  Colewort  and  London  Hardy 
Green  are  the  two  best  varieties. 

Turnips. — Make  frequent  sowings  of  Turnip 
seed,  selecting  as  far  as  possible  the  more  shady 
parts  of  the  garden.  Red  Globe  is  one  of  the 
finest  summer  Turnips.  It  possesses  a  robust 
constitution  capable  of  withstanding  drought, 
and  its  flavour  is  excellent.  Plants  from  previous 
sowings  should  be  thinned  to  the  required  dis- 
tance. Let  soot  and  wood  ashes  be  dusted  over 
them  occasionally.  Stir  the  surface  soil  fre- 
quently with  a  hoe.  Where  the  Turnip  fly 
usually  gives  much  trouble  let  the  young  plants 
be  dusted  thoroughly  every  morning  with  road 
sweepings.  These  are  very  distasteful  to  the  pest. 

( '.  It  ry. — All  side  growths  and  split  leaves 
should  be  removed  from  the  earlier  plants,  the 
surface  soil  should  be  stirred  frequently  and  an 
abundance  of  both  liquid  manure  and  clear  water 
applied  to  the  roots.  Let  the  tops  be  sprayed 
with  clear  water  every  afternoon.  Celery  is  a 
moisture-loving  plant  and  can  scarcely  be  given 
too  much  wafer.  Keep  a  sharp  look-out  for 
attacks  of  the  Celery  fly,  and  destroy  the 
iii.i  ;  :nts  w'hilst  quite  small  by  pressing  them 
between  the  thumb  and  the  finger.  Apply  a 
good  dusting  of  fresh  soot  once  a  week,  early 
in  the  morning  or  late  in  the  evening.  The 
latest  plants  should  be  put  into  the  trenches 
as  quickly  as  possible.  In  gardens  where 
space  is  limited  it  is  a  good  plan  to  take 
out  trenches  between  the  rows  of  Peas  if  the 
Peas  are  sufficiently  wide  apart.  The  presence 
of  the  Peas  will  be  a  help  rather  than  a  hin- 
drance to  the  Celery,  as  they  will  afford  the 
plants  a  little  shade  from  sunshine  during  the 
time  they  are  getting  a  hold  of  the  ground. 
When  the  Peas  are  removed,  the  ground  between 
the  Celery  should  be  broken  up,  and  will 
provide  excellent  sites  for  Endive,  Lettuces  or 
Spinach. 

Cucumbers. — Plants  growing  in  pits  or  frames 
should  now  be  yielding  good  crops  of  fruits. 
Let  the  growths  be  frequently  thinned  out.  Ap- 
ply surface  dressings  to  the  roots.  Thin  out  the 
young  fruits  in  order  to  avoid  overcropping  and 
keep  the  growths  perfectly  clean.  The  plants 
should  be  syringed  early  in  the  afternoon  and 
the  lights  closed.  At  every  other  watering 
liquid  manure  should  be  employed  in  the  place 
of  clear  water.  If  any  sign  of  thvip  or  aphis  be 
present  fumigate  the  plants  with  a  nicotine 
vaporising  compound.  Make  another  sowing  in 
small  pots. 

Tomatos. — Strong  plants  which  were  put  out 
in  the  open  will  now  have  started  vigorously 
into  growth.  Keep  all  side  growths  removed, 
and  should  the  plants  be  extra  strong  the  lower 
leaves  may  be  shortened.  No  manure  of  any 
kind  must  be  given  the  plants  until  the  crop 
of  fruits  is  set. 


June  19,  1909.] 


THE    GARDENERS'    CHRONICLE. 


395 


THE  HARDY  FRUIT  GARDEN. 

By  J.  G.  Weston,  Gardener  to  H.  J.  King,  Esq.,  Eastwell 
Park,  Kent. 

Bush  Apple  trees. — These  are  now  growing 
quickly,  and  require  attention  both  in  the  matter 
of  thinning  the  fruit  and  shortening  the  side 
growths.  The  latter  operation  is  necessary  in 
order  to  expose  the  fruit  to  the  influence  of  the 
sun.  The  trees,  too,  can  be  kept  cleaner  than 
if  all  the  shoots  were  allowed  to  grow  to  their 
full  length.  Treat  the  early  varieties  first. 
Among  the  best  dessert  kinds  are  Irish  Peach, 
Beauty  of  Bath,  Mr.  Gladstone,  and  Lady 
Sudeley.  The  newer  Langley  Pippin,  the 
result  of  a  cross  between  Mr.  Gladstone  and 
Cox's  Orange  Pippin,  is  a  valuable  Apple.  Here 
it  grows  moderately  strong  and  crops  freely. 
Tho  smaller  varieties,  such  as  Yellow  Ingestrie, 
should  nut  be  thinned  severely,  because  the 
fruits  never  attain  to  a  large  size.  Yellow  In- 
gestrie is  an  excellent  little  Apple,  but  it  does 
not  appear  to  be  planted  now  so  frequently  as 
formerly.  Kitchen  varieties  require  to  be 
thinned  much  more  severely.  Many  of  them 
crop  far  too  freely.  Such,  for  instance,  as  Lord 
Grosvenor  and  various  Codlins.  If  the  trees  are 
allowed  to  go  unthinned  there  will  probably  be 
a  quantity  of  useless  Apples,  owing  to  their 
small  size,  and  the  trees  will  be  crippled  for 
some  time  to  come.  By  judicious  thinning  the 
cultivator  may  obtain  fruits  of  greatly-increased 
value,  and  by  regulating  his  crop  according  to 
the  strength  and  character  of  the  tree,  he  will  do 
what  is  possible  to  ensure  continuous  cropping. 

Cherries. — The  earlier  varieties  on  walls  are 
now  ripening.  Let  the  trees  be  examined,  and 
if  necessary  apply  a  final  washing  by  means  of 
the  garden  engine  before  placing  the  nets  in 
position.  Shoots  required  to  fill  up  blanks  or 
for  extending  the  tree  should  be  neatly  tied  in, 
and  all  others  stopped  as  advised  in  previous 
Calendars.  When  water  is  required,  give  a 
thorough  soaking  to  the  roots,  as  frequent 
dribbles  are  useless.  The  mulching  material 
should  be  drawn  away  from  the  trees  before 
applying  water,  but  should  be  replaced  when  the 
operation  is  finished.  As  the  fruits  become  fit 
for  dessert,  select  the  ripest  and  gather  them 
very  carefully  in  order  not  to  injure  the  buds. 

General  work. — The  netting  of  the  main  crops 
of  Strawberries  must  not  be  longer  delayed. 
Birds  are  apt  to  attack  the  fruits  even  before 
they  change  colour,  and  if  once  the  attack  is 
commenced,  they  will  be  most  persistent  in  their 
efforts  to  reach  the  fruits,  even  after  the  appli- 
cation of  nets.  In  this  locality  there  is  every 
prospect  of  a  very  heavy  Strawberry  crop. 
Later  varieties  grown  under  the  shade  of  a  north 
wall  to  prolong  the  season  must  be  given  water 
and  occasional  applications  of  liquid  manure, 
should  dry  weather  occur.  If  these  late  plants 
should  be  allowed  to  get  very  dry,  the  fruits 
will  ripen  prematurely  and  be  of  little  value. 


THE    ORCHID    HOUSES. 

By  W.  H.  White,  Orchid  Grower  to  Sir  Trevor  Lawrence, 
Bart.,  Burford,  Surrey. 

Miltonia. — In  many  collections,  Miltonia 
vexillaria  will  have  passed  its  flowering  stage, 
and  entered  upon  its  short  period  of  rest.  It  is, 
therefore,  essential  that  nothing  should  be  done 
that  will  induce  growth,  for  the  longer  period  of 
rest  which  this  species  enjoys  the  stronger  will  be 
the  new  breaks  when  the  season  of  activity  re- 
commences. For  the  next  six  or  eight  weeks  it 
will  only  be  necessary  to  keep  the  surface  of  the 
compost  just  moist.  This  will  preserve  the 
pseudo-bulbs  fairly  plump  and  the  foliage  healthy 
till  new  growth  appears.  While  at  rest,  M. 
vexillaria  enjoys  a  cool  atmosphere  and  as  much 
fresh  air  as  Odontoglossum  crispum.  August  is 
the  best  month  for  repotting  the  plants.  The 
later-flowering  varieties,  such  as  M.  v.  rubella 
and  M.  v.  Leopoldii  should  be  kept  in  the  inter- 
mediate house  till  they  bloom,  after  which  they 
may  also  be  removed  to  the  cool  house.  The 
hybrid  M.  Bleuana  and  its  variety  nobilior  must 
always  be  given  a  position  in  the  intermediate 
house.  This  plant  begins  to  make  growth  at 
this  season,  and  it  is  therefore  a  good  time  for 
repotting,  should  this  be  necessary.  The  Os- 
munda  and  Polvpodium  fibres  well  mixed  to- 
gether, with  plenty  of  small  broken  crocks  to  keep 
the  mixture  porous,  make  an  excellent  compost 
for  this  plant.  It  is  important  that  the  pots  should 
be     rather     more     than     half-full     of     drainage 


materials,  and  the  potting  should  be  done  with 
moderate  firmness.  M.  Phalsenopsis  may  be  re- 
potted, as  the  young  shoots  will  now  be  rooting 
freely.  Be  careful  to  avoid  overpotting.  Should 
small  yellow  thrips  attack  the  foliage  of  these 
Miltonias,  let  the  plants  be  dipped  occasionally  in 
some  safe  insecticide,  and  the  leaves  afterwards 
rinsed  thoroughly  clean  in  tepid  rain-water.  The 
Brazilian  Miltonias  such  as  M.  spectabilis  and 
M.  Moreliana,  are  at  present  in  full  growth. 
They  require  plenty  of  water  at  the  root,  and 
should  not  be  exposed  to  much  strong  light  dur- 
ing summer,  otherwise  the  leaves  will  become  in- 
fested with  red  spide'r,  and  often  more 
yellow  than  is  desirable.  Woodlice  do  much 
damage  to  the  young  roots  of  Miltonias.  If  the 
plants  are  examined  immediately  after  each 
watering,  numbers  of  woodlice  may  be  destroyed 
on  the  surface  of  the  compost.  Baits  of  Apple 
or  Potato  should  also  be  laid  for  them. 

Cymbidium. — Examine  the  species  and 
hybrids  of  this  genus  and  carry  out  any  neces- 
sary repotting,  especially  in  the  case  of  those 
plants  requiring  additional  pot  room.  It  is  not 
always  advisable,  however,  to  repot  the  plants 
as  soon  a3  they  become  pot-bound,  as  in  this 
condition  they  produce  larger  spikes  and  finer 
flowers.  Specimens  requiring  larger  pots  should 
be  shifted  on  with  as  little  root  disturbance 
as  possible  ;  others  that  have  become  exhausted 
may  be  broken  up  and  potted  separately. 
Rather  small  pots  should  be  used  for  this 
purpose,  as  the  pieces  establish  themselves 
quicker  than  when  placed  in  larger  teceptacles. 
Established  plants  in  good  health  should  be 
placed  in  pots  of  sufficiently  large  size  to  con- 
tain them  for  several  years.  The  pots  should  be 
clean  and  well-drained  and  the  compost  should 
consist  of  good  fibrous,  turfy  loam,  one  half, 
and  turfy  peat,  leaf-mould  and  Sphagnum-moss 
the  other  half,  adding  some  small  broken  crocks 
and  a  little  coarse  silver  sand.  Make  these 
materials  moderately  firm,  but  not  so  hard  as  to 
hinder  percolation  of  the  water.  Instead  of  ele- 
vating the  plants  above  the  rim  of  the  pot,  keep 
the  soil  at  least  half-an-inch  below.  For  several 
week  after  repotting  very  little  water  at  the  root 
will  be  necessary.  Cultivate  the  plants  in  a  cool, 
shady  position  in  an  intermediate  temperature 
the  whole  year  round.  The  plants  require  venti- 
lation at  all  times  ;  if  grown  in  too  warm  an  at- 
mosphere the  leaves  will  soon  become  infested 
with  insect  pests.  Damp  the  stages  and  other 
surfaces  around  the  pots  several  times  each  day. 


FRUITS  UNDER  GLASS. 

By  E.  Harriss,  Fruit  Foreman,  Royal  Gardens,  Frogmore. 
The  layering  of  Strawberries. — Preparations 
must  now  be  made  for  layering  plants  which  will 
form  the  earliest  batch  for  forcing  next  season,  it 
being  essential  that  strong,  well-ripened  crowns 
shall  be  obtained  by  the  end  of  the  autumn.  The 
variety  Royal  Sovereign  still  holds  its  own  as 
the  best  forcing  Strawberry,  at  any  rate  this  is 
the  case  where  large  quantities  of  fruit  are  in 
demand.  Unless  there  be  some  favourite  variety 
which  the  gardener  is  desired  by  his  employer 
to  grow,  I  would  recommend  him  to  force  Royal 
Sovereign  to  the  exclusion  of  all  others.  There 
are  several  methods  of  layering  the  young  plants. 
The  one  that  we  employ  here  for  raising  10,000 
plants  each  year  for  forcing  is  as  follows.  We 
fill  a  number  of  3-inch  pots  with  rich  loam  and 
no  other  ingredients.  The  loam  is  made  moder- 
ately firm,  and  rough  pieces  of  turf  are  placed 
in  the  bottom  of  the  pots,  these  being  sufficient 
to  provide  what  drainage  is  necessary.  The  pots 
are  carried  to  the  Strawberry  beds  and  placed 
closely  together  between  the  rows.  They  are 
partly  plunged  in  the  ground  in  order  to  protect 
them  from  the  full  glare  of  the  sun.  Owing  to 
the  extra  trouble  thus  taken,  the  plants  do 
not  require  nearly  so  much  attention  in  water- 
ing as  they  would  if  they  were  exposed  to  the 
direct  influence  of  the  sun.  Moreover,  the 
plants  root  more  readily  into  the  new  soil  when 
treated  in  this  manner.  Do  not  select  any  but 
the  best  runners  for  layering.  Any  which  have 
become  already  firmly  rooted  into  the  ground 
should  be  rejected.  The  most  suitable  layers 
are  those  which  are  just  beginning  to  produce 
roots.  Only  one  crown  on  each  runner  should 
be  layered.  The  young  plants  must  be  fixed 
securely  on  the  surface  of  the  soil  in  the  pots  by 
pegs  or  pieces  of  raffia  pressed  firmly  into  the 
soil.     The  layers  should  be  sprayed  with  a  rose- 


can  each  morning  and  afternoon  during  bright- 
weather.  When  they  are  faisly  well  rooted  into 
the  soil  they  may  be  detached  from  the  mother 
plants  and  be  placed  in  the  shade  for  a  few  days, 
when  they  will  be  ready  for  shifting  into  5-inch 
pots.  By  that  time  it  will  be  found  that  the  old 
plants  have  produced  plenty  of  runners  for  fur- 
nishing later  batches  of  layers. 

The  early  vinery. — When  all  the  Grapes  have 
been  cut  from  the  vines  the  borders  must  be 
given  a  thorough  soaking  with  clear  water.  If 
red  spider  is  discovered  on  the  foliage  let  it  be 
syringed  with  a  strong  mixture  of  soft  soap  and 
sulphur  in  water.  Choose  a  dull  day  for  this- 
operation,  or,  failing  this,  let  it  be  performed 
late  in  the  afternoon.  During  sunny  weather 
the  vines  should  be  syringed  with  clear  water" 
every  afternoon.  The  ventilators  may  now  be 
left  wide  open  at  all  times. 


THE   APIARY. 

By  Chloris. 
The  honey  season. — At  best  the  honey  season 
is  very  short,  and  the  beekeeper  must  be 
alert  if  he  wishes  to  reap  the  full  harvest.  The 
beekeeper  himself  must  settle  whether  the  honey 
shall  be  extracted  or  sectional,  and  this,  of 
course,  according  to  the  facilities  for  sale  of  one 
or  both  classes.  Generally  speaking,  it  is  well  to 
aim  at  sections  if  the  honey  is  of  a  kind  which 
will  not  easily  granulate.  When  the  sections  or 
shallow  frames  have  been  placed  on  the  hives, 
many  beekeepers  feel  they  have  done  all  that  man 
can  do,  and  then  feel  disappointed  when  the  bees 
swarm.  When  the  honey  flow  is  good,  a  close 
watch  must  be  kept,  and  when  the  racks  are 
about  two-thirds  full  of  honey,  then  it  is  time 
to  add  another  rack.  This  is  necessary,  because 
the  bees  cannot  proceed  at  once  to  seal  over  the 
cells,  for  the  honey  must  have  time  to  ripen,  that 
is,  for  the  surplus  water  to  evaporate,  before  it 
can  be  sealed.  A  third  rack  may  often  be  placed 
under,  and  before  these  additional  racks  are  full 
the  top  lot  will  be  ready  for  removal.  By  this 
time  the  honey  flow  will  have  slackened,  and  it 
will  be  well  to  give  strong  colonies  those  sections 
or  frames  which  the  weaker  ones  will  not  com- 
plete. 

Taking  off  frames  or  sections. — Many  bee- 
keepers have  spoiled  well-filled  sections  by  not 
being  able  to  remove  them  without  a  great  deal 
of  unnecessary  commotion  and  trouble.  Much 
annoyance,  both  to  the  owner  and  neighbours, 
may  be  avoided  if  a  super  clearer  with  a  "  Porter 
bee  escape  "  in  the  centre  be  used.  This  can 
be  purchased  from  any  maker  of  bee  appliances 
for  about  eightpence  ;  and  if  a  board  be  cut  the 
size  of  a  rack  of  sections  and  the  escape  fixed 
in  the  centre,  all  will  be  ready  for  use.  Round 
the  top  edge  (the  one  containing  the  circular 
opening  of  the  escape)  it  will  be  best  to  nail 
pieces  of  wood  about  an  inch  wide  and  quarter 
of  an  inch  thick,  so  as  to  leave  a  clear  space 
below  the  crate  in  which  the  bees  may  move 
about.  The  clearer  should  be  placed  at  night 
under  the  rack  which  is  to  be  removed,  then  by 
the  morning  it  will  be  clear  of  bees.  If  it  be 
put  on  during  the  day  the  operation  will  require 
a  few  hours. 

Removing  sections  from  Taclcs. — It  is  not  un- 
common to  find  many  beautifully-filled  sections 
spoiled  by  careless  and  inexperienced  people. 
First  remove  the  piece  of  wood  at  the  end  which 
has  been  used  as  a  block.  If  the  sections  are 
then  difficult  to  remove,  because  of  the  propolis, 
place  three  pieces  of  wood,  just  the  length  of 
the  spaces  between  the  bars  and  nearly  the  same 
width,  and  then  press  the  rack  evenly  on  them. 
This  will  raise  the  sections  without  any  danger 
of  injuring  them.  Perform  all  operations  with 
perfectly  clean  hands,  for  nothing  spoils  the  wood 
of  sections  more  than  finger  stains. 

Cleansing  and  storing  sections. — When  the 
sections  are  removed  from  the  rack,  it  is  well  to 
scrape  the  wood  of  the  full  ones  to  remove  the 
propolis  and  stains,  and  to  make  them  look  appe- 
tising. When  this  has  been  done,  store  them  in 
a  place  free  of  dust  and  where  bees  or  other  in- 
sects cannot  reach  them.  The  imperfectly-filled 
sections  should  be  replaced  in  the  rack,  and  when 
the  requisite  number  to  fill  it  has  been  collected, 
it  may  be  placed  on  a  hive  requiring  more  stor- 
ing space.  In  the  case  of  frames,  the  cappings 
should  be  cut  off  at  once  and  the  frames  placed 
in  the  extractor,  for  the  honey  runs  from  the 
combs  more  freely  when  it  is  of  the  hive  tem- 
perature, thus  saving  much  waste  and  labour. 


396 


THE    GARDENERS'    CHRONICLE. 


[June  19,  1909 


EDITORIAL    NOTICE. 


ADVERTISEMENTS  should  be  sent  to  the  PUB- 
LISHER, 41,  Wellington  Street,  Covent  Garden, 
W.C. 

Letters  for  Publication,  as  well  as  specimens  of  plants 
for  naming,  should  be  addressed  to  the  EDITORS, 
41,  Wellington  Street,  Covent  Garden,  London. 
Communications  should  be  written  on  one  side  only  of 
thk  paper,  sent  as  early  in  the  week  as  possible  and  duly 
signed  by  the  writer.  If  desired,  the  signature  wilt  not  be 
printed,  but  kept  as  a  guarantee  of  good  faith. 

Special  Notice  to  Correspondents.— The  Editors  do  not 
undertake  to  pay  for  any  contributions  or  illustrations,  or 
to  return  unused  communications  or  illustrations,  unless  by 
special  arrangement.  The  Editors  do  not  hold  themselves 
responsible  for  any  opinions  expressed  by  their  correspon- 
dents. 

Illustrations.  -  The  Editors  will  be  glad  to  receive  and  to  select 
photographs  or  drawings,  suitable  for  reproduction,  of 
gardens,  or  of  remarkable  plants,  }lotverst  trees,  &c,  but 
they  cannot  be  responsible  for  loss  or  injury. 

Local  News.—  Correspondents  will  greatly  oblige  by  sending  In 
the  Editors  early  intelligence  of  local  events  likely  to  be  of 
interest  to  our  readers,  or  of  any  matters  which  it  is  desirable 
to  bring  under  the  notice  of  horticulturists. 

Newspapers.—  Correspondents  sending  newspapers  should  be 
care/utto  mark  the  paragraphs  they  wish  the  Editors  to  see. 


APPOINTMENTS  FOR  THE  ENSUING  WEEK. 

TUESDAY,  JUNE  22- 

Roy.  Hon.  Soc.  Corns,  meet.  (Masters'  Memorial 
Lecture,  on  "  Masters'  Vegetable  Teratology,"  by 
Prof.  Hugo  de  Vries  at  3  p.m.). 

WEDNESDAY,  JUNE  23— 

Gard.   Koy.  Ben.  Inst.  Ann.   Festival    Dinner  at    Hotel 
Metropole,  London. 
THURSDAY,  JUNE  24— Midsummer  Quarter  Day. 
SATURDAY,  JUNE  26— Windsor  and  Eton  Rose  Sh. 

Average    Mean    Temperature    for    the    ensuing    week, 
deduced  from  observations  during  the  last  Filty  Years 
at  Greenwich — 60"8°. 
Actual  Temperatures: — 

London.—  Wednesday,  June  16  (6  p.m.):  Max.  66°; 
Min.  61°. 
Gardeners'  Chronicle  Office,  41,  Wellington  Street, 
Covent  Garden,  London  —Thursday,  June  17 
(10  a.m.):  Bar.  30-3;  Temp.  57°;  Weather— 
Cloudy. 
Provinces.—  Wednesday,  June  16  (6  p.m.):  Max.  63° 
Cambridge;  Min.  52°  Scotland  North  East. 


SALES  FOR  THE  ENSUING  WEEK. 

WEDNESDAY  - 

Bulbs  and  Roots,  at  12.30  ;  Palms,  Plants,  Ferns,  &c,  at 
1.30;  Dwarf  Japanese  Trees  and  Flowering  Plants, 
Bamboo  Hats  and  Twig  Baskets,  at  3,  at  67  &  68,  Cheap- 
side,  E.C.,  by  Protheroe  &  Morris. 

pDi  r\  aV 

Unreserved  Sale  of  the  whole  of  the  Collection  of 
Orchids,  by  order  of  the  Exors.  of  Col.  W.  E.  Brymer, 
deceased,  at  12.45  ;  nearly  new  Pantechnicon  Van,  at  2, 
at  67  &  63,  Cheapside,  E.C.,  by  Protheroe  &  Morns. 


The 

Covering 

of 


Though     it     does     not    follow 

necessarily     that     a     practice 

which   has   been   found   to   be 

Ripening        good  in  one  country  will  prove 
Fruit.  &  ,     ■  i 

equally   successful    in   another 

where  climate  and  conditions  of  cultivation 
may  be  very  different;  yet  the  success  which, 
according  to  French  horticulturists,  follows 
from  the  wrapping  of  ripening  fruit  of  the 
Apple,  Pear,  and  Grape  is  worthy  of  the 
attention  of  growers  in  this  country.  Accord- 
ing to  an  article  entitled  "  De  1'Bnsachage 
•des  Fruits,"  by  M.  Lochot,  published  in  Le 
Jarilin,  the  advantages  which  result  from 
enclosing  fruits  in  bags  are  numerous,  and  in- 
clude the  protection  of  the  ripening  fruit  from 
various  insect  and  fungus  pests,  as  well  as 
from  damage  by  weather,  the  hastening  of 
maturity  (particularly  in  the  case  of  out-door 
Grapes),  and  the  increase,  by  preserving  the 
delicacy  of  their  bloom,  in  the  commercial 
value  of  the  fruits.  M.  Lochot  recommends 
two  types  of  paper  bag  for  this  purpose ;  the 
one  made  of  a  non-transparent  paper 
and  the  other  of  semi-transparence,  the 
former  to  be  used  in  hot,  dry  regions,  the 
latter  in  more  temperate  places,  where,  in- 
deed, if  the  intensity  of  the  light  is  but  low, 
a  yet  more  transparent  paper  should  be 
■  employed. 


In  using  the  bags,  it  is  recommended  that 
aeration  of  the  enclosed  fruit  should  be 
secured  by  means  of  a  number  of  small  holes 
made  in  the  paper  by  means  of  a  stout  needle 
or  awl.  The  bags  should  be  secured  by  the 
use  of  a  piece  of  lead-wire  to  the  branch  to 
which  the  fruit  is  attached. 

For  Grapes,  instead  of  a  bag,  a  paper 
covering  in  the  form  of  a  cloche  may  be  em- 
ployed. In  the  case  of  Pears  ripening  in 
summer,  the  bottom  of  the  bag  should  be  torn 
off  about  a  fortnight  before  the  fruit  is 
gathered ;  in  that  of  later  Pears  the  bag 
should  be  torn  and  then  four  or  five  days 
afterwards  removed  altogether.  Pears  ripen- 
ing in  late  autumn  should  have  the  covers 
removed  about  a  month  before  gathering. 
Apples  with  coloured  fruits  colour  well  when 
enclosed  in  transparent  bags,  but  the  colour- 
ing is  enhanced  if  the  bags  are  removed  a 
little  while  before  the  fruit  is  ripe.  It  is, 
however,  Grapes  which,  in  M.  Lochot's  ex- 
perience, repay  best  the  expense  of 
covering.  In  this  country,  where  Grape 
culture  is  carried  on  almost  exclusively 
under  glass,  no  further  covering  is  required, 
but  in  the  out-door  vineyards  of  France  it 
is  claimed  that  by  this  practice  the  maturing 
is  advanced  and  the  appearance  of  the  fruits 
enhanced.  The  cloche  form  of  cover  which 
is  recommended  is  made  by  the  use  of  semi- 
transparent  stiff  paper  rolled  up  funnel-wise 
and  secured  in  that  shape  by  means  of  two 
pieces  of  soft  wire,  one  at  the  base  and 
another  at  two-thirds  the  height  of  the 
cloche ;  a  third  wire  at  the  ap:-x  serves  to  fix 
the  bunch  to  its  stem.  These  methods  of 
enclosure  are,  of  course,  not  novel.  They 
have  been  tried  by  many  gardeners  in  this 
country,  especially  in  cases  where  hardy  fruits 
of  extra  size  and  quality  are  required  for 
exhibition  or  other  special  purposes,  and  it 
would  be  interesting  if  those  who  have  made 
experiments  in  this  direction  would  give 
others  interested  in  the  production  of  fruit 
of  finest  quality  the  benefit  of  their  ex- 
perience. 

In  the  course  of  an  admirable 

I^J"at-      and   beautifully-illustrated   ac- 
Bhght  of  ,      , 

Potatos.  count  of  the  prevalent  plant- 
diseases  in  New  Zealand,  Mr. 
Cockayne,  assistant  in  the  Division  of  Bio- 
logy and  Horticulture,  makes  some  interest- 
ing observations  on  the  origin  and  mode  of 
distribution  of  late  blight  of  Potatos  (due  to 
Phytophthora  infestans).  According  to  Mr. 
Cockayne  (Annual  Heport.  New  Zealand 
Department  of  Agriculture,  1908),  no  precise 
record  exists  as  to  the  date  of  introduction 
of  the  Phytophthora  disease  into  New  Zea- 
land, though  it  would  appear  to  be  of  com- 
paratively recent  importation.  At  the  time 
of  the  severe  epidemic  in  1904,  Professor 
Thomas  stated  that  the  disease  had  appeared, 
though  in  a  less  virulent  form,  20  years 
earlier. 

Mr.  Cockayne  adopts  the  view  that  the 
fungus  Phytophthora  infestans  hibernates  in 
the  resting  tuber,  and  when  conditions  are 
favourable  spreads  therefrom  to  the  leaves, 
where  it  gives  rise  to  spore-bearing  branches 
which  bear  the  well-known  spores.  Whether 
the  tubers  are  infected  through  the  stem  or  by 
means  of  spores  germinating  in  the  earth,  the 
writer  is  not  prepared  to  say,  though  he  in- 
clines to  the  view  that  both  modes  of  infection 


occur.  Mr.  Cockayne  draws  attention  to  the 
fact  that  tubers  infected  with  Phytophthora 
may  become  rotten  rapidly  or  may  show  no 
sign  of  rot.  In  the  absence  of  readily  recog.- 
nisable  symptoms  of  disease  (as  in  the  latter 
case),  such  infected  tubers  are  doubtless  used 
for  "  seed  "  and  provide  so  many  centres 
for  spore-manufacture,  and  hence  for  the 
dissemination  of  the  disease.  If,  again, 
climatic  conditions  remain  unfavourable,  no 
external  sign  of  disease  is  given,  though 
the  tubers  of  the  plant  formed  from  the 
infected  "  seed  "  in  turn  contain  the 
hibernating  mycelium.  That  some  such 
course  of  events  takes  place  is  rendered  pro- 
bable by  the  well-known  fact  of  the  rapidity 
with  which  the  disease  declares  itself  when- 
ever a  spell  of  moist,  warm  weather  coincides 
with  the  later  period  of  the  growth  of  the 
Potato.  More  thorough-going  investigation 
of  the  obscure  phases  in  the  life-history  of  this 
fungus  pest  is  much  to  be  desired. 

Experiments  in  spraying  with  Bordeaux 
mixture  might  be  given  a  rest  for  a  time — 
since  the  efficacy  of  Bordeaux  mixture  as  a 
check  to  the  disease  has  been  demonstrated  a 
hundred  times — and  in  place  of  such  unneces- 
sary repetitions  some  of  our  horticultural  in- 
stitutions might  turn  their  attention  to  the 
elucidation  of  the  modes  of  perpr'-ation  of 
this   pestilent  late   blight. 


The  Gardeners'  Royal  Benevolent  In- 
stitution.— We  would  remind  our  readers  that 
the  70th  anniversary  festival  dinner  in  aid  of  the 
funds  of  this  institution  will  be  held  at  the  Hotel 
Metropole  on  Wednesday,  June  23  next,  when 
Lionel  de  Rothschild,  Esq.,  will  preside.  Con- 
tributions to  be  placed  on  the  chairman's  list  are 
earnestly  solicited,  and  may  be  sent  to  Lionel 
de  Rothschild,  Esq.,  New  Court,  St.  Swithin's 
Lane,  E.G.,  or  to  the  Secretary,  at  175,  Victoria 
Street,  Westminster,  S.W.  We  hope  this  event 
will  be  attended  with  conspicuous  success. 

Horticultural  Club.  —  The  next  house 
dinner  of  the  club  will  take  place  on  Tuesday. 
June  22,  1909,  at  the  Hotel  Windsor.  Mr. 
Alexander  Dean  will  speak  on  "  The  Impor- 
tance of  Vegetable  Culture  and  Cooking."  The 
date  fixed  for  the  summer  excursion  is  Thurs- 
day, July  15,  when,  at  the  kind  invitation  of 
Leopold  de  Rothschild,  Esq.,  the  members 
will  visit  his  beautiful  garden  at  "  Ascott," 
Leighton  Buzzard.  Particulars  as  to  trains  and 
other  arrangements  will  be  announced  later. 

Mr.  A.  W.  Benton,  a  member  of  the  gar- 
dening staff  of  the  Royal  Botanic  Gardens,  Kew, 
has  been  appointed  gardener  for  Government 
House,  in  the  Falkland  Islands. 

Tiflis.— The  Director  of  the  Botanical  Garden 
at  this  town,  M.  A.  Rollow,  intends  to  estab- 
lish in  the  elevated  zone  of  the  Lower  Caucasian 
Mountains  two  research  stations  as  branches  of 
the  Botanic  Gardens  at  Tiflis.  One  will  be 
formed  at  a  height  of  5.000  feet  above  sea  level, 
and  the  other  at  a  height  of  7,000  feet. 

To  Destroy  Moss  on  Lawns. — The  results 
of  experiments  conducted  by  Der  Kgl.  Gartner- 
lehranstalt  at  Dahlem,  and  reported  in  Der 
HanddsgcLrtner  (March  13),  indicate  that  a 
5  per  cent,  solution  of  sulphate  of  iron  is  effec- 
tive in  ridding  lawns  of  moss.  After  the  appli- 
cation of  the  green  vitriol  solution,  the  Grass 
should  be  sprinkled  several  times  with  a  weak 
(3  per  cent.)  solution  of  nitrate  of  soda. 


Jcne  19,  1909.] 


THE     GARDENERS'    CHRONICLE. 


397 


Jubilee  of  the  Fruit  and  Floral  Com- 
mittees.—  The  President  and  Council  of  the 
Royal  Horticultural  Society  have  issued  invita- 
tions to  the  members  of  these  Committees,  and 
others,  to  be  present  at  a  jubilee  commemorative 
dinner,  to  be  held  at  the  Hotel  Windsor,  on 
Wednesday.   July   7,   at  7  p.m. 

Jubilee  Exhibition,  Haarlem,  191C— The 

complete  programme  for  this  exhibition  forms  a 
book  of  80  pages  in  the  Dutch  language.  It 
contains  lists  for  the  four  coming  exhibitions, 
and  of  the  prizes  accompanying  them.  There 
are,  besides  the  prizes  of  honour  from  Royalty 
and    important   authorities,   75   gold   medals   and 


and,  lastly,  cut  flowers.  The  second  special  ex- 
hibition consists  of  300  programme  numbers,  and 
will  be  held  from  April  15  to  24.  It  will  in 
its  general  features  resemble  the  first,  while  the 
third  special  exhibition  from  May  4  to  12  will 
consist  chiefly  of  Orchids  and  objects  of  the 
florist's  art.  The  usual  judging  of  novelties  will 
take  place  in  the  exhibition  halls  during  the 
duration  of  the  exhibition. 

Carnations  at  Boston,  Mass.  —  The 
Union  of  the  Park  Street  Wholesale  Flower 
Market  for  traders  and  gardeners  held  this 
year's  show  in  the  Massachusetts  Hall.  All 
the  exhibitors  being  wholesale  cultivators,  only 


FlG.    176. — REMOVAL    OF    A   CEDAR    AT   PADDOCKHURST. 
(See  p.  398.) 


about  2.500  prizes.  Only  Dutch  exhibitors  may 
compete  for  these,  though  the  juries  are  inter- 
national throughout.  The  permanent  exhibition 
in  the  open  air,  to  be  held  from  March  23  to 
May  16,  1910,  consists  of  200  classes.  The  first 
special  exhibition,  which  lasts  from  March  23 
to  31,  containing  275  programme  numbers,  will 
chiefly  consist  of  Hyacinths,  Tulips,  Narcissus, 
Crocus,  Amaryllis  and  other  bulbs  and  tubers  in 
pots.  A  special  division  is  set  apart  for  re- 
tarded tuberous  plants;  and  other  important 
programme  items  include  Rhododendrons,  Roses, 
Lilacs,  other  shrubs,  stove  and  greenhouse  plants, 


such  plants  were  shown  as  can  be  cultivated  with 
profit.  Entry  was  free  to  all,  so  that  the  public, 
rich  and  poor,  had  the  opportunity  to  see  what 
excellence  in  commercial  wares  meant ;  and  the 
cultivator  could  observe  the  novelties  in  Carna- 
tions and  Roses,  which  next  season  will  be  of 
great  worth.  Among  the  chief  plants  exhibited 
were  Carnations,  Roses,  Sweet  Peas,  Violets, 
Cyclamens  and  some  flowering  bulbs.  Perpetual 
Carnation  Georgia,  a  white  flower,  was  deserving 
of  special  notice.  The  flower  is  of  great  beauty 
and  endurance.  It  bears  carriage  well,  the  calyx 
does  not  split,  it  is  a  free  bloomer  and  grows  on  in 


autumn  freely  after  repotting.  Of  the  novelties 
shown  by  Messrs.  F.  R.  Pierson  &  Co.,  New 
York,  may  be  mentioned  the  white  sport 
Mrs.  Thomas  W.  Lawson,  similar  in  colour  to 
Prosperity  :  a  light  rose  sport  from  the  variety 
Winsor,  and  a  deep  rose  sport  from  the  same 
variety. 

The      Results     of      Experiments     with 
Various  Nitrogenous  Artificial  Manures. 

— Extensive  experiments,  including  both  pot- 
cultures  and  field-trials,  carried  out,  during 
1905-7,  by  Prof.  Schneidewind,  Director  of  the 
Experiment  Station  at  Halle,  and  reported  111 
the  AjrhtiUn  der  Deutschen  Land.  Gesell.  Heft. 
146,  have  given  the  following,  amongst  other 
results: — The  average  relative  values  of  nitrate 
of  soda  and  sulphate  of  ammonia  were  as 
100 :  90.  Nitrate  of  lime  (Norwegian)  gave 
average  results  equal  to  those  obtained  by  the 
use  of  nitrate  of  soda.  Calcium  cyanamide  was 
not  found  to  be  a  satisfactory  manure  on  sandy 
soils  or  on  sandy  loams,  but  in  heavier  soils  it 
gave  good  results,  except  in  the  case  of  roots. 
The  plants  used  in  the  series  of  experiments 
were  Rye,  Wheat,  Barley,  Potatos  ana  Sugar 
Beet. 

The  Flora  of  Ngamiland.— An  interestirg 
report  on  the  flora  of  Ngamiland  is  published  in 
No.  3  of  the  Kew  Bulletin,  1909.      The    plants 
from   this  almost   unknown   region   of  S.    Africa 
were    collected    during    the    years    1896-1898    by 
Major   and    Mrs.    E.    J.     Lugard     and     Sir     F. 
Lugard  at  the  request  of  the  authorities  at  Kew, 
little  or  no  information  being  previously  avail- 
able as  to  the  flora.     The  specimens  have  since 
been  determined  by  Mr.   N.   E.  Brown,  and  in- 
clude  92  new   species   out   of  a  total   of   373 — a 
striking  testimony  to  the  unknown  character  of 
the    vegetation.     The   list   of   plants,   catalogued 
and  classified  by  Mr.  Brown,  is  accompanied  by 
a  preface  by  Major  Lugard,  who  gives  a  brief 
but  striking  account  of  the   physical  characters 
and  climate  of  the  country,  with  a  general  sum- 
mary on  the  flora  and  fauna.     Ngamiland  is  the 
most  remote  province  of  the  Bechuanaland  Pro- 
tectorate and  is  cut  off  from  the  civilised  parts  of 
S.    Africa  by  the   Kalahari    Desert,    a    country 
practically  waterless  during  eight  months  of  the 
year,  and,  for  that  reason,   almost  uninhabited. 
Lake  Ngami,  which  forms  the  northern  limit  of 
this   rainless   tract — "  a     fine-looking     sheet     of 
water  "  in  Livingstone's  day — is  now  almost  dry, 
being  in  the  intermediate  stage  between  a  lake 
and  one  of  the  salt  pans  common  in  certain  parts 
of    the    desert.     The    physical    features     of     the 
country  north  of  the  lake  are  peculiar.     Ngami- 
land consists  of  reed-grown  swamps,  traversed  by 
a  network  of  rivers  and  streams,  all  forming  part 
of  the  same  river  system  which  drains  a  country 
of  greater  rainfall  further  north.     These  streams 
ultimately  lose  themselves  in  the  sand    of    the 
desert,  but  have  no  outlet  to  the  sea.     The  plants 
were    collected    in    the    neighbourhood    of    the 
Kwebe    Hills,    a    low    range    20    miles    south 
of     the     lake.       This     part     of     the     Kalahari 
Desert  has  well-marked   dry  and  rainy  seasons, 
although  the  rainfall  is  limited  and  is  sometimes 
known  to  fail.     The  dry  season  lasts  from  April 
to  the  end  of  November,  and  rain,  during  these 
months,   is  almost  unknown.     The  rainy  season, 
corresponding  as  it  does  with  the  warm  season 
of  the  year,  is  responsible  for  the  abundant  vege- 
tation which  appears  with  extraordinary  rapidity 
after  the  first  rains.     Almost  all  the  plants  col- 
lected  flowered   during   the   rainy     seasor"     from 
December  to  March.     Among  the  more  interest- 
ing of  these  are  two  new  species  of  Ceropegia, 
several  unrecorded  species  of  Stapelia,  and  a  new 
species   of   Crinum,    C.    rhodanthum,    with   very 
brilliant   flowers.     Trees   are   not   numerous,    no 
valuable    timber    tree    occurring,    and    plants    of 
economic  value  are  poorly  represented. 


39S 


THE    GARDENERS'    CHRONICLE. 


[June  19,  1909. 


The  late  firm  of  Hugh  Low  &  Co. — In 

connection  with  the  dissolution  of  this  firm, 
uli ich  was  announced  on  p.  381,  we  are  in- 
formed by  Mr.  Edwakd  V.  Low  that  the  old 
firm  has  ceased  to  exist  as  from  June  2,  1909, 
and  by  agreement  entered  into  between  the  part- 
ners, neither  of  them  is  entitled  to  represent 
himself  as  the  successor  of  the  said  firm.  Mr. 
Stuart  H.  Low,  having  purchased  the  general 
nursery  and  ordinary  Orchid  stocks,  together 
with  a  three  years'  tenancy  agreement,  remains 
at  the  Bush  Hill  Park  Nurseries,  Enfield,  whilst 
Mr.  Edwabd  V.  Low,  who  has  acquired  part  of 
the  collection  of  Orchids,  has  removed  to  Vale 
Bridge  Nursery,  Haywards  Heath. 

Customs    dues  to    the    Mauritius.— For 

horticultural  purposes  seeds  and  tubers,  and 
also  living  plants  and  products  of  the  same  for 
botanical  studies,  are  now  admitted  free  of  duty. 
Fresh  fruit  and  fresh  vegetables  are  liable  to  an 
import  duty  of  100  cents  =  4s.  per  100  kg.  The 
importation  of  vines  and  vine  cuttings  is  not 
permitted. 

The  Geneva  International  Horticul- 
tural Exhibition.  — The  programme  and  regu- 
lations of  the  thirty-fourth  International  Exhi- 
bition, organised  by  the  Societe  d'Horticulture 
de  Geneve,  announces  that  the  exhibition  will 
take  place  from  September  8  to  14,  1909,  and 
will  be  held  in  the  Electoral  Buildings  and  the 
surrounding  grounds.  The  exhibition  will  con- 
sist of  seven  principal  sections,  including  novel- 
ties or  recently-introduced  plants,  floriculture 
(greenhouse,  open  air,  and  "  floral  art  "),  vege- 
table cultivation,  ornamental  and  fruit  trees, 
scientific  horticulture,  horticultural  arts  and  in- 
dustries. Full  information  may  be  obtained  from 
the  general  secretary,  Mr.  John  Wolf,  Grand 
Saconnex,  Geneva. 

The    South    African    Bamboo.— The    Kew 

Bulletin  of  Miscellaneous  Information  (No.  2, 
1909)  contains  an  interesting  article  by  Dr.  Otto 
Staff  on  the  South  African  Bamboo  Arundinaria 
tessellata  Munro.  According  to  Dr.  Stapf,  the 
existence  of  a  Bamboo  in  Cape  Colony  has  been 
known  for  more  than  70  years.  Discovered  by 
Drege  on  high  mountains  (4,000  to  7,000  feet) 
in  1832  or  earlier,  and  found  also  by  other 
travellers,  it  was  originally  ascribed  by  Nees  to 
the  genus  Nastus  and  named  N.  tessellata. 
Munro  gave  it  its  present  name  of  Arundinaria 
tessellata  in  1868,  though  in  the  absence  of  its 
flowers  its  proper  generic  position  remained 
dubious.  An  examination  of  flowering  specimens 
which  were  sent  to  Kew  in  December  of  last 
year  proved  that  Munro  was  right  in  assigning 
the  Bamboo  to  the  genus  Arundinaria.  Dr. 
Stapf  refers  to  the  economic  value  of  A.  tessel- 
lata and  concludes  with  a  description  of  the  in- 
florescence and  flowers. 

Mr.  Charles  Foster.  —  At  the  annual 
reunion  of  old  students  at  Reading  University 
College  last  week  the  Associateship  of  the  Col- 
lege was  conferred  on  Mr.  Charles  Foster, 
Assistant  Director  of  the  Department  of  Agri- 
culture, on  his  leaving  to  take  up  a  position  as 
director  of  Lord  Northcliffe's  model  farm. 

Publications  Received.— Holidays  Abroad. 

An  illustrated  booklet  of  tours  in  Holland,  North 
Germany,  the  side  valleys  of  the  Rhine,  the 
Belgian  Ardennes  and  the  Tyrol,  published  by  the 
Great  Eastern  Railwav. — Proceedings  of  the 
Acadamy  of  Natural  Sciences  of  Philadelphia. 
Vol.  LXI.,  Part  I.,  January,  February,  March, 
1909.  (Philadelphia:  The  Academy  of  Natural 
Sciences) .—  Garden  Cities  and  Town  Planning. 
(May.)  (London  :  Garden  City  Association,  31-32, 
Birkbeck  Bank  Chambers,  Holborn,  W.C.)  Price 
3d. — Beautiful  Flowers  and  How  to  Grow  Them, 
by  Horace  J.  and  Walter  P.  Wright.  (Part  XV.) 
(London:  T.  C.  &  E.  C.  Jack).  Price  Is.—  The 
Estate  Magazine.  (June.)  Price  6d. —  The 
Forest  Flora  of  New  South  Wales,  by  J.  H. 
Maiden.  Vol.  IV.,  Part  IV.  (Sydney:  Forest 
Department  of  New  South  Wales). 


TRANSPLANTING  A  LARGE  CEDAR  AT 
PADDOCKHURST. 

Numerous  instances  are  recorded  in  the  Gar- 
deners' Chronicle  of  the  shifting  of  large  trees,  a 
notable  instance  being  the  removal  of  the  cele- 
brated Buckland  Yew,  near  Dover,  an  account 
of  which  is  given  in  the  issue  for  April  25,  1891, 
p.  324,  figs.  107,  108.  Fig.  176  illustrates  the 
removal  of  a  large  tree  of  Cedrus  deodara  by 
Messrs.  J.  Cheal  &  Sons,  at  Paddockhurst,  Sus- 
sex. This  Cedar  stood  in  the  forecourt  of 
the  mansion,  but  additions  to  the  building 
have  necessitated  the  removal  of  the  tree  a 
distance  of  some  20  yards.  The  tree,  with  the 
ball  of  roots  and  soil,  weighed  from  70  to  75  tons. 
The  work  of  preparation  was  laborious.  The 
huge  tree  had  to  be  tunnelled  under,  and 
supported  by  great  baulks  of  timber,  leaving  a  big 
open  space.  All  the  preparations  having  been 
made,  and  a  strong  platform  erected,  the  tree 
was  gradually  moved  into  its  new  bed.  Messrs. 
Cheal  inform  us  that  the  principal  point  in  mov- 
ing the  tree  was  the  tunnelling  under  it  in  order 
to  place  a  platform  of  large  baulks  of  oak  timber 
in  position,  and  to  bolt  these  together  with 
rollers  beneath,  the  rollers  being  then  laid  on 
another  platform  to  facilitate  the  moving.  The 
tree  in  its  new  position  appears  as  fresh  as 
though  it  had  not  been  moved. 


INDIA. 

HAILSTORM    IN    UDAIPUR. 

On  April  20  a  hailstorm  of  unusual  severity 
visited  Udaipur.  It  travelled  in  a  north-westerly 
direction  over  the  Pichola  lake  and  down  the 
Jarden  valley,  destroying  everything  in  its  wake. 
The  storm  commenced  about  2  o'clock  p.m. ;  the 
hailstones  were  from  the  size  of  a  pea  to  that  of 
an  ordinary  fowl's  egg.  Some  of  them,  measured 
at  the  garden  office,  were  3  inches  in  circum- 
ference, and  of  a  flat,  irregular  shape,  but  the 
majority  of  the  stones  were  round. 

The  storm  travelled  over  the  fruit  garden  and 
completely  destroyed  the  fruit  crops.  All  the 
grafted  Mangos  suffered,  as  well  as  the  com- 
mon variety  (Mangifera  indica).  The  fruits, 
which  were  of  a  fair  size,  were  most  of  them 
knocked  off.  A  few  that  had  been  hit  by  the 
hail,  but  which  had  remained  attached  to  the 
tree,  soon  turned  black  and  dropped,  thus  depriv- 
ing the  garden,  for  this  year  at  least,  of  one  of 
its  most  delicious  fruits  and  a  large  source 
of  revenue.  Plums  and  Apples  suffered  in  the 
same  way.  The  fruits  of  the  Pippin  variety 
were  collected  in  mounds  under  the  trees. 
Peaches,  too,  suffered,  very  few  of  them  being 
left  on  the  trees.  Carica  Papaya  presented  a  sad 
sight :  the  umbrella-like  heads  were  shattered  to 
shreds.  The  crop  of  Plantains  (Musa)  was  de- 
stroyed. The  beautiful  leaves,  which  only  a  few 
minutes  before  were  a  treat  to  look  on,  were  so 
torn  that  nothing  was  left  but  the  upright  stems, 
with  a  smashed  bunch  of  fruit  here  and  there. 
Pears  were  just  setting  and  were  destroyed.  The 
Quinces  and  Figs,  being  situated  in  a  sheltered 
position,  did  not  suffer  so  badly.  Pomegranates 
suffered,  but,  owing  to  their  stiff,  thorny 
branches  and  thick-rinded  fruit,  were  not 
damaged  so  badly  as  the  more  delicate  fruits. 
Sapodilla  fruits  were  of  a  good  size,  but  were 
knocked  off,  leaving  nothing  but  bare  barked 
steins. 

The  vegetable  garden  was,  as  it  were,  between 
the  two  seasons.  The  cold  weather  English 
vegetables  were  just  getting  finished.  Drum- 
head Cabbages  raised  from  Messrs.  Sutton  & 
Sons'  seed,  and  most  of  them  quite  20  lbs.  in 
weight,  solid  and  pure  white,  which  were  the 
admiration  of  all  visitors  to  the  vegetable  gar- 
den, were  smashed  to  pieces,  with  holes  knocked 
right  into  them.  Brussels  Sprouts  that  were 
just  coming  into  season  were  reduced  to  shreds. 
Broad  Beans  were  destroyed;  Early  Gem  Car- 
rots,   Beet,    Lettuce    and    Scotch   Kale    were   all 


broken  in  an  unrecognisable  form.  A  fine  crop 
of  Potatos  was  badly  injured  ;  large  tubers  on 
the  tops  of  the  drills  were  smashed  to  pieces. 
It  was  most  extraordinary  how  the  hail  pene- 
trated the  soil.  The  hot  weather  Indian  vege- 
tables, that  were  in  a  very  promising  condition, 
such  as  Cucumbers  and  Pumpkins,  were  de- 
stroyed, and,  as  the  season  is  far  advanced,  it 
will   be   difficult  to   meet  the   demand. 

A  jungle  fire  in  a  night  sweeps  a  whole  forest 
away ;  but  this  hailstorm  was  quite  as  destruc- 
tive in  another  form.  The  flower-garden,  which 
includes  bulbous  plants  grown  in  pots,  suf- 
fered. The  pots  were  broken  to  pieces,  and  the 
bulbs,  lying  exposed  to  the  storm,  were  badly 
injured.  Eucharis  were  torn  to  shreds,  Dahlias 
broken,  Achimenes  were  badly  damaged,  and 
the  young  shoots — they  were  just  showing — 
were  all  cut  down ;  also  Polianthes  tuberosa 
was  badly  injured.  Beautiful  clumps  of  Bego- 
nias were  all  torn  to  shreds,  and  everything  in 
the  flower-garden  beds  was  broken  down.  Roses 
were  completely  stripped  of  flowers  and  foliage, 
and  in  many  places  the  stems  barked  badly. 
Poinciana  regia  was  coming  into  flower  and  was- 
severely  damaged,  only  a  flower  here  and  there- 
remaining.  The  beautiful  avenue  of  Amaltas — 
Cassia  Fistula — was  quite  stripped  of  its  Labur- 
num-like flowers.  Hibiscus  and  Lagerstrcemias 
of  sorts  suffered,  hardly  a  flower  being  left. 
Murray  a  exotica  was  in  full  flower,  and  was 
completely  cut  to  pieces. 

However,  most  of  the  trees  and  shrubs  are 
throwing  out  new  shoots  and  leaves,  though  the 
flowers,  for  this  year  at  least,  are  all  lost.  The' 
Doopgrass  (Cynodon  Dactylon)  all  over  the  gar- 
dens was  much  improved  by  the  hail  and  rain ; 
in  fact,  this  was  the  only  part  of  the  gardens 
that  derived  any  benefit. 

One  inch  and  77  cts.  of  rain  was  registered 
after  the  fall  of  hail.  Birds  of  various  kinds 
were  found  killed  in  all  parts  of  the  garden. 
The  garden  covers  an  area  of  150  English  acres. 
There  are  10  miles  of  carriage  drives,  exclu- 
sive of  footpaths.  The  storm  seems  to  have- 
broken  right  over  the  garden,  and  a  little  dis- 
tance from  it,  on  the  south  side,  the  storm  ceased 
altogether  among  the  hills,  where  no  harm  was- 
done  at  all.  Again,  on  the  north,  the  rain  was 
very  trifling  in  comparison ;  the  hailstones  were 
very  small,  and  did  little  or  no  harm  to  the  beau- 
tiful gardens  there.  Thos.  II.  Storey,  Superin- 
tendent Sajjan,  Niwas  Gardens,  Udaipur? 
Eajpootana,  India,  May  10,  1909. 


NOTES  FROM  A  "FRENCH"  GARDEN. 

The  damp  weather  of  the  past  fortnight  has- 
been  detrimental  to  Melons  now  fruiting ;  this- 
is  especially  noticeable  in  gardens  where  the 
beds  were  not  prepared  with  warm,  strawy 
manure.  It  has  been  necessary  to  exercise  great 
tare  with  regard  to  the  ventilation,  but  we  were- 
obliged  to  open  the  lights  daily  in  order  to  pre- 
vent decay  in  the  stems  or  in  the  stalks  of  the 
young  fruits.  The  first  batch  planted  in  April 
have  proved  healthy  plants,  and,  provided  the 
temperature  improves,  the  fruits  will  soon  ripen. 
The  only  Melons  that  are  covered  at  night  are 
those  which  were  planted  late  in  May.  We  are 
anxious  to  gradually  harden  the  older  plants  so 
as  to  be  able  in  July  to  plant  Cauliflowers- 
amongst  them. 

The  Cauliflowers  planted  on  the  hot-beds  in- 
March  are  now  ready.  The  earliest  was  the 
variety  "  Driancourt,"  which  has  also  given  the 
largest  heads.  Those  planted  among  the  Cos 
Lettuces  on  hot-beds  are  not  likely  to  be  satis- 
factory, as  the  drought  in  May  and  the  damp 
weather  in  June  have  forced  the  plants  to  bud 
prematurely.  The  Cauliflowers,  Endives  and 
Celery  that  will  replace  the  Cauliflowers  are- 
growing  rather  too  freely ;  it  will  be  advisable, 
should  the  weather  become  fine,  to  keep  them 
somewhat  dry,  and  harden  them  off  for  trans- 
planting in  July. 


June  19,  1909.] 


THE    GARDENERS'    CHRONICLE. 


399 


We  have  disposed  of  the  Passion  and  Cos  Let- 
tuces planted  outside  early  in  the  spring,  and 
although  we  had  a  fine  lot  of  plants,  unfortu- 
nately the  prices  were  very  low.  We  have  hoed 
and  mulched  the  Cauliflowers  which  occupied  the 
same  bed.  The  main  batch  of  Endives  "  La 
Ruffec  "  or  "  La  Meau,"  or  the  Batavian  Green 
will  be  sown  within  a  fortnight,  and  they  should 
be  ready  by  August  15. 

Although  it  is  premature  to  map  out  a  pro- 
gramme for  next  season,  we  generally  plant 
the  Endives  where  the  ground  will  not  be  re- 
quired before  Christmas,  as  these  salads  are 
usually  ready  in  October  and  November,  when 
gardeners  are  busy  preparing  for  the  Lettuce 
season  the  following  spring.     P.  Aqualias. 


flNGR/ECUM  SESQUIPEDALE. 

The  excellent  specimen  of  this  well-known 
Orchid,  illustrated  in  fig.  177,  has  been  culti- 
vated by  Mr.  G.  Carpenter,  The  Gardens,  West 
Hall,  Byfleet,  who  furnishes  the  following  details 
in  regard  to  its  culture.  The  plant  has  been 
growing  here  for  11  years,  but  previously 
never  bore  more  than  two  flower-spikes  at 
the  same  time.  This  year  it  produced  five 
spikes,  and  four  of  these  spikes  bore  three 
flowers  each,  whilst  the  other  had  four,  making 
a  total  of  16  flowers.  The  plant  has  always  had 
the  same  treatment,  and  always  appeared 
healthy.  It  has  been  grown  with  a  mixed  col- 
lection of  Orchids,  such  as  Cattleyas,  &c.  I  do 
not  know  why  it  should  have  flowered  more  this 
year  than  any  other.  It  is  interesting  to  note 
that  three  of  the  spikes  came  out  above  the  last 
year's  old  flower-spike — which,  of  course,  is  quite 
natural — two  breaking  out  under  the  last  year's 
•old  flower-stems,  a  thing  that  I  have  not  seen 
before.  The  photo  is  by  Mr.  Thomas  Stevenson, 
Woburn  Park  Gardens,  Addlestone,  Surrey. 


LILIES  AT  THE  TEMPLE  SHOW. 

Among  the  many  items  of  interest  at  the  recent 
Temple  Show  were  the  fine  masses  of  different 
members  of  the  Lily  family.  They  were 
■especially  well  shown  in  the  collection  of  flower- 
ing subjects  arranged  by  Messrs.  R.  Wallace  & 
Co.,  of  Colchester.  A  notable  feature  was  the 
large  number  of  the  different  members  of  the 
Martagon  group.  Included  among  them  was 
that  beautiful  Japanese  species,  Lilium  Hansonii, 
whose  yellow  blossoms  are  as  massive  as  if 
■carved  out  of  wax.  The  segments,  however,  do 
not  reflex  to  quite  the  same  extent  as  some  others 
of  the  Martagon  section.  Magnificent  bulbs  of 
Lilium  Hansonii  have  been  sent  to  this  country 
fiom  Japan  during  the  last  two  or  three  win- 
ters. Unlike  several  members  of  the  Martagon 
section,  this  species  can  be  depended  upon  to 
flower  well  the  first  season  after  planting.  The 
blooms  are  much  less  strongly  scented  than  are 
some  others.  Such  cannot  be  said  of  the  Cauca- 
sian Lily,  Lilium  monadelphum,  for  the  flowers 
have  a  strong  perfume  which,  in  a  confined  space, 
is  not  at  all  agreeable.  It  is,  however,  one  of 
the  most  beautiful  of  Lilies. 

The  Nankeen  Lily  (Lilium  testaceum),  which 
is  also  known  as  L.  excelsum  and  L.  Isabelli- 
num,  is  a  tall,  stately  species.  The  drooping 
flowers  are  supported  by  almost  horizontally- 
disposed  pedicels,  so  that  each  stands  clear  of 
its  neighbour.  The  clear  nankeen  tint  of  the 
petals,  with  the  conspicuous  red  anthers,  are 
pleasing,  and  the  flower  possesses  a  fairly  strong 
but  agreeable  perfume.  This  Lily,  as  well  as 
L.  monadelphum,  succeeds  better  in  loamy  soil 
than  in  one  containing  peat. 

Of  the  true  Martagon  (Lilium  Martagon),  the 
white -flowered  variety  was  shown  in  good  condi- 
tion, as  well  as  its  three  hybrids,  namely,  L. 
Dalhansonii,  whose  parents  were  L.  Hansonii 
and  the  dark-coloured  Martagon  known  as  dal- 
maticum ;  L.   Marhan,  a  cross  between  L.   Mar- 


tagon album  and  L.  Hansonii ;  and  L.  Ellen  Will- 
mott,  a  particularly  fine  form  of  L.  Marhan. 

The  Siberian  L.  tenuifolium,  an  elegant  little 
member  of  the  Martagon  group,  is,  when  seen  in 
a  mass,  particularly  effective,  by  reason  of  the 
bright  red  colour  of  its  elegantly-reflexed  blos- 
soms. 

The  trumpet-flowered  Lilies  corresponding  to 
the  sub-genus  Eulirion  include  some  of  the  most 
popular  of  these  flowers  for  flowering  under 
glass.  The  best  is  L.  longiflorum,  its  long,  sil- 
very trumpets  being  always  admired.  The  sup- 
ply of  bulbs  is  principally  kept  up  by  immense 
importations  from  Japan.  Conspicuous  at  the 
Temple  were  large  masses  of  the  varieties  gigan- 


is,  in  L.  japonicum  Colchesteri,  of  a  cream  tint. 
L.  Brownii  is  chefly  propagated  in  Holland,  but 
L    japonicum  Colchesteri  is  obtained  from  Japan. 

Lilium  speciosum,  which  is  now  so  popular  as 
a  market  plant,  was  represented  on  many  stands. 
Some  of  the  flowers  were  particularly  rich  in 
colour,  and  contrasted  markedly  with  the  white 
variety  Krsetzeri. 

Belonging  to  the  same  section  as  the  preced- 
ing is  the  Golden  Rayed  Lily  of  Japan  (L.  aura- 
tumj,  which  I  have  seen  more  fully  represented 
than   at  the   last   show. 

Lilium  Henryi,  though  scarcely  seen  at  its 
best  so  early  in  the  season,  arrested  attention  by 
reason  of  its  distinct  colour.     Though  this  has 


Fl3.    I77-— ANGR^ECUM    SESQUIPEDALE    AS    CULTIVATED    IN    WEST    HaLL    GARDENS. 


teum  and  Takesi.iice,  this  last  being  characterised 
by  dark-coloured  stems,  although  the  flowers. 
when  fully  expanded,  are  pure  white. 

A  great  deal  of  confusion  exists  between  L. 
Brownii  and  L.  japonicum  Colchesteri,  or  L. 
odorum,  as  it  is  sometimes  called.  In  Messrs. 
Wallace's  group  a  mass  of  each  was  shown  in 
close  proximity,  so  that  an  opportunity  was 
afforded  of  comparing  the  two.  In  L.  Brownii 
the  leaves  are  long,  slender,  and  gracefully  re- 
curved ;  whereas,  in  L.  japonicum  Colchesteri, 
they  are  shorter,  broader,  and  much  thinner. 
The  flowers,  too,  of  L.  Brownii  are  longer  and 
more  heavily  suffused  with  chocolate  on  the  ex- 
terior,  whilst  the   inside   is   ivory   white,   which 


been  known  for  the  last  20  years,  it  must  still  be 
looked  upon  as  one  of  the  newer  Lilies.  A  great 
recommendation  is  the  manner  in  which  it  has 
become  established  in  this  country. 

Lastly,  mention  may  be  made  of  the  represen- 
tatives of  the  Isolirion  group,  a  class  with  up- 
right flowers  that  are  more  or  less  cup  shaped." 
Lilium  elegans  or  Thunbergianum.  an  extremely 
variable  species,  includes  some  of  the  dwarfest 
of  all  Lilies.  At  the  Temple  I  noticed  a  fine 
mass  of  the  variety  Orange  Queen,  while  par- 
ticularly noticeable  among  the  others  were  venus- 
tum  macranthum,  of  an  orange-apricot  colour, 
and  the  deep-tinted  L.  elegans  atrosanguineum. 
IF. 


400 


THE    GARDENERS'    CHRONICLE. 


o 


[June  19,  1909. 


TOWN  PLANTING. 

PRUNING    OF    TREES    AND    SHRUBS. 
Though  timely  and  judicious  pruning  should 
never  be  neglected,  yet  the  annual  trimming  to 
which   many  of   the  town  trees  and   shrubs  are 
subjected  cannot  be  too  strongly  denounced.    To 
annually  prune  and  elbow   in   such  noble  forest 
trees  as  the  Lime  and  Plane,  in  order  that  the 
restricted  growth  may  render  them  suitable  for 
the  cramped  positions  in  which  they  have  been 
unwisely    planted,    is    unreasonable.      The    Lime 
and  Plane  perhaps  suffer  most  in  this  way,  for 
as    soon    as   they    have    overgrown   the    allotted 
space  an  annual  system  of  hacking  and  hewing 
is  resorted  to,  the  result  being  the  formation  of 
great    mop-headed    protuberances    at    the    points 
where  amputation  took  place,  which  not  only  rob 
the  tree  of  its  natural  appearance,  but  render  it 
readily   susceptible   to   disease   and   insect   pests. 
Glaring  examples  of  badly-pruned  trees  may  be 
seen    at    Kensington,    on    the    Chiswick    Road, 
at      Cricklewood,      and    along      many      of     our 
streets,     and     in    our     public    parks    and     gar- 
dens.      Some     excuse     might     be     offered     for 
planting     our    largest-growing     forest    trees     in 
cramped    and    unsuitable    positions    were    there 
no  other  species  of  smaller  growth  available,  but 
the   various  kind   of   Pyrus,   Mulberry,   Catalpa, 
Dwarf  Acacias,  Sumach,  Prunus,  Crataegus,  and 
others    are    all    well    suited    for    town    planting. 
Where  ample  space  is  available,  such  as  on  the 
Thames    Embankment,    and    other    wide    prome- 
nades  and   streets,   or   where   interlacing   of   the 
branches  is  not  a  serious  drawback,  by  all  means 
let  the  larger-growing  trees  be  planted,  but  where 
the    streets    are    narrow    and    necessity    compels 
planting   within   a   few   yards   of   buildings,    the 
smaller-growing  species  are  preferable.     Numer- 
ous instances  could  be  pointed  out,  as  at  Gray's 
Inn   Road,   London,   in   which   Plane  trees   have 
been  planted  within  9  or  10  feet  of  houses  and 
other  buildings,  the  result  being  that  in  a  few 
years   heavy   pruning   becomes   a  necessity,   and 
the    natural    beauty    of   the    trees   is    destroyed, 
and,     worse    still,    a    repetition    of    the    trim- 
ming  must  be   carried   out   at   frequent   periods. 
A    point,    of    the    greatest    importance    in    town 
planting,    is    suiting   the   trees   to   the    positions 
they  are  to  occupy.     The  Lime  is  perhaps  one 
of     the    most     cruelly     treated     of     all     subur- 
ban  London   trees,     for     the     lopping     and    be- 
heading to  which  it  is  annually  subjected,  and 
which  it  tries  bravely  to  support,  strikes  every 
lover  of  the  natural  with  feelings  of  regret  and 
shame  that  so  beautiful  and  noble  a  tree  should 
be  so  tortured  and  disfigured.     For  the  first  ten 
years  after  being  planted  in  its  restricted  space, 
it  looks   everything  that   could   be   desired,   but 
when  the  confined  boundary  limit  is  attained — 
the  windows  darkened,  the  patch  of  garden  ren- 
dered useless  by  the  overhanging  branches,  and 
the   pedestrian    on   the    footpath    annoyed — then 
comes  the  retribution,  and  the  saw  and  the  prun- 
ing-knife   being   brought   into  request,   the   stal- 
wart,    beautiful     sapling     is     elbowed     in ;     it 
becomes    mop-headed,    or    contorted    into    some 
other     unnatural     or     ungraceful     shape.       By 
planting      at     the      first     such     moderate-sized 
trees    as    the    Robinia    viscosa,    the    Mulberry, 
Mountain      Ash,      and      Beam      Tree,      Indian 
Bean     (Catalpa),     or     the     beautiful     flowering 
Almonds,  Cherries  and  Thorns,  all  this  would  be 
avoided.     The  Plane  tree,  too,  is  badly  managed 
in  many  of  the  London  thoroughfares,  and  when, 
through  indiscriminate  planting,  pruning  of  the 
branches  has  to  be  resorted  to,  this  operation  is 
usually  performed  in  the  most  slovenly  and  un- 
scientific manner,  and  has  in  not  a  few  instances 
led  to  a  diseased  and  unhealthy  state  of  the  trees 
operated  upon.   There  are  cases,  however,  where 
pruning  is  justifiable,  and  the  abuse  of  a  system 
should  furnish  no  argument  against  its  legitimate 
use.     In  the  public   parks   and   gardens  the   re- 
moval of  weighty  branches  from  such  trees  as  the 
Elm   and   Poplar,   that   frequently    break   during 
even     still     weather     and     endanger     the     lives 


of  visitors,   is   not   only   admissible,   but   a   duty 
that    should    never    be    neglected    by    those    in 
charge.      This   also   applies   with   equal   force   to 
diseased      and      hollow      branches      and     steins, 
which  are  fraught  with  danger  to  the  public.     As 
to  whether  or  not  dead  wood  should  be  removed 
in   quantity   from  our  old   Oaks  and  other  trees 
there  is  a  diversity  of  opinion,  though  it  cannot 
be   denied   that   the   careful   pruning   of   such    is 
highly  beneficial,  whether  from  the  point  of  the 
health  of  the  trees  or  safety  of  the  public,  who 
may  frequent  their  shade.     It  is  certain  that  in 
some  of  our  town  parks  and  gardens  there  exists 
an  undue  quantity  of  dead  and  dying  wood  which 
may   be   attributed   to   natural   decay,    the   poor 
quality  of  the  soil  in  which  the  trees  are  grow- 
ing,  or   to   long-standing   neglect   in   the   matter 
of    non-attention    to    wounds    which    have    been 
caused   by    wind-broken   limbs   and    branches  or 
other    injuries.       Such    trees    would    be    greatly 
improved,  both  in  health  and  appearance,  by  the 
removal    of    the    dead    branches    and    attention 
being   paid   to   old   wounds   in  order   to   prevent 
the  ingress  of  water,  the  decay  and  death  of  not 
a  few  trees  being  directly  attributable  to  this 
cause.     That  dead  and  dying  wood  will  also  in- 
duce the  attacks  of  injurious  insect  pests,   such 
as  the  goat  and  wood  leopard  moth,  which  at- 
tack healthy  trees,  is  well  known,  and  was  ex- 
emplified  in   some   of   our   London   parks   lately 
where  Thorns  and  various  species  of  Pyrus  were 
attacked   and   injured   by   the   caterpillar  of   Uie 
leopard  moth,  which  was  bred  in  the  adjoining 
old  Chestnut  trees.     The  latter  part  of  May  or 
beginning   of   June   is   perhaps   the   best   season 
for  pruning  the  majority   of  hard-wooded  trees, 
as   during   that   time  the   motion   of   the   sap   is 
most  vigorous,  and,  in  consequence,  the  wounds 
caused  by  amputation  heal  quickest.     There  are 
a  few   exceptions — the   Birch,   Maple   and   Syca- 
more— where,    on    account    of    profuse    bleeding, 
pruning   is   best  postponed   till   after   the   leaves 
have     developed.        In     cutting     or     shortening 
small  branches  a  sharp  pocket-knife  will  be  found 
most   convenient,   but   when  large   and    weighty 
limbs    have    to    be    removed,    they    should    first 
be  cut  through  at  any  convenient  distance  from 
the    main    stem,    and    then    close    to   the    trunk, 
undercutting  by  a  few  draughts  of  the   saw   in 
order  to  prevent  the  bark  and  wood  from  tearing 
when  the  severed  branch  falls  away.     In  order 
to  prevent  water  lodging  on  the  freshly-cut  sur- 
face, the  face  and  edge  of  each  wound  should  be 
neatly    dressed    and    made    quite    smooth    by    a 
sharp  knife  or  adze,  and  then  painted  or  tarred 
over.      When   cutting   over   an   upright   growing 
branch  never  cut  on  the  horizontal,  but  always  in 
a  sloping  direction,  so  that  the  rain  may  pass  off 
quickly.     Much  mischief  has  been   done  by  the 
pinning    knife    and    saw    in    the    hands    of    in- 
experienced    workmen — a    fact     that     will     be 
patent  to   every   interested   person  who   watches 
the  operation  as  being  carried  out  by  the  work- 
men of  some  of  the  city  and  suburban  councils. 
When  conducted  with  care,  on  sound  principles, 
the  effect  of  pruning  on  standard  trees  should  be 
rather  beneficial  than   otherwise,   whereas   when 
done   by    inexperienced    workmen   the    operation 
has  disastrous  results. 

Generally  speaking,  shrubs  are  pruned  with 
little  or  no  consideration  as  to  whether  they  will 
be  benefited  by  the  operation.  While  symmetry 
and  regularity  of  outline  are  to  be  admired  in  a 
shrub,  these  qualities  should  never  be  gained  at 
the  expense  of  natural  grace  and  production  of 
flowers.  The  judicious  pruner  will,  therefore, 
aim  at  preserving  the  peculiar  habit  of  each  shrub 
as  far  as  possible,  while  interfering  as  little  as 
possible  with  the  production  of  flowers.  The 
various  species  of  Deutzia,  Forsythia,  Phila- 
delphia, and  Weigela  flower  on  the  wood  of  the 
preceding  year's  growth,  therefore  such  shrubs 
slmnld  be  pruned  immediately  after  the  flowering 
season— say  in  June,  but  never  in  spring  or 
winter— at  least,  if  the  production  of  flowers  is 
to  be  taken  into  account.  Again,  the  various 
species  of  Syringa,  Spiifea,  Lonicera,  and  Hibis- 


cus may  safely  be  pruned  during  winter,  the 
flowers  being  produced  on  the  young  wood,  while 
Hvdrangea  paniculata  grandiflora  must  be 
severely  pruned  in  early  spring,  for  only  by 
doing  so  will  the  greatest  wealth  of  flowers  be 
produced.  Chimonanthus  fragrans  should  be 
pruned  in  February  ;  while  the  various  species  of 
Ceanothus  should  not  be  touched  till  all  danger 
of  frost  is  past.  Kerria  japonica  should  be  pruned 
in  autumn,  when  old  wood  may  be  cut  away. 

All  pruning  operations  should  be  carefully  car- 
ried out  with  a  sharp  knife  and  not  with  the 
pruning  shears,  the  point  of  amputation  being 
always  close  to  an  eye  or  bud.  Too  severe 
pruning  should  be  avoided,  a  judicious  thinning 
out  of  the  branches  being  far  preferable  to  indis- 
criminate shearing  and  cutting  back.  A.  D^ 
Webster. 

HOME   CORRESPONDENCE. 


(The  Editor  does  not  hold  himself  responsible  for  the 
opinions  expressed  by  his  correspondents.) 

The  Supply  of  Animal  Manure  (seep.  359). 
— That  there  may  come  in  the  course  of  time  a 
comparative  famine  of  animal  manure  is  certainly 
possible  and  may  well  arouse  interest  in  the  sub- 
ject.    We,  as  human  beings,  create  an  enormous 
quantity  of  vegetable  plant  food  in  the  form  of 
sewage,   but   we   are  so  uneconomical   that   this^ 
for  the  most  part,  is  wasted  in  the  sea.     Sewage 
farms  seem  not  to  be  cultural  successes,  and  the 
dried     product     of     sewage     sludge      is     but    a 
moderately  fertilising  compound.     Street  sweep- 
ings    which     usually     have     had     considerable 
manorial  value,  now  contain  so  much  of  tar  or 
petrol  waste,  that  their  benefit  to  vegetation  is. 
of  an  exceedingly  doubtful  kind.     But  no  form 
of  locomotive  change    can    prevent    us    getting 
late  autumn-sown  crops  of  Tares,  Oats,  Rye,  or 
Rape,  which  when  dense,  yet  short,  can  be  dug. 
into  the  soil  in  March  and,   so  treated,   become 
almost     immediately     decomposed     or     soluble. 
These    green    crops   are    most   valuable    manures 
and  of  the  cheapest  kind,  yet  strangely  enough 
are    little    used    in    gardens.     The    farmer    who 
makes   due   provision    for    rich    crops,    folds   his 
sheep  over  them,  and  afterwards  ploughs  in  the 
remaining  vegetable  fibre  and  the  animal  excre- 
ment,   thus    providing    succeeding     crops    with 
capital  manure.     Even  the  ploughing  in  of  corn 
stubble  has  great  value.     If  to  these  fibre  crops 
a   light  dressing' of  artificial   manures  be   added, 
crops  benefit  greatly.     But  the  gardener  has  a 
resource    which    is    not    that    of    the    farmer    or 
usually   of  the  market  grower.     The  farmer  sel- 
dom breaks  up  his  soil  deeply.     Trenching  w^ould 
not  suit  his  corn  crops.     Generally,   his  land   is. 
broken  by  the  plough  to  a  depth  of  but  10  inches, 
thus  leaving  the  soil  below  that  depth  hard  and 
impervious  to  roots.     Much  of  this  soil,  if  only 
broken    up,    would    show    wonderful    productive- 
ness.    The  market  grower  generally  relies  on  the 
plough    as    his    soil    cultivator,    but   because   his- 
crops  have  to  be  forced  into  growth  rapidly,  he 
uses   heavy   dressings   of   animal   manure.      This 
is   not   buried   deeply,    and   crops   of   field   vege- 
tables   having    a    very    shallow    root    run,    the 
manure  is  soon  exhausted.     An  enormous  quan- 
tity of  this  manure,  from  30  to  40  per  cent.,  is 
lost,    owing   to   the   fermenting   and   wasting   to 
which  it  is  exposed  before  being  applied  to  the 
soil.     Compare  this   form  of  culture   with   what 
may    be    seen    on    thousands    of    workers'    allot- 
ment plots,  cultivated  and  cropped  by  men  not 
permanently   engaged   in  the  occupation   of  gar- 
dening.    These  plots  are  deeply  trenched  so  that 
the  soil,  from  24  to  30  inches  in  depth,  provides 
root-room  for  the  plants.     Allotment  holders  can 
only  provide  the  soil  with  very  moderate  manure 
dressings,  yet  with  such  limitations  they  secure 
marvellous  produce,  and  in  their  small  way  illus- 
trate the  wonderful  productive  capacities  of  the 
soil  when  intelligently  cultivated.     But  the  very 
foundation    of    such    success    lies    in    the    deep 
working  of  the  soil.     A.  D. 


June  19,  1909] 


THE    GARDENERS'    CHRONICLE. 


401 


Ranunculus  auricomus.—  In  answer  to  Mr. 
H.  S.  Thompson  (see  p.  384),  I  can  state  that  the 
perfect  form  of  R.  auricomus  is  plentiful  in  the 
neighbourhood  of  Sevenoaks  (Kent),  and,  as  far 
as  my  experience  goes,  the  variety  depauperata 
is  somewhat  uncommon.  In  Hanbury  and  Mar- 
shall's Flora  of  Kent,  1899,  it  is  stated,  "Petals 
occasionally  imperfect,  especially  in  hill-woods." 
My  own  observations  are  quite  in  accordance 
with  this,  but  I  have  hardly  ever  noticed  the 
imperfect  form  in  a  moist  situation,  or  upon 
good  soil.  There  is  one  large  patch  of  several 
hundred  plants,  which  I  have  observed  carefully 
for  about  eight  years,  and  during  that  time  have 
never  found  a  single  imperfect  flower  amongst 
them.  All  the  plants  are  also  very  constant  in 
their  time  of  flowering,  and  the  form  of  the 
radical  leaves.  I  should  be  interested  to  hear 
if  other  readers  have  consistently  observed 
this  species,  and  if  they  have  found  any  corre- 
spondence between  the  nature  of  the  soil  and  the 
condition  of  the  flowers.     Lionel  Crawshay. 

Nitrogen    of    the    Air.  —  Will    Mr.    IIn.ll 

kindly  tell  us  in  what  way  nitrogen,  pure  and 
simple,  can  be  restored  to  the  air?  In  the  pro- 
cess of  photosynthesis  plants  give  us  back  the 
oxygen,  which  all  living  beings  consume ;  but 
as  nitrogen  has  also  an  important  part  to  play 
in  the  atmosphere,  one  would  like  to  know 
how  it  is  to  be  restored  after  the  air  has  been 
robbed  of  it  in  making  nitrate  of  lime.  It  is 
said  that  the  gas  which  bubbles  up  in  the  baths 
of  Buxton  is  pure  nitrogen  ;  but  how  it  has  be- 
come isolated  I  do  not  know.  Is  any  other 
source  of  pure  nitrjgeu  known  in  nature'.'  Four- 
fifths  may  seem  to  De  a  large  proportion  now  ; 
but  a  time  may  come  when  the  making  of 
nitrate  of  lime  on  a  large  scale — perhaps  in  many 
countries  and  perpetually,  for  centuries — may  re- 
duce that  proportion  and  render  the  amount  in- 
suthcient  to  check  the  too  active  properties  of 
pure  oxygen.     Geo.  Henslow,  Leamington. 

Unfortunately   there  are  all  too  many 

agencies  breaking  up  the  compounds  of  nitrogi  n 

and  returning  it  to  the  atmosphere  in  the   i I 

of  gas.  When  any  vegetable  matter  is  burnt  the 
greater  part  of  the  nitrogen  it  contains  is  lust 
as  gas,  and  the  same  is  true  of  coal  and  other 
fossil  forms  of  bygone  vegetation.  Then  the 
soil  is  full  of  wasteful  bacteria,  which  as  tiny 
oxidise  the  organic  matte]  are  always  evolving 
some  of  the  nitrogen  as  gas.  In  very  rich  Boils 
the  wastage  is  considerable;  we  estimate  that 
about  one  half  of  the  combined  nitrogen  which 
has  been  put  on  the  Wheat  plot  at  Rothamsted 
in  tile  shape  of  farmyard  manure  every  year  for 
the  last  sixty  years  has  been  thus  lost,  for  it  is 
to  be  found  neither  in  the  soil  nor  in  the  crops 
that  have  been  harvested  from  the  plot.  Again, 
all  our  explosives  depend  for  their  action  on  the 
liberation  of  free  nitrogen  gas  from  one  or  other 
of  its  combined  forms,  and  one  item  in  the 
wastefulness  of  war  is  the  enormous  destruction 
of  combined  nitrogen  which  follows  a  modern 
battle.  Mr.  Henslow  need  not  fear  for  the 
world's  stock  of  free  nitrogen  :  it  was  the  com- 
bined nitrogen  which  seemed  likely  to  run  out 
until  we  learnt  latterly  something  of  the  powers 
of  bacteria  to  regenerate  the  supply.    A.  D.  Hull. 

Early  Sweet  Peas. — I  am  sending  you  a  box 
ut  Sweet  Peas.  The  seeds  were  sown  early  in 
October  in  4  inch  pots,  six  seeds  in  a  pot,  and 
placed  in  a  cold  frame,  where  the  plants  re- 
mained during  the  winter.  Air  was  admitted 
freely  on  all  favourable  occasions.  The  plants 
were  potted  on  into  7-inch  pots  in  the  first  week 
of  January.  At  about  the  middle  of  March  they 
were  placed  out-of-doors  under  the  shade  of  a 
south  wall.  They  were  planted  out  early  in 
April  in  a  south-west  corner  of  the  kitchen  gar- 
den, each  potful  being  placed  at  distances  of 
2  feet.  At  the  present  time  they  are  3  feet  in 
height,  and  they  meet  in  the  rows.  The  foliage 
is  strong  and  healthy.  \\  e  commenced  cutting 
flowers  for  Whitsuntide,  and  have  since  had  a 
continual  supply.  Upwards  of  100  spikes  were 
sent  away  this  morning.  I  have  usually  sown 
out-of-doors  in  autumn  with  very  good  results, 
but  the  system  adopted  this  year  has  given 
earlier  blossoms  and  less  trouble.  Owing  to  this 
late  season  it  will  be  quite  another  fortnight  in 
this  locality  before  we  can  cut  flowers  from 
plants  raised  from  spring-sown  seeds.  G.  Hatch, 
Cavenham  Park  Gardens,  Mildenhall,  Suffolk, 
June  10.     [The  flowers  were  excellent. — Ed.] 


SOCIETIES. 


ROYAL    HORTICULTURAL. 
Scientific  Committee. 

June  8. — Present :  -Mr.  E.  A.  Bowles,  M.A., 
F.L.S.  (in  the  Chair);  Sir  J.  T.  D.  Llewelyn, 
Prof.  G.  S.  Boulger,  Messrs.  W.  E.  Ledger,  R. 
A.  Rolfe,  W.  Hales,  J.  Fraser,  L.  Crawshay,  G. 
Gordon,  R.  Hooper  Pearson,  J.  Douglas,  W. 
Fawcett,  G.  S.  Saunders,  H.  T.  Giissow,  J.  T. 
Bennett-Poe,  E.  M.  Holmes,  A.  W.  Hill,  J.  S. 
Arkwright,  and  F.  J.  Chittenden  (hon.  secre- 
tary). 

Impatiens  x  comoricoma. — The  award  of  a 
Certificate  of  Appreciation  was  unanimously  re- 
commended to  Messrs.  Cayeux  in  acknowledg- 
ment of  work  done  in  raising  the  hybrid  Im- 
patiens  shown  at  the  last  meeting,  and  the  care- 
ful notes  thereon  contained  in  the  Revue  Horti- 
cole. 

Hybrid  Dianthus. — Mr.  Douglas  exhibited 
flowers  of  hybrid  Dianthus.  One  has  been  raised 
by  crossing  Dianthus  barbatus  with  a  double 
pink  (D.  plumarius).  This  had  rather  glaucous 
foliage,  leaves  about  |in.  broad,  and  pink  flowers 
with  about  a  dozen  petals  laciniated  at  the  mar- 
gins, borne  on  branched  stems  carrying  about 
8  or  10  flowers.  The  second  was  the  hybrid 
between  D.  barbatus  and  D.  caryophyllus  var. 
Uriah  Pike,  known  as  Lady  Dixon,  a  form  which 
never  produces  seeds  but  flowers  very  profusely. 

Variegated  Laurel. — Mr.  Crawshay  showed 
foliage  of  a  much  variegated  form  of  the  Com- 
mon Laurel.  Prunus  lauro-cerasus.  The  bush  from 
which  this  was  cut  was  an  old  one  and  the 
variegation    had    proved    constant. 

Alpine  plants  -Mr.  J.  Fraser,  F.L.S. . 
showed  cultivated  specimens  of  a  very  dwarf 
form  of  Salix  herbacea  which  he  had  collected 
at  an  elevation  of  3,984  feet  on  Ben  Lawers. 
The  height  to  which  it  attained  in  the  wind-swept 
situation  in  which  it  was  growing  was  only  from 
^  inch  to  J  inch.  He  also  showed  Draba  rupes- 
t lis  from  the  same  locality,  and  Tofieldia  palus- 
tris  from  an  altitude  of  2,800ft.  m  Perthshire, 
with  fruit.  These  had  all  been  grown  in  pots, 
and  were  somewhat  taller  than  when  collected. 
Mr.  Fraser  also  showed  flowers  of  Rosa  spino- 
sissima.  which  is  still  found  growing  wild  within 
the  county  of  London,  though  it  does  not  now 
fruit.  The  flowers  exhibited  were  very  small, 
and   had    been    picked   from   a   wild    specimen. 

Lonicera  Standishii.—Mx.  E.  M.  Holmes  ex- 
hibited ripe  fruit  of  this  Lonicera.  which  rarely 
fruits   in   Britain. 

Aquilegia  double. — Mr.  Hales  drew  attention 
to  the  doubling  of  Aquilegias  where,  somewhat 
as  in  the  hose-in-hose  Primrose,  the  petals  are 
packed  one  within  the  other.  Mr.  Chittenden 
pointed  out  that  the  additional  petals  were  modi- 
fied stamens,  of  which  the  filament  became  the 
claw  of  the  petal,  while  the  spur  and  the  limb  of 
the  petal  were  developed  from  the  anther;  in 
specimens  in  which  the  modification  had  not 
gone  far  the  two  anther  lobes  could  be  seen 
around  the  mouth  of  the  spur. 

Malformed  Orchid. — Mr.  Rolfe  exhibited  an 
Odontoglossum  in  which  the  petals  had  acquired 
somewhat  the  coloration  of  the  lip. 

Primroses  flowering. — Mr.  A.  W.  Hill  said 
that  there  was  at  present  flowering  at  Kew 
a  common  Primrose  which  had  been  brought 
from  Shetland  last  year,  and  had  thus  retained 
its  normal  time  of  flowering. 

Trachycarpus  excelsus  nionatcious.  —  Mr. 
Bowles  exhibited  an  inflorescence  of  Trachycar- 
pus excelsus,  and  remarked  that  although  most  of 
the  flowers  were  staminate  in  the  inflorescence 
for  some  years,  a  few  pistdlate  flowers  had  de- 
veloped and  had  produced  fruit.  This  was  most 
evident  in  the  inflorescences  wdiich  had  developed 
late  in  the  season. 


NATIONAL  VEGETABLE. 
June  8. — We  are  informed  that  a  meeting  of 
the  Provisional  Committee  of  the  newly-consti- 
tuted National  Vegetable  Society  was  held  at 
the  Hotel  Windsor,  on  the  above  date.  It  was 
decided  to  ask  his  Grace  the  Duke  of  Portland 
to  accept  the  office  of  President.  Twenty-seven 
gentlemen  and  17  firms  were  proposed  as  vice- 
presidents 


It  was   further  resolved   to   ask  the   following 
gentlemen    to    accept    places    on    the    Executive 
Committee : — B.    Ashton,   Gardener  to   the   Earl 
of     Lathom,     Lathom     House,     Ormskirk ;     N. 
F.    Barnes,    Gardener    to    the    Duke    of    West- 
minster,   Eaton    Hall ;    E.     Beckett,     Gardener 
to   the   Hon.    Vicary    Gibbs,    Aldenham    House; 
E.    T.    Cook,   Editor   of    The    Garden;    W.    A. 
Cook,    Gardener   to    Sir   Edmund    Loder,    Hart., 
Leonardslee ;  A.  Dean,  Horticultural  Instructor, 
Surrey  Education  Committee  :  C.   Foster,  Horti- 
cultural   Director    to    Lord    Northcliffe,    Sutton 
Place ;  G.  Gibson,  Gardener  to  the  Duke  of  Port- 
land, Welbeck  Abbey;  G.  Gordon,  V.M.H.,  Edi- 
tor of  the  Gardeners'  M a</azi ne  :  F.  W.  Harvey, 
Sub-Editor  of   The   Garden;  G.    Hobday,   Rom- 
ford; R.  Hooper  Pearson,  Managing  Editor,  liar- 
deners'  Chronicle;  J.  Harrison  Dick,  Sub-Editor 
of  the  Journal  of  Horticulture  ;  J.  Jaques,  Hor- 
ticultural Director,   White  City  ;  J.  Lyne,   Gar- 
dener  to   H.    F.    Tiark,    Esq.,    Foxbury,    Chisle- 
hurst ;  H.   Markham,  Gardener  to  Viscount  En- 
field,    Wrotham     Park ;    S.     Mortimer,     Market 
Grower,     Rowledge,     Farnham ;     W.     Poupart, 
Market    Gardener.    Twickenham;    R.    J.    Steel, 
Market    Garden    Salesman;    Owen    Thomas:    H. 
H.   Thomas,  Editor  of   The  Gardener;  J.   Vert, 
Gardener    to    the    Rt.    Hon.    Lord    Howard    de 
Walden,    Audley   End  ;    (!.    Wythes    (Treasurer)  ; 
E.    G.    Quick    (Hon.    Sec),    Kelmscott,    Harrow 
View,    Wealdstone,    Harrow. 

Objects  and  Rules  of  the  Society. 

1.  The  title  of  this  Society  shall  be  the 
National  Vegetable  Society,  and  its  object  shall 
be  to  promote  the  wider  cultivation  of  vegetables 
as  food  products,  to  encourage  their  consumption 
as  food,  to  promote  exhibitions  of  such  products, 
whether  competitive  or  otherwise,  and  to  hold 
trials  under  such  conditions  as  may  offer  with  a 
view  to  finding  the  best  varieties  to  commend  for 
j.  in  ill  culture,  and  to  ascertain  commercial 
values  when  grown  under  ordinary  conditions. 

2.  Membership  shall  be  open  to  all  persons 
who  will  pay  an  annual  subscription  of  not  less 
than  5s..  and  who  are  in  entire  agreement  with 
the  objects  above  stated. 

3.  Executive  body. — The  governing  body  of  the 
Society  shall  be  a  president,  vice-presidents, 
treasurer,  and  secretary,  who,  together  with  an 
executive  committee,  not  exceeding  24  members, 
shall  be  elected  annually. 

4.  Annual  meeting. — An  annual  general  meet- 
ing of  all  members  shall  be  held  in  the  month  of 
.la unary  each  year,  when  the  report  of  the  com- 
mittee's work  for  the  previous  year  shall  be  read, 
and  a  duly  audited  balance-sheet  of  accounts 
presented.  *  The  annual  election  of  officers  and 
committee  shall  also  then  be  held.  Two  auditors 
shall   be   elected   at  such  meetings. 

5.  Meetings  of  the  committee  shall  be  convened 
by  the  secretary  from  time  to  time  as  the  busi- 
ness of  the  Society  may  require,  as  the  committee 
itself  shall  determine,  or  on  the  request  of  any 
four  members  of  the  committee,  such  request  to 
be  made  in  writing  to  the  secretary.  The  com- 
mittee shall  elect  its  own  chairman  and  vice- 
chairman  at  its  first  meeting  immediately  follow- 
ing the  annual  general  meeting. 

6.  Subscriptions  become  due  on  the  first  day 
of  the  month  of  January  in  each  year,  and  should 
be  paid  through  the  treasurer,  who  shall  for- 
ward an  official  receipt  to  the  member  for  same 
at  the  earliest  possible  date.  All  cheques  shall 
be  made  payable  to  the  National  Vegetable 
Society. 

7.  All  members  will  be  entitled  to  vote  at  the 
general  meetings,  and  also  be  eligible  for  elec- 
tion on  the  executive  committee.  Members  will 
also  be  entitled  to  receive  copies  of  any  reports 
or  publications  issued  by  the  Society,  and  to  ex- 
hibit at  any  show  or  in  any  classes  arranged  by 
the  Society. 

8.  All  trials  conducted  by  the  Society  shall  be 
thoroughly  impartial  and  designed  to  elicit  use- 
ful information.  They  shall  be  under  the  control 
of  a  special  trial  sub-committee  of  not  less  than 
three  members,  who  shall  be  responsible  to  the 
general  committee. 


BIRMINGHAM   BOTANICAL   AND 
HORTICULTURAL. 

June  9. — The  annual  Orchid  and  early  sum- 
mer flower  show  was  held  at  the  Botanical 
Gardens.  Edgbaston,  on  the  above  date.  Orchids, 
miscellaneous      plants      and      cut      flowers      were 


4o: 


THE    GARDENERS'    CHRONICLE. 


[June  19,  1909. 


extensively  and  well  shown,  and.  as  the  weather 
was  fine  and  warm,  an  unusually  large  number 
of  visitors  were  present,  who  pronounced  the 
show  to  be  not  only  the  biggest  but  the  best  of 
the  special  shows  held  under  the  auspices  of  the 
Society. 

The  premier  award — Gold  Medal — was  worthily 
given  to  W.  Waters  Butler,  Esq.,  South- 
field,  Norfolk  Road,  Edgbaston  (gr.  Mr.  R.  H. 
Jones),  who  filled  a  space  of  180  square 
feet  with  a  meritorious  collection  of  well- 
flowered  plants  nicely  arranged  over  a 
groundwork  of  Ferns  and  backed  by  tall 
white  Liliums  and  foliage  plants.  This  in- 
teresting exhibit  contained  splendid  examples 
of  Cattleya  Mossire  Waterloo,  C.  M.  Gloire  de 
France,  C.  Lawrenceana  Hyeana  (very  large  deep 
flower),  C.  intermedia  White  Queen,  Lselia  Iona, 
Lslio-Cattleya  Canhamiana,  Oneidium  amplia- 
tum  majus,  'Odontoglossum  crispum  Empress  of 
India,  0.  c.  Lindenii,  0.  c.  Harryanum  grande 
(extra  good),  Cypripedium  callosum  Sanderse,  C. 
bellatuium,  Trichopilia  Wagneri,  Miltonia  vexil- 
laria.  and  many  others. 

The  Right  Hon.  Joseph  Chamberlain,  M.P., 
Highbury,  Birmingham  (grower  Mr.  John 
Mackay),  had  an  extensive  display  of  grandly 
flowered  Miltonias,  Cattleyas,  Laelias,  and 
Laelio-Cattleyas.  together  with  Anguloas,  Phahe- 
nopsis,  Angra?cum  Sanderianum,  Cochlioda 
Koezliana,  Disa  Premier,  and  Odontoglossums. 
(Silver-gilt  Medal.) 

Alderman  G.  H.  Kenrick,  J.P.  (Lord  Mayor 
of  Birmingham),  Whetstone,  Edgbaston  (gr.  Mr. 
J.  V.  Macdonald),  contributed  a  small,  but  choice 
group  consisting  principally  of  Vanda  teres  (well- 
flowered),  Dendrobiums,  and  Odontoglossums. 
(Bronze  Medal.) 

Richard  Fenwick,  Esq.,  J.P.,  Plough  and 
Harrow  Road,  Edgbaston,  had  an  artistically- 
arranged  group  of  Odontoglossums,  Cattleyas, 
Dendrobiums  and  Epidendrums.  (Bronze  Medal.) 

From  Messrs.  Moore,  Ltd..  Rawdon,  Leeds, 
came  an  effective  group,  in  which  many  curious 
and  beautiful  species  and  hybrids  were  noted, 
including  Disa  Luna.  Odontoglossum  Rolfese, 
Cattleya'Dusseldorfei  Undine,  Dendrochilum  Cob- 
bianum.  Gongora  Wilsonii,  Lrelio-Cattleya  Aphro- 
dite alba.  L.-C.  Fascinator,  Vanda  suavis,  Tricho- 
pilia tortilla,  Renanthera  Imschootiana,  Cirrho- 
petalum  Collettii,  and  Miltonias.     (Silver  Medal.) 

Miscellaneous  Plants  and  Cut  Flowers. 

Messrs.  Gunn  &  Sons,  Olton,  Birmingham, 
showed  a  very  fine  assortment  of  hardy  flowers 
and  Sweet  Peas,  together  with  a  representative 
collection  of  Roses  as  bush,  standard,  weeping 
and  pillar  varieties.     (Silver-gilt  Medal.) 

Messrs.  Bakers,  Codsall,  Wolverhampton,  sent 
a  selection  of  Pyrethrums.  Lupins,  Violas,  Irises, 
Columbines  and' Oriental  Poppies.  (Silver  Medal.) 

W.  Byng  Kenrick,  Esq.,  Metchley  House, 
Somerset  Road,  Edgbaston  (gr.  Mr.  Jas.  Webb), 
sent  twelve  well-flowered  plants  of  Pelargonium 
Achievement.     (Vote  of  Thanks.) 

Robert  Sydenham,  Ltd.,  Tenby  Street,  Bir- 
mingham, contributed  a  pleasing  group  of 
Spanish  Irises   and   Gladiolus.      (Bronze   Medal.) 

Richard  Peyton,  Esq.,  Augustus  Road,  Edg- 
baston (gr.  Mr.  W.  Young),  showed  a  very  nice 
group  of  Gloxinias,  Hydrangeas,  Caladiums  and 
ornamental   grasses.      (Bronze   Medal.) 

Mr.  H.  N.  Ellison.  Bull  Street,  West  Brom- 
wich,  showed  upwards  of  eighty  species  and 
varieties  of  Ferns,  mostly  in  small  pots  suitable 
for  table  decoration.     (Bronze  Medal.) 

Messrs.  Bick  Bros.,  Olton,  Birmingham,  sent 
a  collection  of  Violas,  which  were  much  ad- 
mired.     (Vote  of  Thanks.) 

Mr.  C.  H.  Herbert,  Hazlewood  Road, 
Acock's  Green,  sent  plants  of  his  new  perpetual- 
flowering  Pink  "  Progress,"  bearing  large, 
shapely,  fragrant  purple  flowers.  Mr.  Herbert 
also  showed  Violas  and  Columbines.  (Bronze 
Medal.) 

Messrs.  Jas.  Simpson  &  Sons,  Court  Oak 
Road,  Harborne,  sent  a  group  of  hardy  orna- 
mental-foliaged  shrubs  in  pots,  including  several 
Rhododendrons   in   flower.      (Vote  of  Thanks.) 

New  Violas  were  sent  by  Councillor  T.  Brown. 
Olton,  and  by  Mr.  W.  Marple,  Summer  House, 
Penkridge. 

Award  of  Merit. 

Lcelio-Catthya  Eudora  magnified,  from 
Messrs.  Moore,  Ltd.,  Rawdon,  Leeds.  This 
differs  from. the  type  by  reason  of  its  large,  rich- 
coloured  flowers. 


YORMSMIIRE    GAILAc 


June  16,  17,  18. — The  exhibition  held  on  these 
dates  will  rank  as  one  of  the  best  held  in 
Bootham  Park.  Last  year's  show  was  bigger, 
but  that  was  an  exceptional  year,  and  certainly 
in  point  of  quality  the  display  which  opened  on 
Wednesday  last  was  not  inferior.  The  entries 
were  only  three  fewer  than  those  of  the  Jubilee 
Gala,  so'that  good  competition  was  seen  in  the 
numerous  classes.  The  rock-garden  exhibits, 
always  a  feature  at  these  shows,  were  carried 
out  on  an  imposing  scale ;  very  fine,  also,  were 
the  groups  of  flowering  and  foliage  plants,  and 
beautiful  displays  of  garden  plants  were  seen  on 
all  sides.  As  being  exceptionally  fine  from  a 
cultural  point  of  view,  we  may  instance  Begonias, 
Gloxinias,  and  Calceolarias.  '  A  regrettable  acci- 
dent happened  to  the  exhibits  of  Mr.  Sharpe, 
Almondbury,  Huddersfield ;  one  of  the  railway 
vans  containing  his  plants  took  fire,  and  thus 
prevented  him  from  exhibiting.  Numerous 
tiade  groups  contributed  to  the  success  of  the 
show.  The  secretary,  Mr.  Fred.  Arey,  and  the 
management  are  to  be  congratulated  on  the 
general  results. 

GROUPS  OF  PLANTS. 

The  largest  class  for  a  group  of  miscellaneous 
plants  arranged  for  effect  was  represented  by  six 
exhibits.  Each  exhibitor  was  allotted  a  space  of 
300  square  feet.  The  1st  prize  was  awarded  to 
J.  Pickersgill,  Esq.,  Bardon  Hill,  Weetwood, 
Leeds  (gr.  Mr.  J.  Donoghue).  The  group  was  a 
bizarre  of  beautiful  colours  furnished  by^  flowers 
and  foliage.  A  magnificent  Kentia,  half-hidden 
with  Dorothy  Perkins  Rose  and  Lilium  longi- 
florum,  dominated  the  background,  while  the 
body  of  the  display  was  of  Codiseums  (Crotons), 
beautiful  in  their  colouring  ;  elegant  Cocos  Palms, 
Vitis  with  variegated  leafage,  Begonias  of  the 
Rex  type,  Alocasias,  Caladiums,  Ferns,  &c,  with 
Orchids,  Roses,  Kalosanthe,  and  Liliums.  2nd, 
Mr.  W.  A.  Holmes,  West  End  Nurseries, 
Chesterfield.  A  flatter  group  than  the  pre- 
ceding, but  very  effective,  the  groundwork  of 
Codioeums,  Dracaenas,  Caladiums,  Abutilons,  Be- 
gonias, Coleus,  and  the  like,  being  admirably 
disposed.  Taller  plants  of  Codia?ums,  Roses  and 
Palms,  with  sprays  of  Odontoglossums,  served 
as  foils  for  the  general  display.  3rd,  Mr.  James 
Blacker,  Thorpe  Villas,  Selby  (gr.  Mr.  W. 
Curtis).  Pillar  Roses  were  admirably  shown  in 
this  group. 

A  similar  but  smaller  class  for  a  group  of 
flowering  and  ornamental-leaved  plants  brought 
four  good  exhibits.  The  space  allowed  was  200 
square  feet.  The  1st  prize  was  again  secured 
by  Mr.  Pickersgill  (gr.  Mr.  J.  Donoghue), 
whose  splendid  Crotons  contributed  largely 
to  his  success.  These,  with  Roses,  Cattleyas, 
Odontoglossums,  Ericas,  and  Crassulas,  with  fine 
foliage  plants  intermixed,  formed  a  group  of  con- 
siderable beauty.  The  2nd  prize  was  awarded  to 
the  adjoining  group,  put  up  by  Mr.  W.  A. 
Holmes,  West  End  Nurseries,  Chesterfield.  The 
groundwork,  as  in  the  other  group  from  this 
competitor,  was  remarkably  effective  ;  the  back- 
ground was  perhaps  a  trifle  weak,  otherwise 
there  was  not  much  to  choose  between  this  and 
the  1st  prize  display.  3rd,  Mr.  W.  Vause, 
Leamington  Spa. 

Very  large  plants  were  staged  in  the  classes 
for  specimen  stove  or  greenhouse  plants.  In  that 
for  nine  examples  there  were  only  two  entries. 
Messrs.  James  Cypher  &  Sons,  Cheltenham, 
had  much  the  better  plants.  They  showed  a 
grand  specimen  of  Darwinia  tulipifera.  Others 
of  note  were  Bougainvillea  Cypheri,  Pimelia 
diosmajfolia,  and  Statice  intermedia.  2nd.  Mr. 
W.  Vause,  Leamington.  Two  growers  also  con- 
tested the  class  for  six  plants,  and  again  Messrs. 
Cypher  won  the  1st  prize,  their  showiest  ex- 
ample being  Azalea  Modele.  covered  with  its 
elegant  salmon-pink  blooms.  2nd,  Mr.  W. 
Vause. 

Messrs.  Cypher  &  Sons  also  showed  better  than 
two  other  competitors  in  the  class  for  three 
plants. 

Mr.  Vause  was  the  only  exhibitor  of  a  single 
specimen  stove  plant,  taking  the  2nd  prize  for 
a  poor  plant  of  Anthurium  Scherzerianum. 

The  best  specimen  greenhouse  plant  in  bloom 
was  Erica  ventricosa  magnifica,  shown  by  Messrs. 
Cypher.  Mr.  Vause  winning  the  2nd  prize  with 
Erica  eximia  minor. 

The     best     half-a-dozen     ornamental     foliage 


plants,  to  include  two  Codia?ums,  were  staged  by 
Ah.  Wm.  Vause.  2nd,  Messrs.  R.  Simpson  &  Son, 
Selby.  Mr.  Vause  was  again  placed  1st  in  the 
class  for  three  ornamental-leaved  plants ;  and 
Messrs.  Simpson  excelled  in  the  class  for  three 
Codiseums  (Crotons),  Mr.  Vause  following.  The 
best  single  plant  of  a  Codisum  was  shown  by  the 
last-named  exhibitor. 

There  were  two  groups  in  a  class  for  20  Alpine 
and  herbaceous  plants.  Much  the  better  of  the 
two  staged  was  put  up  by  Mr.  Walter  Pybus, 
Monkton.  This  exhibitor  showed  as  his  best 
examples  Lupins,  Mimulus  Sillingii,  Saxifraga 
pyramidalis,  variegated-leaved  Funkias,  and 
Sedum  Sieboldii.  2nd,  Mr.  J.  Nicholson,  22, 
Whitecross  Road,  York. 

A  collection  of  decorative  plants  and  cut 
floivers. — This  was  a  very  pretty  class,  and,  there 
being  seven  exhibitors,  the  displays  occupied  a 
considerable  space.  Each  group  was  limited  to 
12  feet  frontage  and  a  depth  of  5  feet.  The 
competition  for  the  premier  position  was  keen 
between  Mrs.  Whitehead,  Deighton  Grove, 
York  (gr.  Mr.  G.  W.  Richardson)  and  James 
Blacker,  Esq.,  Thorpe  Villas,  Selby  (gr.  Mr. 
W.  Curtis).  The  former  exhibitor  won  the  pre- 
mier award.  Both  exhibited  choice  examples 
of  conservatory  and  greenhouse  plants  arranged 
in   the   most   pleasing   manner. 

Begonias. — Exhibits  of  these  showy  flowering 
plants  were  exceptionally  choice,  a  magnificent 
group  shown  by  Mr.  T.  Winn,  14,  Ratcliffe 
Street,  York,  taking  the  1st  prize.  Such  excel- 
lent plants  as  were  shown  by  this  gentleman 
would  be  hard  to  surpass,  the  flowers  being  large, 
exquisitely  coloured,  and  having  a  wealth  of  fine 
healthy  foliage.  The  2nd  prize  was  awarded  to 
Mrs.  Akenhead,  Acomb  Park,  York  (gr.  Mr. 
R.  W.  Leadhill)  for  a  group  of  much  merit. 

Gloxinias. — Five  exhibitors  competed  in  a 
class  for  a  group  of  Gloxinias  in  bloom  arranged 
with  foliage  plants  and  Ferns.  The  1st  prize 
was  worthily  won  by  Sir  J.  Grant  Law. sun, 
Bart.,  Middlethorpe  Lodge,  York  (gr.  Mr.  J. 
Dobson).  Nothing  finer  could  be  desired  than 
the  splendid  specimens  shown  in  this  group,  the 
plants  having  20-30  finely-developed  flowers  and 
equally  good  foliage.  2nd,  J.  A.  Dunkeri.y, 
Esq.,  7,  St.  Mary's  Terrace,  Beverley  (gr.  Mr.  G. 
Bush).  This  also  was  a  fine  display  of  the 
cultivator's  skill.  3rd,  Capt.  Walker,  Mill 
Mount  House,  York  (gr.  Mr.  H.  Clark). 

Calceolarias. — As  in  the  case  of  Gloxinias 
and  Begonias,  some  splendid  plants  of  Calceo- 
larias were  staged.  The  competition  was  between 
seven  exhibitors,  and  all  showed  excellent  plants, 
the  best  being  staged  by  P.  Stancliffe,  Esq., 
Solbergh,  Northallerton  (gr.  Mr.  George  Jarvis"). 
Exceedingly  large  flowers,  bright  and  fresh  in 
appearance,  with  a  galaxy  of  other  plants  as 
foils,  characterised  the  exhibit.  2nd,  J.  W. 
<  oiii  hurst,  Gargrave  House,  Gargrave,  Leeds 
(gr.  Mr.  Skinner).  3rd.  W.  T.  Agar,  Esq., 
Brockfield  Hall.  York  (gr.  Mr.  W.  Barnes). 

Carnations. — A  group  of  Carnations,  prin- 
cipally of  the  Souvenir  de  la  Malmaison  type, 
shown  by  Mr.  Joseph  Pickersgill,  Bardon  Hill. 
Weetwood,  Leeds,  was  adjudged  the  best  of 
three  exhibits.  A  few  Tree  Carnations  were 
grouped  at  the  back  of  the  group.  2nd,  Messrs. 
W  m.shaw  &  Son,  Scarborough. 

Show  Pelargoniums. — A  good  group  shown 
by  Mr.  George  Lee.  49.  Surtees  Street,  York, 
was  placed  1st,  and  another  local  exhibitor,  Sir 
Grant  Lawson,  Bart.,  Middlethorpe  Lodge, 
York,  followed. 

The  best  pot  plants  of  Calceolarias  were  shown 
by  S.  Lf.eth.ui,  Esq..  Elm  Bank,  York  (gr.  Mr. 
Geo.  Skill).  2nd,  Rev.  Canon  Argles,  St. 
Clement's  Rectory,  York  (gr.  Mr.  W.  Ettey). 

Tuberous-rcoted  Begonias  in  pots  were  best 
shown  by  Mr.  T.  Winn,  Ratcliffe  Street.  York: 
they  were  beautifully  flowered  specimens  and 
very  large.  2nd  Mrs.  A.  Akenhead,  Acomb 
Park,  York  (gr.  Mr.  R.  W.  Leadhill). 

For  eight  Gloxinias  in  pots  the  1st  prize  was 
awarded  to  Dr.  R.  Appleton,  The  Bar  House, 
Beverley.  2nd,  Sir  J.  Grant  Lawson,  Bart, 
(gr.  Mr.  J.  Dobson). 

Pelargoniums. — Large  trained  specimens  of 
these  plants  were  shown  in  considerable 
numbers ;     gaunt,    ungainly    examples    of    most 


June  19,  1909.] 


THE    GARDENERS'    CHRONICLE. 


403 


unnatural  training.  For  six  plants  of  the 
show  section  Mr.  John  Wedgewood,  159, 
Burton  Lane,  York,  was  1st.  For  12  Zonal 
Nosegay  or  Hybrid  Nosegay  Pelargoniums 
Mr.  Henry  Pybus,  Monkton  Moor,  Wormald 
Green,  led,  and  for  six  plants  of  the  same  types 
Mr.  Henry  Pybus  was  again  placed  1st.  Other 
winners  in  the  classes  for  Pelargoniums  were 
Mr.  J.  W.  Clarke,  13,  Skelton  Street,  Clifton, 
York,  and  Mr.  F.  W.  Crowther,  York. 

Large  Fuchsias  were  very  freely  flowered, 
p«r)pciallv  those  shown  by  Mr.  John  Clark,  13, 
Skelton  Street,  Clifton,  York.  The  plants  were 
pyramidal  trained  and  of  well-known  kinds.  2nd, 
Mr.   W.  Kettlewell,  Horner  Street,  York. 

ROCK-GARDEN  EXHIBITS. 

These  are  always  an  important  feature  at  the 
York  shows,  and  on  this  occasion  there  were  five 
exhibitors,  the  displays  occupying  the  whole 
length  of  one  of  the  largest  tents.  The  main 
contest  lay  between  three  competitors,  but 
Messrs.  Jas.  Backhouse  &  Son,  York,  had  no 
difficulty  in  securing  the  premier  award.  Their 
group  was  a  splendid  representation  of  a  rock- 
garden,  large  blocks  of  sandstone,  many  weigh- 
ing two  hundredweight,  being  admirably  dis- 
posed and  the  planting  was  carried  out  with  suit- 
able subjects.  A  jutting  portion  in  the  centre 
divided  two  large  receding  bays,  and  at 
one  end — rather  higher  than  the  other  parts 
— a  stream  trickled  down  a  gulley  from 
which  Ferns  peeped  out,  the  water  fall- 
ing into  a  basin  planted  with  Nymphaeas. 
The  background  was  of  Rambler  Roses,  Acer 
californica,  Bamboos,  with  Eremuri  inter- 
spersed. The  rockery  proper  had  bright  pat.  In- 
of  Aubrietias,  Saxifrages,  Aquilegias,  Incarvillea 
Delavayi,  Dianthus  ca>sius  grandiflora,  Edraian- 
thus  pumilio,  E.  serpyllifolius,  Aster  alpinus 
speciosus.  Primula  sikk'mensis,  P.  japoniea, 
Cypripedium  spectabile,  C.  acaule,  C.  hirsutum, 
and  C.  montanum.  There  was  also  a  wealth  of 
Azaleas,  Gerbera  Jamesonii,  Rhododendrons, 
Lupins,  Wistaria,  &c.  It  was  a  boldly-designed 
scheme,  and  very  effective ;  perhaps  the  stone- 
work was  a  trifle  obtrusive.  It  was  a  keener 
fight  for  the  2nd  prize,  but  the  judges  decided  in 
favour  of  Messrs.  W.  Artindale  &  Son,  Shef- 
field. Their  exhibit  was  a  capital  representation 
of  a  rock-garden,  boldly  designed  and  planted 
effectively.  A  pool,  with  rustic  bridge  entwined 
with  Ivy,  was  a  pleasing  feature,  and  especially 
fine  was  the  background  of  Eremuri,  Rhododen- 
drons, Roses,  Acer  Negundo  and  other  tall 
plants.  Disposed  in  crannies  and  nooks  were 
Ferns,  Saxifrages,  Irises,  very  fine  pink-flowered 
Spiraeas,  Campanulas,  .Anemones,  Primulas, 
Liliums,  and  many  others.  3rd,  Mr.  S.  Picker- 
ing, Rosslyn  Street,  Clifton,  York.  This  group 
had  a  large  water  basin  at  the  foot  of  the  stone- 
work, a  stream  of  water  supplying  it  from  one 
corner  of  the  group,  flowing  past  Ferns,  Saxi- 
frages, Myosotis,  Mimulus,  and  overhung  with 
Acers,  Lupins,  Aquilegias,  &c.  In  the  exhibit 
were  also  Irises,  Poppies,  Paeonies,  some  very 
choice  Aquilegias,  Pyrethrums,  Bamboos,  Coni- 
fers, Acers,  Prunus  Pissardii,  and  numerous 
other   elegant    shrubs. 

ROSES. 

Exhibits  of  Roses  were  plentiful  and  generally 
of  good  quality,  especially  in  the  more  important 
classes  for  cut  blooms. 

Several  good  groups  were  seen.  The  best  col- 
lection staged  for  effect  was  shown  by  Mr.  Wm. 
Todd,  Haxby  Road,  York,  mainly  of  well-known 
varieties  of  Hybrid  Perpetual  kinds  and  taller 
pillar  plants  as  foils.  2nd,  Mr.  J.  E.  Skaife, 
60,  Clarence  Street,  York. 

Another  class  was  for  a  group  of  pot  Roses 
with  decorative  plants,  including  Ferns.  The 
premier  prize  was  taken  by  Mr.  Langstaffe, 
16,  Sydney  Street,  York,  a  fine  row  of  the 
Polyantha  variety,  Mine.  N.  Levavasseur,  form- 
ing a  pleasing  border.  2nd,  Mr.  J.  E.  Skaife, 
Clarence  Street,  York,  who  utilised  Rambler  kinds 
at  the   back   and   in   the   centre   of  the   display. 

The  largest  class  for  cut  Roses  was  for  72 
blooms.  There  were  three  exhibitors,  and  many 
choice  flowers  were  shown.  Mr.  G.  Mount, 
Canterbury,  showed  the  finest  blooms,  having 
well-known  kinds,  such  as  Richmond,  Mrs.  John 
Laing,  Kaiserin  A.  Victoria,  Mme.  Constance 
Soupert,  Frau  Karl  Druschki,  Liberty,  &c.  2nd. 
Mr.  Geo.  Prince,  Oxford,  who  had  many  good 
flowers,  Lady  Ashtown,  Anna  Olivier,  Mrs.  Ed. 
Mawley,   and  Betty  being  noteworthy 


In  the  class  for  48  blooms,  the  most  successful 
exhibitors  were  Messrs.  \V.  &  J.  Brown,  Stam- 
ford and  Peterborough.  2nd,  J.  D.  Hutchinson, 
Esq.,  Crown  Square,  Kirby  Moorside. 

Mr.  Geo.  Mount  was  1st  for  24  blooms,  fol- 
lowed by  Mr.  Elisha  J.  Hicks,  Twyford,  Berks ; 
but  the  names  were  reversed  in  the  class  for 
18  blooms.  There  were  numerous  other  classes 
for  Roses. 

ORCHIDS. 

Messrs.  James  Cypher  &  Sons,  Cheltenham, 
were  the  only  exhibitors  in  a  class  for  a  table 
of  Orchids  measuring  12  feet  by  5  feet.  The 
exhibitors  were  allowed  to  employ  dwarf  plants 
and  cut  blooms,  either  in  baskets,  glasses,  or 
from  a  base  of  moss,  the  object  being  the  obtain- 
ing of  an  effective  display.  The  group  was 
admirable  both  in  its  composition  and  staging, 
and  worthily  received  the  1st  prize.  Among  the 
best  plants  were  displayed  Miltonia  vexillaria  in 
number,  light  and  dark-coloured  varieties ; 
Laelio  -  Cattleya  Canhamiana,  Odontoglossum 
crispum,  Cypripedium  bellatulum,  C.  callosum 
Sanderse,  Dendrobium  Dalhousieanum  luteum, 
Epidendrum  pnsmatocarpum,  Loelia  purpurata, 
&c. 

Messrs.  James  Cypher  &  Sons,  Cheltenham, 
carried  off  the  premier  prize  for  a  collection  of 
10  Orchids  of  distinct  varieties,  having  Thunia 
Marshallise,  with  12  tine  flower-spikes;  Miltonia 
vexillaria,  bearing  30  flowers ;  Lseho-Cattleya 
Canhamiana,  with  10  flowers;  a  nice  specimen  of 
Anguloa  Clowesii,  with  four  blooms  ;  Epidendrum 
prismatocarpum,  &c.  2nd,  \V.  P.  Burkinshaw, 
Esq.,  The  West  Hill,  Hessle  (gr.  Mr.  J.  T. 
Barker).  This  gentleman  had  Miltonia  vexillaria 
Hessle  variety,  Odontoglossum  crispum,  Brasso- 
Cattleya  Maronii,  Cattleya-Mossiae  Reineckiana, 
&c.     3rd,  Mr.  W.   Vause,  Leamington. 

The  best  six  Orchids  in  bloom  were  staged  by 
Messrs.  James  Cypher  &  Sons.  They  were 
Miltonia  vexillaria,  with  30  flowers;  Laelio- 
Cattleya  Canhamiana,  with  10  blooms;  and 
Laelia  tenebrosa,  carrying  10  flowers.  Mr. 
Burkinshaw  was  awarded  the  2nd  prize,  with 
Cypripedium  Schillerianum  as  his  finest  spei  i 
men. 

For  the  best  three  Orchids  in  bloom  Messrs. 
James  Cypher  &  Sons  were  placed  1st  witli 
Laslio-Cattleya  Canhamiana  (16  flowers),  Miltonia 
vexillaria  (50  flowers),  and  Thunia  Marshallise 
(10  flower-spikes).     2nd,   Mr.    Burkinshaw. 

In  the  remaining  three  classes  for  Orchids  Mr. 
Burkinshaw  won  all  the  1st  prizes. 

CUT  FLOWERS. 

Collections  of  cut  flowers  from  the  open  garden 
occupied  consideiable  tabling  in  one  of  the  largest 
tents.  One  class  was  for  a  group  measuring  15 
feet  by  6  feet.  Four  exhibitors  entered,  all 
nurserymen,  and  their  flowers  made  a  tine 
display  in  their  bright  patches  of  scarlet 
Poppies,  Pyrethrums,  Heucheras,  Lupins,  Pole- 
monium,  Irises,  and  the  many  other  sub- 
jects now  in  season.  The  best  display  was 
adjudged  to  be  that  shown  by  Messrs.  Harkness 
&  Sons,  Bedale.  Yorkshire.  2nd,  Messrs.  Wm. 
Artindale,   Nether  Green,   Sheffield. 

For  a  smaller  collection,  restricted  to  24 
bunches,  Messrs.  Harkness  won  very  easily,  and 
they  were  followed  by  Messrs.  G.  Gibson  &  Co., 
Leeming  Bar,  Bedale. 

The  best  ]2  bunches  of  hardy  flowers  were  put 
up  by  Mrs.  Proud,  East  Layton  Hall,  Darlington 
(gr.  Mr.  G.  Finlay).  2nd,  Marquis  of  North- 
ampton (gr.  Mr.  Searle). 

FRUITS  AND  VEGETABLES. 
The  most  important  class  in  this  section  was 
one  for  a  table  arranged  with  flowers  and  fruits. 
The  schedule  allowed  14  dishes,  including  Grapes, 
Peaches,  Nectarines,  Figs,  Plums,  Strawberries, 
Cherries,  and  one  each  of  Melon  and  Pineapple. 
The  Grapes  were  to  include  two  bunches  each  of 
black  and  white  varieties.  Beauty  of  flowers  and 
foliage  and  the  general  effect  were  to  be  con- 
sidered by  the  judges  when  making  their  awards. 
Three  exhibitors  competed,  viz.,  Duke  of  Port- 
land, Welbeck  Abbey  (gr.  Mr.  J.  Gibson)  ; 
Marquis  of  Northampton,  Castle  Ashby,  North- 
ampton (gr.  Mr.  A.  R.  Searle) ;  and  Earl  of 
Harrington,  Elvaston  Castle  (gr.  Mr.  Good- 
acre),  the  prizes  being  awarded  in  the  order  of 
the  names.  It  was  possible  to  obtain  136  points, 
and  of  this  number  the  1st  prize-winner  obtained 
113.  The  fruits  were  remarkably  fine  produce. 
Bigarreau     de     Schrecken    Cherries,     Bellegarde 


Peaches,  Lord  Napier  Nectarines,  large  Brown 
Turkey  Figs,  Jefferson  Plums,  and  a  magnificent 
Melon  of  the  Hero  of  Lockinge  variety  being  the 
more  notable.  The  floral  arrangement  was  rather 
heavy,  although  a  free  use  of  greenery  served  to 
throw  the  fruits  into  greater  relief.  The  2nd 
prize  group  was  a  great  success  from  a  decorative 
point  of  view.  Odontoglossums.  lightly  inter- 
mixed with  Selaginella  and  Laelio-Cattleyas  in 
small  vases,  were  very  pretty.  Early  Rivers 
Cherries,  Brown  Turkey  Figs,  Stanwick  Elruge 
Nectarine,  Grosse  Mignonne  and  other  Peaches, 
and  an  excellent  Melon  are  a  selection  of  the  best 
fruits.  The  Earl  of  Harrington  (gr.  Mr.  J.  H. 
Goodacre)  was  a  close  3rd,  his  exhibit  being  only 
half  a  point  inferior  to  the  2nd  prize  group. 

^  A  colli  rt  inn  of  fruit*  to  include  ten  hinds. — 
The  better  of  two  exhibits  was  from  the  gardens 
of  Baron  de  Forest,  Londesborough  Park  (gr. 
Mr.  J.  C.  McPherson).  A  very  choice  Melon, 
Cardinal  Nectarines,  Barnack  Beauty  Apples,  and 
a  Queen  Pine  were  the  best  dishes.  2nd,  the 
Earl  of  Harrington  (gr.  Mr.  Goodacre).  A 
large  seedling,  yellow-skinned  Melon  was  promi- 
nent; also  good  Black  Hamburgh  Grapes,  Rivers' 
Early  Nectarines,  and  Hale's  Early  Peaches. 

In  the  class  for  a  collection  of  six  kinds,  Mr. 
J.  Brennand,  Baldersley  Park,  Thirsk  (gr.  Mr. 
J.  E.  Hathaway),  led,  having  some  well-finished 
bunches  of  Buckland  Sweetwater  Grapes,  good 
Royal  George  Peaches,  &c.  2nd,  Baron  de 
Forest. 

Mr.  Brennand  was  also  1st  in  the  class  for  a 
collection  of  four  kinds  of  fruits. 

Grapes. — The  best  black  Giapes  were  shown 
by  Lady  Hawke,  Wighill  Park,  Tadcaster  (gr. 
Mr.  H.  Bray),  the  variety  being  Black  Ham- 
burgh. 2nd,  Lady  Beaumont,  Carlton  Towers, 
York  (gr.  Mr.  Wm.  Nicholls),  with  the  same 
variety.  The  best  white  Giapes  were  large- 
berried,  but  rather  green  bunches  of  Buckland 
Sweetwater,  shown  by  Lord  Hotham,  Dalton 
Hall,  Beverley  (gr.  Mr.  \V.  Jackson).  2nd,  J. 
Brennand,  Esq.  (gr.  Mr.  J.  E.  Hathawav),  with 
Buckland   Sweetwater. 

Melons. — The  best  scarlet-fleshed  variety  was 
shown  by  the  Earl  of  Harrington  (gr.  Mr. 
Goodacre).  2nd,  Duke  of  Portland  (gr.  Mr.  J. 
Gibson).  The  best  fruit  of  green  flesh  was  staged 
by  W.  D.  Cliff,  Esq.,  Meanwood  Towers,  Leeds 
(gr.  Mr.  \\  m.  Hague]  ;  and  the  best  of  the  white- 
fleshed  kinds  by  W.  C.  Gray,  Esq.,  Tunstall 
Manor,  West  Hartlepool  (gr.  Mr.  T.  Pattison). 

Vegetables  were  plentifully  exhibited.  In  a 
class  for  a  collection,  the  prizes  being  given  by 
Messrs.  Webb  &  Son,  Wordsley,  Stourbridge,  the 
Marquis  of  Northampton  (gr.  .Mr.  A.  R.  Searle) 
was  an  easy  1st  prize-winner,  and  he  also 
won  in  Messrs.  Backhouse's  class,  having  a 
splendid  exhibit.  In  Messrs.  Sutton's  class  this 
exhibitor  was  beaten  by  the  Duke  of  Portland 
(gr.  Mr.  Gibson),  but  both  had  excellent  produce. 
Mr.  Gibson's  Cauliflowers  and  Peas  were  very 
fine.  Mr.  Searle  showed  some  of  the  best 
Tomatos  in  the  exhibition ;  also  good  Cucumbers 
and  Carrots. 

NON-COMPETITIVE  EXHIBITS. 
Messrs.  Sutton  &  Sons,  Reading,  had  a  very 
attractive  group  of  Melons,  Tomatos,  herbaceous 
Calceolarias,  Clarkia  pulchella,  Nigella  Miss 
Jekyll,  &c.  (Gold  Medal.)  Mr.  ('has.  W. 
Breadmore,  Winchester,  staged  Sweet  Peas  and 
Carnations.  Mr.  C.  F.  Waters,  Balcombe, 
Sussex,  showed  Carnations.  Messrs.  Laxton 
Bros.,  Bedford,  showed  Bedfordshire  Champion 
and  Royal  Sovereign  Strawberries,  also  Peaches 
and  Nectarines.  Messrs.  Bees,  Ltd..  Mill 
Street,  Liverpool,  showed  Primula  Bulleyana  in 
numbers.  Messrs.  Webb's,  Stourbridge,  ex- 
hibited Melons,  Tomatos,  Gloxinias,  Coleus, 
Sweet  Peas,  &c.  (Gold  Medal.)  Messrs.  W.  & 
J.  Brown,  Stamford  and  Peterborough,  showed 
Roses  and  greenhouse  plants.  Messrs.  R.  H. 
Bath,  Ltd.,  Wisbech,  had  a  fine  display  of 
herbaceous  plants  and  Carnations.  Messrs.  Wm. 
Cutbush  &  Sons,  Highgate,  London,  showed 
Carnations,  Eremuri,  Coleas  Cordelia,  Ericas, 
Rambler  Roses,  &c.  (Gold  Medal.)  Messrs. 
Clibrans,  Altrincham,  had  a  big  group  of  their 
new  Calceolaria,  which  received  a  First-class 
Certificate.  Messrs.  Jas.  Backhouse  &  Son, 
York,  staged  greenhouse  flowering  plants,  also 
floral  devices,  and  in  the  open  park  ornamental 
trees,  shrubs  and  hardy  flowering  plants.  (Gold 
Medal.)      Messrs.   Kelwat     &     Son,    Langport, 


401 


THE    GARDENERS'    CHRONICLE. 


[June  19,  1909. 


Somerset,  showed  Pseonies,  Pyrethrums,  and  a 
yellow-flowered  Lupin.  Messrs.  Moore,  Ltd., 
Rawdon,  Leeds,  were  awarded  a  Silver-Gilt 
Flora  Medal  for  a  group  of  Orchids,  including 
Phalaenopsis  Rimestadtiana,  Odontoglossum 
RolfeL,  Brasso-Cattleya  Thorntonii,  and  Angras- 
cum  Sanderianum.  Messrs.  John  Forbes, 
Ltd.,  Hawick,  showed  hardy  flowers,  including 
Pentstemons,  Phloxes,  Pansies,  and  Antir- 
rhinums. Messrs.  Double  &  Co.,  Rothesay,  dis- 
played Aquilegias ;  also  Violas,  Pansies,  and 
show  Pelargoniums.  Mr.  H.  N.  Ellison, 
West  Bromwich,  showed  Ferns  in  variety. 
Messrs.  Robert  Sydenham,  Ltd.,  Tenby  Street, 
Birmingham,  showed  Sweet  Peas  and  a  table 
decorated  with  Carnations.  Mr.  Thos  W. 
Darlington,  Warton,  Carnforth,  had  Sweet 
Peas.  Messrs.  Ladhams,  Shirley,  Southampton, 
exhibited  Pinks,  Scabious,  Heucheras,  Gail- 
lardias.  Lupins,  &c.  Messrs.  Jarman  &  Co., 
Chard,  showed  Zonal  Pelargoniums  and  a  new 
Sweet  Pea.  Messrs.  Dicksons,  Chester,  staged 
herbaceous  plants  and  Carnations.  Messrs.  Wit, 
Artindale  &  Son,  Nether  Green,  Sheffield, 
showed  Violas.  Carnations,  and  Poppies.  Sweet 
Peas  were  shown  by  Miss  Hemu3,  Holdfast 
Hall,  Upton-on-Severn.  Messrs.  Frank  Lillet 
&  Co.,  Guernsey,  staged  bulbous  flowers.  Messrs. 
Thos.  Rivers  &  Son,  Sawbridgeworth,  Herts., 
put  up  a  group  of  fruit  trees  in  pots,  showing 
excellent  Peaches.  Nectarines,  Cherries,  Plums, 
and  Oranges.     (Gold  Medal). 


Jo-       ^~ 

LormbondenU 


GHENT   HORTICULTURAL. 

June  7. — At  the  monthly  meeting  of  the  Cham- 
bre  Syndicale  des  Horticulteurs  Beiges  et  la 
Societe  Royale  d' Agriculture  et  de  Botanique  de 
Gand,  held  on  the  above  date,  the  following 
awards  were  made  to  new  plants  : — 

Certificates  of  Merit  to  Laelio-Cattleya 
Eudora  (Laslia  purpurata  X  Cattleya  Mendelii) 
and  Cattleya  Withei,  both  exhibited  by  M.  Ver- 
donck  ;  Odontoglossum  crispum  Prince  d'Orange, 
O.  crispum  var.  Bemel,  Miltonia  vexillaria  striata, 
Odontoglossum  Lambeauianum  splendidissimum. 
O.  crispum  maximum,  Miltonia  vexillaria  gigan- 
tea,  all  from  M.  F.  Lambeau  ;  Brassovola  flagrans 
,x  C.  Mendelii,  Odontoglossum  crispum  "Alma," 
exhibited  by  M.  le  Dr.  Ballion  ;  Ansellia  Con- 
goensis,  shown  by  M.  F.  he  Bievre  ;  Miltonia 
Bleuana  nobilior,  exhibited  by  M.  le  Comte  J.  de 
Hemptinne  :  Cattleya  Schroderae  var.  Mont 
Blanc  and  Vanda  ccerulea  var.  Rex,  exhibited  by 
M.  E.  Praet;  Cattleya  Mendelii  (blue  lip),  ex- 
hibited by  Messrs.  Stuart  Low  &  Co.,  London; 
Rhododendrons  Mdlle.  Marguerite  Nanot,  Mdlle. 
Albert  Moser,  M.  Auguste  Pellerin,  Comtesse 
E.  de  Dreux-Breze,  Mine.  Fritz  Benary,  and  Mar- 
quise de  Chasseloup-Laubat,  all  shown  by  M. 
Pynaert-Van  Geert  ;  Ficus  australis  fol.  var., 
exhibited  by  M.  L.  de  Smet-Duvivier  ;  Anthu- 
rium  Mme.  Dalliere  var.  eximium,  exhibited  by 
Mme.  Dalliere  ;  Anthurium  Scherzerianum 
superbissimum  and  A.  Rothschildianum  Goliath, 
both  exhibited  by  Louis  de  Smet  ;  a  strain  of 
Gloxinia,  shown  by  M.  le  Comte  J.  de  Hemp- 
tinne ;  Strelitzia  Reginae,  from  M.  V.  Heursel  ; 
Codiaeum  M.  Bause,  Anthurium  Hookeri, 
Codiaeum  Mme.  Lucien  Linden,  Livistona  altis- 
sima,  and  Anoectochilus  Petola,  exhibited  by  the 
Societe  Anonyme  Horticole  Gantoise  ; 
Fejioa  Sellowiana,  exhibited  by  M.  V.  Heursel  ; 
Bougainvillea  glabra  Sanderiana,  exhibited  by 
Mme.  Dalliere  ;  Anthurium  Andreanum, 
Souvenir  de  M.  Hardy,  exhibited  by  M.  Louis  de 
Smet;  Phoenix  Roebelinii,  exhibited  by  MM. 
Duriez  freres  ;  Polypodium  albo-punctatum, 
Tectaria  Coriaceroe,  both  exhibited  by  M. 
Duquesnoy,  and  to  a  collection  of  40  cut  blooms 
of  Irises  exhibited  by  M.  le  Dr.  Ballion. 


UNITED  HORTICULTURAL    BENEFIT 
AND   PROVIDENT. 

June  14. — The  monthly  committee  meeting  of 
this  society  was  held  at  the  Horticultural  Hall, 
Vincent  Square,  Westminster,  on  the  above  date, 
Mr.  Chas.  H.  Curtis  in  the  chair. 

Seven  new  members  were  elected,  making  a 
total  of  34  for  the  six  months  this  year. 

Sickness  among  the  members  has  been  some- 
what lighter,  £37  4s.  having  been  paid  since  the 
last  meeting,  against  £65  7s.  for  the  previous 
month.  Several  amounts  of  interest  were  paid 
to  members  over  60  years  of  age. 


*„*  The  Editors  will  be  glad  to  receive,  for 
consideration,  large  photographs  of  horticultural 
subject*,  suitable  fur  reproduction  as  Supple- 
mentary Illustrations  in  this  Journal. 

Editors  and  Publisher.  —  Our  Correspondents  would 
obviate  delay  in  obtaining  answers  to  their  communica- 
tions, and  save  us  much  time  and  trouble,  if  they  would 
kindly  Observe  the  notice  printed  weekly  to  the  effect 
that  all  letters  relating  to  financial  matters  and  to 
advertisements  should  be  addressed  to  the  Publisher} 
and  that  all  communications  intended  for  publication,  or 
referring  to  the  Literary  department,  and  all  plants  to  be 
named,  should  be  directed  to  the  Editors.  The  two 
departments,  Publishing  and  Editorial,  are  distinct,  and 
much  unnecessary  delay  and  confusion  arise  when  letters 
are  misdirected.  . 

Beech  Leaves  :  Beech.  The  Beech  leaves  arrived 
in  a  very  unsatisfactory  condition,  with  few 
living  insects  on  them  that  could  be  identified. 
The  trouble,  however,  is  green  fly,  the 
cast  skins  of  which  cover  the  leaves.  The 
sticky  substance  is  honey  dew  from  the  green 
fly.  There  are  also  some  honey  fly  larvae 
present,  but  these  are  beneficial,  and  feed 
on  the  green  fly.  The  remedy  in  this  case 
is  to  spray  with  a  paraffin  emulsion.  Green  fly 
is  unusually  prevalent  this  year.  You  should 
have  sent  a  iresh  twig  with  the  leaves  and 
insects  alive. 

Chrysanthemums:  IF.  Broivn.  The  variety 
Nellie  Pockett  should  be  pinched  on  June  20, 
W.  Duckham,  Mrs.  Barkley,  and  Mrs.  E. 
Thirkell  on  June  15,  and  General  Hutton  on 
June  20.  Lady  Hanham  should  be  flowered  on 
the  second  natural  crown,  and  Godfrey's  King 
on  the  first  natural  crown.  In  the  case  of 
Baron  Hirsch,  "  take  "  the  second  crown  bud. 
Souvenir  de  W.  Clibran  requires  to  be  stopped 
early  in  April  and  then  flowered  on  the  second 
crown  bud.  You  had  better  "take"  the 
natural   crown   bud. 

Fig  :  IF.  G.  There  is  no  disease  present.  The 
injury  is  in  some  way  due  to  the  treatment  the 
trees  have  received. 

Flowering  Stock  :  E.  IF.  There  is  no  disease 
present.  Something  in  the  soil,  such  as  an 
irritant  fertiliser,  has  destroyed  the  roots. 

Garden  Rockery:  W.  C.  D.  0.  The  best  type 
of  rockery  for  j'our  area  would  be  either  a 
stone-supported  bank  or  winding  shallow 
trench.  If  you  decide  upon  a  stone-supported 
bank,  let  its  width  be  twice  as  great  at  some 
points  than  others,  in  order  to  diversify 
the  surface.  Throw  up  soil  into  hillocks 
and  connect  each  by  graduated  declivi- 
ties, then  support  the  soil  in  position 
by  stone  or  other  material.  If  you  de- 
cide to  have  a  winding  trench,  let  this  be 
V-shaped  and  twice  as  wide  at  some  point  or 
points  as  at  others.  This  arrangement  will 
give  you  sharp  slopes  and  others  less  abrupt — 
stone  being  used  to  form  ledges  and  to  retain 
the  soil  in  position.  You  would  do  well  to 
start  with  plants  of  easy  growth,  and  as  you 
gain  experience,  add  to  the  collection.  To  be- 
gin with  try  Arabis,  Aubrietia,  Lithosper- 
mum  prostratum,  Primula  farinosa,  Arena- 
rias.  Alpine  Wallflowers.  Muscari.  bulbous 
Irises  of  the  recticulata  group.  Phlox  setacea 
and  Stellaria  in  variety,  P.  divaricata  and 
canadensis,  Helianthemums,  particularly  the 
double  scarlet  "  coccinea,"  Gypsophila  repens 
and  cerastioides,  Sedums  and  Saxifragas  of  the 
encrusted  section.  Try  also  Waldsteinias,  Om- 
phalodes  verna.  Bellis  sylvestris,  Geum  mon- 
tanum,  Dianthus  in  several  "  cushiony  " 
species.  .*Enothera  Arendsii  and  eximea,  Ar'ne- 
bia  echioides,  Potentilla  fulgens  and  formosa. 
Plumbago  Larpentse,  Nepeta  Mussinii  and 
Linarias  alpina  and  rosea.  The  12  plants  last 
named   are   effective   from   June    onwards. 

Hawthorn  :  .1 .  T.  Most  of  the  buds  have  failed 
to  expand.  Fork  the  ground  over  as  far  as 
spread  of  roots  and  apply  manure.  We  cannot 
find  evidence  of  any  disease. 

Lilium  :  Zebra.  The  plants  are  affected  with  the 
Lily  disease  (Botrytis  cinerea).  It  cannot  be 
said  that  any  remedy  for  this  disease  has  been 


found.  The  plants  may  be  sprayed  very  early 
in  the  spring  with  a  weak  solution  of  potassium 
sulphide,  or  dusted  with  flowers  of  sulphur, 
but  the  results  hitherto  have  not  been  very 
satisfactory.  Attempts  have  been  made  to 
treat  the  bulbs  with  sulphur  before  planting 
them,  in  order  to  kill  any  fungus  infecting 
them,  but  it  is  not  known  that  such  treatment 
has  had  the  effect  of  converting  diseased  bulbs 
into  bulbs  capable  of  making  satisfactory 
growth.  Cultivators,  therefore,  are  advised  to 
burn  infested  plants,  and  after  procuring  fresh 
stock  from  an  uncontaminated  source,  to  plant 
in  a  fresh  situation  as  far  from  the  old  site 
as  circumstances  will  permit. 

Names  of  Plants. — Enquirer.  1,  Aristoloehia 
Sipho  ;  2,  Jasmiuum  humile;  3;  Iris  neglecta 
"Hannibal";  4,  Iris,  flower  too  withered  for 
identification.  —  S.  Leucothoe  raceniosa.  — 
W.  J.  Pyrus  Aria.— If.  F.  O.  1,  Spiraea  nudi- 
flora ;  2,  Jasminum  frutieans;  3,  Spiraea  media. 
— F.1I.H.  1,  Oncidium  sarcodes  ;  2,Oncidium 
pubes;  3,  Oncidium  flexuosum ,  4,  Oncidium 
excavatum  ;  5,  Pteris  tremula  ;  6,  Selaginella 
involvens.— B.  T.  H.  1,  Dendrobium  elavatum. 
Thanks  for  sending  agood  specimen  with  part  of 
a  pseudo-bulb.  2,  Dendrobium  transparens. — 
Constant  Beader.  1,  Aerides  odoratum  ;  2, 
Muscari  comosum  variety  monstrosum,  a  re- 
markable instance  of  fixed  abnormal  characters. 
— A.  E.  S.  1,  Ccelogyne  ochracea  ;  2,  Lonieera 
iuvolucrata  (Ledebourii). — P.  T.  O.  A  Stan- 
hopea,  but  which  species  it  is  impossible  to 
tell  without  seeing  a  flower. — F.  H.  1,  Odonto- 
glossum Coradinei  ;  2,  Odontoglossum  Wilc- 
keanum  ;  3,  Odontoglossum  mulus  ;  4,  would 
probably  be  called  a  spotted  Odontoglossum 
crispum,  and  it  is  very  near  to  true  O.  crispum; 
although  it  is  more  likely  to  be  an  imported 
plant  of  O.  Fascinator  (crispum  x  Adrian*)  from 
the  district  in  which  both  grow  together.  The 
others  you  send  also  have  peculiar  features. 

Peach  Leaves  :  IF.  E.  IF.  These  are  attacked 
with  the  Peach  leaf  blister  disease,  caused  by 
the  fungus  Exoascus  deformans.  See  reply  to 
Wales,  in  Gardeners'  Chronicle  for  June  5. 
p.  372. 

Roses  :  H.  E.  IF.  The  trouble  has  probably 
been  caused  by  cold  winds  and  ungenial 
weather.  If  the  condition  continues  we  shall 
be    glad   to    examine    fresh    specimens. 

Tomatos:  Worried.  If  yon  will  send  specimens 
of  the  caterpillars  we  will  endeavour  to  help 
you. — B.  T.  A.  The  fungus  Ascochyta  is 
present.  It  is  a  destructive  parasite.  Destroy 
diseased  plants  and  spray  the  lower  part  of 
the  stem  of  the  remaining  plants  with  the  Bor- 
deaux mixture,  soaking  the  soil  with  the  same 
mixture. 

Tomatos  Diseased  :  F.  W.  and  Anxious.  The 
fruits  are  affected  with  Macrosporum  solani. 
The  fungus  gains  admittance  through  the  style, 
and  when  once  the  berries  are  affected  the 
damage  is  done.     Burn  all  diseased  fruits. 

Water  Gardens:  Aqua.  There  are  water  gar- 
dens at  the  Botanical  Gardens  at  Birmingham, 
Glasgow  and  Edinburgh,  and  at  such  private 
country  seats  as  Rufford  Abbey,  Worksop,  I  !ar- 
berry  Towers,  Musselburgh,  and  many  others. 
The  plants  grown  in  these  Midland  and 
Northern  water  gardens  do  not  differ  materi- 
ally from  those  cultivated  in  the  south,  but 
such  tender  plants  as  Nymphaea  odorata  and 
pygmaea  in  their  many  forms  do  not  succeed. 
Marliacs'  hybrid  Water  Lilies  (excluding  the 
odorata  group)  are  successful,  whilst  many  of 
the  water-loving  Primulas,  Polygonums, 
Spiraeas  and  Astilbes,  Cimicifugus,  Dodeca- 
theons  and  Irises  are  often  seen  in  stronger 
growth  than  in  southern  gardens,  Iris  Kasmp- 
feri  excepted.  The  use  of  many  ponds  for 
winter  sports  in  the  North,  Midlands  and  Scot- 
land has  not  helped  water  gardening  to  attain 
the  popularity  it  enjoys  in  the  south.  The 
climate  is  not  by  any  means  the  principal  de- 
terrent. 

Communications  Received.  —  Laxton  Bros.— D.  S. 
Melville -C.  T.  D.-Sir  W.  T.  T.D.— Ttoy.  Meteorological 
Soc.-E.  B.  J.  O'B.— W.  A.  C.— J.  G.  W.-E.  H.  K  - 
E.  ML— E.  H.  .1.— W.  D.-S.  A.  G.  ML— W.  H.  YV.—  A.  O. 
— J.'-J.  W.-H.  M.  V-A.  N.-H  S.  T.-B.-H.  P.— 
S.  A  Sons-R  D— W.  G.  S.— J.  S.— Anxious-K.  &  Co.— 
11.  A.  S.— R.  H.  B. 


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June  26,  1909.] 


THE    GARDENERS'    CHRONICLE. 


405 


THE 


No.  1,174.— SATURDAY,  June  36,  1909. 


CONT 

American  notes 417 

Anchusa  italica  Opal  ...     417 
Bath  Botanical  Gardens    415 

Bees,  disease  of 413 

Benevolent  Institution, 

Gardeners'  Royal      ...     421 
Birds,  the  feeding  habits 

of  414 

Budget,     the,     and 

growers 403 

Cambridge  Botanic  Gar- 
den, students  at        ...    418 
Cereus,     the     night- 
flowering         417 

Darwin  and  the  "  Index 

Kewensia "       406 

Darwin  Centenary  Cele- 
brations ...         405-412 
Florence,  International 

Exhibition  at 414 

Florists'  flowers — 

Gloxinias         409 

Flowers  in  season        ...    413 
Hartstongue      fern,      a 

beautiful  416 

Havering  Park,  Essex...     40d 
Hooker,  Sir  Joseph      ..     413 
Mangos,  export  of        ...     414 
Masters'       Memorial 
lecture 419 


ENTS. 

Melon,  a  large 418 

Mutisia  Clematis  ...     414 

Orchid  notes  and  glean- 
ings— 
Cattleya  Mossiee  "The 

King  Emperor"     ...     407 
Eulophiella        Elisa- 

betn£e  407 

Ourisia  coccinea  ...    417 
Peach  freckle  or  black- 
spot       ...    414 

Poisonous    compounds, 
licenses  for  sale  of,  in 

London  418 

Ranunculus    auricomus    418 
Societies- 
British  Gardeners'  ...     431 

Dehating  421 

National  Rose  .  .    413 

Perpetual    Flowering 

Carnation     418 

Royal  Agricultural   ...     4ii0 
Royal  Botanic  ...     413 

Royal  Horticultural...    418 

Soils,  acidity  in 412 

Sweet  Pea  Masterpiece    416 
Trees  and  shrubs  - 
Castanopsis      cnryso- 

phylla  414 

Week's  work,  the         410-411 


ILLUSTRATIONS. 

Darwin,  Charles  (Supplementary  Illustration) 

Eulophiella  Elisabethee          407 

Havering  Park,  Essex 407 

Mutisia  Clematis          415 

Pieris  floribunda,  a  group  of 411 

Scolopendrium  vulgare  muricato  fimbriatum     416 

Sequoia  gigantea,  an  avenue  of        409 

Sweet  Pea  Master   iece             417 

View  in  the  bulb-garden  at  Havering  Park         408 

DARWIN. 

WHILE  our  number  has  been  passing 
through  the  press  the  University  of 
Cambridge  lias  celebrated  the  cen- 
tenary of  Charles  Darwin's  birth  and  the 
jubilee  of  the  publication  of  the  Origin  of 
Species!  When  a  century  has  rolled  by  with 
three  generations  of  men  since  an  illustrious 
man  was  born  and  his  memory  is  still 
venerated  by  his  fellow-countrymen,  he  has 
received  such  measure  of  immortality  as  it  is 
in  the  power  of  mankind  to  bestow.  And  the 
jubilee  of  a  book  stamps  it  with  the  mark  of 
permanent  vitality  which  makes  it  a  classic. 
Although  Darwin's  university  and  college 
were  the  natural  seat  -of  the  celebration,  it 
was  no  local  one.  With  a  splendid  enthusiasm 
every  country  in  the  civilised  world  has  sent 
delegates  to  carry  its  sympathy  and  respect. 
For  Darwin's  place  in  the  affection  of  man- 
kind has  been  earned  by  something  more 
than  scientific  achievement.  The  supreme 
nobility  of  his  character,  as  revealed  to  us  in 
the  Life  which  we  owe  to  the  pious  labour  of 
his  son,  is  an  ethical  message  to  the  human 
race.  Where  shall  we  find  so  earnest  and 
lifelong  assiduity  in  work,  so  patient  and 
uncomplaining  submission  to  ill-health,  such 
modest  diffidence,  so  serene  an  indifference  to 
praise  or  blame,  so  lofty  a  communion  with 
Nature  in  its  more  intimate  secrets? 

The  hearts  of  the  readers  of  this  journal 
will  go  out  to  Cambridge.  Those  of  an  older 
generation  will  remember  that  Darwin  was  a 
not  infrequent  contributor  to  its  pages.  But 
all  may  remember  with  some  natural  pride 
that,  more  than  elsewhere,  he  found  in  them 
an  almost  inexhaustible  store  of  observation 
which  he  could  use  to  test,  to  support  and  to 
illustrate  his  conclusions. 

Much  will  be  said,  much  has  already  been 
said,  as  to  the  illuminating  insight  with  which 
Darwin  broke  new  ground  in  every  part  of  the 
biological  field  as  well  as  in  geology.  This  is 
not  the  place  to  discuss  so  vast  a  theme.  But 
we  may  dwell  with  gratitude  on  what  he  ac- 
complished in  the  study  of  plant  life  and  inci- 


dentally for  horticultural  science.  The  note 
that  runs  through  all  this,  as  through  the 
rest,  is  its  absolute  originality,  freedom  from 
prepossession  and  from  the  trammels  of 
traditional  theory.  The  scientific,  like  every 
other  mind,  is  apt  to  get  into  a  groove  and 
to  be  surprised  and  hurt  when  lectured  to 
leave  it.  This  was  the  continual  difficulty 
which  Darwin  had  to  face  in  obtaining  a  hear- 
ing. In  the  conclusion  of  the  Origin  he  says 
rather  sadly  : — "  I  by  no  means  expect  to  con- 
vert experienced  naturalists'  .  .  .  but  I 
look  with  confidence  to  the  future  to  young 
and  rising  naturalists."  Seeurus  jiidicat  orbis 
terrarum,  and  to-day  the  world  replies  that 
his  confidence  was  not  misplaced. 

Darwin,  and  in  this  respect  he  may  be 
compared  with  Faraday,  always  looked 
Nature  squarely  in  the  face  and  with  gentle 
persuasion  extorted  her  secrets.  He  would 
not  have  succeeded  had  he  not  been  gifted 
with  great  intellectual  power ;  and  this  he  in- 
herited from  a  family  of  more  than  average 
ability.  But  it  would  have  availed  little 
w  ithout  qualities  which  were  personal  to  him- 
self. With  a  perfectly  open  mind,  he 
possessed  a  fertile  imagination  which  he 
learnt  to  keep  in  severe  discipline  and  an  in- 
comparable industry  "  in  the  observation  and 
collection  of  facts."  He  tells  us  in  his  auto- 
biography:— ''I  have  steadily  endeavoured 
to  keep  my  mind  free  so  as  to  give  up  any 
hypothesis  however  much  beloved  (and  lean- 
not  resist  forming  one  on  every  subject),  as 
soon  as  facts  are  shown  to  be  opposed  to  it." 

When  a  problem  proved  intractable  be  was 
fond  of  attacking  it  by  what  he  would  call  "a 
fool's  experiment."  This  has  been  found  a 
hard  saying.  But  great  discoveries  have 
sometimes  been  made  in  a  haphazard  way 
when  the  observant  eye  was  present  to  note 
them.  And  the  response  to  an  extreme 
change  of  conditions  may  sometimes  reveal  an 
unexpected  clue.  Perhaps  behind  there  was 
a  half-humorous  hope  of  catching  Nature 
napping. 

How    to    educate    is    a    question  that  still 
baffles   us.      When   Darwin   was  sent  to  Cam- 
bridge  with   the   intention   of   taking   orders 
he  tells  us  that  his  "  probable  destination  " 
had  seemed  to  be  that  of   "  an   idle  sporting 
man."      In  the  flush   of  youth   and   of  health 
that  had  not  then  deserted   him,   he  hunted 
and  shot  and.  like  thousands  before  and  since, 
spent  a   happy  time,   to   which,    in   his  later 
years,     he    still    looked    back    with     "  much 
pleasure."      It  was  human  that  he  should  do 
so.     But  as  he  tells  us  himself,   there  must 
have     been     something     in     him     "  a     little 
superior  to  the  common  run  of  youths."     And 
though  academic  routine  yielded  him  nothing 
but    a    creditable    pass    degree,     out    of    this 
"  something  "    Cambridge   built  the   founda- 
tions of  the  Darwin    that     we    know.       The 
interest  of  the  process  lies  in  the  fact  that  it 
was   due   to   personal    influence   and   contact, 
and   that   this   is   only   possible   in   the   atmo- 
sphere  and   easy   intercourse   of  a   university. 
Darwin  obtained  the  friendship,  never  relaxed 
in  faithfulness,   of  Henslow,   "  my  master  in 
natural  history,"  and  through  him  made  the 
acquaintance  of  Adam  Sedgwick  and  of  the 
omniscient   Whewell.     Mere    physical    enjoy- 
ment did  not  stand  in  the  way  of  his  receiv- 
ing    the    most    inspiring     impulses     perhaps 
available     anywhere   at   the   time.      Geology, 
through   Sedgwick,    had   got   a   firm    grip   of 
him.     He  was  bent  on  visiting  Teneriffe  when 
Henslow  secured  for  him  the  post  of  volunteer 
naturalist  on  board  the  "  Beagle." 


Darwin  sailed  with  the  ordinary  traditional 
belief  in  the  immutability  of  species.  That 
they  must  "  gradually  have  become  modified" 
seems  to  have  first  suggested  itself  to  him 
w  lien  he  observed  in  South  America  that  the 
fossil  animals  were  obviously  allied  to,  though 
different  from,  the  existing  animals.  When  he 
visited  the  Galapagos  Archipelago  and  found 
that  the  animals  and  plants  in  the  different 
islands  were  closely  related  but  distinct,  he 
says,  "  I  fancied  myself  brought  near  to  the 
very  ace  of  creation."  And  the  idea  flashed 
across  his  mind  that  the  explanation  was  to 
be  found  in  descent  with  modification.  Tins, 
of  course,  was  evolution.  A  distinguished 
German,  Professor  Witt,  has  recently  called 
it  "  the  flaming  truth  .  .  .  given  to 
humanity  by  one  of  the  greatest  minds  that 
ever  stood  up  amongst  men." 

There  is  often  an  inclination  to  assert  that 
it  was  all  that  Darwin  actually  achieved. 
This  was  far  from  his  own  opinion  :  it  would 
eliminate  Darwin  from  Darwinism.  While  at 
Cambridge  he  had  read  Paley's  Natural 
Theology,  which  gives  copious  examples  of 
adaptive  structures.  It  is  interesting  to  note 
that  Paley  had  been  a  member  of  his  own 
college.  Darwin  tells  us  that  until  adapta- 
tions "  could  be  explained  it  seemed  to  me 
almost  useless  to  endeavour  to  prove  by  in- 
direct evidence  that  species  have  been 
modified."  The  explanation  came  to  him  in 
1838,  as  it  did  subsequently  to  Wallace,  on 
reading  Malthus,  and  he  saw  that  "  natural 
selection  was  the  inevitable  result  of  the  rapid 
increase  of  all  organic  beings." 

The  next  20  years  were  spent  with  in- 
defatigable labour  in  testing  the  theorv  by 
applying  it  to  all  the  facts  of  organic  nature. 
The  results  were  to  have  been  given  to  the 
world  in  three  large  works,  of  which  only 
one,  Animals  and  Plants  under  Domestica- 
tion, was  ever  published.  Their  place  was 
taken  in  1859  by  the  Origin,  an  abstract 
which,  "  as  my  health  is  far  from  strong,"  he 
had  been  "  urged  to  publish."  This  was  for- 
tunate for  science.  For,  as  Darwin  tells  us, 
it  "is  one  long  argument  from  the  beginning 
to  the  end,  and  it  has  convinced  not  a  few 
able  men."  Huxley's  reflection  was: — "  How 
extremely  stupid  not  to  have  thought  of 
that."  It  is  the  merit  of  a  great  idea  that  as 
soon  as  it  is  announced  it  seems  obvious.  The 
extended  works  might  possibly  not  have 
gripped  men's  minds  in  the  same  way. 

The  essential  point  in  Darwin's  theory  is 
that  the  modification  of  species  is  produced 
by  the  accumulation  of  inherited  small 
favourable  variations.  The  organism  is  thus 
kept  in  adjustment  to  the  surrounding  condi- 
tions and  changes  with  them.  Some  have 
thought,  like  De  Vries,  that  the  process  is 
too  slow  and  that  species  must  be  produced 
by  sudden  and  abrupt  variations.  But,  as 
Darwin  pointed  out,  it  is  improbable  that 
these  would  be  always  favourable,  and 
though  they  undoubtedly  occur  in  Nature, 
they  are  rarely  able  to  maintain  them- 
selves. Under  cultivation  we  are  familiar 
with  them,  but  they  are  only  perpetuated  by 
the  art  of  the  cultivator.  To  call  small  in- 
herited variations  "  mutations  "  is  a  mere 
question  of  words. 

Darwin  was  not  a  technical  botanist,  but 
he  had  been  a  pupil  of  Henslow's  and  his  love 
of  plants  was  profound.  "  It  has  always 
pleased  me,"  he  says,  "  to  exalt  plants  in 
the  scale  of  organised  beings."  There  is  a 
passage  of  great  beauty  in  his  Journal  of 
Researches,      in      which      he     describes      the 


406 


THE     GARDENERS'    CHRONICLE. 


[June  26,  1909. 


impression  made  on  him  by  a  tropical  forest. 
But  his  thoughts  were  fixed  upon  the  plant 
world  for  another  reason.  Writing  to 
Romanes  about  another  investigator,  he  said, 
lie  "  makes,  I  think,  a  gigantic  oversight  in 
never  considering  plants;  these  would  sim- 
plify the  problem  for  him." 

\Ve  need  not  be  surprised  therefore  that  in 
the  Origin  he  dwells  with  constant  emphasis 
on  the  facts  presented  by  the  vegetable 
kingdom.  Incidentally  he  gave  for  the  first 
time  a  rational  theory  of  plant  distribution, 
"  that  grand  subject,  that  almost  keystone  of 
the  laws  of  creation,"  as  he  called  it;  he 
vastly  increased  our  knowledge  of  the  means 
of  seed  dispersion ;  he  showed  that  classifica- 
tion is  founded  on  descent,  and  that  the 
sterility  of  hybrids  is  independent  of  affinity. 
Towards  the  end  of  his  life  he  became  more 
and  more  occupied  with  botanical  problems. 
This  was  partly  a  recreation  from  more 
laborious  work,  partly  to  show  how  cases 
otherwise  difficult  of  explanation  could  be 
brought  under  the  theory. 

At  a  very  early  period  Darwin  was  led  to 
attend  to  the  cross-fertilisation  of  flowers  by 
the  aid  of  insects,  as  it  seemed  probable  to  him 
that  crossing  played  an  important  part  in 
keeping  specific  forms  constant.  Through 
Robert  Brown  he  became  acquainted  with  the 
forgotten  work  of  Sprengel,  who  was  the  first 
to  show  the  part  played  by  insects  in  pollina- 
tion. Darwin  rescued  for  him  a  belated  fame. 
For  his  own  part  he  showed  that  Orchids  for 
the  most  part  exhibit  the  most  elaborate 
adaptations  to  cross-fertilisation.  Ultimately 
he  was  led  to  the  result  that  "  it  is  a  general 
law  of  Nature  that  flowers  are  adapted  to  be 
crossed,  at  least  occasionally,  by  pollen  from  a 
distinct  plant."  And  he  further  made  the 
discovery,  the  importance  of  which  cannot  be 
exaggerated,  that  seedlings  of  self-fertilised 
parentage  are  inferior  in  vigour  to  those  of 
cross-fertilised.  On  the  other  hand  lie  was 
able  to  show  that  if  it  is  desired  to  fix  a  fleet- 
ing variety  this  can  only  be  done  by  repeated 
self-fertilisation.  The  impulse  Darwin  gave 
to  the  study  of  the  subject  has  been 
enormous.  There  "was  little  before  but 
Sprengel,  and  he  had  been  neglected. 
Knuth's  recently  published  handbook  enumer- 
ates 3,792  papers. 

The  investigation  of  the  meaning  of  thrum- 
eyed  and  pin-eyed  Primulas  was  a  masterpiece 
of  investigation.  Darwin  regarded  it  with  not 
unnatural  pride.  "  I  do  not  think  anything 
in  my  scientific  life  has  given'  me  so  much 
satisfaction."  But  the  theoretical  significance 
of  the  result  went  much  further.  For  the 
two  forms  of  the  same  species  behave  exactly 
as  if  they  were  species -of  different  genera.  It 
is  a  conclusive  proof  that  sterility  or  fertility 
have  no  relation  to  affinity.  This  was  a  stum- 
bling block  both  to  Huxley  and  Romanes, 
w  ho  could  not  rid  their  minds  of  the  belief 
that  sterility  was  a  specific  criterion. 
Orchid  growers  have  now  shown  us  that 
tilings  as  diverse  as  three  genera  can  be  com- 
bined in  one  hybrid. 

The  species  problem,  as  it  presented  itself 
to  Darwin  at  the  start,  was  to  account  for 
differences  of  external  form.  But  as  soon  as 
he  grasped  the  explanation  that  these  were 
adaptive,  i.e.,  useful  to  the  organism,  it  be- 
came necessary  to  show  in  what  way.  His 
standpoint  shifted  insensibly  from  the  morpho- 
logical to  the  physiological.'  The  transition 
is  seen  in  his  researches  on  climbing  plants. 
The  advantage  to  a  climber  of  being  able  to 
reach  the  light  with  the  least  expenditure  of 


material  is  obvious.  Darwin  traces  in  a 
masterly  way  the  adaptation  of  the  most 
diverse  organs  to  the  purpose.  But  this  brings 
him  face  to  face  with  response  to  stimulus  and 
spontaneous  movement,  things  which  we 
had  been  accustomed  to  regard  as  peculiar  to 
animal  life.  He  opened  a  path  which  has 
been  followed  with  no  small  success  by  his 
son.  Dr.  Francis  Darwin,  and  already  it  pro- 
mises to  carry  us  very  far  indeed. 

Pangenesis  was  one  of  Darwin's  more  re- 
markable speculations.  It  was  a  bold  induc- 
tion from  facts  such  as  could  only  be  arrived 
at  by  a  mind  of  genius,  but  the  microscopical 
knowledge  of  the  time  was  insufficient  to  give 
it  corroboration.  Yet  it  contained  the  funda- 
mental conception  that  hereditary  characters 
are  carried  over  by  particles  which  can 
multiply  by  division.  Darwin's  hypothesis 
that  these  could  be  transferred  to  the  repro- 
ductive cells  from  the  general  body  of  the 
organism  is  now  abandoned.  But  that  he 
conceived  a  material  mechanism  for  heredity 
will  remain  everlastingly  to  his  credit. 

It  must  always  remain  a  matter  of  regret 
that  Mendel's  memorable  discoveries  re- 
mained dormant  during  Darwin's  lifetime, 
and  never  came  to  his  knowledge.  The  separa- 
tion of  unit  characters  in  hybrids  implies  their 
transmission  by  material  particles.  That  this 
is  of  much  importance  in  Nature  seems  im- 
probable, but  of  its  occurrence  in  cultivated 
plants  the  evidence  is  overwhelming.  Darwin 
was  obliged  to  assume  variation  and  heredity 
as  facts,  leaving  their  explanation  to  the 
future.  Terrestrial  conditions  are  now  stable 
whatever  they  may  have  been  in  the  past, 
and  the  process  of  variation  in  Nature  mostly 
eludes  observation.  But  cultural  conditions 
unlock  the  bonds,  and  it  is  in  our  gardens 
that  the  secrets  of  variation  and  heredity  will 
be  revealed. 

Darwin  was  attracted  to  insectivorous 
plants  partly  by  adaptive  structures  of  a 
singularly  striking  kind,  but  most  of  all  by 
the  underlying  physiological  problem.  In 
showing  that  plants  possessed  a  digestive  fer- 
ment similar  to  that  of  animals,  he  once  more 
drew  closer  the  vital  phenomena  of  the  two 
kingdoms,  and  opened  a  new  field  of  investi- 
gation which  has  been  fertile  of  results  of  the 
deepest  significance. 

Darwin's  grave  lies  by  that  of  Newton, 
Cambridge's  other  greatest  son.  As  Wallace 
has  justly  said,  "  lie  was  the  Newton  of 
natural  history."  The  one  introduced  a 
rational  order  into  the  inorganic,  the  other 
into  the  organic  world.  But  Darwin  did 
more :  he  created  Biology,  the  intelligent 
study  of  living  things.  We  no  longer  regard  a 
plant  in  Nature  as  a  whimsical  creation,  but 
see  in  it  the  perfect  adjustment  of  form  and 
function,  brought  about  by  natural  agencies. 
Looking  back  on  this  great  chapter  of 
scientific  history,  it  is  interesting  to  note  that 
it  all  belongs  to  Cambridge.  Paley  and 
Malthus  sowed  the  seed:  Darwin  grasped  the 
flower.  For  the  germ  of  the  whole  matter  is 
in  Paley's  conclusion,  "  no  organ  will  be 
formed  for  the  purpose  of  causing  pain  or 
doing  an  injury  to  its  possessor."  II'.  T. 
Thiselton-Dyer. 

DARWIN  AND  THE  "INDEX 
KEWENSIS." 

THE  last  work  initiated  by  Darwin  was 
that  which  is  known  under  the  above 
title.  It  was  begun  when  the  great  ex- 
ponent of  evolution  had  entered  upon  the  last 
few  months  of  life.     Though  he  did  not  live  to 


see  even  the  early  stages  of  a  long  and 
arduous  task,  his  wishes  were  known  to  his 
family    and    were    most    scrupulously    carried 

out. 

It  was  early  in  December,  1881,  that 
Sir  William  Thiselton-Dyer  first  broached 
the  matter  to  me,  saying  that  if  I  could 
undertake  the  work  of  compiling  a  new 
edition  of  Steudel's  Nomenciator,  Mr. 
Darwin  would  be  willing  to  devote  a  certain 
sum  annually  for  its  fulfilment.  The  magni- 
tude and  character  of  the  prospect  were  allur- 
ing, so,  after  a  few  days'  consideration.  I  ex- 
plained my  plans  to  Sir  Joseph  Hooker,  and 
before  the  new  year  dawned  the  methods  of 
procedure  were  broadly  outlined  and  were  up- 
proved  by  Darwin.  Although  a  new  edition 
of  Steudel  was  all  that  was  proposed,  that  is, 
with  the  new  genera  and  species  of  40  years 
from  1840  added,  yet,  from  the  very  first  I 
dwelt  upon  the  absolute  necessity  of  supplying 
references  to  the  place  of  first  publication. 
This  plan,  though  favourably  received  by  Sir 
Joseph  Hooker  as  "  quadrupling  its  value," 
he  thought  likely  to  hinder  the  progress  of 
the  work,  but  happily  this  was  nut  allowed  to 
stop  the  way,  and  after  several  weeks  of  pre- 
paration I  began  the  actual  work  in  February, 
1882,  with  two  young  clerks  as  assistants. 

For  a  work  of  this  character  there  are  two 
methods  of  procedure,  (a)  by  intercalation 
of  new  matter,  or  (1))  by  writing  .separate 
slips  and  sorting  into  sequence.  In  this  par- 
ticular case  I  had  no  difficulty  in  selecting 
the  better  one  to  adopt,  for  at  Kew 
there  happened  to  be  in  the  Library  of  the 
Herbarium  a  copy  of  Steudel's  Nomenciator 
laid  down  in  folio,  with  copious  additions  in 
manuscript.  It  was  therefore  possible  to  set 
out  from  this  admirable  base  on  the  modified 
plan  occasioned  by  our  making  the  Genera 
Pla  nta  rum  of  Bentham  and  Hooker  the 
groundwork  as  regards  genera.  Accordingly, 
specially-ruled  half-sheets  of  foolscap  paper 
were  headed  with  the  names  of  the  genera  re- 
tained, followed  by  those  genera  included  in 
them,  in  every  case  with  the  references.  The 
svnoiivniic  genera  simply  had  their  references, 
and  a  cross-reference  to  the  retained  genus. 

When  these  sheets  had  been  copied  out  they 
were  alphabetically  sorted,  and  placed  flat  in 
boxes  which  opened  ill  front.  The  next  step 
was  to  enter  up  all  the  species  printed  or 
written  in  the  Kew  Steudel.  When  this  was 
begun  the  last  part  of  the  Genera  Plantarum 
had  not  been  published,  so  for  monocotyle- 
donous  genera  Steudel  was  the  temporary 
guide.  In  due  course,  in  1883,  when  the  last 
part  of  Bentham  and  Hooker  came  out,  our 
sheets  were  collated  and  regulated  with  it. 

After  this  came  the  insertion  of  references 
to  the  species.  Whilst  my  assistants  were 
busj  on  the  work  just  described,  I  was  hard 
at  work  searching  the  literature  and  drawing 
up  lists  of  new  species  to  be  entered  on  our 
sheets.  In  this  manner  many  false  references 
were  rectified.  Beginning  with  Linmeus, 
Richter's  Codex  Botanieus  Linnaeanus  was  of 
great  use,  though,  as  it  contains  no  pagination 
suitable  for  our  use,  Linnseus's  actual  volumes 
had  to  be  used  to  complete  the  entries  of  the 
original  place  of  publication. 

Bv  this  time  the  manuscript  had  grown  to 
its  full  proportions.  Each  genus  was  enclosed 
in  a  strong  paper  wrapper  (or  portfolio  if 
thick),  and  laid  fiat  in  the  boxes  previously 
described,  of  which  168  were  used  and  housed 
in  a  special  stand  in  the  Herbarium  at  Kew. 

For  revising  these  lists,  certain  authorities 
were  used,  relying  upon  the  great  experience 


June  26,  1909.] 


THE    GARDENERS'    CHRONICLE. 


107 


of  Professor  Daniel  Oliver.  After  the  first 
few  years,  a  consultative  committee  used  to 
meet  ever}'  few  weeks  or  months,  consisting  of 
Sir  Joseph  Hooker,  Prof.  D.  Oliver,  Mr.  John 
Ball,    the   alpinist,    and   latterly   Mr.    W.   B. 


geographical  distribution,  so  that  by  the 
autumn  of  1891,  after  preliminaries,  the  work 
began  to  be  printed  by  the  delegates  of  the 
Clarendon  Press,  at  Oxford.  In  round  num- 
bers 65,000  sheets  were  sent  to  press. 


FlG.    178. — EULOPHIELLA    ELISABETHS  :     FLOWERS    WHITE,    TINGED    WITH    PURPLE. 


Hemsley,  when  difficulties  were  discussed  and 
progress  noted. 

Comparatively  early  in  the  compilation  it 
became  evident  that  the  departure  from  the 
plan  of  Steudel's  Nomenclato?  was  so  great 
that  the  new  work  was  simply  an  Index,  for  in 
addition  to  its  register  of  references  there  was 
no  attempt  to  transfer  species  from  included 
genera,  but  only  to  enumerate  those  names 
which  botanical  writers  had  already  ranged 
under  the  retained  genera. 

The  revision,  naturally,  could  not  be 
critical ;  the  amount  of  work  to  be  got  through 
did  not  permit  of  pausing  for  long  over  any 
one  species.  Time  was  running  on,  and  the 
estimated  period  of  compilation  had  extended 
from  six  years  to  ultimately  nine  and  a  half 


From  that  date  the  routine  was  proof-read- 
ing in  the  forenoon,  with  collation  of  Sir 
Joseph  Hooker's  corrections  from  his  proof 
sheet,  and  in  the  afternoon  revising  manu- 
script in  advance.  Two  sheets  weekly  were 
passed  through  all  their  stages  until,  in  1893, 
the  first  fasciculus  was  issued,  extending  from 
Aa  to  part  of  Dendrobium.  This  partition, 
which  called  forth  some  criticism,  was  solely 
the  work  of  the  printers  without  consultation  ; 
besides  dividing  a  genus,  it  made  the  next 
fasciculus  unduly  small.  The  proper  division 
would  have  been  that  page  632  should  have 
closed  the  part,  as  it  came  exactly  midway  in 
the  volume  and  ended  with  Cninicltis,  page 
633  beginning  with  Craniolaria  and  a  new 
signature. 


[Photograph  by  Mrs.  Delves  Broughton. 
FlG.    179. — HAVERING    PARK,    THE    RESIDENCE    OF    MRS.    CHARLOTTE    MCINTOSH. 

(See  p.  408.) 


with  the  help  of  one  to  seven  assistants,  as 
the  work  needed  it.  The  cost  of  compilation 
was  wholly  borne  by  the  family  of  Mr. 
Darwin,  and  it  was  ever  a  matter  of  regret  on 
my  part  that  his  life  ended  before  any  pro- 
gress had  been  made  on  the  last  work  origin- 
ated by  him,  with  the  object  of  helping 
others  in  a  field  in  which  he  had  himself  some- 
times vainly  sought  for  information. 

I  have  endeavoured  in  the  limits  of  a 
brief  article  to  give  a  rapid  and  discursive  ac- 
count of  an  undertaking  which  at  the  time 
though  hard  and  exhausting  and  apparently 
unending,  can  now  be  looked  back  upon,  with 
all  its  imperfections,  as  a  piece  of  work  in  fhe 
service  of  the  botanic  world  on  which  1  gladly 
spent  the  best  years  of  my  life.  B.  Daydon 
Jackson. 


ORCHID    NOTES   AND    GLEANINGS. 


years.  Mr.  Ball  gave  certain  notes  he  had 
made  out,  Mr.  C.  B.  Clarke  read  through  all 
the  Cyperacese,  Sir  Joseph  Hooker  read 
through   the   manuscript   and    revised    it   for 


The  work  was  completed  in  1895,  and  with 
the  issue  of  the  fourth  fasciculus  ended  the 
period  of  13  years  and  five  months,  the 
greater  part  of  my  time  being  devoted  to  it, 


EULOPHIELLA   ELISABETHS. 

The  illustration  (see  fig.  178)  of  this  beautiful 
Orchid  is  from  a  photograph  sent  by  Mr.  John 
Easter,  gardener  to  Lady  St.  Oswald,  Nostell 
Priory,  Wakefield.  Mr.  Easter  writes:  "The 
plant  has  been  grown  from  a  single  pseudo-bulb 
which  was  purchased  some  years  ago.  It  has  been 
grown  in  company  with  Phalaenopsis,  and  has 
flowered  regularly  every  season."  It  is  pleasing 
to  hear  it  thus  well  spoken  of  as  a  cultivated 
plant,  for  there  are  few  who  could  give  it  such 
a  good  character.  Since  it  was  first  imported  in 
quantity  from  Madagascar  in  1893  by  Messrs. 
Sander  and  Sons,  it  has  generally  proved  to  be 
unmanageable  for  any  great  length  of  time, 
although  occasionally  a  thriving  plant  of  it  is 
recorded.  Nevertheless,  it  is  clear  that  Eulo- 
phiella  Elisabethae  may  be  grown  satisfac- 
torily, provided  it  receives  proper  conditions  and 
treatment.  It  always  does  best  in  a  warm,  moist 
house  having  a  uniform  temperature  throughout 
the  year.  In  Mr.  J.  Gurney  Fowler's  collection 
a  plant  of  this  species  has  occupied  the  same 
sheltered  corner  for  many  years,  and  it  continues 
to  increase  in  vigour.  The  collector's  original 
account  of  its  habitat  in  Madagascar  showed  that 
it  grows  up  the  stems  of  trees,  most  frequently 
on  tree  Ferns.  A  healthy  specimen  in  cultiva- 
tion is  an  ornamental  plant,  even  when  not  in 
flower,  and  when  in  bloom  it  is  one  of  the  most 
beautiful  Orchids  of  its  section,  being  totally 
distinct  from  any  other.  The  large  plicate  green 
leaves  are  very  graceful.  The  stout  flower-scapes, 
which  are  tinged  with  purple,  are  sometimes  2 
feet  in  length.  The  flowers  last  a  considerable 
time  in  perfection.  The  segments  are  thick  in 
texture  and  pure  white,  the  reverse  side  of  the 
sepals  being  tinged  with  purple,  while  the  callus 
on  the  hinged  labellum  is  yellow.  A  plant  was 
first  shown  by  Sir  Trevor  Lawrence,  Bart., 
K.C.V.O.,  at  the  meeting  of  the  Royal  Horticul- 
tural Society  on  April  10,  1894,  when  a  First- 
class  Certificate   was  awarded   it. 

CATTLE  Y A   MOSSI.E   "  THE  KING- 
EMPEROR." 

A  flower  of  great  size,  fine  shape,  and  very 
bright  colour  is  sent  us  by  Francis  Wellesley, 
Esq.,  Westfield,  Woking  (gr.  Mr.  Hopkins), 
under  the  above  name.  It  is  a  noble  flower  of 
the  typical  C.  Mossia?  class.  The  petals  measure 
8  inches  from  tip  to  tip,  and  they  are  2£  inches 
wide,  both  sepals  and  petals  being  of  a  warm  rosy- 
mauve  colour.  The  lip  is  large,  and  in  a  great 
degree  it  resembles  that  of  Cattleya  Warscewiczii, 
the  front  lobe  being  elongated  and  finely  crimped. 
The  base  has  yellow  lines  on  a  red  ground  ;  the 
front  is  mottled  with  violet-crimson  and  margined 
with  lavender  colour. 


403 


THE    GARDENERS'    CHRONICLE. 


lJune  26,  1909. 


HAVERING  PARK. 

The  delightful  residence  of  Mrs.  Charlotte 
Mcintosh  is  situated  on  a  high  elevation  in  one 
of  the  prettiest  parts  of  Essex,  at  a  distance  of 
about  three  miles  from  Romford  station.  It  com- 
mands extensive  views  to  the  south  across  the 
Thames  on  to  Shooters  Hill,  and  on  the  north 
to  Epping  Forest.  The  picturesque  country 
church  of  Havering,  which  has  a  peal  of  six  bells, 
is  situated  within  a  few  minutes  of  the  mansion. 
Havering  Park  is  famous  for  its  fine  herd  of  Jer- 
sey cattle,  of  which  Mrs.  Mcintosh  is  a  successful 
exhibitor.  The  park  consists  of  about  400  acres, 
is  splendidly  timbered  and  beautifully  undulated. 
The  principal  trees  include  Oak,  Elm,  Chestnut, 
Beech,  Scotch  Firs,  and  Cedars.  Extensive  plan- 
tations have  been  made  during  the  past  50  years, 
both  for  effect,  shelter  and  game  preserve. 

The  gardens,  and  particularly  the  pleasure 
grounds,  are  large,  but  much  work  is  still  in 
progress  for  extending  and  improving  them. 
A  magnificent  avenue  of  Sequoia  gigantea,  about 
half  a  mile  in  length,  which  was  planted  about  50 
years  since,  is  a  very  striking  and  beautiful  fea- 
ture, many  of  the  trees  being  extremely  hand- 
some specimens  (see  fig.   181). 

Rhododendrons  succeed  remarkably  well.  Large 


luna  vulgaris,  Alportii,  Ericas  mediterranea, 
hybrida,  vagans  and  its  variety  alba,  vulgaris 
pilosa,  mediterranea  nana,  vulgaris  Serleii, 
cinerea  rosea,  cinerea  alba,  and  carnea.  I  may 
here  mention  that,  although  the  surround- 
ing land  consists  of  a  stiff  clay,  this  particular 
part  consists  chiefly  of  sand  and  gravel. 

Rock  plants  in  large  numbers  find  homes  here 
in  suitable  positions.  In  the  flower  garden  spring 
bedding  is  made  a  feature,  and  the  plants  were 
little  the  worse  for  the  severe  frosts  experienced. 
The  plants  employed  consist  chiefly  of  Wall- 
flowers of  sorts,  Polyanthus,  Aubrietias,  Arabis, 
Pansies,  Myosotis,  and  large  quantities  of  bulbs. 

Many  of  the  fruit  houses  have  been  replanted 
during  the  past  three  or  four  years.  There  are 
four  good-sized  vineries,  the  early  house  being 
planted  with  Black  Hamburgh,  which  was 
started  early  in  the  new  year.  The  second  and 
third  houses  were  devoted  entirely  to  Muscat  of 
Alexandria.  The  latest  house  contains  Black 
Alicante  and  Gros  Colmar.  All  the  borders  had 
been  renovated  by  the  gardener,  Mr.  J.  A.  Cox, 
who  has  had  charge  of  these  gardens  for  the 
past  three  years.  He  has  made  great  improve- 
ments generally,  and  especially  in  the  fruit 
garden. 

A  large  centre  house  in  the  same  range  con- 


IFhotograph  by  Mis.  Delves  Broughtotu 

Fig.  180. — view  in  the  bulb  garden  at  havering  park. 


beds  and  borders  containing  many  very  fine 
specimens  and  varieties  have  been  established  on 
the  south  side  of  the  house.  They  contain  be- 
side Rhododendrons,  Kalmias,  Azaleas,  and  a 
magnificent  show  of  Pieris  floribunda.  The  prin- 
cipal part  of  the  planting  operations  was  carried 
out  about  40  years  ago.  As  before  stated,  large 
additions  are  still  being  made,  and  Mrs.  Mcintosh 
is  wisely  grouping  together  large  beds  of  many 
of  the  most  beautiful  shrubs,  both  for  summer 
and  winter  effects.  They  include  Brooms,  Rho- 
dodendron sinense,  Sea  Buckthorn  (Hippo- 
phsa  rhamnoides),  large  quantities  of  the 
Wichuraiana  Roses,  Spiraeas  canescens  and 
Douglasii,  Hydrangea  paniculata  grandiflora, 
Cornus  of  sorts,  Rhus  typhina,  Poplars  in  bush 
form,  Pernettyas,  Rubus  odoratus,  large  beds  of 
Lavender,  Veronica  Traversii,  and  Mahonias. 

A  striking  novelty,  especially  for  this  part  of 
Essex,  is  a  large  portion  set  apart  for  the  culti- 
vation of  the  hardy  Ericas.  These  are  grouped 
together  in  masses,  and  particularly  well  they 
looked,  all  being  in  the  best  possible  condi- 
tion.    Among  the  varieties  I  noticed  were  Cal- 


tained  fine  specimen  Palms,  and  many  other  both 
flowering  and  foliage  plants,  all  in  good  condi- 
tion. Adjoining  this  is  a  small  stove,  used  prin- 
cipally for  growing  decorative  plants  for  house 
decoration.  The  early  Peach  house  had  been  en- 
tirely replanted,  and  the  trees  were  in  excellent 
condition.  The  varieties  I  noticed  were : — 
Nectarines :  Cardinal,  Early  Rivers  and  Lord 
Napier ;  and  Peaches :  Royal  George,  Gros  Mig- 
nonne  and  Hale's  Early. 

One  small  house  was  principally  devoted  to 
Rose  culture,  and  another  house  to  Carnations. 
Fine  batches  of  the  following  varieties  of  Carna- 
tions are  cultivated : — Mercia,  Mrs.  Martin 
Smith,  Lady  Grimston,  Maggie  Hodgson,  Prin- 
cess of  Wales,  Old  Blush  and  Horace  Hutchinson. 
Most  of  the  plants  were  in  8  and  10-inch  pots.  A 
large  span-roofed  house  was  devoted  entirely  to 
Ferns,  and  some  were  specimens  growing  in  tubs 
over  5  feet  in  diameter.  Particularly  fine  were 
Davallia  Mooreana,  Microlepia  hirta  cristata, 
Davallia  elegans,  Adiantum  formosum,  A.  cunea- 
tum  and  A.  Williamsii.  Another  large  green- 
house    contained     some    greenhouse     Rhododen- 


drons ;  especially  fine  were  Countess  of  Hadding- 
ton, Lady  Fitzwilliam,  R.  Fosterianum  and  Prin- 
cess Royal. 

A  Peach  case,  160  feet  in  length,  contained 
trees  in  a  most  promising  condition.  Other 
smaller  houses  were  devoted  to  Cucumbers, 
Melons,  Tomatos,  French  Beans  and  similar 
crops.  A  number  of  pits  and  frames  were  well 
rilled  with  a  good  assortment  of  plants. 

A  long  north  house  is  found  to  be  exceedingly 
useful  for  retarded  plants,  during  the  summer 
months  especially.  A  large  conservatory  adjoins 
the  house,  in  the  centre  of  which  was  a  very  fine 
plant  of  Kentia  Belmoreana,  fully  30  feet  high, 
and  many  other  fine  Palms. 

The  kitchen  garden  is  not  an  extensive  one, 
but  a  large  portion  of  ground  for  vegetable  cul- 
ture is  situated  on  another  part  of  the  estate.  A 
particularly  good  lot  of  cordon  Pears  were  to  be 
seen  here.  Mrs.  Mcintosh  takes  a  keen  interest 
in  all  appertaining  to  the  garden,  and  her  wishes- 
are  well  carried  out  by  her  gardener.     B. 


GROWERS  AND  THE  BUDGET. 

The  proposals  for  the  taxation  of  land,  as  con- 
templated by  the  Budget  now  before  Parliament, 
cannot  fail  to  interest  the  horticulturist,  and  as- 
the  matter  is  somewhat  complicated,  a  short  ex- 
planation of  the  clauses  which  touch  specially  on 
this  point  may  possibly  be  of  use,  although  any 
discussion  of  either  a  political  or  a  technical 
nature  would  be  out  of  place  in  these  columns. 

From  the  horticultural  point  of  view  the  three  • 
most  important  branches  of  the  Finance  Bill 
now  before  Parliament  are  those  which  seek  to- 
impose  further  taxation  on  land  by  means  of  (a) 
a  tax  on  unearned  increment ;  (b)  a  tax  on  unde- 
veloped land,  including  (c)  a  tax  on  gardens  ex- 
ceeding one  acre  in  extent,  all  of  which  are  quite 
distinct  in  their  effect  and  must  be  separately 
considered. 

Increment  Tax. 

It  is  proposed  in  the  first  place  to  levy  a  duty 
of  20  per  cent,  on  all  capital  profit  accruing  to 
any  person  having  an  interest  in  land  (i.e.,  either 
freehold  or  on  lease  for  seven  years  or  more), 
by  reason  of  any  increase  in  the  value  of  such 
land.  The  occasions  on  which  the  tax  is  to  be 
levied  are  as  follows :  (a)  when  such  person 
sells  his  interest  or  grants  a  new  lease  for  a 
term  of  seven  years  or  more ;  (b)  when  such 
person  dies  (this  being  in  addition  to  the  in- 
creased death  duties) ;  and  (c)  in  the  case  of  a 
limited  company  (which  of  course  cannot  die} 
this  tax  is  to  be  levied  every  15  years,  the  first 
payment  to  be  made  in  1914. 

In  assessing  the  value  of  the  land  for  this  tax 
the  value  of  all  "  permanent  works  "  is  to  be 
deducted  if  used  for  any  trade,  business  or  indus- 
try except  horticulture  and  agriculture.  The 
latter  industries  do  not  escape,  although  the  cost 
of  removing  their  buildings,  trees  and  bushes 
may  be  considered.  (See  clause  14,  section  4, 
which  must  not  be  confused  with  clause  2.) 
Though  it  is  true  that  any  value  due  solely 
to  the  special  capacity  of  the  soil  for  agricul- 
tural purposes  is  not  to  be  taken  into  account ; 
yet  the  fact  remains  that  "  permanent  works  " 
for  nurseries  are  hit  although  those  for  factories 
or  shops  are  not. 

It  is  submitted  that  nurserymen  might  well  be 
exempted  from  this  tax.  They  already  have  to 
pay  very  high  rents  as  tenants,  and  it  is  as 
much  necessary  for  a  nurseryman  to  have  at 
least  one  branch  of  his  business  within  the  pre- 
cincts of  a  town  as  it  is  for  the  vendor  of  any 
other  retail  article  to  have  a  shop  in  a  populous 
district.  Consequently  the  rent  which  a  horti- 
culturist has  to  pay  is  not  only  much  higher 
than  that  which  falls  upon  the  agriculturist, 
but,  owing  to  the  extent  of  premises  required, 
the  rent  is  also  much  larger  in  proportion  to  the 
amount  of  the  turnover  than  that  which  is  paid 
by  most  other  tradesmen. 

In  the  case  of  a  nurseryman  who  has  bought 
the  freehold  of  his  land  the  tax  might  bear  even 
more  hardly.  For  the  reasons  stated  above,  he 
has  to  pay  a  heavy  price  (often  as  great  as  if  he 
_  roposed  to  cover  the  area  with  bricks  and 
mortar)  in  order  to  obtain  a  suitable  site  upon 
which  to  carry  on  his  business,  and  the  interest 
on   the   capital   thus   sunk   constitutes   a   heavy 


June  26,  1909.] 


THE     GARDENERS'    CHRONICLE. 


409 


addition  to  his  annual  cost  of  trading,  quite 
apart  from  the  working  capital  required.  Fre- 
quently, also,  he  has  to  raise  part  of  the  pur- 
chase price  by  means  of  a  mortgage,  and  if  the 
Budget  proposals  should  cause  the  value  of  land 
to  fall,  most  mortgagees  will  either  call  in  their 
loan  or  require  the  amount  already  advanced  to 
be  very  substantially  reduced.  The  exemption 
of  permanent  works  for  horticulture  from  this  tax 
should  be  urged. 

Nurserymen  have  sometimes  been  able,  on 
removal,  to  recoup  a  portion  of  the  heavy  ex- 
penditure referred  to  above  by  selling  their 
nursery  land  at  a  higher  price  than  they  origin- 
ally gave  for  it.  With  the  profit  thus  obtained 
they    are    able    to    meet    to    some    extent    the 


Undeveloped  Land  Tax. 
In  addition  to  the  above,  it  is  also  proposed  to 
levy  every  year  a  further  tax,  at  a  present  rate 
of  one  halfpenny  in  the  pound,  on  the  "  capital 
value  of  undeveloped  land."  "  Undeveloped 
land  "  means,  for  the  purposes  of  the  Budget, 
any  land  which  :  (a)  has  not  been  developed  by 
being  built  upon,  or  (b)  has  not  been  developed 
by  being  used  bona  fide  for  any  business,  trade 
or  industry,  with  one  single  exception — agricul- 
ture (which  term  for  the  purposes  of  this  Act 
includes  nurseries,  market  gardens,  and  allot- 
ments). Nurserymen  therefore"  will  have  to  pay 
the  tax  although  other  tradesmen  will  not.  The 
Bill,  however,  extends  to  the  horticulturist  and 
agriculturist  two  slight   concessions,   namely : — 


[Photograph  by  Mrs.  Delves  Brougliton. 

Fig.  i8i. — avenue  of  sequoia  gigantea  at  havering  park. 

(See  p.  408.) 


expenses  which  fall  upon  a  nurseryman  in 
building  greenhouses  on  the  fresh  site,  and  in 
rendering  the  new  soil  suitable  for  the  special 
purposes  required  by  horticulture.  It  certainly 
seems  hard  on  the  horticulturist  to  demand 
under  these  circumstances  one-fifth  of  any  in- 
crease on  the  original  site  value — that  is  to  say, 
£20  out  of  every  £100  profit  realised.  In  the 
case  of  a  limited  company  the  land  has  to  be 
revalued  every  15  years,  and  this  20  per  cent, 
increment  tax  will  have  to  be  paid  upon  any 
increase  in  value  which  has  accrued  in  the  mean- 
time. 


(1)  The  tax  is  not  to  be  imposed  on  any  land 
which  does  not  exceed  a  selling  value  of  £50  an 
acre,  and  (2)  in  assessing  the  value  of  the  land  no 
special  charge  is  to  be  made  in  respect  of  what- 
ever special  value  it  may  bear  for  agricultural 
or  horticultural  purposes. 

This  will  protect  agricultural  land  to  some 
extent,  but  some  further  protection  for  nursery- 
men appears  to  be  urgently  necessary.  The  value 
of  the  land  for  any  other  purposes  must  be  taken 
into  account,  even  on  the  assumption,  for 
instance,  that  it  might  be  required  for  some 
other  trade,  such  as  a  shop,  a  brickfield,  a  ware- 


house, a  depository,  a  slaughter  house,  or  for  the 
erection  of  factories,  or  for  building  speculation. 

This  proposed  tax,  if  applied  to  nurseries  and 
market  gardens,  will  bear  especially  heavily 
upon  small  growers  who  cater  solely  for  the 
English  market.  It  is  essential  for  them  to  be 
in  or  near  the  outskirts  of  a  town,  not  only  so 
as  to  be  near  their  local  customers  but  also  so  as 
to  be  within  the  "  collection  and  delivery  " 
area  of  a  railway  station. 

Parliament  has  already  recognised  the  difficul- 
ties which  await  a  grower  who  is  forced  to  re- 
move. The  Agricultural  Holdings  Act,  which 
came  into  force  on  January  1  last  provides  that 
"  if  a  landlord  without  good  and  sufficient  cause 
and  for  reasons  inconsistent  with  good  estate 
management  "  gives  notice  to  quit  or  refuses 
to  grant  his  tenant  a  new  lease,  either  at  all  or 
except  at  an  increased  rent,  then  the  landlord 
must  repay  to  the  tenant  the  whole  of  the  cost 
of  removing  or  selling  his  household  goods,  his 
implements  of  husbandry,  his  produce  and  his 
farm  stock.  It  is  hoped  the  Government  will 
bear  this  point  of  view  in  mind. 

Gahden  Tax. 

By  this  time  most  readers  will  probably  be 
aware  that  it  is  also  proposed  to  impose  the 
"  undeveloped  land  tax  "  on  the  owner  of  every 
garden  which  exceeds  one  acre  in  extent.  It  is 
impossible  to  discuss  the  pros  and  cons  of  this 
tax  here,  but  if  it  is  to  be  adopted  it  is  sub- 
mitted that  the  Government  might  possibly  see 
its  way  to  make  some  concession  on  this  point. 

The  question  of  "  increment  "  taxation  is  one 
which  will  probably  be  decided  on  general  prin- 
ciples, but  the  neglect  to  treat  nurseries  as. 
equivalent  to  shops  for  this  purpose  and  the 
question  of  the  "  undeveloped  land  "  tax,  in- 
cluding the  "  garden  "  tax,  are  matters  in 
which  the  position  of  horticulturists  might  well 
be  brought  to  the  notice  of  the  Government. 
//.   M.    y\ 


FLORISTS'   FLOWERS. 


GLOXINIAS. 

In  recent  years  Gloxinias  have  shown  won- 
derful development  in  regard  to  colour  and 
habit.  The  flowers  range  from  pure  white,  pink 
and  pale  blue  to  deep  reds,  purples  and  blues, 
while  the  newer  French  spotted  hybrids,  though 
less  robust  in  habit  and  more  delicate  in  flower 
than  the  older  type,  are  a  most  valuable  addi- 
tion. They  are  marked  and  spotted  with  colours 
varying  from  pink  and  mauve  to  dark  blue, 
red,  and  even  chocolate. 

The  cultivation  of  Gloxinias  is  not,  perhaps, 
simple,  but  any  gardener,  provided  he  has  a 
warm  glasshouse  at  his  disposal,  by  selecting  seed 
of  a  good  strain,  and  by  following  the  few  hints 
given  below,  should  be  able  to  produce  a  brilliant 
display  of  blooms  within  about  seven  months  of 
the  date  of  sowing  the  seed.  The  seed  is  best 
sown  in  mid-winter,  in  deep,  well-drained  pans 
of  fine  peat  and  sand.  The  pans  should  be  placed 
in  a  propagating  frame  having  a  temperature  of 
about  75°,  covering  the  surface  of  the  soil  with 
a  piece  of  glass  until  germination  has  taken  place. 
The  glass  must  be  turned  and  dried  night  and 
morning,  as  Gloxinias  at  all  stages  are  liable  to 
suffer  from  damp.  As  soon  as  the  first  seed- 
leaves  develop  the  plants  should  be  pricked  off 
into  shallow  pans.  This  is  best  done  by  means 
of  small  tweezers,  as  the  seedlings  are  too  small 
to  be  handled.  When  established  they  may  be 
removed  from  the  frame  into  a  fairly  moist 
atmosphere  of  65°  to  70°,  and  when  large  enough 
transplanted  into  boxes  and  ultimately  potted  off 
into  small  pots,  using  peat,  sand  and  leaf-soil,  as 
fibrous  and  rough  as  possible. 

Careful  watering  is  one  of  the  most  important 
points  during  the  stages  of  growth.  The  water 
should  be  slightly  warmer  than  the  temperature 
of  the  house,  and  never  applied  unless  really 
necessary.  The  atmosphere  must  be  kept  moist 
by  frequent  damping,  and  the  plants  lightly 
syringed  morning  and  evening. 

In  the  final  potting  into  6-inch  pots  a  good 
mixture  of  equal  parts  of  peat,  leaf-soil,  yellow 
loam  and  sand  should  be  used,  with  a  little  char- 
coal and  good  manure  added.  The  soil,  when 
mixed,  should  be  warmed  to  the  temperature  of 
the  house  before  potting.  When  potted,  the 
plants  may  be  grown  on  in  a  night  temperature 


410 


THE    GARDENERS'    CHRONICLE. 


[June  26.  1909. 


of  not  less  than  60°,  giving  them  all  the  light 
possible,  but  at  all  times  shading  them  from 
strong  sunshine.  Further  feeding  is  not  neces- 
sary during  the  first  season. 

The  established  tubers  are  best  started  towards 
the  end  of  December,  in  shallow  boxes  of  cocoa- 
nut  fibre.  They  should  be  allowed  to  start 
gently,  65°  to  70°  being  quite  sufficient  heat. 
Pot  them  on  when  started  into  small  pots,  and 
later  into  the  flowering  pots,  using  a  similar  mix- 
ture as  before.  The  pots  must  be  well  drained, 
and  the  plants  should  not  be  potted  deeply  or 
firmly.  When  the  blooms  appear,  a  little  weak 
manure  water  will  be  beneficial,  but  this  may 
easily  be  overdone.  It  is  often  advisable  when 
the  plants  are  flowering  to  remove  some  of  the 
centre  leaves,  which  sometimes  cramp  and 
smother  the  opening  blooms. 

The  worst  pest  of  Gloxinias  is  the  white  thrip, 
which,  if  once  allowed  to  get  a  foothold,  is  very 
troublesome.  It  is,  therefore,  advisable  to  spray 
with  an  insecticide  or  to  fumigate  the  plants  at 
intervals  as  a  preventive.     C.  H.  Middleton. 


The  Week's  Work. 


PLANTS    UNDER   GLASS. 

By  A.  C,  Bartlett,  Gardener  to  Mrs.  Ford,  Pencarrow, 
Cornwall. 

Hcemanthus  Katherince. — This  is  the  most 
showy  of  the  greenhouse  plants  in  flower  at  the 
present  time.  While  the  flowers  remain  fresh, 
let  the  plants  stand  in  the  cooler  end  of  the 
structure,  but  remove  them  to  the  intermediate 
house  as  soon  as  the  blooms  fade,  to  complete 
and  mature  their  growth.  After  this  has  been 
effected,  a  period  of  rest  is  necessary.  Propaga- 
tion is  best  done  by  potting  up  the  offsets  and 
keeping  them  in  moist  conditions  until  roots 
have  formed.  Many  species  of  Hsemanthus  pro- 
duce most  showy  flowers,  and  they  might  very 
well  be  cultivated  more  often  in  private  gardens. 

Callistemon  lanceolatus. — This  greenhouse 
shrub  is  better  known  by  the  name  of  Metro- 
sideros  floribunda.  Like  many  species  of  the 
nearly-allied  genus  Melaleuca,  it  is  a  showy, 
flowering  shrub  needing  the  conditions  of  a  cool 
greenhouse  or  conservatory.  The  culture  is  com- 
paratively easy,  but,  as  with  most  hard-wooded 
plants,  care  must  be  exercised  in  watering.  Pro- 
pagation may  be  effected  by  seeds,  which  are 
freely  produced  on  large  plants,  but  seedling 
plants  do  not  flower  so  quickly  as  plants  raised 
from  cuttings.  The  cuttings  should  be  made  of 
nearly-matured  shoots  and  inserted  in  sandy  soil, 
placing  the  cutting  pots  under  a  bell-glass.  When 
the  cuttings  have  rooted  they  should  be  firmly 
petted  in  loam,  peat  and  sand.  Whilst  young. 
the  shoots  should  be  freely  pinched  to  induce  a 
bushy  habit. 

Mignonette. — No  flowers  are  more  highly  ap- 
preciated than  those  of  the  Mignonette.  For 
pot-culture  the  "  tree  "  kinds  are  more  often  se- 
lected, but  the  dwarf-branching  varieties  are  also 
very  useful  as  pot  plants  or  for  furnishing 
flowers.  Whatever  kind  is  required,  seeds  should 
be  sown  at  intervals  from  now  onwards.  Mig- 
nonette requires  a  compost  of  good  loam  and  leaf- 
mould,  firm  potting,  and  cool  treatment  at  all 
times.  The  seeds  should  be  sown  shallowly  in 
3-inch  pots,  and  as  soon  as  the  seedlings  are  well 
through  the  soil  they  should  be  thinned  out  to 
one  plant  if  for  pyramids,  and  to  three  plants  if 
dwarf,  bushy  plants  are  required.  When  the 
small  pots  have  become  filled  with  roots,  the 
plants  should  be  potted  into  5  or  6-inch  pots, 
using  similar  soil.  Make  the  soil  as  firm  as  pos- 
sible, exercising  care  not  to  break  the  ball  of  the 
root. 


FRUITS  UNDER  GLASS. 

By  E.  Harriss,  Fruit  Foreman,  Royal  Gardens,  Frogmore. 
Pineapples. — The  earliest  plants  of  the  Queen 
variety,  now  fast  maturing  their  fruits,  must 
receive  attention  in  order  that  the  fruiting 
season  may  be  extended  over  as  long  a  period  as 
possible.  Those  fruits  that  have  commenced  to 
colour  should  be  removed  to  a  house  where  the 
plants  can  be  kept  cool  and  dry,  and,  if  neces- 
sary, shaded  during  the  hottest  part  of  the  day 
with  tiffany.  Manurial  stimulants  must  be  with- 
held   and    clear    water   given    sparingly.      Later 


fruiting  plants,  however,  should  still  be  liberally 
supplied  with  both  diluted  liquid  manure  and 
guano  water.  Maintain  a  moist  atmosphere  in 
the  pit  and  close  the  ventilators  about  3  o'clock 
in  the  afternoon,  after  first  spraying  the  plants 
with  tepid  rain-water.  All  weak  suckers  not  re- 
quired for  stock  purposes  should  be  removed  from 
the  parent  plants  from  which  the  fruits  have  been 
cut.  Those  which  are  bearing  suckers,  required 
for  propagation,  should  be  placed  in  a  position 
near  to  the  glass  and  be  syringed  and  watered 
with  care,  as  it  is  important  to  have  a  batch 
of  strong  suckers  for  potting  next  month. 

Successiondl  plants. — Young  Pines  intended 
for  fruiting  next  year  will  have  filled  their  pots 
with  roots,  and  they  should  be  encouraged  to 
develop  into  strong,  healthy  plants.  On  no 
account  allow  them  to  suffer  drought  at  the  roots ; 
at  the  same  time,  water  must  not  be  applied  until 
it  is  required,  when  sufficient  should  be  given 
to  soak  the  soil  through.  Manure  water  may 
be  applied  more  frequently  than  hitherto.  Weak 
soot-water  should  be  given  occasionally,  both  at 
the  roots  and  in  the  water  when  syringing  in  the 
afternoon.  Whenever  the  weather  is  warm  and 
sunny,  dispense,  as  far  as  is  possible,  with  fire 
heat,  for  excessive  warmth  will  cause  the  plants 
to  grow  weakly  and  often  to  fruit  prematurely. 
A  little  fresh  air  should  be  admitted  by  the  top 
ventilators  early  on  fine  mornings,  and  the 
amount  may  be  increased  as  the  temperature 
rises ;  tut  close  the  house  sufficiently  early  in  the 
afternoon  to  allow  the  temperature  to  reach  95° 
or  100°  after  syringing  and  charging  the  atmo- 
sphere with  moisture.  Young  plants  which  require 
repotting  must  be  attended  to  before  they  become 
pot-bound.  Plunge  them  in  a  moderately  warm 
hot-bed  near  to  the  glass,  and  allow  them  to 
grow  as  fast  as  is  consistent  with  the  develop- 
ment of  strong,  healthy  foliage. 

Planted-out  Pines  which  are  ripening  their 
fruits  must  not  be  over-watered,  nor  must  the 
atmosphere  of  the  pit  be  overcharged  with 
moisture.  Should  the  crowns  on  the  later-fruit- 
ing plants  show  signs  of  becoming  too  large,  they 
should  be  carefully  stopped.  Pines  planted  out 
last  spring  should  now  be  well  rooted  ;  they  will 
require  water  at  least  once  a  week,  but  need  not 
be  given  stimulants  at  present.  Ventilate  the 
house  early  in  the  mornings  of  fine  days,  but  take 
full  advantage  of  the  sunshine  by  closing  the 
structure  early  in  the  afternoons,  after  well 
syringing  the  plants  with  rain-water. 


THE    KITCHEN    GARDEN. 

By  E.  Beckett,  Gardener  to  the  Hon.  Vicary  Gibbs, 
Aldenham  House,  Elstree,  Hertfordshire. 

Asparagus. — The  heads  should  now  be  cut 
very  sparingly,  and  the  plants  should  be  given 
every  encouragement  to  assist  them  in  building 
up  strong  crowns.  It  is  a  good  plan,  especially 
where  the  beds  are  situated  in  an  exposed 
position,  to  provide  some  means  of  support  to 
the  shoots  to  prevent  them  being  blown  about  by 
wind.  The  beds  should  be  hand-weeded,  it 
being  impossible  to  use  a  hoe  without  damaging 
the  Asparagus.  On  light  soils,  a  moderate 
sprinkling  of  salt  and  applications  of  liquid 
manure  from  the  farmyard  will  be  beneficial. 

Capsicums  intended  for  fruiting  in  pots  may 
now  be  placed  in  cold  frames.  Afford  frequent 
applications  of  manure  water,  and  syringe  the 
foliage  copiously  with  clear  water  twice  each  day. 
Do  not  overcrowd  the  plants,  but  let  tin  air 
circulate  freely  amongst  them.  Remove  the 
lights  entirely  on  hot  days.  Spare  plants  may  be 
placed  in  a  sheltered,  sunny  position  in  the  open, 
where  they  will  produce  satisfactory  results  if 
the  season  is  favourable. 

Cauliflower.'. — The  foliage  should  be  tied  up 
immediately  after  the  heads  are  set,  to  keep  them 
perfectly  white.  Keep  the  plants  well  sup- 
plied with  moisture,  affording  liquid  manure  at 
intervals.  Immediately  they  are  ready  for  cut- 
ting, lift  the  plants  and  place  them  in  a  cold 
shed  or  cellar,  where  they  may  be  suspended  with 
their  heads  downwards.  They  will  remain  in  a 
good  condition  for  several  days.  Successional 
batches  of  later  varieties  should  have  the  soil 
about  the  plants  stirred  with  a  draw-hoe.  Work 
the  soil  well  around  the  stems,  and  afterwards 
applv  a  liberal  mulching  of  manure.  Continue 
to  plant  Cauliflowers  raised  from  late  sowings  in 
open  positions   in  the  garden.     Such  late  plants 


are   often    useful    for   planting   in   frames   in   the 
autumn. 

Brussels  Sprouts. — The  hoe  should  be  fre- 
quently and  thoroughly  worked  between  the 
rows.  In  the  case  of  poor  soils,  slight  applica- 
tions of  some  concentrated  manure  should  be 
dusted  over  the  roots  in  showery  weather.  They 
will  also  be  benefited  by  a  mulching  of  farmyard 
manure,  especially  if  the  weather  is  dry.  Make 
a  final  planting  of  the  later-raised  plants,  select- 
ing a  piece  of  good  land  for  this  crop.  The 
variety  Dwarf  Gem  is  a  very  suitable  one  for 
planting  at  this  season. 

Endive  should  be  sown  in  small  quantities 
about  once  a  fortnight.  Thin  the  plants  to  12 
inches  apart,  and  keep  them  well  supplied  with 
moisture.  Both  the  curled  and  the  plain-leaved 
varieties  should  be  grown. 

Autumn-sown  Unions. — To  ensure  large,  well- 
developed  bulbs  of  both  Naples  and  Giant  Rocca 
varieties,  the  soil  should  be  frequently  stirred 
with  a  hoe,  and  copious  applications  of  moisture, 
including  liquid  manure,  should  occasionally  be 
given  this  crop  during  the  present  month.  Those 
which  show  signs  of  flowering  prematurely  should 
be  used  for  present  consumption. 

Watering. — Many  of  the  kitchen-garden  crops 
will  need  to  be  supplied  with  water,  both  at  the 
roots  and  overhead.  Much  water  is  not  only  of 
value  in  increasing  the  quantity  of  the  crop,  but 
it  also  improves  the  quality. 


PUBLIC   PARKS   AND   GARDENS. 

By  W.  W.   Pettigrew,    Superintendent   of   City    Parks, 
Cardiff. 

The  Children  Art,  190S.— On  April  1 
last,  when  the  Children  Act,  1908,  came  into 
force,  new  powers  were  given  to  park  officials 
the  like  of  which  had  never  before  been  exercised 
by  them.  Before  this  Act  came  into  operation, 
park-keepers  were  primarily  employed  to  protect 
park  property  and  otherwise  prevent  any  infrac- 
tion of  park  by-laws,  but  except  in  quite  an  in- 
direct way,  they  were  not  generally  regarded  as 
having  any  special  powers  outside  of  public  parks 
Section  40  of  the  Children  Act  provides  : — 

"  That  i>,  shall  be  the  duty  of  a  constable  and  of  a  park- 
keeper,  bsing  in  uniform,  to  seize  any  cigarettes,  or  cigarette 
papers  in  the  possession  of  any  person  apparently  under 
the  age  of  16  years  whom  he  finds  smoking  in  any  street  or 
public  place,  and  such  constable  or  park  keeper  shall  be 
authorised  to  search  any  boy  so  found  smoking,  but  not  a 
girl." 

From  these  words  it  will  be  seen  that  the  official 
existence  of  the  park-keeper  is  now  recognised 
by  law  and  his  services  enlisted  for  work  which 
is  quite  beyond  his  special  park  duties.  Having 
thus  become  recognised  as  fit  to  carry  out  some 
of  the  provisions  of  this  Act,  one  hardly  knows 
what  other  duties  of  a  like  nature  may  not  sooner 
in-  later  be  thrust  upon  him.  So  far.  however, 
whilst  this  legislation  has  considerably  increased 
the  responsibilities  of  park-keepers,  "it  has  not 
added  to  their  actual  labours,  for,  whereas  before 
April  1  the  juvenile  smoker  was,  unfor- 
tunately, frequently  in  evidence,  he  has  since 
that  date  almost  entirely  disappeared  from 
public  view,   and  consequently  L'ives  no  trouble. 

There  are  two  facts  about  this  Act  that  it  is 
well  to  impress  upon  the  minds  of  park-kee] 
The  first  is  that  they  are  compelled  to  exercise 
tin'  powers  conferred  upon  them  by  Section  40 
of  the  Act  and  when  they  see  a  boy  smoking  in 
any  public  place  it  is  as  much  their  duty  to  take 
act  inn  in  the  matter  as  it  would  be  were  the  boy 
stealing  flowers  or  damaging  property  in  a  park. 
The  other  fact  is  that  no  park-keeper — and,  for 
that  matter,  no  constable  either — unless  attired 
in  uniform  is  permitted  to  interfere  with  young 
smokers,  and  if  they  do  so  they  will  probably 
get  into  trouble.  This  stipulation  is  a  very 
nasi, nable  one.  as  without  it  in  all  probability 
many  persons  would  become  self-constituted  con- 
stables or  park-keepers  whenever  an  opportunity 
arose  for  appropriating  some  youngster's  tobacco. 

Possible  effects  of  the  innutrition. — No  doubt 
some  park  officials  may  feel  that  their  staff  have 
quite  enough  to  attend  to  in  carrying  out  park 
work  and  therefore  do  not  require  extraneous 
duties  put  upon  them  by  the  State.  Others  may 
welcome  the  addition  of  these  and  similar  duties 
in  the  hope  that  the  time  may  come  when  the 
Exchequer  will  see  fit.  on  account  of  these  ser- 
vices, to  contribute  towards  the  maintenance  of 
that  somewhat  expensive  institution,  the  park 
police. 


June  26,  1C39.] 


THE    GARDENERS     CHRONICLE. 


411 


THE  HARDY  FRUIT  GARDEN. 

By  J.  G.  Weston,  Gardener  to  H.  J.  King,  Esq.,  Eastwell 
Park,  Kent. 

Red  and  White  Currants. — The  bushes  have 
made  a  considerable  amount  of  growth,  and  this 
must  be  thinned  in  order  that  the  sun  and  air 
may  reach  the  fruits.  Stop  the  side-shoots  at 
the  fourth  leaf,  but  leave  the  leading  growths  un- 
stopped for  another  week  or  two,  when  the  tops 
may  be  taken  off  according  to  the  amount  of 
space  which  the  bushes  are  required  to  furnish. 
Very  fine  fruits  may  be  obtained  from  cordon 
plants  allowed  to  cover  small  spaces  on  fruit 
walls.  Currants  planted  against  north  or  north- 
west walls  will  furnish  a  supply  of  fruits  late  in 
the  season.  Red  Currants  will  hang  for  several 
weeks  in  excellent  condition  on  plants  cultivated 
against  north  walls.  On  light  and  porous  soils 
much  water  must  be  given  to  the  roots.  The 
cordon  Currants  should  have  the  side  growths 
stopped  as  recommended  above  in  the  case  of 
bushes,  allowing  the  leading  shoots  to  grow  un- 
checked for  the  present.  Where  wall  space  is 
limited,  cordon  Currants  may  be  trained  to  a 
wire  trellis,  or  they  may  be  planted  as  small 
standards  by  the  side  of  the  paths,  where  they 
are  very  attractive  when  laden  with  fruit.  The 
fruits  on  such  small  bushes  can  be  protected 
easily  from  the  biids.  An  excellent  plan  of  using 
Red  Currants  is  to  mix  them  with  Raspberries. 


growths  are  pinched  as  recommended  and  at  once 
burned  this  will  destroy  most  of  them.  A 
thorough  washing  with  the  garden  engine  after- 
wards will  generally  suffice  to  make  the  bushes 
perfectly  clean.  Every  effort  should  be  made  to 
cleanse  them  before  the  fruit  commences  to  ripen, 
ripen,  or  many  of  the  berries  will  be  spoiled. 

Weeding. — Keep  the  hoe  constantly  at  work 
where  it  can  be  used.  In  the  case  of  Straw- 
berry beds  or  other  beds  or  borders  which  have 
been  mulched  or  littered  with  clean  straw,  it  will 
be  necessary  to  practise  hand-weeding. 


THE  FLOWER  GARDEN. 

By  YV.  A.  Cook,  Gardener  to  Sir  Edmund  G.  Loder,  Bart., 
Leonardslee,  Sussex. 

Sowing  seeds  of  perennials. — Seeds  of  Dian- 
thus  should  now  be  sown.  Rake  the  ground  very 
smoothly  and  sow  in  drills  made  9  inches  apart. 
It  is  necessary  to  shade  the  seed-bed  during  the 
germination  period,  but  when  the  seedlings  are 
well  through  the  ground  the  shading  material 
should  be  removed.  The  plants,  when  of  a  suit- 
able size,  may  be  either  transferred  direct  to 
their  flowering  positions,  or  be  pricked  out  for 
transplanting  in  the  autumn. 

If  Hollyhock  seeds  are  not  already  sown,  no 
time  should  be  lost  before  doing  this.  The  drills 
should  be  drawn  1  foot  apart  and  2  inches  deep. 


[Photograph  by  Mrs.  Delves  Broughton. 
FlG.    l82. — PIERIS   FLORIBUNDA    AT    HAVERING   PARK. 
(See  p.  408.) 


Place  alternate  layers  of  each  fruit  and  another 
of  white  sugar  in  a  glass  dish,  which  should  be 
stood-  in  a  refrigerator  on  a  block  of  ice  for 
24  hours  before  being  required  for  the  table.  By 
many  this  is  considered  the  best  manner  of  pre- 
paring these  fruits  for  the  dessert. 

Black  Currant  bushes. — Do  not  stop  the  shoots 
of  these  bushes  until  after  the  fruits  are 
gathered,  when  all  unnecessary  growths  should 
be  removed  and  any  other  thinning  done  which 
is  required. 

Gooseberries.- — Gooseberries  should  be  stopped 
in  the  same  manner  as  advised  for  Red  Currants. 
If  the  berries  were  thinned,  those  now  on  the 
bushes  will  develop  rapidly.  The  finer  des- 
sert varieties  should  be  afforded  copious  sup- 
plies of  water  during  dry  weather,  and  the  foliage 
should  be  well  syringed  in  order  to  prevent  red 
spider.  After  the  watering  is  finished  the  ground 
should  be  mulched,  if  a  mulch  has  not  already 
been  applied.  See  that  the  fruits  are  properly 
netted  from  the  birds.  There  are  heavy  crops  of 
all  small  fruits  in  this  locality.  Green  Goose- 
berries have  proved  very  useful  for  culinary 
purposes.  Aphis  has  recently  appeared  on  the 
shoots     in     great     numbers,   but    if    the    young 


Sow  the  seeds  a  quarter  of  an  inch  deep. 
Thin  the  plants  as  soon  as  they  are 
large  enough.  Pansies,  Polyanthuses  and 
Primroses  may  be  also  sown  now.  The 
Primroses  and  Polyanthuses  will  make  fine  plants 
for  flowering  in  the  spring  of  1911.  There  is 
still  time  for  the  sowing  of  Wallflowers,  although 
I  prefer  to  sow  them  earlier  in  the  season,  in  order 
to  obtain  large  plants.  Campanula  pyramidalis 
and  C.  media  (Canterbury  Bell)  should  also  be 
sown.  C.  pyramidalis  does  better  in  every  re- 
spect when  cultivated  under  quite  cool  condi- 
tions. Even  for  pot  purposes  the  plants  are  best 
grown  quite  hardy,  and  may  be  lifted  from  the 
border  for  the  purpose.  Choose  a  rather  warm 
spot  for  sowing  the  seeds.  Brompton  Stocks  may 
now  be  sown  in  the  open,  where  they  will  do 
quite  well,  especially  if  sown  on  a  cool  border. 

Alpine  garden. — Many  subjects  may  now  be 
propagated,  and  it  is  advisable  to  raise  fresh 
stocks  to  replace  any  subjects  which  have  be- 
come too  large  for  their  positions  or  that  may 
have  died.  Freshly-raised  plants  are  always  bet- 
ter than  portions  of  old  plants.  Continue  to 
prick  out  seedlings  into  pots  and  pans.  Seeds  of 
Ramondia    should    be    collected    when    ripe    and 


sown  at  once.  This  is  also  advisable  with  Sol- 
danella  and  Haberlia.  Insert  cuttings  of  Arabia 
and  any  other  plants  that  are  required  to  be  pro- 
pagated from  cuttings.  Remove  the  old  flower- 
spikes  and  all  dead  foliage  from  early-flowering, 
bulbous  plants,  and  in  order  to  denote  their  posi- 
tion should  all  the  foliage  be  removed,  place  a 
label  or  a  stick  on  the  spot  where  they  are 
planted.  Weeds  must  be  destroyed  early ;  be 
careful  not  to  allow  any  of  them  to  seed. 

Herbaceous  border. — A  considerable  amount  of 
work  will  be  required  to  keep  the  border  smart 
and  tidy.  The  plants  will  need  staking  and 
tying  very  frequently,  and  the  hoe  must  be  freely 
used  to  keep  down  weeds  and  loosen  the  soil. 
Any  blank  spaces  should  be  planted,  but  do  nut 
overcrowd  the  subjects.  Guard  against  insect 
pests,  especially  in  places  where  the  ground  is 
heavy. 

fonifers. — Attend  to  newly-planted  trees, 
affording  stakes  to  any  that  need  them.  See  that 
no  tree  is  injured  by  the  string  being  too  tight. 
Should  any  specimen  have  lost  its  leading 
branch,  train  up  another  shoot  to  take  its  place. 
Many  newly-planted  trees,  and  especially  Coni- 
fers, are  checked  in  their  early  stages  by  an  in- 
sufficiency of  moisture  at  the  roots.  Old  Coni- 
fers are  often  benefited  by  a  mulching  of  cow 
manure.  Do  not  place  the  material  close  to  the 
stem  of  a  tree,  but  at  a  little  distance  awav, 
where  the  most  active  roots  are  to  be  found. 
After  the  manure  is  applied,  a  soaking  of  water 
will  be  the  more  beneficial. 


THE    ORCHID    HOUSES. 

By  W,  H.  White,  Orchid  Grower  to  Sir  Trevor  Lawrence, 
Bart.,  Burford,  Surrey. 

Cypripediums. — Many  of  the  species  and 
hybrids  of  the  warm-growing  Cypripediums  such 
as  C.  Stonei,  C.  Curtisii,  C.  Maudiie,  C.  macro- 
chilum,  C.  grande,  C.  Rothschildianum,  C. 
superciliare,  C.  Lawrenceanum,  C.  L.  Hyeanum, 
('.  L.  hackbridgensis  and  others,  should  be  ex- 
amined as  to  pot  room  as  soon  as  they  have 
recovered  from  the  effects  of  flowering.'  None 
of  these  free-growing  plants  should  be  left  long 
in  a  root-bound  condition,  and  the  present  is  a 
suitable  time  to  give  them  a  shift,  and  to  divide 
large,  unwieldy  specimens.     The  best  compost  is 

one  sisting  of  three-fifths  good   fibrous  loam, 

one-fifth  Osmunda  fibre  (cut  up  moderately  small) 
and  one-fifth  .Sphagnum-moss,  adding  small 
broken  crocks  and  a  little  coarse  silver  sand. 
Fill  the  pots  to  about  half  their  depth  with  clean 
crocks  and  cover  these  with  a  layer  of  rough 
Sphagnum-moss.  In  the  process  of  putting  the 
soil  should  be  made  moderately  firm  about  the 
roots,  keeping  the  base  of  the  plant  and  the  sur- 
face of  the  compost  just  below  the  rim  of  the 
pot.  After  root  disturbance,  keep  the  compost 
only  just  moist  until  the  roots  are  again  growing 
fi  eel}  .  when  the  plants  will  require  an  abundant  e 
of  water.  Place  them  on  the  shady  side  of  the 
house  and  let  the  surroundings  be  kept  always 
moist.  When  the  weather  is  bright,  a  fine  spray 
ing  overhead,  both  in  the  morning  and  early  after- 
noon, is  beneficial.  The  dwarf-grow- ing  species  such 
as  C.  niveum,  C.  concolor,  C.  bellatulum,  and 
their  hybrids,  including  such  beautiful  plants  as 
C.  Lawrebel,  C.  Olenus,  C.  Godefroyse,  C.  Chap- 
manii,  C.  Arnoldise,  C.  Helen  II.,  C.  Rolfei,  C. 
Venus,  C.  Muriel  Hollington,  C.  Vipani,  and 
many  others  equally  fine  and  rare  but  too  numer- 
ous to  mention,  may  also  be  repotted  if  necessary. 
For  this  purpose  the  same  kind  of  compost  as 
advised  for  the  stronger-growing  varieties  is  suit- 
able, but  the  potting  should  be  done  rather  more 
firmly,  as  the  roots  have  a  decided  tendency  to 
cling  and  ramble  among  hard  substanees.  '  At 
Burford,  all  the  species  and  hybrids  of  this  dwarf- 
growing  section  thrive  best  when  suspended  in  a 
light  position  in  the  Cattleya  house.  The  plants 
need  plenty  of  moisture  when  growing  freely,  but 
care  must  be  taken  to  prevent  water  lodging  in 
the  growths  or  axils  of  the  leaves.  Small  yellow 
thrips  are  exceedingly  fond  of  the  young  foliage, 
therefore,  whether  these  insects  be  present  or 
not,  it  is  advisable,  whenever  any  of  the  houses 
are  being  vaporised,  to  place  these  plants  there 
during  the  operation.  The  foliage,  too,  should 
occasionally  be  carefully  sponged  over.  It  is 
necessary  to  caution  those  who  do  the  work  not 
to  raise  the  leaves  too  high,  for  this  causes  the 
mid-rib  to  crack  and  the  plant  afterwards  suffers 
disfigurement. 


412 


THE    GARDENERS'    CHRONICLE. 


[June  26,  1909. 


EDITORIAL    NOTICE, 


ADVERTISEMENTS  should  be  sent  to  the  PUB- 
LISHER, 41,  Wellington  Street,  Covent  Garden, 
W.C. 

Letters  for  Publication,  as  well  as  specimens  oj  plants 
for  naming,  sliould  be  addressed  to  the  EDITORS, 
41,  Wellington  Street,  Covent  Garden,  London. 
Communications  should  be  written  on  one  side  only  of 
the  paper,  sent  as  early  in  the  week  as  possible  and  duly 
signed  by  the  writer.  If  desired,  the  signature  will  not  be 
printed,  but  kept  as  a  guarantee  of  good  faith. 

Special  Notice  to  Correspondents.  —  The  Editors  do  not 
undertake  to  pay  for  any  contributions  or  illustrations,  or 
to  return  unused  communications  or  illustrations,  unless  by 
special  arrangement.  The  Editors  do  not  hold  themselves 
responsible  for  any  opinions  expressed  by  their  correspon- 
dents. 

(I  lustrations.-  The  Editors  will  be  glad  to  receive  and  to  select 
photographs  or  drawings,  suitable  for  reproduction,  of 
gardens,  or  of  remarkable  plants,  jlowers,  trees,  &c,  but 
they  cannot  be  responsible  for  loss  or  injury. 

Local  News. — Correspondents  will  greatly  oblige  by  sending  to 
the  Editots  early  intelligence  of  local  events  likely  to  be  of 
interest  to  our  readers,  or  of  any  matters  which  it  ts  desirable 
to  bring  under  the  notice  of  horticulturists. 

Newspapers. — Correspondents  sending  newspapers  should  be 
carejulto  mark  the  paragraphs  they  wish  the  Editors  to  see. 


APPOINTMENTS  FOR  THE  ENSUING  WEEK. 


MONDAY,  JUNE  28— Isle  of  Wight  Rose  Sh.  (provisional). 
TUESDAY,  JUNE  29- 

Southampton   Roy.   Hort.   Soc.   Summer   Sh.  (2  days). 
Brighton  Fl.  Sh.  (2  days).    Canterbury  and  Kent  Rose 
Show  at  Canterbury. 
WEDNESDAY,  JUNE  30- 

Richmond  (Surrey)  Fl.  Sh.     Ipswich  Fl.  Sh. 


Average    Mean    Temperature    for    the    ensuing    week, 
deduced  from  observations  during  the  last  Fifty  Years 
at  Greenwich— 61'6°. 
Actual  Temperatures: — 

London. —  Wednesday,  June  23  (6  P.M.):  Max.  63°. 
Min.  51°. 
Gardeners'  Chronicle  Office,  41,  Wellington  Street, 
Covent  Garden,  London  — Thursday,  June  24 
(10  a.m.):  Bar.  294;  Temp.  60°  ;  Weathtr— 
Cloudy. 
Provinces. —  Wednesday,  June  23  (6  p.m.):  Max.  60° 
Cornwall ;  Min.  50"  Scotland  North  East. 


SALES    FOR    THE    ENSUING    WEEK. 

FRIDAY- 

Choice  Imported  and  Established  Orchids,  Orchids  in 
variety,  at  67  &  68,  Cheapside,  E.C.,  by  Frotheroe  & 
Morris,  at  12.45. 


.  The  past  week  has  witnessed, 

Darwin  iu  the  commemoration  cere- 

Commemora-    monies    at    Cambridge,    the 

tion.  tribute  of  the  world  to  the 

genius  of  Darwin.  From  all  parts  of  Britain 
and  the  Empire,  from  every  State  of  Europe, 
and  from  the  uttermost  parts  of  the  earth, 
men  have  assembled  to  celebrate  the  centen- 
ary of  Darwin's  birth  and  the  fiftieth  anni- 
versary of  the  publication  of  the  Origin  of 
Species. 

They  have  met  in  Cambridge  to  acknow- 
ledge on  behalf  of  mankind  the  debt  which  it 
owes  to  the  great  naturalist.  The  magnitude 
of  this  debt  has  formed  the  subject  of  elo- 
quent addresses  by  distinguished  delegates, 
but  no  more  adequate  appreciation  of  Darwin's 
life  and  work  has  been  offered  than  that  which 
we  print  to-day  from  the  pen  of  Sir  William 
Thiselton-Dyer.  Horticulturists  will  rejoice 
that  the  great  and  special  services  which  Dar- 
win rendered  to  their  science  should  be  re- 
corded and  appreciated  in  such  a  manner.  The 
present  generation  may  be  reminded,  more- 
over, that  on  former  occasions  these  pages 
have  served  for  high  authority  to  pronounce 
its  emphatic  conviction  of  the  supreme  imports 
ance  of  Darwin's  contribution  to  the  sum  of 
human  knowledge.  So  long  ago  as  Decem- 
ber, 1859,  Sir  Joseph  Hooker,  as  he  himself 
recently  reminded  us,  wrote,  in  the  course  of 
a  review  of  the  Origin  of  Species,  the  follow- 
ing words  : — 

"  We  have  risen  from  the  perusal  of  Mr. 
Darwin's  book  much  impressed  with  its  import 


ance,  and  have,  moreover,  found  it  to  be  so  de- 
pendent on  the  phenomena  of  horticultural  opera- 
tions, for  its  facts  and  results,  and  so  full  of 
experiments  that  may  be  repeated  and  discussed 
by  intelligent  gardeners,  and  of  ideas  that  may 
sooner  fructify  in  their  minds  than  in  those  of 
any  other  class  of  naturalists,  that  we  shall  be 
doing  them  (and  we  hope  also  science)  a  service 
by  dwelling  in  some  detail  upon  its  contents. 
Thus  much  we  may  premise,  that  it  is  a  book 
teeming  with  deep  thoughts  on  numberless  simple 
and  complex  phenomena  of  life  ;  that  its  premises 
in  almost  all  cases  appear  to  be  correct ;  that  its 
reasoning  is  apparently  close  and  sound,  its  style 
clear,  and,  we  need  hardly  add,  its  subject  and 
manner  equally  attractive  and  agreeable ;  it  is 
also  a  perfectly  ingenuous  book,  bold  in  expres- 
sions as  in  thought  where  the  author  adduces 
what  he  considers  clear  evidence  in  his  favour, 
fiank  in  the  statement  of  objections  to  the 
hypotheses  or  conclusions  founded  on  its  facts 
and  reasonings ;  and  uniformly  courteous  to 
antagonistic  doctrines.  In  fine,  whatever  may  be 
thought  of  Mr.  Darwin's  ultimate  conclusions,  it 
cannot  be  denied  that  it  would  be  difficult  in  the 
whole  range  of  literature  of  science  to  find  a  book 
so  exclusively  devoted  to  the  development  of 
theoretical  enquiries,  which  at  the  same  time  is 
throughout  so  full  of  conscientious  care,  so  fair 
in  argument,  and  so  considerate  in  tone." 

We  quote  the  passage  with  particular  plea- 
sure, because,  as  readers  of  the  Life  of  Dar- 
win will  remember.  Darwin  himself  valued  Sir 
Joseph  Hooker's  reviews  above  all  others. 

Turning  again  to  the  Cambridge  celebra- 
tions, it  is  not  enough  to  say  of  them  that 
they  were  successful.  They  were  triumphantly 
successful.  Men  engaged  in  following  up  the 
lines  of  investigation  indicated  by  their 
great  master,  left  their  gardens  and  labo- 
ratories, their  microscopes  and  geologi- 
cal hammers,  and  their  Mendelian  hy- 
brids and  devoted  their  united  labours  to 
the  perfecting  of  the  organisation  of  this 
Darwin  festival.  The  colleges  opened  their 
sometimes  exclusive  doors  to  welcome  and  to 
entertain  the  visitors.  The  Chancellor,  Lord 
Rayleigh,  received  the  delegates  in  the  Fitz- 
william  Museum  on  Tuesday  evening.  On 
Wednesday  the  addresses  from  Universities, 
colleges,  academic  and  learned  societies  were 
presented  to  the  University  in  the  Senate 
House.  Darwin's  own  college  (Christ's)  enter- 
tained the  guests  in  the  afternoon,  and  in  the 
evening,  at  the  great  banquet,  members  of  all 
the  important  Universities  of  the  world  dined 
together  at  the  invitation  of  the  University 
of  Cambridge.  In  addition  to  other  recep- 
tions, a  conferment  of  honorary  degrees  was 
held  on  Thursday,  whilst  in  the  afternoon  of 
the  same  day  took  place  the  most  charming 
and,  in  some  respects,  the  most  impressive  of 
all  the  ceremonies — the  garden  party  given  by 
the  members  of  the  Darwin  family.  As  the 
envoys  of  the  world  of  learning  were  received 
in  the  Fellows'  Garden  of  Trinity  by  the  living 
representatives  of  Charles  Darwin,  they  could 
not  but  reflect  that,  beside  what  the  world 
owes  to  Darwin  for  his  own  work  and  his  own 
noble  interpretation  of  life,  it  owes  another 
and  not  a  light  debt  to  him  for  giving  to  the 
world  a  group  of  children  who,  like  the  father, 
have  shed  lustre  on  British  science.  The  Uni- 
versity hospitality  was  generous  to  a  degree 
that  would  have  delighted  the  heart  of  Dar- 
win himself,  who  was  wont  to  say  to  children 
visiting  at  his  house:  "  Be  good  and  eat  large 
mouthfuls."  Nor  was  the  hospitality  in 
material  things  alone  ;  for  the  intellectual  de- 
lectation   of   its   visitors   the   University   had 


made  most  liberal  provision.  As  memorials 
of  the  Commemoration  there  had  been  pre- 
pared, by  Francis  Darwin,  a  new  edition  of 
the  first  draft  of  the  Origin  of  Species  and 
a  volume,  edited  by  Professor  Seward,  en- 
titled Darwin  and  Modern  Science,  contain- 
ing essays  by  the  most  distinguished  men  of 
science. 

Laden  with  gifts  and  charged  with  grateful 
memories,  the  guests  will  return  to  their  near 
or  distant  homes,  united  by  the  common  bond 
of  love  and  reverence  for  the  name  of  Darwin. 


Important  as  are  the  nitrogen- 
Acidity  fixing  bacteria,  they  form  only  a 
Soils.  small  part  of  the  microflora  of 
the  soil  ;  other  groups  of  or- 
ganisms prepare  the  food  of  plants; 
some  break  down  the  nitrogenous  com- 
pounds constituting  manure  or  humus  into 
simpler  nitrogen  compounds  and  finally  oxi- 
dise them  into  the  nitrates,  in  which  form 
most  plants  obtain  the  nitrogen  they  require. 
Other  bacteria  are,  from  the  point  of  view  of 
the  horticulturist,  wasteful  in  that  they  con- 
vert the  nitrogen  compounds  into  free  nitro- 
gen;  others,  again  (particularly  certain  micro- 
fungi),  compete  with  the  crop  for  the  plant 
food  in  the  soil,  and  perhaps  produce  sub- 
stances which  are  injurious  to  plant  life.  The 
relative  predominance  of  particular  groups  of 
organisms,  useful  or  injurious,  can  be  affected 
by  the  farmer  or  gardener,  because  the  vari- 
ous species  of  micro-organisms  are  very  sensi- 
tive to  minute  changes  in  the  soil,  for  ex- 
ample, its  acidity  or  alkalinity. 

Soils  that  are  distinctly  acid  in  their  reac- 
tion are  not  infrequently  met  with  in  nature  ; 
when  they  are  in  grass  they  may  be  recog- 
nised by  the  generally  rusty  aspect  of  the 
vegetation,  which  consists  mainly  of  shallow- 
rooting  grasses  growing  in  tufts,  and  by  the 
absence  of  Clover  ;  when  they  are  under  arable 
cultivation  their  acidity  may  be  revealed  by 
the  presence  of  such  weeds  as  Spurrey,  Sheep's 
Sorrel,  and  Corn  Marigold,  and  by  the  "  club- 
bing "  of  cruciferous  crops. 

Similar  acid  soils  have  been  produced  arti- 
ficially by  the  long-continued  use  of  sulphate 
of  ammonia  as  a  fertiliser.  The  best  example 
is  afforded  by  the  continuous  Wheat  and  Bar- 
ley plots  on  the  farm  of  the  Royal  Agricul 
tural  Society  at  Woburn ;  where  ammonium 
salts  have  been  used  as  the  source  of  nitrogen 
the  land  is  now  almost  sterile,  Barley  refuses 
to  grow  at  all,  and  the  whole  plot  becomes 
covered  by  a  growth  of  Spurrey.  At  Rotham- 
sted,  where  the  arable  land  is  sufficiently  fur- 
nished with  carbonate  of  lime,  acidity  has  not 
set  in,  but  on  the  grass  plots  it  has  become 
very  marked. 

In  order  to  determine  the  cause  of  this 
acidity  experiments  have  been  made  to  see  if 
any  purely  chemical  or  physical  interactions 
would  take  place  between  the  constituents  of 
the  soil  and  solutions  of  ammonium  salts, 
which  would  split  off  a  free  acid  from  the 
latter,  but  with  negative  results.  The  action 
was  found  to  be  a  biological  process;  the  soil 
is  rich  in  certain  moulds  and  other  micro- 
fungi  which  rapidly  attack  solutions  of  am- 
monium salts,  and,  by  withdrawing  ammonia 
from  their  own  nutrition,  set  free  the  acid. 
It  was  shown  that  the  degree  of  acidity  thus 
produced    was    approximately    equal    to    the 


June  26,  1909.] 


THE     GARDENERS'    CHRONICLE. 


413 


soluble  acidity  of  the  Rothamsted  plots  soon 
after  the  ammonium  salts  had  been  applied 
as  manure.  At  the  same  time,  in  the  soils 
there  was  also  a  very  much  larger  quantity  of 
comparatively  insoluble  humic  acid,  which  had 
accumulated  year  by  year  as  a  result  of  the 
attack  of  the  mineral  acids  split  off  from  the 
ammonium  salts  upon  the  neutral  humus  of 
the  soil. 

The  lirst  consequence  of  the  acidity  of  the 
soil  on  these  plots  has  been  the  cessation  of 
the  nitrification  process,  because  the  bacteria 
bringing  about  that  change  will  only  work  in 
a  neutral  medium.  Some  of  the  falling  off  in 
the  yield  of  these  acid  plots  is  thus  due  to  the 
fact  that  the  grass  is  driven  to  obtain  its 
necessary  nitrogen  from  ammonia  instead  of 
from  the  more  usual  nitrates ;  at  the  same 
time,  the  mass  of  micro-fungi  with  which  the 
soil  is  permeated  competes  successfully  with 
the  grass  for  the  manure.  Whether  these 
fungi  also  excrete  substances  more  or  less 
poisonous  to  the  grass  has  not  yet  been  de- 
finitely settled.  The  remedy  for  this  acid  con- 
dition of  the  soil  lies  in  the  use  of  lime,  w  huh, 
applied  at  the  rate  of  2,0001b.  per  acre  to  por- 
tions of  the  Jiothamsted  grass  plots,  has 
effected  a  great  improvement  both  in  the  yield 
and  the  character  of  the  herbage. 

Another  problem  of  the  same  order — the 
secondary  effects  of  certain  fertilisers  upon  the 
soil — is  afforded  by  the  well-known  fact  that 
the  use  of  large  quantities  of  nitrate  of  soda 
upon  heavy  soils  always  makes  them  very  wet 
and  sticky  after  rain  and  causes  them  to  dry 
with  a  hard,  intractable  crust.  This  has  been 
attributed  to  the  attraction  of  nitrate  of  soda 
for  moisture,  but  the  amount  of  water  ab- 
sorbed by  the  few  hundredweight  per  acre  ul 
nitrate  of  soda  which  are  ever  applied  is  in- 
significant and  could  not  cause  the  effects  ob- 
served. Some  of  the  Rothainsted  plots,  \\  huh 
have  been  receiving  nitrate  of  soda  every  year 
for  the  last  half  century,  show  these  effects  to 
a  marked  degree,  and  on  examination  the  clay 
on  these  plots  was  found  to  be  in  its  most 
"  deflocculated  "  condition.  Clay  consists  es- 
sentially of  excessively  fine  particles,  and  when 
a  clay  soil  is  in  good  tilth  these  particles  are 
largely  bound  together  in  loose  aggregates, 
thus  giving  the  soil  as  a  whole  a  coarser  tex- 
ture. Any  working  of  the  soil  when  wet,  or 
the  "  puddling  "  which  a  potter  or  brick- 
maker  gives  to  his  clay,  breaks  down  these 
loose  aggregates,  aud,  by  giving  the  clay  its 
most  finely-grained  condition,  markedly  in- 
creases its  typical  properties  of  impermeabi- 
lity to  water,  and  shrinkage  on  drying.  It  is 
also  found  that  a  trace  of  any  soluble  alkali, 
such  as  carbonate  of  soda,  will  looseu  these 
aggregates  and  deliocculate  the  clay. 

By  further  experiments  it  has  been  shown 
that  a  growing  plant  fed  with  nitrate  of  soda 
gives  rise  to  a  little  carbonate  of  soda,  be- 
cause it  takes  up  more  of  the  nitric  acid  than 
the  soda  base  with  which  it  was  combined, 
leaving  the  latter  in  the  soil  combined  with 
the  carbonic  acid  excreted  from  the  root.  It 
was  found  possible  to  extract  free  carbonate 
of  soda  from  the  plots  which  had  long  received 
nitrate  of  soda  as  a  manure ;  one  of  the  grass 
plots  yielded  as  much  as  1751b.  per  acre  down 
to  a  depth  of  3  feet.  This  alkali  then,  by  de- 
Hocculating  the  clay,  is  the  source  of  the  bad 
tilth  resulting  from  the  use  of  nitrate  of  soda. 
The  bad  tilth,  which  is  a  serious  trouble  to 
many  market  gardeners  who  manure  heavily 


with  nitrate  of  soda,  cannot  be  rectified  by  the 
use  of  lime,  which,  being  itself  an  alkali,  only 
exaggerates  the  trouble.  The  use  of  acid 
manures  like  superphosphates,  and  liberal  ap- 
plications of  soot,  will  improve  matters,  but 
the  best  plan  is  to  use,  instead  of  nitrate  of 
soda  alone  as  a  nitrogenous  fertiliser,  a  mix- 
ture of  it  with  sulphate  of  ammonia.  Since 
the  one  tends  to  set  free  acid  and  the  other 
alkali  in  the  soil,  jointly  they  wxnild  leave  it 
unchanged,  and  they  would  also  come  into 
action  successively  as  souraes  of  nitrogen. 

These  and  other  cases  of  the  same  character 
go  to  show  that  we  must  study  more  closely 
the  chemical  and  biological  actions  of  ferti- 
lisers upon  our  soils  if  we  are  to  obtain  full 
value  from  them  and  avoid  some  of  the  disad- 
vantages long  recognised  by  farmers  as  attend- 
ing their  use. 


Flowers  in  Season. -We  have  received  a 
few  flowers  of  a  new  variety  of  Pink  named 
gloriusa,  from  Messrs.  Stuart  Low  &  Co.  It  is 
of  light  purple  colour,  of  considerable  size,  and 
very  fragrant.  Novelties  in  Pinks  are  not 
numerous,  as  is  the  case  of  Carnations,  and 
therefore  this  variety,  which  is  very  effective 
when    seen    in    gaslight,    may    be    recommended. 

Messrs.    Kelwas    &    Son    have   sent    us 

dowers  of  a  number  oi  varieties  of  their  double 
and  single-flowered  Pyrethrums.  P.  roseum  is 
one  of  tile  most  showy  border  plants,  and  the 
best  varieties  exhibit  varied  colours  that  should 

appeal  to  every  taste.     from  Mr.  Edwin 

.uolyneux,  Bwanmore  Park  Estate,  we  have 
received  a  bouquet  of  varieties  ut  1'apavcr 
orientals  in  such  brilliant  colours  as  would  del) 
description,  inese  flowers,  received  as  perfect!) 
hard  and  closed  ouds,  have  expanded  m  water, 
and  their  colours  appear  just  as  bright  as  if  they 
had   opened    whilst   still   exposed   to   sunshine. 

National  Rose  Society.  —  The  summer 
exhibition  to  be  held  at  the  Royal  Botanic 
Society  s  Gardens,  Regent's  Park,  on  duly  Z, 
promises  to  be  verj  successful.  Notwithstand- 
ing the  trying  weather  experienced  dur- 
ing both  the  winter  and  spring,  aud  also 
throughout  the  lust,  half  ul  June,  there  is  likely 
to  be  an  unusually  large  and  hue  display  ut 
blooms.  hail)  in  the  month  the  prospects 
louked  very  gloomy,  but,  as  the  late  Kev. 
D'Ombeain  used  to  say,  "  When  the  time  of  Roses 
comes  ther j  is  sure  to  be  plenu  ut  Roses."  the 
classes  number  more  than  10U,  and  there  are 
numerous  valuable  challenge  cups  and  other 
trophies  offered  as  prizes,  i'hose  who  intend  to 
exhibit  should  apply  to  the  hon.  secretary,  Mr. 
En.  Mawley,  RoseDank,  Berkhamsted,  not  later 
than  .j hue  zu. 

Sir  Joseph  Dalton  Hooker. — At  a  meeting 
of  the  Linnean  Society,  held  on  the  17th  inst., 
a  letter  congratulating  Sir  Joseph  Hooker  on 
his  approaching  92nd  birthday  was  read  from 
the  Cnair,  and  signed  by  the  Fellows  present. 
Sir  Joseph  Hooker  was  born  on  June  30,  1817. 

Royal  Botanic  Society. — We  are  informed 
that  the  following  resolution  will  be  moved  by 
ilr.  J.  S.  Rubinstein  at  the  Fellows'  meeting 
of  this  Society  to  be  held  on  Friday,  June "25,  at 
4.15  p.m.  : — "  That  this  meeting  desires  to  place 
the  following  views  on  record : — (1)  That  the 
objects  for  which  the  Society  was  established  in 
1840  are  as  material  to-day  as  when  the  charter 
was  granted,  such  objects  being  the  promotion 
of  botany  and  its  application  to  medicine,  arts, 
and  manufactures.  (2)  That  the  gardens  are  pre- 
eminently  calculated   to   promote   these   objects, 


and  it  is  accordingly  of  the  utmost  importance 
that  the  gardens  should  be  maintained,  and 
because  they  secure  an  ideal,  and  the  only  really 
suitable  place  in  London,  for  the  holding  of  floral 
and  horticultural  exhibitions  and  for  outdoor 
shows  and  receptions  organised  by  public  autho- 
rities and  by  recognised  societies  and  institu- 
tions. (3)  That  if  the  gardens  are  closed,  or 
cease  to  be  available  for  the  purposes  mentioned, 
the  loss  to  London  will  be  irretrievable.  (4) 
That  the  Society  cannot,  in  view  of  its  liabilities, 
continue  with  advantage  the  control  of  the  gar- 
dens. (5)  That  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society 
possess  a  constitution  and  organisation  enabling 
it  to  take  over  the  gardens  with  the  greatest 
advantage,  and  it  is  therefore  highly  expedient 
that  the  gardens  should  be  immediately  trans- 
ferred to  that  society.  (6)  That  in  arranging  a 
transfer  provision  should  be  made  for  (a)  the 
payment  of  a  sum  of  money  representing  the 
value  of  the  Royal  Botanic  Society's  assets,  to 
be  applied  towards  discharging  its  liabilities, 
and  (i.)  an  option  to  the  Fellows  to  become  Fel- 
lows of  the  Royal  Horticultural  Society." 

The  Poisons  and  Pharmacy  Act,  1  908  — 
London  has  given  the  provinces  a  very  satis- 
factory lead  m  connection  with  the  granting  of 
licenses  to  nurserymen  for  the  sale  ol  puisunuus 
compounds  to  be  used  for  horticultural  purposes. 
Twenty-one  applicants  applied  to  the  London 
County  Council  for  these  licenses,  and  the 
usual  opposition  was  offered  by  the  Pharmaceu- 
tical Society.  This  society  suggested  that  the 
Act  was  not  intended  to  apply  to  populous  towns 
such  as  London  (on  the  ground  that  there  are 
already  over  2,000  chemists  in  London,  though 
these  know  little  of  horticulture  and  plant  dis- 
eases). The  committee,  however,  rightly  took  the 
view  that  such  a  construction  ut'  the  Act  would 
be  erroneous,  and  decided  that  each  appli- 
cation should  be  dealt  with  on  its  merits.  In 
the  result  they  recommended  that  18  of  the  21 
applications  for  licenses  should  be  granted,  and 
this  recommendation  was  adopted  by  the  London 
County  Council  late  last  Tuesday  evening  without 
a  single  dissentient.  Although  the  decisions  of 
the  .London  County  Council  are,  of  course,  nut 
binding  on  provincial  councils,  yet  they  naturally 
carrj  considerable  weight  by  reason  of  the  tact 
that  the  L.C.C.  has  special  means  of  obtaining 
reliable  information  and  expert  advice  on  all 
matters  coming  before  it.  the  nursery  trade 
may  be  congratulated  upon  the  useful  precedent 
which  has  now  been  created,  and  its  thanks 
are  due  to  the  Horticultural  Trades  Associa- 
tion who,  recognising  the  importance  of  the 
matter,  furnished  the  applicants  with  legal  as- 
sistance at  its  own  expense,  and  also  co-operated 
with  Mr.  Richards. 

Disease  of  Bees — The  Board  of  Agriculture 
and  Fisheries  desire  to  warn  all  bee-keepers 
that  an  outbreak  of  disease,  believed  to  be  iden- 
tical with  the  Isle  of  Wight  bee  disease,  has 
occurred  in  several  hives  in  Buckinghamshire. 
This  disease,  which  has  destroyed  almost 
all  the  bees  in  the  island  from  which  it 
takes  its  name,  is  due  to  a  bacillus  closely 
resembling  the  bacillus  of  plague,  and 
no  remedy  for  it  is  known.  It  is  of 
the  utmost  importance,  therefore,  that  bee- 
keepers should  take  every  precaution  to  prevent 
the  disease  spreading,  and  they  are  strongly  ad- 
vised to  keep  a  careful  watch  for  any  signs  of 
its  appearance.  A  full  description  of  the  disease 
was  published  in  the  Journal  of  the  Board  of 
Agriculture  for  February,  1909,  and  bee-keepers 
who  find  symptoms  of  disease  corresponding  to 
the  description  there  given  should  communicate 
with  the  Board  of  Agriculture  and  Fisheries,  4, 
Whitehall  Place,  London,  S.W. 


414 


THE    GARDENERS'    CHRONICLE. 


[June  26,  1909. 


Royal  Society  of  Arts.— The  annual  con- 
versazione of  the  Royal  Society  of  Arts  will  be 
held  in  the  galleries  of  the  Natural  History 
Museum  on  Tuesday,  June  29,  from  9  to  12  p.m. 
The  reception  by  Sir  William  H.  White,  F.R.S., 
the  chairman,  and  the  members  of  the  council 
will  take  place  in  the  central  hall  from  9  to 
12  p.m. 

The  Export  of  Mangos. — All  who  have 
tasted  the  fruit  of  the  Mango  are  agreed  that  it 
is  the  king  of  tropical  fruits.  It  is,  therefore, 
good  news  to  learn  from  the  Bulletin  of  the 
Department  of  Agriculture  of  Jamaica  (Vol.  1, 
No.  1,  New  Series,  1909)  that  experimental  ship- 
ments of  Mangos  from  Kingston  to  England 
have  proved  successful — the  produce  of  a  single 
tree  having  realised  £70— and  that  the  Director 
of  Agriculture,  Mr.  H.  H.  Cousins,  is  encourag- 
ing the  extensive  planting  of  Mango  trees  in 
the  island.  According  to  Mr.  Cousins,  the 
"  Bombay  "  Mango,  introduced  to  Jamaica  by 
Sir  John  Peter  Grant,  is  the  most  promising 
Tariety ;  it  is  a  hardy  tree,  of  prolific  bearing, 
and  has  the  further  advantage  of  fruiting  fre- 
quently out  ef  season,  when,  in  all  probability, 
higher  prices  are  to  be  obtaiued  than  daring  the 
normal  fruiting  season.  The  Mango  may  be 
raised  from  seed  or  propagated  by  budding,  and 
it  is  proposed  to  carry  out  budding  on  a  large 
scale  on  the  many  thousands  of  Jamaican  Mango 
trees  which  now  bear  inferior  fruit.  We  are  in 
full  agreement  with  the  concluding  sentence  of 
Mr.  Cousins'  article.  "  The  choice  East  Indian 
Mango  is  not  only  a  most  grateful  fruit  to  the 
palate  of  any  normal  person,  but  it  also  possesses 
a  fascination  for  those  who  have  acquired  a  taste 
for  the  fruit  that  bespeaks  an  ever-growing  de- 
mand when  this,  the  most  luscious  Iruit  of  the 
tropics,  is  made  accessible  to  the  peoples  of 
America  and  of  Europe." 

International   Exhibition  at  Florence, 

1911. -The  City  of  Florence,  and  the  Koyal 
Tuscan  Horticultural  Society  will  hold  an  inter- 
national exhibition  of  horticulture  in  1911,  on 
the  occasion  of  the  fiftieth  anniversary  of  the 
proclamation  of  the  Kingdom  of  Italy.  The  pro- 
gramme contains  six  classes:  ornamental  foliage 
or  flowering  plants,  either  new,  or  of  recent  in- 
troduction ;  fruit-bearing  plants;  vegetables  and 
kitchen-garden  plants;  seeds;  bulbs  and  tubers; 
Colonial  plants ;  flower  decoration ;  horticultural 
arts  and  industries ;  horticultural  literature  and 
instruction;  packing  and  preserving;  history  of 
horticulture.  Besides  numerous  cash  prizes  and 
medals  to  the  value  of  25,000  lire,  objects  of  art 
will  be  offered  for  competition.  At  the  same  time 
as  the  horticultural  exhibition,  a  portrait  ex- 
hibition will  take  place  in  the  artistic  rooms, 
which  have  recently  been  restored  in  the  histori- 
cal municipal  palace  (Palazzo  Vecchio)  besides 
other  shows  and  amusements. 

Determination  of  the  Feeding  Habits 
of  Birds.— Our  attention  was  recently  directed 
to  an  interesting  case  which  illustrates  how  diffi- 
cult it  is  to  determine  the  feeding  habits  of 
birds.  An  important  contribution  to  this  sub- 
ject by  Mr.  Newstead  was  recently  published 
in  the  Journal  of  the  Board  of  Agriculture, 
and  it  is  there  stated  that  every  species  of  bird 
must  be  taken  not  merely  on  its  merits,  but 
it  must  also  be  considered  with  regard  to  the 
amount  of  available  food  in  its  district.  Many 
a  bird  which,  under  ordinary  conditions,  may 
be  regarded  as  beneficial,  becomes  noxious  if 
there  is  a  scarcity  of  its  normal  food.  The  pre- 
sent case  concerns  the  jackdaw.  Cur  correspon- 
dent writes  as  follows  : — "  Herewith  I  am  sending 
you  a  jackdaw  I  shot  this  morning  on  my  Barley. 
Tin  se  birds  have  been  most  persistent  in  their 
attacks  on  this  particular  field,  so  much  so  that 


I  have  had  a  man  to  keep  them  off.  This  morn- 
ing I  happened  to  get  close  to  this  particular 
bird  unobserved,  and  shot  it  whilst  busy,  as  I 
thought,  pecking  up  Barley.  My  surprise  was 
great  when  I  picked  it  up  to  find,  not  Barley, 
as  I  expected,  but  its  bill  full  of  some  kind  of 
fly.  It  is  an  object-lesson  for  me.  The  bird 
had  pulled  some  Barley  up,  but  no  doubt  to  get 
at  the  fly  which  was  attacking  the  young  plant. 
and  whose  ravages  will  be  perceived  later  on." 
On  examination  of  the  fly  we  find  it  to  be  a 
very  common  and  perfectly  harmless  insect,  so 
that  the  jackdaw  can  receive  no  credit  for  de- 
stroying it.  But,  further,  whilst  the  crop 
of  the  bird  was  absolutely  empty,  its  gizzard 
was  full  of  fragments  of  Barley,  on  which 
it  had  undoubtedly  been  feeding.  There 
were  also  a  few  of  the  flies  there.  The  bird, 
therefore,  was,  in  this  case,  seriously  damaging 
the  crop,  and  we  see  how  important  it  is  not 
fo  form  any  conclusions  as  to  the  food  of  any 
bird  without  a  thorough  investigation  of  every 
attack. 

Peach  Freckle  or  Black  Spot.— Peaches 
cultivated  in  Europe,  America  and  South  Africa 
are  subject  to  a  disease  which  has  for  its  first 
effect  the  spotting  and  discolouring  of  the  fruit, 
and  for  its  final  effect  a  checking  of  growth  and 
cracking  of  the  fruit,  which  fails  to  ripen.  Ac- 
cording to  Mr.  I.  B.  Pole  Evans,  Plant  Patholo- 
gist to  the  Transvaal  Department  of  Agriculture 
{Trans.  Agric.  Journal,  Vol.  VII.,  No.  27, 
1909),  the  disease,  which  affects  also  Apricot, 
Almond,  Cherry,  Nectarine,  and  Plum,  is  due  to 
the  fungus  Cladosporium  carpophilum  (Thuem). 
Small,  round,  dark  green  spots  make  their  ap- 
pearance on  the  stalk  end  of  the  young  Peaches. 
The  spots  increase  in  number,  spread,  and 
coalesce  to  produce  dark  patches.  The  affected 
parts  of  the  fruits  harden,  shrivel  and,  finally, 
crack.  Mr.  Evans  finds  that  winter  spraying 
with  Bordeaux  mixture,  applied  three  weeks  be- 
fore the  buds  begin  to  burst,  is  the  most  effective 
means  of  prevention.  The  formula  recomnn  tided 
is  that  used  for  Peach  leaf-curl,  viz.  :  Copper 
sulphate,  5  lbs.  ;  lime,  5  lbs.  ;  water,  45  gallons. 
He  recommends  subsequent  sprayings,  one  when 
the  fruit  has  set  and  another  when  it  is  half- 
grown.  For  these  latter  sprayings  the  propor- 
tions should  be :  Copper  sulphate,  6  lbs.  ;  lime, 
4  lbs.  ;   water,  100  gallons. 

Publications  Received. —  The  Agri- 
cultural Gazette  of  New  South  Wales.  (May.) 
Price    Gd  —  Le     Chrysantheme    et    sa    Cul.ure. 

SocieteFrancaise  des  Chrysanthemistes.  (Paris: 
Librairie  Hortico!e,  84  bis,  Rue  do  Greneile.)— 
The  Journal  of  the  Board  of  Agriculture. 
(June.)  (London:  Board  of  Agriculture  and 
Fisheries.)  Price  4d. — Fourth  Annual  Report 
of  the  Ontario  Vegetable  Growers'  Associa- 
tion. ( Toronto  :  Ontario  Department  of  Agri- 
culture. ) —  Ontario  Department  of  Agriculture. 
Bulletin  171:  Insects  Affecting  Vegetables,  by 
C.  J.  S.  Bethune,  and  Fungus  Diseases  Affect- 
ing Vegetables,  by  J.  W.  Eastham  and  J.  E. 
Howitt,  Lecturers  in  Botany.  (Toronto  :  Ontario 
Department  of  Agriculturo.) — Annals  of  the 
Royal  Botanic  Garden,  Calcutta.  Vol.  XI. 
Asiatic  Palms — Lepidocaryeae.  (Part  I.)  The 
Species  of  Calamus,  by  Dr.  Odoardo  Beccari. 
Letterpress  and  Plates.  (Calcutta:  Bengal 
Secretariat  Press.)  Price  £7. —  Order  of  the 
Proceedings  at  the  Darwin  Celebration  held 
at  Cambridge,  June  22-June  24,  1909, 
with  a  Sketch  of  Darwin's  Life.  (Cambridge  : 
University  Press.)  Piice  2s.  6d.  net.  —  The 
Queensland  Agricultural  Journal.  (May.) 
(Brisbane  :  Department  of  Agriculture  and  Stock.) 
-  Small  Holders  :  What  they  must  do  to 
Succeed,  by  Edwin  A.  Pratt.  (London  :  P.  S. 
King  &  Son,  Orchard  House,  Westminster.)  Price 
2s.  net. 


TREES   AND  SHRUBS. 

CASTANOPSIS  CHRYSOPHYLLA 

(The  Golden-leaved  Chestnut). 
This    evergreen   tree    is    closely    allied   to   the 
Sweet  Chestnut,  and  was  included  in  the  genus 
Castanea  by  Sir  Joseph  Hooker,  when  it  formed 
the    subject    of    a  plate    and    description    in   the 
Botanical    Magazine     (t.     4953).       In    this    de- 
scription   it    is    named    Castanea    chrysophylla, 
but    that    name    is    now    discarded    in     favour 
of      Castanopsis      chrysophylla,      of      de      Can- 
dolle.      It   is   a  native   of  North   America,   and 
was    discovered     by    David     Douglas     in     18c0 
growing  in  hilly  regions  about  the  Grand  Rapids 
of  the  Columbia  (Oregon),  Cape  Orford,  and  near 
Mount  Hood.     It  was  subsequently  observed  by 
Burke  and  Hartweg  in  California,  and  they  are 
reported  to  have  sent  the  first  seeds  of  the  tree 
to   Europe.     It   is   curious   that,   although   seeds 
were  sent  to  Kew  by  Burke  nearly  60  years  ago, 
and  plants  in  that  establishment  are  recorded  as 
having  fruited  in  1855,  no  old  specimens  exist  at 
Kew,  whilst  very  few  fine  examples  are  recorded 
from  other  parts  of  this  country.  One  of  the  finest 
specimens  in  Great  Britain  is  found  on  the  (state 
of   Earl   Ducie   at   Tortworth   Court,   Gloucester- 
shire, and  this  was  probably  one  of  the  earliest 
introductions.     Travellers    describe    Castanopsis 
chrysophylla  in  its  natural  habitat  as  a  tree,  but 
it   varies   considerably    in    stature,    being    some- 
times less  than  20  feet  high  when  mature,  whilst 
at  other  times  it  reaches  70  feet  in  height  with 
a  trunk  of  considerable  proportions.     The  leaves  ' 
are   very    like   those    of   the   Holm    Oak,    except 
that    the    under    surface    is    of    a   pretty    golden 
colour.     The  fruits  resemble  in  form  those  of  the 
Sweet      Chestnut,       but      are      much      smaller. 
The    nuts,    nearly    half    an    inch    in    diameter, 
are    similar    in    flavour    to    those    of    the    Sweet 
Chestnut.     The     plant     fruits  when  only   a   few 
years   old,   and   in   favourable   seasons  the   fruits 
mature    in   this   country.      At  Kew   it   is   found 
to  thrive  best  in  sandy  soil  with  which  a  little 
peat  has  been   mixed.     Trees  raised  from  seeds 
exhibit    remarkable    differences    in    habit ;    some 
grow    freely    with    long    leading    shoots,    whilst 
others  form  stunted  bushes.  This  was  very  notice- 
able  in   a   batch   of  plants   raised  at   Kew   from 
seeds  received  from  Earl  Ducie   in   1900.     The 
dwarfest  examples  are  from  2£  to  3|  feet    nigh, 
w  lulst  the  tallest  is  15  feet  in  height,  with  a  trunk 
girth  of  9j  inches  at  2  feet  from  the  ground.    The 
tree  is  valuable  as  affording  variety  for  planting, 
and  the  golden  colour  of  the  undersides  of  the 
leaves  is  very  pleasing.     It  is  doubtful  whether 
this  tree  would  succeed  in  cold  or  exposed  situa- 
tions.     If.   D. 


MUflSIA  CLEMATIS. 

This  beautiful  climbing  plant  (see  fig.  185)  has 
recently  flowered  in  the  nurseries  of  Messrs. 
Robert  Veitch  &  Son,  Exeter,  to  whom  we  are 
indebted  for  specimens.  The  species  is  rarely  to 
be  seen  in  gardens,  although  it  has  been  known 
to  cultivation  since  the  time  of  the  younger 
Linnaeus,  who  first  described  it.  Messrs. 
Veitch's  plant  has  flowered  in  an  unheated  green- 
house, having  a  north  aspect,  and,  consequently, 
unexposed  to  sunshine.  The  plant  belongs  to  the 
Compositae,  and  is  found  wild  on  the  Andes  in 
tropical  South  America.  The  pinnate  leaves 
have  a  long  terminal  tendril,  by  means  of  which 
the  plant  climbs.  The  flowers  are  terminal, 
about  2j-  inches  long,  and  with  involucral  scales, 
having  a  whitish  downy  covering.  These  scales 
are  a  prominent  feature  in  the  flower,  and  in- 
crease in  length  from  below  upwards.  The  ray 
florets  are  structurally  female,  the  stamens 
being  vestigial.  The  disc  florets  are  hermaphro- 
dite and  tubular,  about  1£  inches  long,  five- 
toothed  at  the  top,  the  five  segments  separating 
above  the  base  and  forming  slits,  through  which 
the  filaments  and  style  partly  protrude.  In 
some  cases  the  flowers  are  cleistogamous. 


ji-ne  26,  :eo9.] 


THE    GARDENERS'    CHRONICLE. 


'15 


THE  BOTANICAL  GARDENS  AND  PARK 
AT  BATH, 

In  the  prettily  undulating  park,  hemmed  in  by 
the  hills  which  surround  the  town,  can  be  seen 
remarkably  fine  specimens  of  many  trees. 
Thus  : — Arbutus  Andrachne,  introduced  in  1724 
from   the  Levant;   the  Tulip   tree   (Liriodendron 


Pinus  halepensis  (one  of  the  few  specimens  in 
England);  Catalpa  bignonioides,  from  U.S.A., 
introduced  in  1726 ;  Cerasus  serrulata,  from 
C'lMia  in  1822;  Planera  Richardii,  from  W.  Asia 
■i  1760;  and  very  large  specimens  of  Quercus 
Ilex. 

Among    the  more  interesting    shrubs     in    the 
gardens  may  be  mentioned  Magnolia  Kobus  and 


with  pale  yellowish  racemes;  and  the  "  Chusan 
Palm  "  (Trachycarpus  excelsus).  The  specimen 
of  Potentilla  fruticosa  at  Bath  has  smaller 
leaves  and  larger  flowers  than  is  usual,  but  I  am 
unaware  if  it  has  a  varietal  name. 

The  Alpine  garden  was  formed  in  1877,  and 
designed  by  Mr.  J.  W.  Morris,  F.L.S.,  who 
published  in  1893  (2nd  edition,  18971  a  catalogue 


Fig.  iSj. — mutisia  clematis:    flowers  orange-scarlet. 

(See  p.  414.) 


tulipifera),  introduced  m  1688  from  "  Canada  to 
Florida  "  ;  ^Esculus  flava,  from  U.S.A.  in  1711; 
.Fseulus  rubra ;  JE.  californica  (the  only  specimen 
which  has  fruited  in  Britain) ;  Tilia  petiolaris 
(one  of  the  finest  specimens  of  this  Lime  in 
Europe) ;  a  fine  example  of  the  rare  Cornus 
brachypoda    variegata ;     Sequoia    sempervirens : 


the  common  Magnolia  stellata,  with  its  brown, 
woolly  calyx ;  Forsythia  suspensa,  from  China ; 
Berberis  Wallichiana,  from  the  Himalayas ;  Fat- 
sia  (Aralia)  japonica;  a  very  fine  specimen  of 
the  Double  Sloe ;  Daphne  Mezereum,  with 
cream-coloured  flowers ;  Genista  a?thnensis ; 
Xuttallia     cerasiformis,     resembling     a     Ribes, 


of  the  original  plants  which  were  given  by  Mr. 
C.  E.  Broome,  F.L.S.,  to  start  the  garden.  The 
rock-gardens  were  laid  out  with  care  and  know- 
ledge, so  that  the  result  is  both  natural  and 
pleasing  to  the  eye.  A  good  supply  of  local 
carboniferous  limestone  forms  the  staple  founda- 
tion of  the  roekwork. 


416 


THE     GARDENERS'    CHRONICLE. 


LJume  26.  1909. 


Visitors  to  Bath  will  be  well  rewarded  if 
they  visit  these  pretty  gardens  so  close  to  the 
city.  The  collection  of  Saxifragas  is  particularly 
fine,  and  comprises  the  rare  S.  Griesbaehii, 
from  the  Balkans,  with  its  spike  of  red,  mucronate 
leaves,   which     almost    hide    the     blossoms ;   S. 


small  white-flowered  S.  cordifolia.  from  Siberia; 
the  hybrid  S.  apiculata  ;  the  bright  yellow  S. 
sancta,  from  Macedonia,  and  the  weed-like  S. 
Sibthorpii,  which  is  not  given  too  much  license 
in  these  neatly-kept  gardens,  so  that  it  does  not 
come  up  on  damp  gravel  paths  as  we  have  seen 


<d\>\  Rto <=-H. T^o t4    J__ 


FlG.  184. — SCOLOPENDRIUM    VULGARE    MURICATO    F1MBR1ATUM. 


juniperifolia,  from  the  Caucasus ;  S.  Aizoon 
rosea ;  S.  Boydii,  both  yellow  and  the  variety 
alba;  S.  marginata,  from  Central  Italy;  S. 
Fergusonii ;  S.  cochlearis,  looking  nearly  as 
healthy  on  the  Somerset  limestone  as  it  does  on 
that  of  the  Maritime  Alps ;  S.  Cotyledon ;  S. 
Stracheyi,    from    the    Himalayas,    resembling    a 


it  on  the  Continent.  Incidentally,  if  I  remember 
rightly,  the  two  Sibthorps  were  buried  in  Bath 
Abbey. 

A  good  many  Primulas  are  scattered  about  the 
Alpine  garden,  conspicuous  among  those  in  flower 
at  Easter  were  P.  denticulata  and  var.  alba, 
P.    viscosa,    P.    rosea   var.    grandiflora,    P.    mar- 


ginata, from  Dauphine  and  Piedmont,  b*jt  some- 
what duller  and  bluer  in  colour  than  in  its 
natural  state,  and  P.  Clusiana,  from  the  Tyrol, 
with  its  large  flowers  and  entire,  shiny  leaves.  P. 
scotica  was  only  just  appearing  above  ground. 

Several  interesting  cruciferous  plants  are  now 
in  bloom,  such  as  Draba  hirta,  from  the  Arctic 
regions ;  the  ubiquitous  D.  aizoides :  Morisia 
hypogfea.  peculiar  to  Corsica  and  Sardinia ;. 
Dentaria  digitata  ;  a  pale  yellow  Dentaria,  which 
is  probably  D.  diphylla  ;  Arabia  rosea,  and  A. 
aubretioides.  I  noticed  also  the  following  among 
the  more  interesting  plants  in  blossom,  viz..  Helle- 

borus  '>'l s  purpurascens ;  Corydalis  cheilanthi- 

folia,  with  its  elegant  leaves  somewhat  like  those 
of  Milfoil ;  C.  cava,  both  purple  and  white  forms, 
from  the  Jura ;  Pulmonaria  saccharata  ;  P. 
angustifolia  var.  azurea,  a  beautiful  patch  of  this 
small  Pulmonaria  with  flowers  quite  as  brilliant 
a  blue  as  those  I  have  seen  at  the  head  of  Ya) 
Tournanche  and  elsewhere  in  Piedmont;  the 
white  Daphne  Blagayana  ;  the  blue  Synthyris  reni- 
formis,  from  N.W.  America  ;  Sanguinaria  cana- 
densis, and  Erythronium  grandiflorum  giganteum, 
a  beautiful  cream-coloured  form  with  yellow  eye. 
Ruscus  hypoglossum  was  stunted  in  growth  and 
cf  a  yellowish-green  colour,  perhaps  from  frost. 
In  addition  to  being  only  8  inches  high,  the  leaves 
were  narrower  and  longer  than  those  of  this 
plant  as  it  grows  luxuriantly  in  some  of  the 
gardens  at  Hyeres  in  the  south  of  France,  where 
formerly  it  was  found  wild,  though  possibly  only 
naturalised.  There  is  a  good  clump  of  the  hand- 
some and  valuable  Paeonia  Whittmarinia,  on  one 
of  the   rockeries. 

The  Victoria  Park,  with  its  numerous  fine 
specimens  of  native  and  foreign  trees,  and  the 
botanical  gardens,  are  under  the  direction  of  Mr. 
Halliburton,  recently  of  Kew  Gardens.  H.  S. 
Thompson. 


A  BEAUTIFUL  HARTSTONGUE. 

The  beautiful  frilled  and  fringed  form  of  Scolo- 
pendrium  vulgare  illustrated  in  fig.  184  was  raised 
by  Messrs.  H.  B.  May  &  Sons,  Lower  Edmonton. 
It  affords  a  vivid  idea  of  what  this  normally 
simple- fronded  Fern  is  capable  of  in  the  way  of 
variation.  In  one  variety  or  another  of  Scolo- 
pendrium  vulgare  every  normal  character  has 
diverged  in  numerous  directions,  the  bluntly- 
pointed  frond  tip  producing  tassels  round  or  flat, 
dense  or  fimbriate,  simple  or  branched. 
The  flat  frond  has  assumed  both  frills 
and  fringes  as  the  example  now  illus- 
trated demonstrates ;  in  some  varieties  it 
has  disappeared  entirely,  bearing  crests  on 
bare  stalks.  The  smooth  surface  has  broken 
up  into  ridges  and  roughnesses,  and  the  heart- 
shaped  base  has  diverged  into  a  sagittate  or 
barbed  form,  these  barbs  going  yet  further  in 
sevi  ral  varieties  and  bearing  tassels  on  their  own 
account  on  assuming  an  independent  frond 
form.  Under  selective  culture,  this  Fern 
has  proved  peculiarly  amenable  to  cross 
fertilisation,  and  Messrs.  Ma 3  's  example  is  a  case 
in  point,  since  it  undoubtedly  presents  a  com- 
bination of  three  types,  viz.,  the  frilled  or  cris- 
pum  section,  the  fimbriate  and  the  muricate,  the 
murication  or  roughening  of  the  surface  appear- 
ing along  the  centre  near  the  midrib.  Chan.  T. 
Druery,    V.M.H.,  F.L.S. 


SWEET  PEA  MASTERPIECE. 

This  new  variety  of  Sweet  Pea  (see  Bg 
185)  is  one  of  the  finest  of  the  lavender-col- 
oured varieties  having  a  waved  standard.  As 
will  bi  seen  from  the  illustration,  the  floral  seg- 
ments are  very  large,  and,  there  being  four 
blooms  on  the  spike,  it  has  most  of  the  desirable- 
qualities  a  Sweet  Pea  is  required  to  possess,  at 
any  rate,  by  those  who  do  not  admire  an  erect 
standard.  Our  illustration  is  from  a  photograph 
supplied  us  by  Messrs.  Dobbie  &  Co.,  Rothesay 


June  26,  1909.] 


THE    GARDENERS'    CHRONICLE. 


417 


AMERICAN    NOTES. 


ANTIRRHINUMS. 
We  learn  from  Horticulture  that  a  member  of 
the  Gardeners'  and  Florists'  Club  at  Boston 
stated  that  he  raised  his  Antirrhinums  from  cut- 
tings in  the  month  of  June,  taken  from  seedlings 
which  he  had  been  selecting  for  a  period  of  seven 
years,  and  kept  at  a  temperature  of  40°  to  45° 
Fahr.  during  the  winter.  He  left  four  or  five 
spikes  on  each  plant.  These  spikes  were  of  ex- 
traordinary size — nearly  2  feet  of  flowers  and 
buds.  Doubtless,  this  extraordinary  vigour  in 
his  plants  was  due  to  the  exercise  of  selection 
in  regard  to  the  seed-bearing  plants. 

CEMENT    BENCHES    IN   ROSE    GROWING. 

In  America  Carnations  and  Roses  are  exten- 
sively grown  on  benches  made  of  stone,  bricks, 
and  cement.  Owing  to  their  durability  Ameri- 
cans are  generally  adopting  this  method  of  con- 
structing what  we  should  call  a  flat  stage  or 
shelf. 

In  a  paper  on  Roses  read  by  Mr.  Badgeley  at 
a  recent  meeting  of  the  Morris  County  Gar- 
deners' and  Florists'  Society,  it  was  mentioned 
as  a  fact  not  hitherto  stated  in  the  gardening 
journals,  that  the  Rose  American  Beauty,  grown 
on  cement  benches,  has  proved  almost  a  failure. 


HOME   CORRESPONDENCE. 


flourishes  in  another.  It  has  often  been  stated 
that  it  does  best  in  a  moist  and  peaty  soil  with 
a  considerable  amount  of  shade.  I  have  seen  it 
flower  well  enough  in  such  conditions,  but 
have  also  met  with  it  in  an  equally  happy 
state  in  totally  different  circumstances.  The 
other  day  I  saw  a  fine  clump  of  0.  coccinea  in 
full  flower  in  Sir  Herbert  Maxwell's  garden  at 
Monreith,  in  Wigtownshire.  Here  the  condi- 
tions were  not  precisely  in  accord  with  those  fre- 
quently advocated.    The  plant  was  in  the  open 


however,  be  said  to  be  really  moist.  This  is 
the  best  plant  I  have  seen,  excepting  those  I 
saw  at  Straffan,  Co.  Kildare,  some  years  ago. 
There  the  soil  seemed  more  peaty  and  moiBter 
than  at  Monreith.  This  Ourisia  also  succeeds 
well  in  one  part  of  the  garden  of  General 
Stewart,  at  Carruchan,  near  Dumfries,  where  it 
is  in  a  border  facing  almost  north,  and  there- 
fore shaded  from  the  mid-day  and  afternoon  sun. 
There  it  has  flowered  well,  but  not  so  strongly 
as  at   Monreith;  while  at  Carruchan  it  appears 


(The  Editor  does  not  hold  himselj  responsible  jor  the 
opinions  expressed  by  his  correspondents.) 

Night-flowering  Cereus.  — This  season  we 
have  had  a  tine  display  of  flowers  of  this  plant, 
and  there  are  others  to  follow.  We  recently  cut 
several  fully-expanded  blooms ;  they  opened 
about  7.30  in  the  evening.  Next  morning  one 
flower  was  quite  open,  whilst  another  was  par- 
tially expanded,  and  they  remained  in  that 
condition  all  day ;  the  others  faded  the 
morning  after  being  cut.  The  species  is 
Cereus  grandiflorus.  Perhaps  some  of  your 
readers  may  be  able  to  explain  why  they  did  not 
close  in  the  usual  way.  This  is  the  first  time  they 
have  lasted  fresh  for  more  than  one  night.  />. 
S.  3£elville,  Poltalloch  Gardens,  Lochgilphead, 
N.B.  [There  is  nothing  remarkable  in  this. 
The  flowers  sometimes  remain  open  nearly  two 
days  when  the  weather  is  dull. — Eos] 

Anthusa  italica  Varieties. -This  season 
will  remove  any  doubt  that  existed  as  to  the 
value  of  Anchusa  italica  "  Opal  "  and  its  dis- 
tinctness from  the  now  well-known  "  Dropmore 
variety."  Large  groups  of  the  two  plants 
in  flower  here  show  that  the  light  blue  of 
"  Opal  "  is  very  different  from  the  deep,  rich 
blue  of  "  Dropmore."  When  viewed  from  a  dis- 
tance, so  that  the  two  patches  can  be  taken  in 
at  one  glance,  the  effect  is  very  fine  and  such 
as  can  never  be  obtained  in  the  show-tent. 
Which  is  the  better  plant  must  remain  a  matter 
of  taste.  To  describe  "  Opal  "  as  "  like  Del- 
phinium Belladonna  in  colour  "  is  hardly 
correct.  It  being  brighter  and  less  pale  than 
that  plant,  I  do  not  know  any  flower  that  has 
just  the  same  shade  of  blue.  In  constitution, 
habit,  and  length  of  flowering  period  "  Opal  "  is 
identical  with  "  Dropmore."  Harold  Evans, 
Llanishen,  Cardiff,  June  21. 

Ourisiacoccinea.  —  The  illustration  of  Ourisia 
macrophylla  in  the  Gardeners'  Chronicle  of 
June  19  reminds  one  of  the  difficulty  many  ex- 
perience in  flowering  0.  coccinea.  a  native  of 
Chili.  O.  coccinea  is  a  handsome  plant, 
which  has  been  widely  distributed.  but 
is  rarely  seen  in  good  condition.  In  many 
gardens  it  dwindles  away,  and  in  others 
in  which  it  grows  well  it  flowers  in  the 
sparsest  possible  manner,  and  causes  much 
disappointment  to  its  owners.  A  study  of  the 
plant  under  various  conditions  leads  me  to  think 
that  it  is  akin  to  the  Gentianella  in  its  uncer- 
tainty, and  that  it  frequently  fails  to  respond 
in    one    garden    to    the    treatment    in    which    it 


Fig.  185. — sweet  pea  masterpiece  :   colour  lavender. 
(See  p.  416.) 


border,  with  a  fairly  open  exposure,  mainly  to 
the  east,  although  it  seemed  as  if  shaded  from 
the  afternoon  sun  by  trees  and  shrubs  behind. 
The  foliage  of  this  clump  was  remarkably 
healthy,  and  the  plant  bore  many  spikes  of  the 
handsome  scarlet  flowers.  The  border  looked 
dry,  but  underneath  there  was  a  good  depth  of 
soil  of  a  free  kind,  and  not  so  dry  as  the  ap- 
pearance of  the  surface  indicated.     It  could  not, 


to  resent  removal  to  another  part  of  the  gar- 
den. In  my  own  garden  I  have  a  plant  obtained 
from  that  at  Carruchan,  and  in  a  low-lying  part 
of  the  rock-garden  and  with  a  north  exposure  it 
does  not  bloom.  I  recollect  trying  it  more  than 
once  in  my  former  garden,  with  an  eastern  ex- 
posure, and  in  a  more  peaty  and  a  moister  soil 
than  that  at  Carruchan,  and  there  it  flowered 
fairly  well  for  a  short  time,  but  eventually  rotted 


418 


THE    GARDENERS'    CHRONICLE. 


[June  26,  1909. 


off  at  the  base  of  the  stock.  Mr.  Reginald  Fairer 
has  an  interesting  record  of  his  experiences  with 
this  species.  He  states  that  he  found  it. to  suc- 
ceed well  in  borders  and  on  rockwork,  preferring 
to  be  started  in  rich,  moist  soil  in  a  rock-shaded 
•pot.  He  adds:  "Some  people  tell  me  of 
Ourisia  making  a  weed  of  itself  as  a  sun-plant ; 
here,  certainly,  all  my  success  has  been  in  cool 
corners  under  walls  or  in  rocky  dells."  My  own 
advice  to  those  who  want  to  try  this  fine  plant 
is  to  cultivate  it  in  several  positions.  One  may 
suit  when  others  fail.     <S'.   Arnott. 

Students  at  Cambridge  Botanic  Garden. 

— In  the  Cambridge  Botanic  Garden  for  several 
years' past  unpaid  student  gardeners  have  been 
■employed  from  time  to  time,  until  at  last  the 
practice  has  become  a  regular  one.  It  arose 
from  the  impossibility  of  finding  places  for  cer- 
tain applicants  who  wished  to  learn.  At  pre- 
sent there  are  three  young  men  who  are  having 
valuable  experience ;  whilst  their  services 
are  valuable  to  the  Botanic  Garden.  They 
have  facilities  and  privileges  that  are  not 
possible  for  those  who  are  paid.  They 
have  had,  for  instance,  during  the  past  year  the 
advantage  of  attending  the  whole  of  Professor 
Seward's  botanical  lectures  without  payment  of 
fees  ;  and,  for  practical  observation,  the  curator 
himself  has  taken  them  to  all  the  principal  gar- 
dens in  the  neighbourhood.  They  have  time, 
too,  for  private  study  in  the  garden  when  lec- 
tures are  not  going  on,  and  it  may  be  worth 
mention  that,  by  the  kindness  of  the  professor, 
attendance  at  these  lectures  will  continue  to  be 
permitted.  In  the  Botanic  Garden  they  have 
had  very  good  work  to  do.  The  scheme  is  now 
■upplementary  to  the  paid  staff,  and  it  has  been 
found  to  work  extremely  well.  The  only  stipula- 
tion made  is  that  these  young  student  gar- 
deners must  be  under  the  same  rules  and  regu- 
lations as  the  paid  men,  certain  special  facili- 
ties that  may  be  given  them  being  under- 
stood.     C. 

Ranunculus  auricomus.  —  This  species, 
referred  to  by  your  correspondent  Mr.  H.  S. 
Thompson  (see  p.  384),  is  by  no  means  uncommon 
in  the  perfect  state  :  were  it  otherwise,  it  would 
hardly  have  gained  its  English  name  of  "  Goldi- 
locks "I  have  often  seen  it  in  hedges  and 
woods  in  Somersetshire,  with  numerous  well- 
formed  flowers.  I  remember  Portishead  Wood 
■was  a  locality  for  it;  but  it  looks  its  best  in 
hedge-banks  of  a  thicket  character.  A  few  years 
ago  I  found  two  young  plants  on  the  same  day 
about  a  mile  apart,  some  20  miles  from  York,  one 
on  a  limestone  ledge,  the  other  in  the  middle  of 
a  wood.  They  interested  me  greatly,  as  I  was 
unable  to  determine  them.  I  planted  both,  and 
one  survived.  It  is  now  in  fruit.  On  reading 
your  correspondent's  note,  I  immediately  ex° 
amined  the  plant  again,  and  found  the  carpels 
in  their  downy,  ventricose  character  and  hooked 
■tigma,  to  agree  with  R.  auricomus.  It  is  the 
only  specimen  I  have  ever  found  with  depauper- 
ate flowers.  A  leaf  was  shown  to  a  distinguished 
member  of  the  British  Association,  at  that  time 
meeting  here,  and  he  was  unable  to  identify  it. 
It  is  remarkable  that  your  correspondent's  en- 
quiry has  settled  the  point  after  such  a  lapse  of 
time.     Frank  Gunning. 

The  Perpetual  -  flowering  Carnation 
Society. — The  schedul  •  for  the  December  show 
just  completed,  offers  largely  increased  prizes  to 
amateurs  and  gardeners.  Lord  Howard  de  Wal- 
den's  magnificent  challenge  cup  (value  40 
guineas)  is  accompanied  by  a  money  prize.  I 
would  like  to  remind  readers  that  plants  for  this 
ahow  should  now  be  in  their  flowering  pots,  and 
it  is  not  advisable  to  stop  any  after  the  end  of 
this  month  excepting  the  quickest-growing 
varieties.  Laurence  J.  Cook-.  Jion.  treasurer. 
93,  First  Avenue,  Bush  Hill  Pari;.  Middlesex. 

A  Large  Melon. — I  have  this  day  cut  a  Melon 
fruit  weighing  14  lbs.  The  variety  is  Messrs. 
Sutton  &  Sons'  Universal.  It  is  a  white- 
Heshed  variety  and  beautifully  netted.  It 
•would  be  interesting  to  know  the  heaviest 
weight  recorded  for  a  Melon.  //.  ./.  Bloxham, 
The  Gardens,  Tongswood,  Hawl-hitrst.  [Our 
"  record  "  book  has  many  entries  of  large 
Melons,  including  fruits  weighing  24£  lbs., 
24  lbs.,  and  20  lbs.,  but  these  are  all  varieties 
•of  the  Cantaloupe  type.     There  is  also  a  record 


of  a  very  large  fruit  which  weighed  as  much  as 
32  lbs.,  but  the  variety  is  not  stated.  Mr.  Phill- 
potts,  who  gave  the  information  on  this  one  (see 
Gardeners'  Chronicle,  November  14,  1857,  p.  174), 
wrote  as  follows: — "  One  of  your  correspondents 
has  asked  whether  a  Melon  16  lbs.  in  weight  is 
not  the  heaviest  that  has  been  grown  in  this 
country?  I  am  sorry  I  cannot  find  the 
memorandum  taken  at  the  time,  but  1  have  a 
very  distinct  recollection  of  a  fruit  (the  plant  was 
raised  by  myself)  grown  by  a  neighbour  of  mine, 
which  weighed  32  lbs.,  and  measured  fully  3  feet 

6  inches  in  circumference.  The  same  plant  pro- 
duced another  fruit  of  14  lbs.  It  was  a  red- 
fleshed  variety,  having  a  rather  smooth 
skin,  and  very  fair  flavour.  I  believe  I 
took  the  seed  from  a  fruit  served  at  a 
table  d'hote  in  Switzerland.  This  was  about 
20  years  since.  I  have  since  grown  a  fruit  14  lbs. 
weight,  a  green  flesh,  something  like  the  Ispahan, 
but  flatter  in  shape  and  beautifully  netted.  The 
flavour  of  this  was  excellent.  I  do  not,  however, 
now  grow  any  variety  but  one  called  after  my 
gardener,  Austen's  Incomparable,  which  is  a 
most  delicious  fruit,  and  I  think  superior  to  any 
other ;  it  is  of  a  medium  size,  green  flesh,  of  the 
hybrid  Persian  kind,  and  most  exquisite  flavour. 
I  can  strongly  recommend  it."  Amongst  named 
varieties  the  following  entries  in  our  book  are 
the  more  noteworthy:  Victoria,  12 j  lbs.,  July  2, 
1870;  Hoosainee,  10  lbs.,  August  1,  1843;  do., 
12  lbs.   3  ozs.,   July  2,   1844;   Ispahan,   13  lbs. 

7  ozs.,  August  8,  1846;  Monro's  Green  Fleshed, 
9  lbs.  3^  ozs..  August  7,  1849;  and  Lady  Emma, 
August  24,  1887.— Eds.] 


SOCIETIES. 


ROYAL    HORTICULTURAL. 

June  22. — At  the  meeting  held  on  Tuesday  last 
the  principal  exhibits  were  groups  of  hardy- 
flowering  plants ;  indeed,  there  was  much 
repetition  in  the  displays  of  Pseonies,  Py- 
rethrums,  Irises,  Lupins,  Eremuri,  and  simi- 
lar subjects.  Sweet  Peas  were  numerous,  and 
there  were  also  Roses,  Carnations,  Pelargoniums, 
a  unique  collection  of  Nephrolepis — both  species 
and  varieties ;  and  a  considerable  number  of 
greenhouse  flowering  plants.  Orchids  were 
fewer  than  usual,  whilst  the  exhibits  in  the 
fruit  and  vegetable  section  were  almost  negli- 
gible. 

The  Floral  Committee  granted  eight  Awards 
of  Merit  to  novelties ;  but  neither  the  Orchid 
Committee  nor  the  Fruit  and  Vegetable 
Committee   granted  an   Award. 

At  the  afternoon  meeting  in  the  lecture  room, 
the  first  of  the  "  Masters  "  Memorial  Lectures 
was  given  by  Prof.  Hugo  de  Vries,  the  subject 
being   "  Masters'   Vegetable  Teratology." 

Floral  Committee 

Present:  W.  Marshall,  Esq.  (Chairman),  and 
Messrs.  C.  T.  Druery,  Henry  B.  May,  Chas.  E. 
Shea,  Jno.  Green,  W.  Bain,  W.  P.  Thompson, 
W.  J.  James,  E.  H.  Jenkins,  W.  Cuthbertson, 
Chas.  E.  Pearson,  Chas.  Dixon,  J.  T.  Bennett- 
Poe,  F.  Page  Roberts,  H.  J.  Jones,  Jas.  Douglas. 
Chas.  Blick,  Herbert  J.  Cutbush,  J.  F.  McLeod, 
W.  Howe,  J.  Jennings,  G.  Reuthe,  W.  J.  Bean, 
E.  A.  Bowles,  R.  Hooper  Pearson,  Ed.  Mawley, 
R.  C.  Notcutt,  James  Hudson  and  E.  T.  Cook! 

The  Hon.  Vicahy  Gibbs,  Elstree,  Herts,  (gr. 
Mr.  Ed.  Be:kett),  showed  a  comprehensive  col- 
lection of  scented-leaved  Pelargoniums.  The  one 
labelled  tetragonum  has  succulent,  angular 
stems:  others  of  especial  interest  were  betuli: 
mini,  the  Birch-leaved  Pelargonium ;  tomento- 
sum,  smelling  of  Peppermint,  Old  Unique,  and 
saxifragoides,  the  last-named  having  foliage  re- 
sembling small  Ivy  leaves.  In  another  part  of 
the  hall  this  exhibitor  showed  very  large  plants 
— standard  trained — of  the  variety  Clorinda,  a 
groundwork  of  white-flowered  Astilbe  (Spirasa) 
being  employed.     (Silver  Banksian  Medal.) 

Messrs.  James  Veitch  &  Sons,  Ltd.,  King's 
Road,  Chelsea,  showed  miscellaneous  greenhouse 
flowering  plants.  Kalanchoe  flammea  was  finely 
exhibited,  the  red  flowers  being  very  attractive; 
Medinilla  magnifica  was  exceedingly  handsome, 
the  large  inflorescences  of  pink  blooms  showing 
prominently  against  the  broad  coriaceous  leaves  ; 
Exacum  macranthum,  with  flowers  of  the 
deepest  blue  ;  Hydrangeas — both  blue  and  pink 


flowered ;  Cannas  in  variety ;  Lobelia  tenuior, 
Antmiriums  and  Calceolaria  Clibranii,  all  con- 
tributed to  a  well-arranged  and  very  effective 
exhibit.  Adjoining  the  greenhouse  plants  the 
same  firm  showed  Alonsoa  Warscewiczii,  Brachy- 
come  iberidifolia,  Candytuft,  Nemesia,  and  other 
annuals.     (Silver-gilt  Banksian  Medal.) 

Messrs.  H.  B.  May  &  Sons,  The  Nurseries, 
Edmonton,  exhibited  bunches  of  Zonal  Pelargo- 
niums in  about  40  varieties,  representative  of  the 
best  kinds.  A  selection  includes  King  of  Spain 
(scarlet),  Princess  Feodar  de  Wyzeway  (pink, 
with  white  centre),  Miss  Ashworth  (double 
flowers,  white),  Mr.  B.  W.  Currie  (pink),  and 
Vicomtesse  de  Vogue  (salmon).  Adjoining  the 
Pelargoniums  was  a  group  of  Ferns.  These  were 
varieties  of  Nephrolepis.  Especially  hand- 
some were  N.  exaltata  superba,  N.  canaliculata, 
N.  Amerpholii,  N.  Duffii,  N.  cordifolia  tessel- 
lata,  N.  Bausei  and  N.  Mayi  cristata.  (Silver- 
gilt  Flora  Medal.) 

Mr.  Howard  H.  Crane,  Highgate,  London, 
N.,  displayed  varieties  of  Violas  and  the  minia- 
ture type  known  as  Violettas.  The  beautiful 
blue  Viola  named  Archie  Grant  was  charming, 
as  also  were  Duchess  of  Fife  (yellow,  with  blue 
margin),  Bessie  (very  faintly  suffused  with  laven- 
der). Sultan  (purple),  Acme  (plum  colour),  and 
Miss  E.  M.  Cann  (yellow).  The  flowers  were 
very  fresh  and  bright  in  appearance,  and  were 
staged  in  pans  of  sand. 

Sir  Edmund  Loder,  Bart.,  Leonardslee,  Hors- 
ham, Sussex  (gr.  Mr.  W.  Cook),  staged  interest- 
ing plants  from  the  open.  There  were  many 
finely-developed  blooms  of  Sarracenia  purpurea, 
intermixed  with  them  being  spikes  of  Eriopho- 
rum  (Cotton).  Other  plants  of  interest  were 
Abutilon  vitifolium,  Magnolia  Watsonii,  M.  par- 
viflora,  and  Philadelphia  Falconeri.  (Silver 
Banksian  Medal.) 

Messrs.  Bakers,  Wolverhampton,  staged  Aqui- 
legias.  The  flowers  were  of  many  shades  of  col- 
ours, and  represented  an  excellent  strain.  (Bronze 
Banksian   Medal.) 

Messrs.  H.  Cannell  &  Sons,  Swanley,  Kent, 
also  staged  some  fine  Aquilegias  having  blooms 
of  numerous  colours  and  with  long-spurred 
sepals.      (Silver    Flora    Medal.) 

Mr.  James  Douglas,  Edenside,  Great  Book- 
ham,  Surrey,  exhibited  a  collection  of  garden 
Pinks,  showing  in  all  some  210  plants  in  about  27 
varieties.  Snowdrift  is  an  excellent  white  variety, 
the  blooms  being  large  and  full.  Border  Chief 
is  a  beautiful  laced  flower,  the  markings  being 
pink  and  with  crimson-coloured  centre.  Adonis 
is  very  free  in  flowering.  One  named  The  Duke 
has  a  clove-coloured  centre  and  rose  lacing.  Mr. 
Douglas  also  showed  varieties  of  German  Irises. 

Mr.  H.  Burnett,  Guernsey,  displayed  choice 
Carnations  of  the  perpetual-flowering  section, 
having  vases  of  most  of  the  prominent  varieties. 
pleasingly  arranged  with  Smilax  and  other 
greenery.     (Silver  Banksian  Medal.) 

A  fine,  new,  white  Carnation  of  the  perpetual- 
flowering  type,  named  Stirling  Stent,  was  shown 
by  Redlands  Co.,  Emsworth,  Hants. 

Messrs.  Paul  &  Son,  Old  Nurseries,  Cheshunt. 
arranged  a  floor  group  of  hardy  flowers,  and,  as 
a  centre  plant,  a  tall  specimen  of  Goldfinch  Rose 
with  numbers  of  its  pretty  yellow  blooms.  Messrs. 
Paul  also  showed  garden  Roses  in  variety. 
(Silver  Flora  Medal.) 

Bunches  of  Roses  were  also  shown  by  Messrs. 
Ben.  R.  Cant  &  Sons,  Colchester  (Silver  Bank- 
sian Medal) ;  another  exhibit  of  Roses  was  made 
by  Messrs.  F.  Cant  &  Co.,  Colchester,  who  had 
bunches  of  excellent  blooms  of  well-known  varie- 
ties.     (Silver  Flora  Medal.) 

Messrs.  W.  Cutbush  &  Sox,  Highgate.  Lon- 
don,  N.,  showed  a  large  group  of  hardy  flowers, 
including  some  magnificent  spikes  of  Eremuri. 
arranged  in  a  setting  of  Maples  and  Bamboos  with 
a  groundwork  of  Campanula  glomerata.  Gladio- 
lus Prince  Henry  of  the  ramosus  section  is  one  of 
the  earliest  of  these  flowers.  Papaver  Prince  of 
Orange  is  a  beautiful  variety  of  the  Oriental 
Poppy,  the  name  being  indicative  of  the  colour. 
(Silver  gilt    Banksian   Medal.) 

Mr.  G.  Reuthe,  Keston,  Kent,  showed  Alpine 
and  border  flowers,  also  flowering  shrubs  and 
Rhododendrons.     (Silver  Banksian   Medal.) 

Mr.  Amos  Perry,  Enfield,  Middlesex,  staged 
a  large  exhibit  of  garden  flowers.  Hybrid  Heu- 
eheras  were  a  feature,  the  colours  in  the  flowers 
ranging  from  pure  white  to  shades  of  red.  Other 
subjects  noticed  were  Dictamnus  Fraxinella,  Dri- 
mys  Winteri,  fine  spikes  of  Eremuri,  Liliums  in 
variety,    Achillea   alpina,   Oriental   Poppies   (on 


June  26,  1909.] 


THE    GARDENERS'    CHRONICLE. 


413^ 


named  after  Mrs.  Perry  is  a  delicate  shade  of 
pinki.  and  Irises  in  variety.  (Silver  Flora  .Medal.) 
Messrs.  Barr  &  Sons,  King  Street,  Covent 
Garden,  London,  staged  large  batches  of  Pseonies, 
Irises.  Lupins,  Liliums,  Campanulas,  and  other 
garden  flowers. 

Guildford  Hardy  Plant  Nursery  showed 
interesting  Alpines  in  small  pots,  also  bunches  of 
Pseonies,  Vyrethrums,   Liliums,   Heucheras,   &c. 

Messrs.  Geo.  Bunyard  &  Co.,  Maidstone, 
staged  a  very  large  exhibit  of  hardy  flowers, 
embracing  most  of  the  best  kinds  ill  season.  A 
considerable  portion  of  the  display  was  of  varie- 
tie  of  Pseonies,  but  Poppies,  Heucheras,  Gaillar- 
dias,  Lupins,  &c,  were  also  shown  in  great 
assortment.     (Silver-gilt  Flora  Medal.) 

Messrs.  Wm.  Bull  &  Sons,  King's  Road, 
Chelsea,  exhibited  varieties  of  Spanish  Irises. 
Ophir  (pale  yellow),  Cyrus  (darker  yellow), 
Bronze  King,  Alexander  von  Humboldt  (blue 
with  a  yellow  blotch),  Flora  (pale  lavender, 
white,  and  yellow),  Darling  (deep  blue),  and 
British  Queen  (white)  are  a  selection. 

Pseonies  were  well  shown  by  Mr.  Chas. 
Turner,  Royal  Nurseries,  Slough.  "Single  flow- 
ered varieties  were  very  beautiful,  including  such 
handsome  flowers  as  Queen  of  Singles  (white), 
Enchantress  (pink),  aivd  Leonora  (rosy-red) ;  sev- 
eral were  exhibited  for  the   first  time. 

A  large  floor  group,  principally  composed  of 
Paeonies,  was  set  up  by  Mr.  Maurice  Prichard, 
Ohristchurch,  Hants.  A  batch  of  the  beautiful 
Dropmore  variety  of  Anchusa  italica  was  promi- 
nent. The  group  was  outlined  in  sprays  of  Gyp- 
sophila,  varieties  of  Heucheras,  and  other  light 
inflorescences.      (Silver    Banksian    Medal.) 

A  large  number  of  Pseonies  was  displayed  by 
Messrs.  R.  H.  Bath,  Ltd.,  Wisbech.  (Silver 
Flora  Medal.) 

Messrs.  G.  &  A.  Cl.iRK,  Ltd.,  Dover,  arranged 
a  pleasing  exhibit  of  hardy  flowers  in  great 
variety,  including  many  Pseonies,  Lychnis  vis- 
caria,  Inula  grandiflora.  Lupins,  and  Pinks. 
Messrs.  Clark  also  staged  several  vases  of  Sweet 
Peas.     (Silver  Flora  Medal.) 

Messrs.  T.  S.  Ware,  Ltd.,  Feltham,  staged 
garden  flowers,  amongst  which  Eremuri  were 
conspicuous,  also  Delphinium  Persimmon  of  beau- 
tiful pale  blue  colour,  Lilium  Davuricum, 
Pseonies  in  variety,  Campanulas,  and  Phloxes. 
(Silver-gilt  Banksian  Medal.) 

Messrs.  J.  Cheal  &  Sons,  Lowfield  Nurseries, 
Crawley,  staged  sprays  of  flowering  shrubs  and 
trees.  Quercus  nigra  has  almost  black  foliage, 
whilst  Q.  concordia  is  a  shade  of  golden  green. 
Crataegus  Carrieri  has  large  bunches  of  white 
flowers;  the  plant  retains  its  foliage  until  Christ- 
mas C.  x  Leana  has  a  globular  inflorescence 
and  sweet-smelling  flowers.  It  is  a  free  grower, 
and  forms  a  valuable  stock  for  more  delicate 
kinds.  Kalmia  latifolia  was  very  showy.  There 
were  numerous  Rhododendrons,  including  R. 
punctatum,  R.  ovatus,  R.  myrtifolium,  and 
others  of  the  Alpine  section.  Messrs.  Cheal 
also  showed  hardy  flowers  in  variety. 

Messrs.  Geo.  Jackman  &  Son,  Woking  Nur- 
sery, Surrey,  put  up  a  group  of  hardy  flowers. 
We  noticed  a  choice  Iris  named  Snow  Queen  : 
Delphinium  Belladonna  and  Draeoeephalum 
Ruyschiana  are  two  lovely  blue-flowered  plants; 
Betonica  nivea  was  also  shown  finely  in  this 
group.     (Silver  Banksian   Medal.) 

Messrs.  Kelway  &  Son,  Langport,  Somerset, 
showed,  as  at  the  last  meeting,  large  numbers  of 
Pseonies  and  Pyrethruins.  Queen  Alexandra 
(white)  and  Princess  Beatrice  (pink)  are  two 
choice  varieties  of  these  latter  flowers.  (Silver 
Flora  Medal.) 

The  Misses  Hopkins,  Mere  Gardens,  Shepper- 
ton-on-Tliames,  arranged  a  rock-garden  exhibit 
with  seasonable  Alpine  plants  in  flower. 

Mr.  Clarence  Elliott.  Six  Mills  Nursery, 
Stevenage,  showed  pans  of  Alpine  plants  and  a 
small  rock-garden  exhibit. 

Messrs.  John  Peed  &  Son,  West  Norwood, 
London,  S.E.,  arranged  seasonable  Alpine 
flowers  on  a  rather  extensive  rock-work  exhibit. 
It  was  pleasing  to  notice  in  the  arrangement 
there  was  no  crowding  of  the  subjects,  so  that 
a   natural   effect  was   produced. 

Other  exhibitors  of  hardy  flowers  were  Mr.  A. 
J.  Harwood,  St.  Peter's  Nursery,  Colchester ; 
Mr.  R.  C.  Notcutt,  Woodbridge  (Silver  Bank- 
sian Medal);  and  Messrs.  Mawson  Bros.,  Win- 
dermere, who  showed  Papaver  orientale  Jennie 
Mawson,  the  flower  being  a  pleasing  tone  of 
salmon. 

Messrs.  E.  W.  King  &  Co.,  Coggeshall,  Essex, 


displayed  Sweet  Peas  in  great  assortment.  (Sil- 
ver Banksian  Medal.)  Another  large  exhibitor 
of  these  popular  flowers  was  Mr.  W.  J.  Unwin, 
Histon,  Cambridge,  who  showed  beautiful 
blooms  of  Heston  Favourite  (orange-scarlet), 
Cambridge  Pride  (light  ground,  heavily  edged 
with  pink),  Gladys  Burt  (cream,  suffused  slightly 
with  pink),  Frank  Unwin  (lavender),  Nancy 
Perkins  (orange-salmon),  &c.  (Silver  Banksian 
Medal.) 

.Mr.  Chas.  Blick,  Warren  Nursery,  Hayes, 
Kent,  showed  new  Carnations.  One  received  an 
Award  of  Merit  (see  below>.  Another,  named 
John  Ruskin,  is  a  fine,  light-edged  flower,  with 
a  yellow  ground.  Mr.  Blick  also  showed  well- 
grown  blooms  of  the  beautiful  Carnation  named 
after  Lady   Hermione. 

AWARDS. 
Awards   of   Merit. 

Aster  mesa  grandiflora. — An  excellent  bor- 
der plant  growing  about  2  feet  high.  The  neat, 
well-formed  flowers  are  of  a  bright  tint  of  satiny- 
purple.  The  plants  are  said  to  flower  from 
June  to  September.  (Shown  by  Messrs.  W. 
Cutbush  &  Sons.) 

Campanula  phyctidocalyx. — Inflorescences  of 
this  species  were  shown  by  Sir  Trevor  Law- 
rence, Bart.  (gr.  Mr.  Bain).  The  flowers 
measure  about  1  inch  across,  and  they  are  of 
deep  purple  colour.  The  plants  grow  from  1  foot 
to   2   feet   high. 

Carnation  "  Her  Majesty." — A  yellow-ground 
flower  with  very  deep  purple  edge.  It  is  of  ex- 
cellent form,  and  one  of  the  best  heavy-edged 
varieties  raised.  (Shown  by  Mr.  Chas.  Blick, 
Warren  Nursery,  Hayes.) 

Delphinium  Moerheimei. — This  is  a  lax- 
flowered  variety  obtained  from  a  cross  between 
D.  Belladonna  and  D.  sinensis.  The  flowers  are 
white,  except  for  touches  of  green.  (Shown  by- 
Messrs.  W.  Cutbush  &  Sons.) 

Pceonia  "Leonora." — A  very  handsome, 
single-flowered  varietv,  with  large,  crimson 
flowers. 

Paonia  "Queen  of  Singles." — A  pure  white 
variety  of  very  large  size.  The  white  petals 
and  yellow  stamens  are  very  effective.  (Both 
these  Paeonies  were  shown  by  Mr.  C.  Turner, 
Slough.) 

Sw  t  I'ki  Blancht  Stevens. — This  is  a  very 
large,  pure  white  variety,  with  broad,  erect 
standard.  There  were  three  flowers  on  a  stem. 
(Shown  by  Mr.  H.  J.  Jones.) 

Sw  'I  Pea  St  rling  Stent. — A  very  bright- 
looking,  salmon  nil  variety  of  good  size. 
(Shown  by  Mr.   J.   Agate.) 

Orchid  Committee. 

Present:  J.  Gurney  Fowler,  Esq.  (in  the 
Chair),  and  Messrs.  Jas.  O'Brien  (hon.  secre- 
tary t.  Harry  J.  Veitch,  de  B.  Crawshav,  W. 
Boxall,  W.  Thompson,  F.  Sander,  F.  J."  Han- 
luirv,  R.  G.  Thwaites,  Walter  Cobb,  C.  H.  Cur- 
tis, J.  Charlesworth,  W.  P.  Bound,  W.  H. 
Hatcher,  W.  H.  White,  H.  A.  Tracy,  Gurney 
Wilson,  J.  Wilson  Potter.  R.  Brooman- White. 
W.  Bolton,  A.  Dye,  Stuart  Low,  A.  A.  McBean, 
J.  Forster  Alcock  and  Elijah  Ashworth. 

There  was  the  smallest  display  of  Orchids 
which  has  been  staged  at  Vincent  Square  for  a 
considerable  time,  and  only  three  plants  were 
entered  to  go  before  the  Committee,  who  made 
no  awards. 

.Messrs.  Stuart  Low  &  Co.,  Bush  Hill  Park, 
Enfield,  staged  an  effective  group  of  considerable 
extent,  and  containing  many  pretty  species,  the 
group  securing  a  Silver  Flora  Medal.  Some  very 
fine  Cattleya  Mendelii,  C.  Warscewiczii,  and 
other  Cattleyas,  including  the  very  large  C. 
grandis,  were  in  the  group,  in  which  also  were 
noted  many  other  species. 

Mr.  A.  W.  Jensen,  Lindfield,  showed  a  small 
group  of  very  fine  forms  of  Cattleya  Mendelii, 
C.  Warscewiczii  and  C.  Mossiae,  including  a 
plant  of  the  blush-white  C.  M.  Arnoldiana  aurea, 
with  little  other  colour  than  yellow  in  the  lip. 
(Silver   Banksian    Medal.) 

Messrs.  Stanley  &  Co.,  Southgate,  staged  a 
group  in  which  the  varieties  of  Cattleya  Mossise 
Reineckiana  were  well  displayed,  showing  great 
variation  in  the  colour  of  the  lips  in  the  dif- 
ferent forms.  White-petalled  forms  of  C.  Gas- 
kelliana  were  also  included.  (Silver  Banksian 
Medal.) 


Monsieur  Mertens,  Ghtat,  showed  a  selec- 
tion of  hybrid  Odontoglossums,  Odontiodas  and 
Cattleyas. 

J.  G.  Bergheim,  Esq.,  Belsize  Court,  Hamp- 
stead  (gr.  Mr.  Page),  sent  a  singular  looking 
Megaclinium  from  tropical  Africa. 

R.  G.  Thwaites,  Esq.,  Chessington,  Streatham, 
(gr.  Mr.  Black),  showed  Odontoglossum  crispum 
Trianse  majesticum,  a  grand  white  variety  with, 
large  flowers  of  fine  shape  and  substance. 

Baron  Sir  H.  Schroder,  The  Dell,  Eghamv 
(gr.  Mr.  Ballantine),  sent  Odontoglossum  Black 
Prince,  a  showy  hybrid  densely  blotched  with 
dark  claret-red,  showing  the  white  ground  colour 
at  the  margins  and  between  the  blotches. 

Fruit  and  Vegetable  Committee. 

Present:  A.  H.  Pearson,  Esq.  (in  the  Chair); 
and  Messrs.  J.  Cheal,  W.  Bates,  W.  Poupart, 
J.  Willard,  A.  Dean,  J.  Perkins,  P.  C.  M. 
Veitch,  J.  Lyne,  H.  Hooper,  J.  Davis,  H.  Parr, 
J.  Vert,  E.  Beckett,  0.  Thomas,  C.  Foster,  W. 
Barnes,  A.  H.  Allan,  T.  Hobday,  C.  G.  A.  Nix, 
J.  Mclndoe,  G.  Wythes,  J.  Jaques  and  S.  X. 
Wright  (secretary). 

The  only  exhibit  of  importance  was  a  collec- 
tion of  Cabbage  Lettuces  and  early  Cauliflowers, 
shown  by  Messrs.  James  Veitch  &  Sons,  Chel- 
sea, for  which  a  Silver  Knightian  Medal  was 
awarded.  The  best  of  the  Lettuces  were  Passion, 
Unique,  a  brown-leaved  variety ;  Imperial,  New 
York,  the  largest  shown  ;  Palatine,  with  neat, 
compact  heads,  and  well-hearted ;  Rudolph's 
Favourite,  a  fine  variety  for  garnishing  and 
salads,  the  colour  being  golden-green ;  Best  of 
All,  and  Early  Cold  Frame.  The  Cauliflowers 
were  sown  on  January  2,  and  planted  out  on 
April  16.     The  variety  was  Early  Forcing. 

Messrs.  Kelway  &  Son,  Langport,  showed  a. 
basket  of  Harbinger  Cauliflower. 

Competitive  Classes. 
There  were  three  classes  for  Tomatos,  but  only 
one  was  contested,  that  for  three  dishes  of  dis- 
tinct varieties  grown  by  an  amateur.  The  1st 
prize  was  awarded  to  the  Hon.  Vicary  Gibbs, 
Elstree,  Herts,  (gr.  Mr.  Ed.  Beckett),  who  had 
good  fruits  of  Perfection,  Golden  Perfection,  and 
Sutton's  Al ;  2nd,  Lord  Foley,  Ruxley  Lodge, 
Claygate,  Surrey  (gr.  Mr.  H.  C.  Gardner),  with. 
Hipper's  1st,  Dwarf  Red,  and  Winter  Beauty; 
3rd.  Lord  Howard  de  Walden,  Audley  End, 
Saffron  Walden   (gr.   Mr.  J.   Vert). 


THE  FIRST  "MASTERS"  LECTURE. 

This  was  the  first  of  a  series  of  lectures  de- 
signed to  commemorate  the  name  of  Dr.  Maxwell 
T.  Masters,  for  so  long  a  period  Editor  of  the 
Gardeners'  Chronicle.  The  selection  of  Professor 
Hugo  de  Vries  as  the  deliverer  of  the  lecture  was 
peculiarly  fitting.  The  modesty  of  the  great 
Dutch  botanist  prevented  those  who  saw  him — 
in  the  majority  of  cases  for  the  first  time — in 
the  Lecture  Room  at  the  Horticultural  Society 
on  Tuesday  afternoon  from  knowing  how  appro- 
priate the  selection  had  been.  For  it  is  by 
Professor  de  Vries  that  the  most  considerable 
advances  in  the  scientific  study  of  teratology 
have  been  made  since  the  ground  was  first 
broken  by  the  publication,  in  1869,  of  Masters* 
Vegetable  Teratology :  An  Account  of  tin-  Prin- 
cipal Deviations  from  the  Usual  Construction 
of  Plants. 

Professor  de  Vries  paid  a  just  tribute  to  the 
painstaking  work  of  Dr.  Masters,  stating  that 
although  the  book  was  to  a  very  great  extent  a 
narration  of  observed  facts,  nevertheless  on  most 
of  its  pages  there  were  evidences  of  the  philoso- 
phical mind  possessed  by  the  author.  Mainly 
through  the  influence  of  Dr.  Masters,  English 
horticulture  had  developed  upon  a  sound  and 
scientific  basis.  The  study  of  abnormalities  ha» 
a  strange  history.  This  is  primarily  due  to  the 
basis  on  which  Linnanis  founded  his  system  of 
classification.  Before  Linnaeus's  day  the  genera, 
were  regarded  as  the  units  of  the  natural  system; 
but  he  elevated  the  sub-divisions  of  the  genera — 
the  species — to  this  rank :  this  elevation 
meant  that  the  species  were  believed  to- 
have  been  created.  The  abnormalities  which 
could  be  observed  to  arise  in  one's  own  garden, 
from  normal  parents  had  obviously  not  been- 
created  in  the  beginning,  and  were,  therefore, 
in  the  opinion  of  Linnaeus,  not  worthy  of  the 
attention  of  the  serious  botanist.     It  is,  indeed, 


420 


THE    GARDENERS'    CHRONICLE. 


[J un-  26,  1909. 


recorded  that  Linnaeus  forbade  his  students  to 
pay  any  attention  to  such  abnormalities.  It 
seems  not  unreasonable  to  suggest  that  this 
ruling  out  of  court  of  all  "  deviations  from  the 
usual  construction  of  organism  "  may  have 
contributed  largely  to  the  persistence  in  a  belief 
in  the  immutability  of  species.  So  long  as  per- 
mission to  pay  attention  to,  and  much  less  to 
devote  a  lifetime  to  the  investigation  of  devia- 
tions from  the  normal,  was  withheld  by  those 
who  directed  the  course  of  biological  enquiry,  it 
was  impossible  that  any  progress  could  be  made 
with  the  study  of  evolution,  except  by  those  who 
disregarded   the   injunctions   of   their    professors. 

If  it  may  be  said  that,  before  the  general  ac- 
ceptance of  a  theory  of  evolution,  too  little  at- 
tention was  paid  to  the  study  of  abnormalities, 
it  certainly  may  be  urged,  not  without 
some  justice,  that  since  a  belief  in  evolu- 
tion has  become  general,  abnormalities  have 
assumed  a  prominence  which  is  not  com- 
mensurate with  the  share  which  they  have 
had  in  the  evolutionary  process.  The  theory 
of  evolution  demands  the  existence  of 
variations ;  and  in  the  search  for  these, 
which  this  demand  necessitated,  many  kinds 
of  abnormalities  were  collected  and  re- 
corded, which,  in  all  probability,  have 
little  to  do  with  the  main  lines  of  differen- 
tiation. What  we  have  said  merely  refers  to 
abnormalities  in  their  direct  bearing  on  evolu- 
tion. What  we  really  want  is  some  criterion 
which  will  enable  us  to  distinguish  between  nor- 
mal abnormalities  (if  the  expression  may  be  per- 
mitted), which  are  the  variations  to  which  evolu- 
tion is  due,  and  abnormal  abnormalities,  or 
monstrosities,  which  have  nothing  to  do  with 
evolution.  The  only  hope  of  obtaining  such  a 
criterion  is  to  work  on  the  lines  laid  down  by 
Masters ;  to  record  with  detailed  figures  the 
structure  of  any  abnormality  of  whatever  kind 
that  may  appear,  and,  what  is  equally  important, 
to  find  out  whether  the  abnormality  is  repeated 
in  the  offspring  of  the  monster.  Such  investiga- 
tion, as  Professor  de  Vries  pointed  out,  has 
been  made  possible  by  the  work  of  Masters, 
which  enables  the  enquirer  to  find  out  whether 
an  abnormality  of  a  similar  kind  has  been  re- 
corded before,  and  to  fit  it  into  a  scheme 
which,  as  Masters  admits,  is  only  an  approxima- 
tion to  a  natural  one. 

Teratology  may  often  succeed,  as  Professor  de 
Vries  told  us,  where  the  investigation  of  normal 
form  has  failed,  in  affording  a  clue  as  to  the 
primitive  structure  of  organs.  The  study  of 
monstrosities  is,  further,  likely  to  throw  a  great 
deal  of  light  on  the  question  of  the  symmetry  of 
distribution  of  organs  in  the  plant  body.  And, 
lastly,  we  cannot  yet  guess  what  problems,  which 
have  not  yet  taken  shape  in  men's  minds,  may 
not  be  solved  by  a  proper  acquaintance  with 
these  curious  phenomena.  These  are  merely 
illustrations  of  the  truth  that  the  surest  road  to 
a  knowledge  of  the  normal  is  the  investigation 
of  the  abnormal. 


ROYAL    AGRICULTURAL. 

R.H.S.  DEPUTATION  TO  HORTICULTURAL 

SHOW. 

June  23  to  26. — The  general  show  at  Glouces- 
ter was  of  great  extent  and  complete  in  every 
class.  The  weather  on  Tuesday,  the  opening 
day  of  the  agricultural  or  main  section,  was 
stormy,  but  there  was  a  large  attendance. 

The  horticultural  exhibition  in  connection  with 
the  show,  under  the  management  of  Mr.  Peter 
Blair,  of  Stoke-on-Trent,  as  opened  on  Wed- 
nesday afternoon.  It  was  undoubtedly  the 
best  ever  held  in  connection  with  the  Royal  Agri- 
cultural Society,  the  visit  of  his  Majesty  King 
Edward  VII.  inducing  the  best  efforts  of  all  en- 
gaged. The  horticultural  show  under  canvas  was 
arranged  in  one  of  the  largest  marquees  procur- 
able in  the  country,  with  two  smaller  tents,  one 
at  each  end,  the  commodious  walks  for  the  visi- 
tors being  arranged  so  that  the  whole  of  the  show 
could  be  inspected  without  leaving  the  tent 
space.  The  King  congratulated  Mr.  Blair  on  his 
efforts,  and  expressed  great  satisfaction. 

The  R.H.S.  deputation  included  Sir  Trevor 
Lawrence,  Bart..  K.C.V.O.  (President),  the  Rev. 
W.  Wilks  (Secretary),  Mr.  Henry  B.  May,  and 
Mr.   A.   E.   Bowles.' 

In  their  inspection  of  the  exhibits  they  were 
assisted  by  Mr.  Jas.  O'Brien,  V.M.H.  S'ir  Tre- 
vor  Lawrence,    Bart.,    K.C.V.O.    (President    cf 


the  R.H.S.),  formed  one  of  the  deputation  to  re- 
ceive the  King,  and  took  lunch  in  the  Royal 
Pavilion.  The  other  members  of  the  deputation 
partook  of  the  hospitality  of  the  Mayor. 

Certain  Awards  were  made  by  the  R.H.S. 
deputation  in  addition  to  the  Schedule  Awards 
made  by  the  judges. 

The  Nature  Study  Section,  in  which  Sir  W.  T. 
Thiselton-Dyer  has  taken  such  interest,  and  the 
Forestry  Department,  in  which  Mr.  H.  J.  Elwes 
has  taken  a  prominent  part,  were  good  educa- 
tional displays,  which  would  require  much  space 
even  to  refer  to  briefly. 

In  front  of  the  main  entrance  on  the  central 
stage  was  the  grand  group  of  Orchids  from 
Colonel  G.  L.  Holford,  CLE.,  C.V.O.,  Weston- 
birt,  which  undoubtedly  gave  th 3  superlative 
character  to  the  show,  the  arrangement  being 
cleverly  and  artistically  carried  out  by  Mr.  H. 
G.  Alexander,  who  may  well  claim  to  be  not 
only  England's  best  Orchid  grower,  but  a  decora- 
tive artist  of  the  highest  order  of  merit.  The 
plan  of  the  arrangement  consisted  in  the  middle 
being  well  carried  up  at  the  back,  fine  Laelio- 
Cattleya  Canhamiana  and  L.-C.  Aphrodite  being 
chiefly  used.  On  each  side  were  masses  of  very 
fine  white  Odontoglossum  crispum,  with  hand- 
somely-coloured Cittleyas  and  hybrid  Laelio- 
Cattleyas  continuing  to  the  ends  at  each  side. 
In  the  front  and  middle  distance,  and  forming 
the  most  striking  feature  in  the  group,  were  many 
marvellous  specimens  of  Miltonia  vexillaria,  so 
densely  set  with  flowers  that  the  foliage  was 
almost  hidden.  Among  the  best  noted  were  the 
bi  ight  magenta-rose  variety  Empress  Augusta 
Victoria,  with  20  spikes  bearing  105  flowers  :  a 
pair  of  the  white-lipped  variety  virginale,  with 
75  flowers  and  77  flowers  respectively;  M.  vexil- 
laria superba,  with  23  spikes  of  103  flowers ; 
M.  v.  chelsiensis,  and  other  varieties  grandly 
flowered.  Odontoglossum  crispum  were  repre- 
sented by  over  100  spikes,  the  spotted  and  best 
named  varieties  being  Norah,  Zoroaster,  Weston- 
birt  variety  and  Trianae.  Among  the  hybrids 
were  very  dark-coloured  O.  Othello,  O.  amabile, 
O.  Wilckeanum  imperiale  and  others.  Among 
the  Cattleyas  were  many  fine  C.  Mossiae,  the  best 
white  variety  Wageneri,  and  Countess  Grey  being 
charming  plants.  C.  Dusseldorfei  Undine,  which 
was  raised  at  Westonbirt,  like  most  of  the  hy- 
brids shown,  shows  up  as  one  of  the  best  whito 
Cattleyas,  and  C.  intermedia  alba,  good  C.  War- 
ned, C.  Warscewiczii  and  C.  Mendelii  were 
noted.  Brasso-Cattleyas  made  a  telling  feature 
in  this  excellent  group,  a  true  albino  of  Brasso- 
Cattleya  Digbyano-Mossise,  B.-C.  Siren  superba, 
and  some  finely-coloured  B.-C.  Digbyano- 
Warscewiczii  being  specially  good.  Laelio-Cattle- 
yas  raised  at  Westonbirt  and  displaying  the  most 
varied  colours  were  effectively  arranged,  L.-C. 
Ganymede,  L.-C.  Lustre,  L.-C.  Elva  "Westonbirt 
variety  and  the  numerous  varieties  of  L.-C.  Can- 
hamiana being  very  effective.  Other  good  things 
well  displayed  in  batches  were  Vanda  teres,  Pha- 
laenopsis  Rimestadtiana,  Sophrolaelia  laeta  Orpe- 
tiana,  fine  forms  of  Laelia  purpurata,  Dendrobium 
illnstie,  D.  formosum,  and  other  Dendrobiums. 
The  Lawrence  Gold  Medal  for  the  finest  exhibit 
of  the  year  was  made  by  the  R.H.S.  deputation. 

Messrs.  Jas.  Cypher  &  Sons,  Cheltenham, 
arranged  their  fine  exhibit  of  specimen  stove  and 
greenhouse  plants  next,  and  which  included  two 
noble  specimens  of  Darwinia  tulipifera,  each 
6  feet  across,  a  still  larger  Erica  Cavendishiana, 
tin-  1. right  magenta-rose  Bougainvillea  Cypheri, 
certainly  the  best  as  an  exhibition  plant",  large 
Pimelia  diosmsfolia,  Erica  vertricosa  magnifica, 
Clerodendron  Balfouri,  and  the  whole  effectively 
set  up  with  scarlet  Clerodendrons  intermixed. 
Messrs.  Cypher  &  Sons  also  arranged  a  most 
effective  group  in  Class  1,  group  of  miscellaneous 
plants  not  exceeding  350  square  feet,  their  group 
having  tall  Kentias  at  the  back,  with  pillar 
Roses  beneath  them,  salient  points  being  made 
with  handsome  Codiaeums,  the  body  Being  effec- 
tively filled  in  with  good  Orchids,  comprising 
Cattleyas,  Laelio-C'attleyas,  Odontoglossums,  &c. 
Very  pretty  effects  were  made  by  an  elegant 
specimen  of  Oncidium  divaricatum,  with  yel- 
lowish-bronze flowers ;  slender  yellow  O.  flexuo- 
sum,  and  an  unusually  elegant  feature  in  a  tall, 
graceful  plant  of  Cyperus  papyrus  (Papyrus 
antiquorum).  (Gold  Medal.)  The  same  firm 
staged  a  beautiful  group  of  Orchids,  well 
arranged  for  effect,  made  up  of  showy 
Laelio-Cattleyas,  Cattleyas,  Brasso-Cattleyas, 
Odontoglossums,  &c.  Laelia  tenebrosa  (with 
many      flowers),      Laelia      purpurata      (in      fine 


variety),  Laelio-Cattleya  Canhamiana  (with  10 
flowers),  a  selection  of  showy  Masdevallias,  two 
distinct  varieties  of  Bulbophyllum  Lobbii,  good 
Miltonia  vexillaria,  Vanda  ccerulea,  Odontoglos- 
sum cordatum,  Ccelogyne  pandurata,  finely-flow- 
ered yellow  Anguloa  Clowesii,  graceful  Epiden- 
drums,  &c,  were  also  included.  For  this  and 
the  fine  specimen  stove  and  greenhouse  plants, 
the  R.H.S.   Gold  Medal  was  given. 

Other  tine  exhibits  in  Class  I.  (not  exceeding 
350  square  feet)  were  shown  by  the  following 
exhibitors : — 

Mr.  W.  A.  Holmes,  West  End  Nursery,  Ches- 
terfield, had  fine  Kentia  Palms,  Codiaeums,  Roses 
Hiawatha  and  Lady  Gay,  Caladium  argyrites 
being  effectively  used  as  an  edging.  (Silver-gilt 
Flora   Medal.) 

J.  Blacker,  Esq.,  Selby,  Yorks.  (gr.  Mr. 
Curtis),  had  Roses  Pink  Rambler,  Hiawatha,  and 
Delight,  fine  Codiaeums,  and  Uumea  elegans. 
(Small  Silver  Cup.) 

Mr.  Sharp,  Almondbury,  Huddersfield,  Roses, 
Abutilon  Savitzii,  and  Odontoglossums.  (Silver 
gilt  Banksian  Medal.) 

Mr.  Vause,  Leamington,  Codiaeums,  Ferns, 
Odontoglossums,  &c.  (Silver-gilt  Banksian 
Medal.) 

Class  II.  (Amateurs). — This  was  for  a  group 
arranged  on  a  space  of  200  square  feet.  There  was 
only  one  entry,  Sir  John  Dorington,  Lypiatt 
Park,  Stroud  (gr.  Mr.  Savegar).  cleverly  occupy- 
ing the  end  space  with  one  of  the  prettiest  ex- 
hibits in  the  show,  a  tastefully-arranged  group  of 
foliage  plants  and  Orchids,  in  which  Cattleyas, 
&c,  Hippeastrums,  scarlet  and  white  Anthu- 
liunis.  and  many  interesting  plants  were  shown 
to  advantage.     (Silver  Cup.) 

Other  very  fine  exhibits  in  the  large  tent  in- 
cluded a  large  collection  of  fruits  in  pots  from  The 
King's  Acre  Nurseries,  Hereford,  the  same 
firm  staging  an  extensive  and  artistically- 
arranged  exhibit  of  showy  herbaceous  perennials, 
Ferns,  foliage  plants,  &c.  (Silver-gilt  Banksian 
Medal.) 

On  one  side  of  the  main  entrance  Messrs.  Wll. 
Cutbush  &  Sons,  Highgate,  had  a  cleverly- 
arranged  group  of  Carnations,  Roses,  &c,  with 
tall  Eremurus  robusta  at  the  back.  Specially 
fine  were  Carnation  Lady  Coventry  (large  red), 
Enchantress  (both  white  and  blush),  Winsor 
(salmon  pink),  and  Victory  (scarlet).  The  charm- 
ing dwarf  decorative  Rose  Mrs.  Wm.  Cutbush 
also  was  very  effective.  (Silver-gilt  Banksian 
Medal.) 

Messrs.  Heath  &  Sons  showed  Carnations  and 
scarlet   Pelargoniums.     (Silver  Cup.) 

Hugh  Andrews,  Esq.,  Toddington  Manor, 
Winchcombe  (gr.  Mr.  Tooley),  good  Carnations 
and  Eremurus.     (Silver  Flora  Medal.) 

Messrs.  Young  &  Co.,  Hatherley,  Cheltenham. 
Carnations.     (Silver   Flora   Medal.) 

Mr.  Godfrey,  Exinouth,  decorative  plants,  in 
which  Godfrey's  very  handsome  varieties  i  f 
Papaver  orientale  were  prominent.  Also  Pelar- 
goniums, pink  Spiraeas,  Solanum  Wendlandii, 
&c.     (Silver   Banksian    Medal.) 

Messrs.  J.  Jeffries  &  Sons,  Cirencester,  Car- 
nations, Roses,  &c.     (Silver  Flora  Medal.) 

Baker's,  Wolverhampton,  herbaceous  plants. 
(Silver   Flora  Medal.) 

At  the  entrance  of  one  of  the  end  tents  Colonel 
G.  L.  Holford,  CLE.,  C.V.O.  (gr.  Mr.  Chap- 
man), staged  a  very  fine  group  of  the  superb 
Westonbirt  Hippeastrums,  the  large  flowers 
varying  from  white  to  the  most  intense  scarlet, 
with  intermediate  white  forms  prettily  striped 
with  rose  and  red.     (Gold  Medal.) 

Messrs.  Stuart  Low  &  Co.,  Bush  Hill  Park, 
Enfield,  filled  one  side,  extending  75  feet,  with  an 
extensive  group  of  Orchids,  the  forms  of  Cattleya 
Mendelii  including  two  new  varieties,  the  one 
with  slate-blue  lip,  and  the  other  with  rose- 
feathered  petals,  being  good.  Odontoglossums, 
including  spotted  O.  crispum,  the  pretty  O. 
Adrianae  Low's  variety,  and  some  hybrids,  were 
also  noted.  The  firm  continued  with  fine  Carna- 
tions, the  new  Pink  gloriosa,  a  batch  of  blue 
Hydrangeas,  the  new  Ampelopsis  Lowii,  scarlet 
Gerberas,  &c.     (Silver-gilt  Flora  Medal.) 

Messrs.  Blackmore  &  Langdon,  Bath,  had  a 
grand  group  of  Begonias,  chiefly  double.  (Gold 
Medal  ) 

Messrs.  Dicksons,  Chester,  a  fine  show  of 
Paeonies,  Delphiniums,  &c.   (Silver  Flora  Medal.) 

Mr.  H.  W.  Evans,  Llanishen,  Cardiff,  showy 
herbaceous  plants. 

Mr.  H.  N.  Ellison,  West  Bromwich,  a  nice 
selection  of  exotic  Ferns.  (Silver  Banksian  Medal.) 


Supplement  to  the  "  Gardeners"  Chronicle." 


CHARLES     DARWIN. 


Printed  by  Temple  Press  Ltd.,  London,  E.C. 


June  26,  1909.] 


THE    G  A  R  1)  ENER  S'    CHR  O  XI C  L  E. 


421 


Messrs.  Jarman  &  (  0.,  (hard,  the  fine  blue 
and  white  Sweet  Pea  .\Jrs.  Townsend,  Roses, 
Pelargoniums,  &c. 

Messrs.  Geo.  Mallett  &  Co.,  Cheddar,  fine 
her   aceous  plants. 

Messrs.  Gunn  &  Sons,  Birmingham,  had  a  fine 
exhibit  of  Roses.  Gladioli,  and  the  handsome 
bed  ler  Viola  cornuta  purpurea.  (Silver  Bank- 
sian  Medal.) 

Mr.  R.  H.  BxiTH,  Wisbech,  a  very  extensive 
show  of  Carnations,  Pseonies,  Delphiniums.  (Sil- 
ver  Flora   Medal.) 

Messrs.  Kelway  &  Sons,  Langport,  a  fine  lot 
of  Pyrethrums  and  Pseonies. 

In  the  tent  at  the  other  end  of  the  main  tent 
Messrs.  Dobbie  &  Co.,  Rothesay,  had  a  grand 
show  of  hardy  flowers — Violas.  Aquilegias,  Iris, 
&c.     (Silver-gilt  Banksian  Medal.) 

Competitive  groups  of  herbaceous  plants  were 
also  here  arranged. 

Messrs.  Rich  &  Co.,  Bath,  showed  fine  hardy 
plants;  and  Mr.  A.  A.  Walters,  Bath,  Roses  and 
White    Pseonies.      (Silver    Banksian    Medal.) 

The  very  fine  competitive  groups  of  Sweet 
Peas   were   also   well   displayed. 

Mr.  Moukt,  Canterbury,  showed  Roses; 
Messrs.  J.  H.  White  &  Co.,  Worcester,  herba- 
ceous plants ;  Messrs.  Geo.  Cooling  &  Sons, 
Bath.  Roses;  Mr.  C.  F.  Waters,  Balcombe,  a 
fine  lot  of  40  varieties  of  Carnations,  the  good, 
salmon-red  decorative  Carnation  Edith  Waters 
being  very  handsome.     (Silver  Flora  Medal.) 

In  the  open  ground  Messrs.  Sutton  &  Sons, 
Reading,  had  a  very  interesting  exposition  of 
intensive  vegetable  culture  on  the  French  sys- 
tem, showing  how  different  crops  may  be  grown 
together.     (Silver  Knightian  Medal.) 

Missis.  Jeffries  had  a  good  show  of  fine 
hardy  trees  and  shrubs. 

Messrs.  Puxham  exhibited  a  very  pretty  rock 
and    water-garden. 

Messrs.  Heath  &  Sons,  Cheltenham,  an  exten- 
sive Alpine  garden. 

Messrs.  Wheeler,  of  Gloucester,  made  a 
beautiful  floral  decoration  in  front  of  the  Royal 
Pavilion  and   other  buildings. 

Messrs.  Webb,  Messrs.  Carter.  Messrs.  Sut- 
ton,  and  other  seedsmen   also  had  their   stands 
tastefully      decorated      with      flowers.        Messrs. 
Sttton  had  also  a  fine  display  of  Gloxinias,  Be- 
ii  ias,   Schizanthus,   &c. 

AWARDS. 
R.H.S.  First-class  Certificates. 
Oattleya  Mossia  Countess  Grey,  from  Colonel 
G.  L.  Holford.  C.I.E.,  C.V.O. — A  most  charm- 
ing Bower  of  the  typical  ('.  Mossise  class,  with 
onormoua  magenta  rose  blooms,  with  large, 
violet-marbled  lip. 


Mr.  Harry  J.  Veitch,  in  responding,  made  a 
fervent  appeal  for  funds.  He  said  the  society 
disbursed  yearly  to  its  pensioners  nearly 
£4,320.  During  the  society's  70  years'  existence 
the  sum  of  £124,000  had  been  expended  in  re- 
lieving necessitous  cases.  There  were  239  pen- 
sioners receiving  relief,  and  six  of  the  reci- 
pients were  more  than  90  years  of  age.  The 
Secretary  announced  that  £2,099  had  been  sub- 
scribed at  and  in  consequence  of  the  dinner,  in- 
cluding 100  guineas  from  the  Chairman,  a  simi- 
lar sum  from  Messrs.  Rothschild.  £100  each 
from  Messrs.  Hurst  &  Son,  Sutton  &  Sons, 
and  Mr.  Ed.  Sherwood.  Friends  at  Covent  Gar- 
den Market  had  collected  a  total  of  £236  15s., 
including  £176  5s.  gathered  by  Mr.  Geo.  Munro. 
The  total  sum  was  nearly  £100  more  than  that 
subscribed   at  the   last   festival   dinner. 

Mr.  Sherwood,  in  proposing  the  health  of 
the  Chairman,  stated  that  £4.000  had  been 
subscribed  to  the  charity  by  members  of  the 
Rothschild   family. 


MARKETS. 


BRITISH    GARDENERS'    ASSOCIATION. 

At  the  last  meeting  of  this  association,  the 
new  Executive  Council  met  for  the  first  time. 
Mr.  Geo.  Hemming  was  elected  chairman  for  the 
ensuing  year,  and  Mr.  John  H.  Witty  vice- 
chairman.  The  question  of  editing  and  enlarging 
the  Journal  of  the  association  was  considered, 
but  no  decision  was  arrived  at  pending  further 
information  in  regard  to  the  financial  aspect. 
It  was  decided  by  a  majority  that  the  monthly 
committee  meetings  shall  be  held  on  Tuesdays  at 
4  p.m.  as  usual.  The  secretary  was  instructed  to 
prepare  a  form  and  draft  a  letter  to  be  sent  out 
inviting  the  attention  of  those  wishing  to  become 
honorary  members.  It  was  also  decided  to 
obtain  samples  and  specimens  of  a  badge.  Seven- 
teen new  members  were  elected,  bringing  the 
total  up  to  1.517.     J.    II". 


GARDENERS'    ROYAL    BENEVOLENT 
INSTITUTION. 

June  23. — The  seventieth  annual  festival 
dinner  of  the  friends  of  this  charity  was  held  on 
Wednesday  evening  (as  these  pages  were  being 
prepared  for  press)  in  the  handsome  Whitehall 
Room  of  the  Hotel  Metropole.  The  chair  was 
occupied  by  Lionel  de  Rothschild,  Esq.,  the 
sixth  member  of  his  family  to  preside  at  these 
annual  gatherings.  In  proposing  the  toast  of 
"  Continued  Prosperity  to  the  Gardeners'  Royal 
Benevolent  Institution."  the  Chairman  said  there 
were  no  fairer  gardens  than  those  of  England, 
and  those  who  derived  pleasure  from  them  owed 
a  duty  to  those  who  had  made  them  fair. 


DEBATING     SOCIETIES. 

STIRLING  &  DISTRICT    HORTICULTURAL 

The  members  visited  Cromlix,  Dunblane,  the  seat  of  Arthur 
Hay  Drummond,  Esq.,  on  June  12,  The  party  was  met  by 
the  gardener,  Mr.  Pratt,  and  after  tea  was  partaken  inspected 
the  rock-garden,  lawns,  shrubberies,  the  wild  garden  in  a 
glen,  liiy  ponds,  kitchen  gardens  and  glass  structures. 

GUILDFORD    AND    DISTRICT    GARDENERS'. 

—  A  meeting  of  the  association  was  held  on  Tuesday,  June 
15.  Mr.  Nicholls,  of  Merrow,  presided,  and  matters  con- 
cerning the  annua!  show  were  discussed.  Three  new 
members  were  elected.  At  the  invitation  of  the  president, 
Mr.  P.  Wellesley,  J. P.,  a  party  of  over  20  members  visited 
his  garden  at  West  field  Common.  Owing  to  the  lateness 
of  the  hour  only  a  few  members  were  enabled  to  take 
advantage  of  Messrs.  Jacktnan's  invitation  to  visit  their 
nurseries  at  Woking. 


THE     WEATHER. 


The  Following  Summary  Record  of  the 
weather  throughout  the  British  Islands,  for  the 
week  ending  Juue  19,  is  furnished  from  the 
Meteorological  Office: — 

GENERAL    OBSERVATIONS. 

The  weather.— Over  the  United  Kingdom  generally  the 
weather  was  dry,  and  in  Scotland  and  the  western  counties 
of  England  it  was  often  bright,  but  in  the  eastern  and  central 
parts  of  England  the  sky  was  mostly  cloudy  or  overcast. 
Local  thunderstorms  were  experienced  in  the  south  of 
England  on  Wednesday. 

The  temperature  was  slightly  above  the  average  in  Ireland, 
but  more  than  a  degree  below  it  in  most  parts  of  Great 
Britain.  The  highest  of  the  maxima  were  recorded  on 
somewhat  irregular  dates,  and  ranged  from  73*  in  Scotland 
E.,  Scotland  VV.,  and  England  S.W.,  to  70-1  in  England  E. 
and  the  English  Channel.  The  lowest  of  the  in  nima 
occurred  generally  on  the  13th,  and  varied  from  30^  in 
England  S.W.  (at  Llangammarch  Wells  on  the  14th),  and 31> 
in  Scotland  E.,  to  39°  in  Ireland  S.,  and  to  42^  in  the  English 
Channel.  Frost  was  recorded  on  the  grass  in  several 
localities,  the  lowest  readings  reported  being  23°  at  Crathes 
and  Llangammarch  Wells,  25°  at  Birmingham,  and  23,h  at 
Newton  Rigg  and  West  Linton. 

The  mean  temperature  of  the  sea. — Except  on  the  east  and 
south-east  coasts  of  England  the  temperature  of  the  water 
was  higher  than  it  was  during  the  corresponding  week  of 
last  year.  The  actual  values  ranged  from  577"  at  Margate 
and  Newquay,  and  57-3"  at  Seafie'ld  to  49'2°  at  Burnmouth. 
and  to  481°  at  Lerwick. 

The  rain/alt  amounted  to  considerably  less  than  the 
average  in  all  districts.  At  several  stations  in  England  the 
week  was  quite  rainless. 

The  bright  sunshine  exceeded  the  average  in  the  east  and 
west  of  Scotland  and  the  north-west  and  south-west  of 
England,  as  well  as  in  Ireland  N.  and  the  English  Channel. 
Elsewhere,  however,  it  was  below  the  normal.  The  per- 
centage of  the  possible  duration  ranged  from  65  in  the 
English  Channel,"  56  in  Scotland  W.,  and  55  in  England 
N.W.  to  26  in  England  N.E.,  and  to  21  in  England  E. 

THE  WEATHER    IN    WEST    HERTS. 

Week  ending  June  23, 

Another  cold  week.— The  last  three  weeks  have  all  been 
cold,  but  the  past  week  the  least  cold  of  the  three.  Since 
the  present  month  began  there  has  not  been  a  single 
unseasonably  warm  day,  and  only  five  warm  nights,  four 
of  these  being  in  the  past  week.'  The  ground  is  at  the 
present  time  one  degree  colder  at  two  feet  deep,  and  two 
degrees  colder  at  one  foot  deep  than  is  seasonable.  Rain 
fell  on  three  days,  but  to  the  total  depth  of  only  a  quarter  of 
an  inch.  This  small  quantity  was,  however,  sufficient  to 
restart  the  bare  soil  gauge,  through  which  there  had  been 
no  measurable  percolation  for  over  a  week,  but  it  had  no 
effect  on  the  gauge  on  which  short  grass  is  growing,  which 
has  been  dry  for  eight  days.  The  sun  shone  on  an  average 
for  4f  hours  a  day,  or  for  1$  hours  a  day  less  than  is  usual  at 
this  period  of  June.  The  atmosphere  remained  very  calm 
throughout  the  first  three  days  of  the  week,  but  since  then 
the  wind  has  been  at  times  moderately  high.  The  mean 
amount  of  moisture  in  the  air  at  3  p.m.  exceeded  a  season- 
able quantity  for  that  hour  by  7  per  cent.— E.  Af.t  Bcrk- 
kamsted,  June  23,  1909. 


COVENT  GARDEN,  June  23. 
[We  cannot  accept  any  responsibility  for  the  subjoined 
rt ports.  They  are  furnished  to  us  regularly  every 
\\  ednesday,  by  the  kindness  of  several  of  the  principal 
salesmen,  who  are  responsible  for  the  quotations.  It 
ii  ust  be  remembered  that  these  quotations  do  not  repre- 
stnt  the  prices  on  any  particular  day,  but  only  the 
general  averages  for  the  week  preceding  the  date  of  our 
report.  The  prices  depend  upon  the  quality  of  the 
samples,  the  way  in  which  they  are  packed,  the  supply 
in  the  market,  and  the  demand,  and  they  may  fluctuate, 
net  only  from  day  to  day,  but  occasionally  several  times 
in  one  day. — Ed.] 

Cut  Flowers,  Sic:  Average  Wholesale  Prices. 


s.d.  s.d. 

s.d. s.d. 

Anemone    fulgens, 

Narcissus,    double 

p.  dz.  bunches 

16-20 

wlute,      dozen 

Carnations,  p.  doz. 

bunches 

2  0-  2  6 

blooms,       best 

O  d  on  to gl os sum 

American  (vai.) 

2  6-36 

crispuu.,      per 

—  second  size    ... 

10-20 

dozen    blooms 

2  0-  2  6 

—  smaller,        per 

Paeonies,  per  dozen 

doz.     buucties 

9  0-12  0 

bunches 

6  0-10  0 

—  *'  Malmaisons," 

Pelargoniums, 

p.  doz.  blooms 

6  0-80 

show,  per  doz. 

Catilejas,  per  doz. 

bunches 

4  0-60 

blcoins 

10  0-12  0 

—  Zonal,    double 

Cyprij  ediums,  per 

scarlet 

4  0-60 

du/en  blooms.. 

16-26 

Poppies,      Iceland, 

Enchaiisgranditlora, 

per    dozen. 

per  dz,  blooms 

2  6-36 

bunches 

3  0-60 

Freesias  (white),  p. 

—  Shiriey 

2  0-30 

doz.  bunches  .. 

2  0-26 

Pyrethrums,       per 

Gladio  us,  per  doz. 

dozen  bunches... 

2  0-30 

bui  ches 

6  0-90 

Richardia  africana, 

Gy  psophi  la    ele- 

per  dozen 

16-26 

gans,   per  doz. 

Roses,    12   blooms, 

bunches 

3  0-40 

Niphetos 

10-20 

Iris  (Sj  auish),  per 

—  Bridesmaid    ... 

2  6-40 

dozen  bunches 

6  0  12  0 

—  C.  Testout     ... 

2  0     3  0 

—  (German) 

2  0-40 

—  Kai serin  A. 

Ixias,     per    dozen 

Victoria 

2  0-40 

bunches 

2  0-30 

—  C.  Mermet 

16-30 

Lilac,  mauve 

0  6-1U 

—  Liberty 

3  0-50 

Liliuin      auiatum, 

—  M  me.Chateuay 

2  0-40 

per  bunch 

2  0-30 

—  Mrs.   J.    Laing 

16-30 

—  longiilonnu     ... 

16-26 

—  Richmond 

3  0-6  0' 

—  lane  i  f  o  limn, 

—  The  Bride 

3  0-40 

rubniiii 

16-26 

—  Ulrich  Brunner 

2  0-4  0- 

—  album 

2  0-20 

Spiraea,  per  dozen 

Lily  of  the  Valley, 

bunches 

5  0-80 

p.  dz.  hunches 

6  0-90 

Stocks,     double 

—  extra  quality  ... 

12  0-15  0 

white,  per  doz. 

Marguerites,  p.  dz. 

bunches 

2  0-30 

bunches  white 

Sweet  Peas,  per  dz. 

and  yellow      ... 

2  0-30 

bunches 

2  0-60 

Mignonette,      per 

Tuberoses,  per  dz. 

dozen  bunches 

3  0-50 

blooms 

0  3-04 

Myosoiis,  per  doz. 

—  on    stems,    per 

bunches 

16-20 

bunch  

0  9-13 

Narcissus,  per  dz. 

Tulips.     Darwin 

bunches 

1  0-  1  G 

varieties,  p.  dz. 

6  0-12  0 

Cut  Foliage, 

&c:  Ave 

age  Wholesale  Pr 

ces. 

s.d.  s.d. 

s.d.  s.d. 

Adiauti  m     cunea- 

Grasses  (hardy), 

luni,  per  dozen 

dozen  bunches 

10-30 

hunches 

6  0-90 

Hardy    foliage 

Agrostis,  per  doz. 

[various),    per 

bunches 

16-20 

dozen  bunches 

3  0-  9  Ji 

A  s  pal  ag  u  s  plu- 

Honesty   (Lunaria) 

mosus,       long 

per  bunch 

10-16 

trails,  per  doz. 

8  0-12  0 

Ivy-leaves,   bronze 

2  0-26 

—    — medin.,bch. 

10-20 

—  long  trails  per 

—  Spreiigeri 

0  9-16 

bundle 

0  9-16 

Be i bens,  per  doz. 

—  short    green, 

bunches 
Croton  leaves,  per 
bunch  

2  6-30 

perdz.  bunches 

16-26 

10-13 

Moss,  per  gross  ... 

4  0-50 

Cycas  leaves,  each 

16-20 

Myrtle,  dz.   bchs., 

Ferns,    per    dozen 

(English  ) 
small-leaved ... 

bchs.  (English) 

2  0-30 

4  0-60 

--  (French) 

0  6-09 

—  French 

10-16- 

Galax    leaves,   per 

Smilax,  per  dozen 

dozen  bunches 

2  0-26 

trails     

4  0-60 

Plants  In  Pots 

,  &c.  :   Ave 

rage  Wholesale  Prices. 

s.d.  s.d. 

s.d.  s.d. 

Aonpelopsis     Veit- 

Cy  per  u  s    alterni- 

chii,  per  dozen 

6  0-80 

folius,  dozen  ... 

4  0-50 

Aralia  Sieboldii,  p. 

—  laxus,  per  doz. 

4  0-50 

dozen  

4  0-60 

Dracaenas,  per  doz. 

9  0-24  0 

—  larger   speci- 

Erica    persoluta 

mens    

9  0-12  0 

alba,    per  doz. 

12  0-24  0 

—  Moseri 

4  0-60 

—  candidissima, 

Araucaria   excelsa, 

per  doz. 

18  0  24  0 

per  dozen 
—  large    plants, 

12  0-30  0 

—  Cavendishi.dz. 

24  0-36  0 

Euonymus.perdz., 

each     

3  6-50 

in  pots.  . 

4  0-90 

Aspidistras,  p.  dz., 

—  from  the  ground  3  0-60 

green   

15  0-24  0 

Ferns,  in   thumbs, 

—  variegated 

30  0-42  0 

per  100 

8  0-12  0 

Asparagus    plumo- 

—  in    small     and 

sus  nanus,  per 

large  60' s 

12  0-20  O 

dozen  

12  0-18  0 

—  in  48's,  per  dz. 

4  0-60 

—  Sprengeri 

9  0-12  0 

—  choicer  sorts... 

8  0-12  0 

—  tenuissimus 

9  0-12  0 

—  in  32's,  per  dz. 

10  0-1S  0 

Boronia     mega- 

Ficuselastica.p.dz. 

8  0-10  0 

stigma,  per  doz. 

24  0-30  0 

—  repens,  per  dz. 

6  0-80 

—  heterophylla... 

12  0-18  0 

Fuchsias,   per  doz 

8  0-10  O 

Calceolarias, 

Grevilleas,  per  dz. 

4  0-60 

yellow,     per 

Hardy  flower  roots, 

dozen  

5  0-70 

per  dozen 

10-20 

C  hry  san  themum 

Heliotropiums,  per 

coronarium 

dozen  

5  0-60 

per  dozen 

5  0-80 

Hydrangea  panicu- 

Clematis,  per  doz. 

8  0-90 

lata       

12  0-24  0 

—  in  flower 

12  0-18  0 

—  hortensis 

9  0-18  0 

Cocos     Weddelli- 

Isolepis,  per  dozen 

4  0-60 

ana,  per  dozen... 

18  0-30  0 

Kentia       Belmore- 

Coleus,  per  dozen 

4  0-60 

ana,  per  dozen  15  0-24  0 

Crassulas,  per  doz. 

8  0-12  0 

—  Fosteriana,  per 

Crotons,  per  dozen 

18  0-30  0 

dozen  

18  0-30  9> 

422 


THE    GARDENERS'    CHRONICLE. 


[June  26,  1909. 


Hants  In  Pots,  Ac:  Average  Wholesale  Prices  'Cor.!  I.). 

s.d.  s.d. 


Lutania  borbonica, 

per  dozen 
Li  Hum     1  o  n  g  i- 

florum,  per  dz. 

—  lancifolium,  p. 
dozen... 

Lily  of  the  Valley, 

per  dozen 
I-obelia,  per  dozen 
Marguerites,  white, 

per  dozen 

—  Yellow,    per 
dozen  

Mign  onet  t  e,  per 

dozen 

Musk,  per  dozen... 
Pansies,  per  bos  of 

24  plants,  each 
Pelargoniums, 

show  varieties, 

per  dozen 


s.d.  s.d 

12  0-18  0 

12  0-18  0 

12  0-24  0 

18  0-30  0 
4  0-50 

5  0-80 

12  0-16  0 

4  0-60 
3  0-40 

2  0-30 

8  0-12  0 

Pelargoniums, 

—  Ivy  leaved 

—  Oak  leaved     ... 

—  Zonals 

—  Bedding  varie- 
ties        

Rhodanthe,  per  dz. 
R  h  odode  ndrons, 

each     

Roses,  H.P.'s,  per 

dozen  ... 

—  Polyantha    va- 
rieties   

—  Ramblers,  each 
Saxifraga  pyramid- 

alis,  per  dozen 
Selaginella,  per  dz. 
Spiraea  japor-ca,  p. 

do»en  ... 
Verbenas,    per 

dozen  


6  0-60 
4  0-60 

4  0-60 

12  0  25  0 

5  0-60 

2  0-50 
9  0-12  0 

12  0-13  0 

5  0-10  6 

12  0-18  0 

4  0-60 

6  0-90 

5  0-60 


Fruit:  Average  Wholesale  Prices. 


s.d.  s.d 
'Apples      (Tasman- 
ian),  per  case : 

—  Ribston  Pippin  10  011  0 

—  Scarlet      Pear- 
main     10  0-11  6 

—  Alexander      ...     8  6-10  0 

—  Prince  Alfred..  10  0-11  0 

—  French  Crab...  10  0-11  0 

—  Sturmers        ...  10  0-11  6 

—  (A  ust  ral  ian), 
per  case : 

—  Dunn'sSeedlingll  6-13  0 

—  Rome  Beauty..  11  0-12  6 
Apricots    (French), 

per  box  ...  0  10-  1  6 

Bananas,  bunch: 

—  Doubles         ...    9  0-10  0 

—  No.  1         „     ...     6  6-80 

—  Extra        „    ...    8  0-90 

—  Giant       „     ...  10  0-12  0 

—  (Claret  coloured)  5  0-76 


Jamaica 

—  Loose,  per  dz. 
Cherries  (English), 

per  peck 

—  $  sieve 

—  (French),     box 

—  j  bushel : 

—  Black 

—  White 

—  Oxhearts 
•Currants  (French), 

red,  handlebkt. 

—  black,  J  sieve... 
•Custard  Apples    ... 
Gooseberries  (Eng- 
lish), ^  sieve... 

Crape    Fruit,   case 
Crapes  (new) 

—  English    Ham- 
bros,  per  lb.    .. 

—  Alicantes.p.lb. 

—  Muscats,  p.  lb. 
Guernsey  Figs,  dz. 


5  0- 
0  6- 


2  6-40 
5  0-80 

0  9-16 

5  0-70 

4  0-46 

5  0-60 

2  6-30 

6  0-70 

3  0-12  0 

16-19 
9  0-13  0 
16-30 

13-16 
16-19 
19-30 
16-20 


Lemons,  box : 

—  Messina,  300  .. 

—  Do.        360... 

—  (Naples),  case 
Limes,  per  case  ... 
Lyche-es,  per  box... 
Melons     (English), 

each     

—  (Guernsey)    ... 

—  Canteloupe    ... 
Nectarines      (Eng- 
lish)       

Nuts, Almonds, bag 

—  Brazils,  new, 
percwt. 

—  Barcelona,  bag 

—  Cocoa  nuts,  100 
Oranges  (Denia) ... 

—  Cal  ifornian 
seedless,  per 
case     

—  (Valencia)  per 
case  (420) 

—  per  case  (714)... 

—  Murcias,  per 
case     

Peaches    (English) 
Pears  (Australian), 

Winter    Nelis, 

per  tray 

—  Calabash,  per 
tray      

—  Glou  Moureau, 
per  tray 

Pineapples,  eacli ... 

—  (Natal),  per  dz. 
Strawberries,  Eng- 
lish, per  dozen 
punnets 

—  (French),  crate 
of  4  baskets  ... 

—  Southampton 
baskets 

—  English,    peck 


s.d.  s.d. 

8  6-12  6 
10  0  14  0 
17  0-25  0 
3  0    — 
10-13 

16-19 
10-20 
16-23 

2  0-15  0 

38  0-40  0 

33  0  35  0 
30  0-32  0 

10  0-14  0 

11  0-21  0 


10  0-12  0 


10  0-22  0 

11  0-22  0 


12  0-18  0 
3  0-15  0 


3  6-40 

4  0-56 

3  0-46 
19-36 

4  0-60 

6  0-90 

7  6-10  0 

10-19 
3  0-36 


Vegetables  :  Average  Wholesale  Prices 

s.d.  s.d.  ' 
Artichokes(Globe),  j  Mustardand  Cress, 

per  dozen       ...     19-20  per  dozen  pun, 

—  white, p. bushel    2  0-26    Onions  (Egyptian) 


per 


—  per  cwt, 
Asparagus, 

bundle: 

—  (English) 
Beans  per  lb. : 

—  (English) 

—  (French) 

—  (Guernsey) 
Bee  t  root,  per  bushe 


3  6 


13-20 


0  6- 

0  7- 
0  6 


s.d.  s.d. 
1  0  — 
9  0    — 


0  7 

0  81 
0  7 


4  0- 
2  0 
1  6 


6  0 


3  0-  4  0  | 


7  6- 
3  0- 


8  0 
3  6 


Cabbages,  per  mat     4  0-46 

—  per  crate 

—  per  box  (21)    ... 

—  Greens,        per 
bushel 

Cardoons  (French), 

per  dozen 
•Carrots    (English), 

dozen  bunches 

—  washed,  bag  ... 

—  unwashed 

—  (French), bunch 

Cauliflowers,    doz. 

Celeriac,   per   doz. 

-Chicory,  per  lb.    ... 

Cucumbers,  perdz. 

Endive,  per  dozen 

Horseradish,  for- 
eign, per  doz. 
bundles 

Leeks,  12  bundles 
Lettuces  (English), 
per  crate,  5  dz. 
Mint,  doz.  bunches 
Mushrooms, per  lb. 

—  broilers 

—  buttons,  per  lb. 


per  bag 

—  pickling,     per 
bushel 

Parsley,  12bunches 

—  £  sieve 

Peas  (French),  per 

pad       

—  (English), dried 
per  dz.  packets 

—  {    uernsey)     ... 

—  (English)        ... 

—  (Kent),  £  sieve 
Potatos(Teneriffe), 

per  cwt. 
Radishes  (French), 
per  doz.  bunches 
Rhubarb  (English), 

forced,  per  dz. 

bundles 

—  Natural,  p.tally    3  6-40 

0  4-05;  Salsafy,  per  dozen 
3  0-  3  6  |  bundles 
16-26    Spinach,  p.  bushel 

0  3J-  0  4    Stachys    tuberosa. 
13-2  6'  per  lb 

1  3—  1  9  |  Turnips,  per  dozen 
bunches 

—  washed,  p.  bag 

—  (French),      per 
bunch  

Turnip  Tops,  bag 
Tomatos  (English), 
per  12  lbs.     .. 

—  (English),  s.s... 
second  quality 


10-16! 
8  0-10  0 ' 

4  0-50 

6  0-66 
4  0-50 


2  6-36 

'26  — 
0  8-0  10 
0  8-10 
2  3-26 

9  0-96 

13-16 


0  6-09 


3  6-40 
13-16 


17  0-21  0 

2  0-26 

3  0-46 
6  0    — 

0  6-08 
0  4-06 


0  5 


4  0     — 
4  0-46 


0  3-04 
2  0-26 


0  8-0  10    Watercress,  p.  dz. 


8  0- 
2  6 
16- 
0  4- 


2  0 
0  6 


Remarks.— Strawberries  from  Kent  and  the  Southampton 
district  are  arriving  in  large  quantities,  but  most  of  the 
fruit  is  lacking  in  colour.  Green  Gioseberries  are  selling 
at  about  the  same  price  as  last  week.  Kentish  Cherries 
aire  being  received,  principally  of  the  varieties  Crown  Heart 
and  Baumann's  May.  French  Cherries  are  much  cheaper 
owing  to  larger  supplies.  The  demand  for  Oranges  and 
lemons  remains  good.  Supplies  of  English  hothouse 
Strawberries  have  finished  after  a  poor  season,  their  prices 
cemaining  low  throughout.  English  Peaches  are  a  better 
trade,  especially  those  of  good  quality.  Nectarines  being 
■very  plentiful  are  consequently  cheaper.  Trade  generally 
is  fairly  good.     E.  H.  R.,  Covent  Garden,  June  23,   1909. 


Lincolns- 
Up-to-Date  ... 
Maincrop 
Evergood     ... 
King  Edward 


Potatos. 
s.d.  s.d. 
...  2  6-30 
...2  0-2  6 
...  19-26 
...2  3-2  6 


Dunbars— 

Up-to-Date,  red  soil 

,,         ,,      grey  soil 

Jerseys  (new),  cwt. 

St.  Malo's    

Cherbourgs 


Remarks.— The  trade  for  old  Potatos  is  nearly  hi 
most  business  being  in  new  tubers  from  Jersey,  St 
and  Cherbourg.  The  demand,  even  for  new  Potatos, 
brisk.  Edward  J.  Newborn,  Covent  Garden  and  St.  iJ 
June  24,  1909. 


d.  s.d. 
0-3  6 
0  -J.  6 
G-  6  9 
0-6  3 
0-5  6 

lished, 
Malo, 
is  not 

xncras. 


COVENT     GARDEN     FLOWER     MARKET. 

There  are  still  large  supplies  of  bedding  plants  on  sale. 
Yesterday  (Tuesday)  morning,  after  the  market  was  closed, 
I  found  there  were  large  quantities  of  plants  and  also  of  cut 
flowers  unsold. 

Cut  Flowers. 

Roses  from  the  open  are  arriving  from  all  quarters  and 
their  prices  are  very  low.  Blooms  of  the  best  quality  of 
Mrs.  J.  Laing  have  sold  for  3s.  per  dozen,  but  those  of 
second  quality  are  sold  at  from  9d.  to  Is.  or  even  less. 
The  same  remarks  apply  to  all  other  sorts.  Moss  Roses 
have  been  sold  as  cheaply  as  4s.  to  6*.  per  dozen  bunches. 
The  many  blooms  of  Carnations  purchased  by  hawkers  is 
evidence  of  bad  trade,  or  over  supply.  The  new  white 
variety,  shown  on  Tuesday  last  at  the  R.H.S.  meeting, 
should  prove  a  valuable  market  variety,  because  of  its 
powerful  scent :  it  is  named  "  Stirling  Stent."  The  grower 
informed  me  it  is  one  of  the  most  prolific  varieties  he  has 
grown.  Liliums  have  fallen  to  very  low  prices  except  for 
flowers  of  the  best  quality.  Good  blooms  of  L.  longi- 
florum  were  obtainable  at  Is.  6d.  per  bunch,  but  this  must 
not  be  regarded  as  the  ordinary  market  value. 

Hardy  flowers  are  seen  in  large  quantities,  including 
Paeonies  of  the  best  varieties,  and  they  are  all  cheap.  The 
pink  and  the  pure  white  Paeonies  are  most  in  demand.  Of 
Pyrethrums  the  single-flowered  kinds  are  most  appreciated. 
Iceland  Poppies  are  so  cheap  that  their  culture  can  hardly 
be  profitable.  Centaurea  Cyanus  (Cornflower)  in  various 
colours  is  good,  but  it  is  only  those  flowers  of  the  best  blue 
and  pink  shades  that  are  appreciated.  Irises  include  those  of 
the  Spanish,  German  and  English  types.  Achillea  alpina  is 
extensively  grown,  and  is  a  good  substitute  for  Gypsophila. 

Some  of  the  hardy  Grasses  are  now  extensively  used 
for  florists'  work,  and  supplies  of  these  are  large. 

Pot  Plants. 
At  this  season  supplies  of  pot  plants  are  variable,  but  up 
to  the  present  they  have  been  excessive.  The  growers  have 
not  lowered  their  prices  for  Rambler  Roses,  but  there  must 
be  a  considerable^ waste  in  these  plants.  Hydrangea  Manesii, 
some  with  flowers  of  blue  tint  and  others  with  the  natural 
rosy  pink  shade,  are  good.  H.  hortensis  varies  ;  few  growers 
produce  a  good  blue  shade  in  the  flowers.  Supplies  of 
Ericas  are  not  quite  finished  ;  both  E.  Cavendishii  and  E. 
ventricosa  magnifica  are  good.  Boronias  are  nearly  over  for 
the  season,  bur  plants  of  B.  elatior  are  procurable.  Pelargo- 
niums of  all  sections  are  plentiful,  also  Fuchsias,  Marguerues, 
-ellow  Chrysanthemums,  Heliotropes,  and  Spiraeas.  Ver- 
benas in  several  colours  are  good,  but  only  for  the  pink 
variety,  Miss  Willmott,  is  there  much  demand.  A.  H ., 
Covent  Garden,    Wednesday,  June  23t  1909. 


I 


Qmfm 
CornMldoruie 


*.*  The  Editors  will  be  glad  to  receive,  for 
consideration,  large  photographs  of  horticultural 
subjects,  suitable  for  reproduction  as  Supple- 
mentary Illustrations  in  this  Journal. 

Editors  and  Publisher.  —  Our  Correspondents  would 
obviate  delay  in  obtaining  answers  to  their  communica- 
tions, and  save  us  much  t'ine  and  trouble,  if  they  would 
kindly  observe  the  notice  printed  weekly  to  the  effect 
that  all  letters  relating  to  financial  matters  and  to 
advertisements  should  be  addressed  to  the  Publisher- 
and  that  all  communications  intended  for  publication,  or 
referring  to  the  Literary  department,  and  all  plants  to  be 
named,  should  be  directed  to  the  Editors.  The  two 
departments,  Publishing  and  Editorial,  are  distinct,  and 
much  unnecessary  delay  and  confusion  arise  when  letters 
are  misdirected. 

Caterpillars  on  Apple  Trees:  T.  II'.  Spray 
the  trees  with  some  arsenical  compound,  such 
as  Paris  Green. 

Gooseberries  :  F.  J.  T.  The  foliage  is  injured 
by  red  spider.  Spray  the  bushes  with  some 
insecticide. 

Melons:  Worried.  The  trouble  is  due  to  a 
destructive  disease  caused  by  a  fungus,  Asco- 
chyta.  Remove  the  diseased  plants,  and 
spray  the  bases  of  the  stems  of  the  remaining 
plants,  also  the  soil,  with  the  Bordeaux  mix- 
ture. 

Names  of  Plants  :—H.  C.  1,  Veronica  Teu- 
crium;  2,  Hypotis  erecta;  3  and  4,  hybrids  of 
Saxifraga  Hostii  x  Aizoon  ;  5,  Saxifraga  trifur- 
cata  var.  eeratophylla  ;  G,  S.  trifuroata. — 
S.  F.  S.  Statice  Suworowii  —  G.  W.  Miller. 
Anthericum  Liliago.—  A.  J.  Keen.  1,  Sanicula 
europsea:  2,  Galium  cruciata.— .476a.  1,  Pelar- 
gonium capitatum  var.  ;  2,  P.  citriodovum 
major;  3,  P,  c    "Prince  of  Orange."     We  do 


not  undertake  to  name  varieties  of  Carnations. 

—  E.  S.,  Scarboro' .  Prunus  Padus ;  Bird 
Cherry. — S.  J.,  Stroud  Green.  Viola  species, 
probably  V.  cornuta.  The  specimen  is  insuffi- 
cie  it  to  determine  accurately.  —  H.  Y.,  Ireland. 
1,  Pyrus  Aria  var.  ;  2,Diervilia  florida  variegata. 

—  W.  C.  U.  1,  Rubus,  spec  es  near  nutkanus, 
send  when  in  fruit;  2,  Pieris  japonica;  3, 
Nemophila  insignis;  4,  a  variety  of  the  common 
Box,  rSuxus  sempervirens,  piobably  the  form 
known  as  myrtifolia. — Pillingers.  1,  Spiraea 
bracteata ;  2.  Neillia  opulifolia.  has  been  na  ued 
Spirtea  opulifolia  ;  3,  Diervilla  japonica  var. 
hortensis. — H.  G.  1,  Louicera  iuvolucrata  var. 
Ledebourii,  2,  Pyrus  Aucuparia  —  H.  F.  Penryn. 

1,  "TheCockspur  Thorn,"  Crataegus  Crus-galli ; 

2,  Veronica  Lyallii. — J.  R.  B.  Climbing  White 
Niphetos. — G.  S.  1,  La?lia  tenebrosa ;  2,  Vanda 
suavis ;  3,  Masdevallia  coriacea.  The  others 
are  Maranta  Massangeana,  and  some  varieties 
of  Adiantum  cuneatum.  Your  numbers  are 
not  readable. — A.  It.  T.  1,  Oncidium  flexuo- 
sum  ;  2,  0.  pulvinatum ;  3,  Ada  aurantiaca ;  4, 
Octomeria  Loddigesii ;  5,  Stelis  micrantha ;  6, 
Masdevallia  trichsote. — Foreman.  1,  Pteris 
tremula ;  2,  Asplenium  lucidum ;  3,  Pteris  cre- 
tica;  4,  P.  serrulata  cristata;  5,  P.  cretica. — 
A.  G.  1,  Aloe  socotrina;  3,  A.  verrucosa;  3, 
Metrisoderos  floribunda  (Bottle-brush) ;  4, 
Jacobinia  (Justicea)  carnea — E.  A.  1, 
Nerium  Oleander  fl.  pi. ;  2,  Impatiens  Sul- 
tani. — 1$\  G.  1,  Codiaeum  (Croton)  majesti- 
cum  ;  2,  C.  Mortii;  3,  C.  interruptum;  4,  Be- 
gonia fagifolia  and  the  Orchid  Brassia  verru- 
cosa.— E.  R.  S.  1,  Not  found;  2,  Ornithoga- 
lum  longibracteatum ;  3,  Pachyphytum  hy- 
bridum  ;  4,  Adiantum  hispidulum  ;  5,  Aspidium 
(Nephodium)  molle;  6,  Athyrium  filix-foemina 
pulcherrima. 

New  Zealand  and  Tasmanian  Beeches  :  J .  C. 
Nothofagus_  (Fagus)  cliffortioides  is  in  culti- 
vation in  the  temperate  house  at  Kew,  Messrs. 
Veitch's  at  Coombe  Wood  (outside),  at  Enys, 
Cornwall,  and  no  doubt  in  several  other  gardens 
in  that  county  and  Ireland.  Perhaps  the  most 
notable  specimen  of  N.  Cunninghamii  in 
England  is  at  Osborne,  Isle  of  Wight;  it  may 
also  be  seen  at  Fota  and  Kilmacurragh,  in 
Ireland.  It  is  grown  in  the  temperate  house 
at  Kew.  N.  fusca  is  in  cultivation  at  Kew,  in 
one  or  two  Cornish  gardens,  and  at  Castlewel- 
lan,  in  Ireland.  N.  Menziesii  is  at  Kew  ;  we  do 
not  know  any  other  place  where  it  is  cultivated. 
N.  Moorei  grows  out-of-doors  at  Kilmacurragh 
and  in  the  temperate  house  at  Kew.  Two 
other  Australasian  Beeches  (N.  Blairi  and  N. 
Solandii)  do  not  appear  to  be  in  cultivation. 
Nothofagus  is  a  very  distinct  group  of 
Beeches,  confined  to  the  Southern  Hemisphere. 
Some  authorities,  including  Elwes  and  Henry, 
keep  them  apart  as  a  distinct  genus,  as  we 
think,  with  ample  reason.  The  above  species 
are  all  more  dr  less  tender.  N.  cliffortioides  is 
perhaps  the  hardiest,  as  a  fine  specimen  has 
lived  out-of-doors  for  many  years  at  Coombe 
Wood.  N.  Cunninghamii,  also,  used  to  be 
grown  out-of-doors  in  the  garden  of  the  late 
Mr.  Mongredien,  at  Heatherside,  in  Surrey. 
But  it  is  only  in  the  milder  counties  and  in 
exceptionally  favoured  gardens  that  any  of 
them  can  be  expected  to  thrive  permanently. 
We  are  not  aware  that  any  of  them  are  kept 
in  stock  by  the  trade,  but  you  might  write  to 
Messrs.  Veitch,  of  Chelsea,  Messrs.  Gill,  of 
Falmouth,  and  Messrs.  Gauntlett,  of  Chidding- 
fold.  No  special  treatment  is  necessary;  they 
thrive  in  any  moist,  deep  soil  provided  it  is 
not  too  heavy. 

Peach  Leaves  :  F.  J.  T.  The  damage  has  been 
caused  by  drip.  No  disease  is  present. — 
F.  F.  Red  spider  is  present  in  quantity,  and 
this  pest  is  responsible  for  the  trouble. 

Tomato  Diseased  :  F.  S.  The  plants  are  affected 
with  "  Black  stripe."  Spray  the  foliage,  at  in- 
tervals of  four  days  until  the  complaint  is 
checked,  with  a  solution  of  sulphide  of  potas- 
sium, using  one  ounce  in  three  gallons  of  water. 

Communications  Received. — J.  Harris  (thanks  for 
2s.  6d.  sent  for  R.G.O.  Fund)- -W.  Hackett-Laxton  Bros. 
—J.  V.  &  S._S.  &  3.—  W.  W.  P. -A.  D.  D.-J.  J.  W.- 
E.  B.-Flora-G.  B.  L— C.  G.  B.-G.  B.-H.  M.  V.— 
W.  P.— T.  D— Anxious -W.  G.  S.— Sir  C.  D.— H.  S.  T.— 
W.  B.  H.— Bees  Ltd.  (with  thanks) -Prof.  I.  B.  B.— 
Sir  W.  T.  T.  D.—  C.  T.  D.-S.  A.-G.  Monro  -W.  H.  W.  - 
A.B.  H.&  Sons,  Mass.,  U.S. A.— M.  B.,  Java-Dr.  F.W.  K. 
— F.  W.-R.W.  P.— V.  S.-H.  &S.— H.  J.  M—  A.&  McA. 
— F.  M.--R.  T.  L.— E.  F.  A.— A.  D.  W.— ,T.  D.  G.— 
C.  T.  D.-W  H.  Y.-Chloris-A.  O.